El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los factores que explican los estilos de vida saludables de estudiantes universitarios con el fin de definir los programas de promoción de la salud en las instituciones educativas. Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo transversal en siete universidades de la región Caribe colombiana y en el marco de los Programas de Bienestar y Promoción de la salud universitarios. Participaron 2203 universitarios de los programas académicos de pregrado. Se usó el cuestionario FANTASTICO para medir los estilos de vida. Además, una encuesta para evaluar las variables sociodemográficas y académicas. En general, 9% de los estudiantes tienen un excelente estilo de vida y 46% se clasifican como bueno. Del Análisis de Regresión Multivariante se observó que las mujeres son más inactivas [OR 1,5 (IC 95% 1,1-1,9)], y tienen menor calidad del sueño [OR 1,4 (IC 95% 1,1-1,6)]. Estudiantes más jóvenes consumen tabaco [OR 1,4 (IC 95% 1,1-1,9)] no duermen bien y presentan incapacidad para manejar el estrés [OR 2,1 (IC 95% 1,5-2,9)]. Los estudiantes de estratos socioeconómicos bajos tienen mayor probabilidad de bajo consumo de frutas y verduras y elevado consumo de sal, grasas y azúcares [OR 1,7 (IC 95% 1,1-2,8)]. Los estilos de vida relacionados con la salud de los estudiantes universitarios pueden ser explicados por diversos factores sociodemográficos y académicos. Las estrategias de mejoramiento de los estilos de vida a partir de programas de promoción de la salud que implementen las universidades son un imperativo. The objective of the present study was to determine factors that may explain healthy lifestyles in university students, so to establish programs for health promoting lifestyles in educational institutions. A cross-sectional descriptive study was applied in seven universities from Colombia’s Caribbean coast within the framework of the Programs for wellness and health promoting lifestyles for university students. A total of 2203 university students from undergraduate academic programs at each university took part in the study. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was used to measure lifestyles. In addition, a survey to evaluate sociodemographic and academic variables was filled. A percentage of 9% of the students have excellent lifestyle, and 46% were assessed as good. Based on the Multivariate regression approach, we observed that women are more inactive [OR 1,5 (IC 95% 1,1-1,9)] and they have also low quality of sleep [OR 1,4 (IC 95% 1,1-1,6)]. Younger students consume tobacco [OR 1,4 (IC 95% 1,1-1,9)] they do not sleep well and show inability to manage stress [OR 2,1 (IC 95% 1,5-2,9)]. Students from the lowest socio-economic stratum have more probability of lower consumption of fruits and vegetables but higher consumption of salt, fat, and sugar [OR 1,7 (IC 95% 1,1-2,8)]. Lifestyles related to health in university students might be explained by socio-demographic and academic factors. Improvement strategies for lifestyles based on programs for health promotion in universities are imperative.

Introduction: Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle rigidity and painful spasms, primarily affecting axial and proximal musculature. Its diagnosis can be challenging due to clinical overlap with other neurological conditions such as spasticity, dystonia, or functional movement disorders. The detection of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) is a key biomarker that supports diagnosis. Methods: Two clinical cases of patients with manifestations consistent with classic SPS are described, and were evaluated in a specialized neurology service. Both patients underwent detailed clinical assessment, complementary studies, and serum testing for anti-GAD antibodies. Results: Both patients presented with progressive rigidity and fluctuating muscle spasms, predominantly involving axial musculature. After an extensive diagnostic workup, elevated anti-GAD antibody titers were documented in both cases, confirming the diagnosis of classic SPS. Treatment with medications enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission was associated with significant clinical improvement, evidenced by reduced rigidity and the decreased frequency of spasms. Conclusions: These cases highlight the importance of considering SPS in the differential diagnosis of progressive rigidity syndromes. Identification of anti-GAD antibodies is essential for diagnostic confirmation, and treatment that aims to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission can significantly improve symptoms and patient functionality.

Objectives: This study sought to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors associated with the absence versus presence of alterations in mental, neurological, cardiovascular, osteomuscular, and pulmonary conditions, to provide information towards targeted interventions for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban Colombian populations. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 2495 patients (70.1% women) from public health facilities in Bogotá, using the Colombia Open Data “Enfermedades Crónicas” dataset collected between January and December 2023. Associations between sociodemographic variables (sex, age groups, education, and ethnicity) and clinical variables (BMI, type of disability, COVID-19 vaccination status, psychiatric risk, and the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale) were examined in relation to health outcomes. Data cleaning involved the exclusion of 107 outliers identified by z-scores >|3| using Microsoft Excel 365. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and proportions, and Pearson’s chi-square tests were applied to assess bivariate associations (e.g., BMI–health conditions, and sex–disability associations). Multivariable Firth’s penalized logistic regression models (implemented in Python 3.14 and Jamovi 2.3) were used to predict the absence of alteration (reference category: presence), adjusting for multicollinearity (variable inflation factor, VIF) and events-per-variable ratios. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and two-tailed p-values were estimated, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Women predominated in obesity (81% vs. 19% in men, p < 0.001) and in unaltered conditions (e.g., 71% of cases without pulmonary alterations) but exhibited a lower crude prevalence of disability (6% vs. 16% in men, p < 0.001). Men represented higher proportions of alterations (e.g., 53.8% of pulmonary cases vs. 46.2%, p = 0.006) and mental disabilities (70%, p < 0.001). Firth regression models identified the following predictors: for mental alteration, a single COVID-19 vaccine dose (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.12–5.09, p = 0.024), occupation (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.10, p < 0.001), BMI (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.98, p < 0.001), and disability (inverted OR = 4.35, 95% CI 2.56–7.69, p < 0.001); for neurological alteration, occupation (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.10–1.21, p < 0.001) and disability (inverted OR = 3.45, 95% CI 1.43–8.33, p = 0.006); for cardiovascular alteration, BMI (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.03, p = 0.042); for osteomuscular alteration, occupation (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06, p = 0.011); and for pulmonary alteration, occupation (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11, p = 0.001). The models demonstrated a moderate to excellent goodness-of-fit (R² = 0.25–0.72). Conclusions: Sex, BMI, disability status, occupation, and COVID-19 vaccination status emerged as key predictors of NCD-related alterations, highlighting specific vulnerabilities such as partial immunization for mental health risk, and disability for mental and neurological outcomes. Targeted interventions, including completion of vaccination schedules, mitigation of occupational exposure, BMI management, and disability-inclusive care, may reduce health disparities and support PAHO/WHO 2025 targets. Longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships in the context of Colombia’s fragmented subnational NCD evidence base.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify predictors of absence versus presence of alteration in system status to inform targeted interventions. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis of 2495 patients (70.1% women) from Bogotá’s public health facilities (Colombia Open Data, 2023), associations were examined between sociodemographic factors (gender, age groups, education, ethnicity) and clinical variables (BMI, disability type, COVID-19 vaccination, psychiatric risk, dyspnea scale) with health outcomes. Chi-square tests identified bivariate associations, and multivariable logistic regression predicted absence of alteration (reference: presence of alteration), reporting odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and model fit indicators (deviance, AIC, McFadden’s R²). Outliers were removed using z-scores; significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Women predominated in obesity (81% vs. 19% of men, p<0.001) and in health statuses without alteration but showed higher disability prevalence (16% vs. 6% in men, p<0.001). Men exhibited more altered statuses (e.g., pulmonary: 53.8% vs. 46.2%, p=0.006) and mental disabilities (70%, p<0.001). Underweight and obesity reduced odds of pulmonary alteration (OR=0.08 each, p<0.02) compared with overweight, whereas obesity decreased odds of absence of neurological alteration (OR=0.04, p=0.011). Absence of disability strongly favored absence of alteration (neurological OR=76.95, p<0.001). Lack of education increased odds of mental alteration (OR=2.67, p=0.006). Models showed moderate to excellent fit (R²=0.25–0.72). Conclusions: Gender, BMI, disability, age, and education are key predictors in NCD-related system alterations. Interventions such as BMI management and education strategies may reduce disparities and support WHO 2025 targets. Longitudinal research is recommended to strengthen causal interpretations.

Background: Extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms (EVAAs) are exceptionally rare vascular lesions and an uncommon cause of posterior circulation stroke. Their diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms, yet prompt recognition is essential to guide management. Objective: This study aimed to report a rare case of an extracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm presenting as a posterior circulation stroke in a young adult, successfully managed with flow-diverter stenting. Clinical Case: A 33-year-old woman presented with sudden-onset dysarthria, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed infarcts in the left occipital lobe, cerebellar peduncle, and both cerebellar hemispheres. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) demonstrated a fusiform aneurysm in the V2 segment of the left vertebral artery, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed a dissecting aneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with a flow-diverting stent and remained stable at 6 months’ follow-up with mRS 1. Results: EVAA are uncommon but can manifest as posterior circulation ischemic events in young patients. Endovascular treatment with flow-diverting stents has been reported as a feasible option in selected cases, although evidence remains limited to case reports and small series. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering rare yet potentially treatable etiologies of vertebrobasilar stroke in young patients and highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach to management.