Vigilancia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades no transmisibles en estudiantes de internado de la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, corte de septiembre de 2025.

Abstract

Surveillance of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Objective: To describe the surveillance of risk factors for non-communicable diseases among medical interns at the Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil (September 2026 cohort). Methodology: Descriptive, quantitative, prospective, cross-sectional study. Population: 520 students. Sample: 222 health interns. Results: 85.1% consume tobacco or tobacco products; 45.9% began regular use between the ages of 25 and 31; 64.4% smoked daily at some point; 85.1% use electronic cigarettes; 94.6% consume alcohol. Regarding diet, 50.5% consume fruits and vegetables only occasionally, and 50.9% eat away from home 5 to 6 times a week. 79.7% have not had their blood pressure checked in the last 6 months, and 95.5% have not had their glucose levels checked. Medical history reveals: 5.4% have a personal history of hypertension (HTN), 11.3% have a personal history of high glucose, 45% have a family history of diabetes, 83.8% have a family history of HTN, and 94.6% have a family history of high cholesterol. Regarding physical activity, 49.5% spend 3–4 hours sitting or reclining, 56.3% walk for more than an hour daily, and 86.5% do not engage in sports during their free time. 30.6% have Grade 1 obesity; waist and hip measurements indicate high or very high-risk levels for both men and women. 34.7% exhibit mild tachycardia. 69.4% have not undergone a breast examination, and 38.7% have not had a Pap smear. It was concluded that surveillance identified the simultaneous presence of behavioral, dietary, metabolic, anthropometric, and familial conditions associated with a higher likelihood of developing various non-communicable diseases.