ABSTRACT
Introducción: La ansiedad ante exámenes es un constructo multidimensional, caracterizado por respuestas fenomenológicas, fisiológicas, conductuales y cognitivas asociadas a una preocupación excesiva sobre posibles consecuencias negativas ante una situación evaluativa. En estudiantes universitarios, presenta tasas de ocurrencia entre 10 % y 40 %. El objetivo es evaluar la utilidad de un taller grupal y online para el manejo de esta problemática, basado en el Protocolo Unificado. Método: Participaron 31 estudiantes argentinos con edades de 18 a 35 años (M=25; DE= 5,24), siendo el 93.5 % mujeres. Se evaluó medidas pre, post y seguimiento en sintomatología asociada a la ansiedad ante exámenes (GTAI-AR) como variable primaria, y estrategias de regulación emocional (ERQ) y conciencia plena (MAAS) como variables secundarias. Para corroborar diferencias intra grupo se calculó la prueba de Wilcoxon, y como medida de tamaño del efecto (TE), la g de Hedges. Resultados: En cuanto a la variable primaria entre las tres medidas aplicadas, las diferencias fueron significativas con TE moderados y grandes. En las variables secundarias, solo la reevaluación cognitiva reflejó TE considerables (pequeños) en el pre-post; en el post-seguimiento la supresión expresiva fue la única dimensión que reflejó TE significativos (moderados); y en el pre-seguimiento, únicamente la conciencia plena arrojó TE relevantes (pequeños). Discusión: Los resultados son coherentes con el marco del Protocolo Unificado y las investigaciones actuales sobre su aplicación. Conclusiones: Se espera que estos resultados sean útiles para el diseño de intervenciones similares. Si bien éstos fueron alentadores, se requieren investigaciones de mayor rigurosidad que permitan estudiar su eficacia.
Subject(s)
Test Anxiety , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic intervention based on emotional regulation for the treatment of emotional disorders. Its application in individual and group formats has been studied worldwide, obtaining similar results to specific protocols but with a lower drop-out rate and improving the cost-benefit ratio, since a larger number of patients can benefit from it. Moreover, the inclusion of digital technologies in psychotherapy aims to improve the accessibility of treatments, especially since the pandemic of COVID-19 that forced the implementation of treatments through teletherapy increasing its use. To date, no studies have been carried out in Argentina on the application of the UP in a group format and through teletherapy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of the UP in a group format and through teletherapy in the Argentine population. METHODS: A parallel-group, controlled, randomized trial, with pre-post and repeated follow-up measures intergroup design will be conducted. One hundred eighty patients will be randomized to one of the following conditions: an online, group-based UP intervention or a waiting list. The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory will be used to compare primary outcomes and the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, and Multicultural Quality of Life Index will be administered for secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months follow-up. Ad-hoc questionnaires will be used to assess patients' experiences and treatment satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the online and group application of the UP in the Argentine population, as well as to evaluate the patient's experience and satisfaction with the treatment. It is expected that the findings of this study will be useful in reducing anxious and depressive symptomatology, will allow us to adapt the UP to our culture, and will improve accessibility to treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05275322. Registered on 11 March 2022.
Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders , COVID-19 , Humans , Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Quality of Life , Argentina , Clinical Protocols , COVID-19/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
Introduction: The Unified Protocol (UP) is a psychotherapeutic intervention that has proven to be effective for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders, both in individual and group format. Recently, its virtual application through teletherapy has begun to be studied. In a previous pilot study carried out in Argentina in a sample of 7 subjects, significant decreases were observed in levels of depression, difficulties in emotional regulation, hopelessness and negative affect and a significant increase in quality of life after having applied the PU in virtual and group format to people with emotional disorders. Method: The present work aims to evaluate the maintenance of the results observed in this study after three months. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the variables analyzed, which shows that the results achieved have been maintained. Discussion: The UP is presented as a promising intervention for the treatment of emotional disorders in a virtual and group format, although further research is required in order to generalize the results.
Introducción: El Protocolo Unificado (PU) es una intervención psicoterapéutica que ha demostrado ser efectiva para el tratamiento transdiagnóstico de los trastornos emocionales, tanto en formato individual como grupal. Recientemente, comenzó a estudiarse su aplicación de manera virtual a través de teleterapia. En un estudio piloto previo realizado en Argentina en una muestra de 7 sujetos se observaron disminuciones significativas en niveles de depresión, dificultades en la regulación emocional, desesperanza y afecto negativo y un aumento significativo en calidad de vida luego de haber aplicado el PU en formato virtual y grupal a personas con trastornos emocionales. Método: El presente trabajo pretende evaluar el mantenimiento a los tres meses de los resultados observados en dicho estudio. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las variables analizadas, lo que da cuenta de un mantenimiento de los resultados alcanzados. Discusión: El PU se presenta como una intervención prometedora para el tratamiento de trastornos emocionales en formato virtual y grupal, aunque se requiere mayor investigación con el objetivo de generalizar los resultados.
Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders , Quality of Life , Humans , Pilot Projects , Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Follow-Up Studies , Argentina , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Background: The OASIS and ODSIS scales are two transdiagnostic brief 5-item instruments designed to assess the severity and functional impairment associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. The present study aimed to adapt and validate the online versions of both scales in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Method: A sample of 344 women and men from the general population of Buenos Aires completed a test battery consisting of the OASIS, the ODSIS, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and the Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI). Descriptive statistics and item discrimination of both scales were analyzed, as well as their factorial structure, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity, using the R programming language. Results: The results showed a unidimensional factorial structure, excellent internal consistency, and adequate construct validity for both the OASIS and the ODSIS. Conclusion: These results supports the use of both scales as valid and reliable instruments to assess severity and interference due to anxiety and depression in the general population of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Los trastornos gastrointestinales funcionales (TGF) son enfermedades crónicas que configuran un problema relevante en la salud pública, asociados en investigaciones previas a una peor calidad de vida. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la calidad de vida en pacientes que acuden a un servicio de neurogastroenterología en un hospital de Argentina y compararlo con población control. Para ello, se realizó un estudio cuantitativo y transversal incluyendo población clínica diagnosticada con algún TGF (n = 35) y una muestra control sin diagnóstico de TGF (n = 37). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre personas con TGF y sujetos control, X 2 (1, N = 70) = 30.23,p < .001 en todas las subdimensiones de la escala de calidad de vida (MQLI), exceptuando satisfacción espiritual (PE). Similar a investigaciones previas, los resultados de este estudio sugieren que, en Argentina -al igual que en otros países-, los individuos con TGF muestran una peor percepción de calidad de vida que la población general. Estos hallazgos podrían contribuir al diseño de intervenciones que contemplen variables biopsicosociales, con el objetivo de una mejoría integral en la calidad de vida de las personas que padecen estos trastornos.
Abstract Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGDS) are chronic diseases that constitute a relevant public health problem, associated in previous research with a poorer quality of life. The aim of this study was to study the quality of life in patients attending a Neurogastroenterology Service at an Argentinean public hospital and compare it with a control population. A quantitative and cross-sectional study was carried out including a clinical population diagnosed with some FGD (n = 35) and a control sample without diagnosis of FGD (n = 37). Significant differences were found between people with FGD and control subjects, X 2 (1, N = 70) = 30.23, p < .001 in all sub-dimensions of the Quality of Life Index (MQLI), except Spiritual Fulfillment (SF). Similar to previous research, the results of this study suggest that individuals with FGD show a worse perception of quality of life than the general population. These findings could contribute to the design of interventions that contemplate biopsychosocial variables, with the aim of a comprehensive improvement in the quality of life of people with these disorders.
ABSTRACT
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that represents a significant public health problem due to the impact it produces on quality of life. Recommended treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address psychological factors that may exacerbate symptoms. The use of technology and particularly mobile applications has grown significantly in recent years. In Argentina, no applications have been developed for IBS. Digestivamente is a mobile application, based on cognitive-behavioral therapy developed in this country. It aims to register the psychological factors of patients with IBS, in the context of a psychotherapeutic treatment. This work describes the application and its functionalities. The use of the application is expected to allow greater adherence to treatment and an improvement in the symptoms of these patients.
El Síndrome de Intestino Irritable (SII) es un trastorno gastrointestinal funcional crónico que representa un problema en salud pública debido al impacto que produce en la calidad de vida. Los tratamientos recomendados incluyen a la terapia cognitivo-conductual para el abordaje de aquellos factores psicológicos que exacerban los síntomas. El uso de la tecnología y particularmente de aplicaciones móviles ha crecido de manera significativa durante los últimos años. En Argentina no se han desarrollado aplicaciones para SII. Digestivamente es una aplicación móvil, basada en la terapia cognitivo-conductual desarrollada en este país. Tiene por objetivo el registro de los factores psicológicos de los pacientes con SII en el contexto de un tratamiento psicoterapéutico. En el presente trabajo se describe la aplicación y sus funcionalidades. Se espera que la utilización de la aplicación permita mayor adherencia al tratamiento y una mejoría en la sintomatología de estos pacientes.
Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Mobile Applications , Humans , Argentina , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
Resumen En Argentina, cada año mueren alrededor de 5 000 personas en siniestros viales y conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol es uno de los principales factores de riesgo. El objetivo de la presente revisión fue analizar qué medidas han sido efectivas en reducir la siniestralidad vial relacionada al consumo de alcohol en el mundo y cuáles de las políticas relevadas se implementan y con qué resultados en nuestro país. Se realizó la búsqueda en Psycinfo, Dialnet, Lilacs, Scielo y Pubmed. Se constató que en nuestro país se aplican algunas políticas públicas que han demostrado ser eficaces, aunque no se conocen los resultados de su implementación en nuestra población. Se identificaron también acciones realizadas que no cuentan, al menos por el momento, con evidencia suficiente que justifique su implementación. A partir de los resultados hallados se sugiere desarrollar investigaciones que generen evidencias consistentes ante este grave problema de salud.
Abstract In Argentina 5 000 people die every year in traffic accidents, and driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the main risk factors. The accidents produce social, psychological and physical sequels and they are the main cause of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the main risk factors involved in traffic accidents. This is the main cause of death in young people (15-34 years old) who are exposed to episodic excessive alcohol consumption (ingestion of a great amount of alcohol in a short period of time), a frequent activity among adolescents during the weekends. The main goal of this revision is to know which public policies have been effective to reduce the alcohol related traffic accidents around the world, and also to know the current legislation in our country and which one of those policies has been implemented and what are the results of those policies. The search was conducted in: Psycinfo, Dialnet, Lilacs, Scielo and Pubmed. The words used were "Alcohol", "Tránsito", "Accidents", and "Alcoholemia'' in Spanish, and in English: "Alcohol", "Traffic", "Crashes", and "Breathalyzer". The studies included were results studies of the implementation of accident reduce policies (when they were measured), and reviews that were published in the last five years. However, relevant studies published in English or Spanish before 2015 were included. Out of 448 studies, 12 were included. The countries studied were Brazil, Mexico, Spain, United States of America, Norway, Botswana and Australia. It was found that in our country the application of some public policies had been effective against alcohol related traffic accidents, such as random breath tests, although there is no information about the results of the implementations of these policies. There were found actions that do not show enough evidence that justify their implementation, actions such as "Designated driver". The relationship between traffic accidents and alcohol consumption is overwhelming. Different countries have proposed policies to reduce alcohol related traffic accidents. One of the most successful policies found was the limitations of blood alcohol content and the use of breathalyzers. With the exception of Norway, a country in which there were not good results. In Argentina the use of breathalyzers is implemented, but there are no studies about its efficacy, and the limitation of blood alcohol content is the same as in other countries (0.05 g/dl). Other policies that seem to be effective are the time restrictions for selling alcohol, where in most cases it is prohibited to sell alcohol between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. In Argentina there is a regulation that specifies the time frame within alcohol can be sold but, again, there are no studies about its efficacy. Other policies such as awareness campaigns in night clubs and the "designated driver" or "designated driving" have not been supported by the evidence on results studies (for example, in Spain). These policies have been implemented in Argentina, again without result studies. Our review concludes in the importance of the evaluation, study and measure of the impact of the specific policies in this relevant problem. This would provide evidence that would allow the development of policies and well designed and evidence-based interventions. More specifically, it is recommended to consider proposals such as re evaluation of the minimum age allowed for alcohol consumption; more severe penalties and the removal of vehicles in cases of test positive on a breathalyzer; decrease in the limit of alcohol level permitted while driving for new and young drivers and increase taxes on alcoholic beverages. The results of this study suggest that it is necessary to develop research programs that generate consistent evidence towards this major health problem.
