Intellectual Development in Mexican Preterm Children at Risk of Perinatal Brain Damage: A Longitudinal Study.

Preterm birth accounts for about 10% of births worldwide. Studying risk factors for perinatal brain damage is essential, as findings suggest that almost 20% of disabilities are linked to risks in the early stages of development. This research aimed to study longitudinal changes in intelligence from 6 to 8 years of age in a sample of 39 preterm children with a history of risk of brain damage and a control group of 35 children born at term. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC-IV) was used to measure cognitive ability at six, seven, and eight years old. The results showed that the preterm group obtained significantly lower scores than the control group. The working memory indicator significantly affected the interaction between age and prematurity. We consider it crucial to expand the knowledge we have about the neurocognitive development of premature infants, both in specific cognitive domains and in age ranges, so that the information obtained can help predict the probability of presenting cognitive alterations from early stages. This, therefore, helps in implementing intervention strategies and programs based on scientific evidence, and their design is complemented by clinical experience and empirical and theoretical knowledge of the different professionals involved in infant cognitive intervention.

Tele neuropsychological exploratory assessment of indicators of mild cognitive impairment and autonomy level in Mexican population over 60 years old.

Due to the cognitive decline associated with aging, it is necessary to determine the variables involved in this process to implement preventive actions to avoid or help slow the progression of cognitive decline to dementia in older adults. This is a priority in the current pandemic situation, due to the consequences of periods of confinement due to COVID-19. To address these challenges, this study was conducted through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), by adapting an in-person assessment protocol into an online Tele neuropsychological consultation. The correlation between autonomy and cognitive performance variables is analyzed in 47 Mexican subjects over 60 years of age. The results of the statistical analyses suggest a moderate correlation between the level of autonomy and cognitive performance (with MOCA and Clock Drawing Test), significant correlation values are outlined in some of the variables reviewed, and interesting data were found in the correlation of cognitive reserve with cognitive decline and the educational level from the participants. Finally, future analysis is proposed of the sensitivity of screening tests (CDT) to find indicators of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in this population that is not detected in classical tests (MOCA). Developing ICT-based screening protocols for the elderly may be a key tool in these coronavirus times or under any given circumstances.

Effects of Socio-Familial Behavior on Sleep Quality Predictive Risk Factors in Individuals under Social Isolation.

Social confinement involves a series of temporary changes in the habits and lifestyles of individuals, severely affecting their regular activities and schedules and substantially modifying socio-familial behavior (SFB) and sleep quality (SQ). There is no literature reporting the effects of SFB changes on SQ during social confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak. An observational transversal research design, with group comparison and correlation methods, was used to perform the present study. The results were analyzed as follows: (1) An exploratory factor analysis (EFA); (2) A description of the sample was determined by proportions comparisons of sleep habits between the different variables of interest; and (3) A linear regression model was analyzed to explore the predictive association of the negative effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on SFB and SQ. In addition to the global SFB score, two SFB factors were identified as predictors affecting the SQ, SF-Habits, and SF-Emotional scores, suggesting a close balance between daily life activities and sleep health during critical social changes. Furthermore, two main risk factors resulted from the regression analysis: economic concerns and increased alcohol consumption. Therefore, the predictive capacity of economic concerns showed statistical significance in anticipating negative sleep quality scores. Overall, this suggests that sleep quality, economic concerns, schedules, and substance use were associated with the self-perception of coping skills, elucidating the importance of fostering habits related to schedules within the home and ensuring that all family members participate.

COVID-19 voluntary social isolation and its effects in sociofamily and children's behavior / Aislamiento social voluntario por COVID-19 y sus efectos en la conducta sociofamiliar e infantil

Abstract Introduction The main prevention strategy for reducing the dispersion of the SARS-CoV-2 has been social distancing. Several investigations began to explore its psychological impact since it began, but there are no data about its effect on social and family behavior. Objectives Were: First, to analyze the reliability of an ad-hoc designed questionnaire to measure sociofamily behavior changes in a sample of parents of children from one to twelve years old. Second, to characterize effects of voluntary social isolation by COVID-19 over sociofamily behavior at a personal level and over children's activities at home. Third, to determine vulnerability predictors for a negative experience by isolation itself. Method An online Questionnaire for Perceptions of Changes in Sociofamily Behavior was applied to 365 Mexican participants. Results Factor analysis showed a reliability of the ad-hoc designed questionnaire for this study. Correlations were found between voluntary social isolation and self-perceived experiences, such as sleep quality, irritability, emotional control, hope about the future, motivation, attention span, and problem solving. Discussion and conclusion The results of this study suggest that family well-being during voluntary social isolation is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon, which addresses specific effects in different domains, especially in sociofamily behavior.

Resumen Introducción La principal estrategia de prevención para frenar la dispersión del SARS-CoV-2 ha sido el distanciamiento social. Varias investigaciones han comenzado a explorar su impacto psicológico, pero no existen datos hasta el momento acerca del efecto en la conducta social y familiar. Objetivos Primero, analizar la confiabilidad de un cuestionario ad-hoc elaborado para medir los cambios sociofamiliares en una muestra de adultos padres de niños de uno a 12 años. Segundo, caracterizar los efectos del aislamiento social voluntario COVID-19 en la conducta sociofamiliar a nivel personal y sobre las actividades infantiles en casa. Tercero, determinar los predictores de vulnerabilidad para presentar una experiencia negativa del aislamiento. Método Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Percepción de Cambios en la Conducta Sociofamiliar en línea a 365 participantes mexicanos. Resultados El análisis factorial mostró que el cuestionario ad-hoc elaborado para este estudio es confiable. Además, los datos mostraron un efecto principal de variables como el nivel socioeconómico, la fuente de ingresos y el estado civil. También, se encontraron correlaciones entre la experiencia personal de aislamiento, como la calidad del sueño, la irritabilidad, el control emocional, las esperanzas sobre el futuro, la motivación, la capacidad de atención y la resolución de problemas. Discusión y conclusión Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el bienestar familiar durante el aislamiento es un fenómeno complejo y multifactorial, que además revela efectos específicos en la conducta sociofamiliar.