Women In Mexico Research Articles

Obesity and Risk of Breast Cancer Mortality in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Women: The New Mexico Women's Health Study

Obesity is reported to be associated with poorer survival in women with breast cancer, regardless of menopausal status. Our purpose was to determine if the associations of obesity with breast cancer-specific, all-cause, and non-breast cancer mortality differ between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women with breast cancer. Data on lifestyle and medical history were collected for incident primary breast cancer cases (298 NHW, 279 Hispanic) in the New Mexico Women's Health Study. Mortality was ascertained through the National Death Index and New Mexico Tumor Registry over 13 years of follow-up. Adjusted Cox regression models indicated a trend towards increased risk for breast cancer-specific mortality in obese NHW women (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-4.35) but not in Hispanic women (HR 1.32; 95% CI 0.64-2.74). Obese NHW women had a statistically significant increased risk for all-cause mortality (HR 2.12; 95% CI 1.15-3.90) while Hispanic women did not (HR 1.23; 95% CI 0.71-2.12). Results were similar for non-breast cancer mortality: NHW (HR 2.65; 95% CI 0.90-7.81); Hispanic (HR 2.18; 95% CI 0.77-6.10). Our results suggest that obesity is associated with increased risk for breast cancer-specific mortality in NHW women; however, this association is attenuated in Hispanic women.

Detection of Behavior Patterns in Single Women in Mexico

The proposal of this work is to detect the existence of patterns of interactive sequential discursive behavior in three single Mexican adult women from retrospective analysis of the interview between them and the interviewer. The applied methodology was observational. It was developed iteratively and thoroughly, a category system as an instrument of observation, and then it was undergone a recategorization process. The number of sessions observed was three, of three hours a duration. Intersessional sequential analysis was used through the SDIS-GSEQ software. Thus we find that the first significant categories in order of occurrence are: Being for her self, Paradox and Independence. The following in significant probability of occurrence position are: Dependency, self-satisfaction, Complementary, Comprehension andNormal. Finally, the categories that are inhibitory occurrence probabilistically negative are: Responsible, Myself, Self-understanding. Finding out these women are learning to live for themselves within a process of emancipation from their families and social structures.

“Violence is Common and a Daily Event; in this Place Her Dog Has More Respect than us”: A Study on Cycle of Violence Faced by Women in Mexico

Abstract This paper sets out to explore the violence against women is a new form femicide taking into consideration the case of trafficked women. Once women arrived at their destination, suffer various kinds of never-ending violence and exploitation. Thus, in this article we have defined and demonstrated how the trafficking of women constitutes a new form of “femicide”. The analytical section of the paper is based on interviews with one hundred and ten trafficked women in Mexico. The results indicate that trafficked women are experiencing a wide range of physical and sexual violence, where they face a constant threat to life.

Abstract A71: Smoking and breast cancer survival among New Mexican Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women.

Abstract The association of smoking with breast cancer mortality is not well established. Results from the few studies to date are mixed. Data for ethnic minorities are sparse. The current study examined the association of active cigarette smoking with breast cancer and non-breast cancer mortality in a pooled sample of 1,368 New Mexico Hispanic women (n=556) and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women (n=812) diagnosed with a first primary invasive breast cancer from two case-control studies: the New Mexico Women's Health Study (NMWHS: 1992-1994) and the 4-Corner's Breast Cancer Study (4-CBCS: 1999-2004). The cases were ascertained by the New Mexico Tumor Registry. Baseline data were collected for smoking exposure and other relevant covariates (age, study, alcohol intake, body mass index, menopausal status, family history, parity, energy intake and expenditure). The National Death Index was used to determine vital status through December 31, 2008. A total of 312 deaths occurred over an average of 9.2 years of follow-up (NMWHS, 12.4; 4-CBCS, 7.2); 188 were breast cancer deaths. The prevalence of current and former smoking was 13% and 25% in Hispanic women compared to 16% and 32% in NHW women. Thirty-three percent of NHW women smoked for more than 13 pack-years versus 16% of Hispanic women. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox Proportional analysis adjusting for the covariates. Cigarette smoking status (former, current) and pack-years were not associated with breast cancer mortality in Hispanic women. However, there was a non-significant positive association in NHW women who smoked (current: HR, 1.42, 95% CI 0.83-2.41; pack-years >13: HR, 1.42; 95% CI 0.90-2.24). In contrast, there were significant positive associations with non-breast cancer mortality in H women (pack-years >13: HR, 2.95; 95% CI 1.52-5.75) and NHW women (pack-years >13: HR, 2.08; 95% CI 1.25-3.45). These results do not support an association of smoking with breast cancer mortality, particularly in Hispanic women. However, smoking is significantly associated with non-breast cancer mortality in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Citation Format: Kathy B. Baumgartner, Christina Pinkston, Avonne Connor, Stephanie Denkhoff, Dongyan Yang, Richard N. Baumgartner. Smoking and breast cancer survival among New Mexican Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A71.

Abstract A70: Smoking, body mass index, and breast cancer risk: A pooled analysis of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women from New Mexico.

Abstract Obesity has been identified as a well-known modifiable risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. The association between smoking and breast cancer also has been extensively studied in epidemiological literature. The compounded relationship between smoking and obesity with breast cancer risk has been of interest in recent studies; however ethnic/racial differences with this potential interaction have not been investigated. We evaluated the interaction between active smoking and obesity measured by body mass index (BMI) and risk of breast cancer in Hispanic (H) and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women from New Mexico. Data on smoking exposure, BMI (kg/m2), and other lifestyle/behavioral risk factors were available from a pooled sample of 1,699 incident breast cancer cases (1011 NHW, 688 H) and 1,772 population based-controls (1066 NHW, 706 H) from the New Mexico Women's Health Study (1992-1994) and the 4-Corner's Breast Cancer Study (1999-2004). Using multivariable logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated to estimate the risk of breast cancer by active smoking exposures between normal weight (BMI< 25), overweight (BMI=25-29.9), and obese (BMI≥30) women. We also tested for interaction effects between smoking, BMI, and ethnicity. All models were adjusted for age, study, menopausal status, alcohol intake, education, physical activity, calories consumed/day, and parity. There were significant (p value < 0.001) differences between H and NHW women for BMI categories, smoking status, total pack years, total number of smoking years, and average number of cigarettes/day. Overall, we did not find significant interaction effects between BMI and smoking or between BMI, smoking, and ethnicity. However, overweight H women who were former smokers compared to never smokers did have an inverse association with breast cancer risk (OR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.39-0.99). We also observed inverse associations for breast cancer among overweight H women who smoked less than 10 years (OR, 0.42; 95% CI 0.21-0.84), less than 10 pack years (OR, 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.92), and less than 15 cigarettes/day (OR, 0.63; 95% CI 0.41-0.98). Obese H women who smoked between 30-49 years also had a reduced risk for breast cancer (OR, 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.89). No significant associations were found among NHW women within our stratified analysis. Our data suggest that the interaction effects between ethnicity, BMI, and smoking are not statistically significant; however, overweight H women who previously smoked or who had limited active smoking exposure may have some decrease in risk of breast cancer. Citation Format: Avonne E. Connor, Christina M. Pinkston, Richard N. Baumgartner, Kathy B. Baumgartner. Smoking, body mass index, and breast cancer risk: A pooled analysis of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women from New Mexico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A70.

Iodine Nutrition Status in Pregnant Women in Mexico

Iodine nutrition during pregnancy has become an important public health concern because of the deleterious impact of iodine deficiency on brain development during fetal and early postnatal life. Iodine nutrition status can be assessed in a population by the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC). World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the International Council for Iodine Deficiency Disorders have established that a median of UIC between 150 and 249 μg/L in pregnant women indicates an adequate iodine intake. The aim of this study was to assess iodine nutrition status in Mexican pregnant women. Two hundred ninety-four pregnant women receiving prenatal care in the Public Medical Units of the State Ministry of Health for each pregnancy trimester (first, n=60; second, n=103; and third, n=131) in Queretaro, Mexico, were enrolled to assess UIC by the Sandell-Kholtoff method. The median of UIC was 273, 285, and 231 μg/L in the first, second, and third trimesters of gestation, respectively. Globally, the median (range) of UIC was 260 (5-1320) μg/L, and the percentage of samples with UIC below 150 μg/L was 28%. There was no significant difference between the UIC of women using iodine-containing multivitamins compared with those who reported the consumption of noniodized multivitamins (p>0.05). In addition, we found no difference between the UIC of women using iodized table salt compared with those who employed noniodized table salt, with those who did not know whether their table salt was iodized (p>0.05). Based on the median UIC, iodine intake in Queretaro, Mexico, is slightly above requirements during the first two trimesters, and adequate in the third trimester. The wide Mexican universal iodized salt program seems to supply adequate dietary iodine to pregnant women without health insurance in this region. However, regular monitoring of iodine status is recommended during pregnancy throughout Mexico.

Abstract B55: Antioxidant intake and breast cancer survival among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women: The New Mexico Women's Health Study

Abstract Background: Dietary intake of antioxidant micronutrients, vitamins A, C and E, is reported to be associated with reduced carcinogenesis, and several case-control studies suggest these vitamins are associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer. Findings from cohort studies, however, are less consistent. To date, there are few studies that have examined the associations of vitamins A, C and E with breast cancer survival. Moreover, few studies have investigated differences in these associations by Hispanic (H) versus non-Hispanic white (NHW) ethnicity. This is important because previous research has indicated that these ethnic groups differ for both dietary antioxidant vitamin intake and survival. We evaluated the association of antioxidant vitamin intake with breast cancer survival and modification by ethnicity using data from a population-based study in New Mexico. Materials and Methods: Survival data for this study were collected in the Long Term Quality of Life (LTQOL) study, which is a 12 to 15 year follow-up of women who participated in the New Mexico Women's Health Study (NMWHS), a population-based, case-control study of breast cancer conducted between 1992 and 1996. A total of 722 H and NHW cases, aged 20 to 80 years, were ascertained by the New Mexico Tumor Registry (year of diagnosis: 1992–1994). All nutritional information was collected at entry using a standardized food-frequency questionnaire. Death and cause of death was ascertained for cases from the National Death Index though 2008. Dietary intake and mortality data were available for a total of 686 (323 H and 363 NHW) women for these analysis. Generalized linear modeling (PROC GLM) was used to test for differences in antioxidant intake between H and NHW women, adjusting for total energy intake. Cox Proportional Hazards analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations of vitamins A, C and E intakes with breast cancer survival, stratifying by ethnicity and adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: After adjusting for total energy intake, H women had significantly (p<.0001) higher mean intakes of vitamin A, retinol, carotene, vitamin C, and E compared with NHW women. There were a total of 67 breast cancer deaths among Hispanics and 63 among non-Hispanic white women. The highest level of intake, compared to the lowest, for these antioxidant vitamins was not associated with survival in either ethnic group, adjusting for age, alcohol intake, smoking, BMI, energy intake, total fat intake, and physical activity. In H women, the hazard ratios were 0.99 (95%CI 0.49–1.99) for total vitamin A, 0.87 (95%CI 0.42–1.79) for retinol, 1.07 (95%CI 0.55–2.07) for carotene, 1.46 (95%CI 0.72–2.95) for total vitamin C and 0.69 (95%CI 0.27–1.75) for total vitamin E. Among NHW women results were: 1.05 (95%CI 0.50–2.19) for total vitamin A, 1.22 (95%CI 0.57–2.59) for retinol, 1.15 (95%CI 0.56–2.37) for carotene, 1.04 (95%CI 0.51–2.09) for total vitamin C and 1.26 (95%CI 0.55–2.89) for total vitamin E. Discussion: Although antioxidant vitamin intake was higher among Hispanic than non-Hispanic white women in the NMWHS study, higher consumption of these vitamins was not associated with survival in either ethnic group and cannot, therefore, explain differences between these ethnic groups for survival. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B55.

Abstract A81: Physical activity and survival in long-term Hispanic and non-Hispanic white breast cancer survivors

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies have reported that physical activity is associated with improved survival after a breast cancer diagnosis. There are few data, however, for the association of physical activity with survival in Hispanic women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of increased physical activity in the year prior to breast cancer diagnosis with all-cause and breast cancer mortality in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women using data from the New Mexico Women's Health Study (NMWHS). Study Population and Methods: The NMWHS was a population-based case-control study that included women diagnosed in New Mexico with invasive or in-situ breast cancers in 1992–1994. A total of 722 cases (339 Hispanic and 383 non-Hispanic white) participated in the study. Vital status and specific causes of death were ascertained through December 2008 via linkage with the New Mexico Tumor Registry (NMTR) and the National Death Index (NDI). Usual physical activity was assessed using a standardized questionnaire for the year prior to interview. After excluding women with a previous history of breast cancer or missing covariate data, 641 cases remained for analyses. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox Proportional Hazards models, with time since interview as the underlying time metric, for quartiles of physical activity (MET-h/wk), adjusting for age, breast cancer treatment, menopausal status at time of diagnosis, stage of disease, number of years of supplementary estrogen use, body-mass index (BMI) at time of diagnosis, and energy intake levels in the year preceding diagnosis. Results: During an average 12.0 years of follow-up, 216 deaths were ascertained (123 due to breast cancer). In Hispanic women, compared to 0–25.00 Metabolic Equivalent hours per week (MET-h/wk), the RRs (95% CI) were 0.75(0.42, 1.33) for 25.00–40.15 MET-h/wk, 0.46(0.24, 0.87) for 40.15–62.85 MET-h/wk and 0.41(0.22, 0.76) for >=62.85 MET-h/wk, with a p-trend value of 0.002 for all-cause mortality, and 0.70(0.32, 1.52), 0.47(0.18, 1.19) and 0.42(0.19, 0.93) with a p-trend value of 0.028 for breast cancer mortality. In non-Hispanic white women, the corresponding RRs (95% CI) were 0.60(0.33, 1.10), 1.09(0.63, 1.87) and 0.90(0.51, 1.61) with a p-trend value of 0.763 for all-cause mortality, and 0.65(0.28, 1.53), 0.97(0.44, 2.12) and 0.70(0.31, 1.60) with a p-trend value of 0.609 for breast cancer mortality. Stratified analysis suggests an added benefit for Hispanic women with BMI>=25 when their MET-hr/wk exceeds the median. The RR (95% CI) is 0.44(0.25, 0.78). The same benefit is not seen with non-Hispanic white women or in Hispanic women with BMI<25. These results suggest that the effects of physical activity level prior to breast cancer diagnosis decrease the risk of all-cause and breast-cancer mortality in Hispanic women but not non-Hispanic women. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A81.

Abstract 1829: Predictors of quality of life among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women: A 15 year follow-up study of long-term breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background: Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of cancer survivors, comprising 23% of the total. While significant predictors of quality of life (QOL) have emerged among independent studies, data is lacking for long-term survivors as well as for differences between Hispanic (H) and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. Investigating QOL is important for the evaluation of the consequences of breast cancer beyond the diagnosis and treatment phases. Methods and Materials: Participants from the New Mexico Women's Health Study (NMWHS), population-based case-control investigation (1992-1996) were contacted by telephone 12-15 years after the original interview. QOL was assessed using the MOS SF-36, a generic, multi-purpose, health survey composed of 36 questions that has been utilized and validated to evaluate physical and mental health in many diverse populations. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate differences between cases and controls for eight sub-scales and two summary scales adjusting for potential covariates, including stratification by ethnicity for physical and mental health summary scales. Means for scales were log transformed and normalized and compared to the 1998 U.S. general population of females aged 55-64. Results: There was a significant difference between cases and controls for the mental health summary (β=−3.74; p=0.04) but not physical health summary (β=−2.53; p=0.14) scale. Significant predictors for both summary scales included: age, ≥4 co-morbidities, current pain and fatigue, and less education. Social support (p=0.002), case (p=0.02) and ethnicity (p=0.02) were significant predictors of mental health while BMI (p<0.0001) was significant for physical health. Adjustment for time since diagnosis, current marital status, and menopausal status did not alter the results. When stratified by ethnicity, and adjusted for all significant covariates, there was a significant difference in mental health summary between cases and controls for H women (p=0.03). Transformed means for eight subscales and physical health summary were higher for both cases and controls compared to normative data, with the exception of mental health summary for cases. Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors report lower mental health scores on the SF-36 than control women 12 to 15 years after diagnosis and treatment. Hispanic cases, in particular, report lower mental health scores even after adjustment for multiple covariates including co-morbidity, pain and fatigue, education, and social support. This is one of the first studies to detect persistent problems with QOL in long-term breast cancer survivors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1829. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1829

As Time Goes by We Improve a Little More: Relationship Expectations of Young Women in Mexico

In this qualitative narrative study I explore expectations regarding male–female relationships and perceptions about intimate partner violence (IPV) with young urban women in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Carol Gilligan's work informed the analysis of the narratives. Themes identified follow: violence at home, resistance, and relational autonomy. The collective story these women tell is that they are familiar with violence in the home, they resist violence and gender inequality, they seek equality in intimate partner relationships, and they plan for futures where the centrality of family is valued in combination with a strong commitment to their own autonomy.

Modifiable Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening Adherence Among Working Women in Mexico

To determine predictors of adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines among women working in Monterrey, Mexico. Cases (n = 94) were sexually active female store clerks working in Monterrey, Mexico, aged 18-64, who were not adherent to Official Mexican Standard cervical cancer screening guidelines; controls (n = 135) were adherent to guidelines. The outcome of interest was adherence to cervical cancer screening services according to national screening guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed knowledge factors and perceptions associated with adherence. Having no or inaccurate knowledge of screening guidelines (odds ratio [OR] 11.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.3-28.5) and no knowledge of Pap examination utility (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.0-46.4) were associated with screening guideline nonadherence. Perceptions of fear/embarrassment (OR 16.2, 95% CI 5.1-51.5) and lower levels of spousal/partner acceptance (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.3-25.3) of the Pap examination were associated with screening guideline nonadherence. Results were adjusted for age at initiation of sexual activity, civil status, level of education, use of family planning/birth control, and income. Identification of knowledge factors and perceptions that predict screening guideline adherence can inform population-specific recommendations to increase screening and reduce cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among employed Mexican women.

Poverty and Gender Perspective in Productive Projects for Rural Women in Mexico

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a pilot study that promoted productive and capacity-building activities among deprived rural women of Mexico. The evaluation design is observational; 1,278 women are interviewed, and the comparison group is estimated by propensity score matching. The results show a positive impact on the carrying out of agricultural activities, in the autonomy of women in decision making, as does their perception of their role in the household. However, the project does not decrease the number of hours set aside for household chores or improve the women's technical and administrative skills.

Efficacy of Iron-Fortified Ultra Rice in Improving the Iron Status of Women in Mexico

Universal fortification of staple foods with iron has been widely promoted as a cost-effective strategy to reduce iron deficiency in developing-country populations. Nonetheless, relatively few efficacy trials have been reported to date to demonstrate impact on iron status. The Ultra Rice technology provides a means of delivering fortificant iron via rice. The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of rice fortified with microencapsulated, micronized iron pyrophosphate to improve the iron status of women in Mexico in a randomized, controlled intervention trial. Nonpregnant, nonlactating women 18 to 49 years of age were recruited from six factories. The women received a daily portion of cooked rice 5 days per week for a period of 6 months, before and after which iron status indicators were determined in venous blood samples. The average intake of iron from the fortificant was 13 mg/day. Mean plasma ferritin concentration and estimated body iron stores were significantly higher, and transferrin receptors were lower, in the iron-fortified rice group following the intervention. Mean hemoglobin concentration also increased in the treatment group, but the increase was significant only when the analysis was restricted to those with baseline hemoglobin < 12.8 g/dL. The absolute reduction in anemia and iron deficiency was 10.3 and 15.1 percentage points, respectively. Total iron intake from fortificant was a significant covariate of change in body iron stores. The overall prevalence of anemia was reduced by 80%. Fortification of rice with iron using this technology is an efficacious strategy for preventing iron deficiency.

Biomonitoring Study of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Metals in Pregnant Women in Mexico

Biomonitoring Study of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Metals in Pregnant Women in Mexico

Reviews: Urban Literacy: Communication, Identity and Learning in Development Contexts, Discovering Literacy: Access Routes to Written Culture for a Group of Women in Mexico, Building Professional Pride in Literacy, Dealing with Dyscalculia, Sum Hope2, the Power of Critical Theory for Adult Learning and Teaching, Lifelong Learning: Concepts and Contexts, Reconsidering Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World: Meeting Students'

Reviews: Urban Literacy: Communication, Identity and Learning in Development Contexts, Discovering Literacy: Access Routes to Written Culture for a Group of Women in Mexico, Building Professional Pride in Literacy, Dealing with Dyscalculia, Sum Hope², the Power of Critical Theory for Adult Learning and Teaching, Lifelong Learning: Concepts and Contexts, Reconsidering Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World: Meeting Students'

Successful professional women of the Americas: from polar winds to tropical breezes

Contents: 1. From Polar Winds to Tropical Breezes: The Evolution of the Successful Women Project 2. Successful Women Professionals in the Americas: Theoretical Perspectives and Empirical Findings 3. Culture and Personal Characteristics for Professional Success 4. Beginning the Research in a Tropical Breeze 5. Personality, Management/Leadership Styles and Views on Great Leadership 6. What the Successful Women Said About Professional and Life Experiences: Barriers, Social Support and Mentors 7. Successful Women in the Polar Winds of Canada 8. Successful Women of the United States of America 9. Successful Professional Women in Mexico 10. Successful Women: A Vision of Brazil 11. Argentina: Returning to its Glorious Past 12. The Successful Women of Chile 13. The Big Picture from Polar Winds to Tropical Breezes Appendices References Index

Family Planning Advice and Postpartum Contraceptive Use Among Low-Income Women in Mexico

In Mexico, family planning advice has been incorporated into the clinical guidelines for prenatal care. However, the relationship between women's receipt of family planning advice during prenatal care and subsequent contraceptive use has not been evaluated. Data were collected in 2003 and 2004 in 17 Mexican states from 2,238 urban low-income women postpartum. Participating women reported on prenatal services received and contraceptive use. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression models evaluated whether receiving family planning advice during prenatal care predicted current contraceptive use, after quality of care in the community, service utilization, delivery characteristics, household socioeconomic characteristics, and maternal and infant characteristics were controlled for. Overall, 47% of women used a modern contraceptive method. Women who received family planning advice during prenatal care were more likely to use a contraceptive than were those who did not receive such advice (odds ratio, 2.2). Women who received family planning advice had a higher probability of using condoms (relative risk ratio, 2.3) and IUDs (5.2), and of undergoing sterilization (1.4), than of using no method. Integrating family planning advice into prenatal care may be an important strategy for reaching women when their demand for contraception is high.

Violence against Women in Mexico

Violence against women has been a problem in human cultures for centuries. This is still the case both in developed and in developing countries, but it is in developing countries where the problem is aggravated as the result of cultural norms that are tolerant of men exerting power over women and girls as a commonly accepted practice. This power is often put into practice through physical and psychological acts of violence. In Mexico, as in many other countries, there is a legal framework that protects women from such acts, yet in the case of Mexico it has not yet been translated into actual improvements in their lives. We present an overview of advances in legal remedies regarding violence towards females internationally and in Mexico. The fact that these advances per se do not lead to changes in social norms that tolerate violence against females is emphasized. Also presented is the experience of the Mexican Institute for Research on Family and Population (IMIFAP) with the design and implementation of programs that promote protective factors and changes in behaviors in such a way that violence is effectively prevented. These programs focus on the development of psychosocial skills and knowledge through participatory workshops that promote self reflection, and they are developed and evaluated before being then applied on a large scale in poverty-stricken communities. These workshops lead to more egalitarian relationships between genders. IMIFAP's programs address not only violence but also other areas are integrated such that the enablement of psychosocial skills is applied in the broader socio-cultural context, leading to healthier and economically more productive lives. These programs are derived from the Framework for Enabling Agentic Empowerment (FENAE), which enables choice and the development of agentic empowerment through integrating skills, knowledge, and the context in which people live.

Book Review: Discovering Literacy: Access Routes to Written Culture for a Group of Women in Mexico

Book Review: Discovering Literacy: Access Routes to Written Culture for a Group of Women in Mexico

Evaluation of the Nonconsensual Placement of Intrauterine Devices in Women in Mexico

Papers on Current Clinical and Basic Investigation: Tuesday, May 9, 2006: Contraception/Family Planning