[Tobacco consumption in the population insured by Mexican Institute of Social Security]. / Consumo de tabaco en la población derechohabiente del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tobacco consumption among the active insured population of the Mexican Social Security Institute. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study in which the active insured population from the 36 political delegations was interviewed by means of a structured and self-applicable questionnaire on tobacco consumption, age of initiation, amount of cigarettes consumed and suspension. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 45 117 subjects, of which approximately half were men and half women. Smoking prevalence in men was 40% and in women, 17.6%. Prevalence was highest in the north of the country. There is an effect of age on tobacco consumption and more than half started smoking during adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking prevalence was found to be high, however, the average number of cigarettes is low. Suspension index is low. Public health measures are necessary to diminish this addiction.

[Epidemiologic aspects of the aged at the Mexican Institute of Social Security]. / Aspectos epidemiológicos del adulto mayor en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to present dynamic changes within the population over 65 years of age who are covered by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (MISS), through morbidity and mortality analysis, during the last 6 and 10 years respectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on data from the Epidemiologic Bulletins from 1990 to 1995 and from 1985 to 1994, the morbidity and mortality rates, respectively, were calculated for the Mexican population over 65 who are covered by the MISS. Incidence of diseases was used as a measure of occurrence and the ratio of morbidity and mortality rates was calculated as the measure of effect. RESULTS: An epidemiological transition exists, with a tendency towards aging among this population. In terms of morbidity, infectious and chronic diseases coexist; as for mortality, chronic-degenerative diseases predominate. CONCLUSIONS: This represents a challenge for health care within institutional services, as this population group begins to compete with other priority groups and emergency needs. Epidemiological surveillance and research is essential to support decision-making.

[The need, supply and demand for epidemiological research personnel in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social]. / Necesidades, oferta y demanda de personal en investigación epidemiológica en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

In 1991 the Directorate of Public Health was created at the Mexican Institute for Social Security, with its epidemiologic activities oriented towards surveillance and research. This new vision, as well as the epidemiologic transition in Mexico, have raised the need for researchers training. In 1988 the Specialization Course in Public Health was developed as a response to the detected needs. This course was reformed three years later in duration, depth and name (Epidemiology instead of Public Health). The requirement of a thesis has led to the development of epidemiologic and health services research. Two diplomates in epidemiology and immunology and microbiology were also developed as a response to the need of actualization due to the advances in epidemiologic methodology in the past decades. A demand for actualization and continuous education has been expressed by the epidemiologists through a survey. The Directorate has also proposed priority themes for research in order to guide the requirements of research raised by the epidemiologist already trained at the Institute.