Resumo em Espanhol:

OBJETIVO: Probar las propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento que mide variables psicológicas y comportamientos de adhesión al tratamiento en personas con VIH/sida. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal que contó con la participación de 68 personas seropositivas frente al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) que en el momento del estudio recibían atención en una institución de salud de la ciudad de Hermosillo, México. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron cinco procedimientos estadísticos en orden sucesivo: la prueba de la t de Student de comparación de medias, para evaluar la comprensión de las preguntas; un análisis factorial exploratorio con rotación varimax, para estudiar la validez conceptual o teórica del instrumento (construct validity); el coeficiente a de Cronbach, para valorar la confiabilidad; el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r), para analizar la validez concurrente, y un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, para estimar la validez predictiva. RESULTADOS: Con la prueba de la t de Student de comparación de medias se obtuvieron valores de significación estadística de P < 0,05, P < 0,005, P < 0,01 y P < 0,001 en 25 de las 30 preguntas. El análisis factorial exploratorio con rotación varimax arrojó una estructura de cuatro factores: 1) comportamientos de adhesión presentes y tratamiento; 2) motivos que subyacen a los comportamientos de adhesión o falta de adhesión; 3) bienestar psicológico y competencias sociales y 4) comportamientos de adhesión pasados con valores propios superiores a 1 y que en conjunto explican 65,50% de la varianza. En el análisis de confiabilidad se obtuvo un coeficiente a global de 0,852. En el estudio de la validez concurrente se hallaron correlaciones entre los factores 1 y 2 (r = 0,615; P < 0,01), entre el factor 2 y los factores 3 y 4 (r = -0,178; P < 0,05 y r = 0,265; P < 0,05, respectivamente), así como entre el factor 3 y la variable tiempo de infección en meses (r = 0,265; P < 0,05). Por último, el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple mostró que los factores psicológicos 2 y 4 -que en conjunto explican el 48,6% de la varianza- predijeron los comportamientos de adhesión en el presente (coeficiente de determinación [R²] ajustado = 0,486). CONCLUSIÓN: Según los resultados obtenidos, el instrumento posee una confiabilidad óptima y validez en sus tres variantes: conceptual, concurrente y predictiva.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVE: To test the psychometric properties of an instrument for measuring psychological variables and adherence to treatment behaviors in persons with HIV infection or AIDS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 68 subjects who were seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and who were being treated in a health facility in the city of Hermosillo (Sonora), Mexico, at the time the study was carried out. Five consecutive statistical testing procedures were applied for data analysis: the Student t test for comparison of means, for assessing the comprehensibility of the questions; an exploratory factorial analysis with varimax rotation for determining construct validity; Cronbach's a coefficient for determining reliability; Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) for assessing concurrent validity; and multiple linear regression for determining predictive value. RESULTS: In 25 out of a total of 30 questions, the Student t test for comparison of means gave statistical significance values of P < 0.05, P < 0.005, P < 0.01, and P £ 0.001. A four-factor structure was found with the factorial analysis with varimax rotation: (1) current adherence behavior and treatment; (2) underlying reasons for adherence or lack of adherence; (3) psychological well-being and social competencies; (4) past adherence behavior with values above 1 that, taken as a whole, explain 65.50% of the variance. An overall a coefficient of 0.852 was obtained with the test for reliability. The test for concurrent validity showed correlations between factors 1 and 2 (r = 0.615; P = < 0.01), between factor 2 and factors 3 and 4 (r = -0.178; P < 0.05 and r = 0.265; P < 0,05, respectively), and between factor 3 and duration of infection in months (r = 0.265; P < 0.05). Finally, multiple linear regression showed that psychological factors 2 and 4, which together explain 48.6% of the variance, predicted current adherence behavior (adjusted determination coefficient [R²] = 0.486). CONCLUSION: According to the results obtained, the instrument has optimal reliability as well as construct validity, concurrent validity, and predictive validity.

Resumo em Espanhol:

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad, en el Brasil, de la definición de "caso sospechado de sarampión", aplicada en pacientes con enfermedades exantemáticas, que se ha adoptado en el Brasil y en muchos otros países. MÉTODOS: De enero de 1994 a diciembre de 2003, se examinó a pacientes con erupción cutánea aguda en dos grandes unidades de atención primaria y en un hospital general estatal en Niterói, en la zona metropolitana de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se usaron datos de la evaluación clínica y serológica para estimar la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor pronóstico de un resultado positivo (VPRP), y valor pronóstico de un resultado negativo (VPRN) aplicables a la definición de "caso sospechado de sarampión" adoptada en el Brasil, así como otras combinaciones de signos y síntomas; el resultado de pruebas serológicas se usó como parámetro de referencia. Usando la técnica de inmunoensayo enzimático, las muestras de suero se examinaron para detectar la presencia de anticuerpos de immunoglobulina M (IgM) contra el virus del sarampión. RESULTADOS: Se estudió a un total de 1 221 pacientes con una enfermedad caracterizada por exantema cutáneo más otros signos y síntomas en diversas combinaciones. La definición de "caso sospechado" adoptada en el Brasil (erupción, fiebre y por lo menos un síntoma más, que puede ser tos, congestión nasal o conjuntivitis), tuvo una sensibilidad general de 100% y una especificidad de 58.7%. La probabilidad de encontrar esa combinación de síntomas o signos fue 2,4 mayor entre los casos confirmados de sarampión que entre los casos de otras enfermedades exantemáticas. La definición de "caso sospechado" que se ha adoptado en el Brasil tuvo un VPRP de 6% y un VPRN de 100%. La presencia combinada de todos los cinco signos y síntomas tuvo la mayor especificidad, el mayor VPRP y la mayor razón de verosimilitud, tanto en niños (< 15 años de edad) como en adultos (> 15 años). Eso se logró a expensas de la sensibilidad, que se redujo a 89%, pero el VPRN siguió siendo muy alto. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados demuestran que la definición de "caso sospechado de sarampión" adoptada en el Brasil posee gran sensibilidad para la vigilancia de la enfermedad entre pacientes con enfermedades exantemáticas. No obstante, los elevados porcentajes de resultados positivos falsos que se detectaron podrían llevar a que se clasifiquen como sarampión, por error, muchas enfermedades exantemáticas de otra índole, lo que a su vez daría por resultado una mala orientación de las medidas de control y un aumento de su carestía.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance, in Brazil, of the definition of a suspected measles case among patients with rash diseases that has been adopted in Brazil and many other countries. METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2003, patients with acute rash were seen at two large primary health care units and a public general hospital in Niterói, a city in the metropolitan area of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data from clinical and serologic assessment were used to estimate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the definition of a suspected measles case that has been adopted in Brazil, as well as other combinations of signs and symptoms; serologic status was taken as the reference. Using enzyme immunoassay, serum samples were tested for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against measles virus. RESULTS: A total of 1 221 patients with an illness characterized by different combinations of rash with other signs and symptoms were studied. The suspected case definition that has been adopted in Brazil (rash, fever, and at least one of the following: cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis) had an overall sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 58.7%. Confirmed measles cases were 2.4 times as likely as were other rash diseases to have that combination of signs/symptoms. The suspected case definition adopted in Brazil had a 6% PPV and 100% NPV. The combination of all five signs and symptoms had the highest specificity, PPV, and likelihood ratio, for both children (< 15 years old) and adults (> 15 years). That was achieved at the expense of sensitivity, which dropped to 89%, but the NPV was still very high. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the suspected measles case definition adopted in Brazil is extremely sensitive for measles surveillance among patients with rash diseases. However, the high false-positive rates that were found may result in a substantial number of other rash diseases being misclassified as measles, leading to the misdirection of control measures and increases in their cost.

Resumo em Português:

OBJETIVO: Comparar as adolescentes que residiam em quatro áreas com diferentes graus de exclusão social no Município de Santo André, Estado de São Paulo, em relação ao nível de escolaridade, o peso ao nascer e a idade gestacional dos bebês e as taxas de fecundidade específicas de cada área no ano de 1998. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo transversal ecológico com 1 314 adolescentes. As quatro áreas utilizadas foram as previamente identificadas no Mapa da exclusão/inclusão social da cidade de Santo André, sendo a área 1 a de exclusão social mais pronunciada e a 4 a de menor exclusão social. Os dados das adolescentes e de seus recém-nascidos foram coletados através do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), e as informações socioeconômicas do Município de Santo André foram obtidas da Fundação Sistema Estadual de Análise de Dados (SEADE), do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e do Mapa da exclusão/ inclusão social da cidade de Santo André. RESULTADOS: O nível de escolaridade mostrou uma relação estatisticamente significativa com as áreas mais pobres, que concentravam o maior número de adolescentes com menos escolaridade. Quanto à distribuição do baixo peso ao nascer, 76,8% dos bebês nascidos com < 2 500 g encontravam-se nas áreas mais pobres da cidade. A maior taxa de fecundidade (35,7 em 1 000 adolescentes) também esteve associada às piores condições socioeconômicas, enquanto que a menor taxa (12,1 em 1 000) foi observada na área mais favorecida. A freqüência de bebês prematuros não foi diferente entre as quatro áreas (P = 0,81). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram que mais adolescentes de baixa escolaridade e menor nível socioeconômico tiveram mais filhos. É necessário promover ações específicas para evitar a gravidez nesse grupo e para incentivar a inclusão social dessas adolescentes e de seus filhos, abrindo a eles perspectivas de modificar a sua condição.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVE: To compare adolescent mothers living in four areas with different degrees of social exclusion in the city of Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil, in terms of the mothers' schooling, the birth weight and gestational age of their babies, and the specific fertility rate of each of the four areas in 1998. METHOD: An ecological cross-sectional study was carried out with 1 314 adolescent girls. The four areas analyzed had earlier been defined in the City of Santo André Social Exclusion/Inclusion Map. Area 1 had the highest exclusion index (worst socioeconomic conditions), and Area 4 the lowest exclusion index (best socioeconomic conditions). The data relating to the adolescent mothers and their children were collected from the National Live Birth Information System, and the socioeconomic data for Santo André were obtained from the State Data Analysis System Foundation, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and the city's Social Exclusion/ Inclusion Map. RESULTS: Having little formal education was statistically associated with the poorest areas. Of the infants with a birthweight < 2 500 g, 76.8% of them were born in the two poorest areas of the city. The highest fertility rate (35.7 per 1 000 adolescents) was found in Area 1, the area with the worst socioeconomic conditions; the lowest fertility rate (12.1 per 1 000) was found in Area 4, the area with the best socioeconomic conditions. The proportion of births that were premature did not differ among the four areas (P = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that adolescent girls with little schooling and a lower socioeconomic level were more likely to give birth. Specific actions should be promoted to prevent pregnancy in this group and to foster the social inclusion of these adolescents and their children, providing them with opportunities to improve their socioeconomic situation.

Resumo em Espanhol:

OBJETIVO: Investigar si hay diferencias en las asociaciones entre la actividad física y el sobrepeso observadas en estudiantes de dos zonas colindantes en la frontera mexicanoestadounidense: estudiantes de la ciudad de Matamoros, México, y estudiantes mexicanoestadounidenses del valle a lo largo de la desembocadura del Río Bravo (VRB) en la parte sur del estado de Texas. Dada la consabida prevalencia extremadamente alta de sobrepeso en adolescentes mexicanoestadounidenses, los autores queríamos determinar si el sobrepeso también se ha convertido en un problema entre adolescentes mexicanos. MÉTODOS: Estudiantes de 6 escuelas (n = 653), que comprenden 11% de los estudiantes de noveno grado en Matamoros durante 2002-2003, y estudiantes de 13 bachilleratos (n = 4 736), que comprenden 22% de los estudiantes de noveno grado del VRB durante 2000-2001, contestaron cuestionarios. Se llevó a cabo una regresión logística politómica a fin de calcular el riesgo de estar en riesgo de tener sobrepeso (> 85.º percentil a <95.º percentil de índice de masa corporal (IMC) para la edad y el sexo) y el riesgo de tener sobrepeso (> 95.º percentil de índice de masa corporal (IMC) para la edad y el sexo), frente a un peso normal, que se asociaban con distintos grados de actividad física. En aras de la sencillez, en la clasificación del peso normal también se abarcó la insuficiencia de peso. RESULTADOS: Un mayor porcentaje de adolescentes estaban en riesgo de sufrir sobrepeso en el VRB (17%) que en Matamoros (15%). Los porcentajes de adolescentes de VRB y de Matamoros que tenían sobrepeso fueron idénticos (17%). Los varones adolescentes en el VRB (razón de posibilidades [RP] = 0,87; IC95% = 0,77 a 0,98) que participaron en deportes en equipo tuvieron una menor probabilidad de estar en riesgo de tener sobrepeso. No se encontraron asociaciones entre ningunas de las demás categorías de actividad física por un lado, y estar en riesgo de sufrir sobrepeso o tener sobrepeso por el otro, ni en estudiantes de Matamoros ni en los del VRB. CONCLUSIONES: Casi una tercera parte de los estudiantes tanto en Matamoros como en el VRB está en riesgo de tener sobrepeso o tiene sobrepeso. La puesta en práctica de intervenciones para fomentar hábitos alimentarios sanos y la participación en clases de educación física y en deportes en equipo es una medida esencial para reducir la prevalencia extremadamente alta de sobrepeso observada en estudiantes a ambos lados de la frontera entre México y Estados Unidos.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in associations between physical activity and over-weight for students in two adjacent areas on the border between Mexico and the United States of America: students in the city of Matamoros, Mexico, and Mexican-American students in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) area of southern Texas. Since the extremely high prevalence of overweight among Mexican-American adolescents is well-recognized, we wanted to determine whether overweight has become a problem among Mexican adolescents as well. METHODS: Students from 6 schools (n = 653), representing 11% of the ninth-grade students in Matamoros during 2002-2003, and students from 13 high schools (n = 4 736), representing 22% of the ninth-grade students in the LRGV during 2000-2001, completed questionnaires. Polytomous logistic regression was performed to estimate the risk of being at risk for overweight (> 85th percentile to < 95th percentile of body mass index (BMI) for age and sex) and the risk of being overweight (> 95th percentile of BMI-for-age and sex) versus normal weight that were associated with measures of physical activity. For simplicity, the classification of normal weight also included underweight. RESULTS: A higher percentage of adolescents in the LRGV were at risk of overweight (17%) in comparison with adolescents from Matamoros (15%). The percentages of LRGV and Matamoros adolescents who were overweight were identical (17%). LRGV adolescent boys (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77-0.98) who participated in team sports were less likely to be at or above the 85th percentile of BMI-for-age and sex. Although of borderline significance, Matamoros and LRGV adolescent boys who participated in physical education classes were less likely to be at risk for overweight. Among neither the Matamoros students nor the LRGV students were any of the various other physical activity categories or levels associated with being at risk for overweight or being overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-third of the students in both Matamoros and the LRGV are at risk for overweight or are overweight. Implementation of interventions on healthful dietary choices and participation in physical education classes and sports teams are essential for reducing the extremely high prevalence of overweight among students on both sides of the Texas/Mexico border.

Resumo em Espanhol:

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar si la enfermedad periodontal (EP) constituye un factor de riesgo de parto pretérmino, bajo peso al nacer o preeclampsia y si hay alguna relación entre las formas clínicas de la EP y los resultados obstétricos mencionados. MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, transversal y prospectivo de todas las mujeres que tuvieron su parto en el Hospital Dr. José Penna, de la ciudad de Bahía Blanca, Argentina, entre el 1.º de febrero y el 18 de julio de 2003 y entre el 1.º de marzo y el 31 de mayo de 2004. A las mujeres que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión (ser mayor de 18 años, tener al menos 18 dientes, no ser diabética y que los hijos hubieran sobrevivido al parto) se les practicó un examen odontológico en busca de hemorragia al sondaje, movilidad dentaria o inflamación gingival y se realizaron mediciones clínicas de la pérdida de inserción. Se calcularon las razones de posibilidades (odds ratios, RP) con sus intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%) y se ajustaron los resultados por las variables "ser fumadora" y "tener anemia". RESULTADOS: Se registraron 2 003 nacimientos, correspondientes a 1 982 partos. Se excluyeron 420 (21,2%) mujeres por no cumplir los criterios de inclusión o por no poder realizárseles el diagnóstico odontológico previsto. De las 1 562 mujeres evaluadas, 809 (51,8%) presentaban alguna de las afecciones buscadas; de ellas, 274 (17,5%) padecían EP grave y 535 (34,3%) tenían gingivitis. En total, 149 (9,5%) partos fueron pretérmino, en 161 (10,3%) nacieron niños con bajo peso y en 157 (10,0%) se presentaron casos de preeclampsia. No se observó asociación alguna entre la EP y el parto pretérmino (RP = 1,06; IC95%: 0,74 a 1,50), el bajo peso al nacer (RP = 1,05; IC95%: 0,74 a 1,47) y la preeclampsia (RP = 0,99; IC95%: 0,70 a 1,40). El riesgo de dar a luz un niño con bajo peso al nacer en el subgrupo de fumadoras de más de 10 cigarrillos diarios fue mayor en las que tenían enfermedad periodontal grave que en las mujeres cuya salud bucal era buena (RP = 3,81; IC95%: 1,46 a 10,05; P = 0,001). Se confirmó que la anemia es un factor de riesgo de bajo peso al nacer (RP = 1,74; IC95%: 1,03 a 2,94; P = 0,02). CONCLUSIONES: No se encontró ninguna asociación significativa entre la EP y el parto pretérmino, el bajo peso al nacer o la preeclampsia.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVES: To determine if periodontal disease (PD) is a risk factor for premature labor, low birth weight, or preeclampsia, and to look for a potential association between the different clinical forms of PD and the obstetric results indicated. METHODS: This is an analytical, cross-sectional and prospective study of all women who gave birth in Dr. José Penna Hospital, in the city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina, between 1 February and 18 July 2003 and between 1 March and 31 May 2004. Women who met the inclusion criteria (being over 18 years old, having at least 18 teeth, not being diabetic, and having had children who survived labor) underwent a dental exam to look for hemorrhage when teeth were probed, loose teeth, or inflammation of the gums, and any loss of insertion was measured clinically. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated, and the results were adjusted according to smoking status and the presence or absence of anemia. RESULTS: A total of 2 003 births and 1 982 labor episodes were registered. In all, 420 women (21.2%) were excluded from the study because they did not meet the inclusion criteria or because no diagnostic exam could be carried out. Of the 1 562 women who were examined, 809 (51.8%) had at least one of the problems being sought; of these women, 274 (17.5%) had severe periodontal disease, and 535 (34.3%) had gingivitis. In all, there were 149 (9.5%) cases of premature labor; 161 (10.3%) cases of low birth weight, and 157 (10.0%) cases of preeclampsia. No association was noted between PD and premature labor (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.50), low birth weight (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.47), or preeclampsia (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.40). The risk of giving birth to an infant with low birth weight in the subgroup of women who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day was greater among women who had severe PD than among those who had good oral health (OR = 3.81; 95% CI: 1.46 to 10.05; P = 0.001). Anemia was found to be a risk factor for low birth weight (OR = 1.74; IC 95%: 1.03 to 2.94; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: No significant association was found between PD and premature labor, low birth weight, or preeclampsia.

Resumo em Português:

OBJETIVO: Investigar o perfil epidemiológico dos idosos que participam ou não de campanhas de vacinação contra a influenza e identificar as variáveis que poderiam influenciar a participação. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de base populacional utilizando dados referentes à população com 60 anos ou mais residente nos municípios de São Paulo, Itapecerica da Serra, Embu, Taboão da Serra, Campinas e Botucatu no período de 2001 e 2002. Participaram do estudo 1 908 idosos selecionados a partir de amostragem probabilística, estratificada e selecionada por conglomerados, em dois estágios. A análise dos dados foi exploratória, incluindo análise bivariada e regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e seis por cento dos idosos aderiram à vacinação contra a gripe. Os fatores associados ao auto-relato de vacinação, após a análise ajustada, foram: idade (OR = 1,47; IC95% = 1,09 a 1,99), hipertensão arterial auto-relatada (OR = 1,39; IC95% = 1,03 a 1,87) e escolaridade (OR = 0,64; IC95% = 0,41 a 0,98). A maior adesão à vacinação contra a gripe foi observada entre os indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 70 anos e entre os hipertensos. Os idosos com 9 anos ou mais de estudo referiram menor adesão à vacinação. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de campanhas para facilitar o acesso por parte dos idosos e profissionais de saúde à informação acerca dos benefícios da vacinação.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiologic profile of elderly persons who do or do not participate in influenza vaccination campaigns and to identify the variables that bear an influence on participation. METHOD: A cross-sectional population-based study was performed using data on individuals aged 60 years or older who were living in the municipalities of São Paulo, Itapecerica da Serra, Embu, Taboão da Serra, Campinas and Botucatu, Brazil, in 2001 and 2002. A stratified random sample of 1 908 elderly individuals was selected by means of two-stage cluster sampling. Exploratory data analysis was performed, including bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of the elderly subjects reported having received vaccination against influenza. After adjustment, the following factors were found to be associated with having received vaccination, based on self-report: age (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.99), self-reported hypertension (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.87) and educational level (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.98). The highest number of vaccinated individuals was observed in the group > 70 years of age and in the hypertension group. Individuals with 9 or more years of schooling reported less adherence to influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the need for campaigns to make information on the benefits of influenza vaccination more easily accessible to the elderly and health professionals.

Resumo em Espanhol:

OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de tastornos relacionados con el consumo de drogas, sus factores asociados, y la utilización de servicios terapéuticos especializados por usuarios de drogas en la población urbana de México entre los 18 y 65 años de edad. MÉTODOS: Los datos se reunieron en 2001 y 2002 mediante la Encuesta Nacional de Epidemiologia Psiquiátrica de México. El muestreo se llevó a cabo por estratificación probabilística de seis regiones geográficas del país en un proceso polietápico que comprendió, en orden sucesivo, áreas censuales, manzanas urbanas, grupos de domicilios, e individuos. Los datos se ponderaron teniendo en cuenta la probabilidad de selección y el porcentaje de respuesta. La información se recogió mediante una versión computadorizada de la edición de la Entrevista Diagnóstica Internacional Compuesta usada para la Encuesta Mundial de Salud Mental. El porcentaje de respuesta ponderado para individuos fue de 76,6. RESULTADOS: En general, 2,3% de la población declaró haber incurrido en el consumo ilícito de drogas durante los 12 meses anteriores a la encuesta; la marijuana y la cocaína fueron las sustancias consumidas con mayor frecuencia. La baja escolaridad mostró una asociación significativa con el consumo, el abuso y la dependencia de drogas. El consumo de cualquier tipo de droga tuvo una frecuencia significativamente mayor en personas pertenecientes al grupo de edad más joven (18-29 años), en varones, o en habitantes de la parte noroccidental del país. De la muestra en general, 1,4% había abusado o dependido de las drogas en algún momento de la vida, y ello ocurrió con mucha más frecuencia en varones (2,9%) que en mujeres (0,2%). La prevalencia del abuso o de la dependencia de drogas en el transcurso de los 12 meses anteriores a la encuesta fue de 0,4% en general (0,9% en varones y 0,0% en mujeres). La tasa de tratamiento durante los 12 meses anteriores a la encuesta entre quienes cumplían los criterios de abuso o dependencia durante ese período fue de 17,1%; 14,8% fueron atendidos en centros de tratamiento especializados, y 2,8% dijeron haber asistido a grupos de autoayuda. CONCLUSIONES: Un número apreciable de mexicanos tienen un trastorno relacionado con el consumo de drogas, pero la demanda de un tratamiento es poca, en parte debido a temor al estigma. Según nuestros resultados, urge organizar los servicios especializados para personas con trastornos vinculados al abuso de sustancias en función de la prevalencia de la dependencia de las diversas sustancias y de la variación que muestra esta prevalencia en las distintas regiones del país.

Resumo em Inglês:

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of drug use disorders, the correlates of drug use, and the utilization of specialized treatment services for drug users among the Mexican urban population 18-65 years old. METHODS: The data were collected in 2001 and 2002 in the Mexican National Comorbidity Survey. The sample design was stratified probabilistically for six geographical areas of the country in a multistage process for census count areas, city blocks, groups of households, and individuals. The data were weighted, taking into account the probability of selection and the response rate. The information was collected using a computerized version of the World Mental Health Survey edition of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The weighted response rate for individuals was 76.6%. RESULTS: Overall, 2.3% of the population reported any illicit use of drugs in the preceding 12 months; marijuana and cocaine were the substances most often used. Low levels of education were significantly associated with use, abuse, and dependence. Use of any drug was significantly more common among those who were in the youngest age group (18-29 years), were male, or were living in the Northwest region of the country. Overall, 1.4% had a lifetime history of drug abuse or dependence, with this being much more common for men (2.9%) than for women (0.2%). The 12-month prevalence of drug abuse or dependence was 0.4% overall (0.9% for men, and 0.0% for women). The rate of treatment during the preceding 12 months for those with the 12-month criteria for abuse or dependence was 17.1%; 14.8% were seen in specialized treatment centers; 2.8% reported having attended self-help groups. CONCLUSIONS: A noticeable number of Mexicans have a drug use disorder, but demand for treatment is limited, in part due to stigma. Our results indicate that there is an urgent need to organize the specialized services for persons with a substance abuse disorder according to the prevalence of dependence on different substances and the variation in prevalence in the different regions of the country.

Resumo em Inglês:

Over the past 10 years, the American Region has witnessed the reintroduction and dissemination of dengue virus serotype 3. In this paper we describe the main clinical and epidemiologic features of the dengue 3 epidemic that broke out in Cuba between June 2001 and March 2002, as well as the measures that were undertaken to eliminate it. A total of 14 524 confirmed cases were reported, 12 889 (88,7%) of them in the City of Havana. Eighty-one cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever were confirmed, three of which died. Secondary infection, white skin color, sickle cell anemia, and bronchial asthma were risk factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever. Active clinical and epidemiologic surveillance and laboratory support were critical to the early detection of transmission and to the monitoring of the epidemic. Widespread involvement of the community and its different sectors, participation of the mass media with a single leadership in command, and strong political will were the key factors that made it possible to eliminate transmission. This epidemic was one more example of the risk of dengue epidemics faced by countries in the area, including those that have strong surveillance and control programs. It also served to show that by applying the principles established by the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization for dengue control, transmission can be stopped.