Study of the Predictive Validity of the Burnout Granada Questionnaire in Police Officers.

Professionals with burnout have negative physical and psychological effects, with adverse consequences in their workplace. Burnout mainly affects assisting professions; amongst them, police work is one of the professions at risk of suffering from this syndrome. The aim of this research is to study the adequacy of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Granada Burnout Questionnaire instruments to measure burnout in police officers through the study of the reliability and validity (concurrent and predictive) of these instruments. A cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample was composed of 1884 police officers, mostly men (85.4%), with an average age of 35.04 (SD = 8.30). The Maslach Burnout Inventory and Granada Burnout Questionnaire were used to measure burnout. The results obtained in this study support the adequacy of both instruments for measuring burnout. The correlation coefficients between the dimensions are significant, with a medium-high magnitude. Participants with burnout had significantly higher scores in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and lower scores in personal accomplishment in both instruments. The area under the curve estimated for the Granada Burnout Questionnaire provided evidence of the predictive validity of the instrument. The police profession needs validated and sensitive tools to identify police changes in the dimensions of burnout. The Granada Burnout Questionnaire instrument correctly classifies burnout in police professionals.

Inducción de organogénesis in vitro con 6-bencilaminopurina en Cattleya trianae Linden & Rchb.f / Induction of organogenesis in vitro with 6-benzylaminopurine in Cattleya trianae Linden & Rchb.f

RESUMEN La orquídea Cattleya trianae Linden & Rchb.f. es reconocida como flor nacional de Colombia y se encuentra en peligro crítico, al presentar una reducción estimada mayor al 80% en los últimos 100 años, debido a la disminución en la calidad del hábitat y niveles altos de explotación o recolección. La familia Orchidaceae es una de las que mayor número de especies posee en el reino Plantae, con aproximadamente 900 géneros, de los cuales, el 38% es endémico de Colombia, concentrado en la región Andina, con 87,2%. Esta investigación buscó profundizar en el tema de la propagación como mecanismo de conservación, para lo cual, se determinó el efecto de la 6-Bencilaminopurina (6-BAP), sobre el desarrollo in vitro, en Fusagasugá (Cundinamarca), en un diseño de bloques completamente al azar, con 3 repeticiones. Cuerpos protocórmicos provenientes de semillas recolectadas en Pacho (Cundinamarca) fueron sembrados en medio básico Murashige & Skoog, enriquecido con 4 concentraciones de 6-BAP. Los resultados mostraron respuestas diferenciales a la adición de la citoquinina, ya que, con la concentración más alta, se obtuvo el mayor porcentaje de callos, con la de 0,05mg.L-1, el mayor porcentaje de brotes y sin la aplicación del regulador de crecimiento, el mayor porcentaje de raíz.

ABSTRACT The orchid Cattleya trianae Linden & Rchb.f. is recognized as the national flower of Colombia, the species is in a critical danger, presenting an estimated reduction of more than 80% in the last 100 years due to the decrease in habitat quality and high levels of exploitation or harvesting. The Orchidaceae family is one of the largest number of species in the Plant Kingdom, with approximately 900 genera, of which 38% are endemic in Colombia, concentrated in the Andean region with 87.2%. This research sought to deepen in the topic of the propagation as mechanism of protection for their conservation, for which the effect of cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) on development was determined in vitro in Fusagasugá (Cundinamarca), in a completely randomized block design with 3 replicates. The protocorm-like bodies from seeds collected in Pacho (Cundinamarca) were sown in a basic medium Murashige and Skoog enriched with 4 concentrations of 6-BAP. The results showed differential responses to the addition of cytokinin, as the highest concentration was obtained the highest percentage of callus, with the 0.05mg. L-1, the highest percentage of shoots and without the application of the growth regulator, the highest root percentage.

Mutation in NADPH oxidase 3 (NOX3) impairs SHH signaling and increases cerebellar neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation.

Abnormalities in cerebellar structure and function may cause ataxia, a neurological dysfunction of motor coordination. In the course of the present study, we characterized a mutant mouse lineage with an ataxia-like phenotype. We localized the mutation on chromosome 17 and mapped it to position 1534 of the Nox3 gene, resulting in p.Asn64Tyr change. The primary defect observed in Nox3eqlb mice was increased proliferation of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs). cDNA microarray comparing Nox3eqlb and BALB/c neonatal cerebellum revealed changes in the expression of genes involved in the control of cell proliferation. Nox3eqlb GCPs and NSC produce higher amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulate the expression of SHH target genes, such as Gli1-3 and Ccnd1 (CyclinD1). We hypothesize that this new mutation is responsible for an increase in proliferation via stimulation of the SHH pathway. We suggest this mutant mouse lineage as a new model to investigate the role of ROS in neuronal precursor cell proliferation.

Hábitos alimentarios, conductas sedentarias y sobrepeso y obesidad en adolescentes de Barcelona / Eating habits, sedentary behaviors and overweight and obesity among adolescents in Barcelona (Spain)

INTRODUCCIÓN: El desayuno representa la ingesta más importante de una alimentación equilibrada y su supresión se asocia al sobrepeso. El objetivo del estudio es estimar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en adolescentes de Barcelona y analizar su asociación con hábitos alimentarios inadecuados y conductas sedentarias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en 2008 a una muestra representativa de estudiantes de secundaria de Barcelona. Se definió sobrepeso y obesidad en base al índice de masa corporal (IMC) a partir de medidas objetivas. Se determinó la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad y se analizó su asociación con hábitos alimentarios, actividades sedentarias y actividad física mediante modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 3.089 escolares (52% chicas). La prevalencia de exceso de peso fue del 26,1% en chicos (6,2% obesidad) y del 20,6% en chicas (3,7% obesidad). En ambos sexos, el sobrepeso se asoció a una menor edad, menor frecuencia de desayunar, estar realizando una dieta para adelgazar y menor ingesta de alimentos menos saludables. Realizar dieta para adelgazar y una menor ingesta de alimentos menos saludables también se asociaron a la obesidad en ambos sexos. En chicos, además, la obesidad se asoció positivamente al sedentarismo. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados reflejan la magnitud del sobrepeso y la obesidad como problema de salud pública y confirman la necesidad de la toma de desayuno para prevenir el exceso de peso. Además, permiten ampliar el conocimiento sobre los factores asociados al sobrepeso y obesidad para mejorar los programas de promoción de la salud en escolares ya existentes

INTRODUCTION: Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day in an equilibrated diet. Skipping breakfast has been associated with overweight. This study aimed to describe overweight and obesity among high school students in Barcelona and to analyze their association with eating habits and sedentary behaviors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2008 on a representative sample of high-school students in Barcelona (Spain). Overweight and obesity were defined using Body Mass Index (BMI), which was calculated from objective measurements. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were determined, and their association with eating habits, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity was analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 3,089 students were analyzed (52% girls). The prevalence of overweight was 26.1% in boys (6.2% obese) and 20.6% in girls (3.7% obese). In both sexes, overweight was associated with being younger, having breakfast less often, being on a diet, and with a lower frequency of unhealthy food intake. Being on a diet and a lower unhealthy food intake were related to obesity in both sexes. Among boys, obesity was also associated with sedentary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that overweight and obesity are a serious public health problem and confirm the importance of breakfast to prevent overweight. Moreover, these results allow us to expand our knowledge on the factors associated with overweight and obesity in order to improve current school preventive programs

[Eating habits, sedentary behaviors and overweight and obesity among adolescents in Barcelona (Spain)]. / Hábitos alimentarios, conductas sedentarias y sobrepeso y obesidad en adolescentes de Barcelona.

INTRODUCTION: Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day in an equilibrated diet. Skipping breakfast has been associated with overweight. This study aimed to describe overweight and obesity among high school students in Barcelona and to analyze their association with eating habits and sedentary behaviors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2008 on a representative sample of high-school students in Barcelona (Spain). Overweight and obesity were defined using Body Mass Index (BMI), which was calculated from objective measurements. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were determined, and their association with eating habits, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity was analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 3,089 students were analyzed (52% girls). The prevalence of overweight was 26.1% in boys (6.2% obese) and 20.6% in girls (3.7% obese). In both sexes, overweight was associated with being younger, having breakfast less often, being on a diet, and with a lower frequency of unhealthy food intake. Being on a diet and a lower unhealthy food intake were related to obesity in both sexes. Among boys, obesity was also associated with sedentary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that overweight and obesity are a serious public health problem and confirm the importance of breakfast to prevent overweight. Moreover, these results allow us to expand our knowledge on the factors associated with overweight and obesity in order to improve current school preventive programs.

Baseline plasmaccholinesterase activities in argentine saddle horses from sabana deboogotá / Activdad colinessterasa plasmática en caballos silla Argentina de la sabana de bogotá

The determination of cholinesterase (ChE) activity in domestic animals is of great importance for diagnosis and research purposes. The present work was aimed to determine the baseline plasma ChE activities (acetylcholinesterase, AChE and butyrylcholinestarase, BChE) of Argentine saddle horses sampled from equine farms of Bogota (Colombia) and its surroundings. Plasma AChE and BChE catalytic activities were measured in 60 healthy horses by spectrophotometry within the visible spectrum (405 nm). AChE mean ± SD values (nmols/ml/min) for males (n=32) were 1566 ± 301. Age intervals results were, 0.5-5 years: 1526 ± 295, 6-10 years: 1532 ± 313, 11-15 years: 1615 ± 279, and > 15 years: 1617 ± 335. As for females (n=28), mean AChE was 1323 ± 432, with age intervals as follows, 0.5-5 years: 719 ± 108, 6-10 years: 1603 ± 313, 11-15 years: 1225 ± 294, > 15 years: 1519 ± 369. BChE in males were 3304 ± 822; with age intervals, 0.5-5 years: 3383 ± 715, 6-10 years: 3360 ± 766, 11-15 years: 3267 ± 1064, > 15 years: 3206 ± 861. As for females, BChE values were 3097 ± 432, with age intervals: 0.5-5 years: 2467 ± 981, 6-10 years: 3668 ± 750, 11-15 years: 3238 ± 979, and > 15 years: 3015 ± 925. AChE was significantly different between males and females (t test, p < 0.05) and for both genders when age groups were compared (ANOVA, p < 0.05). BChE had higher values than AChE for both genders and yet no significant difference was found when genders were compared. No differences were found in BChE for age groups in both genders. In a second test, 15 random samples, kept at 4 ºC for 72 hours, were analyzed for variations when measured every 24h. Neither AChE nor BChE had significant variations in these 24h-apart measurements. The present investigation found baseline activities for the two types of plasma cholinesterases in Argentinian saddle horses. This will allow researchers and clinicians to count on reference values for diagnosis and comparative purposes.

La determinación de la actividad colinesterasa (ChE) en animales domésticos es de importancia en diagnóstico e investigación. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo principal la determinación de la línea base de actividad ChE plasmática (acetilcolinesterasa, AChE y butirilcolinesterasa, BChE) en 60 caballos Silla Argentino muestreados en fincas de equinos ubicadas en Bogotá (Colombia) y sus alrededores. Las actividades catalíticas de AChE y BChE plasmáticas fueron medidas mediante espectrofotometría visible (405 nm). Los valores promedio ± desviación estándar de actividad AChE (nmols/ml/ min) para machos (n=32) fueron 1566 ± 301. En intervalos de edad, los resultados fueron, 0.5-5 años: 1526 ± 295, 6-10 años: 1532 ± 313, 11-15 años: 1615 ± 279, y > 15 años: 1617 ± 335. En hembras (n=28), la actividad AChE fue 1323 ± 432, con valores en intervalos de edad, 0.5-5 años: 719 ± 108, 6-10 años: 1603 ± 313, 11-15 años: 1225 ± 294, > 15 años: 1519 ± 369. La BChE en machos fue 3304 ± 822; con intervalos de edad, 0.5-5 años: 3383 ± 715, 6-10 años: 3360 ± 766, 11-15 años: 3267 ± 1064, > 15 años: 3206 ± 861. En hembras, la BChE fue 3097 ± 432, con intervalos de edad: 0.5-5 años: 2467 ± 981, 6-10 años: 3668 ± 750, 11-15 años: 3238 ± 979, y > 15 años: 3015 ± 925. La actividad AChE fue significativamente diferente entre machos y hembras (test t, p < 0.05) y en ambos géneros al comparar los grupos etáreos (ANAVA, p < 0.05). BChE tuvo valores más altos que AChE, sin embargo, no en forma significativa cuando se compararon los resultados entre los dos géneros, ni cuando se compararon los grupos etáreos en los dos géneros. En una prueba adicional, 15 muestras fueron tomadas al azar y mantenidas a 4ºC durante 72 horas para ser analizadas cada 24 horas; AChE y BChE no mostraron variaciones significativas entre las mediciones hechas en este período de tiempo. El presente estudio permitió determinar lineas base de los dos tipos de colinesterasas plasmáticas en caballos tipo silla Argentino con el propósito de ofrecer valores de referencia con fines diagnósticos y comparativos para clínicos e investigadores.

Trichuris suis and Trichuris trichiura are different nematode species.

In this paper, a morphological and biometrical study by optical microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) of Trichuris suis isolated from different hosts (Sus scrofa domestica and Sus scrofa scrofa) and Trichuris trichiura isolated from chimpanzee, has been carried out. Our results demonstrate the existence of typical pericloacal papillae in both species. Biometrical parameters of T. suis and T. trichiura overlapped but males and females of T. trichiura tended to be shorter and thinner than those of T. suis. Our results suggest that T. suis and T. trichiura cannot be differentiated using standard procedures as morphological and biometrical determinations. Thus, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA was sequenced to allow a differentiation between T. suis and T. trichiura on genetic level. The ITS1 and ITS2 sequences derived from T. trichiura eggs isolated from feces of primates (Colobus guereza kikuyensis and Nomascus gabriellae) showed clear differences to the respective sequences of T. suis derived from eggs of different porcine hosts. The 5.8S gene was similar between the two species. Sequences obtained from different populations of the same species showed no significant differences indicating that the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences reported in this study are representative for T. trichiura and T. suis, respectively. Phylogenetic relationships have been determined attending to the ITS1 and ITS2 sequences from different species of the genus Trichuris. In conclusion, T. trichiura and T. suis are considered to be closely related but genetically different species. Both species can be easily and reliably distinguished by a PCR-RFLP analysis of the ITS1 and ITS2 sequences with different restriction enzymes.

Substance use among road traffic casualties admitted to emergency departments.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of recent psychoactive substance use and associated factors among road traffic casualties admitted to emergency departments. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, including adults injured in road traffic crashes admitted to the emergency department (ED) of eight hospitals in Catalonia (Spain), during three cross-sections, each of 4 days duration (2005-2006). Information sources were an interview, an oral fluid specimen and the patient's clinical record. Dependent variables were presence of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, opiates or benzodiazepines. Independent variables were socioeconomic characteristics and circumstances of the injuries and admission. Prevalence and exact 95% confidence intervals were estimated for men and women. Bivariate analyses and multivariate binomial regression modelling were carried out to study factors associated with substance use in male drivers and pedestrians. RESULTS: The prevalence of substance use was higher in men (n = 226) than in women (n = 161) for any substance (34.4% and 16.2%), any illegal substance (19.3% and 7.6%), alcohol (18.5% and 9.2%) and cannabis (17.0% and 3.8%), respectively. In male drivers and pedestrians, alcohol use was associated with being in the 25-30-year age group, being injured at night and the weekend, and arriving at the ED by ambulance; cannabis use was only associated with being in the 18-30-year age group. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of recent psychoactive substance use, especially alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, was observed in all age groups. The results indicate the need to screen for substance use and to give simple advice to casualties at EDs.

Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences of Trichuris skrjabini (Tricocephalida: Trichuridae).

The partial mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox 1) and partial mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA of Trichuris skrjabini (Baskakov 1924) isolated from Capra hircus have been amplified and sequenced. The analyses of multiple sequence alignments of mitochondrial 16S rDNA and cox 1 of T. skrjabini revealed high homology with those of Trichinella species. For the first time, the mitochondrial DNA gene sequences of one species of trichurid nematode have been cited.

Mortality attributable to passive smoking in Spain, 2002.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with a variety of health effects, including lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of deaths caused by exposure to ETS among non-smokers in Spain during the year 2002 METHODS: Prevalence of ETS exposure among never smokers was gathered from three region based health interview surveys. The relative risks of lung cancer and ischaemic heart diseases were selected from three meta-analyses. Population attributable risk (PAR) was computed using a range of prevalences (minimum-maximum). The number of deaths attributable to ETS was calculated by applying PARs to mortality not attributable to active smoking in 2002. The analyses were stratified by sex, age and source of exposure (home, workplace and both combined). In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed for different scenarios. RESULTS: Among men, deaths attributable to ETS ranged from 408 to 1703. From 247 to 1434 of these deaths would be caused by the exposure only at home, 136-196 by exposure only in the workplace and 25-73 by exposure at both home and the workplace. Among women, the number of attributable deaths ranged from 820 to 1534. Between 807 and 1477 of these deaths would be caused by exposure only at home, 9-32 by exposure only in the workplace and 4-25 by exposure both at home and in the workplace. CONCLUSION: Exposure to ETS at home and at work in Spain could be responsible for 1228-3237 of deaths from lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease. These data confirm that passive smoking is an important public health problem in Spain that needs urgent attention.

Applying an equity lens to tobacco-control policies and their uptake in six Western-European countries.

We identified policies that may be effective in reducing smoking among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and examined trends in their level of application between 1985 and 2000 in six western-European countries (Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain). We located studies from literature searches in major databases, and acquired policy data from international data banks and questionnaires distributed to tobacco policy organisations/researchers. Advertising bans, smoking bans in workplaces, removing barriers to smoking cessation therapies, and increasing the cost of cigarettes have the potential to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in smoking. Between 1985 and 2000, tobacco control policies in most countries have become more targeted to decrease the smoking behaviour of low-socioeconomic groups. Despite this, many national tobacco-control strategies in western-European countries still fall short of a comprehensive policy approach to addressing smoking inequalities.

Inducing mutations in the mouse genome with the chemical mutagen ethylnitrosourea.

When compared to other model organisms whose genome is sequenced, the number of mutations identified in the mouse appears extremely reduced and this situation seriously hampers our understanding of mammalian gene function(s). Another important consequence of this shortage is that a majority of human genetic diseases still await an animal model. To improve the situation, two strategies are currently used: the first makes use of embryonic stem cells, in which one can induce knockout mutations almost at will; the second consists of a genome-wide random chemical mutagenesis, followed by screening for mutant phenotypes and subsequent identification of the genetic alteration(s). Several projects are now in progress making use of one or the other of these strategies. Here, we report an original effort where we mutagenized BALB/c males, with the mutagen ethylnitrosourea. Offspring of these males were screened for dominant mutations and a three-generation breeding protocol was set to recover recessive mutations. Eleven mutations were identified (one dominant and ten recessives). Three of these mutations are new alleles (Otop1mlh, Foxn1sepe and probably rodador) at loci where mutations have already been reported, while 4 are new and original alleles (carc, eqlb, frqz, and Sacc). This result indicates that the mouse genome, as expected, is far from being saturated with mutations. More mutations would certainly be discovered using more sophisticated phenotyping protocols. Seven of the 11 new mutant alleles induced in our experiment have been localized on the genetic map as a first step towards positional cloning.

Inducing mutations in the mouse genome with the chemical mutagen ethylnitrosourea

When compared to other model organisms whose genome is sequenced, the number of mutations identified in the mouse appears extremely reduced and this situation seriously hampers our understanding of mammalian gene function(s). Another important consequence of this shortage is that a majority of human genetic diseases still await an animal model. To improve the situation, two strategies are currently used: the first makes use of embryonic stem cells, in which one can induce knockout mutations almost at will; the second consists of a genome-wide random chemical mutagenesis, followed by screening for mutant phenotypes and subsequent identification of the genetic alteration(s). Several projects are now in progress making use of one or the other of these strategies. Here, we report an original effort where we mutagenized BALB/c males, with the mutagen ethylnitrosourea. Offspring of these males were screened for dominant mutations and a three-generation breeding protocol was set to recover recessive mutations. Eleven mutations were identified (one dominant and ten recessives). Three of these mutations are new alleles (Otop1mlh, Foxn1sepe and probably rodador) at loci where mutations have already been reported, while 4 are new and original alleles (carc, eqlb, frqz, and Sacc). This result indicates that the mouse genome, as expected, is far from being saturated with mutations. More mutations would certainly be discovered using more sophisticated phenotyping protocols. Seven of the 11 new mutant alleles induced in our experiment have been localized on the genetic map as a first step towards positional cloning.

[Factors associated with smoking onset: 3-year cohort study of schoolchildren]. / Factores asociados con el inicio del tabaquismo: seguimiento a los 3 años de una cohorte de escolares.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictors of smoking onset among schoolchildren. METHODS: A cohort study of 1056 children starting in first year secondary school at 44 schools in Barcelona was carried out. Participating children were invited to answer a lifestyle questionnaire every year for 4 years. Each questionnaire carried a personal code to allow the 4 questionnaires to be matched. Matching questionnaires were found for 729 children, 70% of the initial sample. RESULTS: Over the study period, the prevalence of regular smokers increased from 1.7% to 22% among boys and from 1.6% to 38.2% among girls. The predictors of smoking onset among boys were scoring high on the pro-smoking attitudes index (odds ratio [OR]=1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.3), intention to smoke in the future (OR=2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-4.9), low self-efficacy in resisting pressures to smoke (OR=0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), having siblings that smoke (OR=2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.4), and spending some free time in bars (OR=2.4; CI, 1.1-4.9). Among girls, the predictors were having low self-esteem (OR=0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99), scoring low on the anti-tobacco attitudes index (OR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97), having siblings who smoke (OR=2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5), spending some free time in discotheques (OR=4.5; 95% CI, 1.9-11.8), and living in high socioeconomic-status neighborhoods (OR=3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-10.9). CONCLUSIONS: The results show the importance of cognitive variables as well as a variety of environmental variables, particularly the pattern of free time use and the influence of sibling models. Prevention programs must take into account smoking onset risk factors as a whole.

[Changes in tobacco use in the general population of Barcelona, 1983-2000]. / Cambios en el consumo de tabaco en la población general en Barcelona, 1983-2000.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence trends for smoking and its determinants in the general population of Barcelona from 1983 to 2000. DESIGN: Time series study. SETTING: Health survey based on home interviews of a representative sample of the general population of Barcelona. PARTICIPANTS: In the years 1983, 1992, and 2000 we interviewed 3134, 5004, and 10,000 persons, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: Between 1983 and 2000 daily tobacco use showed a steady tendency to decrease among men, with a prevalence that decreased from 54.6% to 38.3%, while in women, smoking increased between 1983 and 1992 (from 20.9% to 25.4%) but remained stable in 2000 (24.5%). The proportion of smokers who said they wanted to quit increased in both sexes from 1992 (54.2%) to 2000 (65.7%). During this period the proportion of smokers who said their doctor had advised them to quit increased from 36.1% to 48.1%. The trends for both sexes showed that consumption of tobacco products was greater among less privileged socioeconomic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the decrease in the prevalence of daily consumption of tobacco products and the increase in smokers who would like to quit, in parallel with the increase in advice from physicians to quit. However, the trends among younger groups remained stable, a finding that makes it necessary to intensify efforts aimed at this population group.

[Trends in tobacco, alcohol and cannabis consumption among secondary school pupils in Barcelona, Spain (1987-1999)]. / Tendencias en el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis de los escolares de Barcelona (1987-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption among secondary school pupils in Barcelona between 1987 and 1999. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys administered to representative samples of pupils in the second year of secondary school between 1987 and 1999. The questionnaires were anonymous and self-completed. We present data from 5013 secondary school pupils from Barcelona who participated in one of the five surveys. RESULTS: Regular smoking (daily and weekly) showed a uniform decrease between 1987 and 1996. The results of the last survey (1999) showed an increase over those the 1996 survey, ranging from 13.4% for regular smoking to 38.7% for experimental smoking. Between 1987 and 1999, the percentage of schoolchildren who reported drinking at least half a glass of alcohol at some time showed an overall decrease of 14.0%. No differences in sex were found in problematic alcohol consumption, while a higher proportion of girls (14.0%) than boys (10.5%) reported getting drunk at some time. Whereas in 1996, 6.9% of the population studied had smoked cannabis at some time, in 1999 this proportion was 7.3%, with no differences between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period regular smoking increased, alcohol consumption decreased and cannabis consumption tended to level-off. Differences between boys and girls tended to disappear.

Tendencias en el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis de los escolares de Barcelona (1987-1999) / Trends in tobacco, alcohol and cannabis consumption among secondary school pupils in Barcelona, Spain [1987-1999]

Objetivo: Describir las tendencias en el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis entre los adolescentes escolarizados entre 1987 y 1999 de la ciudad de Barcelona. Métodos: Encuestas transversales realizadas a muestras representativas de escolares de segundo curso de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) entre 1987 y 1999. Los cuestionarios eran anónimos y autocontestados. Se dispone de datos de 5.013 escolares de la ciudad de Barcelona que participan en alguna de las 5 encuestas. Resultados: Tras disminuir de forma uniforme entre 1987 y 1996, en 1999 se observa un aumento del 13,4 por ciento en el consumo regular (diario o semanal) de tabaco y del 38,7 por ciento en el consumo experimental de tabaco, respecto a las prevalencias observadas en 1996. Con respecto al consumo de alcohol, se observa una disminución global del 14 por ciento de los escolares que ha bebido al menos medio vaso de alcohol entre 1987 y 1999. El consumo problemático de alcohol se iguala en ambos sexos, y la proporción que declara haberse emborrachado alguna vez es en 1999 superior en las chicas (14,0 por ciento) que en los chicos (10,5 por ciento). Mientras en 1996 un 6,9 por ciento declaraba haber probado cannabis, la proporción en 1999, sin diferencias entre sexos, era del 7,3 por ciento de la población estudiada. Conclusiones: En el período estudiado se observa un aumento del consumo regular de tabaco, una disminución del consumo de alcohol y una estabilización del consumo de cannabis. Las diferencias entre ambos sexos tienden a desaparecer (AU)

[Factors associated with smoking and the intention to smoke in secondary school pupils: results of the ESFA project in Barcelona, Spain]. / Factores asociados con la intención de fumar y el inicio del hábito tabáquico en escolares: resultados del estudio ESFA en Barcelona.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the factors asssociated with smoking and intention to smoke among a representative sample of first-grade pupils of secondary education (12-13 years old) in Barcelona. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 37 secondary schools were randomly selected to evaluate the impact of a European-wide smoking prevention program (European Smoking prevention Frame Approach, ESFA project). In these schools, 1041 pupils of first grade of secondary education responded to a questionnaire designed at the University of Maastricht to study life-style attitudes and behaviours, mainly smoking. RESULTS: 9.8% of boys and 12.6% of girls declared to smoke either regulary or ocasionally. Among the no-smokers, 61.4% of the boys and 73.3% of the girls reported to have the intention to smoke in the future. Among the boys, factors associated with smoking included social norms (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-5.2), smoking by siblings (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2), attitudes against smoking (OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6), practicing some sports in the leisure time (OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7) and having more available pocket money (OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5-6.8). Intention to smoke was only related to attitudes (OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5). Among girls, smoking was associated to perceived pressure to smoke (OR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.0), consumption by friends (OR = 6.0; 95% CI, 2.4-15.4) and attitudes against smoking (OR = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.4), while intention was only associated to attitudes (OR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.6) and hanging out in the street in the leisure time (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 0.3-3.5). CONCLUSIONS: The results stress the need to deal simultaneoulsy with the different factors associated to smoking initiation and attitude shaping, including cognitive factors, environmental factors, and patterns of leisure time utilization.