A Cross-Cultural Analysis of the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Prenatal Depression in Spain and Mexico.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with prenatal depression among Spanish-speaking women in Spain and Mexico are examined and compared through a cross-cultural study. The study utilizes secondary data from 563 participants who received prenatal care in Madrid (N = 283) and in Mexico City (N = 280), assessed with the PHQ-9 and the PDPI-R. Spanish women reported a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms (10.0%) than Mexican women (20.3%). Regression analyses showed that previous prenatal anxiety and lack of family emotional support were common risk factors to the two countries. Within each country, significant risk factors included: (a) previous depression history (ß = 0.224; p < 0.001) in Spain; and (b) unplanned pregnancy (ß = - 0.116; p < 0.027), lack of emotional support from others (ß = 0.129; p < 0.032), marital dissatisfaction (ß = 0.186; p < 0.009), and life stress due to financial problems (ß = 0.117; p < 0.026), and life stress due to marital problems (ß = 0.114; p < 0.040) in Mexico. Health professionals can tailor interventions to their particular risk factors to reduce the adverse effects on mothers and infants.

Episcleral brachytherapy for uveal melanoma: analysis of 136 cases.

PURPOSE: To assess the results of I-125 episcleral brachytherapy (EB) in uveal melanoma: tumour control, visual acuity (VA), eye preservation and survival. PATIENTS: Prospective and consecutive study of patients with a diagnosis of uveal melanoma at the Ocular Oncology Unit in the Valladolid University Teaching Hospital treated with EB between September 1997 and June 2008. Ocular examination and extraocular and systemic extension data were registered in a database at the time of the diagnosis and during the follow-up. RESULTS: Among a total of 310 patients diagnosed between September 1997 and June 2008, 136 were treated with EB (mean age, 58.3). Mean follow-up was 55.3 months. As for tumour type, 66.9% were nodular and 39% mushroom shaped. With respect to size, 80.9% were medium, 7.4% small and 11.8% large. After 4.6 years of follow-up, tumours were controlled in 97.1%, with a 55.1% reduction in mean height; only 2.9% of patients showed recurrence. VA was maintained in 16.2% of patients and 17.6% showed an increase; 33% had retinopathy and 14.6% optic neuropathy. Only 5.1% of patients underwent enucleation due to complications and there has been 1 melanoma-related death to date. CONCLUSIONS: I-125 EB is effective in tumour control, allowing preservation of the eye and useful visual function for the majority of patients.