Drug use is a major cause of global morbidity and its impact generates significant health, economic and social expenditures. The highest rates of drug use are seen in the population between the ages of 18 and 25, where a significant proportion are university students. The objective of this study was to calculate the prevalence of substance risk consumption among students, professors and workers at a public university in Ecuador. In addition, the calculation of the internal consistency (reliability) of the modified ASSIST questionnaire was performed. Patients and Methods: A cross-analytical study was conducted, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Substances Consumption Detection (ASSIST) test was applied in two population groups (students and workers – teachers). The internal consistency of each subscale of the questionnaire was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. Percentages with 95% CI were used to estimate the prevalence of risk consumption. Results: 4958 students and 425 teachers, workers and employees responded to the ASSIST questionnaire. The calculation of the internal consistency (reliability) of the instrument, proved Cronbach satisfactory (>0.7) for consumption of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. The prevalence of high-risk alcohol use (5.3% for students and 4.9% for workers and teachers), tobacco and cannabis were high in the groups studied. In addition, the percentage of the population with moderate risk consumption was also significant. Conclusions: Under the high rates of high and moderate risk use for drug use, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive program of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation aimed at university students. The modified ASSIST test showed satisfactory internal consistency in the assessment of substance risk consumption.

In Ecuador, the Zika’s outbreak coincided with Pedernales earthquake. There have not been studies of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Zika in post-earthquake conditions. Objective: To evaluate Zika´s KAP according to gender and sociodemographic characteristics of people aged 15 to 49. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic characteristics, history of Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) and Zika’s KAP were analyzed between 122 heads of households and 148 people aged 15 to 49 years dwellers in Nuevo Pedernales, Manabí - Ecuador. Results: Half of the respondents had adequate knowledge, a third presented a protective attitude and the average of preventive practices against Zika was low (5 of 9). In knowledge, people who didn’t sleep in the kitchen had higher scores with a weak effect size (DM= 1,46; Eta-square = 0,037) and people who had electricity also had higher scores with weak effect size (DM= 3,9; Eta-square = 0,036). People diagnosed with a Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) after the earthquake had an average of a greater number of preventive practices employed with moderate effect size (DM= 1,16; Eta-square=0,062). This same group had a higher KAP score with moderate effect size (DM= 2,80; Eta-square = 0,058). Conclusions: Respondents have low levels of KAP and high risk of Zika and other VBD’s transmission. Government entities must implement intensive community education programs and improve precarious housing conditions and basic services access.

El presente estudio evalúa el conocimiento y aplicación de las reglas de Ottawa en los médicos en la atención de pacientes con trauma de tobillo y medio pie y su correlación radiográfica en el servicio de emergencia. Se detecta la alta incidencia de traumatismos de tobillo y medio pie en los servicios de emergencia del Ecuador. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional transversal cuantitativo y tiene dos unidades de observación: médicos y radiografías solicitadas en la atención a pacientes con trauma de tobillo y medio pie. Se trabajó con una muestra no probabilística secuencial, donde se estudiaron 101 procedimientos o atenciones médicas y 96 radiografías solicitadas; a su vez se realizó una encuesta a 28 médicos que laboran en el servicio de emergencia. Para el análisis universal se calculó  porcentajes, promedios, desviación estándar, mediana, rango intercuartílico; y para el análisis bivarial se calculó razón de momios, se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher como prueba de significancia estadística. Los resultados obtenidos aportan una visión de la importancia y versatilidad de las Reglas de Ottawa para trauma agudo de tobillo y medio pie en los servicios de emergencia del entorno del Ecuador. Además, al no aplicarlas se evidencia un gran número de radiografías solicitadas innecesariamente, aumentándose el tiempo de espera de pacientes, radiación recibida y mayor uso de recursos.

IntroductionHealth professional’s exposure to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) as well as their risk of acquiring COVID-19 “its associated disease”, has been higher compared to other population groups. Nevertheless, the correct implementation of biosecurity measures could reduce their infection risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of personal protective equipment “PPE”, occupational risks and its relationship with COVID-19 in health professionals.Patients and methods603 subjects among students, teachers, and health professionals were included in a cross-sectional descriptive observational study. Occupational exposure and incidence of COVID-19 were the main measurements. ResultsMost of the subjects were women (73.5%) and young adults (92.6%) and 23.55% (95% CI 20.3-27.1) referred a diagnosis of COVID-19 (15% confirmed, 8% suspected). People who worked in Pichincha’s province and those who did not have soap presented a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR= 2.85 and 2.68 respectively). Contact with confirmed and suspicious cases were the variables that were associated with the highest risk of infection (adjusted OR= 9.28 and 3.07 respectively).Conclusions The high incidence of COVID-19 in the subjects was associated with PPE deficiencies. Health professional’s protection must be a priority for health and labor authorities, who must also provide the PPE and necessary supplies. A periodic screening in this occupational group to assess the impact of protective measures and analyze the implementation of necessary corrections.is recommended.