[Depressive symptoms and serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 among college students from Northern Mexico].

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that low consumption as well as low serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) omega-3 and a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio may be implicated in the etiology of depressive disorders, however, epidemiologic evidence is inconclusive.

Objective: To assess the relationship of serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic [DHA], eicosapentaenoic [EPA], alpha-linolenic fatty acid [ALA]) and the omega-6 (arachidonic acid [AA])/EPA ratio with depressive symptoms among Mexican college students.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 60 male and female participants (ages 18 to 24 years) with serum levels of EPA, DHA, ALA and AA.

Psychological effects women experience before and after a colposcopic examination and primary care appointment.

OBJECTIVE.: To estimate the psychological impact, health and behavior concerns, and coping styles of women awaiting colposcopic examination compared with women awaiting a scheduled primary care appointment. MATERIALS AND METHODS.

[Low yield of HPV DNA determination in the distal region of the male urethra].

Objective: To assess the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and of clinical and subclinical condilomatosis in men whose sex partners had been diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1997 to August 1998, among 200 men aged 17 to 64 years referred to the Oncology Department of the National Institute of Perinatology in Mexico City. A physical examination of the penis (penoscopy) was performed after applying 3-5% acetic acid.

Patient acceptance and the psychological effects of women experiencing telecolposcopy and colposcopy.

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess patient acceptance and psychological effects in women experiencing telecolposcopy compared with colposcopy.

Methods: Convenience samples of 150 and 263 women scheduled for colposcopy or telecolposcopy, respectively, completed questionnaires assessing anxiety (Prime MD), depression [Center for Epidemiologic Studies/Depressed Mood Scale (CES-D)], health beliefs and concerns, coping style (Miller Behavioral Style Score) and examination acceptance and satisfaction. Test scores and subject responses were compared using the t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test.

[Cervical cancer screening: knowledge of Pap smear benefits and utilization in Mexico].

Objective: To identify and evaluate the predisposing factors regarding the utilization of the Pap smears in the population seen in the Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Mexico

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1997 through December 1998 in Mexico city. A questionnaire was applied to a total of 2,107 women of reproductive age who attended a family planning program and data was collected regarding the following topics: social-demographics, reproductive risk factors associated with cervical cancer, sexual behavior and partner history, birth control, knowledge about Pap smear' benefits, and its utilization. Statistic analysis was conducted using Student' s test and non-conditional multiple logistic regression model for determining significance.