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Background There is serious concern over the increase in mental health problems during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Methods Based on data from two Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys conducted in 2018–2019 and 2020 (n = 17,925 and 4,913, respectively), we estimated the prevalence of suicide attempts among adolescents 10–19 years old in the previous year. We constructed a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics and contextual variables for the Covid-19 pandemic. Results The prevalence of suicide attempts in the previous year was similar in both surveys. We found that women, youth in urban localities and individuals living in households where a family member had lost her/his job as a result of the Covid-19 contingency were more likely to attempt suicide compared to their counterparts. On the other hand, attending classes online proved to be a protective factor (aOR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1, 0.8, p = 0.022). Limitations The principal limitation of our study concerned the restricted size of our sample for the 2020 survey wave. Conclusions Population-level policies aimed at providing economic protection and helping youth to return to school would exert a favorable impact on the mental health and suicidal behavior of youths.

Although there is a body of literature that addresses victimization of adolescents based on their membership in stigmatized groups, there is little that focuses on this type of aggression delivered digitally. Furthermore, the extant literature typically focuses on the targets of such aggression, but scant attention has been paid to the aggressors. To address this gap, the current study investigated characteristics of perpetrators of bias-based cyberaggression in a sample of 554 self-reported cyber-aggressors among 1695 12- to15-year-old adolescents in northwestern Mexico. Approximately one-fourth of these cyber-aggressors engaged in bias-based cyberaggression. Demographic characteristics were investigated in an attempt to describe those most at risk for perpetration of bias-based aggression. In addition, the influence of moral disengagement was examined in this unique sample. Results showed that cyber-aggressors who were male and younger were disproportionately represented among those whose cyberaggression was motivated by some type of bias. Bias-based cyberaggression was associated with higher levels of several types of moral disengagement. Possible explanations and implications of the findings are discussed.

We analyze the interaction between Marijuana and Alcohol as correlates of property crimes among Mexican adolescents. Data were drawn from two waves of a Mexican national survey of public high schoo...

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Self-reported sleep difficulties, such as insomnia symptoms, have been reported among adolescents; yet, studies of their prevalence and correlates are scarce among Latin Americans. This study sought (1) to describe associations between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with self-reported sleep and (2) to examine associations between self-reported sleep and actigraphy-based sleep. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 477 Mexican adolescents from the ELEMENT cohort. METHODS: Over 7 days, self-reported sleep measures (hard time falling asleep, overall sleep difficulties, and specific types of sleep difficulties) were obtained from daily sleep diaries. Actigraphy-based sleep measures (duration i.e. sleep onset to morning wake, midpoint, and fragmentation) were concurrently assessed using a wrist actigraph. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age was 15.9 (2.2) years, and 53.5% were females. Mean (SD) sleep duration was 8.5 (1.2) h/night. Half reported a hard time falling asleep (at least 3 days), and 25% had sleep difficulties at least 3 days over 7 days. The 3 types of sleep difficulties commonly reported among the entire cohort were insomnia/restlessness (29%), environmental (27%), and mental/emotional (19%). Female sex, smoking behavior, and socioeconomic indicators were among the most consistent factors associated with sleep difficulties. Subjective sleep difficulties were associated with shorter sleep duration (β= −20.8 [−35.3, −6.2] min), while subjective hard time falling asleep was associated with longer sleep duration (β= 11.3 [4.6, 27.2] min). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of Mexican adolescents in the sample reported sleep difficulties. Findings demonstrate the importance of obtaining subjective and objective sleep measures for a more comprehensive assessment of adolescent sleep.

Introduction: the impact of programs to prevent alcohol consumption in adolescents can be increased by incorporating an environmental component. This paper explores the usefulness of behavioral economics to analyze the preference for the substance as a function of environmental variables. Objective: to evaluate the level of alcohol consumption in a group of Mexican adolescents, as a function of sex, age, access to consumption and reinforcement derived from substance-free activities. Method: a total of 7,569 high school students participated: 51% were male and 49% female. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate how the selected variables are related to the level of alcohol consumption. Results: the regression model was adjusted (F = 202.423, p < 0.01) and explained 33.6% of the variance (R2 = 0.336). Gender (being male), age, and access to consumption in social contexts were positively associated with the level of alcohol consumption. Academic, prosocial and cultural activities were negatively related to alcohol consumption; while the use of electronic media, social, physical and recreational activities had a positive relationship. Discussion and conclusions: tit is necessary to reduce access to alcohol consumption, both commercially, and in social and family contexts. Preventive interventions should promote the involvement of adolescents in activities incompatible with consumption and incorporate a social component to increase their level of reinforcement.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Neck circumference (NC) has been used for screening overweight/obesity for its high correlation with age, weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Cut-offs should be population specific. The aim of the study was to obtain cut-offs of NC for overweight/obesity in Mexican adolescents and to correlate them with anthropometric indicators. SUBJECTS/METHODS Weight, height, BMI, NC, WC, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of 465 12-14-year-old Mexican-mestizo students attending a public school in Mexico City were assessed. Using receiver operating characteristics analyses, neck cut-offs were obtained according to the WHO age and sex criteria for overweight/obesity. RESULTS NC cut-offs with the highest sensitivity and specificity for males and females, respectively, were as follows: 30.0 and 29.3 cm for 12-year-olds; 31.9 and 30.4 cm for 13-year-olds; and, 33.5 and 30.7 cm for 14-year-old adolescents. Overweight/obesity was identified with NC cut-offs in 80% of males and 86% of females, and showed significant correlations (p

This study broadens our understanding of the role of impulsivity in Mexican adolescent sexuality by examining how impulsivity constructs (i.e., positive urgency, negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking) were associated with Mexican adolescent normative sexual behaviors and intentions. We also examined the role of gender and age in these associations. We administered measures of impulsivity, sexual intentions, and sexual behaviors to a sample of 563 Mexican adolescents, aged 12 to 16. The results indicated several associations between impulsivity and sexual outcomes. For instance, adolescents who exhibited lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance were more likely to expect to have sex (sexual intentions) and to engage in heavy petting. Age and gender moderated a few associations. Female adolescents (but not males) who reported more sensation seeking were more likely to expect to have sex (sexual intentions). Older adolescents (but not younger) who reported higher levels of positive urgency were more likely to engage in heavy petting. The current study expands the understanding of how a variety of impulsivity constructs are associated with the sexual intentions and behaviors of Mexican adolescents.

Introduction. Since little is known about the factors associated with suicidal ideation in adolescents, identifying them is important for developing suitable preventive strategies. Objective. To analyze the variables associated with the presence of suicidal ideation, as well as the predictive power of depressive symptoms and negative automatic thoughts. Method. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 409 students between the ages of 15 and 19 randomly selected in a public school in the State of Mexico. An ad hoc questionnaire that gathered information on sociodemographic and psychological variables and substance use, the Depression Scale of the Center for Epidemiological Studies (CESD-R), the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ-30), and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) were administered. Results. From the total of the sample, 14.9% presented suicidal ideation. A positive, significant association was observed between the latter and gender, having divorced parents, professing Catholicism, using tobacco and drugs, and having experienced violence and anguish in the last semester, presenting depressive symptoms, negative automatic thoughts and having attempted suicide. Being a woman ( OR = 2.55 [1.02, 6.38]), using drugs ( OR = 3.44 [1.23, 9.57]), having probable depression ( OR = 4.37 [1.68, 11.36]), experiencing negative thoughts ( OR = 6.03 [2.40, 15.10]), and having attempted suicide ( OR = 22.66 [1.58, 325.29]) predicted the appearance of suicidal ideas. Discussion and conclusion. Risk factors for suicidal ideation in adolescents have been identified and they must be taken into account in preventive programs.

espanolLa agresion reactiva y proactiva son dos de los principales tipos de agresion que se identifican en el acoso escolar. Algunas investigaciones sugieren que el autocontrol contribuye a la disminucion de la agresion proactiva y reactiva; sin embargo, son escasos los estudios que han indagado en las relaciones de estas variables con el autocontrol en el contexto mexicano.El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar las relaciones entre el autocontrol con la agresion reactiva y proactiva en adolescentes mexicanos. La muestra se selecciono de forma no probabilistica, participaron 300 adolescentes con edades entre 12 y 18 anos (M edad = 14 anos, DE = 1.55), 147 (49 %) del sexo masculino y 153 (51 %) del femenino. El autocontrol se midio con la subescala del instrumento Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-Youth; Park & Peterson, 2006), para la agresion reactiva y proactiva se utilizo el Cuestionario de Agresion Reactiva y proactiva (QRP; Raine et al., 2006). Se encontro que el autocontrol se relaciono de manera negativa y significativa con la agresion reactiva y proactiva. Estos resultados podrian indicar que, los adolescentes que tienen un mayor nivel de autocontrol, presentan menor frecuencia de agresion proactiva. El presente contribuye a la compresion de los distintos tipos de agresion en el acoso escolar en adolescentes. Ademas, los resultados sugieren que el autocontrol pudiera disminuir la agresion entre pares EnglishReactive and proactive aggression are two of the main types of aggression identified in bullying. Some research suggests that self-control contributes to a decrease in proactive and reactive aggression. However, studies that have investigated the relationships of these variables with self-control in the Mexican context are scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between self-control with reactive and proactive aggression in Mexican adolescents. The sample was selected in a non-probabilistic way, the participants in this study were 300 adolescents with ages between 12 and 18 (M age = 14, SD = 1.55), 147 (49 %) were male, while 153 (51 %) were female. Self-control was measured with the subscale Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-Youth; Park & Peterson, 2006), for reactive and proactive aggression we use the Reactive and Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (QRP; Raine et al., 2006). Results indicate that self-control was negatively and significantly related to reactive and proactive aggression. This may indicate that adolescents with a higher level of self-control have a lower frequency of proactive aggression. this study contributes to understand the different types of aggression in school bullying in adolescents. In addition, the results suggest that self-control may decrease peer aggression.

En marzo del 2020, el consejo de Salubridad General Mexicana reconoció la epidemia de enfermedad por el virus SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) como grave y de atención prioritaria. En este tenor se establecieron medidas preventivas para la mitigación y control como la suspensión de clases, cierre de centros recreativos, el lanzamiento de campañas nacionales denominadas Sana Distancia y Quédate en casa. El llamado al confinamiento ha generado un impacto personal y social inesperado. Todos los sectores poblacionales están afectados, se asumen roles solidarios, activos y/o pasivos, confinados en casa sobrellevando el encierro con el silencio de ausencia de gente en las calles, sin duda, uno de los más golpeados son los adolescentes que por naturaleza se encuentran en la búsqueda de movilización fuera de la familia, volcando su motivación, tiempo libre y actividades dependientes de relaciones de amistad como fuente de bienestar. El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar las actividades recreativas realizadas en el hogar por adolescentes mexicanos como fenómeno mediático durante el confinamiento por Covid-19. La metodología corresponde a un enfoque explicativo descriptivo, no experimental, la selección de la muestra fue probabilística, conformada por 444 sujetos de 10 a 17 años, el 57,4% mujeres y 42,6% hombres. Los resultados muestran que el 88,1% tienen tiempo libre suficiente, las actividades recreativas realizadas con mayor frecuencia son escuchar música, dormir, ver TV, platicar, aprender algo nuevo y ejercitarse. El 70,7% las realiza en familia, y el 71% preferiría realizarlas con amigos, compañeros u otros.

Objective: To identify the factors associated with the prevalence of dental pain in Mexican adolescents and young adults. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which data from 638 Mexican subjects, 16–25 years of age, who were randomly selected from college applicants, were analysed. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic, economic and behavioural variables. Clinical examinations were carried out to determine the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The outcome variable was dichotomised as 0 (no dental pain in the last 12 months) or 1 (dental pain in the last 12 months). Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression. Results: Average age was 18.76 ± 1.76 years, and 49.2% of participants were women. Prevalence of dental pain was 34.0%. In the final model, variables significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the experience of dental pain were the use of preventive dental services (OR = 0.34), being a former smoker (OR = 2.37), self-report of very poor/poor oral health (OR = 1.94) or fair oral health (OR = 1.94), self-reported dental disease (OR = 2.06) or gingival disease (OR = 2.84). Conclusions: The prevalence of dental pain was associated with self-reported oral health status, preventive dental visits and smoking; these results have implications for dental practice. We found that recent experience of dental pain was common in young adults, being reported by one out of three subjects.

espanolObjetivo. Analizar la evolucion de la prevalencia de con-ductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) en adolescentes mexi-canos entre 2006 y 2018. Material y metodos. Se utilizo informacion de las Ensanut 2006 y 2018-19. Se evaluaron las CAR con el Cuestionario Breve de Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo, distinguiendo entre normativas (recomendadas en la prevencion de la obesidad) y no normativas (no reco-mendadas). Se analizo la relacion entre CAR e indicadores del medio ambiente sociocultural en que los adolescentes se desenvuelven (nivel socioeconomico, tamano de la localidad). Resultados. La prevalencia de CAR normativas paso de 11.9% (IC95%: 11.3-12.6) a 15.7% (IC95%: 15.0-16.5) y la de las CAR no normativas de 12.1 (IC95%: 11.4-12.9) a 21.9 (IC95% 21.0-22.9). Las CAR fueron mas frecuentes en mujeres, en adolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad, de nivel socioeco-nomico mas alto y en localidades urbanas. Conclusion.Las CAR son un problema importante en adolescentes y es necesario implementar estrategias de prevencion. EnglishObjective. To analyze the evolution in prevalence of risky eating behaviors (REB) in Mexican adolescents between 2006 and 2018. Materials and methods. We employed data from Ensanut 2006 and 2018-19. We evaluated REB with the Brief Questionnaire of Risky Eating Behaviors, dis-tinguishing between normative (recommended for obesity prevention) and non-normative (not recommended) REB. We analyzed the association between REB and indicators of the sociocultural environment of adolescents (socio-economic level, urban/rural place of living. Results. The prevalence of normative REB changed from 11.9% (95%CI: 11.3-12.6) to 15.7% (95%CI: 15.0-16.5), and the prevalence of non-normative REB from 12.1 (95%CI: 11.4-12.9) to 21.9 (95%CI: 21.0-22.9). REB were more frequent among females, those with overweight or obesity, those in the higher so-cioeconomic levels, and in urban areas. Conclusions. REB are an important issue among adolescents, and preventive strategies are required.

Cross-validation is a useful strategy to address problems associated with the post hoc model fitting. The aim of this study was to cross-validate the BAS-2, in two samples (Calibration and Validation Samples), using an invariance testing strategy. 1127 Mexican adolescents (508 males and 619 females), aged 11–19 years (M = 15.41, SD = 2.30), allocated in two samples (n1 = 672; n2 = 455) completed the Mexican version of the BAS-2, along with other body image-related instruments. The cross-validation supported the generalizability of the one-factor respecified model of the BAS-2. The measure was invariant across body mass index and age, but not across sex. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability (a three-week period between each test) was excellent. In support of the validity of the BAS-2, it was positively associated with scores on body esteem, but negatively with body mass index, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction. Normal-weight and young adolescents groups showed higher body appreciation than excess-weight and late adolescents groups, respectively. Considering these findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the BAS-2 is a reliable and valid instrument to assess body appreciation in Mexican adolescents. Level V, cross-sectional, descriptive study.

To analyze how adolescent perceptions on the risks of pregnancy for physical health and self-development in this stage of life are associated with five personal tools. Methods: We conducted a cross...

Objetivo: Medir la relación entre variables sociodemográficas, variables laborales y la frecuencia del usode las tecnologías, con el nivel de tecnoansiedad, tecnofatiga y tecnoadicción como experiencias deltecnoestrés, en una muestra de adolescentes, jóvenes y adultos mexicanos. Método: Se aplicaron las escalas para medir tecnoestrés y tecnoadicción de Cazares & Villavicencio(2019) y un cuestionario de variables sociodemográficas y laborales de elaboración propia, a un total de981 participantes mexicanos entre 13 y 69 años, utilizando la herramienta de formularios de Google. Losdatos obtenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis de nivel descriptivo, correlacional e inferencial (Kerlinger& Lee, 2002), con ayuda del programa estadístico SPSS v.20. Resultados: Respecto a la tecnofatiga, los resultados arrojaron diferencias significativas por sexo (U =104026.50, p=.037) y antigüedad en el trabajo [χ2(3) = 11.213, p = .011] y una significancia marginalpor estado civil (U = 78329.00, p=.058). En cuanto a la tecnoadicción, se encontraron diferencias significativaspor estado civil (U = 76121.50, p=.012) y ocupación [χ2(2) = 4.698, p =.008]. Con relación a latecnoansiedad, fueron arrojadas diferencias significativas por tipo de empresa (U = 61348.00, p=.049).Finalmente, se encontró que las personas con mayor nivel de escolaridad, los directivos y los empresariosindependientes, presentaron mayor tecnoansiedad, tecnofatiga y tecnoadicción. Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten afirmar que en México existe la presencia de tecnoestrés.Además, se demuestra la relación entre las experiencias del tecnoestrés y variables sociodemográficas(sexo, estado civil, ocupación y escolaridad) y laborales (antigüedad laboral, tipo de empresa y nivel depuesto). Los resultados constituyen las primeras aportaciones de la investigación del tecnoestrés enMéxico, país que impulsa el uso de la tecnología.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los cambios en la prevalencia de actividad física deportiva (AFD) en adolescentes mexicanos y la asociación de ésta con variables sociodemográficas y la AFD de sus padres o madres. Se trata de un estudio transversal y comparativo en el que se analizó la Encuesta Nacional de Uso del tiempo (ENUT) versiones 2002 y 2014, la cual se basa en una muestra representativa de toda la población mexicana con 12 años o más. Se seleccionó la información de adolescentes de 12 a 19 años (n = 11,795) y de sus padres (n = 8,161) o madres (n = 10,261). Por medio de un cuestionario se indagó sobre características sociodemográficas, la práctica de AFD y el tiempo destinado a ésta. Se estimaron frecuencias, estadísticos de Chi2, T de Student y modelos de regresión logística. En doce años la prevalencia de AFD de adolescentes aumentó de 44.0% a 55.6% (p < 0.001), aunque no cambió el tiempo destinado a realizarla (p = 0.250). Los adolescentes que eran mujeres, que tenían mayor edad, con padres y/o madres con menor escolaridad y que éstos no practicaran AFD tuvieron menor probabilidad de realizar AFD. La AFD reportada por los adolescentes se relacionó más con la AFD de sus padres que con la AFD de las madres. A pesar de que en 12 años aumentó la práctica de AFD reportada por adolescentes mexicanos, existen grupos con baja probabilidad de realizarla, en los cuales se pueden enfocar políticas y programas públicos diseñados a la promoción de estilos de vida activos.

Background: The high prevalence of smoking registered in recent years as well as the extensive use of online text messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook suggests a correlation between co...

Body image is a mental representation that a person has, which could become a body dissatisfaction due to the pressure exerted by the culture, affecting several life stages specially in adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties and factorial invariance of the questionnaire to assess body image dissatisfaction. The sample consisted of 552 Mexican teenagers, 259 female, and 293 male, with a mean age of 12.91 ± 0.96 years. Confirmatory Factor Analyses show that a five-factor structure is viable and adequate. The five-factor structure (perceptual, emotional distress, behavioral, proposal to change, and fear of gaining weight) show adequate fit indices and validity, even though the obtained model does not completely correspond to that proposed by the authors of the scale, it continues to endorse the multifactorial component of body dissatisfaction. On the other hand, the factorial structure, the factor loadings, and the intercepts are considered invariant in both populations, however, there are differences between the populations for the means of the perceptual, emotional distress, and fear of gaining weight factors. This study serves as a premise for future research on the study of instruments for measuring body image in populations with different personal and cultural factors.

espanolIntroduccion Los adolescentes pueden presentar altos niveles de estres cuando se enfrentan a diversos cambios biopsicosociales, que afectan sus actividades diarias e influyen en el inicio y el desarrollo de conductas de riesgo y/o trastornos mentales. Por lo tanto, es importante identificar en los adolescentes los factores de proteccion contra el estres, como el caso de la inteligencia emocional. Objetivo Determinar el efecto de los sucesos vitales estresantes (SVE) y de la inteligencia emocional percibida (IEP) sobre el nivel de estres en los adolescentes estudiantes de bachillerato e identificar las diferencias por sexo. Metodo Estudio transversal, con una muestra de 1 417 adolescentes (57% mujeres y 43% hombres), con una edad media de 15.90 (SD = .91), a los que se evaluo en niveles de IEP, los SVE y el estres percibido de dichos SVE experimentados. Resultados Los resultados muestran altos indices de eventos estresantes experimentados. La atencion a las emociones incrementa la percepcion de estres en ambos sexos, mientras que la claridad y la reparacion emocional tienen un efecto amortiguador del estres en mujeres. Discusion y conclusion Estos resultados sugieren que la IEP resulta determinante en el autocontrol emocional y la capacidad adaptativa del adolescente para afrontar situaciones estresantes. EnglishIntroduction: adolescents can present high levels of stress when faced with various biopsychosocial changes, affecting their daily activities and influencing the initiation and development of risk behaviours and/or a mental disorder. Therefore, it is important to identify protective factors against stress, such as emotional intelligence, for adolescents. Objective: determine the effect of stressful life events (SLE) and perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) on the stress level in adolescent high school students and identify differences by sex. Method: cross-sectional study, 1 417 adolescents (57% women and 43% men), with an average age of 15.90 (SD = .91), who were evaluated in levels of PEI, SLE, and stress perceived. Results: the results show high rates of stressful events experienced. Attention to emotions increases the perception of stress in both sexes, while clarity and emotional repair have a stress-reducing effect on women. Discussion and conclusions: the results suggest that the PEI is determinant in the emotional self-control and the adaptive capacity of the adolescent to face stressful situations.

Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: 1) Evaluar la relación entre la intención de práctica de actividad física en el tiempo libre con la satisfacción con la Educación Física y con la vida; y 2) analizar si existen diferencias en la intención de práctica de actividad física en el tiempo libre de los estudiantes, en la satisfacción con la Educación Física y con la vida en función del género y del país de procedencia. Participaron en el estudio 1137 estudiantes de educación secundaria obligatoria pertenecientes a centros públicos de España y México. Del total de la muestra, 457 fueron adolescentes mexicanos, de los cuales 246 eran chicas y 210 chicos. El resto de la muestra estuvo conformada por 680 adolescentes españoles, de los cuales 341 eran chicas y 339 chicos. Se utilizó un cuestionario compuesto por las siguientes escalas: Satisfacción con la materia de Educación Física, Satisfacción con la vida e Intención de Práctica de Actividad Física en el Tiempo Libre. Los análisis estadísticos que se realizaron fueron descriptivos, correlación de Spearman y la prueba de U de Mann-Withney, con el SPSS v.22. Los resultados revelaron diferencias significativas en función del sexo y en función del país. Adicionalmente, se encontró una relación positiva entre la satisfacción con la Educación Física con la intención de práctica y una relación negativa entre el aburrimiento con la educación física y la intención de práctica de actividad física en el tiempo libre. Abstract. The purposes of the present study were: 1) Assess the relationship between intention to practice physical activity in leisure time and physical education and life satisfaction; and 2) analyze the differences of the intention of practice physical activity in students' free time, satisfaction with physical education and life according to gender and origin. The participants of the study were 1137 Junior High School students belonging to public centers of Spain and Mexico. From the total sample, 457 were Mexican adolescents, of which 246 were girls and 210 boys. The rest of the sample was composed by 680 Spanish adolescents, 341 of which were girls and 339 boys. A questionnaire composed of the following scales was employed: Satisfaction with the Physical Education subject, Satisfaction with life and Intent of Practice of Physical Activity in Free Time. Descriptive statistical analysis with Spearman correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were applied according to the aims of the study and carried out with the SPSS v.22 software. The results showed significant differences in function of sex and country of origin. Additionally, a positive relationship between satisfaction with physical education and intention to practice, and a negative relationship between physical education boredom with the intention of practicing physical activity in free time were found.

El objetivo de esta investigacion fue analizar las propiedades psicometricas propuestas por Marsh, Martin y Jackson (2010) para la version corta del Physical Self Description Questionnaire (PSDQ-S). La muestra total fue de 1071 adolescentes de la ciudad de Chihuahua, Mexico, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 18 anos ( M = 15.52 ± 1.42 anos). La estructura factorial del cuestionario se realizo mediante analisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios. Estos, mostraron una estructura de nueve factores: actividad fisica, apariencia, grasa corporal, coordinacion, resistencia, flexibilidad, salud, competencia deportiva y fuerza, los cuales demostraron que el cuestionario es viable y adecuado ( GFI =.956; RMSEA =.041; CFI =.975). La estructura de los nueve factores, atendiendo a criterios estadisticos y sustantivos, ha mostrado adecuados indicadores de ajuste de fiabilidad y validez. En conclusion, el PSDQ-S puede ser una herramienta util para avanzar en el estudio de los factores que afectan al autoconcepto fisico en adolescentes. The aim of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties proposed by Marsh et al. (2010) for the Physical Self Description Questionnaire (PSDQ-S). The total sample has been composed by 1071 teenagers from the city of Chihuahua, Mexico, with ages from 13 to 18 years ( M = 15.52 ± 1.42 years). The factor structure of questionnaire has been analized through the confirmatory factor analysis. This analysis shows that a nine factors structure is viable and adequate for the total sample and the populations of athletes and non-athletes. The nine factors structure (physical activity, appearance, body fat, coordination, endurance, flexibility, health, sport competence, and strength) it is viable and adequate ( GFI =.956; RMSEA =.041; CFI =.975). The nine factors structure, according to statistical and substantive criteria, has shown adequate indicators of reliability and validity adjustment. In conclusion, the PSDQ-S can be a useful tool to advance in the study of the factors that affect the physical self-concept.

To determine whether dropping out of high school is associated with living in a non-intact family household, having an employed mother, active smoking, alcohol use, sexual activity at an early age and pregnancy in a broad population sample of female Mexican adolescents between 17 and 19 years old. We studied 765 adolescents from a total sample of 2034 young people who were high-school dropouts using a cross-sectional study and applying a self-administered questionnaire. The association between the independent variables and the outcome variable was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of non-intact families was 34.8%. The percentages of active smoking and drinking alcohol were 18.3% and 52.0%, respectively. Sexual activity at an early age was reported by 59.8% of the female adolescents, and 33.5% of the participants were pregnant during adolescence. The multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that living in a household with an incomplete family, engaging in sexual activity at an early age, and being pregnant during adolescence are associated with dropping out of high school, but having an employed mother, active smoking and alcohol use are not. Living in a non-intact family household, engaging in sexual activity at an early age and being pregnant during adolescence are associated with dropping out of high school. According to the analysis, having an employed mother appears to prevent dropping out of high school among adolescents. The results of this study have important implications for parents, educators, researchers and adolescents.

Introduction Although first sexual experience (understood as first sexual intercourse) is one of the most commonly assessed characteristics of adolescents, recent research emphasizes the importance of understanding other related social factors. This study highlights factors associated with first sexual experience in a nationally representative sample of adolescent students in Mexico. Aims The goals of this study were (i) to determine the proportion of adolescents aged 12–17 who had had their first sexual experience; (ii) to identify the factors associated with first sexual experience; and (iii) to analyze the conditions (condom use, substance use) in which first sexual experience takes place. Method The data presented in this study are drawn from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use in Students (Spanish acronym ENCODE), undertaken with the purpose of identifying the prevalence of drug use and associated variables, including sexual activity, in Mexican students. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the probability of first sexual experience at a given age, taking sex as an outcome variable and age as a follow-up period. Logistic regression was used to assess possible factors for sexual initiation. Main Outcome Measures Validated standard questionnaires were used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, first sexual experience (framed as first sexual intercourse), frequency of sexual relations, sexual partners, sexual preference (framed as preferred sex of partners), substance use, having a physical illness or a behavioral problem, condom or other contraceptive use, as well as the absence or presence of parents, parents’ educational attainment, and parents’ substance use. Results A total of 26,187 students aged 12–17 participated. Of this total, 14.8% had already had their first sexual experience, at a median age of 15; 64.5% used some type of contraceptive, and 53.2% used condoms. Proportional probabilities for having first sexual experience using age as a follow-up period showed that the probability of having sex earlier was higher among boys than girls: the probability of having sex at age of 15 was 26.5% for boys and 13.9% for girls. Predictors of first sexual experience included substance use (alcohol OR = 2.5, tobacco OR = 2.6, and other drugs OR = 2.3), having a mother who used drugs (OR= 2.2), sexual preference (female homosexual, OR = 2.2), and sex (male, OR = 2.1). Conclusions Boys are more likely to have had a first sexual experience than girls. Future strategies should incorporate specifically targeted elements with different messages that consider adolescents’ sex and age.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the association between plasma fatty acids (FAs) related to dairy intake and dairy portions with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) components in Mexican adolescents. METHODS: A total of 311 participants from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess the concentration of FAs in plasma. Dairy intake was assessed using a 7-day recall Food Frequency Questionnaire to determinate dairy servings per day. The following dairy biomarkers were used in analysis: pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), and trans-palmitoleic acid (t-C16:1n-7). MetS components included waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin. Linear regression models stratified by sex were fit to explore the association between plasma FAs tertiles and dairy portions (low fat/high fat) with MetS components as continuous variables, adjusted by age, socioeconomic status, sedentary behavior, BMI, pubertal status, and energy intake. RESULTS: The mean age was 14.0 years (SD ± 2.0) and 50.6% were male. Significant associations between tertiles of dairy FAs and MetS components were found. In females, C17:0 (T2 vs T1: β = −2.0; 95% CI: −3.0, −0.1) and t-C16:1n-7 (T3 vs T1: β −3.1; 95% CI: −4.8, −1.1) were negatively associated with WC. Similarly, in males, t-C16:1n-7 was negatively associated with WC (T2 vs T1: β = −2.0; 95% CI: 4.1, −0.04, P = 0.05) and insulin (T2 vs T1: β −4.1; 95% CI: −7.1, −0.7). In female C17:0 was also negatively associated with HDL (T2 vs T1: β = −3.9; 95% CI: −7.4, −0.2). In contrast, C15:0 in females (T3 v2 T1: β = 44.5; 95% CI: 22.5, 66.5) and t-C16:1n-7 in male (T3 vs T1: β = 21.2; 95% CI: 1.7, 40.6) was related to increased triglycerides. High fat dairy portions were negatively associated with WC (β −0.86; 95% CI: −1.4, −0.28) in female. In contrast, low fat dairy portions were negatively associated with HDL-C (β −1.7; 95% CI: −3.4, −0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that adolescent dairy intake, assessed through FAS levels, may be associated in different ways with cardiovascular risk factors, and that associations are sex-dependent. FUNDING SOURCES: The study is supported by National Institutes of Health. FAs analysis was funded by the University of Michigan Momentum Center.

Background: Gestational lead (Pb) exposure can adversely affect offspring health through multiple mechanisms, including epigenomic alterations via DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC), an intermediate in oxidative demethylation. Most current methods do not distinguish between 5mC and 5hmC, limiting insights into their individual roles. Objective: Our study sought to identify the association of trimester-specific (T1, T2, T3) prenatal Pb exposure with 5mC and 5hmC levels at multiple cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites within gene regions previously associated with prenatal Pb (HCN2, NINJ2, RAB5A, TPPP) in whole blood leukocytes of children ages 11–18 years of age. Methods: Participants from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohorts were selected (n=144) for pyrosequencing analysis following oxidative or standard sodium bisulfite treatment. This workflow directly quantifies total methylation (5mC+5hmC) and 5mC only; 5hmC is estimated by subtraction. Results: Participants were 51% male, and mean maternal blood lead levels (BLL) were 6.43±5.16μg/dL in Trimester 1 (T1), 5.66±5.21μg/dL in Trimester 2 (T2), and 5.86±4.34μg/dL in Trimester 3 (T3). In addition, 5hmC levels were calculated for HCN2 (mean±standard deviation(SD), 2.08±4.18%), NINJ2 (G/C: 2.01±5.95; GG: 0.90±3.97), RAB5A (0.66±0.80%), and TPPP (1.11±6.67%). Furthermore, 5mC levels were measured in HCN2 (81.3±9.63%), NINJ2 (heterozygotes: 38.6±7.39%; GG homozygotes: 67.3±9.83%), RAB5A (1.41±1.21%), and TPPP (92.5±8.03%). Several significant associations between BLLs and 5mC/5hmC were identified: T1 BLLs with 5mC in HCN2 (β=−0.37, p=0.03) and 5hmC in NINJ2 (β=0.49, p=0.003); T2 BLLs with 5mC in HCN2 (β=0.37, p=0.03) and 5hmC in NINJ2 (β=0.27, p=0.008); and T3 BLLs with 5mC in HCN2 (β=0.50, p=0.01) and NINJ2 (β=−0.35, p=0.004) and 5hmC in NINJ2 (β=0.45, p

Objective. To compare the occurrence of suicide attempts across nationally representative samples of the Mexican adolescent population over the past 12 years, and to analyze its association with sociodemographic, lifestyle and mental-health indicators. Methodology. Data were drawn from the 2006, 2012 and 2018 National Health and Nutrition Surveys (n = 25,056, 21,509, and 17,925 adolescents, respectively). Estimates were based on standardized measurements. Results. The estimated lifetime prevalence rates of suicide attempts were 1.1% in 2006, 2.7% in 2012, and 3.9% in 2018, indicating a 3.4-fold increase. Across the three survey periods, women yielded rates nearly three times higher than men. Lifetime prevalence grew the most among adolescents aged 13–15 years. Compared to the other respondents, the odds of lifetime suicide attempts proved seven times as high for those who had been sexually abused during their childhood, five times as high for those who had been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, three times as high for those who had suffered physical aggression and twice as high for those who had smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lifetimes and those who consumed alcohol. Conclusion: The sharp increase in suicide attempts in Mexico calls for an urgent public-health response via universal and targeted interventions supported by national policy and sustained federal funding.

Sexting is an increasingly frequent phenomenon among adolescents, and it involves risky behaviors such as sextortion or even grooming. This study aims to analyze demographic, psychological, and cultural variables that may explain the nature of this phenomenon. The sample consisted of 471 adolescents from 12 to 18 years old from two countries, Spain and Mexico, with dissimilar levels of gender inequality. Results highlight important differences in sexting behavior between the two countries. We have found higher levels of sexting behaviors in Mexican adolescents (41.5 %) than in Spanish adolescents (24.6 %) as well as an earlier start in Mexican adolescents. Moreover, adolescents in Mexico engage in sexting more frequently. There are no differences, however, in age showing a growing pattern in the two countries, nor in gender, self-esteem or impulsivity. These results are interpreted from a cultural perspective and highlight the importance of studying the phenomenon of sexting within the framework of cultural influences, especially sexism. Considering cultural factors is necessary, in order to implement differential preventive strategies according to each culture. Prevention in countries with high inequality, such as Mexico, should be earlier.

Background The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a risk factor for obesity. In Mexico, SSBs are widely available and consumed daily by adolescents. Objectives The purpose of this study was to estimate the indirect association between store density (including grocery, convenience, non-alcoholic beverage stores and supermarkets) and overweight or obesity (OW/O) among Mexican adolescents, using SSB consumption as a mediator. Methods We used cross-sectional data on adolescent SSB consumption, weight status (body mass index for age [BMI for age]), physical activity, screen time and sociodemographic factors from the 2016 Mexican Midway National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT MC 2016). The National Statistical Directory of Economic Units provided information on stores selling SSBs. We estimated structural equations models to test associations between store density and OW/O, using SSB consumption as a mediator. Results We found a direct positive association between store density and SSB intake in adolescents (β =1.229), including density of supermarkets (β = 132.07), grocery stores (β = 1.170) and non-alcoholic beverage stores (β = 1.537). No significant association was observed for convenience stores. Direct association between store density and OW/O was strongest for supermarket density (β = 0.426). In addition, SSB intake was significantly associated with OW/O (p = 0.033). No significant indirect association between density of any store and OW/O was found. Conclusions Store density was directly associated with SSB consumption but not indirectly associated with OW/O mediated by SSB. Further research on food environment is required in order to design evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing SSB intake and OW/O in adolescents.

The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among patients with eating disorders (ED) is higher than the general population. Individuals diagnosed with eating disorders have changes in their body mass index which could promote severe metabolic disruptions. This study aimed (1) to report the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among a Mexican adolescent sample diagnosed with eating disorders, (2) to compare our results with the prevalence of psychiatric disorders reported from a national survey of mental health of adolescents, (3) to compare the presence of psychiatric comorbidities between ED diagnoses, and (4) to explore the relationship of these comorbidities with the body mass index. In the study, we included 187 Mexican adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders. The psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children/adolescents, and a revised questionnaire on eating and weight patterns. We found that 89% of the Mexican adolescents diagnosed with ED had another psychiatric comorbidity. Major depressive disorder (52.40%) and suicide risk (40%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. Attention and deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prevalence was different between ED diagnosis, and adolescents with binge-eating disorder and ADHD had the higher body mass index. Our results showed that in this sample of Mexican adolescents, the presence of comorbidities could impact body mass index. This emphasizes the importance that clinicians take into consideration the presence of psychiatric comorbidities to achieve an integrative treatment for adolescents diagnosed with ED.

We examined the longitudinal relations among parental socialization practices-including acceptance or harsh parenting and ethnic socialization-ethnic identity, familism, and prosocial behaviors in a sample of U.S. Mexican youth. Participants included 462 U.S. Mexican adolescents (Mage at Wave 1 = 10.4 years old; 48.1% female), their mothers, and fathers at the 5th, 7th, 10th, and 12th grades. Results showed that maternal and paternal ethnic socialization predicted several forms of prosocial behaviors via ethnic identity and familism. Fathers', but not mothers', harsh parenting and acceptance had direct links to specific forms of prosocial behaviors. This study suggests the need for culturally informed theories that examine the reciprocal relations between two distinct domains of cultural socialization.

espanolIntroduccion: la autoeficacia (AE) desempena un rol importante en las conductas relacionadas con la alimentacion; por ejemplo, el exceso de peso se asocia con una baja AE y una alimentacion inadecuada. La Escala de Autoeficacia de la Conducta de Alimentacion (EACA) permite identificar la capacidad de control de la ingesta de alimentos saludables y de alimentos altamente caloricos. Objetivo: evaluar las propiedades psicometricas de la EACA en adolescentes residentes en el noreste de Mexico y analizar la relacion de la AE con el sexo, la edad y el estado nutricional de los participantes. Metodos: se realizo un analisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y se analizaron la fiabilidad (consistencia interna) y la validez convergente de la EACA. Participaron 467 adolescentes que cursaban entre el 7o y el 9o grado de educacion basica, residentes en el noreste de Mexico. Resultados: los indices de bondad del ajuste del modelo propuesto fueron aceptables: (CMIN/DF = 2,831; CFI = 0,952; GFI = 0,931; AGFI = 0,905; SRMS = 0,318 y RMSEA = 0,063), asi como la consistencia interna (α = 0,90). La edad promedio era de 13,54 anos (DE = 0,93) y el peso oscilaba entre 30,9 y 130,4 kg (DE = 13,33). Conclusiones: el AFC del modelo propuesto tiene una consistencia interna alta y la estructura factorial de cuatro factores tiene un ajuste adecuado. Puede utilizarse para medir la AE en relacion con la conducta de alimentacion de los adolescentes mexicanos. Se recomienda contrastar este modelo en poblaciones similares. EnglishIntroduction: self-efficacy plays an important role in eating behaviors; for example, excess weight is associated with low EC and poor nutrition. The Eating Behavior Self-Efficacy Scale (EACA) identifies the ability to control the intake of healthy, and of high-calorie foods. Objective: to evaluate the psychometric properties of EACA in adolescents residing in northeast Mexico, and to analyze the relationship of self-efficacy with sex, age, and nutritional status of participants. Methods: confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed, and both reliability (internal consistency) and convergent validity of EACA were analyzed. A total of 467 adolescents who were studying the 7th to 9th grade of basic education, and who were residents in northeast Mexico were enrolled. Results: the goodness-of-fit indices of the proposed model were acceptable: CMIN/DF = 2.831; CFI = 0.952; GFI = 0.931; AGFI = 0.905; SRMS = 0.318, and RMSEA = 0.063), as was internal consistency (α = 0.90). Mean age was 13.54 years (SD = 0.93), and weight ranged from 30.9 to 130.4 kg (SD = 13.33). Conclusions: the CFA of the proposed model has a high internal consistency, and the four-factor structure has an adequate fit. It can be used to measure self-efficacy in relation to eating behavior in Mexican adolescents. It is recommended to test this model in similar populations.

Mexico shows a high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Geographical location and cultural environment could play a role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), PA and nutritional status of adolescents from the state of Jalisco (Mexico). The study involved 469 students aged 13-17 years (55.0% girls) from 8 high schools. BC was analyzed by bioimpedance, and PF by standardized field tests. Objective measurements of PA and SB were taken in a subsample (n=240). Energy intake (EI) was calculated from two 24h recalls. Rural residents presented a higher prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, regional fat free mass and muscle handgrip strength (all p