Project Name: Pharmacotherapeutic analysis. Comparison of the response to different pharmacological therapies and their association with the patient's perception and the reach of therapeutic goals.
Institution: Universidad de las Americas Puebla
Mentor: Erika Palacios-Rosas
This project proposes actions to address the study of factors that influence reaching the goals of pharmacotherapeutic management, from the prescription and use of the medication, to the characteristics of patients and their environment. Frequently, variables such as the level of depression, perception of their disease, family support and degree of knowledge, have a considerable influence on the adherence to treatment and on the expected therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the present study will involve visiting students in the evaluation of these variables to define intervention protocols to promote patient adherence to their treatment and to improve their quality of life. This project also contemplates the degree of knowledge, beliefs and acceptance of vaccination. Requirements: Students must be fluent in Spanish, both verbal and written communication. This project requires in person participation.
Project Name: Evaluation of the health status of the population of marginalized communities for the development of strategies to improve
Institution: Universidad de las Americas Puebla
Mentor: Laura Veronica Pla
This project aims to involve students in data collection and management by applying surveys on the health status of semi-rural populations. They will help to propose strategies based on the most frequently encountered diseases and ailments. Students will also get involved in the development of prevention and healthcare strategies that can be applied in a cost-effective manner and respecting the idiosyncrasy of the population.
Students must be fluent in Spanish, both verbal and written communication.
This project requires in person participation.
Project Name: Use of endemic foods from Puebla to improve the diet of children, pregnant women, chronic patients or older adults.
Institution: Universidad de las Americas Puebla
Mentor: Patricia Loaiza Porras
This project aims to promote the use of food alternatives in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with chronic degenerative diseases and the elderly. The use of endemic food sources of high nutritional value and low cost will be investigated in order to influence the improvement of the quality of life of the abovementioned patients. Students participating in this project will support the integration of information and will assess food properties, nutritional characteristics and costs, through a comparison of the diets that patients usually consume against the proposed ones, to support the aforementioned groups. The project aims also to develop appropriate diets for each group and taste with their respective recipes to facilitate the consumption of the proposed foods.
Students must be fluent in Spanish, both verbal and written communication.
This project has prefered in person participation but could be completed remotely if needed.
Project Name: Empowering Health Students to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance: Exploring Antimicrobial Utilization and Public Health Implications in Vulnerable and Minority Populations of Mexico
Institution: Universidad de las Americas Puebla
Mentor: Lucila Castro
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health concern where microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, evolve to resist the effects of medications intended to treat infections. This renders previously effective treatments ineffective, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased healthcare costs, and elevated mortality rates. In Mexico, AMR poses a significant public health problem due to several factors including high prevalence of infectious diseases, widespread antimicrobial use, limited access to quality healthcare in vulnerable populations and minorities, and challenges in enforcing antimicrobial stewardship practices. This convergence of factors accelerates the development and spread of resistant strains, endangering not only individual health but also the broader healthcare infrastructure. Urgent attention is needed to comprehensively address AMR in Mexico through interdisciplinary research, public education, and targeted interventions to ensure the continued efficacy of antimicrobials and safeguard the health of the population. This research project aims to engage health students in investigating the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the context of vulnerable populations and minorities in Mexico. Specific objectives of the project are to: (1) assess antimicrobial usage patterns; (2) identify contributing factors; (3) evaluate knowledge and awareness; (4) analyze public health implications; and (5) develop educational interventions. The project will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and data analysis to achieve a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial usage practices and AMR awareness. The research outcomes will serve as a basis for crafting evidence-based interventions and recommendations that address the specific challenges posed by AMR within these populations, aiming to contribute to improved health outcomes and reduced AMR rates in Mexico.
Requirements: Students must be fluent in Spanish, both verbal and written communication.
Project name: Predictors of Cancer Outcomes among Special Populations in Mexico: The Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCAN) Cancer Survivorship Registry
Institution: Instituto Nacional de Cancerología
Mentor: Oscar Galindo Vazquez
In 2015, INCAN established the Cancer Survivor Registry. This registry consists of 3,024 individuals who have completed primary cancer treatment. Cancer survivors are on average 54 years old, 7 years post-treatment, and predominantly women (88%). The most common tumor type represented in the registry is breast cancer (61%), primarily of Stage II (19%) or Stage III (20%). Additionally, there are a total of 470 (16%) childhood and adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. As providers of care to medically underserved and uninsured populations in Mexico, almost 50% of cancer survivors report having financial difficulties. Importantly, this registry includes a rich assessment of multiple psychosocial concerns and symptoms, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive functioning, and fear of recurrence. This provides an invaluable opportunity to examine quality-of-life and clinical health outcomes among an at-risk, underserved population of Mexican cancer survivors. Building on our previous research on special populations, as part of the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training Program (MHRT) the primary aims are to: 1) characterize sociodemographic and clinical predictors of financial toxicity in AYAs 2) examine quality-of-life outcomes amongst cancer survivors with metastatic disease 3) assess quality-of-life, sexual functioning, and infertility amongst survivors with gynecological and breast malignancies. Given the robust infrastructure at INCAN and its Cancer Survivorship Registry, this proposed research will be done under the mentorship of Dr. Oscar Galindo Vazquez, who is the Director of the Psych-oncology Research and Development Unit at INCAN and received his PhD in Psychology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Project name: Calidad de vida y salud mental en Cuidadores primarios informales de pacientes con cáncer
Institution: Instituto Nacional de Cancerología
Mentor: Oscar Galindo Vazquez
The diagnosis of cancer and its treatment create a considerable psychological affectation for patients and their families. In general, the primary caregivers (PC) are members of the patient's family, who play a crucial role in the home and hospital care of cancer patients, commonly engaging in complex care tasks such as: carrying out hospital procedures, hygiene tasks and medication administration, provision of emotional care, management of symptoms and their adverse effects, transportation to hospital centers, and communication with the health team.
It has been identified that being a caregiver has effects on the lives of PCs in terms of affecting their mental health, quality of life, financial toxicity, and social interaction; therefore, the development of programs for their care is a priority since they are important figures in the health system in oncology.
The main objective of this study is to: Evaluate the prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms, support needs, coping and overload in informal primary caregivers of cancer patients with different diagnoses and stages.
