What is the actual relationship between neutrophil extracellular traps and COVID-19 severity? A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have repeatedly been related to COVID-19 severity and mortality. However, there is no consensus on their quantification, and there are scarce data on their evolution during the disease. We studied circulating NET markers in patients with COVID-19 throughout their hospitalization. METHODS: We prospectively included 93 patients (201 blood samples), evaluating the disease severity in 3 evolutionary phases (viral, early, and late inflammation). Of these, 72 had 180 samples in various phases. We also evaluated 55 controls with similar age, sex and comorbidities. We measured 4 NET markers in serum: cfDNA, CitH3, and MPO-DNA and NE-DNA complexes; as well as neutrophil-related cytokines IL-8 and G-CSF. RESULTS: The COVID-19 group had higher CitH3 (28.29 vs 20.29 pg/mL, p = 0.022), and cfDNA, MPO-DNA, and NE-DNA (7.87 vs 2.56 ng/mL; 0.80 vs 0.52 and 1.04 vs 0.72, respectively, p < 0.001 for all) than the controls throughout hospitalisation. cfDNA was the only NET marker clearly related to severity, and it remained higher in non-survivors during the 3 phases. Only cfDNA was an independent risk factor for mortality and need for intensive care. Neutrophil count, IL-8, and G-CSF were significantly related to severity. MPO-DNA and NE-DNA showed significant correlations (r: 0.483, p < 0.001), including all 3 phases and across all severity grades, and they only remained significantly higher on days 10-16 of evolution in those who died. Correlations among the other NET markers were lower than expected. CONCLUSIONS: The circulating biomarkers of NETs were present in patients with COVID-19 throughout hospitalization. cfDNA was associated with severity and mortality, but the three other markers showed little or no association with these outcomes. Neutrophil activity and neutrophil count were also associated with severity. MPO-DNA and NE-DNA better reflected NET formation. cfDNA appeared to be more associated with overall tissue damage; previous widespread use of this marker could have overestimated the relationship between NETs and severity. Currently, there are limitations to accurate NET markers measurement that make it difficult to assess its true role in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

IL-6 and cfDNA monitoring throughout COVID-19 hospitalization are accurate markers of its outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Severe COVID-19 entails a dysregulated immune response, most likely inflammation related to a lack of virus control. A better understanding of immune toxicity, immunosuppression balance, and COVID-19 assessments could help determine whether different clinical presentations are driven by specific types of immune responses. The progression of the immune response and tissular damage could predict outcomes and may help in the management of patients. METHODS: We collected 201 serum samples from 93 hospitalised patients classified as moderately, severely, and critically ill. We differentiated the viral, early inflammatory, and late inflammatory phases and included 72 patients with 180 samples in separate stages for longitudinal study and 55 controls. We studied selected cytokines, P-selectin, and the tissue damage markers lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). RESULTS: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and G-CSF were associated with severity and mortality, but only IL-6 increased since admission in the critical patients and non-survivors, correlating with damage markers. The lack of a significant decrease in IL-6 levels in the critical patients and non-survivors in the early inflammatory phase (a decreased presence in the other patients) suggests that these patients did not achieve viral control on days 10-16. For all patients, lactate dehydrogenase and cfDNA levels increased with severity, and cfDNA levels increased in the non-survivors from the first sample (p = 0.002) to the late inflammatory phase (p = 0.031). In the multivariate study, cfDNA was an independent risk factor for mortality and ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: The distinct progression of IL-6 levels in the course of the disease, especially on days 10-16, was a good marker of progression to critical status and mortality and could guide the start of IL-6 blockade. cfDNA was an accurate marker of severity and mortality from admission and throughout COVID-19 progression.

Scale of psychological pain: Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Psychological pain is understood as an intolerable and disturbing mental state characterized by an internal experience of negative emotions. This study was aimed at making a Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale by Holden and colleagues in a sample of young adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The scale evaluates psychological pain as a subjective experience. It is composed of 13 items with a Likert-type response format. Following the guidelines of the International Tests Commission for the adaptation of the test, we obtained a version conceptually and linguistically equivalent to the original scale. Through an online questionnaire, participants completed the psychological pain scale along with other scales to measure depression (BDI-II), hopelessness (Beck's scale of hopelessness) and suicide risk (Plutchik suicide risk scale). The participants were 234 people (94 men, 137 women and three people who identified as a different sex) from 18 to 35 years old. RESULTS: The EFA showed a one-factor solution, and the FCA revealed adequate indexes of adjustment to the unifactorial model. It also showed good reliability of the test scores. The evidence of validity of the scale in relation to the other variables showed high, positive and statistically significant correlations with depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicidal risk. CONCLUSION: In summary, this Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale could contribute to improving the evaluation of both the patient with suicide risk and the effectiveness of psychological therapy, as well as suicidal behaviour prevention and intervention.

Escala de dolor psicológico: adaptación de la Psychache Scale al español en jóvenes adultos / Scale of psychological pain: Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale in young adults

Introducción: El dolor psicológico es entendido como un estado mental intolerable y perturbador caracterizado por una experiencia interna de emociones negativas. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo realizar una adaptación al contexto español de la escala de dolor psicológico de Holden et al. en adultos jóvenes.Material y métodos: La escala evalúa el dolor psicológico como experiencia subjetiva. Está compuesta por 13 ítems con un formato de respuesta tipo Likert. Siguiendo las directrices de la International Tests Commission para la adaptación de test, obtuvimos una versión equivalente conceptual y lingüísticamente a la escala original. A través de un cuestionario online los participantes completaron la escala de dolor psicológico junto a otras escalas para medir depresión (BDI-II), desesperanza (escala de desesperanza de Beck) y riesgo suicida (escala de riesgo suicida de Plutchik). Los participantes fueron 234 personas (94 hombres, 137 mujeres y 3 personas de otro sexo) de 18 a 35 años.Resultados: El AFE mostró una solución de un factor y el AFC reveló adecuados índices de ajuste del modelo unifactorial. También mostró una buena fiabilidad de las puntuaciones del test, y evidencias favorables de validez de la escala en relación con la depresión, desesperanza, ideación suicida y riesgo suicida (correlaciones altas, positivas y estadísticamente significativas).Conclusión: La adaptación al español de la escala de dolor psicológico puede contribuir a mejorar la evaluación tanto del paciente con riesgo suicida como la eficacia de la terapia psicológica, así como la prevención e intervención del comportamiento suicida. (AU)

Introduction: Psychological pain is understood as an intolerable and disturbing mental state characterized by an internal experience of negative emotions. This study was aimed at making a Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale by Holden and colleagues in a sample of young adults.Material and methods: The scale evaluates psychological pain as a subjective experience. It is composed of 13 items with a Likert-type response format. Following the guidelines of the International Tests Commission for the adaptation of the test, we obtained a version conceptually and linguistically equivalent to the original scale. Through an online questionnaire, participants completed the psychological pain scale along with other scales to measure depression (BDI-II), hopelessness (Beck's scale of hopelessness) and suicide risk (Plutchik suicide risk scale). The participants were 234 people (94 men, 137 women and three people who identified as a different sex) from 18 to 35 years old.Results: The EFA showed a one-factor solution, and the FCA revealed adequate indexes of adjustment to the unifactorial model. It also showed good reliability of the test scores. The evidence of validity of the scale in relation to the other variables showed high, positive and statistically significant correlations with depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicidal risk.Conclusion: In summary, this Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale could contribute to improving the evaluation of both the patient with suicide risk and the effectiveness of psychological therapy, as well as suicidal behaviour prevention and intervention. (AU)

Harm Reduction Strategies among University Students Who Use Alcohol and Cannabis, and Related Psychological Variables: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review identifies the psychological variables associated with the use of harm reduction strategies (HRS) among university students who use alcohol or cannabis. The reviewed studies are categorized according to the psychological variables studied and the different analytic approaches used (direct effects, mediation, and moderation). Among the empirical peer-reviewed studies identified (n = 76), most (94.7%) were cross-sectional studies conducted in the US (90.8%) with samples of alcohol-using university students (86.8%). Five categories were identified: mental health, motives/expectancies, personality, social cognition, and self-efficacy. The most studied constructs were motives, anxiety and depression, impulsivity, and social norms. Most studies conducted mediation or moderation analyses including psychological variables, HRS and alcohol outcomes. Social, enhancement and coping motives, impulsivity, and social norms of alcohol use were associated with lower use of HRS, which, in turn, was associated with a higher number of alcohol/cannabis outcomes. The results of moderation studies consistently suggest that HRS use was more protective for students with poor mental health, high impulsivity, and low self-regulation. The synthesis of evidence provided in this review could be useful for guiding future research and informing the design of interventions aimed at promoting the use of HRS among university students who use alcohol and/or cannabis.

Frustrated interpersonal needs as a motivational moderator in the integrated motivational-volitional model.

A theoretical assumption of the integrated motivational-volitional (IMV) model positions perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB) as moderators on the entrapment-suicidal ideation/intention relationship. The present study analyzed the expected combined effects of PB × TB on the relationship between entrapment and suicidal ideation/intention. Data were collected using an online questionnaire (N = 644) selected by sex, age, and education level. The PB × TB × Entrapment interaction was statistically significant, according to a moderating effect. A high degree of frustration of interpersonal needs enhances the entrapment-suicidal ideation/intention relationship.

Adaptación al español de las escalas de derrota y atrapamiento en jóvenes adultos: propiedades psicométricas / Adaptation to spanish of the scales of defeat and entrapment in young adults: psychometric properties

Resumen: Antecedentes: El Modelo Integrado Motivacional-Volitivo contempla la ideación suicida como una reacción psicológica a una situación que se percibe como una derrota junto a la percepción de estar atrapado/a y sin posible escape ni rescate. Objetivo: El presente estudio tiene como objetivo adaptar al contexto español y analizar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas, una para medir derrota y otra para medir atrapamiento. Método: Doscientas treinta y cuatro personas de 18-35 años (58,6% mujeres) completaron un cuestionario online. Resultados: El análisis de la estructura interna mostró una solución bifactorial para la escala de derrota y una solución unifactorial para la escala de atrapamiento, ambas con adecuados índices de ajuste. Además, mostraron buena fiabilidad de las puntuaciones de los test y evidencias favorables de validez. Conclusiones: Disponer de ambas escalas adaptadas contribuye a mejorar la evaluación del riesgo suicida, así como a orientar la intervención y realizar aportaciones en el campo de la suicidología.

Abstract: Background: The Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model contemplates suicidal ideation as a psychological reaction to a situation that is perceived as a defeat along with the perception of being trapped and without possible escape or rescue. Aim: The present study aims to adapt to the Spanish context and analyze the psychometric properties of two scales, one to measure defeat and another to measure entrapment. Method: Two hundred and thirty-four people aged 18-35 years (58.6% women) completed an online questionnaire. Results: The analysis of the internal structure showed a bifactorial solution for the scale of defeat and a unifactorial solution for the scale of entrapment, both with adequate adjustment indexes. In addition, they showed good reliability of the test scores and favorable evidence of validity. Conclusions: Having both scales adapted helps to improve the assessment of suicide risk, as well as to guide the intervention and make contributions in the field of suicide.

Experiential Avoidance in the Context of the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior.

Background: According to the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicide, the perception of defeat and entrapment are the variables involved in the development of suicidal ideation. However, entrapment is not an inevitable consequence of feeling defeated. This transition is moderated by a set of variables relating to the ability to resolve the state of defeat. Aim: We aimed to study the potential moderating role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between defeat and entrapment in young adults. Method: A sample of 644 participants residing in Spain (51.2% female; Mage = 25.91, SDage = 5.14; range = 18-35 years old), selected by sex, age, and education level quotas, completed an online questionnaire consisting of: Defeat Scale; Entrapment Scale; and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II; and other sociodemographic variables. Results: Defeat and experiential avoidance had a statistically significant effect on entrapment. The interaction variable (defeat × experiential avoidance) was also statistically significant according to a moderating effect. Limitations: Due to the cross-sectional design, we could not establish causal associations between the variables. Conclusion: People who experience a high degree of defeat and experiential avoidance are more likely to progress to a state of entrapment, being more vulnerable to having suicidal ideation.

Profiles of patients with cocaine and alcohol use disorder based on cognitive domains and their relationship with relapse.

BACKGROUND: Relapse in drug use constitutes a research topic on addiction that is relevant for understanding both the addictive process and its clinical implications. The objective of this study was to explore if it is possible to identify patient profiles according to their performance on cognitive tasks whilst examining the relationship between such profiles and relapse. METHODS: The sample consisted of 222 patients with dependence on cocaine and / or alcohol, of which 86 % were men. Cognitive domains related to salience, decision- making, and emotional processing were measured. RESULTS: Latent class analysis revealed three patient profiles that differ in terms of performance on cognitive tasks. Two of these profiles are clearly differentiated in terms of their execution of the impulsive decision-making task. The third patient profile, unlike the latter two, is composed of patients with severe alterations in the three domains evaluated. Analysis revealed that patients in Profile 3 are those with the highest rates of relapse in cocaine (Profile 1 = 40.3 %; Profile 2 = 35.6 %; Profile 3 = 69.2 %; Chi2 = 9.169; p < .05) and cocaine and alcohol use (Profile 1 = 55.1 %; Profile 2 = 54.1 %; Profile 3 = 80 %; Chi2 = 6.698; p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the postulates of the I-RISA model. From a clinical perspective, these findings highlight the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the cognitive domains involved in addiction.

Spanish Adaptation of the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale-20 (S-PBSS-20) and Evaluation of its Psychometric Properties in University Students / Adaptación Española de la Escala de Estrategias Conductuales de Protección-20 (S-PBSS-20) y Evaluación de sus Propiedades Psicométricas en Estudiantes Universitarios

BACKGROUND: Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have shown utility in reducing alcohol-related negative consequences. The Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (PBSS) is one of the most widely used and well-validated instruments for evaluating these strategies. However, a Spanish adaptation of this or any other measure of PBS is not available. We aimed to provide a Spanish version of PBSS-20 and examine its psychometric properties. METHOD: We recruited 538 undergraduate students from three Spanish universities (mean age = 21.2; females = 78%). Measures included the Spanish-PBSS-20 (S-PBSS-20), Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), Daily Drinking Questionnaire, and frequency of alcohol use, drunkenness, and binge drinking. RESULTS: Our results support the use of the original 3-factor structure of the PBSS-20. Internal consistency reliability ranged between 0.71-0.77, and evidence of validity was provided according to the expected relationships with other variables. Exploratory factor analyses provided evidence of convergent/discriminant validity of S-PBSS-20. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that PBSS-20 is a useful instrument for assessing protective behavioral strategies in alcohol users. The S-PBSS-20 could be useful for research on alcohol-related protective behavioral strategies and consequences, and could also inform the design of educational interventions for promoting the use of protective strategies and reducing alcohol-related negative consequences

ANTECEDENTES: las estrategias conductuales de protección (ECP) han mostrado utilidad para reducir las consecuencias negativas del alcohol. La Escala de Estrategias Conductuales de Protección (PBSS) es uno de los instrumentos más utilizados y validados para evaluar estas estrategias. Sin embargo, no contamos con una adaptación española de este u otro instrumento para medir ECP. OBJETIVO: aportar una versión española de la PBSS-20 y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas. MÉTODO: participaron 538 estudiantes de tres universidades españolas (edad media = 21,2; mujeres = 78%), administrándose el Cuestionario de Consecuencias del Consumo de Alcohol en Jóvenes Adultos (YAACQ) y el Cuestionario de Consumo Diario de alcohol. Se recogió información sobre frecuencia de consumo, borracheras y atracón. RESULTADOS: los resultados apoyan el uso de la PBSS-20 original con una estructura de tres factores. La fiabilidad como consistencia interna osciló entre 0.71-0.77 y se aportaron evidencias de validez según las relaciones teóricas esperadas. El análisis factorial exploratorio aportó evidencias de validez convergente/discriminante. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados apoyan la utilidad de la PBSS-20 para medir ECP en consumidores de alcohol. La S-PBSS-20 puede ser útil tanto para la investigación sobre ECP, como para orientar intervenciones educativas de promoción de estas estrategias y de reducción de consecuencias negativas asociadas al alcohol

Spanish Adaptation of the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale-20 (S-PBSS-20) and Evaluation of its Psychometric Properties in University Students.

BACKGROUND: Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have shown utility in reducing alcohol-related negative consequences. The Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (PBSS) is one of the most widely used and well-validated instruments for evaluating these strategies. However, a Spanish adaptation of this or any other measure of PBS is not available. We aimed to provide a Spanish version of PBSS-20 and examine its psychometric properties. METHOD: We recruited 538 undergraduate students from three Spanish universities (mean age = 21.2; females = 78%). Measures included the Spanish-PBSS-20 (S-PBSS-20), Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), Daily Drinking Questionnaire, and frequency of alcohol use, drunkenness, and binge drinking. RESULTS: Our results support the use of the original 3-factor structure of the PBSS-20. Internal consistency reliability ranged between 0.71-0.77, and evidence of validity was provided according to the expected relationships with other variables. Exploratory factor analyses provided evidence of convergent/discriminant validity of S-PBSS-20. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that PBSS-20 is a useful instrument for assessing protective behavioral strategies in alcohol users. The S-PBSS-20 could be useful for research on alcohol-related protective behavioral strategies and consequences, and could also inform the design of educational interventions for promoting the use of protective strategies and reducing alcohol-related negative consequences.

Patterns of Simultaneous Polysubstance Use among Partygoers: Correlates and Differences in Adverse Acute Effects Experienced.

This study identifies patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use (SPU) in partygoers, their associated characteristics, and their differences in terms of acute effects experienced. We used a web-based survey with 1345 partygoers who reported using at least one substance during the past year, collecting information on drug use and drug-related acute effects experienced at the last party attended. Latent class analysis identified three SPU profiles according to the use of nine substances: low polysubstance use (67.7%), moderate polysubstance use/hallucinogens (11.6%), and extensive polysubstance use/stimulants (20.7%). These profiles differed in their sociodemographic characteristics and were associated with different odds of experiencing adverse drug-related effects. Compared with participants with a profile of low polysubstance use or moderate polysubstance use/hallucinogens, those in the extensive polysubstance use/stimulants group were at higher odds of experiencing memory impairment, tachycardia, and bad mood after drug use. The only differences between the low polysubstance use and moderate polysubstance use/hallucinogens groups were in terms of hangover and headache experiences, which were less likely in the latter group (who consume less alcohol). Knowledge regarding the acute adverse drug-related effects experienced by partygoers who use multiple drugs can help to develop interventions for reducing drug-related risks in this population.

Suicidal Ideation Profiles in Patients with Fibromyalgia Using Transdiagnostic Psychological and Fibromyalgia-Associated Variables.

Several studies have emphasized the heterogeneity of fibromyalgia patients. Furthermore, fibromyalgia patients are considered a high-risk suicide group. The ideation-to-action framework proposes a set of transdiagnostic psychological factors involved in the development of suicidal ideation. The present study aims to explore the existence of different subgroups according to their vulnerability to suicidal ideation through these transdiagnostic psychological variables and a set of variables typically associated with fibromyalgia. In this cross-sectional study, 151 fibromyalgia patients were assessed through the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Defeat Scale, Entrapment Scale, Psychache Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. A K-means cluster analysis identified two clusters, one (45.70%) according to a low vulnerability, and a second (54.30%) with a high vulnerability to suicidal ideation. These clusters showed statistically significant differences in suicidal ideation and suicide risk. However, no differences were observed in most socio-demographic variables. In conclusion, fibromyalgia patients who present a clinical condition characterized by a moderate-high degree of physical dysfunction, overall disease impact and intensity of fibromyalgia-associated symptoms, along with a high degree of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, defeat, entrapment, psychological pain and hopelessness, form a homogeneous group at high risk for suicidal ideation.

Scale of psychological pain: Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale in young adults. / Escala de dolor psicológico: adaptación de la Psychache Scale al español en jóvenes adultos.

INTRODUCTION: Psychological pain is understood as an intolerable and disturbing mental state characterized by an internal experience of negative emotions. This study was aimed at making a Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale by Holden and colleagues in a sample of young adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The scale evaluates psychological pain as a subjective experience. It is composed of 13 items with a Likert-type response format. Following the guidelines of the International Tests Commission for the adaptation of the test, we obtained a version conceptually and linguistically equivalent to the original scale. Through an online questionnaire, participants completed the psychological pain scale along with other scales to measure depression (BDI-II), hopelessness (Beck's scale of hopelessness) and suicide risk (Plutchik suicide risk scale). The participants were 234 people (94 men, 137 women and three people who identified as a different sex) from 18 to 35 years old. RESULTS: The EFA showed a one-factor solution, and the FCA revealed adequate indexes of adjustment to the unifactorial model. It also showed good reliability of the test scores. The evidence of validity of the scale in relation to the other variables showed high, positive and statistically significant correlations with depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicidal risk. CONCLUSION: In summary, this Spanish adaptation of the Psychache Scale could contribute to improving the evaluation of both the patient with suicide risk and the effectiveness of psychological therapy, as well as suicidal behaviour prevention and intervention.

[Condom use, number of partners and sexual debut in young people in penile-vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex]. / Uso del preservativo, número de parejas y debut sexual en jóvenes en coito vaginal, sexo oral y sexo anal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyse condom use, number of sexual partners and age of sexual debut in young people in penile-vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex, to establish a comparison between men and women (first part of the study), and to analyse the differences according to sexual behavior conducted in the three variables (second part of the study). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ex post facto descriptive study by online survey. A total of 886 young heterosexual people (485 women and 401 men) participated for the first part of the study. For the second part of the study, youngsters who had carried out the three sexual behaviors under study were selected. The premises of two Spanish universities were used to distribute the survey by internet. RESULTS: Women reported a more frequent use condom during oral sex, and men reported to have more sexual partners with whom they perform penile-vaginal intercourse (4.57 vs. 3.80) and oral sex (3.34 vs. 2.65). The average onset age for penile-vaginal intercourse and oral sex was close to 17 years and for anal sex close to 19 years. Frequency of condom use and number of sexual partners were higher in penile-vaginal intercourse and the age of sexual debut was higher in anal sex (men=19.20; women=19.38). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the idea that young people use the condom more to prevent pregnancies than to prevent STD. Moreover, the sexual behaviors follow a pattern of progression in heterosexual young people (from penile-vaginal intercourse to anal sex).

Uso del preservativo, número de parejas y debut sexual en jóvenes en coito vaginal, sexo oral y sexo anal / Condom use, number of partners and sexual debut in young people in penile-vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex

Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio es analizar en jóvenes el uso del preservativo, el número de parejas sexuales y la edad de debut sexual en coito vaginal, sexo oral y sexo anal, y comparar entre hombres y mujeres (primera parte del estudio), así como analizar si existen diferencias según el comportamiento sexual realizado en las tres variables (segunda parte del estudio). Material y método. Estudio ex post-facto descriptivo mediante encuesta online. Un total de 886 jóvenes heterosexuales (485 mujeres y 401 hombres) participaron para la primera parte del estudio. Para la segunda parte del estudio se seleccionó a los jóvenes que habían realizado los tres comportamientos sexuales objeto de estudio. Se utilizaron las dependencias de dos universidades españolas para difundir la encuesta por internet. Resultados. Las mujeres manifestaron utilizar con más frecuencia el preservativo durante el sexo oral y los hombres declararon tener mayor número de parejas sexuales con las que realizan el coito vaginal (4,57 vs. 3,80) y el sexo oral (3,34 vs. 2,65). La edad media de inicio para el coito vaginal y el sexo oral estuvo en torno a los 17años y para el sexo anal en torno a los 19años. La frecuencia de uso del preservativo y el número de parejas sexuales fueron mayores en el coito vaginal y la edad de debut sexual fue mayor en el sexo anal (hombres=19,20; mujeres=19,38). Conclusiones. Los resultados apoyan la idea de que los jóvenes utilizan el preservativo más para evitar embarazos que para prevenir ITS. También, que los comportamientos sexuales siguen un patrón de progresión en jóvenes heterosexuales (del coito vaginal al sexo anal) (AU)

Objective. The aim of this study is to analyse condom use, number of sexual partners and age of sexual debut in young people in penile-vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex, to establish a comparison between men and women (first part of the study), and to analyse the differences according to sexual behavior conducted in the three variables (second part of the study). Material and method. Ex post facto descriptive study by online survey. A total of 886 young heterosexual people (485 women and 401 men) participated for the first part of the study. For the second part of the study, youngsters who had carried out the three sexual behaviors under study were selected. The premises of two Spanish universities were used to distribute the survey by internet. Results. Women reported a more frequent use condom during oral sex, and men reported to have more sexual partners with whom they perform penile-vaginal intercourse (4.57 vs. 3.80) and oral sex (3.34 vs. 2.65). The average onset age for penile-vaginal intercourse and oral sex was close to 17 years and for anal sex close to 19 years. Frequency of condom use and number of sexual partners were higher in penile-vaginal intercourse and the age of sexual debut was higher in anal sex (men=19.20; women=19.38). Conclusions. The results support the idea that young people use the condom more to prevent pregnancies than to prevent STD. Moreover, the sexual behaviors follow a pattern of progression in heterosexual young people (from penile-vaginal intercourse to anal sex) (AU)

Comparison of the Predictive Capacity of the Erotophobia-Erotophilia and the Attitudes Toward Sexual Behaviors in the Sexual Experience of Young Adults.

The prediction of sexual behaviors in emerging adult population is important because the number of sexually active individuals is high, and many young adults engage in sexually risky behaviors. Attitudes are an effective way to predict behaviors. The attitude-behavior relation is stronger when both attitude and behavior are measured at equivalent levels of specificity. The aim of this study was to provide empirical support of the Attitudes toward Sexual Behaviors Scale (ASBS) predictive capacity for the sexual experience (number of different sexual behaviors performed) as well as to compare it with the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS; erotophobia-erotophilia dimension) predictive capacity. Participants were 632 heterosexual young adults (57.8% were women) of Spanish nationality aged 18 to 30 years, selected by incidental and snowball sampling. Sociodemographic questions, the ASBS, the SOS, and a checklist about sexual experience were administered online. When the age and sex variables were controlled, the ASBS predictive capacity for the sexual experience was found to be greater than the SOS predictive capacity in both young men and women. These results might be explained by the higher correspondence in the sexual experience measure (specific sexual behaviors) with the ASBS than with the SOS.

Adaptation to the Spanish population of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and psychometric properties. / Adaptación a la población española de la Escala de Perfil de Riesgo de Consumo de Drogas (EPRCD) y estudio de sus propiedades psicométricas.

The identification of different personality risk profiles for substance misuse is useful in preventing substance-related problems. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of a new version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) for Spanish college students. Cross-sectional study with 455 undergraduate students from four Spanish universities. A new version of the SURPS, adapted to the Spanish population, was administered with the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Internal consistency reliability ranged between 0.652 and 0.806 for the four SURPS subscales, while reliability estimated by split-half coefficients varied from 0.686 to 0.829. The estimated test-retest reliability ranged between 0.733 and 0.868. The expected four-factor structure of the original scale was replicated. As evidence of convergent validity, we found that the SURPS subscales were significantly associated with other conceptually-relevant personality scales and significantly associated with alcohol use measures in theoretically-expected ways. This SURPS version may be a useful instrument for measuring personality traits related to vulnerability to substance use and misuse when targeting personality with preventive interventions.

La identificación de diferentes perfiles de personalidad de riesgo para el consumo problemático de drogas es útil para prevenir problemas relacionados con las drogas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicométricas de una nueva versión de la Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) en estudiantes universitarios españoles. Estudio de diseño transversal en el que participaron 455 estudiantes de cuatro universidades españolas. La nueva versión de la SURPS adaptada a la población española fue administrada junto a la Escala de Desesperanza de Beck, la UPPS-P, el inventario de ansiedad-estado (STAI) y el test AUDIT. La consistencia interna de las cuatro subescalas de la SURPS osciló entre 0,652 y 0,806. Los coeficientes de fiabilidad por el procedimiento de dos mitades oscilaron entre 0,686 y 0,829. La estimación test-retest osciló entre 0,733 y 0,868. Se replicó la estructura factorial esperada de cuatro dimensiones. Como evidencias de validez convergente, se encontró que las subescalas de la SURPS se relacionaron significativamente con las medidas teóricamente esperadas de otras escalas de personalidad y con el consumo de alcohol. Esta versión de la SURPS constituye un instrumento útil para la medición de rasgos de personalidad relacionados con la vulnerabilidad al consumo de drogas y sus problemas relacionados, pudiendo ser utilizada para estrategias de prevención del consumo de drogas.

Adaptación a la población española de la Escala de Perfil de Riesgo de Consumo de Drogas (EPRCD) y estudio de sus propiedades psicométricas / Adaptation to the Spanish population of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and psychometric properties

La identificación de diferentes perfiles de personalidad de riesgo para el consumo problemático de drogas es útil para prevenir problemas relacionados con las drogas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicométricas de una nueva versión de la Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) en estudiantes universitarios españoles. Estudio de diseño transversal en el que participaron 455 estudiantes de cuatro universidades españolas. La nueva versión de la SURPS adaptada a la población española fue administrada junto a la Escala de Desesperanza de Beck, la UPPS-P, el inventario de ansiedad-estado (STAI) y el test AUDIT. La consistencia interna de las cuatro subescalas de la SURPS osciló entre 0,652 y 0,806. Los coeficientes de fiabilidad por el procedimiento de dos mitades oscilaron entre 0,686 y 0,829. La estimación test-retest osciló entre 0,733 y 0,868. Se replicó la estructura factorial esperada de cuatro dimensiones. Como evidencias de validez convergente, se encontró que las subescalas de la SURPS se relacionaron significativamente con las medidas teóricamente esperadas de otras escalas de personalidad y con el consumo de alcohol. Esta versión de la SURPS constituye un instrumento útil para la medición de rasgos de personalidad relacionados con la vulnerabilidad al consumo de drogas y sus problemas relacionados, pudiendo ser utilizada para estrategias de prevención del consumo de drogas

The identification of different personality risk profiles for substance misuse is useful in preventing substance-related problems. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of a new version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) for Spanish college students. Cross-sectional study with 455 undergraduate students from four Spanish universities. A new version of the SURPS, adapted to the Spanish population, was administered with the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Internal consistency reliability ranged between 0.652 and 0.806 for the four SURPS subscales, while reliability estimated by split-half coefficients varied from 0.686 to 0.829. The estimated test-retest reliability ranged between 0.733 and 0.868. The expected four-factor structure of the original scale was replicated. As evidence of convergent validity, we found that the SURPS subscales were significantly associated with other conceptually-relevant personality scales and significantly associated with alcohol use measures in theoretically-expected ways. This SURPS version may be a useful instrument for measuring personality traits related to vulnerability to substance use and misuse when targeting personality with preventive interventions

Helicobacter pylori Antibody Reactivities and Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Case-control Study in Spain.

Background: Several studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), while others have not confirmed this hypothesis. This work aimed to assess the relation of CRC with H. pylori seropositivity and with seropositivity to 16 H. pylori proteins, in the MultiCase-Control study, MCC-Spain. Methods: MCC-Spain is a multicase-control study carried out in Spain from 2008 to 2013. In total, 2,140 histologically-confirmed incident CRC cases and 4,098 population-based controls were recruited. Controls were frequency-matched by sex, age, and province. Epidemiological data were collected through a questionnaire fulfilled by face-to-face interviews and a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire. Seroreactivities against 16 H. pylori proteins were determined in 1,488 cases and 2,495 controls using H. pylori multiplex serology. H. pylori seropositivity was defined as positivity to ≥4 proteins. Multivariable logistic regression mixed models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results:H. pylori seropositivity was not associated with increased CRC risk (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.71-1.16). Among H. pylori seropositive subjects, seropositivity to Cagδ showed a lower CRC risk, and risk decreased with increasing number of proteins seropositive. Seropositivity to the most recognized virulence factors, CagA and VacA, was not associated with a higher CRC risk. No statistically significant heterogeneity was identified among tumor sites, although inverse relations were stronger for left colon cancer. An interaction with age and sex was found: H. pylori seropositivity was associated with a lower CRC risk in men younger than 65 and with a higher risk in older women. Conclusions: Our results suggest that neither H. pylori seropositivity, nor seropositivity to the virulence factor CagA are associated with a higher CRC risk. A possible effect modification by age and sex was identified.