General Colombian Population Research Articles

Internal consistency and dimensionality assessment of the Cognitive Social Capital Scale among Colombian adults

Introduction: During the last two decades, the concept of social capital has been used increasingly frequently in health sciences due to the direct and indirect relationships between social capital and populations' physical and mental health. Therefore, it is necessary to build an instrument to quantify this concept confidently and reliably. Objective: The study aimed to internal consistency and dimensionality of a seven-item scale to measure social capital in Colombia's general population of adults. Methods: An online validation study included a sample of 700 adults aged between 18 and 76 years; 68% were females. Participants completed a seven-item scale called the Cognitive Social Capital Scale (CSCS). Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were computed to test internal consistency. The authors explore the internal consistency and dimensionality of the CSCS. Results: The CSCS presented a low internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.56 and McDonald's omega of 0.59) and poor dimensionality. Then, the researchers tested a five-item version (CSCS-5). The CSCS-5 showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.79 and McDonald's omega of 0.80) and a one-dimension structure with acceptable goodness-of-fit indicators. Discussion: The CSCS-5 presents high internal consistency and a one-dimensional structure to measure cognitive capital social in the Colombian sample. Authors can recommend measuring social capital in the general Colombian population. Further research should corroborate this pencil and paper application findings and explore other reliability and validity indicators.

Prevalence of HIV, Treponema pallidum and Their Coinfection in Men Who Have Sex with Men, Medellín-Colombia.

In Colombia, HIV and gestational syphilis are notifiable events; however, they are poorly investigated infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). To determine the prevalence of HIV, Treponema pallidum, and their co-infection in MSM treated at a Health Services Provider Institution (HSPI) specialized in infectious diseases from Medellín. Cross-sectional study with 3454 MSM. Prevalence was determined with its 95% confidence interval; associated factors were identified using Fisher's Exact test, Pearson's Chi-square, and trend Chi-square. Multivariate adjustment was performed using logistic regression. Analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0. The prevalence of HIV was 5.7%, T. pallidum 0.7%, and co-infection 0.6%. The prevalence of HIV was higher in MSM aged between 24-40 years (7.5%), with technical or university studies (10.0%), without health insurance affiliation (12.4%), and those who have had a sexual partner with HIV (36.2%). T. pallidum was higher in MSM without health insurance affiliation (3.4%), who had sexual relations with people diagnosed with an STI (5.9%), and a sexual partner with HIV (12.1%). Co-infection was higher in MSM without health insurance affiliation (2.7%), and those who had a partner with HIV (11.2%). Compared with the general Colombian population, MSM have a higher risk of HIV, but are similar to T. pallidum. The identification of the main associated factors in each infection demonstrates the need to prioritize subgroups of MSM that show greater vulnerability to these events. This research demonstrates the urgency of implementing health education strategies in MSM who have a sexual partner with HIV or other STIs. Large gaps were also evident in the magnitude of the three events according to the health insurance affiliation regime, which demonstrates problems of social and health injustice, especially with MSM without health insurance affiliation.

Dimensionality and reliability of the online version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in a large Colombian sample: Results from the PSY-COVID study

The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) is an ultra-brief screening instrument to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms. This study evaluated the dimensionality and reliability of the online version of the PHQ-4 in a large sample of the general population in Colombia. Data were collected during the first phase of lockdown measures occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 18,061 adult participants completed the online version of the PHQ-4. The characteristics of the items and subscales were explored. Dimensionality was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including an examination of invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) across socio-demographic characteristics. Reliability indices were computed and known-groups validity was addressed by estimating associations between PHQ-4 scores and socio-demographic characteristics. The CFA showed significantly adequate fit indices for the expected two-factor structure, being invariant across gender, age, income level, education level, and region. Internal consistency was satisfactory for the PHQ-2 (α = .83), the GAD-2 (α = .79), and the PHQ-4 (α = .86). Higher scores on depressive (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), and psychological distress (PHQ-4) symptoms in females and young people, and those respondents with lower income, unemployed, and lower level of education were observed. The findings indicate that the PHQ-4 is a reliable scale for depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult Colombian people, being recommendable this tool for online surveys.

Pregnancy and mental health outcomes during the COVID–19 pandemic in Colombia: A nationwide cross-sectional study

• The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms in pregnant women during the third wave of COVID-19 in Colombia were higher compared to the general population in Colombia before pandemic. • Threatened Preterm Labor and Intrauterine Growth Restriction were associated with mental health outcomes in pregnant women. • It is crucial to identify maternal-fetal conditions in pregnant women to mitigate possible poor mental health outcomes.

Psychometric Performance of the Memory Complain Scale among Colombian Individuals of 60 Years and Older

Introduction: The Memory Complaint Scale (MCS-15) is a 15-item instrument to explore frequent forgetfulness in daily life in people with possible cognitive impairment. However, knowledge about its psychometric performance is limited. Objective: The objective of this study was to know the dimensionality and internal consistency of the MCS-15 in Colombian older adults. Methods: A probabilistic sample of 1,957 older adults from the general Colombian population was taken, aged between 60 and 98 years (mean = 71.0 ± 7.9), and 62.2% were women. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega) and dimensionality (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis) were calculated for the original and ten-item versions. Results: The 15-item version showed Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega of 0.91, and one dimension accounted for 45.3% of the variance. A version of ten items showed Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega of 0.89 and a single factor that explained 50.9% of the variance with better indicators in the confirmatory factor analysis. Convergence with the shortened Mini-Mental State Examination was r_s = 0.43 (p < 0.001), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test was r_s = 0.38 (p < 0.001). The nomological validity with the geriatric depression scale was r_s = 0.44 (p < 0.001), and women scored higher than men (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MCS-15 shows high internal consistency with poor dimensionality. However, a ten-item version shows high internal consistency and a clear one-dimensional structure. More research is needed: testing the performance against a structured interview for major cognitive impairment.

Desnutrición crónica en niños menores de cinco años de la comunidad indígena awá, Barbacoas (Nariño, Colombia), 2019

Introduction: Chronic malnutrition in children under 5 years old is defined as stunting due to recurrentnutritional deficiencies associated with poverty, maternal health, and nutrition. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and associated factors in children under 5 years old from the indigenous Awá community, at Barbacoas, Nariño in 2019. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 527 children under 5 years old from the Awá community who attended a health institution for growth and development program. Chronic malnutrition was evaluated as an outcome, whereas sociodemographic, nutritional and other health characteristics as associated factors. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney’s U test were used to determine statistical association. Additionally, the relationship was adjusted through a multiple logistic regression model. Results: Chronic malnutrition was found in 17.6% of children. The statistical association was found in children of the adolescent mother, incomplete vaccination schedule, and age and birth weight. Conclusion: In children under 5 years old in the Awá community, the frequency of chronic malnutrition is above the average for the general population in Colombia. Prioritizing the active search for chronic malnutrition in children whose mothers are adolescents and those with low birth weight and incomplete vaccination is important.

Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) in the General Colombian Population.

(1) Background: Diener’s Scale of Positive and Negative Experiences (SPANE) assesses the presence and intensity of positive and negative affects, since these are considered basic aspects of the study of well-being. This article studies its psychometric properties in the general Colombian population. (2) We conducted a cross-sectional study of a sample of 1255 Colombians and we used structural equation modeling to confirm the bifactor structure. Additionally, we studied invariance by gender, and convergent and concurrent validity. (3) We found acceptable fit indicators for the bifactor model (CFI = 0.889, RMSEA = 0.046, SRMR = 0.059) as well as for the convergent (CFI = 0.909, RMSEA = 0.050, SRMR = 0.063) and concurrent (CFI = 0.966, RMSEA = 0.036, SRMR = 0.041) validity models. We did not confirm total invariance across gender, although we found configural and metric invariance, so percentiles by sex were provided. (4) Conclusions: The SPANE is a valid and reliable measure to assess well-being among the Colombian population, although we alert researchers to the risk of comparing affectivity average scores between sexes.

Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale in the general Colombian population

The study aimed to adapt and explore the psychometric performance of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in the general Colombian population. The original FCV-19S is a 7-item scale that underwent an adaptation (Item 1 and 5 were deleted). From an online sample of 1,687 adults (59% female), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed for versions of the scale with 6 and 5 items. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were calculated. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 5-item scale (Fear of COVID-5) presented better indicators. In conclusion, the Fear of COVID-5 has acceptable performance in the Colombian population.

Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis: Comparison of Net Survival in Incident Patients on Chronic Dialysis in Colombia.

Background:In the area of nephrology, the practical application of relative survival methodologies can provide information regarding the impact of outcomes for patients with kidney failure on dialysis compared with what would be expected in the absence of this condition.Objective:Compare the net survival of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in a cohort of incident patients on chronic dialysis in Colombia, according to the dialysis therapy modality.Design:Observational, analytic, historical cohort.Setting:Renal Therapy Services (RTS) clinic network across Colombia.Patients:Patients over 18 years old with chronic kidney disease, incidents in dialytic therapy, which reached day 90 of therapy. Recruitment took place from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2013, with a follow-up until December 31, 2018. The final cohort for analysis corresponds to a total of 12 508 patients, of which 5330 patients (42.6%) began HD and 7178 patients (57.4%) began PD.Measurements:Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were measured.Methods:Analyses were conducted according to the treatment assigned (PD or HD) at the time of the inception of the cohort and another approach of analysis was done with a subsample of those patients who never changed the initial modality. To calculate expected survival, life tables were constructed for Colombia for the years 2006 to 2018. Net survival estimates were made using the Pohar Perme estimator. The comparison of the net survival curves was done using the method developed by Pavlič and Perme, the log-rank type.Results:Net survival at 5 years compared with the general population was estimated at 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.52-0.54) in the dialysis cohort. In intention-to-treat analyses of 7178 patients on PD and 5330 patients on HD, by global and Pohar-Perme methods, survival (expressed as a ratio of survival in patients on dialysis to survival in an age-, sex- and geographic-matched general Colombian population) was higher in patients on HD than in those on PD. In year 1, net survival by Pavlov-Perme on PD was 0.79 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.78 - 0.80) and on HD 0.85 (95% CI 0.84 - 0.86); in year 5, 0.36 (95% CI 0.34 – 0.38) and 0.57 (95% CI 0.55 – 0.59) for PD and HD respectively.Limitation:There may be imbalances among the populations analyzed (HD vs PD), in which one or more variables other than the type of therapy may influence the survival of the patients. In Colombia there are marginal levels of underreporting of demographic data in some subpopulations that may affect life-tables construction.Conclusion:An important difference was observed in terms of survival between the dialysis population and the population of reference without dialysis. Statistically significant differences were found in net survival between HD and PD, net survival was higher in patients on HD than in those on PD.

Stigmatisation associated with COVID-19 in the general Colombian population.

Background:As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the fear of infection increases and, with it, the stigma-discrimination, which makes it an additional problem of the epidemic. However, studies about stigma associated with coronavirus are scarce worldwide.Aims:To determine the association between stigmatisation and fear of COVID-19 in the general population of Colombia.Method:A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 1,687 adults between 18 and 76 years old (M = 36.3; SD = 12.5), 41.1% health workers, filled out an online questionnaire on Stigma-Discrimination and the COVID-5 Fear Scale, adapted by the research team.Results:The proportion of high fear of COVID-19 was 34.1%; When comparing the affirmative answers to the questionnaire on stigma-discrimination towards COVID-19, it was found that the difference was significantly higher in the general population compared to health workers in most of the questions evaluated, which indicates a high level of stigmatisation in that group. An association between high fear of COVID-19 and stigma was evidenced in 63.6% of the questions in the questionnaire.Conclusion:Stigma-discrimination towards COVID-19 is frequent in the Colombian population and is associated with high levels of fear towards said disease, mainly people who are not health workers.

Anomalías congénitas de los embera-chamí en las reservas indígenas de Riosucio, Caldas, Colombia, de 2007 a 2012

Introducción: Tal como sucede a nivel mundial, en Colombia las malformaciones congénitas son causas importantes de mortalidad infantil, enfermedad crónica y discapacidad. Las poblaciones indígenas de Colombia no cuentan con estudios definidos a este respecto, por lo cual la presente investigación se desarrolla en la zona indígena. Objetivo general: Caracterizar las anomalías congénitas de los indígenas Embera-Chamí residentes en los resguardos del municipio de Riosucio, Caldas, entre los años 2007 y 2012. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, aplicado a 125 nacidos vivos con anomalías congénitas. Se aplicó el formato especializado de Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) de Colombia y para el análisis de variables se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS. Resultados: De 3.382 nacimientos el 3,7 % (125) presentó anomalías congénitas. Se encuentra una asociación entre la edad de la madre y la presencia de anomalías congénitas. En el 87,2 % de los casos fueron con edad gestacional de término. Las anomalías más frecuentes fueron: displasia de cadera, criptorquidia, malformaciones cardiovasculares, pie equino e hidrocefalia. Conclusiones: Se encuentra una incidencia de anomalías congénitas en la población indígena de los Embera-Chamí de Riosucio, Caldas, mayor que para el promedio de la población general en Colombia.

Differences in the Incidence of Malaria between Internally Displaced People and General Population of Colombia from 2007 to 2016

Background: Malaria has been described among the most frequently reported parasitic diseases among refugees and internally displaced populations (IDPs) in Africa and Asia. There is a lack of studies about it in Latin America, including Colombia, the country with the highest number of IDPs in the world and also endemic for malaria. Methods & Materials: This ecological study assessed incidence and its differences, on malaria between general population and IDPs in Colombia and its departments (32) during 2007–2016. Epidemiological data was collected from the National Surveillance System (SIVIGILA-SISPRO), retrieving the codes for malaria in both populations. We estimated malaria incidence rates on both populations (cases/100,000 pop), using reference population of the IDPs (official record of the Secretary of Social Welfare) and the general population (from the national statistics institute, DANE). Incidence rates ratios were calculated comparing both populations. Results: In general population, 573,098 cases of malaria occurred (66% due to P. vivax) (1,237.19 cases/100,000 pop, 95%CI 1,234.0–1,240.0) while 13,655 among IDPs (70% due to P. vivax) (5,034.37 cases/100,000 pop, 95%CI 4,952.0–5,117.0). Malaria was 4.1 times higher among IDPs than in general population (p < 0.05) (ranging from 2.12 times in 2007 to 8.17 in 2016). Malaria mortality rate among general population was 0.32 deaths/100,000 pop and 1.84 among IDPs, being 5.81 times higher (p < 0.05). The difference by species, showed for Plasmodium malariae, 0.47 cases/100,000 pop in the general population and 4.06 among the internally displaced (8.62 times higher). A lower difference was observed for Plasmodium falciparum, 395.49 cases/100,000 pop among the general population and 1375.19 among internally displaced persons (3.48 times more). Conclusion: This study showed a significantly higher incidence of malaria among internally displaced persons, compared to the general population in the same territories, including also higher occurrence of complicated disease. This has relevant implications for screening, diagnosis and management among IDPs, especially in still highly endemic areas. More studies are required to improve the understanding of tropical diseases among vulnerable populations, as well to provide better medical interventions and for the development of public policies in countries, such as Colombia, with IDPs and in the context of post-conflict era.

Differences in the incidence of mycoses between indigenous people and general population of Colombia, 2009-2016

Background: Vulnerable groups, including indigenous populations, are especially susceptible to certain infectious diseases and mycotic infections, especially those considered tropical, are not an exception. However, even if in clinical practice it is suspected to be a prevalent disease in this specific population, there are no studies that evaluate and compare the incidence of this group of infections in indigenous populations in Latin America and Colombia. Methods & Materials: This ecological study assessed incidence and its differences, on mycosis between general population and indigenous populations in Colombia and its departments (32) during 2009–2016. Epidemiological data was collected from the personal health record system of Colombia (RIPS), retrieving the codes for mycoses in both populations. We estimated mycoses incidence rates on both populations (cases/100,000 pop), using reference population of the indigenous population (RIPS affiliated population) and the general population (from the national statistics institute, DANE). Incidence rates ratios were calculated comparing both populations. Results: In general population, 2,911,028 cases of mycoses were reported (6,212.79 cases/100,000 pop, 95% CI 6,206.0–6,220.0) while 59,628 among indigenous population (16,486.19 cases/100,000 pop, 95%CI 16,365.0–16,607.0) occurred. Mycoses were 2.7 times higher among indigenous population than in general population (p < 0.05) (ranging from 1.66 times in 2009 to 5.41 in 2016). Higher differences were noticed for disseminated sporotrichosis (10.0 times), followed by endocarditis due to Candida (9.9 times), meningitis due to Candida (9.8 times), mucormycosis (8.3 times) and other forms of sporotrichosis (8.3 times). Conclusion: This study showed a significantly higher incidence of mycoses among indigenous people, compared to the general population in the same territories. Tropical mycoses such as sporotrichosis and mucormycosis were significantly higher among them, as expected. This has relevant implications for screening, diagnosis and management among indigenous population. Despite some limitations, this study is the first attempt in our country and in the region to provide national incidences of the disease in indigenous population of the country. Nevertheless, more studies are required to improve the understanding of mycoses among vulnerable populations, as well to provide better medical interventions and for the development of public policies in countries, such as Colombia.

Quality of life in breast cancer patients: Associations with optimism and social support

Background/Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients from Colombia and to explore the relationship between QoL, habitual optimism, and social support. Method: A sample of 95 breast cancer patients treated in a hospital in Bogotá were administered the QoL instrument EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Life Orientation Test LOT-R. Additionally, they were asked to indicate from whom (physicians, friends, nurses, etc.) they wished and received social support. Reference data for the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the LOT-R were taken from a representative sample of the general Colombian population. Results: The breast cancer patients showed detriments to their QoL on most functioning scales and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30, while their general assessments of health and QoL were not worse than those of the controls. Optimism was positively correlated with QoL. Most patients wanted and received social support from their physicians and friends/family. Conclusions: The results suggest that optimism helps patients better cope with disease. A general assessment of global QoL cannot replace the more specific assessments of the functioning domains and symptoms.

Prevalence and Penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Germline Mutations in Colombian Breast Cancer Patients

Pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations confer high risks of breast and ovarian cancer to women of European ancestry. Characterization of BRCA1/2 mutations in other ethnic groups is also medically important. We comprehensively screened 68 Colombian breast/ovarian cancer families for small-range mutations, 221 families for large-genomic rearrangements, and 1,022 unselected breast cancer cases for Colombian founder mutations in BRCA1/2. The risk of cancer among relatives of mutation carriers and the mutation penetrance were estimated by survival analysis. Identified BRCA2 mutations included 6310delGA and the recurrent 1991del4 mutations. A novel large BRCA2 deletion was found in 0.9% of the screened families. Among unselected breast cancer cases, 3.3% tested positive for BRCA1/3450del4, 2.2% for BRCA1/A1708E, 1.1% for BRCA2/3034del4, and 0.4% for BRCA2/1991del4. Female relatives of carriers of BRCA1/2 founder mutations showed a 5.90 times higher risk of breast cancer, when the woman herself carried a BRCA1 mutation compared to a non-carrier (95% CI 2.01–17.3). The estimated cumulative risk of breast cancer by age 70 years for BRCA1 mutations carriers was 14% (95% CI 5–38) compared to 3% for the general Colombian population (relative risk of breast cancer 4.05). Together with known founder mutations, reported novel variants may ease a cost-effective BRCA1/2 screening in women with Colombian ancestry.

Insulin resistance and β-cell function in Colombian mestizo and Embera-Chamí populations and their relation with adiposity degree

Background and objectiveInsulin resistance (IR) is a condition favored by metabolic and endocrine changes experienced by adipose tissue in the context of obesity. The prevalence and the presentation of both IR and obesity vary among the populations, and may be affected by ancestral genetic composition among other factors. The aim of this study was to compare the presence of IR and obesity in Amerindians of the Embera-Chamí ethnicity and Colombian mestizo population. Patients and methodsA sample of 630 individuals, 471 mestizos and 159 Amerindians of the Embera-Chamí ethnicity, from the general population of Colombia were studied. For each participant, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, as well as blood pressure and the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) of IR and β-cell function (%B) were recorded. These values were compared between the two populations. ResultsWhile prevalence of central obesity was similar in both populations (48.7% and 42.6% in the mestizo and Embera groups respectively; p=0.148), body mass index (BMI) values suggested a higher prevalence of overweight in the Embera than in mestizo population (43.4% Embera, 31.8% mestizo; p=0.027). Despite the similarities in the prevalence of HOMA-IR and HOMA-%B status between both populations, the Embera population had a significantly greater pancreatic β-cell function, higher insulin levels, and better glucose control, across BMI and central obesity categories, than the mestizo population. ConclusionThere are differences in aspects related to energy metabolism between the samples of the mestizo and Amerindian populations analyzed.

Insulin resistance and β-cell function in Colombian mestizo and Embera-Chamí populations and their relation with adiposity degree

Background and objectiveInsulin resistance (IR) is a condition favored by metabolic and endocrine changes experienced by adipose tissue in the context of obesity. The prevalence and the presentation of both IR and obesity vary among the populations, and may be affected by ancestral genetic composition among other factors. The aim of this study was to compare the presence of IR and obesity in Amerindians of the Embera-Chamí ethnicity and Colombian mestizo population. Patients and methodsA sample of 630 individuals, 471 mestizos and 159 Amerindians of the Embera-Chamí ethnicity, from the general population of Colombia were studied. For each participant, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, as well as blood pressure and the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) of IR and β-cell function (%B) were recorded. These values were compared between the two populations. ResultsWhile prevalence of central obesity was similar in both populations (48.7% and 42.6% in the mestizo and Embera groups respectively; p=0.148), body mass index (BMI) values suggested a higher prevalence of overweight in the Embera than in mestizo population (43.4% Embera, 31.8% mestizo; p=0.027). Despite the similarities in the prevalence of HOMA-IR and HOMA-%B status between both populations, the Embera population had a significantly greater pancreatic β-cell function, higher insulin levels, and better glucose control, across BMI and central obesity categories, than the mestizo population. ConclusionThere are differences in aspects related to energy metabolism between the samples of the mestizo and Amerindian populations analyzed.

Calidad de vida en una población con hemofilia: estudio de corte transversal en un centro de tratamiento de hemofilia

IntroductionIn patients with haemophilia, quality of life can be affected by factors like arthropathy, age, and pain intensity. ObjectiveTo evaluate the health-related quality of life in patients with haemophilia in Medellin during 2014. Patients and methodsAn observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients with confirmed diagnosis of haemophilia. Demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics are described. Functional test were performed including measuring ranges of mobility and the six-minute walk test. The health-related quality of life (SF-36 and KIDSCREEN-27), disability (WHODAS II), pain (VAS), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) were also evaluated. ResultsA total of 59 patients agreed to participate in the study. The mean age was 28 years (SD±14.8), with mild haemophilia in 5%, moderate haemophilia in 20.3%, and severe haemophilia in 74.5%. Almost all (96.6%) of the patients were under treatment with prophylaxis, and 84% of the patients were having physiotherapy. The main comorbidity was haemophilic arthropathy in 71% of cases, followed by dyslipidaemia (27%), overweight (20%), and smoking (11.8%). The six-minute walk test reported mean distance of 584.2 metres, and the SF-36 scores were similar to the general population. ConclusionThis group of patients with haemophilia reported a quality of life as high as the general population in Colombia without haemophilia. This finding reiterated the importance of the treatment with prophylaxis and the active participation of patients in a rehabilitation program, which promotes functional independence and a healthy lifestyle.

Quality of life in a population with haemophilia: A cross-sectional study from a single haemophilia treatment center

Abstract Introduction In patients with haemophilia, quality of life can be affected by factors like arthropathy, age, and pain intensity. Objective To evaluate the health-related quality of life in patients with haemophilia in Medellin during 2014. Patients and methods An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients with confirmed diagnosis of haemophilia. Demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics are described. Functional test were performed including measuring ranges of mobility and the six-minute walk test. The health-related quality of life (SF-36 and KIDSCREEN-27), disability (WHODAS II), pain (VAS), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) were also evaluated. Results A total of 59 patients agreed to participate in the study. The mean age was 28 years (SD ±14.8), with mild haemophilia in 5%, moderate haemophilia in 20.3%, and severe haemophilia in 74.5%. Almost all (96.6%) of the patients were under treatment with prophylaxis, and 84% of the patients were having physiotherapy. The main comorbidity was haemophilic arthropathy in 71% of cases, followed by dyslipidaemia (27%), overweight (20%), and smoking (11.8%). The six-minute walk test reported mean distance of 584.2 m, and the SF-36 scores were similar to the general population. Conclusion This group of patients with haemophilia reported a quality of life as high as the general population in Colombia without haemophilia. This finding reiterated the importance of the treatment with prophylaxis and the active participation of patients in a rehabilitation program, which promotes functional independence and a healthy lifestyle.

The eudaimonic component of satisfaction with life and psychological well-being in Spanish cultures.

In the study of well-being there are two partially overlapping traditions that have been developed in parallel. Subjective well-being (SWB) has been associated with the hedonistic approach of well-being, and psychological well-being (PWB) with the eudaimonistic one. However, satisfaction with life, the most common SWB indicator, is not strictly a hedonic concept and contains many eudaimonic components. The objective of this research is to examine whether a Eudaimonic Well-being G-Factor of Satisfaction with Life (SWLS) and Psychological Well-being Scales (PWBS) emerges. 400 people from the general population of Colombia (Study 1) and 401 from Spain (Study 2), recruited via advertisement, voluntarily participated and filled in a booklet containing, in order of appearance, the PWBS and the SWLS. According to our hypothesis, parallel analysis, eigenvalues, scree plot graphs and exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) suggested the existence of a one-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2) indicated that this one-factor model provided excellent data fit. Results of a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis confirmed cross-cultural factor invariance. These results question the view that the satisfaction with life indicator is uniquely hedonic and point to the need for a greater integration between hedonic and eudaimonic traditions.