Back to school after the pandemic: Adjustment of Spanish children and adolescents / La vuelta al colegio tras la pandemia: Adaptación de los niños y adolescentes españoles

Para frenar la propagación del COVID-19, el gobierno español aplicó medidas restrictivas, como el cierre escolar. Aunque los efectos de la pandemia en el bienestar emocional de los niños han sido estudiados, faltan estudios que examinen la adaptación escolar tras la pandemia y el papel que la infección ha tenido en el proceso de adaptación. El objetivo es analizar la relación entre los eventos estresantes relacionados con la escuela y la adaptación escolar después del confinamiento, incluyendo la ansiedad como mediadora. Los participantes fueron 219 padres de niños y adolescentes españoles de entre 3 y 18 años que completaron encuestas sobre la ansiedad de sus hijos (Spanish Brief Child Version of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale), los eventos estresantes vividos relacionados con la escuela (Stressful Eventos relacionados con el Inventario de Pandemia), y la adaptación escolar (Escala de Ajuste de los Niños después del Cierre Escolar de la Pandemia). Los resultados mostraron mayor prevalencia en el evento estresante distancia social (87%). Tener COVID-19 y sufrir acoso escolar se relacionó directamente con una mayor ansiedad. Los niños que disminuyeron el contacto social y sufrieron acoso escolar mostraron peor adaptación escolar, siendo la ansiedad un mediador indirecto. Los hallazgos destacan la importancia de supervisar la adaptación escolar y promover estrategias para prevenir problemas emocionales en jóvenes expuestos a situaciones estresantes.(AU)

Aiming to mitigate the COVID-19 spread, the government of Spain applied restrictive measures, like schools’ closure. Although the ef-fects of the pandemic on children's emotional well-being have been stud-ied, there is a lack of studies examining school adjustment following the pandemic and the role that the infection has played in the adjustment pro-cess. The objective is to analyze the relationship between stressful events related to school experienced by children and their adjustment to school after the home confinement, including anxiety as a mediator variable. Par-ticipants were the parentsof 219 Spanish children and adolescents aged 3 and 18 years who completed a survey about their children’s anxiety (Span-ish Brief Child Version of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale), the stress-ful events experienced related to school (Stressful Events related to Pan-demic Inventory), and the adjustment to school (Adjustment of Children after Pandemic School Closure Scale). Results showed that social distance was the most reported stressful event (87%). Having COVID-19 and expe-riencing bullying were directly related to a high level of anxiety. Children ́s who decreased social contact and experienced bullying showed a worse ad-justment to school. Anxiety was an indirect mediator of this relationship. Findings highlight the importance of supervising school adaptation and promoting strategies to prevent emotional problems when the youths are exposed to stressful situations.(AU)

Daily Activities in European Children and Adolescents During COVID-19 School Closure: A Longitudinal Study Exploring Physical Activity, Use of Screens, and Sleep Patterns.

This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the evolution of patterns of daily activities (physical activity time, screen usage time, and sleep hours) in European youth during school closure due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Participants were 624 caregivers of children and adolescents aged 3-18 from Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Evaluations were online, and four time-points were considered: retrospective measurement of daily activities before confinement (T1), and two (T2), five (T3), and eight (T4) weeks after starting the lockdown. Generally accepted international guidelines on physical activity time, screen usage time, and hours of sleep by age group were used to determine whether the pattern might increase the risk for ill health or not. To estimate the evolution of daily activities, generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used. The percentage of children who practiced less than 60 min of daily exercise increased significantly from before home confinement (47.8%) to T2 (86.4%); it slightly decreased at T3 (79.8%), and remained stable at T4 (76.1%). The percentage of children who made excessive use of screens (according to their age group) significantly increased from T1 to T2 and remained stable and high in the rest of the evaluations. The percentage of children who slept fewer or more hours than recommended for their age group remained stable between T1 and T4, although there was a significant increase at T3. In general, results found unhealthier behaviors as confinement was extended. Results are discussed in order to find strategies for promoting healthy daily activities for future pandemics.

Treating Emotional Disorders in Spanish Children: A Controlled Randomized Trial in a Clinical Setting.

Super Skills for Life (SSL) is a CBT-transdiagnostic group intervention currently being translated and validated in multiple countries. In Spanish children, it has shown a positive impact on anxious and depressive symptoms, as well as other variables such as self-concept, prosocial behaviors, or behavioral problems. However, the effectiveness of the program to treat internalizing symptoms in children with a mental disorder in a clinical setting has not been examined so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of SSL in a Spanish sample of children with a major internalizing disorder. Participants aged 8-12 years (71.6% boys) were randomly allocated to the SSL group (n = 43) or the waiting list control (WLC) group (n = 43). All children and their parents completed a series of measures before the first session and after the last session or at about the same time in the WLC group. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using generalized estimating equations. Significant reductions from pretest to posttest across multiple outcomes were found in children who participated in SSL group compared to those in the WLC group, including anxiety symptoms (SCAS, p = .02), anxiety interference (CALIS, p = .002), depressive symptoms (CDI, p = .033) and remission from diagnosis (K-SADS, p < .001). This study provides initial support for SSL as an effective treatment for children with emotional disorders in clinical settings. Future studies are needed to analyze long-term effects and broader benefits of the program in clinical contexts.

Benefits of Super Skills for Life in a randomized controlled trial in clinical settings for Spanish children with comorbid conditions.

Emotional disorders in children are often associated with low self-concept and problems with peers, and in many cases externalizing symptoms. Super Skills for Life (SSL) is a transdiagnostic treatment for emotional problems in children that has also shown benefits in other comorbid symptoms. This study aimed to examine, for the first time, the effect of SSL on a clinical sample of Spanish children aged 8-12 years with a major emotional disorder and comorbid externalizing symptoms and low self-concept. A quasi-experimental design with two groups, pretest and posttest, was carried out. Thirty-eight children received the SSL intervention, and 36 children were assigned to a wait-list control (WLC) group. Children in SSL showed statistically fewer posttest emotional symptoms (p < .001), peer problems (p = .002), and overall internalizing and externalizing difficulties (p = .005) compared to children in WLC, in addition to higher posttest self-concept (p = .002). There were no differences in the postinterventional changes between boys and girls in internalizing and externalizing symptoms. However, significant differences were found in some facets of self-concept. The results of this study suggest that the SSL protocol may be useful in Spanish clinical contexts. Still, more research is needed to overcome some of the inherent limitations.

Effectiveness of a transdiagnostic computerized self-applied program targeting children with emotional problems: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Super Skills for Life (SSL) is an eight-session transdiagnostic program based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), aimed at the indicated prevention of childhood emotional problems, which has been implemented with positive short- and long-term results. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a self-applied computerized program based on SSL that maintains the same objectives and contents as the face-to-face program. METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, 75 children (49.3 % female) aged 8-12 years (Mage = 9.45, SD = 1.31), selected for exhibiting emotional symptoms, were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 35) or the waiting list control (WLC) group (n = 40). Pre- and post-intervention data were collected through self-reports and the report of parents who completed parallel versions of the same measures of emotional and behavioral problems. RESULTS: Overall, compared to the WLC group, the intervention group showed positive effects on targeted emotional symptomatology in the short term. Based on parents' reports, a significant reduction was found in outcomes such as anxiety, depression, emotional symptoms, and internalizing problems, while self-reported results were similar except for anxiety. In addition, a positive impact was found on symptoms related to other types of difficulties (e.g., externalizing problems and general difficulties measured). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, non-inclusion of follow-up assessment and other informants (e.g., teachers). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this research provides novel and promising data on the self-applied computerized adapted version of the SSL program, within a multi-informant approach, suggesting that it may be a useful tool for the indicated prevention of childhood emotional problems.

Bienestar emocional de los padres de niños con lesión del plexo braquial obstétrica: un estudio transversal / Emotional well-being of parents with children with obstetric brachial plexus injury: A cross-sectional study

Hay evidencia de que las madres de niños con lesión de plexo braquial obstétrica (PBO) muestran sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa y presentan baja calidad de vida. La mayoría de estos estudios evalúan solo a las madres (sin considerar a los padres) y no hay datos recientes que recojan su adaptación durante la pandemia por la COVID-19. Además, hasta la fecha no se ha explorado el papel del apoyo social en esta población y su bienestar emocional. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la sintomatología depresiva, ansiedad, apoyo social y calidad de vida esta población. Para ello, todos los participantes fueron entrevistados online con el objetivo de evaluar estas variables. Participaron los padres (90% mujeres; edad media = 37,47; DT = 4,82) de 30 niños entre 0 y 6 años con lesión de plexo braquial (40% mujeres; edad media = 2,80; DT = 1,60). Los niveles de sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa fueron moderados. El nivel de satisfacción respecto al apoyo social recibido fue elevado, mientras que la media de personas que prestan ayuda fue baja. Los participantes presentaron una alta calidad de vida y salud en variables como función física, rol físico, dolor corporal, salud general, función social, rol emocional y salud mental. Sin embargo, presentaron un nivel moderado de calidad de vida y salud en vitalidad. Este estudio aporta evidencia sobre variables relacionadas con la salud mental de los cuidadores primarios de niños con PBO durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 en España. (AU)

There is evidence that mothers of children with obstetric brachial plexus injury (PBO) show depressive and anxious symptoms and have low quality of life. Most of these studies evaluate only mothers (without considering fathers) and there are no recent data that collect their adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the role of social support in this population and their emotional well-being has not been explored to date. The aim of the current study was to evaluate depressive symptoms, anxiety, social support and quality of life in this population. To do this, all participants were interviewed online in order to evaluate these variables. Parents (90% women; mean age = 37.47; SD = 4.82) of 30 children between 0 and 6 years old with brachial plexus injury (40% women; mean age = 2.80; SD = 1, 60) participated. The levels of depressive and anxious symptomatology were moderate. The level of satisfaction regarding the social support received was high, while the average number of people who provide help was low. The participants presented a high quality of life and health in variables such as physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, social function, emotional role and mental health. However, they presented a moderate level life quality and health in vitality. This study provides evidence on variables related to the mental health of primary caregivers of children with PBO during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. (AU)

Stressful Life Events in Children Aged 3 to 15 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latent Class Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have reported an increase in psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of stressful life events on Spanish children and adolescents using a person-oriented statistical approach and the relationships between the profiles and emotional and behavioral symptoms have not yet been examined. The present study aims to identify profiles of Spanish children and adolescents, considering life-threatening stressful events during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Participants were 252 parents of children aged 3 to 15 years old who completed an online structured questionnaire that collected information about stressful life events related to the pandemic and its impact on their children's welfare. RESULTS: Through Latent Class Analysis (LCA), four profiles of children and adolescents were found according to the stressful events experienced: "COVID infection, social confinement", "economic loss", "reduced social contact" and "parental stress", with no significant age or gender differences. Reduction in social contact was the most prevalent stressor. Comparisons of psychological symptoms across latent classes were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings increase our understanding of how stressful life events during the COVID-19 situation impacted young people's psychological welfare and highlight the need to promote strategies to prevent emotional problems during a pandemic considering the identified profiles.

Effectiveness of psychological treatments for depression in childhood and adolescence: A review of reviews / Eficacia de los tratamientos psicológicos para depresión en la infancia y la adolescencia: Una revisión de revisiones

Depression in childhood and adolescence is a public health problem due to its high prevalence and the impact it has in the individual development. There is clear evidence of the efficacy of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents; however, recent reviews and meta-analyses provide new perspectives for treatment. The purpose of this workis to synthesize the bibliography available through a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis that summarizes in a comprehensive way the evidence of the last two decades on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for infant-juvenile depression. A systematicreview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was performed. A search was conducted in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Eightrecords met the inclusion criteria, 2 were analysed in their entirety and from the remaining 6 the information needed for independent analysis wasextracted. Seven different psychotherapies were studied: CBT and IPT were the most studied (n=7; 87.5%), followed by family therapy (n=5;62.5%), psychodynamic therapy (n=3; 37.5%), behavioural therapy (n=3; 37.5%), computerised CBT (n=2; 25%), problem-solving therapy (n=1;12.5%) and supportive therapy (n=1; 12.5%). IPT and CBT were shown to be effective in the treatment of adolescent depression. Half of thereviews (n=4; 50%) had a low methodological quality and the other half (n=4; 50%) were classified as critically low. In general, psychologicalinterventions for child and adolescent depression produce significant, but modest effects. Specifically, IPT and CBT can be considered the maintreatment alternatives for adolescent depression. There is insufficient data of specific psychological treatment for children diagnosed with a depressive disorder. ... (AU)

La depresión infanto-juvenil es un problema de salud pública por su elevada prevalencia y el impacto que tiene en el desarrollo del individuo. Aunque existe una sólidaevidencia sobre la eficacia de la psicoterapia interpersonal y la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) en el tratamiento de la depresión en niños yadolescentes, recientes revisiones y meta-análisis aportan nuevas perspectivas de tratamiento. La finalidad de este trabajo es sintetizar la bibliografía disponible mediante una revisión sistemática de revisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis que resuma de manera integral la evidencia de lasúltimas dos décadas sobre la eficacia de las intervenciones psicológicas para la depresión infanto-juvenil. Se realizó una revisión sistemática derevisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos Web of Science y Scopus. Ocho registros cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 2 se analizaron en su totalidad y de los 6 restantes se extrajo la información necesaria para ser analizada independientemente. Se estudiaron siete psicoterapias distintas: la TCC y la terapia interpersonal fueron las más estudiadas (n=7; 87,5%), seguidas porla terapia familiar (n=5; 62,5%), la terapia psicodinámica (n=3; 37,5%), la terapia conductual (n=3; 37,5%), la TCC informatizada (n=2; 25%), laterapia de resolución de problemas (n=1; 12,5%) y la terapia de apoyo (n=1; 12,5%). La terapia interpersonal y la TCC demostraron ser efectivas en el tratamiento de la depresión adolescente. La mitad de las revisiones (n=4; 50%) presentaron una calidad metodológica baja y la otramitad (n=4; 50%) se clasificó como críticamente baja. Las intervenciones psicológicas para la depresión infanto-juvenil, en general, producenefectos significativos, pero modestos. De forma específica, la terapia interpersonal y la TCC pueden considerarse las principales alternativas detratamiento para la depresión adolescente. ...(AU)

Examining academic self-concept as a mediator of the relationship between anxiety and depression: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Self-concept plays a role as a mediator in the development and maintenance of internalizing symptoms but mechanisms through which the early presence of anxiety symptoms is associated with the subsequent development of depression is unknown. The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze the mediating role of different areas of self-concept in the relationship between the early development of anxiety symptoms and the later appearance of depressive symptoms. METHODS: A longitudinal study with 3 time-points was conducted, including baseline, 2 months and 12 months from the baseline assessment. A total of 217 children aged 8-12 years participated. Mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Macro for SPSS. RESULTS: Academic self-concept (Time 2) mediated the relationship between Anxiety (Time 1) and Depression (Time 3) when controlling for children's sex and, age, baseline value of the mediator, anxiety (at Times 2 and 3), and depression (at Times 1 and 2). Children with self-reports of higher anxiety symptoms (Time 1) presented lower Academic self-concept (Time 2). Children who reported lower levels of Academic self-concept and Family self-concept (Time 2) were more likely to develop depressive symptoms (Time 3). CONCLUSIONS: Feeling competent in the school environment may be considered a protective factor against the development of depression in childhood. The identification of risk factors facilitates the development and implementation of preventive programs.

Tratamientos psicológicos para la adicción a videojuegos en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes: una revisión sistemática / Psychological Treatments for Video Game Adicction in Adolescents and Young Adults: a Systematic Review

La adicción a los videojuegos constituye un problema relevante, pues se encuentra vinculado a numerosas alteraciones psicosociales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer los tratamientos psicológicos para la adicción mencionada y determinar su eficacia. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en 7 bases de datos. Se obtuvo 2.355 artículos, de los que 21 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se examinaron las características de los participantes, el diseño de los estudios, el riesgo de sesgo y la calidad de los estudios, el método de diagnóstico, el tipo de intervención y los efectos de las intervenciones. La Terapia Cognitivo Conductual (TCC) ha sido ampliamente estudiada, encontrándose disminuciones significativas en las variables contempladas (reducción de la sintomatología y/o tiempo de juego) en la mayoría de los estudios analizados. Sin embargo, la falta de rigurosidad en los diseños empleados y los sesgos asociados, impide ubicarla en la categoría de tratamientos bien establecidos según las normas APA. No obstante, existen indicios experimentales prometedores de que estas intervenciones pueden alcanzar los niveles de eficacia postulados. Esto mismo ocurre con los tratamientos catalogados como otros enfoques de tratamiento, a pesar de que estos todavía se encuentran en una fase experimental. Por esta razón, es necesario que investigaciones futuras superen las limitaciones metodológicas propias de los estudios realizados hasta el momento. (AU)

Video game addiction is a relevant problem, as it is linked to numerous psychosocial disorders. The objective of this work was to know the psychological treatments for the aforementioned addiction and to determine their effectiveness. A bibliographic search was carried out in 7 databases. 2,355 articles were obtained, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Participant characteristics, study design, risk of bias and quality of studies, method of diagnosis, type of intervention, and effects of interventions were examined. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been widely studied, finding significant decreases in the variables contemplated (reduction of symptoms and/or playing time) in most of the studies analyzed. However, the lack of rigor in the designs used and the associated biases make it impossible to place it in the category of well-established treatments according to the APA standards. However, there is promising experimental evidence that these interventions can achieve the postulated levels of efficacy. The same is true for treatments listed as other treatment approaches, even though these are still in an experimental phase. For this reason, future research needs to overcome the methodological limitations of the studies carried out to date. (AU)

Stressful Life Events in Children Aged 3 to 15 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latent Class Analysis / Eventos Vitales Estresantes en Niños de 3 a 15 Años Durante la Pandemia deCOVID-19: Un Análisis de Clases Latentes

Background: Although several studies have reported an increase in psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of stressful life events on Spanish children and adolescents using a person-oriented statistical approach and the relationships between the profiles and emotional and behavioral symptoms have not yet been examined. The present study aims to identify profiles of Spanish children and adolescents, considering life-threatening stressful events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Participants were 252 parents of children aged 3 to 15 years old who completed an online structured questionnaire that collected information about stressful life events related to the pandemic and its impact on their children’s welfare. Results: Through Latent Class Analysis (LCA), four profiles of children and adolescents were found according to the stressful events experienced: “COVID infection, social confinement,” “economic loss,” “reduced social contact“ and “parental stress,” with no significant age or gender differences. Reduction in social contact was the most prevalent stressor. Comparisons of psychological symptoms across latent classes were analyzed. Conclusions: The findings increase our understanding of how stressful life events during the COVID-19 situation impacted young people’s psychological welfare and highlight the need to promote strategies to prevent emotional problems during a pandemic considering the identified profiles.(AU)

Antecedentes: Aunque diversos estudios han informado sobre el aumento de problemas psicológicos durante la pandemia de COVID-19, hasta el momento no se ha examinado el impacto de los eventos vitales estresantes en niños y adolescentes mediante un enfoque estadístico orientado a la persona, y la relación entre los perfiles y los síntomas emocionales y conductuales. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo determinar perfiles identificativos de niños y adolescentes españoles, ante eventos estresantes de riesgo durante la pandemia. Método: Participaron 252 padres de niños de 3 a 15 años, quienes completaron un cuestionario estructurado online que recopiló información sobre eventos estresantes relacionados con la pandemia y sobre su impacto en el bienestar de sus hijos. Resultados: Mediante Análisis de Clases Latentes (LCA), se encontraron cuatro perfiles, según los eventos estresantes experimentados: “Infección por COVID, encierro social,” “pérdida económica,” “contacto social reducido” y “estrés de los padres,” sin diferencias significativas en las variables edad y género. La reducción del contacto social fue el estresor más prevalente. Se analizaron las comparaciones de síntomas psicológicos entre clases latentes. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de promover estrategias para prevenir problemas emocionales durante la pandemia.(AU)

Cabinas, ¿las conoces bien? / Cabinets, do you know them well?

Las cabinas de flujo laminar (CFL) y de seguridad biológica (CSB) son un elemento fundamental en los laboratorios de biología en general y suponen un equipamiento básico en los laboratorios de reproduc-ción humana asistida.Para entender su funcionamiento, debemos conocer algunos conceptos básicos como la clasificación de los agentes biológicos, los niveles de bioseguridad y los filtros HEPA.Esto nos permitirá diferenciar entre los distintos tipos disponibles y el uso al que se destinan cada una de ellas. (AU)

Laminar flow cabinets (LFC) and biological safety cabinets (BSC) are fundamental elements in biology laboratories in general and are basic equipment in assisted human reproduction laboratories.To understand its operation, we must know some basic concepts such as the classification of biological agents, biosafety levels, and HEPA filters.This will allow us to differentiate between the different types available and the use to which each of them is intended (AU)

Colombian adolescents fail in knowledge regarding HIV and other sexually transmitted infections / Adolescentes colombianos fracasan en conocimientos sobre VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual

Abstract Introduction/objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) -HIV included- are a major problem in Latin America, mainly in Colombia. In 2021, 17647 cases were reported, which compared to the previous year showed an increase of 29.7%. The main aim of this study was to assess the knowledge regarding HIV and other STIs among the adolescent population in Colombia. Method: A total of 2012 Colombian adolescents between 12-19 years of age participated in this study. The HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Knowledge Scale (KSI), a self-report measure, was administered. Results: The results showed moderate to low general knowledge (M = 9.90, SD = 4.64) regarding HIV and other STIs. Adolescents did not know if a tongue-kiss led to an HIV infection (75%), or whether both the vaginal ring and the IUD were effective methods for preventing HIV/AIDS (82%). Results showed better scores in knowledge regarding HIV transmission (84%), HIV testing (66%), and condom use to prevent HIV infection (71%). Conclusions: Significant differences were observed in HIV/STIs knowledge between both sexes, but the effect magnitudes were small. Thus, these differences were neglected. This study contributes to understanding the state of knowledge and strengthening prevention strategies of professionals linked to the field of quality of life, education, and sexual healthcare in Colombia.

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y el VIH son un gran desafío en América Latina, principalmente en Colombia. Para el 2021 se reportaron 17 647 casos, que comparados con el 2019 muestran un incremento del 29.7 %. El objetivo principal de este artículo fue evaluar el conocimiento sobre el VIH y otras ITS en la población adolescente de Colombia. Método: En este estudio participaron un total de 2012 adolescentes colombianos con edades entre los 12 y los 19 años. Se administró la Escala de Conocimientos sobre el VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (KSI) y una medida de autoinforme. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron un conocimiento general de moderado a bajo (M = 9.90, SD = 4.64) sobre el VIH y otras ITS. Las adolescentes no sabían si un beso con lengua conducía a una infección por el VIH (75 %) o si tanto el anillo vaginal como el DIU eran métodos efectivos para prevenir el VIH/SIDA (82 %). Los resultados mostraron mejores puntuaciones en conocimientos sobre la transmisión del VIH (84 %), pruebas de detección del VIH (66 %) y uso de preservativos para prevenir la infección por el VIH (71 %). Conclusiones: Se observaron diferencias significativas en el conocimiento del VIH/ ITS entre ambos sexos, pero los tamaños del efecto fueron pequeños. Por tanto, estas diferencias fueron despreciadas. Este estudio contribuye a comprender el estado del conocimiento y a fortalecer las estrategias de prevención que realizan los profesionales vinculados al campo de la calidad de vida, la educación y la salud sexual en Colombia.

Spanish Validation of the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) in Children Aged 8-12.

BACKGROUND: The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) is one of the few well-established available measures designed to assess childhood depression. The objective of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties and explore the differential item functioning (DIF) of the SMFQ in a community sample of Spanish children. Gender and age differences in SMFQ scores were also analyzed. METHOD: The sample included 824 students aged 8-12 years (Mage = 9.64, SD = 1.2) recruited from four public and private schools in urban areas in the southeast of Spain. RESULTS: Findings from factor analysis and Polytomous Rasch analysis supported a unidimensional interpretation of the SMFQ, thereby replicating findings across cultures and languages. The SMFQ had good reliability, and test-retest analysis indicated fair to good temporal stability. Evidence of construct validity was provided by a path diagram of the SMFQ and SDQ subscales. No age or gender differences in the SMFQ scores were observed. However, two items (3 and 11) exhibited gender-related DIF. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SMFQ sum-scores as a continuous measure of the severity of depressive symptoms can be supported. The measure shows promise as brief, reliable, valid instrument for the assessment of depressive symptoms in Spanish children.

Spanish Validation of the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) in Children Aged 8-12 / Validación Española del Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) en Niños de 8 a 12 Años

Background: The Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) is one of the few well-established available measures designed to assess childhood depression. The objective of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties and explore the differential item functioning (DIF) of the SMFQ in a community sample of Spanish children. Gender and age differences in SMFQ scores were also analyzed. Method: The sample included 824 students aged 8-12 years (Mage = 9.64, SD = 1.2) recruited from four public and private schools in urban areas in the southeast of Spain. Results: Findings from factor analysis and Polytomous Rasch analysis supported a unidimensional interpretation of the SMFQ, thereby replicating findings across cultures and languages. The SMFQ had good reliability, and test-retest analysis indicated fair to good temporal stability. Evidence of construct validity was provided by a path diagram of the SMFQ and SDQ subscales. No age or gender differences in the SMFQ scores were observed. However, two items (3 and 11) exhibited gender-related DIF. Conclusions: The use of SMFQ sum-scores as a continuous measure of the severity of depressive symptoms can be supported. The measure shows promise as brief, reliable, valid instrument for the assessment of depressive symptoms in Spanish children.(AU)

Antecedentes: El Cuestionario Breve de Estado de Ánimo y Sentimientos (SMFQ, por sus siglas en inglés) es una de las pocas medidas bien establecidas para evaluar la depresión infantil. Este estudio evalúa las propiedades psicométricas y explora el funcionamiento diferencial de los ítems (DIF) del SMFQ en una muestra comunitaria de niños españoles. Método: La muestra incluyó 824 escolares de 8 a 12 años (Medad = 9.64, DT = 1.2) de cuatro colegios públicos y privados del sureste de España. Resultados: Los hallazgos del análisis factorial y el análisis de Rasch politómico respaldaron una interpretación unidimensional del SMFQ. El SMFQ tuvo una buena consistencia interna y el análisis test-retest indicó una estabilidad temporal de regular a buena. Se examinaron las evidencias sobre la validez de constructo mediante un diagrama de ruta de las subescalas SMFQ y SDQ, sin diferencias en el SMFQ por edad y sexo. Sin embargo, dos ítems presentaron DIF relacionada con el género. Conclusiones: Se respalda el uso de las puntuaciones sumatorias del SMFQ como una medida continua de la gravedad de los síntomas depresivos. La medida se muestra prometedora como instrumento breve, fiable y válido para la evaluación de los síntomas depresivos en niños españoles.(AU)

Nighttime coping response in children: Development and validation of a new scale.

Coping strategies can play an important role in dealing with nighttime fears and related anxiety problems in school-aged children, but well-established self-reporting tools are lacking, and research in this area is limited. The aim of this study was to develop a new self-report instrument assessing coping strategies in school-aged children when facing nighttime fears, the Nighttime Coping Response Scale (NCRS), and to examine its psychometric properties. Participants were 786 children (48.7% boys) aged 8-12 years, who completed the NCRS and other measures related to anxiety and behavioral problems. The construction of the NCRS was based on relevant prior literature and experts' criteria. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported a three-factor structure, comprising 15 items measuring coping strategies related to self-control, social support seeking, and avoidance. The NCRS was shown to have good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and divergent validity. This research found preliminary support for the use of the NCRS, suggesting the potential suitability of this brief tool to be used by clinicians and researchers to identify and address the use of children's maladaptive coping strategies when dealing with nighttime fears. The NCRS could also be important to enable the development of further research in this field.

Early detection of anxiety problems in childhood: Spanish validation of the brief Spence Children's Anxiety Scale for parents.

The small percentage of children with anxiety problems who receive psychological treatment, and the negative psychological consequences associated with these problems highlight the need for early detection. Although assessment instruments with appropriate measurement properties exist, they tend to be extensive, making it difficult to apply them in clinical settings, schools, or primary care practices. This study aimed to adapt the Spanish brief version for parents of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS-P-8). For this purpose, information on 215 children between 8 and 12 years of age was reported by 163 parents. The Spanish version of the SCAS-P-8 adequately fit a one-factor structure, χ2 = 44.25; df = 19; comparative fit index = .97; Tucker-Lewis index = .96; root mean square error of approximation: .07 (.04, .09); standardized root mean squared residual = .08. Evidence of internal consistency of the total SCAS-P-8 score was good (α = 0.82), and the direct correlations obtained between the SCAS-P-8 and internalizing problems showed evidence of convergent validity. Moreover, the appropriate measurement properties of the SCAS-P-8 were shown to be independent of gender. Differences in sociodemographic variables and SDQ-P between children with anxiety symptoms and those without anxiety symptoms were also discussed. Information reported by parents can help the clinician carry out an accurate diagnosis. A brief assessment scale can be easily applied in schools or primary care settings.

COVID-19: Psychological symptoms and coping strategies in preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents.

The present study aimed to compare psychological symptoms and coping strategies in 1480 preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents during home confinement due to COVID-19. We enrolled parents from Italy, Portugal, and Spain who completed a survey between the second and fourth week of lockdown. The results showed that preschoolers displayed more sleeping difficulties, temper tantrums, and dependency while adolescents' reactions were more related to COVID-19 worries and uncertainty. Schoolchildren showed more difficulty in concentrating. Adolescent girls showed higher anxiety levels than schoolchildren boys. Schoolchildren relied more on emotion-oriented strategies, which were linked to increased internalizing and externalizing symptoms in all ages. Task-oriented strategies, regardless of the child's age, work best to cope with stress. Our findings provide information for professionals and parents about children's most common and adaptive coping strategies according to age. Furthermore, they contribute to the early detection of long-term psychological maladjustment in children.

Effects of a Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for Teenagers: A Cluster-Randomized Control Trial.

This study evaluated the efficacy of the COMPAS program in the short term and 6 months after its application. For the initial sample, 2047 teenagers aged 14-19 years from 14 schools in 11 Colombian cities participated; eight schools were randomly assigned to the experimental condition and six to the control group. The participants completed self-report assessments that evaluated several variables theoretically associated with protective sexual behaviors. In the short term, the experimental group showed increased knowledge about HIV and other STIs, sexual assertiveness, self-efficacy, greater behavioral intention toward condom use, and more favorable attitudes toward HIV and condom use than the control group. After 6 months, most psychological and health variables also showed a significant positive change. In conclusion, the COMPAS program is the first school-based sexuality education program that has been shown to be effective in reducing mediating and behavioral variables associated with sexual risk reduction in Colombia.

RESUMEN: Este estudio evaluó la eficacia del programa COMPAS a corto plazo y a 6 meses después de la aplicación. Para la muestra inicial participaron 2.047 adolescentes de 14 a 19 años provenientes de 12 escuelas en 11 ciudades colombianas; 8 escuelas fueron aleatoriamente asignadas a la condición experimental y 6 al grupo control. Los participantes completaron autoinformes sobre variables teóricamente asociadas con comportamientos sexuales de protección. A corto plazo, el grupo experimental mostró un mayor conocimiento sobre ITS, asertividad sexual, autoeficacia e intención conductual hacia el uso del condón y actitudes más favorables hacia el VIH que el grupo de control. Después de seis meses, la mayoría de las variables psicológicas y de salud también mostraron un cambio positivo. En conclusión, el programa COMPAS es el primer programa de educación sexual que ha demostrado ser efectivo para reducir las variables mediadoras y conductuales asociadas con la reducción del riesgo sexual en Colombia.

Validation of the brief version of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale for Spanish children (SCAS-C-8).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the self-reported brief version of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale-Children (SCAS-C-8) in pre-adolescent Spanish children. METHOD: Participants were 824 children aged 8-12 from a community sample. The results revealed a good fit to the one-factor structure, adequate internal consistency (α = 0.75), and evidence of test-retest reliability (α = 0.77). RESULTS: The strong relationship between the SCAS-C-8 and emotional problems provided evidence of convergent validity. Also, the results showed factorial gender invariance. CONCLUSION: The SCAS-C-8 is a suitable instrument for pre-adolescent Spanish children. The brevity and simplicity of this scale may facilitate early detection and help to narrow the existent gap between the presence of anxiety problems and psychological assistance-seeking.