Open Access
The role of education in executive functions, behavioral problems and functional performance in people with schizophrenia
(American Psychological Association, 2021) Cámara, Silvia; Contador Castillo, Israel; Herrero, Paula; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Sánchez, Abraham; Cuellar, Luis; López, Rebeca; Fournier, María Concepción; Ramos, Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: this cross-sectional study examined the influence of education on executive functions, behavioral problems and functional performance in people with chronic schizophrenia. Method: our sample was composed of 116 subjects with a schizophrenia diagnosis (evolution time = 17.5 ± 9.5 years) from consecutive referrals to the Rehabilitation Unit of Benito Menni Hospital (Valladolid, Spain). All participants completed an extensive standardized protocol including a neuropsychological testing of executive functions (processing speed, working memory, inhibition, interference control, mental flexibility), the assessment of behavioral symptoms, and functional performance. Hierarchical regression models (HRMs) were carried out to determine whether education (in years) relates to executive functions after controlling for the effect of demographics, IQ, and clinical factors. Results: both IQ and years of education were associated with a later onset of the illness. Specifically, high education (in years) significantly correlated with fewer behavioral problems and better functional performance in daily life. Further, HRMs showed that education was associated with digit span and sematic verbal fluency tasks after controlling for the effect of age, sex, and IQ as covariates. Conclusions: higher education may ameliorate executive deficits in patients with chronic schizophrenia and, in turn, diminish the behavioral and functional problems of the illness.
Open Access
Metabolic health, mitochondrial fitness, physical activity, and cancer
(MDPI, 2023) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Martín Rodríguez, Alexandra; Redondo Flórez, Laura; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Navarro Jiménez, Eduardo; Ramos Campo, Domingo Jesús; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Cancer continues to be a significant global health issue. Traditional genetic-based approaches to understanding and treating cancer have had limited success. Researchers are increasingly exploring the impact of the environment, specifically inflammation and metabolism, on cancer development. Examining the role of mitochondria in this context is crucial for understanding the connections between metabolic health, physical activity, and cancer. This study aimed to review the literature on this topic through a comprehensive narrative review of various databases including MedLine (PubMed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, PsychINFO, and CinAhl. The review highlighted the importance of mitochondrial function in overall health and in regulating key events in cancer development, such as apoptosis. The concept of “mitochondrial fitness” emphasizes the crucial role of mitochondria in cell metabolism, particularly their oxidative functions, and how proper function can prevent replication errors and regulate apoptosis. Engaging in high-energy-demanding movement, such as exercise, is a powerful intervention for improving mitochondrial function and increasing resistance to environmental stressors. These findings support the significance of considering the role of the environment, specifically inflammation and metabolism, in cancer development and treatment. Further research is required to fully understand the mechanisms by which physical activity improves mitochondrial function and potentially reduces the risk of cancer.
Open Access
Inflammation in COVID-19 and the effects of non-pharmacological interventions during the pandemic: a review
(MDPI, 2022) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Bustamante Sanchez, Álvaro; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Mielgo Ayuso, Juan; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that hit the health systems worldwide hard, causing a collapse of healthcare systems. One of the main problems of this new virus is the high inflammatory response it provokes, which is the cause of much of the symptoms. Different pharmacological approaches tried to stop the advance of the pandemic, but it seems that only vaccines are the solution. In this line, different nonpharmacological approaches have been made in order to improve symptomatology, contagion, and spread of COVID-19, the principal factors being the physical activity, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, and life patterns. The SARS-CoV-2 virus produces a disproportionate inflammatory response in the organism of the guest and causes complications in this that can end the life of the patient. It has been possible to see how different nonpharmacological interventions based on physical activity, nutritional, psychological, and physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can be functional tools to treat this inflammation. Thus, in the present review, we aim to provide an overview of the role of inflammation in COVID-19 and the nonpharmacological interventions related to it.
Open Access
Psychological inflexibility and loneliness mediate the impact of stress on anxiety and depression symptoms in healthcare students and early-career professionals during COVID-19
(Frontiers Media, 2021) Bonilla-Sierra, Patricia; Manrique-G., Alexis; Hidalgo-Andrade, Paula; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: the current mental health state of healthcare professionals and students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador remains understudied and how to improve their mental health is a challenge. Objective: this study aimed to explore the anxiety and depressive symptomatology among healthcare students and professionals in Ecuador and to examine the role of psychological inflexibility, loneliness, and psychological stress as predictors of anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: a total of 191 undergraduate and graduate healthcare students in clinical practice (early-career healthcare professionals) in Ecuador were surveyed between January and March 2021 using standardized measures of psychological stress (PSS), psychological inflexibility (AAQ), loneliness (UCLA), alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), and anxiety and depressive symptomatology (PHQ). Macro Process for SPSS (models 4 and 7) were used to test mediation effects. Results: alcohol consumption varied between men and women and anxiety and depression symptomatology was generally low among the sample. Psychological inflexibility and loneliness mediated the impact of stress on anxiety and depressive mood in participants, regardless of gender and previous personal history of COVID-19. Discussion: implications of psychological inflexibility and the prevention and coping with stress in healthcare professionals during COVID-19 are further discussed.
Open Access
Gender differences in risk factors for Stice’s bulimia in a non-clinical sample
(Cambridge University Press, 2015) Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Cacho Fernández, Raúl; López-Goñi, José Javier; Real Deus, José Eulogio; Vaca Gallegos, Silvia; Mayoral, Paula; Psicología y Pedagogía; Psikologia eta Pedagogia
Some females are at an increased risk of developing bulimia. However, etiological factors and their interplay remain controversial. The present study analyzed Stice’s Model for eating disorders in a non-clinical population by examining gender differences with respect to the following risk factors: body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, perceived social pressure to be thin, body-thin internalization, and dieting behavior. A sample of 162 American college students (64 males and 91 females) was surveyed, and validated scales were used. The Stice’s model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling. Our results supported Stice’s Dual Pathway Model of bulimic pathology for females but not for males. The results of this study fail to support the role of BMI as a predictor of dietary restraint in females, the main risk factor of eating disorders. Males may abstain from dietary restraint to gain muscular volume and in turn increase their BMI. Implications are discussed.
Open Access
Psychophysiological and psychosocial profile of patients attending drug addiction centers
(Springer, 2021) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Isorna-Folgar, Manuel; Cancelo-Martínez, Jesús; Beltrán Velasco, Ana Isabel; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Drug treatment centres provide the highest level of rehab services for patients diagnosed with drug addictions. Most inpatient drug rehab programs focus on medical detox and mental health interventions. However, how to optimize the later remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to examine the psychophysiological and psychosocial profile of patients attending drug addiction centres in comparation with the general population. A total of 105 inpatient drug rehab patients and 50 participants from the general population were compared based on standardized psychophysiological and psychosocial measures. Results of this study suggest that patients attending drug addiction centers differ from general population in several different psychophysiological and psychosocial factors. Patients reported significantly lower levels of physical activity and increased sympathetic responsiveness, and significantly higher levels in loneliness, psychologically inflexibility and neuroticism. The results of this study highlight the importance of address healthy lifestyle behaviors such as sport practice and psychological variables such as loneliness, psychological (in)flexibility and neuroticism to improve current programs aim to prevent or reduce problematic drug consumptions.
Open Access
Predictors of athlete's performance in ultra-endurance mountain races
(MDPI, 2021) Belinchón de Miguel, Pedro; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Knechtle, Beat; Nikolaidis, Pantelis T.; Herrera-Tapias, Beliña; Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: In previous studies, ultra-endurance performance has been associated with training and psychological variables. However, performance under extreme conditions is understudied, mainly due to difficulties in making field measures. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the role of training, hydration, nutrition, oral health status, and stress-related psychological factors in athletes' performance in ultra-endurance mountain events. Methods: We analyzed the variables of race time and training, hydration state, nutrition, oral health status, and stress-related psychological factors in 448 ultra-endurance mountain race finishers divided into three groups according to race length (less than 45 km, 45–90 km, and greater than 90 km), using a questionnaire. Results: Higher performance in ultra-endurance mountain races was associated with better oral health status and higher accumulative altitude covered per week as well as higher positive accumulative change of altitude per week during training. In longer distance races, experience, a larger volume of training, and better hydration/nutrition prior to the competition were associated with better performance. Conclusions: Ultra-endurance mountain athletes competing in longer races (>90 km) have more experience and follow harder training schedules compared with athletes competing in shorter dis-tances. In longer races, a larger fluid intake before the competition was the single best predictor of performance. For races between 45 and 90 km, training intensity and volume were key predictors of performance, and for races below 45 km, oral health status was a key predictor of performance. Psychological factors previously reported as ultra-endurance mountain race performance predictors were inconsistent or failed to predict the performance of athletes in the present research.
Open Access
Psychometric properties and factor structure of an Ecuadorian version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in college students
(Public Library of Science, 2019) López, Víctor; Paladines Costa, María Belén; Vaca Gallegos, Silvia; Cacho Fernández, Raúl; Fernández-Montalvo, Javier; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is the gold standard in assessing harmful alcohol intake, which is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Objective: the goal of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties and factor structure of an Ecuadorian adaptation of a Spanish translation of the AUDIT in a large sample of college students in Ecuador. Methods: a total of 7905 students, including 46.26% males, and 53.75% females, from 11 universities in Ecuador, were surveyed. The questionnaire was tested for two- and three-factor structures, reliability, and correlations with other health related measures. Results: the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test for sampling adequacy was satisfactory (.0885), and Bartlett´s test for sphericity was significant (p < .001). Although both models showed a good fit to the data, the two-factor model was preferred based on the high correlations between the factors 2 and 3 within the three-factor model (.86 for the total sample, .77 for females, and .91 for males). The reliability for the two-factor model was good, as indicated by Cronbach´s α = .806 (factor I) and .716 (factor II) for the total sample, .808 (factor I) and .667 (factor II) for females, and .787 (factor I) and .728 (factor II) for males. Additionally, the AUDIT scores positively correlated with several health-related measures: stress, psychological inflexibility, loneliness and depression/anxiety symptomatology. Conclusion: the Ecuadorian adaptation of the Spanish version of the AUDIT has good reliability, and internal consistency and correlates with other health related measures, proving to be a reliable tool that can be used by researchers and clinicians to screen hazardous alcohol intake in college students.
Open Access
Gender differences in transdiagnostic predictors of problematic alcohol consumption in a large sample of college students in Ecuador
(Health Psychology, 2022) Sánchez Puertas, Rafael; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; López Núñez, Carla; Vaca Gallegos, Silvia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: alcohol use is one of the main risk factors that leads to detrimental health effects and support for a transdiagnostic approach to alcohol use disorders is growing. However, the role of transdiagnostic predictors of problematic alcohol consumption in Ecuador are understudied. Objective: the aim of this study was to examine gender differences in psychological stress and inflexibility as transdiagnostic predictors of problematic alcohol consumption in a large sample of college students in Ecuador. Methods: a total of 7,905 college students (21.49years, SD=3.68; 53.75% females) were surveyed using the following standardized scales: alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Perceived Stress Scale-14, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-7). Macro Process for SPSS (models 4 and 7) was used to analyze mediation and moderation effects. Results: reported alcohol consumption was significantly higher in men than women students. On the other hand, women reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress and psychological inflexibility than men students. Gender, age, psychological stress, and inflexibility were significant predictors of alcohol consumption. Moreover, psychological inflexibility mediated the impact of stress on alcohol consumption, particularly in women (for men b=0.065, 95% CI [0.048 to 0.083], for women b=0.070, 95% CI [0.051 to 0.089]). Discussion: results of this study support psychological stress and psychological inflexibility as critical transdiagnostic variables related to increased rates of alcohol consumption among Ecuadorian college students. These conclusions contribute to the development of transdiagnostic comprehensive programs, which encompasses promotive, preventive, and treatment services that allow to alleviate the burden of alcohol, as well as to enrich the growing research on alcohol consumption in this population from a gender perspective.
Open Access
The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on mental disorders. A critical review
(MDPI, 2021) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Martínez-González, Marina Begoña; Benítez Agudelo, Juan Camilo; Navarro Jiménez, Eduardo; Beltrán Velasco, Ana Isabel; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Díaz Arroyo, Esperanza; Laborde Cárdenas, Carmen Cecilia; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of the worldwide population. Citizens suffer the social, economic, physiological, and psychological effects of this pandemic. Primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages were used for a consensus critical review. The method was a narrative review of the available literature to summarize the existing literature addressing mental health concerns and stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main search engines used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. We found the pandemic has had a direct impact on psychopathologies such as anxiety, increasing its ratios, and depression. Other syndromes such as burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder have increased with the pandemic, showing a larger incidence among medical personnel. Moreover, eating disorders and violence have also increased. Public authorities must prepare healthcare systems for increasing incidences of mental pathologies. Mental health apps are one of the tools that can be used to reach the general population.