Introduction. Hazardous alcohol consumption among university students is a public health issue, which theoretically supported internet-based interventions have proven effective in addressing. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based brief intervention, registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05533554. The intervention was designed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), based on the hypothesis that alcohol consumption intention and drinking behavior will be lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. Method. An experimental design was employed, including an experimental group (n = 38) and a control group on a waiting list (n = 38), with pre- and post-intervention evaluations conducted a month apart. The control group consisted of 36 participants at the time of receiving the intervention. Results. The intervention reduced the number of drinks per occasion in the experimental group. Monthly consumption, number of drinks per occasion, and days of consumption decreased in the at-risk subgroup. The descriptive norm in the experimental group decreased, suggesting that addressing social norms may be related to behavioral changes. The intervention in the control group increased self-efficacy in coping with potential alcohol abuse situations. Discussion and conclusion. The internet-based brief intervention was effective in reducing alcohol consumption in the experimental group, particularly the at-risk subgroup. The control group’s self-efficacy in dealing with alcohol abuse also increased following the intervention. Further experimental studies are recommended to confirm its effectiveness.
Introduction. According to the eudaimonic theory proposed by Carol Ryff, psychological wellbeing involves achieving fulfillment through the search for perfection and realizing one’s potential. However, some scales do not clearly differentiate levels of wellbeing and must be adapted for specific populations, such as Mexicans. Objective. To validate the Ryff wellbeing scale in physiotherapy students and obtain its psychometric properties. Method. The scale was administered to 196 students in the bachelor’s degree program in physiotherapy at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Adjustment values and explained variance were determined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency was obtained through Cronbach’s Alpha. ANOVA was used to determine the discrimination of the items and dimensions of the scale. Results. An instrument with a solid structure, variance, internal consistency, and adequate discrimination was obtained. Discussion and conclusion. This study enabled us to establish six aspects of wellbeing in physiotherapy students: personal growth, self-acceptance, self-control, maintaining positive relationships with others, personal interaction, professional relationships and future, and purpose in life.
Introduction. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, with biopsychosocial impacts that can significantly affect self-esteem. Objective. To analyze the self-esteem of women with breast cancer undergoing oncological treatment and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and treatment-related variables. Method. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive-analytical study conducted with 210 women at a High-Complexity Oncology Center. Data were collected through interviews using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and analyzed with statistical tests and logistic regression. Results. Most participants reported high self-esteem (86.2%), while 11.4% presented average self-esteem and 2.4% exhibited low self-esteem. Religious beliefs, religious habits, symptoms/side effects, and significant life events were associated with self-esteem. In some cases, religious habits, the presence of side effects, and the occurrence of significant events contributed to reducing self-esteem. Discussion and conclusion. Despite the predominance of high self-esteem, factors such as religiosity, physical symptoms, and significant life events negatively influence self-esteem. The healthcare team plays an essential role in providing comprehensive care, and future studies should explore interventions designed to promote emotional well-being and self-esteem in women with breast cancer undergoing oncological treatment.
Introduction. Losing a loved one can significantly affect quality of life and increase hopelessness, and its impact may be greater in specific demographic groups. Objective. The present study sought to identify sociodemographic variables associated with quality of life and hopelessness in those who had lost a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method. We examined baseline data from the Duelo Covid (COVID Bereavement) Project, assessing those seeking bereavement counseling. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were used to identify possible variables associated with the four primary dimensions of quality of life in the WHOQOL-BREF, as well as hopelessness, as measured by the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Results. Being male, being aged 40 or older, having a job, having completed higher education, and not taking psychotropic medication were variables that were significantly associated with lower hopelessness and higher scores on the various dimensions of quality of life. Discussion and conclusion. Hopelessness and quality of life are not experienced uniformly among all bereaved persons. This suggests that certain pre-existing inequalities are also reflected in the bereavement process. Further studies should examine longitudinal changes in response to human loss.
Introduction. The association between sleep and mental health has been observed in the clinical context since individuals with a sleep disorder are more likely to suffer from a mental disorder. Medical students are at high risk in this respect due to the lack of sleep time because of their high workload. Objective. To evaluate a structural equation model predicting the presence of depression through the mediation of anxiety, based on sleep quality in medical students. Method. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with the medical students of the Autonomous University of the State of Quintana Roo from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico from February to November 2023. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic factors, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Results. Two hundred medical students with an average age of 19.9 years were surveyed to propose a Structural Equation Model, showing that poor sleep quality positively and significantly influences depression, with anxiety serving as a mediator. No direct association was found between poor sleep quality and depression. Discussion and conclusion. A high prevalence of poor sleep quality was observed (75%), surpassing the rates reported in Brazil (68.8%), China (19%), and Lithuania (40%). Moreover, the study showed that women students exhibited higher rates of anxiety and depression. This study underscores the association between sleep quality and mental health, demonstrating that poor sleep quality contributes to increased anxiety and depression among medical students.
Introduction. Psychological capital includes components of optimism, resilience, hope and self-efficacy with an impact on psychological well-being. Objective. To assess the psychometric properties of the OREA instrument measuring psychological capital and to analyze the relationship between this construct and its dimensions and depression in a sample of older adults in Mexico. Method. Quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental study. A total of 314 older adults (> 60) completed the sociodemographic data and cognitive impairment, psychological capital and depression scales. The mean age was 75.46 (SD = 8.382), 74.2% were female and 28.7% had completed elementary school. Clinical depression was present in 23.2%. Results. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio software version 2023.09.1+494. The Chi-square model fit (chi(2)) corroborated the four-factor structure of the instrument (Model 1) and the general scale of the instrument (Model 2), obtaining adequate fit indices (Model 1= chi(2)/gl = 1. 05; GFI = .99; CFI = 1, TLI = 1; RMSEA = .04 and SRMR = .04 and Model 2= chi(2)/gl = 1.06; GFI = .99; CFI = 1, TLI = 1; RMSEA = .04 and SRMR = .03). Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficients were greater than .70. There is a significant negative correlation between psychological capital and its dimensions and depression Discussion and conclusion. The OREA-Mx version is a preliminary scale with adequate reliability in its second-order factor integrating the four dimensions for Mexican older adults. The correlation between psychological capital through four dimensions with depression is negative and significant, showing the protective nature of psychological capital against depression.
Introduction. Hearing loss, regardless of the degree or etiology, delays language acquisition and communication skills and consequently executive function development. Objective. The aim of this study is to measure executive function performance in a population of children and adolescents with hearing loss in Bogot & aacute;, Colombia. Method. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with participants between 5 and 16 years old with prelingual hearing loss and no previous diagnosis of intellectual disability. Six subtests were selected from the Child Neuropsychological Scale to evaluate performance in the following domains: planning and organizing, visual memory, non-semantic graphic fluency, cognitive flexibility, and attention. Results. Overall, percentile mean scores for the total population were average or above average for all subtests. Subjects scored lowest in visual memory domains, including both encoding and recall skills and highest in attention and non-semantic graphic fluency subtests. No significant associations were observed between independent variables (age at diagnosis, chronological age, degree of HL, type of hearing aid, and sex) and subtests scores. Discussion and conclusion. Although hearing loss can delay executive function development, our sample of Colombian children and adolescents with hearing loss receiving multidisciplinary therapy reported similar executive function performance to their normal hearing peers.
Introduction. Schizoaffective disorder is a complex condition whose clinical manifestations overlap with those of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose using the DSM-5 and ICD-11. Both the similarities with other diagnoses and the differences between the guidelines of these two diagnostic symptoms hamper its accurate diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging, however, is designed to identify specific differences and similarities in brain structures between disorders. Objective. To compare the total intracranial volume, gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid in subjects with a schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnosis using a magnetic resonance imaging database drawn up by the INPRFM. Method. The images of 55 subjects per group (schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder) were analyzed. The volumetric study was conducted using the CAT12 program for each of the images to obtain the total intracranial volume. The volumes of gray matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, and total volume were compared using a general linear model including sex and group as fixed factors. Results. White matter volume was lower in schizophrenia, with no differences being observed by sex or sex and group interaction. No differences were found between groups in the remaining measurements. Discussion and conclusion. The study provides evidence of general neuroanatomical differences in schizoaffective disorder, supporting the notion that it is not just a variant of schizophrenia, but a clinically and biologically distinct condition.
Introduction. Very short sleep duration every night leads to a nearly threefold increase in the risk of death by suicide. Objective. To determine whether there is an association between sleep quality and suicidal ideation in Mexican naval personnel. Method. Transversal analytical study. The research was undertaken at the Hospital Naval de Especialidades de Veracruz, where a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a psychiatric interview including questions on suicidal risk were administered to naval personnel attending an outpatient psychiatry clinic. Results. The observed sample comprised 216 participants. In the logistic regression analysis, certain factors were associated with suicidal ideation regardless of age, sex and presentation of depressive disorders, including interrupted sleep (OR = 1.97, p = .042), snoring (OR = 2.48, p = .036), interrupted sleep due to cold (OR = 3.59, p = .002) or heat (OR = 2.88, p = .007), nightmares (OR = 3.69, p = .002), pain (OR = 3.35, p = .002) and individual perception of sleep quality (OR = 2.13, p = .016). Discussion and conclusion. Sleep interruption due to environmental variables, nightmares, snoring and pain in the naval military population may be an independent factor for suicidal ideation. However, studies with a larger sample not restricted to the clinical population are required.
Introduction. Eating disorders are serious illnesses with a complex, heterogeneous etiology. Sociocultural pressure from the media, family, and peers are among the risk factors associated with their emergence. Objective. To design, obtain construct and convergent validity, total and test-retest reliability at three weeks of a Family Pressure To Be Thin Questionnaire in a Mexican university population, and undertake a comparison with a clinical group diagnosed with an eating disorder, and by sex. Method. The study was undertaken with a sample of 369 university students (men/women/non-binary) and 50 subjects diagnosed with an eating disorder. Exploratory factor analysis and first and second order confirmatory factor analysis were performed and the reliability of the scale and the test-retest reliability at three weeks were obtained. Correlations were analyzed to obtain concurrent validity with the Family Pressure Subscale of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale (SATAQ-4), and comparisons were made with the clinical group and by sex. Results. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, the scale was divided into eight factors, reduced to seven in the confirmatory factor analysis, and 10 questions were eliminated, with a model that fit the data. A Cronbach's Alpha value of .94 was obtained and test-retest reliability was .86. Discussion and conclusion. The results highlight the importance of contextualizing the family environment when examining eating disorders, with interventions aimed at reducing criticism of bodies and food being crucial. The scale consisted of 29 items divided into seven factors and was valid and reliable for the sample studied and will be useful for detecting one of the sociocultural risk factors for eating disorders.
Introduction. The use of crystal meth, an extremely addictive variant of methamphetamine, currently represents one of the most severe public health issues in Mexico. This substance not only affects the physical and mental health of those using it but also causes serious repercussions within their family and social environments, exacerbating conflicts, ruptures, and situations of vulnerability. Objective. To explore and describe experiences related to crystal meth use from the perspectives of users, their families, and healthcare professionals, to understand the meanings attributed to these experiences and their psychosocial and familial implications. Method. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-one crystal meth users, fifteen family members, and twenty-four healthcare professionals. Results. The consequences of crystal meth use manifest in three main areas: 1) Social dynamics: increased involvement in criminal activities, stigmatization, and social isolation; 2) Family impact: intense conflicts, relationship breakdowns, impact on children, jealousy and partner violence, domestic violence, and financial and extreme behaviors. These consequences not only affect the physical and mental health of users but also exacerbate their social isolation and marginalization. Discussion and conclusion. It is important to implement interventions to reduce social and familial consequences, in addition to the physical and mental results affecting users and their families. It is also essential to design non-stigmatized interventions to minimize the risks of relapse and promote social reintegration.
Introduction. Infodemics promote disinformation, triggering serious consequences. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the phenomena associated with infodemics and their effects on mental health. Objective. Construct and analyze the internal structure validity and reliability of the Infodemic Signs and Symptoms Scale (ISSS) in older adults. The ISSS was designed to track signs and symptoms indicative of psychological distress associated with exposure to information on socially critical events. Method. This is a psychometric study of the construction and validation of a measurement instrument. To conduct the study, the ISSS was administered online (web survey) and by phone to 3,003 older adults from different regions of Brazil. Results. The instrument has good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .97 and McDonald's omega = .97) and excellent replicability of the construct, as borne out by the GH index (latent = .982 and observed = .884). Evidence of the quality and efficacy of the measures showed high values for both the factor determination index (.991) and the EAP marginal reliability (.982), sensitivity rate (7.452) and expected percentage of actual differences (98%). Discussion and conclusion. The instrument analyzed in this study fills a gap, as there were no validated instruments for measuring the effects of infodemics on the mental health of older adults. The analyzed evidence indicates that the ISSS has good internal structure validity and reliability for measuring the signs and symptoms of infodemics in older adults. The instrument will assist in screening for the mental distress in older adults caused by infodemics in emergency crisis contexts.
Introduction. Studies have shown that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients often have personality disorders in adulthood. Objective. This study aimed to explore the notion that adult ADHD, narcissism, and empathy may be interconnected. Method. Researchers recruited ninety-five patients (fifty-five men and forty-two women) with ADHD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. They also recruited forty-four healthy individuals for a control group (sixteen men and twenty-eight women). Researchers evaluated patients with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), and the Empathy Quotient for Adults (EQ-60). Results. Researchers found that patients with ADHD had higher narcissism scores than the healthy control group. However, we did not find significant differences between the inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity subgroups. Contrary to expectations, we did not find statistically significant differences between the Empathy Scale scores in the inattention, hyperactivity impulsivity, and healthy control groups. We also found that narcissistic features were significantly associated with ADHD severity in the logistic regression analysis model. Discussion and conclusion. This study found that the increased level of narcissistic pathology seen in patients with adult ADHD, particularly in the inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity subtypes, is probably related to the severity of ADHD. These results demonstrate the importance of psychotherapies focusing on narcissistic pathology in patients with adult ADHD.
Introduction. In medicine, death is regarded as the total loss of vital functions. However, there is no universally accepted definition as global literature includes various terms for the concept drawn from a range of contexts. Objective. To explore how emergency medicine residents perceive death following unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures. Method. Qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study. Participants included five medical residents specializing in emergency medicine who attended patients receiving unsuccessful CPR. Data were obtained through the triangulation method using semi-structured individual interviews. Results. For medical residents, death constitutes a painful process associated with loss or departure. The experience elicits feelings of sadness, frustration, and helplessness in them. These feelings are more pronounced in the case of young patients, pregnant women, and children, subsequently manifesting in health problems. Discussion and conclusion. The concept of death shared by emergency medicine residents is primarily linked to biological aspects. Despite constant exposure to death, they remain sensitive to it, experiencing feelings such as helplessness, sadness, and frustration, which impact their life stories. Since these residents believe they lack the tools to cope with this situation, it is essential to offer them thanatological training to develop strategies for handling the death of their patients.
Introduction. Although anxiety and depression disorders in adolescence are considered a worrying public health problem, there is a dearth of research on the issue, particularly of intervention strategies in the school environment designed to improve students' mental health. Objective. To evaluate the quality of life and anxiety, stress, and depression levels in high school adolescents regularly engaging in meditation. Method. This is a quasi-experimental, mixed design study with qualitative features, comprising 473 high school students. Depression, anxiety, and stress levels was evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale for Adolescents (DASS-21), and quality of life was assessed with the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire before and after eight weeks of meditation. The qualitative evaluation was guided by participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus group testimonials. Results. Results showed a significant improvement in the perception of quality of life in the following domains: physical (p = .022), psychological (p = .018), personal satisfaction (p = .012), and general quality of life (p = .014). Improvements were observed and across all domains (Depression: p = .014; Anxiety: p = .002; Stress: p = .007) in the comparison between the pre- and post-meditation period. The control of physical, psychophysiological and behavioral symptoms was reflected in the analysis of the interviews and the focus group testimonial. Discussion and conclusion. Meditation improved quality of life, reducing physical and psychophysiological symptoms, and promoting healthy behavioral changes in students.
Introduction: Schizophrenia is a chronic, complex, and multifactorial psychiatric disorder characterized by various clinical manifestations. The first line of treatment for this condition is antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics use partial agonist mechanisms of D2 receptors that regulate dopaminergic tone, presumably reducing the incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms. Two second-generation molecules that have shown adequate efficacy for the treatment of positive symptoms in schizophrenia are aripiprazole and brexpiprazole and there are reviews comparing their effectiveness and safety in treatments of up to four weeks. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole compared with brexpiprazole in people diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychosis in medium- and long-term treatments. Method: The search was conducted by a specialist from the Cochrane schizophrenia group on March 9, 2023, in the MEERKAT registry, for (*Aripiprazole* and *Brexpiprazole*). Results: A total of 166 registers were identified from the electronic searches. Fifteen were eliminated due to duplication. The titles and abstracts of 151 records were examined, and four full texts were retrieved and assessed for eligibility according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. During this process, three studies were excluded, and finally only one study met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Discussion and conclusion: A single study was found to show data on efficacy, safety, and tolerability in patients with medium-term treatments. Since the evidence identified contains significant biases, it is not possible to establish a recommendation favoring the prescription of one of the antipsychotics in the study over the other.
