Esther C. Gallegos

Intervención para reducir riesgo en conductas sexuales de adolescentes: un ensayo aleatorizado y controlado

Objective. To test the efficacy of a behavioral intervention designed to decrease risk sexual behaviors for HIV/AIDS and unplanned pregnancies in Mexican adolescents. Material and Methods. Randomized controlled trial with four follow ups; 832 adolescents recruited from high schools, age 14-17, were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The six hour intervention used active learning strategies, and was delivered in two sessions on two consecutive Saturdays. The study was carried out in Monterrey, Mexico, 2002-2005. Results. GEE analysis indicated no differences in sexual relationships’ intentions between the two conditions, however, the experimental group had higher intentions to use condoms and contraceptives (mean differences 0.15 and 0.16, CI 95%) in the next three months, as compared with the control group. Theoretical variables, such as control beliefs, were significant mediators of the intervention. Conclusions. The behavioral intervention represents an important effort in promoting safe sexual behaviors among Mexican adolescents.

Predictors of condom use among Mexican adolescents.

Mexican adolescents continue to be at increased risk for HIV infection due to inconsistent condom use. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of condom use intentions and condom use among Mexican adolescents who participated in a randomized control trial designed to test a sexual-risk reduction intervention. Data from sexually active adolescents 17 to 21 years (n = 157) of age who were assigned to the control group were analyzed 48 months post intervention. Regression analysis showed that positive attitudes toward condoms, subjective norms, and control beliefs significantly explained intention to use condoms (R2 = .75, p < .001). Attitudes toward condoms (β = .67, p < .001), technical skills (β = .13, p = .01), and condom use self-efficacy (β = .24, p < .001) were significant predictors of condom use intention. Compared to those who inconsistently used condoms, adolescents who used condoms consistently had greater intention to use condoms and greater impulse control. Findings suggest that attitudes and control beliefs should be further explored with Mexican adolescents in order to support consistent condom use.

Heritability and genetic correlations of metabolic disease-related phenotypes in Mexico: Preliminary report from the GEMM family study

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in the Republic of Mexico, and metabolic syndrome, a complex of CVD risk factors, is increasingly prevalent. To date, however, there have been few studies of the genetic epidemiology of metabolic syndrome in Mexico. As a first step in implementing the GEMM Family Study, a large, multicenter collaborative study, we recruited 375 individuals in 21 extended families, without ascertainment on disease, at 9 medical institutions across Mexico. Participants were measured for anthropometric (stature, weight, waist circumference) and hemodynamic (blood pressure, heart rate) phenotypes; glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured in fasting blood. Variance components–based quantitative genetic analyses were performed using SOLAR. All phenotypes except diastolic blood pressure were significantly heritable. Consistent with the definition of metabolic syndrome, many phenotypes exhibited significant environmental correlation, and significant genetic correlations were found between measures of adiposity and fasting glucose and fasting triglyceride levels. These preliminary data represent the first heritability estimates for many of these phenotypes in the Republic of Mexico and indicate that this study design offers excellent power for future gene discovery relative to metabolic disease.

La Uniendo de Fronteras: Collaboration to Develop HIV Prevention Strategies for Mexican and Latino Youth

AIDS is a global epidemic. Regardless of the present incidence of AIDS, all countries must confront the threat of this devastating disease. The shared border and continued migration between Mexico and the United States as well as shared concerns about HIV/AIDS are compelling reasons to promote AIDS prevention as an important public health endeavor for both countries. This article describes collaborative efforts between nurse researchers in the United States and Mexico to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection among adolescents. The significance of this effort to both countries and the processes and preliminary work that led to the development of a study funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research are discussed.

Lifestyle changes in descendants of parents with diabetes type 2

This study aimed to explore the disposition of diabetic parents’ descendents in changing eating and physical activity patterns. It was based on the heritability concept and Prochaska’s Transtheoretical Model. This is a descriptive-correlational study; participants included 30 parents, randomly selected, and 60 children. Results and conclusion: 68% of the children was classified as obese, 42% with insulin resistance, and 15% with carbohydrate intolerance. None of the risk factors was associated with the stages of change. The heritability factor was 1.37%; more people younger than 40 and women report decreasing in the consumption of fat food (χi 2 = 6.04, p = .020; and 4.41, p = .040, respectively). These results suggest a high influence of environmental

Mudança em os padrões de vida em descendentes de progenitores com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 do nordeste do México

This study aimed to explore the disposition of diabetic parents’ descendents in changing eating and physical activity patterns. It was based on the heritability concept and Prochaska’s Transtheoretical Model. This is a descriptive-correlational study; participants included 30 parents, randomly selected, and 60 children. Results and conclusion: 68% of the children was classified as obese, 42% with insulin resistance, and 15% with carbohydrate intolerance. None of the risk factors was associated with the stages of change. The heritability factor was 1.37%; more people younger than 40 and women report decreasing in the consumption of fat food (χi 2 = 6.04, p = .020; and 4.41, p = .040, respectively). These results suggest a high influence of environmental

Cambio en los patrones de vida en descendientes de progenitores con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 del noreste de Mexico

This study aimed to explore the disposition of diabetic parents’ descendents in changing eating and physical activity patterns. It was based on the heritability concept and Prochaska’s Transtheoretical Model. This is a descriptive-correlational study; participants included 30 parents, randomly selected, and 60 children. Results and conclusion: 68% of the children was classified as obese, 42% with insulin resistance, and 15% with carbohydrate intolerance. None of the risk factors was associated with the stages of change. The heritability factor was 1.37%; more people younger than 40 and women report decreasing in the consumption of fat food (χi 2 = 6.04, p = .020; and 4.41, p = .040, respectively). These results suggest a high influence of environmental