RESUMEN
There is no information on frequency of perceived devaluation-discrimination in victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. The aim of this study was thus to determine the frequency of perceived devaluation-discrimination and associated variables among victims of the armed conflict in municipalities in the Department of Magdalena, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among victims enrolled in the Program for Psychosocial Care and Comprehensive Healthcare for Victims. Depressive symptoms were quantified with four dichotomous items (three or more were classified as high level of depressive symptoms), and perceived devaluation-discrimination was quantified with six dichotomous items (two or more were classified as high perceived devaluation-discrimination). A total of 943 adults participated (M = 47.9; SD = 14.2); 67.4%, women; 109 (11.6%) reported high level of depressive symptoms and 217 (23%) showed high perceived devaluation-discrimination. High perceived devaluation-discrimination was associated with high level of depressive symptoms (OR = 6.47; 95%CI: 4.23-9.88). In conclusion, one-fourth of the victims of the armed conflict in Magdalena reported high perceived devaluation-discrimination, which was significantly associated with high level of depressive symptoms.
Se desconoce la frecuencia de complejo estigma-discriminación percibido en víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano. El objetivo del estudio fue establecer la frecuencia y variables asociadas al estigma-discriminación percibido en víctimas del conflicto armado, en municipios del Departamento del Magdalena, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio transversal con víctimas registradas en el Programa de Atención Psicosocial y Salud Integral a Víctimas. Los síntomas depresivos se cuantificaron con cuatro ítems dicotómicos (tres o más se clasificaron como alto nivel de síntomas depresivos) y el estigma-discriminación percibido se cuantificó con seis incisos dicotómicos (dos o más afirmaciones se categorizó como alto estigma-discriminación percibido). Participaron 943 adultos (M = 47,9; DE = 14,2); 67,4%, mujeres; 109 (11,6%) informaron alto nivel de síntomas depresivos y 217 (23%) presentaron alto estigma-discriminación percibido. El alto estigma-discriminación percibido se asoció a alto nivel de síntomas depresivos (OR = 6,47; IC95%: 4,23-9,88). Se concluye que un cuarto de las víctimas del conflicto armado en Magdalena informa alto estigma-discriminación percibido; éste se asocia significativamente a alto nivel de síntomas depresivos.
É desconhecida a frequência do complexo estigma-discriminação percebido em vítimas do conflito armado colombiano. O objetivo do estudo foi estabelecer a frequência e variáveis associadas ao estigma-discriminação percebido em vítimas do conflito armado, em municípios do Departamento de Magdalena, Colômbia. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com vítimas registradas no Programa de Atenção Psicossocial e Saúde Integral às Vítimas. Os sintomas depressivos foram quantificados com quatro itens dicotômicos (três ou mais foram classificados como alto nível de sintomas depressivos), e o estigma-discriminação percebido foi quantificado com seis subsecções dicotômicas (com duas ou mais afirmações foi categorizado como alto estigma-discriminação percebido). Participaram 943 adultos (M = 47,9; DP = 14,2); 67,4%, mulheres; 109 (11,6%) informaram alto nível de sintomas depressivos e 217 (23%) presentaram um alto estigma-discriminação percebido. O alto estigma-discriminação percebido foi associado à alto nível de sintomas depressivos (OR = 6,47; IC95%: 4,23-9,88). Concluiu-se que um quarto das vítimas do conflito armado em Magdalena informa alto estigma-discriminação percebido, que foi associado significativamente à alto nível de sintomas depressivos.
Asunto(s)
Conflictos Armados/psicología , Víctimas de Crimen/psicología , Depresión/etiología , Trastorno Depresivo/etiología , Estigma Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Colombia , Víctimas de Crimen/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios Transversales , Depresión/epidemiología , Depresión/psicología , Trastorno Depresivo/epidemiología , Trastorno Depresivo/psicología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores Sexuales , Factores Socioeconómicos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Resumen: Se desconoce la frecuencia de complejo estigma-discriminación percibido en víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano. El objetivo del estudio fue establecer la frecuencia y variables asociadas al estigma-discriminación percibido en víctimas del conflicto armado, en municipios del Departamento del Magdalena, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio transversal con víctimas registradas en el Programa de Atención Psicosocial y Salud Integral a Víctimas. Los síntomas depresivos se cuantificaron con cuatro ítems dicotómicos (tres o más se clasificaron como alto nivel de síntomas depresivos) y el estigma-discriminación percibido se cuantificó con seis incisos dicotómicos (dos o más afirmaciones se categorizó como alto estigma-discriminación percibido). Participaron 943 adultos (M = 47,9; DE = 14,2); 67,4%, mujeres; 109 (11,6%) informaron alto nivel de síntomas depresivos y 217 (23%) presentaron alto estigma-discriminación percibido. El alto estigma-discriminación percibido se asoció a alto nivel de síntomas depresivos (OR = 6,47; IC95%: 4,23-9,88). Se concluye que un cuarto de las víctimas del conflicto armado en Magdalena informa alto estigma-discriminación percibido; éste se asocia significativamente a alto nivel de síntomas depresivos.
Abstract: There is no information on frequency of perceived devaluation-discrimination in victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. The aim of this study was thus to determine the frequency of perceived devaluation-discrimination and associated variables among victims of the armed conflict in municipalities in the Department of Magdalena, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among victims enrolled in the Program for Psychosocial Care and Comprehensive Healthcare for Victims. Depressive symptoms were quantified with four dichotomous items (three or more were classified as high level of depressive symptoms), and perceived devaluation-discrimination was quantified with six dichotomous items (two or more were classified as high perceived devaluation-discrimination). A total of 943 adults participated (M = 47.9; SD = 14.2); 67.4%, women; 109 (11.6%) reported high level of depressive symptoms and 217 (23%) showed high perceived devaluation-discrimination. High perceived devaluation-discrimination was associated with high level of depressive symptoms (OR = 6.47; 95%CI: 4.23-9.88). In conclusion, one-fourth of the victims of the armed conflict in Magdalena reported high perceived devaluation-discrimination, which was significantly associated with high level of depressive symptoms.
Resumo: É desconhecida a frequência do complexo estigma-discriminação percebido em vítimas do conflito armado colombiano. O objetivo do estudo foi estabelecer a frequência e variáveis associadas ao estigma-discriminação percebido em vítimas do conflito armado, em municípios do Departamento de Magdalena, Colômbia. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com vítimas registradas no Programa de Atenção Psicossocial e Saúde Integral às Vítimas. Os sintomas depressivos foram quantificados com quatro itens dicotômicos (três ou mais foram classificados como alto nível de sintomas depressivos), e o estigma-discriminação percebido foi quantificado com seis subsecções dicotômicas (com duas ou mais afirmações foi categorizado como alto estigma-discriminação percebido). Participaram 943 adultos (M = 47,9; DP = 14,2); 67,4%, mulheres; 109 (11,6%) informaram alto nível de sintomas depressivos e 217 (23%) presentaram um alto estigma-discriminação percebido. O alto estigma-discriminação percebido foi associado à alto nível de sintomas depressivos (OR = 6,47; IC95%: 4,23-9,88). Concluiu-se que um quarto das vítimas do conflito armado em Magdalena informa alto estigma-discriminação percebido, que foi associado significativamente à alto nível de sintomas depressivos.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Víctimas de Crimen/psicología , Conflictos Armados/psicología , Depresión/etiología , Trastorno Depresivo/etiología , Estigma Social , Factores Socioeconómicos , Factores Sexuales , Estudios Transversales , Factores de Edad , Colombia , Víctimas de Crimen/estadística & datos numéricos , Depresión/psicología , Depresión/epidemiología , Trastorno Depresivo/psicología , Trastorno Depresivo/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Abstract Background: Emotional distress is common in Colombian armed conflict victims. Multiple-victimisation is associated with an increase in emotional distress than victimisation due a single event. However, the association between poly-victimisation and emotional distress among victims of the armed conflict in Colombia has not been documented. Objective: To study the association between multiple-victimisation and emotional distress in victims of armed conflict in the State of Magdalena, Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed, with a secondary analysis of registration of the Psychosocial Care Program and Victim Integral Health (PAPSIVI) in the State of Magdalena, from 2013 to 2014. The profile formula grouped demographic variables, victimising events, and a set of symptoms of emotional distress (perceived discrimination, depressive and anxiety-stress). Odds ratio (OR, 95%CI) were established as measures of association. Results: A total of 943 people were included, with 67.4% women, and ages between 18 and 94 years (mean 47.9 ±14.2). A total of 109 (11.7%) suffered from multiple victimisation. Multiple victimisation events were associated with more emotional distress, depressive symptoms (OR = 1.5; 95%CI, 1.3-1.8), perceived stigma (OR = 1.3; 95%CI, 1.1-1.5), and anxiety-stress (OR = 1.2; 95%CI 1.0-1.4) than a single event. Conclusions: There are more emotional distress in multiple victimisations than in a single victimisation event during armed conflict in this region of Colombia. Further studies are required on this topic.
Resumen Introducción: El sufrimiento emocional es frecuente en víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano. La polivictimización se asocia a mayor número de sufrimientos emocionales que la victimización debida un único evento. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no se ha documentado la asociación entre polivictimización y sufrimiento emocional en víctimas del conflicto armado en Colombia. Objetivo: Estudiar la asociación entre polivictimización y sufrimiento emocional en víctimas del conflicto armado del Departamento del Magdalena, Colombia. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio transversal, un análisis secundario del registro del Programa de Atención Psicosocial y Salud Integral a Víctimas (PAPSIVI) del Departamento del Magdalena, 2013-2014. El formulario de caracterización agrupó variables demográficas, eventos victimizantes y un conjunto de manifestaciones de sufrimiento emocional (discriminación percibida, depresión y ansiedad). Se establecieron razones de disparidades como medidas de asociación. Resultados: Se incluyó a 943 personas, el 67,4% mujeres, con edad de 18-94 anos (media, 47,9 ± 14,2). Un total de 109 (11,7%) presentaron polivictimización. La polivictimización se asoció a mayor sufrimiento emocional que la victimización por un único evento, síntomas depresivos (odds ratio = 1,5; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,3-1,8), estigmatización percibida (odds ratio = 1,3; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,1-1,5) y ansiedad-estrés (odds ratio = 1,2; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,0-1,4). Conclusiones: La polivictimización incrementa el sufrimiento emocional más que la victimización por un único evento en personas víctimas del conflicto armado en esta región colombiana. Es necesario investigar más en esta área.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Víctimas de Crimen , Ansiedad , Estrés Psicológico , Mujeres , Depresión , Distrés PsicológicoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Emotional distress is common in Colombian armed conflict victims. Multiple-victimisation is associated with an increase in emotional distress than victimisation due a single event. However, the association between poly-victimisation and emotional distress among victims of the armed conflict in Colombia has not been documented. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between multiple-victimisation and emotional distress in victims of armed conflict in the State of Magdalena, Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed, with a secondary analysis of registration of the Psychosocial Care Program and Victim Integral Health (PAPSIVI) in the State of Magdalena, from 2013 to 2014. The profile formula grouped demographic variables, victimising events, and a set of symptoms of emotional distress (perceived discrimination, depressive and anxiety-stress). Odds ratio (OR, 95%CI) were established as measures of association. RESULTS: A total of 943 people were included, with 67.4% women, and ages between18 and 94 years (mean 47.9±14.2). A total of 109 (11.7%) suffered from multiple victimisation. Multiple victimisation events were associated with more emotional distress, depressive symptoms (OR=1.5; 95%CI, 1.3-1.8), perceived stigma (OR=1.3; 95%CI, 1.1-1.5), and anxiety-stress (OR=1.2; 95%CI 1.0-1.4) than a single event. CONCLUSIONS: There is more emotional distress in multiple victimisations than in a single victimisation event during armed conflict in this region of Colombia. Further studies are required on this topic.
Asunto(s)
Conflictos Armados/psicología , Víctimas de Crimen/psicología , Depresión/epidemiología , Estrés Psicológico/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Ansiedad/epidemiología , Colombia/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Emociones , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estigma Social , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Introducción: Se ha relacionado la depresión con la ocurrencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Parece incrementar el riesgo de muerte en enfermedad coronaria. La presencia de depresión tras un síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) y su relación con factores socioeconómicos no se ha estudiado en Colombia. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de depresión y sus factores asociados en pacientes hospitalizados por SCA. Métodos: Entre abril y mayo de 2008, se llevó a cabo un estudio de corte transversal en tres unidades de cuidado coronario en Santa Marta, Colombia. La presencia de síntomas depresivos se evaluó con el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI). Se consideró depresión si el BDI era ≥ 10. Se probó la relación entre la presencia de depresión y características demográficas, clínicas y paraclínicas. Resultados: Se encontró un BDI ≥ 10 (algún grado de depresión) en 21 (63,64%) pacientes; 9 de 10 (91,66%) pacientes sin ingresos fijos presentaron depresión, frente a 12 de 23 (57,14%) con ingresos fijos (p = 0,037). En 8 de 8 (100%) pacientes con inversión patológica de la onda T en el electrocardiograma, se evidenció depresión, frente a 13 de 25 (52%) sin cambios en la onda T (p = 0,014); 17 de 22 (77,27%) pacientes que tenían consumo previo de cigarrillos presentaron depresión, frente a 4 de 11 (36,36%) que nunca habían consumido cigarrillos (p = 0,021). Conclusiones: Los síntomas depresivos son altamente prevalentes entre los pacientes que sufren un SCA. El desempleo, la inversión patológica de la onda T y el consumo de cigarrillos parecen estar asociados con la presencia de síntomas depresivos tras un evento coronario agudo.
Background: Depression has been related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, and also appears to increase the risk of death from coronary artery disease. The presence of depression after the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relationship with socioeconomic factors has not been studied in Colombia. Objective: To describe the frequency of depression and associated factors in patients hospitalized with an ACS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and May 2008 in three coronary care units in Santa Marta, Colombia. The presence of depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression was considered to be present if BDI was equal or greater than 10. The relationship between the presence of depression and demographic, clinic and laboratory characteristics was analyzed. Results: A BDI score ≥10 (any degree of depression) was seen in 21 (63.64%) of the patients. In 9 out of 10 (91.66%) patients without stable income had depression in contrast to 12 out of 23 (57.14%) with stable income (P=.037). Depression was found in in 8 of the 8 (100%) patients with electrocardiographic pathological T wave inversion, in contrast to 13 out of the 25 (52%) without changes in T wave (P=.014). Depression was detected in 17 of 22 (77.27%) patients who smoked cigarettes versus 4 of 11 (36.36%) of patients who have never smoked (P=.021). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are significantly present in patients suffering an acute coronary syndrome. Unemployment, pathological T wave inversion, and smoking seem to be associated with the presence of depressive symptoms after an acute coronary event.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estrés Psicológico , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares , Depresión , Síndrome Coronario Agudo , Factores Socioeconómicos , Colombia , Unidades de Cuidados Coronarios , Enfermedad CoronariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Depression has been related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, and also appears to increase the risk of death from coronary artery disease. The presence of depression after the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relationship with socioeconomic factors has not been studied in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of depression and associated factors in patients hospitalized with an ACS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and May 2008 in three coronary care units in Santa Marta, Colombia. The presence of depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression was considered to be present if BDI was equal or greater than 10. The relationship between the presence of depression and demographic, clinic and laboratory characteristics was analyzed. RESULTS: A BDI score ≥10 (any degree of depression) was seen in 21 (63.64%) of the patients. In 9 out of 10 (91.66%) patients without stable income had depression in contrast to 12 out of 23 (57.14%) with stable income (P=.037). Depression was found in in 8 of the 8 (100%) patients with electrocardiographic pathological T wave inversion, in contrast to 13 out of the 25 (52%) without changes in T wave (P=.014). Depression was detected in 17 of 22 (77.27%) patients who smoked cigarettes versus 4 of 11 (36.36%) of patients who have never smoked (P=.021). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are significantly present in patients suffering an acute coronary syndrome. Unemployment, pathological T wave inversion, and smoking seem to be associated with the presence of depressive symptoms after an acute coronary event.
RESUMEN
Introducción: la demencia vascular es un síndrome adquirido y persistente causado por lesiones netamente vasculares a nivel del sistema nervioso central, alterando las funciones del intelecto y la cognición, indispensables para el equilibrio biológico, psicológico y social. Objetivo: describir los avances reciente en demencia vascular; criterios diagnósticos, factores predisponentes, epidemiología, neuropatología, perfil neurocognitivo y psiquiátrico y abordaje terapéutico integral. Metodología de búsqueda: revisión actualizada de la literatura, mediante búsqueda automatizada de artículos recientes en revistas indexadas en base de datos biomédicas, durante los meses de marzo a mayo del 2012. Resultados: se encontraron 55 artículos con información actualizada que consolidan los objetivos de la revisión. Conclusiones: la demencia vascular ha asumido un rol mórbido, especialmente en la población geriátrica, a consecuencia de la alta prevalencia de enfermedades cerebro-cardio vasculares; por lo cual su prevención, diagnóstico, tratamiento y rehabilitación deben ser prioridad en la práctica clínica, dada la importancia de la salud mental en esta población que en Colombia ha sido subvalorada..
Introduction: vascular dementia is an acquired and persistent syndrome caused by vascular injuries in the central nervous system, altering the functions of intellect and cognition, which are essential for the biological, psychological and social balance on the individual. Objective: describe the recent advances in vascular dementia; diagnostic criteria, predisposing factors, epidemiology, neuropathology, and neurocognitive profile psychiatric and comprehensive therapeutic approach. Methods: updated review of the literature, using automated search of recent articles in journals indexed in biomedical database, during the months of March to May 2012. Results: we found 55 articles with updated information that consolidate the objectives of the review. Conclusions: vascular dementia has taken an important role on morbidity, especially in the geriatric population, as a result of the high prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases. Prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation must be priorities in the clinical practice, given the importance of mental health in this population, which has been underestimated in Colombia..
Asunto(s)
Infarto Cerebral , Demencia Vascular , TerapéuticaRESUMEN
Introducción: Las estatinas son los medicamentos más recetados en el mundo, por el beneficio y la seguridad que ofrecen. Sin embargo, pueden causar reacciones adversas a escala neurológica, gastrointestinal, renal y muscular. Objetivo: Es describir el curso clínico de una paciente con reacción adversa medicamentosa a la lovastatina. Métodos: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura. Resultados: Mujer de 52 años con psicosis súbita y rabdo-miólisis secundaria al consumo de lovastatina, clínica que remite con la suspensión del fármaco. La relación causal se establece a través de la escala de Naranjo, con puntuación de 6 (probable reacción adversa medicamentosa). Conclusión: La manifestación simultánea de psicosis y rabdomiólisis representa un caso clínico atípico y único consecuente a la ingesta de lovastatina
Introduction: Statins are the most prescribed drugs worldwide given the benefit and security they offer. However, they can cause severe neurological, gastrointestinal, renal and mus-cular side effects. Objective: To describe the clinical course of a female patient with adverse drug reaction to Lovastatin. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: 52-year old woman with sudden psychosis and rhabdomyolysis secondary to Lovastatin and ending after the drug suspension. The causal relationship was corroborated with a score of 6 (probable ADR) on Naranjos Scale. Conclusions: The simultaneous manifestation of psychosis and rhabdomiolysis represents an atypical and unique case following Lovastatin ingestion
Asunto(s)
Farmacología , Trastornos Psicóticos , RabdomiólisisRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Statins are the most prescribed drugs worldwide given the benefit and security they offer. However, they can cause severe neurological, gastrointestinal, renal and muscular side effects. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical course of a female patient with adverse drug reaction to Lovastatin. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: 52-year old woman with sudden psychosis and rhabdomyolysis secondary to Lovastatin and ending after the drug suspension. The causal relationship was corroborated with a score of 6 (probable ADR) on Naranjo's Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous manifestation of psychosis and rhabdomiolysis represents an atypical and unique case following Lovastatin ingestion.
RESUMEN
Introducción: A partir de múltiples estudios ejecutados alrededor del planeta, se ha concluido la existencia de un efecto estacional en los nacimientos de los pacientes que luego desarrollan esquizofrenia. Por ello se ha propuesto una relación entre la exposición a ciertos agentes infecciosos durante el periodo prenatal y posibles efectos directos sobre el cerebro en desarrollo que luego se expresarán con el cuadro clínico clásico. Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de los nacimientos de una muestra de individuos esquizofrénicos provenientes de Santa Marta, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo basado en la revisión de historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos en una institución psiquiátrica de la ciudad. Discusión: Se evidenció un mayor número de nacimientos durante los meses más lluviosos del año, lo que sugiere un probable efecto estacional; sin embargo, la ausencia de los datos de nacimientos de individuos en Santa Marta durante los años estudiados impidió comparar los resultados del estudio con las tasas de nacimiento de la población general. Aun así, estos hallazgos tienen implicaciones para las futuras investigaciones respecto a la estacionalidad de la esquizofrenia en Colombia. No reflejan algún riesgo individual para el desarrollo de la enfermedad, pero sí documentan las características del comportamiento temporal de los nacimientos de la muestra estudiada. Nuevos estudios que obvien las limitaciones del presente deben desarrollarse...
Introduction: Multiple studies carried out around the globe have concluded that there is a Seasonal effect on the births of patients that will go on to develop schizophrenia later on. A Relationship between being exposed to certain infectious agents during the prenatal period and possible direct effects on the developing brain that will later be expressed by the classical clinical picture has been suggested. Objective: To analyze the behavior of births in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia from Santa Marta, Colombia. Methods: Descriptive study based on the review of clinical histories of the patients seen in a psychiatric institute. Discussion: A larger number of births took place during the rainiest months of the year suggesting a possible seasonal effect. However, the lack of data on births in Santa Marta during the years of the study did not allow a comparison between the results of the study and the birth rates of the general population. Even so, these findings have implications for future research regarding seasonality of schizophrenia in Colombia. They do not reflect an individual risk of developing the illness but they do document the characteristics of the temporal behavior of the births in the sample studied. Further studies that overcome the limitations of the present one are needed...
Asunto(s)
Psiquiatría Preventiva , Esquizofrenia , Estaciones del AñoRESUMEN
Introduction: Multiple studies carried out around the globe have concluded that there is a seasonal effect on the births of patients that will go on to develop schizophrenia later on. A relationship between being exposed to certain infectious agents during the prenatal period and possible direct effects on the developing brain that will later be expressed by the classical clinical picture has been suggested. Objective: To analyze the behavior of births in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia from Santa Marta, Colombia. Methods: Descriptive study based on the review of clinical histories of the patients seen in a psychiatric institute. Discussion: A larger number of births took place during the rainiest months of the year suggesting a possible seasonal effect. However, the lack of data on births in Santa Marta during the years of the study did not allow a comparison between the results of the study and the birth rates of the general population. Even so, these findings have implications for future research regarding seasonality of schizophrenia in Colombia. They do not reflect an individual risk of developing the illness but they do document the characteristics of the temporal behavior of the births in the sample studied. Further studies that overcome the limitations of the present one are needed.