RESUMO

RESUMEN Las redes de tráfico humano para la prostitución captan a menores vulnerables, en especial, a quienes consideran no les queda otra opción que emigrar al norte para hacer frente a problemas económicos graves. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer si el orden de nacimiento representó un factor de riesgo, asociado a la vulnerabilidad para la trata sexual de menores centroamericanas, traficadas a Estados Unidos. Las entrevistadas mostraban vulnerabilidades vinculadas con estructuras sociales y conductas individuales. Por una parte, todas crecieron en hogares caracterizados por la pobreza extrema. Por otra parte, también presentaban vulnerabilidades relacionadas con el embarazo adolescente, la falta de educación, la disfuncionalidad familiar y la participación en mercados ilegales. Ocupar el primer lugar en orden de nacimiento eleva la vulnerabilidad de las menores a ser traficadas a Estados Unidos para el comercio sexual. Por el contrario, ocupar el último lugar disminuye este riesgo.

ABSTRACT Human trafficking networks for prostitution recruit vulnerable underage girls, especially those who are considered with no choice but to migrate north to cope with serious economic problems. The aim of this work was to determine if birth order represented a risk factor associated to the vulnerability for sex trafficking of Central American female minors. The interviewees presented vulnerabilities associated to social structures and individual behaviors. On the one hand, all of them grew up in house holds characterized by extreme poverty. On the other hand, they also had vulnerabilities related to teenage pregnancy, lack of education, family dysfunction and participation in illegal markets. Findings suggest that occupying the first place in the order of birth raises the vulnerability of minors to being trafficked to the United States for sex trade. On the contrary, occupying the last place decreases this risk.

RESUMO

Mental health is currently a public health issue worldwide. However, evidence is lacking regarding the validity of the instruments used to measure and assess positive mental health in specific populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PMHS using IRT. A cross-sectional retrospective study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling was conducted with 623 parents of children undergoing cancer treatment at the National Institute of Health in Mexico City. The participants responded to a battery of tests, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, the PMHS, Measurement Scale of Resilience, Beck Depression Inventory, Inventory of Quality of Life, Beck Anxiety Inventory, an interview regarding caregiver burden, and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. PMHS responses were analyzed using Samejima's graded response model. The PMHS findings indicated that the IRT-based graded response model validated the single latent trait model. The scale scores were independent of depression, anxiety, well-being, caregiver burden, quality of life, and resilience. The PMHS scores were associated with low subjective well-being. The PMHS findings reveal that from an IRT-based perspective, this scale is unidimensional and is a valid, reliable, and culturally relevant instrument for assessing positive mental health in parents of children with chronic diseases.

RESUMO

Purpose: Currently, information on the psychometric properties of the Medical outcomes study-social support survey (MOS-SSS) for patients with chronic disease in primary health care, suggests problems in the dimensionality, specifically predominant unidimensionality in a multidimensional measure. The aim of this study was to determine the internal structure (dimensionality, measurement invariance and reliability) and association with other variables. Methods: A total of 470 patients with chronic disease from a Family Medicine Unit at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, IMSS, with a mean age of 51.51 years were included. Participants responded to the Questionnaire of Sociodemographic Variables (Q-SV), SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life Scale-version 1.1, and MOS-SSS. Results: Non-parametric (Mokken scaling analysis) and parametric (confirmatory factor analysis) analyses indicated unidimensionality, and three-factor model was not representative. A new 8-item version (MOS-S) was developed, where measurement invariance, equivalence with the long version, reliability, and relationship with the SF-36 were satisfactory. Conclusion: The MOS-SSS scale is unidimensional, and the shortened version yields valid and reliable scores for measuring social support in patients with chronic disease at the primary health care.

RESUMO

Background: Currently, information about the psychometric properties of the Resilience Measurement Scale (RESI-M) in family caregivers of children with cancer according to item response theory (IRT) is not available; this information could complement and confirm the findings available from classical test theory (CTT). The objective of this study was to test the five-factor structure of the RESI-M using a full information confirmatory multidimensional IRT graded response model and to estimate the multidimensional item-level parameters of discrimination (MDISC) and difficulty (MDIFF) from the RESI-M scale to investigate its construct validity and level of measurement error. Methods: An observational study was carried out, which included a sample of 633 primary caregivers of children with cancer, who were recruited through nonprobabilistic sampling. The caregivers responded to a battery of tests that included a sociodemographic variables questionnaire, the RESI-M, and measures of depression, quality of life, anxiety, and caregiver burden to explore convergent and divergent validity. Results: The main findings confirmed a five-factor structure of the RESI-M scale, with RMSEA = 0.078 (95% CI: 0.075, 0.080), TLI = 0.90, and CFI = 0.91. The estimation of the MDISC and MDIFF parameters indicated different values for each item, showing that all the items contribute differentially to the measurement of the dimensions of resilience. Conclusion: That regardless of the measurement approach (IRT or CTT), the five-factor model of the RESI-M is valid at the theoretical, empirical, and methodological levels.

RESUMO

Chronic diseases in childhood can affect the physical and mental health of patients and their families. The objective of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that predict resilience in family caregivers of children with cancer and to define whether there are differences in the levels of resilience derived from these sociodemographic variables. Three hundred and thirty family caregivers of children with cancer, with an average age of 32.6 years were interviewed. The caregivers responded to a battery of tests that included a questionnaire of sociodemographic variables, the Measuring Scale of Resilience, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Inventory of Quality of Life, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, an interview of caregiver burden and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. The main findings indicate that family caregivers of children with cancer reported high levels of resilience, which were associated positively with quality of life, psychological well-being and years of study and associated negatively with depression, anxiety and caregiver burden. The variables that predicted resilience in families of children with cancer were quality of life, psychological well-being, depression and number of children. Family caregivers who were married and Catholic showed higher resilience scores. We conclude that being a caregiver in a family with children with cancer is associated with symptoms of anxiety and with depressive episodes. These issues can be overcome through family strength, well-being, quality of life and positive adaptation processes and mobilization of family resources.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen La actitud positiva hacia la estadística promueve el estudio y uso de esta disciplina fundamental para analizar datos; de ahí la relevancia de evaluar el nivel actitudinal y desarrollar estrategias que lo potencien. La Escala de Actitud hacia la Estadística (EAE-25) de Auzmendi es uno de los instrumentos más usados en español para medir esta actitud, pero no se ha validado en México, lo que es importante para su uso en este país y para aportar evidencias de validez. Los objetivos del estudio fueron contrastar el modelo propuesto originariamente, comprobar su consistencia interna, describir su distribución, comparar los promedios entre sexos y verificar su validez concurrente. Este estudio instrumental usó un muestreo no probabilístico. Se analizó una muestra de 383 estudiantes de psicología mexicanos (73.6 % mujeres y 26.4 % hombres) que respondieron a dos escalas de actitud. El modelo de cinco factores (confianza, ansiedad, agrado, utilidad y motivación) mostró buen ajuste a los datos. Sus factores presentaron confiabilidad y validez discriminante. La distribución de las puntuaciones en EAE-25 fue normal. La actitud se polarizó, aproximadamente, en cuatro de cada diez estudiantes hacia la aceptación y en uno de cada diez hacia el rechazo. No hubo diferencias de medias entre sexos. La EAE-25 tuvo correlación alta con actitud hacia la investigación y baja con la calificación en la materia de investigación del semestre anterior. Se concluye que la EAE-25 presenta consistencia interna y validez de constructo.

Abstract The positive attitude towards statistics promotes the study and use of this fundamental discipline to analyze data, hence the relevance of evaluating the attitudinal level and developing strategies that promote a positive attitude. The Auzmendi's Scale of Attitude towards Statistics (EAE-25) is one of the most used instruments in Spanish language to assess this attitude; however, it has not been validated in Mexico, which is important for its use in this country and to provide evidence of validity. The objectives of the study were to test the originally proposed model, to verify its reliability, to describe its distribution, to compare the averages between both sexes, and to verify its concurrent validity. A non-probabilistic sampling was used in this instrumental study. A sample of 383 Mexican psychology students was analyzed (73.6 % women and 26.4 % men). The EAE-25 and a scale assessing attitude towards research were applied. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the Auzmendi's five-factor model. The parameter estimation was performed by unweighted least squares, using polychoric correlation matrix. The internal consistency was estimated by the McDonald's omega coefficient (ω), the convergent validity by the average variance extracted (AVE), and the discriminant validity by the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT). The mean differences between both sexes were tested through the t-test and concurrent validity through Pearson's correlation coefficients. The model of five correlated factors (confidence, anxiety, pleasure, usefulness, and motivation) showed good fit (χ./df =1.79, GFI = .98, AGFI = .97, NFI = .97, CFI =.99, RMSEA = .04, and SRMR = .07). The five factors showed reliability (ω > .80 in confidence, anxiety, pleasure, and usefulness, and ω = .72 in motivation) and discriminant validity (HTMT < .85 in nine out of ten factor pairs, and < .90 in the pair of the anxiety and confidence factors). The values of AVE were higher than .50 in the factors of confidence, anxiety and pleasure, which shows convergent validity in these three factors. A value of AVE very close to .50 in utility (AVE = .49) was compensated by an omega coefficient of .82, which suggests an acceptable convergent validity. However, the value of AVE was lower than .50 in motivation (AVE = .34). The EAE-25 and its factors presented normal distribution, with the exception of the motivation factor. The scores in the scale and its factors were obtained through the quotient between the sum of the items scored in the sense of acceptance attitude and the number of items added. These scores were interpreted in an absolute sense, by dividing the continuum from 1 to 5 into five intervals in correspondence with the five ordered categories of response to the items: [1, 1.8) y [1.8, 2.6) rejection, [2.6, 3.4) neutral, and [3.4, 4.2) y [4.2, 5] acceptance. The average attitude was positive in confidence (. = 3.53) and utility (. = 3.52), and neutral in the EAE-25 total score and its other three factors. The EAE-25 total scores were polarized towards acceptance in approximately four out of ten students and towards the rejected in approximately one out of ten; in the rest, they were neutral. There were no differences of means between both sexes. The EAE-25 total score had a high correlation with the total score in the scale of attitude towards research (. = .52, . < .001) and low with the qualification in the research subject of the previous semester (. = .13, . < .001). It is concluded that EAE-25 presents internal consistency and construct validity. It is suggested to use this scale in applied research in the field of university education and upper secondary education.

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To assess the proportion of breast cancer patients treated with total mastectomy who are interested in undergoing breast reconstruction, the factors associated with their desire to undergo this procedure, and the motives stated for their decision. METHODS: Women with stage I-III breast cancer, public health insurance, and history of total mastectomy treated at a center in Monterrey, Mexico, were invited to answer a series of questionnaires regarding their clinical and demographic characteristics, information received about breast reconstruction, body image, and relationship satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were interviewed, of which 68% desired to undergo breast reconstruction. Only 35% recalled talking about this procedure with a physician and 85% claimed not to have enough information to make an informed decision. Those who desired breast reconstruction were younger (p < 0.001), more likely to be in a relationship (p = 0.025), and had a higher probability of having talked to a physician about the procedure (p = 0.019). Furthermore, they felt less sexually attractive (p < 0.001), more deformed (p = 0.006), and less feminine (p = 0.005) since the mastectomy. The main motives to undergo this procedure were to have breast symmetry and greater freedom on which clothes to wear, while the main deterrent was the high economical cost. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient information about the procedure and high economical cost were identified as potential barriers to undergo breast reconstruction. The findings of this study emphasize the pressing need to optimize patient care by providing information in a standardized manner and improving access to breast reconstruction within the Mexican public healthcare system.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen La infidelidad marital es relativamente frecuente a pesar de sus consecuencias. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar un modelo predictivo de la conducta sexual infiel en personas casadas, mediante el análisis de siete variables que participan en el fenómeno de la infidelidad. Se colectó una muestra de 790 personas casadas (53.4 % mujeres y 47.6 % hombres) por rutas al azar en Monterrey, México. Se aplicó la Escala de Valoración de la Relación, Índice de Satisfacción Sexual, Escala de Actitud hacia la Exclusividad Marital, Escalas de Conducta Infiel, Escala de Búsqueda de Sensaciones Sexuales y Escala de Engrandecimiento Marital. Se especificó el modelo con 2 variables exógenas correlacionadas (búsqueda de sensaciones sexuales y engrandecimiento marital) y 5 variables endógenas (actitud hacia la infidelidad, satisfacción marital, satisfacción sexual, deseo de infidelidad sexual y conducta de infidelidad sexual). De cada 100 participantes, 6 estaban insatisfechos con su matrimonio, 13 con las relaciones sexuales con su pareja y 20 veían más defectos que virtudes en sus parejas. Además, 83 informaron no incurrir en conductas de infidelidad sexual, 60 indicaron total rechazo hacia la propia infidelidad, 72 no mostraron deseo de infidelidad sexual y 51 reportaron no buscar de sensaciones sexuales. El modelo mostró un efecto grande sobre la conducta de infidelidad sexual, explicando 70.8 % de su varianza, y tuvo un buen ajuste: χ 2 (7) = 11.93, P = 0.10, RMSEA = 0.03 y SRMR = 0.01. Se concluye que la variable más crítica es el deseo de infidelidad sexual, cuyo determinante más importante es la búsqueda de sensaciones sexuales. La correlación negativa entre esta última variable y engrandecimiento marital indica que estas 2 variables se pueden modular una a la otra. A su vez, el modelo remarca aspectos de insatisfacción marital y sexual.

Abstract Marital infidelity is relatively frequent despite its consequences. The aim of the study was to develop a predictive model of sexual infidelity behavior among married persons, through the analysis of seven variables related to the infidelity construct. A sample of 790 married persons (53.4 % women and 47.6 % men) was collected in Monterrey, Mexico using random route sampling. The Relationship Assessment Scale, Sexual Satisfaction Index, Attitude toward Marital Exclusivity Scale, Unfaithful Behavior Scales, Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, and Marital Aggrandizement Scale were applied. A model with 2 correlated exogenous variables (sexual sensation seeking and marital aggrandizement) and 5 endogenous variables (attitude towards infidelity, marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, desire for sexual infidelity, and sexual infidelity behavior) was specified. Six out of 100 participants were dissatisfied with their marriage and 13 with sexual relations with their partner and 20 saw more defects than virtues in their partners. In addition, 83 informed not engaging in sexual infidelity behaviors, 60 indicated total rejection towards own sexual infidelity, 72 showed no desire for sexual infidelity and 51 reported not seeking sexual sensations. The model showed a large effect on the sexual infidelity behavior, explaining 70.8 % of its variance, and had a close fit: χ 2 (7) = 11.93, P-value = 0.10, RMSEA = 0.03, and SRMR = 0.01. It is concluded that the most critical variable in the model is the desire for sexual infidelity, whose most important determinant was the sexual sensation seeking. The negative correlation between this last variable and marital aggrandizement indicates that these 2 variables can be modulated one to the other. Furthermore, the model highlights aspects of marital and sexual dissatisfaction.

RESUMO

Quality of life (QOL) is a key aspect of the health care process for children with chronic diseases and their families. Although clinical evidence regarding the impact of chronic disease on children exists, few studies have evaluated the effects of the interaction between sociodemographic and psychosocial factors on the family caregiver's QOL, indicating a significant gap in the research literature. The present study aimed to identify the predictors of the QOL of parents of children with chronic diseases. Three parental sociodemographic predictors (age, schooling, and family income) and four psychosocial predictors (family functioning, social support, depression, and resilience) were examined. In this cross-sectional study, 416 parents of children with chronic diseases who were hospitalized at a National Institute of Health in Mexico City were interviewed. The participants completed a sociodemographic variables questionnaire (Q-SV) designed for research on family caregivers of children with chronic disease. The predicted variable was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. The four psychosocial predictors were assessed through the Family Functioning Scale, Social Support Networks Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Measurement Scale of Resilience. The regression model explained 42% of the variance in parents' QOL. The predictors with positive weights included age, schooling, monthly family income, family functioning, social support networks, and parental resilience. The predictors with negative weights included depression. These findings suggest that strong social relationships, a positive family environment, family cohesion, personal resilience, low levels of depression, and a family income twice the minimum wage are variables associated with better parental QOL.

RESUMO

Currently, information about the psychometric properties of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in family caregivers of children with cancer is not available; thus, there is no empirical evidence of its validity and reliability to support its use in this population in Mexico or in other countries. This study examined the psychometric properties of the BAI in family caregivers of children with cancer and pursued four objectives: to determine the factor structure of the BAI, estimate its internal consistency reliability, describe the distribution of BAI scores and the level of anxiety in the sample and test its concurrent validity in relation to depression and resilience. This cross-sectional study was carried out with convenience sampling. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the BAI, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Measurement Scale of Resilience were administered to an incidental sample of 445 family caregivers of children with cancer hospitalized at the National Institute of Health in Mexico City. Confirmatory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method was performed to determine the factor structure and exploratory factor analysis using axis factorization with oblique rotation was conducted. The two-, three- and four-factor models originally proposed for the BAI did not hold. The exploratory factor analysis showed a model of two correlated factors (physiological and emotional symptoms). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a lack of discriminant validity between these two factors and supported a single-factor model. The internal consistency of the scale reduced to 11 items (BAI-11) was good (alpha = 0.89). The distribution of BAI-11 scores was skewed to the left. High levels of symptoms of anxiety were present in 49.4% of caregivers. The scale was positively correlated with depression and negatively correlated with resilience. These findings suggest that a reduced single-factor version of the BAI is valid for Mexican family caregivers of children with cancer.

Assuntos