Knowledge about the gut microbiota in university students of Health Technology

Abstract

Introduction: the study of the intestinal microbiota (I.M.) is essential to better understand how these microorganisms affect our general health and well-being, and how we can manipulate them to prevent and treat various diseases. Currently, the intestinal microbiota is considered another organ due to the great metabolic activity it performs. The main functions it performs are: preventing colonization by other pathogenic microorganisms, helping to digest food, producing vitamins B and K that the human body is not capable of synthesizing and, lastly, and no less important, stimulating the immune system. On the other hand, changes in its composition alter the host's homeostasis and impact its health. Objective: to characterize the level of knowledge about the Intestinal Microbiota in university students of the Faculty of Health Technology of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Method: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a retrospective approach was carried out in May 2024 in university students of the Faculty of Health Technology, of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. The universe under study included the 1,320 students of the Faculty of Health Technology, of which a sample of 55 students was studied. Results: the survey of the 55 participants, related to knowledge of I.M, 30.9% reported knowing it, while the same number of respondents denied it, however, 38.2% expressed knowing a little.