Abstract Background Glyphosate is the most effective herbicide to control the invasive and perennial Eragrostis plana in Southern Brazil. However, one application has not been sufficient to prevent the regrowth of plants.Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of glyphosate sprayed alone or mixed with fluazifop-p-butyl or flumioxazin on E. plana control and to investigate 14C-glyphosate absorption and translocation. Methods Plants with 2-3 tillers were treated with glyphosate (700 g a.e. ha-1), fluazifop-p-butyl (47 g a.i. ha-1), flumioxazin (100 g a.i. ha-1), glyphosate + fluazifop-p-butyl (700 g a.e. ha-1 + 47g a.i. ha-1), glyphosate + flumioxazin (700 g a.e. ha-1 +100 g a.i. ha-1). Weed control was evaluated visually for 28 d after treatment (DAT) when plants were harvested for shoot dry biomass determination. 14C-glyphosate absorption and translocation were measured at 24 and 72 h after treatment. Results Glyphosate at 700 g a.e. ha-1 controlled E. plana plants at 2-3 tillers. The mixture with fluazifop-p-butyl or flumizin did not significantly increase the level of control (87 and 86% at 7 DAT, respectively) but increased 14C-glyphosate translocation to the roots. Conclusions Glyphosate is effective on E. plana. However, applied with fluazifop-p-butyl could improve the control of this weed, especially when perennial plants of E. plana dominate the field, preventing their fast regrowth.

Objective Estimating Seguro Popular de Salud's (SPS) initial outcome regarding households' catastrophic health spending (CHS). The relationship of other important factors to the CE was also estimated. Material and methods A cross-sectional study, based on evaluating Seguro Popular's survey, was carried out in the Mexican states of Colima and Campeche during 2002; it was carried out during the first semester of 2005. SPS and other co-variables' relationship with CHS was estimated by using the probit model. Such relationship was then estimated again using the bi-probit model, but taking endogeneity between CHS and SPS affiliation into consideration. Some simulations led to a detailed analysis of the influence of the use by type of service on the CHS. Results The probability of SPS-affiliated households incurring CHS was about 8% less than un-affiliated households (controlled for other co-variables and corrected for endogeneity). The probability of incurring CHS was always less for affiliated people, independently of the income bracket which they belonged to and the kind of services used. Conclusions The results suggested that SPS is financially protecting households; nevertheless, the goal of a 75 % reduction in CHS has still to be achieved.

Objetivo Estimar el resultado inicial del Seguro Popular de Salud (SPS) sobre el gasto catastrófico en salud (GC) de los hogares. Adicionalmente se estimó la relación de otros factores de importancia sobre el GC. Material y métodos Estudio transversal a partir de la Encuesta de Evaluación del Seguro Popular levantada en los estados de Colima y Campeche en el segundo semestre del año 2002. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el primer semestre del año 2005. Se estimó primero la relación del SPS y otras covariables con el GC mediante un modelo probit. Después se estimó nuevamente la relación de las covariables y el GC tomando en cuenta la endogeneidad del GC con la afiliación al SPS, utilizando para ello un modelo probit bivariado. Finalmente, se realizaron algunas simulaciones para ver con más detalle la influencia de la utilización por tipo de servicio sobre el GC. Resultados Para los hogares afiliados al SPS la probabilidad de incurrir en GC fue casi 8 % menor, en comparación con los hogares no afiliados, controlando por las demás covariables y se corrigió por la endogeneidad. La probabilidad de GC siempre fue menor para los afiliados, independientemente del tercil económico al que pertenecían y del tipo de servicio utilizado. Conclusiones Los resultados del estudio sugieren que el SPS está protegiendo financieramente a los hogares; sin embargo, aún constituye un reto llegar a la meta de reducción del 75 % del GC.

Objetivo Estimar el resultado inicial del Seguro Popular de Salud (SPS) sobre el gasto catastrófico en salud (GC) de los hogares. Adicionalmente se estimó la relación de otros factores de importancia sobre el GC. Material y métodos Estudio transversal a partir de la Encuesta de Evaluación del Seguro Popular levantada en los estados de Colima y Campeche en el segundo semestre del año 2002. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el primer semestre del año 2005. Se estimó primero la relación del SPS y otras covariables con el GC mediante un modelo probit. Después se estimó nuevamente la relación de las covariables y el GC tomando en cuenta la endogeneidad del GC con la afiliación al SPS, utilizando para ello un modelo probit bivariado. Finalmente, se realizaron algunas simulaciones para ver con más detalle la influencia de la utilización por tipo de servicio sobre el GC. Resultados Para los hogares afiliados al SPS la probabilidad de incurrir en GC fue casi 8 % menor, en comparación con los hogares no afiliados, controlando por las demás covariables y se corrigió por la endogeneidad. La probabilidad de GC siempre fue menor para los afiliados, independientemente del tercil económico al que pertenecían y del tipo de servicio utilizado. Conclusiones Los resultados del estudio sugieren que el SPS está protegiendo financieramente a los hogares; sin embargo, aún constituye un reto llegar a la meta de reducción del 75 % del GC .

Objective Estimating Seguro Popular de Salud's (SPS) initial outcome regarding households' catastrophic health spending (CHS). The relationship of other important factors to the CE was also estimated. Material and methods A cross-sectional study, based on evaluating Seguro Popular's survey, was carried out in the Mexican states of Colima and Campeche during 2002; it was carried out during the first semester of 2005. SPS and other co-variables' relationship with CHS was estimated by using the probit model. Such relationship was then estimated again using the bi-probit model, but taking endogeneity between CHS and SPS affiliation into consideration. Some simulations led to a detailed analysis of the influence of the use by type of service on the CHS. Results The probability of SPS-affiliated households incurring CHS was about 8% less than un-affiliated households (controlled for other co-variables and corrected for endogeneity). The probability of incurring CHS was always less for affiliated people, independently of the income bracket which they belonged to and the kind of services used. Conclusions The results suggested that SPS is financially protecting households; nevertheless, the goal of a 75 % reduction in CHS has still to be achieved .

Abstract: Introduction Violence is recognized as a Public Health problem around the world. In the specific case of Intímate Partner Abuse, which occurs at home, women are particularly vulnerable to be abused by their partners. In Mexico, as in other countries in Latin America, the systematic study of violence towards women is incipient. However, it is a highly predominant problem, which has a big impact on women's health, and represents a significant challenge to the Health System demanding health care due to intentional injuries. This paper analyzed information generated by the first National Survey of violence against women in 2003 (ENVIM, by his name in Spanish). Objective The main objective is to identify the factors associated with the health services utilization by women, because of partner abuse. Methodology A cross-sectional design was used, including women users of health care services on public institutions all over the country in 2003. Intimate partner abuse was defined as "the repetitive event of abuse from the male partner side towards the woman, that is characterized by coercive conducts that could include physical, emotional or sexual violence". It was measure in a scale of 27 items, using the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA) and the Severity of Violence against Women Scale (SVAWS). Both indexes were vali-dated previously in Mexican population. A factorial analysis was used and the factors that explain the variability were obtained. The selection of women to be interviewed was done using a probabilistic stratify biethapic sample. For the first one, medical unites were selected, and for the second, women over 14 years old who went to those medical unities to demand any kind of health care services. The ethic considerations were resolved using the next procedures: participants received information about the research objectives and signed an informant consent letter endorsed by the ethical committee of the Institution. They also received a brochure with information about the local institutions where they can go in case of abuse. Interviewers trained in technical areas as well as abuse management using a questionnaire on private spaces did the data collection. The answer rate was of 98%. The analyzed variables were Socio demographic, search of support on the health staff or reasons for not doing this. An index of socio-economic level categorized as very low, medium and high. Type of institution and services used. The dependent variable was utilization of the health services to attend the injuries due to a partner abuse event, during the last 12 months. The analysis used was simple and bivariate using chi square, and binary logistic regression model. The final model included the variables that in the binary showed a value of p<0.25. We ad-justed the model using the Goodness of Fit Test of Pearson. Results From 24,958 women that utilized public health services 21% reported to have had a partner abuse event in the last year. From these, only 7.3% utilized health services. The more important variables were: age between 25 to 34 years old, elementary schooling and women having a job. Of the sample 94% belong to the very low and medium socio-economic levels; almost half of them (47%) do not have health insurance. More than 80% have a partner at present; 7.6% reported severe violence. From those who had injuries, 72% declared to have had just one minor injury (bruises, body aches), 25.5% reported more than one type of injuries, from which 10.8% were severe and required surgery or hospitalization. The type of injuries that demand more utilization of health services were those subsequent to sexual abuse as genital infection and genital bleeding. Only 45% of the women users' report to have medical insurance. Less than 6% of abused women talked with the health staff about their abuse situation and the main reason was the lack of trust. The factors associated to the utilization of health services were ages over 24 years(ORA 1.57, CI 95% 1.9 - 2.06) alcohol intake by the women (ORA =1.66 CI 95% 1.57-1.75) High Socio economic status (ORA =1.29 CI95% 1.07-1.54). The model was adjusted by severity index and to having medical insurance. There were not significative interactions (p>0.15) and the global adjusted model was p= 0.23. Discussion and conclusions There is a low percentage of abused women injured that utilize formal medical care. This is a very important result for the identification of prevention and control strategies of the partner abuse problem in the health services. The study shows the existence of different types of injuries or medical problems such as genital infections and bleedings, fainting spells, body aches that provoked on one hand that women did not seek medical attention immediately and on the other that the health staff could not identify this kind of health problems with intimate partner abuse. There is a group of more vulnerable women who do not use health services to take care of the consequences of abuse, because they are uninsured. This inequality reveals that it is urgent to provide support services to poor women in the country. The finding about the difficulty for battered women to report their injuries to the health staff because of their lack of trust, agrees with different studies that report the different obstacles found by abused women in facing the health services. The last situation reveals the obstacles to be solved for the NOM implementation too. It is important to mention the study limitations related with the design utilized, and the selection bias due to the inclusion only of users of services. This situation leaves at one side women with less resources, who confront big obstacles for the utilization of health services, and at the other, women from high socio-economic levels, who utilize private health services; therefore there is no accuracy the point out differences. The way in which the question about the utilization of health services was made, makes it difficult to know the number of times these were used. This variable must be explored in future studies. The information generated by the ENVIM allows the Health Sector to define identification-attention strategies of battered women and provides information about the importance of training the health staff to generate trust among in partner-abused women.

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Objective. To explore the association between caries indices in primary and permanent dentition and socioeconomic indicators at the individual and ecologic levels in 6-12 year old children. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of two dataseis depicting oral health status in Campeche, México, with 2,939 children distributed equally by age and sex, was carried out. Oral health indices were contrasted at different cut-off points in primary and permanent dentitions (dmft, DMFT, dmft+DMFT and SiC indices) with independent variables such as place of residence (urban, marginal-urban) and mother's highest level of schooling (years of formal education) as socioeconomic variables (SES), as well as other sociodemographic variables using models of binary logistic regression in STATA 8.2®. Results. The mean age was 8.85 ± 1.83 years and 56.6% were girls. Nine models were generated in which changes in socioeconomic variables were linked to changes in oral health features in this community (both in terms of prevalence and severity), except for DMFT > 0 at 12 years of age. Conclusions. In general, children of lower SES had greater caries experience and higher caries severity, in both primary and permanent dentitions. The relationships between oral health disparities and independent variables were confirmed in children living in geographically contiguous areas.

Objetivos. Explorar la existencia de desigualdades en la salud bucal a través de indicadores socioeconómicos, a nivel individual y ecológico, en una población de niños de seis a 12 años de edad. Material y métodos. Se realizó un análisis comparativo de dos estudios transversales de salud bucal en Campeche, México. Se incluyeron 2,939 niños distribuidos de igual manera por edad y sexo. Los resultados de dichos estudios fueron combinados y usados para explorar desigualdades socioeconómicas en salud bucal. La salud bucal fue medida a través de diferentes puntos de corte en índices de caries (ceod, CPOD, ceod + CPOD y SiC). Las variables independientes incluidas en el estudio fueron el área de residencia (urbana, conurbana) y la escolaridad de la madre (años de estudio), así como otras variables sociodemográficas que sirvieron para ajustar los modelos. Se generaron modelos de regresión logística binaria en STATA 8.2®. Resultados. Los nueve modelos generados revelaron que los cambios en las variables socioeconómicas se relacionaron con las manifestaciones de salud bucal en esta comunidad, tanto en términos de prevalencia como de severidad. La única excepción fue al comparar el indicador de caries CPOD > 0 a los 12 años de edad. Conclusiones. En general, los niños de menor posición socioeconómica tuvieron mayor experiencia y severidad de caries dental en la dentición temporal y permanente. Las discrepancias encontradas de los indicadores de caries a través de las variables independientes de interés ponen en evidencia las desigualdades sociales en salud bucal entre grupos viviendo en localidades contiguas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the factors associated with emotional distress in a national sample of women users of public health services in Mexico, such a Secretaria de Salud (SSA), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research study was conducted using the database of the National Survey of Violence against Women that consisted of the responses of a total of 26 042 female users of health care services provided by the Mexican government health agencies. The Personal Health Scale (ESP per its initials in Spanish) was used to assess emotional distress. To measure violence a 19-item scale which explores different types of violence as well as severity was used. The relationship between emotional distress and gender violence was determined through a binary logistic regression model, as were economic status and demographic variables. RESULTS: One of the most important findings of this study is the high prevalence of emotional distress (15.3%) among women seeking health care services from the public sector and the relationship of such emotional distress with the experience of marital physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Factors associated with emotional distress among female users of health care services were age (26 and older); activity (laborer); working hours (71 hours a week or more); alcohol intake (greater intake); abuse during childhood (frequency and types of abuse); severity of marital violence (severe violence); socioeconomic status (very low SES); and type of dwelling (urban). CONCLUSIONS: The principal predictor of emotional distress was intimate partner abuse, especially in severe expression. The next predictor was violence in childhood. Taking into consideration these predictors it is recommended to use screening instruments to identify emotional distress and gender violence in health setting. It is important to design and implement attention and reference programs in public health services for women suffering from emotional distress and gender violence.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados al malestar emocional en una muestra nacional de usuarias de servicios de salud del sector público: Secretaría de Salud (SSA), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la base de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Violencia contra las Mujeres en México, donde se aplicaron 26 042 encuestas a usuarias de los servicios de salud de la SSA. Se utilizó la Escala de Salud Personal (ESP) para medir malestar emocional,; también se usó una escala de 19 reactivos que explora tipos de violencia y severidad de la misma. Mediante un modelo de regresión logística binaria se determinó la relación entre la presencia de malestar y la violencia de género, condiciones socioeconómicas y otras variables demográficas. RESULTADOS: Entre los más relevantes está la identificación de la prevalencia de malestar emocional (15.3%) entre las mujeres que acuden a solicitar servicios de salud al sector público, y la relación de este malestar emocional generalizado con la experiencia de diferentes tipos de violencia de género. Los resultados sugieren que los factores asociados con el malestar emocional de la mujeres que recurren a los servicios de salud fueron: la edad (26 años o >); la actividad (jornalera o peona), y las horas laborales (71 a la semana o >);el consumo de alcohol (mayor consumo); el maltrato en la infancia (frecuencia y diversos tipos de maltrato); la severidad de la violencia de pareja (violencia severa), el estrato socioeconómico (muy bajo) y el tipo de localidad de residencia (localidades urbanas). CONCLUSIONES: El predictor más importante del malestar emocional entre las usuarias del sector salud fue sufrir la violencia de pareja, sobre todo cuando ésta es severa, seguida de la violencia en la niñez. Así entonces, se propone utilizar herramientas de tamizaje en los servicios de salud, tanto de malestar emocional como de violencia intrafamiliar. Además, se propone diseñar y poner en marcha programas de atención y referencia de casos de malestar emocional femenino y de violencia intrafamiliar.

OBJECTIVE: To construct and validate a scale to assess violence by the male partner against women. An index of severity of the emotional and physical damage was also designed to assess the intensity of the violent actions against women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of a total of 26 042 women who participated as respondents in the National Survey on Violence against Women (ENVIM per its abbreviation in Spanish) conducted in Mexico during 2003. Respondents were all users of health services provided by the Mexican government. The questionnaire was organized into 17 sections, one of which was a 27-item scale to assess partner violence. The purpose of this scale was to measure the type (physical, emotional, sexual and financial) and degree of violence based on severity. A severity index was constructed based on two procedures: 1) the validity, reliability, and factor analyses of the scale and 2) the assessment of severity by expert judges who assigned a value to each item of the scale. RESULTS: The validity and reliability results indicated this scale has adequate internal validity (Cronbach's Alpha=0.99). The factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded a four-factor solution. The factors were: 1) Psychological violence; 2) Physical violence; 3) Severe physical violence; and 4) Sexual violence. The combination of the four factors accounted for 62.2% of the variance in the scale. Using the ratings from the judges a table of values for each of the violent actions described was obtained. The scores assigned by the judges ranged from 0 to 354. Results revealed a prevalence of 21% partner violence in the last twelve months. The prevalence of psychological violence was 18.5%; of physical violence 10.1%; severe physical violence 6.7% and sexual violence 7.0%. CONCLUSION: The scale of violence described in this article is a very useful and reliable instrument to assess marital violence against women. It is suggested that this instrument be used in other settings to compare results with different samples.

OBJETIVO: Construir y validar, en el país, una escala para medir violencia hacia las mujeres por parte de la pareja masculina. Asimismo, construir un índice de severidad que permita establecer una dimensión del daño emocional y físico de las acciones violentas perpetradas en contra de las mujeres. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La muestra consistió de 26 042 mujeres de 15 años y más. Se incluyeron las respuestas de las mujeres que contestaron a toda la escala de violencia del cuestionario de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Violencia contra las Mujeres 2003 (ENVIM 2003). Este cuestionario, aplicado a usuarias de servicios de salud, estuvo integrado por 17 secciones, de las cuales una fue escala de violencia de 27 reactivos. El objetivo era medir distintos grados de violencia en sus diferentes modalidades: violencia física, emocional, sexual y económica. Se construyó un índice de severidad a partir de dos procedimientos: Procedimiento 1: análisis de confiabilidad, validez y factorial a partir de las respuestas de las mujeres a la escala de violencia y Procedimiento 2: realización de un jueceo para asignar pesos diferenciales a cada reactivo de la escala. RESULTADOS: Los resultados del Procedimiento 1(confiabilidad y validez), usando todos los reactivos, arrojaron un Alpha de Cronbach cuyos resultados indican una consistencia interna muy alta de 0.99. Por otro lado, el análisis factorial con rotación Varimax arrojó una solución de cuatro factores con cargas factoriales de cada reactivo mayores a 0.40, que se identificaron como: Factor 1 Violencia psicológica; Factor II Violencia física; Factor III Violencia física severa; Factor IV Violencia sexual. La combinación de los cuatro factores explicó 62.2% del total de la varianza. Procedimiento 2: a través de un jueceo se obtuvo una tabla de pesos asignados a cada acción evaluada. De los 27 reactivos iniciales, se eliminaron ocho como resultado del análisis factorial y otros dos correspondientes a violencia económica, quedando un total de 19 reactivos a los que se les aplicaron los pesos obtenidos en el jueceo. El puntaje mínimo fue 0 y el máximo fue de 354. A través de la clasificación propuesta, se calcularon las siguientes prevalencias: 21% sufrió, en los últimos 12 meses, algún tipo de violencia por parte de su pareja actual. La violencia por tipos se distribuyó de la siguiente manera: psicológica 18.5%; física 10.1%; física severa 6.7%; y sexual 7%. CONCLUSIÓN: La escala de violencia desarrollada demostró ser un instrumento útil y confiable para medir la violencia masculina ejercida en las relaciones de pareja. Así entonces, se sugiere ampliar su uso en otras mediciones nacionales y locales para permitir la comparación posterior de los resultados.

OBJECTIVE: To construct and validate a scale to assess violence by the male partner against women. An index of severity of the emotional and physical damage was also designed to assess the intensity of the violent actions against women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of a total of 26 042 women who participated as respondents in the National Survey on Violence against Women (ENVIM per its abbreviation in Spanish) conducted in Mexico during 2003. Respondents were all users of health services provided by the Mexican government. The questionnaire was organized into 17 sections, one of which was a 27-item scale to assess partner violence. The purpose of this scale was to measure the type (physical, emotional, sexual and financial) and degree of violence based on severity. A severity index was constructed based on two procedures: 1) the validity, reliability, and factor analyses of the scale and 2) the assessment of severity by expert judges who assigned a value to each item of the scale. RESULTS: The validity and reliability results indicated this scale has adequate internal validity (Cronbach's Alpha=0.99). The factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded a four-factor solution. The factors were: 1) Psychological violence; 2) Physical violence; 3) Severe physical violence; and 4) Sexual violence. The combination of the four factors accounted for 62.2% of the variance in the scale. Using the ratings from the judges a table of values for each of the violent actions described was obtained. The scores assigned by the judges ranged from 0 to 354. Results revealed a prevalence of 21% partner violence in the last twelve months. The prevalence of psychological violence was 18.5%; of physical violence 10.1%; severe physical violence 6.7% and sexual violence 7.0%. CONCLUSION: The scale of violence described in this article is a very useful and reliable instrument to assess marital violence against women. It is suggested that this instrument be used in other settings to compare results with different samples.

OBJETIVO: Construir y validar, en el país, una escala para medir violencia hacia las mujeres por parte de la pareja masculina. Asimismo, construir un índice de severidad que permita establecer una dimensión del daño emocional y físico de las acciones violentas perpetradas en contra de las mujeres. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La muestra consistió de 26 042 mujeres de 15 años y más. Se incluyeron las respuestas de las mujeres que contestaron a toda la escala de violencia del cuestionario de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Violencia contra las Mujeres 2003 (ENVIM 2003). Este cuestionario, aplicado a usuarias de servicios de salud, estuvo integrado por 17 secciones, de las cuales una fue escala de violencia de 27 reactivos. El objetivo era medir distintos grados de violencia en sus diferentes modalidades: violencia física, emocional, sexual y económica. Se construyó un índice de severidad a partir de dos procedimientos: Procedimiento 1: análisis de confiabilidad, validez y factorial a partir de las respuestas de las mujeres a la escala de violencia y Procedimiento 2: realización de un jueceo para asignar pesos diferenciales a cada reactivo de la escala. RESULTADOS: Los resultados del Procedimiento 1(confiabilidad y validez), usando todos los reactivos, arrojaron un Alpha de Cronbach cuyos resultados indican una consistencia interna muy alta de 0.99. Por otro lado, el análisis factorial con rotación Varimax arrojó una solución de cuatro factores con cargas factoriales de cada reactivo mayores a 0.40, que se identificaron como: Factor 1 Violencia psicológica; Factor II Violencia física; Factor III Violencia física severa; Factor IV Violencia sexual. La combinación de los cuatro factores explicó 62.2% del total de la varianza. Procedimiento 2: a través de un jueceo se obtuvo una tabla de pesos asignados a cada acción evaluada. De los 27 reactivos iniciales, se eliminaron ocho como resultado del análisis factorial y otros dos correspondientes a violencia económica, quedando un total de 19 reactivos a los que se les aplicaron los pesos obtenidos en el jueceo. El puntaje mínimo fue 0 y el máximo fue de 354. A través de la clasificación propuesta, se calcularon las siguientes prevalencias: 21% sufrió, en los últimos 12 meses, algún tipo de violencia por parte de su pareja actual. La violencia por tipos se distribuyó de la siguiente manera: psicológica 18.5%; física 10.1%; física severa 6.7%; y sexual 7%. CONCLUSIÓN: La escala de violencia desarrollada demostró ser un instrumento útil y confiable para medir la violencia masculina ejercida en las relaciones de pareja. Así entonces, se sugiere ampliar su uso en otras mediciones nacionales y locales para permitir la comparación posterior de los resultados.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the factors associated with emotional distress in a national sample of women users of public health services in Mexico, such a Secretaria de Salud (SSA), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research study was conducted using the database of the National Survey of Violence against Women that consisted of the responses of a total of 26 042 female users of health care services provided by the Mexican government health agencies. The Personal Health Scale (ESP per its initials in Spanish) was used to assess emotional distress. To measure violence a 19-item scale which explores different types of violence as well as severity was used. The relationship between emotional distress and gender violence was determined through a binary logistic regression model, as were economic status and demographic variables. RESULTS: One of the most important findings of this study is the high prevalence of emotional distress (15.3%) among women seeking health care services from the public sector and the relationship of such emotional distress with the experience of marital physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Factors associated with emotional distress among female users of health care services were age (26 and older); activity (laborer); working hours (71 hours a week or more); alcohol intake (greater intake); abuse during childhood (frequency and types of abuse); severity of marital violence (severe violence); socioeconomic status (very low SES); and type of dwelling (urban). CONCLUSIONS: The principal predictor of emotional distress was intimate partner abuse, especially in severe expression. The next predictor was violence in childhood. Taking into consideration these predictors it is recommended to use screening instruments to identify emotional distress and gender violence in health setting. It is important to design and implement attention and reference programs in public health services for women suffering from emotional distress and gender violence.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados al malestar emocional en una muestra nacional de usuarias de servicios de salud del sector público: Secretaría de Salud (SSA), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la base de datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Violencia contra las Mujeres en México, donde se aplicaron 26 042 encuestas a usuarias de los servicios de salud de la SSA. Se utilizó la Escala de Salud Personal (ESP) para medir malestar emocional,; también se usó una escala de 19 reactivos que explora tipos de violencia y severidad de la misma. Mediante un modelo de regresión logística binaria se determinó la relación entre la presencia de malestar y la violencia de género, condiciones socioeconómicas y otras variables demográficas. RESULTADOS: Entre los más relevantes está la identificación de la prevalencia de malestar emocional (15.3%) entre las mujeres que acuden a solicitar servicios de salud al sector público, y la relación de este malestar emocional generalizado con la experiencia de diferentes tipos de violencia de género. Los resultados sugieren que los factores asociados con el malestar emocional de la mujeres que recurren a los servicios de salud fueron: la edad (26 años o >); la actividad (jornalera o peona), y las horas laborales (71 a la semana o >);el consumo de alcohol (mayor consumo); el maltrato en la infancia (frecuencia y diversos tipos de maltrato); la severidad de la violencia de pareja (violencia severa), el estrato socioeconómico (muy bajo) y el tipo de localidad de residencia (localidades urbanas). CONCLUSIONES: El predictor más importante del malestar emocional entre las usuarias del sector salud fue sufrir la violencia de pareja, sobre todo cuando ésta es severa, seguida de la violencia en la niñez. Así entonces, se propone utilizar herramientas de tamizaje en los servicios de salud, tanto de malestar emocional como de violencia intrafamiliar. Además, se propone diseñar y poner en marcha programas de atención y referencia de casos de malestar emocional femenino y de violencia intrafamiliar.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate out-of-pocket expenditures for health care during the first hospitalization of children treated for leukemia in two hospitals of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social -IMSS-). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mexico City and Leon, Guanajato, Mexico in 1997. The study population consisted of the parents of 51 children under 15 years of age diagnosed with leukemia, who were hospitalized for the first time in two IMSS hospitals. A questionnaire was applied to participants to obtain direct and indirect expenditures during that period. Consumer price indexes (1997-2002) were used to estimate expenditure prices for 2002. Average expenditures and catastrophic expenditures were estimated. Factors associated with expenditures were analyzed using a linear regression model in which the dependent variable was the total household expenditures during hospitalization. RESULTS: The average household cost per hospitalization was 7 318 pesos, 86% of which corresponded to medical care and 14% to indirect costs. Catastrophic expenditures occurred in 14% of households. In 47% of household expenditures exceeded 100% of the total household income during the hospitalization period. Expenditures during hospitalization were associated with place of residence, income level, and type of medical insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Being an IMSS policyholder decreased out-of-pocket expenditures, but not complementary expenditures, which may still be unaffordable for a large segment of the population. For more than a half of the households studied, continuity of care was compromised, as expenditures during the first hospitalization entailed using up savings, going into debt, and/or selling household property.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el gasto de los hogares durante la primera hospitalización en 51 menores de 15 años de edad con leucemia, atendidos en dos hospitales del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, en México durante 1997. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal hecho en 1997 en el Distrito Federal y en León, Guanajuato. Se aplicó un cuestionario a los padres de 51 menores de 15 años de edad con diagnóstico de leucemia, hospitalizados por primera vez, en dos unidades del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Se capturó la información de los costos directos e indirectos enfrentados por los hogares durante esa primera hospitalización. Se aplicó el Indice de Precios al Consumidor (1997-2002) para expresar las estimaciones en precios de 2002. Se estimaron indicadores de gasto promedio y gastos catastróficos. Se establecieron los factores asociados, mediante un modelo de regresión lineal, utilizando el gasto total durante la hospitalización como variable dependiente. RESULTADOS: El costo promedio por paciente hospitalizado es de 7 318 pesos. El 86% corresponde a gastos asociados con la atención y 14% a costos indirectos. Para 14% de los hogares este gasto fue catastrófico. En 47% de los casos la erogación rebasó 100% de su ingreso disponible durante el periodo. Estos gastos se asociaron con lugar de residencia, nivel de ingreso y tipo de seguro. CONCLUSIONES: Ser derechohabiente de la seguridad social reduce los gastos de bolsillo por atención directa de los pacientes, pero no reduce los gastos complementarios, que pueden resultar onerosos para una elevada proporción de hogares. El costo de la primera hospitalización significó, en más de la mitad de los casos estudiados, el consumo de los ahorros, el endeudamiento o la venta de propiedades de los hogares, y dificultó la continuidad del tratamiento.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate out-of-pocket expenditures for health care during the first hospitalization of children treated for leukemia in two hospitals of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social -IMSS-). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mexico City and Leon, Guanajato, Mexico in 1997. The study population consisted of the parents of 51 children under 15 years of age diagnosed with leukemia, who were hospitalized for the first time in two IMSS hospitals. A questionnaire was applied to participants to obtain direct and indirect expenditures during that period. Consumer price indexes (1997-2002) were used to estimate expenditure prices for 2002. Average expenditures and catastrophic expenditures were estimated. Factors associated with expenditures were analyzed using a linear regression model in which the dependent variable was the total household expenditures during hospitalization. RESULTS: The average household cost per hospitalization was 7 318 pesos, 86% of which corresponded to medical care and 14% to indirect costs. Catastrophic expenditures occurred in 14% of households. In 47% of household expenditures exceeded 100% of the total household income during the hospitalization period. Expenditures during hospitalization were associated with place of residence, income level, and type of medical insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Being an IMSS policyholder decreased out-of-pocket expenditures, but not complementary expenditures, which may still be unaffordable for a large segment of the population. For more than a half of the households studied, continuity of care was compromised, as expenditures during the first hospitalization entailed using up savings, going into debt, and/or selling household property.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el gasto de los hogares durante la primera hospitalización en 51 menores de 15 años de edad con leucemia, atendidos en dos hospitales del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, en México durante 1997. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal hecho en 1997 en el Distrito Federal y en León, Guanajuato. Se aplicó un cuestionario a los padres de 51 menores de 15 años de edad con diagnóstico de leucemia, hospitalizados por primera vez, en dos unidades del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Se capturó la información de los costos directos e indirectos enfrentados por los hogares durante esa primera hospitalización. Se aplicó el Indice de Precios al Consumidor (1997-2002) para expresar las estimaciones en precios de 2002. Se estimaron indicadores de gasto promedio y gastos catastróficos. Se establecieron los factores asociados, mediante un modelo de regresión lineal, utilizando el gasto total durante la hospitalización como variable dependiente. RESULTADOS: El costo promedio por paciente hospitalizado es de 7 318 pesos. El 86% corresponde a gastos asociados con la atención y 14% a costos indirectos. Para 14% de los hogares este gasto fue catastrófico. En 47% de los casos la erogación rebasó 100% de su ingreso disponible durante el periodo. Estos gastos se asociaron con lugar de residencia, nivel de ingreso y tipo de seguro. CONCLUSIONES: Ser derechohabiente de la seguridad social reduce los gastos de bolsillo por atención directa de los pacientes, pero no reduce los gastos complementarios, que pueden resultar onerosos para una elevada proporción de hogares. El costo de la primera hospitalización significó, en más de la mitad de los casos estudiados, el consumo de los ahorros, el endeudamiento o la venta de propiedades de los hogares, y dificultó la continuidad del tratamiento.