Gender and non-communicable diseases in Mexico: a political mapping and stakeholder analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mexico and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with gender-differentiated risk factors and access to prevention, diagnosis and care. However, the political agenda in LMICs as it relates to health and gender is primarily focused on sexual and reproductive health rights and preventing violence against women. This research article analyses public policies related to gender and NCDs, identifying political challenges in the current response to women's health needs, and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care in Mexico. METHODS: We carried out a political mapping and stakeholder analysis during July-October of 2022, based on structured desk research and interviews with eighteen key stakeholders related to healthcare, gender and NCDs in Mexico. We used the PolicyMaker V5 software to identify obstacles and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care, from the perspective of the political stakeholders interviewed. RESULTS: We found as a political obstacle that policies and stakeholders addressing NCDs do not take a gender perspective, while policies and stakeholders addressing gender equality do not adequately consider NCDs. The gendered social and economic aspects of the NCD burden are not widely understood, and the multi-sectoral approach needed to address these aspects is lacking. Economic obstacles show that budget cuts exacerbated by the pandemic are a significant obstacle to social protection mechanisms to support those caring for people living with NCDs. CONCLUSIONS: Moving towards an effective, equity-promoting health and social protection system requires the government to adopt an intersectoral, gender-based approach to the prevention and control of NCDs and the burden of NCD care. Despite significant resource constraints, policy innovation may be possible given the willingness among some stakeholders to collaborate, particularly in the labour and legal sectors. However, care will be needed to ensure the implementation of new policies has a positive impact on both gender equity and health outcomes. Research on successful approaches in other contexts can help to identify relevant learnings for Mexico.

Perceptions of adolescent 'simulated clients' on barriers to seeking contraceptive services in health centers and pharmacies in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To examine adolescent simulated clients' perceived barriers to quality care as they sought information on contraceptives in public-sector healthcare facilities and pharmacies in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: We used a qualitative research design and conducted semi-structured interviews with eight young women who posed as simulated clients at health centers and pharmacies in Mexico City. Grounded Theory was used to analyze the transcripts. RESULTS: Barriers to receiving information about contraceptives included healthcare professionals who gave administrative pretexts to avoid providing services. Simulated clients also felt judged by healthcare professionals and reported a lack of simple, understandable and pertinent information. Healthcare professionals did not ensure clients understood and had no further questions about using contraceptives, which resulted in clients' poor perceived self-efficacy, as well as a lack of confidence in the healthcare system to help them. CONCLUSIONS: When healthcare professionals fail to provide services according to the World Health Organization's five basic criteria of adolescent friendly care, adolescents perceive important barriers in their access to contraceptive methods. Quality of sexual health care in Mexico would benefit from efforts to improve healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes and skills related to adolescent friendly service delivery.

Child labor and severe functioning difficulties and disability in Mexican children and adolescents 5-17 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of Mexican children and adolescents 5-17 years with severe functioning difficulties and disability and explore their participation in child labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from the National Survey of Boys, Girls and Women in Mexico 2015 we estimated prevalence of functioning difficulties and disability and used logistic regression to explore the association between this condition and child labor. RESULTS: While 11.2% of Mexicans 5-17 years-old has severe functioning difficulties or disability, 13.4% work. The functioning difficulty and disability domains with the highest prevalence are experiencing anxiety (5.4%) and depression (1.5%) daily. Children and adolescents with severe functioning difficulties and disability are 70% more likely to do child labor [OR=1.7, 95%CI:1.2,2.4]. Educational lag doubles the likelihood of doing child labor [OR=2.2, 95%CI:1.5,3.3]. CONCLUSIONS: Guaranteeing educational opportunities and respect for the rights of children with severe functioning difficulties and disability is essential to achieve development of their full potential.

Barriers to HPV self-sampling and cytology among low-income indigenous women in rural areas of a middle-income setting: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Data is needed about barriers to self-collection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) samples and cytology among low-income, disadvantaged women living in rural areas of lower-income countries as these women are at increased risk of cervical cancer mortality. METHODS: Individual interviews (n = 29), focus groups (n = 7, 5-11 participants) and discussion groups (n = 2, 18-25 participants) were organized with women from three indigenous ethnic groups residing in rural areas in Mexico, after they were provided with free, self-sampled HPV tests. These groups are low-income, underserved by healthcare and have historically been on the receiving end of racism and social exclusion. Descriptive, qualitative content analysis was done, including two cycles of coding. RESULTS: Interview and focus/discussion group data indicate women had limited understanding of HPV's role in cervical cancer etiology. They identified HPV's existence, that cytology detects cervical cancer, the need for regular testing and that cervical cancer is sexually transmitted. Organizational barriers to clinic-based cytology included irregular supplies of disposable speculums, distance to clinics and lack of clear communication by healthcare personnel. Women considered self-collected HPV-testing easy, less embarrassing and less painful than cytology, an opportunity for self-care and most felt they understood how to take a self-sample after a 20-min explanation. Some women feared hurting themselves when taking the self-sample or that they would take the sample incorrectly, which they worried would make the test useless. Attending HPV-testing in groups facilitated use by allowing women to discuss their doubts and fears before doing self-collection of the sample or to ask other women who were the first to do the self-sampling what the experience had been like (whether it hurt and how easy it was). Lack of indoor bathrooms was a barrier to doing HPV self-sampling at home, when those homes were resource-poor (one-room dwellings). CONCLUSIONS: Low-income, indigenous Mexican women residing in rural, underserved areas identified their need for cervical cancer screening but encountered multiple barriers to cytology-based screening. They found a number of advantages of HPV self-sampled tests. Employing self-collected HPV-testing instead of cytology could resolve some but not all gender-related, organizational or technical quality-of-care issues within cervical cancer detection and control programs.

Child labor and severe functioning difficulties and disability in Mexican children and adolescents 5-17 years of age / Trabajo infantil y dificultades severas de funcionamiento y discapacidad en niños y adolescentes mexicanos de 5-17 años

Abstract: Objective: To describe the characteristics of Mexican children and adolescents 5-17 years with severe functioning difficulties and disability and explore their participation in child labor. Materials and methods: Using data from the National Survey of Boys, Girls and Women in Mexico 2015 we estimated prevalence of functioning difficulties and disability and used logistic regression to explore the association between this condition and child labor. Results: While 11.2% of Mexicans 5-17 years-old has severe functioning difficulties or disability, 13.4% work. The functioning difficulty and disability domains with the highest prevalence are experiencing anxiety (5.4%) and depression (1.5%) daily. Children and adolescents with severe functioning difficulties and disability are 70% more likely to do child labor [OR=1.7, 95%CI:1.2,2.4]. Educational lag doubles the likelihood of doing child labor [OR=2.2, 95%CI:1.5,3.3]. Conclusions: Guaranteeing educational opportunities and respect for the rights of children with severe functioning difficulties and disability is essential to achieve development of their full potential.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la población mexicana de 5-17 años con problemas severos de funcionamiento y discapacidad y explorar su realización de trabajo infantil. Material y métodos: Basado en la Encuesta Nacional de Niños, Niñas y Mujeres 2015, se estimaron prevalencias de problemas de funcionamiento y discapacidad y se exploró la relación con el trabajo infantil en un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: El 11.2% de los mexicanos de 5-17 años tiene dificultades severas de funcionamiento o discapacidad y 13.4% realiza trabajo infantil. Los ámbitos con la mayor prevalencia fueron ansiedad (5.4%) y depresión (1.5%) experimentadas diariamente. Niños y adolescentes con problemas severos de funcionamiento o discapacidad tienen 70% más posibilidades de realizar trabajo infantil [RM=1.7, IC95%:1.2,2.4]. El rezago educativo duplica las posibilidades de realizar trabajo infantil [RM=2.2, IC95%:1.5,3.3]. Conclusiones: Es imprescindible garantizar oportunidades educativas y respeto a los derechos de la población infantil con problemas de funcionamiento y discapacidad para lograr su desarrollo integral.

Quality of reproductive healthcare for adolescents: A nationally representative survey of providers in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescents need sexual and reproductive health services but little is known about quality-of-care in lower- and middle-income countries where most of the world's adolescents reside. Quality-of-care has important implications as lower quality may be linked to higher unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection rates. This study sought to generate evidence about quality-of-care in public sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study had a complex, probabilistic, stratified sampling design, representative at the national, regional and rural/urban level in Mexico, collecting provider questionnaires at 505 primary care units in 2012. A sexual and reproductive quality-of-healthcare index was defined and multinomial logistic regression was utilized in 2015. RESULTS: At the national level 13.9% (95%CI: 6.9-26.0) of healthcare units provide low quality, 68.6% (95%CI: 58.4-77.3) medium quality and 17.5% (95%CI: 11.9-25.0) high quality reproductive healthcare services to adolescents. Urban or metropolitan primary care units were at least 10 times more likely to provide high quality care than those in rural areas. Units with a space specifically for counseling adolescents were at least 8 times more likely to provide high quality care. Ministry of Health clinics provided the lowest quality of service, while those from Social Security for the Underserved provided the best. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates higher quality sexual and reproductive healthcare services are needed. In Mexico and other middle- to low-income countries where quality-of-care has been shown to be a problem, incorporating adolescent-friendly, gender-equity and rights-based perspectives could contribute to improvement. Setting and disseminating standards for care in guidelines and providing tools such as algorithms could help healthcare personnel provide higher quality care.

The intellectual developmental disorders Mexico study: situational diagnosis, burden, genomics and intervention proposal / Estudio sobre trastornos del desarrollo intelectual en México: diagnóstico situacional, carga, genómica y propuesta de intervenciones

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to generate evidence on intellectual development disorders (IDD) in Mexico. Materials and methods: IDD disease burden will be estimated with a probabilistic model, using population-based surveys. Direct and indirect costs of catastrophic expenses of families with a member with an IDD will be evaluated. Genomic characterization of IDD will include: sequencing participant exomes and performing bioinformatics analyses to identify de novo or inherited variants through trio analysis; identifying genetic variants associated with IDD, and validating randomly selected variants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing or real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Delphi surveys will be done on best practices for IDD diagnosis and management. An external evaluation will employ qualitative case studies of two social and labor inclusion programs for people with IDD. Conclusions: The results will constitute scientific evidence for the design, promotion and evaluation of public policies, which are currently absent on IDD.

Resumen: Objetivo: Esta investigación busca generar evidencia sobre trastornos del desarrollo intelectual (TDI) en México. Material y métodos: La carga de la enfermedad por TDI se estimará con un modelo probabilístico usando encuestas poblacionales. Se estimarán costos directos e indirectos de gastos catastróficos de familias con un integrante conTDI. La caracterización genómica deTDI incluirá secuenciar exomas, realizar análisis bioinformático para identificar variantes de novo o heredadas a través de análisis de tríos, identificar variantes genéticas asociadas con TDI, y validar variantes aleatoriamente seleccionadas con reacción en cadena de polimerasa y secuenciación o qPCR. Se harán encuestas Delphi sobre mejores prácticas de diagnóstico y manejo de TDI. Una evaluación externa empleará estudios cualitativos de caso de dos programas de inclusión social y laboral para personas con TDI. Conclusiones: Los resultados serán evidencia científica que podrá ser la base para el diseño, promoción y evaluación de políticas públicas, actualmente ausentes para TDI.

The intellectual developmental disorders Mexico study: situational diagnosis, burden, genomics and intervention proposal.

OBJECTIVE:: This study aims to generate evidence on intellectual development disorders (IDD) in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: IDD disease burden will be estimated with a probabilistic model, using population-based surveys. Direct and indirect costs of catastrophic expenses of families with a member with an IDD will be evaluated. Genomic characterization of IDD will include: sequencing participant exomes and performing bioinformatics analyses to identify de novo or inherited variants through trio analysis; identifying genetic variants associated with IDD, and validating randomly selected variants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing or real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Delphi surveys will be done on best practices for IDD diagnosis and management. An external evaluation will employ qualitative case studies of two social and labor inclusion programs for people with IDD. CONCLUSIONS:: The results will constitute scientific evidence for the design, promotion and evaluation of public policies, which are currently absent on IDD.

Individual and community effectiveness of a cervical cancer screening program for semi-urban Mexican women.

The effectiveness at the individual and community level of an educational intervention to increase cervical cancer screening self-efficacy among semi-urban Mexican women was evaluated and changes in reported community barriers were measured after the intervention was implemented. The educational intervention was evaluated with a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design and a control group, based on the Integrative Model of Behavior Prediction and AMIGAS project materials. For the intervention group, increased self-efficacy increased requests to obtain a Pap (p < 0.05). Barriers to obtaining a Pap were embarrassment and lack of time at the individual level, and lack of time, test conditions and fear of social rejection in the community's cultural domain. At both the individual and community levels, having more information about the test and knowing it would be performed by a woman were primary facilitators. Few women used medically precise information when referring to the Pap and cervical uterine cancer. Although the level of self-efficacy of the participants increased, barriers in the health system affect the women's perceived ability to get a Pap. Better care for users is needed to increase consistent use of the test. The study shows the importance of using culturally adapted, multilevel, comprehensive interventions to achieve successful results in target populations.

[Counseling for HPV detection when used to screen for cervical cancer: a qualitative study on the needs of women from Michoacan, Mexico]. / Consejería en la detección de VPH como prueba de tamizaje de cáncer cervical: un estudio cualitativo sobre necesidades de mujeres de Michoacán, México.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the information and counseling needs of a group of Mexican women during use of the HPV test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2011, 24 semistructured interviews were done with women upon receiving HPV test results in two municipalities in the state of Michoacan. Qualitative analysis of the interviews was done using constant comparison techniques. RESULTS: During their use of screening services women received limited counseling; they felt anguish and confusion. Women were interested in receiving information and advice on HPV and cervical cancer, the meaning of test result, next steps to be taken in their healthcare use as well as information and emotional support related to the sexual transmission of HPV. CONCLUSIONS: The design and implementation of policies are needed which instigate health education and counseling in conjunction with HPV testing.

[Intellectual development disorders in Latin America: a framework for setting policy priorities for research and care]. / Trastornos del desarrollo intelectual en América Latina: un marco para establecer las prioridades políticas de investigación y atención.

Intellectual development disorders (IDDs) are a set of development disorders characterized by significantly limited cognitive functioning, learning disorders, and disorders related to adaptive skills and behavior. Previously grouped under the term "intellectual disability," this problem has not been widely studied or quantified in Latin America. Those affected are absent from public policy and do not benefit from government social development and poverty reduction strategies. This article offers a critical look at IDDs and describes a new taxonomy; it also proposes recognizing IDDs as a public health issue and promoting the professionalization of care, and suggests an agenda for research and regional action. In Latin America there is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria for IDDs. A small number of rehabilitation programs cover a significant proportion of the people who suffer from IDDs, evidence-based services are not offered, and health care guidelines have not been evaluated. Manuals on psychiatric diagnosis focus heavily on identifying serious IDDs and contribute to underreporting and erroneous classification. The study of these disorders has not been a legal, social science, or public health priority, resulting in a dearth of scientific evidence on them. Specific competencies and professionalization of care for these persons are needed, and interventions must be carried out with a view to prevention, rehabilitation, community integration, and inclusion in the work force.

Trastornos del desarrollo intelectual en América Latina: un marco para establecer las prioridades políticas de investigación y atención / Intellectual development disorders in Latin America: a framework for setting policy priorities for research and care

Los trastornos del desarrollo intelectual (TDI) son un grupo de alteraciones del desarrollo caracterizadas por una notable limitación de las funciones cognitivas, trastornos del aprendizaje y de las habilidades y conductas adaptativas. Anteriormente agrupados bajo el término discapacidad intelectual, constituyen un problema poco estudiado y cuantificado en América Latina. Los afectados están ausentes en las políticas públicas y no se benefician de las estrategias gubernamentales de desarrollo social y reducción de la pobreza. En este artículo se aporta una visión crítica de los TDI y se describe una nueva taxonomía. Además, se propone reconocerlos como problema de salud pública, promover la profesionalización de la atención, y sugerir una agenda de investigación y acción regional. En América Latina no hay consenso sobre los criterios diagnósticos de los TDI. Pocos programas de rehabilitación cubren una proporción importante de las personas que los padecen, no se ofrecen servicios basados en la evidencia científica y las directrices de atención no se han evaluado. Los manuales de diagnóstico psiquiátrico conceden más importancia a la identificación de los TDI graves, favorecen su subregistro y clasificaciones erróneas. Su estudio no se ha priorizado desde las perspectivas jurídica, de las ciencias sociales y de la salud pública. Por ello escasean las pruebas científicas sobre estos trastornos. Faltan competencias específicas y profesionalización para el cuidado de estas personas y es indispensable realizar intervenciones de prevención, rehabilitación, integración comunitaria e inclusión laboral.

Intellectual development disorders (IDDs) are a set of development disorders characterized by significantly limited cognitive functioning, learning disorders, and disorders related to adaptive skills and behavior. Previously grouped under the term "intellectual disability," this problem has not been widely studied or quantified in Latin America. Those affected are absent from public policy and do not benefit from government social development and poverty reduction strategies. This article offers a critical look at IDDs and describes a new taxonomy; it also proposes recognizing IDDs as a public health issue and promoting the professionalization of care, and suggests an agenda for research and regional action. In Latin America there is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria for IDDs. A small number of rehabilitation programs cover a significant proportion of the people who suffer from IDDs, evidence-based services are not offered, and health care guidelines have not been evaluated. Manuals on psychiatric diagnosis focus heavily on identifying serious IDDs and contribute to underreporting and erroneous classification. The study of these disorders has not been a legal, social science, or public health priority, resulting in a dearth of scientific evidence on them. Specific competencies and professionalization of care for these persons are needed, and interventions must be carried out with a view to prevention, rehabilitation, community integration, and inclusion in the work force.

[Child wellbeing and development indicators in Mexico]. / Indicadores de bienestar y desarrollo infantil en México.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence and input for monitoring child welfare and wellbeing in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adjusting for sampling design, information from ENSANUT 2012 for children <10 years was compared with national and international parameters and goals. RESULTS: While 8.37% of infants were born with low birth weight (<2,500 g), neonatal screening was not performed on 9.4% of newborns. Of children <5 years, 78.03% were breastfed until at least four months. Among mothers of newborns, 69.5% received training in early stimulation. At the national level, 28% of children (23% in rural areas) received five medical consultations to monitor their early development. 29% of children either had a disability or were at risk of developing one. CONCLUSIONS: Progress has been made in Mexico in terms of services promoting early child development and wellbeing but important challenges persist. National standards and a system for monitoring, screening, referring and providing care for child development and wellbeing are necessary.

Indicadores de bienestar y desarrollo infantil en México / Child wellbeing and development indicators in Mexico

Objetivo. Aportar evidencia e insumos para seguimiento del bienestar infantil en México. Material y métodos. Ajustando para el diseño muestral, se armonizó información para niños menores de 10 años de la ENSANUT 2012 con indicadores y metas nacionales e internacionales. Resultados. El 8.37% de los niños nació con bajo peso (<2 500 g). No se realizó el tamiz neonatal a 9.19% de los niños nacidos vivos. De los niños menores de 5 años, 78.03% recibió lactancia materna hasta los cuatro meses. De las madres de recién nacidos, 69.5% recibió capacitación sobre estimulación temprana. El 28% (23% en áreas rurales) de los niños recibió cinco consultas de vigilancia del desarrollo antes de cumplir dos años. Un 29% de los niños tienen o están en riesgo de tener una discapacidad. Conclusiones. En México existen progresos así como retos pendientes en la atención al desarrollo infantil. Se requiere crear estándares y valores nacionales de referencia y un sistema de monitoreo, tamizaje, canalización y atención para promover el bienestar y el desarrollo infantiles.

Objective. To provide evidence and input for monitoring child welfare and wellbeing in Mexico. Materials and methods. Adjusting for sampling design, information from ENSANUT 2012 for children <10 years was compared with national and international parameters and goals. Results. While 8.37% of infants were born with low birth weight (<2 500 g), neonatal screening was not performed on 9.4% of newborns. Of children <5 years, 78.03% were breastfed until at least four months. Among mothers of newborns, 69.5% received training in early stimulation. At the national level, 28% of children (23% in rural areas) received five medical consultations to monitor their early development. 29% of children either had a disability or were at risk of developing one. Conclusions. Progress has been made in Mexico in terms of services promoting early child development and wellbeing but important challenges persist. National standards and a system for monitoring, screening, referring and providing care for child development and wellbeing are necessary.

Innovation in cervical cancer prevention and control in Mexico.

Disparities related to cervical cancer continue to exist in Mexico, including insufficient screening coverage, problems with quality control and a resulting greater risk of mortality among women from marginalized areas. A lack of opportunities and requirements for continuing education and accreditation of healthcare personnel involved in the screening program is also an issue. HPV DNA testing and HPV vaccines are recent technological innovations that offer a potential solution to the continued negative impact of cervical cancer among Mexican women. This essay attempts to answer questions such as: Why should HPV testing be integrated into the early detection program in Mexico? How can HPV testing best be integrated into the program in Mexico? How-from a public health perspective that seeks to reduce disparities-can HPV vaccination best be implemented in Mexico? HPV testing allows increased positive predictive value while also reducing costly and unnecessary overtreatment of low-grade abnormalities, and HPV vaccines offer the possibility of primary prevention of cervical cancer. The strategy proposed for Mexico includes primary prevention with HPV vaccination for girls aged between 12 and 16 years (before sexual initiation), Pap testing with excellent quality control for women 24-34 years of age and high-risk HPV DNA testing for women 35 years and older. HPV samples would be either clinically collected or self-collected and women with positive HPV test results would receive follow-up high-quality Pap testing. This approach is creative and focuses on reducing disparities and providing high-quality care that is also cost effective.

Factores del abuso sexual en la niñez y la adolescencia en estudiantes de Morelos, México / Factors for sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence in students of Morelos, Mexico / Fatores de abuso sexual na infância e adolescência de estudantes de Morelos, México

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al abuso sexual en niñez y adolescencia. MÉTODOS: Estudio realizado en una muestra de estudiantes del estado de Morelos, México, en 2004-2005. Los participantes (n=1730) pertenecen a una cohorte de 13.293 estudiantes de 12 a 24 años. Los datos fueron colectados mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario conteniendo secciones de escalas validadas. Las variables analizadas fueron: factores sociodemográficos (sexo, zona de habitación, nivel socioeconómico); familiares (educación de los padres, adicciones de los padres, violencia entre padres); psicológicos individuales (autoestima - Inventario de Autoestima de Coopersmith, depresión, consumo de alcohol); violencia intrafamiliar (Escala de Strauss); y abuso sexual. Mediante regresión logística múltiple se evaluaron los factores asociados. Se obtuvieron Razones de Momios (RM) con intervalos de confianza al 95%. RESULTADOS: El 4.7% (n=80) de los (as) estudiantes presentaron intento de abuso y el 2.9% (n=50) fueron víctimas de abuso sexual consumado. Las mujeres tuvieron mayor prevalencia de intento (6.1%). El 3.6% de las mujeres y el 1.9% de los hombres fueron abusados sexualmente. Principal agresor en mujeres fue el novio y en hombres una persona desconocida. Edad promedio de 12.02 años en mujeres y 11.71 en hombres. Factores asociados al abuso: mayor consumo de alcohol padres (RM = 3.37; IC 95% 1.40;8.07); violencia hacia madre (RM=4.49; IC 95% 1.54;13.10); ser mujer (RM = 2.47; IC 95% 1.17;5.24); ser víctima de violencia intrafamiliar alta (RM=3.58; IC 95% 1.32;9.67). Autoestima alta fue un factor protector (RM=0.27; IC 95% 0.09;0.75). CONCLUSIONES: En promedio el abuso sexual se presenta a los 12 años de edad en ambos sexos, siendo más frecuente en el sexo femenino. La mayoría de víctimas no lo denuncia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence.METHODS: Study conducted in a sample of students in the state of Morelos, Mexico, in 2004-2005. Participants (n=1730) were drawn from a cohort of 13,293 students aged 12 to 24 years. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire comprising parts of validated scales. The variables studied were: sociodemographic (gender, living area, socioeconomic status), family (parental education, parental addictions, violence between parents), individual psychological factors (self-esteem assessed using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, depression, alcohol consumption), intrafamily violence (assessed through Strauss Scale) and sexual abuse. Multiple logistic regression assessed the risk factors associated. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated.RESULTS: Of all students studied, 4.7% (n=80) reported attempted sexual abuse and 2.9% (n=50) were victims of consummated sexual abuse. Women had higher prevalence of attempted (6.1%) abuse; 3.6% of females and 1.9% of men were sexually abused. Main perpetrators were boyfriends in women and a stranger in men. Mean age was 12.02 years old among females and 11.71 years old among men. Factors found to be associated with abuse: high parental alcohol consumption (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.40;8.07), violence toward the mother (OR = 4.49, 95% CI 1.54;13.10), female gender (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.17;5.24), being a victim of great domestic violence (OR = 3.58, 95% CI 1.32;9.67). High self-esteem was a protective factor (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.09;0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Overall sexual abuse occurs at the age of 12 in both males and females, and it is more frequent among females. Most victims do not report abuse.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e fatores associados ao abuso sexual infantil e na adolescência. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado em amostra de estudantes do estado de Morelos, México, entre 2004 e 2005. Os participantes (n=1730) pertencem a uma coorte de 13.293 estudantes de 12 a 24 anos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário formado por partes de escalas validadas. As variáveis analisadas foram: fatores sociodemográficos (sexo, zona de residência, nível socioeconômico); familiares (educação dos pais, vícios dos pai, violência entre pais); psicológicos individuais (autoestima- Inventario de Autoestima de Coopersmith, depressão, consumo de álcool); violência intrafamiliar (Escala de Strauss); e abuso sexual. As variáveis dependentes analisadas foram a intenção e o abuso sexual consumado. Os fatores associados foram analisados por meio de regressão logística múltipla, com odds ratios e respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC 95%). RESULTADOS: Do total, 4,7% (n=80) dos alunos reportaram terem sofrido intenção de abuso e 2,9% foram vítimas de abuso sexual consumado. As mulheres relataram maior prevalência de intenção (6,1%). Foram abusados sexualmente 3,6% das mulheres e 1,9% dos homens. O principal agressor das mulheres foi o namorado e dos homens, uma pessoa desconhecida. A idade do abuso foi de 12,02 anos para mulheres e 11,71 para os homens. Os fatores associados ao abuso foi o maior consumo de álcool pelos pais (RM = 3.37; IC 95% 1.40;8.07); violência contra a mãe (OR=4.49; IC 95%1.54;13.10); ser mulher (OR= 2.47; IC 95%1.17;5.24); ser vítima de violência intrafamiliar alta (OR=3.58; IC 95%1.32;9.67). Autoestima alta foi um fator protetor (RM=0.27; IC 95% 0.09;0.75). CONCLUSÕES: A média de idade do abuso sexual foi de 12 anos em ambos os sexos, sendo mais freqüente entre as do sexo feminino. A maioria das vítimas não denuncia o abuso.

[Factors for sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence in students of Morelos, Mexico]. / Factores del abuso sexual en la niñez y la adolescencia en estudiantes de Morelos, México.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: Study conducted in a sample of students in the state of Morelos, Mexico, in 2004-2005. Participants (n=1730) were drawn from a cohort of 13,293 students aged 12 to 24 years. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire comprising parts of validated scales. The variables studied were: sociodemographic (gender, living area, socioeconomic status), family (parental education, parental addictions, violence between parents), individual psychological factors (self-esteem assessed using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, depression, alcohol consumption), intrafamily violence (assessed through Strauss Scale) and sexual abuse. Multiple logistic regression assessed the risk factors associated. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Of all students studied, 4.7% (n=80) reported attempted sexual abuse and 2.9% (n=50) were victims of consummated sexual abuse. Women had higher prevalence of attempted (6.1%) abuse; 3.6% of females and 1.9% of men were sexually abused. Main perpetrators were boyfriends in women and a stranger in men. Mean age was 12.02 years old among females and 11.71 years old among men. Factors found to be associated with abuse: high parental alcohol consumption (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.40;8.07), violence toward the mother (OR = 4.49, 95% CI 1.54;13.10), female gender (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.17;5.24), being a victim of great domestic violence (OR = 3.58, 95% CI 1.32;9.67). High self-esteem was a protective factor (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.09;0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Overall sexual abuse occurs at the age of 12 in both males and females, and it is more frequent among females. Most victims do not report abuse.

Prevalence and correlates of adolescent dating violence: baseline study of a cohort of 7,960 male and female Mexican public school students.

INTRODUCTION: Factors correlated with adolescent dating violence have yet to be documented in most developing countries; this study assesses the prevalence and correlates of victimization with and perpetration of dating violence among Mexican youth. METHODS: This was the baseline measurement (1998-1999) of a cohort of 7960 public school students (11-24 years) developed to explore various health behaviors in Mexican youth. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed with adolescent dating violence as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Prevalence of dating violence victimization was 9.37% (female) and 8.57% (male) for psychological violence; 9.88% (female) and 22.71% (male) for physical violence, and 8.63% (female) and 15.15% (male) for both psychological and physical violence. Prevalence of perpetration was 4.21% (female) and 4.33% (male) for psychological violence; 20.99% (female) and 19.54% (male) for physical violence; and 7.48% (female) and 5.51% (male) for both types of violence. Factors associated with dating violence victimization for both genders included: two or more lifetime sexual partners and intra-familial violence. Higher age, alcohol use and illegal drug use were significantly associated with victimization only among girls. The following were significantly associated with perpetration of dating violence in both genders: gang membership, illegal drug use, two or more lifetime sexual partners and intra-familial violence. Higher age and alcohol use were significantly associated with perpetration only among girls. High or middle socio-economic status was associated with perpetration only in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Future research on adolescent dating violence in Mexico should further explore severity and frequency of violent behaviors, include a focus on severe dating violence and take into account the context and meaning of dating violence. A longitudinal design that allows determination of causality will also be needed in order to develop prevention strategies.