Conductas de riesgo asociadas con el inicio sexual temprano en adolescentes en México.

OBJETIVO: Analizar factores asociados con el inicio sexual temprano (IST) en mujeres y hombres de 15 a 19 años. Material y métodos. Utilizando información de adolescentes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022, se examina el IST (<15 años). Mediante un enfoque ecológico se ajustaron modelos probit multivariados por sexo para explorar factores sociodemográficos, psicosociales y de comportamiento sexual asociados con IST. RESULTADOS: Mujeres residentes en la región Pacífico-Centro y Pacífico-Sur, así como aquellas con pareja sexual de mayor edad por cinco años o más y hombres con estrato socioeconómico medio, tienen mayor probabilidad de IST que sus contrapartes de la región Pacífico-Norte, diferencia de edad con la pareja menor a cinco años y estrato bajo, respectivamente. Conclusión. Debido a que el IST en adolescentes está determinado por el contexto sociodemográfico y desigualdades de género, para una sexualidad saludable se requiere garantizar educación integral en sexualidad y servicios de salud de calidad.

Utilización de servicios preventivos de salud sexual y reproductiva antes y durante la pandemia de Covid-19 en México.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la utilización de servicios preventivos de salud sexual y reproductiva (SPSSR) en mujeres y hombres adultos antes y durante la pandemia Covid-19 y características sociodemográficas asociadas. Material y métodos. Usando la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19, 2021 y 2022 se analizó información sobre las pruebas realizadas de Papanicolaou y VPH, exploración clínica de mamas, mastografía, antígeno prostático y tacto rectal. Se construyeron modelos logísticos multivariados estratificados por sexo para explorar la asociación entre la utilización de los SPSSR y variables seleccionadas. RESULTADOS: Desde antes de la pandemia se observan bajas prevalencias en procedimientos diagnósticos, particularmente en hombres, que se agudizaron durante la emergencia sanitaria. La población con un perfil sociodemográfico más favorecido presenta mayor posibilidad de utilizar SPSSR; asimismo, se observan inequidades de género en algunas características. Conclusión. La experiencia de la pandemia puso de manifiesto la necesidad de mejorar y fortalecer los SPSSR para lograr una mayor eficiencia.

Salud sexual y reproductiva en población adolescente y adulta en México, 2022.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la situación de la salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) en población adolescente (10-19) y adulta (20-49). Material y métodos. Utilizando la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022, se estimaron prevalencias e intervalos de confianza al 95% para indicadores de SSR. RESULTADOS: En adolescentes, 73.2% ha escuchado hablar de anticonceptivos, 88.1% saben que el condón se usa una sola vez y 60.4% que previene embarazos e infecciones de transmisión sexual; 22.8% ha iniciado vida sexual y 73.2% usaron condón en la primera relación sexual. En la población adulta, 42.7 y 38.0% no usaron protección en la primera y última relación sexual y 53.4 y 40.7% usaron condón en la primera y última relación sexual. Se encontraron diferencias en la atención de la salud materna entre adolescentes y adultas. Conclusión. Contar con información actualizada en SSR permite focalizar la atención en las necesidades de las personas.

Severe Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Adolescent Mother-Newborn Dyads: A Multicentre Study in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the risk of severe adverse maternal outcomes (SMO) and neonatal outcomes (SNO) and analyse their maternal correlates in adolescent mother-newborn and young mother-newborn dyads in secondary and tertiary care users in Latin America. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health database in 83 secondary and tertiary hospitals in seven countries in Latin America. We constructed a composite indicator of both SMO and SNO and estimated odds ratios (OR) comparing adolescent mothers (aged 12-19) with young mothers (aged 20-24). Our unit of analysis was the mother-newborn dyad. RESULTS: We found that the combination of SMO and SNO was three times more likely in adolescent mother as compared to young mother dyads (OR 3.56; 95% CI 1.67-7.59). SNO either alone or in combination with SMO were more likely in adolescents aged 12 to 16 than in young women (OR 1.27 and 4.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Adolescent mothers and their newborns are at an increased risk of severe adverse outcomes during child birth and in the first week postpartum compared to young mother dyads, especially young adolescents. Focusing on the dyad as a whole may facilitate a step towards integrated care which maximizes the health benefits of both mother and newborn. Continued efforts are needed to improve health care and prevention initiatives directed towards adolescent women and their newborns in Latin America.

Continuum of care for maternal, newborn and child health: Evidence from a national survey in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare coverage of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) continuum of care between women who had experienced adolescent maternity (AM) and those who had not. METHODS: Using a Mexican probabilistic survey representative at the national level (ENSANUT 2018-19), we developed a cross-sectional analysis of 1,768 women aged 12 to 49 years who had a child within five years before the interview. We used modified Poisson models to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and independent and conditional coverage levels based on the probability estimates yielded by these models at different stages of maternal-newborn care process. RESULTS: PRs for the MNCH continuum of care were approximately 40% lower for women who had experienced AM compared to those who had not (95%CI:0.35, 1.14). The coverage for the MNCH continuum of care was only 7.4% [95%CI: 3.5, 11.2] and 11.7% [95%CI: 9.3, 14.1] in women who had/not experienced AM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of a continuum of care for mothers and their children can be achieved through a combination of well-defined policies and strategies that improve health care practices and services throughout the life cycle. It is necessary to expand the coverage and quality of care, which will provide the opportunity to shift the focus from vertical programs to integrated continuous care. Policy makers must implement interventions that are consistent with specific problems of population and health-care providers. Our analysis highlights the deficiencies in the care process, making this study a useful reference for countries with similar characteristics.

[Prevalence and associated factors of moderncontraceptive methods use among adolescents,2012 and 2018]. / Prevalencias y factores asociados con el uso de métodos anticonceptivos modernos en adolescentes, 2012 y 2018.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of modern contracep-tive methods (CM) use in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in 2012 and 2018-19, and the factors associated with consistent use of modern CM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Health and Nutrition National Surveys 2012 and 2018-19 we calculated the outcome variables: long-acting reversible con-traceptives (LARC) use, dual protection and consistent use of CM. We estimated prevalence by sex and adjusted logistic models with consistent use (which is understood as CM use in the first and last sexual relationship) as a dependent variable. RESULTS: LARC use in last intercourse increased between surveys (4.1 to 6.3%). For women, being older, not having been pregnant, and school attendance increased the likelihood of consistent use. For men, school attendance increases the likelihood while cohabiting, early sexual initiation and having smoked more than 100 cigarettes reduces it. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to promote access and consistent use of MC, based on respect for sexual and reproductive rights.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la prevalencia de uso de métodos anticonceptivos (MAC) modernos en adolescentes de 12 a19 años en 2012 y 2018-19, y factores asociados con su uso consistente. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: A partir de las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud y Nutrición 2012 y 2018-19, se construyeron variables de interés: uso de anticonceptivos reversibles de acción prolongada (ARAP), protección dual y uso consistente de MAC. Se calcularon prevalencias y modelos logísticos para uso consistente de MAC. RESULTADOS: El uso de ARAP en la última relación se incrementó entre encuestas (4.1 a 6.3%). Tener mayor edad, no embarazo y asistencia escolar incrementaron la posibilidad de uso consistente en mujeres; en hombres, la asistencia escolar la incrementó, y vivir en unión, inicio temprano de vida sexual y consumir >100 cigarrillos la disminuyeron. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario fomentar el acceso y uso de MAC de manera consistente, basado en el respeto a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos.

Lot quality assurance sampling: Information provided to female users of contraceptive methods regarding side effects.

Women need to receive accurate information on the proper use of contraceptive methods (CM). The objective of our analysis was to evaluate the quality of CM counseling in health institutions of the public sector using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) technique. We specifically analyzed whether health-service providers informed CM users of all the side effects they might experience, as specified under the Mexican health-care regulations. Our results demonstrated that, among the four CM analyzed -the intrauterine device, hormonal injection, condom and subdermal implant- only the users of the subdermal implant received complete information on side effects. Our findings thus indicate that the quality of family planning services in the institutions analyzed is deficient. We recommend that service providers be regularly trained in order to improve their performance and that LQAS methodology be adopted as an effective means of regularly monitoring the quality of health services in Mexico.

[Provision of immediate postpartum contraceptivemethods in Mexico, 2018-19]. / Provisión de métodos anticonceptivos en el posparto inmediato en México, 2018-19.

OBJECTIVE: To identify sociodemographic and health services factors associated with receipt of immediate post-partum (IPP) contraception and the type of contraceptive method received. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut), 2018-19, which contains information on 4 548 women aged 12-49 years who gave birth. We described receipt of IPP contraception and method type and used multivariable logistic (n=4 544) and multinomial regression (n=2 903) to examine receipt of any modern method and type of method. RESULTS: 65% of women received IPP contraception. 56.8% of adolescents received long-acting reversible contraception (43.7% IUD & 13.1% implant). Being indigenous, having only one child, or receiving care in State Health Services/IMSS-Prospera or private sector facilities were associated with lower odds of receiving IPP contraception. CONCLUSIONS: We identify progress in the IPP contraception coverage among adoles-cents. Disparities persist in receipt of IPP contraception by type of health insurance.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la anticoncepción posparto (APP) y tipo de método anticonceptivo recibido según características sociodemográficas y de atención del parto de las mujeres. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2018-19 en4 548 mujeres de 12-49 años que tuvieron un parto. Se ajustaron modelos de regresión logística (n=4 544) y multinomial (n=2 903) con variables dependientes APP y tipo de anti-conceptivo recibido. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que 65% de las mujeres recibieron APP,y 56.8% de las adolescentes un método reversible de larga duración (43.7% DIU y 13.1% implantes). Ser indígena, tener un hijo, o recibir atención en los servicios estatales de salud/IMSS-Prospera o privadas, se asocia con menores posibilidades de APP. CONCLUSIONES: Se identificaron progresos en la cobertura de APP en las adolescentes. Persisten brechas de acuerdo con el asegura-miento en salud tanto en la recepción de APP como en el tipo de método recibido.

[Adolescent motherhood in under 100 000 inhabitants communities in the first decades of the millennium]. / Maternidad en la adolescencia en localidades menores de 100 000 habitantes en las primeras décadas del milenio.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the adolescent motherhood trend and associated factors in under-100 000-inhabitants communities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 16 686 women in under-100 000-inhabitants communities in Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2006, 2012 and 100k 2018. We adjusted robust Poisson models with adolescent motherhood as dependent variable for women aged 12-19 and 20-24. RESULTS: Attending school and using modern contraceptives decrease adolescent motherhood prevalence in both age groups. Among adolescent girls, having a health financing scheme, and early sexual debut in the case of adults, is positively associated with adolescent motherhood. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to strengthen public policies seeking to modify structural factors that provide life choices, and to maintain and strengthen the actions and coverage proposed by Estrategia Nacional para la Prevención del Embarazo en Adolescentes (ENAPEA) targeting this population.

OBJETIVO: Analizar en localidades menores de 100 000 habitantes la tendencia de la maternidad en la adolescencia y factores relacionados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis transversal de 16 686 mujeres en localidades menores de 100 000 habitantes a partir de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2006, 2012 y 100k 2018. Se ajustaron modelos Poisson robustos con variable dependiente maternidad adolescente para mujeres de 12-19 y 20-24 años. RESULTADOS: Asistir a la escuela y usar anticonceptivos modernos disminuye la prevalencia de maternidad adolescente en ambos grupos de edad. Entre las adolescentes, contar con esquema de financiamiento en salud, y el inicio de vida sexual temprano para el caso de las adultas, se asocia positivamente con maternidad adolescente. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario fortalecer las políticas públicas para modificar factores estructurales que proporcionen opciones de vida; es preciso mantener y fortalecer las acciones y cobertura propuestas por la Estrategia Nacional para la Prevención del Embarazo en Adolescentes (ENAPEA) focalizándolas en esta población.

[Maternal and child healthcare and adolescent maternity in under 100 000 inhabitants communities]. / Atención en salud materno-infantil y maternidad adolescente en localidades menores de 100 000 habitantes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the coverage of continuous ma- ternal healthcare and early childhood care in women with and without adolescent motherhood (AM) who live in under-100 000-inhabitants communities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of Ensanut 100k 2018 of 767 women aged 12 to 49 years living in under-100 000-in- habitants communities who had their last birth two years before the survey. RESULTS: Women with AM have lower continuous coverage of maternal care than those without AM (8.1 and 19.6%, respectively). Infant care coverage with adequate content was lower than 30%, and there were no differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to strengthen actions focused on this group of women in order to reduce the gaps in coverage and improve maternal and child health.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la cobertura de atención continua de salud materna y de atención en la primera infancia en mujeres con y sin maternidad en la adolescencia (MA), que habitan en localidades menores de 100 000 habitantes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis transversal de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 100k (Ensanut 100k) 2018 en 767 mujeres de 12 a 49 años residentes en localidades con menos de 100 000 habitantes que tuvieron su último hijo dos años anteriores a la encuesta. Se calcularon coberturas de atención a partir de modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Las mujeres con MA tienen menor cobertura continua en salud materna que las que no tuvieron MA (8.1 y 19.6%, respectivamente). La cobertura de atención del infante con contenido adecuado fue menor a 30% y no hubo diferencias entre los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario fortalecer acciones focalizadas en este grupo de mujeres para reducir brechas en las coberturas y mejorar la salud materno-infantil.

Overall user satisfaction with family planning services and associated quality care factors: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies of user satisfaction with family planning services (FPSs) have been conducted in different countries, and have been employed to identify ways of improving health, reducing costs and implementing reforms. The present work is the first-ever study undertaken in Mexico on the subject. Our objective was to identify how overall user satisfaction with FPSs in Mexico was related to: healthcare logistics, the functional value of services and the quality of interpersonal relations. METHODS: Users of 18 public clinics were surveyed in 2015. Data collected referred to their past and present use of FPSs, as well as to their perceptions of the services provided. We built a logistic regression model with potentially influential variables in order to assess their association with overall satisfaction. RESULTS: According to the self-reports of the 722 users interviewed, the following factors were decisive in their overall satisfaction with services: receiving sufficient information during visits (OR = 3.38; 95% CI:1.88-6.06), feeling that their opinions were taken into consideration by clinic staff (OR = 2.58; 95% CI:1.14-5.85), feeling that the motives for their visits were addressed (OR = 2.71; 95% CI:1.29-5.71), being assigned enough time for consultation (OR = 2.35; 95% CI:1.26-4.37), having the opportunity to ask questions and clarify doubts (OR = 2.31; 95% CI:1.21-4.43), experiencing no or few interruptions during their medical consultations (OR = 1.97;95% CI:1.10-3.51), and feeling satisfied with the contraceptive method provided (OR = 1.79; 95% CI:1.03-3.11). CONCLUSIONS: Service providers must be kept well informed on the perspective of users concerning user expectations. Taking into account the cultural context and perceived needs of users while providing service would improve the quality of care and, hence, the overall satisfaction of users.

Providers perspective and geographic and institutional factors associated with family planning counseling.

OBJECTIVES: Family planning (FP) counseling is an essential activity to prevent unplanned pregnancies and allow a fulfilling sex life. We defined adequate counseling in FP as the counseling given to women and men of reproductive age that provided complete information about use, application, effectiveness, side effects, and contraindications. Two objectives are proposed in this study. First, we seek to analyze geographic and institutional factors associated with FP counseling in primary and secondary healthcare facilities in Mexico. Second, we seek to identify the cultural barriers that providers perceive as a limitation of the clients so that they can come to request information related to FP and that are associated with FP counseling. METHODS: This cross-sectional study uses a complex, probabilistic, stratified sampling design representative at national level by institution, region and rural-urban areas. We collected 16,829 provider questionnaires at healthcare facilities. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Providers in rural areas had a greater possibility of offering adequate counseling (OR = 2.98; 95%CI 1.18-7.53). Providers in the northern region of the country were more likely to provide adequate counseling (OR = 5.37; 95% CI 1.91-15.12). Providers whom perceive religion as a limitation for clients to come to request information about FP are less likely to provide adequate counseling (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.15-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Physical space exclusively for the provision of FP counseling and the availability of manuals were not associated with adequate counseling. There is a need to address the social and cultural influences on the quality of counseling in these healthcare facilities.

[Teen pregnancy and educational gaps: Analysis of a national survey in Mexico]. / Embarazo adolescente y rezago educativo: análisis de una encuesta nacional en México.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize female adolescents who have been pregnant, and to analyze the association between adolescent pregnancy and educational gaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data come from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut 2012), a Mexican representative survey. The set of data used is related to sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics from 1 790 women from 12 to 19 years who had begun their sexual life and had a pregnancy record. Three statistical models were adjusted to observe the association between variables. The dependent variable of the first model was the condition of previous pregnancy, the second to be pregnant at the time of data collection, and the third, educational gap. RESULTS: A 74.9% of the adolescents with history of pregnancy has educational gap. To have the condition of previous pregnancy is associated with living with sexual partner (OR=8.4), educational gap (OR=2.4), low socioeconomical level (OR=2.0) and school assistance (OR=0.5). To be pregnant at the time of data collection has related only to living with sexual partner (OR=9.4). The educational gap shows an association with having more than one pregnancy (OR=2.4), live with sexual partner (OR=1.6), low socioeconomical level (OR=1.8), and school assistance as protective factor (OR=0.3). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to implement effective and efficient educational public politics in order to decrease educational gap. At the same time, to guarantee and improve sexual education in the school system to prevent adolescent pregnancy.

Embarazo adolescente y rezago educativo: análisis de una encuesta nacional en México / Teen pregnancy and educational gaps: Analysis of a national survey in Mexico

Objetivo. Caracterizar a las adolescentes que han tenido algún embarazo y analizar la asociación de éste con el rezago educativo, a partir de una encuesta representativa en México. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal con información de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2012, con datos sociodemográficos y reproductivos de 1 790 mujeres de 12 a 19 años de edad con inicio de vida sexual y antecedente de embarazo. Se ajustaron tres modelos estadísticos para observar la asociación entre variables. Resultados. El rezago educativo está presente en 74.9% de las adolescentes con antecedente de embarazo. Tener embarazo previo está asociado con cohabitar con la pareja (RM=8.4), rezago educativo (RM=2.4), nivel socioeconómico bajo (RM=2.0) y asistencia a la escuela (RM=0.5). El rezago educativo muestra una asociación con el antecedente de embarazo alguna vez en la vida (RM=2.4), no así con el primer embarazo al momento de la encuesta. Conclusión. Se requieren políticas y estrategias operativas eficientes para favorecer la permanencia escolar y reducir el rezago educativo en adolescentes con y sin hijos.

Objective. To characterize female adolescents who have been pregnant, and to analyze the association between adolescent pregnancy and educational gaps. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data come from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut 2012), a Mexican representative survey. The set of data used is related to sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics from 1 790 women from 12 to 19 years who had begun their sexual life and had a pregnancy record. Three statistical models were adjusted to observe the association between variables. The dependent variable of the first model was the condition of previous pregnancy, the second to be pregnant at the time of data collection, and the third, educational gap. Results. A 74.9% of the adolescents with history of pregnancy has educational gap. To have the condition of previous pregnancy is associated with living with sexual partner (OR=8.4), educational gap (OR=2.4), low socioeconomical level (OR=2.0) and school assistance (OR=0.5). To be pregnant at the time of data collection has related only to living with sexual partner (OR=9.4). The educational gap shows an association with having more than one pregnancy (OR=2.4), live with sexual partner (OR=1.6), low socioeconomical level (OR=1.8), and school assistance as protective factor (OR=0.3). Conclusion. It is necessary to implement effective and efficient educational public politics in order to decrease educational gap. At the same time, to guarantee and improve sexual education in the school system to prevent adolescent pregnancy.

[Cancer mortality trends in Mexico, 1980-2011]. / Tendencias en la mortalidad por cáncer en México de 1980 a 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trends in cancer mortality in Mexico between 1980-2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through direct method and using World Population 2010 as standard population, mortality rates for all cancers and the 15 most frequent locations, adjusted for age and sex were calculated. Trends in mortality rates and annual percentage change for each type of cancer were estimated by joinpoint regression model. RESULTS: As a result of the reduction in mortality from lung cancer (-3.2% -1.8% in men and in women), stomach (-2.1% -2.4% in men and in women) and cervix (-4.7%); since 2004 a significant (~1% per year) decline was observed in cancer mortality in general, in all ages, and in the group of 35-64 years of both sexes. Other cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer in women; as well as for prostate cancer in men, showed a steady increase. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the reductions in cancer mortality may be partially attributed to the effectiveness of prevention programs. However, adequate records of population-based cancer are needed to assess the real impact of these programs; as well as designing and evaluating innovative interventions to develop more cost-effective prevention policies.

[Early detection of breast and cervical cancer among indigenous communities in Morelos, Mexico]. / Detección temprana de cáncer de mama y cervicouterino en localidades con concentración de población indígena en Morelos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception in relation to when and how to perform actions for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer among women and health care providers in communities with a high percentage of indigenous population in Morelos, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten health providers and 58 women users of health services were interviewed which have a first level of attention in five communities. The analysis was developed under the approach of the Grounded Theory. RESULTS: Providers are poorly informed about current regulations and specific clinical indications for the detection of cervical and breast cancer. Few practice health literacy under intercultural sensitization. The users have imprecise or wrong notions of the early detection. CONCLUSIONS: The need for training in adherence to norms is evident. It is urgent to assume a culturally relevant approach to enable efficient communication and promote health literacy for early detection of these two cancers.

[Sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics associated with the increase of cesarean section practice in Mexico]. / Características sociodemográficas y reproductivas asociadas con el aumento de cesáreas en México.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend of cesarean section practice in Mexico, and its association with women's sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the 2000, 2006 and 2012 National Health Surveys, information on c-section was analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used in 2012. RESULTS: A 50.3% increase in the use of c-section was observed nationally from 2000 to 2012. Women more likely to undergo a c-section include those whose delivery care takes place in the private sector (OR=2.84, 95%CI:2.15-3.74). When associating women's age and parity, the greatest risks are observed among primiparous women between 12 and 19 years of age, and those aged 35 years and more (OR=6.02, 95%CI:1.24-29.26 and OR=5.20, 95%CI:2.41-11.21, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Some recommendations to revert the increase of this clinical practice, especially when there is no full justification for its realization, are proposed.

[Breast cancer mortality trends in Mexico, 1980-2009]. / Tendencias de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama en México, 1980-2009.

Breast cancer has become an important health risk for women worldwide.The important growth of breast cancer-related deaths within those caused by malign tumors throughout the globe went past the 460 000 in 2008,becoming the deadliest disease worldwide. Demographic changes and lifestyles have modified the population exposure to risk factors of maladies such as cancer, and since 1980 breast cancer mortality has remained on an upward tendency, surpassing cervical cancer in 2006. After analyzing mortality rates along 30 years in Mexican women 25 or more years old, differences by state and age-groups are apparent. Although this cause of death has been associated with a highest regional development, some changes are taking place,since the number of deaths is also growing among women of less-developed regions in the country,as showed in this work. Mexico faces an evident challenge regarding breast cancer. Our country requires to join efforts and implement programs aimed at teaching self-care of health among the population,promoting healthier lifestyles, and reshaping our diagnostic infrastructure to achieve earlier detection and provide proper treatment.

[Situational profile and intervention strategy in the Mesoamerican region in maternal, neonatal and reproductive health area]. / Perfil situacional y estrategias de intervención en la región Mesoamericana en el área de salud materna, reproductiva y neonatal.

To present the main results of the regional situation diagnosis and intervention plan developed in 2010 as part of the planning activities of the Mesoamerican Health System by the Working Group on Maternal, Reproductive and Neonatal Health. A group of experts and representatives from countries in the region (Central America and nine southern Mexican states) conducted an exhaustive review of available data to construct a situational analysis and a review of effective practices for improving maternal, reproductive and neonatal health. Finally, the group proposed a regional action plan, defining regional goals and specific interventions. The situational diagnosis suggests that, although there has been progress in the last 10 years, maternal and neonatal mortality rates are still unnaceptably high in the region, with a substantial variability across countries. The group proposed as a regional goal the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality in accordance with the Millenium Development Goals. The regional plan recommends specific maternal and neonatal health interventions emphasizing obstetric and neonatal emergency care, skilled birth attendance and family planning. The plan also includes a five year implementation strategy, along with training and evaluation strategies. The regional plan for maternal, neonatal and reproductive health has the potential to be successful, provided it is effectively implemented.