Efeitos de uma intervenção com foco na socialização emocional infantil / Efectos de una intervención centrada en la socialización emocional infantil / Effects of an intervention focused on child emotion socialization

Punishing, minimizing, ignoring, or becoming distressed when dealing with children's negative emotions may favor the emergence or worsen behavior problems during childhood. This study examined the effects of the intervention program Vivendo Emoções [Experiencing Emotions] on maternal reactions to children's emotions and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Thirty-two mothers of children aged between three and eight participated and were assigned to an intervention (n = 16) or a comparison (n = 16) group. The intervention was implemented in eight sessions intended to promote the mothers' strategies to identify and regulate their children's negative emotions and enable the children to improve emotional competence. The mothers completed the CCNES to report their reactions to children's emotional expressions and the CBCL to report internalizing and externalizing problems on pretest and posttest. The results reveal that mothers in the intervention group reported fewer unsupportive reactions on posttest than mothers in the comparison group. This finding shows the potential of such interventions to decrease unsupportive maternal reactions. Additionally, children in the intervention group presented more frequent somatic complaints than those in the comparison group on posttest. A potential explanation is that the mothers were more prepared to encourage their children to report negative emotions associated with bodily sensations.

Castigar, minimizar, ignorar o manifestar malestar ante la expresión de emociones negativas de los niños puede favorecer la aparición o el empeoramiento de problemas de comportamiento en la infancia. Este estudio examinó los efectos del programa de intervención Viviendo Emociones, focado en la socialización emocional de los niños, en las reacciones maternas a las emociones y en los problemas internalizantes y externalizantes de los niños. Participaron 32 madres de niños entre tres y ocho años, divididas en los grupos intervención (n = 16) y comparación (n = 16). El Viviendo Emociones se realizó en ocho sesiones y busca promover estrategias para identificar y regular las emociones negativas expresadas por los niños para que ellos amplíen su competencia emocional. En el pre-test y post-test, las madres respondieron el CCNES para reportar sus reacciones ante las expresiones emocionales de sus hijos y el CBCL para reportar problemas internalizantes y externalizantes. Los resultados revelaron que las madres en el grupo de intervención reportaron menos reacciones de no apoyo que las madres en el grupo comparación en el post-test. Ese hallazgo resalta el potencial de intervenciones de esta naturaleza para reducir las reacciones maternas de no apoyo. Adicionalmente, los niños del grupo intervención presentaron más quejas somáticas que los niños del grupo comparación en el post-test. Una explicación potencial es que las madres estaban más preparadas para alentar a los niños a reportar emociones negativas asociadas a sensaciones corporales.

Punir, minimizar, ignorar ou manifestar desconforto diante da expressão de emoções negativas dos filhos pode favorecer o surgimento ou agravamento dos problemas de comportamento na infância. Este estudo examinou os efeitos do programa de intervenção, Vivendo Emoções, com foco na socialização emocional infantil, sobre as reações maternas às emoções dos filhos e os problemas internalizantes e externalizantes das crianças. Participaram 32 mães de crianças entre três e oito anos, divididas em grupo intervenção (n = 16) e comparação (n = 16). O Vivendo Emoções foi realizado em oito sessões e busca promover estratégias para identificação e regulação das emoções negativas expressas pelos filhos de forma que a criança amplie sua competência emocional. No pré-teste e no pós-teste, as mães responderam a CCNES para informar suas reações às expressões emocionais nos filhos e o CBCL para relatar problemas internalizantes e externalizantes. Os resultados revelaram que as mães do grupo intervenção relataram menos reações não apoiadoras do que as mães do grupo comparação no pós-teste. Esse achado evidencia o potencial de intervenções dessa natureza para reduzir reações maternas não apoiadoras. Adicionalmente, as crianças do grupo intervenção apresentaram mais queixas somáticas do que as crianças do grupo comparação no pós-teste. Uma explicação potencial é que as mães estivessem mais preparadas para encorajar as crianças a relatar emoções negativas associadas a sensações corporais.

Relación de la autorregulación infantil con sensibilidad materna y contexto familiar a los 12 y 30 meses de edad / Relationship between children self-regulation, maternal sensitivity and family context at 12 and 30 months of age

La autorregulación se refiere a la capacidad del niño/a para modificar su conducta según las demandas del entorno. Esta presenta una gran influencia en el desarrollo infantil, especialmente en el ámbito social. Desde una mirada evolutiva, la autorregulación, como característica temperamental, depende de factores tanto biológicos como contextuales, donde las figuras parentales juegan un rol determinante. En el siguiente estudio se analizó la relación entre la sensibilidad de la madre cuando el niño/a tenía 12 meses y la autorregulación de este tanto a los 12 como a los 30 meses de edad, para examinar si la sensibilidad materna predice la autorregulación infantil a los 30 meses. Además se incluyeron variables del contexto familiar, como tipo de familia, tipo de hijo/a y NSE. La muestra incluyó 72 diadas madre-hijo/a, con un diseño descriptivo, longitudinal, comparativo y correlacional. Se aplicó la Escala de Sensibilidad del Adulto (E.S.A.), un cuestionario sociodemográfico y los cuestionarios de temperamento IBQ-R-VSF y ECBQ-VSF. Los resultados muestran una relación significativa entre la autorregulación de los infantes a los 12 meses, con el tipo de hijo/a que son, y la interacción entre NSE y sensibilidad de las madres. A los 30 meses, en cambio, además de la autorregulación a los 12 meses, solo resulta ser un predictor significativo el tipo de hijo/a. Se discuten las implicancias de los resultados.

Self-regulation refers to the capacity of a child to modify his or her behavior according to environmental demands. It strongly influences child's development, especially in the social sphere. From an evolutionary point of view, self-regulation, viewed as a temperamental characteristic, depends on biological and environmental factors, where the parental figures of the child play a crucial role. In the following study, an analysis of the relationship between mother's sensitivity when her child was 12 months old and the child's self-regulation at 12 months and 30 months of age was made. This was done to analyze if mother's sensitivity predicts child's self-regulation at 30 months of age. Also variables related to the family context were included, considering type of family, type of child and SES. The sample included 72 mother-child dyads, with a descriptive, longitudinal, comparative and correlational design. The Adult Sensitivity Scale, a socio-demographic questionnaire and the temperament questionnaires IBQ-R-VSF and ECBQ-VSF were used to obtain the data. The results show that there is a significant relationship between infants' self-regulation at 12 months, the type of child, and the interaction between SES and maternal sensitivity. At 30 months of age instead, additionally to the self-regulation at 12 months, only the type of child is a significant predictor. Further implications of these results are discussed

Alterations in the hypothalamic­pituitary­thyroid axis in animals submitted to early-life trauma

Introduction: Changes in maternal care can affect offspring's thyroid hormone T3 levels. Pups from highly caring mothers have higher levels of thyroid hormone T3. In humans, physical abuse in childhood is related to lower levels of T3 in adolescence. This study aimed at verifying if early-life trauma in rodents is correlated with T3 levels in adulthood. Methods: From the second day of life, litters of Wistar rats were subjected to reduced nesting material (Early­Life Stress-ELS) or standard care (Controls). In adult life, the animals were chronically exposed to standard diet or standard diet + palatable diet and plasma T3 levels were measured before and after the exposition to diet. Results: Thyroid hormone T3 levels in adult life correlated negatively with the licking and grooming (LG) scores in the ELS group. This correlation disappeared when the animals had the opportunity to choose between two diets chronically. Conclusion: The adverse environment affected maternal behavior and caused marks on the metabolism of the intervention group (T3), which were reverted by chronic palatable food consumption (AU)

Perfil epidemiológico de mães de recém-nascidos admitidos em uma unidade neonatal pública / Epidemiological profile of newborns´ mothers admitted to a public neonatal unit

Identificar o perfil epidemiológico de mães de recém-nascidos internados em uma unidade neonatal pública. Métodos: estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado com 57 mães e 58 bebês que ficaram internados na unidade neonatal. Resultados: observou-se que a maioria das mulheres tinha condições sociodemográficas desfavoráveis, apresentou intercorrências na gestação e, apesar da maior parte ter realizado o número preconizado de consultas de pré-natal, o internamento do recém-nascido em Unidade especializada leva ao questionamento da qualidade dessa assistência. Conclusão: identificou-se perfil de risco para admissão de recém-nascidos em Unidade especializada, pois a maioria das mulheres tinha condições sociodemográficas desfavoráveis e apresentou intercorrências na gestação.

Objective: to identify the epidemiological profile newborns´ mothers hospitalized in a public neonatal unit. Methods: this is a descriptive and cross-sectional study of 57 mothers and 58 infants who were admitted to the neonatal unit. Results: it was observed that most of the women had unfavorable sociodemographic conditions, had intercurrences during pregnancy and although most of them had performed the recommended number of prenatal consultations, the hospitalization of the newborn in a specialized unit leads to questioning the quality of this care. Conclusion: a risk profile for admission of newborns in a specialized unit was identified, since most of the women had unfavorable sociodemographic conditions and presented intercurrences during pregnancy.

Effects of REM sleep restriction during pregnancy on rodent maternal behavior

Objective: To evaluate the effects of sleep restriction during pregnancy on maternal care and maternal aggression in a rodent model. Methods: Twenty-three female Wistar rats were assigned to one of two groups: control (n=12) or sleep restriction (n=11) during the entire pregnancy. At the fifth postpartum day, the animals were subjected to the resident-intruder paradigm and to the pup retrieval test. Results: Sleep restriction during pregnancy had no direct effects on maternal care. Regarding aggressive behavior, defensive aggression was increased by sleep loss, with a lower responsiveness threshold to hostile environmental stimuli. Sleep deprivation during gestation also reduced self-grooming behavior. Conclusion: Taking increased self-grooming as a behavioral correlate of anxiety in rodents, this study provides evidence that lactating dams were in a condition of reduced anxiety. From an adaptive perspective, this pattern of stress response may function to ensure proper maternal behavior, thereby guaranteeing the survival and viability of the litter. Under a translational perspective, the present article confronts the importance of biological and adaptive features to rodent maternal behavior with the relevance of sociocultural factors to the human mother-infant relationship and to the onset of postpartum depression.

Dynamics of mother-pup interactions: tradeoff between environment and physiology

The emergence and maintenance of maternal behavior are under the influence of environmental cues such as light and dark periods. This article discusses the characteristic neurobiology of the behavioral patterns of lactating rats. Specifically, the hormonal basis and neurocircuits that determine whether mother rats show typical sequential patterns of behavioral responses are discussed. During lactation, rats express a sequential pattern of behavioral parameters that may be determined by hormonal variations. Sensorial signals emitted by pups, as well as environmental cues, are suggested to serve as conditioned stimuli for these animals. Finally, the expression of maternal behavior is discussed under neuroeconomic and evolutionary perspectives.

Behavioral meaningful opioidergic stimulation activates kappa receptor gene expression

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) has been reported to be a location for opioid regulation of pain and a potential site for behavioral selection in females. Opioid-mediated behavioral and physiological responses differ according to the activity of opioid receptor subtypes. The present study investigated the effects of the peripheral injection of the kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593 into the dorsal subcutaneous region of animals on maternal behavior and on Oprk1 gene activity in the PAG of female rats. Female Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g at the beginning of the study were randomly divided into 2 groups for maternal behavior and gene expression experiments. On day 5, pups were removed at 7:00 am and placed in another home cage that was distant from their mother. Thirty minutes after removing the pups, the dams were treated with U69593 (0.15 mg/kg, sc) or 0.9% saline (up to 1 mL/kg) and after 30 min were evaluated in the maternal behavior test. Latencies in seconds for pup retrieval, grouping, crouching, and full maternal behavior were scored. The results showed that U69593 administration inhibited maternal behavior (P < 0.05) because a lower percentage of kappa group dams showed retrieval of first pup, retrieving all pups, grouping, crouching and displaying full maternal behavior compared to the saline group. Opioid gene expression was evaluated using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A single injection of U69593 increased Oprk1 PAG expression in both virgin (P < 0.05) and lactating female rats (P < 0.01), with no significant effect on Oprm1 or Oprd1 gene activity. Thus, the expression of kappa-opioid receptors in the PAG may be modulated by single opioid receptor stimulation and behavioral meaningful opioidergic transmission in the adult female might occur simultaneously to specific changes in gene expression of kappa-opioid receptor subtype. This is yet another alert for the complex role of the opioid ...

Temporal and spatial resource use by female three-toed sloths and their young in an agricultural landscape in Costa Rica

The information on ecological behavior of wild sloths is very scarce. In this study we determined the home ranges and resources used by three adult female three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) and their four young in an agricultural matrix of cacao (Theobroma cacao), pasture, riparian forests and living fencerows in Costa Rica. Births occurred during November-December and the young became independent at five to seven months of age. Initially, mothers remained fixed in one or a few trees, but expanded their use of resources as young sloths became independent from them. Mothers initially guided the young to preferred food and cover resources, but they gradually left their young in small nucleus areas and colonized new areas for themselves. Home range sizes for young sloths (up to seven months of age) varied between 0.04-0.6 hectares, while home range sizes for mothers varied from 0.04-25.0 hectares. During the maternal care period, 22 tree species were used, with the most common being Cecropia obtusifolia (30.9%), Coussapoa villosa (25.6%), Nectandra salicifolia (12.1%), Pterocarpus officinalis (5.8%) and Samanea saman (5.4%). However, young sloths used only 20 tree species, with the most common being C. villosa (18.4%), S. saman (18.5 %) and N. salicifolia (16.7%). The cacao agroforest was used only by mother sloths and never by their young following separation. However, in the riparian forest, both mother sloths and young used the tree species. A total of 28 tree species were used by the mother sloth; including the food species: C. obtusifolia, C. villosa, N. salicifolia and P. officinalis. However, the young used 18 trees species in this habitat with N. salicifolia and S. saman most commonly used, although they rested and fed during the day in C. obtusifolia, C. villosa and O. sinnuata. The cacao agroforest with adjacent riparian forests and fencerows provides an important habitat type that links the smaller secondary forests and other patches. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (4): 1743-1755. Epub 2011 December 01.

La información sobre el comportamiento ecológico de los perezosos silvestre es muy escasa. Determinamos los ámbitos de acción y uso de recursos para hembras adultas de perezosos de tres dedos (Bradypus variegatus) y sus crías en una matriz agroforestal compuesta de cacao (Theobroma cacao), potreros, bosques ribereños y cercas vivas en Costa Rica. Los nacimientos de las crías se presentan frecuentemente de noviembre a diciembre y entre 5 a 7 meses las crías se vuelven independientes. Inicialmente las madres utilizan pocos árboles y van expandiendo el uso de recursos conforme las crías se van haciendo independientes de la madre. Las madres en los primeros meses guían a sus crías para seleccionar recursos y coberturas de bosque preferidos, y gradualmente se van separando de la cría hasta dejarlos en lo que fue su área núcleo. Ámbitos de acción de las crías (de hasta 7 meses o más de edad) varían entre 0.04-0.6ha, mientras que los ámbitos de acción de las madres varían 0.04-25.0ha. Durante el cuido maternal, 22 especies de árboles fueron utilizadas entre las más comunes se encuentran: Cecropia obtusifolia (30.9%), Coussapoa villosa (25.6%), Nectandra salicifolia (12.1%), Pterocarpus officinalis (5.8%) y Samanea saman (5.4%). Los jóvenes utilizaron solo 20 especies entre las más comunes C. villosa (18.4%), S. saman (18.5 %) y N. salicifolia (16.7%). El sistema agroforestal del cacao fue únicamente utilizado por la madre y no por la cría después del periodo de separación. Sin embargo, en los bosques ribereños tanto la madre como la cría utilizaron árboles como recursos. Un total de 28 especies de árboles fueron utilizados por la madre incluyendo especies para su alimentación tales como: C. obtusifolia, C. villosa, N. salicifolia y P. officinalis. Los jóvenes solo utilizaron 18 especies de árboles como N. salicifolia and S. saman entre las más frecuentes; inclusive los árboles utilizados para descanso y alimentación durante el día fueron C. obtusifolia, C. villosa y O. sinnuata. Los sistemas agroforestales de cacao adyacentes a bosques ribereños y cercas vivas proveen un importante hábitat que une pequeños parches de bosques secundarios.

Morphine infusions into the rostrolateral periaqueductal gray affect maternal behaviors

It is well established that morphine inhibits maternal behaviors. Previous studies by our group have shown activation of the rostrolateral periaqueductal gray (rlPAG) upon inhibition-intended subcutaneous injections of morphine. In this context, we demonstrated that a single naloxone infusion into the rlPAG, following this opioid-induced inhibition, reactivated maternal behaviors. Since these data were obtained by using peripheral morphine injections, the present study was designed to test whether morphine injected directly into the rlPAG would affect maternal behaviors. Our hypothesis that morphine acting through the rlPAG would disrupt maternal behaviors was confirmed with a local infusion of morphine. The mothers showed shorter latency for locomotor behavior to explore the home cage (P = 0.049). Inhibition was especially evident regarding retrieving (P = 0.002), nest building (P = 0.05) and full maternal behavior (P = 0.023). These results support the view that opioidergic transmission plays a behaviorally meaningful inhibitory role in the rostrolateral PAG.

Spawning and parental care in Hoplias malabaricus (Teleostei, Characiformes, Erythrinidae) in the Southern Pantanal, Brazil

Herein we describe spawning and egg guarding in the erythrinid fish Hoplias malabaricus observed in the southern Pantanal (19° 34' S and 57° 00' W), state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Nests were depressions built on sandy soil in flooded areas, and contained a mean of 8,197 ± 2,204 eggs (N = 4); the mean diameter of eggs was 1.44 ± 0.09 mm (N = 400). Among 11 nests observed, eight were guarded by males and three by the pair. One male remained in the nest for six days, and two pairs remained guarding the eggs for at least three days before being captured. Females (N = 2) captured in the nest contained oocytes in their ovaries. Our observations suggest that male parental care is the normal form of parental care in H. malabaricus, but biparental care also seems to occur.

Incubation and rearing-effort partitioning of wing-banded hornero Furnarius figulus (Passeriformes: Furnariidae)

Estudamos a incubação e a alimentação de ninhegos de duas ninhadas em dois ninhos de forno ocupados por Furnarius figulus na Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Durante a incubação, o número de visitas e o tempo gasto no ninho não diferiram entre os adultos. No primeiro ninho houve diferença significativa entre os membros do par reprodutor quanto ao número de visitas alimentares aos ninhegos, mas no segundo, essa diferença não ocorreu. No primeiro ninho, os ninhegos receberam artrópodes, peixes e larvas e no segundo, artrópodes, larvas e frutas. A permanência dos ninhegos nos dois ninhos foi de cerca de 23 dias.

Avaliação de riscos ao desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor em crianças: triagem utilizando-se o Teste de Denver II e identificação de fatores maternos de risco / Assessment of risk to neuro-psychomotor development: screening using the Test Denver II and identification of maternal risks

PURPOSE: To identify a positive screening test for developmental delay in children by the Denver Test II and their risk factors. METHODS: A sample of 398 children was studied at 0 the 12 months of age regarding their neurodevelopment. The Denver II Test was used. The children who failed in two or more items of the test were suspected of having neurodevelopment delay. A set of independent variables was: socioeconomic, reproductive and environmental, birth conditions children's care. Analyses were performed using chi-square test and multivariate techinique logistic regression. RESULTS: At of 0 - 12 months of age, 45,73% (182) of the total of 398 children failed in the screening test. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, failure was associated with family lower income children, gestacional age less than 38 weeks, socioeconomic status family, schooling of the mother, mother's age, use of drug. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates: 1--The Denver Test permited screening the delays development; 2--Maternal risk factors may interfere in the child's neurodevelopmental.

Mãe adolescente cuidando do filho / Adolescent mother caring for their child

Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que teve como objetivo conhecer a percepção das mães adolescentes sobre o cuidar do filho. Como trajetória metodológica, utilizamos da fenomenologia, que como um caminho, um movimento, permitiu-nos apreender a essência do fenômeno a partir dos significados emergidos dos discursos de 7 (sete) sujeitos que participaram da pesquisa. Para as adolescentes cuidar do filho significa: alimentar a criança, fazer a higiene, tratar a doença, promover o sono, dar atenção, dar carinho, promover a recreação e a educação. Estes temas de análise convergiram para 3 (três) categorias abertas: atender as necessidades biológicas da criança, atender as necessidades psíquicas da criança e atender as necessidades sociais da criança.

This is a qualitative research that had the objective of understanding the perception of adolescent mothers about their child Os care. The phenomenological approach was used to analyze data gathered from 7 mothers. To the adolescent mothers caring for their child means feeding the child, do his/her hygiene, care for his/her illness, promote rest, give attention, give love, give educational support and promote leisure. These themes converge to 3 main cathegories: attend to the biological, psychological and social necessities of the child.

A comparative analysis of the maternal behavior and infant development of golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Maternal care is very important for infant development, mainly for altricial species such as rodents. This study was carried out in order to analyze the differences between the maternal behavior and infant development in two species of rodents regarded as gregarious and solitary. Thus, the behavior of 40 lactating females (20 golden hamster and 20 albino rat mother, or GH and AR) and their litters was recorded from the 1st to the 35th day after partirition. On the 4th day, litters were culled to 4 pups (all males or all females) and animals were grouped as follows: Groups I and II (litters consisting of all-male or all-female GH pups) and Groups III and IV (litters consisting of all-male or all-female AR pups). It was noted that GH mother spent a higher mean time in bodily interactions with pups and nest-building activity. All mothers axhibited higher pup retrievals and licked their pups more frequnatly around the 15th day, but GH mother exhibited a higher mean number of pup retrievals and licked their pups less frequantly. The emergence of pup self-licking around the 15th day coincided with the abrupt decrease in the maternal licking in both GH and mother. GH gained body mass more rapidly and their mothers lost a significant amount of body weight during the lactation, in contrast to the body weight gain by AR mother during the same period: On the 20th day, GH and AR mother exhibited 88.6 percent and 110.8 percent of their body mass, respectively, suggesting that the rearing costs are higher for GH mothers. We concluded that the behavior of animals may be explained in accordance with the differences in their habitats (desert or savanna), level of gregariousness, and also the characteristics of pup development.

Mulher adolescente: sexualidade, gravidez e maternidade / Adolescent women: sexuality, pregnancy and motherhood

Analisa a saúde, a educação e as relações sociais das mães adolescentes, e mostra o mundo vivido por elas, indicando os fenômenos sociais subjacentes à maternidade na adolescência, sob o ponto de vista específico da vida cotidiana. A mulher, aqui retratada, aparece no seu contexto microssocial, em Porto Alegre, RS, a partir de 1920, período de produndas mudanças, resultantes da modernização. Essas mudanças, entretanto, são fruto da resistência, como o demonstram tantos fatos históricos na visão mundial dos acontecimentos. Vê-se, então, uma sociedade montada com o intuito de converter os sujeitos à nova ordem urbana e, para tanto, a vida privada do indivíduo atrela-se ao destino político, e a ética de convívio social burguês modela o convívio familiar. A reconstrução da atmosfera social e das mentalidades sobre a mulher e a maternidade surge mediante a análise de várias fontes e o seu conjunto oferece um expressivo testemunho desta ou daquela realidade social. A autora entrevista mulheres que vivenciaram a maternidade nas décadas de 1920 a 1940, décadas que também servem de delimitação temporal para pesquisa nos autos dos processos de crimes sexuais de Porto Alegre. Simultaneamente faz uso dos registros de Livro dos Enfermos sobre adolescentes hospitalizadas na Santa Casa de Misericórdia, de Porto Alegre de 1843 até 1929. Acompanha, também, um grupo de mulheres adolescentes de classes populares que experimentam a maternidade, registrando as múltiplas situações da vida cotidiana, na tentativa de desvelar a face oculta do social. A convivência com as adolescentes no ciclo grávido-puerperal ocorre entre agosto de 1993 e janeiro de 1995. A pesquisa envolve, aproximadamente, mil documentos entre processos jurídicos, registros de livros, registros de atividades em grupo, e entrevistas (histórias de vida), as quais confeccionam o retrato vido de mulheres reclusas, alegres, abandonadas, caladas, desejadas e indesejadas, enfim, mulheres de ontem e... de hoje, que lutam, amam, sofrem, mas falam, e que, algumas vezes, sobrepondo-se o retrato de hoje sobre o de ontem, muda apenas a paisagem. Em outras, a sobreposição revela um ser não mais santificado pela maternidade ou emudecido pela submissão, mas um ser inteiro, lúcido, cuja voz reafirma seu inconteste existir no cotidiano do trabalho, do amor, da sexualidade e da maternidade

Conocimientos alimentarios y nutricionales de madres de escolares de educación básica y media de diferentes niveles socieconómicos / Food and nutrition knowiedge of school-age children's mothers from elementary and high school

El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos alimentarios y nutricionales de madres de escolares de Educación Básica y Media, de la Region Metropolitana de Chile y determinar el impacto relativo que ejercen sobre dichos conocimientos, variables socieconómicas, socioculturales y demográficas. Se seleccionó una muestra representativa y proporcional de 4.509 escolares de la Región Metropolitana de Chile, de los cuales a 1985 de sus madres (44 por ciento de la muestra), fue posible determinarles el nivel de conocimientos alimentarios y nutricionales. La muestra fue estratificada de acuerdo al curso (I, II, IV, VI, VIII año básico y I y IV año medio), sexo, área geográfica y tipo de colegio. El nivel socieconómico (NSE) se determinó mediante el Método de Graffar Modificado. El nivel de conocimientos alimentarios y nutricionales se evaluó mediante un test basado en los objetivos específicos comtemplados en los programas de estudio del Ministerio de Educación, para la Educación Básica, ya que el nivel de escolaridad promedio de las madres fue de 9,7 ñ 4,0 años, el cual fue sometido a adecuadas pruebas estadísticas, para su validez y fiabilidad. El estudio en terreno se efectuó el período 1986-1987. El análisis estadístico de los datos incluyó análisis de varianza, test de la "t" de Student, para comparación de medias, correlación y regresión múltiple stepwise. Los resultados mostraron que las madres manifestaron desconocimientos en el campo de la alimentación y nutrición, en aspectos fundamentales para mantener un estilo de vida saludable, tanto de ella, como de su familia. El nivel de conocimientos alimentarios y nutricionales correlacionó directa y significativamente con el NSE, nivel de escolaridad y de ocupación de la madre, calidad y saneamiento básico de la vivienda y edad, e inversa y significativamente con el número de hijos y hacinamiento, además de ser significativamente superior en las madres del área urbana, en comparación con las del área rural. El nivel de escolaridad de la madre y el área geográfica fueron las variables independientes con el mayor poder explicatorio en la varianza de los conocimientos (r=0,1723), en donde el nivel de escolaridad de la madre explica el 93,2 por ciento de la varianza explicada. Los resultados indican que es necesario implementar programas de educación en nutrición, en el curriculum escolar, focalizados a la madre y al educando, para mejorar la calidad de vida de la población