Fonoaudiología-Pregrado

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace-test.ucuenca.edu.ec/handle/123456789/258

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Prevalencia de los trastornos del desarrollo del lenguaje en niños de 2 a 6 años. Centro de Desarrollo Infantil-Universidad de Cuenca. 2023
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-08-04) Pugo Paucar, Marcela Salomé; Guerra de la Torre, Orivelsys
Background: Developmental language disorders (DLD) significantly affect communication, learning, and social interaction during childhood. In Ecuador, the lack of research on their prevalence limits the implementation of early intervention strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of DLD in children aged 2 to 6 years who attended the Child Development Center at the University of Cuenca in 2023. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through the review of 62 medical records of children evaluated in the speech therapy department. Sociodemographic data and diagnoses were collected based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Information was entered into a structured Google Forms database and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used: mean, standard deviation, and variance for quantitative variables, and frequency and percentage tables for qualitative variables. Results: 43.6% of the children presented some type of DLD. The most frequent was receptive and expressive language impairment (19.4%), followed by general developmental language disorder (16.1%) and expressive language impairment (8.1%). Prevalence was higher in boys (63%) and in 4-year-old children (33.3%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of DLD in this population highlights the need for timely detection and multidisciplinary intervention during the early stages of development.
Prevalencia de hipoacusia neurosensorial en pacientes con exposición a ruido laboral que acudieron al Centro Servicio Auditivo Social del cantón Gualaceo, período septiembre 2020 – septiembre 2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-05-08) Gutiérrez Ávila, Jessenia Monserrath; Bermeo García, Karen Daniela; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background. Exposure to noise, equal to or greater than 85 dB, for a prolonged time causes damage to the ear, specifically in the hair cells and the cochlear membrane and leads to hearing loss; If exposure is continuous, the damage is progressive and may increase even after exposure ceases, since damage to the inner ear and auditory neural system is generally permanent. Objective. To determine by audiometry the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with exposure to occupational noise who were evaluated at the Social Hearing Service Center of Gualaceo. Materials and methods. With a cross-sectional observational design, information was collected from the "NOAH Software System" database of people served in the period 2020 to 2022 who carried out activities under exposure to occupational noise and were evaluated by audiometry. With descriptive statistics and with the help of IBM-SPSS™ vers 22.0, the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss and its distribution according to sociodemographic characteristics were calculated: age, sex, residence, education, occupation, time of exposure and audiometric characteristics. An association was sought with the time of exposure to noise, age and occupation, by calculation of OR CI95%. The values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. Resultados. Information from 250 audiometry tests performed on the same number of patients was analyzed, with a median age of 45.5 years (P25 35.5 – P75 55.5); males 81.6%; urban residence 57.5%; secondary education 64.8% and main occupations: mining (26.4%) and masonry (19.6%). There was hearing loss in 39.6% of the population and the prevalence of sensorineural was 30%; the majority were mild (19.6%) and moderate (13.6%) with 20.4% bilateral. There was a significant association between sensorineural hearing loss and exposure to occupational noise ≥ 10 years [OR 14,8; IC95%(7,7 – 28,5), < 0,001], Age over 50 years [OR 14,8; IC95%(7,7 – 28,5), < 0,001] and mining work [OR 14,8; IC95%(7,7 – 28,5), < 0,001]. Conclusions. In the association of sensorineural hearing loss with the time of exposure to occupational noise and other demographic factors, our results are consistent with the reports of the specialized literature. By identifying the conditions that contribute to the increased likelihood of sensorineural hearing loss, this information may be beneficial for implementing preventive strategies for the benefit of the National Health System.
Estado auditivo de adultos mayores en el Centro Auditivo Audifon de Macas, periodo septiembre 2024-febrero 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-14) Gómez Tacuri, Katherine Alexandra; Alcalá Aristimuño, Yralis Juanita
Hearing is a complex process that requires the participation of various anatomical structures that play an important role in the perception of sounds. However when there is an alteration in any of them, it causes hearing loss, which is common in older adults due to aging. Several studies confirm that the prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, causing negative impacts on communication, cognitively and on mood. For these reasons, this descriptive study details the hearings status of the older adult population through threshold tonal audiometry that provided information on the type of heating loss and the prevalence on hearing in the city on Macas, Objective: To determine the haring status of older adults at the Audifon Hearing Center in the period September 2024. February 2025. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in the population aged 65 to 99 years who attend the Audifon Hearing Center by collecting data with a form, otoscopy and audiometry. The results were analyzed in SPSS version 22 software, using tables and percentages. Results: Of the 60 users evaluated the male sex predominated with 53.3% according to age range, 70- 74 years predominated with 28.3%. 26.7% of patients have high blood pressure and 11.7% have diabetes mellitus; these data allow us to know the hearing status of the city of Mcas. Conclusions; There is higher percentage of users with moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Percepción de los docentes de la Coordinación Zonal N°6 sobre la tartamudez en el periodo 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-07) Velecela Coello, Kristhel Ariana; Argudo Guallpa, Juan Diego
Background: Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repetitions and prolongations of sounds or syllables and silent pauses called blocks. The support of all the people who are permanently in contact with the patient is significant during diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, teachers play an important role when dealing with a student who stutters; for this purpose, appropriate knowledge about this disorder is essential. Basic concepts, treatment, and strategies adopted in the classroom are some of the keys that teachers must be aware of when working with children with speech disorders. This study determined the perception of teachers from the Regional Coordinating Office 6, identifying the strengths and needs that they have in regard to this topic and suggesting new research areas related to strengthening or improving their intervention. Objective: To identify the perception of teachers of the schools of the Regional Coordinating Office 6 of the Ministry of Education Cuenca about stuttering, in 2024-2025. Methods: This is a descriptive, prospective, and non-experimental study. The study variable is the perception of the Regional Coordinating Office 6 of the Ministry of Education Cuenca. Quantitative research was conducted. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to measure the variable, which was adapted from previous research. The study was based on average stuttering frequency worldwide according to the WHO. Results: Out of 319 teachers, most of them were unaware of the subject in general: concept, treatment, and strategies adopted in the classroom; this means that there is poor management of this disorder.
Alteraciones auditivas en estudiantes de octavo semestre de la carrera de odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, periodo 2024 -2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-04-07) Acosta Gomez, Jessica Lisseth; Zhinin Solis, Dayanna Katherine; Quito Vidal, María Paz
Background: Hearing is the ability to perceive environmental sounds like the speech ones. Hearing loss is one of the disorders that causes the most complications in communication. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 5% of the population worldwide, that is, 430 million people, are hearing impaired. Hearing is altered by high intensity sounds; dentistry students are exposed to noise generated by dental equipment, which can exceed 85 decibels (dB), the limit established by the WHO. Objective: The objective of the research project was to determine hearing disorders in eighth semester students of the Dentistry major at the Catholic University of Cuenca, term 2024-2025. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Sample of 78 dentistry students from the Catholic University of Cuenca. The instruments used were the data collection form, otoscopy examinations, and pure tone audiometry tests. Noise in clinical spaces was measured using a sound level meter. Data were analyzed and interpreted using IBM SPSS 25. Results: Statistical analysis showed that 100% of dentistry students had normal bilateral hearing parameters, and 100% of students did not use ear protectors. Conclusions: Dentistry students had normal hearing parameters without hearing disorders.
Autopercepción vocal de los docentes de la Unidad Educativa Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Cuenca. Periodo 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-27) Sinche Solis, Fernanda Nathaly; Rodas Amaya, Josué Ismael; García Lima, Jorge Bolívar
Background: The human voice is an essential instrument in the professional life of teachers, musicians, singers and announcers, and also performs respiratory and digestive functions. Teachers are at higher risk of vocal problems like nodules, polyps, Reinke’s edema, or laryngeal whiplash, which may affect their professional performance. The Voice handicap Index (VHI) is an assessment tool used to measure the impact of voice problems on an individual’s quality of life. It is a questionnaire assessing emotional, functional, and physical aspect related to the human voice. General objective: To determine the vocal self-perception of teachers of Estados Unidos de America School (Cuenca), using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) in 2024-2025. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, featuring 58 participants. A data collection questionnaire and the VHI test were used. Data analysis and tabulation was performed using IBM SPSS 29. Results: Thirty-six of 58 participants were females and 22 were males. On the other hand, teachers working eight hours a day reported more vocal problems. Vocal alteration was more common in individuals aged 31 to 40 years. Conclusions: Mild vocal alterations predominate, affecting the physical dimension mainly.
Estado vocal en los docentes de artes escénicas y artes musicales en la Universidad de Cuenca, 2024,2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-27) Jiménez Sarmiento, Paola Vanessa; García Lima, Jorge Bolívar
Background: The human voice is the main means of verbal communication among people. For teachers, it is a key tool for their daily work, as it facilitates teaching and learning. However, daily use of the voice exposes them to vocal overuse and affects their profesional performance, leading to physical and emotional functional consequences; therefore, it is important to avoid these behaviors. General Objective: To determine the vocal status of teachers of the Performing Arts and Musical Arts majors at the University of Cuenca, in 2024,2025. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at the University of Cuenca School of Arts, featuring 46 teachers. Informed consent, a data collection questionnaire, and the Voice Handicap Index (qualitative) test were used, classified in mild, moderate, and severe ranges. Data collected was processed using IBM SPSS 29, and the analysis and tabulation was also carried out. Results: 65,2% of the teachers were males, while 34,8%were females; males had more harmful voice habits. On the other hand, 73,9% of the particiánts reported mild vocal status, 21,7% moderate, and 4,3% severe. Conclusions: There is a higher percentage of vocal alteration, meaning that the aforementioned university teachers show poor voice care.
Características acústicas de la voz en adultos mayores jubilados IESS - Cuenca, 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-27) Angamarca Caldas, Flor del Rocio; Quilambaqui Iñiguez, Ligma Irene; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
The human voice is an essential tool for communication as it transmits emotions and opinions. In older adults, this ability deteriorates due to physiological aging. Objective: To determine the acoustic characteristics of the voice in IESS retires older adults in Cuenca in 2024-2025. Methodology: The universe comprised 165 patients. The collection of the acoustic characteristics of the voice was made through a structured survey, which included demographic variables (age, sex, residence, marital status, work/occupation) and independent variables (vocal habits and concomitant diseases). Likewise, the following speech-language pathology batteries were used: Perceptual voice scale (GRBAS), Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and speech analysis in phonetics (PRAAT). Result: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Results reported 47.3% older adults with vocal alteration 52.7% older adults without vocal alteration; this alteration was more common in females (67.9%).
Estado auditivo de los miembros de la Corporación Aeroportuaria de Cuenca, 2023 - 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-21) Soto Ortega, Kevin Francisco; Rodas Molina, María Belén
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL.) is a significant occupational health problem, considered the second most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss, after presbycusis. This type of hearing loss, usually irreversible, results from prolonged exposure to loud noise in work environments and affects the quality of life of workers. A descriptive and observational study was conducted with 80 employees of Cuenca Airport Corporation in 2023-2024. Data was obtained from audiometry tests and sociodemographic characteristics from an anonymized database. Data was presented using frequency tables and percentages. The study population mainly comprised males (80%), with a mean age of 40.85 years. 31.2% of the participants had hearing loss, with the sensorineural type predominating (20%). The most common degrees of hearing loss were moderate (15%), while 5% had severe hearing loss. These results are consistent with previous studies reporting similar prevalence in noisy work environments. Noise-induced hearing loss is a prevalent condition in this population, with a significant impact on the quality of working life. Most of the identified cases are mild or moderate, which highlights the importance of implementing early preventive measures like hearing conservation programs, periodic monitoring of hearing health, and reduction of environmental noise. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive policies that address noise as a priority occupational risk factor.
Análisis de las características vocales en entrenadores de escuelas privadas de fútbol en Cuenca, septiembre 2024 a enero 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-21) Guerra Verdugo, Johmayra Samantha; Segarra Brito, Daniela Estefanía; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
The voice is an essential tool for the soccer coach, as it is a key means of communication. Incorrect use of tone and intensity during training and competitions can affect its functioning, which generates vocal problems that affect communication and therefore job performance. Objective: To determine the vocal characteristics in coaches of private soccer schools. Cuenca, 2024 - 2025. Methodology: the sample consisted of 50 soccer coaches from private schools in Cuenca, a questionnaire was applied in order to know the coaches' voice history (Annex 3), and phonoaudiological tests: Voice Handicap Index (Annex 4), in addition, the PRAAT program. Results: descriptive study carried out with 50 soccer coaches from private schools in the city of Cuenca, obtaining a 99% male dominance, the average age of the population is between 20 and 30 years old. Through the use of subjective and objective evaluations of the voice, in which it was observed that there is a higher prevalence of mild vocal alteration (72%) in the physical level (70%) in the VHI, in the PRAAT program nonpathological results were obtained in shimmer (60%) and jitter (56%). Conclusion: the results of the present study allowed us to determine the acoustic characteristics such as Jitter Shimmer and fundamental frequency of the population group studied, which served as a pillar for the formulation and use of strategies for a more efficient and effective treatment of the VHI.
Cualidades vocales de los locutores del Círculo de Periodistas Deportivos del Azuay, 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-12) Narváez Márquez, Jessica Cecibel; Ordóñez Arévalo, Daysi Valeria; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background: The voice is an essential tool for the performance of announcers, since they use it for entertainment, narration, and advertising. Therefore, they have to face a high vocal demand for long time, and thus they are considered a target group that requires subjective and objective speech therapy evaluation. Objectives: To determine the vocal qualities of the announcers of the Sports Journalists' Association of Azuay, 2024-2025. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Sample: The universe comprised 65 announcers from the Sports Journalists Association of Azuay, in which a systematized (closed) survey and objective and subjective evaluation instruments were implemented. Data was tabulated using IBM SPSS 22. Results: Most of the 65 announcers were males (93.85%) and the most common age range was 46 to 55 years, which represented 40% of the sample. With the use of VHI speech and language therapy, the highest prevalence was mild (97%); GRBAS: most participants showed mild alterations in sections grade 69.23%; hoarseness, 58.46%; asthenia, 47.70%, and breathy voice, 60% in tense voice. 80% did not change, while 20% showed mild affectation. Pratt: abnormalities were identified, mainly in HNR (80%), followed by Jitter (43.08%), Shimmer (38.46%), NHR (32.31%), and fundamental frequency (13.85%). Conclusion: Research showed higher prevalence of voice misuse in male coaches and mild alteration in the vocal qualities of sports announcers. Expected results: Vocal cord dysfunction in the Sports Journalists' Association of Azuay.
Análisis acústico de la voz en docentes jubilados de la Unión Nacional de Educadores – Núcleo del Azuay, 2024 - 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-11) Pinos Neira, Freddy Paul; Alcalá Aristimuño, Yralis Juanita
This descriptive quantitative study focused on the evaluation of the voice of retired teachers: individuals vulnerable to vocal pathologies due to factors associated with age and their profession. With 60 participants from the National Union of Teachers in Azuay, population characteristics and levels of acoustic disturbance in the voice were analyzed using Praat software. 65% were males and 35% were females; most of them aged 60-74 years old with a teaching career of 30 to 39 years. The findings showed that, although 96.7% did not use harmful substances, 63.3% ate acidic foods and 51.7% did not hydrate properly, 85% were not exposed to harmful environmental factors or faced adverse emotional situations, but 33.3% perceived vocal difficulties and did not seek treatment. The acoustic analysis showed significant alterations in the Shimmer values in 66.6% of the cases. Results show the prevalence of vocal alterations in this population, related to unhealthy habits and lack of awareness about the importance of vocal care. Therefore, it is essential to implement preventive and awareness-raising strategies to improve vocal health in retired teachers, even though there is currently limited research on this subject in this age group.
Hipoacusia conductiva en pacientes con fisura palatina del Centro Fonoatelier, Cuenca 2022 - 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Reyes Reyes, Dayana Lisbeth; Roblez Montesdeoca, Salomé Juliana; Argudo Guallpa, Juan Diego
People with cleft palate often have middle ear dysfunction, which causes conductive hearing loss in 90% of cases, affecting their cognitive and social development. This is associated with otitis No 05944 media with effusion. Although audiometry can show normal results, tests like tympanometry and acoustic reflex are essential to identify alterations that may affect communication and quality of life. In Ecuador, the occurrence of unilateral clefts on the left side is the most common, especially in men, which is linked to factors like maternal age, exposure to chemicals, alcohol, cigarettes, and infections in pregnancy. Objective: To determine the prevalence of conductive hearing loss in patients with cleft palate at FonoAtelier center in Cuenca (2022-2024). Methods: Quantitative, observational-descriptive and retrospective study, based on data from the FonoAtelier center. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 29.0, which produced frequencies and percentages shown in tables. Results: Out of 134 patients, 57.5% were males; the most common group was that of 6 to 8 years and 11 months (32.8%). Complete bilateral cleft palate (27.6%) reported a higher incidence of conductive hearing loss; mild hearing loss was the most common (33.6% in the right ear and 37.3% in the left ear). Tympanometry showed that type As curve was the most frequent (35.8% in the right ear and 44.8% in the left ear). Conclusions: Mild conductive hearing loss is the most common in patients with cleft palate at FonoAtelier. Medical tests like tympanometry are fundamental, since alterations that affect language development can be detected even in people with normal hearing.
Prevalencia del estado velofaríngeo en pacientes con fisura labiopalatina de la Fundación Smile Train-Fonotelier, Cuenca, 2024 – 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Loayza Ramos, Luisa María; Meneses Benavides, Josmary Mabel; Alcalá Aristimuño, Yralis Juanita
Background: People with cleft lip and palate usually present functional alterations in the soft palate, influenced by factors such as surgical and therapeutic history. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out with a sample of 100 patients. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of velopharyngeal status in patients of the Smile Train- Fonotelier Foundation, in Cuenca, 2024-2025, using the protocol of evaluation of velopharyngeal insufficiency, to categorize the population according to sex, age, and type of cleft, to identify velopharyngeal insufficiency according to variables. Results: The highest proportion corresponded to males (54%), mean age 6 and 11 years (44%), and the most frequent fissures were bilateral transforamen (41%) and left unilateral transforamen (28%). Eighty percent of the patients presented IVF or an insufficient velopharyngeal borderline mechanism (VPLI). Speech therapy had a significant influence: 20% of patients who received more than three years of therapy achieved a sufficient velopharyngeal mechanism (SVM) or sufficient borderline velopharyngeal mechanism (SLVM), while 54% of those who received less than 11 months of therapy had IVF or SLVM. Furthermore, no patient surgically intervened after 3 years of age achieved an MVS or MVLS, which is evidence that early surgery reduces the risk of IVF, although it is not a determining factor by itself. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach combining timely surgeries and prolonged speech therapy to optimize functional outcomes in patients with cleft lip and palate.
Estado vocal de los integrantes del coro “Santa Catalina” de la ciudad de Cuenca. 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Arcentales Moscoso, Esteban Xavier; Guerrero Arindia, Tiani Andrea; Quito Vidal, María Paz
Background: overall prevalence of self-perceived dysphonia in singers is approximately 50%, resulting from the time they spend using their voice and inappropriate vocal habits they are exposed to. Objective: to determinate the vocal cord status of members of Santa Catalina choir of the city of Cuenca in 2024-2025 Methods: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted to 40 members of Santa Catalina choir in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. For data collection, the participants signed an informed consent and filled out their voice medical history; then, their vocal cord status was analyzed using VHI. Analysis and tabulation of data was carried out using IBM SPSS 30. Results: out of 40 participants, 60% are females and 40% are males. The largest group is that of 61-to-70-year-old individuals (57.5%). Most of the choir singers use their voice between 3 and 5 hours per week (67.5%). The members of the choir have from 5 to 9 years and 11 months of choral experience (40%). In regard to vocal hygiene habits, consumption of coffee (77.5%) and tea (67.5%) is predominant. Ninety-five percent of the participants have a mild vocal condition and 5% have a moderate one. Conclusions: the majority of the members of Santa Catalina choir perceive that their vocal condition has a mild alteration
Incidencia de hipoacusia en trabajadores de aseo y recolección. Cuenca-Ecuador, 2024
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Guachichullca Guambaña, Judith Gabriela; Pesántez Verdugo, Samira Bethsabé; Lucio Bravo, Miriam Alexandra
Background: Hearing loss is defined as an inability to hear properly, in which hearing ability is reduced and hearing thresholds exceed 20 dB in both ears. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world's population, i.e., 430 million people, have disabling hearing loss. Approximately, 16% of the population has noise-induced hearing loss worldwide, especially adult men; however, this percentage varies from 7% to 21%, depending on the geographic area. Objective: To determine the incidence of hearing loss in sanitation workers of the municipal company EMAC-EP in Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2024. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 58 workers from the municipal company EMAC-EP S Cuenca. Data were collected using audiological records; the hearing status in the participants was determined using preliminary pure-tone audiometry. In addition, frequency and percentage statistics were obtained from the data using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. Results: Out of 58 participants, 13.8% reported sensorineural hearing loss, which was the prevailing figure, and similarly, according to its extent, 10.3% was mostly bilateral. In regard to the degree, mild hearing loss was the most prevailing (9.5%). Conclusion: Of all the study population, 20.6% had hearing loss, predominantly bilateral sensorineural; however, a lower percentage was reported in conductive and mixed hearing loss, bilaterally.
Estado vocal en la población LGBT + de la Fundación Elizabeth Blackwell- Cuenca 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Pulla Cornejo, Juan Andres; Echeverria Rengiffo, Genesis Estefanía; Lucio Bravo, Miriam Alexandra
Background: Vocal self-perception of the LGBT+ community is a topic that has been little addressed in health services, especially in the area of speech therapy, due to lack of knowledge of their particular needs and discrimination they currently experience in our society. Objective: To determine the vocal status of the LGBT+ population of the Elizabeth Blackwell Foundation in Cuenca in 2024-2025. Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025, featuring 120 participants from the Elizabeth Blackwell Foundation. Information was collected using a data collection form, including age, sex, gander identity, sexual orientation, hormonal treatment, vocal rehabilitation, occupation, and vocal habits, and the Voice Handicap Index-30 speech assessment battery. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS 30.0 and data was using tables according to the study variables. Results: Out of 120 participants, 78,85 perceived themselves as having a mild vocal degree, 16.7% as having a moderate degree, 83% as having a severe degree, and 42% as having a serious degree; however, 4,2% of transgender people face the highest vocal risk since they reported having a severe handicap.
Problemas deglutorios y calidad de vida de adultos mayores del Centro de Cuidados del Adulto Mayor, Cuenca, 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Llapa Chiqui, Shirley Lizbeth; Barros Vanegas , Diego Armando; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background: swallowing problems are diseases that affect the digestive system, with dysphagia the most common symptom; this condition compromises older adults who suffer anatomical and physiological changes at the swallowing system. Several risk factors, such as concomitant pathologies, consumption of drugs, and use or prostheses, contribute to these problems, impairing their quality of life. Its prevalence ranges between 15 and 22% worldwide and approximately 30% in Latin America. Objectives: to determine swallowing problems and quality of life in older adults at the Elderly Care Center, Cuenca, 2024-2025. Methods: a descriptive-transversal study was conducted on 110 older adults at the Elderly Care Center. A data collection form, the EAT-10 test to evaluate dysphagia, and the SWALL-QOL to measure quality of life were used. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS version 29. Results: 35.5% of the population studied presented swallowing problems, predominantly in woman (25.5%). Of the cases, 30.9% were related to concomitant pathologies, 77.3% to drug use, and 30% to the use of dental prostheses. In the 75-79 age group, 11.8% presented swallowing problems. Regarding quality of life, 5.4% reported a ¨good¨ perception, 68.2% ¨very good¨, and 26.4% ¨excellent¨ quality of life. Conclusions: the findings underscore the importance of identifying and addressing swallowing problems to ensure comprehensive care for older adults that promotes their well-being and quality of life.
Estado auditivo en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo II de la Clínica España, 2024-2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Cartagena Peñafiel, Lisseth Pamela; Quezada Bustamante, Jennifer Estefanía; Vanegas Bravo, Marcia Alexandra
Background: The auditory system is essential for the development of communication and for human social integration. Several studies found a link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and hearing loss due to the impact of its pathophysiology on the inner ear, which is related to various risk factors like time to diagnosis, duration, and severity of DM2. Objective: To determine the auditory status of patients featuring type 2 diabetes mellitus at Clinica España, in Cuenca, 2024-2025. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample of 75 patients with DM2 underwent an audiological record, otoscopy, and a pure-tone audiometry. Data were tabulated using IBM SPSS 15. Results: Out of 75 patients evaluated, the largest number corresponds to females, that is 61.3%, (46) while males accounted for 38.7% (29). In addition, the population between 56 and 60 years stands out. When analyzing the results of the pure-tone audiometry, 24% corresponds to normal hearing and 76% to hearing loss. Conclusions: It is evident that the population with DM2 presents different degrees of hearing loss.
Retraso del lenguaje en niños de escuelas fiscales, sector Yanuncay, nacidos durante la pandemia SARS-CoV- 2. Cuenca 2024 - 2025
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-03-10) Llivisaca Mejia, Liliana Elizabeth; Pulla Palacios, Luis David; Quito Vidal, María Paz
Background: the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and containment measures affected social interaction, which increased risk factors like lack of stimulation and exposed children to challenges in language acquisition. Language delay is one of the most common disorders in childhood, and there is little research on children born during the pandemic. Goals: to determine the frequency of language delay in children from public schools in the area of Yanuncay, born during the 2024-2025 pandemic, and associated risk factors. Methods: quantitative cross-sectional study featuring 105 first-grade children from Ciudad de Cuenca, Fray Vicente Solano and Otto Arosemena Gómez schools in the area of Yanuncay in the 2024-2025 school year. A survey and the Preschool Language Test (PLS-5) were applied. Results: language delay affected 62.9% of the participants: mild language delay was the most common (43.8) in the 5 to 5 years and 6 months’ age group (30.5%), males (22.9%) from urban areas (31.4%), with stimulation less than once a week (23.8%) and less than one hour of screen time per day (25.7%), with parents employed in the private sector (16.2%), middle class (23.8%), and medium isolation levels during the pandemic (22.9%). Conclusion: data shows a significant correlation between the occurrence of language delay and factors like male sex, residence, parents’ occupation, economic level, isolation during the pandemic, exposure to screens, and stimulation.

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