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.

Dermatitis Artefacta: A Practical Guide for Diagnosis and Management.

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is a psycho-dermatologic condition based on patients' behavioral patterns, characterized by an intentional production of cutaneous lesions on their own skin. The clinical presentation can be highly variable. Patients with DA seldom seek psychological support or psychiatric consultation. More often, they seek help from their primary care physician or dermatologist. This review article aims to provide a practical guide for the diagnosis and management of AD and affected patients. A broad literature search was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic online databases, using key words "dermatitis artefacta", "diagnosis", "management", and "psychodermatology". The search was limited to English and Spanish language articles and was supplemented with themed books and book chapters. DA can occur in a variety of clinical presentations, and physicians should suspect DA in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders or extensive use of healthcare services. The ultimate goal of DA treatment may be a proper referral to mental health services. However, the prognosis is poor even when successful mental health referrals are achieved, with low recovery rates. A useful approach may include the suggestion that a mental health provider can help with the anxiety and the distress generated by the lesions: in this case in this case it will be crucial to discuss this with the mental health provider after obtaining informed consent from the patient. Considering the difficulty in promoting patients' adherence to treatment, the ideal setting for DA treatment is a psycho-dermatologic clinic, where both dermatologic and psychological interventions can be seamlessly integrated.

Medical Students Training and Mental Health: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: Medical students are vulnerable to psychological distress and face a number of stressors such as academic pressures, economic concerns, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. The quality of their educational training may also impact their mental health and subjective well-being. Objective: to describe their perception of subjective well-being and the impact of medical training on their own mental health. Methods: We surveyed 119 medical students and administered the "Perception survey on vocation, living and recreational habits, training and professional attitudes," the CAGE questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). Results: Students' mean age was 22.5±2.28 years old and 59.7 % of participants were women, their lifestyle habits were scored as acceptable, and the employment of cell-phones and social networks ranged 76-99%; 24.1 % recognized a problematic alcohol, 67.2 % reported anxiety according to the GAD-7, and 49.6 % depression according to PHQ-2. Symptoms of anxiety were frequent among females and were higher when the perceived quality of training and student/teacher ratio were lower. Discussion: Students' perceptions of lower quality of training and resources seemed to be associated with higher levels of anxiety, which may suggest that educational policies and resources should be carefully revised and implemented to improve students' health and well-being.

Introducción: los estudiantes de medicina son vulnerables al malestar psicológico y se enfrentan a una serie de factores estresantes como las presiones académicas, las preocupaciones económicas y las dificultades en las relaciones interpersonales. La calidad de su formación educativa también puede influir en su salud mental y bienestar subjetivo. Objetivo: describir su percepción de bienestar subjetivo y el impacto de la formación médica en su propia salud mental. Metodología: se encuestó a 119 estudiantes de medicina y se les administró la "Encuesta de percepción sobre vocación, hábitos de vida y recreación, formación y actitudes profesionales", el cuestionario CAGE, el Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada-7 (TAG-7) y el Cuestionario de Salud del Paciente-2 (PHQ-2). Resultados: la edad media de los estudiantes fue de 22,5±2,28 años y el 59,7 % de los participantes eran mujeres; sus hábitos de vida se calificaron como aceptables, y el empleo de teléfonos móviles y redes sociales osciló entre el 76 y el 99 %; el 24,1 % reconoció un consumo problemático de alcohol, el 67,2 % manifestó ansiedad según el TAG-7, y el 49,6 % depresión según el PHQ-2. Los síntomas de ansiedad eran frecuentes entre las mujeres y eran mayores cuando la calidad percibida de la formación y la proporción alumnos/profesor eran menores. Discusión: la percepción por parte de los estudiantes de una menor calidad de la formación y de los recursos parecía estar asociada a mayores niveles de ansiedad, lo que puede sugerir que las políticas y los recursos educativos deberían revisarse y aplicarse cuidadosamente para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de los estudiantes.

Discrimination, stigma and mental health: what's next?

Stigma and discrimination are a major ongoing problem in the field of mental health as these impact on patient outcomes, access to and acceptability of therapeutic interventions, their quality of life, general wellbeing, social inclusion and opportunities. Social stereotypes, culture and prejudices all contribute to continuing discrimination in mental health. Different settings where people function may also be sources of discrimination such as work and educational environments. The lack of knowledge and understanding of mental health/illness by individuals, their families, carers and policymakers as well as the social media reporting also impact on social attitudes to discrimination. It has been also described a relevant impact of stigma among specific social minorities reporting poor mental health such as elderly people, youths, sexual variants, persons with disability. Educational programs, raising awareness trainings and proper public policies may be developed in order to reduce stigma at social level with favourable outcomes for people with mental illness.

Suicides among Children and Adolescents in Paraguay: An 18-year National Exploratory Study (2004-2022).

BACKGROUND: Suicide and suicide attempts are impacting events for patients and their relatives, and these behaviors are still taboo among adults and may be even more traumatic when involving children and adolescents. AIM: In this study we aimed to describe suicide rates among children and adolescents in Paraguay over the last decades as well as associated factors such as sociodemographic characteristics and methods used for suicide. METHODS: This was an observational and exploratory study describing the frequency and characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in Paraguay between 2004 and 2022. Official records of all deaths by suicide were reviewed, and statistical analyses were performed. In addition, an attempt was made to predict the number of suicides in the next 5 years using a mathematical model based on simple linear regression. RESULTS: In the 18-year period observed, 940 suicides among children and adolescents were recorded. The mean age was 15.05 ± 1.8 years old. Of these, 51.17% were male, 74.6% were from urban areas, and 22.2% were from the Greater Asunción and Central Department of Paraguay. The most frequently used method of suicide was intentional self-inflicted injury by hanging, strangulation, or suffocation, which all represented 75.3% of the cases. Our mathematical modeling based on simple linear regression determined that the expected yearly number of national suicides in the pediatric population for the following years, from 2023 to 2027, will range between 72 and 81. CONCLUSION: This study is the first large national epidemiological report on the emerging issue of suicide among children and adolescents in Paraguay. It may be a relevant source of information for mental health professionals, health authorities, and decision makers to develop national prevention strategies and actions against suicide among youths.

Ansiedad, depresión y vulnerabilidad al estrés en personas con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoidea: un estudio exploratorio del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción / Anxiety, depression, and vulnerability to stress in people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory study at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción

Antecedentes: Estudios observacionales han descrito una alta prevalencia de depresión y ansiedad en la artritis reumatoidea: los trastornos depresivos mayores se detectan en el 17 % de los pacientes con la patología, y la inflamación local y sistémica desempeña un papel importante en la ansiedad y la depresión. Objetivos: El objetivo general de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de ansiedad, depresión y vulnerabilidad al estrés en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoidea. Materiales y métodos: Este fue un estudio observacional, descriptivo de asociación cruzada y temporalmente prospectivo. El muestreo fue no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Se incluyó a personas adultas con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide que consultaron en el Departamento de Reumatología del Hospital de Clínicas, entre agosto y octubre del 2022. Para el diagnóstico psiquiátrico se utilizaron los siguientes instrumentos: Escala de Ansiedad Generalizada (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) y Escala de Vulnerabilidad al Estrés de Smith y Miller. Resultados: Se incluyó a 36 pacientes, todas mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre los 20 y 77 años. El 27,8 % tenía depresión, según los puntos de corte del PHQ-2. El 22,2 % presentaba ansiedad, según los puntos de corte de GAD-7. En cuanto al estrés, el 22,2 % tenía vulnerabilidad a este y el 5,6 % era seriamente vulnerable. Conclusión: Depresión, ansiedad y vulnerabilidad al estrés son comorbilidades frecuentemente observadas en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea. Se requieren de intervenciones específicas de salud mental para abordar estas cuestiones y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes afectados.

Background: Observational studies have described a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in rheumatoid arthritis: major depressive disorders are detected in 17 % of patients with the pathology, and local and systemic inflammation play an important role in anxiety and depression. Objectives: The overall objective of this research was to determine the frequency of anxiety, depression, and vulnerability to stress in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, temporally prospective, cross-association study. Sampling was non-probabilistic of consecutive cases. We included adults with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis who consulted at the Rheumatology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas between August and October 2022. The following instruments were used for psychiatric diagnosis: Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and Smith and Miller's Stress Vulnerability Scale. Results: Thirty-six patients, all women, aged between 20 and 77 years, were included in the study. The 27.8 % had depression, according to the cut-off points of the PHQ-2. Anxiety was present in 22.2 %, according to the GAD-7 cut-off points. Regarding stress, 22.2 % were vulnerable to stress and 5.6 % were seriously vulnerable. Conclusion: Depression, anxiety and vulnerability to stress are frequently observed comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Specific mental health interventions are required to address these issues and improve the quality of life of affected patients.

"Pandemic Fatigue" in South America: A Multi-Center Report from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a heavy impact on daily life, leading to physical and psychosocial consequences. Nowadays, clinicians and health researchers are particularly interested in describing and facing the long-term effects of COVID-19, also known as "long-COVID syndrome". Pandemic fatigue has been defined as a cluster of demotivation, tiredness, and psychological effects that emerge gradually over time after the infection or through the adoption of the recommended measures to combat it. In this study, we report the findings of a large survey conducted in South America involving 1448 participants (mean age: 33.9 ± 11.2 years old) from Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Peru, and Paraguay. An online survey was launched through the common social media based on a specific assessment aimed to detect the prevalence of pandemic fatigue and associated factors. Socio-demographic characteristics, medical, and personal information were collected; the Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were also administered. We found mid-levels of pandemic fatigue among respondents (21.7 ± 7.95 score at PFS) as well as significant anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic (1.56 ± 2.76 score at CAS). In addition, pandemic fatigue was significantly associated with the experience of the loss of a relative/friend due to COVID-19, anxiety related to the infection, and reliance on social media as a primary source of information on the pandemic. Vaccination significantly reduced the levels of fatigue among respondents. Our findings may add to the international debate regarding the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to manage them in the general population of South America.

Satisfaction with Telepsychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic: Patients' and psychiatrists' report from a University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to important changes in the approach to patients worldwide. Different agencies have proposed and implemented telemedicine-based care services in order to ensure access to health care for all people. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the satisfaction of patients using the Telepsychiatry service offered by the Department of Psychiatry of the Hospital de Clínicas (National University of Asunción, Paraguay). METHODS: A cross sectional and descriptive study has been conducted. Participants were recruited through a phone-based survey. Satisfaction with Telepsychiatry has been measured with an adapted version of a satisfaction survey in Teleneurology. As a complement, psychiatrists from the Hospital de Clínicas were also interviewed about their rate of satisfaction with Telepsychiatry. RESULTS: A total of 530 patients were included, 51.3% of whom were women. The consultation satisfaction scale ranged between 2.15 and 4.30 with a mean score of 3.02 ± 0.32. Cronbach's alpha for the scale was .897, indicating a good internal consistency. Patients' satisfaction was higher for the perception of Telepsychiatry and lower for the doctor-patient relationship. Of the physicians, 87.5% were satisfied with the Telepsychiatry service. CONCLUSION: The satisfaction overall score indicates patients' general satisfaction with the quality of care in Telepsychiatry, mainly regarding the perception of health care. and lower satisfaction with the doctor-patient relationship. Nine out of 10 psychiatrists felt satisfied with the Telepsychiatry service and considered that the degree of patient's satisfaction was acceptable during the Telepsychiatry consultation.

Tecnologías para la Evaluación, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento del Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad: Una Revisión Preliminar e Integradora

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es uno de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo con más alta prevalencia, estimada en 5%, en la población infantil. El objetivo de esta revisión fue sintetizar las tecnologías existentes que sirven para evaluar, diagnosticar y tratar síntomas de TDAH en población pediátrica. Esta es una revisión preliminar, de tipo integradora, que incluyó artículos publicados en 3 bases de datos especializadas, PsycINFO, Eric y Web of Science, entre los años 2005 y 2021. Se encontró que las pruebas diagnósticas clásicas se dividen en pruebas psicométricas, evaluación por biomarcadores y movimientos oculares. Por su parte, las pruebas que utilizan la tecnología son aquellas a evaluación y diagnóstico (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM y BRAINGAZE) y aquellas que se utilizan en la terapéutica (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS y varias basadas en neurofeedback). Las modernas tecnologías ofrecen cierto porcentaje de sensibilidad con baja inversión, tampoco requieren de equipos costosos y la preparación del profesional psicólogo o médico para su aplicación, es relativamente sencilla y accesible, ya que viene como complemento en la compra de la mayoría de los programas. Con el fin de continuar examinando su efectividad, se recomienda seguir evaluando estas herramientas con metodologías más robustas, en poblaciones clínicas grandes, debiendo ser esto una prioridad para futuras investigaciones.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders with the highest prevalence, estimated at 5%, in the pediatric population. The objective of this review was to synthesize the existing technologies used to evaluate, diagnose, and treat ADHD symptoms in the pediatric population. This is a preliminary, integrative review, which included articles published in 3 specialized databases, PsycINFO, Eric and Web of Science, between 2005 and 2021. It was found that classical diagnostic tests are divided into psychometric tests, biomarker assessment and eye movements. On the other hand, the tests that use technology are those for evaluation and diagnosis (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM and BRAINGAZE) and those used in therapy (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS and several based-on neurofeedback). The modern technologies offer a certain percentage of sensitivity with low investment, they do not require expensive equipment and the preparation of the psychologist or medical professional for their application is relatively simple and accessible, since it comes as a complement in the purchase of most of the programs. To continue examining their effectiveness, it is recommended to continue assessing these tools with more robust methodologies, in large clinical populations, and this should be a priority for future research.

The Chikungunya anxiety scale (CHIKAS): Development, validation, and relationship between its items and illness-related factors.

Background: Paraguay has recently experienced an exponential increase in chikungunya cases, leading to psychological distress, particularly anxiety. Aim: To develop and validate the Chikungunya Anxiety Scale (CHIKAS). Materials and Methods: An initial scale of 18 items was used, which was subjected to validation by expert judgment to obtain 14 items. To determine construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have been employed, and internal and convergent validity were determined. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health status data were also collected. Results: The study included 974 participants. The final scale consisted of 12 items with evidence of a two-factor model (psychological and physical). The internal validity was good (McDonald's omega = 0.882). The CFA showed good adjustment indices. Regarding participant characteristics, a relationship was found between anxiety due to chikungunya and gender, employment, mental diagnosis, medication use, and chikungunya infection. Conclusion: The final 12-item CHIKAS had strong psychometric properties and was a two-factor model.

The CAPE (Compassion, Assertive Action, Pragmatism, and Evidence) vulnerability index - Second Edition: Putting mental health into foreign policy to address globalization, conflict, climate change, and natural disasters.

Background: The CAPE Vulnerability Index serves as a worldwide foreign policy indicator that implies which countries should get assistance first. It provides an evidence-based, well-structured, and well-reasoned strategy for employing aid in bilateral arrangements with mental health as a basis. Objective: The second edition of the CAPE VI has been developed to identify which nations should get priority foreign aid. Materials and Methods: We considered various indices or measures at the country level reflecting the average national health status or factors influencing public health. To make our choice, we used 26 internationally accessible and verified indicators. For the study, we have scored the countries according to these indices and prioritized those with the worst scores. Results: The CAPE Vulnerability Index is based on the number of times a country is ranked among the low-scoring nations. It is based on nine parameters and is an independent measure even though there may be a correlation with similar indices such as life expectancy, disability-adjusted life years(DALYs), physician numbers, and gross domestic product(GDP). Conclusion: We concluded that low-scoring countries were fragile or failed states, such as nations where governments lack complete oversight or power, are often oppressive and corrupt, have allegations of violations of human rights, or are marked by political turmoil in different forms, drawbacks from severe environmental damage, severe impoverishment, inequalities, cultural and racial divisions, cannot supply fundamental amenities, are victims of terrorism, and so on. To address these essential problems impacting fragile nations, administrations, aid donors, local organizations, mental health specialists, and associations should collaborate.

Tecnologías para la Evaluación, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento del Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad: Una Revisión Preliminar e Integradora / Technologies for the Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Preliminary and Integrative Review

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es uno de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo con más alta prevalencia, estimada en 5%, en la población infantil. El objetivo de esta revisión fue sintetizar las tecnologías existentes que sirven para evaluar, diagnosticar y tratar síntomas de TDAH en población pediátrica. Esta es una revisión preliminar, de tipo integradora, que incluyó artículos publicados en 3 bases de datos especializadas, PsycINFO, Eric y Web of Science, entre los años 2005 y 2021. Se encontró que las pruebas diagnósticas clásicas se dividen en pruebas psicométricas, evaluación por biomarcadores y movimientos oculares. Por su parte, las pruebas que utilizan la tecnología son aquellas a evaluación y diagnóstico (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM y BRAINGAZE) y aquellas que se utilizan en la terapéutica (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS y varias basadas en neurofeedback). Las modernas tecnologías ofrecen cierto porcentaje de sensibilidad con baja inversión, tampoco requieren de equipos costosos y la preparación del profesional psicólogo o médico para su aplicación, es relativamente sencilla y accesible, ya que viene como complemento en la compra de la mayoría de los programas. Con el fin de continuar examinando su efectividad, se recomienda seguir evaluando estas herramientas con metodologías más robustas, en poblaciones clínicas grandes, debiendo ser esto una prioridad para futuras investigaciones.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders with the highest prevalence, estimated at 5%, in the pediatric population. The objective of this review was to synthesize the existing technologies used to evaluate, diagnose, and treat ADHD symptoms in the pediatric population. This is a preliminary, integrative review, which included articles published in 3 specialized databases, PsycINFO, Eric and Web of Science, between 2005 and 2021. It was found that classical diagnostic tests are divided into psychometric tests, biomarker assessment and eye movements. On the other hand, the tests that use technology are those for evaluation and diagnosis (DIDE, MOXO, AULA, AQUIARUM and BRAINGAZE) and those used in therapy (SINCROLAB, PSIOUS, SISTEMA eTNS and several based-on neurofeedback). The modern technologies offer a certain percentage of sensitivity with low investment, they do not require expensive equipment and the preparation of the psychologist or medical professional for their application is relatively simple and accessible, since it comes as a complement in the purchase of most of the programs. To continue examining their effectiveness, it is recommended to continue assessing these tools with more robust methodologies, in large clinical populations, and this should be a priority for future research.

Factores asociados y propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español del Test Breve de Irritabilidad (BITe) en población paraguaya / Associated factors and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe) in Paraguayan population

Antecedentes: La irritabilidad, como síntoma transdimensional, está presente en varios trastornos mentales. Este estudio investigó las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Test Breve de Irritabilidad (BITe). Sujetos y métodos: el reclutamiento se realizó a través de una encuesta en línea lanzada a través de las redes sociales comunes (Facebook, Twitter) y aplicaciones de mensajería (WhatsApp, Telegram) del 1 al 31 de mayo de 2022. Los sujetos incluidos fueron personas ≥ 18 años de edad de ambos sexos 1920 individuos fueron calificados para el analisis de validacion. El BITe ha sido traducido al español y validado mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio. Los participantes también han sido puntuados con el Cuestionario de Agresión (AQ). Resultados: la prueba de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) fue adecuada (KMO=0,880) y la esfericidad se probó significativamente (p<0,001). El análisis confirmatorio que garantiza que la escala es unidimensional. El ajuste del modelo fue bueno, según todos los índices de ajuste. El alfa de Cronbach también garantiza una excelente consistencia interna (α=0,91). Las calculadoras entre las dos escalas (BITe y AQ) han mostrado una buena convergencia (r=0,512; p<0,001). Conclusiones: La versión en español del BITe es una escala unidimensional de cinco elementos tipo Likert que muestra buena validez interna y alta confiabilidad, lo que implica que esta versión tiene excelentes propiedades psicométricas tanto para hombres como para mujeres hispanohablantes.

Background: Irritability, as a trans dimensional symptom, is present in several mental disorders.This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe). Subjects and Methods: The recruitment has been performed through an online survey launched through common social media (Facebook, Twitter) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) from 1st to 31st May 2022. Subjects included were individuals ≥18 years old of age of both sexes. 1920 individuals were rated for the validation analysis. The BITe has been translated into Spanish and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Participants have been also scored with the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Results: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was adequate (KMO=0.880) and sphericity tested significantly (p<0.001). The confirmatory analysis confirmed that the scale is one- imensional. The model adjustment was good, according to all fit indices. Cronbach's alpha also confirmed an excellent internal consistency (α=0.91). Scores between the two scales (the BITe and the AQ) have shown a good convergence (r=0.512; p<0.001). Conclusions: The Spanish version of the BITe is a unidimensional scale of five Likerttype items that shows good internal validity and high reliability, which implies that this version has excellent psychometric properties for both male and female Spanish-speakers

Cannabis use and the development of psychosis or schizophrenia, analysis of current legislation and regional mapping: A systematic review

Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize the findings of studies that investigated the risk, precocity and intensity of psychosis in cannabis users, taking into account the status of legalization and/or decriminalization of cannabis use in different countries. Methodology: Articles published up to May 2018 were included, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, all extracted from the PubMed and SciELO databases, respecting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 19 studies from 18 countries were included. The relationship of cannabis use and the onset of psychotic symptoms was sufficiently substantiated. However, there was no data that supported an increase in the risk, precocity or intensity of psychosis in cannabis users from countries with higher levels of legalization/decriminalization of cannabis use to the date of the present study. Conclusion: The use of cannabis is associated with the development of psychosis. So far, there is no data pointing to an increase in the precocity, risk or intensity of psychosis in cannabis users, due to the legalization or decriminalization of the use of cannabis. However, the absence of data to date does not exclude these possibilities, since none of the studies analyzed in this review specifically assessed the effects of legalization/decriminalization policies on those outcomes. Therefore, prospective studies focused on the effects of legalization or decriminalization policies should be conducted in countries such as Canada, Spain, the United States of America (some states), the Netherlands, and Uruguay.

Objetivo: esta revisión sistemática pretende resumir los hallazgos de los estudios que investigaron el riesgo, la precocidad y la intensidad de la psicosis en los consumidores de cannabis, teniendo en cuenta el estado de legalización y/o despenalización del consumo de cannabis en diferentes países. Metodología: fueron incluidos artículos publicados hasta mayo de 2018, en lengua inglesa, portuguesa y española, todos extraídos de las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO, respetando los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: se incluyeron 19 estudios de 18 países. La relación entre el consumo de cannabis y el inicio de síntomas psicóticos estuvo suficientemente fundamentada. Sin embargo, no hubo datos que respaldaran un aumento en el riesgo, la precocidad o la intensidad de la psicosis en los consumidores de cannabis de países con niveles más altos de legalización/despenalización del uso de cannabis hasta la fecha del presente estudio. Conclusión: el consumo de cannabis está asociado con el desarrollo de psicosis. Hasta el momento, no hay datos que indiquen un aumento en la precocidad, el riesgo o la intensidad de la psicosis en usuarios de cannabis, debido a la legalización o despenalización del uso de cannabis. Sin embargo, la ausencia de datos hasta la fecha no excluye estas posibilidades, ya que ninguno de los estudios analizados en esta revisión evaluó específicamente los efectos de las políticas de legalización/despenalización en esos resultados. Por ello, los estudios prospectivos centrados en los efectos de las políticas de legalización o despenalización deben llevarse a cabo en países como Canadá, España, los Estados Unidos de América (algunos estados), los Países Bajos y Uruguay.

Anxiety, Addiction to Social Networks, Internet and Smartphones in Paraguayan Adolescents: A Brief Report.

Background: Several authors have pointed out that the use of smartphones might have an impact on mental health in general. Most of the evidences are focused on the incorrect or overblown use of smartphones, videogame or Internet, particularly focusing on related addiction problems among adolescents. Objective: The present study, although preliminary, aims to report the first evidence in Paraguay regarding the association between anxiety and addiction to social networks/internet as well as the use of smartphones among adolescents. Method: Participants (100 adolescents, aged 12- 17 years old) were assessed in a school setting with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Scale of risk of Addiction to Social Networks and Internet for adolescents (ERA-RSI). Categorical variables and associations were statistically assessed. Results: The average smartphone use in boys rated 8.06 ±3.81 hours and in girls 9.46 ±4.4 hours. The BAI mean score was 20.71 ± 13.2. Of the participants, 27% reported moderate anxiety, and 36% severe anxiety and scores on this scale were not associated with hours of smartphone use. The ERA-RSI mean score was 1.94 ± 0.46 and anxiety was related to the symptoms-addiction, social-use, and nomophobia dimensions of the scale. Conclusion: The misuse of smartphones in the Paraguayan pediatric population has been reported to be closely related to anxious symptoms. Our results suggest further research with an impact on possible public health policies aimed at preserving the mental health of children and adolescents exposed to internet and electronic devices.

Technostress, anxiety, and depression among university students: A report from Paraguay.

BACKGROUND: Although technologies (including information, e-learning, and communication) have been daily employed by University students in the last years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable increase in their use. Technostress is a modern term referring to levels of stress caused by the prolonged exposure to technology. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the technostress and related anxiety and depression among Paraguayan University students, describing their sociodemographic characteristics and relevant associations. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study has been conducted. Participants were recruited through an Internet-based survey. Technostress, anxiety, and depression have been assessed with the Technostress Questionnaire (TechQ), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 378 participants were included, 74.1% of whom were women. According to the TechQ scores, 47.4% of the participants reported a low/moderate level of technostress whereas 5.2% showed severe scores. About 58.5% of participants reported a GAD-7 score ⩾10, meeting diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety. About 60.3% scored ⩾3 at the PHQ-2 reporting significant levels of depression. Technostress has been significantly associated with levels of anxiety (p < .001) as well as depression (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest further research regarding the implications of technostress on the well-being of University students. Specific measures aimed to improve students' coping with the challenges of technology and technostress should be promoted.

"Coronaphobia" in Paraguay: Spanish Validation of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease caused by a new zoonotic coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 that has led to several health, social, and economic issues worldwide. Anxiety and stress are predominant symptoms in the population during the quarantine; also, levels of fear or phobia have been reported. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study validate the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S). Participants were recruited using an Internet-based survey. The survey was open from July 20 to July 31, 2021 and 1079 subjects were included. RESULTS: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test was adequate (KMO=0.956) and sphericity tested significantly (p<0.0001). The model of adjustment was good as shown by fit indices (S-B χ2=351.67, df=164, p>0.05; RMSEA=0.033; SRMSR=0.042; CFI=0.995, NFI=0.990). CONCLUSIONS: This confirms that the model of the Spanish version of the C19P-S may reproduce the same four-factors model from the original version of the scale and all items of these factors reported standardized loadings higher than 0.40 (p<0.001).

Relación entre la ansiedad y la depresión con los parámetros de adecuación de la diálisis: un estudio exploratorio en Paraguay

RESUMEN Los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica pueden presentar depresión y ansiedad, lo que podría dificultar el manejo de la patología renal. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la relación entre ansiedad, depresión y los parámetros de adecuación de la diálisis. Este fue un estudio observacional, descriptivo de asociación cruzada, de corte transverso, temporalmente prospectivo, y de carácter exploratorio. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, psicopatológicas (ansiedad y depresión, a través de Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) y de adecuación a la diálisis (depuración tiempo/volumen, Kt/V; porcentaje de reducción de la urea, PRU; recirculación del acceso vascular, calcio, fósforo, producto calcio por fósforo, hemoglobina y hematocrito). Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, además de chi cuadrado, t de Student y ANOVA de un factor, según sea el caso, para buscar asociaciones. La significancia estadística quedó establecida en p<0,005. 46 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, 61 % eran hombres. El 13 % calificó como un problema clínico de ansiedad y el 6,5 % como uno de depresión. La ansiedad se relacionó con los valores del hematocrito (p<0,05), mientras que la depresión se relacionó con el hematocrito y la hemoglobina (p<0,05). Se encontró relación entre el sexo femenino y la presencia de ansiedad (p<0,05). No se encontraron asociaciones entre psicopatología y otros parámetros de adecuación de la diálisis. Esta investigación, al ser la primera de su tipo en el país, permite abrir posibilidades de investigación futuras, que puedan profundizar en la salud mental de los pacientes con enfermedad renal.

ABSTRACT Patients with chronic kidney disease may present depression and anxiety, which could hinder the management of renal pathology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and dialysis adequacy parameters. This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, temporally prospective, exploratory study. Sociodemographic, clinical, psychopathological (anxiety and depression, through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and dialysis adequacy variables were measured (clearance time/volume, Kt/V; percentage of urea reduction, PRU, vascular access recirculation, calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product, hemoglobin, and hematocrit). Descriptive statistics were used, in addition to chi-square, Student's t-test and one-factor ANOVA, as appropriate, to search for associations. Statistical significance was established at p<0.005. Forty six patients were included in the study, 61% was male. Thirteen percent qualified as a clinical problem of anxiety and 6.5% as one of depression. Anxiety was related to hematocrit values (p<0.05), while depression was related to hematocrit and hemoglobin (p<0.05). A relationship was found between female sex and the presence of anxiety (p<0.05). No associations were found between psychopathology and other dialysis adequacy parameters. This research, being the first of its kind in the country, allows opening possibilities for future research, which may deepen in the mental health of patients with renal disease.

COVID-19 infodemic and depressive symptoms: The impact of the exposure to news about COVID-19 on the general Paraguayan population.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase of social stressors and mental health issues in the general population as well as among mentally ill patients. A COVID-19- related "infodemic", including too much information in digital and physical environments, has been recognized globally. AIM: This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 infodemic (exposure to news related to COVID-19) in terms of depressive symptoms in the Paraguayan general population. METHODS: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. An online survey, designed in Google Forms, has been launched nationwide through the most popular social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and messaging applications (WhatsApp, Telegram) in April (1st-30th) 2021. The Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) was employed for detecting depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The survey included 1102 responders aged 35.4 ± 12.9 years old, 74.9% were women. MHI-5 mean score was 44.07 ± 14.16 in the general population with 34.4% (n = 379) of responders suffering from severe symptoms of depression (>52, as cut-off point). 53.5% of sample reported to have been exposed between 1 and 3 h to COVID-19 news, daily. An OR 1.933 (95% CI 1.48 - 2.52) was found between the exposure to news and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that people exposed to a higher number of hours of COVID-19 news were 93.3% more likely to develop depressive symptoms.