Factors associated with frequent marijuana consumption in young people before admission to juvenile detention centers in Peru. / Factores asociados al consumo frecuente de marihuana en jóvenes antes de su ingreso a centros juveniles de diagnóstico y rehabilitación en Perú.

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the world, especially among young people. This study is relevant to policy makers because it expands the knowledge regarding drug use in vulnerable youth, allowing health authorities to reduce marijuana consumption via educational, family, and governmental strategies and policies. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of frequent marijuana consumption and its associated factors in young people before admission to juvenile detention centers in Peru. The data was taken from the 2016 National Population Census of the Youth Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Centers in Peru. The final sample was made up of 1,848 people with ages between 14 and 22 years old, with a median age of 17 (95.6% males). The variable frequent marijuana consumption was defined as the use of marijuana at least once a week, prior to entering the center. The main factors associated with frequent marijuana use were male sex, running away from home before the age of 15, physical abuse during childhood, having a family member who consumed alcohol or drugs frequently, and the presence of criminal gangs in the housing area. Additionally, it was found that living with parents up to a specific critical age decreases the probability of frequent use of marijuana in young people. These results could aid the development of strategies and public policies that help prevent the consumption of marijuana and other drugs from an early age.

La marihuana es la droga ilícita más consumida en el mundo, especialmente entre jóvenes. El presente estudio es relevante para la toma de decisiones en salud porque expande el conocimiento sobre el uso de drogas en la juventud vulnerable y permite a las autoridades sanitarias reducir el consumo de marihuana mediante estrategias educativas, familiares y gubernamentales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia del consumo frecuente de marihuana y sus factores asociados en jóvenes antes de su ingreso a centros juveniles de diagnóstico y rehabilitación en Perú. Los datos fueron tomados del Censo Nacional de Población en los Centros Juveniles de Diagnóstico y Rehabilitación del año 2016 en Perú. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 1848 personas entre 14 y 22 años, con una mediana de edad de 17 años (95,6 % hombres). La variable consumo frecuente de marihuana fue definida como el consumo de marihuana de al menos una vez por semana por parte de los jóvenes, previo a su ingreso al centro. Los principales factores asociados al consumo frecuente de marihuana fueron el sexo masculino, huir de casa antes de los 15 años, haber sufrido abuso físico durante la infancia, tener un miembro de la familia que consuma alcohol o drogas frecuentemente y la presencia de pandillas criminales en la zona residencial. Asimismo, se halló que vivir con los padres hasta cierta edad crítica disminuye la probabilidad de consumo frecuente de marihuana en jóvenes. Estos resultados podrían ayudar a desarrollar estrategias y políticas públicas que ayuden a prevenir el consumo de marihuana y otras drogas desde edades tempranas.

Self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic among the adult population in Peru: A cross-sectional survey.

Self-medication impacts both negatively and positively the health of people, which has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medicated drugs used for respiratory symptoms, as COVID-19 preventive, for its symptoms or once tested positive. To determine the perception of symptom relief and demographic variables that promote self-medication in Peru. We performed a cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter study in 3792 study respondents on the use, the reason for use, and perception of relief after the use of six drugs during the quarantine period. An online questionnaire was developed, pretested and submitted to the general public. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain factors that influence an individual's desire to self-medicate, associations were considered significant at p < 0.05 and using region (coast, mountain and jungle) as cluster group. The majority of respondents self-medicated with acetaminophen for respiratory symptoms and mainly because they had a cold or flu. It was observed that all the surveyed drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, azithromycin, penicillin, antiretrovirals and hydroxychloroquine) were consumed for various symptoms including: fever, fatigue, cough, sneezing, muscle pain, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and breathing difficulty. Over 90% of respondents perceived relief of at least one symptom. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older people have a higher frequency of antiretroviral self-medication, respondents who currently have a job had a higher frequency of penicillin self-medication, and that respondents from the Andes consumed less acetaminophen, while the ones from the rainforest consumed it more. There were significant percentages of self-medication, including drugs without sufficient scientific evidence. Age, region where one lived and job status were variables associated with self-medication frequency. Continuous awareness and sensitization about the risks of self-medication are warranted.

[Mortality attributable to diabetes mellitus as recorded by the Ministry of Health of Peru, 2005-2014Mortalidade atribuída à diabetes mellitus nos registros do Ministério da Saúde do Peru, 2005-2014]. / Mortalidad atribuida a diabetes mellitus registrada en el Ministerio de Salud de Perú, 2005-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the mortality attributable to diabetes mellitus (DM) as recorded by Peru's Ministry of Health and its association with the human development index (HDI). METHODS: This was an ecological study based on a secondary analysis of death records belonging to the Ministry of Health for the period from 2005 to 2014. A death was considered attributable to DM if the underlying cause of death given in the death record was DM. Mortality attributable to DM has been presented descriptively and in terms of geospatial analyses, and Spearman's rho was used to test for an association between the difference in the mortality attributable to DM (between 2005-2006 and 2013-2014) and the HDI in Peru's various departments. RESULTS: In the 10-year period under evaluation, 25 074 records listed DM as the underlying cause of death. The mortality rate attributable to DM per 100 000 -population increased from 5.7 in 2005 to 9.5 in 2014. This accounted for 2.7% of the deaths recorded during the study period: 3.5% in coastal areas, 1.4% in the highlands, and 2.5% in the rainforest region. A direct association was found between the HDI and the difference in mortality attributable to DM (Spearman's rho = 0.41; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality attributable to DM increased over the study period. It was highest in coastal areas, intermediate in the rainforest region, and lowest in the highlands. A direct association was found between the HDI and the difference in mortality attributable to DM.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a mortalidade atribuída à diabetes mellitus com base em registros do Ministério da Saúde do Peru e examinar a associação com o índice de desenvolvimento humano (IDH). MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico realizado com dados de uma análise secundária dos registros de óbitos do Ministério da Saúde para o período 2005 a 2014. Foi considerada mortalidade atribuída à diabetes mellitus os registros de óbitos com a diabetes como causa básica de morte. A mortalidade atribuída à diabetes foi apresentada de forma descritiva e com análises geoespaciais e foi feita uma análise com o uso do coeficiente de correlação (rho) de Spearman da associação entre a diferença da mortalidade associada à diabetes (entre 2005­2006 e 2013­2014) e o IDH nas províncias peruanas. RESULTADOS: No período estudado de 10 anos, foram registados 25.074 óbitos com a diabetes como causa básica de óbito. Observou-se um aumento da mortalidade atribuída à diabetes por 100 mil habitantes, de 5,7 em 2005 a 9,5 em 2014. Ela foi responsável por 2,7% dos óbitos registrados no período estudado: 3,5% na região litorânea, 1,4% na região serrana e 2,5% na região de floresta. Verificou-se uma associação direta entre o IDH e a diferença de mortalidade atribuída à diabetes (rho de Spearman = 0,41; p = 0,04). CONCLUSÕES: A mortalidade atribuída à diabetes aumentou no período estudado, sendo mais elevada na região litorânea, intermediária na região de floresta e mais baixa na região serrana. Verificou-se uma associação direta entre o IDH e a diferença de mortalidade atribuída à diabetes.

[Suicide risk associated with bullying and depression in high school]. / Riesgo suicida asociado a bullying y depresión en escolares de secundaria.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide risk is increasingly common among children and adolescents. There are no current and local studies of this reality in northern Peru. The objective was to determine whether suici de risk was associated with bullying and depression in high school students. PATIENTS AND METHOD: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in a city in northern Peru, using validated surveys to measure suicide risk, bullying and depression. Statical association data were obtained using generali zed linear models. RESULTS: Out of 289 schoolchildren, 20% was at suicide risk and had some type of depression. Among those on the upper tertile of the bullying scale, 38% had suicidal ideation, while those who were depressed, 63% had suicidal ideation. The frequency of suicide risk increased as a result of bullying score (aPR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.13-2.99, p value = 0.015), being depressed (aPR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.69-6.51, p value < 0.001), family history of suicide (aPR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.55-2.56, p va lue < 0.001), the passive desire to die (aPR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.86-2.61, p value < 0.001), have planned suicide at some point (aPR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.60-2.64; p value < 0.001) and study in a private school (aPR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.14-1.18, p value < 0.001); adjusted by gender and school location. Conclu sion: Mental health of schoolchildren was involved in many aspects, several of them associated with a higher frequency of suicide risk.

[Hemoglobin changes (Hb) in miners exposed to high altitude and associated factors]. / Cambios en la hemoglobina (Hb) de trabajadores mineros expuestos a gran altura y factores asociados.

AIM: To determine the variation of hemoglobin (Hb) in two groups of miners working at different altitudes. METHODOLOGY: A longitudinal study conducted in a private company. Hb was obtained from entrance exams and annual checks of workers at two locations: at sea level and at Peruvian highlands (4,100 m), taken by trained staff and equipment calibrated to environmental conditions. We analyzed variations in the course of the years with the PA-GEE statistical test; p values were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 376 workers, 89% (322) were men, the median age was 32 years (range 20-57) and 84% (304) were at high altitude. In multivariate analysis, male sex (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI; p = 0.021) and working at high altitude (p < 0.001) were associated with the greatest variation of Hb in time, adjusted for age, length, and type of work. DISCUSSION: These findings should be considered for health surveillance of workers exposed to similar conditions to prevent chronic mountain sickness. CONCLUSION: The change in Hb of miners was associated with male sex, BMI, and work at high altitude.

Physical activity and its association with chronic diseases in the elderly in 11 cities of Peru / Actividad física y su asociación con enfermedades crónicas en ancianos de 11 ciudades del Perú

Aim: To determine the frequency of physical activity and its association with chronic diseases in the elderly in eleven cities of Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study of secondary data was conducted; the dependent variable was not the realization of physical activity, chronic disease and other physio-anthropometric variables were independent variables. For bivariate and multivariate analysis generalized linear models were used. A confidence level of 95% and p < 0.05 as statistically significant was considered. Results: Of the 1030 elderly 68% (698) did not perform physical activity. When performing the multivariate model was obtained for every year of age increased by 1.5% frequency do physical activity (RPA: 1.015, 95% CI 1.006-1.024, p = 0.001) for each additional centimeter waist decreased 0.6% performing physical activity (RPA: 0.994, 95% CI: 0.992-0.997, p < 0.001) and those suffering from other chronic heart disease (RPA: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.30. p = 0.019) had higher frequencies of no physical activity, adjusted for sex and city of residence. Conclusion: No physical activity was associated with suffering from some heart disease, older age and waist circumference. We need to consider these results from the study to promote physical activity in this population.

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de actividad física y su asociación con enfermedades crónicas en ancianos de once ciudades del Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico de datos secundarios. La variable dependiente fue la no realización de actividad física, y las independientes fueron las enfermedades crónicas y otras variables fisioantropométricas. Para el análisis bivariado y multivariado se usaron los modelos lineales generalizados. Se consideró un nivel de confianza del 95% y un valor de p < 0.05 como estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: De los 1030 ancianos, el 68% (698) no realizaba actividad física. Con el modelo multivariado se obtuvo que, por cada año de edad, aumentaba un 1.5% la frecuencia no hacer actividad física (razón de prevalencia ajustada [RPa]: 1.015; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 1.006-1.024; p = 0.001); por cada centímetro de cintura adicional, disminuía un 0.6% la realización de actividad física (RPa: 0.994; IC 95%: 0.992-0.997; p < 0.001); y aquellos que padecían otra enfermedad cardiaca crónica (RPa: 1.15; IC 95%:1.02-1.30; p = 0.019) tenían mayores frecuencias de no realizar actividad física, ajustado por el sexo y por la ciudad de residencia. Conclusión: El no realizar actividad física se asoció con padecer alguna enfermedad cardiaca, mayor edad y el perímetro de cintura. Es necesario tener en cuenta estos resultados para promover la actividad física en esta población.

[Social and family factors associated with quality of life in children in schools from Piura, Peru]. / Factores sociofamiliares asociados a la calidad de vida en niños de colegios de la ciudad de Piura, Perú.

To determine the socio-familial factors associated with quality of life within the family in children of schools in Piura, Peru. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of children between 3 to 6 years in schools in the city of Piura, Perú. The quality of life was measured by the HOME test, with data adjusted to the Machover and Koppitz test, and were also associated with other social and family variables. P values were obtained by generalised linear models, adjusting for the residence of each subject. RESULTS: Of the 431 respondents, 64% (275) were male. The median age was 4 years old. A poor quality of life was observed in 50% of children. Traits of violence (p < .001) and aggression (p < .001) were associated to higher frequencies of poor quality of life, adjusted for shyness, dependence, and immaturity. The perception of parent’s love (p = .005), living with both parents (p < .001), playing with someone at home (p = .036), the person with whom plays most is the mother (p = .003) or both parents (p = .004) were associated with the quality of life in the survey. CONCLUSIONS: A large percentage of children who had a poor quality of life was found. The social and family protective factors were to live with both parents, and the demonstration of affection between both parents and play with both.

[Functional dyspepsia in students of eigth peruvians medical schools. Influence of the habits]. / Dispepsia funcional en estudiantes de ocho facultades de medicina peruanas. Influencia de los hábitos.

Functional dyspepsia impacts on quality of life. Due to its multifactorial etiology its characterization proves difficult, especially in populations at risk such as medical students. Objetives: To determine if behavioral and harmful habits of medical students from eight universities of Peru were associated to functional dyspepsia. Methods: Multicentric, cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was taken among students enrolled in eight medical faculties in Peru. Functional dyspepsia was measured using a validated test; diet characteristics, alcohol, tobacco, coffee or energy drinks consumption were considered behavioral habits. Furthermore, others from the social and educational sphere were measured. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were made. Results: From a total of 1.923 students, the median of the ages was 20, 55% were women and 24% suffered from functional dyspepsia. Factors which diminished the frequency of functional dyspepsia were masculine gender (aPR:0,75; 95%CI:0.64-0.87; p < 0,001), hours spent studying (aPR:0,97; 95%CI:0,96-0,99; p < 0,001) and eating following a fixed schedule (aPR:0,80; 95%CI:0,67- 0,95; p = 0,013); however, having failed a course increases the frequency of functional dyspepsia (aPR:1.24; 95%CI:1.13-1.37; p < 0,001)adjusted for age, as well as difficulties to fall asleep and depression. Conclusion: Many medical students suffered from functional dyspepsia, this being related to several behavioral variables; therefore further studies as well as educational institutions' intervention is required, due to the short and long term problems that may arise from this situation.

Factors associated with the use of medicines and self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in 12 Latin American countries.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered a rise in the global phenomenon of self-medication. The use of medicines with unsubstantiated claims of benefit for the prevention and/or treatment of infected people has been widely adopted. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the use of medicines and self-medication by Latin American populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted via an analysis of secondary data collected from 8777 responses from 12 Latin American countries obtained from a survey on the use of medicines and self-medication during the pandemic. Results: Respondents who reported using Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or antibiotics (ABx) disclosed this as self-medication in 26.9%, 16.6%, and 9.7% of cases respectively. In our multivariate analysis, significant associations were found between: self-medication by individual choice and the use of Hydroxychloroquine, ABx, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (p = 0.026, = 0.003, and <0.001 respectively); self-medication on the recommendation of a family member, with ABx, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs (p <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively); and self-medication on the recommendation of another person, with Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Penicillin, other ABx, Warfarin, Ivermectin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs (p <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, = 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, = 0.004, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). Conclusion: There was a significantly high prevalence of self-medication in our Latin American study population, including the use of medicines not recommended for COVID-19 treatment and/or prevention. The implementation of public health measures aimed at combating the worrying COVID-19 infodemic is essential to prevent this ongoing issue and its associated negative impacts on both current public health and future medication efficacy. This is especially important in the case of ABx due to the threat of a future antimicrobial resistance pandemic.

South American Validation of a Survey to Assess Eco-Anxiety in Adults (ECO-ANS-LATAM).

Background: climate change is a reality, and more and more people are becoming aware of this global problem, which has generated anxiety in some populations. To validate a short survey to assess eco-anxiety in adults in South America. Methods: It is an instrumental study, and the validation was based on a previous survey, which had six questions and was generated by 217 respondents in the USA in 2021. These questions were subjected to a validation process with expert judgment, pilot and application, and then statistics were obtained. It was validated with 1907 people in six countries in South America, where the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were adequate. Results: The initial confirmatory factorial model obtained unsatisfactory goodness-of-fit indices, so the indices were modified through a re-specification, where two items were eliminated, after which adequate values were obtained (χ2 = 22.34, df = 2, p = 0.00; RMR = 0.020; GFI = 0.990; CFI = 0.990; TLI = 0.990; and RMSEA = 0.070). Finally, the overall Cronbach's α was calculated to be 0.88 (95% CI = 0.86-0.89). Conclusions: The test was validated in a large South American population and found that only four questions can efficiently measure anxiety about the effects of climate change. The instrument can be used with other tests to screen different age groups, ethnicities and realities.

A new algorithm DEtectS critical Congenital Heart Disease at different altitudes: ANDES-CHD study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal pulse oximetry screening (POS) algorithms for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) have contributed towards decreasing neonatal mortality but cannot be applied at high altitudes. New POS algorithms at high altitudes are needed. METHODS: This observational, prospective study included newborns born at different altitudes from 0 to 4380 meters above the sea level in Peru. Healthy newborns underwent neonatal preductal and postductal oximetry, echocardiography and telephonic follow-up up to 12 months of age. Newborns with CCHD underwent preductal and postductal oximetry at the time of telemedicine evaluation while located at the high-altitude hospital where they were born, and their diagnoses were confirmed with echocardiography locally or after arriving to the referral center. Two new algorithms were designed using clinically accepted neonatal oximetry cutoffs or the 5th and 10th percentiles for preductal and postductal oximetry values. RESULTS: A total of 502 healthy newborns and 15 newborns with CCHD were enrolled. Echocardiography and telephonic follow-up were completed in 227 (45%) and 330 healthy newborns (65%), respectively. The algorithm based on clinically accepted cutoffs had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 73% and false positive rate of 27% The algorithm based on the 5th and 10th percentiles had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 88% and false positive rate of 12%. CONCLUSIONS: Two algorithms that detect CCHD at different altitudes had adequate performance but high false positive rates.

Factors associated with complications of foreign body ingestion and/or aspiration in children from a Peruvian hospital.

Objective: To determine the factors associated with complications of foreign body ingestion and/or aspiration in children from a hospital in the Peruvian social security program. Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective, analytical, and transverse study was undertaken. Medical records of patients under the age of 14 years old, who were admitted to the National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins between January 2013 and May 2017, and treated with a diagnosis of foreign body in the digestive or respiratory tract, were selected. Variables that characterized the foreign body ingestion and/or aspiration were assessed. STATA v11.1 was used for all subsequent statistical analyzes. Results: A total of 322 cases met the inclusion criteria and the median age of the cohort was 4 years old (interquartile range: 2-6). The most frequently ingested foreign bodies were coins (∼59%) and batteries (∼10%). Fifty-four cases (∼17%) were classed as having a complication. In the multivariate analysis, we observed that the frequency of complications increased when the ingested object was a battery (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 2.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.52-3.32; p-value<0.001), when the time elapsed prior to diagnosis was 8-16 h (aPR: 2.23; 95% CI: 2.18-2.28; p-value<0.001), and when the child was male (aPR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.24-2.74; p-value = 0.002). However, the frequency decreased in cases where foreign bodies were lodged in the nose (aPR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.97-0.98; p-value<0.001). Conclusions: Whilst the most frequently ingested foreign bodies in this study were coins, complications were more common in cases of battery ingestion and in those where the diagnosis was made after 8 h.

Post-Traumatic Stress Associated with Telework-Related Job Limitation in Latin America.

During the pandemic, there has been evidence of work limitations during telework, which are believed to cause mental health problems. Our objective was to assess the association between perceived work limitations during telework and posttraumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Latin America in 2020. Exposure was measured by self-reporting using a self-perception questionnaire; the SPRINT-E questionnaire was used for outcome measurements. Generalized linear models were applied. Of 1329 participants, 15.2% (n = 202) had posttraumatic stress. In a multivariate analysis, the highest frequency of posttraumatic stress was found among those with moderate depression or more (PR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03-1.61), moderate or more anxiety (PR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.61-3.41), and moderate or more stress (PR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.46-4.12). In conclusion, there is an association between perceived work limitations during telework and posttraumatic stress in Latin American workers. For this reason, it is recommended that occupational physicians, companies, and institutions assess the frequency of posttraumatic stress and monitor the mental health of workers.

Burnout syndrome and depression in students of a Colombian medical school, 2018.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Burnout syndrome (BS) has been evaluated in few populations of medical students, and its relationship with depression is even less studied. The objective was to determine the frequency of BS in medical students of the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), in Tunja, Colombia, as well as its association with depression and other social, economic, demographic, and academic factors. METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out on 182 UPTC medical students during 2018. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) was applied, with which 3 components were obtained to determine positive SB. This was crossed in the Stata 15 program for depression and other social, economic, demographic, and academic covariates with the Generalised Linear Model (GLM). RESULTS: Of 182 respondents, 51.4% were women. The median age was 21 years (20-23 years). 14% had BS, of which 48% had depression. In the multiple regression, BS was significantly associated with a higher frequency of depression (RPa = 5.54; IC95%, 2.36-13.02; P < 0.001) and the feeling of insufficient money (RPa = 4.37; IC95%, 1.95-9.83; P < 0.001), in contrast to a negative association with smoking (RPa = 0.13; IC95%, 0.06-0.30; P < 0.001) and being a woman (RPa = 0.32; IC95%, 0.12-0.82; P = 0.018). The age of onset of marijuana use was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: BS shows a high association with increased depression and a feeling that the money is not enough at the end of the month, but it showed a negative association with tobacco consumption and being a woman. Such students should be detected to provide them with adequate academic support.

[Analysis with Google Trends and Our World in Data on Global Mental Health in the Context of the covid-19 Pandemic]. / Análisis con Google Trends y Our World in Data sobre la salud mental mundial en el contexto de la pandemia por covid-19.

Introduction: During the covid-19 pandemic, mental health services were unable to cope with the high demand from the population, so many people chose to search the Internet for information that could help them cope with the psychological process they were experiencing at the time. The aim of this study was to characterize the global search trend for the term «psychiatry¼ in the context of covid-19 using Google Trends and Our World in Data. Methods: Descriptive-cross-sectional study on global search trends for Psychiatry in the context of covid-19 under the terms «psychiatry¼, «depression¼, «anxiety¼, «stress¼, «insomnia¼ and «suicide¼ in the category of health, this was conducted over the period 2020-2021 and time graphs were generated. Results: The term «psychiatry¼ remained at a consistently high relative search volume (between 60 and 90), with a significant and gradual search in the month of April. The relative search volume for «depression¼, «anxiety¼ and «stress¼ remained constant with some non-significant fluctuations over the period 2020-2021. The term «insomnia¼ was predominant between January and June 2020, gradually declining in April and remaining constant until October 2021. Finally, the term «suicide¼ had a fluctuating RBV between 60 and 100 during this period. Conclusions: During the study period, the topics related to mental health and the speciality of psychiatry remained constant, with some fluctuating, but not outstanding variations.

Association between the use of Sci-Hub and consultation of scientific journals by medical students from six Latin American countries: A secondary analysis.

Introduction and objective: Sci-Hub is a website that allows users to download full-text versions of millions of scientific articles for free. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of Sci-Hub and consultation of scientific journals by medical students from six Latin American countries. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a 2017 cross-sectional study of medical students from six Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru). Consultation of scientific journals was considered as the dependent variable, while the independent variable was the use of Sci-Hub. Responses were categorized as: "do not know"; "did not use it"; "used it at least once a week"; "used it more than once a week"; and "used it every day of the month". In simple and multiple regression analyses, multivariate random-effects models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR), with 95% confident intervals (CI). Results: Of the 6632 participants, 38.2% consulted scientific journals and 10.3% used Sci-Hub once a week. Using Sci-Hub at least once a week was associated with a 20% increase in the prevalence of consulting scientific journals (PR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.31, p < 0.001). The variables positively associated with Sci-Hub use included being in the sixth year of medical school (PR: 2.34), affiliation to more than one academic research group (PR: 1.81), being a medical student in Colombia (PR: 1.63), intermediate (PR: 1.16) and advanced levels of English (PR: 1.23), and daily use of PubMed (PR: 1.66), SciELO (PR: 1.87), and/or SCOPUS (PR: 1.58). Conclusion: Amongst medical students surveyed from the above six Latin American countries, the use of Sci-Hub at least once a week was significantly associated with the self-reported prevalence of consulting scientific journals.

Crisis due to war: anxiety, depression and stress in the population of 13 Latin American countries.

Sustainability may be at risk in a population that has altered health, according to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Health and well-being. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine could jeopardize SDG 3, specifically the mental health of the population. The present study sought to determine the association between severe anxiety, depression and stress in population of 13 Latin American countries according to fear about the war conflict. It was a cross-sectional, analytical and multicenter study. Anxiety, depression and stress were measured with the DASS-21 test (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.97) and fear due to an armed crisis with a questionnaire already validated in Latin America (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.92), which was also adjusted for sex, age, education level and country of residence. Descriptive and analytical statistics were obtained. Of the 2,626 respondents, the main fear was that weapons of mass destruction would be used. In the multivariate models, strong associations were found between fear of a possible world-scale armed conflict and having severe or very severe levels of anxiety (aPR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.64-2.36; value of p <0.001), depression (aPR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.54-2.36; value of p <0.001) or stress (aPR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.63-2.57; value of p <0.001). Sustainability linked to SDG 3, specifically mental health, is affected by this type of significant events, given the possible global war crisis that could trigger major events, even more so if added to the deterioration already experienced by COVID-19 in the Latin American region, insecurity and constant political uncertainty.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder risk post-COVID-19 in 12 countries in Latin America: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: Latin America was the region most affected by COVID-19 in the second quarter of 2020, and consequently, the impact on mental health requires evaluation. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by bereavement due to COVID-19 in 12 countries in Latin America. Methods: The current study was an analytical cross-sectional study. Validated tests were applied for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21), questions about the respondent's condition or their environment, and demographic questions, as well as the length of the mourning period of suffering. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that the PTSD risk increased for women (p < 0.001), when a friend or acquaintance had COVID-19 (p = 0.002), when a close relative died from COVID-19 (p = 0.010), having severe depression (p <0.001), severe anxiety (p <0.001), severe stress (p <0.001), residing in Chile (p <0.001), Paraguay (p <0.001), Bolivia (p <0.001), Costa Rica (p <0.001) or El Salvador (p = 0.005). On the other hand, there was less risk of PTSD at an older age (p <0.001) or if respondents had a sentimental partner (p = 0.025). In the case of severe PTSD, there was a greater gender risk for women (p <0.001), a close relative dying from COVID-19 (p = 0.017), having severe depression (p <0.001), severe anxiety (p <0.001), severe stress (p <0.001), residing in Chile (p <0.001), Paraguay (p <0.001), Bolivia (p <0.001) and Costa Rica (p = 0.002). It was also observed that there was less risk of severe PTSD at an older age demographic (p <0.001). Discussion: It can be concluded that the percentages of PTSD are high in its clinical presentation as severe, especially among Latin American women.

Latin American perceptions of fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media with regard to COVID-19: frequency and association with severe mental pathologies.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the spread of abundant misinformation by the media, which caused fear and concern. Objective: To determine the association between the pathologies of the mental sphere and the perceptions of fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media with respect to COVID-19 in Latin America. Methodology: The present study has an analytical cross-sectional design that is based on a validated survey to measure fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media and other sources (Cronbach's α: 0.90). We surveyed more than 6,000 people, originally from 12 Latin American countries, who associated this perceived exaggeration with stress, depression, and anxiety (measured through DASS-21, Cronbach's α: 0.96). Results: Social networks (40%) or television (34%) were perceived as the sources that exaggerate the magnitude of the events. In addition, television (35%) and social networks (28%) were perceived as the sources that generate much fear. On the contrary, physicians and health personnel are the sources that exaggerated less (10%) or provoked less fear (14%). Through a multivariate model, we found a higher level of global perception that was associated with whether the participant was older (p = 0.002), had severe or more serious anxiety (p = 0.033), or had stress (p = 0,037). However, in comparison with Peru (the most affected country), there was a lower level of perception in Chile (p < 0.001), Paraguay (p = 0.001), Mexico (p < 0.001), Ecuador (p = 0.001), and Costa Rica (p = 0.042). All of them were adjusted for gender and for those having severe or major depression. Conclusion: There exists an association between some mental pathologies and the perception that the media does not provide moderate information.