[An evaluation of teacher training to promote healthy and equitable relationships: transforming or reproducing?] / Evaluación de la formación a profesorado para promover relaciones saludables y equitativas: ¿transformar o reproducir?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the training on teacher capacity to implement Posem el Focus, a socio-educational intervention adapted from Lights4Violence to prevent the gender-based violence during adolescence. METHOD: Evaluation study of a training using qualitative methodology in Terrassa, 2019-2021. The socio-constructionist perspective was used to understand the impact of teacher training and its translation into educational practice. A purposive sampling of teachers (n=32) was carried out. A descriptive-interpretative analysis of the discourses was carried out based on the written productions of the participants in the training and their answers to some open questions. An explanatory theoretical framework was developed. RESULTS: Teachers reported acquiring concepts, developing new skills and modifying some attitudes. Teachers stated theoretical understanding of the sex-gender system, intersectionality and explicit and implicit violence. However, they reproduced gender stereotypes, did not understand the inclusive approach and pointed out not identifying implicit violence. Teachers perceived the training as useful and felt empowered to implement the intervention. No differences were identified in discursive production with respect to gender or age. CONCLUSIONS: Teacher training ensures minimum knowledge and facilitates the acquisition of some skills, although it does not achieve in-depth changes in attitudes. It is concluded that the training enables teachers to implement Posem el Focus, although it is recommended that it be reformulated.

[Germina: tool for automatic detection of clusters of COVID-19 cases]. / Germina: herramienta para la detección automática de agrupaciones de casos de COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed that epidemiological surveillance was under-resourced to respond to increases in cases and outbreaks. The high community transmissibility among the school population in the city of Barcelona at the beginning of the sixth wave strained the local COVID-19 surveillance unit. Using SCRUM methodology, Germina was developed and implemented as a software tool capable of capturing, harmonizing, integrating, storing, analysing and visualizing data from multiple information sources on a daily basis. Germina identifies clusters of three or more school cases and calculates epidemiological indicators. The implementation of Germina facilitated the epidemiological response to the sixth wave of COVID-19 in the school setting in the city of Barcelona. This tool is transferable to other exposure settings and communicable diseases. The use of automated informatics tools such, as Germina, improves epidemiological surveillance systems and supports evidence-based decision making.

Healthy and Equitable Interpersonal Relationships, Health Inequalities and Socio-Educational Interventions: A Conceptual Framework for Action.

BACKGROUND: Interpersonal relationships undoubtedly have a bidirectional connection with the health of individuals and communities. Relational models based on equity contribute to well-being, while asymmetrical relationships based on hierarchies and differences of power negatively impact mental, physical, and social health. METHODS: A conceptual framework for understanding the determinants of interpersonal relational models was developed. RESULTS: Structural determinants were identified as the combined action of systems of oppression, the socio-historical context that normalizes violence, and social stratification and segregation, consequences which included inequitable access to power, resources, and opportunities. Intermediate determinants include individual, psychosocial, behavioral, and community aspects. Structural and intermediate determinants impact health and health inequalities through multiple relational patterns that are simultaneously established and sustained by individuals and communities. The health impact of inequitable relational patterns includes: Reduced self-esteem; anxiety, stress, and depression; acceptance of violence; physical and sexual harm; suicide; and murder. CONCLUSIONS: This conceptual framework allows for the modification of relational models by influencing structural and intermediate determinants. Six areas of intervention have been identified: educative policies, school governance, physical and symbolic space, school curriculum, school-community relations, and socio-educative interventions to promote healthy and equitable relationships. Healthy and equitable relationships are associated with improved subjective well-being, health status and protection from violence. Socio-educational interventions that consider the elements of this conceptual framework may be effective in promoting healthy and equitable relational models.

A large outbreak of COVID-19 linked to an end of term trip to Menorca (Spain) by secondary school students in summer 2021.

BACKGROUND: An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in young people from Catalonia (Spain) who travelled to Menorca (Spain) in summer 2021. This outbreak appeared when governments relaxed Covid-19 preventive measures: the mask usage and the opening of nightlife. It was related to a super-disseminating mass event: Sant Joan festivities in Ciutadella. The aim of this article is to describe an outbreak of COVID-19 in young people aged 17-19 years from Catalonia travelling to Menorca. METHODS: This is an observational study of a COVID-19 outbreak. The study population comprised Catalonian youth aged 17-19 years who travelled to Menorca from 15 June to 10 July. Epidemiological descriptive indicators were obtained. Descriptive and geographical statistics were carried out. Bivariate Moran's I test was used to identify spatial autocorrelation between the place of residence and deprivation. The outbreak control method was based on identifying and stopping chains of transmission by implementing the test-trace-isolate-quarantine (TTIQ) strategy. RESULTS: We identified 515 confirmed cases infected in Menorca, 296 (57.5%) in girls and 219 (42.5%) in boys, with a total of 2,280 close contacts. Of them, 245 (10.7%) were confirmed as cases. The cases were diagnosed between 15 June and 10 July. None of the persons with confirmed infection died or required hospitalisation. The attack rate was 27.2%. There was an inverse relationship between deprivation and number of confirmed cases (p<0.005), there were clusters of confirmed cases in the most socioeconomic favoured areas. DISCUSSION: The outbreak is related with young people from socioeconomic favoured areas who travelled to Menorca in summer 2021. Failure to comply with preventive measures in binge-drinking events and during holidays may have favoured SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The interauthority coordination and establishment of a clear line of leadership allowed continuous communication between institutions, which were key to managing this complex COVID-19 outbreak.

Evaluación de la formación a profesorado para promover relaciones saludables y equitativas: ¿transformar o reproducir? / An evaluation of teacher training to promote healthy and equitable relationships: transforming or reproducing?

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la formación en la capacitación del profesorado para implementar Posem el Focus, una intervención socioeducativa adaptada de Lights4Violence para prevenir la violencia de género durante la adolescencia. Método: Estudio de evaluación de una formación mediante metodología cualitativa en Terrassa en 2019-2021. La perspectiva socioconstruccionista permitió comprender su impacto en el profesorado y su traslación en la praxis educativa. Se realizó un muestreo intencional del profesorado (n = 32). El análisis de los discursos fue descriptivo-interpretativo partiendo de las producciones escritas de los participantes en la formación y su respuesta a algunas preguntas abiertas. Se desarrolló un marco teórico explicativo. Resultados: El profesorado refirió adquirir conceptos, desarrollar nuevas habilidades y modificar algunas actitudes. Señaló la comprensión teórica del sistema sexo-género, la interseccionalidad y las violencias explícitas e implícitas. Sin embargo, reprodujo estereotipos de género, no comprendió el abordaje inclusivo y apuntó no identificar violencias implícitas. El profesorado percibió como útil la formación y se sintió capacitado para implementar la intervención. No se identificaron diferencias en la producción discursiva respecto a género o edad.ConclusionesLa formación al profesorado asegura los conocimientos mínimos y facilita la adquisición de algunas habilidades, aunque no consigue cambios en profundidad de las actitudes. Se concluye que la formación capacita al profesorado para implementar Posem el Focus, aunque se recoObjetivoEvaluar el impacto de la formación en la capacitación del profesorado para implementar Posem el Focus, una intervención socioeducativa adaptada de Lights4Violence para prevenir la violencia de género durante la adolescencia...(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the training on teacher capacity to implement Posem el Focus, a socio-educational intervention adapted from Lights4Violence to prevent the gender-based violence during adolescence. Method: Evaluation study of a training using qualitative methodology in Terrassa, 2019–2021. The socio-constructionist perspective was used to understand the impact of teacher training and its translation into educational practice. A purposive sampling of teachers (n = 32) was carried out. A descriptive-interpretative analysis of the discourses was carried out based on the written productions of the participants in the training and their answers to some open questions. An explanatory theoretical framework was developed. Results: Teachers reported acquiring concepts, developing new skills and modifying some attitudes. Teachers stated theoretical understanding of the sex-gender system, intersectionality and explicit and implicit violence. However, they reproduced gender stereotypes, did not understand the inclusive approach and pointed out not identifying implicit violence. Teachers perceived the training as useful and felt empowered to implement the intervention. No differences were identified in discursive production with respect to gender or age. Conclusions: Teacher training ensures minimum knowledge and facilitates the acquisition of some skills, although it does not achieve in-depth changes in attitudes. It is concluded that the training enables teachers to implement Posem el Focus, although it is recommended that it be reformulated.(AU)

Germina: herramienta para la detección automática de agrupaciones de casos de COVID-19 / Germina: tool for automatic detection of clusters of COVID-19 cases

La pandemia de COVID-19 evidenció que la vigilancia epidemiológica no disponía de recursos para responder a los aumentos de casos ni a los brotes. La alta transmisibilidad comunitaria entre la población escolar en la ciudad de Barcelona al inicio de la sexta ola tensionó la unidad de vigilancia de COVID-19 de la ciudad. Mediante metodología SCRUM se desarrolló e implementó Germina, una herramienta informática capaz de capturar, armonizar, integrar, almacenar, analizar y visualizar diariamente datos de múltiples fuentes de información. Germina permite identificar agrupaciones de tres o más casos escolares y calcular indicadores epidemiológicos. La implementación de Germina facilitó la respuesta epidemiológica a la sexta ola de COVID-19 en el ámbito escolar en Barcelona. Esta herramienta es aplicable a otros ámbitos de exposición y a otras enfermedades transmisibles. El uso de herramientas informáticas automatizadas, como Germina, mejora los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica y apoya la toma de decisiones basada en la evidencia.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic showed that epidemiological surveillance was under-resourced to respond to increases in cases and outbreaks. The high community transmissibility among the school population in the city of Barcelona at the beginning of the sixth wave strained the local COVID-19 surveillance unit. Using SCRUM methodology, Germina was developed and implemented as a software tool capable of capturing, harmonizing, integrating, storing, analysing and visualizing data from multiple information sources on a daily basis. Germina identifies clusters of three or more school cases and calculates epidemiological indicators. The implementation of Germina facilitated the epidemiological response to the sixth wave of COVID-19 in the school setting in the city of Barcelona. This tool is transferable to other exposure settings and communicable diseases. The use of automated informatics tools such, as Germina, improves epidemiological surveillance systems and supports evidence-based decision making.(AU)

Sexismo y violencia de pareja en adolescentes / Sexism and intimate partner violence in adolescents

Objetivo: A pesar de los esfuerzos para reducir la desigualdad de género, el sexismo persiste. Todavía son escasos los estudios sobre este fenómeno que contemplen variables como el deseo sexual o los antecedentes migratorios. El objetivo del estudio es analizar las circunstancias sociales (individuales y del contexto inmediato) asociadas al sexismo y su relación con la conducta violenta en la pareja en población adolescente. Método: Estudio transversal con 1421 estudiantes de 13 a 17 años de Alicante y Terrassa (2019-2020). El sexismo se midió mediante el Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, que valora el sexismo ambivalente, hostil y benevolente. Se utilizaron modelos lineales generalizados estratificados por sexo para identificar variables asociadas al sexismo, y regresión logística para analizar la asociación del sexismo con la conducta violenta en la pareja. Resultados: La probabilidad de puntuar alto en sexismo ambivalente fue mayor en migrantes (chicas y chicos: p < 0,01) e hijos/as de migrantes (chicas: p < 0,01; chicos: p < 0,05). El deseo no heterosexual se asoció negativamente con el sexismo en chicas (benevolente: p < 0,01) y en chicos (ambivalente y hostil: p < 0,01; benevolente: p < 0,05). El sexismo hostil mostró asociación con cometer violencia de pareja, independientemente del resto de las variables, tanto en chicas (odds ratio [OR]: 1,07; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,00-1,14) como en chicos (OR: 1,11; IC95%: 1,03-1,20). Conclusiones: El sexismo está presente entre adolescentes y se confirma su relación con la conducta violenta en la pareja. El deseo sexual y los antecedentes migratorios son variables a tener en cuenta en su prevención. (AU)

Objective: Despite the efforts to reduce gender inequality, sexism persists. There are still few studies on this matter that consider variables such as sexual desire or migration background. The aim of this study is to analyse the social circumstances (individual and from the immediate context) associated with sexism as well as its relationship with intimate partner violence perpetration amongst adolescents. Method: Cross-sectional study with 1421 students aged 13–17 from Alicante and Terrassa (2019–2021). Sexism was measured with the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, which assesses ambivalent, hostile and benevolent sexism. Generalized linear models were carried out and stratified by sex to identify variables associated with sexism. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between sexism and intimate partner violence. Results: The likelihood of a high score in ambivalent sexism was higher in migrants (girls and boys: p < 0.01) and adolescents with migrant parents (girls: p < 0.01; boys: p < 0.05). Non-heterosexual desire was negatively associated with sexism in girls (benevolent: p < 0.01) and boys (ambivalent and hostile: p < 0.01; benevolent: p < 0.05). Hostile sexism showed association with intimate partner violence perpetration, independently of the rest of the adjustment variables included in the model, for both girls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.00–1.14) and boys (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03–1.20). Conclusions: Sexism is present amongst teenagers and its relationship with intimate partner violence is confirmed. Sexual desire and migration background should be taken into account for intimate partner violence prevention. (AU)

An in-depth analysis of the sexuality needs of Barcelona's youth: a holistic view using mixed method.

A positive experience of sexuality during youth is key to good sexual health later in life. Addressing young people's sexual health needs and sexual and reproductive rights is thus essential. This study aimed to identify unmet sexual health needs among youth in the city of Barcelona (Spain) through mixed methods research. We analysed the narratives of young people (n = 50) aged 14-24 years with different genders, origins, sexualities and socioeconomic backgrounds, collected from January to April 2019. A descriptive statistical analysis was also conducted on the records of visits to sexual health services and reasons for consultation. We found that 21% (n = 32,161) of young people aged 14-24 years had used sexual healthcare services in Barcelona between 2015 and 2017, while the reasons for consultation differed across sex, gender and socioeconomic background. Young people declared that they needed more information to enjoy their sexuality, to know where to go in case of an unexpected situation and to learn how to combat gender-based violence. They stated that the sexuality education they had received was sparse and focused on risks. We found that formal sex education is scarce, with informal sex education thus acquiring a major role. Current services can be improved by expanding coverage, training professionals and reducing acceptability and accessibility barriers. Sexism is ubiquitous in young people's sexual, dating and personal relationships. We recommend planning sexual health care services and formal sexual education, in which a strong gender strategy is embedded, as part of the same strategy.

[Sexism and intimate partner violence in adolescents]. / Sexismo y violencia de pareja en adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the efforts to reduce gender inequality, sexism persists. There are still few studies on this matter that consider variables such as sexual desire or migration background. The aim of this study is to analyse the social circumstances (individual and from the immediate context) associated with sexism as well as its relationship with intimate partner violence perpetration amongst adolescents. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 1421 students aged 13-17 from Alicante and Terrassa (2019-2021). Sexism was measured with the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, which assesses ambivalent, hostile and benevolent sexism. Generalized linear models were carried out and stratified by sex to identify variables associated with sexism. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between sexism and intimate partner violence. RESULTS: The likelihood of a high score in ambivalent sexism was higher in migrants (girls and boys: p<0.01) and adolescents with migrant parents (girls: p<0.01; boys: p<0.05). Non-heterosexual desire was negatively associated with sexism in girls (benevolent: p<0.01) and boys (ambivalent and hostile: p<0.01; benevolent: p<0.05). Hostile sexism showed association with intimate partner violence perpetration, independently of the rest of the adjustment variables included in the model, for both girls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.00-1.14) and boys (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03-1.20). CONCLUSIONS: Sexism is present amongst teenagers and its relationship with intimate partner violence is confirmed. Sexual desire and migration background should be taken into account for intimate partner violence prevention.

Dating violence and associated factors among male and female adolescents in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Dating Violence (DV) is a public health problem that is on the rise. In this paper, we aim to analyse different factors associated with DV victimization among female and male adolescents in Spain, considering socioeconomic circumstances, sexual orientation and the presence of different attitudes and experiences related to violence. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of 640 ever-partnered adolescents aged 13 to 17 at schools in the cities of Alicante (n = 359, 50.1% girls) and Terrassa (n = 281, 51.9%) in the context of an educational intervention to promote healthy relationships. We calculated the prevalence of different forms of DV (physical, sexual and control and fear) and carried out multivariate regression models by sex. RESULTS: 5.5% of girls and 8.7% of boys declared having suffered lifetime physical and/or sexual violence, while 22% of girls and 20.5% of boys reported control and/or fear victimization. The likelihood of DV was higher among migrants and those with foreign-born parents (aPR girls = 2.1 CI95%: 1.1-3.9; aPR boys = 1.9: CI95%: 1.0-3.6); prior experiences of abuse (aPR girls = 1.6; CI95%: 1.0-2.6; aPR boys = 1.7; CI95%: 1.1-2.6); and those who showed higher levels of machismo (aPR girls = 1.0; CI95%: 1.0-1.1; aPR boys = 1.0; CI95%: 1.0-1.1). In girls, DV increased among those who reported lesbian/bisexual orientation and poor relationship with teachers. CONCLUSIONS: DV is socially patterned and increases among LGB adolescents (especially in the case of girls), migrants, and those with foreign-born parents, and adolescents who reported prior experiences of violence in childhood. Future DV prevention programs should consider social inequalities in the likelihood of DV and by reinforcing adolescents' abilities to recognize social support sources and reject machismo and violence.

Superando la dificultad de captar jóvenes. Claves para la obtención de datos cualitativos en un estudio de sexualidades / Overcoming the difficulty of recruiting young people. Keys to obtaining qualitative data in a study of sexualities

Las sexualidades son un aspecto central de la vida de las personas jóvenes. Es una labor de la salud pública entender cómo se construyen -con toda su diversidad- para dar respuestas satisfactorias en el ámbito de la salud sexual. Las características propias de la investigación cualitativa (flexible, abierta y reflexiva) brindan la oportunidad de diseñar estudios aceptados y adaptados a las realidades juveniles, especialmente en un campo sensible. Esta nota tiene como objetivo aportar claves para la captación de jóvenes. En nuestro caso, resultó imprescindible el conocimiento de informantes clave respecto a la población de estudio y el contexto de la investigación, tanto para elegir una estrategia de acercamiento y captación como para adecuar las técnicas de recogida de datos. Finalmente, se emplearon entrevistas individuales y grupos triangulares oportunísticamente en salas de espera de servicios de atención a la salud sexual especializados en jóvenes, donde ya había una predisposición a hablar de sexualidad

Sexuality is a central aspect of young's lives. It is a task of public health to understand how they are constructed with all their diversity, and to give satisfactory answers in the field of sexual health. The characteristics of qualitative research (flexible, open and reflective) provide the opportunity to design studies that are accepted and adapted to the realities of young people, especially in a sensitive field. The aim of this note is to provide clues for the recruitment of young people. In our case, the knowledge of key informants regarding the study population and the research context was essential, both to choose an approach and recruitment strategy and to adapt the data collection techniques. Finally, we used individual interviews and triangular groups opportunistically in waiting rooms of sexual health care services specialized in young people, where there was already a predisposition to talk about sexuality

Social Inequalities in Fertility in Women Residing in Urban Neighbourhoods in Spain: A Multilevel Approach.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health inequalities tend to be more marked in large cities because they include neighbourhoods with unequal social and community networks, resources and opportunities. The aim was to describe social inequalities in fertility patterns among women who gave birth between 2007 and 2016 in the city of Barcelona (Spain) by jointly evaluating the effect of individual and socioeconomic neighbourhood characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a multilevel study of women's individual characteristics (age, educational attainment, and country of origin) and neighbourhood characteristics (disposable household income, percentage of unemployment and percentage of foreigners). RESULTS: Multilevel modelling revealed significant variability in fertility across neighbourhoods after adjustment for individual explanatory variables. The fertility rate (FR) was higher in better educated women (adjusted relative risk: aRR 2.76), those aged 30-39 years (aRR 2.13), and in those born in Spain in relation to their respective reference groups. The FR was lowest in women with upper to post-secondary, non-tertiary education (aRR 0.86) who were born in high income countries (aRR 0.57). Women living in neighbourhoods with a low income (aRR 1.46) and with a higher unemployment (aRR 1.33) were more likely to have children. In contrast, women living in neighbourhoods with a lower percentage of foreigners had the lowest FR (aRR 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: The neighbourhood's characteristics played an important role in fertility patterns, independently of women's individual characteristics. At the contextual level, the highest FR was found in the poorest settings, highlighting inequalities. At the individual level, the FR was highest among women with higher education and in their thirties.

[Overcoming the difficulty of recruiting young people. Keys to obtaining qualitative data in a study of sexualities]. / Superando la dificultad de captar jóvenes. Claves para la obtención de datos cualitativos en un estudio de sexualidades.

Sexuality is a central aspect of young's lives. It is a task of public health to understand how they are constructed with all their diversity, and to give satisfactory answers in the field of sexual health. The characteristics of qualitative research (flexible, open and reflective) provide the opportunity to design studies that are accepted and adapted to the realities of young people, especially in a sensitive field. The aim of this note is to provide clues for the recruitment of young people. In our case, the knowledge of key informants regarding the study population and the research context was essential, both to choose an approach and recruitment strategy and to adapt the data collection techniques. Finally, we used individual interviews and triangular groups opportunistically in waiting rooms of sexual health care services specialized in young people, where there was already a predisposition to talk about sexuality.