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Background: Constipation is a common problem in the general population and its prevalence is based on the diagnostic criteria, the study population and the research methodology for collecting the data., Objectives and Methods: To establish the clinical gudelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in Mexico we have reviewed the epidemiological factors of constipation and have conducted meta-analysis according to the 3 available community-based studies from our country. In addition, evidence-based recommendations have been provided., Results: The estimated prevalence of functional constipation in Mexico is 14.4% (95% CI: 12.6-16.6%) according to Rome II and Rome III criteria. Although constipation is present in both genders and all age groups, it is more common among young women with a female to male ratio of 3:1. In our population, 43.6% report using laxatives, teas for stimulating bowel movements or fiber supplements, but only 18.0% did so because they considered themselves as constipated. Also, data from a tertiary referral center in Mexico City suggests that patients with prolonged colonic transit time have lower scores in the physical component of the SF-36 compared to those with chronic constipation and a normal colonic transit time., Conclusions: Functional constipation is a very common problem in Mexico affecting mainly young women. Laxatives and other related agents are frequently used and this disorder seems to have a negative impact on quality of life.

In this intervention, participants design and implement an HIV/AIDS prevention project for Mexican homosexual men. The intervention is consistent with, and contributes to, empowerment theory because it enhances collective action, provides opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, creates needed resources, and includes shared control with professional and among participants. The intervention described provides an illustration of an empowering process and distinguishes itself from empowerment outcomes. An evaluation of the project is also described, but the outcomes were HIV/AIDS-related behaviors rather than psychological empowerment of the participants. The results suggest that the participants' HIV/AIDS knowledge and preventive behavior improved when compared to individuals who did not participate in the intervention. In addition, the intervention generated community change initiated by participants. Implications for designing interventions using an empowerment approach are discussed.

Little knowledge exists about AIDS and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among Latin American gay males. In Latin America, sexual transmission from man to man is the leading cause of HIV infection. In Mexico, which ranks third in number of AIDS cases in the Americas, more than three-quarters of the cases are due to sexual transmission; among these cases, 35% and 23.7% are due to homosexual and bisexual male practices, respectively. A sample of 200 individuals from Juarez, Mexico, a city on the U.S. border, was interviewed. Information about their AIDS knowledge, sexual behavior, and condom use was obtained. Factory workers and individuals who meet sexual partners in the streets reported more sexual partners than workers in service or professional occupations and those who meet their partners in bars and discos. Number of sexual partners and respondents' age were inversely associated with condom use. Implications for HIV prevention are discussed.