Occupational self-efficacy scale: Validity in teachers.

Occupational self-efficacy has gained attention because of its importance in understanding the effects of psychosocial factors at work, but because of its relevance, it is necessary to study it in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Occupational Self-Efficacy Short Scale Form (OSS-SF) is a measure of individual variability in self-efficacy within the work context and has been used in some studies in Latin America. The aim of this study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the OSS-SF for 214 Peruvian teachers and to evaluate its internal structure and associations with other constructs. The sample, composed of 214 teachers (Mage = 44, SDage = 10), was selected using nonprobabilistic convenience sampling and evaluated via online forms. Nonparametric item response theory was used. Among the results, a unidimensional structure and high scalability at the item and scale levels were obtained (>0.70). The reliability was approximately 0.90. There was moderate convergence with job satisfaction (0.39) and slight convergence with the perception of the management of virtual tools (0.18). The OSS-SF is a scale with adequate evidence of validity and reliability for Peruvian teachers who work remotely. Therefore, it can be used as a diagnostic measure of intervention and training needs to benefit teachers and students.

[Operational domains of healthy aging: a qualitative description in older adults in Peru]. / Dominios operativos del envejecimiento saludable: una descripción cualitativa en personas adultas mayores de Perú.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Understanding the domains of healthy aging (HA) through the perceptions of older adults is important for the multidimensional determination of the construct according to the culture of Peru and for the development of plans that promote the health, well-being, resources and strengths of older adults. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the operational domains of HA in Peruvian older adults. METHOD: The approach adopted was fundamental qualitative descriptive. A purposive sampling was used and 26 participants attending senior centers belonging to the municipal commune of Lima were recruited (Medad=67.9; SD=6.64). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the content analysis was carried out using an inductive method identifying the units of meaning of the HA. RESULTS: The content analysis showed 11 sub-themes and 4 main themes. The identified themes were as follows: "functional health", "psychological well-being", "active engagement with life" and "religion". Given this, the results demonstrate the multidimensionality of HA in Peruvian older adults. CONCLUSION: The operational domains of HA indicate the importance of individual perceptions considering functional health, psychological well-being, active engagement with life, and religion. This perspective supports the multidimensional concept of HA. This can be implemented as a guide for government entities working with PAMs. In addition, to formulate new public policies focusing on the domains of HA.

Soledad y ansiedad ante la muerte en adultos mayores / Loneliness and Anxiety before Death in Older Adults

Introducción: La etapa de la vejez facilita la aparición del sentimiento de soledad, lo que puede aumentar la vulnerabilidad del adulto mayor frente a la enfermedad y el deterioro de su salud mental. Objetivo: Describir la asociación entre soledad y ansiedad ante la muerte en adultos mayores peruanos. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, correlacional, desarrollado en dos centros del adulto mayor de Lima Sur, Perú, en el período septiembre a noviembre del año 2022. Se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico, y eligieron 300 participantes de ambos sexos, entre 60 y 85 años (Medad= 71,74, DE = 7,21), quienes fueron evaluados mediante la Escala de Soledad y la Escala de Ansiedad ante la muerte. Para el análisis de datos se empleó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Los datos se interpretaron en función a la significancia estadística y el tamaño de efecto de las asociaciones. Resultados: El mayor porcentaje de participantes sentían moderada soledad (51 por ciento) y un nivel de ansiedad moderado (65 por ciento). La soledad obtuvo una asociación directa y moderada con la ansiedad ante la muerte (r = 0,275, p< 0,001). En el análisis de las dimensiones, solo la dimensión miedo a que la vida llegue a su fin se correlacionó con una magnitud moderada con la soledad (0,277, p< 0,001). Conclusiones: Los resultados respaldan que, ante una mayor percepción de soledad, mayor será la ansiedad ante la muerte en el adulto mayor(AU)

Introduction: The stage of old age facilitates the appearance of a loneliness feeling, which can increase the vulnerability of older adults to illness and deterioration of their mental health. Objective: To describe the association between loneliness and death anxiety in Peruvian older adults. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out in two centers for the elderly in Lima Sur, Peru, from September to November 2022. A nonprobabilistic sampling was used and 300 participants of both sexes, between 60 and 85 years of age (mean age = 71.74, SD = 7.21), were chosen and evaluated by means of the Loneliness Scale and the Death Anxiety Scale. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for data analysis. The data were interpreted in terms of statistical significance and effect size of the associations. Results: The highest percentage of participants felt moderate loneliness (51 percent) and a moderate level of anxiety (65 percent). Loneliness obtained a direct and moderate association with death anxiety (r = 0.275, p < 0.001). In the dimensional analysis, only the dimension fear of life coming to an end correlated with loneliness in a moderate magnitude (0.277, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results support that, the greater the perception of loneliness, the greater will be the anxiety about death in the older adult(AU)

Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview: Psychometric Properties in Family Caregivers of People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities may feel overburdened in their work and experience negative psychological consequences. The purpose of this instrumental study was to determine the evidence of internal structure and reliability of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview scale. A total of 398 family caregivers, including women and men, participated (M = 47.33, SD = 10.44). The structure of the scale was evaluated by factor analysis and the McDonald Omega coefficient was used to estimate reliability. Sixteen models of the scale were tested, differing in number of items and factor structures. A model of 15 items and 4 dimensions (overload, competence, social relationship, and interpersonal relationship) obtained acceptable fit (χ2 = 184.72; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.055; SRMR = 0.05) and reliability coefficients above 0.70 in their dimensions. It is concluded that the Zarit scale is valid and reliable for use in caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities.

Internal Structure of the Work-Family Conflict Questionnaire (WFCQ) in Teacher Teleworking.

The interference between family and work roles has led to the development of scales for their measurement. However, instrumental studies of work-family conflict have not been conducted in the context of teacher teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the objectives of this study were set to obtain evidence of the internal structure and fairness of the Blanch and Aluja Work-Family Conflict Questionnaire, as well as its association with job satisfaction and other sociodemographic variables. A total of 235 Peruvian school teachers between the ages of 24 and 72 years (M = 43.79 and SD = 9.67) responded to the scale using the online form. The analysis employed the non-parametric item response theory modeling (Mokken scaling analysis). The structure of two correlated factors was confirmed: work conflict in the family (WCF) and family conflict in the work (FCW). Both dimensions were invariant with respect to sex group and educational level. The association of both dimensions with job satisfaction was theoretically convergent, and the gender of the teachers slightly moderated this relationship. The reliability was adequate for group research. Finally, the instrument can be useful in the organizational context of teachers who telework.

Moral Disengagement, Dark Triad and Face Mask Wearing during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Not wearing a face mask, despite the sanitary recommendation, represented a public health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the aim of the study was to determine the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationship between the dark triad and face mask wearing during the second wave of the pandemic. We worked with a sample made up of 534 adults, who were administered the Dirty Dozen Dark test, the Moral Disengagement Mechanisms Scale and a questionnaire on the frequency of use of face masks. The results showed that moral disengagement mediates the effect of each trait of the dark triad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism) on the use of face masks. It is concluded that those who possess any of the dark personality traits morally disengage in order not to use a face mask, exercising a reckless behavior of the possible contagion of COVID-19 to others.

Traducción y validez de la Escala de creencias sobre el uso de mascarillas para prevenir el contagio de la COVID-19 / Translation and validity of the Scale of beliefs about the use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de la mascarilla es indispensable para reducir la propagación de la COVID-19, pero, un porcentaje importante de personas se rehúsan a su uso. Es posible que las creencias jueguen un rol sustancial en la aceptación o rechazo de su uso. Sin embargo, se carece de una escala para evaluar las creencias sobre el uso de mascarillas para prevenir el contagio de la COVID-19. Objetivo: Traducir y determinar las evidencias de validez, de estructura interna y confiabilidad del autoinforme de creencias sobre el uso de las mascarillas. Métodos: El autoinforme de creencias sobre el uso de las mascarillas fue administrado a 1 218 personas de diferentes provincias del Perú (Medad = 27,4 años, DE = 12,6), elegidas de forma no probabilística. El instrumento fue sometido a un proceso de doble traducción del inglés al español y viceversa; además, mediante el programa Proyecto Jamovi versión 1.6, se determinó la estructura interna con análisis factorial (exploratorio y confirmatorio) y finalmente se estimó la confiabilidad. Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio identificó cuatro factores emergentes que explicaron el 53,7 % de la varianza. El modelo fue verificado y obtuvo índices de ajuste aceptables (χ² = 154 gl = 46; p < 0,01; CFI = 0,96; TLI = 0,942; RMSEA = 0,602). Además, se apreciaron cargas factoriales estandarizadas mayores a 0,30. Conclusión: La versión en español del autoinforme de creencias sobre el uso de las mascarillas muestra evidencias de validez, de estructura y confiabilidad por consistencia interna adecuadas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of a mask is essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19, however, a significant percentage of people refuse to use it. Beliefs may play an important role in accepting or rejecting their use. Objective: To translate and determine the evidence of validity of internal structure and reliability of the self-report of beliefs about the use of masks. Methods: The self-report of beliefs about the use of masks was administered to 1218 people from different provinces of Peru (M age = 27,4 years, SD = 12,6), chosen in a non-probabilistic way. The instrument was subjected to a process of double translation from English to Spanish and vice versa; In addition, using the Jamovi Project version 1.6 program, the internal structure was determined with factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory), and finally reliability was estimated. Results: The exploratory factor analysis identified four emerging factors that explained 53.7% of the variance. The model was verified and obtained acceptable fit indices (χ² = 154 gl = 46; p < 0,01; CFI = 0,96; TLI = 0,942; RMSEA = 0,602). In addition, standardized factor loadings greater than 0,30 were observed. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the self-report of beliefs about the use of masks shows evidence of validity of structure and reliability due to adequate internal consistency.

Relación entre síntomas psicopatológicos y funcionamiento familiar en adultos mayores víctimas de violencia familiar / Relationship between Psychopathological Symptoms and Family Functioning in Older Adults Victims of Family Violence

Introducción: Las familias son un soporte social importante para el bienestar de sus miembros, sobre todo los adultos mayores, quienes resultan vulnerables al maltrato intrafamiliar que pueden afectar su calidad de vida y generar síntomas psicopatológicos; sin embargo, existe poca evidencia científica de esta relación. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre síntomas psicopatológicos y funcionamiento familiar en adultos mayores, víctimas de violencia familiar. Métodos: Estudio transversal, correlacional, en hospital distrital de La Esperanza, Trujillo, Perú, entre junio-octubre 2019. Población 170 adultos mayores asistidos en consulta psicológica, muestra por conveniencia de 151 adultos mayores: 84 víctimas y 67 no víctimas de maltrato. Los instrumentos empleados fueron cuestionario SCL-90 y APGAR familiar. Se procesaron los datos con el Coeficiente de correlaciones de Spearman, la fórmula de transformación de Rupinski y Dunlap y la q de Cohen. Resultados: El funcionamiento familiar tiene relación inversa con la somatización y depresión, en víctimas (r = -0,481; -0,536) y no víctimas de violencia familiar (r = -0,329; -0,387); las víctimas presentaron relaciones negativas del funcionamiento familiar con la obsesión-compulsión (r = -0,336), sensibilidad interpersonal (r = -0,314), ansiedad (r = -0,355), hostilidad (r = -0,435) e ideación paranoide (r = -0,511); la proporción de las diferencias entre las correlaciones de muestras arrojan un tamaño de efecto grande entre funcionamiento familiar e ideación paranoide y mediano entre hostilidad y funcionamiento familiar. Conclusiones: Existe correlación entre los síntomas psicopatológicos y funcionamiento familiar en adultos mayores víctimas y no víctimas de violencia familiar, con diferencias entre correlaciones de ambas muestras en la relación del funcionamiento familiar con la hostilidad y la ideación paranoide(AU)

Introduction: Families are an important social support for the welfare of their members, especially older adults, who are vulnerable to familial mistreatment, which can affect their quality of life and produce psychopathological symptoms; however, there is little scientific evidence about this relationship. Objective: To analyze the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and family functioning in older adults who are victims of family violence. Methods: Cross-sectional and correlational study carried out in La Esperanza district hospital, in Trujillo, Peru, between June and October 2019. The population was made up of 170 older adults attended in the psychological consultation. A convenience sample of 151 older adults was chosen: 84 victims and 67 non-victims of mistreatment. The instruments used were the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Apgar-family questionnaires. Data were processed with Spearman's coefficient of correlation, Rupinski and Dunlap's transformation formula, and Cohen's q. Results: Family functioning showed inverse relationships with somatization and depression in victims (r=-0.481; -0.536) and non-victims of family violence (r=-0.329; -0.387). Victims presented negative relationships of family functioning with obsession-compulsion (r=-0.336), interpersonal sensitivity (r=-0.314), anxiety (r=-0.355), hostility (r=-0.435) and paranoid ideation (r=-0.511). The proportion of differences between sample correlations yielded a large effect size between family functioning and paranoid ideation, while it is average between hostility and family functioning. Conclusions: There is correlation between psychopathological symptoms and family functioning in older adult who are victims and non-victims of family violence, with differences between correlations of both samples in the relationship of family functioning with hostility and paranoid ideation, respectively(AU)

Factores relacionados con el estrés postraumático en pacientes con alta médica por la COVID-19 / Factors related to post-traumatic stress in patients with medical discharge due to COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: La hospitalización a causa de la COVID-19 puede predisponer a la aparición de posibles secuelas psicológicas a largo plazo. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre los factores hospitalarios y no hospitalarios con el estrés postraumático en pacientes con alta médica por la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal y diseño correlacional. La muestra no probabilística estuvo compuesta por 126 participantes con la COVID-19, evaluados mediante un cuestionario autoadministrado y la Escala de Trauma de Davidson. Para el procesamiento de datos se aplicó la prueba ji cuadrado y la V de Cramer como medida de magnitud de efecto. Resultados: El trastorno por estrés postraumático presenta asociaciones moderadas con los factores hospitalarios: tiempo de hospitalización (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,33), tipo clínico de COVID-19 (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,49) y soporte ventilatorio invasivo (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,39); y con los factores no hospitalarios: oxigenoterapia en rehabilitación (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,33), secuelas neurológicas (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,41), dificultad respiratoria (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,53), percepción de discriminación social (p< 0,05) (V de Cramer= 0,29), dificultad para reincorporarse a las actividades diarias (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,40) y familiares infectados con la COVID-19 (p< 0,001) (V de Cramer= 0,30). Conclusiones: Existen factores, tanto intra como extrahospitalarios, que se relacionan con el trastorno por estrés postraumático luego del alta médica por la COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hospitalization due to COVID-19 can predispose to the appearance of possible long-term psychological sequelae. Objective: To determine the relationship between hospital and non-hospital factors with post-traumatic stress in patients discharged for COVID-19 from a hospital in Peru. Methods: Cross-sectional study and correlational design. The non-probabilistic sample consisted of 126 participants, evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire and the Davidson Trauma Scale. For data processing, the chi-square test and Cramer's V were used as measures of the magnitude of effect. Results: Post-traumatic stress disorder presents moderate associations with hospital factors: hospitalization time (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.33), clinical type of COVID-19 (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0 .49) and invasive ventilatory support (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.39); and with non-hospital factors: oxygen therapy in rehabilitation (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.33), neurological sequelae (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.41), respiratory distress (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.53), perception of social discrimination (p<0.05) (Cramer's V = 0.29), difficulty returning to daily activities (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.40) and family members infected with COVID-19 (p<0.001) (Cramer's V = 0.30). Conclusions: There are both in-hospital and out-of-hospital factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder following discharge from COVID-19.

A multifaceted intervention to increase prophylactic oxytocin use during the third stage of labor and to reduce routine episiotomies in Nicaragua.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a multifaceted intervention among skilled birth attendants on the use of oxytocin during the third stage of labor, the active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL), and the rate of routine episiotomy during vaginal births in two health districts in Nicaragua. METHODS: An uncontrolled before-and-after study design was used. The rates of oxytocin use in the third stage of labor, AMTSL, and episiotomy were measured for vaginal births occurring in eight hospitals and health centers during 2011-2012, before and after implementation of a multifaceted facility-based intervention. The intervention involved the use of opinion leaders, interactive workshops to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines, academic detailing, the use of reminders, and feedback on the rates of oxytocin use and episiotomy. RESULTS: Oxytocin use during the third stage of labor increased significantly from 95.3% to 97.4% (P=0.003). The episiotomy rate dropped significantly from 31.2% to 21.2% overall, and from 59.6% to 40.5% in primiparous women (P<0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: The multifaceted intervention improved the targeted care practices during childbirth. However, a further decrease in the routine use of episiotomy would be desirable.

Stakeholder perceptions of a total market approach to family planning in Nicaragua.

OBJECTIVE: To assess private-sector stakeholders' and donors' perceptions of a total market approach (TMA) to family planning in Nicaragua in the context of decreased funding; to build evidence for potential strategies and mechanisms for TMA implementation (including public-private partnerships (PPPs)); and to identify information gaps and future priorities for related research and advocacy. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in various locations in Nicaragua from March to April 2010. A total of 24 key private-sector stakeholders and donors were interviewed and their responses analyzed using two questionnaires and a stakeholder analysis tool (PolicyMakerTM software). RESULTS: All survey participants supported a TMA, and public-private collaboration, in family planning in Nicaragua. Based on the survey responses, opportunities for further developing PPPs for family planning include building on and expanding existing governmental frameworks, such as Nicaragua's current coordination mechanism for contraceptive security. Obstacles include the lack of ongoing government engagement with the commercial (for-profit) sector and confusion about regulations for its involvement in family planning. Strategies for strengthening existing PPPs include establishing a coordination mechanism specifically for the commercial sector and collecting and disseminating evidence supporting public-private collaboration in family planning. CONCLUSIONS: There was no formal or absolute opposition to a TMA or PPPs in family planning in Nicaragua among a group of diverse nongovernmental stakeholders and donors. This type of study can help identify strategies to mobilize existing and potential advocates in achieving articulated policy goals, including diversification of funding sources for family planning to achieve contraceptive security.

Stakeholder perceptions of a total market approach to family planning in Nicaragua / Percepciones de grupos interesados sobre la aplicación de un enfoque de mercado total a la planificación familiar en Nicaragua

OBJECTIVE: To assess private-sector stakeholders' and donors' perceptions of a total market approach (TMA) to family planning in Nicaragua in the context of decreased funding; to build evidence for potential strategies and mechanisms for TMA implementation (including public-private partnerships (PPPs)); and to identify information gaps and future priorities for related research and advocacy. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in various locations in Nicaragua from March to April 2010. A total of 24 key private-sector stakeholders and donors were interviewed and their responses analyzed using two questionnaires and a stakeholder analysis tool (PolicyMakerTM software). RESULTS: All survey participants supported a TMA, and public-private collaboration, in family planning in Nicaragua. Based on the survey responses, opportunities for further developing PPPs for family planning include building on and expanding existing governmental frameworks, such as Nicaragua's current coordination mechanism for contraceptive security. Obstacles include the lack of ongoing government engagement with the commercial (for-profit) sector and confusion about regulations for its involvement in family planning. Strategies for strengthening existing PPPs include establishing a coordination mechanism specifically for the commercial sector and collecting and disseminating evidence supporting public-private collaboration in family planning. CONCLUSIONS: There was no formal or absolute opposition to a TMA or PPPs in family planning in Nicaragua among a group of diverse nongovernmental stakeholders and donors. This type of study can help identify strategies to mobilize existing and potential advocates in achieving articulated policy goals, including diversification of funding sources for family planning to achieve contraceptive security.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las percepciones de los grupos interesados y de los donantes del sector privado sobre la aplicación de un enfoque de mercado total a la planificación familiar en Nicaragua en el contexto de una reducción del financiamiento; establecer datos científicos que avalen posibles estrategias y mecanismos para ejecutar este tipo de enfoque (lo que incluye alianzas entre los sectores público y privado); y determinar las brechas de información y las prioridades futuras en la investigación y la promoción de este enfoque. MÉTODOS: Entre marzo y abril del 2010 se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio descriptivo en varios lugares de Nicaragua. Se entrevistaron 24 personas de varios grupos interesados y de donantes clave del sector privado y se analizaron sus respuestas mediante dos cuestionarios y una herramienta de análisis específica (programa informático PolicyMakerTM). RESULTADOS: Todos los encuestados respaldaron la aplicación de un enfoque de mercado total y la colaboración entre los sectores público y privado respecto de la planificación familiar en Nicaragua. Según las respuestas obtenidas en la encuesta, las oportunidades para desarrollar alianzas adicionales entre los dos sectores respecto de la planificación familiar incluyen mejorar y ampliar los marcos gubernamentales existentes, como el actual mecanismo de coordinación de Nicaragua para la seguridad anticonceptiva. Los obstáculos son la falta de colaboración actual del gobierno con el sector comercial (con fines de lucro) y la confusión acerca de la reglamentación para participar en la planificación familiar. Las estrategias para fortalecer las alianzas existentes entre los sectores público y privado comprenden el establecimiento de un mecanismo de coordinación específico para el sector comercial, y la recolección y difusión de datos que avalen la colaboración entre los dos sectores respecto de la planificación familiar. CONCLUSIONES: En la evaluación de varios grupos interesados y de donantes del sector no gubernamental no se encontró ninguna oposición formal o absoluta a un enfoque de mercado total o a la conformación de alianzas entre los sectores público y privado respecto de la planificación familiar en Nicaragua. Este tipo de estudio puede ayudar a identificar estrategias que motiven a los promotores de la causa actuales y potenciales a alcanzar las metas políticas enunciadas, lo que incluye la diversificación de las fuentes de financiamiento para la planificación familiar a fin de alcanzar la seguridad anticonceptiva.

[The contribution of violence to maternal mortality in Morelos, Mexico]. / La contribución de la violencia a la mortalidad materna en Morelos, México.

OBJECTIVE: To document the under-registration of violent deaths related to pregnancy and the importance of considering these violent deaths within the definition of maternal mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the state of Morelos, based on the review of all death certificates (394) of reproductive aged women (12-49 years) who died during 2001. Based on a list of diagnostic criteria we eliminated 167 certificates that were neither violent deaths nor maternal deaths. The remaining 227 certificates were further evaluated through verbal autopsy and/or review of medical charts. RESULTS: Fifty-one violent deaths were found. Eighteen maternal deaths were officially reported in 2001, however, our study identified 23 direct maternal deaths and four violent deaths during pregnancy and the post-partum period. We found that this reproductive event was the direct trigger for the homicide or suicide of these four women, and only one of these cases was documented officially. CONCLUSIONS: Violent deaths related to pregnancy should be included in official maternal mortality statistics as indirect causes of maternal deaths. This would allow for a greater and more accurate understanding of violent maternal deaths and guide appropriate prevention and care policies, programs and services. Verbal autopsy is a useful technique for identifying cases of violent maternal deaths.

La contribución de la violencia a la mortalidad materna en Morelos, México / The contribution of violence to maternal mortality in Morelos, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Documentar el subregistro de muertes violentas relacionadas con el embarazo y la importancia de considerar, dentro de la definición de mortalidad materna, aquellas muertes producidas también por causas relacionadas con violencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en el estado de Morelos, a partir de 394 certificados de defunción de mujeres entre 12 y 49 años de edad que murieron a lo largo del año 2001. Con base en una lista de diagnósticos de los certificados de defunción, se excluyeron 167 casos que, por las causas de muerte determinadas en el certificado de defunción, no se consideraron que podrían haber sido muertes maternas ni muertes violentas. Posteriormente se realizó el análisis de los 227 certificados restantes a través de la revisión de expedientes clínicos y/o autopsias verbales. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 51 muertes violentas. Las estadísticas oficiales señalan que en 2001 hubo 18 muertes maternas, mientras que este estudio identificó 23 muertas maternas directas más cuatro muertas violentas durante el embarazo y el posparto. Es decir, se encontró que el evento reproductivo fue el factor que desencadenó el homicidio o suicidio de cuatro mujeres. Excepto en un caso, este hecho no está señalado ni relacionado en los registros oficiales. CONCLUSIONES: Se recomienda la inclusión de la violencia relacionada con la reproducción en los registros oficiales de mortalidad materna como una causa indirecta. Esto permitiría profundizar la comprensión de las causas de la mortalidad materna y orientaría la elaboración de políticas, programas y servicios de prevención y atención. La autopsia verbal (AV) es una técnica que ayuda a la identificación de casos de embarazo y muertes maternas violentas.

OBJECTIVE: To document the under-registration of violent deaths related to pregnancy and the importance of considering these violent deaths within the definition of maternal mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the state of Morelos, based on the review of all death certificates (394) of reproductive aged women (12-49 years) who died during 2001. Based on a list of diagnostic criteria we eliminated 167 certificates that were neither violent deaths nor maternal deaths. The remaining 227 certificates were further evaluated through verbal autopsy and/or review of medical charts. RESULTS: Fifty-one violent deaths were found. Eighteen maternal deaths were officially reported in 2001, however, our study identified 23 direct maternal deaths and four violent deaths during pregnancy and the post-partum period. We found that this reproductive event was the direct trigger for the homicide or suicide of these four women, and only one of these cases was documented officially. CONCLUSIONS: Violent deaths related to pregnancy should be included in official maternal mortality statistics as indirect causes of maternal deaths. This would allow for a greater and more accurate understanding of violent maternal deaths and guide appropriate prevention and care policies, programs and services. Verbal autopsy is a useful technique for identifying cases of violent maternal deaths.

A paradigm for developing a comprehensive treatment protocol for survivors of domestic violence / Paradigma para crear un protocolo terapéutico integral destinado a las sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica

En este trabajo se propone un paradigma para crear un protocolo terapéutico integral destinado a las sobrevivientes de episodios de violencia en el hogar. El paradigma propuesto exige que las organizaciones y grupos sociales que más tienen que lidiar con la violencia doméstica tengan una mayor participación en este sentido y una mayor vinculación entre sí. La atención sanitaria es un componente indispensable del tratamiento integral de sobrevivientes de la violencia doméstica, como también lo son el sistema jurídico, las agencias que velan por el cumplimiento de la ley, las agencias que medios de difusión y las iglesias. Para que los servicios estén bien integrados, tanto las agencias como las comunidades donde estas agencias prestan sus servicios tendrán que llegar a un común entendimiento del problema de la violencia doméstica, compartir metas y tener un mismo paradigma de trabajo conjunto. Un paradigma de este tipo podría comprender la puesta en marcha, mediante una colaboración entreagencias, de actividades de promoción, prevención, tratamiento y seguimiento de sobrevivientes, y de medición de resultados inmediatos y en el largo plazo

Is induced abortion a contributing factor to tubal infertility in Mexico? Evidence from a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of induced abortion to tubal infertility in Mexico. DESIGN: Population- and hospital-based case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary hospitals in Mexico City. SAMPLE: Women between 20 and 40 years with infertility and controls of the same age: 251 cases, 502 hospital controls, 502 neighbourhood controls. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in four tertiary hospitals in Mexico City with 251 cases and 1004 controls (two hospital and two neighbourhood controls per case, matched by age [+/-2 years]). Cases were infertile women, aged 20-40, with tubal occlusion confirmed by laparoscopy. Controls were fertile women, who had carried a pregnancy to term within the last two years. Participants completed a previously validated questionnaire asking about reproductive history and induced abortion. RESULTS: Our study did not show an association between induced abortion and tubal infertility among women that did not relate both events (cases vs hospital controls: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.29-8.65; cases vs neighbourhood controls: OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.07-8.99) using conditional logistic models adjusting by marital status, number of pregnancies, age at first sexual intercourse and history of pelvic inflammatory disease. In contrast, early age at sexual debut and history of pelvic inflammatory disease significantly increased the risk of tubal infertility. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico, the lack of association between induced abortion and tubal damage causing infertility observed in this population might be explained by a shift toward "safer" abortion practices.

Physicians' knowledge and opinions about medication abortion in four Latin American and Caribbean region countries.

To examine physicians' knowledge and attitudes in regard to medication abortion, we conducted focus-group discussions with general practice physicians and obstetrician-gynecologists in Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. Physicians were familiar with the practice of several types of medication and surgical abortion methods. Medication abortion with misoprostol is most common among women of higher socioeconomic status and is prescribed by physicians, pharmacists or self-administered. Conflicting opinions regarding safety, efficacy, cost, potential for self-medication and acceptability emerged; some participants expressed hope that medical abortion would reduce the risks associated with unsafe abortion, while others contended that drug distribution and self-medication without proper counseling could be problematic. Participants noted a lack of reliable sources of information for both providers and women, and expressed interest in strategic dissemination of information.