The short-form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12): Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version in young Peruvian students.

BACKGROUND: Cyberchondria is defined as the increase in health-related anxiety or anguish associated with excessive or repeated online searches for health-related information. Our objective was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the CSS-12 scale for Peruvian Spanish speakers, to determine whether the Bifactor model works as well in our population as in previous studies' and to explore whether the Bifactor-ESEM is a more suitable model. METHODS: We performed a cultural adaptation using the Delphi method and a validation study on medical students between 2018 and 2019. Reliability was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (Ω) for internal consistency, and Pearson's r and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), for test-retest reliability. We evaluated construct validity by contrasting four measurement models for the CSS-12 and the convergent validity against health anxiety. RESULTS: The Spanish CSS-12 showed excellent reliability (α = .93; Ω = .93; ICC = .93; r = .96). The Bifactor ESEM model showed the best fit, supporting a unidimensional measure of the general cyberchondria. This measure was positively associated with health anxiety (r = .51). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish CSS-12 provides a valid and reliable unidimensional measure of cyberchondria, which is distinguishable from the more general health anxiety. This can be applied to similar populations and future research. The Bifactor-ESEM model appears to offer a more accurate and realistic representation of the multifaceted nature of cyberchondria. We provide a free-to-use form of the Spanish CSS-12 as supplemental material.

Risk factors for intensive care unit admission or mortality in adults hospitalized for COVID-19 at high altitude. / Factores de riesgo de ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos o mortalidad en adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en altura.

OBJECTIVE.: To determine the risk factors for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a hospital in Puno, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Retrospective cohort study in adults hospitalized between April and December 2020. We evaluated Sociodemographic characteristics, vital functions, comorbidities, treatment received and its association with admission to ICU or mortality (adverse outcome). Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS.: A total of 348 medical records were analyzed. The median age in years was 42.5 (IQR: 30.0; 58.0); 38.2% were male, and 35.3% died or were admitted to the ICU. Those admitted with an oxygen saturation ≤ 75% were 2.79 times more likely to have the adverse outcome (p < 0.001), compared to those admitted with a saturation ≥ 85%; those admitted with a value between 75-79% were 2.92 times more likely to have the adverse outcome (p < 0.001); likewise, those admitted with saturation between 80-84% were 1.70 times more likely to have the adverse outcome; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.066). In addition, male patients, RR= 1.75 (p<0.001); those aged > 40 years, RR 3.5 (p=0.001); those with tachypnea, RR=1.66 (p=0.010); or with diabetes, RR = 1.53 (p=0.011) had higher risk of presenting the adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS.: The risk factors for ICU admission or mortality due to COVID-19 were male sex, age over 40 years, low saturation, diabetes and tachypnea.

OBJETIVO.: Determinar los factores de riesgo de ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) o mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en un hospital de Puno, Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en adultos hospitalizados entre abril y diciembre del 2020. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, funciones vitales, comorbilidades, tratamiento recibido y su asociación con el ingreso a UCI o mortalidad (desenlace adverso). Se utilizó regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para calcular riesgos relativos (RR) crudos y ajustados con sus intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS.: Se analizaron 348 historias clínicas. La mediana de edad en años fue 42,5 (RIC: 30,0; 58,0); el 38,2% fueron varones, y el 35,3% falleció o ingresó a UCI. Los que ingresaron con una saturación de oxígeno ≤ 75%, tuvieron 2,79 veces la probabilidad de tener el desenlace adverso (p < 0,001), en comparación con los que ingresaron con una saturación ≥ 85%; los que ingresaron con un valor entre 75-79% tuvieron 2,92 veces la probabilidad de tener el desenlace adverso (p < 0,001); asimismo, los que ingresaron con saturación entre 80-84% tuvieron 1,70 veces la probabilidad de presentar el desenlace adverso; sin embargo la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p=0,066). Además, hubo mayor riesgo de desenlace adverso en pacientes de sexo masculino RR= 1,75 (p<0,001), edad > 40 años RR 3,5 (p=0,001), taquipnea RR=1,66 (p=0,010), o con diabetes, RR = 1,53 (p=0,011). CONCLUSIONES: . Los factores de riesgo para ingresar a UCI o mortalidad por COVID-19 fueron el sexo masculino, edad mayor de 40 años, saturación baja, diabetes y taquipnea.

Comparative changes in emergency department patient attendance at the pediatric emergency hospital during the first wave between 2019 and 2020. / Cambios comparativos en la asistencia de pacientes al servicio de emergencia durante la primera ola en el Hospital de Emergencias Pediátricas entre el 2019 y 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the pattern of patient attendance at healthcare facilities. We describe the comparative changes in the attendance of pediatric patients at the Emergency Department of the Pediatric Emergency Hospital of Lima, Peru, between epidemiological weeks 10 to 48 of 2019 and 2020. Sociodemographic data, patient condition, type of insurance and diagnosis grouped according to ICD-10 code were analyzed. We found a 48.2% reduction in the number of visits in 2020 when compared to 2019, and a five-fold increase in the number of visits from localities other than Metropolitan Lima. Likewise, the probability of diagnosis of "infectious and parasitic diseases" increased by 27% and the probability of diagnosis of "diseases of the respiratory system" decreased by 61%.

La pandemia de la COVID-19 cambió el patrón de asistencia de los pacientes a los centros de salud. Se describen los cambios comparativos en la asistencia de pacientes pediátricos que acudieron al servicio de Emergencia del Hospital de emergencias Pediátricas de Lima, Perú, entre las semanas epidemiológicas 10 a 48 del 2019 y 2020. Se analizaron datos sociodemográficos, condición del paciente, tipo de seguro y diagnóstico agrupado según código CIE-10. Se encontró una reducción del 48,2% en el número de atenciones en el 2020 con respecto al 2019 y un aumento de cinco veces el número de atenciones procedentes de localidades diferentes de Lima Metropolitana. Asimismo, se encontró un aumento del 27% en la probabilidad del diagnóstico de «enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias¼ y una disminución del 61% en la probabilidad de diagnóstico de «enfermedades del sistema respiratorio¼.

Biochemical failure and toxicity in treatment with brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy compared with radical prostatectomy in localized prostate cancer.

Background: Localized prostate cancer (T1-3N0M0) has therapeutic options such as radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT). However, the evidence of the outcome of these treatments is limited and no studies have been conducted comparing biochemical failure (BF) and toxicity associated with surgical treatment and EBRT + high-dose brachytherapy (HDBT) in the region. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study, clinical records of patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2014 and 2018 were reviewed at one of the main private neoplasm centers in Lima, Peru; Cox regression was used for both the BF outcome and the grade 2 toxicity outcome, calculating the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confodence interval (CI). Results: Of 549 patients, 76.3% (419) received RP as primary treatment, and 72% were between 50 and 70 years old at the time of diagnosis. The patients treated with EBRT + HDBT presented worse characteristics. The EBRT + HDBT group had a 40% lower risk of presenting BF (HR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), and also a 50% greater risk of presenting toxicity greater than or equal to grade 2 (HR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.0) than the group treated with RP. Conclusion: Our results show that when comparing patients treated with EBRT + HDBT and RP, BF was greater in RP, and post-treatment toxicity was greater in EBRT + HDBT.

Cambios comparativos en la asistencia de pacientes al servicio de emergencia durante la primera ola en el Hospital de Emergencias Pediátricas entre el 2019 y 2020 / Comparative changes in emergency department patient attendance at the pediatric emergency hospital during the first wave between 2019 and 2020

RESUMEN La pandemia de la COVID-19 cambió el patrón de asistencia de los pacientes a los centros de salud. Se describen los cambios comparativos en la asistencia de pacientes pediátricos que acudieron al servicio de Emergencia del Hospital de emergencias Pediátricas de Lima, Perú, entre las semanas epidemiológicas 10 a 48 del 2019 y 2020. Se analizaron datos sociodemográficos, condición del paciente, tipo de seguro y diagnóstico agrupado según código CIE-10. Se encontró una reducción del 48,2% en el número de atenciones en el 2020 con respecto al 2019 y un aumento de cinco veces el número de atenciones procedentes de localidades diferentes de Lima Metropolitana. Asimismo, se encontró un aumento del 27% en la probabilidad del diagnóstico de «enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias¼ y una disminución del 61% en la probabilidad de diagnóstico de «enfermedades del sistema respiratorio¼.

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic changed the pattern of patient attendance at healthcare facilities. We describe the comparative changes in the attendance of pediatric patients at the Emergency Department of the Pediatric Emergency Hospital of Lima, Peru, between epidemiological weeks 10 to 48 of 2019 and 2020. Sociodemographic data, patient condition, type of insurance and diagnosis grouped according to ICD-10 code were analyzed. We found a 48.2% reduction in the number of visits in 2020 when compared to 2019, and a five-fold increase in the number of visits from localities other than Metropolitan Lima. Likewise, the probability of diagnosis of "infectious and parasitic diseases" increased by 27% and the probability of diagnosis of "diseases of the respiratory system" decreased by 61%.

Factors associated with health anxiety in medical students at a private university in Lima, Peru.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies that examine the factors associated with the different levels of health anxiety in medical students. The objective was to determine the factors associated with the levels of health anxiety in medical students in 2018. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 657 medical students from a private Peruvian university. Participants answered a questionnaire from which information was collected regarding levels of health anxiety (SHAI). For the analysis, linear regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted betas, and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mean health anxiety score was 14 ±â€¯6.7. An association between health anxiety and the year of study is reported, with the second year showing the highest scores. In addition, an association between health anxiety and smoking is highlighted, as there are higher levels in occasional smokers, as well as a weak inverse correlation with age. No association was found with sex, place of birth, or having a first-degree relative that is a doctor or health worker. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that age, year of studies and smoking are associated with health anxiety levels. More studies are required, especially of a longitudinal nature.

Factores asociados con la ansiedad por la salud en estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad privada en Lima, Perú / Factors Associated with Health Anxiety in Medical Students at a Private University in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Introducción: Existen pocos estudios que examinen los factores asociados con los distintos niveles ansiedad por la salud en los estudiantes de Medicina. El objetivo es determinar los factores asociados con los niveles de ansiedad por la salud en estudiantes de Medicina en el ario 2018. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico con 657 estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad privada peruana. Los participantes respondieron a un cuestionario donde se recopiló la información respecto a los niveles de ansiedad por la salud (SHAI). Para el análisis se empleó la regresión lineal para calcular los betas, brutos y ajustados, y sus intervalos de confianza del 95%. Resultados: El promedio de la puntuación de ansiedad por la salud fue de 14 ± 6,7. Se reporta una asociación entre la ansiedad por la salud y el año de estudio, y el segundo año es el que revela puntuaciones más altas. Además, pone de manifiesto la asociación entre la ansiedad por la salud y el consumo de tabaco, pues hay niveles más altos en los fumadores ocasionales, así como una débil correlación inversa con la edad. No se revela asociación con el sexo, el lugar de nacimiento, tener un familiar de primer grado médico o un familiar de primer grado personal saiario. Conclusiones: El presente estudio evidenció que la edad, el año de estudios y el consumo de tabaco se asocian con los niveles de ansiedad por la salud. Se requieren más estudios, especialmente de naturaleza longitudinal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: There are few studies that examine the factors associated with the different levels of health anxiety in medical students. The objective was to determine the factors associated with the levels of health anxiety in medical students in 2018. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 657 medical students from a private Peruvian university. Participants answered a questionnaire from which information was collected regarding levels of health anxiety (SHAI). For the analysis, linear regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted betas, and their 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean health anxiety score was 14 ± 6.7. An association between health anxiety and the year of study is reported, with the second year showing the highest scores. In addition, an association between health anxiety and smoking is highlighted, as there are higher levels in occasional smokers, as well as a weak inverse correlation with age. No association was found with sex, place of birth, or having a first-degree relative that is a doctor or health worker. Conclusions: The present study showed that age, year of studies and smoking are associated with health anxiety levels. More studies are required, especially of a longitudinal nature.

Factores de riesgo de ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos o mortalidad en adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en altura / Risk factors for intensive care unit admission or mortality in adults hospitalized for COVID-19 at high altitude

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo de ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) o mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en un hospital de Puno, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en adultos hospitalizados entre abril y diciembre del 2020. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, funciones vitales, comorbilidades, tratamiento recibido y su asociación con el ingreso a UCI o mortalidad (desenlace adverso). Se utilizó regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para calcular riesgos relativos (RR) crudos y ajustados con sus intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). Resultados. Se analizaron 348 historias clínicas. La mediana de edad en años fue 42,5 (RIC: 30,0; 58,0); el 38,2% fueron varones, y el 35,3% falleció o ingresó a UCI. Los que ingresaron con una saturación de oxígeno ≤ 75%, tuvieron 2,79 veces la probabilidad de tener el desenlace adverso (p < 0,001), en comparación con los que ingresaron con una saturación ≥ 85%; los que ingresaron con un valor entre 75-79% tuvieron 2,92 veces la probabilidad de tener el desenlace adverso (p < 0,001); asimismo, los que ingresaron con saturación entre 80-84% tuvieron 1,70 veces la probabilidad de presentar el desenlace adverso; sin embargo la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p=0,066). Además, hubo mayor riesgo de desenlace adverso en pacientes de sexo masculino RR= 1,75 (p<0,001), edad > 40 años RR 3,5 (p=0,001), taquipnea RR=1,66 (p=0,010), o con diabetes, RR = 1,53 (p=0,011). Conclusiones . Los factores de riesgo para ingresar a UCI o mortalidad por COVID-19 fueron el sexo masculino, edad mayor de 40 años, saturación baja, diabetes y taquipnea.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the risk factors for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a hospital in Puno, Peru. Materials and methods. Retrospective cohort study in adults hospitalized between April and December 2020. We evaluated Sociodemographic characteristics, vital functions, comorbidities, treatment received and its association with admission to ICU or mortality (adverse outcome). Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate crude and adjusted relative risks (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results. A total of 348 medical records were analyzed. The median age in years was 42.5 (IQR: 30.0; 58.0); 38.2% were male, and 35.3% died or were admitted to the ICU. Those admitted with an oxygen saturation ≤ 75% were 2.79 times more likely to have the adverse outcome (p < 0.001), compared to those admitted with a saturation ≥ 85%; those admitted with a value between 75-79% were 2.92 times more likely to have the adverse outcome (p < 0.001); likewise, those admitted with saturation between 80-84% were 1.70 times more likely to have the adverse outcome; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.066). In addition, male patients, RR= 1.75 (p<0.001); those aged > 40 years, RR 3.5 (p=0.001); those with tachypnea, RR=1.66 (p=0.010); or with diabetes, RR = 1.53 (p=0.011) had higher risk of presenting the adverse outcome. Conclusions. The risk factors for ICU admission or mortality due to COVID-19 were male sex, age over 40 years, low saturation, diabetes and tachypnea.

Factors Associated with Health Anxiety in Medical Students at a Private University in Lima, Peru. / Factores asociados con la ansiedad por la salud en estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad privada en Lima, Perú.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies that examine the factors associated with the different levels of health anxiety in medical students. The objective was to determine the factors associated with the levels of health anxiety in medical students in 2018. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 657 medical students from a private Peruvian university. Participants answered a questionnaire from which information was collected regarding levels of health anxiety (SHAI). For the analysis, linear regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted betas, and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mean health anxiety score was 14±6.7. An association between health anxiety and the year of study is reported, with the second year showing the highest scores. In addition, an association between health anxiety and smoking is highlighted, as there are higher levels in occasional smokers, as well as a weak inverse correlation with age. No association was found with sex, place of birth, or having a first-degree relative that is a doctor or health worker. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that age, year of studies and smoking are associated with health anxiety levels. More studies are required, especially of a longitudinal nature.

Evaluation of a Spanish language version of the Asthma Trigger Inventory.

Background: Perceptions of asthma triggers provide important guidance for patients' disease management. A psychometrically valid instrument, the Asthma Trigger Inventory (ATI), is available in English and German language versions, however, a version in Spanish as major world language has been missing.Method: A Spanish-language version of the ATI was evaluated in 339 adult patients with asthma, 223 of these in Peru and 107 in the USA. Principal Component analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation was used to identify coherent trigger domains across and within samples. Resulting subscales were evaluated for internal consistency.Results: PCA suggested differences in factor structures between sites. Whereas the USA sample largely replicated original factors for animal allergens, pollen allergens, physical activity, air pollution/irritants, infections, and psychology, the initial analysis of the Peru sample suggested substantial overlap of air pollution/irritant, infection, and allergen items. Subsequent analysis of an expanded research form of the ATI for the Peru site culminated in extraction of five factors related to psychology, climate/temperature, combined pollen and animal allergens, physical activity, and infection. Internal consistencies were in an acceptable to excellent range (α = 0.74 to 0.94). Additional free trigger responses confirmed the importance of climate variables for patients in Peru. Psychological triggers were reported by 26% (Peru) and 31% (USA) of patients.Conclusion: Coherent trigger domains are readily identified and measured reliably by a Spanish-language ATI version. However, factor structures vary between samples from different Hispanic/Latino cultural and geographic domains. Culturally adapted versions of this instrument are therefore required for Hispanic/Latino population studies.

Association between Maternal Depressive Symptoms with Overweight/Obesity among Children Aged 0-5 Years According to the 2016 Demographic and Family Health Survey.

Background: Overweight and obesity among children under the age of 5 have become a public health problem. The worldwide prevalence is 4.9% and 6.0%, whereas in Peru it is 7.4% and 1.9%, respectively. The causes of these problems are multifactorial and must be studied to prevent the multiple consequences on children's health. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Family Health Survey (DHS). The sample size was 7935 children and their mothers. The dependent variable was childhood overweight/obesity, measured according to the Z-score of the BMI >2 standard deviation (SD), while the main independent variable consisted of the maternal depressive symptoms (DS) (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score >10 points). The software STATA/MP 14.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among children aged 0-5 years was 4.5% and the prevalence of moderate and severe maternal DS was 7.1%. No maternal depressive symptoms were found to be associated with the outcome [adjusted PR = 1.36 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59-3.09 p = 0.47]. An association was found between socioeconomic status (SES) Q3 (adjusted PR = 3.86 95% CI = 1.9-7.6 p < 0.0001), Q4 (adjusted PR = 5.53 95% CI = 2.76-11.1 p < 0.0001), Q5 (adjusted PR = 6.9 95% CI = 3.24-14.7 p = < 0.0001), maternal BMI (adjusted PR = 1.06 95% CI = 1.03-1.08 p < 0.0001), and cesarean delivery (adjusted PR = 1.42 95% CI = 1.01-1.99 p = 0.042). Conclusions: No association was found between maternal depressive symptoms and overweight/obesity among children aged 0-5 years. The upper SES quintiles, maternal BMI, and cesarean delivery were associated with the outcome.

Association between perceived discrimination and healthcare-seeking behavior in people with a disability.

BACKGROUND: Experiences of discrimination lead people from vulnerable groups to avoid medical healthcare. It is yet to be known if such experiences affect people with disabilities (PWD) in the same manner. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between perceived discrimination and healthcare-seeking behavior in people with disabilities and to explore differences of this association across disability types. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with data from a national survey of people with disabilities. Perceived discrimination and care-seeking behavior were measured as self-reports from the survey. Dependence for daily life activities, possession of health insurance, and other disability-related variables were included and considered as confounders. We used Poisson regression models and techniques for multistage sampling in the analyses. A stratified analysis was used to explore effects of discrimination across types of disability. RESULTS: Most of PWD were 65 years or older (67.1%). Prevalence of healthcare seeking was 78.8% in those who perceived discrimination, and 86.1% in those who did not. After adjusting for potential confounders, the probability of not seeking care was higher in people who reported perceived discrimination (adjusted PR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.04-1.28). In a stratified analysis, significant effects of discrimination were found in people with communication disability (adjusted PR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.07-1.67) and with physical disability (adjusted PR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.03-1.34). CONCLUSIONS: People with disabilities who perceive discrimination are less likely to seek healthcare. This association was higher for people with communication and physical disabilities. These results provide evidence to institutions who attempt to tackle discrimination.

Sobre condiciones de aplicación de regresión logística / About conditions of application of logistic regression

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Association between body image dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms in adolescents

Objective: To determine the association between body image dissatisfaction (BID) and depressive symptoms in adolescents from a school in Lima, Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed through a census of 875 high-school students, aged 13 to 17 years, from a school in Lima. Participants completed a survey containing the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data regarding demographics, alcohol and tobacco use, self-esteem, and family history of depression were also obtained. To identify associated factors, Poisson regression with robust variance was used. Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Of the 875 adolescents, 55.8% were male. The mean age was 14.1±1.5 years. Depressive symptoms were observed in 19.9% of participants. An association between BID and depressive symptoms was found. Alcohol and tobacco use were also associated with the outcome of interest. Conclusions: Teens who had BID were 3.7 times more likely to report depressive symptoms. Additionally, those who used tobacco or alcohol were 1.5 and 1.4 times more likely to have depressive symptoms, respectively. Further studies targeting other populations and using longitudinal designs are recommended.

Association between body image dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between body image dissatisfaction (BID) and depressive symptoms in adolescents from a school in Lima, Peru. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed through a census of 875 high-school students, aged 13 to 17 years, from a school in Lima. Participants completed a survey containing the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data regarding demographics, alcohol and tobacco use, self-esteem, and family history of depression were also obtained. To identify associated factors, Poisson regression with robust variance was used. Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 875 adolescents, 55.8% were male. The mean age was 14.1±1.5 years. Depressive symptoms were observed in 19.9% of participants. An association between BID and depressive symptoms was found. Alcohol and tobacco use were also associated with the outcome of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Teens who had BID were 3.7 times more likely to report depressive symptoms. Additionally, those who used tobacco or alcohol were 1.5 and 1.4 times more likely to have depressive symptoms, respectively. Further studies targeting other populations and using longitudinal designs are recommended.

Smoking and heavy drinking patterns in rural, urban and rural-to-urban migrants: the PERU MIGRANT Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found mixed results about cigarette and alcohol consumption patterns among rural-to-urban migrants. Moreover, there are limited longitudinal data about consumption patterns in this population. As such, this study aimed to compare the smoking and heavy drinking prevalence among rural, urban, and rural-to-urban migrants in Peru, as well as the smoking and heavy drinking incidence in a 5-year follow-up. METHODS: We analyzed the PERU MIGRANT Study data from rural, urban, and rural-to-urban migrant populations in Peru. The baseline study was carried out in 2006-2007 and follow-up was performed five years later. For the baseline data analysis, the prevalence of lifetime smoking, current smokers, and heavy drinking was compared by population group using prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). For the longitudinal analysis, the incidence of smoking and heavy drinking was compared by population group with risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate both PRs and RRs. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 988 participants: 200 rural dwellers, 589 migrants, and 199 urban dwellers. Compared with migrants, lifetime smoking prevalence was higher in the urban group (PR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.64-3.20), but lower in the rural group (PR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.31-0.99). Compared with migrants, the urban group had a higher current smoking prevalence (PR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.26-4.16), and a higher smoking incidence (RR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.03-7.34). Current smoking prevalence and smoking incidence showed no significant difference between rural and migrant groups. The prevalence and incidence of heavy drinking was similar across the three population groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a trend in lifetime smoking prevalence (urban > migrant > rural), while smoking incidence was similar between migrant and rural groups, but higher in the urban group. In addition, our results suggest that different definitions of smoking status could lead to different smoking rates and potentially different measures of association. The prevalence and incidence of heavy drinking were similar between the three population groups.

Plagiarism, Cheating and Research Integrity: Case Studies from a Masters Program in Peru.

Plagiarism is a serious, yet widespread type of research misconduct, and is often neglected in developing countries. Despite its far-reaching implications, plagiarism is poorly acknowledged and discussed in the academic setting, and insufficient evidence exists in Latin America and developing countries to inform the development of preventive strategies. In this context, we present a longitudinal case study of seven instances of plagiarism and cheating arising in four consecutive classes (2011-2014) of an Epidemiology Masters program in Lima, Peru, and describes the implementation and outcomes of a multifaceted, "zero-tolerance" policy aimed at introducing research integrity. Two cases involved cheating in graded assignments, and five cases correspond to plagiarism in the thesis protocol. Cases revealed poor awareness of high tolerance to plagiarism, poor academic performance, and widespread writing deficiencies, compensated with patchwriting and copy-pasting. Depending on the events' severity, penalties included course failure (6/7) and separation from the program (3/7). Students at fault did not engage in further plagiarism. Between 2011 and 2013, the Masters program sequentially introduced a preventive policy consisting of: (i) intensified research integrity and scientific writing education, (ii) a stepwise, cumulative writing process; (iii) honor codes; (iv) active search for plagiarism in all academic products; and (v) a "zero-tolerance" policy in response to documented cases. No cases were detected in 2014. In conclusion, plagiarism seems to be widespread in resource-limited settings and a greater response with educational and zero-tolerance components is needed to prevent it.

Risk Factors for premature birth in a hospital.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the risk factors for premature birth. METHODS: retrospective case-control study of 600 pregnant women assisted in a hospital, with 298 pregnant women in the case group (who gave birth prematurely <37 weeks) and 302 pregnant women who gave birth to a full-term newborn in the control group. Stata software version 12.2 was used. The Chi-square test was used in bivariate analysis and logistic regression was used in multivariate analysis, from which Odds Ratios (OR) and Confidence Intervals (CI) of 95% were derived. RESULTS: risk factors associated with premature birth were current twin pregnancy (adjusted OR= 2.4; p= 0.02), inadequate prenatal care (< 6 controls) (adjusted OR= 3.2; p <0.001), absent prenatal care (adjusted OR= 3.0; p <0.001), history of premature birth (adjusted OR= 3.7; p <0.001) and preeclampsia (adjusted OR= 1.9; p= 0.005). CONCLUSION: history of premature birth, preeclampsia, not receiving prenatal care and receiving inadequate prenatal care were risk factors for premature birth.