Postpartum depression in adolescent mothers before and during COVID-19 and the role of self-esteem, maternal self-efficacy, and social support / Depresión posparto en madres adolescentes antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 el papel de la autoestima, la autoeficacia materna y el apoyo social

Abstract Introduction Although the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of vulnerable populations, such as adolescent mothers, very few studies have documented the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in this population. Objective a) Determine the frequency of PPD (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] ≥ 9) in adolescent mothers before (AM-BP) and during (AM-DP) the pandemic, b) Examine psychosocial factors (self-esteem, maternal efficacy, social support, depression and anxiety in pregnancy, planned and wanted pregnancy) in AM-BP and AM-DP, and c) Determine whether being an AM-DP was a significant factor for experiencing PPD (EPDS ≥ 9). Method Cross sectional study. Subjects: Forty-one AM-BP recruited at Health Centers and interviewed face to face and forty-one AM-DP surveyed online. Results PPD (EPDS ≥ 9) was 42% (p = .001) more frequent in AM-DP. The groups differed significantly in all psychosocial factors, with AM-DP faring worse. Unadjusted regressions showed that being an AM-DP, having lower maternal efficacy and self-esteem, greater dissatisfaction with social support, and depression and/or anxiety in pregnancy increased PPD (EPDS ≥ 9). Adjusted multiple analysis indicated that lower self-esteem was the only factor to maintain its association with PPD (EPDS ≥ 9; p = .017). Discussion and conclusion The pandemic negatively affected PPD (EPDS ≥ 9) and psychosocial factors in AM-DP, as compared to AM-BP, with self-esteem being the main factor associated with PPD (EPDS ≥ 9). In situations of extreme stress as happened in the pandemic, the mental health of adolescent mothers should be prioritized to prevent negative effects such as PPD. PPD preventive and treatment interventions should consider strengthening self-esteem.

Resumen Introducción La pandemia por COVID-19 tuvo un impacto negativo en la salud mental de poblaciones vulnerables, como las madres adolescentes, no obstante, escasos estudios documentaron la prevalencia de depresión posparto (DPP) en esta población. Objetivo a) Conocer la frecuencia de DPP (Escala Edinburgh para la Depresión Postnatal [EPDS] ≥ 9) en madres adolescentes antes de la pandemia (MA-AP) y durante la pandemia (MA-DP), b) Examinar algunos factores psicosociales (autoestima, eficacia materna, apoyo social, depresión y ansiedad en el embarazo, embarazo planeado y deseado) en MA-AP y MA-DP, y, c) Analizar si ser MA-DP, fue un factor significativo para experimentar DPP (EPDS ≥ 9). Método Estudio transversal. Participantes: 41 MA-AP captadas en Centros de Salud y 41 MA-DP encuestadas en línea. Resultados La DPP (EPDS ≥ 9) fue 42% (p = .001) más frecuente en las MA-DP. Los grupos difirieron significativamente en todos los factores psicosociales, en detrimento de las MA-DP. Las regresiones no ajustadas mostraron que ser MA-DP, tener menor eficacia materna y autoestima, mayor insatisfacción con el apoyo social, y depresión y/o ansiedad en el embarazo incrementaron la DPP (EPDS ≥ 9). El análisis múltiple ajustado indicó que una menor autoestima fue el único factor que mantuvo su asociación con DPP (EPDS ≥ 9; p = .017). Discusión y conclusión La pandemia tuvo un efecto negativo en la DPP (EPDS ≥ 9) y en factores psicosociales en MA-DP; la autoestima fue el principal factor asociado a la misma. Ante situaciones de estrés extremo, la salud mental de madres adolescentes debería ser prioritaria para prevenir efectos negativos como la DPP. Intervenciones preventivas y de tratamiento de DPP deben fortalecer la autoestima.

Social and mental health characteristics of adolescents living with HIV in Mexico: Implications for adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

Mexico is the third Latin American country with the most children and adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV). There is a lack of information on the characteristics of this population. We aimed to describe the social and mental health characteristics of Mexican ALHIV. A census was conducted of all adolescent patients with HIV at a pediatric hospital (n = 47; mean age 14.39, S.D. = 3.65) and their caregivers. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, family, intelligence, mental health, adverse life events, substance use, treatment, knowledge of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and HIV, and biomarkers. Most cases were transmitted vertically and self-reported ART adherence was above 90%. Some obstacles to adherence were medicine discomfort, believing that they did not need it, and forgetfulness. The vulnerabilities were intellectual disability, adverse life events, possible mental health problems, and little knowledge of their illness and treatment. These findings suggest the importance of interventions to improve the perception and knowledge of HIV and ART to increase ART adherence.

Los trastornos mentales en México 1990-2021. Resultados del estudio Global Burden of Disease 2021 / Mental disorders in Mexico 1990-2021. Results from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study

Resumen Antecedentes: Los trastornos mentales constituyen una de las principales causas de años vividos con discapacidad, si bien no se dispone de estimaciones recientes sobre su magnitud. Objetivo: Reportar las tendencias de prevalencia de trastornos mentales, los años vividos con discapacidad y los años de vida saludables perdidos por sexo, edad y entidad federativa de México. Material y métodos: Se utilizó la base de datos para México del Global Burden of Disease. Resultados: Se calcularon 18.1 millones de personas con algún trastorno mental en 2021, que representaron un incremento de 15.4 % respecto a 2019. Los trastornos depresivos y de ansiedad aumentaron de manera notable entre 2019 y 2021, lo cual posiblemente esté relacionado con COVID-19, el confinamiento y los duelos vividos durante la pandemia. Conclusiones: Los trastornos mentales se han incrementado considerablemente desde la única encuesta nacional de salud mental que utilizó criterios diagnósticos para evaluar las prevalencias. Es importante invertir en estudios epidemiológicos, prevención y atención de los trastornos mentales, los cuales se encuentran entre las primeras causas de años vividos con discapacidad en el país.

Abstract Background: Mental disorders are one of the main causes of years lived with disability, although there is a lack of recent estimates of their magnitude. Objective: To report the trends of mental disorders prevalence, years lived with disability and years of healthy life lost by sex, age and state in Mexico. Material and methods: The Global Burden of Disease database for Mexico was used. Results: There were an estimated 18.1 million persons with some mental disorder in 2021, which represented an increase of 15.4% in comparison with 2019. Depressive and anxiety disorders did significantly increase between 2019 and 2021, which is possibly related to COVID-19, the confinement and the situations of grief experienced during the pandemic. Conclusions: Mental disorders have considerably increased since the only national mental health survey that used diagnostic criteria to evaluate their prevalence. It is important to invest in epidemiological studies, prevention and care of mental disorders, which are among the leading causes of years lived with disability in the country.

Impaired control in heavy drinking and its association with alcohol craving and alcohol use disorder severity / Deterioro del control en el consumo excesivo de alcohol y su asociación con el deseo de consumo y la gravedad del trastorno por uso de alcohol

Abstract Introduction Impaired control over drinking has been frequently cited in diverse theoretical descriptions regarding harmful alcohol use and is considered a DSM criterion for alcohol use disorder. Differences in the frequency of endorsement of impaired control have been viewed as a reflection of the severity of the problem. Moreover, it has been posited that the ability to place a limit on alcohol consumption may be mediated through enhanced craving. Objective In this study, we addressed the relationship between impaired control, self-reported craving, and alcohol dependence severity among heavy drinkers. Method We conducted a latent class analysis of impaired control dimensions (perceived control, failed control, and attempted control) of 208 heavy drinkers. To determine whether the identified classes could represent different forms of severity of the disorder, the best-fit model was contrasted with scores on the Alcohol Dependence Scale. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between impaired control criteria (using the Impaired Control Scale [ICS]) with alcohol craving. Results We identified a three-class solution based on impaired control severity. A graded increase of the craving scores and alcohol severity among the three classes was also identified. Only the ICS items comprising perceived control and partially those related to failed control, but not those evaluating attempted control, distinguished the gradient among the latent classes. Discussion and conclusion This study provides further support of the proposal of a unidimensional continuum of severity among heavy drinkers and strengthens the theoretical relationship between impaired control and alcohol craving.

Resumen Introducción El deterioro del control sobre el consumo del alcohol se ha mencionado con frecuencia en diversas descripciones teóricas relativas al uso nocivo y es un criterio clínico del DSM para el trastorno por uso de alcohol. Las diferencias en la frecuencia con que se admite el deterioro del control se han considerado como un reflejo de la gravedad del problema. Además, se ha postulado que la capacidad de poner un límite al consumo de alcohol puede estar mediada por el deseo de consumirlo (craving). Objetivo En este estudio se abordó la relación entre el deterioro del control, el autoreporte del craving y la gravedad de la dependencia del alcohol en un grupo de bebedores fuertes. Método Se realizó un análisis de clases latentes usando las dimensiones del deterioro del control (control percibido, control fallido e intento de control) de 208 bebedores fuertes. Para determinar si las clases identificadas podían representar diferentes formas de gravedad del trastorno se contrastó el modelo más adecuado con las puntuaciones de la Escala de Dependencia del Alcohol. Además, se evaluó la relación entre los criterios de deterioro del control (utilizando la Escala de Control Deficiente, ECD) y el craving. Resultados Identificamos una solución de tres clases basada en la gravedad del deterioro de control. En esa solución se identificó una relación con el aumento graduado de las puntuaciones de craving y la gravedad de la dependencia entre las clases. Sólo los elementos de la ECD que comprenden el control percibido y parcialmente los relacionados con el control fallido, pero no los que evalúan el intento de control, distinguieron el gradiente entre las clases latentes. Discusión y conclusión Este estudio proporciona más apoyo a la propuesta de un continuum unidimensional de gravedad entre los usuarios de alcohol y refuerza la relación teórica entre el fenómeno de deterioro del control y el craving.

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.

Twelve-month utilization rates and adequacy of treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in Argentina

Objective: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of mental health services utilization (overall and by type of service sector), the adequacy of treatment provided, and sociodemographic correlates in the Argentinean Study of Mental Health Epidemiology (ASMHE). Methods: The ASMHE is a multistage probability household sample representative of adults in urban areas of Argentina. The World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to evaluate psychiatric diagnosis and service utilization. Results: Among those with a disorder, 27.6% received any treatment in the prior 12 months. Of these, 78.3% received minimally adequate treatment using a broad definition and only 43.6% using a stringent definition. For individuals with a disorder, more services were provided by mental health professionals (17.7%) than by general medical professionals (11.5%) or non-healthcare sectors (2.6%). Younger individuals with low education and income were less likely to receive treatment; those never married and those with an anxiety or mood disorder were more likely to receive treatment. Among those in treatment, treatment was least adequate among younger individuals with low education and low income. Conclusions: Policies to increase access to services for mental health disorders in Argentina are needed, as is training for primary care practitioners in the early detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Psychopathology and self-harm among incoming first-year students in six Mexican universities / Psicopatología y autolesiones en alumnos de nuevo ingreso en seis universidades mexicanas

Abstract: Objective: To estimate psychopathology and self-harm behavior of incoming first-year college students, socio-demographic correlates, service use and willingness to seek treatment. Materials and methods: 4 189 male and female incoming first-year students of six universities in four different states of Mexico responded to an online survey with a 79.3% response rate. Results: Almost one in three incoming students has experienced some type of psychopathology; however, only one in five has received treatment. Female, students who are older, whose parents are not married or deceased, and who have a non-heterosexual orientation, no religion or a non-Catholic/Christian religion have greater odds (1.18 - 1.99), whereas those who attend a private university and have a parent with some college education have lower odds (0.68 - 0.75) of experiencing any probable disorder. Conclusions: Substantial unmet need for mental health services combined with reported willingness to use university services suggests an opportunity for the detection, referral, and treatment of incoming students to promote a successful transition.

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar psicopatologías y autolesiones en universitarios de nuevo ingreso, así como los correlatos sociodemográficos, el uso de servicios y la disposición para recibir tratamiento. Material y métodos: 4 189 estudiantes de nuevo ingreso de seis universidades en cuatro estados contestaron una encuesta en línea con una tasa de respuesta de 79.3%. Resultados: 32.5% han padecido psicopatologías en su vida, pero únicamente 19.5% han recibido tratamiento. Mujeres, estudiantes con una orientación no heterosexual, estudiantes de mayor edad, quienes tienen padres fallecidos o no casados, sin religión o con una religión no católica/cristiana tienen mayor probabilidad de presentar psicopatologías (RM= 1.18-1.99), mientras que aquellos de universidades privadas y cuyos padres tienen estudios universitarios tienen menor probabilidad (RM= 0.68-0.75). Conclusiones: La alta tasa de psicopatologías no tratadas combinada con la disposición reportada de recibir servicios a través de su universidad sugiere una oportunidad para la detección, canalización y tratamiento de alumnos de nuevo ingreso para promover una transición exitosa.

A longitudinal study of reciprocal risk between mental and substance use disorders among Mexican youth.

OBJECTIVE: Cross-sectional studies have documented a large co-occurrence of alcohol, drug and tobacco use and disorders with mood, anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders. Longitudinal research among adolescents is much more limited and inconsistent. We tested for possible prospective associations of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use and disorders with an array of anxiety, mood and disruptive behavior disorders from adolescence to early adulthood. METHODS: We estimated prospective associations from a follow-up conducted in 2013 (n = 1071; ages 19-26) of the original Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey conducted in 2005 (ages 12-17), by using Relative Risk (RR) estimates. RESULTS: Prior drug and tobacco use and disorders had small to modest associations with subsequent mood and disruptive behavior disorders (significant RR ranging from 1.42 to 3.30). Inversely, prior mood (RR = 1.54), anxiety (RR = 1.20) and disruptive behavior disorders (RR = 1.61) increased risk of any subsequent substance use disorder. Prior anxiety disorders increased the risk of drug use disorder (RR = 1.69) and prior disruptive behavior disorders increased risk of incident alcohol (RR = 1.70) and drug use (RR = 2.61) disorders. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, in particular, was related to incident alcohol (RR = 2.08), drug (RR = 3.66), nicotine dependence (RR = 2.57) and any substance use disorders (RR = 2.18). DISCUSSION: We found limited longitudinal evidence of bidirectional influences between substance use disorders and mood, anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders with effect sizes that were modest at most under all circumstances. Mechanisms for these complex relationships need to be addressed in future research.

Adolescent Predictors of Incidence and Persistence of Suicide-Related Outcomes in Young Adulthood: A Longitudinal Study of Mexican Youth.

In recent years, Mexico has seen one of the largest increases in suicide rates worldwide, especially among adolescents and young adults. This study uses data from the 1,071 respondents who participated in a two-wave longitudinal study when they were between 12 and 17 years of age, and again when they were between 19 and 26 years of age. The World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessed suicidal behavior and DSM-IV mental disorders. We used Cox regressions to evaluate which sociodemographic and psychiatric factors and life events predicted the incidence and remission of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt throughout the 8-year span. The 8-year incidence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt was 13.3%, 4.8%, and 5.9%, respectively. We found that the number of traumatic life events during childhood, no longer being in school, and tobacco use predicted which adolescents developed suicide behaviors as they transitioned into young adulthood. Psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety disorders, played a larger role in the persistence of those who already had suicidal behaviors, while behavioral disorders played a role in the transition from ideation to attempt. This distinction may be useful for clinicians to assess the risk of suicide.

Non-suicidal self-injuries in a sample of Mexican university students / Autolesiones no suicidas en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios mexicanos

Abstract Introduction Non-suicidal self-injuries (NSSI) are a worldwide health problem that affects principally young people, and can impact negatively the mental and physical health of those that self-injure. Objective To examine the frequency of NSSI in 564 undergraduate students (132 male, 432 female) from Mexico City and the association of NSSI with depressive symptoms, anxiety, impulsivity, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation. Method A convenience sample of 564 undergraduate students (aged 17-26 years) from eight universities in the Mexico City metropolitan area completed a survey in their classrooms. Results Of the total sample, 30.9% had experimented at some point in their lifetime with NSSI on one to four occasions, while 26.9% had recurrent NSSI (i.e., five or more occasions). Nearly eleven percent self-injured in the prior 12 months. The NSSI most often reported among those who self-injured was cutting oneself (48.0%). Recurrent self-injurers reported higher levels of depression and impulsivity, and less self-efficacy than those who had experimented with such behaviors or without any lifetime NSSI. While 54.4% perceived the need for professional help, only 18.1% sought professional services. Discussion and conclusion NSSI is a hidden problem in the college population in Mexico City which needs to be addressed by university administrators and mental health professionals. Depressive symptomatology, impulsivity, and self-efficacy are factors that should be considered when developing preventive intervention strategies.

Resumen Introducción Las autolesiones no suicidas (ANS) son un problema mundial de salud que afecta principalmente a jóvenes, y puede impactar de manera negativa la salud mental y física de la persona que se autolesiona. Objetivo Examinar la frecuencia de ANS en 564 estudiantes de licenciatura (132 hombres, 432 mujeres) de la Ciudad de México y la asociación de las ANS con síntomas depresivos, ansiedad, impulsividad, autoeficacia y regulación emocional. Método Una muestra de conveniencia de 564 estudiantes universitarios (edades 17-26 años) de ocho universidades del área metropolitana de la Ciudad de México completó una encuesta en sus salones de clases. Resultados Del total de la muestra, 30.9% se habían infligido ANS de manera experimental de una a cuatro ocasiones, mientras que 26.9% presentaron ANS recurrentes (cinco o más ocasiones) en algún momento en su vida. Casi once por ciento reportaron ANS en los 12 meses previos. Las ANS reportadas con mayor frecuencia entre aquellos que se autolesionaron fueron cortarse a sí mismos (48.0%). Las personas con autolesiones recurrentes reportaron mayores niveles de depresión e impulsividad, y menos autoeficacia que aquellas que habían experimentado con estos comportamientos o sin ninguna historia de ANS en su vida. Aunque 54.4% percibían la necesidad de atención, solo 18.1% buscaron servicios profesionales. Discusión y conclusión Las ANS son una problemática oculta en la población universitaria de la Ciudad de México, la cual necesita ser atendida por las autoridades universitarias y los profesionales de la salud. La sintomatología depresiva, impulsividad y autoeficacia son factores que se deben considerar para desarrollar estrategias preventivas.

Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs and subsequent suicide ideation and attempt among young Mexicans.

OBJECTIVE: To report results from a follow-up study of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs on suicidal behavior. METHOD: We estimated prospective associations of substance use as a risk factor for incident suicide ideation and attempt, from a follow-up conducted in 2013 (n = 1071) of the original Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey conducted in 2005. RESULTS: Cannabis use before age 15 (ideation risk ratio (RR) = 3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43-11.03; attempt RR = 5.23; 95% CI = 1.17-23.32), early onset of DSM-IV drug use disorder (DUD) among cannabis users (ideation RR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.11-9.84; attempt RR = 4.14; 95% CI = 1.28-13.36), high frequency of cannabis use (RR for attempts = 4.60; 1.03-20.60) and recent DSM-IV-DUD among cannabis users (RR for attempts = 4.74; 1.09-20.57) increased the RR. For "other drug use", significant results were found among those with high frequency use of other drugs such that they had a higher RR of suicide attempt (5.04; 1.03-24.64). For alcohol, only those who initiated alcohol before age 15 had higher RRs of suicide attempt (1.79; 1.00-3.20). DISCUSSION: Those who used cannabis at an early age, early onset of DSM-IV-DUD, and those with heavy cannabis use and recent DSM-IV-DUD among cannabis users in the last 12-months had increased risk of suicide ideation and attempt. Drugs other than cannabis showed some of these associations, but to a lesser degree. Prevention of substance use and treatment of those already engaged in drug use, by decreasing suicide ideation and attempt, may help to prevent suicide in Mexico.

Adaptación y propiedades psicométricas del Inventory of Statements About Self-injury en estudiantes mexicanos / Adaptation and psychometric properties of the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury in Mexican students

Resumen La presente investigación evalúa las propiedades psicométricas de la adaptación al español del Inventory of Statements About Self-injury de Klonsky y Glenn (2009). Esta escala evalúa las diferentes motivaciones o funciones que las personas refieren para realizar autolesiones no suicidas. Se aplicó la escala en una muestra (N = 435) de alumnos universitarios de ambos sexos con una historia de autolesiones no suicidas. El análisis factorial confirmatorio detectó 7 factores interpretables (autorregulación, venganza, búsqueda de sensaciones/fortaleza, evitando el suicidio, manifestando angustia, autodeterminación y embotamiento), 5 más que el instrumento original. La confiabilidad de la escala fue aceptable, con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.89 para la escala total y de 0.72 a 0.82 para cada factor. Se presenta la validez convergente a través de correlaciones positivas entre la escala y mediciones de depresión, ansiedad e impulsividad. El instrumento adaptado al español presenta propiedades psicométricas aceptables para la medición de autolesiones no suicidas en población universitaria mexicana.

Abstract This research evaluates the psychometric properties of the Spanish language adaptation of the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (Klonsky and Glenn, 2009). This scale assesses the motivations or functions that people with non-suicidal self-injuries report for engaging in self-injurious behaviors. The inventory was administered to a sample of 435 male and female university students with a lifetime history of non-suicidal self-injuries. A confirmatory factor analysis detected 7 interpretable factors (self-regulation, revenge, sensation seeking/toughness, avoiding suicide, marking distress, self-determination and numbness), 5 more than the original instrument. The scale had adequate internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 and Cronbach's alphas of 0.72 to 0.82 for each factor. Positive correlations between the scale and measures of depression, anxiety and impulsivity suggest the convergent validity of the scale. Overall, the scale presents acceptable psychometric properties for the measurement of non-suicidal self-injuries in a Mexican university population.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (HADS) en una población de pacientes oncológicos mexicanos / Psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a Mexican population of cancer patients

ANTECEDENTES: La sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva es parte de los principales problemas de salud mental en pacientes oncológicos, lo cual afecta la calidad de vida y la adhesión al tratamiento, además de que se asocia con mayor número de síntomas y estancia hospitalaria. Mediante instrumentos de tamizaje válidos y confiables, como la Escala hospitalaria de ansiedad y depresión (HADS), ha sido posible detectar posibles casos en pacientes hospitalarios. Sin embargo, hasta ahora no se habían caracterizado las propiedades psicométricas en pacientes oncológicos en población mexicana.OBJETIVO: Determinar las propiedades psicométricas de la HADS en una muestra de pacientes oncológicos.MÉTODO: Participaron 400 pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, de los cuales 226 eran mujeres (56.5%) y 174 eran hombres (43.6%); la edad promedio fue de 47.4 ± 14.1 años. Los participantes contestaron, además de la HADS, los siguientes inventarios: depresión de Beck, ansiedad de Beck, termómetro de distrés.RESULTADOS: Un análisis factorial ajustado a dos factores presentó un instrumento con 12 reactivos, similar a la versión original. La consistencia interna de la escala global mostró un índice satisfactorio (a=0.86). Los alfas de Cronbach de cada subescala tuvieron un valor de .79 y .80 que explicaron el 48.04% de la varianza. La validez, por medio de correlación con las medidas concurrentes, mostró resultados significativos (r de Pearson de .51 a .71, p<0.05).DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: La HADS en pacientes con cáncer en población mexicana presentó adecuadas características psicométricas. La relevancia de los resultados obtenidos radica en que se trata de una población que puede llegar a requerir atención oportuna en salud mental en etapas tempranas de su tratamiento. La detección de sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva por medio de la HADS deriva en beneficios para la población oncológica y en estrategias funcionales de atención adecuada y costo-efectivas.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are among the major mental health problems in cancer patients. These symptoms affect the quality of life and treatment adherence, and are associated with other symptoms and longer hospital stays. Valid and reliable screening instruments such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), have made possible the detection of possible cases of depression and anxiety in medically ill patients. However, the psychometric properties of this instrument have not been documented in different types of cancer diagnoses in the Mexican population.OBJECTIVE: To determine the psychometric properties of the HADS in a sample of patients with cancer from the Mexican population.METHOD: Four hundred patients from the National Cancer Institute participated, of which 226 were women (56.5%) and 174 men (43.6%), with a mean age of 47.4 ±14.1 years. Participants completed concurrently the HADS as well as the following inventories: 1. Beck Depression, 2. Beck Anxiety and 3. Distress Thermometer.RESULTS: A factor analysis adjusted to two factors explained 48.04% of the variance, with 12 items loading on these two factors in a way similar to the original version. The internal consistency of the overall scale was satisfactory (α=0.86). Cronbach's alphas for each subscale were .79 and .80. The concurrent validity assessed by way of correlations with concurrent measures showed significant associations (Pearson r=51-71, p<0.05).DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The HADS has adequate construct validity, internal consistency and concurrent validity for its use in cancer patients from the Mexican population. The relevance of these results is a cost effective tool to provide timely mental health care early in oncological treatment for those in need. Detecting anxiety and depression symptoms through the HADS may benefit cancer patients by ensuring appropriate care that may increase their quality of life and treatment adherence, and reduce their hospital stays.

Desarrollo y validación de un instrumento para la evaluación de los subsistemas familiares de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados por enfermedad crónica (eSisFam) / Development and validity of an instrument for the assessment of family subsystems of hospitalized pediatric patients by chronic illness (eSisFam)

ANTECEDENTES: La teoría sistémica de la familia plantea que en ésta existen tres subsistemas: conyugal, parental y filial, los cuales responden, según su particular función, cuando uno de los miembros en edad pediátrica enfrenta alguna enfermedad crónica que amenaza su vida. La evaluación de las familias en un contexto hospitalario institucional presenta distintos desafíos debido al tiempo mínimo necesario para obtener un diagnóstico preciso y por la escasez de recursos humanos preparados para dichas tareas.OBJETIVO: Desarrollar y validar un instrumento para la evaluación de los subsistemas familiares durante la hospitalización a causa de una enfermedad crónica pediátrica (eSisFam).MÉTODO: A partir de la bibliografía y de instrumentos conocidos de funcionamiento familiar, se conformó uno nuevo de cuatro secciones: sistema general y subsistemas conyugal, parental y filial. Participaron 312 cuidadores primarios de pacientes crónicos internados en un hospital público pediátrico. Los reactivos tipo Likert con cuatro opciones de respuesta, fueron contestados en un programa de cómputo. Se determinó la validez de contenido, de constructo y la confiabilidad.RESULTADOS: La validez de contenido arrojó más del 80% de acuerdo interjueces. La validez de constructo por análisis factorial exploratorio identificó tres causas del sistema general (cohesión, comunicación y adaptación), dos del subsistema conyugal (relación afectivo-sexual y distanciamiento-infidelidad), tres del parental (bienestar, responsabilidad compartida y cuidado de los hermanos) y tres del filial (bienestar, conocimiento de la enfermedad y aceptación-participación) con coeficientes alfa de Cronbach superiores a 0.80.DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: El instrumento desarrollado (eSisFam) es válido y confiable para una evaluación general del sistema familiar y de los subsistemas conyugal, parental y filial. La medida podrá ser utilizada en el hospital de pediatría para la detección temprana de situaciones familiares que pudieran interferir con la atención médica del niño o adolescente.

BACKGROUND: According to the family systems model, the family consists of three main subsystems: marital, parental and filial, all of which perform specific functions. A chronic pediatric illness presents challenges to these subsystems leading family members to make the necessary adjustments in order to maintain system balance. The evaluation of families in a public hospital setting is hampered by time constraints and limited human resources to carry out a precise evaluation.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a practical instrument for, evaluation of family subsystems during the hospitalization of a pediatric patient with a chronic illness (eSisFam).METHOD: Based on a review of scientific literature and well-known family functioning instruments, a new measure with four sections was developed: the general system and the marital, parental and filial subsystems. This was applied to 312 primary caregivers of chronically ill hospitalized pediatric patients in a public pediatric hospital. Likert-type items with four response options were self-administered with a computer program. Content validity, construct validity and reliability were assessed.RESULTS: Content validity was obtained by 80% agreement between judges. Construct validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis, resulting in three factors for the general system (cohesion, communication and adaptation); two for the marital subsystem (affective-sexual relationship and distancing-infidelity); three for the parental subsystem (well-being, shared responsibility and care of siblings), and three for the filial subsystem (well-being, illness knowledge and acceptation-participation). We assessed the internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha coefficients; these were higher than 0.80 in all subscales.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The instrument (eSisfam) that was developed is a valid and reliable measure to assess general family system functioning and marital, parental and filial subsystems. This measure could be used in pediatric hospitals for the early detection of family situations that might interfere with child or adolescent medical attention.

[Quality of life in patients with bone tumors, a comparison between different treatments]. / Calidad de vida en pacientes con tumores oseos, una comparacion entre diferentes tratamientos.

INTRODUCTION. Previously, amputation was the only treatment option for patients with malignant bone tumors. Due to technological, medical and surgical advances, the number of survivors and years of survival has been increasing, and thus, the interest in evaluating the impact of this disease on quality of life. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the health related quality of life reported by patients with bone tumors undergoing different treatments (no surgery/amputation/salvage). MATERIAL AND METHODS. Patients (n = 85) with bone tumors over the age of 18, both sexes, from the Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación of Mexico City were included, divided into three groups according to type of treatment. The study design was cross-sectional, descriptive of a nonrandom sample. Quality of life was assessed with the Inventory of Quality of Life and Health (InCaViSa). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparisons between patients with different treatments were evaluated with multivariate analysis of covariance and Sidak post hoc tests. RESULTS. Statistically significant differences were detected in six of the twelve areas of quality of life that are assessed by the scale: physical functioning, isolation, body perception, treatment attitude leisure time and daily life. Health related quality of life in the study group is best for those patients who received amputation compared with the other treatments, while patients limb salvage procedures are those with greater impairment.

Associations between lifetime traumatic events and subsequent chronic physical conditions: a cross-national, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Associations between lifetime traumatic event (LTE) exposures and subsequent physical ill-health are well established but it has remained unclear whether these are explained by PTSD or other mental disorders. This study examined this question and investigated whether associations varied by type and number of LTEs, across physical condition outcomes, or across countries. METHODS: Cross-sectional, face-to-face household surveys of adults (18+) were conducted in 14 countries (n = 38, 051). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessed lifetime LTEs and DSM-IV mental disorders. Chronic physical conditions were ascertained by self-report of physician's diagnosis and year of diagnosis or onset. Survival analyses estimated associations between the number and type of LTEs with the subsequent onset of 11 physical conditions, with and without adjustment for mental disorders. FINDINGS: A dose-response association was found between increasing number of LTEs and odds of any physical condition onset (OR 1.5 [95% CI: 1.4-1.5] for 1 LTE; 2.1 [2.0-2.3] for 5+ LTEs), independent of all mental disorders. Associations did not vary greatly by type of LTE (except for combat and other war experience), nor across countries. A history of 1 LTE was associated with 7/11 of the physical conditions (ORs 1.3 [1.2-1.5] to 1.7 [1.4-2.0]) and a history of 5+ LTEs was associated with 9/11 physical conditions (ORs 1.8 [1.3-2.4] to 3.6 [2.0-6.5]), the exceptions being cancer and stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic events are associated with adverse downstream effects on physical health, independent of PTSD and other mental disorders. Although the associations are modest they have public health implications due to the high prevalence of traumatic events and the range of common physical conditions affected. The effects of traumatic stress are a concern for all medical professionals and researchers, not just mental health specialists.

Comorbilidad de los trastornos por consumo de sustancias con otros trastornos psiquiátricos en Centros Residenciales de Ayuda-Mutua para la Atención de las Adicciones / Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders with other psychiatric disorders in Mutual-Aid Residential Treatment Centers

La comorbilidad de los trastornos por consumo de sustancias con otros trastornos mentales presenta una importante prevalencia; se ha reportado que ésta es mayor en los centros de tratamiento psiquiátrico (2050%) y para las adicciones (50-75%) en comparación con la población abierta. Una modalidad de Ayuda-Mutua para la atención de las adicciones común en México es la de los Centros Residenciales y Casas de Recuperación para las adicciones, también llamados "anexos". El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de comorbilidad de los trastornos por consumo de sustancias con otros trastornos psiquiátricos en una muestra de participantes de sexo masculino adscritos a los Centros Residenciales de Ayuda-Mutua para la Atención de las Adicciones (CRAMAA). Se captó a un total de 535 participantes, de los cuales 346 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y fueron evaluados. La evaluación diagnóstica de los trastornos por uso de sustancias y los 17 trastornos psiquiátricos comórbidos se realizó con la Entrevista Internacional Diagnóstica Compuesta (WMH-CIDI). Los resultados mostraron que 75.72% cumplía con criterios diagnósticos para algún trastorno psiquiátrico comórbido, siendo los más prevalentes los trastornos por déficit de atención y comportamiento perturbador, seguidos por los trastornos de ansiedad, la ansiedad por separación, los trastornos afectivos, los trastornos por control de impulsos y con menor frecuencia los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. En la mayoría de los casos (83.59%), los trastornos psiquiátricos comórbidos precedieron a los trastornos adictivos. Este estudio constituye una aportación que puede considerarse para futuras propuestas en políticas públicas, que se traduzcan en acciones para ofertar servicios que atiendan las adicciones y los trastornos psiquiátricos de manera integral.

Substance use disorders have a high degree of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders; it has been reported that the prevalence of comorbidity is higher in psychiatric (20-50%) and addiction (50-75%) treatment settings than in household or student populations. Because of limited treatment alternatives and greater treatment needs, Mutual-Aid groups have become relevant in the last decades. A modality of Mutual-Aid for addiction treatment that has proliferated in Mexico has taken the form of residential Mutual-Aid centers called "anexos" in Spanish. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lifetime comorbidity between substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders in those who attended these residential Mutual-Aid centers. The initial sample consisted of 535 male participants diagnosed with a substance use disorder, but only 346 fulfilled the inclusion criteria to continue with the evaluation. Only males were included as the participating centers only admit males. Psychiatric diagnosis was evaluated with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) using DSM-IV criteria. The results showed that 75.72% met criteria for any comorbid psychiatric disorder, the most frequent being attention deficit and conduct disorders, followed by anxiety disorders, separation anxiety disorders, mood disorders, impulse control disorders and least frequently eating disorders. While the study is limited by its non-representative sample, the findings provide valuable information for a hidden population for which there is a dearth of information and points to the need for integrative services which address both addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders simultaneously.

Estudio de la variabilidad genética del DRD4 y del DAT1 en individuos habitantes de la Ciudad de México / Genetic variability study of DRD4 and DAT1 in the urban population of Mexico City

Family, twin and adoption studies suggest that genetics plays an important role in the etiology of many psychiatric disorders. It has been proposed that the dopaminergic brain system could be affected in schizophrenia, substance abuse and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The most studied genes are two VNTR polymorphic systems; one located in the exon 3 of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene, and the other in the 3' untranslated region of the dopamine transporter (DAT1 or SCLA6A3) gene. It has been reported that allele frequencies of these polymorphisms varied between populations and this could affect the results in the association studies. Due to the previous findings, the objective of the present study was to determine the allele frequencies of DRD4 and DAT1 in an epidemiological sample of the adolescent population of México City. We found that the frequencies presented in our study were in between those reported for Caucasians and those reported for the American Indigenous population, this result are consistent with Euro-Indigenous inbreeding that has occurred in Mexico. Moreover, the results presented in the present study could explain the lack of consistency in the association analysis and make necessary to develop these investigations in our population.

Existe evidencia fehaciente de la influencia genética en los trastornos psiquiátricos y se ha propuesto que el sistema dopáminergico cerebral puede ser uno de los afectados en diversos trastornos como la esquizofrenia, el abuso de sustancias y el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad. En este sentido, los sistemas genéticos más estudiados son 2 VNTRs; uno localizado en el exón 3 del gen del Receptor a dopamina D4 (DRD4) y el otro en la región 3' no traducida del transportador a dopamina (DAT1 o SCL6A3). Se ha reportado que las frecuencias alélicas de estos polimorfismos difieren significativamente entre poblaciones y que esto puede afectar los resultados en los estudios de asociación. Debido a lo anterior, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar las frecuencias alélicas del DRD4 y del DAT1 a partir de una muestra epidemiológica de la población adolescente de la Ciudad de México. Las frecuencias alélicas reportadas en el presente estudio son intermedias a las reportadas en caucásicos y poblaciones indígenas de América, lo que concuerda con la historia de mestizaje ocurrida en México. Estás diferencias pueden ayudar a explicar la falta de consistencia en diferentes estudios de asociación y hacen necesario realizarlos en población mexicana.