Mobbing, or bullying in the workplace, has gained relevance in recent decades due to its growing magnitude and negative effects on workers’ health. There are various approaches for studying the issue. However, thus far the evidence is scarce in Latin America and is focused on specific samples. This study aims to analyze workplace bullying and its association with mental health in the wage-earning population and to determine the extent to which this association is modified by gender. A survey was conducted with a sample of 1,995 male and female salaried workers in Chile’s three main metropolitan areas (Greater Santiago, Greater Valparaíso, and Greater Concepción) with three-stage random selection (blocks, households, and individuals). Prevalence rates for depressive symptoms, use of psychotropic medication, and stress were 10.9%, 12.8%, and 13%, respectively, and there was a strong relationship between mental health variables and workplace bullying, which persisted in the adjusted models. When comparing this association in the models stratified by gender, no significant differences were observed between men and women.

El acoso laboral ha adquirido relevancia en las últimas décadas, debido a su creciente magnitud y consecuencias negativas en la salud de los trabajadores, existiendo diversos enfoques para estudiarlo. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha en América Latina la evidencia es escasa y focalizada en muestras específicas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el acoso laboral y su asociación con la salud mental en población asalariada y determinar en qué medida la asociación se modifica según el género. Se realizó una encuesta a una muestra de 1.995 trabajadores y trabajadoras asalariadas de las tres principales áreas metropolitanas de Chile (Gran Santiago, Gran Valparaíso y Gran Concepción) seleccionados al azar en tres etapas (manzanas, viviendas e individuos). La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos, consumo de psicotrópicos y distrés fue de 10,9%, 12,8% y 13% respectivamente en la muestra total, y existe una fuerte asociación entre variables de salud mental y acoso laboral, aún en los modelos ajustados. Al comparar esta asociación en los modelos estratificados por género, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres.

O assédio moral no trabalho ganhou relevância nas últimas décadas devido à sua crescente magnitude e às consequências negativas sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores, sendo que existem diversos enfoques para estudá-la. Entretanto, na América Latina, as evidências são raras e focalizadas em amostras específicas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o assédio no trabalho e a sua relação com a saúde mental nos funcionários, para determinar em que medida a relação se altera conforme o gênero. A pesquisa envolveu uma amostra de 1995 trabalhadores e trabalhadoras formais das três principais regiões metropolitanas do Chile (Grande Santiago, Grande Valparaíso e Grande Concepción) selecionados ao acaso, em três etapas (quarteirão, unidades habitacionais e indivíduos). A prevalência de sintomas depressivos, consumo de psicotrópicos e distresse foi de 10,9%, 12,8% e 13% respectivamente, na amostra total, e existe uma forte relação entre variáveis de saúde mental e assédio moral no trabalho, ainda nos modelos ajustados. A comparação desta relação nos modelos estratificados por gênero não mostrou diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres.

O assédio moral no trabalho ganhou relevância nas últimas décadas devido à sua crescente magnitude e às consequências negativas sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores, sendo que existem diversos enfoques para estudá-la. Entretanto, na América Latina, as evidências são raras e focalizadas em amostras específicas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o assédio no trabalho e a sua relação com a saúde mental nos funcionários, para determinar em que medida a relação se altera conforme o gênero. A pesquisa envolveu uma amostra de 1995 trabalhadores e trabalhadoras formais das três principais regiões metropolitanas do Chile (Grande Santiago, Grande Valparaíso e Grande Concepción) selecionados ao acaso, em três etapas (quarteirão, unidades habitacionais e indivíduos). A prevalência de sintomas depressivos, consumo de psicotrópicos e distresse foi de 10,9%, 12,8% e 13% respectivamente, na amostra total, e existe uma forte relação entre variáveis de saúde mental e assédio moral no trabalho, ainda nos modelos ajustados. A comparação desta relação nos modelos estratificados por gênero não mostrou diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres.

Mobbing, or bullying in the workplace, has gained relevance in recent decades due to its growing magnitude and negative effects on workers’ health. There are various approaches for studying the issue. However, thus far the evidence is scarce in Latin America and is focused on specific samples. This study aims to analyze workplace bullying and its association with mental health in the wage-earning population and to determine the extent to which this association is modified by gender. A survey was conducted with a sample of 1,995 male and female salaried workers in Chile’s three main metropolitan areas (Greater Santiago, Greater Valparaíso, and Greater Concepción) with three-stage random selection (blocks, households, and individuals). Prevalence rates for depressive symptoms, use of psychotropic medication, and stress were 10.9%, 12.8%, and 13%, respectively, and there was a strong relationship between mental health variables and workplace bullying, which persisted in the adjusted models. When comparing this association in the models stratified by gender, no significant differences were observed between men and women.

El acoso laboral ha adquirido relevancia en las últimas décadas, debido a su creciente magnitud y consecuencias negativas en la salud de los trabajadores, existiendo diversos enfoques para estudiarlo. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha en América Latina la evidencia es escasa y focalizada en muestras específicas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el acoso laboral y su asociación con la salud mental en población asalariada y determinar en qué medida la asociación se modifica según el género. Se realizó una encuesta a una muestra de 1.995 trabajadores y trabajadoras asalariadas de las tres principales áreas metropolitanas de Chile (Gran Santiago, Gran Valparaíso y Gran Concepción) seleccionados al azar en tres etapas (manzanas, viviendas e individuos). La prevalencia de síntomas depresivos, consumo de psicotrópicos y distrés fue de 10,9%, 12,8% y 13% respectivamente en la muestra total, y existe una fuerte asociación entre variables de salud mental y acoso laboral, aún en los modelos ajustados. Al comparar esta asociación en los modelos estratificados por género, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres.

Background Cirrhosis is a serious public health problem worldwide. There are geographical, socioeconomic and demographic differences in mortality due to the disease. Aim To establish an association between mortality from cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases and socioeconomic and demographic indicators in communes of the two largest regions of Chile, the Metropolitan Region (RM) and Bíobío. Material and Methods Analysis of the mortality data from the Chilean Ministry of Health. Multiple regression models of smoothed standardized mortality ratios at the community level between 2001 and 2008, were carried out for men and women in relation to socioeconomic and demographic indicators. Results Quite dissimilar phenomena were observed in these two regions. In RM, the risk of death is associated with urban communes of lower educational level (R2 = 53.6% in men, R2 = 62.3% in women). In men of the Bíobío Region, the risk decreases along with the percentage of population belonging to originary populations (R2 = 9.1%). In women, the model also includes a variable that represents the service sector (R2 = 15.0%), that represents a greater risk. Conclusions The association of mortality due to liver disease with other variables, changes according to the territory in which it is studied. Therefore, specific local studies are required to address this problem in depth. These studies will contribute to the design of locally relevant public policies, aimed at addressing health inequities and the prevention of liver diseases.

Background: Alcohol can harm both drinkers and their human environment. Most of research in Chile has focused on the drinker. This work focuses on the damage to others. Governmental expenditures due to drinking are estimated to quadruple the income earned through taxation. Aim: To report the results of a population survey conducted in Chile in 2013 to assess the harm done to others from drinking by a known or unknown drinker. Material and Methods: A household survey of a sample of 1500 subjects living in urban areas, predominantly over 50.000 inhabitants, was conducted by trained interviewers. Results: A significant number of respondents reported that the effect of alcohol consumption by third parties was somewhat (18.7%) or very negative (14.8%). The most frequent negative effects were verbal abuse (37.4%), being bullied (17.4%), feeling fearful at home or in a private meeting (19.6%) and family problems (16.9%). Conclusions: About one third of Chileans surveyed have suffered negative effects due to alcohol consumption of a known or unknown drinker. This finding signals the need of designing public policies addressed to minimize or prevent collateral effects of drinking.

Background: The National Complementary Feeding Program (NCFP) is a universal nutritional intervention in Chile. Objective: To evaluate the consumption and social assessment ofiron fortified milk "Leche-Purita-Fortificada® (LPF)" and "Leche-Purita-Cereal® (LPC)" in NCFP's beneficiaries. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study. A feeding questionnaire was conducted in 544 children aged 11 to 72 months in a representative sample from the Metropolitan and fifth Chilean Regions. The social assessment was evaluated through 11 focus groups. Results: Seventy three % and 69% ofbeneficiaries consumed LPF and LPC, respectively. The mothers claimed to deliver a median of 60 (45-75) g of LPF and 50 g of LPC (40-75) g, with a dilution of 10 (8-10) %% and 10 (10-10) %%, respectively. The perceived social value of these foods was positive. Discussion: LPF and LPC were consumed for most beneficiaries and well appreciated by the target population. However, the consumption of these milks can be improved.

Introducción: El Programa Nacional de Alimentación Complementaria (PNAC), es considerado la mayor intervención nutricional en Chile. Objetivo: Evaluar el consumo y valoración social de "Leche-Purita-Fortificada®" (LPF) y "Leche-Purita-Cereal®" (LPC) en beneficiarios del PNAC. Sujetos y métodos: Estudio transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta de consumo a 544 ninos entre 11 y 72 meses de muestra representativa de las Regiones Metropolitana y Quinta de Chile. La valoración social fue evaluada en 11 grupos focales. Resultados: El 73% y 69% de las madres declaró alimentar a su hijo con LPF y LPC, respectivamente. Las madres declararon entregar una mediana de 60 (45-75)g de LPF y 50 (40-75)g de LPC; diluidas al 10 (8-10)% y 10 (10-10)%, respectivamente. Existe una buena valoración social de los alimentos. Discusión: Los alimentos LPF y LPC son ampliamente consumidos y bien valorados por la población beneficiaria. Sin embargo, el consumo y uso de estos productos puede ser mejorado.

Objective: To evaluate the association between life satisfaction and socioeconomic status and self-reported health in a cohort of older people in Santiago, Chile, in 2005 and 2006. Methods: We interviewed 2002 individuals aged 65 to 67.9 years registered in 20 primary care centers in the city of Santiago. Participants were living independently with no cognitive impairment, suspected cancer or terminal diseases. We assessed life satisfaction using an abbreviated adaptation of a life satisfaction scale (scored from 0 to 11), and collected self-reported information on income, education, social support, and self-reported health and memory. We used a log-binomial model to analyze the association between life satisfaction scores (fourth quartile compared with the first) and socioeconomic and health variables. Results: There was a significant association (bivariate and multivariate analyses) between life satisfaction and income in men and with social support, self-reported health, memory, and diagnosis of joint problems, diabetes and hypertension in both sexes. Conclusion: Social support, income and health status were independently associated with life satisfaction in older people aged 65-67.9 years in Santiago. Further studies are required to assess the temporal direction of the effect and the implications of these findings for public health policies in this population.

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre satisfacción vital con el nivel socioeconómico y el autorreporte del estado de salud en una cohorte de adultos mayores de Santiago de Chile en los años 2005 y 2006. Métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó 2002 sujetos entre 65 y 67,9 años de edad, registrados en 20 centros de salud primaria del Gran Santiago, autovalentes, sin deterioro cognitivo, sospecha de cáncer ni enfermedad terminal. Se evaluó la satisfacción vital mediante la adaptación abreviada de una escala de satisfacción con la vida (de 0 a 11), además de los ingresos económicos, el nivel de educación, el apoyo social y autorreporte del estado de salud y la memoria. Se utilizó un modelo log-binomial para analizar la asociación entre las variables evaluadas y los extremos del puntaje de satisfacción vital (cuartil 4 frente a 1). Resultados: Se observó una asociación significativa (análisis bivariado y multivariado) entre satisfacción vital e ingresos económicos en los hombres, y en ambos sexos con el apoyo social, el autorreporte de salud, la memoria y los diagnósticos de problemas articulares, diabetes e hipertensión. Conclusión: La situación económica, el apoyo social y el estado de salud se asocian de forma independiente con la satisfacción vital en los adultos mayores de Santiago. Se requieren nuevos estudios para evaluar la dirección temporal del efecto, así como las implicaciones de estos hallazgos en las políticas públicas de salud en esta población.

Objective: To evaluate the association between life satisfaction and socioeconomic status and self-reported health in a cohort of older people in Santiago, Chile, in 2005 and 2006. Methods: We interviewed 2002 individuals aged 65 to 67.9 years registered in 20 primary care centers in the city of Santiago. Participants were living independently with no cognitive impairment, suspected cancer or terminal diseases. We assessed life satisfaction using an abbreviated adaptation of a life satisfaction scale (scored from 0 to 11), and collected self-reported information on income, education, social support, and self-reported health and memory. We used a log-binomial model to analyze the association between life satisfaction scores (fourth quartile compared with the first) and socioeconomic and health variables. Results: There was a significant association (bivariate and multivariate analyses) between life satisfaction and income in men and with social support, self-reported health, memory, and diagnosis of joint problems, diabetes and hypertension in both sexes. Conclusion: Social support, income and health status were independently associated with life satisfaction in older people aged 65-67.9 years in Santiago. Further studies are required to assess the temporal direction of the effect and the implications of these findings for public health policies in this population.

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre satisfacción vital con el nivel socioeconómico y el autorreporte del estado de salud en una cohorte de adultos mayores de Santiago de Chile en los años 2005 y 2006. Métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó 2002 sujetos entre 65 y 67,9 años de edad, registrados en 20 centros de salud primaria del Gran Santiago, autovalentes, sin deterioro cognitivo, sospecha de cáncer ni enfermedad terminal. Se evaluó la satisfacción vital mediante la adaptación abreviada de una escala de satisfacción con la vida (de 0 a 11), además de los ingresos económicos, el nivel de educación, el apoyo social y autorreporte del estado de salud y la memoria. Se utilizó un modelo log-binomial para analizar la asociación entre las variables evaluadas y los extremos del puntaje de satisfacción vital (cuartil 4 frente a 1). Resultados: Se observó una asociación significativa (análisis bivariado y multivariado) entre satisfacción vital e ingresos económicos en los hombres, y en ambos sexos con el apoyo social, el autorreporte de salud, la memoria y los diagnósticos de problemas articulares, diabetes e hipertensión. Conclusión: La situación económica, el apoyo social y el estado de salud se asocian de forma independiente con la satisfacción vital en los adultos mayores de Santiago. Se requieren nuevos estudios para evaluar la dirección temporal del efecto, así como las implicaciones de estos hallazgos en las políticas públicas de salud en esta población.