Impacto de las lesiones accidentales e intencionales en México. Hallazgos del estudio Global Burden of Disease para 1990 y 2021 / Impact of accidental and intentional injuries in Mexico. Findings of the Global Burden of Disease study for 1990 and 2021

Resumen Antecedentes: Análisis previos sobre la carga de la enfermedad en México identificaron que las lesiones afectan de manera diferenciada a hombres, personas jóvenes y en edad productiva. Objetivo: Analizar la carga de la enfermedad por lesiones intencionales y no intencionales en México durante 1990 y 2021 en los ámbitos nacional y estatal. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron los resultados del Global Burden of Disease respecto al período 1990-2021 para describir la carga de la enfermedad por las principales causas de lesiones en México; se analizaron los años perdidos por muerte prematura (APMP), los años vividos con discapacidad (AVD) y los años de vida saludable perdidos (AVISA). Resultados: La carga de la enfermedad relacionada con lesiones intencionales se ha incrementado, al igual que los AVD y AVISA por lesiones no intencionales. Los hombres continúan presentando tasas de mortalidad y AVISA más altas comparados con las mujeres. La violencia interpersonal y el suicidio se han incrementado de manera sostenida El análisis por estados mostró patrones con variaciones importantes. Conclusiones: Las lesiones generan consecuencias catastróficas en términos de mortalidad y discapacidad en México. Es indispensable impulsar y reforzar los programas y políticas para mejorar el sistema de datos y la prevención de lesiones.

Abstract Background: Previous analyses on the burden of disease in Mexico identified that injuries differentially affect young people, males and working-age people. Objective: To analyze the burden of disease due to intentional and unintentional injuries in Mexico during 1990 and 2021, at the national and state levels. Material and methods: The results of the Global Burden of Disease study for the 1990-2021 period were used to describe the burden of disease attributed to injuries in Mexico. The life years lost (YLL) due to premature mortality, years lived with disability (YLD) and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) were analyzed. Results: The burden of disease related to intentional injuries has increased, as also have YLDs and DALYs associated with unintentional injuries. Men continue to have higher mortality and DALY rates compared to women. Interpersonal violence and suicide have steadily increased. The analysis by state showed patterns with important variations. Conclusions: Injuries generate catastrophic consequences in terms of mortality and disability in Mexico. It is necessary to promote and strengthen programs and policies in order to improve the data system and injury prevention.

Barreras para la atención de las conductas suicidas en Ciudad de México: experiencias del personal de salud en el primer nivel de atención / Barriers to Care of Suicidal Behavior in Mexico City: Health Personnel Experiences at the First Level of Care / Barreiras para a atenção das condutas suicidas na Cidade do México: experiências dos profissionais de saúde na atenção básica

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar las barreras que existen para la atención de las conductas suicidas, desde la perspectiva de las/los profesionales de la salud mental del primer nivel de atención de la Ciudad de México. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo exploratorio, basado en 35 entrevistas semiestructuradas, dirigidas a personal de salud de dos unidades de salud mental de referencia nacional. El análisis de la información se hizo mediante el Framework Analysis. Resultados: Las/los participantes consideraron que las conductas suicidas no han sido definidas como una prioridad dentro de los trastornos de salud mental. La ausencia de políticas públicas, la sobrecarga de trabajo, la falta de seguimiento a las/los pacientes, entre otras, fueron identificadas como barreras para una atención adecuada y oportuna. Conclusiones: Los programas de prevención de las conductas suicidas deben tomar en cuenta el contexto socioeconómico de la población y las características de los servicios de salud, así como las necesidades de las personas prestadoras de servicios de salud. Se requiere ampliar el entrenamiento profesional y mejorar el sistema de referencia y contrarreferencia entre los distintos niveles de atención.

Abstract Objective: To identify the existing barriers to the care of suicidal behavior from the perspective of mental health professionals at the first level of care in Mexico City. Methodology: Qualitative exploratory study based on 35 semi-structured interviews conducted on health personnel from two national reference mental health facilities. The data were analyzed with Framework Analysis. Results: The participants considered that suicidal behavior has not been prioritized among mental health disorders. The absence of public policies, work overload, lack of patient follow-up, among others, were identified as barriers to adequate and timely care. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior prevention programs should consider the socioeconomic context of the population, the characteristics of health services, and the needs of health care providers. Professional training should be enhanced, and the referral and counter-referral system across levels of care should be improved.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar as barreiras existentes para a atenção das condutas suicidas, desde a perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde mental de atenção básica da Cidade do México. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo exploratório, baseado em 35 entrevistas semiestruturadas, dirigidas a profissionais de saúde de duas unidades de saúde mental de referência nacional. A análise da informação foi feita através do Framework Analysis. Resultados: Os participantes consideraram que as condutas suicidas não têm sido definidas como uma prioridade dentro dos transtornos de saúde mental. A ausência de políticas públicas, a sobrecarga de trabalho, a falta de seguimento aos pacientes, entre outras, foram identificadas como barreiras para uma atenção adequada e oportuna. Conclusões: Os programas de prevenção das condutas suicidas devem considerar o contexto socioeconômico da população e as características dos serviços de saúde, além das necessidades dos profissionais de saúde. É necessário ampliar o treinamento profissional e melhorar o sistema de referência e contrarreferência entre os diferentes níveis de atenção.

Violencia en el hogar contra mujeres adultas durante el confinamiento por la pandemia de Covid-19 en México / Violence at home against adult women during the confinement by the Covid-19 pandemic in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de violencia en el hogar y factores individuales, familiares y comunitarios asociados en mujeres adultas durante el confinamiento por Covid-19. Material y métodos: Se realizó un análisis secundario de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2020 sobre Covid-19 con representación nacional. Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística ajustado por variables de interés. Resultados: La prevalencia fue de 5.8%. Los actos más reportados fueron gritos, insultos o amenazas (4.3%). La mayoría de las mujeres que reportaron cualquiera de los tipos de violencia ya la había experimentado antes del confinamiento. Los niveles bajos de bienestar (RM=1.96, IC95%: 1.28,2.99) y vivir en algún hogar donde se perdió un empleo por la contingencia (RM=1.96, IC95%: 1.41,2.73) resultaron asociados. Conclusiones: En las intervenciones de atención es necesario tomar en cuenta factores que profundizan la vulnerabilidad de las mujeres como la violencia preexistente y la pérdida de empleo.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the prevalence of domestic violence in adult women during confinement derived from the Covid-19 pandemic and individual, familiar and communitarian associated factors. Materials and methods: A secondary analysis was carried out the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Survey on Covid-19, with national representation. A logistic regression model adjusted for the variables of interest was performed. Results: The prevalence was 5.8%. The most reported acts were shouting, insults or threats (4.3%). Most of the women who reported some type of violence in the home had already experienced it before the confinement. Low levels of well-being (OR= 1.96, 95%CI: 1.28,2.99), and living in a home where job was lost due to contingency (OR= 1.96, 95%CI: 1.41,2.73) were associated factors. Conclusions: In care interventions, it is necessary to take into account factors that deepen the vulnerability of women, such as pre-existing violence and loss of employment.

Análisis comparativo del marco legal en salud mental y suicidio en México / Comparative analysis of the legal framework on mental health and suicide in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar el marco legislativo y normativo en salud mental y suicidio en México. Material y métodos: Se realizó un análisis secundario de los principales ordenamientos jurídicos en materia de salud mental y suicidio, vigentes hasta septiembre de 2020, de las 32 entidades de México y del nivel federal. Resultados: Se analizaron 51 documentos. Sólo 14 entidades cuentan con una Ley de Salud Mental y dos estados tienen una Ley de Suicidio. A nivel federal, se definen los lineamientos de atención de la conducta suicida en las normas técnicas de la Secretaría de Salud. Sin embargo, en las leyes de salud, nacional o estatales, han existido omisiones al respecto. La prevención no se define a profundidad en la mayoría de los documentos analizados. Conclusiones: Es prioritario impulsar leyes integrales de salud mental y conducta suicida armonizadas en el ámbito nacional.

Abstract: Objective: Analyze the legislative and normative framework on mental health and suicide in Mexico. Materials and methods: A secondary analysis of the main legal systems on mental health and suicide, in force until September 2020, of the 32 entities in Mexico and at the federal level was carried out. Results: 51 documents were analyzed. Only 14 states have a mental health law and two states have a law on suicide. At the federal level, the guidelines for the care of suicidal behavior are defined in the technical standards issued by the health ministry. However, in both state and national health laws, there has been omissions in this regard. Prevention is not defined in depth in most of the documents analyzed. Conclusions: It is a priority to promote comprehensive laws on mental health and suicidal behavior harmonized at the national level.

Abuso sexual infantil en México: conductas de riesgo e indicadores de salud mental en adolescentes / Child sexual abuse in Mexico: risk behaviors and mental health indicators in adolescents

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de abuso sexual infantil (ASI) por sexo en adolescentes a partir de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 y analizar las asociaciones con características sociodemográficas, conductas de riesgo e indicadores de salud mental. Material y métodos: Se analizó el cuestionario para población adolescente (10-19 años), se estimaron prevalencias de ASI y se realizó un modelo de regresión logística ajustado por variables de interés. Resultados: La prevalencia nacional de ASI es de 2.5% (3.8% mujeres y 1.2% hombres). Entre las mujeres se encontró asociación con la edad, el estado conyugal, el tipo de localidad, el consumo excesivo de alcohol, la sintomatología depresiva y los pensamientos suicidas. Entre los hombres, se encontró asociación con el nivel socioeconómico, la sintomatología depresiva y los pensamientos suicidas. Conclusiones: Es urgente realizar estudios con mayor precisión y periodicidad y garantizar el acceso a los servicios de salud y de justicia posevento.

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in adolescent population with National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018-19 data. Materials and methods: Questionnaire for adolescents (10 to 19 years old) was analyzed and carry out a stratified analysis and a logistic regression model adjusted for variables of interest. Results: The prevalence of CSA in adolescent population is 2.5% (3.8% for women and 1.2% for men). Among women, CSA was associated with age, marital status, locality type, excessive alcohol consumption, depressive symptomatology and suicidal thoughts. Among men, CSA was associated with socioeconomical level, depressive symptomatology and suicidal thoughts. Conclusions: Studies with greater precision and periodicity as well as access to health and justice services are urgent.

Adherencia terapéutica a programas de reeducación para mujeres y hombres en relaciones de pareja violentas / Therapeutic adherence to retraining programs for women and men involved in abusive relationships in Mexico

Objetivo. Analizar la adherencia terapéutica en participantes de un programa de reeducación operado por los servicios estatales de salud en ocho estados de México en 2010. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal y descriptivo que evaluó la adherencia terapéutica de un programa de reeducación para hombres agresores y mujeres víctimas de violencia de pareja. La intervención fue coordinada por un equipo de profesionales previamente capacitados. La selección de los participantes se realizó con el cumplimiento estricto de criterios de inclusión/exclusión evaluados por una prueba de tamizaje. Con base en la asistencia, se clasificó en adherencia baja (1 a 12), media-alta (13 y más). Se realizó una prueba de t student, un análisis bivariado y un modelo de regresión logística para identificar la posibilidad de adherencia en cada programa. Resultados. Se aplicaron 5 539 tamizajes, 88.3% (n=4 891) fueron positivos; 85%(n=4 151) aceptó participar, 75% de los potenciales participantes asistió al menos a una sesión (n=3 699), siendo ésta la muestra del presente estudio. En el programa para mujeres hubo diferencias significativas por estado civil, religión y grupos de edad (p<0.05). En el programa para hombres hubo diferencias significativas por religión y grupos de edad (p<0.05). Conclusiones. En México son inexistentes los estudios que evalúan la adherencia a los programas de atención a la violencia; este estudio es una primera aproximación que abre la posibilidad de profundizar en el diseño y evaluación de este tipo de intervenciones, cruciales para desarticular la violencia contra las mujeres.

Objective. To analyze the therapeutic adherence among participants in the retraining program operated by the Ministry of Health of Mexico, in eight states in 2010. Materials and methods. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that assesses therapeutic adherence in a retraining intervention program for male perpetrators and female victims of intimate partner violence. The intervention was coordinated by a team of previously trained professionals. The selection of participants was made by means of a specific screening test. Overall performance for both groups was analyzed, and based on the attendance they were classified in low adhesion (1-12) medium to high (13 and>). To determine the possibility of adhesion, Student's t tests, a bivariate analysis, and a logistic regression model were performed for each program. Results. 5 539 screenings were applied, of which 88.3% (n = 4 891) were positive. 85% agreed to participate (n = 4 151), but only 75% of potential participants attended at least one session (n = 3 022). 78.5% attended between 1-12 sessions. In the women's program, significant differences in marital status, religion and age groups (p<0.05) were found. In the program for men, significant differences in religion and age groups (p<0.05) were found. Conclusions. In the Mexican context there are few studies that assess adherence to programs of care and retraining for partner violence. This study is a first approach that opens the possibility to enhance the design and evaluation of such interventions, which are crucial to dismantle violence against women.

Género y actividad física en mujeres mexicanas con experiencia migratoria a Estados Unidos de América / Gender and physical activity in Mexican women with experience of migration to the USA

Objetivo Analizar la influencia de la categoría de género en la práctica de actividad física en mujeres de zonas rurales con experiencia migratoria a Estados Unidos de América. Métodos Diseño cualitativo con métodos de la teoría fundamentada; la información fue obtenida a través de entrevistas en profundidad a 19 mujeres que habitan en localidades rurales de la zona central de México Resultados A través del análisis emergió como categoría central la crítica social a la actividad física. Las mujeres con pareja no realizan actividad física porque de acuerdo con las normas sociales es mal visto que la efectúen, y son los hombres quienes toman ladecisión de permitirla. El género, la identidad femenina y la crítica social son elementos que contribuyen a la comprensión de la inactividad física en estas mujeres. Conclusión Es necesario que los programas sanitarios que promueven la actividad física dirigidos a mujeres adultas en zonas rurales, se diseñen tomando como base la perspectiva de género y el contexto de la población.(AU)

Objective To analyze the influence of gender on the practice of physical activity, in women with experiences of migration to the U.S.A. Methods Qualitative design with methods based on grounded theory. The information was obtained through in-depth interviews of 19 women living in rural localities in the central zone of Mexico. Results Through this analysis, a core category arose: social criticism of physical exercise. The results show that married women do not perform physical exercise because, due social norms, it is socially frowned upon and men are responsible for making the decision to permit it. Gender, female identity, women's role as subordinates to men, and social criticism are elements that contribute to understanding the lack of physical activity among these women. Conclusion We suggest that healthcare programs be designed to promote physical activity among adult women in rural areas, taking gender perspective and the population's context into account.(AU)

Cambios alimenticios en mujeres morelenses migrantes a Estados Unidos / Dietary changes in mexican women migrating to the U.S.

OBJETIVO: Describir la modificación de la alimentación y los procesos involucrados en la incorporación de nuevos alimentos, en mujeres mexicanas con experiencia migratoria hacia Estados Unidos de América. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo basado en la teoría fundamentada, en el cual participaron mujeres con experiencia migratoria, residentes de zonas rurales de municipios del Estado de Morelos. Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de 47 entrevistas en profundidad, realizadas entre febrero de 2005 y julio de 2006. RESULTADOS: La alimentación de las mujeres se modifica a partir de la experiencia migratoria, ya que se incrementa la cantidad de su consumo durante su estancia en Estados Unidos. Continúan cocinando comidas tradicionales mexicanas, pero incorporan alimentos del país de destino, lo cual se ve favorecido por el mayor poder de compra, aspectos laborales, y el acceso tanto a otro tipo de productos alimentarios, como a los diferentes espacios en los que se expende comida. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario profundizar en la relación de alimentación-migración en el contexto de México-Estados Unidos-México y en su impacto sobre la salud de las mujeres, además de proponer políticas públicas dirigidas a fortalecer sus hábitos saludables.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dietary changes and processes involved in the incorporation of new foods, in Mexican women with a migratory experience to the U.S. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted, based on grounded theory, of women who had had a migratory experience and were residing in rural zones of the state of Morelos, Mexico. The data were obtained from 47 in-depth interviews carried out from February, 2005 to July, 2006. RESULTS: The women's diet is modified by the migratory experience and the amount of consumption increases during their stay in the U.S. They continue cooking traditional Mexican meals but incorporate foods from their country of destination. These changes are favored by the greater purchasing power, work-related aspects and availability of products and spaces where food is sold. CONCLUSIONS: We need to go deeper into the relationship between food and migration in the context of Mexico - U.S. - Mexico migration and its impact on women's health. We also need to propose public policies geared towards strengthening healthy habits.

Violencia interpersonal en jóvenes mexicanos y oportunidades de prevención / Interpersonal violence in Mexican young people and prevention opportunities

Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de daños a la salud a causa de la violencia interpersonal en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Material y métodos. Se presenta información sobre las consecuencias de la violencia en México. Los datos provienen de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 realizada entre octubre de 2011 y mayo de 2012. El análisis estadístico consistió en calcular prevalencias e intervalos de confianza al 95% para el grupo de adolescentes y jóvenes. Resultados. Cuatro de cada cien jóvenes ha presentado daños a la salud a causa de la violencia interpersonal. La prevalencia de violencia interpersonal es mayor entre los hombres (5.0% hombres, 3.3% mujeres) y el grupo de edad más vulnerable es el de los hombres de 20 a 29 años para las mujeres el hogar es un espacio donde una de cada cuatro reporta sufrir violencia (24.5%). Conclusiones. Es necesario implementar medidas integrales para la población joven, dirigidas a evitar que este problema siga creciendo tanto en frecuencia como en sus diversas expresiones y espacios.

Objective. To estimate the prevalence of health damage due to interpersonal violence in teenagers and young adults. Materials and methods. The consequences of violence in Mexico are presented in this analysis, with data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 conducted between October 2011 and May 2012. Statistical analysis consisted in calculating general and specific prevalences and intervals obtained at 95% confidence for the group of adolescents and young people. Results. Four of each hundred youngsters have presented health damage due to interpersonal violence. The prevalence of interpersonal violence is higher among men (5.0% men, 3.3% women), the most vulnerable age group is that of men 20 to 29 years old; one of four women reported domestic violence (24.5%). Conclusions. It is necessary to implement comprehensive measures for young people, designed to prevent this problem from growing in frequency as well as in its variety of forms and spaces.

Violencia doméstica contra las mujeres: ¿cuándo y cómo surge como problema de salud pública? / Domestic violence against women: when and how does it emerge as a public health problem?

La violencia doméstica masculina en contra de las mujeres es un problema reconocido como objeto de estudio e intervención de la salud pública a escala mundial. Este proceso inició en la década de los setenta, cuando se introdujo como tema en las principales revistas del campo de la salud pública, sobre todo en las anglosajonas; desde sus inicios, diversos marcos teóricos de la salud pública han contribuido a construir el problema como objeto de estudio científico; la epidemiología clásica fue el primer marco utilizado para generar evidencia empírica sobre su magnitud e impacto. Sin embargo, en la última década otros marcos se han utilizado para describir otras dimensiones del problema.

Male domestic violence against women is a problem that has been documented and recognized as an object of study and intervention in public health worldwide. This recognition began in the 1970s when it was established as a topic to be addressed by major journals in the field of public health, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon. From its inception, various public health theories have contributed to the construction of the problem as an object of scientific study. While classical epidemiology was the first framework used to generate evidence on its magnitude and impact, other frameworks have been used in the last decade to account for other aspects of the problem.

Revisión sobre la utilización de servicios de salud, 1996-2006 / A review of health-service use (1996-2006)

Objetivo Revisar, en artículos publicados durante el período 1996-2006, cuáles son los supuestos ontológicos, metodológicos y epistemológicos prevalentes en los estudios de la utilización de servicios de salud. Material y métodos Para asegurar la identificación de estudios relevantes se realizó la búsqueda de los artículos indexados en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados Un total de 34 artículos fueron incluidos en el análisis final. El 70,6 por ciento fueron realizados en Estados Unidos de América, 30 por ciento trató con población en desventaja social y el objeto de análisis más frecuentemente estudiado fue la visita médica (50 por ciento). Treinta y un estudios (91,2 por ciento) abordaron el problema de estudio desde la aproximación cuantitativa y tres desde la cualitativa. Las variables más estudiadas desde la perspectiva cuantitativa fueron las del individuo en 90,4 por ciento de los estudios, seguidos de las variables del contexto (45,2 por ciento) y del sistema de salud (41,9 por ciento).Los análisis estadísticos de los estudios de corte cuantitativo se realizaron utilizando modelos de regresión múltiple y sólo 19,4 por ciento de los análisis incorporaron modelos que captan la complejidad del fenómeno de la utilización. Análisis del discurso y de contenido fueron realizados en los estudios cualitativos. Conclusiones Los hallazgos reflejan el carácter reducible del fenómeno de la utilización a términos objetivos y necesariamente tiende a oscurecer que la utilización es una es una practica social integradora. Se requiere una perspectiva más amplia para abordar el fenómeno de la utilización. El uso de aproximaciones cuantitativas y cualitativas nos arroja resultados distintos que ayudan a configurar una visión integral de una misma problemática.

Objective Reviewing research papers published during 1996-2006 regarding ontological, methodological and epistemological proposals regarding the use of health services. Material and Methods Pub Med was screened for identifying the most relevant research carried out to date in the field. The key words were used. Results 34 papers were included in the final analysis. 70 ,6 percent referred to health service use in the USA ; 30 percent analysed the socially disadvantaged population, focusing mainly on visits to the doctor (50 percent). 31 papers (91,2 percent) used a quantitative approach; the most studied variables in this approach regarded the individual (90,4 percent) the context (45,2 percent) and the health system (41,9 percent). The quantitative approaches used multiple regression for their statistical analysis; only 19 ,4 percent of them incorporated more complex statistical models for analysing health service use. Qualitative studies analysed both discourse and content. Conclusions The findings reflected how the nature of health service use becomes reduced to using objective terms which necessarily tend to hide that such use is dealing with social integration. A wider perspective is needed for tackling health service use. Complementary (qualitative-quantitative) approaches provide different results helping to shape an integral vision of the same problem.

¿Cuándo utilizan servicios de salud las mujeres que viven en condiciones de violencia de pareja?

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Abstract: Introduction Violence is recognized as a Public Health problem around the world. In the specific case of Intímate Partner Abuse, which occurs at home, women are particularly vulnerable to be abused by their partners. In Mexico, as in other countries in Latin America, the systematic study of violence towards women is incipient. However, it is a highly predominant problem, which has a big impact on women's health, and represents a significant challenge to the Health System demanding health care due to intentional injuries. This paper analyzed information generated by the first National Survey of violence against women in 2003 (ENVIM, by his name in Spanish). Objective The main objective is to identify the factors associated with the health services utilization by women, because of partner abuse. Methodology A cross-sectional design was used, including women users of health care services on public institutions all over the country in 2003. Intimate partner abuse was defined as "the repetitive event of abuse from the male partner side towards the woman, that is characterized by coercive conducts that could include physical, emotional or sexual violence". It was measure in a scale of 27 items, using the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA) and the Severity of Violence against Women Scale (SVAWS). Both indexes were vali-dated previously in Mexican population. A factorial analysis was used and the factors that explain the variability were obtained. The selection of women to be interviewed was done using a probabilistic stratify biethapic sample. For the first one, medical unites were selected, and for the second, women over 14 years old who went to those medical unities to demand any kind of health care services. The ethic considerations were resolved using the next procedures: participants received information about the research objectives and signed an informant consent letter endorsed by the ethical committee of the Institution. They also received a brochure with information about the local institutions where they can go in case of abuse. Interviewers trained in technical areas as well as abuse management using a questionnaire on private spaces did the data collection. The answer rate was of 98%. The analyzed variables were Socio demographic, search of support on the health staff or reasons for not doing this. An index of socio-economic level categorized as very low, medium and high. Type of institution and services used. The dependent variable was utilization of the health services to attend the injuries due to a partner abuse event, during the last 12 months. The analysis used was simple and bivariate using chi square, and binary logistic regression model. The final model included the variables that in the binary showed a value of p<0.25. We ad-justed the model using the Goodness of Fit Test of Pearson. Results From 24,958 women that utilized public health services 21% reported to have had a partner abuse event in the last year. From these, only 7.3% utilized health services. The more important variables were: age between 25 to 34 years old, elementary schooling and women having a job. Of the sample 94% belong to the very low and medium socio-economic levels; almost half of them (47%) do not have health insurance. More than 80% have a partner at present; 7.6% reported severe violence. From those who had injuries, 72% declared to have had just one minor injury (bruises, body aches), 25.5% reported more than one type of injuries, from which 10.8% were severe and required surgery or hospitalization. The type of injuries that demand more utilization of health services were those subsequent to sexual abuse as genital infection and genital bleeding. Only 45% of the women users' report to have medical insurance. Less than 6% of abused women talked with the health staff about their abuse situation and the main reason was the lack of trust. The factors associated to the utilization of health services were ages over 24 years(ORA 1.57, CI 95% 1.9 - 2.06) alcohol intake by the women (ORA =1.66 CI 95% 1.57-1.75) High Socio economic status (ORA =1.29 CI95% 1.07-1.54). The model was adjusted by severity index and to having medical insurance. There were not significative interactions (p>0.15) and the global adjusted model was p= 0.23. Discussion and conclusions There is a low percentage of abused women injured that utilize formal medical care. This is a very important result for the identification of prevention and control strategies of the partner abuse problem in the health services. The study shows the existence of different types of injuries or medical problems such as genital infections and bleedings, fainting spells, body aches that provoked on one hand that women did not seek medical attention immediately and on the other that the health staff could not identify this kind of health problems with intimate partner abuse. There is a group of more vulnerable women who do not use health services to take care of the consequences of abuse, because they are uninsured. This inequality reveals that it is urgent to provide support services to poor women in the country. The finding about the difficulty for battered women to report their injuries to the health staff because of their lack of trust, agrees with different studies that report the different obstacles found by abused women in facing the health services. The last situation reveals the obstacles to be solved for the NOM implementation too. It is important to mention the study limitations related with the design utilized, and the selection bias due to the inclusion only of users of services. This situation leaves at one side women with less resources, who confront big obstacles for the utilization of health services, and at the other, women from high socio-economic levels, who utilize private health services; therefore there is no accuracy the point out differences. The way in which the question about the utilization of health services was made, makes it difficult to know the number of times these were used. This variable must be explored in future studies. The information generated by the ENVIM allows the Health Sector to define identification-attention strategies of battered women and provides information about the importance of training the health staff to generate trust among in partner-abused women.

Escala de violencia e índice de severidad: una propuesta metodológica para medir la violencia de pareja en mujeres mexicanas / Violence scale and severity index: a methodological proposal for measuring violence by the partner in Mexican women

OBJETIVO: Construir y validar, en el país, una escala para medir violencia hacia las mujeres por parte de la pareja masculina. Asimismo, construir un índice de severidad que permita establecer una dimensión del daño emocional y físico de las acciones violentas perpetradas en contra de las mujeres. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La muestra consistió de 26 042 mujeres de 15 años y más. Se incluyeron las respuestas de las mujeres que contestaron a toda la escala de violencia del cuestionario de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Violencia contra las Mujeres 2003 (ENVIM 2003). Este cuestionario, aplicado a usuarias de servicios de salud, estuvo integrado por 17 secciones, de las cuales una fue escala de violencia de 27 reactivos. El objetivo era medir distintos grados de violencia en sus diferentes modalidades: violencia física, emocional, sexual y económica. Se construyó un índice de severidad a partir de dos procedimientos: Procedimiento 1: análisis de confiabilidad, validez y factorial a partir de las respuestas de las mujeres a la escala de violencia y Procedimiento 2: realización de un jueceo para asignar pesos diferenciales a cada reactivo de la escala. RESULTADOS: Los resultados del Procedimiento 1(confiabilidad y validez), usando todos los reactivos, arrojaron un Alpha de Cronbach cuyos resultados indican una consistencia interna muy alta de 0.99. Por otro lado, el análisis factorial con rotación Varimax arrojó una solución de cuatro factores con cargas factoriales de cada reactivo mayores a 0.40, que se identificaron como: Factor 1 Violencia psicológica; Factor II Violencia física; Factor III Violencia física severa; Factor IV Violencia sexual. La combinación de los cuatro factores explicó 62.2 por ciento del total de la varianza. Procedimiento 2: a través de un jueceo se obtuvo una tabla de pesos asignados a cada acción evaluada. De los 27 reactivos iniciales, se eliminaron ocho como resultado del análisis factorial y otros dos correspondientes a violencia económica, quedando un total de 19 reactivos a los que se les aplicaron los pesos obtenidos en el jueceo. El puntaje mínimo fue 0 y el máximo fue de 354. A través de la clasificación propuesta, se calcularon las siguientes prevalencias: 21% sufrió, en los últimos 12 meses, algún tipo de violencia por parte de su pareja actual. La violencia por tipos se distribuyó de la siguiente manera: psicológica 18.5%; física 10.1%; física severa 6.7%; y sexual 7%. CONCLUSIÓN: La escala de violencia desarrollada demostró ser un instrumento útil y confiable para medir la violencia masculina ejercida en las relaciones de pareja. Así entonces, se sugiere ampliar su uso en otras mediciones nacionales y locales para permitir la comparación posterior de los resultados.

OBJECTIVE: To construct and validate a scale to assess violence by the male partner against women. An index of severity of the emotional and physical damage was also designed to assess the intensity of the violent actions against women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of a total of 26 042 women who participated as respondents in the National Survey on Violence against Women (ENVIM per its abbreviation in Spanish) conducted in Mexico during 2003. Respondents were all users of health services provided by the Mexican government. The questionnaire was organized into 17 sections, one of which was a 27-item scale to assess partner violence. The purpose of this scale was to measure the type (physical, emotional, sexual and financial) and degree of violence based on severity. A severity index was constructed based on two procedures: 1) the validity, reliability, and factor analyses of the scale and 2) the assessment of severity by expert judges who assigned a value to each item of the scale. RESULTS: The validity and reliability results indicated this scale has adequate internal validity (Cronbach's Alpha=0.99). The factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded a four-factor solution. The factors were: 1) Psychological violence; 2) Physical violence; 3) Severe physical violence; and 4) Sexual violence. The combination of the four factors accounted for 62.2 percent of the variance in the scale. Using the ratings from the judges a table of values for each of the violent actions described was obtained. The scores assigned by the judges ranged from 0 to 354. Results revealed a prevalence of 21 percent partner violence in the last twelve months. The prevalence of psychological violence was 18.5 percent; of physical violence 10.1 percent; severe physical violence 6.7 percent and sexual violence 7.0 percent. CONCLUSION: The scale of violence described in this article is a very useful and reliable instrument to assess marital violence against women. It is suggested that this instrument be used in other settings to compare results with different samples.

Violencia y embarazo en usuarias del sector salud en estados de alta marginación en México / Violence and pregnancy in female users of ministry of health care services in highly deprived states in Mexico

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la violencia de pareja e identificar los principales factores que se asocian a la violencia en el embarazo en cuatro estados de alta marginación en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La fuente de información fueron los datos de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Violencia contra las Mujeres 2003. Con base en ésta se realizó un estudio transversal, donde se incluyeron 1 949 mujeres entre 15 y 50 años de edad, que alguna vez estuvieron embarazadas y que demandaron atención en los servicios de primer y segundo nivel de atención de la SSA, IMSS e ISSSTE de los estados de Guerrero, Hidalgo, Oaxaca y Chiapas durante el periodo noviembre 2002- marzo 2003. Mediante regresión logística simple y múltiple, se evaluó la asociación entre las variables de interés y la violencia en el embarazo. RESULTADOS: Del total de mujeres, 250 (13 por ciento) informaron haber sufrido violencia (física, psicológica, sexual y económica) durante alguno de sus embarazos; una de cada tres refirió haber recibido golpes en el abdomen durante el embarazo. En la mayor parte de los casos (91.4 por ciento) el agresor fue el cónyuge. Las variables que se asociaron positivamente con violencia en algún embarazo fueron: a) nivel de escolaridad de la mujer: las analfabetas, comparadas con las mujeres que tenían escolaridad superior a primaria completa, presentaron la asociación más fuerte (RM 2.2; IC 95: por ciento 1.1, 4.4); b) antecedentes de violencia en la niñez (RM 3.2; IC 95 por ciento 1.9, 5.4); c) antecedentes de abuso sexual antes de los 15 años (RM 2.4, IC95 por ciento 1.3, 4.4) y d) consumo diario de alcohol por la pareja (RM 6.5; IC 95 por ciento 3.3, 12.9). CONCLUSION: Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la violencia durante el embarazo es un hecho frecuente en contextos de alta marginación, además de que su expresión tiende a ser más severa. Los resultados sustentan la necesidad de seguir estudiando el problema de la violencia en el embarazo en México, además de identificarlo durante el proceso de atención prenatal a mujeres violentadas.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize intimate partner abuse and identify the main factors associated with violence in pregnancy in four highly deprived States in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were taken from the National Survey on Violence against Women 2003 (ENVIM per its abbreviation in Spanish). Based on it a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1 949 women between 15 and 50 years of age, who were once pregnant and who utilized primary and secondary health care services from the Ministry of Health, Mexican Institute of Social Security, and the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers in Guerrero, Hidalgo, Oaxaca and Chiapas states, between November 2002 and March 2003. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between independent variables and violence during pregnancy. RESULTS: 250 women (13 percent) suffered a type of violence (physical, psychological, sexual or economical) during any of their pregnancies. Of these women 76 (30.40 percent) were battered on their abdomen. In most of these cases (91.39 percent) the husband was the aggressor. The variables significantly associated with violence in pregnancy were: woman's illiteracy (OR 2.2; CI 95: percent .1, 4.4); history of violence in childhood (OR 3.2; CI 95 percent 1.9, 5.4) as well as sexual abuse in her childhood (OR 2.4, CI 95 percent 1.3, 4.4) and her partner's daily alcohol consumption (OR 6.5; CI 95 percent 3.3, 12.9). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that violence during pregnancy is a regular event in the impoverished context and that its expression is more severe. These results point to the importance of continued study of the problem of violence against pregnant women in Mexico and the importance of identifying battered women in prenatal care.

Violencia de género y otros factores asociados a la salud emocional de las usuarias del sector salud en México / Gender violence and other factors associated with emotional distress in female users of public health services in Mexico

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados al malestar emocional en una muestra nacional de usuarias de servicios de salud del sector público: Secretaría de Salud (SSA), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la base de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Violencia contra las Mujeres en México, donde se aplicaron 26 042 encuestas a usuarias de los servicios de salud de la SSA. Se utilizó la Escala de Salud Personal (ESP) para medir malestar emocional,; también se usó una escala de 19 reactivos que explora tipos de violencia y severidad de la misma. Mediante un modelo de regresión logística binaria se determinó la relación entre la presencia de malestar y la violencia de género, condiciones socioeconómicas y otras variables demográficas. RESULTADOS: Entre los más relevantes está la identificación de la prevalencia de malestar emocional (15.3 por ciento) entre las mujeres que acuden a solicitar servicios de salud al sector público, y la relación de este malestar emocional generalizado con la experiencia de diferentes tipos de violencia de género. Los resultados sugieren que los factores asociados con el malestar emocional de la mujeres que recurren a los servicios de salud fueron: la edad (26 años o >); la actividad (jornalera o peona), y las horas laborales (71 a la semana o >);el consumo de alcohol (mayor consumo); el maltrato en la infancia (frecuencia y diversos tipos de maltrato); la severidad de la violencia de pareja (violencia severa), el estrato socioeconómico (muy bajo) y el tipo de localidad de residencia (localidades urbanas). CONCLUSIONES: El predictor más importante del malestar emocional entre las usuarias del sector salud fue sufrir la violencia de pareja, sobre todo cuando ésta es severa, seguida de la violencia en la niñez. Así entonces, se propone utilizar herramientas de tamizaje en los servicios de salud, tanto de malestar emocional como de violencia intrafamiliar. Además, se propone diseñar y poner en marcha programas de atención y referencia de casos de malestar emocional femenino y de violencia intrafamiliar.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the factors associated with emotional distress in a national sample of women users of public health services in Mexico, such a Secretaria de Salud (SSA), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research study was conducted using the database of the National Survey of Violence against Women that consisted of the responses of a total of 26 042 female users of health care services provided by the Mexican government health agencies. The Personal Health Scale (ESP per its initials in Spanish) was used to assess emotional distress. To measure violence a 19-item scale which explores different types of violence as well as severity was used. The relationship between emotional distress and gender violence was determined through a binary logistic regression model, as were economic status and demographic variables. RESULTS: One of the most important findings of this study is the high prevalence of emotional distress (15.3 percent) among women seeking health care services from the public sector and the relationship of such emotional distress with the experience of marital physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Factors associated with emotional distress among female users of health care services were age (26 and older); activity (laborer); working hours (71 hours a week or more); alcohol intake (greater intake); abuse during childhood (frequency and types of abuse); severity of marital violence (severe violence); socioeconomic status (very low SES); and type of dwelling (urban). CONCLUSIONS: The principal predictor of emotional distress was intimate partner abuse, especially in severe expression. The next predictor was violence in childhood. Taking into consideration these predictors it is recommended to use screening instruments to identify emotional distress and gender violence in health setting. It is important to design and implement attention and reference programs in public health services for women suffering from emotional distress and gender violence.

"No dejarse caer en cama": las mujeres y los servicios de salud / Women and healthcare services in Mexico: the struggle to avoid becoming

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar, describir y analizar el ciclo de percepción-atención de salud de las mujeres de mediana edad de cinco regiones del país. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo de 24 entrevistas a profundidad, aplicadas a mujeres de mediana edad (40 a 60 años), procedentes de cinco regiones de México. Los hallazgos de la investigación muestran que la percepción de salud de las mujeres se caracteriza por "sentirse constantemente mal", sin embargo, no se "dejan caer en cama". La búsqueda de atención a la salud en todos los casos es tardía. Las consideran que su malestar no es suficientemente atendido, ni reciben la información necesaria para su cuidado. Al no encontrar la respuesta que ellas esperan de los servicios de salud, buscan sus propios caminos como la autorregulación de tratamientos y la automedicación. La experiencia de las mujeres, es un punto de referencia para conseguir que se reformulen algunos aspectos del modelo médico existente.

La percepción del apoyo social en mujeres con experiencia de violencia conyugal

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Summary 1. Introduction Social support and social networks are related to social science studies and both topics are related to protective factors in models predicting differential responsiveness to problems of individuals of a social network. In the mental health area, populations with stress were reported. Infant mortality and poverty are social problems that have been subject to social support and to social networks´ research approach. Social networking is a factor that emerges as fundamental in the life of individuals. Conjugal violence (from now on, CV) is defined as a violent or abusive relationship, where interaction occurs in an imbalanced power-struggle situation. The aim of the present anthropological screening is to give light on the social construction of meanings and repercussions of CV on the heterosexual couple. This paper accounts solely for women´s perceived social support -among informants- and for their rationalization in regard to the CV experience. 2. Materials and methods Analysis was based on discursive interpretation of CV among 28 women, 14 of them attending to rural and urban health care centers, 14 attending a non governmental organization. Field work was fulfilled in one period between November 2000 and August 2001. The main inclusion criteria was to have lived or being living in prolonged cycles of CV. Research was conceived within the interpretative-hermeneutic approach. Research techniques employed pertain to the ethnographic method. In order to proccess information, a data matrix of seven categories and 22 subcategories was designed in the Ethnograph 4.0 software. 3. Results Two clearly defined groups were found: First Group: Women perceiving themselves as lacking any social support: informants with a diluted social support network Socioeconomic characteristics Seven women constitute this group; five come from rural settings and are health care center assisted. Of the urban informants, one is assisted in a non governmental organization and the other, in a state managed center for CV victims attention. In this group, age average is 24.5 years old, with an average of three children and an educative level of three elementary school grades. Two of these women have a job, the rest are economically dependant on their emotional partners. Five have a non marital relationship, one was married and the other, divorced. Duration of CV ocurrence in this group was between one and 12 years. Five of this seven women grew in a hostile familiar atmosphere, witnessing traumatic events in their originary families. Two out of the group had been subjects of sexual abuse by male relatives during their infancy. Six out of seven had had other sentimental couples, four of them had children born from these relationships. Perceived lack of support and the feeling of loneliness "¿Why is it that they feel alone and unsupported to cope with their problems?" The informants that come from a rural setting show a relationship pattern where physical violence and excesive control of spouse on everyday actions and social relations is established, a pattern which is manifested in physical and emotional violence. Upon this pattern, the women construct their subjectiveness on a disappointing general outlook of life, which seems logical because the partner control of social contacts results in isolation, a reality enhanced by the symbolical perception of their dependance. The social support map typical of this group shows that they perceive family as the limit to their social relations, and that they do not recognize their close relatives as a source of support. As to friendship and laboral relations quadrants, in contrast, whit the quadrant of communitary relationships, health care center personnel appears as significative stressing, the fact that health care institutions should be integrated in preventive strategies against CV. Second Group: Women perceiving themselves as having social support to cope with CV: informants with an established social support network. Socioeconomic characteristics 21 women constitute this group; 10 come from rural and urban settings and are health care center assisted. Of 21, ten are assisted in a non governmental organization and one, in a state managed center for CV victims attention. In this group, age average is 34.8 years old, with an average of two children and an educative level of secondary school; 12 of them have a job, the rest were economically dependant on their emotional partners or their families. Five had a non marital relationship, one was married and the other, divorced. Duration of CV ocurrence in this group was between several months and 36 years. This group reported their perceptions of a social group that supported them in several ways. The social support map typical of this group shows that they perceive the presence of much more significative persons in their social relations, a fact that results in a discursive construction less prone to suffering. Women of this group that were assisted by self help support groups reported having found significative frienships among their peers. As to the laboral relationships quadrant, women with a job found their laboral sphere as a protective factor. 4. Discussion Social support and social networks Two aspects of the debate are stressed: a conceptual difference between social support and social networks. a controversy regarding the relation between socioeconomical status and social support. As to the findings of the present screening, the definition of social support of Wethington y Kessler is employed. In the absence of a social network, the notion of social support is evidently lacking of tides, since the perception of support is founded in reciprocity, a relevant factor in cases of CV. Findings from several authors, stress the importance of the social stratification variable in the personal representation of social support. Regarding the present findings, this conceptualization would exclude the possibility of getting social support for populations with low economical resources, what would put an end to the cycle of the so called culture of poverty. In the narration of our informants about their CV experiences, we found significant aspects closer to the Dressler model, with an ideal cultural model of social support. Based on perceptions on what the informants perceive should be the expected kind of support from families and acquaintances, a cultural trait which excedes the boundaries of social stratification. On both groups, it is clear that reinforcing the social network depends on the standardization of cultural practices on certain activities such as personal counseling, or suggestions for problem-solving; this moral practice is obviously based on ethic notions of right and wrong, and thus secondary to moral judgments upon a given frame of reference. Based on the context of CV, the evidence generated by the present study should be aknowledged to understand the apparent paradox posed by the fact that familiar and close acquaintance networks may contribute, without making it conscious, to the cultural reproduction of violence.

Las instituciones de salud y el autocuidado de los médicos / Health institutions and physicians' self-care

OBJETIVO: Analizar la influencia que la profesión y la institución laboral ejercen sobre el autocuidado de la salud de los médicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La investigación se realizó de marzo de 2000 hasta febrero de 2001 en un centro de salud, un hospital general y un instituto de investigación en salud. En el estudio se utilizó un diseño cualitativo; los datos fueron obtenidos a través de entrevistas en profundidad. Se realizaron cuatro entrevistas a médicos que laboran en las instituciones mencionadas: dos a médicos del primer nivel de atención y dos del segundo nivel. RESULTADOS: Los hallazgos de esta investigación señalan que los médicos tienen dificultades para prodigarse cuidados. Estos obstáculos se acentúan para los médicos del segundo nivel de atención, quienes laboran jornadas prolongadas y realizan multicontratación institucional. Las dificultades están relacionadas principalmente con el estrés, la alimentación, el descanso y el esparcimiento. Los médicos no se someten a revisiones médicas de rutina y efectúan "consultas de pasillo" con sus colegas cuando tienen alguna dolencia o enfermedad. Los entrevistados coincidieron en señalar que las instituciones de salud carecen de políticas, programas, reglamentaciones y espacios que promuevan el autocuidado en los trabajadores que laboran en ellas. CONCLUSIONES: Las instituciones de salud no están diseñadas ni estructuradas para promover e impulsar el autocuidado de quienes ahí laboran y, en el caso de quienes trabajan en el segundo nivel de atención, la estructura organizativa dificulta el autocuidado.

Experiencia de las parteras en la identificación de mujeres maltratadas durante el embarazo / The midwives' experiences in the identification of battered women in pregnancy

OBJETIVO: Explorar las experiencias de las parteras en la detección de mujeres maltratadas durante el embarazo, además de conocer los tipos de violencia que identifican con mayor facilidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo en donde se entrevistó, entre enero y septiembre de 2001, a 12 parteras que forman parte del grupo de parteras del Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia de Morelos, México. Se hizo una selección de aquellas que se ubicaban en Cuernavaca y sus alrededores. RESULTADOS: Se reporta: a) el proceso de identificación de violencia realizado por las parteras en la atención prenatal, el cual se basa en un patrón de conductas y actitudes de las mujeres maltratadas tales como descuido en su persona, timidez y, sobre todo, una falta de control en las decisiones sobre el cuidado a su salud, lo cual permite a las parteras hacer preguntas directas sobre violencia; b) las violencias que identifican las parteras con mayor facilidad son la física y la emocional. La violencia sexual fue más difícil para su identificación de manera directa. CONCLUSIONES: Incluir a las parteras dentro de los planes y programas para atender a la violencia intrafamiliar, debido a que su práctica permite una respuesta de apoyo directo a las mujeres maltratadas que lo solicitan. Se propone desarrollar estrategias de capacitación especializada para esta población que atiende a un sector importante de mujeres embarazadas en México.

Violencia contra la mujer: conocimiento y actitud del personal médico del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelos, México / Violence against women: knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers at the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Morelos, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la actitud afectiva, cognoscitiva y conductual del personal médico del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social del estado de Morelos, México, hacia la identificación y canalización de mujeres maltratadas que acuden a consulta médica, así como identificar las barreras institucionales y de la práctica médica que dificultan el manejo dentro de los servicios de salud de las mujeres maltratadas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: De septiembre a diciembre de 1999 se realizó un estudio transversal mediante un cuestionario de autoaplicación que se proporcionó a 269 médicos y médicas generales, especialistas y estudiantes de pre y posgrado que laboran en 30 unidades de salud, de primer y segundo nivel de atención, del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social del estado de Morelos. El instrumento se diseñó para evaluar el nivel de conocimiento sobre violencia doméstica y la actitud del personal médico hacia la atención, en la consulta, de mujeres maltratadas. Se construyó un índice de conocimiento, además de un análisis multivariado de los datos. RESULTADOS: El 90 por ciento de los entrevistados nunca ha recibido capacitación en violencia contra la mujer. La actitud afectiva y cognoscitiva del personal médico que recibió capacitación sobre el tema fue más favorable hacia la identificación y atención de mujeres maltratadas que llegan a consulta médica, en comparación con los que no la recibieron. Sobre el nivel de conocimiento acerca del tema, 21 por ciento de los entrevistados mostró un nivel bajo, 63 por ciento medio y 16 por ciento alto. En el personal médico, con nivel de conocimiento medio y alto, se observó 2.1 y 6 veces -respectivamente- una actitud afectiva más favorable respecto a la identificación y canalización de casos de mujeres maltratadas en comparación con el personal con nivel de conocimiento bajo. Las médicas mostraron 2.3 veces mejor actitud para identificar y canalizar mujeres maltratadas. El personal médico con interés por capacitarse...

OBJECTIVE: To asses the affective, cognitive, and behavioral attitudes of healthcare providers at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (MISS) in Morelos, Mexico; to identify the institutional and medical practice barriers that hinder screening and reference of battered women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 1999. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to 269 general practitioners, specialists, and pre- and postdoctoral students working in 30 primary and secondary level of healthcare units in Morelos State. The data collection instrument was designed to assess healthcare providers' knowledge of and attitudes towards domestic violence during medical office visits. A knowledge index was constructed and analyzed using multivariate regression methods. RESULTS: Ninety percent of healthcare providers had never received training on violence against women. Healthcare providers' affective and cognitive attitudes after receiving training on the subject matter were more favorable compared to those with no training. Favorable attitudes were directly related to the number of training sessions. Most participants (63 percent) showed a moderate degree of knowledge on the subject, whereas 21 percent were slightly knowledgeable and 16 percent were highly knowledgeable. Medical personnel with a moderate or high level of knowledge were 2.1 and 6 times more likely, respectively, to have favorable attitudes than those with a low degree of knowledge. Female physicians showed more favorable attitudes towards identifying and referring battered women. Medical personnel interested in further training on the subject of violence against women were 7.6 times more likely to show favorable attitudes than personnel not interested on the subject. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers were not sufficiently able to assess and manage battered women. General and family practitioners were more interested in being...