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Resumen Objetivo: Identificar las barreras que existen para la atención de las conductas suicidas, desde la perspectiva de las/los profesionales de la salud mental del primer nivel de atención de la Ciudad de México. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo exploratorio, basado en 35 entrevistas semiestructuradas, dirigidas a personal de salud de dos unidades de salud mental de referencia nacional. El análisis de la información se hizo mediante el Framework Analysis. Resultados: Las/los participantes consideraron que las conductas suicidas no han sido definidas como una prioridad dentro de los trastornos de salud mental. La ausencia de políticas públicas, la sobrecarga de trabajo, la falta de seguimiento a las/los pacientes, entre otras, fueron identificadas como barreras para una atención adecuada y oportuna. Conclusiones: Los programas de prevención de las conductas suicidas deben tomar en cuenta el contexto socioeconómico de la población y las características de los servicios de salud, así como las necesidades de las personas prestadoras de servicios de salud. Se requiere ampliar el entrenamiento profesional y mejorar el sistema de referencia y contrarreferencia entre los distintos niveles de atención. Abstract Objective: To identify the existing barriers to the care of suicidal behavior from the perspective of mental health professionals at the first level of care in Mexico City. Methodology: Qualitative exploratory study based on 35 semi-structured interviews conducted on health personnel from two national reference mental health facilities. The data were analyzed with Framework Analysis. Results: The participants considered that suicidal behavior has not been prioritized among mental health disorders. The absence of public policies, work overload, lack of patient follow-up, among others, were identified as barriers to adequate and timely care. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior prevention programs should consider the socioeconomic context of the population, the characteristics of health services, and the needs of health care providers. Professional training should be enhanced, and the referral and counter-referral system across levels of care should be improved. Resumo Objetivo: Identificar as barreiras existentes para a atenção das condutas suicidas, desde a perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde mental de atenção básica da Cidade do México. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo exploratório, baseado em 35 entrevistas semiestruturadas, dirigidas a profissionais de saúde de duas unidades de saúde mental de referência nacional. A análise da informação foi feita através do Framework Analysis. Resultados: Os participantes consideraram que as condutas suicidas não têm sido definidas como uma prioridade dentro dos transtornos de saúde mental. A ausência de políticas públicas, a sobrecarga de trabalho, a falta de seguimento aos pacientes, entre outras, foram identificadas como barreiras para uma atenção adequada e oportuna. Conclusões: Os programas de prevenção das condutas suicidas devem considerar o contexto socioeconômico da população e as características dos serviços de saúde, além das necessidades dos profissionais de saúde. É necessário ampliar o treinamento profissional e melhorar o sistema de referência e contrarreferência entre os diferentes níveis de atenção.

Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia del conocimiento sobre trastornos del neurodesarrollo (TdN) y el nivel de aceptación de los modelos de educación inclusiva (MEI) en docentes. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal multicéntrico en México y Centroamérica. Aplicación de un instrumento de autorreporte a docentes de nivel básico sobre conocimiento en TdN y aceptación de los MEI. Resultados. Se obtuvo la respuesta de 511 docentes. La prevalencia de alta aceptación de MEI fue de 28.6%. De los 120 docentes que refirieron tener un amplio conocimiento sobre discapacidad intelectual, 3.8% estuvieron en el percentil más bajo de aceptación de MEI, 19.5% en el percentil de aceptación promedio y 55.5% de ellos se encontraron en el percentil de mayor aceptación (p

espanolObjetivo. Estimar los factores asociados con la comunicacion abierta entre profesionales de la salud mental y padres de pacientes con discapacidad intelectual y otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Material y metodos. Encuesta transversal en 759 profesionales de la salud mental. Se estimo la asociacion entre el patron de comunicacion abierto y los atributos de la comunicacion a traves de un modelo logistico, ordinal y multivariado. Resultados. La prevalencia del patron de comunicacion abierta en profesionales de la salud mental fue de 30.6% (IC95% 27.4-34.0). Los factores asociados fueron menor edad (RM=2.42, IC95% 1.57-3.75), especialidad (RM=1.56, IC95% 1.09-2.23), alto valor a la verdad (RM=4.95, IC95% 3.21-7.65), bajo paternalismo (RM=10.93, IC95% 7.22-16.52) y cursos de bioetica (RM=1.45, IC95% 1.01-2.09), ajustando por variables confusoras. Conclusion. Los profesionales de la salud mental reportaron bajos niveles de comunicacion abierta con los padres de personas con trastornos del neurodesarrollo, por lo que priorizar el valor a la verdad, promover un menor paternalismo y el respeto a la autonomia de los pacientes puede contribuir a cambiar estos patrones de comunicacion en la practica clinica en Mexico. EnglishObjective. To estimate the factors associated with open communication between mental health professionals and parents of patients with intellectual disabilities and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Materials and methods.Cross-sectional survey in 759 mental health professionals. The association between the pattern of open communication and the attributes of communication was estimated through a logistic, ordinal, multivariate model. Results. The preva-lence of the pattern of open communication in mental health professionals was 30.6% (95%CI 27.4-34.0). The associated factors were younger age (RM=2.42, 95% CI 1.57-3.75), spe-cialty (RM= 1.56, 95%CI 1.09-2.23), high value to the truth (RM= 4.95, 95% CI 3.21-7.65), low paternalism (RM= 10.93, 95%CI 7.22-16.52) and courses in bioethics (RM= 1.45, 95%CI 1.01-2.09), adjusted for confusing variables. Conclusion.Mental health professionals reported low levels of open com-munication with parents of people with neurovelopmental disorders, so prioritizing the value to the truth, promoting less paternalism, and respecting the autonomy of patients, can contribute to changing these patterns of communication in clinical practice in Mexico.

Evidence from middle-income countries indicates high and increasing prevalence of dementia and need for services. However, there has been little investment in care, treatment or support for people living with dementia and their carers. The Strengthening Responses to Dementia in Developing Countries (STRiDE) project aims to build both research capacity and evidence on dementia care and services in Brazil, Indonesia, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. This article presents the Theory of Change (ToC) approach we used to co-design our research project and to develop a strategic direction for dementia care, treatment and support, with stakeholders. ToC makes explicit the process underlying how a programme will achieve its impact. We developed ToCs in each country and across the STRiDE project with researchers, practitioners, people living with dementia, carers and policymakers at different levels of government. This involved (1) an initial ToC workshop with all project partners (43 participants); (2) ToC workshops in each STRiDE country (22–49 participants in each); (3) comparison between country-specific and overall project ToCs; (4) review of ToCs in light of WHO dementia guidelines and action plan and (5) a final review. Our experiences suggest ToC is an effective way to generate a shared vision for dementia care, treatment and support among diverse stakeholders. However, the project contribution should be clearly delineated and use additional strategies to ensure appropriate participation from people living with dementia and their carers in the ToC process.

Introduction:Suicide is a multifactorial phenomenon that is frequently found in comorbidity with mental disorders, such as depression and substance abuse, which can interact in summation to produce any element of the continuum of suicidal behavior: ideation, planning, attempt, and death by suicide.O

Background The relationship of religious affiliation and mental health is complex, and being part of a minority religious group could have negative effects on mental health. In this study, we assessed the association between religious affiliation and major depressive episode (MDE) in older adults (> = 60 years) from China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Study on global Ageing and adult health (SAGE), with six nationally-representative community-based samples (n = 21,410). Religious affiliation was self-reported by participants, and we defined MDE based on ICD-10 classification. We estimated the association of MDE with religious affiliation versus no religious affiliation, and minority versus majority affiliation. Results We observed no association between having a religious affiliation (vs. no affiliation) and the odds of MDE in older adults. In most cases minorities had higher odds of MDE as compared with the majority religion, but the associations were only significant for Muslims in Ghana and for Muslims, Hindus and Other in South Africa. Conclusions While the results were significant only for two countries, we observed higher odds of MDE among minorities in most of them. Older adults who are members of religious minorities might be at risk for mental health problems, and there is a need for public health interventions aimed at them. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6806-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Resumen Introducción. Las limitaciones funcionales asociadas con el proceso de envejecimiento pueden conducir al desarrollo de síntomas depresivos e incrementar la vulnerabilidad de los adultos mayores. Objetivo. Estimar la asociación entre la discapacidad física y la incidencia de síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos en adultos mayores mexicanos. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio retrospectivo de cohorte con datos provenientes de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México (ENASEM). La muestra analítica (n=6.780) incluyó a adultos mayores de 50 años que contaran con mediciones de las variables principales y que no presentaran síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos en la ronda cero. Estos síntomas se evaluaron con la escala CESD-9 y, la discapacidad, mediante el reporte de limitaciones para la realización de actividades básicas o instrumentales de la vida diaria. Se hicieron análisis descriptivos, bivariados y multivariados, utilizando el modelo de regresión logística y ajustando según las variables sociodemográficas, las condiciones de salud, las adversidades de la infancia, la participación social y los eventos vitales estresantes. Resultados. La incidencia de síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos fue de 25,75 % (IC95% 24,70-26,80). Comparados con aquellas personas sin limitaciones para las actividades instrumentales, se encontró un incremento del 68 % en el riesgo para el desarrollo de dichos síntomas (IC95% 1,10-2,57; p=0,015). En el modelo de actividades básicas de la vida diaria, la razón de probabilidad (odds ratio, OR) para su desarrollo fue de 1,36 (1,01-1,81; p=0,039), ambos ajustados por variables de confusión. Conclusión. Las limitaciones en la vida diaria son un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos en personas con seguimiento de dos años. Abstract Introduction: Functional limitations associated with the aging process can lead to the development of depressive symptoms and increase the vulnerability of older adults. Objective: To estimate the association between physical disability and the incidence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in older Mexican adults. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with data from the Encuesta Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México (ENASEM). The analytical sample (n=6,780) included adults over 50 years old with measurements for the main variables and no clinically significant depressive symptoms reported in the first round. These symptoms were evaluated with the CESD-9 scale and disability by means of the report of activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models adjusted by sociodemographic variables, health conditions, childhood adversities, social participation, and stressful life events. Results: The incidence of clinically significant depressive symptoms was 25.75% (95% CI: 24,70 - 26,80). Compared to those without IADL limitations, an increased risk of 68% for the development of clinically significant depressive symptoms was found (95% CI: 1.10-2.57; p= 0,015). With the ADL model, the OR for the development of clinically significant depressive symptoms was 1.36 (1.01 -1.81; p= 0.039). Both models were adjusted by confounding variables. Conclusion: Presenting limitations in daily life is an important risk factor for the development of clinically significant depressive symptoms at two years of follow-up.

Background Paternalism/overprotection limits communication between healthcare professionals and patients and does not promote shared therapeutic decision-making. In the global north, communication patterns have been regulated to promote autonomy, whereas in the global south, they reflect the physician’s personal choices. The goal of this study was to contribute to knowledge on the communication patterns used in clinical practice in Mexico and to identify the determinants that favour a doctor–patient relationship characterized by low paternalism/autonomy. Methods A self-report study on communication patterns in a sample of 761 mental healthcare professionals in Central and Western Mexico was conducted. Multiple ordinal logistic regression models were used to analyse paternalism and associated factors. Results A high prevalence (68.7% [95% CI 60.0–70.5]) of paternalism was observed among mental health professionals in Mexico. The main determinants of low paternalism/autonomy were medical specialty (OR 1.67 [95% CI 1.16–2.40]) and gender, with female physicians being more likely to explicitly share diagnoses and therapeutic strategies with patients and their families (OR 1.57 [95% CI 1.11–2.22]). A pattern of highly explicit communication was strongly associated with low paternalism/autonomy (OR 12.13 [95% CI 7.71–19.05]). Finally, a modifying effect of age strata on the association between communication pattern or specialty and low paternalism/autonomy was observed. Conclusions Among mental health professionals in Mexico, high paternalism prevailed. Gender, specialty, and a pattern of open communication were closely associated with low paternalism/autonomy. Strengthening health professionals’ competencies and promoting explicit communication could contribute to the transition towards more autonomist communication in clinical practice in Mexico. The ethical implications will need to be resolved in the near future.

The STRiDE project sets out to support the development of effective dementia policy in middle-income countries (Brazil, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, and South Africa). As part of this it will generate new data about the prevalence of dementia for a subset of these countries. This study aims to identify the current estimates of dementia prevalence in these countries and where the gaps lie in the current literature. A systematic review was completed on 30th April 2019 across electronic databases, identifying dementia prevalence literature originating from any of the seven countries. Four hundred and twenty-nine records were identified following de-duplication; 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Pooled estimates of dementia prevalence ranged from 2% to 9% based on DSM-IV criteria; these figures were generally higher in studies using other diagnostic criteria (e.g. the 10/66 algorithm). Available prevalence data varied between countries. Only Brazil, Mexico and India had data derived from studies judged as having a low risk of bias. Irrespective of country, studies often were not explicit in detailing the representativeness of their sample, or whether there was non-response bias. Further transparent and externally valid dementia prevalence research is needed across the STRiDE countries.

Introduction: Functional limitations associated with the aging process can lead to the development of depressive symptoms and increase the vulnerability of older adults. Objective: To estimate the association between physical disability and the incidence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in older Mexican adults. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with data from the Encuesta Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México (ENASEM). The analytical sample (n=6,780) included adults over 50 years old with measurements for the main variables and no clinically significant depressive symptoms reported in the first round. These symptoms were evaluated with the CESD-9 scale and disability by means of the report of activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models adjusted by sociodemographic variables, health conditions, childhood adversities, social participation, and stressful life events. Results: The incidence of clinically significant depressive symptoms was 25.75% (95% CI: 24,70 - 26,80). Compared to those without IADL limitations, an increased risk of 68% for the development of clinically significant depressive symptoms was found (95% CI: 1.10-2.57; p= 0,015). With the ADL model, the OR for the development of clinically significant depressive symptoms was 1.36 (1.01 -1.81; p= 0.039). Both models were adjusted by confounding variables. Conclusion: Presenting limitations in daily life is an important risk factor for the development of clinically significant depressive symptoms at two years of follow-up.Introducción. Las limitaciones funcionales asociadas con el proceso de envejecimiento pueden conducir al desarrollo de síntomas depresivos e incrementar la vulnerabilidad de los adultos mayores. Objetivo. Estimar la asociación entre la discapacidad física y la incidencia de síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos en adultos mayores mexicanos. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio retrospectivo de cohorte con datos provenientes de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México (ENASEM). La muestra analítica (n=6.780) incluyó a adultos mayores de 50 años que contaran con mediciones de las variables principales y que no presentaran síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos en la ronda cero. Estos síntomas se evaluaron con la escala CESD-9 y, la discapacidad, mediante el reporte de limitaciones para la realización de actividades básicas o instrumentales de la vida diaria. Se hicieron análisis descriptivos, bivariados y multivariados, utilizando el modelo de regresión logística y ajustando según las variables sociodemográficas, las condiciones de salud, las adversidades de la infancia, la participación social y los eventos vitales estresantes. Resultados. La incidencia de síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos fue de 25,75 % (IC95% 24,70-26,80). Comparados con aquellas personas sin limitaciones para las actividades instrumentales, se encontró un incremento del 68 % en el riesgo para el desarrollo de dichos síntomas (IC95% 1,10-2,57; p=0,015). En el modelo de actividades básicas de la vida diaria, la razón de probabilidad (odds ratio, OR) para su desarrollo fue de 1,36 (1,01-1,81; p=0,039), ambos ajustados por variables de confusión. Conclusión. Las limitaciones en la vida diaria son un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de síntomas depresivos clínicamente significativos en personas con seguimiento de dos años.

To describe the prevalence of knowledge about neurodevelopment disorders (NDDs) and the level of acceptance of models of inclusive education (IEM) in teachers.A multicenter cross-sectional study in Mexico and Central America. A self-report instrument to teachers of basic level on knowledge in NDDs and acceptance of the IEM.The response of 511 teachers was obtained. The prevalence of high acceptance of the IEM was 28.6%. Of the 120 teachers who reported having extensive knowledge about intellectual disability, 3.8% were in the lowest percentile of acceptance of the IEM, 19.5% in the average percentile of acceptance and 55.5% of them were in the highest percentile acceptance (p0.001). Among teachers, a greater knowledge about NDDs was associated with the acceptance of IEM: learning disorders RM 3.76 (95%CI 2.13-6.62); attention deficit disorders with hyperactivity RM 2.24 (95%CI 1.31-3.84) and intellectual disability RM 3.84 (95%CI 2.46-5.99).The teaching acceptance of IEM can be favored with greater and better training of education professionals on the different NDDs.Describir la prevalencia del conocimiento sobre trastornos del neurodesarrollo (TdN) y el nivel de aceptación de los modelos de educación inclusiva (MEI) en docentes.Estudio transversal multicéntrico en México y Centroamérica. Aplicación de un instrumento de autorreporte a docentes de nivel básico sobre conocimiento en TdN y aceptación de los MEI.Se obtuvo la respuesta de 511 docentes. La prevalencia de alta aceptación de MEI fue de 28.6%. De los 120 docentes que refirieron tener un amplio conocimiento sobre discapacidad intelectual, 3.8% estuvieron en el percentil más bajo de aceptación de MEI, 19.5% en el percentil de aceptación promedio y 55.5% de ellos se encontraron en el percentil de mayor aceptación (p0.001). Entre los docentes, un mayor conocimiento sobre los TdN se mostró asociado con la aceptación de MEI: trastornos del aprendizaje RM 3.76 (IC95% 2.13-6.62); trastornos por déficit de atención con hiperactividad RM 2.24 (IC95% 1.31-3.84) y discapacidad intelectual RM 3.84 (IC95% 2.46-5.99).La aceptación docente de MEI puede favorecerse con una mayor y mejor capacitación de los profesionales de la educación sobre los diferentes TdN.

Background. It has been estimated that over 70% of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia wish to work. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model has proven to be highly effective in enhancing competitive employment in people with schizophrenia. However, the efficacy of augmented IPS interventions, in other words, those that incorporate a psychosocial intervention into the model, has not been evaluated in this population. Objective. To assess the efficacy of augmented IPS interventions designed to obtain competitive employment in people with schizophrenia. Method. A systematic review of the literature on randomized clinical trials of augmented IPS interventions, published in English between 2007 and 2017, was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, Science Direct, and EBSCO. Risk of bias and competitive employment rates were calculated. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects method to estimate the effect of augmented IPS interventions. Results. Twelve articles were identified in which 10 augmented IPS interventions were compared with other interventions. In eight studies conducted on people with schizophrenia, the intervention was based on IPS + social skills/work skills/cognitive remediation vs. IPS or modified IPS. No general effect favoring augmented interventions (RR = 1.37, 95% CI [.97, 1.95], I2 = 52%) was found. Augmented IPS interventions tend to be more effective when they are implemented during the first psychotic episode. Discussion and conclusion. It is not possible to conclude that augmented IPS interventions have a significant effect over standard IPS interventions in obtaining competitive employment in people with schizophrenia.

Introducción. La versión breve de la Escala de Depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos (CESD) es un recurso factible para la tamización de los síntomas de depresión en la población general, pero no se ha reportado la prevalencia en la población indígena, ni su invarianza factorial en Latinoamérica.Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de los síntomas de depresión y la invarianza factorial de la versión breve de la escala CES-D en población indígena mexicana.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal en una muestra representativa de 37.165 adultos mexicanos de 20 a 59 años de edad. La identidad indígena se determinó mediante el propio reporte de la persona como hablante de una lengua indígena. Se conformaron ocho grupos de análisis según el sexo, el alfabetismo y el ser indígena. Se describió la prevalencia de los síntomas depresivos en cada grupo, así como la invarianza factorial de la configuración de los perfiles mediante un análisis factorial exploratorio. Las matrices de varianza y covarianza se compararon entre pares de perfiles usando el test modificado de Mantel.Resultados. La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres indígenas que sabían leer fue de 16,8 % (IC95%: 13,4-20,3); en mujeres indígenas que no sabían leer, de 21,3 % (IC95%: 15,5-27,1); en hombres indígenas que sabían leer de 8,5 % (IC95%: 6,0-11,1), y en hombres indígenas que no sabían leer de 10,4 % (IC95%: 5,2-15,6). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las cargas factoriales entre los perfiles.Conclusión. Se reportó una menor prevalencia de síntomas depresivos en indígenas que en la población no indígena. La escala CES-D en su versión breve mostró invarianza factorial al emplearla en la población indígena.

To estimate the factors associated with open communication between mental health professionals and parents of patients with intellectual disabilities and other neurodevelopmental disorders.Cross-sectional survey in 759 mental health professionals. The association between the pattern of open communication and the attributes of communication was estimated through a logistic, ordinal, multivariate model.The prevalence of the pattern of open communication in mental health professionals was 30.6% (95%CI 27.4-34.0). The associated factors were younger age (RM=2.42, 95% CI 1.57-3.75), specialty (RM= 1.56, 95%CI 1.09-2.23), high value to the truth (RM= 4.95, 95% CI 3.21-7.65), low paternalism (RM= 10.93, 95%CI 7.22-16.52) and courses in bioethics (RM= 1.45, 95%CI 1.01-2.09), adjusted for confusing variables.Mental health professionals reported low levels of open com-munication with parents of people with neurovelopmental disorders, so prioritizing the value to the truth, promoting less paternalism, and respecting the autonomy of patients, can contribute to changing these patterns of communication in clinical practice in Mexico.Estimar los factores asociados con la comunicación abierta entre profesionales de la salud mental y padres de pacientes con discapacidad intelectual y otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo.Encuesta transversal en 759 profesionales de la salud mental. Se estimó la asociación entre el patrón de comunicación abierto y los atributos de la comunicación a través de un modelo logísti-co, ordinal y multivariado.La prevalencia del patrón de comunicación abierta en profesionales de la salud mental fue de 30.6% (IC95% 27.4-34.0). Los factores asocia-dos fueron menor edad (RM=2.42, IC95% 1.57-3.75), espe-cialidad (RM=1.56, IC95% 1.09-2.23), alto valor a la verdad (RM=4.95, IC95% 3.21-7.65), bajo paternalismo (RM=10.93, IC95% 7.22-16.52) y cursos de bioética (RM=1.45, IC95% 1.01-2.09), ajustando por variables confusoras.Los profesionales de la salud mental reportaron bajos niveles de comunicación abierta con los padres de personas con trastornos del neurodesarrollo, por lo que priorizar el valor a la verdad, promover un menor paternalismo y el respeto a la autonomía de los pacientes puede contribuir a cambiar estos patrones de comunicación en la práctica clínica en México.

The association between air pollution and suicide has recently been under examination, and the findings continue to be contradictory. In order to contribute evidence to this still unresolved question, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between air quality and daily suicides registered in Mexico City (MC) between 2000 and 2016. Air quality was measured based on exposure to particulate matter under 2.5 and 10 micrometers (&micro, m) (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), adjusting for weather variables (air temperature and relative humidity), and holidays. To this end, an ecologic time series analysis was performed using a Poisson regression model conditioned by time and stratified by gender and age groups. Models were also generated to explore the lagged and accumulative effects of air pollutants, adjusted by weather variables. The effects of the pollutants were very close to the null value in the majority of the models, and no accumulative effects were identified. We believe these results, in this case, no evidence of a statistical association, contribute to the current debate about whether the association between air pollution and suicide reported in the scientific literature reflects an actual effect or an uncontrolled confounding effect.

This study aims to estimate the relationship between employment status and depressive symptoms among Mexican adults, as well as to explore its differential effect by gender. Cross-sectional study of 36,516 adults between 20 and 59 years of age taken from the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the employment status was determined a week before the survey. Logistic regression models were stratified by gender and education level and adjusted by sociodemographic and health-related conditions to estimate the association between depressive symptoms and employment status. The prevalence of clinically depressive symptoms was 7.59% for men and 18.62% for women. In the case of men, those who were unemployed were more likely to present depressive symptoms (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.08-2.55) than those who were working. For women, employment status is not associated with the presence of depressive symptoms, except in students (OR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.02-2.43) compared with those who were working. In both genders, disability preventing one from working was associated with depressive symptoms. Although being employed has been reported to be associated with lower levels of psychiatric morbidity, the estimated effect is different for men and women. Occupational health policies should consider these conditions. Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la relación entre el estatus de empleo y los síntomas depresivos entre adultos mexicanos, así como estudiar su efecto diferencial por género. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 36.516 adultos entre 20 y 59 años de edad, procedentes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de 2012. Los síntomas depresivos se evaluaron usando la Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), y el estatus de empleo se determinó una semana antes de la encuesta. Los modelos de regresión logística fueron estratificados por género, nivel educativo y ajustados por condiciones sociodemográficas, además de condiciones de salud informadas para estimar la asociación entre los síntomas depresivos y el estatus de empleo. La prevalencia de los síntomas clínicamente depresivos fue 7,59% para los hombres y 18,62% para las mujeres. En el caso de los hombres, quienes estaban desempleados tuvieron más predisposición de presentar síntomas depresivos (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,08-2,55), respecto a quienes estaban trabajando. Para las mujeres, el estatus de empleo no está asociado a la presencia de síntomas depresivos, excepto en estudiantes (OR = 1,57; IC95%: 1,02-2,43), si lo comparamos con quienes estaban trabajando. En ambos géneros, la baja laboral estuvo asociada con síntomas depresivos. El estar empleado supuso tener niveles más bajos de morbilidad psiquiátrica, aunque el efecto estimado es diferente para hombres y mujeres. Las políticas de salud ocupacional deberían considerar estas condiciones. Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a relação entre situação laboral e sintomas depressivos em adultos mexicanos, além de explorar o efeito de acordo com gênero. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em uma amostra de 36.516 adultos com idade entre 20 e 59 anos, usando dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição, de 2012. Os sintomas depressivos foram avaliados com a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), e a situação laboral foi determinada uma semana antes da pesquisa. Modelos de regressão logística foram estratificados por gênero e nível de escolaridade e ajustados por condições sociodemográficas e de saúde para estimar a associação entre sintomas depressivos e situação laboral. A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi de 7,59% em homens e 18,62% em mulheres. Os homens desempregados mostraram maior probabilidade de apresentar sintomas depressivos, quando comparados aos que estavam trabalhando (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,08-2,55). Para as mulheres, a situação laboral não mostrou associação com a presença de sintomas depressivos, exceto entre as estudantes (OR = 1,57; IC95%: 1,02-2,43), comparadas às que estavam trabalhando. Em ambos os sexos, a incapacidade para o trabalho esteve associada a sintomas depressivos. Embora o fato de estar empregado esteja associado a níveis menores de morbidade psiquiátrica, o efeito estimado é diferente para homens e mulheres. As políticas de saúde ocupacional devem levar em conta essas condições.

Homicides are currently the third leading cause of death among young adults, and an increase has been reported during holidays. The aim of the present study was to explore whether an association exists between Carnival in Barranquilla, Colombia, and an increase in homicides in the city. We used mortality records to identify the number of daily homicides of men and women throughout the week of Carnival, and we compared those with records from all of standard days between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015. Conditional fixed-effects models were used, stratified by time and adjusted by weather variables. The average number of homicides on Carnival days was found to be higher than on a standard day, with an OR of 2.34 (CI 95%: 1.19&ndash, 4.58) for the occurrence of at least one male homicide per day during Carnival, and 1.22 (CI 95%: 1.22&ndash, 7.36) for female homicides, adjusted by weather variables. The occurrence of homicides during Carnival was observed and was similar to findings for other holidays. Given that violence is a multifactorial phenomenon, the identification of the factors involved serves as a basis for evaluating whether current strategies have a positive effect on controlling it.

Historically, seasonal variations in suicide rates were thought to be associated with changes in weather. Most of this evidence however, is based on studies that were conducted in developed countries that are located outside the tropics. As such, it is necessary to examine this association in developing countries, such as Colombia, which do not experience marked seasons. In addition, it is important to adjust for the effect of holidays when analyzing this association as they have been reported to be a relevant confounding factor. Our objective was to estimate the association between daily suicide incidence among men and women in five major Colombian cities (Bogotá, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga) and daily temperature and rainfall. For this purpose, we conducted a multi-city, multi-temporal ecological study from 2005 to 2015, using data from the suicide mortality registries (provided by the National Administrative Department of Statistics). Daily measurements of the two weather variables were obtained from the official historical registry of the meteorological station at each city airport. We used these data to estimate conditional Poisson models for daily suicide counts, stratifying by sex and adjusting for holidays. Although we found that none of the weather variable estimators could reject the null hypothesis, we uncovered an association between suicide incidence and long weekends in the total suicide model (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR): 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.23). We found no evidence of association between weather variables and suicide in Colombia. Our study is based on daily observations and it provides evidence of absence of this association in a tropical country that does not experience marked seasons.

Background Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that air pollution could be associated with suicide. However, other studies have criticized these results for being analytically weak and not taking into account potential confounding factors. As such, further studies examining the relationship under diverse contexts are necessary to help clarify this issue. This study explored the association between specific air pollutants (NO2, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, CO and O3) and suicide incidence in four Colombian cities after adjusting for climatic variables and holidays. Methods A time series of daily suicides among men and women living in Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Bucaramanga was generated using information from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) for the years 2011–2014. At the same time, the average daily concentration of each air pollutant for each city was obtained from monitoring stations belonging to the National Air Quality Surveillance System. Using this information together, we generated conditional Poisson models (stratified by day, month and year) for the suicide rate in men and women, with air pollutants as the principal explanatory variable. These models were adjusted for temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and holidays. Results No association was found between any of the examined pollutants and suicide: NO2 (IRR:0.99, 95% CI: 0.95–1.04), SO2 (IRR:0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.01), PM10 (IRR:0.99, 95% CI:0.95–1.03), PM2.5 (IRR:1.01, 95% CI: 0.98–1.05), CO (IRR:1.00, 95% CI:1.00–1.00) and O3 (IRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96–1.04). In the same way, no association was found in stratified models by sex and age group neither in lagged and cumulative effects models. Conclusions After adjusting for major confounding factors, we found no statistically significant association between air pollution and suicide in Colombia. These “negative” results provide further insight into the current discussion regarding the existence of such a relationship.

Resumen Introducción. Las infecciones parasitarias y el poliparasitismo intestinal son muy prevalentes en las poblaciones más vulnerables de los países en desarrollo debido a la existencia de factores ambientales, biológicos y sociales determinantes en la transmisión de parásitos. La población entre uno y 15 años de edad es la más afectada por dicha situación. Objetivo. Describir las prevalencias y los perfiles del poliparasitismo intestinal en la población de uno a 15 años de edad de comunidades indígenas de la Amazonia colombiana. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un muestreo no probabilístico de 300 niños entre uno y 15 años de edad, procedentes de varios asentamientos rurales y de la cabecera urbana de Puerto Nariño, Amazonas, quienes participaron voluntariamente en el estudio. Las muestras de materia fecal se analizaron mediante el método directo (solución salina al 0,85 % y lugol) y la técnica de Kato-Katz. Se determinaron los perfiles más prevalentes de poliparasitismo intestinal con el coeficiente kappa de Cohen y un intervalo de confianza de 95 %. Resultados. La prevalencia de poliparasitismo, definida como la presencia de, por lo menos, dos parásitos intestinales patógenos, fue de 84 % (IC95 %: 79,35-87,96). Los casos con presencia de dos o tres agentes incluyeron los parásitos Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Blastocystis sp., los ancilostomídeos Ancylostoma duodenale yNecator americanus, así como Entamoeba histolytica,E. dispar y E. moshkovskii del complejo Entamoeba, y fueron los de mayor prevalencia. Conclusión. Se encontraron varios perfiles de poliparasitismo intestinal, aunque la mayoría de los casos involucraron menos de seis especies. Una mejor estimación de la prevalencia y los factores determinantes del poliparasitismo intestinal permitirían priorizar y orientar los recursos para su control. Abstract Introduction: Intestinal parasite infections and polyparasitism are highly prevalent in the most vulnerable populations of developing countries due to environmental, biological and social determinants common in the transmission of parasites. Children between 1 and 15 years of age are the most affected population. Objective: To describe the prevalence and profiles of intestinal polyparasitism in 1 to 15 year-old children from native communities in the Colombian Amazon region. Materials and methods: We used a non-probability sampling of 300 children between 1 and 15 years of age from several rural settlements and the main urban area of Puerto Nariño, Amazonas, Colombia, who participated voluntarily in the study. We obtained fecal samples that were analyzed by the direct method (0.85% saline solution-lugol) and the Kato-Katz technique. The most prevalent polyparasitism profiles were identified using Cohen's kappa coefficient with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The prevalence of polyparasitism, defined as the presence of at least two intestinal pathogenic parasites, was 84% (95 % CI: 79.35-87.96). Polyparasitism by two or three of the following parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides,Trichuris trichiura, Blastocystis sp., Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus from the Ancylostomatidae family, and Entamoeba histolytica,E. dispar and E. moshkovskii of the Entamoeba complex, had the highest prevalence. Conclusion: Several intestinal polyparasitism profiles were found, although in most cases fewer than six parasites were involved. Better prevalence estimations and identification of determinant factors will allow to priorize and direct resources to control these infections.

Introducción. La autopercepción en salud es una concepción individual y subjetiva que constituye una encrucijada entre factores biológicos, sociales y las experiencias psicológicas; proporcionando una evaluación única e inestimable del estado de salud global.Objetivo. Proponer y evaluar un modelo conceptual simple para entender la autopercepción en salud y su relación con multimorbilidad, discapacidad y síntomas depresivos en adultos mayores mexicanos.Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal basado en una muestra representativa nacional de 8.874 adultos mayores de 60 años y más. Se determinó la autopercepción positiva de salud a través de una escala Likert basada en la pregunta “¿Cómo considera que es su estado actual de salud?”, así como variables intermediarias de condiciones de multimorbilidad, discapacidad y síntomas depresivos; y variables exógenas dicotómicas (sexo, tener pareja, percepción de participación en decisiones del hogar y pobreza). Para validar el modelo conceptual propuesto, se realizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales generalizado con función liga logit para la autopercepción positiva de salud (APPS).Resultados. Se encontró una asociación de vías directas entre la multimorbilidadàAPPS (OR=0,48; IC 95%: 0,42-0,55), discapacidadàAPPS (OR=0,35; IC 95%: 0,30-0,40), síntomas depresivosà APPS (OR=0,38; IC 95%: 0,34-0,43). El modelo también es consistente con las vías indirectas planteadas conceptualmente, entre discapacidadà síntomas depresivos (OR=2,25; IC 95%: 2,01-2,52), multimorbilidadà síntomas depresivos (OR=1,79; IC 95%: 1,61-2,00); y multimorbilidadà discapacidad (OR=1,98; IC 95%: 1,78-2,20), todas las cuáles afectan al final la APPS.Conclusiones. Se realizó la evaluación empírica de un modelo teórico parsimonioso, que permitió la identificación de vías directas e indirectas de la APPS.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon with growing importance to public health. An increase in its occurrence has been observed in Mexico over the past 10 years. The present article analyzes the secular trend in suicide at the national level between the years 2000 and 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All suicides during the study period (n = 64,298, of which 82.11% were men) were characterized using a spectral decomposition of the time series and a wavelet analysis to evaluate the effect of seasonal changes, type of area (urban versus rural) and sex. RESULTS: A seasonal pattern was observed with statistically significant cycles every 12 months, where peaks were identified in May but only for men in urban zones as of the year 2007. In addition, specific days of the year were found to have a higher frequency of suicides, which coincided with holidays (New Year, Mother's Day, Mexican Independence Day and Christmas). CONCLUSION: A wavelet analysis can be used to decompose complex time series. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of this technique to the study of suicides in developing countries. This analysis enabled identifying a seasonal pattern among urban men in Mexico. The identification of seasonal patterns can help to create primary prevention strategies, increase the dissemination of crisis intervention strategies and promote mental health. These strategies could be emphasized during specific periods of the year and directed towards profiles with a higher risk. Language: en

La presente investigación propone la adaptación al español y validación de la Escala de Soporte Social (ESS-AM) de Tagaya, Okuno, Tamura y Davis (2000), conducida en cuatro muestras independientes de adultos mayores de la Ciudad de México. La escala, de ocho reactivos, mide la percepción de apoyo social mediante un solo factor que explica el 60,7% de la varianza, con una consistencia interna a de 0,84 y correlaciones negativas significativas con la variable soledad. Con base en ello, se concluye que la ESS-AM es un instrumento confiable, útil y sencillo en funciones de tamizaje para evaluar si el adulto mayor cuenta con adecuados niveles de apoyo social percibido. This research presents the Spanish adaptation and validation of the Social Support Scale (ESS-AM) from Tagaya, Okuno, Tamura and Davis (2000), conducted in four independent samples of elderly people from Mexico City. The scale, with eight reactive measures about perceived social support, with a single factor that explained the 60.7% of the variance with an internal consistency alpha of .84 and significant negative correlations with the Loneliness. ESS-AM is a reliable, useful and simple, which can be used to assess if elderly people have adequate levels of perceived social support in terms of screening