Somatic and Depressive Symptoms Among Children From Latin America and the English-Speaking Caribbean.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which depression is associated with somatic complaints in children from the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America is not well established. OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore the association between depressive and somatic symptoms among children from the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America, while accounting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, cultural background, and anxiety score. METHOD: 1541 elementary school children, ages 9-12 years, from the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America completed the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ARDS), the Numeric 0-10 Anxiety Self-Report Scale and the Children's Somatic Symptom Inventory-24 (CSSI-24). T-tests and ANOVA's were used to compare CSSI-24 and ARDS scores among countries, and the CSSI-24 scores of children with (ARDS ≥ 4) and without likely clinically significant depression. Regression analyses assessed possible predictors of CSSI-24 score. RESULTS: Depressive and somatic symptom scores were highest among the Jamaican children and lowest among the Colombian children (p < .001). Children with likely clinically significant depression exhibited higher mean somatic symptom scores (p < .001). Depressive symptom scores predicted somatic symptom scores (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms were a strong predictor of reporting somatic symptoms. Knowledge of this association may facilitate better recognition of depression among youth.

The Validation of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression 6-Item Scale in a Sample of Colombian Preadolescents and Adolescents.

Against the background of a lack of screening instruments for measuring depressive symptoms in Colombian adolescents and preadolescents, this study aims to establish the internal consistency reliability, component structure and the concurrent and discriminant validity of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Six-Item Scale (KADS-6) among preadolescent school students in Sincelejo, Colombia. Participated 710 youth (10.8 years of age ± .75 years) divided into two groups to cross-validate analyses that were undertaken to determine the internal consistency reliability, as well as the concurrent and discriminant validity, of the KADS-6 among preadolescents. Results show that over 95% of the sample did not report problems understanding any of the items on the KADS-6. The KADS-6 had acceptable levels of internal consistency reliability, concurrent and discriminant validity and was unidimensional. In conclusion, The KADS-6 is well understood by Colombian preadolescents and has adequate psychometric properties in adolescents, rendering it acceptable for use with Colombian preadolescents.

Association Between Suicidal Behaviour and Cannabis and Tranquilizer use, Depression, Aggression and Other Borderline Personality Traits Among Students in Sincelejo, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: This objective of this study is to examine the association between suicidal behaviour and substance use, depression, aggressiveness and borderline personality traits among adolescents from Sincelejo, a rural city in the north of Colombia. METHODS: This cross sectional study included 352 participants selected by purposive sampling, from a public and a private school located in Sincelejo, Sucre district, in the north of Colombia. Students ages ranged from 12 to 18 years old (mean, 15.09±1.82). The participants completed three screening tools: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a screening instrument to collect information related to the frequency of use of some substances, such as tobacco and cannabis, and a self-report inventory to assess various personality and psychopathology domains. A series of t-tests, ANOVA and linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Physical aggression (t=7.74; p <0.01), cognitive depression (t=5.03; p <0.01), affective depression (t=8.24; p <0.01), affective instability (t=3.46; p <0.01), few social relationships (t=3.36; p <0.01), self-harm (t=3.45; p<.01), cannabis and tranquilizer use (t=2.83; p <0.05; and t=2.37; p <0.05) had a significant independent relationship with suicidal behaviour. Aggression (t=2.59; p <0.05), components of depression (t=9.03; p <0.01) and borderline personality traits (t=4.12; p <0.01) also predicted suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: More longitudinal studies are needed in this area to identify the causal relations between the factors studied and the suicidal behaviour of young people in Sincelejo.

Association Between Suicidal Behaviour and Cannabis and Tranquilizer use, Depression, Aggression and Other Borderline Personality Traits Among Students in Sincelejo, Colombia

Objective: This objective of this study is to examine the association between suicidal behaviour and substance use, depression, aggressiveness and borderline personality traits among adolescents from Sincelejo, a rural city in the north of Colombia. Methods: This cross sectional study included 352 participants selected by purposive sampling, from a public and a private school located in Sincelejo, Sucre district, in the north of Colombia. Students ages ranged from 12 to 18 years old (mean, 15.09 ± 1.82). The participants completed three screening tools: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a screening instrument to collect information related to the frequency of use of some substances, such as tobacco and cannabis, and a self-report inventory to assess various personality and psychopathology domains. A series of t-tests, ANOVA and linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: Physical aggression (t = 7.74; p < 0.01), cognitive depression (t = 5.03; p < 0.01), affective depression (t = 8.24; p <0.01), affective instability (t = 3.46; p <0.01), few social relationships (t = 3.36; p < 0.01), self-harm (t = 3.45; p< .01), cannabis and tranquilizer use (t = 2.83; p < 0.05; and t = 2.37; p <0.05) had a significant independent relationship with suicidal behaviour. Aggression (t = 2.59; p <0.05), components of depression (t = 9.03; p <0.01) and borderline personality traits (t = 4.12; p <0.01) also predicted suicidal behaviour. Conclusions: More longitudinal studies are needed in this area to identify the causal relations between the factors studied and the suicidal behaviour of young people in Sincelejo.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es examinar la asociación del comportamiento suicida con el consumo de sustancias, síntomas depresivos, agresividad y rasgos de personalidad límite en adolescentes de Sincelejo (Sucre), una ciudad rural del norte de Colombia. Métodos: Este estudio transversal incluyó a 352 participantes seleccionados por muestreo intencional de una escuela pública y privada ubicada en Sincelejo, distrito de Sucre, en el norte de Colombia. Las edades de los estudiantes oscilaron entre los 12 y los 18 anos (media, 15,09 ± 1,82). Los participantes completaron 3 instrumentos de cribado: uno de datos sociodemográficos, uno sobre consumo de algunas sustancias, tales como tabaco y cannabis, y su frecuencia y un instrumento de autoinforme para evaluar varios dominios de la personalidad y algunas psicopatologías. Se realizaron una serie de pruebas de la t, ANOVA y análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados: La agresión física (t = 7,74; p <0,01), el componente cognitivo de la depresión (t = 5,03; p <0,01), el componente afectivo de la depresión (t = 8,24; p <0,01), la inestabilidad afectiva (t = 3,46, p < 0,01), las pocas relaciones sociales (t = 3,36, p < 0,01), las autolesiones (p <0,01; t = 3,45, p <0,01), el cannabis (t = 2,83; p <0,05) y la toma de tranquilizantes (t = 2,37; p <0,05), se asociaron con el comportamiento suicida. La agresión (t = 2,59; p <0,05), los componentes de la depresión (t = 9,03; p <0,01) y los rasgos de personalidad límite (t = 4,12, p <0,01) predijeron el comportamiento suicida. Conclusiones: Se requieren más estudios longitudinales en esta área con el fin de identificar las relaciones causales entre los factores estudiados y el comportamiento suicida de los jóvenes en Sincelejo.

Ritos funerarios y experiencias de duelo en el pasado y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Funeral rites and experiences of grief in the past and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Debido a las normas de bioseguridad, la pandemia del COVID-19 ha cambiado la manera en que los fa-miliares y amigos asumen el duelo por la muerte de un ser querido, independientemente de la causa de la muerte. El objetivo del estudio fue describir la manifestación de ritos funerarios y experiencias de duelo en el pasado y durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Sincelejo (Sucre, Colombia). La investigación es de enfoque cualitativo, de alcance descriptivo; se toma la teoría fundamentada como método cualitativo de análisis de datos, con la intención de interpretar los significados desde la realidad social de los individuos. El análisis de los datos se realizó con el programa ATLAS.Ti. Se concluye que los ritos funerarios han cambiado a lo largo del tiempo en el municipio de Sincelejo; sin embargo, debido a la pandemia, estos cambios se han acelerado aún más y han provocado nuevas formas de asumir el duelo: el duelo se vive sin el cuerpo y sin la mirada de los otros.

Due to biosecurity regulations, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way family and friends mourn the death of a loved one, regardless of the cause of death. The objective of the study was to describe the manifestation of funeral rites and mourning experiences in Sincelejo (Sucre, Colombia) in the past and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research has a qualitative approach, descriptive scope; Grounded theory is taken as a qualitative method of data analysis, with the intention of interpreting the meanings from the social reality of individuals. Data analysis was performed with the ATLAS.ti program. It is concluded that funeral rites have changed over time in the municipality of Sincelejo, however, due to the pandemic, these changes have accelerated even more and have led to new ways of assuming mourning: The duel is lived without the body and without the gaze of others.

Evidence of Validity and Measurement Invariance by Gender of the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) Scale in Colombian University Students.

BACKGROUND: Having a valid tool to assess attitudes toward vaccination and identify the concerns that drive vaccine refusal can facilitate population studies and help guide public health interventions. The objective of this study has been to adapt the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale in Colombian university students and to study its psychometric properties in a non-probabilistic sample of 1074 Colombian university students. METHODS: A confirmatory factor analysis was used to study the factorial structure. A structural equation model was tested to study concurrent validity and to check whether the factors predicted having received the coronavirus vaccine. Gender-based measurement invariance was also studied for the best model. RESULTS: The results support the structure of four related factors. The composite reliability index was good for all the factors, but the average variance extracted was not as good for the second factor. There was strong measurement invariance by gender, and two factors are good predictors of being vaccinated or not. CONCLUSIONS: The VAX has shown construct and concurrent validity and is a reliable tool for evaluating attitudes towards vaccines in university students in Colombia. It may help guide the implementation of actions for the National Vaccination Plan and institutional policies.

"One feels anger to know there is no one to help us!". Perceptions of mothers of children with Zika virus-associated microcephaly in Caribbean Colombia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) was associated with a sudden and unprecedented increase in infants born with microcephaly. Colombia was the second most affected country by the epidemic in the Americas. Primary caregivers of children with ZIKV-associated microcephaly, their mothers mainly, were at higher risk of suffering anxiety and depression. Often, these women were stigmatized and abandoned by their partners, relatives, and communities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study aimed to understand the perceptions about ZIKV infection among mothers of children born with microcephaly during the ZIKV epidemic in Caribbean Colombia, and the barriers and facilitators affecting child health follow-up. An exploratory qualitative study, based on Phenomenology and Grounded Theory, was conducted in Caribbean Colombia. Data were collected through In-Depth Interviews (IDI) from women who delivered a baby with microcephaly during the ZIKV epidemic at Clínica Salud Social, Sincelejo, Sucre District (N = 11). The themes that emerged during the interviews included experiences from their lives before pregnancy; knowledge about ZIKV; experiences and perceptions when diagnosed; considering a possible termination of pregnancy, and children's clinical follow-up. In some cases, women reported having been told they were having a baby with microcephaly but decided not to terminate the pregnancy; while in other cases, women found out about their newborn's microcephaly condition only at birth. The main barriers encountered by participants during children's follow-up included the lack of psychosocial and economic support, the stigmatization and abandonment by some partners and relatives, and the frustration of seeing the impaired development of their children. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributed to identifying the social, medical, psychological, and economic needs of families with children affected by the ZIKV epidemic. Commitment and action by local and national governments, and international bodies, is required to ensure sustained and quality health services by affected children and their families.

Relation entre sintomas internalizados y riesgo de trastorno de la conducta alimentaria en adolescentes / Internalizing symptoms and its association with the risk of eating disorder in adolescents

Resumen. Las conductas alimentarias pueden aumentar el riesgo de padecer síntomas internalizados. Este estudio tiene como objetivo principal, analizar la relación entre los síntomas internalizados y el riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en adolescentes de la ciudad de Sincelejo-Sucre, Colombia. Esta investigación es de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo correlacional, de corte transversal. Se contó con la participación de 791 individuos, de 10 instituciones educativas de la ciudad de Sincelejo-Sucre. Se utilizaron 3 instrumentos: uno que evalúa actitudes alimentarias y la posible presencia de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, uno de cribado que mide síntomas de ansiedad y otro que mide síntomas de depresión. Los resultados hallados evidencian que el 32.7% de la muestra participante presenta riesgo de sufrir algún trastorno de la conducta alimentaria; la presencia de sintomatología depresiva y los síntomas de ansiedad fue significativamente más alta en los participantes con riesgo de TCA, excepto el de la ansiedad social; no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el sexo femenino y masculino. Los resultados mencionados permiten disenar nuevos instrumentos clínicos para la detección temprana de ansiedad, depresión y TCA, promover hábitos y estilos de vida saludable y desarrollar acciones psicosociales para mantener una buena salud mental.

Abstract. Eating behaviors can increase the risk of internalized symptoms. The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between internalized symptoms and the risk of eating disorders in adolescents in the city of Sincelejo-Sucre, Colombia. This research is quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional. It was attended by 791 individuals from 10 educational institutions in the city of Sincelejo-Sucre. Three instruments were used: one that evaluates eating attitudes and the possible presence of eating disorders, one that measures symptoms of anxiety and another that measures symptoms of depression. The results found in this study show that 32.7% of the participating sample are at risk of suffering from eating disorders; the presence of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were significantly higher in participants at risk of ASD, except for social anxiety; no significant differences were found between the female and male sex. The results mentioned lead to the design of new clinical instruments for the early detection of anxiety, depression and eating disorder, to promote healthy habits and lifestyles, and to develop psychosocial actions to maintain good mental health.

Association Between Suicidal Behaviour and Cannabis and Tranquilizer use, Depression, Aggression and Other Borderline Personality Traits Among Students in Sincelejo, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: This objective of this study is to examine the association between suicidal behaviour and substance use, depression, aggressiveness and borderline personality traits among adolescents from Sincelejo, a rural city in the north of Colombia. METHODS: This cross sectional study included 352 participants selected by purposive sampling, from a public and a private school located in Sincelejo, Sucre district, in the north of Colombia. Students ages ranged from 12 to 18 years old (mean, 15.09±1.82). The participants completed three screening tools: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a screening instrument to collect information related to the frequency of use of some substances, such as tobacco and cannabis, and a self-report inventory to assess various personality and psychopathology domains. A series of t-tests, ANOVA and linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Physical aggression (t=7.74; p <0.01), cognitive depression (t=5.03; p <0.01), affective depression (t=8.24; p <0.01), affective instability (t=3.46; p <0.01), few social relationships (t=3.36; p <0.01), self-harm (t=3.45; p<.01), cannabis and tranquilizer use (t=2.83; p <0.05; and t=2.37; p <0.05) had a significant independent relationship with suicidal behaviour. Aggression (t=2.59; p <0.05), components of depression (t=9.03; p <0.01) and borderline personality traits (t=4.12; p <0.01) also predicted suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: More longitudinal studies are needed in this area to identify the causal relations between the factors studied and the suicidal behaviour of young people in Sincelejo.

Parenting Styles, Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Child/Adolescent.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the possible direct and interactive associations of sex, age and parenting styles with symptoms of depression and anxiety. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 710 students ranging from 8 to 13 years (mean age 10.8 years [ 0.75]), the most of them males (n = 422, 59.4%), completed three screening instruments: a parenting practices scale and two self-reports for evaluating anxiety and depressive symptoms. Two hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Authoritative (38.6%) and neglectful (38%) parenting styles were predominant. Symptoms of depression -F (3, 706) = 3.12, p = .03- and anxiety -F (3, 706) = 2.83, p = .4- differed by parenting styles. Students with a neglectful parenting style reported significant lower generalized anxiety symptoms than those whose parents used authoritative parenting. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Children ages 8 to 13 years-old with authoritative parenting style should be evaluated for possible presence of generalized anxiety symptoms.

Objetivos: Analizar las posibles asociaciones entre sexo, edad y estilos de crianza con síntomas de depresión y ansiedad. Método: En este estudio transversal participaron 710 estudiantes entre 8 y 13 años (con una edad promedio de 10.8 [DE = 0.75]), la mayoría hombres (n = 422, 59.4%), los cuales respondieron tres instrumentos de cribado: una escala de prácticas parentales y dos autoinformes para evaluar síntomas de ansiedad y de depresión. Se llevaron a cabo dos regresiones múltiples. Resultados: Los estilos parentales predominantes fueron el autoritativo (38.6%) y el negligente (38%). Los síntomas depresivos -F (3, 706) = 3.12, p = .03- y ansiosos -F (3, 706) = 2.83, p = .4- se relacionaron de manera diferente entre los estilos parentales. El estilo parental negligente se asoció con menos ansiedad generalizada que el estilo parental autoritativo. Implicaciones clínicas: Los niños de 8 a 13 años con estilo de crianza autoritario podrían ser evaluados para detectar la posible presencia de síntomas de ansiedad generalizada.

Acceptability of a Hypothetical Zika Vaccine among Women from Colombia and Spain Exposed to ZIKV: A Qualitative Study.

Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause pregnancy loss and congenital Zika syndrome, among other poor health outcomes. The ZIKV epidemic in 2015-2017 disproportionately affected pregnant women in poor-resource settings. We aimed to understand perceptions and attitudes towards a hypothetical ZIKV vaccine, women's willingness to be vaccinated, and potential barriers and facilitators for vaccine acceptance in 1) migrant women living in Spain who travelled to their countries of origin and were diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and their healthcare providers, and 2) women living in Colombia who delivered a child with microcephaly. An exploratory qualitative study based on phenomenology and grounded theory was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth, paired and semi-structured interviews. Overall, women from both sites were willing to receive a hypothetical ZIKV vaccine. However, some expressed concerns of being vaccinated during pregnancy, yet they would accept it if the vaccine was recommended by a healthcare professional they trust. Main fears towards vaccination were related to vaccine safety and potential adverse effects on child's health. Women reported feeling hesitant to participate in a ZIKV vaccine trial. These results may contribute to guiding the effective delivery of future ZIKV vaccines among populations most at risk and particularly vulnerable.

Perceptions and Emotional State of Mothers of Children with and without Microcephaly after the Zika Virus Epidemic in Rural Caribbean Colombia.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause neurological manifestations such as microcephaly. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of ZIKV and mental health in women exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy in Colombia. This was a mixed-methods study based on structured interviews and psychological tests. Structured interviews were transcribed and analysed with Atlas Ti software. A grounded theory approach was applied. Quantitative analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS, V. 20. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad de Córdoba, Montería. Seventeen women participated in the study; nine of them were mothers of children with microcephaly. Maternal age ranged from 16 to 41 years old. The main themes discussed during interviews were: feelings, support, sources of information, and consequences on children's health. Women with children affected by microcephaly showed worse mental health compared to women with normocephalic children. Maternal mental health worsened after 24 months from giving birth. Perceptions regarding disease severity and lack of knowledge were considered to affect maternal mental health. Social support and spirituality were key determinants for caregivers. Future research is needed to further study coping mechanisms and mental health outcomes over time by affected populations.

Psychometric properties of two adolescent depression scales in a colombian community sample: ADRS and RCADS -major depression / Propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas de depresión para adolescentes en una muestra comunitaria colombiana: ADRS y RCADS -depresión mayor

Abstract Depression can occur at all ages; however, when it begins early in life, prognosis is less favorable. Early identification and treatment provision need valid and reliable tools to assess depression in children and adolescents. The present study aimed at analyzing, in a Colombian community sample, the psychometric properties of two brief depression scales, using Classical Test Theory methods: The Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS) self-report version and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) - Major Depression Subscale. Analyses of both scales showed most item-scale and item-item correlations to be moderate and significant. Internal consistency was significant and adequate for both, ADRS (.67) and RCADS- Major Depression (.71). For ADRS, a two-factor solution explained 37.39% of variance while a one-single factor explained 25.99%. For RCADS-Major Depression, a two-factor solution explained 41.81% of variance while a one-single factor explained 29.14%. Construct validity was satisfactory, as both scales showed moderate and significant correlations with the convergent (RCADS-Generalized Anxiety) and the discriminant (KADS-11) criteria; yet, correlations with the former were stronger. Results provide further evidence in favor of the ADRS and the RCADS-Major Depression as effective tools to assess depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.

Resumen La depresión puede presentarse a cualquier edad; sin embargo, cuando ocurre en etapas tempranas de la vida el pronóstico es menos favorable. La identificación y el tratamiento tempranos necesitan herramientas válidas y confiables para evaluar la depresión en niños y adolescentes. El presente estudio analizó, en una muestra comunitaria colombiana, las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas breves de depresión, utilizando métodos de la Teoría Clásica de los Test: Escala de Valoración de Depresión Adolescente (ADRS) versión de auto-reporte y la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Infantil Revisada (RCADS)- Subescala de Depresión Mayor. El análisis de las dos escalas mostró correlaciones ítem-ítem e ítemescala, moderadas y significativas. La consistencia interna fue significativa y adecuada para ambas escalas, ADRS (0.67) y RCADS-Depresión Mayor (0.71). Para ADRS, dos factores explicaron 37.39% de la varianza, mientras que la solución de un solo factor explicó 25.99% de la varianza. Para RCADS-Depresión Mayor, dos factores explicaron el 41.81% de varianza y un factor único explicó 29.14%. La validez de constructo fue satisfactoria, ambas escalas mostraron correlaciones moderadas y significativas con el criterio convergente (KADS-11) y el criterio discriminante (RCADS-Ansiedad Generalizada); aunque más fuertes en el primer caso. Los resultados evidencian que ADRS y RCADS-Depresión Mayor son herramientas efectivas para la valoración de síntomas depresivos en niños y adolescentes.

Desempeño neurocognitivo de la atención, memoria y función ejecutiva en una población infanto-juvenil escolarizada con y sin presencia de sintomatología internalizante / Neurocognitive performance focuses on attention, memory and executive function in children and adolescents with or without internalizing symptoms

Resumen Objetivo: El presente artículo resultado de investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar el desempeño neurocognitivo de la atención, memoria y función ejecutiva en una muestra de 50 niños, niñas y adolescentes entre los 10 y 15 años con y sin presencia de sintomatología internalizante. Método: Paradigma positivista, con diseño cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo-comparativo y de corte transversal; para la medición de las variables se utilizaron tres instrumentos: 1. El SCARED para identificar los síntomas de ansiedad; 2. El CDI para los síntomas depresivos; y 3. La ENI para evaluar el desempeño neurocognitivo. Resultados: Se encontró que los niveles de atención, memoria y función ejecutiva fueron similares para los grupos con síntomas ansiosos, depresivos y sin síntomas. Los hallazgos obtenidos en la presente investigación se relacionan con los resultados de algunos estudios identificados entre los años 2003 y 2011. Conclusiones: Esta publicación puede constituirse en un referente importante para el desarrollo de futuros trabajos investigativos enfocados al estudio del desempeño neurocognitivo en poblaciones con y sin presencia de síntomas internalizantes. Se hace necesario promover el número de investigaciones a nivel de la costa Caribe colombiana con el fin de establecer las posibles relaciones o comparaciones entre las variables neurocognitivas y emocionales, así como también, contribuir a la discusión teórica alrededor de la temática de estudio.

Abstract Objective: This paper aims to characterize the neurocognitive performance focuses on attention, memory and executive function; 50 children and adolescents between 10 and 15 years old with and without internalizing symptoms prevalence, were sampled. Method: Positivist paradigm, quantitative design of descriptive-comparative, and cross-sectional study was conducted; for variables measurement, three instruments were used: 1. The SCARED to identify the anxiety symptoms; 2. The CDI for depressive symptoms; 3. The ENI to evaluate neuro-cognitive performance. Results: This research shows as a result that the levels of attention, memory and executive function were similar for groups with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, or without symptoms. Findings of this research show relationship between the results for 2003 and 2011. Conclusions: This paper might be an important reference for neurocognitive performance development related to populations with or without internalizing symptoms in the future. It is necessary to promote the number of researches at Colombian Caribbean coast in order to establish possible relationship or differences between neurocognitive and emotional variables, as well as contributing for a theoretical discussion corresponding to the topic of this study.

Estado de salud mental de personas víctimas del conflicto armado en Chengue / Mental health in victims of armed conflict in Chengue

Resumen Para esta investigación se trabajó con víctimas del conflicto armado de dos poblaciones de los Montes de María: Corregimiento de Chengue, en el Municipio de Ovejas y Corregimiento de Libertad, en el Municipio de San Onofre. Cada una de estas poblaciones vivieron historias de victimización diferentes. La primera tuvo que desplazarse debido a un hecho violento que precipitó el desplazamiento y la segunda, convivió con miembros de las autodefensas por un largo período de tiempo. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar los trastornos de ansiedad y del estado de ánimo en personas oriundas del corregimiento de Chengue y del corregimiento de Libertad, que vivieron en estas poblaciones durante la época de ocurrencia de los hechos victimizantes. Para ello, se aplicó una entrevista diagnóstica estructurada de breve duración, que explora los principales trastornos psiquiátricos del Eje I del DSM-IV. Participaron 129 personas adultas de Ovejas y de Libertad. Entre los resultados se encontró que la población de Libertad aún a pesar de convivir con los paramilitares en condiciones de estrés constante, presentó menos prevalencia de trastornos emocionales en comparación con la población de Chengue. En este trabajo se abordan posibles razones para explicar este fenómeno.

Abstract This research worked with victims of the armed conflict from two populations living in Montes de Maria area: Chengue (in the municipality of Ovejas) and Libertad (in the municipality of San Onofre). Each of these population lived different victimization stories. The first one had to move because of the experience of a violent event which precipitated the displacement; the second one had to live with an illegal armed group for a long period of time. The aim of the present study is to identify anxiety and mood disorders in native people which were born in Chengue and Libertad. In order to do this, a structured diagnostic interview was applied; this explores the major Axis I in DSM IV. A total of 129 individuals from Chengue and Libertad participated in the study. Results indicated that population of Libertad even though they lived with the armed group "guerrilla" in constant stressful conditions, showed less presence of emotional disorders in comparison with the population of Chengue. In this work possible reasons for explain this phenomenon are discussed.

¿Afecta el virus del chikungunya el estado emocional de los individuos que lo padecen? / Does affect chikungunya virus the emotional state of the people who suffer it?

En Colombia el virus del chikungunya (CHIKV) ha causado muchos enfermos, sobre todo en Atlántico, Magdalena y Sucre. El objetivo de esta investigación es examinar las variables psicológicas presentes en pacientes que hayan sido diagnosticados con este virus. Se entrevistó a 63 personas (41 mujeres, 65,1 %) con el cuestionario general de salud mental de Goldberg y con un instrumento basado en otro, recientemente desarrollado por un equipo de investigación de la isla Mauricio. A partir de este instrumento se exploraron los síntomas presentados por el CHIKV. El 50 % de la muestra consideró que el virus alteró su estado emocional. Se halló insomnio, irritabilidad, y/o tristeza. Los hombres sintieron más irritabilidad que las mujeres (p = .003). Las autoridades de salud podrían tener en cuenta esta información a la hora de tratar a estos pacientes

Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) has caused many patients in Colombia, especially in Atlantico, Magdalena and Sucre. The aim of this research was to examine the psychological variables in patients who have been diagnosed with CHIKV. We interviewed 64 people (41 women, 65.1 %) with an instrument developed by a research team from India and with the Goldberg's General Mental Health Questionnaire. From this first instrument were explored the symptoms caused by CHIKV. Of the sample, 50 % perceived that CHIKV affected their emotional state. Insomnia, irritability and/or sadness were found in people suffering by CHIKV. Men showed more irritated than women (p= .003). Health authorities should take this information into account when treating these patients

Racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of internalizing symptoms: do Latin-American immigrant show more symptomatology than Spanish native-born adolescents?

This study mainly compared the prevalence of internalizing symptoms of 834 Spanish and 159 Latin-American immigrant adolescents. Participants completed self-report measures about depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The results indicated that being Latin-American was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and being female was related to higher depressive and anxiety symptoms. Gender differences were more prevalent in Spaniards than in Latinos, with girls showing more symptoms than boys. High socio-economic status was negatively related to depressive symptoms and anxiety. The results may alert clinicians of the importance of assessing depressive symptoms in Latino adolescents in order to treat this group of youths effectively.

Age and gender differences of somatic symptoms in children and adolescents*.

AIMS: This study provides information about the prevalence of somatic symptoms (Ss) in a population of Spanish children and adolescents and their distribution by age and gender. It also sheds light on which Ss are more associated with depression and anxiety and which are associated with more disability. METHOD: A sample of 2558 school children and adolescents aged 8-16 years old, 1297 girls, completed one questionnaire about Ss, and two about anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: About 37.6% reported at least one Ss, headache being the most prevalent. In terms of age distribution, 26.8% of children and 52.1% of adolescents reported Ss. Girls reported more Ss than did boys. These gender differences started at 13 years of age and decreased at 15. Headache, stomach-ache and muscle pain were the Ss that caused the most impairment. CONCLUSIONS: In general, both anxiety and depressive symptoms were related to all Ss, whereas anxiety symptoms were associated with fatigue and muscle pain [corrected].

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms among spanish adolescents: prevalence and association with depressive and anxious symptoms

The present study examines the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in a population 1,061 adolescents (mean age 13.92) in Spain. The association between OCS and anxiety symptoms severity (panic attacks, separation anxiety, social phobia, generalized anxiety and school phobia) and depressive symptom severity has also been studied. Two distinct groups of subjects were defined and analyzed as being ‘positive’ on the obsessive-compulsive screen: The first group (called High interference) included all of the subjects who scored 25 or more in Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Child Version (LOI-CV) interference score regardless of symptom presence score, and the second group (labeled High symptom presence) consisted of all subjects with a symptom presence score equal to or above 15 and an interference score of 10 or less. Females scored higher than did males both on the symptom presence and interference scores. Forty- one subjects (3.9%) showed an interference score of 25 or more (high interference group) while eight students (0.8%) were included in the high symptom presence group. The most prevalent and interfering symptoms were: fussy about hands, hating dirt and contamination and going over things a lot. In addition, the association between LOI and depressive symptom severity was significant, while the association between LOI and anxiety symptoms severity was insignificant (AU)

No disponible

Age gender and negative life events in anxiety and depression self-reports at preadolescence and early adolescence

Objective: to examine the associations between age, gender, negative life events and anxiety and depressive symptoms in preadolescent and early adolescent. Method: A cluster sampling procedure was used for this cross-sectional study, with 1.514 randomly selected 4th to 6th grade pupils attending 13 randomly selected schools in Reus (Catalonia). Information on negative life events and anxiety and depression symtoms was collected by means of self-reports. Results: Through linear regression models, significant negative associations were found between age, general anxiety and panic and separation anxiety symptoms. A significant positive association was found between age and generalized anxiety symptoms. Girls obtained significantly higher scores for almost all types of anxiety symptoms: separation anxiety. General anxiety, depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety symptoms were significantly more associated with negative life events. Conclusion: age, gender and negative life events are important factors in the manifestation of anxiety and depression (AU)

Objetivos: examiner las asociaciones entre edad, género, acontecimientos vitales estresantes y la sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva. Método: a partir de un muestreo aleatorio por conglomerados, se seleccionó a 1514 estudiantes de Educación Primaria, de 8 a 13 años, procedentes de 13 colegios de Reus (Cataluña). La información acerca de la sintomatología ansiosa, depresiva y sobre los acontecimientos estresantes se recogió mediante autoinformes. Resultados: a través de modelos de regresión lineal, se obtuvieron asociaciones negativas – y significativas- entre edad, ansiedad general, pánico y ansiedad de separación. Se halló asociación positiva y significativa entre edad y ansiedad generalizada. Las chicas obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas que los chicos en los siguientes tipos de ansiedad: ansiedad de separación, pánico, ansiedad generalizada y ansiedad en general. La ansiedad en general, los síntomas depresivos y la ansiedad generalizada son las escalas que más se asocian con los acontecimientos vitales estresantes. Conclusiones: la edad, el género y los acontecimientos vitales estresantes son factores importantes en la expresión de la sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva (AU)