Problemas de salud mental en universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19: ¿qué tipo de ayuda buscan? / Mental health problems in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: What kind of help do they seek?

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto negativo en el bienestar psicológico de la población, siendo los jóvenes un grupo especialmente vulnerable. Objetivo: El presente estudio se propuso examinar los niveles de búsqueda de ayuda (formal e informal) para problemas en salud mental y sus variables asociadas en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de la Región de La Araucanía, en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: A través de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, se reclutó a 500 estudiantes de entre 18 y 29 años. Se describió y comparó su nivel de búsqueda de ayuda, así como variables que podrían obstaculizarla o facilitarla, según género. Adicionalmente, se estimaron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple diferenciados por género, con la búsqueda de ayuda informal como variable criterio. Resultados: Se evidenció una renuencia general a buscar ayuda (formal e informal) tanto en hombres como mujeres, una mayor experimentación de malestar psicológico y mayor conocimiento sobre salud mental en mujeres. Finalmente, se observaron diferencias en los predictores de la búsqueda de ayuda informal entre hombres y mujeres, siendo el apoyo social y las emociones negativas en pandemia los únicos comunes entre géneros. Conclusión: Se discuten los bajos niveles de búsqueda de ayuda evidenciados, y las diferencias observadas en variables asociadas, en función de la brecha de género en salud mental.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological well-being of the population, with young people being a particularly vulnerable group. Aim: The present study examines help-seeking intention for mental health problems and associated variables among male and female university students in La Araucanía Region during the COVI-19 pandemic. Method: A sample of 500 students aged 18 to 29 was recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Help-seeking levels and facilitating or hindering variables were compared by gender. Multiple linear regression models were estimated separately by gender to predict the criterion variable of informal help-seeking. Results: The results indicate that both men and women are reluctant to seek help (formal and informal). Women reported higher levels of psychological distress and greater knowledge about mental health than men. Differences in predictors of informal help-seeking between men and women are evidenced, with social support and negative emotions in pandemic being the only common predictors between genders. Conclusion: The low levels of help-seeking evidenced, and the differences observed in associated variables based on the gender gap in mental health, are discussed.

Propiedades psicométricas del ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) en una muestra chilena / Psychometric properties of the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) in a Chilean sample

Introducción El apoyo social percibido es una variable relevante en los procesos de salud-enfermedad. Es importante que los instrumentos dirigidos a medir este constructo presenten evidencia de fiabilidad y validez. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las propiedades psicométricas del ESSI en población chilena, y su invarianza de medida entre hombres y mujeres, y entre universitarios y adultos. Método Dos muestras no probabilísticas, una de universitarios (n = 538) y una de adultos (n = 446) fueron enroladas en un estudio transversal. Los datos fueron analizados con análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo y análisis de consistencia interna con Omega de McDonald (ω). Resultados La estructura unidimensional de la ESSI fue confirmada en la muestra completa. Asimismo, se demostró invarianza escalar entre hombres y mujeres, e invarianza escalar parcial entre universitarios y adultos. La fiabilidad de los puntajes de la ESSI fue adecuada (ω > .80). Conclusión Los puntajes de la ESSI presentan evidencia de validez factorial y fiabilidad en población chilena. La escala puede ser utilizada para medir apoyo social percibido, aunque es recomendable su uso diferenciado entre universitarios y adultos.

Introduction Perceived social support is a relevant variable in health-disease processes. Measurement of this construct must be reliable and valid; thus, we aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the ESSI in the Chilean population and whether this measure is invariant between men and women and between university students and adults. Method Two non-probabilistic samples (students; n = 538, and adults; n = 446) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed with a Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis and reliability with McDonald's Omega coefficient (ω). Results A unidimensional structure of the ESSI was confirmed in the entire sample. Likewise, we proved scalar invariance between men and women and partial scalar invariance between university students and adults. The reliability of the ESSI scores was adequate (ω > .80). Conclusion The ESSI scores present evidence of factorial validity and reliability in the Chilean population. The scale can be used to measure perceived social support, although its differentiated use between university students and adults is recommended.

Posición social y obesidad en población chilena: mediadores y moderadores psicológicos / Social position and obesity in Chilean population: Psychological mediators and moderators

Resumen Introducción: la obesidad es un problema de salud mundial que ha sido vinculada con la posición social de las personas. Si bien la evidencia que relaciona estas variables es clara, se ha puesto menos atención a los mecanismos por medio de los cuales estas variables pueden asociarse. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la posición social se relacionaba directamente con obesidad abdominal e indirectamente vía percepción de discriminación, afectividad negativa y calidad de la dieta, y el rol moderador del apoyo social. Método: 420 funcionarios de una universidad chilena. Se midió el perímetro de cintura como proxy de obesidad, se utilizaron instrumentos de autorreporte para variables psicológicas y conductuales. Resultados: análisis de ecuaciones estructurales revelaron que la posición social no se asoció directamente con obesidad abdominal, pero sí a través de una secuencia de mediación que incluyó la percepción de discriminación, afectividad negativa y calidad de la dieta. El apoyo social no moderó estas relaciones. Conclusión: se identifican mecanismos que median el nexo entre posición social y obesidad abdominal. Se destaca la relevancia de considerar variables psicológicas y conductuales subyacentes en esta relación.

Abstract Introduction: Obesity is a health problem worldwide that has been linked to social position. Although the evidence linking these variables is sound, little attention has been paid to the mechanisms by which these variables can be associated. We sought to determine whether social position is directly related to abdominal obesity and indirectly via perceived discrimination, negative affectivity and diet quality, and the moderating role of social support. Method: Four hundred and twenty participants from a Chilean University were selected. Obesity was measured through waist circumference and self-reported measures were used to asses psychological and behavioral variables. Results: Structural equation modeling allowed us to estimate that social position was not directly related to abdominal obesity, but indirectly via a sequenced mechanism that included perceived discrimination, negative affectivity and diet quality. Social support did not moderate these associations. Conclusion: We identified underlying mechanisms that mediate the association between social position and abdominal obesity. We highlight the relevance that psychological and behavioral variables has in obesity.

Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y funcionamiento cognitivo: el rol de la reserva cognitiva / Association between cardiometabolic risk and cognitive impairment

Background: Several risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment in older people, but little attention has been paid to cardiometabolic variables, as well as how cognitive reserve can mediate this association. Aim: To determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with cognitive functioning and whether the cognitive reserve mediates this association. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 300 participants with a median age of 56 years (53% male) was conducted. Participants had a cognitive functioning assessment. Fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure were measured. Results: A Structural Equation Modeling, revealed a direct effect of cardiometabolic latent risk factors on both a cognitive functioning (β = -.204; p = .056), and cognitive reserve factors (β = -.236, p = .04). Cognitive reserve was directly associated with cognitive functioning (β = .327, p = .01), but did not mediate the association between the cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive functioning (β = .077, p = .07). The overall goodness of fitness was excellent χ2 (50) = 58.357, p = .195, comparative fit index = .980, Tucker-Lewis Index = .974, root mean square error of approximation = .023 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .041. Conclusions: A direct effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on cognitive functioning was observed.

Comparación social y su impacto en enfermedades crónicas. Una revisión sistemática / Social comparison and its impact on chronic diseases. A systematic review

Resumen Las enfermedades crónicas, generalmente se asocian con bajos niveles de adherencia al tratamiento, baja calidad de vida, morbilidad y mortalidad. Aunque los procesos interpersonales tales como la comparación influyen la adherencia a los tratamientos, poca investigación ha sido desarrollada con la Teoría de la Comparación Social como fundamento teórico. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el rol que la comparación social tiene en las conductas en salud relacionadas a enfermedades crónicas. Usando metodología PRISMA, se seleccionó artículos publicados sin límite de fecha. Los resultados sugieren que la comparación social se asocia con el ajuste psicológico a la enfermedad, dependiendo de las características de ésta. Futuros estudios deben considerar si es posible diseñar intervenciones específicas basadas en la teoría y qué moderadores mejorarían su efectividad.

Abstract Chronic diseases are generally associated with low adherence to treatment, poor quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Although interpersonal processes such as social comparison influence treatment adherence, little research has been conducted with the Social Comparison Theory as a theoretical background. This study aimed to analyze the role that social comparison has on health behaviors related to chronic diseases. Using the PRISMA methodology, we selected manuscripts published without any limit date. Our results suggest that social comparison is associated with the psychological adjustment to chronic diseases, depending on its characteristics. Future studies must address whether it is possible to design tailored interventions based on the theory and what moderators improve the intervention´s effectiveness.

Evaluación de la adultez emergente en Chile: validación del IDEA - extendido en universitarios chilenos / Assessment of emerging adulthood in Chile: validation of the extended - IDEA in Chilean university students

Resumen La adultez emergente es un nuevo periodo evolutivo, que abarca de los 18 a los 29 años. El instrumento más utilizado para evaluarla es el Inventario de Dimensiones de Adultez Emergente (IDEA). El objetivo general del estudio fue evaluar la pertinencia cultural y las características psicométricas del IDEA y de 25 ítems culturales/émicos en una muestra de 589 de universitarios chilenos. Análisis factoriales exploratorios demostraron que el IDEA tiene una estructura similar a la señalada por otro estudio chileno, y los ítems culturales conforman una estructura de tres factores. El análisis factorial confirmatorio arrojó un modelo unifactorial de seis indicadores, tres contienen 21 ítems originales del IDEA, y tres conservan 24 ítems culturales formando un solo instrumento, denominado IDEA - extendido, con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas. Este instrumento caracteriza la adultez emergente como una sola etapa de vida, que contiene aspectos éticos y émicos, dando un panorama integrado de sus características.

Abstract Emerging adulthood is a new evolutionary period ranging from 18 to 29 years. The most used instrument to evaluate it is the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA). The general objective of the study was to evaluate the cultural relevance and psychometric characteristics of the IDEA and 25 cultural/ emic items in a sample of 589 Chilean university students. Exploratory factorial analysis showed that the IDEA has a similar structure to one indicated by another Chilean study, and the cultural items form a three-factor structure. Confirmatory factorial analysis threw a unifactorial model of six indicators, three of them contain 21 original items of the IDEA, and three conserve 24 cultural items forming a single instrument, called extended - IDEA, with adequate psychometric properties. This instrument characterizes the emerging adulthood as a single stage of life, which contains ethical and emic aspects, giving an integrated view of its characteristics.

Evaluación de funcionamiento cognitivo en adultos: Análisis y contrastación de tres de los instrumentos de mayor divulgación en Chile / Psychometric properties of three instruments to detect dementia

Background Several instruments are available to measure cognitive functioning in older adults. However, there is paucity of information about their factorial structure and psychometric properties. Aim To determine the factorial structure and the internal reliability of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Adenbrookke´s Cognitive Examination (ACE-R), and their cognitive impairment detection capabilities. Material and Methods MMSE, MoCA and ACE-R were applied to 203 older adults aged 54 to 88 years (77% women), excluding participants with dementia. Results The factorial structure of the MMSE suggested that items referred to memory process should be eliminated due to their low reliability and factor loading (b = 0.12; p = 0.146). Although the MoCA had a good reliability, object denomination process items also had to be dropped (b = 0.22; p = 0.003). The ACE-R demonstrated a single factorial structure for all cognitive processes and had a good internal consistency. MMSE, MoCA and ACE-R classified as having dementia 5, 27 and 42% of participants, respectively. Conclusions MoCA and the ACE-R scales appear as better instruments to detect dementia in older people.

Psychometric properties of a brief Spanish version of Stigmatizing Situations Inventory / Propiedades psicométricas de una versión breve en español del Inventario de Situaciones Estigmatizantes

Abstract Overweight and obese people are a frequent target of weight stigma. However, there are no Spanish-Language validated inventories measuring weight stigma situations. Therefore, we sought to validate a brief Spanish version of the Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI) in a sample of Chilean adults. A psychometric study with 377 adults was designed (Mage = 45.0, SD = 8.7; 62% female). Twenty-four items available from two previous versions of the SSI developed were back-translated from English to Spanish, and semantically adapted to the Chilean sample. We explored the factorial structure with 173 participants, and then confirmed it with 204 subjects. We obtained evidence of concurrent validity with other psychological measures, as well as evidence of reliability. Our results identified a single factor structure grouping 10-items, with factorial loadings greater than .60. The overall fit indices are excellent. There is evidence of concurrent validity with body mass index (r = .43), anger (r = .19), anxiety (r = .29), and daily life discrimination (r = .26); all with p < .05. The reliability of our version is high (α = .91). The brief Spanish version of the SSI is a 10-items reliable and valid scale with one-dimensional factorial structure. This scale can be used by researchers and healthcare professionals studying psychological consequences of obesity.

Resumen Las personas con sobrepeso u obesidad enfrentan frecuentemente situaciones de estigmatización por el peso; sin embargo, no existen instrumentos validados en español que midan este constructo. En consecuencia, el objetivo de este estudio fue examinar las propiedades psicométricas una versión breve del Inventario de Situaciones Estigmatizantes (ISE) en población chilena. Participaron 377 adultos (Medad = 45.0, DE = 8.7; 62% mujeres). Veinticuatro ítems disponibles en versiones previas del ISE fueron retrotraducidos del inglés al español y adaptados semánticamente. La estructura factorial fue explorada con los registros de 173 de los participantes, y posteriormente confirmada con los 204 restantes. Fue identificada una estructura uni-factorial, con cargas factoriales > .60 e indicadores de bondad de ajuste excelentes. La consistencia interna del inventario fue alta (α = .91). Además se obtuvo evidencia de la validez concurrente del ISE con otras medidas: índice de masa corporal (r = .43), ira (r = .19), ansiedad (r = .29) y discriminación en la vida diaria (r = .26); todos con p < .05. La versión breve en español del ISE mostró ser válida y confiable. Esta escala puede ser utilizada por investigadores y profesionales de la salud que estudian las consecuencias psicológicas de la obesidad.

Estigma de obesidad, cortisol e ingesta alimentaria: un estudio experimental con mujeres / Association between weight-based stigmatization psychological stress and calorie intake

Background: Weight-based stigmatization is frequent among overweight and obese people. Aim: To determine the association between weight-based stigmatization, psychological stress, cortisol, negative emotions, and eating behavior in a sample of middle-aged women. Material and Methods: Eighty-two women aged 45 ± 8 years, 55% with overweight or obesity, were randomly allocated to watch a video called "Stigma: the human cost of obesity" or a control video about planet earth. The effect of watching either video on calorie consumption, psychological stress and cortisol reactivity was assessed. Cortisol was measured on four salivary samples. Psychological stress and negative emotions were self-reported. Results: Among women who watched the stigmatizing video, there was a direct association between psychological stress and calorie intake, but negative emotions did not mediate this association. Moreover, psychological stress moderated the association between watching the stigmatizing video and the cortisol output (β = 0.32; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Women with high psychological stress have a greater intake of calories. After watching the stigmatizing video, a greater psychological stress is associated with greater cortisol output.

Creencias culturales sobre los médicos y percepción de discriminación: El impacto en la continuidad de la atención / Health care effects of cultural beliefs about physicians and perceived discrimination

Background: Healthcare inequities may hamper physical and mental health. Aim: To examine perceived discrimination in healthcare services in relation to socio-structural and cultural antecedents as well as their effect on psychological processes and health. Material and Methods: Questionnaires on beliefs about physicians, perceived discrimination, emotions and affective states and avoidance consequences in health were answered by 337 child caregivers (85% women) attending preventive health care appointments at primary health care centers. Results: Negative beliefs about healthcare professionals are directly associated with avoidance behaviors in health and perceived discrimination. The latter perception has no direct effects on avoidance behaviors, but it has an indirect effect through negative emotions associated with discrimination. Conclusions: There is an association between cultural, psychological and structural factors in health care. These results contribute to understand the phenomenon of discrimination and its negative consequences.

Estrés psicológico y síndrome metabólico / Longitudinal association between chronic psychological stress and metabolic syndrome

Background: Psychological stress and depressive symptoms are variables associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aim: To determine the longitudinal association between psychological stress, depressive symptoms and MetS, and whether these variables predict MetS and its component trajectories. Material and Methods: Four hundred and twenty-three participants aged 44 ± 9 years (59% women), free of cardiovascular disease at baseline were enrolled into the Chilean study of psychological stress, obesity and MetS. Participants were followed-up for three years (three waves). Each year, they completed psychological questionnaires, anthropometric variables were measured, and blood samples were obtained. Results: Hierarchical linear regression showed that chronic psychological stress at baseline predicted the total number of MetS components (MetS score) during the third assessment wave (β = 0.147; p < 0.01). Growth curve modeling allowed to determine that participants who scored +1 standard deviation (SD) at baseline over the mean in psychological stress (βchronic stress = 0.903; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.065; 1.741), and depressive symptoms (βdepressive symptoms = 2.482; 95% CI = 0.040; 4.923) had a higher waist circumference trajectory, as compared to those scoring −1 SD above the mean. Conclusions: Chronic psychological stress is longitudinally associated with the MetS score. Further, psychological stress and depressive symptoms at baseline predicted elevated MetS score trajectories, and a highest waist circumference.

Psychological Distress Predicts HbA1c Trajectories among Type 1 Diabetic Adolescents / El estrés psicológico predice las trayectorias de HbA1c en adolescentes diabéticos tipo 1

Abstract Diabetic adolescents have poor metabolic control. We aimed to characterize the longitudinal association between the stress-related domains of emotional burden (EB), physician related-distress (PD), regimen-related distress (RD), diabetes-related interpersonal distress (ID), and hemoglobin glycosylated (HbA1c) trajectories among Type 1 diabetics Chilean adolescents. Thirty-two Type 1 diabetic adolescents (Mage=15.97; SD=3.45) were followed for one year. HbA1c was assessed at three time points, and a stress measure was obtained. Using a longitudinal growth curve modeling, a marginal overall negative linear trend was found in HbA1c (b = -0.23, p = 0.096). There was an interaction between time and PD (b = -0.33, p < 0.05), and a main effect of EB, RD, and ID on HbA1c. Psychological stress domains predict metabolic control trajectories. Monitoring diabetes specific stress may be a useful tool to identify adolescents at risk for poor control, and interventions that reduce such stress might lead to better management of diabetes in adolescents.

Resumen Los adolescentes diabéticos tienen un pobre control metabólico. El propósito de este estudio fue caracterizar la asociación longitudinal entre el estrés emocional (EB), estrés con el médico (PD), estrés con el tratamiento (RD) y estrés interpersonal (ID), con trayectorias de hemoglobinas glicosiladas (HbA1c) en adolescentes diabéticos tipo 1 (DM1). Treinta y dos adolescentes DM1 (Medad = 15.97, DE = 3.45) fueron seguidos un año. Se obtuvo la HbA1c tres veces en el año, más un auto-reporte de estrés. Análisis de curvas de crecimiento predijeron una tendencia lineal negativa en la trayectoria de HbA1c (b = -0.23, p = 0.096). Hubo una interacción entre el tiempo y PD (b = -0.33, p ≤ 0.05) y los efectos principales de EB, RD, e ID en HbA1c. Se concluye que el estrés psicológico predice trayectorias de HbA1c. Monitorear dominios específicos de estrés podría ser útil para identificar adolescentes con riesgo de tener pobre HbA1c, e intervenciones que reduzcan el estrés podrían ayudar a manejar la diabetes en adolescentes.

Modelo de ecuaciones estructurales: una guía para ciencias médicas y ciencias de la salud / Structural equation modeling: a guide for medical and health sciences

El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) es una técnica de análisis estadística multivariada, que permite analizar patrones complejos de relaciones entre variables, realizar comparaciones entre e intragrupos, y validar modelos teóricos y empíricos. SEM puede ser utilizado para responder una amplia variedad de preguntas de investigación tanto en diseños experimentales como no experimentales. Pese a sus ventajas sobre técnicas tradicionales como la regresión múltiple o ANOVA, su uso en ciencias médicas y de la salud es poco frecuente. Por tanto, el objetivo de este artículo es introducir esta técnica de análisis a investigadores de las ciencias médicas y de la salud, explicando su aplicación con ejemplos del estudio chileno de predictores psicológicos de obesidad y síndrome metabólico (PPOMS). Se espera contribuir a la comprensión de esta técnica de análisis entre lectores de manuscritos científicos y estimular su uso entre investigadores de las ciencias médicas y de la salud.

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a multivariate statistical analysis technique, utilized to analyze complex patterns of relationships among a set of variables, conduct between-groups and within-groups comparisons, and validate theoretical and empirical models. SEM can be used to answer several research questions including those formulated in the context of experimental and non-experimental designs. Despite the several advantages that SEM has over traditional procedures, such as multiple regression or ANOVA, it has not been applied frequently in the medical and health science domains. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to present SEM as a robust and comprehensive analytical technique capable of strengthening and increasing the accuracy of the analyses in medical and health research. The functioning and applications of SEM are illustrated through one research example: a Chilean study of psychological predictors of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This article is aimed at contributing to a better understanding of this technique among readers of scientific publications and facilitating its implementation in future research.

Identificación y medición de creencias culturales sobre los médicos: construcción y validación de un instrumento / Development of an instrument to assess cultural beliefs about physicians

Background: Beliefs about professionals' healthcare may influence healthcare behaviors. Such beliefs are in part the result of the interactions that professionals have with their patients. Recent studies highlight the importance of beliefs about physicians, their effect on health-care behaviors, and the requirement of culturally appropriate tools to measure such beliefs. Aim: To develop and validate a culturally appropriate instrument to measure beliefs about physicians. Material and Methods: Based on a "bottom-up" methodology, a culturally pertinent scale of beliefs about physicians was developed and then validated by expert judges. The resulting scale, with 26 items, was applied to 337 participants aged 31 ± 7 years (85% women). Results: Two factors, grouping 24 items, emerged from the exploratory factor analysis. The first was called negative beliefs about doctors (Cronbach's α = 0.96) and the second was called positive beliefs about doctors (Cronbach's α = 0.95). Both factors explain 70 % of the scale variance. Conclusions: The devised instrument has adequate psychometric properties and is also culturally relevant. It allows the assessment of cultural beliefs about physicians.

Funcionamiento cognitivo en adultos mayores: rol de la reserva cognitiva, apoyo social y depresión / Cognitive reserve, depression and social support. Analysis of 206 older adults

Background: Cognitive reserve (CR) is a protective factor in aging. Depression and perceived social support are associated with cognitive performance in older adults. However, their role in the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning is less clear. Aim: To determine the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning and whether this relationship is mediated by depression and moderated by social support. Material and Methods: CR, depression, perceived social support, and cognitive functioning scales were applied to a convenience sample of 206 older adults, aged 69 ± 1 years (77% women). Structural equation analysis and moderate mediation analysis were performed. Results: There was a direct effect of CR in cognitive functioning (β = 0.223, p = 0.005), which was not mediated by depression (β = 0.040, p = 0.096). High CR scores were associated with lower depression scores (β = −0.203, p = 0.002). Higher depression scores were associated with worse cognitive functioning (β = −0.168, p = 0.040). The effect of CR on depression was moderated by social support (β = −0.161, p = 0.032) controlling for income and age. Conclusions: The relationship between CR and cognition in older adults allows an early assessment of cognitive dysfunction risk. Depression is an independent risk factor for cognitive functioning. Social support protects individuals with high CR from developing depression.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de negatividad social de Newsom en universitarios chilenos / Psychometric properties of Newson´s social negativity exchange scale in a Chilean college age students

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Negatividad Social de Newsom, la cual mide el efecto negativo de las interacciones sociales en el bienestar individual. Para ello, se seleccionó a 526 universitarios, realizando análisis factorial exploratorio con 50% de la muestra y análisis factorial confirmatorio con el restante 50%. A diferencia de la estructura de cuatro factores sugerida por los autores, los resultados de este estudio indican que la escala tiene una estructura factorial de dos factores, agrupando el primer factor 4 ítems y el segundo 8. Las cargas factoriales fueron superiores a 0,3 y se obtuvieron buenos indicadores de bondad de ajuste. La consistencia interna de la escala, medida con Alfa de Cronbach fue 0,86. La evidencia sugiere que la Escala de Negatividad Social de Newsom es un instrumento válido y confiable que puede ser utilizado en población Chilena.

The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Social Negativity Exchange Scale developed by Newsom et al, which is defined as the negative effect that social interactions have on individual wellbeing. Thus, a sample of five hundred and twenty two (n= 526) college-age students was non-randomly selected. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted with 50% of them, and then a confirmatory factor analysis with the others. A two-factor solution was identified, with the first factor grouping four items and the second factor eight items. Fit indexes were good, with factorial loadings greater than .3. the total scale reliability was .86. The evidence obtained in this study suggests that the Newsom´s Social Negativity Exchange Scale is a valid and reliable scale to be used with Chilean population.

Desarrollo de un instrumento culturalmente pertinente para medir creencias en psicoterapia / Development of a culturally relevant instrument to measure beliefs in psychotherapy

El estudio de cómo los factores culturales se relacionan con la adherencia a psicoterapia es altamente relevante y sin embargo, en Chile no existen instrumentos que tomen en consideración tales factores. El objetivo de este estudio es ilustrar la construcción de un instrumento para medir variables culturales que se asocian a la adherencia a psicoterapia. Se utilizó una metodología mixta de tres etapas. Primero, se realizaron 32 entrevistas semiestructuradas con el objetivo de identificar creencias socialmente compartidas respecto de la psicoterapia. Luego, se desarrolló la Escala de Creencias en Psicoterapia (ECPSI) y se piloteó en una muestra de 109 personas. Finalmente, se exploró la estructura factorial y propiedades psicométricas de la nueva escala en 201 usuarias de centros de salud primaria de la Región de La Araucanía. Los resultados indican que la ECPSI es un instrumento adecuado psicométricamente y culturalmente pertinente a la sociedad Chilena.

The study of how cultural factors are related to adherence to psychotherapy is highly relevant, however in Chile there are no available measures that addresses these factors. In order to develop an instrument culturally relevant for measuring cultural factors associated with adherence to psychotherapy, a three-stage mixed methodology was used. First, 32 semi-structured interviews were conducted aiming to identifying socially shared beliefs about psychotherapy. Second, the Psychotherapy Beliefs Scale was developed and piloted with a sample of109 participants. Finally, the factorial structure, and the scale reliability were tested with a sample of 201 women recruited from several primary care health centers. The results obtained suggest that this scale is psychometrically sound and culturally relevant for measuring cultural beliefs associated with adherence to psychotherapy.

Atribución de malos tratos en servicios de salud a discriminación y sus consecuencias en pacientes diabéticos mapuche / Healthcare mistreatment attributed to discrimination among mapuche patients and discontinuation of diabetes care

Background: The negative impact of perceived discrimination on health outcomes is well established. However, less attention has been directed towards understanding the effect of perceived discrimination on health behaviors relevant for the treatment of diabetes in ethnic minorities. Aim: To examine the effects of healthcare mistreatment attributed to discrimination on the continuity of Type 2 Diabetes (DM2) care among mapuche patients in a southern region of Chile. Material and Methods: A non-probabilistic sample of 85 mapuche DM2 patients were recruited from public and private health systems. Eligibility criteria included having experienced at least one incident of interpersonal healthcare mistreatment. All participants answered an instrument designed to measure healthcare mistreatment and continuity of diabetes care. Results: Healthcare mistreatment attributed to ethnic discrimination was associated with the discontinuation of diabetes care. Conclusions: Healthcare mistreatment attributed to discrimination negatively impacted the continuity of diabetes care, a fact which may provide a better understanding of health disparities in ethnic minorities.