Symposium on Health Research Topics 2025

The Research and Innovation Directorate of the Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- carried out, on November 15, 2025, the Symposium on Health Research Topics 2025This academic forum brought together research professors from various campuses across the country. This activity reaffirms the institution's commitment to scientific development, the generation of new knowledge, and the transfer of results, in accordance with the UMECIT Educational Model.

During this day, the progress of the research skills and competencies The participants demonstrated critical thinking, analytical skills, and scientific rigor when addressing relevant issues in their fields of study. The presentations stood out for their contextual relevance, responding to real needs in community, occupational, environmental, and educational health.

Among the research presented, the following stand out:

• Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life – Prof. Norma Ortiz, UMECIT Panama.
  
  
• Occupational Safety and Health for Day Laborers in Veraguas – Prof. Erika Cruz, Veraguas Campus.
  
  
• Environmental Education and Control of the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito – Prof. Karen Botello, UMECIT Chitré.
  
  
• Functional Competence of the Theory of Psychology – Mgtr. Amelia Sarco, UMECIT La Chorrera.
  
  
• Gastrointestinal Diseases Associated with Wastewater Ingestion – Massiel Vergara, UMECIT Chitré.
  
  
• Musculoskeletal Disorders Due to Backpack Weight – Efraín Callender, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, UMECIT Panama.
  
  
• Social and Health Needs of Vulnerable Older Adults – Prof. America Martez, UMECIT La Chorrera.
  
  
• Epidemiological Profile and Post-COVID Effects in University Students – Prof. Alfredo Lammie, Lic. in Medical Records, David Branch.
  
  

Furthermore, the Extension Coordination strengthened this meeting by managing the keynote address. “Breastfeeding: advantages, risks and perspectives on comprehensive health in women and infants”, in charge of Dr. Max Ramirez, along with the participation of the graduate Stepheny Castillo, demonstrating the connection between research, teaching and community outreach.

The 2025 Health Research Symposium represents an important contribution to the scientific development of the country and reaffirms that, at UMECIT, research is a cross-cutting axis to transform realities and build evidence-based solutions.