Economic evaluation of non-invasive liver tests for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to determine the costs and benefits of non-invasive liver tests vs liver biopsy in patients with chronic liver diseases. INTRODUCTION: Hepatic diseases can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past, liver biopsy was the only option for diagnosing fibrosis degree. Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that depends on the sample size to be able to deliver an accurate diagnosis. In recent years, non-invasive liver tests have been increasingly used to estimate liver fibrosis degree; however, there is a lack of economic assessments of technology implementation outcomes. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include partial (cost studies) and complete economic evaluation studies on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that compare non-invasive liver tests with liver biopsies. Studies published in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, or Portuguese will be included. No date limits will be applied to the search. METHODS: This review will identify published and unpublished studies. Published studies will be identified using MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS. Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature will include sources from health technology assessment agencies, clinical practice guidelines, regulatory approvals, advisories and warnings, and clinical trial registries, as well as Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will screen and assess studies, and extract and critically appraise the data. Data extracted from the included studies will be analyzed and summarized to address the review objective using narrative text, and the JBI dominance ranking matrix. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023404278.

Burnout, COVID-19, apoio social e insegurança alimentar em trabalhadores da saúde / Burnout, COVID-19, apoyo social e inseguridad alimentaria en trabajadores de la salud / Burnout, COVID-19, social support and food insecurity in health workers

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de risco para a Síndrome de Burnout entre profissionais da saúde de áreas de atendimento a pacientes com COVID-19, bem como verificar possíveis associações da síndrome com o apoio social percebido e com a insegurança alimentar desses trabalhadores. Métodos Estudo transversal analítico, com trabalhadores de unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) e de enfermarias de atendimento a pacientes com COVID-19, em um hospital universitário. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de setembro a outubro de 2021, utilizando os instrumentos: Inventário de Burnout de Maslach (MBI-HSS), Escala Multidimensional de Suporte Social Percebido e Escala de Vivência da Insegurança Alimentar (FIES). A análise estatística utilizou modelos de regressão de Poisson e regressão múltipla de Poisson, sendo consideradas diferenças e associações estatisticamente significativas se p<0,05. Resultados 75 trabalhadores de três enfermarias (48%) e de uma UTI (52%) participaram da pesquisa, sendo que os profissionais são, em sua maioria, do sexo feminino (89,3%), formados(as) como técnicos de enfermagem (66,7%). Em relação ao risco de Síndrome de Burnout , 26,7% dos trabalhadores apresentaram escores para pelo menos uma dimensão da escala, principalmente à referente a alta exaustão emocional (20%); verificou-se a associação positiva entre o risco de desenvolver Síndrome de Burnout e a insegurança alimentar (RP = 1,11; IC95% = (1,04; 1,18); p = 0,002). O número de filhos associou-se significativamente de forma negativa à incidência de Síndrome de Burnout (RP = 0,90; IC95% = (0,83; 0,97); p = 0,008). Conclusão Foram observadas associações positivas de maior risco de SB em profissionais com insegurança alimentar e, também, que o número de filhos atua como fator protetivo ao risco de Síndrome de Burnout , o que pode estar relacionado diretamente ao apoio social percebido.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la prevalencia de riesgo de síndrome de burnout en profesionales de la salud de áreas de asistencia a pacientes con COVID-19, así como verificar posibles relaciones del síndrome con el apoyo social percibido y la inseguridad alimentaria de estos trabajadores. Métodos Estudio transversal analítico, con trabajadores de unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y de enfermerías de asistencia a pacientes con COVID-19 en un hospital universitario. La recopilación de datos fue realizada en el período de septiembre a octubre de 2021, utilizando los instrumentos: Cuestionario Maslach de Burnout (MBI-HSS), Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido y Escala de Experiencias de Inseguridad Alimentaria (FIES). En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Poisson y regresión múltiple de Poisson, donde se consideraron diferencias y asociaciones estadísticamente significativas si p<0,05. Resultados Participaron del estudio 75 trabajadores de tres enfermerías (48 %) y de una UCI (52 %), donde los profesionales, en su mayoría, eran de sexo femenino (89,3 %), graduados(as) como técnicos de enfermería (66,7 %). Con relación al riesgo de síndrome de burnout , el 26,7 % de los trabajadores presentó puntuación en por lo menos una dimensión de la escala, principalmente en la referente al alto agotamiento emocional (20 %). Se verificó una asociación positiva entre el riesgo de padecer síndrome de burnout y la inseguridad alimentaria (RP = 1,11; IC95 % = (1,04; 1,18); p = 0,002). El número de hijos se asoció significativamente de forma negativa a la incidencia de síndrome de burnout (RP = 0,90; IC95 % = (0,83; 0,97); p = 0,008). Conclusión Se observaron asociaciones positivas de mayor riesgo de síndrome de burnout en profesionales con inseguridad alimentaria, además de que el número de hijos actúa como factor protector del riesgo de síndrome de burnout , lo que puede estar directamente relacionado con el apoyo social percibido.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence of risk for Burnout Syndrome among health professionals in areas of care for patients with COVID-19, as well as to verify possible associations of the syndrome with the perceived social support and food insecurity of these workers. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study, with workers from intensive care units (ICU) and wards caring for patients with COVID-19, in a university hospital. Data collection was carried out from September to October 2021, using the instruments: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Statistical analysis used Poisson regression models and multiple Poisson regression, considering statistically significant differences and associations if p<0.05. Results A total of 75 workers from three wards (48%) and from one ICU (52%) participated in the survey, and the professionals are mostly female (89.3%), trained as health care technicians (66.7%). Regarding the risk of Burnout Syndrome, 26.7% of the workers had scores for at least one dimension of the scale, mainly referring to high emotional exhaustion (20%). There was a positive association between the risk of developing Burnout Syndrome and food insecurity (PR = 1.11; 95%CI = (1.04; 1.18); p = 0.002). The number of children was significantly negatively associated with the incidence of Burnout Syndrome (PR = 0.90; 95%CI = (0.83; 0.97); p = 0.008). Conclusion Positive associations were observed with a higher risk of BS in professionals with food insecurity and also that the number of children acts as a protective factor against the risk of Burnout Syndrome, which may be directly related to perceived social support.

Prospective Study of Fertility Preservation in Young Women With Breast Cancer in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Despite the risk of treatment-related infertility, implementation of fertility-preservation (FP) strategies among young patients with breast cancer is often suboptimal in resource-constrained settings such as Mexico. The "Joven & Fuerte: Program for Young Women With Breast Cancer" strives to enhance patient access to supportive care services, including FP measures through alliances with assisted-reproduction units and procurement of coverage of some of these strategies. This study describes patients from Joven & Fuerte who have preserved fertility, and assesses which characteristics were associated with the likelihood of undergoing FP. METHODS: Women aged ≤40 years with recently diagnosed breast cancer were prospectively accrued. Sociodemographic and clinicopathologic data were collected from patient-reported and provider-recorded information at diagnosis and 1-year follow-up. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and simple logistic regression were used to compare patients who preserved fertility with those who did not. RESULTS: In total, 447 patients were included, among which 53 (12%) preserved fertility, representing 38% of the 140 women who desired future biologic children. Oocyte/embryo cryopreservation was the most frequently used method for FP (59%), followed by temporary ovarian suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy (26%), and use of both GnRHa and oocyte/embryo cryopreservation (15%). Younger age, higher educational level, being employed, having private healthcare insurance, and having one or no children were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of preserving fertility. CONCLUSIONS: By facilitating referral and seeking funds and special discounts for underserved patients, supportive care programs for young women with breast cancer can play a crucial role on enhancing access to oncofertility services that would otherwise be prohibitive because of their high costs, particularly in resource-constrained settings. For these efforts to be successful and widely applied in the long term, sustained and extended governmental coverage of FP options for this young group is warranted.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy for premenopausal women with breast cancer: Patient adherence and physician prescribing practices in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In resource-constrained settings, data regarding breast cancer patients' adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) and physicians' prescribing practices is limited. This study aims to decrease this knowledge gap in a real-world clinical practice. METHODS: Premenopausal women with stage 0-III hormone-sensitive breast cancer and receiving adjuvant ET during the past 1-5 years were identified in three Mexican referral centers. Participants' self-reported ET compliance, clinicopathologic characteristics, ET-related knowledge and beliefs, experienced adverse effects, social support, and patient-physician relationships were evaluated. Physician ET prescribing practices were compared with the gold standard according to international and national guidelines to assess clinicians' adherence to standard-of-care prescription. RESULTS: In total, 95/132 (72%) and 35/132 (27%) participants reported complete and acceptable adherence, respectively. Incomplete adherence was mainly attributed to forgetfulness, adverse effects, and unwillingness to take ET. Being employed/studying (p = 0.042), worrying about long-term ET use (p = 0.031), and experiencing >7 ET-related symptoms (p = 0.018) were associated with incomplete adherence. Guideline-endorsed regimens were prescribed in 84/132 (64%) patients, while the rest should have undergone ovarian function suppression (OFS) but instead received tamoxifen monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal Mexican women self-report remarkably high rates of adequate ET adherence. However, a considerable proportion misses ≥1 doses/month, usually because of forgetfulness. Notably, only 64% receive standard-of-care ET due to suboptimal prescription of OFS. Interventions that remind patients to take their ET, refine physicians' knowledge on the importance of OFS in high-risk patients, and increase access to OFS could prove pivotal to enhance optimal ET implementation and adherence, which could translate into improved patient outcomes.

Adherence to Adjuvant Tamoxifen in Mexican Young Women with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) in young women is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative tumors, which may be explained by low rates of tamoxifen adherence. In Mexico, up to 14% of all BC diagnoses occur in young women and no data on tamoxifen adherence has been reported. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen in Mexican young women with BC (YWBC). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City, among YWBC (≤40 years at diagnosis) receiving adjuvant tamoxifen. Adherence was measured subjectively, through self-reported surveys, and objectively, through medication possession ratio (MPR). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic characteristics. To compare associations between patients' characteristics and adherence, Chi-square test was used for categorical variables and Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test for quantitative variables. RESULTS: A total of 141 YWBC receiving adjuvant tamoxifen were included. Regarding subjective adherence, 95% expressed taking tamoxifen regularly, 70% reported missing 0 doses in the past 30 days, and 71.6% reported having adverse effects. Regarding objective adherence, 74.8% of patients had an MPR ≥80%. The association between subjective and objective adherence was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Subjective adherence was associated with not skipping tamoxifen doses when feeling worse. Objective adherence was associated with having a stable job, not skipping tamoxifen doses when feeling worse, taking additional medications, and time on tamoxifen treatment. Fifty-six percent considered the information on tamoxifen to be insufficient and 37% not understandable. CONCLUSION: In our study, high subjective and objective adherence rates to adjuvant tamoxifen were reported, although an important proportion of women reported high rates of adverse effects and not fully understanding the benefits of tamoxifen. Strategies to increase tamoxifen adherence may be even more important now that longer durations of treatment or further ovarian function suppression have become the standard of care in YWBC.

Improving Collection of Real-World Data: The Experience of the Joven & Fuerte Prospective Cohort for Mexican Young Women With Breast Cancer.

The prospective collection of clinical data can generate detailed information on heterogeneous populations. This article reviews the strengths and limitations of the collection of real-world data and provides insight into the feasibility of routine collection of high-quality evidence even in a resource-constrained setting. The acquisition of high-quality data to assess the clinical and psychosocial needs of young Mexican patients with breast cancer has been enhanced through the use of preplanned, standardized data definitions and instrumentation to provide internally and externally comparable results, optimization of data collection with web-based surveys, engagement of participants to minimize missing data, and routine review for data consistency. A similar approach by other research groups could improve the quality of real-world data and accomplish enhanced inference of information.

Influence of germline BRCA genotype on the survival of patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

The presence of BRCA pathogenic variants (PVs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a distinctive genomic profile that makes the tumor particularly susceptible to DNA-damaging treatments. However, patients with BRCA PVs can develop treatment resistance through the appearance of reversion mutations and restored BRCA expression. As copy-number variants (CNV) could be less susceptible to reversion mutations than point mutations, we hypothesize that carriers of BRCA CNVs may have improved survival after treatment compared to carriers of other BRCA PVs or BRCA wild-type. Women diagnosed with stage I-III TNBC at ≤50 years at a cancer center in Mexico City were screened for BRCA PVs using a recurrent PV assay (HISPANEL; 77% sensitivity). The recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared according to mutational status. Among 180 women, 17 (9%) were carriers of BRCA1 ex9-12del CNV and 26 (14%) of other BRCA PVs. RFS at ten years for the whole cohort was 79.2% (95% CI 72.3-84.6%), with no significant differences according to mutational status. 10-year OS for the entire cohort was 85.3% (95%CI: 78.7-90.0%), with BRCA CNV carriers demonstrating numerically superior OS rates other PV carriers and non-carriers (100% vs. 78.6% and 84.7%; log-rank p=0.037 and p=0.051, respectively). This study suggests that BRCA1 ex9-12del CNV carriers with TNBC may have a better OS, and supports the hypothesis that the genotype of BRCA PVs may influence survival by limiting treatment resistance mediated by reversion mutations among CNV carriers.

Gaps in Knowledge and Understanding of Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer in Mexico.

There is paucity of data regarding the knowledge and understanding of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) about their disease stage and treatment goals. This study assessed these patients' awareness of MBC incurability, topics reviewed with their oncologist, perceptions of having enough knowledge to participate in treatment decision-making, most helpful information source, and satisfaction with the information they received. For this purpose, 185 patients with MBC who attended follow-up medical appointments at a Mexican referral cancer center completed a survey designed by the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. Descriptive statistics were applied, and associations between qualitative and quantitative variables were assessed with χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. Half (52%) of the patients were aware that their disease was incurable, while 31% were not sure, and 17% thought it was curable. Forty percent found it difficult to talk about treatments because they did not understand the options that were available to them. The medical staff was the most helpful information source for 74% of participants, and 64% scored their satisfaction with information ≥9 of 10. A significant association was found between higher satisfaction and knowing that MBC is incurable, as well as being older than 40 years. These results illustrate the significant lack of understanding patients with MBC have regarding their cancer, even when reporting high satisfaction with the provided information, and identify a critical need for improved patient education to enhance their comprehension and promote their participation in decision-making processes, treatment adherence, and, ultimately, outcomes.

Young Women With Breast Cancer in Mexico: Results of the Pilot Phase of the Joven & Fuerte Prospective Cohort.

PURPOSE: The pilot-phase report of the Joven & Fuerte prospective cohort broadly characterizes and assesses the needs of Mexican young women with breast cancer (YWBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women age ≤ 40 years with nonmetastatic primary breast cancer were consecutively accrued from 2 hospitals. Data were collected at the first/baseline oncology visit and 2 years later using a sociodemographic survey, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life (QOL) Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and Breast Cancer-Specific QOL Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), Sexual Satisfaction Inventory, and patients' medical records. Pearson χ2 and 2-sided t tests were used for statistical analysis. An unadjusted P value < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included, all with government health care coverage. Most had low monthly household incomes (98%) and at least a high school education (59%). There was a considerable prevalence of unpartnered patients (36%) and unmet parity (25%). Patients' most common initial symptom was a palpable mass (84%), and they were most frequently diagnosed with stage III disease (48%), with 51% having had a physician visit ≤ 3 months since detection but 39% receiving diagnosis > 12 months later. At baseline, 66% of patients were overweight/obese, and this proportion had significantly increased by 2 years (P < .001). Compared with baseline, global QLQ-C30 had improved significantly by 2 years (P = .004), as had HADS-Anxiety (P < .001). However, both at baseline and at 2 years, nearly half of patients exhibited FSFI sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings demonstrate that YWBC in Mexico have particular sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics, reinforcing the necessity to further describe and explore the needs of these young patients, because they may better represent the understudied and economically vulnerable population of YWBC in limited-resource settings.

Patients' satisfaction with a supportive care program for young breast cancer patients in Mexico: Joven & Fuerte supports patients' needs and eases their illness process.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' outlook and satisfaction with "Joven & Fuerte: Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer (YWBC) in Mexico" (J&F) and to determine its strengths and areas of improvement to better fulfill patients' information and supportive care needs. METHODS: Patients enrolled in J&F for ≥ 6 months at three cancer referral centers were invited via a messaging application to anonymously complete an online survey exploring their perspectives of the program's information delivery, support services, and research component. Descriptive statistics, chi2 test, Student t, and ANOVA were used for analysis. RESULTS: Of 484 eligible patients, 28% completed the survey. The program overall was useful/very useful according to 97% and aided 82% to better cope with their illness. The timing, clarity, and usefulness of the information provided were each described as good/very good by ≥ 83% for the written format and ≥ 98% for the verbal one. Eighty-four percent of patients were very satisfied (≥ 9/10) with psychological support and genetic assessment. The number of support services used was significantly associated with patients' perception of J&F's usefulness. Regarding fertility issues, 45% recalled being informed about preservation strategies and J&F financially supported 27/39 of interested patients. Fifty-eight percent were unaware of J&F's ongoing research component. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' satisfaction with J&F is very high, reflecting that the program is meeting Mexican YWBC's needs by providing useful information means and support services in a limited-resource setting. Efforts must keep up to guarantee the program's continuity and advocate for its extension to other oncologic centers.

Suboptimal Use of Effective Contraceptive Methods in Young Mexican Women With Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: Contraceptive counseling and adherence in young women with breast cancer (BC) is a relevant issue because chemotherapy and hormonal treatment resulting in amenorrhea do not preclude unintended pregnancies. Currently, there is limited evidence from high-income countries; however, there are no studies regarding use of contraceptives in patients with BC in Mexico. This study aimed to determine the rate of contraceptive use in young Mexican women with BC during cancer treatment, characterize their contraceptive preferences, and assess contraceptive counseling by Mexican physicians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted regarding contraceptive use and counseling among women age 40 years or younger at BC diagnosis who had completed chemotherapy in the previous 5 years or who were currently receiving long-term treatment with hormonal therapy and/or trastuzumab at a large tertiary health care facility in Mexico. RESULTS: Of a total of 104 eligible women with median age at diagnosis of 34 years, 51.1% reported using a contraceptive during chemotherapy and 45.7% reported using a contraceptive during other types of cancer treatment (hormonal therapy and trastuzumab). Of the 51 patients (49%) who were sexually active during chemotherapy, 76.5% used contraception, but only 29.4% used an effective contraceptive method. When asked about contraceptive counseling, only 16.7% recalled being advised by their health care provider. Sexually active women who received contraceptive counseling used contraceptives more often than women who were not counseled (83.3% v 22.2%). CONCLUSION: A minority of young women with BC in Mexico use effective contraception methods during cancer treatment and receive contraceptive counseling. Informing all premenopausal patients with BC about effective use of contraception methods during treatment should be an essential aspect of the supportive care of young women.

"Joven & Fuerte": Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer in Mexico - Initial Results.

Despite the high rates of breast cancer among young Mexican women, their special needs and concerns have not been systematically addressed. To fulfill these unsatisfied demands, we have developed "Joven & Fuerte: Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer in Mexico," the first program dedicated to the care of young breast cancer patients in Latin America, which is taking place at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico and the two medical facilities of the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. The program was created to optimize the complex clinical and psychosocial care of these patients, enhance education regarding their special needs, and promote targeted research, as well as to replicate this program model in other healthcare centers across Mexico and Latin America. From November 2013 to February 2017, the implementation of the "Joven & Fuerte" program has delivered specialized care to 265 patients, through the systematic identification of their particular needs and the provision of fertility, genetic, and psychological supportive services. Patients and families have engaged in pedagogic activities and workshops and have created a motivated and empowered community. The program developed and adapted the first educational resources in Spanish dedicated for young Mexican patients, as well as material for healthcare providers. As for research, a prospective cohort of young breast cancer patients was established to characterize clinicopathological features and psychosocial effects at baseline and during follow-up, as a guide for the development of specific cultural interventions addressing this vulnerable group. Eventually, it is intended that the program's organization and structure can reach national and international interactions and serve as a platform for other countries.

Grado de educación, prevención e importancia dental: realidad en padres de familia de León, Guanajuato / Education degree, prevention, and dental importance: reality in parents from Leon, Guanajuato

Objetivo: evaluar el grado de educación, prevención e importanciadental en caries y enfermedad periodontal en padres de familia de niños de primaria de la ciudad de León, Guanajuato. Material y métodos:En este estudio descriptivo, transversal y observacional se hizo una encuesta a 1,249 padres de familia de niños de seis diferentes escuelas primarias que constó de 18 preguntas enfocadas en la educación, prevención e importancia dental. Se estableció una comparación entre padres de familia con niños de escuelas públicas y privadas, así como entre el grado de estudios de los padres de familia con su propio grado de educación y prevención dental. Resultados: Se observó un grado moderado de prevención dental (48.04 por ciento de educación dental (49.48 por ciento), la mayoría da importancia a los dientes deciduos (87.43 por ciento); 65.89 por ciento de los padres consideró sus propios dientes como muy importantes, 8.02 por ciento, moderadamente importantes, 5.12 por ciento, poco importantes y 0.96 por ciento nada importantes. También afi rman que la salud dental tienela misma importancia que la salud sistémica (98.88 por ciento). Hubo máspadres de familia de niños de escuelas privadas en los niveles altos deprevención y educación dental que de escuelas públicas. Asimismo, seobservó que en el nivel alto de educación y prevención dental, cuantomayor era el grado de estudios de los padres de familia, mayor cantidadde ellos se encontraban en estos niveles. Conclusiones: Dado que hayun alto grado de educación dental y uno moderado de prevención, sedetectó que no se lleva a la práctica lo que se sabe, aun cuando se da gran importancia a los dientes, por lo que sería conveniente diseñar un método para asegurar que se apliquen las medidas preventivas e indagar las causas por las que se omiten.

Objective: to evaluate the level of dental education, prevention, andthe importance of caries and periodontal disease in parents of primarylevel children in the city of León, Gto. Material and methods: Inthis descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study, a surveywas applied to 1,249 parents whose children study in six diff erentprimary schools. The survey had 18 questions about dental education,prevention, and importance. A comparison was made between parentswhose children study in private and public schools and between thelevel of studies of parents in the level of dental education and dentalprevention. Results: It was found a moderate level of dental prevention(48.04%) and a high level of dental education (49.48%), almost allparents think that temporal teeth are important (87.43%); 65.89% ofthe parents considered their own teeth as «very important¼, 28.02%as «moderately important¼, 5.12% as «little important¼ and 0.96% as«no important¼. They also affi rm that dental health is as important assystemic health (98.88%). There were more parents with children fromprivate schools with high levels of dental prevention and education thanchildren from public schools. It was also observed that in the high levelof dental education and prevention, the higher the level of studies werein parents, the most of them were found in those levels. Conclusions:Due to the high level of dental education, and a moderate level ofprevention, it was observed that people don’t practice what they know,even though they think teeth are important, so it would be convenientto design a method to assure that preventive measures are done andfi nd out the reasons why they are not taking place.

Fertility concerns among breast cancer patients in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: Young women represent a high proportion of the total number of breast cancer (BC) patients in Mexico; however, no previous studies addressing their attitudes regarding the risk of chemotherapy-induced infertility and its contributing factors are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concerns of young women with BC towards the risk of infertility in two referral centers in Mexico with access to public health services. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including women with newly or previously detected BC aged 40 years or younger at diagnosis was conducted. Variables regarding concerns about fertility were collected from an adapted version of the Fertility Issues Survey. RESULTS: 134 consecutive eligible women responded to the in-person paper survey. 55% were partnered, 35.1% had no children, and 48% reported willingness to have children prior to BC diagnosis. Only 3% of patients considered to be able to afford extra expenses. At diagnosis, 44% of women expressed some level of concern about infertility risk. The only factor significantly associated with fertility concern was the desire of having children prior to diagnosis (OR 11.83, p = 0.006). Only 30.6% patients recalled having received information regarding infertility risk from their physicians. CONCLUSION: A minority of young women with breast cancer in Mexico is informed about the risk of BC treatment-induced infertility, despite substantial interest. Informing all patients about infertility risk and available options for fertility preservation should be an essential aspect of the supportive care of young women with BC, even in low-middle income countries such as Mexico.