The objective of this study was to analyze social perception, trust, and vaccine hesitancy through a combined approach of bibliometric analysis and qualitative synthesis, based on the most cited articles in the recent scientific literature. A systematic search was conducted in indexed databases, identifying patterns of production, collaboration, citation, thematic networks, and conceptual trends associated with the study of public trust in vaccines. The results reveal a marked geographic concentration of scientific production, dominated by the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as a strong articulation of thematic clusters linked to digital disinformation, health communication, risk perception, and psychosocial determinants of vaccine acceptance. The qualitative synthesis of the most influential studies reveals that vaccine hesitancy is a multidimensional phenomenon, determined by sociocultural, cognitive, emotional, and structural factors that interact dynamically according to each context. Disinformation, institutional trust, community narratives, and the credibility of sources emerge as central components in individual decision-making. Together, the integrated results enable a deeper understanding of vaccine hesitancy beyond traditional cognitive models, highlighting the need for contextualized communication strategies, intercultural approaches, and health policies based on trust and social participation. This study provides an integral view of the scientific landscape and establishes priority lines for future research and the design of effective public health interventions.

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases in a rural Ecuadorian parish population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 participants. Descriptive statistics were computed for glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of cardiovascular (hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke) and endocrine diseases (diabetes and other metabolic disorders) in relation to MetS biomarkers. Results: The study included 200 participants, with average glucose (123.09 mg/dL), cholesterol (229.58 mg/dL), and triglycerides (188.75 mg/dL) levels exceeding standard thresholds. Logistic regression analysis showed that glucose was the strongest predictor, increasing cardiovascular disease odds by 6.9% (OR = 1.069, p < 0.001) and endocrine disease odds by 11.8% (OR = 1.118, p < 0.001) after adjustment. Cholesterol and triglycerides also significantly contributed to the risk of both diseases. The models demonstrated a high predictive performance (AUC: 0.933 for cardiovascular disease and 0.993 for endocrine diseases). Conclusions: MetS was significantly associated with cardiovascular and endocrine disease risks in the rural population. Integrating personalized healthcare, such as tailored dietary counseling, culturally adapted interventions, and mobile health technologies, is crucial for improving the early detection and management of MetS in underserved communities.

The issue of substance abuse among adolescents in both urban and rural regions of Latin America has emerged as a pressing concern on a global scale. This phenomenon is driven by a complex interplay of psychosocial and economic factors, which have profound ramifications on individuals, communities, and societies. This study aims to examine the consumption of both licit and illicit substances among adolescents enrolled in educational institutions in both rural and urban areas of Milagro, Ecuador. The research employs a quantitative descriptive study design, enabling the comprehensive identification of social, economic, and psychological factors associated with drug abuse, both licit and illicit, among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. A structured survey was validated by expert judgment and used as the information collection technique. The consumption patterns observed differed depending on the substance: 48.3% of the sample reported using cannabis and 48.3% heroin; in urban areas, drug use began at an early age of 15-16 years, except for cocaine, which was used at a later age: 16-17 years (64.6%). A comprehensive analysis reveals that drug use among school-going adolescents exhibits notable disparities between rural and urban regions. These variations are influenced by a multitude of factors, including drug availability, peer influence, risk perception, and accessibility to treatment resources. Addressing these disparities necessitates a comprehensive approach, entailing the formulation of prevention and treatment strategies that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each setting.