Validation of the Mexican version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 in patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of the quality of life (QoL) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is an essential measure to measure the impact of the disease and treatments on the lives of patients. However, in Latin America there is no validated and reliable instrument to assess this construct. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to validate the EORTC QLQ-CR29 instrument in the Mexican population with CRC. METHODS: This study aims to validate the EORTC QLQ-CR29 instrument in the Mexican population with CRC. The study used an instrumental design and a nonprobabilistic sample due to availability, made up of 251 patients with CRC, with an average age of 54.7 ± 12.28 years. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, as well as concurrent validity tests. RESULTS: The exploratory factorial analysis yielded 4 factors that explained 51.64% of the variance, with a Cronbach reliability coefficient of .766 and an Omega index of .725. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the proposed theoretical model fits the data almost perfectly, with an error close to 0, which shows that it is a balanced and parsimonious instrument to measure the QoL of the patients with CRC. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The EORTC QLQ-CR29 instrument proved to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in clinical care and research directed at patients with CRC in Mexico. Its use is recommended by multidisciplinary health teams in oncology in Mexico, since it allows knowing the patient's perspective on the impact of CRC on their life, guiding therapeutic decision-making and being a primary outcome measure.

Factors associated with the presence of fear of contagion and burnout syndrome in nursing personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing personnel presented a higher prevalence of fear of contagion, anxiety symptoms, depression, and burnout syndrome. However, the variables associated with these conditions in Mexico are unknown. Objective: To determine the clinical, sociodemographic, and psychological variables associated with fear of contracting COVID-19 and burnout syndrome in nursing personnel. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional correlational study. It included 423 Mexican nursing professionals, working in public and private institutions, of different specialties aged 18-61 years (M = 36 years), the sampling was non-probabilistic by convenience. The instruments used were: COVID-19 fear scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse the results. Results: The factors associated with fear of contagion were anxiety symptoms (Odds Ratio [OR]: 7.806, p < 0.05), caring for patients with COVID-19 (OR: 5.460, p < 0.05, 0.001) and mild emotional exhaustion (OR: 5.181, p < 0.05). The syndrome dimensions were: depressive symptoms (OR: 12.062; 7.667, p < 0.05), fear of contagion (OR: 4.978; 4.913; 4.921; 4.921, p < 0.01), marital status (OR: 3.404; 3.219, p < 0.05) and young age (OR: 1.064; 1.084, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The factors associated with fear of contagion and burnout syndrome found were having clinical psychological symptoms, as well as being young, being single, being married and being in the health system caring for patients with COVID-19.

Use of telehealth for psychosocial oncology: A mixed methods study about barriers to and opportunities with Latino patients from Latin America, Spain, and the United States.

OBJECTIVES: Telehealth for mental healthcare expanded rapidly with the COVID-19 pandemic's onset; however, global access disparities emerged. Telehealth challenges and opportunities for Latino cancer patients from different geographical regions must be explored. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey (March-July 2021) of mental health providers, serving Latino cancer patients in Latin America, United States, and Spain, contained close-ended questions related to the use of telehealth during the pandemic and open-ended questions on recommending/not recommending telehealth. RESULTS: In a sample of 148 providers from 21 countries, 60.5% reported that at least some of their patients had difficulties with Internet speed and connectivity and lacked knowledge about using electronic devices (43.2%) or the Internet (45.4%). Lacking privacy at home (66.0%) and childcare (26.0%) were reported patient challenges. Internet connectivity or speed were issues for providers (43.2%) themselves. Improving patient reach was a reported telehealth benefit (64.2%). Geographical access (43.2%) and physical limitations (35.8%) were considerations in offering telehealth. Considerations for not recommending telehealth were patient age (24.3%) and lacking technological knowledge (29.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth for mental healthcare may improve patient access issues caused by geographical and transportation conditions and patient functionality. Findings provide insight into telehealth benefits and challenges in Latino patient populations. Future studies should examine patient access and use by region.

Validation of the Mexican version of the Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death in patients undergoing palliative care in Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: The Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death (SAHD) has emerged as a valid and reliable tool to assess the wish to hasten death (WTHD) among patients diagnosed with advanced cancer; however, the instrument has never been culturally adapted and validated for patients in Mexico. This study sought to validate and abbreviate the SAHD tool for use among patients attending the Palliative Care Service of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico. METHODS: The SAHD was culturally adapted from a previously published validation in patients from Spain. Eligible patients included Spanish literate subjects treated as outpatients in the Palliative Care Service, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-3. Patients were asked to answer the Mexican version of SAHD (SAHD-Mx) instrument and the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS). RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were included in the study. Median positive response in the SAHD-Mx was 2 (range 0-18). Positive correlation was identified between the SAHD-Mx scale and ECOG performance status (r = 0.188, p = 0.005), as well as BEDS (r = 0.567, p < 0.001). SAHD-Mx displayed strong internal consistency (alpha = 0.85) and adequate reliability from test-retest phone interviews (r = 0.567, p < 0.001). Using the confirmatory factor analysis model, a factor was identified and the number of items was reduced to 6, including items 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, and 18. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The SAHD-Mx emerges as an adequate tool, with appropriate psychometric characteristics, for assessing WTHD among patients diagnosed with cancer undergoing palliative care in Mexico. .

Cultural adaptation process of cancer-related interventions: A step-by-step guide.

INTRODUCTION: To contribute to the reduction and elimination of cancer-related local and global health disparities, interventions must be culturally adapted to reach diverse cultural groups and demonstrate success in improving clinical and psychosocial outcomes. We provide step-by-step information on the conceptual and methodological challenges involved in culturally adapting interventions and provide guidelines, suggestions, tools, and concrete steps for implementing the process. METHODS: This article provides information, guidelines, suggestions, tools, and concrete steps, based on three rigorous models of cultural adaptations, for implementing this process, followed with examples from the field, to illustrate the conceptual and methodological challenges involved in culturally adapting interventions. CONCLUSION: Our systematic step-by-step approach recommends (1) the guidance of well-established research models; (2) use of multiple data sources and input from various stakeholders (i.e., from patients and providers); (3) qualitative and quantitative data usage and integration; (4) a steering committee with multiple perspectives, stakeholders assessments, and qualitative analyses; (5) consensus meetings; and (6) diverse representation on the steering committee and/or research team.

Quality of life, anxiety, depression, and distress in patients with advanced and metastatic lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer (LC) patients have shown a predisposition for developing emotional and physical symptoms, with detrimental effects on the quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the bidirectional relationship between main psychological disorders and clinical/sociodemographic factors with the QoL. METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, patients with a confirmed LC diagnosis from February 2015 to March 2018 were eligible for this study. Each participant completed screening instruments of anxiety, depression, distress, and QoL assessment. Other relevant clinical data were extracted from electronic health records. Then comparisons, correlations, and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and four cases were eligible; of them, the median age was 61 (24-84) years, most had clinical stage IV (95%), and most were under first-line therapy (53%). Concerning psychological status, 46% had symptoms of emotional distress, 35% anxiety, and 31% depression. Patients with psychological disorders experienced a worse global QoL than those without psychological impairment (p < 0.001). Increased financial issues and physical symptoms, combined with lower functioning, were also significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and distress. In the multivariate analysis, female sex and emotional distress were positively associated with an increased risk of depression; likewise, female sex, low social functioning, insomnia, and emotional distress were associated with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional symptoms and QoL had a significant bidirectional effect on this study; this underscores the necessity to identify and treat anxiety, depression, and distress to improve psychological well-being and the QoL in LC patients.

Detection of psychosocial distress in cancer patients: A survey of Mexican oncologists.

Purpose: Identification of patients' distress is relevant for an on-time referral to psychosocial treatment. The objective was to assess the implementation of the guidelines for distress managing in Mexican oncologists based on the NCCN guidelines.Design: The study was non-experimental and cross-sectional.Sample: Two hundred thirty-one oncologists participated with an average age of 38 ± 11 years.Methods: The likelihood of distress assessment was quantitatively evaluated.Findings: A high percentage of oncologists knew and used procedures to assess psychosocial discomfort. However, a smaller percentage used a valid and reliable instrument. Factors associated with performing distress identification procedures were knowing the distress guidelines and lack of time. Factors for questionnaire usage are the availability of brief instruments and the percentage of patients suffering from stress.Implications for Psychosocial Providers: Psychosocial providers should develop strategies to educate and ensure that oncologists are familiar with guidelines on distress in oncology. More dissemination of screening procedures and referral to psychosocial programs in oncology is required. Integrating a distress screening program involving psychosocial providers and oncologists should be approached as a routine in high-quality cancer care, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health services.

International adaptation of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos: Providers' views on pre-implementation.

Background: This qualitative study aims to identify facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) by providers of mental health services to Latinos in the US and Latin America using the practical, robust implementation and sustainability model (PRISM). This information will be used to increase usability and acceptability of MCP for Latino patients with cancer and their providers in Latin America and the US. Methods: A total of 14 Latino cancer patient mental health providers completed in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from 9 countries and 12 different sites. They provided feedback about barriers to and facilitators of implementation of MCP at the patient, provider, and clinic levels in their clinical setting. The qualitative data from the interviews was coded according to PRISM domains. Three analysts independently coded the transcripts; discrepancies between analysts were resolved through discussion and consensus. Results: Based on PRISM, themes were: clinic environment (protected time for training and supervision), intervention characteristics (adapt the intervention using more simple language, include more visual aids, include more family-oriented content), patient (develop materials for the identification and screening of patients, provide educational materials, increase motivation and knowledge about psychotherapy, assess commitment to psychotherapy, adapt for the inpatient vs. outpatient setting), provider (receive interactive/participatory training, educational materials, ongoing supervision, have flexibility of delivering the intervention in a less structured manner, theoretical framework of the provider) and external environment (work at policy level to integrate services for oncology patients). Conclusion: These qualitative data revealed potential facilitators and barriers of this intervention (MCP) on an international scale. Identified cultural, contextual, and healthcare systems factors illustrated the importance of examining pre-implementation needs prior to implementing a trial. We will design and plan a future RCT using the PRISM framework and these pre-implementation data. Plain Language Summary: This study integrates frameworks of implementation science and cultural adaptation through the examination of pre-implementation contextual issues at the preparation phase of a cultural adaptation of a psychotherapeutic intervention, Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP), for Latinos with advanced cancer. By examining implementation needs early in the implementation process, during preparation, the intervention can be adapted in a way that attends to and addresses the providers' most cited challenges in implementation: having a rigid protocol/structure, complexity of the intervention, disease burden preventing adherence to the intervention, transportation, and competing demands, and limited clinic space to offer the intervention.

Dignity therapy in Mexican lung cancer patients with emotional distress: Impact on psychological symptoms and quality of life.

Lung cancer (LC) is the most frequent and deadly neoplasm in the world, and patients have shown a tendency to have more emotional distress than other cancer populations. Dignity Therapy (DT) is a brief intervention aimed to improve emotional well-being in patients facing life-threatening illness. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of DT on anxiety, depression, hopelessness, emotional distress, dignity-related distress, and quality of life (QoL) in a group of Mexican patients with stage IV LC undergoing active medical treatment with baseline emotional distress. METHOD: In this preliminary pretest-posttest study, patients received three sessions of DT and were evaluated with the HADS, Distress Thermometer, Patient Dignity Inventory, single-item questions, and QLQ-30. RESULTS: In total, 24 out of 29 patients completed the intervention. Statistically significant improvements were found in anxiety, depression, emotional distress, hopelessness, and dignity-related distress with large effect sizes. Patients reported that DT helped them, increased their meaning and purpose in life, their sense of dignity, and their will to live, while it decreased their suffering. No changes were found in QoL. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: DT was well accepted and effective in improving the emotional symptoms of LC patients with distress that were undergoing medical treatment. Although more research is warranted to confirm these results, this suggests that DT can be used in the context of Latin-American patients.

[Effect of psychological interventions on psychosocial variables in patients with colorectal cancer: a narrative review of the literature]. / Efecto de intervenciones psicológicas sobre variables psicosociales en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal: una revisión narrativa de la literatura.

Objective: To describe the effects of psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, emotional distress and/or quality of life (QoL) of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Narrative literature review in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library, 2011-2021. Results: A total of 553 articles were obtained, of which twelve were included. Most were brief, individual, face-to-face interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was the most reported intervention, showing positive effects on QoL, specifically in stoma patients; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and solution-focused therapy also identified improvements in QoL. Reminiscence therapy and a self-efficacy intervention reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression. Relaxation and writing training were not proven effective; psychoeducation showed inconsistent effects. Conclusion: There is a paucity of studies conducted during the last years, which do not evidence a consensus of the therapeutic model that produces consistent improvements in psychological well-being.

Validation of the Patient Dignity Inventory in Mexican Cancer Patients.

Introduction: The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) is a reliable screening instrument for a variety of problems (physical, existential, and social) that affect the dignity of patients during their end of life. The PDI has been translated into several different languages and has been validated in different settings. As such, it is important to validate the instrument in patients with cancer in Mexico to assess dignity in this population. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Spanish version of the PDI in Mexican patients with cancer. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included patients with cancer, both those enrolled and not enrolled in palliative care, at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City from September 2018 to August 2019. A translation and back translation were performed to obtain the Mexican version of the PDI (PDI-Mx) instrument. Patients completed the PDI-Mx, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and functional scales (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] and Karnofsky). Psychometric properties were evaluated by determining internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity with the HADS. Results: We included 290 participants with cancer (145 in palliative care and 145 not enrolled in palliative care). The Cronbach's alpha of the PDI-Mx was 0.95. There was a significant correlation with the HADS (rs = 0.757, p < 0.0001). The factor analysis showed four factors that explain 64.7% of the model. The CFA presented adequate indicators, which show the adjustment of the structure that indicates a balanced and parsimonious model. Conclusions: The Mexican version of the PDI shows adequate psychometric properties in patients with cancer. We suggest the use of PDI-Mx in clinical care and research. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee with numbers (016/063/CPI) and (CEI/1115/16) respectively.

Validation of an instrument to assess health care quality (FACIT-TS-PS) in cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer patient satisfaction with the healthcare team is of great relevance for assessing the quality of the care provided by the health system. In Mexico, no valid and reliable tool is available to assess this construct. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Treatment Satisfaction-Patient Satisfaction (FACIT-TS-PS) instrument, version 4, in cancer patients. METHOD: Cross-sectional design, non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 200 cancer-diagnosed patients, with mean age of 45.86 ± 15.01 years. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.945, and an explained variance of 68.15 %. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the proposed theoretical model adjusts to the data with an error close to zero and, in addition, it is balanced and carefully measures overall patient satisfaction with the treatment. CONCLUSION: FACIT-TS-PS was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in clinical care and research in Mexican cancer patients. Its use is recommended in the evaluation of oncology multidisciplinary healthcare teams in Mexico.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La satisfacción del paciente oncológico con el equipo de salud es de relevancia para evaluar la calidad de la atención del sistema de salud. En México no se dispone de una herramienta válida y confiable para evaluar este constructo. OBJETIVO: Validar el Instrumento de Evaluación de Funcionalidad en el Tratamiento para Enfermedades Crónicas-Satisfacción con el Tratamiento-Satisfacción del Paciente (FACIT-TS-PS) versión 4, en pacientes mexicanos con cáncer. MÉTODO: Diseño transversal, muestreo no probabilístico, por disponibilidad. La muestra consistió en 200 pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer, con edad promedio de 45.86 ± 15.01 años. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron cuatro factores con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.945 y una varianza explicada de 68.15 %. El análisis factorial confirmatorio indicó que el modelo teórico propuesto se ajusta a los datos con error próximo a cero y que, además, es equilibrado y mide cuidadosamente la satisfacción global del paciente con el tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: FACIT-TS-PS mostró ser un instrumento válido y confiable para su uso en la atención clínica e investigación dirigida a pacientes mexicanos con cáncer. Se recomienda su utilización en la evaluación de equipos de salud multidisciplinarios en oncología en México.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Evaluación Funcional para el Tratamiento del Cáncer, versión próstata (FACT-P), en pacientes mexicanos.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in Mexican men, the research literature contains few studies that address prostate cancer patients and quality of life in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Functional Assessment Cancer therapy (FACT-P) scale. METHOD: 201 males 49 to 90 years of age, at any clinical stage of prostate cancer, under treatment or follow-up participated. It's a non-experimental cross-sectional study. Patients were evaluated through the FACT-P jointly with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Exploratory analysis examined the factorial structure, and confirmatory analysis to evaluate the adjustment of the exploratory model to the data. RESULTS: A four-factor model that explained 64.65% of the variance, Cronbach's alpha 0.79, and correlations were statistically significant, Pearson's r of 0.146-0.716, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05. Analyses also distinguished metastatic patients from non-metastatic ones. The main indices of the confirmatory model were satisfactory for the adjustment of data and showed an estimate error close to zero. CONCLUSIONS: This Mexican version of FACT-P showed reliability and validity comparable to the original one.

ANTECEDENTES: El cáncer de próstata es la neoplasia más frecuente en los varones mexicanos, pero pocos estudios han abordado la calidad de vida en los pacientes con cáncer de próstata en México. OBJETIVO: Validar la Escala de Evaluación Funcional para el Tratamiento del Cáncer, versión próstata (FACT-P). MÉTODO: 201 pacientes de 49 a 90 años en cualquier etapa clínica, en tratamiento o seguimiento. Diseño de estudio: transversal no experimental. Se usaron el FACT-P, el Inventario de la Organización Europea para la Investigación y Tratamiento del cáncer y Calidad de Vida, y la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria. Se realizaron análisis factorial exploratorio y análisis factorial confirmatorio para evaluar el ajuste del modelo de los datos, mediante el método de máxima verosimilitud. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo un modelo de dos factores y dos indicadores que explicaron el 64.65% de la varianza, alfa de Cronbach 0.79, correlaciones estadísticamente significativas, r de Pearson de 0.146-0.716, p < 0.01 y p < 0.05. La escala discrimina los pacientes sin y con metástasis. Los principales índices del modelo confirmatorio sugieren un modelo estable y parsimonioso, con error próximo a cero, que se ajusta aceptablemente a los datos analizados. CONCLUSIONES: La versión mexicana del FACT-P posee una confiabilidad y una validez adecuadas, similares a las de la original.

Validación de FACIT-TS-PS en una muestra de pacientes mexicanos con cáncer / Validation of an instrument to assess health care quality (FACIT-TS-PS) in cancer patients

Resumen Introducción: La satisfacción del paciente oncológico con el equipo de salud es de relevancia para evaluar la calidad de la atención del sistema de salud. En México no se dispone de una herramienta válida y confiable para evaluar este constructo. Objetivo: Validar el Instrumento de Evaluación de Funcionalidad en el Tratamiento para Enfermedades Crónicas-Satisfacción con el Tratamiento-Satisfacción del Paciente (FACIT-TS-PS) versión 4, en pacientes mexicanos con cáncer. Método: Diseño transversal, muestreo no probabilístico, por disponibilidad. La muestra consistió en 200 pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer, con edad promedio de 45.86 ± 15.01 años. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. Resultados: Se identificaron cuatro factores con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.945 y una varianza explicada de 68.15 %. El análisis factorial confirmatorio indicó que el modelo teórico propuesto se ajusta a los datos con error próximo a cero y que, además, es equilibrado y mide cuidadosamente la satisfacción global del paciente con el tratamiento. Conclusión: FACIT-TS-PS mostró ser un instrumento válido y confiable para su uso en la atención clínica e investigación dirigida a pacientes mexicanos con cáncer. Se recomienda su utilización en la evaluación de equipos de salud multidisciplinarios en oncología en México.

Abstract Introduction: Cancer patient satisfaction with the healthcare team is of great relevance for assessing the quality of the care provided by the health system. In Mexico, no valid and reliable tool is available to assess this construct. Objective: To validate the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Treatment Satisfaction-Patient Satisfaction (FACIT-TS-PS) instrument, version 4, in cancer patients. Method: Cross-sectional design, non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 200 cancer-diagnosed patients, with mean age of 45.86 ± 15.01 years. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Results: The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.945, and an explained variance of 68.15 %. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the proposed theoretical model adjusts to the data with an error close to zero and, in addition, it is balanced and carefully measures overall patient satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusion: FACIT-TS-PS was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in clinical care and research in Mexican cancer patients. Its use is recommended in the evaluation of oncology multidisciplinary healthcare teams in Mexico.

Symptoms of anxiety, depression and self-care behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic can have important psychosocial consequences in the population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of anxiety, depression and self-care symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population. METHOD: Online survey distributed over three weeks using a non-probability sampling. The PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire, the GAD-7 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Visual analog scale for self-care behaviors were used. Between-group (anxiety and depression) descriptive and comparison analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Out of 1508 included participants, 20.8% had symptoms of severe anxiety, while 27.5% showed symptoms of severe depression. Being a woman, being single, having no children, having medical comorbidities and a history of mental health care were risk factors for developing symptoms of anxiety and depression; 66 to 80 % of the population complied with self-care recommendations. A need for receiving mental health care was identified in our study population. CONCLUSION: A larger number of individuals with moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms were observed than in other pandemics. COVID-19 pandemic psychological effects are considered an emerging public health problem, and implementation of programs for their care is therefore recommended.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia por COVID-19 puede tener consecuencias psicosociales importantes en la población. OBJETIVO: Determinar los niveles de síntomas de ansiedad, depresión y conductas de autocuidado durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en población general. MÉTODO: Encuesta en línea distribuida durante tres semanas mediante muestreo no probabilístico. Se empleó el Cuestionario sobre la Salud del Paciente PHQ-9, la Escala del Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada GAD-7 y la Escala análoga visual de conductas de autocuidado. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de comparación entre los grupos con ansiedad y depresión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1508 participantes, 20.8 % presentó síntomas de ansiedad grave y 27.5 %, síntomas de depresión grave. Ser mujer, soltero(a) no tener hijos, presentar comorbilidad médica y antecedentes de atención a la salud mental estuvieron relacionados con la presencia de mayores niveles de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión; 66 a 80 % de la población cumplía con las recomendaciones de autocuidado. Se identificó la necesidad de recibir atención de salud mental. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observó mayor número de individuos con síntomas de ansiedad y depresión moderadas a graves que en otras pandemias. Los efectos psicológicos de la pandemia de COVID-19 se consideran un problema de salud mental pública emergente, por lo que se recomienda la implementación de programas para su atención.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression and self-care behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population / Síntomas de ansiedad, depresión y conductas de autocuidado durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la población general

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic can have important psychosocial consequences in the population. Objective: To determine the levels anxiety and depression symptoms and self-care behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population. Method: Online survey distributed over three weeks using a non-probability sampling. The PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire, the GAD-7 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and a self-care behaviors visual analogue scale were used. Between-group (anxiety and depression) descriptive and comparison analyses were carried out. Results: Out of 1508 included participants, 20.8 % had symptoms of severe anxiety, while 27.5 % showed symptoms of severe depression. Being a woman, being single, having no children, having medical comorbidities and a history of mental health care were associated with the presence of higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms; 66 to 80 % of the population complied with self-care recommendations. A need for receiving mental health care was identified in our study population. Conclusion: A larger number of individuals with moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms were observed than in other pandemics. COVID-19 pandemic psychological effects are considered an emerging public mental health problem, and implementation of programs for their care is therefore recommended.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 puede tener consecuencias psicosociales importantes en la población. Objetivo: Determinar los niveles de síntomas de ansiedad, depresión y conductas de autocuidado durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en población general. Método: Encuesta en línea distribuida durante tres semanas mediante muestreo no probabilístico. Se empleó el Cuestionario sobre la Salud del Paciente PHQ-9, la Escala del Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada GAD-7 y la Escala análoga visual de conductas de autocuidado. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de comparación entre los grupos con ansiedad y depresión. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1508 participantes, 20.8 % presentó síntomas de ansiedad grave y 27.5 %, síntomas de depresión grave. Ser mujer, soltero(a) no tener hijos, presentar comorbilidad médica y antecedentes de atención a la salud mental estuvieron relacionados con la presencia de mayores niveles de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión; 66 a 80 % de la población cumplía con las recomendaciones de autocuidado. Se identificó la necesidad de recibir atención de salud mental. Conclusión: Se observó mayor número de individuos con síntomas de ansiedad y depresión moderadas a graves que en otras pandemias. Los efectos psicológicos de la pandemia de COVID-19 se consideran un problema de salud mental pública emergente, por lo que se recomienda la implementación de programas para su atención.

Patients' quality of life: Validation of the functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) instrument for the Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: The functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) is a widely used instrument to assess quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, but there is little evidence of its validity in Latin American populations. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spanish language version of the FACT-BMT in Mexican patients. METHOD: First, the original version was piloted with 15 HSCT patients to obtain an adequate cultural version, resulting in the adaptation of one item. After that, the new version was completed by 139 HSCT patients. RESULTS: The results showed a FACT factor structure that explains 70.84% of the total variance, a factor structure similar to the original FACT structure, and with a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.867). For the BMT subscale, the best factor structure included 17 items which explain 61.65% of the total variance with an adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.696). SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS: The FACT-BMT was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate QOL in Mexican patients. Our results constitute new FACT-BMT empirical evidence that supports its clinical and research uses.