Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary heart disease being the primary cause. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been highlighted for its potential in providing greater protection against CVDs. This study aims to present an updated systematic review that examines the impact of MD on mortality and CVDs, both in the general population and in patients with a prior CVD, while also considering the potential influence of gender. We conducted a systematic review. After the selection process, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from these studies consistently demonstrate that higher adherence to the MD is associated with a reduced risk of overall mortality, both in the general population and in patients with previous CVDs. Moreover, evidence suggests that following this dietary pattern likely decreases the risk of CVDs such as heart attacks, various types of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. While some studies have identified differences in the benefits of the MD between men and women, it is important to note that these disparities may be attributed to lower event rates and a generally lower cardiovascular risk profile in women. Thus, the observed variations in outcomes should be interpreted in the context of these factors. Adherence to the MD has the potential to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of CVDs in both the general population and individuals with a prior CVD. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the protective effects of this dietary pattern and to better understand the role gender-related differences in its outcomes. Nevertheless, promoting the adoption of the MD could be an effective strategy for mitigating the burden of CVDs globally.

Background: The number of people who access social networking sites continues to increase at an exponential rate. The use of technology is an essential skill for nursing professionals and its development represents a challenge in improving health education, promotion and care. The objective of this systematic review is to analyse the use of social networking sites by healthcare professionals as an intervention tool for evidence-based public health education. Methods: The protocol of this umbrella review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023407249). Searches were carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), and Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, in February 2023. A narrative synthesis of the results was conducted. Results: 1896 articles were found, of which 15 reviews fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Social networks broadened the profession; they were YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. The target population was mainly young professionals, and they came across different topic areas that addressed health education. Conclusions: It is important to have information backed by scientific evidence to make health decisions. Health professionals active on social networking sites have a unique opportunity to educate the public about health by sharing scientific evidence in an accessible and clear way, which helps to combat misinformation.

Background: Amidst current misinformation, media literacy is an essential competency for nursing professionals. This study aimed to analyze the level of media health literacy among Spanish undergraduate nursing students, stratifying the results by gender, region, and other associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five Spanish universities (N = 416) using the Spanish version of the Media Health Literacy (MeHLit-SV) Questionnaire. Results: Students presented an average media health literacy score of 48.73 points. The media health literacy level was significantly higher among students from universities in the central and northeastern regions of Spain (ANOVA Test, p = 0.0002), those who had previously studied in a city (ANOVA Test, p = 0.001), those who combined their studies with employment (ANOVA Test, p = 0.001), and those residing in communities with fewer than 500 inhabitants (ANOVA Test, p = 0.001). No differences were found based on gender. Conclusions: The media health literacy level of the students was deficient and varied according to socio-economic and socio-educational factors. Understanding the literacy level of future nurses and promoting the inclusion of this competency in their education will enable them to become leaders in improving the population’s health self-care.

Purpose: To know the discontinuation rate and characterize predictors and reasons of contraceptive implant removal within 12 months of insertion in our community setting.Methods: This prospective cohort study included women receiving the etonogestrel contraceptive implant at sexual and reproductive health centers between September 2019 and September 2020. The variables collected were implanted insertion timing, reproductive and demographic characteristics, medical conditions, sexual activity and counseling. Our primary outcome was implant discontinuation. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to show the cumulative discontinuation rate of implants contraceptive within the first year of insertion. We also identified factors that increased the risk of implant removal using the log-rank test and the Cox regression model. Reasons for discontinuation were documented.Results: 199 women were followed up. Implant discontinuation was documented in 17.1% of implant users prior to 12 months. Factors that increase the risk of implant removal are living with a partner, being aged 25–34 years and not receiving comprehensive and structured counseling from the midwife. The main reason for removal was unsatisfactory bleeding (97.1%), but this was combined with other reasons such as cessation of sexual intercourse (58.8%), worsening mood (58.8%), weight gain (55.9%) or decreased libido (50.0%).Conclusion: The rate of discontinuous implant uses in the first year is relevant in relation to cost-effectiveness, there is room for improvement that should not be overlooked. Comprehensive and structured midwife-led counseling can reduce early implant abandonment removal. The development in different countries of the role of midwives in the management of contraceptives can contribute to the economic benefit of health services and the satisfaction of women.

Background: Clinical simulation with standardized patients provides nursing students with their first approach to care in a safe and realistic environment. This type of experience arouses intense emotions and supports the development of key competencies. Objective: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of nursing students during their first contact with care through simulation experiences with standardized patients. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study using focus groups and reflective narratives with a sample of 59 students. A thematic analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti (version 24; Scientific Software Development GmbH). Results: Three thematic blocks, along with their categories and subcategories, were identified: (T1) first contact with simulation, (T2) learning and competencies, and (T3) preparation for clinical practice. Conclusions: Clinical simulation has a profound impact on nursing education by offering a safe and realistic environment in which to learn from experience. Emotions, teamwork, and human interaction enrich learning and strengthen professional identity. This approach supports the integration of technical knowledge and relational skills. The results support the inclusion of active and humanized methodologies in training plans.

Background: Informational overload hinders the recognition of quality information and influences a population’s health-related decisions. In this context, media health literacy aims to promote citizens’ critical analysis skills, contributing to informed decision-making. This study aims to identify the instruments used to measure the level of media health literacy and their psychometric properties. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed in 2023. The articles were extracted from the electronic databases “Pubmed”, “Web of Science”, “Dialnet”, and “Scopus”. The search languages were limited to English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Results: Twelve articles were selected for further analysis. The described measurement instruments included five original scales and seven cross-cultural adaptations of three of them. Four scales (the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Media Literacy scale adapted to Turkish and Chinese, along with the Media Health Literacy (MeHLit) scale and its adaptation to the Chinese language) exhibited high quality in the assessment of psychometric properties. Conclusions: These instruments allow for the measurement of an individual’s level of skill when consuming specific health information, enabling an analysis to understand the risk they are exposed to. Further research is recommended to strengthen the existing evidence and apply these tools to broader and more diverse populations.