Can a global score be derived from the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale-Short Form (ISLES-SF)? Empirical support for a bi-factor model.

The Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale-Short Form (ISLES-SF) is a popular, two-factor measure of meaning-making. Although researchers have used this instrument to calculate a global index of meaning-making, there has been little evidence to support this practice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the validity of this approach by analyzing data from 2,380 American adults during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of confirmatory factor analyses, reliability analyses, and concurrent validity analyses support a bi-factor model of meaning-making. These results affirm the practice of not only using the ISLES-SF to measure meaning-making at a global level, but also to interpret its two specific dimensions (Comprehensibility and Footing in the World) as well.

New Psychometric Evidence of the Grief Impairment Scale (GIS) in People Who Have Experienced the Death of a Loved One From a Network Psychometric Approach in Two Latin American Countries.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Grief Impairment Scale (GIS) using a network psychometric model. A total of 1048 individuals from Peru and El Salvador participated. A network psychometric model was used to determine internal structure, reliability, and cross-country invariance. The results indicate that the GIS items were grouped into a single network structure through Exploratory Graph Analysis. Reliability was estimated by structural consistency, and it was found that when replicating the network structure within an empirical dimension, a single network structure was consistently obtained, and all items remained stable. Furthermore, the network structure was invariant, thus functioning similarly across the different country groups. In conclusion, the GIS presented solid psychometric evidence of validity based on its internal structure, reliability, and cross-country invariance. Therefore, the GIS is a psychometrically sound measure of functional impairment symptoms due to grief for Peruvian and Salvadoran individuals.

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.

New psychometric evidence for the thesis advisor abuse scale (EMAT) in Peruvian university students based on classic and modern procedures.

Although evidence of mistreatment toward university students in the academic field has been reported for several years, its study in the context of the development of undergraduate research is still emerging. For this reason, it is necessary to have valid and reliable measurement instruments that allow assessing the magnitude of this problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thesis Advisor Abuse Scale (EMAT, for its acronym in Spanish) in Peruvian university students. A total of 753 university students (women = 57.4%) from the 3 regions of Peru participated. The internal structure was analyzed under an analytical-factorial approach, and the discrimination and difficulty characteristics of the items were evaluated from the perspective of item response theory (IRT). The findings showed evidence supporting the original three-dimensional structure. Furthermore, all the items on the EMAT have good discriminatory power. Additionally, the EMAT proved to be strictly invariant according to sex, and the reliability coefficients reached high magnitudes. It is concluded that the EMAT is an instrument that has adequate psychometric properties to be used as a measure of mistreatment by advisors in the thesis preparation processes in Peruvian university students.

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.].

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.

Formulative Study and Characterization of Novel Biomaterials Based on Chitosan/Hydrolyzed Collagen Films.

To date, the need for biomaterials capable of improving the treatment of chronic skin wounds remains a clinical challenge. The aim of the present work is to formulate and characterize chitosan (Cs)/hydrolyzed collagen (HC) films as potential biomaterials with improved mechanical and hydration performances compared to single component formulations. Films were made by the solvent casting method, with or without glycerin and/or PEG1500 as plasticizers, resulting in a total of eight formulations. All films were characterized by their physico-chemical characteristics and their mechanical and hydration features. A full factorial design was also used to statistically assess the effect of HC concentration, type and concentration of plasticizers and their possible interactions on mechanical and swelling behaviors. Solid state characterization confirmed the hybrid nature of the films, with suggested electrostatic interactions between Cs and HC. Mechanical and swelling properties, along with the analysis of the experimental design, allowed the identification of formulations containing high HC concentration (2% w/v) and glycerin or glycerin/PEG1500 as more suitable candidates for skin wound treatment. Finally, viability assay of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) showed no statistical differences in cell survival compared to the complete culture medium, suggesting their potential as a promising tool for biomedical applications.

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.

Is the Elite Female Athlete's Pelvic Floor Stronger?

Background: Exercise can stress the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). This study sought to assess the strength of the PFMs according to the level of physical exercise. Methods: An analytical observational study was carried out using digital palpation and dynamometry measurements to assess PF strength. Healthy nulliparous women were stratified according to physical exercise (physically active and sedentary) and level of physical exercise (elite, amateur, and sedentary). Results: Fifty-four women were analyzed, with a mean age of 25.64 (5.33) years and a BMI of 21.41 (2.96) kg/m2. Differences in the passive force and strength were observed between both groups of women (p < 0.05), and the strength was around two times higher in physically active women (p < 0.05). The strength was similar between elite female athletes and sedentary women (p > 0.05), but statistical differences were found with amateurs (p < 0.05). The PFM strength (p = 0.019) of elite female athletes (0.34 N) was almost half that of amateurs (0.63 N) and twice as strong as that of sedentary women (0.20 N). However, these differences were not significant using digital palpation (p = 0.398). Conclusions: Women who exercise generally have greater PFM strength than women who do not exercise. Physical exercise could strengthen the PFM; however, the high intensity demanded by high-level sports does not seem to proportionally increase the strength of the PFMs.

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

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.

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).

The chitin-binding domain of Bacillus thuringiensis ChiA74 inhibits gram-negative bacterial and fungal pathogens of humans and plants.

The chitinase ChiA74 is synthesized by Bacillus thuringiensis and possesses a modular organization composed of four domains. In the C-terminal of the enzyme is located the chitin-binding domain (CBD), which has not been isolated as a single unit or characterized. Here, we aimed to isolate the ChiA74's CBD as a single unit, determine the binding properties, and evaluate its antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. We cloned the ChiA74's CBD and expressed it in Escherichia coli BL21. The single domain was purified, analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and characterized. The recombinant CBD (rCBD) showed a molecular mass of ∼14 kDa and binds strongly to α-chitin, with Kd and Bmax of ∼4.7 ± 0.9 µM and 1.5 ± 0.1 µmoles/g chitin, respectively. Besides, the binding potential (Bmax/Kd) was stronger for α-chitin (∼0.31) than microcrystalline cellulose (∼0.19). It was also shown that the purified rCBD inhibited the growth of the clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) Vibrio cholerae, and V. parahemolyticus CVP2 with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 121 ± 9.9 and 138 ± 3.2 µg/mL, respectively, and of one of the most common GNB plant pathogens, Pseudomonas syringae with a MIC of 230 ± 13.8 µg/mL. In addition, the rCBD possessed antifungal activity inhibiting the conidia germination of Fusarium oxysporum (MIC = 192 ± 37.5 µg/mL) and lacked hemolytic and agglutination activities against human erythrocytes. The significance of this work lies in the fact that data provided here show for the first time that ChiA74's CBD from B. thuringiensis has antimicrobial activity, suggesting its potential use against significant pathogenic microorganisms. Future works will be focused on testing the inhibitory effect against other pathogenic microorganisms and elucidating the mechanism of action.

Entrenamiento de Habilidades Sociales y estrese en la universidad: un estudio de caso / Treinamento de habilidades sociais e estresse na universidade: um estudo de caso / Social skills training and stress at the university: a case study

A aplicação do Treinamento de Habilidades Sociais no contexto universitário pode ser eficaz para a redução do estresse percebido pelos estudantes. Assim, o objetivo do presente artigo foi descrever, no formato de um estudo de caso único, o processo terapêutico de um Treinamento de Habilidades Sociais realizado com uma estudante de Psicologia, apresentando dados referentes à eficácia da intervenção. As avaliações pré e pós-teste foram feitas com os seguintes instrumentos: Inventário de Habilidades Sociais 2 (IHS2-Del-Prette), Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS-14), entrevistas e diário de campo. Contatou-se o aprimoramento de habilidades sociais como recusar e fazer pedidos, lidar com críticas e expor desagrado e solicitar mudança de comportamento do outro, e redução dos níveis de estresse com base em dados qualitativos e quantitativos, com manutenção desses resultados no follow-up de seis semanas. Concluiu-se que o Treinamento de Habilidades Sociais realizado possibilitou a melhora da experiência na universidade para a participante.

La aplicación del entrenamiento de Habilidades Sociales en el contexto universitario puede ser eficaz para la disminución del estrese percibido por los estudiantes. Delante eso, el objetivo del presente artículo fue describir, en el molde de un estudio de caso único, el proceso terapéutico de un entrenamiento de Habilidades Sociales realizado con una estudiante de Psicología, que presentaba, también, datos referentes a la eficacia de la intervención. Las evaluaciones antes y e después de la prueba se hicieron con los siguientes instrumentos: Inventario de Habilidades Sociales 2 (IHS2-Del-Prette), Escala de Estrese Percibido (PSS-14), entrevistas y diario de campo. Fue posible constatar el perfeccionamiento de habilidades sociales como recusar y hacer pedidos, lidiar con críticas y exponer desagrado y solicitar cambio de comportamiento del otro, y reducción de los niveles de estrese con base en datos cualitativos y cuantitativos, con manutención de esos resultados en elfollow-upde seis semanas. Se concluye que el Entrenamiento de Habilidades Sociales realizado posibilitó la mejora de la experiencia en la universidad para la participante.

The application of Social Skills Training in the university context can be effective in reducing the stress perceived by students. Therefore, the objective of this article was to describe, in the format of a single case study, the therapeutic process of a Social Skills Training carried out with a Psychology student, also presenting data regarding the effectiveness of the intervention. Pre- and post-test assessments were performed using the following instruments: Social Skills Inventory 2 (IHS2-Del-Prette), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), interviews and field diary. It was possible to verify the improvement of social skills such as refusing and making requests, dealing with criticism and exposing displeasure and requesting a change in the other's behavior, and reduction of stress levels based on qualitative and quantitative data, with maintenance of these results in the follow-up of six weeks. It was concluded that the Social Skills Training carried out enabled the participant to improve her university experience.

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.

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

Abstract 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.

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.

Autolesiones no suicidas en estudiantes de medicina: frecuencia y factores asociados / Non-suicidal Self-injury in Medical Students: Frequency and Associated Factors

Introducción: la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina ha sido ampliamente investigada, demostrando que forman parte de un grupo vulnerable al desarrollo de trastornos mentales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de NSSI y sus factores asociados en estudiantes de medicina del Paraguay. Metodología: este fue un estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se lanzó una encuesta online para evaluar depresión, ansiedad y autolesiones, se utilizaron las escalas PHQ-2, GAD-7 y SHQ, respectivamente. Resultados: recibimos respuestas de 330 estudiantes de medicina. De los participantes, el 71,2 % eran mujeres. Se identificó que el 46,4 % de los participantes padecía depresión (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) y el 37,3 % ansiedad (GAD-7 ≥10). La frecuencia de NSSI fue del 27 % (n = 89). Los principales factores asociados a NSSI fueron un diagnóstico previo de un trastorno mental (que aumentó la probabilidad de NSSI en 3,76 veces) y/o una historia de abuso físico o sexual (con un aumento de 3,75 veces). Conclusión: esta investigación encontró la presencia de NSSI en casi 3 de cada 10 de los estudiantes de medicina encuestados. Los principales factores asociados con la conducta autolesiva fueron un diagnóstico previo de un trastorno mental y/o antecedentes de abuso físico o sexual.

Introduction: the mental health of medical students has been extensively researched, showing that they are part of a group vulnerable to the development of mental disorders. Aim: the aim of this research was to determine the frequency of NSSI and its associated factors in medical students in Paraguay. Methodology: this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. An online survey was launched to assess depression, anxiety, and self-harm, the PHQ-2, the GAD-7 and SHQ scales were used, respectively. Results: we received responses from 330 medical students. Of the participants, 71.2 % were female. 46.4% of the participants were identified as having depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) and 37.3 % as having anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10). The frequency of NSSI was 27 % (n = 89). The main factors associated with NSSI were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (which increased the likelihood of NSSI by 3.76 times) and/ or a history of physical or sexual abuse (with a 3.75-fold increase). Conclusion: this research found the presence of NSSI in almost 3 out of 10 of the medical students surveyed. The main factors associated with self-injurious behavior were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder and/or a history of physical or sexual abuse.