Mexican Adolescents' Self-Reports of Parental Monitoring and Sexual Communication for Prevention of Sexual Risk Behavior.

PURPOSE: Assess perceptions of parental monitoring and sexual communication for sexual health promotion among adolescents who are Mexican. DESIGN AND METHODS: Adolescents (N=153, n=85 females, n=68 males) between 14years (n=80) and 15 years (n=73) were recruited at a public high school in Monterrey in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. All participants were living with a parent(s). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to assess sociodemographic characteristics of the group. Chi-square analyses were conducted to identify potential group differences among the adolescents by age, gender and sexual activity regarding responses to each item of the Spanish Version Parental Monitoring and Sexual Communication Scale (a=0.88). RESULTS: Eleven percent of adolescents self-reported sexual activity. Significant group differences by age, gender and sexual activity were identified concerning parental monitoring and sexual communication including: less parental monitoring with older age (14 versus 15 year olds); more parental monitoring for females than males; less monitoring for sexually active adolescents; greater sexual communication for males than females, and among adolescents who were sexually active. CONCLUSIONS: An assessment of adolescents' perceptions of parental monitoring and sexual communication is useful for development of strategies concerning sexual health promotion in Mexico. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The Spanish Version Parental Monitoring and Sexual Communication Scale can be used for assessment and modification of interventions for adolescent populations in Mexico. Information obtained from this assessment can be used to assist parents to enhance positive outcomes for parental monitoring and sexual communication with their children.

Adaptation of the contraceptive self-efficacy scale for heterosexual Mexican men and women of reproductive age.

AIM: Development of a Spanish Version Contraceptive Self-efficacy Scale for use among heterosexual Mexican populations of reproductive age inclusive of 18-35years. BACKGROUND: Methods of family planning have decreased in Mexico which may lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies. Contraceptive self-efficacy is considered a predictor and precursor for use of family planning methods. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used to assess contraceptive self-efficacy among a heterosexual Mexican population (N=160) of reproductive age (18-35years). Adaptation of a Spanish Version Contraceptive Self-efficacy scale was conducted prior to instrument administration. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses identified seven factors with a variance of 72.812%. The adapted scale had a Cronbach alpha of 0.771. A significant correlation between the Spanish Version Contraceptive Self-efficacy Scale and the use of family planning methods was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish Version Contraceptive Self-efficacy scale has an acceptable Cronbach alpha. Exploratory factor analysis identified 7 components. A positive correlation between self-reported contraceptive self-efficacy and family planning method use was identified. This scale may be used among heterosexual Mexican men and women of reproductive age. The factor analysis (7 factors versus 4 factors for the original scale) identified a discrepancy for interpretation of the Spanish versus English language versions. Interpretation of findings obtained via the Spanish versión among heterosexual Mexican men and women of reproductive age require interpretation based upon these differences identified in these analyses.

Adaptation of the Contraceptive Behavior Scale for Mexican Heterosexual Populations.

INTRODUCTION: The Contraceptive Behavior Scale requires adaptation for use by health professionals among Mexican heterosexual populations of reproductive age. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design assessed adaptation of the Contraceptive Behavior Scale. RESULTS: Six hundred Mexican men and women of reproductive age (18-35 years) were recruited from a second-level health care unit in a metropolitan area in Mexico. Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors with an explanatory variance of 69.238%. Confirmatory factor analysis identified acceptable index values. Cronbach alpha of .729 obtained for the scale was acceptable. Significant correlation ( p = .007) was observed between Contraceptive Conduct and participant gender. Component 1 constituted Items 1, 2, and 4, while Component 2 consisted of Items 3 and 5. No items were eliminated as adequate factorial saturation was present. CONCLUSIONS: The Contraceptive Conduct Scale is a reliable assessment tool for Mexican men and women of reproductive age. This scale is potentially useful for health professionals to assess contraceptive behavior in heterosexual couples of reproductive age. Clinicians may use the tool to obtain information for development of strategies responding to sexual and reproductive health needs of both men and women.

ASOCIACIÓN ENTRE LA CALIDAD DE ATENCIÓN DE ENFERMERÍA PERCIBIDA Y NIVEL DE SATISFACCIÓN POR PACIENTES HOSPITALIZADOS / ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERCEIVED QUALITY OF NURSING CARE AND LEVEL OF SATISFACTION BY HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la calidad de la atención percibida y el nivel de satisfacción por pacientes hospitalizados en una institución de salud en México. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo-correlacional, de corte transversal. La muestra (n=37) se conformó por pacientes hospitalizados en una institución se segundo nivel de atención en Guanajuato. Las variables, calidad percibida de la atención de Enfermería y satisfacción global se midieron utilizando el instrumento de SERVQHOS-E de 17 ítems y dos subescalas (tangibles e intangibles). Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y la prueba Chi-cuadrada de Pearson. El programa SPSS auxilió en el procesamiento de datos. RESULTADOS: El 51% de los participantes se identifican como hombres con una edad promedio de 42.97 años. La Calidad Intangible la calificaron como regular (57%), mientras que la Calidad Tangible como buena (65%). El nivel de satisfacción fue evaluado como Satisfecho (49%) y Muy Satisfecho (51%). Se encontró una asociación entre los factores intangibles con el nivel de satisfacción (p = .015); sin embargo, en los factores tangibles no se encontró asociación (p = .248). CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados podrían reflejar la formación rigurosa y de calidad de los enfermeros que laboran en esta institución. Sin embargo, también podrían indicar las carencias de la institución en cuanto a equipo tecnológico para brindar mejores servicios de salud.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the perceived quality of care received and the level of satisfaction of hospitalized patients in Guanajuato, Mexico. METHODS: This is a quantitative, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study. The sample (n=37) was made up of patients hospitalized in a second level care institution in Guanajuato, Mexico. The variables, perceived quality of nursing care and overall satisfaction were measured using the SERVQHOS-E instrument with 17 items and two subscales (tangible and intangible). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test. The SPSS program helped in data processing. RESULTS: 51% of the participants identified themselves as men with an average age of 42.97 years. The Intangible Quality was rated as regular (57%), while the Tangible Quality was good (65%). The level of satisfaction was evaluated as Satisfied (49%) and Very Satisfied (51%). An association was found between the intangible factors with the level of satisfaction (p = 0.015); however, no association was found for tangible factors (p = 0.248). CONCLUSIONS: These results could reflect the rigorous and quality training of the nurses who work in this institution. However, they could also indicate the institution's shortcomings in terms of technological equipment to provide better health services.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) protection mediated by NH/P68 and NH/P68 recombinant live-attenuated viruses.

The risk of spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) from Russia and Caucasian areas to several EU countries has recently emerged, making it imperative to improve our knowledge and defensive tools against this important pathogen. The ASFV genome encodes many genes which are not essential for virus replication but are known to control host immune evasion, such as NFκB and the NFAT regulator A238L, the apoptosis inhibitor A224L, the MHC-I antigen presenting modulator EP153R, and the A276R gene, involved in modulating type I IFN. These genes are hypothesized to be involved in virulence of the genotype I parental ASFV NH/P68. We here describe the generation of putative live attenuated vaccines (LAV) prototypes by constructing recombinant NH/P68 viruses lacking these specific genes and containing specific markers.

Barriers to Use of Family Planning Methods Among Heterosexual Mexican Couples.

BACKGROUND: Family planning has become increasingly important as a fundamental component of sexual health and as such is offered via public health systems worldwide. Identification of barriers to use of family planning methods among heterosexual couples living in Mexico is indicated to facilitate access to family planning methods. METHODS: Barriers to family planning methods were assessed among Mexican heterosexual, sexually active males and females of reproductive age, using a modified Spanish version of the Barriers to the Use of Family Planning Methods scale (Cronbach's alpha = .89, subscales ranging from .53 to .87). Participants were recruited via convenience sampling in ambulatory care clinics within a metropolitan area in Central Mexico. RESULTS: Participants included 52 heterosexual couples aged 18-35 years (N = 104). Sociodemographic comparisons by gender identified older age and higher education, income, and numbers of sexual partners among men than women. More men (50%) than women (25%) were currently using family planning methods; however, 80% overall indicated intentions for its use. Overall, male condoms were used and intended for use most often by men than women. Significant gender-specific differences were found, with men (71.15%) reporting no family planning barriers, whereas women (55.66%) reported barriers including low socioeconomic status, medical concerns, and stigma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The modified Spanish translation demonstrated usefulness for measuring barriers to family planning methods use in Mexico among heterosexual males and females of reproductive age. Barriers identified by Mexican women in this study may be addressed to reduce potential barriers to family planning among Mexican populations.

Rapid molecular haemagglutinin subtyping of avian influenza isolates by specific real-time RT-PCR tests.

Sixteen haemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIV) have been described to date. Rapid subtype identification of any AIV is of major interest because of the possible serious consequences for the poultry industry and even public health. Molecular techniques currently allow immediate accurate subtype characterisation prior to virus isolation. In this study, a set of fourteen specific real-time RT-PCR methods were developed and evaluated for AIV HA subtyping (H1-H4, H6-H8, H10-H16), H5 and H9 being excluded on the basis of the current validity of the European Union (EU) recommended specific assays. Specific primers and probes sets for each HA-subtype were designed to hybridise the largest isolates range within each single subtype, considering the Eurasian lineage as a major target. The robustness and general application of the 14 HA-subtype methods were verified by the analysis of 110 AIV isolates belonging to all 16 HA-subtypes, performed in different laboratories. The developed real-time RT-PCR assays proved to be highly specific and revealed suitable sensitivity, allowing direct HA-subtyping of clinical material. In summary, this study provides for the first time a panel of molecular tests using specific hydrolysis probes for rapid and complete AIV HA-subtype identification.

Relación entre la violencia contra la mujer y el Índice de Masa Corporal: revisión integradora / Relation between violence against women and Body Mass Index: integrative review

Resumen Objetivo: El propósito de esta revisión es conocer la evidencia científica existente de la relación entre la violencia contra la mujer (VCM) y su índice de masa corporal (IMC) (alto y bajo). Síntesis del contenido: Se realizó una revisión integradora de las publicaciones científicas que abordaron y relacionaran la VCM y el IMC en diferentes bases de datos. Se consideraron los siete pasos de Cooper. Se analizaron por título, año de publicación, autores y fuente; finalmente, se estudiaron los aspectos metodológicos. Se identificaron 85 artículos y se excluyeron 67 por no cumplir con los criterios de inclusión; seis de los artículos incluidos en la revisión, reportaron correlación positiva y significativa entre la VCM con el IMC alto (sobrepeso/obesidad). Asimismo, siete de los artículos refieren una relación significativa entre la VCM y el IMC bajo, de tal manera que a mayor violencia contra la mujer, se presenta un IMC más bajo en las mujeres. Conclusión: Los resultados encontrados muestran la existencia escasa de literatura científica que aborde la temática de la VCM y el IMC. Algunos estudios muestran la relación entre la VCM y el IMC alto y bajo. Los resultados no son concluyentes, por lo que se requiere generar líneas de acción y atención a las mujeres receptoras de los diferentes tipos de violencia.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão é conhecer as evidências científicas existentes sobre a relação entre violencia contra mulheres (VCM) e seu índice de massa corporal (IMC) (baixo peso, sobrepeso/obesidade). Síntese do conteúdo: Uma revisão integrativa das publicações científicas que abordam e relacionam a vcm e o IMC em diferentes bases de dados. Os sete passos de Cooper foram considerados. Foram analisados por título, ano de publicação, autores e fonte; finalmente, os aspectos metodológicos foram estudados. Identificaram-se 85 artigos, 67 artigos foram excluídos porque não atendiam aos criterios de inclusão; seis dos artigos incluídos na revisão relataram uma correlação positiva e significativa entre a VMC com o IMC alto (sobrepeso/obesidade). Da mesma forma, sete dos artigos referem-se a uma relação significativa entre VMC e baixo IMC, ou seja, quanto maior a violência, um imc mais baixo é relatado. Conclusão: Os resultados mostram a existência de literatura científica escassa abordando a questão da VMC e IMC. Alguns estudos mostram a relação entre a violência contra as mulheres e o alto e baixo IMC. Os resultados não são conclusivos, por isso é necessário gerar linhas de ação e atenção às mulheres que recebem os diferentes tipos de violência.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this review is to know the existing scientific evidence of the relation between violence against women and their body mass index (BMI) (underweight, overweight/obese). Content synthesis: An integrative review of the scientific publications that approached and related violence against women and BMI in different databases. Cooper's seven steps were considered. They were analyzed by title, year of publication, authors and source; and, finally, by methodological aspects. It was possible to identify 85 articles, -67 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria-. Six of the articles included in the review reported a positive and significant correlation between violence against women with high BMI (overweight/obesity). In other words, the higher the violence, a high BMI is reported. Likewise, seven of the articles referred to a significant relation between violence against women and low BMI, such a way to greater violence against women, a lower women's BMI is found. Conclusion: The results show the existence of scarce scientific literature that addresses the issue of violence against women and BMI. Some studies expose the relation between violence against women and high and low BMI. The results are inconclusive, so it is necessary to generate lines of action and attention to women who suffer different types of violence.