Efectos del tratamiento con andrógenos sobre la neurocognición en adolescentes transgénero de mujer a hombre / Androgen treatment effects on neurocognition in female-to-male transgender adolescents

Introducción Se ha planteado la hipótesis de que la neurocognición en personas transgénero durante el tratamiento hormonal cruzado podría aproximarse a la del género subjetivo. Sin embargo, la investigación sobre este tema ha producido resultados inconsistentes y, hasta donde sabemos, ningún estudio ha investigado los cambios neurocognitivos en adolescentes transgénero de mujer a hombre (FM) tratados con andrógenos. Sujetos y métodos Quince adolescentes transgénero FM (14-17 años) se sometieron a pruebas neuropsicológicas para examinar los efectos de los andrógenos en sus habilidades visuoespaciales, memoria verbal, velocidad de procesamiento y funciones ejecutivas. Utilizamos un diseño longitudinal en el que se evaluó a 10 participantes dos veces, antes y después de recibir, durante 12 meses, tratamiento con testosterona. Este grupo también se comparó con cinco adolescentes transgénero FM sin tratamiento con andrógenos. Resultados Los participantes evaluados antes y después de 12 meses de tratamiento con andrógenos mejoraron significativamente en velocidad de procesamiento en una tarea visuoespacial (prueba de la figura compleja de Rey-Osterrieth) y en una tarea visual (Stroop), en una tarea de memoria verbal (test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense) y en interferencia (Stroop), y exhibieron un menor control de la impulsividad (test de percepción de diferencias revisado). Los adolescentes que recibieron tratamiento con andrógenos mostraron un peor control de la impulsividad cognitiva que los adolescentes que no recibieron tratamiento con andrógenos. Conclusiones Los resultados indican que los andrógenos influyen en la memoria verbal, la interferencia cognitiva, el control de la impulsividad y la velocidad de procesamiento. (AU)

INTRODUCTION It has been hypothesized that cognitive and memory-related brain function in transgender during cross-sex hormonal treatment might be activated towards that of the subjective gender. However, research on this topic has produced inconsistent results, and to the best of our knowledge no studies have investigated neurocognitive changes in androgen-treated female-to-male (FM) transgender adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 15 FM transgender adolescents (14-17 years) underwent neuropsychological testing in order to examine the effects of androgen on visuo-spacial abilities, verbal memory language, processing speed and executive functions. We used a longitudinal design in which 10 participants were tested twice, before and after receiving 12 months of testosterone treatment. This group was also compared with 5 FM transgender adolescents off-androgen treatment. RESULTS Participants tested before and after 12 months of androgen treatment improved significantly on processing speed in a visuo-spatial (Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test) and in a visuo-oral task (Stroop), their performance on a verbal memory task (TAVEC) and on interference (Stroop) and they exhibited lower impulsivity control (CARAS-R). On-androgen treatment adolescents exhibited worse cognitive impulsivity control than off-androgen treatment adolescents. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that androgen has an influence on immediate verbal memory, cognitive interference, impulsivity control and processing speed. (AU)

Competencias profesionales en Psicología Clínica de la Infancia y la Adolescencia: revisión sistemática e implicaciones / Professional competences in Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence: systematic review and implications

La Psicología Clínica de la Infancia y la Adolescencia es reconocida internacionalmente como una especialidad profesional de la psicología. Ese reconocimiento de la especialidad conlleva la identificación precisa de sus competencias específicas y distintivas. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar los modelos competenciales específicos propuestos en el ámbito de la Psicología Clínica de la Infancia y la Adolescencia. Se han identificado 16 publicaciones en bases de datos científicas ajustadas a los criterios de búsqueda. Para el análisis y sistematización de las competencias se ha tomado como referencia la clasificación del Modelo de Cubo de Rodolfa et al. En conjunto, se mencionan 22 grupos de competencias específicas del desempeño profesional de la Psicología Clínica de la Infancia y la Adolescencia, de los cuales 15 concitan un amplio consenso. Se concluye examinando las implicaciones de este trabajo para el desarrollo futuro de la profesión. (AU)

Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology is internationally recognized as a professional specialty of psychology. This recognition of the specialty entails the precise identification of its specific and distinctive competencies. The aim of this paper is to review the specific competency models proposed in the field of Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence. Sixteen publications were identified in scientific databases that matched the search criteria. For the analysis and systematization of competencies, the classification of the Rodolfa et al. Cube Model has been used as ref-erence. Overall, 22 groups of competencies specific to the professional performance of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology are mentioned, of which 15 are widely agreed upon. It concludes by examining the implications of this work for the future development of the profession. (AU)

Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors in a Spanish sample of HIV-positive youth compared to uninfected peers.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was twofold: a) to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety and sleep disturbances in young patients with vertically-transmitted HIV infection compared to uninfected peers, and b) to identify sociodemographic, psychosocial and medication-related variables and other clinical risk and protective factors related to psychological symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two groups with independent measures (36 youth with vertically transmitted HIV infection and 39 HIV-negative peers). We used 3 standardised assessment tools and a sociodemographic/psychosocial questionnaire (STAI, BDI, PSQI and adapted sociodemographic test). We performed univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: The univariate analysis did not find significant differences between groups either in psychosocial factors or in the clinical scores. The multivariable analysis found that the presence of psychological symptoms was strongly associated with sociodemographic factors and past events. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial factors and the social environment seemed to correlate more strongly to psychological symptoms than HIV status and to explain better the current psychological state of individuals.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de síntomas psicológicos en una muestra española de jóvenes con VIH en comparación con pares no infectados / Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors in a Spanish sample of HIV-positive youth compared to uninfected peers

Introducción: Los objetivos principales del estudio fueron dos: a)identificar la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y de ansiedad y trastornos del sueño en pacientes jóvenes con infección por VIH de transmisión vertical en comparación con un grupo de pares no infectados, y b)identificar factores sociodemográficos, psicosociales y relacionados con la medicación y otros factores de riesgo y protectores relacionados con los síntomas psicológicos. Métodos: Estudio transversal en dos grupos con medidas independientes: 36 sujetos con VIH (transmisión vertical) y 39 sin VIH (no infectados). Se emplearon tres instrumentos de evaluación estandarizados y un cuestionario sociodemográfico/psicosocial (STAI, BDI, PSQI y test sociodemográfico adaptado). Se realizó análisis univariante y multivariante. Resultados: El análisis univariante no reveló diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en las variables psicosociales o las escalas clínicas. El análisis multivariante encontró que los síntomas psicológicos se asociaban con fuerza a factores sociodemográficos y experiencias del pasado. Conclusiones: El entorno y las variables psicosociales parecen estar asociados más estrechamente con los síntomas psicológicos que el estado de VIH y podrían explicar mejor el estado psicológico actual del individuo. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of the study was twofold: (i)to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety and sleep disturbances in young patients with vertically-transmitted HIV infection compared to uninfected peers, and (ii)to identify sociodemographic, psychosocial and medication-related variables and other clinical risk and protective factors related to psychological symptoms. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two groups with independent measures (36 youth with vertically transmitted HIV infection and 39 HIV-negative peers). We used three standardised assessment tools and a sociodemographic/psychosocial questionnaire (STAI, BDI, PSQI and adapted sociodemographic test). We performed univariate and multivariable analyses. Results: The univariate analysis did not find significant differences between groups either in psychosocial factors or in the clinical scores. The multivariable analysis found that the presence of psychological symptoms was strongly associated with sociodemographic factors and past events. Conclusions: Psychosocial factors and the social environment seemed to correlate more strongly to psychological symptoms than HIV status and to explain better the current psychological state of individuals. (AU)

Mood disorders in children following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Few studies on the consequences following newborn hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) assess the risk of mood disorders (MD), although these are prevalent after ischemic brain injury in adults. OBJECTIVE: To study the presence of MD in children survivors of NHIE. METHODS: 14 children survivors of NHIE treated with hypothermia and without cerebral palsy and 15 healthy children without perinatal complications were studied aged three to six years for developmental status (Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3 [ASQ-3]) and for socio-emotional status (Preschool Symptom Self-Report [PRESS] and Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL] 1.5-5 tests). Maternal depression was assessed using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Socio-economic factors such as parental educational level or monthly income were also studied. RESULTS: NHIE children did not present delay but scored worse than healthy children for all ASQ3 items. NHIE children showed higher scores than healthy children for PRESS as well as for anxious/depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior items of CBCL. In addition, in three NHIE children the CBCL anxious/depressive symptoms item score exceeded the cutoff value for frank pathology (P = 0.04 vs healthy children). There were no differences in the other CBCL items as well as in maternal MADRS or parental educational level or monthly income. Neither ASQ3 scores nor MADRS score or socio-economic factors correlated with PRESS or CBCL scores. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory study children survivors of NHIE showed increased risk of developing mood disturbances, in accordance with that reported for adults after brain ischemic insults. Considering the potential consequences, such a possibility warrants further research.

[Empirically Supported Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents: State of the Art].

Empirically Supported Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents: State of the Art. BACKGROUND: The empirical evidence accumulated on the efficacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of psychotherapeutic treatments in children and adolescents calls for an update. The main goal of this paper objective was to carry out a selective review of empirically supported psychological treatments for a variety of common psychological disorders and problems in childhood and adolescence. METHOD: A review was carried out of the psychological treatments for different psychological disorders and problems in social-emotional or behavioral adjustment in the child-adolescent population according to the Spanish National Health System (Clinical Practice Guidelines) levels of evidence and degrees of recommendation. RESULTS: The findings suggest that psychological treatments have empirical support for addressing a wide range of psychological problems in these developmental stages. The degree of empirical support ranges from low to high depending on the phenomenon analyzed. The review suggests unequal progress in the different fields of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: From this update, psychologists will be able to make informed decisions when implementing those empirically supported treatments to address the problems that occur in childhood and adolescence.

Neurocognitive and quality of life study in perinatally HIV-infected young people and their peers. NeuroCoRISpeS study / Estudio neurocognitivo y de calidad de vida en jóvenes infectados por el VIH y sus pares. NeuroCoRISpeS

BACKGROUND: Assessing the role of HIV and non-HIV related factors is essential for a better understanding of the neurocognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) young people. The aim of our study was to assess cognition and quality of life (QoL) of a PHIV+ cohort of young people and to compare it with a control group. METHODS: Thirty PHIV+ and 30 HIV(-) healthy young adults matched by age, sex and socioeconomic status completed a protocol that included neurocognitive tests, a psychosocial semi-structured interview and a QoL questionnaire (PedsQL). Neurocognitive domain-specific and domain-general (NPZ-5) Z-scores were calculated. CDC AIDS-defining category C or not C (PHIV+/C, PHIV+/noC) was considered to evaluate differences within the PHIV+ group. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included; 67% were female; median age (IQR) 19 years (18-21). Regarding PHIV+ young people, 27% showed CDC C category (none encephalopathy), 93% were on ART and 77% had undetectable viral load. No differences regarding occupation were found, although the HIV(−) group repeated less grades (p = 0.028) and had a higher education level (p = 0.021). No differences were found between PHIV+/noC and HIV(−) participants. However, the PHIV+/C group showed poorer performance than PHIV+/noC (NPZ-5, p = 0.037) and HIV(-) subjects (crystallised intelligence, p = 0.025; intelligence quotient, p = 0.016). Higher nadir CD4+ T-cell count was related to better Z-score in memory (p = 0.007) and NPZ-5 (p = 0.025). Earlier and longer exposure to ART resulted in better performance in memory (p = 0.004) and executive functions (p = 0.015), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found in the neurocognitive profile nor QoL between PHIV+/noC and HIV(-) adolescents; however, PHIV+/C participants obtained lower scores. The use of longer and earlier ART seems to have a beneficial effect

ANTECEDENTES: Para estudiar el perfil neurocognitivo de jóvenes infectados perinatalmente por VIH (PVIH+) es importante valorar tanto los factores asociados al virus como los no relacionados. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar la cognición y la calidad de vida de una cohorte de jóvenes PVIH+ y compararlas con las de un grupo control. MÉTODOS: Treinta jóvenes PVIH+ y 30 sujetos sanos VIH− pareados por edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico completaron un protocolo que incluía pruebas neurocognitivas, entrevista psicosocial semiestructurada y cuestionario de calidad de vida PedsQL. Se calculó el Z-score global (NPZ-5) y específico para cada dominio neurocognitivo. Adicionalmente, se consideró la categoría SIDA (PVIH+/C, PVIH+/noC). Se realizó análisis univariante y multivariante. RESULTADOS: De los 60 pacientes incluidos, el 67% eran mujeres; edad media (IQR) 19años (18-21). Respecto al grupo PVIH+, el 27% tenían categoría CDCC (ninguna encefalopatía), el 93% tomaban antirretrovirales y el 77% tenían carga viral indetectable. No hubo diferencias en cuanto a ocupación, aunque el grupo VIH− repitió menos cursos académicos (p = 0,028) y tuvo mayor nivel educativo (p = 0,021). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos PVIH+/noC y VIH−. El grupo PVIH+/C tuvo un rendimiento inferior al de PVIH+/noC (NPZ-5, p = 0,037) y VIH− (inteligencia cristalizada, p = 0,025; cociente de inteligencia, p = 0,016). Mayor nadir de célulasT CD4+ se relacionó con mejor Z-score en Memoria (p = 0,007) y NPZ-5 (p = 0,025). La exposición temprana y prolongada a la terapia antirretroviral favoreció un mejor rendimiento en Memoria (p = 0,004) y en Funciones Ejecutivas (p = 0,015), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: No hubo diferencias significativas en el perfil neurocognitivo ni en calidad de vida entre los adolescentes PVIH+/noC y VIH−; sin embargo, los participantes PVIH+/C obtuvieron puntuaciones más bajas. La exposición temprana y prolongada a la terapia antirretroviral parece tener un efecto beneficioso

Impacto psicológico del confinamiento en población infantil y cómo mitigar sus efectos: revisión rápida de la evidencia / Sychological impact of lockdown (confinement) on young children and how to mitigate its effects: rapid review of the evidence

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Evaluación psicosocial en adolescentes transgénero / Psychosocial assessment in transgender adolescents

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el estado psicosocial de los pacientes que acudan a consulta de endocrinología pediátrica por incongruencia de género y determinar el impacto en este sentido de la terapia hormonal cruzada (THC) después de un año. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio analítico, prospectivo realizado en adolescentes con incongruencia de género de entre 14 y 18 años que acuden a endocrinología infantil durante 2018-2019. Tamaño muestral: 23 casos transgénero (16 masculinos y 7 femeninos) y 30 controles cis. Variables del estudio en T0 (pretratamiento) y T1 (tras un año de THC): datos sociodemográficos, Test de Utrecht, Test SDQ-Cas, APGAR familiar, Escala STAI, Test de evaluación de depresión BDI-II. RESULTADOS: Se encuentra mejoría significativa (p < 0,05) entre T0 y T1 en el grupo trans en cuanto a los síntomas emocionales, los problemas de conducta, los síntomas de hiperactividad y la conducta prosocial, así como en el grado de ansiedad y depresión. Existen diferencias significativas entre el grupo trans y los controles en T0 igualándose las puntuaciones en T1 en las escalas evaluadas. Las familias de nuestra muestra de pacientes transgénero proporcionan un entorno muy favorable según las puntuaciones obtenidas en la escala del APGAR familiar. CONCLUSIONES: Los índices de ansiedad, distrés emocional y comportamental, sintomatología depresiva, así como el sentimiento de disforia de género de nuestra muestra de pacientes transgénero fueron similares a los de población no transexual de su misma edad tras un año de THC iniciada en edades comprendidas entre los 14-18 años

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychosocial status of the patients who attend a paediatric endocrinology clinic due to gender incongruity (GI), and to establish the impact on this after one-year of cross hormonal therapy (CHT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical and prospective study conducted on adolescents between 14 and 18 years old with GI, and who attended the Endocrinology clinic during 2018-2019. The sample included 23 transgender cases (16 male and 7 female cases) and 30 cisgender controls. Study variables were collected at T0 (pre-treatment) and T1 (after one year of CHT) and included sociodemographic data, Utrecht test, SDQ-Cas test, family APGAR test, STAI scale-anxiety Grade, and BDI-II depression assessment test. RESULTS: A significant improvement (P < .05) was found between T0 and T1 in the transgender group in terms of emotional symptoms, behaviour problems, hyperactivity symptoms, pro-social conduct, as well as in the degree of anxiety and depression measured by the SDQ-Cas test, the STAI and the BDI-II scale. There were significant differences in these scales between the transgender group and the controls at T0, however, the scores equalised at T1. The families in this sample of transgender patients provided a very favourable environment according to the scores obtained on the family APGAR scale. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of anxiety, emotional and behaviour distress, depressive symptomatology, as well as the feeling of gender dysphoria of these transgender patients were similar to those of non-transsexual population of the same age after one year of CHT initiated at ages between 14-18 years old

[Psychosocial assessment in transgender adolescents]. / Evaluación psicosocial en adolescentes transgénero.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychosocial status of the patients who attend a paediatric endocrinology clinic due to gender incongruity (GI), and to establish the impact on this after one-year of cross hormonal therapy (CHT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical and prospective study conducted on adolescents between 14 and 18 years old with GI, and who attended the Endocrinology clinic during 2018-2019. The sample included 23 transgender cases (16 male and 7 female cases) and 30 cisgender controls. Study variables were collected at T0 (pre-treatment) and T1 (after one year of CHT) and included sociodemographic data, Utrecht test, SDQ-Cas test, family APGAR test, STAI scale-anxiety Grade, and BDI-II depression assessment test. RESULTS: A significant improvement (P<.05) was found between T0 and T1 in the transgender group in terms of emotional symptoms, behaviour problems, hyperactivity symptoms, pro-social conduct, as well as in the degree of anxiety and depression measured by the SDQ-Cas test, the STAI and the BDI-II scale. There were significant differences in these scales between the transgender group and the controls at T0, however, the scores equalised at T1. The families in this sample of transgender patients provided a very favourable environment according to the scores obtained on the family APGAR scale. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of anxiety, emotional and behaviour distress, depressive symptomatology, as well as the feeling of gender dysphoria of these transgender patients were similar to those of non-transsexual population of the same age after one year of CHT initiated at ages between 14-18 years old.

Neurocognitive and quality of life study in perinatally HIV-infected young people and their peers. NeuroCoRISpeS study.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the role of HIV and non-HIV related factors is essential for a better understanding of the neurocognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) young people. The aim of our study was to assess cognition and quality of life (QoL) of a PHIV+ cohort of young people and to compare it with a control group. METHODS: Thirty PHIV+ and 30 HIV(-) healthy young adults matched by age, sex and socioeconomic status completed a protocol that included neurocognitive tests, a psychosocial semi-structured interview and a QoL questionnaire (PedsQL). Neurocognitive domain-specific and domain-general (NPZ-5) Z-scores were calculated. CDC AIDS-defining category C or not C (PHIV+/C, PHIV+/noC) was considered to evaluate differences within the PHIV+ group. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included; 67% were female; median age (IQR) 19 years (18-21). Regarding PHIV+ young people, 27% showed CDC C category (none encephalopathy), 93% were on ART and 77% had undetectable viral load. No differences regarding occupation were found, although the HIV(-) group repeated less grades (p=0.028) and had a higher education level (p=0.021). No differences were found between PHIV+/noC and HIV(-) participants. However, the PHIV+/C group showed poorer performance than PHIV+/noC (NPZ-5, p=0.037) and HIV(-) subjects (crystallised intelligence, p=0.025; intelligence quotient, p=0.016). Higher nadir CD4+ T-cell count was related to better Z-score in memory (p=0.007) and NPZ-5 (p=0.025). Earlier and longer exposure to ART resulted in better performance in memory (p=0.004) and executive functions (p=0.015), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found in the neurocognitive profile nor QoL between PHIV+/noC and HIV(-) adolescents; however, PHIV+/C participants obtained lower scores. The use of longer and earlier ART seems to have a beneficial effect.

[Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors in a Spanish sample of HIV-positive youth compared to uninfected peers]. / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de síntomas psicológicos en una muestra española de jóvenes con VIH en comparación con pares no infectados.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was twofold: (i)to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety and sleep disturbances in young patients with vertically-transmitted HIV infection compared to uninfected peers, and (ii)to identify sociodemographic, psychosocial and medication-related variables and other clinical risk and protective factors related to psychological symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two groups with independent measures (36 youth with vertically transmitted HIV infection and 39 HIV-negative peers). We used three standardised assessment tools and a sociodemographic/psychosocial questionnaire (STAI, BDI, PSQI and adapted sociodemographic test). We performed univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: The univariate analysis did not find significant differences between groups either in psychosocial factors or in the clinical scores. The multivariable analysis found that the presence of psychological symptoms was strongly associated with sociodemographic factors and past events. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial factors and the social environment seemed to correlate more strongly to psychological symptoms than HIV status and to explain better the current psychological state of individuals.

Impact of HIV on the health-related quality of life in youth with perinatally acquired HIV.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV+) are scarce. This study aimed to compare HRQoL of PHIV+ to sociodemographic-matched youth not living with HIV (HIV-), Spanish general youth population, and to explore associations between sociodemographic variables, drug consumption, and HRQoL. METHODS: PHIV+ youth were randomly selected from CoRISpe database (Cohort of the Spanish Pediatric HIV Network). HRQoL was evaluated by SF-12v2. RESULTS: Thirty-nine PHIV+ youth (mean age: 23.36 years, SD = 3.83) and thirty-nine HIV- youth (mean age: 22.97 years, SD = 3.80) participated in this study. PHIV+ obtained lower scores in SF-12 physical health subscale (PCS) than HIV- (P = 0.001) and Spanish general youth population (P = 0.006). PHIV+ had lower scores on the mental health subscale (MCS) than the Spanish general youth population (P < 0.001). PHIV+ who were at school obtained better scores than those were not at school. PHIV+ youth who had used cocaine and cannabis had lower scores in MCS (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for HRQoL management in the associated medical follow-up.

Jóvenes y VIH. Conocimiento y conductas de riesgo de un grupo residente en España / Young adults and HIV. Awareness and risk behaviour of a group living in Spain

Introducción: El contacto sexual es actualmente en España la primera vía de contagio de VIH. Pese a los descensos en el número de nuevas infecciones en mujeres y consumo de drogas, en hombres se mantiene estable. El presente estudio pretende evaluar conductas de riesgo y conocimientos sobre VIH en una muestra de jóvenes en España. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal utilizando un cuestionario sobre salud sexual y conocimiento sobre el VIH adaptado del Instituto Nacional de Estadística. El grupo estuvo compuesto por jóvenes no infectados por VIH. Se incluyó la variable riesgo sexual (alto y bajo), siendo de riesgo alto los sujetos que habían tenido tres o más parejas y no utilizaban preservativo en todas las relaciones. Resultados: Se encuestaron 243 jóvenes (65,6% mujeres) de entre 16 y 36 años (media = 25,7; DE = 4,1) (16-24 años: 134 sujetos; 25-29 años, 60 sujetos; más de 30 años, 47 sujetos). El 40,9% contestaron que utilizaban el preservativo en todas sus relaciones y el 61% que no perciben ningún riesgo de infección. De forma mayoritaria no se encuentran diferencias significativas en conocimiento sobre vías de transmisión entre los grupos de alto y de bajo riesgo. Los métodos de protección que se asociaron significativamente con las diferencias en riesgo sexual fueron lavarse tras las relaciones sexuales, tener pocas parejas, uso de espermicidas y carga viral indetectable (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El principal resultado del estudio es la infravaloración personal de riesgo indicado según las diferencias encontradas entre la valoración personal y el índice de riesgo sexual. Se encuentran resultados tanto positivos como negativos en cuanto al conocimiento sobre el VIH

Introduction: Sexual intercourse is currently the main route of HIV infection in Spain. Despite decreases in new infections among women and drug users, the rate remains stable in men. The aim of this study was to assess risk behaviour and HIV awareness in a sample of young adults in Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was performed on a non-HIV infected sample, using a questionnaire on sexual health and HIV awareness adapted from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. A sexual risk variable was included (high and low), which was classified as high if subjects had had three or more sexual partners and did not always use a condom in all their sexual encounters. Results: 243 subjects were included (65.6% women) aged between 16 and 36 years (mean = 25.7; SD = 4.1) (16-24 years: 134 subjects; 25-29 years: 60 subjects; over 30 years: 47 subjects). Approximately 40.9% said that they used a condom in all sexual relations and 61% did not perceive any risk of infection. There were no significant differences in awareness of infection routes between the high and low risk profiles. Washing after sex, having few partners, spermicide use and having undetectable viral load were protective measures significantly associated with differences in sexual risk (P < .05). Conclusions: The main finding of the study was the underestimation of risk of infection, analysed after differences found between self-assessment and sexual risk. Both positive and negative results were found concerning HIV awareness

Young adults and HIV. Awareness and risk behaviour of a group living in Spain. / Jóvenes y VIH. Conocimiento y conductas de riesgo de un grupo residente en España.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual intercourse is currently the main route of HIV infection in Spain. Despite decreases in new infections among women and drug users, the rate remains stable in men. The aim of this study was to assess risk behaviour and HIV awareness in a sample of young adults in Spain. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was performed on a non-HIV infected sample, using a questionnaire on sexual health and HIV awareness adapted from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. A sexual risk variable was included (high and low), which was classified as high if subjects had had three or more sexual partners and did not always use a condom in all their sexual encounters. RESULTS: 243 subjects were included (65.6% women) aged between 16 and 36years (mean=25.7; SD=4.1) (16-24years: 134 subjects; 25-29years: 60 subjects; over 30years: 47 subjects). Approximately 40.9% said that they used a condom in all sexual relations and 61% did not perceive any risk of infection. There were no significant differences in awareness of infection routes between the high and low risk profiles. Washing after sex, having few partners, spermicide use and having undetectable viral load were protective measures significantly associated with differences in sexual risk (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of the study was the underestimation of risk of infection, analysed after differences found between self-assessment and sexual risk. Both positive and negative results were found concerning HIV awareness.

The relationship between dysfunctional family patterns and symptom severity among adolescent patients with eating disorders: A gender-specific approach.

The objective of the authors in this study was to identify factors related to dysfunctional family functioning that may be associated with the severity of symptoms among adolescent patients with an eating disorder (ED) at first-contact care. A total of forty-eight mothers and forty-five fathers of fifty patients with EDs were recruited from an ED unit in Madrid, Spain, between October 2011 and July 2012. Parents completed self-report assessments related to family functioning and psychological wellbeing. Patients went through clinical interviews and completed a self-report questionnaire assessing symptom severity. Compared to fathers, mothers showed higher levels of anxiety and emotional over-involvement and perceived to a greater degree the positive and negative aspects of their experience as caregivers. Regarding the relationship between family functioning and symptom severity, mothers' perceptions of their family relationships as enmeshed and less adaptive, along with anxiety, accounted for 39% of variance in the severity of ED symptoms. Anxiety and symptom accommodation by the fathers accounted for 27% of variance in the symptom severity. Interventions that help parents to cope with their caregiving role should target behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects of their functioning and be gender-specific, to improve the outcome of ED in patients.

Use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Spanish caregivers.

BACKGROUND: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is widely used in the assessment of anxiety and depression, but there are scarce data about its psychometric properties in caregivers of older relatives. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyse the factor structure of the HADS to verify its suitability to assess emotional symptomatology in family caregivers of old people, its internal consistency and confirming its relation with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and an index of disease and physical complaints. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five family caregivers (25 men and 150 women) aged 32-86, who were taking care of at least one older person in a situation of dependence, were recruited for this study. A descriptive, comparative, correlational design was employed. The scientific adequacy of the questionnaire and its structure were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis. The scores obtained in the GHQ and in an index of disease and physical complaints were used as external criteria to assess the adequacy of the HADS for caregivers. RESULTS: Higher levels of anxiety and depression than in the normal population were obtained. The reliability/internal validity of the questionnaire was adequate. A bifactor model, with one subscale for anxiety and one for depression, provides the best fit to the data. The subscales were related to GHQ-12 and index of diseases/physical complaints. CONCLUSIONS: The HADS was shown to be useful to assess the presence of anxiety and depression in family caregivers, and the original two-dimensional model is the most adequate.

The GHQ-12 for the assessment of psychological distress of family caregivers.

This study examined the utility of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to assess the psychological distress of family caregivers. To accomplish this goal, a sample of 172 caregivers, 25 men and 147 women, aged 56.6 (SD = 13.7) completed self-report questionnaires and provided data on demographic factors. Univariate and bivariate models adjust adequately, although the two-factor model (anxiety/depression and social dysfunction) presented a better fit. Relative caregivers scored higher in psychological distress (anxiety and depression levels) on the GHQ-12 than did the normal population. In conclusion, the GHQ-12 is a sensitive instrument to detect the presence of anxiety and depression in relative caregivers, and the external validity of the instrument is generally adequate. The GHQ-12 seems particularly appropriate for research and clinical and health intervention in caregivers. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.