Network analysis of subjective happiness, hope and resilience in the Paraguayan general population during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period / Análisis en red de felicidad subjetiva, esperanza y resiliencia en la población general paraguaya en la pospandemia del COVID-19

Abstract Introduction/objective: In this cross-sectional study, the connections between indicators of subjective happiness, hope, and resilience were investigated in 591 adult Paraguayans (average age 37.7 years; SD = 11.35) during the COVID-19 post-pandemic period, using network analysis for the first time. Method: The indicators of subjective happiness, hope, and resilience were assessed using the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Adult Hope Scale, and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, respectively. Result: The results indicated that "Enjoy life in spite of it all," "Pursuing goals," and "Coping with stress" were the most central indicators of the resilience, hope, and subjective happiness network. While stronger conditional relationships were observed between indicators of the same network variable, potential bridge indicators were also noted that could link resilience, hope, and subjective happiness, such as "I am a strong person," "Enjoy life in spite of it all," "Pursuing goals," and "I have been successful in life." Conclusions: The results suggest that timely and multilevel interventions targeted at central and bridge indicators can help promote positive emotions that impact mental health.

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: En este estudio transversal se investigaron las conexiones entre los indicadores de felicidad subjetiva, esperanza y resiliencia en 591 paraguayos adultos (edad promedio 37.7 años; DE = 11.35) en el período pospandemia del COVID-19 utilizando análisis de redes por primera vez. Método: Los indicadores de felicidad subjetiva, esperanza y resiliencia se evaluaron utilizando la Escala de Felicidad Subjetiva, la Escala de Esperanza del Adulto y la Escala de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson de 10 ítems, respectivamente. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que "Disfrutar la vida a pesar de todo", "Perseguir metas" y "Afrontar el estrés" fueron los indicadores más centrales de la red de resiliencia, esperanza y felicidad subjetiva. Si bien se observaron relaciones condicionales más fuertes entre indicadores de la misma variable de red, también se observaron posibles indicadores puente que podrían vincular la resiliencia, la esperanza y la felicidad subjetiva, como "Soy una persona fuerte", "Disfruta la vida a pesar de todo", "Persiguiendo metas" y "He tenido éxito en la vida". Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que las intervenciones oportunas y multinivel dirigidas a indicadores centrales y puente pueden ayudar a promover emociones positivas que impacten la salud mental.

Validación de un instrumento de medición de indicadores de gestión en salud pública / Validation of an instrument for measuring public health management indicators

RESUMEN Introducción: la investigación se centra en la necesidad de validar y medir de manera confiable indicadores de gestión en el campo de la salud pública en Paraguay mediante técnicas psicométricas. Objetivo: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue desarrollar un instrumento válido y confiable para medir indicadores de gestión de salud pública en Paraguay considerando sus propiedades psicométricas. Metodología: esta investigación siguió un enfoque cuantitativo con un diseño observacional descriptivo y proposicional. Se realizó una prueba piloto utilizando escalas Likert para capturar diferentes aspectos de los indicadores de gestión de salud pública. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorias y confirmatorias para validar el constructo y para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa JASP. La muestra incluyó a adultos de Paraguay que estuvieron relacionados con el sistema público de salud en el año anterior. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que la V de Aiken para todos los ítems fue superior a 0,7, lo que indica validez de contenido. Los índices de ajuste del análisis factorial confirmatorio como RMSEA=0,064 y CFI=0,971 demostraron una buena validez de constructo. Además, los valores alfa y omega fueron superiores a 0,9, lo que garantiza la alta confiabilidad del instrumento. Conclusión: estos resultados permitieron concluir que el instrumento desarrollado es válido y confiable para medir indicadores de gestión de salud pública en Paraguay.

ABSTRACT Introduction: this study focuses on the need to validate and reliably measure management indicators in the field of public health in Paraguay using psychometric techniques. Objective: the main objective of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure public health management indicators in Paraguay considering its psychometric properties. Methodology: this study followed a quantitative approach using a descriptive and propositional observational design. A pilot test was conducted using Likert scales to capture different aspects of public health management indicators. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to validate the construct, and the JASP was used for statistical analysis. The sample included adults in Paraguay who were connected to the public health system in the previous year. Results: the results showed that Aiken's V for all items was higher than 0.7, indicating content validity. The fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis, such as RMSEA=0.064 and CFI=0.971, demonstrated good construct validity. In addition, the alpha and omega values were higher than 0.9, which guarantees the high reliability of the instrument. Conclusion: these results indicate that the developed instrument is valid and reliable for measuring public health management indicators in Paraguay.

Internal consistency of measures for ICD-11 personality disorder severity and traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A number of measures and scales have been developed for the ICD-11 personality disorder (PD) diagnosis, including severity and trait dimensions. The present systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the internal consistency of these measures across different populations and cultures. A systematic search was conducted across four databases where relevant studies were subjected to explicit eligibility criteria resulting in 49 included studies and 370 effect sizes. Study characteristics were tabulated, their methodological quality was evaluated, and findings were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis. Findings overall indicated that measures of ICD-11 PD severity and trait domains have adequate levels of internal consistency (α/ω = 0.82, 95% CI [0.81; 0.83], I2 = 97.3%). Aspects such as sample, country, language, format, and measured construct were significant sources of variation. Additional meta-analyses revealed that some measures performed better than others for certain dimensions. Internal consistency was overall supported across ICD-11 measures of severity and trait domains. Future research should further investigate the interrater reliability, test-retest reliability and stability, and alignment with interview-based PD diagnoses.

Self-Reported ICD-11 Personality Disorder Severity in Peruvian Adolescents: Structure, Validity, and Tentative Cutoffs.

Personality disorder (PD) is particularly common in adolescents, which underscores the significance of early screening, diagnosis, and intervention. To date, the definition of PD in the new ICD-11 has not yet been investigated in adolescents. This study therefore aimed to investigate the unidimensionality and criterion validity of self-reported ICD-11 PD features in Peruvian adolescents using the Personality Disorder Severity ICD-11 (PDS-ICD-11) scale. A total of 1,073 students (63% female; age range 12-16 years) were administered the PDS-ICD-11 scale along with criterion measures of personality pathology and symptom distress. The PDS-ICD-11 score showed adequate unidimensionality and conceptually meaningful associations with external criterion variables. The findings indicate that ICD-11 PD features, as measured with the PDS-ICD-11 scale, are structurally and conceptually sound when employed with adolescents. Norm-based cutoffs derived from the present study may be used for clinical interpretation. The PDS-ICD-11 may be employed as an efficient screening tool for personality dysfunction in adolescents.

Fear of monkeypox and intention to vaccinate against monkeypox: a network analysis

Introduction: The presence of fear of an infectious disease triggers psychological factors associated with perceived behavioral control over vaccination acceptance, subjective norms of vaccination acceptance, attitudes toward vaccination acceptance, and perceived infectiousness from disease. Objective: The study evaluated how symptoms of fear of Monkeypox specifically relate to intention to be vaccinated against Monkeypox in a sample of 506 Peruvian individuals with a mean age of 27.11 years (SD = 9.77). Methods: Participants responded to the Monkeypox Fear Scale (MFS) and a single item of Intention to be vaccinated against Monkeypox. Using network analysis, central fear symptoms and associations between symptoms and intention to vaccinate were identified. Results: The results suggest that the node with the highest centrality was item 5 of the MFS. Regarding the connection between the intention to be vaccinated and the MFS items, a direct relationship was observed with item 1 and an inverse relationship with item 6. In addition, the relationship between these MFS items and intention to vaccinate is higher in men compared to women. While it would be expected that a greater presence of symptoms of fear of Monkeypox could lead people to have a greater intention to be vaccinated against the disease, the results could lead other researchers to generate evidence to explain this relationship in other Latin American countries. Discussion: The evidence is useful for developing policies that favor vaccination against Monkeypox in Peru and other Latin American countries.

Introducción: La presencia del miedo a una enfermedad infecciosa desencadena factores psicológicos asociados con el control conductual percibido sobre la aceptación de la vacunación, normas subjetivas de aceptación de la vacunación, actitudes hacia la aceptación de la vacunación y la percepción de la infectividad de la enfermedad. Objetivo: El estudio evaluó cómo los síntomas del miedo a la viruela del mono se relacionan específicamente con la intención de ser vacunado contra la viruela del mono en una muestra de 506 individuos peruanos con una edad promedio de 27,11 años (DE = 9,77). Métodos: Los participantes respondieron a la Escala de Miedo a la Viruela del Mono (MFS) y a un solo ítem de Intención de ser vacunado contra la viruela del mono. Utilizando análisis de redes, se identificaron los síntomas centrales del miedo y las asociaciones entre los síntomas y la intención de vacunarse. Resultados: Los resultados sugieren que el nodo con mayor centralidad fue el ítem 5 de la MFS. En cuanto a la conexión entre la intención de ser vacunado y los ítems de la MFS, se observó una relación directa con el ítem 1 y una relación inversa con el ítem 6. Además, la relación entre estos ítems de la MFS y la intención de vacunarse es mayor en hombres en comparación con mujeres. Si bien se esperaría que una mayor presencia de síntomas de miedo a la viruela del mono llevara a las personas a tener una mayor intención de ser vacunadas contra la enfermedad, los resultados podrían llevar a otros investigadores a generar evidencia para explicar esta relación en otros países de América Latina. Discusión: La evidencia es útil para desarrollar políticas que favorezcan la vacunación contra la viruela del mono en Perú y otros países de América Latina.

Mapping of the network connection between sleep quality symptoms, depression, generalized anxiety, and burnout in the general population of Peru and El Salvador.

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has suggested a bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and mental health issues. Despite these findings, there is limited conclusive evidence on the relationship between sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and burnout. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to evaluate the relationships between sleep quality symptoms, anxiety, depression, and burnout in samples of adult individuals from two Latin American countries, Peru and El Salvador, through network analysis and to identify key symptoms that reinforce the correlation and intensify the syndromes. METHODS: A total of 1012 individuals from El Salvador and Peru participated, with an average age of 26.5 years (SD = 9.1). Symptom networks were constructed for both countries based on data from the Jenkins Sleep Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, General Anxiety Disorder-2, and a single burnout item. RESULTS: The results indicated that Depressed Mood, Difficulty Falling Asleep, and Nervousness were the most central symptoms in a network in the participating countries. The strongest conditional associations were found between symptoms belonging to the same construct, which were similar in both countries. Thus, there is a relationship between Nervousness and Uncontrollable Worry, Anhedonia and Depressed Mood, and Nighttime Awakenings and Difficulty in Staying Asleep. It was observed that burnout is a bridge symptom between both countries and presents stronger conditional associations with Tiredness on Awakening, Depressed Mood, and Uncontrollable Worry. Other bridge symptoms include a Depressed Mood and Nervousness. The network structure did not differ between the participants from Peru and El Salvador. CONCLUSION: The networks formed by sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms play a prominent role in the comorbidity of mental health problems among the general populations of Peru and El Salvador. The symptom-based analytical approach highlights the different diagnostic weights of these symptoms. Treatments or interventions should focus on identifying central and bridge symptoms.

Psychometric network analysis of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in Paraguayan general population.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent and disabling mental disorders worldwide, both in the general population and in outpatient clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) based on network analysis metrics. METHODS: A total of 911 Paraguayans (23.71% women and 76.29% men; mean age 31.25 years, SD = 10.63), selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling, participated in the study. Network analysis was used to evaluate the internal structure, reliability, and measurement invariance between men and women. RESULTS: The results revealed that the PHQ-4 is a unidimensional measure through Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA). Reliability, through structural consistency, identified that 100% of the time, only a single dimension was obtained, and all items remained stable, as they were always replicated within the empirical dimension. The unidimensional structure has shown evidence of configural invariance; therefore, the network structure functioned equally among the different sex groups. CONCLUSION: The PHQ-4 presented optimal preliminary evidence of validity based on its internal structure, reliability, and invariance between sexes. Therefore, it may be useful as an accurate and brief measure of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the Paraguayan context.

Corrigendum: Convergence between the dimensional PD models of ICD-11 and DSM-5: a meta-analytic approach.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1325583.].

Salud Mental en estudiantes universitarios en aislamiento social durante la pandemia COVID-19. Arequipa, Perú

Introducción: La Pandemia COVID-19, ha tenido impactos negativos en la salud física y mental de las personas, así como las medidas adoptadas por los gobiernos, para prevenir el contagio masivo de la población como el confinamiento, el aislamiento social, el trabajo y educación virtual. Dentro de los afectados por estos cambios, se encontrarían los estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud, que además de estudiar en estas condiciones de pandemia, no han podido hacer sus prácticas de los servicios de salud. Esta situación de exposición al aislamiento, podría afectar la salud mental de los jóvenes estudiantes universitarios. Objetivo: determinar los niveles de depresión, ansiedad y estrés en estudiantes universitarios y su relación con variables sociodemográficas y las características del aislamiento social durante la Pandemia COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal y cuantitativo, con una muestra de 818 estudiantes universitarios de facultades de ciencias de la salud, mediante el cuestionario autoadministrado DASS-21. Resultados: Los principales hallazgos fueron: una mayor prevalencia en niveles altos (severos y extremadamente severos) en la ansiedad, alcanzado casi a 4 de cada 10 de los evaluados; por otro lado, en depresión y el estrés, 2 de cada 10 de los evaluados, se encontraron en los niveles mencionados. En relación con las variables sociodemográficas, las relacionadas con el COVID-19 y aislamiento social, se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con el género (mujeres > varones), el haber tenido COVID-19 (Sí > No) y vivir con familiares como antes de la pandemia (Sí > No) obtuvieron en promedio mayores puntajes en depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Conclusión: Los estudiantes que presentaron mayor depresión, ansiedad y estrés con una diferencia significativa fueron de género femenino, con antecedentes de haber tenido Covid-19, menor contacto con familiares y haber cumplido con aislamiento social total.

Introduction: The COVID-19 Pandemic has had negative impacts on the physical and mental health of people, as well as the measures adopted by governments to prevent the massive contagion of the population, such as confinement, social isolation, virtual work, and virtual education. Among those affected by these changes would be university students in the health area who, in addition to studying in these pandemic conditions, have been unable to do their health service practices. This situation of exposure to isolation could affect the mental health of young university students. Objective: To determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students, their relationship with sociodemographic variables, and the characteristics of social isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was carried out with a sample of 818 university students from health sciences faculties using the DASS-21 self-administered questionnaire. Results: The main findings were a higher prevalence of high levels (severe and highly severe) in anxiety, reaching almost 4 out of 10 of those evaluated; On the other hand, in depression and stress, 2 out of 10 of those evaluated were found at the mentioned levels. Concerning the sociodemographic variables, those related to COVID-19 and social isolation, statistically significant differences were found with gender (women > men), having had COVID-19 (Yes > No), and living with relatives as before. On average, the pandemic (Yes > No) obtained higher scores in depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: The students who presented greater depression, anxiety, and stress with a significant difference were female, with a history of having had Covid-19, less contact with family members, and having complied with total social isolation

Adaptación y validación de la Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) en una muestra de quechua hablantes peruanos

Introducción: El Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) es una medida de autoinforme ultrabreve de síntomas depresivos y ansiosos. El PHQ-4 no ha sido adaptado ni validado en la población quechua hablante. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo adaptar y validar el PHQ-4 en una muestra de población peruana quechua hablante en su variante Collao de Puno-Perú. Metodología: Participaron 221 personas hablantes de quechua variante collao (promedio de edad de 31,2 años, SD = 11,7, 47,1 % hombres y 52,9 % mujeres). Se evaluó la evidencia de validez basada en la estructura interna, mediante el análisis factorial confirmatorio (CFA), la fiabilidad con el método de consistencia interna y las características de dificultad y discriminación de los ítems en base a la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem (IRT). Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que todos los ítems del PHQ-4 son relevantes, coherentes y claros para representar adecuadamente los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión. El resultado del AFC apoyó un modelo unifactorial, donde los ítems de ansiedad y depresión conforman una sola variable latente con una fiabilidad alta. Todos los ítems del PHQ-4 presentas buenos parámetros de discriminación y los parámetros de dificultad indican que los ítems son comparativamente difíciles. Por lo tanto, se necesita una mayor presencia del rasgo latente (ansiedad y depresión) para responder las categorías de respuesta más altas. Discusión: En conclusión, la PHQ-4 presentó buenas propiedades psicométricas como una medida de detección primaria rápida, confiable y válida para personas quechuahablantes que necesitan una evaluación profunda, monitoreo de los síntomas para diagnóstico y tratamiento para la ansiedad o depresión.

Introduction: The Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) is an ultra-brief self-report measure of depression and anxiety symptoms. The PHQ-4 has not been adapted or validated in the Quechua-speaking population. Objective: This study aimed to adapt and validate the PHQ-4 in a sample of the Peruvian Quechua-speaking population with its Collao variant from Puno-Peru. Methods: A total of 221 Quechua speakers of the Collao variant (mean age 31.2 years, SD = 11.7, 47.1% male and 52.9% female) participated. Evidence of validity based on internal structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability using the internal consistency method, and item difficulty and discrimination characteristics based on Item Response Theory (IRT). Results: The results indicated that all items of the PHQ-4 were relevant, consistent, and clear enough to adequately represent anxiety and depressive symptoms. The CFA results supported a one-factorial model, in which anxiety and depression items form a single latent variable with high reliability. All items of the PHQ-4 had good discrimination parameters, and the difficulty parameters indicated that the items were comparatively difficult. Therefore, a higher presence of the latent trait (anxiety and depression) is needed to answer higher response categories. Discussion: In conclusion, the PHQ-4 presented good psychometric properties as a rapid, reliable, and valid primary screening measure for Quechua speakers in need of in-depth assessment and symptom monitoring for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression.

Pandemic Grief and Suicidal Ideation in Latin American Countries: A Network Analysis.

This study aimed to characterize the network structure of pandemic grief symptoms and suicidal ideation in 2174 people from eight Latin American countries. Pandemic grief and suicidal ideation were measured using the Pandemic Grief Scale and a single item, respectively. Network analysis provides an in-depth characterization of symptom-symptom interactions within mental disorders. The results indicated that, "desire to die," "apathy" and "absence of sense of life" are the most central symptoms in a pandemic grief symptom network; therefore, these symptoms could be focal elements for preventive and treatment efforts. Suicidal ideation, the wish to die, and the absence of meaning in life had the strongest relationship. In general, the network structure did not differ among the participating countries. It identifies specific symptoms within the network that may increase the likelihood of their co-occurrence and is useful at the therapeutic level.

Network analysis of pandemic fatigue symptoms in samples from five South American countries.

BACKGROUND: Pandemic fatigue generates low motivation or the ability to comply with protective behaviors to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the symptoms of pandemic fatigue through network analysis in individuals from five South American countries. METHOD: A total of 1,444 individuals from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay participated and were evaluated using the Pandemic Fatigue Scale. The networks were estimated using the ggmModSelect estimation method and a polychoric correlation matrix was used. Stability assessment of the five networks was performed using the nonparametric resampling method based on the case bootstrap type. For the estimation of network centrality, a metric based on node strength was used, whereas network comparison was performed using a permutation-based approach. RESULTS: The results showed that the relationships between pandemic fatigue symptoms were strongest in the demotivation dimension. Variability in the centrality of pandemic fatigue symptoms was observed among participating countries. Finally, symptom networks were invariant and almost identical across participating countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide information on how pandemic fatigue symptoms were related during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health News during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 3-year analysis in Paraguay / Noticias sobre Salud Mental durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Un análisis de 3 años en Paraguay

Introduction. The connection between news sources and the connotation of mental health articles in Paraguay during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2023) significantly impacted public opinion about mental health. Objective.This study analyzednews onmental health in Paraguay in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods.A descriptive retrospective study of all news articles on mental health published in the three primary newspapers of the country between May 2020 and May 2023 was conducted. The keywords were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and mental health issues. Results. A total of 534 newswereexamined, 39.5% published by La Nación newspaper, 33.1% in 2023, and in 88.4% the author's identity and gender were not specified. Of the writing characteristics, 99.8% were written in the third person, 62.7% had a human-interest context,48.5% had a neutral connotation, 65.7% focused on health and well-being,and 7.5% written by health experts. The year of publication wasstatistically associated to connotation (p=0.003) and context (p<0.001). Conclusion. The media has paid significant attention to mental health. Despite the objectivity provided by third-person narration, problems arise because of a lack of author identification. To encourage balanced and non-polarized reporting, it is crucial to incorporate expert voices and promote the framing of mental health stories as "human interest". Palabras clave: mental health; news; newspaper article; COVID-19; Paraguay

Introducción. La conexión entre las fuentes de noticias y la connotación de los artículos sobre salud mental en Paraguay durante la pandemia de COVID-19 (2020-2023) impactó significativamente en la opinión pública sobre la salud mental. Objetivo. Analizar las noticias sobre salud mental en Paraguay en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de todos los artículos periodísticos sobre salud mental publicados en los tres principales periódicos del país entre mayo de 2020 y mayo de 2023. Las palabras clave fueron trastornos depresivos, trastornos de ansiedad, trastorno bipolar, esquizofrenia y problemas de salud mental. Resultados. Se examinaron 534 artículos periodísticos, 39,5% publicados por el diario La Nación, 33,1% en 2023y en 88,4%no se especificó la identidad ni el género del autor. De las características de redacción, el 99,8% estaban escritos en tercera persona, 62,7% pertenecían a un contexto de interés humano,48,5% tenían una connotación neutra, 65,7% se centraban en la salud y el bienestar y el 7,5% escritos por expertos en salud. El año de publicación se asoció significativamente con la connotación (p=0,003) y con el contexto (p<0,001). Conclusión. Los medios de comunicación han prestado gran atención a la salud mental. A pesar de la objetividad que aporta la narración en tercera persona, surgen problemas por la falta de identificación del autor. Para fomentar una información equilibrada y no polarizada, es crucial incorporar voces expertas y promover el encuadre de las historias de salud mental como "interés humano". Key words: salud mental; noticias; artículo de periódico; COVID-19;Paraguay

Ten years of the Peruvian Society of the History of Psychology.

This article briefly reviews the development of the history of psychology as a specialized discipline in Peru, in order to learn about the emergence, organization and productivity of the Peruvian Society of the History of Psychology (SPHP), which was founded in 2012. Previously, by way of introduction, the advances in the institutionalization of the history of psychology in Latin America and the development of the historiography of psychology in Peru are described. Seminars, journals, and books edited by the SPHP are discussed, as well as new projects and the challenges that must be faced for a greater dissemination of the history of psychology in Peru. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Caracterización Epidemiológica de los Pacientes de la Clínica Ambulatoria del Departamento de Psiquiatría de la Infancia y la Adolescencia de un Hospital Universitario de Paraguay: Estudio Trienal

El tema de la salud mental en niños y adolescentes requiere mayor atención. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las características de los pacientes de consulta externa de un centro especializado de un hospital universitario paraguayo. Este estudio empleó una serie retrospectiva, no probabilística, de casos consecutivos. Se examinaron las historias clínicas de pacientes de ambos sexos, de entre 2 y 17 años de edad, que solicitaron consulta en el Departamento de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente del Hospital de Clínicas entre julio de 2021 y julio de 2023, y que fueron diagnosticados con un trastorno mental según la CIE-10. Se recogieron datos demográficos y clínicos de 447 pacientes, representando 1278 consultas. La mayoría de los pacientes eran mujeres (57,7%), con una edad media de 13 ± 3 años. La mayoría de los pacientes (57,3%) procedían del Departamento Central, el 61,5% eran de zonas rurales y el 72% no tenían seguro médico. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron episodios depresivos (F32), otros trastornos de ansiedad (F41), trastornos de conducta (F91) y trastornos específicos de la personalidad (F60). Los resultados de este estudio proporcionan información crucial sobre la salud mental de niños y adolescentes, que es esencial para informar las políticas de salud mental, asignar recursos y formar a los profesionales sanitarios encargados de atender a este grupo de pacientes.

The topic of mental health in children and adolescents requires increased attention. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the characteristics of outpatient clinic patients at a specialized center within a Paraguayan University Hospital. This study employed a retrospective, non-probabilistic series of consecutive cases. The medical records of patients of both sexes, aged between 2 and 17 years, who sought consultation at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the Hospital de Clínicas between July 2021 and July 2023, and were diagnosed with a mental disorder according to the ICD-10, were examined. Demographic and clinical data were collected from 447 patients, representing 1278 consultations. The majority of the patients were female (57.7%), with a mean age of 13 ± 3 years. Most patients (57.3%) were from the Central Department, 61.5% were from rural areas, and 72% did not have medical insurance. The most frequent diagnoses were depressive episodes (F32), other anxiety disorders (F41), conduct disorders (F91), and specific personality disorders (F60). The findings of this study provide crucial information on child and adolescent mental health, which is essential for informing mental health policies, allocating resources, and training healthcare professionals tasked with caring for this patient group.

Mapping of the network connection between sleep quality symptoms, depression, generalized anxiety, and burnout in the general population of Peru and El Salvador

Abstract Background A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has suggested a bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and mental health issues. Despite these findings, there is limited conclusive evidence on the relationship between sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and burnout. Objective The current study aimed to evaluate the relationships between sleep quality symptoms, anxiety, depression, and burnout in samples of adult individuals from two Latin American countries, Peru and El Salvador, through network analysis and to identify key symptoms that reinforce the correlation and intensify the syndromes. Methods A total of 1012 individuals from El Salvador and Peru participated, with an average age of 26.5 years (SD = 9.1). Symptom networks were constructed for both countries based on data from the Jenkins Sleep Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, General Anxiety Disorder-2, and a single burnout item. Results The results indicated that Depressed Mood, Difficulty Falling Asleep, and Nervousness were the most central symptoms in a network in the participating countries. The strongest conditional associations were found between symptoms belonging to the same construct, which were similar in both countries. Thus, there is a relationship between Nervousness and Uncontrollable Worry, Anhedonia and Depressed Mood, and Nighttime Awakenings and Difficulty in Staying Asleep. It was observed that burnout is a bridge symptom between both countries and presents stronger conditional associations with Tiredness on Awakening, Depressed Mood, and Uncontrollable Worry. Other bridge symptoms include a Depressed Mood and Nervousness. The network structure did not differ between the participants from Peru and El Salvador. Conclusion The networks formed by sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms play a prominent role in the comorbidity of mental health problems among the general populations of Peru and El Salvador. The symptombased analytical approach highlights the different diagnostic weights of these symptoms. Treatments or interventions should focus on identifying central and bridge symptoms.

Psychometric network analysis of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in Paraguayan general population

Background Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent and disabling mental disorders worldwide, both in the general population and in outpatient clinical settings. Objective This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) based on network analysis metrics. Methods A total of 911 Paraguayans (23.71% women and 76.29% men; mean age 31.25 years, SD = 10.63), selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling, participated in the study. Network analysis was used to evaluate the internal structure, reliability, and measurement invariance between men and women. Results The results revealed that the PHQ-4 is a unidimensional measure through Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA). Reliability, through structural consistency, identified that 100% of the time, only a single dimension was obtained, and all items remained stable, as they were always replicated within the empirical dimension. The unidimensional structure has shown evidence of configural invariance; therefore, the network structure functioned equally among the different sex groups. Conclusion The PHQ-4 presented optimal preliminary evidence of validity based on its internal structure, reliability, and invariance between sexes. Therefore, it may be useful as an accurate and brief measure of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the Paraguayan context. (AU)

Hope, resilience and subjective happiness among general population of Paraguay in the post COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Positive mental health includes not only the absence of mental disorders but also the presence of subjective well-being, good coping strategies for life stress, and strategies for adapting to community life. It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged mental health in general population worldwide. However, research has not measured protective factors for mental health in the general population after the declared end of pandemic by the World Health Organization. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study surveyed 591 Paraguayan participants aged ⩾18 years, who were recruited through an online survey. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status were collected as well as mental health and validated tools for hope, resilience, subjective happiness were administered. RESULTS: Of the participants, 81.6% were women, 54% were married or in a relationship and 90.7% reported an university education. The main source of stress was economic issues (30.3%). A total of 22.7% had been previously diagnosed with a mental disorder, 22.2% had consulted a mental health professional and 10.8% had consumed prescription drugs. 42.6% reported flourishing, 36.2% reported moderate and 21.2% reported languishing mental health. CONCLUSIONS: This large survey has shown that most of participants reported a flourishing mental health with high ratings at hope, resilience, and subjective happiness scales. Also, the main sources of stress were economic issues, not consequently related to the pandemic. This may add evidences to the international debate on the long term effects of the global pandemic and probably suggests that recovery processes have been collectively adopted in Paraguay.

Intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine and its psychological and sociodemographic predictors: a cross-sectional survey in the general population of Peru.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of intention to be vaccinated against Monkeypox (Mpox) in a sample of Peruvian citizens.  METHODS: A set of sociodemographic and psychological predictors were used, such as sex, sexual orientation, educational level, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, marital status, complete vaccination against COVID-19, employment status, living with vulnerable people, presence of chronic disease, area of residence, perceived usefulness of COVID-19 vaccines, fear of Mpox, conspiracy beliefs about Mpox, among others. A total of 472 Peruvian adults participated, selected by non-probabilistic snowball convenience sampling. A sociodemographic survey, the Mpox Fear Scale, was used. Conspiracy Beliefs about Mpox was assessed using three questions created specifically for this study. For inferential purposes, simple ordinal regressions ("crude models") were performed between each factor and the outcome.  RESULTS: Regarding their intention to be vaccinated against Mpox, more than 60% expressed clear approval. Being non-heterosexual, having greater emotional fear of Mpox, and perceiving some potential for this disease to become the next pandemic were related to greater intention to vaccinate. On the other hand, being older, having low perceived usefulness of COVID-19 vaccines, and having higher conspiracy beliefs about Mpox were associated with lower intention to vaccinate.  CONCLUSION: The study provides initial information for future research seeking to better analyze Mpox vaccination intention. In addition, cross-sectional data are provided that can be used to develop public health policies that target subgroups with low prevalence of intention to vaccinate against Mpox.