Consumo diferenciado de macronutrientes según sexo y edad en estudiantes de educación superior / Differentiated consumption of macronutrients according to sex and age in higher education students

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar la ingesta de macronutrientes y su relación con la edad y sexo en estudiantes de educación superior. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal conformado con 218 estudiantes de educación superior de 18 a 30 años. Se utilizó un instrumento validado y confiable, para medir el consumo de macronutrientes. Resultados Respecto a la ingesta de consumo de macronutrientes se observa que hay diferencia estadística por sexo, a favor de los hombres (p>0,05), excepto en el consumo de proteínas en los estudiantes mayores de 25 años. En el grupo etario menor a 20 años, los hombres tienen un mejor consumo de proteínas. En estudiantes de 20 a 25 años el consumo de macronutrientes es parecido entre hombres y mujeres. Discusión Los resultados evidencian que el porcentaje de consumo respecto del valor ideal de requerimiento estimado para actividad ligera según FAO/OMS/ONU 2004, está por debajo, con un déficit de consumo de macronutrientes que oscila entre el 20% y el 60%.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the intake of macronutrients and its relationship with age and sex in higher education students. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 218 higher education students, aged between 18 and 30 years. A validated and reliable instrument was used to measure macronutrient consumption. Results Regarding the intake of macronutrients, a statistical difference by sex was observed in favor of men (p>0.05), except for the consumption of proteins in students older than 25 years. In the group under 20 years of age, men showed better protein intake. Finally, in students between 20 and 25 years, the consumption of macronutrients is similar among men and women. Discussion The results show that the percentage of consumption with respect to ideal value of the estimated requirement for light activity according to FAO/WHO/UN 2004 is below the recommendations, with a macronutrient consumption deficit that ranges between 20% and 60%.(AU)

Prescripción inadecuada de medicamentos: aportaciones de los paradigmas científicos a su conocimiento / Inadequate drugs prescription: contributions of scientific paradigms to your knowledge

Resumen Se realizó una revisión narrativa con análisis temático sobre las aportaciones de los paradigmas científicos al conocimiento de la prescripción inadecuada de medicamentos. Se buscaron artículos de acceso abierto indexados en PubMed© entre 2010-2014, y se sistematizó información sobre el paradigma, tipo de publicación, perspectiva teórica, objetivo, método y resultados. De los 992 artículos encontrados, se seleccionaron 118, y se tomó una muestra propositiva de 15, según su diseño, representando los cuatro paradigmas. Los artículos positivistas reportaron prevalencia, factores asociados, efectividad de intervenciones y criterios de evaluación; los interpretativos explicaron las causas del problema según los involucrados; los críticos denunciaron la influencia de la industria farmacéutica; y el participativo abordó el problema secundariamente y lo solucionó en un escenario para una enfermedad y grupo farmacológico específicos. Se concluyó que la prescripción inadecuada de medicamentos como problema de investigación en salud pública recibe aportes de los cuatro paradigmas, con dominio del positivismo, lo que se atribuye al carácter paradigmático de la ciencia desde la que se le aborda habitualmente, y que una perspectiva multi-paradigmática es el mejor abordaje.

Abstract This study conducted a narrative review with thematic analysis about contributions of scientific paradigms to knowledge of inadequate drugs prescription. We searched open access articles indexed in PubMed© between 2010 and 2014, and we systematized information about scientific paradigm, publication type, theoretical perspective, objective, method and results. From the 992 articles found, 118 were selected. From those, we chose a purposive sample of 15, according to the design of the studies, representing the four paradigms. The positivists articles reported prevalence, associated factors, effectiveness of interventions and evaluation criteria; the interpretive explained the causes of the problem according to those involved; the critics denounced the influence of pharmaceutical industry; and the participative addressed the problem secondarily and solved it in a scenario for a specific disease and pharmacological. We concluded that the inadequate drugs prescription as research problem in public health had contributions from the four paradigms, with dominance of positivism, which is attributed to the paradigmatic perspective of the science, from which it is usually studied, and that a multi-paradigmatic perspective is the best approach to the public health issue.

[Differentiated consumption of macronutrients according to sex and age in higher education students]. / Consumo diferenciado de macronutrientes según sexo y edad en estudiantes de educación superior.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the intake of macronutrients and its relationship with age and sex in higher education students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 218 higher education students, aged between 18 and 30 years. A validated and reliable instrument was used to measure macronutrient consumption. RESULTS: Regarding the intake of macronutrients, a statistical difference by sex was observed in favor of men (p>0.05), except for the consumption of proteins in students older than 25 years. In the group under 20 years of age, men showed better protein intake. Finally, in students between 20 and 25 years, the consumption of macronutrients is similar among men and women. DISCUSSION: The results show that the percentage of consumption with respect to ideal value of the estimated requirement for light activity according to FAO/WHO/UN 2004 is below the recommendations, with a macronutrient consumption deficit that ranges between 20% and 60%.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la ingesta de macronutrientes y su relación con la edad y sexo en estudiantes de educación superior. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal conformado con 218 estudiantes de educación superior de 18 a 30 años. Se utilizó un instrumento validado y confiable, para medir el consumo de macronutrientes. RESULTADOS: Respecto a la ingesta de consumo de macronutrientes se observa que hay diferencia estadística por sexo, a favor de los hombres (p>0,05), excepto en el consumo de proteínas en los estudiantes mayores de 25 años. En el grupo etario menor a 20 años, los hombres tienen un mejor consumo de proteínas. En estudiantes de 20 a 25 años el consumo de macronutrientes es parecido entre hombres y mujeres. DISCUSIÓN: Los resultados evidencian que el porcentaje de consumo respecto del valor ideal de requerimiento estimado para actividad ligera según FAO/OMS/ONU 2004, está por debajo, con un déficit de consumo de macronutrientes que oscila entre el 20% y el 60%.

Clinical competence of Guatemalan and Mexican physicians for family dysfunction management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical competence of Mexican and Guatemalan physicians to management the family dysfunction. METHODS: Cross comparative study in four care units first in Guadalajara, Mexico, and four in Guatemala, Guatemala, based on a purposeful sampling, involving 117 and 100 physicians, respectively. Clinical competence evaluated by validated instrument integrated for 187 items. Non-parametric descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The percentage of Mexican physicians with high clinical competence was 13.7%, medium 53%, low 24.8% and defined by random 8.5%. For the Guatemalan physicians'14% was high, average 63%, and 23% defined by random. There were no statistically significant differences between healthcare country units, but between the medium of Mexicans (0.55) and Guatemalans (0.55) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The proportion of the high clinical competency of Mexican physicians' was as Guatemalans.

Efecto de una intervención educativa para promover ejercicios aeróbicos intradialíticos, sobre el estado funcional en pacientes en hemodiálisis de México / Effect of an educational intervention to promote intradialysis aerobic exercises on the functional state of hemodialysis patients from Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN: La educación en salud busca influir sobre la actitud de las personas para mejorar su salud mediante el fomento de hábitos saludables. En pacientes en hemodiálisis, su capacidad funcional suele estar disminuida por la inactividad física. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de una intervención educativa en salud para la promoción del ejercicio aeróbico, sobre la capacidad funcional de pacientes en hemodiálisis de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cuasiexperimental antes-después con grupo control en Unidades de Atención Médica Hospitalaria del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Delegación Jalisco, con un universo de 26 pacientes con hemodiálisis muestreados propositivamente, 14 en el Grupo "A" (experimental) y 12 en el "B" (control). Se incluyeron las variables: edad, sexo y capacidad funcional. La intervención consistió en un diálogo dirigido sobre factores biopsicosociales de enfermedad renal, capacidad funcional y nutrición, con acompañamiento en ejercicios aeróbicos de 30 minutos/semana durante 20 semanas. Se evaluó la capacidad funcional con el Test Delta, y se comparó la media antes y después usando T de Student (p ≤ 0,05). RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la edad y sexo de los pacientes en los Grupos "A" y "B". Capacidad funcional media antes y después: Grupo "A" 14 ± 5 vs 8 ± 4 (p < 0,001), Grupo "B" 16 ± 4 vs 17 ± 5 (p = 0,405). Conclusiones: La educación en salud influyó favorablemente sobre la actividad física de los pacientes en hemodiálisis y mejoró su capacidad funcional. Es recomendable implementar programas de ejercicio aeróbico durante las sesiones de hemodiálisis

INTRODUCTION: Health education search to influence on persons' attitude for to improve your health by mean of healthy habits promotion. In patients with hemodialysis your functional capacity usually is diminished for physical inactivity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a health education intervention for aerobic exercise's promotion on the functional capacity in hemodialysis patients from Mexico. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study beforeafter with control group in Hospital Medical Care Units of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, Jalisco's Delegation, with a universe of 26 patients with hemodialysis purposively sampled, 14 in Group "A" (experimental) and 12 in Group "B" (control). It included variables: age, gender and functional capacity. The intervention consisted of directed dialogue on biopsychosocial factors of renal disease, functional capacity and nutrition, with accompaniment in aerobic exercises of 30 minutes/week for 20 weeks. It evaluated functional capacity with Delta Test and it compared means before and after with Student's T (p ≤ 0,05). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between age and gender of patients in the "A" and "B" Groups. Mean functional capacity before and after: Group "A" 14 ± 5 vs 8 ± 4 (p < 0,001), Group "B" 16 ± 4 vs 17 ± 5(p=0,405). CONCLUSIONS: The health education influenced favorably on the physical activity of patients with hemodialysis and improved your functional capacity. To implement aerobic exercise programs during hemodialysis sessions it advisable

La investigación como estrategia formativa / Research as a training strategy / A investigação como estratégia formativa

Sin duda alguna, la investigación es una actividad imprescindible para el crecimiento educativo mundial, además de su impacto en el progreso significativo como sociedad y país, no solo en términos de calidad académica, sino en todos los aspectos de la vida cotidiana. La investigación es una función esencial de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, IES, y constituye un elemento fundamental en el proceso educativo, porque a través de ella se genera conocimiento y se propicia el aprendizaje para la generación de nuevos saberes; además, la investigación vincula a la universidad con la sociedad. Al ser una función esencial, sustantiva, la investigación se convierte en el deber ser de las universidades. Por esta razón las IES deben desarrollar capacidades para la investigación en los estudiantes e incorporar su práctica como estrategia de aprendizaje-enseñanza en el currículo.

Without a doubt, research is an essential activity for global educational growth, in addition to its impact on significant progress as a society and country, not only in terms of academic quality, but in all aspects of daily life. Research is an essential function of higher education institutions, HEIs, and is a fundamental element in the educational process, because through it knowledge is generated and learning is fostered for the generation of new knowledge; Moreover, research links the university to society. Being an essential, substantive function, research becomes the duty of universities. For this reason HEIs should develop research capabilities in students and incorporate its practice as a learning-teaching strategy into the curriculum.

Sem dúvida, a investigação é uma actividade imprescindível para o crescimento educativo mundial, além do seu impacto no progresso significativo enquanto sociedade e país, não só em termos de qualidade académica, mas em todos os aspectos da vida quotidiana. A investigação é uma função essencial das Instituições de Ensino Superior, IES, e constitui um elemento fundamental no processo educativo, porque através dela se gera conhecimento e se propicia a aprendizagem para a geração de novos saberes; Além disso, a investigação liga a universidade à sociedade. Sendo uma função essencial, substantiva, a investigação torna-se o dever das universidades. Por esta razão as IES devem desenvolver capacidades de investigação em estudantes e incorporar a sua prática como estratégia de aprendizagem-ensino no currículo.

Perfil epidemiológico de niños con quemaduras del Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca, 2009-2011 / Epidemiologic profile of children with burns from the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca", 2009-2011

ResumenIntroducción: Las quemaduras son un problema de salud pública ubicado dentro de las 20 principales causas de morbilidad en México. Uno de los grupos más vulnerables son los niños. Al realizar un análisis de los casos, se aporta para un mejor entendimiento del problema y pueden generarse medidas preventivas al respecto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el perfil epidemiológico de niños con quemaduras que ingresan a la Unidad de Niños con Quemaduras del Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal que incluyó características demográficas del lesionado, de sus padres y de las quemaduras de niños atendidos durante 2009 a 2011. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante el cálculo de frecuencias absolutas, proporciones e intervalos de confianza de 95%.Resultados: El perfil epidemiológico de los niños lesionados fue principalmente de varones (63.4%) menores de cinco años de edad (65.2%), con escolaridad de acuerdo con su edad (69.2%); hijos de padres menores de 35 años con escolaridad básica. Las lesiones fueron causadas por agua (56.2%) durante el lapso de las 12 p.m. a las 11:59 p.m. (73.0%) produciendo quemaduras de segundo grado superficial y profundo o menores (69.2%) que afectaron menos del 20% de la superficie corporal total (74.5%).Conclusiones: Este perfil epidemiológico permite ampliar el panorama de las acciones preventivas, iniciando con investigaciones científicas que orienten el rumbo que se debe seguir, trabajando conjuntamente con instituciones públicas y privadas en la elaboración de programas y estrategias, así como el establecimiento de una política pública para lesiones no intencionales.

AbstractBackground: Burns are a public health problem, ranking among the 20 principal causes of morbidity in Mexico. Children are a more vulnerable group to suffer from these injuries. For that reason, we analyzed cases in order to gain a better comprehension and to propose preventive measures for this problem. The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological profile of those injuries to allow us to plan and implement actions for burn prevention.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included demographic characteristics of the child, the parents and the burn injuries from children treated at this Burn Unit. Statistical analysis was done to calculate amounts, proportions and 95% confidence intervals.Results: The epidemiological profile of the injuries included males (63.4%) <5 years of age (65.2%) with educational level according to their age (56.2%). Parents of the included children were <35 years old with basic educational level. Burns were caused by hot water (56.2%) and occurred between noon and midnight (73.0%). The majority of the burns were shallow and deep second-degree or minor (69.2%) and affected <20% of body surface area (74.5%).Conclusions: This epidemiological profile paved the way for preventive actions beginning with scientific research to guide the actions in a progressive direction along with the cooperative actions of public and private institutions in the development of programs and strategies. The end result would be the establishment of a public policy for accidental injuries.

[Epidemiologic profile of children with burns from the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca", 2009-2011]. / Perfil epidemiológico de niños con quemaduras del Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca, 2009-2011.

BACKGROUND: Burns are a public health problem, ranking among the 20 principal causes of morbidity in Mexico. Children are a more vulnerable group to suffer from these injuries. For that reason, we analyzed cases in order to gain a better comprehension and to propose preventive measures for this problem. The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological profile of those injuries to allow us to plan and implement actions for burn prevention. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included demographic characteristics of the child, the parents and the burn injuries from children treated at this Burn Unit. Statistical analysis was done to calculate amounts, proportions and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The epidemiological profile of the injuries included males (63.4%) <5 years of age (65.2%) with educational level according to their age (56.2%). Parents of the included children were <35 years old with basic educational level. Burns were caused by hot water (56.2%) and occurred between noon and midnight (73.0%). The majority of the burns were shallow and deep second-degree or minor (69.2%) and affected <20% of body surface area (74.5%). CONCLUSIONS: This epidemiological profile paved the way for preventive actions beginning with scientific research to guide the actions in a progressive direction along with the cooperative actions of public and private institutions in the development of programs and strategies. The end result would be the establishment of a public policy for accidental injuries.

[Invisibility of working conditions and children's health in the Felipe Angeles market]. / La invisibilidad de las condiciones laborales y de salud de niños del mercado Felipe Angeles.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the work environment and health of children working in the Felipe Angeles market in Guadalajara. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive study which included 198 children working in the aforementioned market. A questionnaire was used which asked about the sociodemographic variables, the work environment and the health of such children. RESULTS: The children working in the market were predominantly male (89.9 %), aged 6 to 17 years old, residing in Guadalajara; 71 % were attending school. 83 % of the children had started working in the market between 7 to 10 years old and 75 % had worked there for 1 year or more. Workdays lasted all week, without rest in 50 % of the cases. The children perceived health risks as concerning abrasion, contusion, fractures, being run over and other psychosocial types related to becoming the victims of theft or becoming addicts. CONCLUSIONS: The children's work environment and health were not suitable for their age and affected their physical and psychosocial state as the site had deficient architecture making it impossible to carry out activities appropriate for their age and provoked workplace risk for which there was no prevention.

[Trends in mortality by burns in Mexico, 1979-2009]. / Tendencia de mortalidad por quemaduras en México, 1979-2009.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in burn-related mortality rates in Mexico from 1979-2009. METHODS: Burn-related mortality standardized rates and trends were estimated from official mortality data in Mexico. Variables included were:age, sex, federal state and year of death. RESULTS: From 1979-2009, 33,333 burn-related deaths were registered. During this period, the burn-mortality rate decreased, stating from a rate of 2.32/100,000 in 1979 and dropping to 0.72/100,000 in 2007, but in 2008 and 2009 the mortality rates occurred in the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Baja California Sur,Sonora and Durango, all of these states in the northwest of Mexico. Men were twice as likely as women to die from burns. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality caused by burns in Mexico presents a descendent tendency in most of the states of the Country, with the exception of the northwest region, which may be related to the lack of specialized units in the treatment of burn distance between the population centers and the specialized attention units.

[Drowning mortality trends in children younger than 5 years old in Mexico, 1979-2008]. / Tendencia de la mortalidad de la asfixia por inmersión en niños menores de cinco años en México de 1979 a 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To describe mortality trends from drowning in children younger than 5 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mortality records of children younger than 5 years old were obtained from the National Health Information (SINAIS) system of Mexico from 1979 to 2008. Cause of death by asphyxia was established according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 9th and 10th). We analyzed age, sex, federal state, year and place where the event occurred. RESULTS: Fatal drowning diminished from 7.64 in 1979 to 3.59 deaths per 100,000 in 2008. This trend was observed throughout the assessment period and in all federal states. Children younger than 2 years showed the highest rate of death. Mortality was higher in males than females (1.7:1). A great proportion of events happen at home. CONCLUSION: Drowning mortality among children less than 5 years old in Mexico shows a downward trend in all states.

Mortality trend by dengue in Mexico 1980 to 2009.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the mortality of dengue in Mexico during 1980 to 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dengue mortality data for Mexico were obtained from Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, Geografía e Informática. We used standardized and non-standardized dengue mortality rates per 1,000,000 people and determined the mortality trend. The groups were based on International Classification of Diseases coding criteria (ICD-9 E061 and ICD-10 A91X). The results were stratified by age groups and the frequencies of dengue deaths were compared using relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: During 1980 to 2009 in Mexico, 549 deaths due to dengue were reported. We found an important variation in the mortality rates during the years studied. We were able to identify three periods: 1980 to 1992, 1994 to 2000, and 2001 to 2009. The mortality rates found are from 0.88/1,000,000 through 0.00/1,000,000. The average mortality rates by decade: 1980 to 1989: 0.53/1,000,000; 1990 to 1999: 0.06/1,000,000; 2000 to 2009: 0.12/1,000,000. In the analysis of mortality by community size during 2000 to 2009, we observed in the small communities with < 2,499 people, the risk is 1.25 times higher than in those with more than 20,000 people. CONCLUSIONS: We found, in general, a sustained decline in the number of deaths by dengue over the last 30 years in Mexico. However, a slow increase was observed since 1994, which may be related to the circulation of DENV2 and DENV3, among other factors. We need to strengthen prevention programs in smaller communities (< 2,499) where we found a higher risk of mortality due to dengue.

La invisibilidad de las condiciones laborales y de salud de niños del mercado Felipe Angeles / Invisibility of working conditions and children's health in the Felipe Angeles market

Objetivo Identificar las condiciones de trabajo y salud de los menores que trabajan en el mercado Felipe Ángeles de la Ciudad de Guadalajara. Metodología Se realizó un estudio descriptivo a 198 menores de 18 años de edad que desempeñaban alguna actividad laboral en dicho mercado. Se aplicó una encuesta que incluía variables sociodemográficas de los menores, de condiciones del trabajo y de salud. Resultados Los menores de que laboran en este mercado son principalmente hombres (89,9 %) con edades de entre 6 a 17 años, residentes de Guadalajara, 71 % asiste a la escuela. El 83 % de los niños iniciaron sus actividades laborales en el mercado entre los 7 y 10 años y 75 % de ellos llevan 1 año o más trabajando. La jornada laboral va de lunes a domingo en el 50 % de los casos. Los riesgos a la salud percibidos y presentados por los menores son lesiones durante la jornada laboral tales como abrasión, contusión, fracturas, atropellamiento; y las relacionadas con el aspecto psicosocial como son ser víctimas de robo o ser sujetos vulnerables para iniciarse en la drogadicción. Conclusiones Las condiciones de trabajo y salud en que laboran los menores no son adecuadas para su edad y afectan su desarrollo físico y psicosocial, ya que el sitio donde trabajan tiene deficiencias en la estructura arquitectónica, les impide la realización de actividades propias de su edad y los somete a riesgos laborales para los que no existe prevención.

Objective Identifying the work environment and health of children working in the Felipe Angeles market in Guadalajara. Methodology This was a descriptive study which included 198 children working in the aforementioned market. A questionnaire was used which asked about the sociodemographic variables, the work environment and the health of such children. Results The children working in the market were predominantly male (89.9 %), aged 6 to 17 years old, residing in Guadalajara; 71 % were attending school. 83 % of the children had started working in the market between 7 to 10 years old and 75 % had worked there for 1 year or more. Workdays lasted all week, without rest in 50 % of the cases. The children perceived health risks as concerning abrasion, contusion, fractures, being run over and other psychosocial types related to becoming the victims of theft or becoming addicts. Conclusions The children's work environment and health were not suitable for their age and affected their physical and psychosocial state as the site had deficient architecture making it impossible to carry out activities appropriate for their age and provoked workplace risk for which there was no prevention.

[Level of functionality among senior citizen packers in a chain of Mexican supermarkets]. / Estado de funcionalidad de adultos mayores empacadores en tiendas de autoservicio.

OBJECTIVE: To identify socio-demographic characteristics and general health conditions among senior citizens working as volunteer packers in a supermarket chain in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May to July 2008 we carried out a cross-sectional analysis in 416 volunteers aged 60 or more years. RESULTS: Mean age was 69.4 years, (range 60-87). Mean level of schooling was elementary school. Men's prior occupation was in the formal sector of the economy vs. women participants who were not. Men were mostly from lower middle class strata and women from lower strata. Most participant's self-perception of health was good although there was an inherent risk of developing obesity. Depression rating scale scores were within normal limits. They had sought work as packers due to financial constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Senior citizens working as paid volunteers seems to promote their physical, mental, social and financial well being. Our findings suggest gender differences within the context of a bleak socio-economic and epidemiological panorama.

Estado de funcionalidad de adultos mayores empacadores en tiendas de autoservicio / Level of functionality among senior citizen packers in a chain of Mexican supermarkets

Objetivo: Identificar características demográficas, económicas y condiciones de salud en empacadores voluntarios de tiendas Soriana. Métodos: Diseño analítico transversal de 416 empacadores voluntarios con 60 años y más de edad, entrevistados entre mayo y julio de 2008. Resultados: Edad promedio de 69.4 años, rango 60 a 87; escolaridad nivel primaria. La mayoría de los hombres se había desempeñado en empleo formal; por su parte, la mayoría de las mujeres en el sector informal. El nivel socioeconómico de los hombres fue medio bajo; en las mujeres, bajo. La autopercepción de salud buena, aunque existió riesgo inherente a obesidad. En la escala de depresión, la mayoría normal. Las razones de la actividad como empacador fue la necesidad económica. Conclusiones: La incorporación y el apoyo a los ancianos en actividades laborales promueve el envejecimiento activo y benefician la salud física, mental social y económica. Los resultados de este estudio permiten apreciar diferencias entre hombres y mujeres, en medio de un panorama socioeconómico y epidemiológico poco alentador.

OBJECTIVE: To identify socio-demographic characteristics and general health conditions among senior citizens working as volunteer packers in a supermarket chain in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May to July 2008 we carried out a cross-sectional analysis in 416 volunteers aged 60 or more years. RESULTS: Mean age was 69.4 years, (range 60-87). Mean level of schooling was elementary school. Men's prior occupation was in the formal sector of the economy vs. women participants who were not. Men were mostly from lower middle class strata and women from lower strata. Most participant's self-perception of health was good although there was an inherent risk of developing obesity. Depression rating scale scores were within normal limits. They had sought work as packers due to financial constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Senior citizens working as paid volunteers seems to promote their physical, mental, social and financial well being. Our findings suggest gender differences within the context of a bleak socio-economic and epidemiological panorama.

[Trends in mortality from scorpion stings in Mexico, 1979-2003]. / Tendencia de la mortalidad por picaduras de alacrán en México, 1979-2003.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in mortality from scorpion stings in Mexico as a whole and in each of its states for the period of 1979 to 2003. METHODS: We estimated the crude and standardized mortality rates due to scorpion stings and the trends during the period studied based on official mortality data for Mexico, using the codes (E905.2 and X22, respectively) from the 9th and 10th editions of the International Classification of Diseases. The results were stratified by age group. The frequencies of deaths from scorpion stings were compared using relative risk (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Between 1979 and 2003 in Mexico, 6,077 deaths from scorpion stings were registered. A statistically significant downward trend was found in standardized mortality rates (beta = -0.195; P < or = 0.001), with a total reduction of 86.5% for the period of 2001-2003 versus 1979-1982. For the 2001-2003 period, the highest mortality rates were in children under 1 year of age (7.07 per 1,000,000), children 1 to 4 years old (3.78 per 1,000,000), persons 60 and older (0.84 per 1,000,000), and males (0.81 per 1,000,000). Persons in communities with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants had a relative risk that was 11.8 times (95% CI: 7.86 to 17.72) that found in communities with more than 20,000 inhabitants. The states with the highest mortality rates were in the central and western regions of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the sustained decline in the number of deaths from scorpion stings in the last 20 years in Mexico, there is still an important public health problem. The groups that are most affected are children under 5 and the elderly. Measures should be taken so that in all communities, especially small ones, adequate resources and information are available to provide for the prompt care of persons who suffer a scorpion sting.

[Mortality from contact with poisonous snakes and lizards in Mexico from 1979 to 2003]. / Mortalidad por contacto traumático con serpiente y lagarto venenosos. México, 1979-2003.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend of standardized mortality by contact with poisonous snakes and lizards in Mexico from 1979 to 2003. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the standardized mortality trend by contact with poisonous snakes and lizards occurring in Mexico from 1979 to 2003, and report the mortality data bases from the INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática). We determined frequencies, percentages, mortality rates, standardized mortality rates and mortality relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The general trend shows a statistically significant descent of 63.8%. The highest mortality rate within the 2000-2003 period was reported in Quintana Roo (7.47/1,000,000), Oaxaca (4.01/1,000,000), Veracruz (1.56/1,000,000), Chiapas (1.48/1,000,000), Campeche (1.43/1,000,000) and Yucatan (1.29/1,000,000). The groups with the highest risk are those older than 60 years and males. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the detected decrease in mortality, the contact with poisonous snakes and lizards still is a public health problem in Mexico. As timely treatment saves lives, it is necessary to include and offer treatment in all emergency units of the country.

Mortalidad por contacto traumático con serpiente y lagarto venenosos: México, 1979-2003 / Mortality from contact with poisonous snakes and lizards in Mexico from 1979 to 2003

Objetivo: Describir la tendencia de mortalidad tanto a nivel nacional como estatal causada por la mordedura de víbora y de lagarto venenoso en México, durante los años 1979 a 2003. Material y métodos: Se describe la tendencia de la mortalidad estandarizada por mordedura de víbora y lagarto venenosos registrada en México durante el periodo 1979-2003, en todo el país y en cada uno de los estados de la federación. Las defunciones se obtuvieron de las bases de datos de mortalidad del Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática (INEGI). Se determinaron frecuencias, porcentajes, tasas crudas, tasas estandarizadas de mortalidad y riesgos relativos de mortalidad con intervalos de confianza a 95%. Resultados: La tendencia de la mortalidad por mordedura de víbora y lagarto venenosos muestra un descenso significativo de 63.5%. La mayor mortalidad por mordedura de víbora y lagarto venenosos se presenta en el sureste del país. Los estados con la mayor mortalidad en el trienio 2001-2003 fueron: Quintana Roo (7.47/1’000,000 de habitantes), Oaxaca (4.01/1’000,000), Veracruz (1.56/1’000,000), Chiapas (1.48/1’000,000), Campeche (1.43/1’000,000) y Yucatán (1.29/1’000,000). Los grupos con mayor riesgo fueron los mayores de 60 años y los del sexo masculino. Conclusiones: Resulta conveniente brindar en México servicios de atención antiviperina médica de emergencia, para evitar la mortalidad causada por contacto traumático con estos reptiles, a pesar de la disminución en los decesos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend of standardized mortality by contact with poisonous snakes and lizards in Mexico from 1979 to 2003. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the standardized mortality trend by contact with poisonous snakes and lizards occurring in Mexico from 1979 to 2003, and report the mortality data bases from the INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática). We determined frequencies, percentages, mortality rates, standardized mortality rates and mortality relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The general trend shows a statistically significant descent of 63.8%. The highest mortality rate within the 2000-2003 period was reported in Quintana Roo (7.47/1,000,000), Oaxaca (4.01/1,000,000), Veracruz (1.56/1,000,000), Chiapas (1.48/1,000,000), Campeche (1.43/1,000,000) and Yucatan (1.29/1,000,000). The groups with the highest risk are those older than 60 years and males. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the detected decrease in mortality, the contact with poisonous snakes and lizards still is a public health problem in Mexico. As timely treatment saves lives, it is necessary to include and offer treatment in all emergency units of the country.

[Asphyxiation by suffocation and strangulation in children younger than 15 years of age]. / Asfixia por sofocación y estrangulación en menores de 15 años.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe non-intentional strangulation or suffocation suffered by children under 15 years of age. METHODS: Records from the Medical Examiner's Office showed child death by non-intentional strangulation or suffocation from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2001. RESULTS: A total of 44 suffocations or non-intentional strangulations were registered. Overall mortality was 3.62/1,000,000 persons-year (27.57/1,000,000 in children < 1 year of age, 1.94/1,000,000 in older children); 63.6% were males. Most frequent mechanisms included neck entrapment between bars 18.2%, facial obstruction by bed clothes 15.9%, being covered by rubble, sand, or garbage 15.9%, strangulation by cord, chain, or strip 11.4%, and strangulation by dress or bed clothes 9.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all registered deaths could be prevented by education, supervision, or structural modifications. Strategies should also include obligatory standards for manufacturing and for warnings on labels.

Asfixia por sofocación y estrangulación en menores de 15 años / Asphyxiation by Suffocation and Strangulation in Children Younger than 15 Years of Age

Objetivo: describir características de eventos fatales asociados a estrangulación y sofocación no intencional en menores de 15 años. Material y métodos: registros del Servicio Médico Forense. Niños que fallecieron por estrangulación o sofocación no intencional de 01/01/1991 a 31/12/2001. Resultados: 44 sofocaciones o estrangulaciones no intencionales. Mortalidad de 3.62/1 '000,000 años-persona (27.57/1 '000,000 en menores de 1 año, 1.94/1 '000.000 en el resto), 63.6% hombres. Mecanismos más frecuentes: atrapamiento de cuello entre barrotes 18.2%, obstrucción facial por ropa de cama 15.9%, cubierto por escombro, arena o basura 15.9%, estrangulación por cordón, cadena o listón 11.4%, estrangulación por ropa de vestir o cama 9.1%. Conclusiones: casi todas las defunciones registradas podrían haberse prevenido mediante educación, supervisión o modificaciones estructurales del equipo. Las estrategias también deben incluir estándares obligatorios de manufactura y advertencias en eletiquetado de losproductos.

Objective: Our aim was to describe non-intentional strangulation or suffocation suffered by children under 15 years of age. Methods: Records from the Medical Examiner's Office showed child death by non-intentional strangulation or suffocation from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2001. Results: A total of 44 suffocations or non-intentional strangulations were registered. Overall mortality was 3.62/ 1000,000 persons-year (27.57/1000,000 in children < 1 year of age, 1.94/1000.000 in older children); 63.6% were males. Most frequent mechanisms included neck entrapment between bars 18.2%, facial obstruction by bed clothes 15.9%, being covered by rubble, sand, or garbage 15.9%, strangulation by cord, chain, or strip 11.4%, and strangulation by dress or bed clothes 9.1%. Conclusions: Nearly all registered deaths could be prevented by education, supervision, or structural modifications. Strategies should also include obligatory standards for manufacturing and for warnings on labels.