Medicina-Pregrado
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Item IMPACTO DE LOS FÁRMACOS ANTIEMÉTICOS EN EL POSTOPERATORIO EN PACIENTES ONCOLÓGICOS DEL HOSPITAL SOLCA. CUENCA. 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-06-02) Figueroa Bustillos, Nicole Salomé; Vega Mora, Ana María; Roldán Fernández, José VicenteBackground: The presence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has represented a significant percentage of the population. The pharmacological management of PONV in the postoperative period mainly relies on the use of antiemetics, whose efficacy may vary depending on several predictor factors such as female sex, non-smoking status, opioid use in the postoperative period, type of surgery, and surgical duration. Objective: To evaluate the pharmacological response of antiemetics in the postoperative period in adult patients and their relationship with predictive factors of nausea and vomiting at the SOLCA Cancer Institute in Cuenca during 2024-2025. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with patients who underwent surgery at the SOLCA Hospital and their pharmacological response to antiemetics in relation to predictive factors. A questionnaire was used that includes the Apfel Scale and the Nausea and Vomiting Intensity Scale. The data was tabulated and processed using SPSS24. Results: According to the Nausea and Vomiting Scale, only 2.7% of the patients showed significant scores, while 97.3% did not show clinically relevant values. Conclusion: The incidence of significant PONV (2.7%) was much lower than the global incidence of 30%. Smoking habits are one of the main protective factors against the occurrence of PONV, as practically none of the patients who smoked experienced it.Item CONOCIMIENTOS, ACTITUDES Y PRÁCTICAS PARA PREVENCIÓN DEL PIE DIABÉTICO EN PACIENTES CON DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO II QUE ACUDEN A CONSULTA EXTERNA DE LA FUNDACIÓN DONUM EN EL PERIODO AGOSTO - DICIEMBRE 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-27) Ortiz Ramón, Mayerling Alexandra; Guamán Tacuri, Milton Alejandro; Reinoso Barzallo, Darío AníbalDiabetic foot is a serious and frequent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2dm), with a significant impact on quality of life, in addition to increasing the risk of hospitalization and amputations. It represents a public health problem, especially in vulnerable populations. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (kap) regarding diabetic foot prevention in patients with t2dm treated at the outpatient clinic of the donum foundation between august and december 2024. An observational, descriptive, and crosssectional study was conducted with a sample of 201 patients. Sociodemographic factors and kap were analyzed. Percentages and frequencies were used for categorical variables, while statistical analysis was performed using epi-info 7.2 and microsoft excel 2016. The results showed that 32.3% had a good level of knowledge about diabetic foot, 45.8% had an intermediate level, and 21.9% had a poor level. Although 97.5% reported positive attitudes, preventive practices were inadequate. Most participants inspected their feet regularly, but daily moisturizing, proper nail trimming, and the use of protective footwear remained limited. Factors such as lower educational level and restricted access to healthcare significantly affected self-care. Despite favorable attitudes, deficient preventive practices increase the risk of severe complications, making it necessary to strengthen educational programs and primary healthcare with multidisciplinary teams, prioritizing vulnerable patients to improve self-care and prevent complications. These findings highlight the importance of continuous education, early detection strategies, and regular clinical follow-up to reduce diabetic foot complications, improve treatment adherence, and decrease the burden associated with diabetes complications.Item Conducta alimentaria y estado nutricional en estudiantes de la Unidad Educativa Paccha: un estudio descriptivo, 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-26) Merchán Caguana, Paul Alfonso; Ruilova Astudillo, Maria Daniela; Achig Balarezo, David RicardoBackground: Childhood malnutrition is a public health problem manifested by both nutritional deficiency and excess. In Ecuador, the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight among schoolchildren represents an important challenge, especially in rural populations undergoing nutritional transition. Objective: To describe the eating behavior profile and nutritional status of fifth- and sixth-grade students from Unidad Educativa Paccha. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 42 schoolchildren. A previously collected database was used, which evaluated eating behavior through a validated food consumption questionnaire, nutritional status through anthropometric indicators (weight, height, and BMI), and body composition using the InBody 120 device. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel through frequencies and percentages. Results: The mean age was 10 years. Short stature was identified in 14.29% of participants. According to BMI, 64.29% presented excess weight, including 47.62% with obesity and 16.67% with overweight. Bioelectrical impedance analysis showed that 73.81% had high body fat and 54.76% had low lean mass. In addition, 69.05% of students reported bringing money to school daily to purchase ultra-processed and high-calorie foods, while water intake was insufficient and 64.29% reported daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusions: The findings reflect a nutritional profile characterized by excess malnutrition and unhealthy eating habits among rural schoolchildren, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessments that include anthropometric indicators and body composition variables to achieve a more accurate characterization of childhood nutritional status.Item Calidad de servicio en la Unidad Operativa Pumapungo del Ministerio de Salud Pública desde la perspectiva de los usuarios externos. Cuenca 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-22) Hernández Paladines, Joselyn Nury; Matute Arcentales, Nathaly Ximena; Parra Parra, Jorge LeonidasQuality in health services is a determinant of social well-being, as it enables individuals to enjoy good health through optimal care, leading patients to develop a positive perception of the quality of services received at a medical unit. However, this may be affected when the healthcare institution does not provide effective care, lacks the necessary resources, or when the professional-patient interaction is inadequate. Our principal objective is to determine the quality of service provided at the Pumapungo Operational Unit of the Minsitry of Health from the persective of external users, Cuenca, 2025. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 272 research participantes. The SERVQUAL questionnaire, a validated instrument that gathers information regarding the care received and overall usea satisfaction, was applied. Data were processed using SPSS version 2. Results are presented in simple and contingency tables. The study revealed that the quality of service at the Pumapungo Operational Unit, according to the percepcion of external users, was positive, with an overall optimal average that exceeded expectations, predominantly ranging between “better than expected” and “much better than expected”.Item Sostenibilidad alimentaria, memoria e identidad para la salud intercultural en comunidad de Taday, cantón Azogues, 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-21) Aguilar Galarza, Beatriz Elena; Agurto Cobos, Gerardo Esteban; Achig Balarezo, David RicardoThis study aimed to describe the experiences and meanings related to food sustainability, memory, and cultural identity as foundations of intercultural health in the community of Taday, Azogues canton. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological perspective was used, involving twelve community actors (parents and community elders) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through unstructured interviews. The results showed that food practices maintain a strong traditional foundation, based on family production and the consumption of local foods such as native potatoes, mote, maize, and legumes. Although an increase in the consumption of industrialized and processed products was observed, especially among younger generations, foods grown within the community continue to be highly valued due to their association with health, strength, and well-being. Participants also emphasized the deep cultural and emotional significance of traditional foods, linking them to identity, collective memory, and spirituality. Regarding knowledge transmission, this occurs mainly within the family through daily practice; however, factors such as migration and generational changes have partially weakened this continuity. In conclusion, traditional food is a key element in the construction of cultural identity and in the promotion of community health, highlighting the importance of preserving local knowledge and food practices to strengthen intercultural health and food sustainability in rural Andean contexts.Item Nivel de Conocimiento y Prácticas sobre Lactancia Materna en los Primeros Años de Vida, en Puérperas del Hospital Humanitario Pablo Jaramillo Crespo 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-20) Largo Enriquez, Daniela Elizabeth; Aucapiña Paute, Karol Andrea; Reinoso Barzallo, Darío AníbalBackground: Breast milk is a highly nutritional food that ensures the health and proper development of the infant in the first years of life. However, despite its multiple benefits, breastfeeding faces several challenges that may hinder its practice, making it a global public health problem. Objective: To describe the level of knowledge and practices on breastfeeding in the first years of life in postpartum women at the Pablo Jaramillo Crespo Humanitarian Hospital 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 118 puerperal women from the Hospital Humanitario Pablo Jaramillo Crespo, to whom the questionnaire “Cuestionario Conocimiento y Prácticas” by Velásquez 2019, consisting of 12 knowledge questions categorizing as: knows (≥9 points) and does not know (≤8 points) and 6 practice questions, categorizing as: good practice (≥5 points) and poor practice (≤4 points). To determine the relationship between level of knowledge and practices, the Chi-Square statistical test was used with a 95% CI and p value >0.05. Results: It was evidenced that, 21.19% of the puerperae knew about breastfeeding, 67.80% had good breastfeeding practice and 25% had a relationship between knowledge and good breastfeeding practice. Conclusions: The postpartum women of the Pablo Jaramillo Crespo Humanitarian Hospital did not know about breastfeeding (78.81%), however, they had good breastfeeding practices (67.80%), i.e., there is no statistically significant relationship between the level of knowledge and breastfeeding practices.Item ENCUESTA COPROPARASITARIA EN LA ESCUELA "NACIONES UNIDAS" DE LA CUIDAD DE AZOGUES(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 1974) García Urgilés, Fernando; Neira Pavón, OctavioItem Prevalencia y factores asociados a la automedicación en estudiantes del área de la salud de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-13) Quichimbo Ortiz, Paola Gabriela; Cevallos Durán, Christian Alejandro; Roldán Fernández, José VicenteBackground: Studies show that university students in the health sciences present a high prevalence of self-medication, making this practice a growing, normalized, and multifactorial public health problem. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among health sciences students at the University of Cuenca. Methods: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 394 students from the September 2024–January 2025 academic term. The sample size was calculated based on a 55% prevalence of self-medication, a 95% confidence level, and a significance level of 0.05. The questionnaire was designed by the researchers and subjected to a pilot test (based on the “Questionnaire to Measure Self-Medication in University Students” and the “Data Collection Instrument to Identify Self-Medication in University Students,” modified according to the research objectives). Socioeconomic status was analyzed using the Graffar-Méndez method. The database was created in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. Participation was voluntary through informed consent. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (CEISH). Results: The prevalence of self-medication among health sciences students at the University of Cuenca was 73.9%, mainly among women (73.1%) and physiotherapy students (86.2%). Analgesics were the most commonly used medications (72.3%), and headache was the main reported symptom (58.2%). A statistically significant association was found between self-medication and academic level (OR=1.839, CI[1.152, 2.937]), as well as socioeconomic status (OR=1.573, CI[1.189–3.034]). Conclusions: Self-medication is a common practice in our university community and is associated with both socioeconomic status and academic level.Item PREVALENCIA DE SÍNDROME DE BURNOUT Y FACTORES ASOCIADOS EN PERSONAL DE SALUD EN EL HOSPITAL HOMERO CASTANIER CRESPO 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-13) Illares Chumbi, Daniel Alexis; Aucapiña Campoverde, Kelly Valentina; Morocho Malla, Manuel IsmaelIntroduction: Burnout syndrome constitutes an occupational phenomenon associated with chronic work-related stress that significantly affects healthcare personnel, compromising both their psychological well-being and the quality of care provided to patients. Its identification and analysis in hospital settings are essential for guiding prevention strategies and promoting occupational health. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Burnout syndrome and the associated sociodemographic factors among healthcare personnel at Homero Castanier Crespo Hospital during 2025. Methodology: An analytic cross - sectional study was conducted among 156 healthcare professionals with more than three years of service at the institution. Data collection was carried out using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and tests of association using the chi-square test, with Odds Ratios estimated alongside 95% confidence intervals. Results: The overall prevalence of Burnout syndrome was 7.1%. Dimensional analysis revealed greater impact in the domain of personal accomplishment, whereas the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization presented lower proportions of alteration. Conclusions: Although the overall prevalence of Burnout was low in the studied population, the impairment observed in the dimension of personal accomplishment suggests the need to strengthen occupational surveillance strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting workplace well-being among healthcare personnel.Item INVESTIGACION DE LA CALIDAD BACTERIOLOGICA DE LOS REFRESCOS DE CONSUMO POPULAR EN LA CIUDAD DE CUENCA(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 1973) Larriva Rivera, Antonio; Borja Astudillo, Carlos; Uyaguari Códova, Alberto; Neira Pavón, OctavioItem Prevalencia de depresión y factores asociados en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en el centro de salud de Ricaurte. Cuenca. 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-05-12) Guamán Coronel, Sonia Andrea; Morocho Malla, Manuel IsmaelDepression is a common disorder and a public health problem, especially in people with noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), due to its influence on disease progression. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and associated factors in patients with NCDs treated at the Ricaurte Health Center. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 317 adults with NCDs, to whom a survey including sociodemographic and clinical variables was applied, along with the PHQ-9 questionnaire to assess depression prevalence and the Morisky-Green test to evaluate treatment adherence. The study population consisted of 54.6% individuals aged 60 years or older, 58.7% women, 53.9% married participants, 46.7% with secondary education, 30.9% housewives, and 82.6% living with others. The most frequent NCDs were arterial hypertension (30.6%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (26.8%), and cardiovascular disease (14.5%). The prevalence of depression was 62.1%. Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were found between depression and marital status, educational level, occupation, social support, disease duration, and treatment adherence. Patients without a partner (PR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.10-1.52), with low educational level (PR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.11-3.26), low social support (PR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.34-1.86), poor treatment adherence (PR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.93-3.14), and longer disease duration (PR=2.81; 95% CI: 1.96-4.02) showed a higher probability of depression. In conclusion, there is an association between depression and sociodemographic and clinical factors, highlighting the need to strengthen its detection and comprehensive management at the primary care level.Item Encuesta coproparasitaria y tratamiento del alumnado de la Escuela "Manuel Balarezo" de la Parroquia de Nulti. Provincia del Azuay(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 1974) Andrade Ch., Marcelo; Narváez de Andreade, Alicia; Neira Pavón, OctavioItem Relación entre el estrés académico, calidad del sueño y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de la carrera de medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-04-29) Granda Orellana, Darly Elizabeth; González Ramón, Carlos Alberto; Roldán Fernández, José VicenteBackground; the medical field is renowned for its rigorous academic demands and time commitments, placing significant pressure on students. This results in high levels of academic stress that can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being, affecting sleep quality, overall health, and academic performance. Objective to determine the relationship between academic stress, sleep quality, and academic performance among medical students at the University of Cuenca. Methodology; this is a quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical prevalence study. A total of 364 medical students participated. Descriptive variables included: sex, age, residence, origin, academic year, academic stress, sleep quality, and academic performance. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the SISCO SV-21 inventory were used. Data analysis involved frequencies, percentages, measures of central tendency and dispersion, Pearson correlation for hypothesis testing (significance level p <0.05), and prevalence ratio with 95% IC to assess the type of association. Results a statistically significant association was found between academic stress and sleep quality according to Pearson correlation (0.265, p < 0.001). However, no relationship was found between stress and academic performance, nor between sleep quality and academic performance. Conclusions; this study provides an overview of the prevalence of academic stress and sleep quality, and their relationship with academic performance.Item Absceso hepático secundario a fístula de tumor localizado en ángulo hepático de colon. Reporte de caso(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-04-28) Jiménez Sánchez, Carlos Ariel; Pulla Maldonado, Luciana Lizbeth; Reinoso Naranjo, Jeovanni HomeroColorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with an incidence rate of 18.4 new cases and a mortality rate of 8.1 deaths per 100,000 people per year. Although it’s usual presentation includes gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal obstruction, in rare cases it can manifest through atypical infectious complications such as liver abscess. The overall objective of this research was to analyse the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of a case of liver abscess secondary to a fistula from a tumour located in the hepatic angle of the colon, highlighting its relevance for clinical practice. A descriptive-narrative methodology was used in this clinical case, complemented by a literature review. We present the case of an elderly adult patient who was admitted with abdominal pain, melena, anaemia, and systemic inflammatory response, in whom initial imaging studies suggested a pyogenic liver abscess. The clinical course, together with triphasic tomography and percutaneous drainage, revealed faecaloid content, which led to suspicion of a colohepatic fistula. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of a perforated tumour of the hepatic flexure of the colon with hepatic cavitation, and a right hemicolectomy and colostomy were performed. This case highlights the importance of considering occult colorectal neoplasms in patients with liver abscesses of unknown cause and underscores the need for a timely and multidisciplinary diagnostic approach to improve clinical outcomes.Item Prevalencia de infección del tracto urinario en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 atendidos en la Fundación Hogar del Ecuador entre 2023 y 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-04-27) Toalongo León, Angélica Paola; Vargas Jarama, Nancy Abigail; Feicán Alvarado, Elsa AstridBackground: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with high prevalence, frequently associated with infectious complications such as urinary tract infection (UTI). There is limited updated local data on the prevalence of this complication, which justifies conducting this study. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of UTI in patients with T2DM treated at Fundación Hogar del Ecuador, describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and establish prevalence according to hypoglycemic treatment. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted through review of medical records of patients with T2DM treated between 2023-2025. Patients over 18 years old were included, collecting clinical and biochemical variables and relevant medical history. A database was obtained from which tabulation and corresponding analysis were performed. Results: A total of 91 patients were analyzed, and a UTI prevalence of 7.7% was found, more frequent in women (85.7%) between 45-64 years (57.1%). Asymptomatic bacteriuria predominated (57.1%) and 100% presented poor glycemic control. 14.3% had comorbidities and 28.6% history of recurrent UTI. Most presented T2DM evolution of 1-4 years (42.9%). Patients treated with sulfonylureas showed higher UTI prevalence (16.7%). Conclusions: Moderate UTI prevalence was found, predominant in middle-aged women and associated with poor glycemic control. The findings highlight the importance of adequate metabolic control to prevent infectious complications in diabetic patients.Item Indice Coproparasitorio de la Escuela "Escuel Octavio Cordero Palacios" de la parroquia Déleg en la Provincia del Cañar República del Ecuador(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 1973) Rodas Cabrera, Jorge; Beltrán Chica, Gerardo L.; Neira, Octavio A.Item Estudio Por Muestreo De Las Condiciones Demográficas, Socio Económicas y Sanitarias - Nutricionales de los Barrios de la Merced y el Seguro(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 1973) Mebarack, Claudio; De Mebarack, Julie; Ruilova, VicenteItem Factores asociados al diagnóstico tardío de cáncer de cuello uterino en mujeres atendidas en el Hospital de SOLCA Cuenca. Cuenca Ecuador 2019- 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-04-09) Suárez Espinoza, Johnson Stefano; Rivera Gutiérrez, Daniela Carolina; Vega Crespo, Bernardo JoséBackground: Cervical cancer remains a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality among women and, in Ecuador, late-stage diagnosis continues to be frequent, leading to poorer clinical outcomes and greater therapeutic complexity. Objective: To identify factors associated with late-stage diagnosis of cervical cancer at SOLCA Cuenca between 2019 and 2024. Methods: A retrospective analytical observational study was conducted through review of anonymized medical records. Late-stage diagnosis was defined as FIGO stage ≥IIB. Associations were assessed using p-values <0.05 and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: A total of 645 records of women diagnosed with cervical cancer were analyzed; 510 (79.1%) corresponded to late-stage diagnosis. Mean age was higher in the late-stage group (55.8 ± 15.3) compared with the early-stage group (50.9 ± 14.0). Higher odds of late-stage diagnosis were observed among women aged ≥50 years (OR=2.21; 95%CI: 1.509–3.259), with no schooling or primary education (OR=2.049; 95%CI: 1.383–3.040), with no prior Pap smear (OR=3.260; 95%CI: 1.996–5.332), and with no HPV screening history (OR=3.946; 95%CI: 2.650–5.875). Regarding contraceptive use, the “no use” category predominated across all stages, without an association analysis. No association was found with health insurance coverage or ethnicity. Conclusions: The prevalence of late-stage diagnosis was high. Associated factors were mainly related to age, educational determinants, and access to and use of screening strategies, supporting the implementation of targeted interventions to improve outreach, timely screening, and clinical follow-up.Item Conocimientos y percepción sobre trasplante hepático en médicos internistas, gastroenterólogos y estudiantes de medicina a partir de quinto año en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador, año 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-30) Esparza Chamba, Astrit Selenia; Gallegos Barros, Fernanda Salomé; González Domínguez, Esteban HoracioBackground: Liver transplantation is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with endstage liver disease, as it significantly improves their quality of life and life expectancy. While this medical procedure is common in developed countries, its implementation in Ecuador is relatively recent. A major breakthrough was the accreditation of the José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital in Cuenca by INDOT in 2019, making it a regional pioneer and the site of the first liver transplant in 2020. Beyond infrastructure and technology, a fundamental pillar lies in the level of knowledge and perception of the medical community regarding the donation and transplant system. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and perception of liver transplantation among internists, gastroenterologists, general practitioners, and medical students in their fifth year or above in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 394 participants. Sociodemographic, knowledge, and perception variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for comparison between groups. Results: Significant gaps in knowledge about liver transplantation were found, mainly among medical students and general practitioners, with statistically significant differences compared to specialists (p < 0.05). The main limitations were related to selection and prioritization criteria, recognition of accredited teams, and reporting of brain death. Perceptions of the transplant system were mixed, although mostly favorable. Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant knowledge gaps and incomplete perceptions about liver transplantation, which could affect the identification and timely referral of patients, highlighting the need to strengthen education and continuing training.Item Test respiratorio como indicación de endoscopia digestiva alta en pacientes con dispepsia sin señales de alarma en un centro privado de gastroenterología en Cuenca (Ecuador) desde marzo 2018 a diciembre de 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-26) Alvarado Moscoso, Christian Andrés; Jerves Coello, Mateo Sebastián; González Domínguez, Esteban HoracioHelicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of dyspepsia worldwide, affecting approximately 50% of the global population, with a reported prevalence of 31.2% in Cuenca, Ecuador. Dyspepsia without alarm features is a frequent clinical presentation and represents a diagnostic challenge, as the optimal initial approach remains controversial. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) is considered the gold standard for evaluation; however, it is invasive and costly. In contrast, the H. pylori urea breath test is a non-invasive, accessible, and less expensive alternative that may help reduce the need for endoscopy in patients with mild or no significant disease. This study aimed to determine whether the urea breath test can serve as a criterion or indicator for performing UGIE in patients with dyspepsia without alarm features. A descriptive study with diagnostic test validation was conducted, including 489 patients who underwent both the breath test and UGIE at a private gastroenterology center in Cuenca between March 2018 and December 2024. Data were obtained from an anonymized database and analyzed using REDCap, SPSS version 25, and MedCalc software. Among the participants, 47.44% tested positive for H. pylori. UGIE was performed in 259 patients, with more than 90% showing pathological findings, predominantly mild enanthematous antral gastropathy. The urea breath test demonstrated high specificity (98.01%), positive predictive value (98.28%), and an overall accuracy of 86.91%, supporting its role as an effective triage tool to guide endoscopic evaluation and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.