Internet search patterns for psychoactive substance use prevention and treatment in Mexico: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study was aimed at describing the patterns of searches for information on the prevention and treatment of psychoactive drug use in Mexico, among both the general population and the personnel dedicated to the prevention and treatment of this type of substance use in Mexico. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional quantitative study was performed with a validated online questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information, background information and self-reported internet search patterns on psychoactive substance use prevention. A chi-square test was used to identify differences between groups, and a classification tree was used to analyze the search patterns. The combinations of the search criteria with the search topics were entered into Google Trends to validate the information. Results: The participants (n = 544 adults) were mostly women (65%), 18-30 years of age and bachelor's degree holders (57%). A total of 32% were students, 59% searched the Internet for drug use prevention or treatment, and 12% professionally engaged in drug use prevention or treatment. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found between the general population and professionals dedicated to drug dependency services. We identified six search patterns used in the decision-making process by people seeking information on drug prevention and treatment on the Internet. These patterns were graphically visualized with a classification tree, although, this method did not allow clear differentiation of patterns between groups. The search patterns were successfully validated with Google trends.

Initiation to methamphetamine use in a binational sample of women at the US-Mexico border.

This article examines comparative risk behaviors associated with methamphetamine use in a binational sample of women in the border cities of Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, California. Specifically, the study examined the differences and similarities in drug use and sexual risk behavior and the patterns of initiation to methamphetamine use. The binational pilot sample consisted of 70 adult women in Tijuana and 55 women in San Diego. Although there were important differences in the presentation of risk behavior and patterns of initiation between the two binational samples, women on both sides of the US-Mexico border also showed remarkable similarities in their risk profile. Results from this study suggest that despite significant cultural and socioeconomic differences between the study cities, certain specific substance abuse patterns (e.g., methamphetamine use) in border regions with an increasing demographic exchange and integration are emerging as an "equalizer" of risk, capable of dissolving context-based differentiating factors, and creating a more homogenous subpopulation of substance users.

Addressing the need for access to culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention for Latinos.

This article reports a comprehensive national needs assessment of Latinos' access to HIV/AIDS prevention and education services in 14 cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with Latinos who were HIV-positive and at risk for HIV infection. The study explored risk behaviors, access to health care services, and exposure to HIV prevention messages. Differences in predictors of risk behaviors were noted by sex. For women, increased age, being married, foreign-born, and a U.S. resident, and having tested for HIV previously, were associated with reduced HIV/AIDS risk. Thematic analysis of qualitative findings revealed limited awareness of risk factors, and a need for culturally and linguistically appropriate, family-centered HIV/AIDS education incorporating Latino values. Findings were incorporated into culturally relevant brochures featuring vignettes and quotes. Brochures were distributed and evaluated by 71 community-based organizations (CBOs) in the U.S. and Latin America. Evaluators responded positively to the brochures, and Latino-serving organizations in 48 states now use them for HIV/AIDS prevention outreach and education.

The link between obesity and the built environment. Evidence from an ecological analysis of obesity and vehicle miles of travel in California.

AIMS: Obesity and physical inactivity are known to be risk factors for many chronic diseases including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and cancer. We sought to explore the association between an indicator of transportation data (Vehicle Miles of Travel, VMT) at the county level as it relates to obesity and physical inactivity in California. METHODS: Data from the California Health Interview Survey 2001 (CHIS 2001), the US 2000 Census, and the California Department of Transportation were merged to examine ecological correlations between vehicle miles of travel, population density, commute time, and county indicators of obesity and physical inactivity. Obesity was measured by body mass index (BMI). Physical inactivity was based on self-reported behaviors including walking, bicycling, and moderate to vigorous activity. The unit of analysis was the county. Thirty-three counties in California with population size greater than 100,000 persons per county were retained in the analyses. RESULTS: CHIS 2001 statewide obesity prevalence ranged from 11.2% to 28.5% by county. Physical inactivity ranged from 13.4% to 35.7%. Daily vehicle miles of travel ranged from 3.3 million to 183.8 million per county. By rank bivariate correlation, obesity and physical inactivity were significantly associated (p<0.01). Furthermore, by rank analysis of variance, the highest mean rank obesity was associated with the highest rank of VMT (p<0.01). Similar rank patterns were observed between obesity and physical inactivity and commute time. Associations between VMT and physical inactivity were examined but failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This analysis adds to the growing evidence supporting the association between VMT (a measure of automobile transportation) and obesity. An urban design characterized by over dependence on motorized transportation may be related to adverse health effects.