Family Separation at the US and Mexico Border Continues.

Record-breaking levels of asylum seeking by families with young children continue at the United States/Mexico border, particularly the Rio Grande Valley sector. In this Commentary, our aim is to increase awareness by providing child and adolescent mental health care providers with an update on current migrant conditions, bringing to light issues of family separation previously highlighted in the Journal.1 For context, our international group has collected data, via 3 large-scale studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, from more than 600 Latinx immigrants seeking asylum at the US/Mexico border in the last 4 years, during which levels of violence, climate disruption, and poverty in the Northern Triangle of Central America (ie, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) and Mexico have propelled high and sustained levels of asylum seeking in the United States. We contribute expertise in clinical psychology, Latinx psychology, attachment disruption, and public health, as well as this front-row perspective.

Factor structure of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised in Latin American young adults.

OBJECTIVE: More than 550 million people speak Spanish and, yet, psychometric data on psychological instruments in Spanish lags. Given evidence of significant traumatic exposure and distress among Spanish speakers, the aim of the current study was to examine the factor structure of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), in a large sample of Spanish-speaking adults. METHOD: Participants (n = 725) were university students living in Latin America (M = 21.02; SD = 3.12). Most were born in Mexico (77.6%) and the next largest subgroup was from Ecuador (18.9%). Respondents completed the 22-item IES-R. RESULTS: The IES-R mean score was 20.08 (SD = 21.34) and 26.6% of the sample met the cutoff score for clinically significant symptoms. Regarding factor structure, eight different factor structures that have demonstrated a good fit in the extant literature were examined. The one-factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit, χ²(209) = 839.13, p < .0001; root-mean-square error (RMSEA) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.06, 0.07]; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.91, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.90. The two-factor model demonstrated good fit, χ²(208) = 746.70, p < .0001; RMSEA = 0.06, 95% CI [0.05, 0.06]; CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, and nested model comparisons of the two-factor and one-factor models using the chi-square difference test supported the two-factor model. CONCLUSIONS: The most parsimonious of the multifactor models, a two-factor model with Avoidance symptoms as one factor and Intrusions and Hyperarousal combined into a second may be of greatest use for this particular version of the IES-R. The current research demonstrates strong psychometric support for Intrusion/Hyperarousal and Avoidance subscales when measuring traumatic stress in Spanish speakers and underscores the need for culturally and contextually sensitive assessment in this population, in which posttraumatic stress is prevalent. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Reverse-Coded Items Do Not Work in Spanish: Data From Four Samples Using Established Measures.

The potential for suboptimal psychometric performance of reverse-coded items may be particularly pronounced when scales are translated and administered in Spanish with these problems exacerbated in youth respondents. This is a significant concern, given the rapid rise in Hispanic-American and Spanish-speaking individuals in the US and their rightful, growing representation in psychological research and clinical care. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric performance of reverse-coded items across four Spanish-speaking samples spanning developmental stages including youth, college students, and parents (N = 1,084; Adolescents n = 107; M = 19.79; SD = 2.09; 41.1% female; Caregivers n = 58; M = 40.79; SD = 7.94; 60.3% female; Spanish-speaking adults in the US n = 157; M = 33.4; SD = 9.5; 68.8% female; and College students living in Latin America n = 783; M = 21.04; SD = 3.13; 69.2% female) and four scales (Big Five Inventory; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; Beck Hopelessness Scale); we expected reverse-coded items would demonstrate inadequate item-total correlations and their inclusion would compromise scale internal consistency. Hypotheses were supported with evidence of poor psychometric performance for at least two reverse-coded items on each instrument, such that un-reversing the items improved their item-total correlations. Across every instrument, alpha was either improved by excluding reverse-coded items or by including them in an un-reversed fashion and, overall, there was a moderate, negative effect of reverse-coded items on scale alphas. In growing consensus with previous authors, we recommend that reverse-coded items not be included in Spanish scales.

A Cross-sectional Study of the Mental Health Symptoms of Latin American, US Hispanic, and Spanish College Students Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Young adults and racial/ethnic minorities report the worst mental health outcomes during the COVID19 pandemic, according to the Center for Disease Control (2020). The objectives of this study were (1) to identify common mental health symptoms among Latin American, US Hispanic, and Spanish college students, and (2) to identify clinical features predictive of higher post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among this population. The study sample included 1,113 college students from the USA, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and Spain who completed an online survey containing demographic questions and mental health screeners. Findings revealed higher scores of depression, suicidality, and PTSS compared to pre-pandemic levels and current scores by non-Spanish speaking college students; however, less than 5% of participants endorsed clinical levels of anxiety. After controlling for demographic profiles and sociocultural values, clinical symptoms of depression, loneliness, perceived stress, anxiety, and coping strategies explained 62% of the PTSS variance. Age, history of mental illness, perceived social support, and familism were not significant predictors. This sample of college students revealed higher mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high prevalence of PTSS highlights the need to develop pragmatic, cost-effective, and culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate these symptoms. Implications for college administrators and clinicians are discussed.

Family functioning and school connectivity in Mexican high school adolescents / Funcionamento familiar e conectividade escolar em adolescentes mexicanos do Ensino Médio

Family functionality has shown its relevance in the comprehensive development of adolescents, with school connectivity being a very important aspect. To determine the association between family functioning and school connectivity in Mexican high school adolescents, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in a census of 396 adolescents in a public high school in Mexico. The self-report of family functioning and the school connectedness scale were used, both with α > 0.84. ꭕ2 and ANOVA were applied. The results show significant differences in conflict with shift (morning ꭕ2 = 42.47 vs. evening ꭕ2 = 40.35, F = 4.57, p = 0.033), and leadership with degree (1st ꭕ2 = 8.14, 2nd ꭕ2 = 8.97, 3rd ꭕ2 = 8.90, F = 3.52, p = 0.030). Connectivity associated with school variables (p < 0.05). There are no differences or association between sex, age or qualifications with connectivity. Family functioning was associated in affective expression with school (ꭕ2 = 3.77, p = 0.055) and in leadership with students (ꭕ2 = 2.92, p = 0.05). It is concluded that the leadership of the parents and the affective expression of the family favors school connectivity between students and with their school.

A funcionalidade familiar tem mostrado sua relevância no desenvolvimento integral dos adolescentes, sendo a conectividade escolar um aspecto muito importante. Para determinar a associação entre funcionamento familiar e conectividade escolar em adolescentes mexicanos do Ensino Médio, foi realizado um estudo transversal analítico em um censo de 396 adolescentes em uma escola pública no México. Foram utilizados o autorrelato de funcionamento familiar e a escala de conectividade escolar, ambos com α > 0,84. ꭕ2 e ANOVA foram aplicados. Os resultados mostram diferenças significativas no conflito com turno (ꭕ2 da manhã = 42,47 vs. ꭕ2 da noite = 40,35, F = 4,57, p = 0,033) e liderança com grau (1º ꭕ2 = 8,14, 2º ꭕ2 = 8,97, 3º ꭕ2 = 8,90, F = 3,52, p = 0,030). Conectividade associada a variáveis escolares (p < 0,05). Não há diferenças ou associação entre sexo, idade ou qualificações com conectividade. O funcionamento familiar foi associado na expressão afetiva com a escola (ꭕ2 = 3,77, p = 0,055) e na liderança com os alunos (ꭕ2 = 2,92, p = 0,05). Conclui-se que a liderança dos pais e a expressão afetiva da família favorece a conectividade escolar entre os alunos e com sua escola.

Family separation and attachment in young adults who were once left behind by caregiver migration.

This study examined young adults' attachment with their mothers and fathers after experiencing separation from these caregivers in childhood due to one or more caregivers migrating out of the family's home country. From 774 respondents, 110 reported parental migration. Participants (M = 20.98; SD = 3.12; 68.1% female) were recruited from Latin American universities. Regarding maternal attachment, young adults who experienced separation from their mothers due to maternal migration were not significantly different from young adults who had not experienced such separation. In contrast, young adults who experienced separation from their fathers due to paternal migration (n = 79) reported higher alienation from their fathers, as well as lower attachment security, communication, and trust, than respondents who had not experienced separation. These differences were significant and moderately sized. Respondents who had frequent phone/video contact with their fathers after separation reported higher attachment security than respondents who did not maintain frequent contact with their fathers. This effect was strongest when respondents were older at the time of their fathers' migration. Findings suggest that the effects of separation from fathers on attachment persist into young adulthood, even when the separation occurred, on average, nearly 15 years earlier.

Hábitos de alimentación asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mexicanos: una revisión integrativa

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir hallazgos publicados de hábitos de alimentación y su relación con sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mexicanos. Material y Método: Revisión integrativa basada en 5 pasos sugeridos por Crossetti, utilizando las palabras clave "hábitos de alimentación", "sobrepeso", "obesidad" y "adultos mexicanos", con operadores booleanos "AND" y "OR"; se buscó en Scielo, PubMed, Conricyt, Scopus y WOS, entre los años 2005 y 2020, publicaciones en español e inglés. Resultados: Se identificaron 64 artículos, de estos se descartaron 52, quedando 12 acordes a criterios de inclusión; los artículos fueron analizados en extenso, identificando 4 categorías: 1) Zona de vivienda; 2) Estrato socioeconómico; 3) Género y 4) Cultura; cada una de ellas con subcategorías. Conclusiones: Las zonas rurales reportan mayor consumo de frutas, verduras, cereales, vitaminas y menor consumo calórico; en zonas urbanas se consume mayor cantidad de grasa, alimentos procesados, azúcares refinadas y menos vegetales, frutas y cereales. Un mayor estrato socioeconómico se asocia con alimentación menos calórica y comidas más naturales. Los hombres consumen más carne, grasa y alcohol, las mujeres consumen más hidratos de carbono y azúcares refinadas. En cuestiones culturales reportan distracciones a la hora de comer, como uso de celular, bajo consumo de agua y alto consumo de gaseosas (70%); refieren barreras para alimentarse sanamente, como el trabajo pagado y doméstico, realizando comidas a prisa, sin considerar la calidad de los alimentos que se consumen. Estos hallazgos sugieren considerar factores socioeconómicos y culturales en las acciones preventivas que los profesionales de enfermería realizan en la práctica clínica y comunitaria.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe published findings on eating habits and their relationship with overweight and obesity in Mexican adults. Materials and Methods: Integrative review based on 5 steps suggested by Crossetti, using the keywords "feeding habits", "overweight", "obesity" and "Mexican adults" along with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" in the Scielo, PubMed, Conricyt, Scopus and WOS databases, with publications in Spanish and English, between the years 2005 and 2020. Results: 64 articles were identified and 52 were discarded, leaving 12 that complied with the inclusion criteria. The articles were extensively analyzed, identifying 4 categories: 1) Housing area; 2) Socioeconomic stratum; 3) Gender and 4) Culture; each of them divided into subcategories. Conclusions: Rural areas report higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, vitamins and lower caloric consumption, while in urban areas more fat, processed food, refined sugars and fewer vegetables, fruits and cereals are consumed. A higher socioeconomic stratum is associated with a less caloric diet and more natural food. Men consume more meat, fat and alcohol, while women consume more carbohydrates and refined sugars. Regarding cultural issues, people report distractions at mealtime, such as cell phone use, low water consumption and high consumption of soft drinks (70%); they also refer to barriers to healthy eating, such as work, eating meals quickly without considering the quality of food. These findings suggest considering socioeconomic and cultural factors in the preventive actions that nursing professionals carry out in clinical and community practice.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os resultados publicados sobre hábitos alimentares e sua relação com sobrepeso e obesidade em adultos mexicanos. Material e Método: Revisão integrativa baseada em 5 etapas sugeridas por Crossetti, utilizando as palavras-chave "hábitos alimentares", "sobrepeso", "obesidade" e "adultos mexicanos", com operadores booleanos "AND" e "OR", a busca foi realizada em Scielo, PubMed, Conricyt, Scopus e WOS, entre os anos de 2005 e 2020, publicações em espanhol e inglês. Resultados: Foram identificados 64 artigos, destes, 52 foram descartados, restando 12, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão; os artigos foram amplamente analisados, identificando 4 categorias: 1) Área de habitação; 2) Estrato socioeconómico; 3) Gênero e, 4) Cultura; cada um deles com subcategorias. Conclusões: As áreas rurais relatam maior consumo de frutas, hortaliças, cereais, vitaminas e menor consumo calórico; nas áreas urbanas, o consumo maior é de gordura, alimentos processados, açúcares refinados e menor consumo de vegetais, frutas e cereais. Um estrato socioeconómico mais elevado está associado a uma dieta menos calórica e alimentos mais naturais. Os homens consomem mais carne, gordura e álcool, as mulheres consomem mais carboidratos e açúcares refinados. Em questões culturais, relatam distrações na hora das refeições, como uso do celular, baixo consumo de água e alto consumo de refrigerantes (70%), referem-se a barreiras para uma alimentação saudável, como trabalho remunerado e doméstico, alimentação rápida, sem considerar a qualidade dos alimentos consumidos. Os resultados sugerem considerar fatores socioeconómicos e culturais nas ações preventivas que os profissionais de enfermagem realizam na prática clínica e comunitária.

Efecto de la Socialización Organizacional en el Engagement de Trabajadores Mexicanos: Claridad y Futuro / Effect of Organizational Socialization on Mexican workers' engagement: Clarity and Future

Resumen Introducción: En el estudio del comportamiento organizacional se destaca con más frecuencia la importancia del proceso de socialización organizacional, relacionado con la adaptación al trabajo y el desarrollo de las competencias para el rol laboral; así como un interés creciente por los estados positivos en el trabajo como el work engagement (caracterizado por el vigor, dedicación y absorción) y que puede evidenciar la identificación del trabajador con la cultura de la organización. Objetivo: Examinar el efecto de los dominios de la socialización organizacional sobre el work engagement que reportan tener los trabajadores mexicanos de la muestra. Método: Estudio transversal-correlacional analítico, mediante análisis de regresión con los datos del Inventario de Socialización Organizacional de Taormina (1994), y el Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, en su versión al español por Schaufeli, Bakker y Salanova (2006), en 187 trabajadores mexicanos. Resultados: Los análisis de regresión mostraron que la combinación de la comprensión funcional y las perspectivas de futuro se combinan para la aparición del vigor (Beta .29, .21), la absorción (Beta .23, .23) y la dedicación al trabajo (Beta .34, .25) en los trabajadores de la muestra. Se encontró que los cuatro factores de la socialización organizacional correlacionan con el vigor (.35), la absorción (.34) y la dedicación (.47). Conclusiones: En los trabajadores de la muestra la comprensión y las perspectivas de beneficios, generan efectos en el vigor, la absorción y la dedicación al trabajo. Se señala la importancia de la socialización en la aparición de engagement como antecedente y componente de la productividad y el bienestar en el trabajo.

Abstract Introduction: not only the importance of the process of organizational socialization related to work adaptability and the development of competencies for the job role, has recently been highlighted more frequently in organizational behavior studies, but also a growing interest in positive states of work such as work engagement (characterized by vigor, dedication and absorption) and which can demonstrate the identification of the worker with the culture of the organization. Objective: to examine the effect of the domains of organizational socialization on the work engagement reported by the Mexican workers in the sample. Method: A transversal-correlational analytical study through a regression analysis with the data of the Inventory of Organizational Socialization of Taormina (1994), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, in its Spanish version by Wilmar Schaufeli, Arnold Bakker and Salanova (2006), in 187 Mexican workers, was conducted. Results: Regression analysis showed that the combination of understanding and future prospects were integrated for the display of vigor (Beta .29, .21), absorption (Beta .23, .23) and dedication to work (Beta .34, .25) in the sample workers. It was found that the four factors of organizational socialization correlate with vigor (.35), absorption (.34) and dedication (.47).dedication. Conclusions: In the workers of the sample the understanding and the perspectives of benefits, generate effects in the vigor, the absorption and the dedication to the work. The importance of socialization in the appearance of engagement as a psychological state related to productivity and well-being at work is pointed out.

Validación del perfil de estrés de nowack en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos / Validation of nowack's stress profile in mexican university students

RESUMEN Objetivos a. Adaptar y validar el "Perfil de Estrés" para la población mexicana; b. Determinar la proporción de varianza que el instrumento es capaz de explicar de los datos originales a partir de un modelo factorial; c. Agrupar las variables en los factores en donde saturan con mayor claridad; d. Evaluar la validez de contenido del instrumento, y; e. Evaluar la consistencia interna del instrumento. Método La muestra de validación estuvo compuesta por 883 participantes, 58.3% mujeres y 41.7% hombres, con edades entre 15 y 76 años (M=21.40, DE=10.02). Para verificar la validez psicométrica de la escala se llevaron a cabo el procedimiento propuesto por Reyes-Lagunes y García-Barragán (2008), el cual consta de los siguientes pasos: a. Frecuencia incluyendo sesgo para la selección de reactivos; b. Discriminación de reactivos para grupos extremos con base en el cual se eliminarán los que no cumplen con el requisito; c. Confiabilidad interna, y; d. Validez. Resultados El "Perfil de Estrés" presenta características psicométricas adecuadas para la población mexicana (alfa de Cronbach de 0.65 a 0.93). Conclusión El "Perfil de estrés" fue adaptado y validado para la cultura mexicana. Se considera que se trata de un instrumento útil para estudios que se propongan evaluar los factores asociados con el estrés en general, incluyendo los hábitos de salud, los estilos de afrontamiento y bienestar psicológico.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives This work sees to a) adapt and validate the "Stress profile" for the Mexican population, b) determine the proportion of variance that the instrument is able to explain based on the original data of a factorial model, c) group the variables into factors where they saturate most clearly, d) evaluate the validity of the content of the instrument, and e) evaluate the internal consistency of the instrument. Methods The validation sample consisted of 883 participants, 58.3% women and 41.7% men, aged between 15 and 76 years (M=21.40, SD=10.02). To verify the psychometric validity of the scale, the procedure proposed by Reyes-Lagunes and García-Barragán (2008) was used. It consists of the following steps: a) frequency, including bias for the selection of reagents; b) discrimination of reagents for extreme groups, having in mind that those that do not comply with the requirement will be eliminated; c) internal reliability; and d) validity. Results The "Stress Profile" has adequate psychometric characteristics for the Mexican population (Cronbach's alpha of 0.65 to 0.93). Conclusion The "Stress Profile" was adapted and validated for the Mexican population. This is a useful tool for studies that aim to evaluate the factors associated with stress in general, including health habits, coping styles and psychological well-being.(AU)

Impairment of functioning and substance use in a Latino population.

This study investigated the association of academic outcomes, romantic relationships, and substance use (tobacco, marijuana, cocaine) with alcohol dependence in a sample of Latino (N = 1,143) college students. Secondary data analysis was conducted on measures of grade point average in college, relationship satisfaction, drug use, and alcohol dependence. Latino college students who reported alcohol dependency had significant relational dissatisfaction and poor academic outcomes. Thus, lower grade point average and relationship dissatisfaction were associated with alcohol dependence. By focusing specifically on a Mexican American population, this study adds important information to current research regarding the commonality and differences across cultural groups regarding drug use and dependence and further clarifies the risk factors associated with substance use and dependency in a population that is vulnerable for at-risk behaviors. This study also offers insight into potential targets of treatment and intervention for this cultural group.

[Validation of Nowack's Stress Profile in Mexican university students]. / Validación del Perfil de Estrés de Nowack en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos.

OBJECTIVES: This work sees to a) adapt and validate the "Stress profile" for the Mexican population, b) determine the proportion of variance that the instrument is able to explain based on the original data of a factorial model, c) group the variables into factors where they saturate most clearly, d) evaluate the validity of the content of the instrument, and e) evaluate the internal consistency of the instrument. METHODS: The validation sample consisted of 883 participants, 58.3% women and 41.7% men, aged between 15 and 76 years (M=21.40, SD=10.02). To verify the psychometric validity of the scale, the procedure proposed by Reyes-Lagunes and García-Barragán (2008) was used. It consists of the following steps: a) frequency, including bias for the selection of reagents; b) discrimination of reagents for extreme groups, having in mind that those that do not comply with the requirement will be eliminated; c) internal reliability; and d) validity. RESULTS: The "Stress Profile" has adequate psychometric characteristics for the Mexican population (Cronbach's alpha of 0.65 to 0.93). CONCLUSION: The "Stress Profile" was adapted and validated for the Mexican population. This is a useful tool for studies that aim to evaluate the factors associated with stress in general, including health habits, coping styles and psychological well-being.

OBJETIVOS: a. Adaptar y validar el "Perfil de Estrés" para la población mexicana; b. Determinar la proporción de varianza que el instrumento es capaz de explicar de los datos originales a partir de un modelo factorial; c. Agrupar las variables en los factores en donde saturan con mayor claridad; d. Evaluar la validez de contenido del instrumento, y; e. Evaluar la consistencia interna del instrumento. MÉTODO: La muestra de validación estuvo compuesta por 883 participantes, 58.3% mujeres y 41.7% hombres, con edades entre 15 y 76 años (M=21.40, DE=10.02). Para verificar la validez psicométrica de la escala se llevaron a cabo el procedimiento propuesto por Reyes-Lagunes y García-Barragán (2008), el cual consta de los siguientes pasos: a. Frecuencia incluyendo sesgo para la selección de reactivos; b. Discriminación de reactivos para grupos extremos con base en el cual se eliminarán los que no cumplen con el requisito; c. Confiabilidad interna, y; d. Validez. RESULTADOS: El "Perfil de Estrés" presenta características psicométricas adecuadas para la población mexicana (alfa de Cronbach de 0.65 a 0.93). CONCLUSIÓN: El "Perfil de estrés" fue adaptado y validado para la cultura mexicana. Se considera que se trata de un instrumento útil para estudios que se propongan evaluar los factores asociados con el estrés en general, incluyendo los hábitos de salud, los estilos de afrontamiento y bienestar psicológico.

Usos y actitudes del personal de enfermería acerca de las terapias alternativas en un hospital pediátrico / Uses and attitudes of the nursing staff about alternative therapies in a pediatric hospital

Resumen

Introducción: en México el uso de las terapias alternativas es popular. El personal de enfermería es por excelencia el educador del paciente y la familia; por lo tanto, sus actitudes y opiniones son relevantes acerca del uso de las TA.

Objetivo: conocer el uso de las terapias alternativas que hace el personal de enfermería y su opinión y actitudes en torno a ese uso con los pacientes y la familia.

Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal, mediante el cual se le aplicaron 268 cuestionarios al personal de enfermería. El cuestionario fue diseñado ex profeso y validado para su aplicación.

Resultados: el 68% utilizó terapias alternativas y la mitad consideró que son seguras, el 27% mencionó que las recomienda a los pacientes y el 5% tuvo conocimiento del tema. El uso personal se asoció con la recomendación.

Conclusiones: la mayoría no indaga el antecedente del uso de terapias alternativas que hacen los pacientes. La recomendación de su uso se basa probablemente en la experiencia personal.

Abstract

Introduction: In Mexico the use of alternative therapies is popular. Par excellence, the nursing staff educates the patient and the family members; therefore, nursing staffs attitudes and opinions are relevant about the use of these therapies.

Objective: To know the use of alternative therapies by the nursing staff and their opinion and attitudes with patients and family concerning this use.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. 268 questionnaires were administered to the nursing staff. The questionnaire was designed with a purpose and validated.

Results: 68% of the nurse staff used alternative therapies, half believed these therapies are safe, 27% recommended them to patients, and 5% had knowledge of the subject. Personal use was associated with the recommendation.

Conclusions: The majority of the nursing staff does not investigate the antecedent of the use of alternative therapies by patients. The recommendation of its use is probably based on personal experience.

Relación entre factores psicosociales, agotamiento emocional laboral y burnout en odontólogos mexicanos / Relationship between Psychosocial Factors, Work Emotional Exhaustion and Burnout in Mexican Dentists

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la relación de factores psicosociales con agotamiento emocional laboral y el síndrome de burnout. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se usó la Escala de Agotamiento Laboral, el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach y el Cuestionario de Factores Psicosociales referido a aspectos personales, sociales y de trayecto. Se formaron dos grupos: 72 dentistas docentes pareados con 72 de práctica privada. Los resultados determinaron relación directa entre la dimensión trayecto de los factores psicosociales con tensión laboral (AEL) y cansancio emocional (MBI); pero, relación inversa con realización personal (MBI). Se encontraron niveles altos de tensión laboral y dificultad en la relación con los compañeros en dentistas docentes. No hubo diferencia en los niveles de burnout entre los grupos.

Abstract The objective of the study was to determine the relationship among psychosocial factor, emotional labor exhaustion and burnout syndrome. In semi structured interviews, 144 participants completed self-report Questionnaires: Emotional Labor Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory and a Questionnaire to identify psychosocial factors which refers to personal, social or path (home-work-home) problems. The sample consisted of two groups of dentists: 72 teachers paired with 72 of private practice. The results showed direct relationship among psychosocial risk factor of path with job strain and emotional exhaustion, and inverse relationship with personal accomplishment. High levels of job strain and difficulty in peer relationships were reported in teaching dentists. No difference was found in levels of burnout among groups.

Saúde Mental Positiva Ocupacional: proposta de modelo teórico para abordagem positiva da saúde mental no trabalho / Occupational Positive Mental Health: proposal of a theoretical model for the positive approach of mental health at work / Salud Mental Positiva Ocupacional: propuesta de un modelo teórico para el abordaje positivo de la salud mental en el trabajo

Resumo Propõe-se um modelo teórico para a abordagem da saúde mental positiva ocupacional baseado na psicologia positiva, a psicologia ecológica, a salutogênese e o humanismo. O modelo compreende uma estrutura de seis fatores: bem-estar pessoal no trabalho, relações interpessoais positivas no trabalho, filosofia da vida laboral, empoderamento no trabalho, fortalezas pessoais no trabalho, e imersão no serviço; que é traduzido em quatro dimensões: cognitiva, socioafetiva, de comportamento e espiritual. Para fundamentar essa proposta, foi realizada uma análise dos dois principais posicionamentos referentes a saúde mental: o tradicional, predominantemente negativo, centrado na supressão ou ausência de doença, e o positivo, focado na promoção da saúde e desenvolvimento de círculos virtuosos. Derivado da análise, encontramos uma postura mista e vazios teóricos que justificam a proposta de um modelo autenticamente positivo. Finalizamos com algumas conclusões e implicações práticas de relevância para esse tema.

Abstract We propose a theoretical model for the approach of Occupational Positive Mental Health based on positive psychology, ecologic psychology, salutogenesis and humanism. The model has a six-factor structure: personal wellbeing at work, positive interpersonal relationships at work, work-life philosophy, empowerment at work, personal strengths at work, and task immersion. These six aspects are translated into four dimensions: cognitive, socio-affective, behavioral, and spiritual. In order to support this proposal, an analysis of the two main approaches to mental health was developed, the traditional, focused on the negative, the suppression or absence of sickness, and the positive, focused on health promotion and the development of virtuous circles. Derived from the analysis, we found a mixed approach and a theoretical shortage that justify the need of an authentic positive model proposition. We finalize with some conclusions and practice implications of social relevance for the topic.

Resumen Se propone un modelo teórico para el abordaje de la salud mental positiva ocupacional basado en la psicología positiva, la psicología ecológica, la salutogénesis y el humanismo. El modelo comprende una estructura de seis factores: bienestar personal en el trabajo, relaciones interpersonales positivas en el trabajo, filosofía de vida laboral, empoderamiento en el trabajo, fortalezas personales en el trabajo, e inmersión en la tarea; lo cual se traduce en cuatro dimensiones; cognitiva, socioafectiva, comportamental y espiritual. Para fundamentar esta propuesta, se realizó un análisis de los dos principales posicionamientos referente a la salud mental, el tradicional, predominantemente negativo, centrado en la supresión o ausencia de enfermedad, y el positivo, enfocado en la promoción de la salud y desarrollo de círculos virtuosos. Derivado del análisis, encontramos una postura mixta y vacíos teóricos que justifican la propuesta de un modelo auténticamente positivo. Finalizamos con algunas conclusiones y las implicaciones prácticas de relevancia social para este tema.

Psychological capital and its relationship with lifestyle of Mexican university students / Capital psicológico y su relación con el estilo de vida de universitarios mexicanos

Background: University students don't have a healthy lifestyle so it is necessary to identify psychosocial variables that can increase it. Objective: To determine the relationship between the psychological capital (CapPsi) and lifestyle (EV) of Mexican university students. Method: A cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out among 320 students of a public university. The sample was non probabilistic by quotas. To assess the factors of CapPsi were used the General Scale of Self-efficacy, the Scale of Hope for Adults, Questionnaire of Resilience, the Life Orientation Test and; to assess the lifestyle was used the Fantastic questionnaire. Results: The variables of the CapPsi correlated with the healthy lifestyle; resilience (r = 0.505, p < 0.01); hope (r = 0.432, p < 0.01); optimism (r = 0.412, p < 0.01); and self-efficacy (r = 0.400, p < 0.01). The 33.3 of the total variance of the lifestyle was explained by the CapPsi (R2 = 0.333). Conclusions: Based on the results, it is assumed that the CapPsi improve lifestyle; however, further research is necessary to determine if the influence of CapPsi is in the adoption and / or maintenance of healthy lifestyle and identify how each one of its factors infl uences it particularly. The CapPsi has a representative percentage of prediction of healthy lifestyle. It is necessary that health promotion and prevention programs incorporate the approach of CapPsi to achieve a healthy lifestyle in the university students.

Introducción: en algunos estudios se ha reportado que los universitarios no tienen un estilo de vida saludable (EVS) por lo que es necesario identificar no solo las variables psicosociales negativas, sino también las variables de Psicología Positiva que pueden favorecerlo. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre el capital psicológico (CapPsi) y el estilo de vida (EV) de estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. Método: se realizó un estudio transversal y correlacional con 320 estudiantes de una universidad pública. La muestra fue no probabilística por cuotas. Para evaluar los factores del CapPsi se utilizaron los instrumentos Escala General de Autoeficacia, Escala de Esperanza para Adultos, Cuestionario de Resiliencia y Test de Orientación en la Vida (optimismo); para evaluar el EV se usó el Cuestionario Fantástico. Resultados: las variables del CapPsi mostraron una correlación estadísticamente significativa con el EV; resiliencia (r = 0,505, p < 0,01); esperanza (r = 0,432, p < 0,01); optimismo (r = 0,412, p < 0,01); autoeficacia (r = 0,400, p < 0,01). El 33,3 de la varianza total del EV es explicado por el CapPsi (R2 = 0,333). Conclusiones: con base en los resultados, se asume que el CapPsi favorece el EVS; no obstante, es necesario que futuras investigaciones detallen si la influencia es en la adopción y/o mantenimiento del EVS, así como identificar cómo influye particularmente en cada factor del EV. El CapPsi tiene un porcentaje representativo de predicción del EV saludable. Es necesario que los programas de promoción y prevención en salud incorporen el abordaje del CapPsi para lograr un EV saludable en los universitarios.

[Representation of self-care of health at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico]. / Representación del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo de conductores de autobús urbano de Guadalajara, México.

This study aimed to analyze the social representations of health self-care at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico. The methodology was qualitative, with a multi-method design based on the theory of social representations. The first stage involved active observation sessions with the information recorded in field notes; in the second stage, the associative letter technique and successively hierarchized trees technique were applied to 20 drivers, submitting the data to a classical analysis of the free associations; a third stage involved semi-structured interviews with 4 drivers, submitted to content analysis. The results indicate that structurally, the representation is centered on alimentation, presenting the concepts rest and corrective health care at peripheral levels. Procedurally, the represeentation centers in the psychosocial factors derived from the working conditions, while the rest of the work characteristics are seen as low risk to health. The self-care actions mentioned by the participants only focus on the workinging conditions perceived as risky. The social representation of health self-care at work is a collective mental construction, developed and modified through social interactions, which influences self-care measures used against the risks perceived in the workplace.

Capital psicológico y su relación con el estilo de vida de universitarios mexicanos / Psychological capital and its relationship with lifestyle of Mexican university students

Introducción: en algunos estudios se ha reportado que los universitarios no tienen un estilo de vida saludable (EVS) por lo que es necesario identificar no solo las variables psicosociales negativas, sino también las variables de Psicología Positiva que pueden favorecerlo. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre el capital psicológico (CapPsi) y el estilo de vida (EV) de estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. Método: se realizó un estudio transversal y correlacional con 320 estudiantes de una universidad pública. La muestra fue no probabilística por cuotas. Para evaluar los factores del CapPsi se utilizaron los instrumentos Escala General de Autoeficacia, Escala de Esperanza para Adultos, Cuestionario de Resiliencia y Test de Orientación en la Vida (optimismo); para evaluar el EV se usó el Cuestionario Fantástico. Resultados: las variables del CapPsi mostraron una correlación estadísticamente significativa con el EV; resiliencia (r = 0,505, p < 0,01); esperanza (r = 0,432, p < 0,01); optimismo (r = 0,412, p < 0,01); autoefi cacia (r = 0,400, p < 0,01). El 33,3 de la varianza total del EV es explicado por el CapPsi (R2 = 0,333). Conclusiones: con base en los resultados, se asume que el CapPsi favorece el EVS; no obstante, es necesario que futuras investigaciones detallen si la influencia es en la adopción y/o mantenimiento del EVS, así como identificar cómo influye particularmente en cada factor del EV. El CapPsi tiene un porcentaje representativo de predicción del EV saludable. Es necesario que los programas de promoción y prevención en salud incorporen el abordaje del CapPsi para lograr un EV saludable en los universitarios (AU)

Background: University students don’t have a healthy lifestyle so it is necessary to identify psychosocial variables that can increase it. Objective: To determine the relationship between the psychological capital (CapPsi) and lifestyle (EV) of Mexican university students. Method: A cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out among 320 students of a public university. The sample was non probabilistic by quotas. To assess the factors of CapPsi were used the General Scale of Self-effi cacy, the Scale of Hope for Adults, Questionnaire of Resilience, the Life Orientation Test and; to assess the lifestyle was used the Fantastic questionnaire. Results: The variables of the CapPsi correlated with the healthy lifestyle; resilience (r = 0.505, p < 0.01); hope (r = 0.432, p < 0.01); optimism (r = 0.412, p < 0.01); and self-effi cacy (r = 0.400, p < 0.01). The 33.3 of the total variance of the lifestyle was explained by the CapPsi (R2 = 0.333). Conclusions: Based on the results, it is assumed that the CapPsi improve lifestyle; however, further research is necessary to determine if the infl uence of CapPsi is in the adoption and / or maintenance of healthy lifestyle and identify how each one of its factors influences it particularly. The CapPsi has a representative percentage of prediction of healthy lifestyle. It is necessary that health promotion and prevention programs incorporate the approach of CapPsi to achieve a healthy lifestyle in the university students (AU)

Validation of Health Behavior and Stages of Change Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The transtheoretical model (TTM) has been widely used to promote healthy behaviors in different groups. However, a questionnaire has not yet been developed to evaluate the health behaviors that medical practitioners often consider in individuals with cancer or at a high risk of developing cancer. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to construct and validate the Health Behavior and Stages of Change Questionnaire (HBSCQ), which is based on the TTM and health recommendations related to risk and factors that protect against cancer. METHODS: Content validity was conducted in two phases (qualitative and quantitative). Item difficulty index, item discrimination index, and discrimination coefficient were obtained based on the classical test theory. Finally, Cronbach's alpha was used. RESULTS: Measure of concordance showed scores considered adequate and excellent. The item discrimination index obtained a rating of "excellent" and suggested the preservation of all items. The discrimination coefficient scores are >0.74. The global internal consistency of the HBSCQ was 0.384. HBSCQ specification between groups of internal consistency for the sample of men was 0.712 and that for the sample of women was 0.378. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The HBSCQ represents a proposal for a fast, simple, and innovative screening test, which aims to identify persons who may benefit from interventions to promote health behaviors delimited to the stage of change.

Representación del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo de conductores de autobús urbano de Guadalajara, México / Representation of self-care of health at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico / Representação do autocuidado da saúde no trabalho de motoristas de ônibus urbano em Guadalajara, México

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las representaciones sociales del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo en conductores de autobús urbano de Guadalajara, México. La metodología fue cualitativa, con un diseño multimétodo, basado en la teoría de las representaciones sociales. En una primera etapa se efectuaron sesiones de observación participante, la información se registró en notas de campo; en una segunda fase se aplicaron las técnicas de la carta asociativa y los tris jerarquizados sucesivos a 20 conductores, los datos se sometieron a análisis clásico de las asociaciones libres; en una tercera etapa se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 4 conductores, siendo sometidas a análisis de contenido. Los resultados indican que, estructuralmente, la representación se centra en la alimentación, presentándose en niveles periféricos el descanso y el cuidado correctivo de la salud. Procesualmente, la representación gira en torno a los factores psicosociales que se desprenden de las condiciones de trabajo, el resto de las características del ejercicio laboral se consideran poco riesgosas para la salud. Las acciones de autocuidado mencionadas se enfocan en las condiciones de trabajo percibidas como riesgosas. La representación social del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo es una construcción mental colectiva, desarrollada y modificada a través de la interacción social, la cual influye en las acciones de autocuidado empleadas frente a los riesgos existentes en el entorno laboral.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the social representations of health self-care at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico. The methodology was qualitative, with a multi-method design based on the theory of social representations. The first stage involved active observation sessions with the information recorded in field notes; in the second stage, the associative letter technique and successively hierarchized trees technique were applied to 20 drivers, submitting the data to a classical analysis of the free associations; a third stage involved semi-structured interviews with 4 drivers, submitted to content analysis. The results indicate that structurally, the representation is centered on alimentation, presenting the concepts rest and corrective health care at peripheral levels. Procedurally, the represeentation centers in the psychosocial factors derived from the working conditions, while the rest of the work characteristics are seen as low risk to health. The self-care actions mentioned by the participants only focus on the workinging conditions perceived as risky. The social representation of health self-care at work is a collective mental construction, developed and modified through social interactions, which influences self-care measures used against the risks perceived in the workplace.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as representações sociais do autocuidado da saúde no trabalho dos motoristas de ônibus urbano de Guadalajara, México. A metodologia foi qualitativa, com uma abordagem multimétodo, baseada na teoria das representações sociais. Em uma primeira etapa foram efetuadas sessões de observação participante, a informação foi registrada em anotações de campo; na segunda fase foram aplicadas técnicas de cartas associativas e momentos hierárquicos sucessivos a 20 motoristas, cujos dados foram submetidos à análise clássico das associações livres; em uma terceira etapa foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a quatro motoristas, sendo submetidas a análises de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que, estruturalmente, a representação está focada na alimentação, apresentando-se em níveis periféricos o descanso, junto com o cuidado correto da saúde. Processualmente, a representação vira em torno dos fatores psicossociais, que se desprendem das condições de trabalho, o resto das características da atividade laboral foi considerado pouco arriscado para a saúde. As ações de autocuidado citadas foram focadas às condições de trabalho percebidas como arriscadas. A representação social do autocuidado da saúde no trabalho é uma construção mental coletiva, desenvolvida e modificada através da interação social, a qual influencia as ações de autocuidado empregadas frente aos riscos existentes no entorno laboral.

Models Predictive of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Obese Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are complications caused by abdominal obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Diagnosis of MetS by clinical indicators could help to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We undertook this study to propose predictive indicators of MetS in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. After obtaining informed consent and the registration of the study with an institutional research committee, 172 obese patients from an Obesity Clinic, aged 6-15 years, were included. Variables included were waist circumference (WC), glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TGL), blood pressure, insulin resistance (by homeostatic model assessment HOMA-index), acanthosis nigricans (AN), uric acid, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and alanine transaminase, and hepatic sonogram. International standards for age and sex variables were used. Multivariate analysis was applied. RESULTS: Variables predicted components of MetS in children: HOMA-IR (insulin resistance by HOMA index) was increased by 2.4 in hepatic steatosis, by 0.6 for each unit of SUA (serum uric acid), and by 0.009 for every mg/dL of triglycerides. In adolescents, every cm of waist circumference increased systolic blood pressure by 0.6 mmHg, and each unit of SUA increased it by 2.9 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid and waist circumference are useful and accessible variables that can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in obese pediatric patients.