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Background The study about the misuse of inhalant solvents started in Mexico during the 1970, although the interest in this subject decreased during some periods, its consumption continued among the young population, thus, it is relevant to update the state of the art on this matter. Objective Identify the state of knowledge on inhalant abuse, its consequences, prevention and the treatment alternatives in Mexico in the last four decades. Method We performed a bibliographical inquiry between August and September 2014 on the papers published between 1970 and 2014 about inhalant solvents consumption in Mexico. It integrated the publications included in the historical archive of the Epidemiological and Psychosocial Research Direction, Mental Health Journal, Medline, Elsevier and Scielo México. Results After revision, 83 out of 1083 papers fulfilled all the criteria that we considered for inclusion in the analysis. This body of work has been performed on different population segments: marginalized groups, juvenile gang members, children in street situation, adults and minors secluded in detention centers, sex workers, people seeking treatment, students, and the general population. Discussion and conclusion The several relevant aspects of the consumer population of inhalant solvents in Mexico were identified. Detection of this ample profile of individuals at risk could serve as the basis for the development of prevention and treatment programs to attend to the specific needs of these groups, since the programs currently in progress are scarce and some of them have not had follow up assessments or have not been evaluated at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroudn This paper analyzes the main barriers to seeking health care and the regulation of alcohol abusers and their relatives in a rural community. Objective Was to analyze the metaphors and dilemmas of alcohol consumers and their families regarding their health needs, seeking care, the implementation of regulation and the obstacles they face in a rural community in Mexico. Method This is a qualitative case study, involving ethnography, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Results How that people view alcohol abuse as a problem until an addiction occurs and are torn between regarding it as a “vice" or a disease. Seeking care is hampered by tolerance towards consumption, ignorance of how to proceed, fear of “gossip" in a context of weak regulation and treatment options, where consumption is socio-culturally encouraged. Discussion and conclusion That the meanings and dilemmas faced by actors in the search for health care and the regulation of alcohol sales constitute barriers to which the health system must respond in an integral fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional distress is the subjective sensation of diminishment in wellbeing which manifests itself in a number of unspecific symptoms. It might be a risk factor for the development of mental illness, especially among individuals with psychosocial or biological vulnerability. Recent studies show that primary health care services receive a growing number of patients who suffer distress, but do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of a mental or physical illness. This phenomenon is more frequent among women. The objective of this paper is to analyze the emotional distress experienced by a group of women who attended primary health care institutions in Mexico City, as well as their perceptions and experiences around the attention received, in order to identify their treatment needs. Data was gathered through techniques and instruments pertaining qualitative methodology. The information was coded and analyzed according to the meaning categorization method developed by Kvale. The results show that the main triggers of emotional distress are associated to daily life worries (lack of money, problems with children, domestic violence, among others). In some cases, it is associated as well with traumatic events, such as violence and sexual abuse in the past or at present. Data also suggest that women do not talk about emotional distress directly during medical consultations and that health care professionals do not identify distress or minimize its importance. These aspects are related to the current characteristics of the service, which lacks a comprehensive approach and a psychosocial point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]