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Objective: Obesity affects 14.7 million children and adolescents in the United States. Children's health behaviors are affected by parental health practices. Therefore, pediatric obesity interventions should include parents. The objective of this study was to assess the changes in self-reported health behaviors in a diverse population attending the TEEEN program, with motivational interviewing of child-parent dyads as a key component, for 1 year. Methods: Here we assessed the changes in Family and Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool scores, a tool that assesses obesogenic behaviors, in the context of MI of child-parent dyads in a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse population who attended the TEEEN (Teens, Empowerment, Education, Exercise, Nutrition) program, a nonclinic and family-based behavior program in Massachusetts, for 1 year. Results: Participation in the TEEEN program, which includes MI of child-parent dyads, was associated with a significant increase in the overall FNPA score (median change= 4 points, P = .007). We observed that 76.5% of children experienced a decrease in BMI% and BMI z-score. The change in BMI% (median= −0.9, P = .006) and change in BMI z-score (median= −0.2, P = .008) were statistically significant. Conclusion: Participation in the TEEEN program seemed to be beneficial based on aspects of the FNPA screening tool and changes in weight parameters. The FNPA screening tool enhanced-motivational interviewing of child-parent dyads shows promise as an approach to address obesogenic behaviors. This study provides a detailed framework for medical providers to address pediatric obesity in a nonclinic setting with less time constraints.

The aim of this study was, first of all, to associate the mercury (Hg) concentrations and respiratory functions of the gold miners in the artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environment in San Martín de Loba, Colombia. We carried out a cross-sectional study using a survey whereby we collected basic demographic information, occupational medical history, and applied two validated questionnaires (Q16 and SF36). We measured Hg levels in all volunteers using direct thermal decomposition-atomic absorption spectrometry. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were carried out for all variables, performing logistic regression to assess the effect of ASGM on health outcomes. Volunteers enrolled (n = 124) were between the ages of 20 and 84 years (84% miners and 79% males). No changes were found in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate from the ASGM miners, in crude and adjusted statistical analyses. ASGM miners increased 8.91 (95% confidence interval, 1.55–95.70) times the risk of having these than of having neurotoxic effects. Concentrations of total whole blood mercury (T-Hg) in all participants ranged from 0.6 to 82.5 with a median of 6.0 μg/L. Miners had higher T-Hg concentrations than non-miners (p-value = 0.011). Normal and abnormal respiratory spirometry patterns showed significant differences with the physical role and physical function of quality-of-life scales (the (p-value was 0.012 and 0.004, respectively). The spirometry test was carried out in 87 male miners, with 25% of these miners reporting abnormalities. Out of these, 73% presented a restrictive spirometry pattern, and 27%, an obstructive spirometry pattern. The ASGM population had higher Hg concentrations and worse neurotoxic symptomatology than non-miners of the same community.

Este estudio analiza cómo las adolescentes de niveles socioeconómicos bajos en la ciudad de Cartagena, Colombia, han construido sus creencias y prácticas sobre la sexualidad. El diseño de la investigación es de tipo cualitativo, específicamente con un enfoque etnográfico centrado en lo que las participantes expresaron en cuanto a sus experiencias, actitudes, valores, roles, tradiciones y creencias. Igualmente, se analizó la apropiación de conductas que generan estilos de vida y formas de relacionamiento que inciden sobre la presencia del embarazo a temprana edad. Se observó que las creencias y prácticas de sexualidad de estas jóvenes adolescentes se han construido de lo que culturalmente se ha transmitido de generación en generación, ejerciendo una gran influencia la dinámica social, los mecanismos de ocio y esparcimiento.

La violencia de pareja es un problema de salud pública y el modelo para manejo de síntomas fue el marco conceptual que guía este estudio. Objetivo: medir el efecto de la violencia de pareja sobre la salud mental de las mujeres que consultan a las comisarías de familia de Cali. Metodología: diseño analítico, transversal, con mujeres que denuncian violencia de pareja en las comisarías de familia de Cali, Colombia. Se aplican la Lista de Chequeo de Síntomas de Distres SCL-90R y las Escalas de Tácticas de Resolución de Conflictos y de Resiliencia. Resultados: la muestra de 100 mujeres adultas que denuncian violencia de pareja presentó un Índice Global de Severidad de Síntomas de 1,36; un Índice de Distrés de Síntomas Positivos de 2,27, y puntajes altos en las nueve dimensiones de síntomas psicológicos. En la comparación con muestras normativas de pacientes siquiátricas ambulatorias no se aprecian diferencias significativas para la mayoría de los índices. El 60% de las mujeres presentan síndrome de estrés postraumático. Discusión: los hallazgos son preocupantes por la similitud con las muestras normativas de pacientes siquiátricas ambulatorias; las mujeres de nuestro estudio presentan una necesidad de cuidado que les permita adquirir o desarrollar sus recursos personales y externos para salir adelante.Partner's violence is a public health problem. Symptom management is the theoretical framework guiding this study. The research question is: what is the effect of partner`s violence on women's mental health reporting it to the Cali, Colombia Family Commssaries? Objective: to measure the effect of partner' s violence on women's mental health asking help to the Family Commissaries of Cali, Colombia. Methodology: cross-sectional design with a sample of women that denounce their situation to the Family Commissaries of Cali. The Check List of Symptom -SCL-90R, the Conflict Resolution Tactics and the Resilience scales are applied. Results: the sample comprises 100 women. The Global Distress Index is 1.36; the Distress Index for Positive Symptom is 2.27; nine dimensions of symptoms obtain high scores. Comparison with normative samples of psychiatric out-patients do not show statistical significant differences for most of the indexes; 60% of women present post-traumatic stress disorder. Discussion: the findings are similar to normative samples from psychiatric out - patients. The partner's violence effect on mental health is considerable and calls for action. Women have needs related with care. They need help to gain or develop personal skills and external resources to handle partner's violence.