Estudo longitudinal de famílias / Longitudinal study of families / Estudio longitudinal de familias

Introdução: O desenvolvimento da família é influenciado por diversos fatores de sua organização interna e de ordem ambiental, social, cultural, econômica e política. Em contexto de pobreza os riscos são maiores. Fatores de proteção, como boa organização familiar e rede social de apoio podem diminuir as consequências negativas da pobreza. São escassas as pesquisas longitudinais sobre vulnerabilidade e resiliência nas famílias. Objetivo: Este artigo descreve o desenvolvimento de três famílias ao longo de 15 anos, estudadas por meio de entrevistas em casa, parte de uma coorte populacional de um bairro de Porto Alegre (RS). Buscaram-se associações entre a qualidade das relações nessas famílias e sua saúde física e mental, especialmente a do filho, foco da pesquisa. Métodos: Selecionaram-se no arquivo da pesquisa as três primeiras famílias (do total de 148) das quais se tinham os resultados completos das cinco visitas realizadas aos quatro meses e aos dois, quatro, nove e 15 anos de um filho. Realizou-se análise qualitativa dos registros em busca de categorias para compreender a vida e as relações interpessoais nas famílias. O estudo foi realizado em conjunto por duas pesquisadoras, médicas especialistas em desenvolvimento humano. As categorias identificadas na análise e estudadas nas cinco etapas foram: configuração familiar, situação socioeconômica, situações traumáticas, saúde física, saúde relacional e mental, evolução cognitiva e escolar do filho. Resultados: As três famílias, todas de classe C, com filhos sem problemas de saúde física, tiveram evolução suficientemente boa, apesar de todas enfrentarem múltiplos problemas, inclusive separações e mortes precoces. A relação com o sistema de saúde e escola era boa e similar para as três. A jovem com menos problemas de saúde mental foi aquela que sofreu perdas mais importantes: morte dos pais. Tinha uma estrutura familiar multigeracional sólida desde a primeira infância, com relações interpessoais predominantemente colaborativas e amorosas. Conclusões: O artigo busca avançar na compreensão da resiliência nas famílias em situações de vulnerabilidade. Concluímos que essas três famílias, uma delas mais que as outras, foram suficientemente saudáveis na tarefa de educar seus filhos sem desenvolverem problemas mentais graves. Propomos que o bom desenvolvimento se associa com a adequação e amorosidade dos cuidados com a etapa do ciclo vital, mesmo enfrentando situações problemáticas. Essas qualidades precisam estar associadas à estabilidade socioeconômica básica e a bons serviços de saúde e escola.

Introduction: Family development is influenced by it's internal organization and environmental factors, socioeconomic, cultural and political. In poor contexts there are more risks to development. Protection factors like good family organization and social network may decrease the risks. Longitudinal research about vulnerability and resilience in families is scarse. Objective: This article describes the development of three families over 15 years through interviews at home. The families were part of a populational cohort of a neighborhood in Porto Alegre (RS). We looked for links between the quality of relationships and the physical and mental health of these families, especially of the child focus of the research. Methods: We selected in the research archives the first three families (of a total of 148) for which we had full results of the five interviews at four months and two, four, nine and fifteen years of a child. We did a qualitative analysis of the records looking for parameters to understand the life and interpersonal relationships of these families. This study was done by two researchers, both experts in Human Development. The categories identified in the analysis of the five phases were: family structure, socioeconomic situation, traumatic experiences, physical, mental and relational health and cognitive evolution of the child. Results: All three families belonged to economical class C. The children were in good physical health and had sufficiently good general development, having faced multiple problems, including parental separation and early parental death. The relationship with the health and school systems was good in all of them. The youth with less mental health problems was the one who suffered the heaviest loss: early death of both parents. Her family had strong multigenerational ties since her early days, with predominant collaborative and loving relationships. Conclusions: This article aims to contribute to the comprehension of resilience in families in the context of vulnerability. We can say that these three families were healthy enough in the task of bringing up children without any serious mental health problem. We suggest that healthy development is associated with loving interfamily relationships adequate to each phase of development, notwithstanding dramatic events. This needs to be supported by basic economic stability and adequate school and health systems.

Introducción: El desarrollo de la familia es influenciado por su organización interna y factores ambientales, sociales, culturales, económicos y políticos. En contextos pobres los riesgos son mayores. Factores de protección como buena organización familiar y red social de apoyo pueden disminuir las consecuencias negativas de la pobreza. Son pocas las investigaciones longitudinales de vulnerabilidad y resiliencia de las familias. Objetivo: Este artículo describe el estudio del desarrollo de tres familias a lo largo de 15 años, a través de entrevistas en domicilio, parte de una cohorte poblacional de un barrio de Porto Alegre (RS). Se buscaron correlaciones entre la calidad de las relaciones de esas familias y su salud física y mental, especialmente la del hijo foco de la investigación. Métodos: Fueron seleccionadas en el archivo de la investigación las tres primeras familias (de un total de 148) de las cuales se tenían los resultados completos de las cinco visitas realizadas, a los 4 meses, y a los 2, 4, 9, y 15 años de un hijo. Fue realizado un análisis cualitativo de los registros en busca de categorías para comprender la vida y las relaciones interpersonales en las familias. El estudio fue hecho en conjunto por dos investigadoras, médicas especialistas en desarrollo humano. Las categorías identificadas en el análisis y estudiadas en las cinco etapas fueron: configuración familiar, situación socioeconómica, situaciones traumáticas, salud física, salud relacional y mental, evolución cognitiva y escolar del hijo. Resultados: Las tres familias, todas de clase C, con hijos sin problemas de salud física, tuvieron evolución suficientemente buena, a pesar de que todas enfrentaron múltiples problemas, incluso separaciones y muertes precoces. La relación con el sistema de salud y escuela era buena y similar para las tres. La joven con menos problemas de salud mental fue aquella que sufrió las mayores pérdidas: muerte de los padres. Tenía una estructura familiar multigeneracional sólida desde la primera infancia, con relaciones interpersonales predominantemente colaborativas y amorosas. Conclusiones: El artículo pretende avanzar en la comprensión de la resiliencia en las familias en situaciones de vulnerabilidad. Concluimos que esas tres familias, una de ellas más que las otras, fueron suficientemente saludables en la tarea de educar a sus hijos sin que desarrollaran problemas mentales graves. Proponemos que el buen desarrollo se asocia con el amor y adecuación de los cuidados a la etapa del ciclo vital, aun enfrentando situaciones problemáticas. Esas calidades necesitan estar asociadas a la estabilidad socioeconómica básica y buenos servicios de salud y escuela.

Predictors and (in-)stability of ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder in older adults: findings from a longitudinal study in Switzerland.

Objective: There is a lack of research on complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in older individuals, with little known about the temporal course of CPTSD. Therefore, this study assessed and compared the demographic characteristics, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and well-being of Swiss older adults with and without probable CPTSD. The (in-)stability of probable CPTSD was also examined in relation to the predictive value of various emotion-related factors.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in Switzerland with N = 213 participants (Mage = 69.98 years, SD = 10.61; 45.5% female). Data was collected via face-to-face assessments at baseline and follow-up, 21 months apart. The German version of the International Trauma Questionnaire was used to screen for (C)PTSD. Standardized instruments were used to assess ACE as well as the predictors anger, embitterment, emotion regulation, and meaning in life.Results: From the total sample, n = 16 participants (7.5%) were identified as having probable CPTSD, with only five of these (31.25%) having probable CPTSD at both baseline and follow-up. Individuals with and without probable CPTSD differed significantly regarding age and employment status. Significant predictors of probable CPTSD were anger (ß = 0.16), embitterment (ß = 0.06), cognitive reappraisal (ß = -0.41), and the presence of meaning in life (ß = -0.10).Conclusions: Probable CPTSD appears to be relatively unstable over the course of a 21-month period in older individuals. The links between CPTSD and emotion-related predictors highlight potential targets for intervention.

KEY FINDINGS: Older adults with and without probable CPTSD differ in terms of age, employment status, adverse childhood experiences, psychiatric comorbidities, well-being, and life satisfaction.Temporal (in-)stability: In older adults, probable CPTSD appears to be unstable over a 21-month period with around one-third of the participants showing a stable course.Treatment targets: The identified significant predictors anger, embitterment, cognitive reappraisal, and the presence of meaning in life beliefs are potential treatment targets.

Intervención temprana de la lectura y la escritura en estudiantes españoles / Effects of early reading and writing intervention on Spanish school children

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el rendimiento en lectura y escritura en estudiantes españoles, tras su intervención desde edades tem-pranas. La finalidad de la intervención es priorizar y sistematizar la instruc-ción en principio alfabético, conciencia fonológica, fluidez lectoescritora, vocabulario y comprensión textual. La muestra está formada por 126 suje-tos, distribuidos en grupo instruido (n=62) y grupo no instruido (n=64), pertenecientes a zonas socioculturales medias, con inteligencia normal y sin déficits físicos, psíquicos y/o sensoriales. Los sujetos son evaluados desde 2º curso de Educación Infantil(cuatro años) hasta 1º curso de Educación Primaria (seis años). El diseño es longitudinal con medidas repetidas (cua-tro evaluaciones), tres fases de intervención y dos variables de estudio (Rendimiento en Lectura y Rendimiento en Escritura) y dos grupos de su-jetos. Se realizan análisis estadísticos descriptivos y análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas. Los resultados obtenidos indican mejores puntuaciones en lectura y escritura a lo largo de todas las evaluaciones y un avance signi-ficativamente mayor enel grupo instruido. Estos resultados demuestran la eficacia de una intervención temprana del lenguaje escrito a través de la ins-trucción sistemática en conciencia fonológica, principio alfabético, fluidez lectoescritora, vocabulario y comprensión textual.(AU)

The aim of this paper is to analyse the reading and writing achievement of Spanish school children following an intervention con-ducted at an early age. The purpose of the intervention is to prioritise and systematise instruction in the alphabetic principles, phonological aware-ness, reading fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. The sample consists of 126 subjects, distributed between an instructed group(n=62) and an uninstructed group (n=64). All the subjects were from average so-cio-cultural areas, with normal intelligence and with no physical, mental, and/or sensory deficits. Subjects were evaluated from the second year of Early Years Education (4 years of age) up to the first year of Primary Edu-cation (six years of age). The design was longitudinal with repeated meas-urements (four assessments), three intervention phases, two study variables (reading achievement and writing achievement), and two groups of sub-jects. Descriptive statistical analysis and repeated measures analyses of var-iance were performed. The results obtained indicate higher scores in read-ing and writing throughout all the assessments and significantly greater progress in the instructed group. These results demonstrate the effective-ness of early intervention in written language through systematic instruc-tion in phonological awareness, the alphabetic principles, reading fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension.(AU)

La identificación del riesgo de trastorno del aprendizaje de la lectura (dislexia) en 2° curso de educación infantil / Identification of risk of learning disabilities of reading (dyslexia) in 4-year-old children

Objetivo: Comprobar la eficacia predictora de dificultades de lectura del Test para la detección temprana de las dificultades en el aprendizaje de la lectura y escritura y de la Batería de iniciación a la lectura (BIL3-6). Método: Se aplicaron ambos instrumentos a alumnado de 2.° curso de Educación Infantil (107 participantes para el Test de detección temprana de las dificultades en el aprendizaje de la lectura y escritura y 211 para la BIL3-6), y dos años más tarde se evaluó su lectura por medio de la Lectura de Palabras y Pseudopalabras del Prolec-R y del Texto IB del TALE. También se obtuvo del profesorado una valoración del aprendizaje de los participantes. Resultados: Se calculó la sensibilidad (S) y la especificidad (E) de ambos instrumentos basándose en los agrupamientos del alumnado en función de los resultados en las tres tareas de lectura: buenos y malos lectores a partir del pc16. Ninguno de los dos instrumentos examinados alcanza unos valores adecuados de S y E. Si se toma a priori un valor adecuado de S para asegurar que se identifica al alumnado con riesgo de dificultades, entonces la E es muy baja y, por tanto, la cantidad de falsos positivos hace imposible adoptar decisiones educativas acertadas. La valoración general del profesorado sobre el aprendizaje de cada participante muestra similar capacidad predictiva que ambos instrumentos.(AU)

Objective: To check the predictive efficacy of subsequent reading difficulties of the Test for the early detection of difficulties in learning to read and write and the Battery for initiation to reading (BIL3-6). Method: Both instruments were applied to students in the 2nd year of Preschool (107 participants for the Early Detection Test and 209 for the BIL3-6), and 2 years later their reading was evaluated by reading Words and Pseudowords of the Prolec-R and Text IB of the TALE. An assessment of the participants’ learning was also obtained from the teachers. Results: The sensitivity (S) and specificity (E) of both instruments were calculated based on the groupings of the students based on the results in the 3 reading tasks: good and poor readers from pc16. Neither of the two instruments examined reach appropriate values of S and E. If an appropriate value of S is taken a priori to ensure that students at risk of difficulties are identified, then the E is very low, and therefore the number of false positives makes it impossible successful educational decisions. The general assessment of the teaching staff on the learning of each participant shows a similar predictive capacity as both instruments.(AU)

Evolution of children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Follow-up study in a Spanish simple.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition with long-term associated risks. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical status, occupation, and daily life difficulties of two cohorts of children diagnosed with ADHD (2004 and 2009) after five and 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive, longitudinal study using the WOMI database corresponding to Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. Children with ADHD detected by their primary care pediatrician were included. A voluntary follow-up telephone interview was requested. Outcome variables were current clinical and occupational status, ADHD symptoms according to SNAP-IV, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: The interviewed sample consisted of 95 subjects, out of whom 71 answered the SNAP-IV and SDQ questionnaires; 60.70% of the sample did not receive treatment at the time of follow-up, 4.7% had no occupation, 25.40% still had ADHD global symptoms above the clinical cutoff point, and 66.2% had difficulties with moderate interference. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD symptoms decline as people grow up. Mental health comorbidities and academic dropout were not confirmed in the sample.

ANTECEDENTES: El trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) constituye una condición crónica con riesgos asociados a largo plazo. OBJETIVO: Analizar el estado clínico, la ocupación y las dificultades de la vida diaria de dos cohortes de niños con diagnóstico de TDAH (2004 y 2009) después cinco y 10 años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo y longitudinal de la base de datos WOMI correspondiente a Oviedo, Asturias, España. Se incluyeron niños detectados con TDAH por su pediatra de atención primaria. Se solicitó una entrevista telefónica voluntaria de seguimiento. Las variables de resultado fueron estado clínico y ocupacional al momento de la entrevista, síntomas de TDAH según SNAP-IV y Cuestionario de Fortalezas y Dificultades (SDQ). RESULTADOS: La muestra entrevistada estuvo formada por 95 sujetos, de los cuales 71 respondieron a los cuestionarios SNAP-IV y SDQ; 60.7 % de la muestra no recibía tratamiento en el momento del seguimiento, 4.7 % no tenía ninguna ocupación, 25.4 % mantenía síntomas globales de TDAH en nivel superior al punto de corte clínico y 66.2 % presentaba dificultades con interferencia moderada. CONCLUSIONES: Los síntomas del TDAH disminuyen conforme las personas crecen. Las comorbilidades de salud mental y el abandono académico no se confirmaron en la muestra.

Evolución de la salud mental infanto-juvenil en Catalunya en el contexto de la pandemia por la COVID-19 durante el curso escolar 2020-2021 / Trends in child and adolescent mental health in Catalonia in the context of the covid-19 pandemic during the 2020-2021 school year

Introducción: La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 ha tenido un alto impacto en la salud física y psicológica de la población. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la salud mental infanto-juvenil de una cohorte poblacional a lo largo del curso 2020-2021. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal y prospectivo de una cohorte de niños escolarizados entre 5 y 14años en Cataluña entre septiembre de 2020 y julio de 2021. Los participantes fueron seleccionados de forma aleatoria y seguidos por el pediatra de referencia en la atención primaria. La evaluación del riesgo de psicopatología fue realizada a través del Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), contestada por un tutor legal del niño. Fueron recogidas también variables sociodemográficas y de salud del individuo y su núcleo de convivencia. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante una encuesta on-line a través de la plataforma RedCap al inicio del curso y al final de cada trimestre (4cortes). Resultados: Al inicio del curso escolar el 9,8% de los alumnos fueron casos probables de psicopatología, frente al 6,2% de final de curso. La percepción del nivel de preocupación de los niños por su salud y la de su familia se relacionó con presentar psicopatología, especialmente al inicio del curso, mientras que la percepción de un buen ambiente familiar se relacionó en todo momento con menor riesgo. Ninguna variable relacionada con la COVID-19 se asoció con resultado alterado del SDQ. Conclusiones: A lo largo del curso escolar 2020-2021 el porcentaje de niños con probabilidad de presentar psicopatología mejoró, y pasó del 9,8% al 6,2%. (AU)

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a great impact on the physical and psychological health of the population. The aim of our study was to assess child and adolescent mental health in a cohort throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal prospective study in a cohort of children aged 5 to 14 years in Catalonia, Spain, from September 2020 to July 2021. Participants were randomly selected and followed up by their primary care paediatricians. The risk of mental health problems was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), completed by one of the legal guardians of the child. In addition, we obtained information on the sociodemographic and health characteristics of the participants and their nuclear families. We collected the data by means of an online survey through the REDCap platform at the beginning of the academic year and at the end of each term (4 time points). ResultsAt the beginning of the school year, 9.8% of participants were cases of probable psychopathology compared to 6.2% at the end of the year. The perceived level of worry of the children for their own health and the health of their families was associated with the presence of psychopathology, especially at the beginning of the year, while the perception of a good family atmosphere was consistently associated with a decreased risk. No variable related to COVID-19 was associated with abnormal results in the SDQ. Conclusions: During the 2020-2021 school year, the percentage of children with probable psychopathology decreased from 9.8% to 6.2%. (AU)

Longitudinal changes in brain structure and their relationship with subclinical psychiatric symptoms in parents who lost their only child in China.

BACKGROUND: Losing an only child (Shidu) is a grievous traumatic event that may affect brain structure, even if it does not lead to psychiatric disorders. However, longitudinal changes in brain structure and their relationship to subclinical psychiatric symptoms (SPS) have not been well investigated in Shidu parents without any psychiatric disorders (SDNP). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in cortical thickness and surface area in SDNP, and to explore their relationship with SPS. METHODS: A total of 50 SDNP and 40 matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All participants underwent structural MRI scans and clinical assessment at baseline and at the 5-year follow-up. Differences in brain structural phenotypes (cortical thickness, surface area, and their annual rate of change) between the SDNP and HC groups were compared using FreeSurfer. Correlations between significant brain structural phenotypes and SPS in the SDNP group were evaluated using multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: The SDNP group showed a smaller surface area in the left inferior parietal cortex than the HC group at baseline and follow-up. The SDNP group showed slower rates of cortical thinning and surface area loss in several brain regions than the HC group from baseline to follow-up. Moreover, slower rates of cortical thinning in the left insula, superior frontal cortex, and superior temporal cortex were associated with greater reductions in avoidance, depression, and trauma re-experiencing symptoms scores over time in the SDNP group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Shidu trauma-induced structural abnormalities in the inferior parietal cortex may persist over time and be independent of the severity of psychiatric symptoms. The expansion of prefrontal, temporal, and insular cortex implicated in emotional regulation may contribute to improvements in psychiatric symptoms in Shidu parents.

This study focused on longitudinal changes in cortical thickness and surface area and their relationship with subclinical psychiatric symptoms in Shidu parents without any psychiatric disorders.Shidu trauma-induced structural abnormalities in the inferior parietal cortex may persist over time and be independent of the severity of psychiatric symptoms.The expansion of prefrontal, temporal, and insular cortex implicated in emotional regulation may contribute to improvements in psychiatric symptoms in Shidu parents.

Trends in child and adolescent mental health in Catalonia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020-2021 school year.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a great impact on the physical and psychological health of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate child and adolescent mental health in a population cohort along the 2020-2021 school year. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal study of a cohort of children from 5-14 years of age in Catalonia, Spain, performed from September 2020 to July 2021. The participants were randomly selected and accompanied by their primary care paediatrician. Evaluation of risk of psychopathology was performed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) carried out by one of the legal guardians of the child. We also collected sociodemographic and health variables of the participants and their nuclear family. Data were collected by an online survey through the RedCap platform at the beginning of the academic year and at the end of each trimester (4 cuts). RESULTS: At the beginning of the school year, 9.8% of the patients were probable cases of psychopathology compared to 6.2% at the end of the year. The perception of the level of preoccupation of the children for their health and that of their family was related to presenting psychopathology, especially at the beginning of the year, with the perception of a good family atmosphere being always related to lower risk. No variable related to COVID-19 was associated with an altered SDQ result. CONCLUSIONS: Along the 2020-2021 school year, the percentage of children with a probability of presenting psychopathology decreased from 9.8% to 6.2%.

Evolución de menores diagnosticados con trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad. Estudio de seguimiento en una muestra española / Evolution of children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Follow-up study in a Spanish sample

Resumen Antecedentes: El trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) constituye una condición crónica con riesgos asociados a largo plazo. Objetivo: Analizar el estado clínico, la ocupación y las dificultades de la vida diaria de dos cohortes de niños con diagnóstico de TDAH (2004 y 2009) después cinco y 10 años. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo y longitudinal de la base de datos WOMI correspondiente a Oviedo, Asturias, España. Se incluyeron niños detectados con TDAH por su pediatra de atención primaria. Se solicitó una entrevista telefónica voluntaria de seguimiento. Las variables de resultado fueron estado clínico y ocupacional al momento de la entrevista, síntomas de TDAH según SNAP-IV y Cuestionario de Fortalezas y Dificultades (SDQ). Resultados: La muestra entrevistada estuvo formada por 95 sujetos, de los cuales 71 respondieron a los cuestionarios SNAP-IV y SDQ; 60.7 % de la muestra no recibía tratamiento en el momento del seguimiento, 4.7 % no tenía ninguna ocupación, 25.4 % mantenía síntomas globales de TDAH en nivel superior al punto de corte clínico y 66.2 % presentaba dificultades con interferencia moderada. Conclusiones: Los síntomas del TDAH disminuyen conforme las personas crecen. Las comorbilidades de salud mental y el abandono académico no se confirmaron en la muestra.

Abstract Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition with long-term associated risks. Objective: To analyze the clinical status, occupation, and daily life difficulties of two cohorts of children diagnosed with ADHD (2004 and 2009) after five and 10 years. Material and method: Descriptive, longitudinal study using the WOMI database corresponding to Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. Children with ADHD detected by their primary care pediatrician were included. A voluntary follow-up telephone interview was requested. Outcome variables were current clinical and occupational status, ADHD symptoms according to SNAP-IV, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: The interviewed sample consisted of 95 subjects, out of whom 71 answered the SNAP-IV and SDQ questionnaires; 60.70% of the sample did not receive treatment at the time of follow-up, 4.7% had no occupation, 25.40% still had ADHD global symptoms above the clinical cutoff point, and 66.2% had difficulties with moderate interference. Conclusions: ADHD symptoms decline as people grow up. Mental health comorbidities and academic dropout were not confirmed in the sample.

A Year of Pandemic: Psychological Effects in Spanish Children from 3 to 11 Years of Age / Un Año de Pandemia: Efectos Psicológicos en Niños Españoles de 3 a 11 Años

Background: After the lockdown, schools adopted measures to avoid infection, which changed pre-pandemic routines.We evaluated whether the new school conditions constituted a stress factor for children or contributed to their recoveryafter the impact of the lockdown period. Method: Participants included 291 families with children between 3 and 11years of age. The children were assessed by parents through the Child and Adolescent Assessment System (SENA)at three time points: T1 (before COVID-19 confinement), T2 (after the children had spent between 4 and 6 weeksconfined), and T3 (one year after the beginning of the pandemic). Results: For Preschoolers, no statistical differenceswere found in any scale or time point. For primary-school children, the differences between T1 and T3 were notsignificant. Comparisons between T2 and T3 showed significant differences in Willingness to study, Emotionalregulation and Hyperactivity and impulsivity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that returning to school might haveimproved some dimensions of primary-school children’s well-being. However, it seems that neither the confinementnor the restrictive measures have had a negative effect on our sample. To interpret these findings, we discuss thepsychological factors of protection and vulnerability.(AU)

Antecedentes: Tras el confinamiento, la escuela se adaptó a las restricciones para controlar el COVID-19. Evaluamos si elregreso al colegio constituyó un estresor para los niños o contribuyó a su recuperación tras el impacto del confinamiento.Método: Participaron 291 familias con niños entre 3 y 11 años. Los padres evaluaron a los niños a través del Sistemade Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA) en tres momentos: T1 (unas semanas antes del confinamiento), T2(después de estar entre 4 y 6 semanas confinados) y T3 (un año después del inicio de la pandemia). Resultados: Paralos niños de Infantil, las comparaciones no mostraron diferencias en ninguna de las escalas y ninguno de los tiemposevaluados. Para los niños de Primaria, no se hallaron diferencias entre T1 y T3. La comparación entre T2 y T3 indicóuna mejora en las escalas Disposición al estudio, Regulación emocional e Hiperactividad e impulsividad. Conclusiones:La vuelta al colegio contribuyó a mejorar algunas dimensiones en los niños de Primaria. Sin embargo, parece que ni elconfinamiento ni las posteriores medidas restrictivas han tenido un impacto negativo en los niños de esta muestra. Parainterpretar estos resultados discutimos los factores de protección y vulnerabilidad psicológica.(AU)

Neuropsychological rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 syndrome: results of a clinical programme and six-month follow up.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome may present cognitive and emotional symptomatology. This study aims to analyse the results of an outpatient neuropsychological intervention programme for post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHOD: In June 2020 Institut Guttmann started an outpatient post-COVID-19 neurorehabilitation programme, including respiratory therapy, physiotherapy, and neuropsychological rehabilitation. Before and after the programme, the cognitive-emotional state of all participants is assessed. Six months after treatment, a follow-up assessment is administered (which includes a collection of information on various aspects of daily life). RESULTS: The sample analysed consisted of 123 patients (mean age: 51 years, SD: 12.41). Seventy-four per cent (n = 91) had cognitive impairment and underwent cognitive treatment (experimental group); the remaining 26% (n = 32) constituted the control group. After the intervention, the experimental group improved in working memory, verbal memory (learning, recall and recognition), verbal fluency and anxious-depressive symptomatology. The control group showed changes in immediate memory, verbal memory (learning and recognition) and depressive symptomatology, although the effect size in the latter two was smaller than in the experimental group. Six months after treatment, 44.9% of the patients were unable to perform their pre-COVID-19 work activity, and 81.2% reported difficulties in their activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological rehabilitation is an effective tool to treat the cognitive-emotional deficits present in post-COVID-19 syndrome. However, months after the end of treatment, not all patients recover their pre-COVID-19 functional level.

Peer Victimization, Peer Aggression and Depressive Symptoms over Time: A Longitudinal Study with Latent Growth Curves

Most empirical research on the relationship between peer victimization, aggression, and mental health has been conducted with correlational designs. Much of this research has also focused primarily on linking peer victimization with either the potential aggressive behaviors of victims or a deterioration in their mental health. This study analyzes the relationship between peer victimization, peer aggression, and depressive symptoms in adolescents over time. The participants are 194 adolescents (49.2% boys, 50.8% girls) aged between 10 and 13 years (M = 10.88, SD = 0.84). The results of the growth modeling analysis indicate that the trajectories are interconnected: as victimization decreases, adolescent aggression and depressive symptoms also decrease. In addition, it is observed that victimization decreased in the same way in boys and girls, while aggression and depressive symptoms showed a smaller reduction in girls. Finally, the results and their potential practical implications are discussed. (AU)

La mayoría de investigaciones empíricas que analizan la relación entre la victimización entre iguales, la agresión y la salud mental se han realizado utilizando diseños correlacionales. Dichos estudios se ha centrado principalmente en vincular la victimización entre iguales y los posibles comportamientos agresivos de las víctimas o el deterioro de su salud mental. El estudio analiza la relación entre la victimización entre iguales, la agresión entre iguales y la sintomatología depresiva en adolescentes a lo largo del tiempo. Participan 194 adolescentes (49.2% chicos, 50.8% chicas) con edades comprendidas entre 10 y 13 años (M = 10.88, DT = 0.84). Los resultados del análisis del modelo de crecimiento indican que las trayectorias están interconectadas: a medida que disminuye la victimización, también disminuyen la agresión y la sintomatología depresiva. Además, se observa que la victimización disminuye de la misma manera en chicos que en chicas, mientras que la agresión y la sintomatología depresiva muestra una reducción menor en las chicas. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados y sus posibles implicaciones prácticas. (AU)

Cambios en la masa ósea en una población infantil con diabetes mellitus tipo 1. Estudio longitudinal / Changes in bone mass in a paediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Longitudinal study

Objetivo: Evaluar, a lo largo de un seguimiento de 79,2 meses, el comportamiento de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) determinada mediante Densitometría Axial Computarizada (DXA), la densidad mineral ósea volumétrica (DMOvol) y su relación con los datos antropométricos, junto con los parámetros relativos al metabolismo óseo (calcio, fósforo, fosfatasa alcalina, parathormona (PTH) y vitamina D (25-OH-D3)) en una población infantil con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 (DM1) sin complicaciones microvasculares y un grupo control de referencia de similares características.Material y métodos: Inicialmente, se realizó un estudio transversal en 40 niños diabéticos (edad media 9,4±2,8 años) y 108 controles (9,3±1,5 años) para valorar las posibles diferencias entre ambas poblaciones. 26 pacientes del grupo diabético inicial, fueron reevaluados tras 79,2 meses de seguimiento.Resultados: Se observó que, al inicio, la masa ósea fue similar en los diabéticos y controles. Después del seguimiento, la DMO de los niños diabéticos era muy inferior a la esperada en población infantil no diabética.El peso, la altura y el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) siguieron el mismo patrón que la DMO. Los valores de calcio, fósforo, fosfatasa alcalina, PTH y vitamina D, aunque en rango de normalidad, fueron más bajos que en los controles. La fosfatasa alcalina no se incrementó en el periodo puberal.Conclusiones: El presente estudio demuestra que los niños y adolescentes con un diagnóstico reciente de DM1 tienen una DMO normal. Sin embargo, con el paso del tiempo, y sobre todo durante la adolescencia, muestran una menor ganancia de masa ósea y alteraciones en los parámetros de recambio óseo. (AU)

Relación entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre y la progresión del índice tobillo-brazo / Relationship between physical activity during leisure time and progression of ankle-brachial index

Objetivo: Estudiar la relación entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre y la progresión del índice tobillo-brazo (ITB) en población general española. Método: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo y multicéntrico, con 1941 sujetos mayores de 49 años, libres de arteriopatía periférica en el momento del reclutamiento. La variable actividad física en el tiempo libre se obtuvo mediante el cuestionario VREM ((Versión Reducida en Espãnol del Cuestionario de Actividad Física en el Tiempo Libre de Minnesota). Se consideró arteriopatía periférica un ITB <0,9. Para evaluar la asociación independiente entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre y el ITB se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística multivariante. Resultados: La edad media era de 63,4 años y el 54,6% eran mujeres. En el análisis multivariante hubo una relación positiva entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre y el ITB en pacientes con un gasto energético de más de 5000 metabolic energy turnover (MET) en 14 días (odds ratio: 0,37; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,18-0,80). Por actividades específicas, mostraron un efecto protector hacer deporte o bailar, ir a comprar a pie y limpiar la casa más de 1 hora al día. En el grupo de personas que mantenían a largo plazo la realización de actividad física en el tiempo libre se observó un efecto protector en la actividad física en general (MET) y en ir a comprar a pie. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, en una muestra de población general española muy activa, la actividad física en el tiempo libre se asoció favorablemente con el ITB. (AU)

Objective: To study the relationship between physical activity during leisure time and progression of ankle-brachial index (ABI) in the Spanish general population. Method: Prospective, multicentre cohort study with 1941 subjects over 49 years of age, free of peripheral arterial disease at the time of recruitment of the cohort, were studied. Physical activity during leisure time variable was obtained using the VREM questionnaire. Peripheral arterial disease was considered to be an ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent association between physical activity during leisure time and ABI. Results: The mean age was 63.4 years and 54.6% were women. In the multivariate analysis, there was a positive relationship between physical activity during leisure time and ABI in patients with an energy consumption of more than 5000 MET in 14 days (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.80). These specific activities doing sports or dancing, going shopping on foot, and cleaning the house for more than an hour a day showed a protective effect. In the group of subjects who maintained the physical activity during leisure time during the time of the research, a protective effect was observed with overall physical activity (MET) and going shopping on foot. Conclusions: In our research, PALT was favorably associated with ABI, in a sample of the Spanish general population that is very active and has a low-cardiovascular risk. (AU)

Estudio longitudinal de la ansiedad escolar en niños chilenos de educación primaria / Longitudinal Study Of School Anxiety In Chilean Children In Primary Education

Resumen Desde la teoría tridimensional, la ansiedad escolar se define como un conjunto de síntomas que se emiten desde tres sistemas de respuesta. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las respuestas de ansiedad escolar en estudiantes chilenos de educación primaria para determinar los posibles cambios a nivel temporal. Para ello, se contó con 155 niños de tres cursos distintos, a quienes se les evaluó el nivel de ansiedad escolar durante tres años consecutivos. El instrumento utilizado fue el Inventario de Ansiedad escolar para la educación primaria (IAEB), que mide la respuesta de ansiedad de tipo cognitiva, psicofisiológica y motora. Se realizaron análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas para determinar la estabilidad temporal. Los resultados indican que la media no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas y se mantuvo la ansiedad escolar en estos niños en el periodo de tres años. Se apoyó la posibilidad de que se presente como un síntoma estable de los estudiantes, más que responder a eventos puntuales del entorno.

Abstract Since the three-dimensional theory, school anxiety is defined as a set of symptoms arising from three response systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate school anxiety responses in Chilean primary school students, during three consecutive years, to determine possible changes over time. To this end, 155 children from three different courses were included; they were evaluated for their level of school anxiety for three consecutive years. The instrument used for this was the School Anxiety Inventory for Primary Education (IAEB), which measures the cognitive, psychophysiological and motor anxiety responses. Analysis of variance of repeated measures was performed to determine temporal stability. The results indicated that the mean did not show statistically significant differences, maintaining school anxiety in these children over the three-year period, supporting the possibility that it appears as a stable symptom of the students, rather than responding to specific events in the environment.

Estabilidad diagnóstica de niños con trastorno del espectro autista en la adolescencia (TEA). Funcionamiento ejecutivo, socio-adaptativo y conductual / Diagnostic stability of children with autism spectrum disorder in adolescence (ASD). Executive, socio-adaptive and behavioral functioning

Resumen Las características de individuos con trastornos del espectro Autista (TEA) persistente (TEA-P) o con TEA remitente (TEA-R) en el tiempo son poco conocidas. Este estudio longitudinal se planteó con tres objetivos: 1) determinar la tasa de persistencia/recuperación en la adolescencia de niños con diagnós tico TEA; 2) comparar el funcionamiento ejecutivo (FE), manifestaciones socio-adaptativas y conductuales de adolescentes TEA-P y TEA-R; y 3) identificar el porcentaje de individuos de los grupos TEA-P y TEA-R con puntuaciones normalizadas en FE y manifestaciones socio-adaptativas y conductuales en la infancia (T1) y en la adolescencia (T2). La muestra en el Tiempo 1 estuvo integrada por 45 niños con TEA (edad 7 a 11 años) de los que 32 mantenían el diagnóstico del trastorno 5 años después. Los padres y profesores cumplimentaron cuestionarios de FE, teoría de la mente (ToM), manifestaciones socio-adaptativas y conductuales en T1 y en T2. El grupo con TEA-P presentó significativamente más problemas y peor evolución en FE, características socio-adaptativas y conductuales que el grupo TEA-R. Los hallazgos destacan la variabilidad de la trayectoria evolutiva del TEA y la necesidad de realizar un seguimiento psicoeducativo y médico frecuente en este trastorno del neurodesarrollo.

Abstract The characteristics of individuals with persis tent ASD (ASD-P) and remittent ASD (ASD-R) are little known. This longitudinal study had threeobjectives1) To determine the persistence and recovery in children with autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in adolescence: 2) To compare executive functioning (EF), socio-adaptive and behavioral manifestations of ASD-P and ASD-R adolescents; and 3) to identify the percentage of normalized individuals in ADS-P and ADS-R groups in EF, socio-adaptive and behavioral manifestation in childhood and adolescence. The sample at T1 was comprised of 45 children with ASD (aged 7-11), maintaining 32 ASD diagnosis five years later. Parents and teachers completed questionnaires on EF, theory of mind, socio-adaptive and behavior difficulties, at both time points. The ASD-P group presented significantly more problems than group ASD-Rand showed worst evolution in EF, socio-adaptive and behavioral domains. Our findings highlight the variability of developmental trajectories of children with ASD.

[Relationship between physical activity during leisure time and progression of ankle-brachial index]. / Relación entre la actividad física en el tiempo libre y la progresión del índice tobillo-brazo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between physical activity during leisure time and progression of ankle-brachial index (ABI) in the Spanish general population. METHOD: Prospective, multicentre cohort study with 1941 subjects over 49 years of age, free of peripheral arterial disease at the time of recruitment of the cohort, were studied. Physical activity during leisure time variable was obtained using the VREM questionnaire. Peripheral arterial disease was considered to be an ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent association between physical activity during leisure time and ABI. RESULTS: The mean age was 63.4 years and 54.6% were women. In the multivariate analysis, there was a positive relationship between physical activity during leisure time and ABI in patients with an energy consumption of more than 5000 MET in 14 days (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.80). These specific activities doing sports or dancing, going shopping on foot, and cleaning the house for more than an hour a day showed a protective effect. In the group of subjects who maintained the physical activity during leisure time during the time of the research, a protective effect was observed with overall physical activity (MET) and going shopping on foot. CONCLUSIONS: In our research, PALT was favorably associated with ABI, in a sample of the Spanish general population that is very active and has a low-cardiovascular risk.

Associações entre práticas de gestão de pessoas e comportamento de apoio à mudança organizacional: um estudo longitudinal / Associations between people management practices and behavior in support of organizational change: a longitudinal study / Asociaciones entre las prácticas de gestión de personas y el comportamiento de apoyo al cambio organizacional: un estudio longitudinal

Esta pesquisa descreveu as associações entre a percepção das práticas de Gestão de Pessoas, e o comportamento de apoio à mudança dos servidores lotados na Secretaria de Gestão de Pessoas de um órgão público brasileiro. O estudo apresenta o desenho longitudinal, com três ondas de coletas de dados, entre 2016 e 2019 e descreve as alterações estruturais nas Políticas e Práticas de Gestão de Pessoas. Os resultados apontaram que a percepção de Políticas e Práticas de Gestão de Pessoas pode explicar o comportamento de apoio às mudanças em períodos críticos. Esse estudo contribui tanto para a academia quanto para a prática profissional, visto que apresenta as primeiras evidências de resultados de ações feitas pela área de Gestão de Pessoas utilizando critérios alternativos, como aumento de apoio à mudança e o reconhecimento das políticas e práticas implementadas.

This research investigated associations between the perception of people management practices and change-supportive behavior of public servants at the People Management Secretariat of a Brazilian public agency. The study is longitudinal, with three waves of data collection between 2016 and 2019, and describes the structural changes in people management policies and practices. The results showed that the perception of people management policies and practices can explain the behavior that supports change in critical periods. This study contributes both to academia and to practice with the first evidence of the results of actions taken by the people management area using alternative criteria, such as increased support for change and the recognition of implemented policies and practices.

Esta investigación describió las asociaciones entre la percepción de las políticas y prácticas de Gestión de Personas y el comportamiento de apoyo al cambio de los servidores asignados a la Secretaría de Gestión de Personas de un organismo público brasileño. El estudio presenta un diseño longitudinal, con tres oleadas de recolección de datos, entre 2016 y 2019, y describe los cambios estructurales en las Políticas y Prácticas de Gestión de Personas. Los resultados mostraron que la percepción de las Políticas y Prácticas de Gestión de Personas puede explicar el comportamiento de apoyo a los cambios en períodos críticos. Este estudio contribuye tanto a la academia como a la práctica profesional, ya que presenta la primera evidencia de los resultados de las acciones realizadas por el área de Gestión de Personas utilizando criterios alternativos, como un mayor apoyo al cambio y el reconocimiento de las políticas y prácticas implementadas.

A longitudinal study of preadolescent and adolescent substance use: Within-individual patterns and protective factors / Estudio longitudinal del consumo de sustancias en preadolescentes y adolescentes: patrones intraindividuales y factores protectores

Substance use is one of the main risks for adolescent health. Many research projects have studied longitudinal patterns of use and risk/protective factors, but the number of studies focused on within-individual stability and change is low. The objective of this study was to discover specific longitudinal profiles of drug use and explore the role of social and emotional competencies, and empathy as possible protective factors against substance use. Method: This was a longitudinal study with 879 students (9-17 years at wave 1, 10-18 at wave 2). Substance use, social and emotional competencies, and empathy were measured with a survey. Results: Nine longitudinal profiles of substance use were found in this sample. Multinomial regression analysis found that low responsible decision making, self-management and affective empathy predicted the profiles of ascending user, chronic user and experiencer, respectively. Experiencer was also predicted by a low level of social awareness. Conclusions: The trend to a higher use over time can increase the odds of addiction in future. Some personal variables were found as protective factors against drug use. Thus, school interventions addressed to promote social and emotional competencies, and empathy seem necessary in order to decrease the adolescent drug use. (AU)

El consumo de sustancias es uno de los mayores riesgos para la salud de los adolescentes. Numerosas investigaciones han estudiado el patrón longitudinal de consumo y factores de riesgo/protección, pero pocas han estudiado la estabilidad y el cambio a nivel intraindividual. El objetivo de este estudio fue descubrir patrones longitudinales específicos de consumo de drogas y explorar el papel de las competencias sociales y emocionales, y la empatía como posibles factores protectores. Método: Un estudio longitudinal con 879 participantes (9-17 años en tiempo 1; 10-18 en tiempo 2). El consumo de sustancias, las competencias socioemocionales y la empatía se midieron con una encuesta. Resultados: Se encontraron nueve perfiles longitudinales de consumo. Los análisis de regresión encontraron que baja toma de decisiones responsables, autocontrol y empatía afectiva predijeron los perfiles de consumidor ascendente, consumidor crónico y experimentador, respectivamente. Experimentador también fue predicho por bajos niveles de conciencia social. Conclusiones: La tendencia a aumentar el consumo a través del tiempo puede incrementar el riesgo de adicción en el futuro. Algunas variables personales actúan como factores de protección. Por ello, parecen necesarias intervenciones escolares dirigidas a promocionar las competencias sociales y emocionales, y la empatía para disminuir el consumo de sustancias. (AU)

Longitudinal study of quality of life in acquired brain injury: A self- and proxy-report evaluation / Estudio longitudinal de la calidad de vida en daño cerebral adquirido: autoinforme e informe de otros

After an acquired brain injury (ABI), the person remains with several impairments and disabilities that cause a decrease in his/her quality of life (QoL), which could change over time. The objective of the study was to analyse the evolution patterns of QoL in a sample of persons with ABI for one-year as well as the differences in proxy- and self-report versions of a QoL instrument. Method: The sample comprised 402 persons with ABI with ages ranging between 18 and 91 years, whom 36.20% had had the accident recently (i.e., three years or less). Patients, professionals and relatives responded at three evaluation points to the CAVIDACE scale, an ABI-specific QoL tool. Results: ANOVAs showed an improvement in QoL in the two follow-ups; the improvement was especially significant in the period between baseline and six months. The respondent factor did not interact with the evaluation time, but significant differences were found between respondents, with scores of patients higher than that for proxies. Finally, the QoL’s evolution interacts with the time elapsed since injury, showing significant improvements in the most recent group (i.e., three years or less). Conclusions: QoL must be considered from the earliest moments after ABI to obtain more significant improvements. (AU)

Después del daño cerebral adquirido (DCA), la persona permanece con secuelas y discapacidades severas que pueden causar una disminución de su calidad de vida (CV) variable a lo largo del tiempo. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los cambios en la CV a lo largo de un año, así como las diferencias entre las versiones autoinforme y heteroinforme de un instrumento de CV. Método: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 402 personas con DCA, con edades entre 18 y 91 años, de quiénes el 36,20% había tenido el accidente recientemente (tres años o menos). Pacientes, profesionales y familiares respondieron en los tres momentos de evaluación a la escala CAVIDACE, un instrumento específico para DCA. Resultados: Los ANOVAs mostraron una mejoría en muchas de las dimensiones de CV en ambos seguimientos, especialmente significativa entre la línea base y los seis meses. Los pacientes puntuaron más alto que el resto de evaluadores, pero este factor no mostró interacción con el momento de evaluación. Finalmente, la evolución de la CV interactuó con el tiempo transcurrido desde el DCA, encontrándose mejorías en el grupo con menor recorrido. Conclusiones: La CV debe ser tenida en cuenta desde los primeros momentos tras el DCA para obtener mejorías más significativas. (AU)