Mexican Women Research Articles

Associations of Diet Patterns and Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors Among Mexican Women in the Sonora-Arizona Transborder Region

ObjectivesTo identify dietary patterns of Mexican women in the Sonora-Arizona transborder region and assess their association with cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsMexican-born women aged 25–50 years residing in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico (n = 61) and Phoenix, Arizona, United States (n = 61) self-reported dietary intake via the Southwest Food Frequency Questionnaire capturing the prior year of intake and completed a clinic visit for the assessment of anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, hair cortisol, and fasting blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin, adiponectin, ghrelin, and leptin. Dietary patterns were derived using exploratory factor analysis. Regression scores were used to explore associations between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors.ResultsEight derived patterns accounted for 67% of the variance in the following descending order: 1) fruits & vegetables, 2) animal protein, 3) snacks & fats, 4) refined carbohydrates & snacks, 5) mixed dishes & red meats, 6) sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) & soups, 7) starchy dishes, and 8) cereals & eggs. The animal protein pattern was associated with ghrelin (r = .244, P = .035.), and inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure (r = −.192, P = .047) and BMI (r = −.220, P = .023). The snacks & fats (r = −.208, P = .035), and sweets, SSBs & soups (r = −.194, P = .049) were inversely associated with total cholesterol. The mixed dishes & red meats pattern was associated with hair cortisol (r = .211, P = .04). The refined carbohydrates & snacks pattern was inversely associated with total cholesterol (r = −.211, P = .032) and adiponectin (r = −.333, P = .024). There were no significant associations between dietary patterns and the rest of the biomarkers assessed.ConclusionsFindings suggest the main dietary patterns among Mexican women in the Arizona-Sonora border are rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Despite the positive association with ghrelin, following a pattern rich in animal proteins was associated with lower BMI and blood pressure. In contrast, a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and snacks was associated with lower adiponectin concentrations and could contribute to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.Funding Sources1883-FRONTERAS-CONACYT, Mexico, and Program for Transborder Communities, ASU.

1065-P: The Use of OGTT and Phenotypic Characteristics to Identify GDM Subtypes in Mexican Women, an Approach towards Precision Medicine

GDM is a heterogeneous disease. Three subtypes of GDM have been identified, insulin sensitivity defect, insulin secretion defect, and both. Insulin sensitivity defect is associated with higher risk for fetal overgrowth and GDM associated adverse outcomes. Based on the 2hr-OGTT-75g values, the phenotype of GDM-sensitivity is associated with elevated fasting glucose and GDM-secretion by elevated one and/or two hours post-load glucose values. We evaluated the 2hr-OGTT-75g values of 1713 in Mexican pregnant women without previous diagnosis of T2D from the cohort study Cuido mi Embarazo between April 20 and December 2021. We identified 251 cases of GDM (14.6%) . Based on the distribution of 2hr-OGTT-75g values related to known GDM subtypes, 132 (52.6%) had elevated fasting glucose but normal post-load glucose values (GDM-sensitivity) , 90 (35.8%) had elevated post-load glucose but normal fasting glucose values (GDM-secretion) , and 29 (11.6%) patients with elevated fasting and post-load glucose values (GDM-mixed) . Women in the GDM-sensitivity group were younger (27.3 ± 6.5 yr) , nulliparous (56.1%) and more often had a family history of T2D (50.0%) compared to the women in the GDM-secretion and GDM-mixed groups. However, there was no statistical difference between the principal groups regarding pregestational BMI (GDM-sensitivity: 27.7 ± 5.5; GDM-secretion: 27.4 ± 4.4; GDM-mixed: 28.4 ± 6.2 kg/m2, p=0.90) ; although this last group showed the higher prevalence of obesity (29.4% - 23.3% - 38.0% respectively for each group) . To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of GDM subtypes in Mexican pregnant women. The high proportion of GDM diagnoses with normal fasting glucose supports the importance of unavoidably offering a complete OGTT. This strategic approach by classifying GDM subtypes according to OGTT values takes clinical importance in the offering of personalized and timely management care to minimize perinatal and newborn adverse outcomes. Disclosure H.Gallardo-rincón: None. N.Garcia-gonzalez: None. A.H.Perez-hernandez: None. B.Perez-romero: None. C.G.Granillo-ramirez: None. R.Tapia-conyer: None. J.Ortega-montiel: None. L.Martinez-juarez: None. J.Lomelin-gascon: None. A.Montoya: None. E.Reyes-muñoz: None. V.Galicia-hernandez: None. R.Avila-dominguez: None. L.V.Perez-torres: None. Funding Eli Lilly and Company

Markers of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

During the postmenopausal period, there are metabolic alterations that predispose individuals to metabolic syndrome (MS), oxidative stress (OS), and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to compare the concentrations of OS markers in postmenopausal women with and without MS. Malondialdehyde, carbonyl groups, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified. We conducted a cross-sectional study: Group 1 (n = 42) included women without MS, and Group 2 (n = 58) comprised women with MS. Participants’ age was similar between groups. Glucose, insulin, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, uric acid, and body mass index were significantly lower in postmenopausal women without MS. OS markers were significantly lower in Group 1 vs. Group 2: malondialdehyde, 31.32 ± 14.93 vs. 40.27 ± 17.62 pmol MDA/mg dry weight (p = .01); protein carbonylation, 6325 ± 1551 vs. 7163 ± 1029 pmol PC/mg protein (p = .0003); and TAC, 1497 ± 297.3 vs. 1619 ± 278.8 pmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein (p = .041). OS markers were significantly higher in postmenopausal women with MS. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Oxidative stress has been implicated in numerous disease processes; however, information on the relationship between oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome among postmenopausal women remains limited. What do the results of this study add? Our results indicate that in postmenopausal Mexican women, oxidative stress markers were significantly lower in those without metabolic syndrome, whereas total antioxidant capacity was higher in those with metabolic syndrome, which could be explained as an antioxidant defense mechanism capable of neutralising excess oxidative damage markers. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study is of interest to a broad audience because it compares the concentrations of oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome. Our study could support intervention with supplements or foods rich in antioxidants as lifestyle modifications in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

An Intersectional Analysis of Women's Social Role Engagement and Mental Health.

Guided by role theory and the intersectionality framework, this study assesses whether social role volume, role type, and role configuration influence the mental health of Non-Latina White, African American, Afro-Caribbean, Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Chinese, Filipina, and Vietnamese American women. Contemporary shifts in the primary roles (i.e., worker, spouse, parent) women occupy and in the ethnic composition of the U.S. necessitate a re-examination of how roles impact U.S. women's mental health. Moreover, family member and friend roles are relatively understudied. Drawing data from the nationally representative Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES) (N=7370), ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis is used to assess the relationship between role volume, role type, role configuration, and mental health for women across nine ethnic groups. We report ethnicity-stratified models. On one hand, role accumulation was psychologically beneficial for Non-Latina White, African American, Puerto Rican, and Chinese women. On the other hand, the psychological benefits of social roles diminished after accumulating three social roles for Cuban, Mexican, and Filipina women. The psychological influence of specific roles and role configurations for women was dependent on ethnicity. This study demonstrates the powerful impact of ethnicity on social role engagement as well as the influence of such roles on women's psychological health.

Economic opportunities for Mexican women from low socioeconomic status: results from a technical and life skills training program

This study presents the outcomes of a technical and life-skills training program in Mexico aimed to help women from low socioeconomic status (SES) find formal employment in sales, retail, and/ or customer service. To determine the extent to which the program reached its target population and its impacts, researchers analyzed a national database of over sixty-eight thousand Mexican beneficiaries from 2016 to 2020 and conducted telephone surveys with a representative sample of women beneficiaries in Veracruz. Results from the national-level analysis of 5,326 women participants identified as low SES indicate that 23 % found better economic and educational opportunities. The state-level analysis of 94 low SES women in Veracruz was higher, with 40 % reporting to have found better opportunities; of those who reported salary information, roughly half improved their income. Lessons learned are discussed regarding reaching target populations and the potential of job training programs in developing countries.

Class and Gender Roles: Narratives of Highly Skilled Mexican Women Migrants in Australia

ABSTRACT This article explores gender role experiences interconnected with class among women of Mexican origin who have migrated to metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on qualitative research data from twenty middle high-class and upper-class high-skilled Mexican women, and using an intersectionality prism via Anthias’s translocational positionality, we argue that the personal journey of highly skilled Mexican women’s migration/mobility and located adaptation brings changes to their social class/status and gender role identities. We attempt to ascertain how and why they re-evaluate, challenge, or renegotiate their Mexican class privileges, roles as professionals and as women, and how those roles relate to Australian social ordering. Their experience narratives highlight that most go through challenges in this renegotiation. From the participants’ point of view, some have renegotiated roles within their family units. At work, some feel recognized as professionals in a space which enables them to develop a deep sense of agency and make independent choices.

Empowerment through Femvertising: Reality or Myth?

This article studied female empowerment and stereotypes through femvertising. Empowerment and stereotypes were characterized by the roles generated by the sexual division of labor, developing a qualitative analysis through the perception of young Mexican women. The challenges of this advertising strategy were identified as the role of messages and content. The results suggested the construction of new stereotypes without modifying the patriarchal structure.

PD06-10 PREDICTORS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG HISPANIC/LATINA WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES: FINDINGS FROM THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY/STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS/SOL)

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD06-10 PREDICTORS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG HISPANIC/LATINA WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES: FINDINGS FROM THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY/STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS/SOL) Daniel Gonzalez, Isildinha Reis, Christina Cordero, Marc Gellman, Krista Perreira, Martha Daviglus, Olga Garcia-Bedoya, Katherine Amin, and Raveen Syan Daniel GonzalezDaniel Gonzalez More articles by this author , Isildinha ReisIsildinha Reis More articles by this author , Christina CorderoChristina Cordero More articles by this author , Marc GellmanMarc Gellman More articles by this author , Krista PerreiraKrista Perreira More articles by this author , Martha DaviglusMartha Daviglus More articles by this author , Olga Garcia-BedoyaOlga Garcia-Bedoya More articles by this author , Katherine AminKatherine Amin More articles by this author , and Raveen SyanRaveen Syan More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002525.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Studies show racial differences in prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). While medical conditions may vary by Hispanic/Latina backgrounds, differences in urinary incontinence (UI) and UI subtypes are not described. We aim to identify predictors of UI in women of various Hispanic/Latina backgrounds. METHODS: The HCHS/SOL is a multicenter (Bronx, Chicago, Miami, and San Diego), prospective cohort study which includes health-related questionnaires of men and women 18-74 years of age. The Visit 2 Medical Health questionnaire included questions on presence and type of UI. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. We adjusted for age, BMI, smoking and alcohol usage, and socioeconomic factors (education, employment, annual household income, and nativity (time spent living in the 50 US states or DC)). All estimates were weighted and accounted for HCHS/SOL survey design. RESULTS: Of 5,192 women who self-identified as Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Central American, South American, and more than one background, 1,737 (33%) answered “yes” to UI. In models adjusted for all predictors, trends of increased odds of any UI and UI subtypes were associated with age older than 65 years, increasing BMI, smoking status, and foreign-born Hispanics/Latinas living in the US for more than 20 years. When compared to Mexican women, Dominican (OR=0.4), Cuban (OR=0.6), and mixed heritage (OR=0.6) were less likely to have any UI; all Hispanic/Latina backgrounds except for South American were less likely to have SUI; Dominicans (OR=0.4) and Cubans (OR=0.7) were less likely to have MUI; and Dominicans (OR=0.7) and mixed backgrounds (OR=0.4) were less likely to have UUI. Women of South American heritage did not differ in odds of SUI, UUI, and MUI compared to Mexican background. Socioeconomic factors, such as education, employment, household income, were not associated with any UI (Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate differences in UI, SUI, MUI, and UUI by Hispanic/Latina background, suggesting collective designation of Hispanics/Latinas as a single ethnic group does not adequately describe UI among this diverse group. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e96 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel Gonzalez More articles by this author Isildinha Reis More articles by this author Christina Cordero More articles by this author Marc Gellman More articles by this author Krista Perreira More articles by this author Martha Daviglus More articles by this author Olga Garcia-Bedoya More articles by this author Katherine Amin More articles by this author Raveen Syan More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Empowerment through Femvertising: Reality or Myth?

This article studied female empowerment and stereotypes through femvertising. Empowerment and stereotypes were characterized by the roles generated by the sexual division of labor, developing a qualitative analysis through the perception of young Mexican women. The challenges of this advertising strategy were identified as the role of messages and content. The results suggested the construction of new stereotypes without modifying the patriarchal structure.

Promoting tolerance through historical memory A discussion with the founders of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Mexico

ABSTRACT Museums are platforms that empower us to bring civilization to a higher level; they exist to expand our understanding of human history and preserve the heritage. At the turn of the century, two young Mexican women, Sharon Zaga and Mily Cohen, had the unbelievable dream of building a museum of memory and tolerance in Mexico City. This discussion paper explores how the exhibitions of human intolerance at Museo Memoria y Tolerancia in Mexico City can change societal attitudes toward tolerance and historical memory. As a result, this place became not just a museum, but a place going beyond the idea of a museum and art, telling its visitors about the importance of historical memory, showcasing genocides, and ultimately touching on the importance of tolerance.

Adherence to the DASH diet by hypertension status in Mexican men and women: A cross-sectional study

Improving dietary patterns is a cornerstone of the non-pharmacological management of hypertension. Evidence about the adherence to healthy dietary patterns at the population level is scarce. We aimed to analyze the adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet among Mexican men and women by hypertension status. We used data from the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 2560). Using self-reported diagnosis of hypertension and blood pressure measurements, we identified participants without, with undiagnosed, and diagnosed hypertension. We calculated DASH scores (total and dietary components) based on a single 24-hour recall and analyzed differences in adherence across hypertension status using sex-specific multivariable Poisson regression models. Overall, regardless of hypertension status, adherence to the DASH score was low, with 35% of men and 38% of women with diagnosed hypertension adhering to recommended guidelines; lower adherence was observed in men (21.8%) and women (27.2%) with undiagnosed hypertension, and with no hypertension (26.8% in men, 26.3% in women). In multivariable models for men, the prevalence of adherence to the total DASH diet was 29% lower in undiagnosed adults versus adults without hypertension (RP 0.71; 95%CI 0.50,0.99). Specifically, adherence to fruits, total dairy, and animal protein was lower in undiagnosed men. Among women, the adherence to the DASH diet was similar across hypertension status in multivariable models. Mexican adults had low adherence to DASH, regardless of hypertension status. Strategies to improve adherence to DASH are needed, focusing in patients with hypertension but also as a preventive measure for the population.

Association of SNP rs5069 in APOA1 with Benign Breast Diseases in a Mexican Population.

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide. Some histological subtypes of benign breast disease (BBD) are considered risk factors for developing BCa. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding apolipoproteins A-I (APOA1) and B (APOB) have been associated with BCa in Tunisian, Chinese, and Taiwanese populations. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the possible contribution of APOA1 and APOB polymorphisms to BCa and BBD in the Mexican population. We analyzed the association of 4 SNPs in genes encoding apolipoproteins: rs670 and rs5069 in the APOA1 gene, and rs693 and rs1042031 in the APOB gene, by performing PCR-RFLP with DNA extracted from the biopsy tissue of Mexican women with BCa or BBD and whole blood samples obtained from the general population (GP). Our results showed an association between the CT + TT genotypes of the SNP rs5069 and BBD (p = 0.03201). In the A-T haplotype, the frequency of the SNPs rs670 and rs5069 differed significantly between the BBD group and the GP and BCa groups (p = 0.004111; p = 0.01303). In conclusion, the SNP rs5069 is associated with BBD but not with BCa in the Mexican population.

Evaluating Dietary Patterns in Women from Southern Italy and Western Mexico.

Traditional diets are known to be beneficial; however, both Italian and Mexican populations are gradually moving away from the Mediterranean and traditional Mexican diets. Since women play a key role in safeguarding dietary traditions and may reflect population dietary changes, we aimed to identify Italian and Mexican women’s current dietary patterns (DPs) and characterize their nutrient content. Cross-sectional analyses were separately conducted on two convenience samples of 811 women from Southern Italy and 215 women from Western Mexico. Food frequency questionnaires, 24 h recalls, and a principal component analysis (PCA) approach were used to derive a posteriori DPs. In Italian women, the first DP was characterized by the consumption of legumes, vegetables, and fish (8.8% of the total variance), while the second DP was characterized by snack foods, processed meats, and non-olive oils. In Mexican women, the first DP was characterized by the consumption of meats and processed foods (12.6% of the total variance), while the second DP by fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In both populations, adhering to the DPs rich in healthy foods (i.e., fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish) was associated with a higher quality of diet in terms on nutrient content. However, adherence to the Western-type DPs was more common among women of younger age (p < 0.035). Thus, more extraordinary efforts are needed in promoting each country’s traditional healthy diet, especially among the new generations.

Differences in the Glenohumeral Joint before and after Unilateral Breast Cancer Surgery: Motion Capture Analysis.

After mastectomy, women might lose mobility and develop kinematic changes in the shoulder. The objective of this research was to compare the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint in women, before and after unilateral breast cancer surgery. This was a longitudinal study with a pre- and post-evaluation design; in total, 15 Mexican women who had a mastectomy for breast cancer and who received a physical therapy program after surgery were evaluated. Flexion–extension and abduction–adduction movements of the glenohumeral joint were evaluated (15 days before and 60 days after mastectomy). For the kinematic analysis of the glenohumeral joint, an optoelectronic motion capture system was used to monitor 41 reflective markers located in anatomical landmarks. There was no significant difference in the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint when comparing pre- and post-mastectomy, flexion–extension (p = 0.138), and abduction–adduction (p = 0.058). Furthermore, patients who received chemotherapy (53%) before mastectomy were more affected (lower range of motion) than those who did not receive it. There were no significant differences in the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint after mastectomy in this group of patients who received a physical therapy program after surgery. Moreover, patients who received chemotherapy treatment before breast cancer surgery tended to have a lower range of motion than those who did not receive it. Therefore, it is necessary for the physical rehabilitation team to attend to these patients even before the mastectomy.

U.S. public perceptions of Mexican immigrants: Effects of immigrant acculturation strategy, documentation status, and gender and participants’ social dominance

Given the salience and rise of anti-immigrant sentiments in the United States, Mexican immigrants who are not integrated into the American cultural system, are undocumented, or are men may be particularly susceptible to negative treatment. Moreover, people who are high in social dominance orientation (SDO) endorse social hierarchies and are more likely to perceive groups from a lower status less positively. Using a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design, we presented participants (N = 243) with a vignette describing a Mexican immigrant who differed on acculturation strategy (assimilated or separated), documentation status (documented or undocumented), and gender (woman or man). We then asked participants to answer questions about the Mexican immigrant and complete an SDO scale. Overall, participants had more negative perceptions of separated (vs. assimilated) and undocumented (vs. documented) Mexican immigrants, and they felt less positively about Mexican immigrant women (vs. men). Participants with high SDO felt more negatively about separated (vs. assimilated) Mexican immigrants. Additionally, participants perceived the separated (vs. assimilated) Mexican immigrant as being more representative of Mexican immigrants as a group, but they identified more with the assimilated (vs. separated) Mexican immigrant. We also assessed participants’ attitudes toward Mexican immigrants in general and found that they perceived greater competitiveness toward undocumented (vs. documented) Mexican immigrants. These findings provide important insight into factors that impact U.S. perceptions of Mexican immigrants—a starting point to better understand and improve relations between the U.S. public and Mexican immigrants.

Propuesta de instrumento para medir de forma preliminar la adicción a la pornografía en población mexicana

Introduction: information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the Internet have generated great benefits for society, but it has also strongly promoted behavioral addictions, such as pornography addiction. The use of pornography is not a problem, but the truth is that its abuse causes harmful effects on people’s physical and mental health. Objective: this article analyzes the use, but with special emphasis on the harm caused by abuse and addiction to pornography. Likewise, the first Mexican scale is proposed to preliminarily measure addiction to pornography. Method: reliability was evaluated through Cronbach’s Alpha and construct validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis. Results: a structure of 5 factors was detected: Emotion, Difficulties to control, Arousal (masturbation), Tolerance and Withdrawal, with a Kaisen-Meyer-Olkin value of .860 and the Bartlett sphericity test was 1015,688; gl = 325; p = .000. Discussion and conclusions: therefore, it is concluded that the EMAP (Addiction to Pornography Scale) for Mexican men and women is valid and reliable for research purposes.

Prevalence of Licit and Illicit Drugs Use during Pregnancy in Mexican Women.

For the first time, the present study employed hair testing to investigate the prevalence of classical drugs of abuse and new psychoactive substances use during gestation in a cohort of 300 Mexican pregnant women. An interview was conducted to collect data on sociodemographic aspects of the patients, and a 9 cm-long hair strand was taken from the back of the head of each mother one month after delivery. A validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry method was used for the screening of classic drugs, new psychoactive substances, and medications in maternal hair. Out of 300 examined hair samples from pregnant women, 127 (42.3%) resulted positive for psychoactive substances: 45 (35.4%) for cannabis only, 24 (18.9%) for methamphetamine only, 13 (10.2%) for cocaine only, 1 (0.3%) for heroin, 1 for N-N-dimethyltryptamine (0.3%), 1 for ketamine (0.8%), and 35 (16.3%) for more than one psychoactive substance. Furthermore, seven samples (2.3%) resulted positive for new psychoactive substances (NPS): two samples for synthetic cannabinoids, two for synthetic cathinones, and three for nor-fentanyl, and 3.3% of women hair resulted positive for anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications. Finally, 83 women hair samples (27.7%) tested positive for nicotine. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other painkillers (60.0%), medications for the treatment of nausea and vomiting (12.3%), antihistamines (8.7%) and nasal/sinus decongestants (6.7%), cough suppressants (5.0%), and bronchodilator agents (5.0%) were also detected in pregnant women hair. The gestational use of psychoactive substances and exposure to tobacco smoke, assessed by hair testing, were associated with a significantly younger age and with a low education grade of the mothers (p < 0.005). This study provides a significant preliminary indication of the under-reported gestational consumption of licit and illicit psychoactive and pharmacologically active drugs in a Mexican environment, showing the value of toxicological and forensic analyses in the global effort to determine the health risks caused by classic drugs and new psychoactive substances during pregnancy.

Body mass index and 12-year mortality among older Mexican Americans aged 75\u2009years and older

BackgroundThe role of obesity in mortality in the very old and old-oldest Hispanic population has not been studied. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on 12-year mortality among older Mexican Americans aged 75 years and older.MethodsTwelve year prospective cohort study consisting of a population-based sample of 1415 non-institutionalized Mexican American men and women aged 75 and older from 5 southwestern states: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Data was from Wave 5 of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2004/2005–2016). Socio-demographics, body mass index (BMI), self-reported medical conditions, disability, depressive symptoms, falls, Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed at baseline during 2004–2005. BMI (Kg/m2) was classified as underweight (< 18.5), normal weight (18.5 to < 25), overweight (25 to < 30), obesity category I (30 to < 35), and obesity category II/morbid obesity (≥ 35). For assessment of mortality, deaths were ascertained through the National Death Index and report from relatives. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of 12-year mortality as a function of BMI categories at baseline.ResultsThe mean BMI was 27.5 ± 1.7 with participants classified as 1.8% underweight, 30.8% normal weight, 39.2% overweight, 20.7% obesity category I, and 7.6% obesity category II/morbid obesity. Mexican Americans aged ≥75 years with overweight or obesity category I had a reduced HR of death (0.82, 95% CI = 0.70–0.96 and 0.75, 95% CI = 0.62–0.91, respectively) over 12-years of follow-up. The HR of death for underweight and obesity category II/morbid obesity participants was 1.59 (95% CI = 1.03–2.45) and 1.12 (95% CI = 0.85–1.46), respectively. Female participants and those with high scores in the MMSE and SPPB had decreased risk of death.ConclusionsThis study showed the protective effect of overweight and obesity on mortality in Mexican Americans above 75 years of age, which might have implications when treating older adults with overweight and obesity.

Follow-up and growing-up formula promotion among Mexican pregnant women and mothers of children under 18 months old.

Milk formula sales have grown globally, particularly through follow‐up formulas (FUF) and growing‐up milks (GUM). Marketing strategies and weak regulatory and institutional arrangements are important contributors to caregivers' decisions about child feeding choices. This study describes maternal awareness, beliefs, and normative referents of FUFs and GUMs among Mexican pregnant women and mothers of children 0–18 months (n = 1044) through the lens of the theory of reasoned action (TRA). A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in two large metropolitan areas of Mexico. Descriptive analyses were conducted following the constructs of the TRA. One‐third of the participants had heard about FUFs, mainly through health professionals (51.1%) and family (22.2%). Once they had heard about FUFs, the majority (80%) believed older infants needed this product due to its benefits (hunger satisfaction, brain development, and allergy management). One quarter of the participants were already using or intended to use FUFs; the majority had received this recommendation from doctors (74.6%) and mothers/mothers‐in‐law (25%). Similarly, 19% of the women had heard about GUMs. The pattern for the rest of TRA constructs for GUMs was similar to FUFs. Mexican women are exposed to FUFs and GUMs, once women know about them, the majority believe older infant and young children need these products, stating perceived benefits that match the poorly substantiated marketing claims of breast‐milk substitutes. Health professionals, particularly doctors, act as marketing channels for FUFs and GUMs. Marketing of FUFs and GUMs represents a threat to breastfeeding in Mexico and a more protective regulatory and institutional environment is needed.

Mammography Stages Adoption and Health Beliefs in Mexican Women

Objective. To identify associations between sociodemographic variables and stages of change and evaluate differences between health belief model variables and these stages. Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 612 women aged 40 years and older admitted to a public hospital in the Northeast of Mexico. The participants answered the health belief model scale and selected the statement that best reflected their experience with mammography screening. The association between sociodemographic and clinical variables and the mammography stages of change was assessed using X2, and the groups of stages of change were compared using one-way ANOVA and Games-Howell post-hoc tests. Results. There was a significant association between age and the stages of action and maintenance. Breast cancer screening methods such as breast self-examination and clinical breast examination were more common among women in the stages of maintenance and relapse. There were differences between pre-contemplation and the more advanced stages in all dimensions except in the perceived seriousness p &lt;.001. Self-efficacy and health motivation were different among women at the stage of contemplation, maintenance, and relapse. Conclusions. Perceived self-efficacy and health motivation may increase adherence to mammography screening.