Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Scientific Production of Physical Education Researchers: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes in society's dynamics, particularly affecting the landscape of education. Research in several areas may have been affected during periods of social restrictions. This study analyzed the curricula of 558 researchers across 27 graduate programs in physical education in Brazil to investigate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientific publications. Researchers' production from 2018 to 2022 underwent a comprehensive analysis, considering the total number of publications, Qualis rank, and journal impact factor. Data were analyzed using chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significance was set at 5%. Overall, the analyzed researchers published a total of 17,932 manuscripts from 2018 to 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decline of 16.4% in the number of articles published (p = 0.001). This decline was similar between men and women (p = 0.603) and was associated with a worsening in Qualis rank (p = 0.001). The number of studies published in journals with impact factors was also affected (p = 0.001). The findings suggest a potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the scientific production of Brazilian researchers in the field of physical education. Funding agencies should consider the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic before evaluating researchers and programs.

Do baseline participant characteristics impact the effectiveness of a mobile health intervention for depressive symptoms? A post-hoc subgroup analysis of the CONEMO trials.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether sociodemographic and health-related characteristics known from previous research to have a substantive impact on recovery from depression modified the effect of a digital intervention designed to improve depressive symptoms (CONEMO). METHODS: The CONEMO study consisted of two randomized controlled trials, one conducted in Lima, Peru, and one in São Paulo, Brazil. As a secondary trial plan analysis, mixed logistic regression was used to explore interactions between the treatment arm and subgroups of interest defined by characteristics measured before randomization - suicidal ideation, race/color, age, gender, income, type of mobile phone, alcohol misuse, tobacco use, and diabetes/hypertension - in both trials. We estimated interaction effects between the treatment group and these subgroup factors for the secondary outcomes using linear mixed regression models. RESULTS: Increased effects of the CONEMO intervention on the primary outcome (reduction of at least 50% in depressive symptom scores at 3-month follow-up) were observed among older and wealthier participants in the Lima trial (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of such differential effects in São Paulo, and no evidence of impact of any other secondary outcomes in either trial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02846662 (São Paulo, Brazil - SP), NCT03026426 (Lima, Peru - LI).

Do baseline participant characteristics impact the effectiveness of a mobile health intervention for depressive symptoms? A post-hoc subgroup analysis of the CONEMO trials

Objective: To ascertain whether sociodemographic and health-related characteristics known from previous research to have a substantive impact on recovery from depression modified the effect of a digital intervention designed to improve depressive symptoms (CONEMO). Methods: The CONEMO study consisted of two randomized controlled trials, one conducted in Lima, Peru, and one in São Paulo, Brazil. As a secondary trial plan analysis, mixed logistic regression was used to explore interactions between the treatment arm and subgroups of interest defined by characteristics measured before randomization - suicidal ideation, race/color, age, gender, income, type of mobile phone, alcohol misuse, tobacco use, and diabetes/hypertension - in both trials. We estimated interaction effects between the treatment group and these subgroup factors for the secondary outcomes using linear mixed regression models. Results: Increased effects of the CONEMO intervention on the primary outcome (reduction of at least 50% in depressive symptom scores at 3-month follow-up) were observed among older and wealthier participants in the Lima trial (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: There was no evidence of such differential effects in São Paulo, and no evidence of impact of any other secondary outcomes in either trial. Clinical trial registration: NCT02846662 (São Paulo, Brazil - SP), NCT03026426 (Lima, Peru - LI). Funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (grant U19MH098780).

Consumo de psicoestimulantes por estudantes de medicina em um centro universitário privado / Consumption of psychostimulants by medical students in a private university center

O consumo de psicoestimulantes tem crescido exponencialmente, sobretudo entre estudantes de medicina, na busca por aumentar o rendimento acadêmico. Atualmente, a extensa carga horária de aulas e estudos, exigências de produtividade e altos níveis de estresse podem desencadear o uso. Objetivo: Analisar o uso de psicoestimulantes por estudantes do curso de Medicina de um Centro Universitário privado em Minas Gerais. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, quantitativo, com delineamento transversal entre os discentes do 1° ao 5° ano do curso de Medicina no 2° semestre de 2021. Os participantes responderam ao questionário semi-estruturado elaborado pelos autores. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados no software Statistical Product and Service Solutions. Resultados: Dos 244 entrevistados, cerca de 57.4% faziam uso de algum psicoestimulante. Houve maior uso entre os estudantes do 2° ano e as principais substâncias utilizadas foram: cafeína (85%), energético (65%) e metilfenidato (60%). A melhora na concentração (97%) foi o efeito mais percebido pelos usuários, seguido de redução do sono (83%) e melhora de raciocínio (80%). Muitos consideraram que os estimulantes cerebrais têm o potencial de melhorar o rendimento acadêmico, mas pode reduzir a qualidade do sono e consequentemente torná-los susceptíveis a outras enfermidades. Conclusão: É notável que existe uso abusivo de estimulantes cerebrais, sendo fundamental o trabalho em conjunto entre instituição de ensino e familiares, em prol da prevenção e do controle de danos causados por esse hábito

The consumption of psychostimulants has grown exponentially, especially among medical students, in the quest to increase academic performance. Currently, the extensive workload of classes and studies, productivity demands and high levels of stress can trigger use. Objective: To analyze the use of psychostimulants by medical students at a private University Center in Minas Gerais. Methods: A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out among students from the 1st to the 5th year of the medicine course in the 2nd semester of 2021. The participants answered the semi-structured questionnaire prepared by the authors. The data obtained were tabulated in the Statistical Product and Service Solutions software. Results: Of the 244 respondents, about 57.4% used some psychostimulant. There was greater use among 2nd year students and the main substances used were: caffeine (85%), energy drink (65%) and methylphenidate (60%). Improved concentration (97%) was the effect most perceived by users, followed by reduced sleep (83%) and improved thinking (80%). Many considered that brain stimulants have the potential to improve academic performance, but can reduce sleep quality and consequently make them susceptible to other illnesses. Conclusion: It is notable that there is abusive use of brain stimulants, and it is essential to work together between educational institutions and family members in order to prevent and control the damage caused by this habit

A vitamina C na esquizofrenia apresenta benefício? Estudo preliminar com análise comportamental em ratos / Does vitamin C have benefit in schizophrenia? Preliminary study with behavioral analysis in rats

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar em ratos modelos de esquizofrenia, induzidos pela administração de cetamina, a possibilidade dos efeitos benéficos do ácido ascórbico na esquizofrenia, por meio do teste comportamental. Métodos O estudo preliminar foi simples-cego e randomizado. Foi realizado o protocolo de psicose por cetamina em 24 ratos Wistar submetidos posteriormente à análise comportamental. No primeiro grupo, foram administradas: água e cetamina; no segundo: ácido ascórbico e cetamina; no terceiro: antipsicótico, ácido ascórbico e cetamina; e no quarto: antipsicótico, água e cetamina. A análise comportamental foi feita por meio do Open Field Test, considerado o método-padrão para avaliar comportamento em modelos animais de esquizofrenia. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo software IBM-SPSS, por meio dos Modelos Lineares Generalizados. Resultados O tratamento em monoterapia de haloperidol (Média Quadrante: 44,5 ± 15,8; IC: 13,54-75,46/Média Centro: 2,67 ± 0,67; IC: 1,63-4,35) e aquele em conjunto com a vitamina C (Média Quadrante: 38,67 ± 15,8; IC: 7,71-69,52/Média Centro: 2,00 ± 0,58; IC: 1,14-3,52) demonstraram benefícios nos ratos modelos de esquizofrenia induzidos por cetamina (Média Quadrante: 108,5 ± 15,8; IC: 77,54-139,46/Média Centro: 11,33 ± 1,37; IC: 8,94-14,37) (p < 0,001). O tratamento isolado com a vitamina C não apresentou resultado significante (Média Quadrante: 62,00 ± 15,8; IC: 31,04-92,96/Média Centro: 7,00 ± 1,08; IC: 5,17-9,47). Conclusão A associação de antipsicótico e vitamina C e somente o antipsicótico demonstraram efeito terapêutico em relação aos controles. A vitamina C isolada não apresentou benefício.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to analyze in rats models of schizophrenia, induced by the administration of ketamine, the possibility of the beneficial effects of ascorbic acid in schizophrenia, through the behavioral test. Methods This preliminary study was simple blind and randomized. The ketamine psychosis protocol was carried out in 24 Wistar rats, which were subsequently submitted to behavioral analysis. The first group was supplied with: water and ketamine; the second: ascorbic acid and ketamine; the third: antipsychotic, ascorbic acid and ketamine; the fourth: antipsychotic, water and ketamine. Behavioral analysis was performed using the Open Field Test, considered the standard method for assessing behavior in animal models of schizophrenia. Statistical analysis was performed by the IBM-SPSS software, using the Generalized Linear Models. Results Treatment in haloperidol monotherapy (Quadrant Average: 44.5 ± 15.8; CI: 13.54-75.46/Center Average: 2.67 ± 0.67; CI: 1.63-4.35) and combined with vitamin C (Quadrant Average: 38.67 ± 15.8; CI: 7.71-69.52/Center Average: 2.00 ± 0.58; CI: 1.14-3.52), demonstrated benefits in the animal model of schizophrenia induced by ketamine (Quadrant Average: 108.5 ± 15.8; CI: 77.54-139.46/Center Average: 11.33 ± 1.37; CI: 8.94- 14.37) (p < 0.001). The isolated treatment with vitamin C did not show a significant result (Quadrant Average: 62.00 ± 15.8; CI: 31.04-92.96/Mean Average: 7.00 ± 1.08; CI: 5.17-9.47). Conclusion The association of antipsychotic and vitamin C and only the antipsychotic demonstrated a therapeutic effect respecting to controls. Vitamin C manage separately had no benefit.

Challenges and opportunities in the science of research to practice: lessons learned from a randomized controlled trial of a sexual risk-reduction intervention for psychiatric patients in a public mental health system

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention efficacy trials with psychiatric patients have been conducted in research settings in high-resourced countries, establishing short-term efficacy for reducing sexual risk behavior. None has been implemented within systems of care. In the last decade, overcoming this research-to-practice gap has become a focus of implementation science. This paper describes the first and only HIV Prevention intervention trial for psychiatric patients conducted in real-world outpatient psychiatric settings facilitated by trained clinic-based providers. Methods: The HIV Prevention intervention, which uses the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model to achieve sexual risk-reduction, was rigorously adapted to the local context and clinic services' needs. Participants from eight clinics were randomized to HIV Prevention or Health Promotion conditions. Results: HIV Prevention participants showed significant improvement in Information-Motivation-Behavioral domains; in this group, behavioral intentions were associated with significantly fewer unprotected sex occasions, but reduction of unprotected sex occasions was similar in both conditions. Conclusion: Our trial was conducted before implementation studies became widely funded. Transporting an intervention to a new culture or into real-world practice settings may require adaptations. Our results demonstrate that clear guidelines are needed regarding whether to conduct efficacy, effectiveness, and/or implementation research as the most appropriate next step. Clinical trial registration: NCT00881699

Criteria for assessing peripheral nerve injury: behavioral and functional assessment in non-operated Wistar rats

Purpose To evaluate the normality pattern in functional tests of peripheral nerves. Methods Sixty female and sixty male Wistar rats were submitted to vibrissae movement and nictitating reflex for facial nerve; grooming test and grasping test for brachial plexus; and walking tracking test and horizontal ladder test for lumbar plexus. The tests were performed separately, with an interval of seven days between each. Results All animals showed the best score in vibrissae movement, nictitating reflex, grooming test, and horizontal ladder test. The best score was acquired for the first time in more than 90% of animals. The mean of strength on the grasping test was 133.46±12.08g for the right and 121.74±8.73g for the left anterior paw. There was a difference between the right and left sides. There was no difference between the groups according to sex. There is no statistical difference comparing all functional indexes between sex, independent of the side analyzed. The peroneal functional index showed higher levels than the sciatic and tibial functional index on both sides and sex. Conclusions The behavioral and functional assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration are low-cost, easy to perform, and reliable tests. However, they need to be performed by experienced researchers to avoid misinterpretation.(AU)

Criteria for assessing peripheral nerve injury. Behavioral and functional assessment in non-operated Wistar rats

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the normality pattern in functional tests of peripheral nerves. Methods Sixty female and sixty male Wistar rats were submitted to vibrissae movement and nictitating reflex for facial nerve; grooming test and grasping test for brachial plexus; and walking tracking test and horizontal ladder test for lumbar plexus. The tests were performed separately, with an interval of seven days between each. Results All animals showed the best score in vibrissae movement, nictitating reflex, grooming test, and horizontal ladder test. The best score was acquired for the first time in more than 90% of animals. The mean of strength on the grasping test was 133.46±12.08g for the right and 121.74±8.73g for the left anterior paw. There was a difference between the right and left sides. There was no difference between the groups according to sex. There is no statistical difference comparing all functional indexes between sex, independent of the side analyzed. The peroneal functional index showed higher levels than the sciatic and tibial functional index on both sides and sex. Conclusions The behavioral and functional assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration are low-cost, easy to perform, and reliable tests. However, they need to be performed by experienced researchers to avoid misinterpretation.

The University of São Paulo Twin Panel: Current Status and Prospects for Brazilian Twin Studies in Behavioral Research.

The University of São Paulo Twin Panel (Painel USP de Gêmeos), based at the Institute of Psychology of the University of São Paulo, started formally in 2017. Our registry is new, but in only two years of formal existence, it comprises a volunteer sample of 4826 registered individuals (98% twins and 2% higher-order multiples), recruited at the University of São Paulo and by social media campaigns. Our main aim is to conduct and promote research with twins on psychological processes and behavior. The University of São Paulo is the largest higher education and research institution in South America, and the Painel USP de Gêmeos has great potential for fostering research on twin-related issues from a psychological perspective in Brazil and South America.

Impacts of nocturnal breastfeeding, photoperiod, and access to electricity on maternal sleep behaviors in a non-industrial rural Bolivian population.

OBJECTIVES: We tested 4 main predictions, derived from life history theory and self-evident human diurnality, regarding maternal sleep behaviors in a non-industrialized population in which mother-nursling co-sleeping is universal and prolonged: (1) Night breastfeeding incurs a sleep cost to co-sleeping mothers; (2) Night breastfeeding increases with infant age, causing mothers to sleep less; (3) Sleep duration co-varies with darkness duration; (4) Access to electricity reduces sleep duration. DESIGN: Mothers self-recorded and reported nursing and sleep behaviors for a 48-hour period once per month (median = 5 months). SETTING: Rural Bolivian altiplano homesteads, primarily reliant on agropastoralism, scattered throughout the countryside surrounding a main town (altitude 3800 m; 17°14'S, 65°55'W; darkness duration 10-12 hours over the year). PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-four co-sleeping mother-infant pairs (infant age 22-730 days). MEASUREMENTS: Breastfeeding frequency, and retiring and rising times for 885 48-hour observation periods. RESULTS: Maternal sleep duration covaried with darkness duration. Sleep duration was shorter in those with access to electricity (ie, living nearer to town) than those without access (more distant homesteads). Night breastfeeding rate was fairly steady until it began to decline after the first year postpartum. At a given infant age, higher night breastfeeding rates were associated with less maternal sleep. As their infants aged, mothers without electricity slept more, whereas mothers with access slept less. CONCLUSIONS: During the first year postpartum, more frequent night nursing shortens maternal sleep more than any other predictor variable. For older infants, the effect of night nursing diminishes, and even modest "modernization" (eg, access to electricity) is associated with shorter maternal sleep.

Where Children Play: Young Child Exposure to Environmental Hazards during Play in Public Areas in a Transitioning Internally Displaced Persons Community in Haiti.

Globally, gastrointestinal (GI) infections by enteric pathogens are the second-leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age (≤5 years). While GI pathogen exposure in households has been rigorously examined, there is little data about young children's exposure in public domains. Moreover, public areas in low-income settings are often used for other waste disposal practices in addition to human feces, such as trash dumping in areas near households. If young children play in public domains, they might be exposed to interrelated and highly concentrated microbial, chemical, and physical hazards. This study performed structured observations at 36 public areas in an internally displaced persons community that has transitioned into a formal settlement in Haiti. We documented how often young children played in public areas and quantified behaviors that might lead to illness and injury. Children ≤5 years played at all public sites, which included infants who played at 47% of sites. Children touched and mouthed plastic, metal and glass trash, food and other objects from the ground, ate soil (geophagia) and drank surface water. They also touched latrines, animals, animal feces and open drainage canals. Hand-to-mouth contact was one of the most common behaviors observed and the rate of contact significantly differed among developmental stages (infants: 18/h, toddlers: 11/h and young children: 9/h), providing evidence that children could ingest trace amounts of animal/human feces on hands that may contain GI pathogens. These findings demonstrate that water, sanitation and hygiene interventions could be more effective if they consider exposure risks to feces in public domains. Furthermore, this research highlights the need for waste-related interventions to address the broader set of civil conditions that create unsafe, toxic and contaminated public environments where young children play.

Nivel de ansiedad de los pacientes antes de ingresar a la consulta odontológica / Dental Anxiety Before a Dentist Appointment / Nível de ansiedade em pacientes antes de ingressar à consulta odontológica

Resumen Introducción: la ansiedad dental o miedo al tratamiento odontológico es una de las dificultades más frecuentes para el profesional, y esto puede tener un impacto considerable en la salud oral. El objetivo es evaluar el nivel de ansiedad de los pacientes que acudieron a las consultas en la clínica odontológica de una empresa privada de servicios odontológicos, en 2015. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal en el que se utilizó la Escala de Ansiedad Dental de Corah Modificada (MDAS), y se interrogó sobre la ansiedad que generan los componentes de la consulta odontológica. Resultados: participaron un total de 297 adultos de los cuales 54.85 % fueron varones y la mediana de edad fue 28 años. Se obtuvo un bajo número de pacientes con ansiedad extrema (7.74 %), siendo el porcentaje más elevado para la inyección de anestésico local (85.52 %). El 17.85 % obtuvo un nivel de ansiedad elevada y el 17.85 % severa. El componente de la consulta odontológica que generó mayor nivel de ansiedad fue la extracción dental con 40.40 %. Conclusión: el paciente debe sentirse lo más relajado posible al ir a una consulta odontológica por lo que se necesitan charlas a los proveedores de salud dental acerca de las diferentes técnicas para disminuir la ansiedad dental del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: Dental anxiety or consulting fear to dentist appointment and/or dental treatment, is one of the most frequent problems to the professional which can have an impact to the oral health. The objective is to assess the level of anxiety in patients that attend to appointments in a dental clinic from a private company of dental care in the year of 2015. Materials and methods: The study design is cross-sectional, Corah's Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was utilized. And question were made about the components of dental services that generate dental anxiety. Results: The sample consisted of 297 adult patients, 54.85 % were males and middle age was 28. It was obtained a low number of patients with extreme anxiety (7.74 %) according to the questions; being the highest percentage for local anesthetic injection for dental treatment (85.52 %). A 17.85 % had a high level of anxiety and 17.85 % had a severe level of anxiety. The component that caused anxiety the most was tooth extraction with a 40.40 %. Conclusion: The patient must feel as relax as possible when going to a dentist appointment that is why would be needed to speak with care providers about different techniques to reduce dental anxiety on patients.

Resumo Introdução: a ansiedade dental ou medo ao tratamento odontológico, é uma das dificuldades mais frequentes para o profissional, que pode ter impacto na saúde oral. O objetivo é avaliar o nível de ansiedade dos pacientes que acudiram às consultas na clínica odontológica de uma empresa privada de serviços odontológicos, no ano 2015. Materiais e métodos: estudo transversal no qual utilizou-se a Escala de Ansiedade Dental de Corah Modificada (MDAS), e se interrogou sobre a ansiedade que geram os componentes da consulta odontológica. Resultados: participaram um total de 297 adultos dos quais 54.85 % foram homens e a idade média foi 28 anos. Obteve-se um número baixo de pacientes com ansiedade extrema (7.74 %), senda a porcentagem mais elevado para a injeção de anestésico local (85.52 %). O 17.85 % obteve um nível de ansiedade elevada e o 17.85 % severa. O componente da consulta odontológica que gerou maior nível de ansiedade foi a extração dental com 40.40 %. Conclusão: o paciente deve se sentir o mais relaxado possível ao ir a uma consulta odontológica pelo que precisam-se conversas aos provedores de saúde dental acerca das diferentes técnicas para diminuir a ansiedade dental do paciente.

Creación de un cuestionario de clima organizacional para hospitales de alta complejidad, Chile / Creation of a Questionnaire of Organizational Climate for Hospitals of High Complexity, Chile / Criação de um questionário de clima organizacional para hospitais de alta complexidade, Chile

En el contexto de un sector salud chileno en proceso de transformaciones, se propuso crear un cuestionario validado para medir el clima organizacional en hospitales de alta complejidad. Para su formulación se identificaron dimensiones y variables de diversos autores y se revisaron diferentes cuestionarios, validaciones y constructos utilizados en diferentes propuestas a nivel internacional. La investigación es de tipo descriptivo, cuantitativo e inferencial y se realizó sobre una base de datos de 561 empleados hospitalarios, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario por la vía de una entrevista personalizada en el lugar de trabajo, que consta de 71 variables agrupadas en 14 dimensiones. La aplicación del instrumento, así como los estudios de validez y de confiabilidad, permitieron dar origen a un nuevo cuestionario validado que cuenta con 10 factores y 44 reactivos de alta confiabilidad, que explican el 52,181% de la varianza total, alcanzando un alfa de Cronbach total de 0,89.

In the context of a Chilean health sector undergoing a process of transformations, it was proposed to create a validated questionnaire to measure the organizational climate in high complexity hospitals. In order to prepare it, dimensions and variables by diverse authors were identified and diverse questionnaires, validations and constructs used in different proposals at the international level were reviewed. The research is descriptive, quantitative and inferential and it was conducted on a database of 561 hospital employees, to whom a questionnaire was applied, through a personalized interview at their work place, consisting of 71 variables grouped in 14 dimensions. The application of the instrument, as well as the validity and reliability studies, allowed giving origin to a new validated questionnaire with 10 factors and 44 high-reliability reagents that explain 52.181 % of the total variance, reaching a total Cronbach's alpha 0.89.

No contexto de um processo de transformações do setor saúde chileno, propõe-se criar um questionário validado para medir o clima organizacional em hospitais de alta complexidade. Para sua formulação dimensões e variáveis de diversos autores foram identificadas e se revisaram diferentes questionários, validações e construtos utilizados em diferentes propostas do nível internacional. A pesquisa é de tipo descritivo, quantitativo e inferencial e foi realizado sobre uma base de dados de 561 funcionários hospitalares, a quem foi aplicado questionário pela via de entrevista pessoalizada no local de trabalho, que consta de 71 variáveis agrupadas em 14 dimensões. A aplicação do instrumento, bem como os estudos de validez e confiabilidade, permitiu dar origem a um novo questionário validado que conta com 10 fatores e 44 reagente de alta confiabilidade, que explicam o 52,181% da variância total, atingindo um alfa de Cronbach total de 0,89.

Analysis of TV, advertising and other behavioral determinants of overweight and obesity in childhood / Análisis de la televisión, la publicidad y otros determinantes conductuales del sobrepeso y la obesidad en la infancia

Worldwide obesity has reached the proportion of an epidemic. A well-established fact is that nowadays many low-and middle-income countries are facing a "double burden" of disease, dealing with under-nutrition on one side, and on the other experiencing a rapid rise in non-communicable disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings. Behavioral components are strongly influencing obesity spread and development, especially when considering TV and advertising. There is, therefore, the need of multi-cultural and cross-cultural research, in order to gain a full understanding of the association between obesity and different risk factors, in different scenarios, providing the best evidence to decision makers, grounding prevention on evidence-based strategies rather than focusing on single factors without the recognition of their mutual influence.

La obesidad en todo el mundo tiene una prevalencia similar a la de una epidemia. Los países de bajos y medianos ingresos se enfrentan hoy a una "doble carga" de enfermedad: por un lado la desnutrición y, por otro, un rápido aumento de enfermedades como la obesidad y el sobrepeso, especialmente en el ambiente urbano. Los componentes comportamentales tienen fuerte influencia sobre la propagación y el desarrollo de la obesidad, especialmente los relacionados con la televisión y la publicidad. Se tiene, por lo tanto, la necesidad de realizar investigaciones multiculturales e interculturales, con el fin de obtener una plena comprensión de la relación entre la obesidad y los diferentes factores de riesgo en varios escenarios. Ello proveería mejor evidencia para los órganos de decisión, que podrían generar estrategias de prevención basadas en enfoques ambientales, en lugar de centrarse en factores individuales, sin el reconocimiento de su influencia mutua.

Experiencias sobre el impacto del Programa de Formación en Ética de la Investigación Biomédica y Psicosocial en el ámbito de la salud mental y la investigación conductual / Experiências sobre o impacto do Programa de Formação em Ética da Pesquisa Biomédica e Psicossocial no âmbito da saúde mental e pesquisa comportamental / Experiences about the impact of the Ethics of Biomedical and Psychosocial Research Training Program in mental health and behavioral research field

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar el impacto y la integración que los conocimientos adquiridos en el Programa Internacional de Formación en Ética de la Investigación Biomédica y Psicosocial de la Universidad de Chile han tenido en mi experiencia profesional, en el ámbito de la investigación psicosocial en un Instituto de Salud de México. Para este objetivo, expondré tres áreas en las cuales se ha podido evidenciar tal impacto: trabajo en los comités de ética, desarrollo de programas de académicos en bioética e investigación y publicación sobre ética y bioética. El motivo que me llevó a incursionar en el Programa fue que su enseñanza vincula la investigación psicosocial con la ética y la bioética, lo cual me permitió dirigir este tipo de reflexión hacia problemas como violencia, suicidio, adicciones, depresión y salud mental, y a nuevos campos como los estudios comunitarios, con poblaciones en riesgo o vulnerables, en los cuales las diversas implicaciones son difíciles de indagar.

The purpose of this article is to present the impact and the integration of knowledge acquired in the international ethics of biomedical and psychosocial research training program of the University of Chile has had in my professional experience in the field of psychosocial research at a Mental Health Institute in Mexico. With this purpose, I will develop three areas of clear impact: participation in scientific ethical review committees, development of academic programs in bioethics and research and publication on ethics and bioethics. My motivation to enter in the program was that this training links psychosocial research with ethics and bioethics, which allows me to apply this type of reflection to problems such as violence, suicide, addictions, depression and mental health, and new fields such as community studies with vulnerable or at risk populations, in which the diverse implications are difficult to inquire.

O propósito deste trabalho é apresentar o impacto e a integração que os conhecimentos adquiridos no Programa Internacional de Formação em Ética da Pesquisa Biomédica e Psicossocial da Universidade do Chile tiveram em minha experiência profissional no âmbito da pesquisa psicossocial no Instituto de Saúde do México. Para este objetivo, mostrarei três áreas nas quais foi possível evidenciar tal impacto: trabalho nos comitês de ética, desenvolvimento de programas acadêmicos em bioética e pesquisa e publicação sobre ética e bioética. O motivo que me levou a incursionar no Programa foi que o seu aprendizado vincula a pesquisa psicossocial com a ética e a bioética, o que me permitiu dirigir este tipo de reflexão para problemas como violência, suicídio, toxicofilias, depressão e saúde mental, e a novos campos como os estudos comunitários com populações em risco ou vulneráveis, nas quais as diversas implicações são difíceis de indagar.

Percepción de la motivación de los directivos intermedios en tres hospitales de la Región del Maule, Chile / Motivation perception measurement of intermediate directors in three complex hospitals of the Region of the Maule, Chile

OBJETIVO: En este trabajo se diseña un cuestionario y se cuantifican las percepciones de motivación-desmotivación de los jefes intermedios de tres hospitales de la Región del Maule, Chile. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El trabajo de campo se realizó entre septiembre y octubre de 2006, se aplicó un cuestionario con 57 afirmaciones de medición de actitudes que se calificó de acuerdo con una escala tipo Likert de cinco puntos. La población objeto de la investigación fue de 125 profesionales bajo cuya supervisión se encuentran alrededor de 3 800 funcionarios. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 10 variables, cinco motivacionales y cinco desmotivacionales. Entre las primeras destacan vocación y espíritu de servicio; entre las segundas falta de reconocimiento y falta de compromiso. DISCUSIÓN: Se confirma que tanto las variables motivacionales como las desmotivacionales son esencialmente cualitativas y que las variables económica y de sueldos son menos relevantes y de inferior jerarquía.

OBJECTIVE: In this work, a questionnaire was designed and perceptions of motivation and demotivation of middle managers in three hospitals in the Region del Maule, Chile were measured. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The fieldwork was carried out between September and October, 2006. A questionnaire that included 57 statements to measure attitude was administered and qualified according to a five-point Likert-type scale. The population studied included l25 professionals that supervise roughly 3 800 employees. RESULTS: Ten variables were identified, 5 motivational and 5 demotivational. Notable among the motivational variables are vocation and service-oriented spirit; among the demotivational variables are lack of recognition and commitment. DISCUSSION: It is affirmed that both motivational variables as well as demotivational variables are essentially qualitative and that economic and salary variables are less relevant and less hierarchical.

Consenting of the vulnerable: the informed consent procedure in advanced cancer patients in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: A topic of great concern in bioethics is the medical research conducted in poor countries sponsored by wealthy nations. Western drug companies increasingly view Latin America as a proper place for clinical research trials. The region combines a large population, modern medical facilities, and low per capita incomes. Participants from developing countries may have little or non alternative means of treatment other than that offered through clinical trials. Therefore, the provision of a valid informed consent is important. METHODS: To gain insight about some aspects of the informed consent procedure in a major cancer centre in Mexico, we conducted a three-step evaluation process: 1) a ten point multiple choice survey questionnaires, was used to explore some aspects of the patients' experiences during the informed consent process, 2) researchers' knowledge about specific aspects of the informed consent was evaluated in this study using survey questionnaires; and 3) the comprehensibility, readability and number of pages of the consent forms were analysed. The socioeconomic and educational level of the patients, were also considered. Results were reported using a numerical scale. RESULTS: Thirty five patients, 20 doctors, and 10 individuals working at the hospital agreed to participate in the study. Eighty three percent of the patients in the study were classified as living in poverty; education level was poor or non existent, and 31% of the patients were illiterate. The consent forms were difficult to understand according to 49% of the patients, most doctors agreed that the forms were not comprehensible to the patients. The average length of the IC documents analysed was 14 pages, and the readability average score was equivalent to 8th grade. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this work describe some relevant characteristics of the population seen at public health care institutions in Mexico. Poverty, limited or no education, and the complexity of the information provided to the patients may question the validity of the informed consent procedure in this group of patients.

Descriptive ethics: a qualitative study of local research ethics committees in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how local research ethics committees (LRECs) consider and apply research ethics in the evaluation of biomedical research proposals. DESIGN: A qualitative study was conducted using purposeful sampling, focus groups and a grounded theory approach to generate data and to analyse the work of the LRECs. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 11 LRECs of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). RESULTS: LRECs considered ethics to be implicit in all types of research, but that ethics reviews were only necessary for projects that included the direct participation of human beings. The LRECs appeared to understand the importance of consent, as in the completion of a consent form, but did not emphasise the importance of the process of acquiring 'informed' consent. The committees considered their main roles or functions to be: (a) to improve the methodological quality of research and to verify - if applicable - the ethical aspects; (b) to encourage personnel to undergo research training; (c) to follow-up research to oversee the adherence to norms and compliance with a specified research timetable. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a valuable insight into how these LRECs understand the ethical review process. The emphasis of the committees was on rules, regulations, improving research methodology and research training, rather than a focus on efforts to protect the rights and well being of research subjects. The results encourage further normative and descriptive lines of investigation concerning education and the development of LRECs.