Immunogenicity and Safety of the Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Chronically Immunosuppressed Adults Following Renal Transplant: A Phase 3, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of herpes zoster is up to 9 times higher in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients than in the general population. We investigated the immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in renal transplant (RT) recipients ≥18 years of age receiving daily immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS: In this phase 3, randomized (1:1), observer-blind, multicenter trial, RT recipients were enrolled and received 2 doses of RZV or placebo 1-2 months (M) apart 4-18M posttransplant. Anti-glycoprotein E (gE) antibody concentrations, gE-specific CD4 T-cell frequencies, and vaccine response rates were assessed at 1M post-dose 1, and 1M and 12M post-dose 2. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 7 and 30 days after each dose, respectively. Solicited general symptoms and unsolicited AEs were also collected 7 days before first vaccination. Serious AEs (including biopsy-proven allograft rejections) and potential immune-mediated diseases (pIMDs) were recorded up to 12M post-dose 2. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-four participants (RZV: 132; placebo: 132) were enrolled between March 2014 and April 2017. gE-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were higher in RZV than placebo recipients across postvaccination time points and persisted above prevaccination baseline 12M post-dose 2. Local AEs were reported more frequently by RZV than placebo recipients. Overall occurrences of renal function changes, rejections, unsolicited AEs, serious AEs, and pIMDs were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: RZV was immunogenic in chronically immunosuppressed RT recipients. Immunogenicity persisted through 12M postvaccination. No safety concerns arose. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02058589.

Pre-travel health care attendance among migrant travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR): a 10-year retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) define a specific population of travellers exposed to higher risks for health and safety than tourists. The aim of this study was to assess differentials in pre-travel health care in VFR travellers compared to other travellers. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed including attendees of the Travel Medicine Clinic of the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain, between January 2007 and December 2017. RESULTS: Over the 10-year period, 47,022 subjects presented to the travel clinic for pre-travel health care, 13.7% of whom were VFR travellers. These showed higher rates of vaccination against yellow fever and meningococcus, but lower rates for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, cholera, polio, typhoid IM vaccine and tetanus vaccine boosters. Regarding malaria prevention measures, results highlighted that VFR travellers, when compared with tourists, were more likely to be prescribed with chemoprophylaxis, particularly with mefloquine, than with atovaquone/proguanil. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this large-scale study indicated differences in vaccination rates and completion, as well as in chemoprophylaxis for malaria, between VFR and non-VFR travellers, fostering specific interventions for promoting adherence to pre-travel health advice among migrant travellers.

Stand-by emergency treatment (SBET) of malaria in Spanish travellers: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Among strategies for malaria prevention, stand-by emergency treatment (SBET) is a possible approach, but scarce evidences exists investigating travellers' adherence and behaviours toward its use; therefore, the presented study aimed to determine travellers' compliance toward the SBET when prescribed in travel clinics. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed at the Travel Health Clinic of the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain, during 2017. The research was planned on survey-based design, using pre- and post-travel questionnaires. RESULTS: In the study period, of 5436 subjects who attended the HUB Travel Medicine Clinic, 145 travellers to malaria-endemic areas were prescribed SBET, and all patients agreed to participate in the study by completing the pre-travel questionnaire. Approximately half the participants were women (n = 75, 51.7%), and the median age of all travellers was 29 years (range 13-57), mainly travelling to South-East Asia (n = 69, 47.6%), with Indonesia and the Philippines as the most popular destinations. The length of travels had a median duration of 29 days (range 10-213). Of the recruited participants, 98 replied to the online post-travel survey, reaching a response rate of 67.6%. A total of 62.2% of travellers to which SBET was prescribed did not buy and carry drugs while travelling abroad. No participants' baseline or travel characteristic was shown to be significantly associated (p > 0.05) with this behaviour. Four women (4.1%) experienced fever and self-administered SBET, without seeking medical attention. No malaria cases were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study addressed travellers' adherence and behaviour toward SBET, highlighting an incorrect use of the emergency treatment in case of presumptive malaria symptoms. This should be taken into account during pre-travel consultation, since the success of this strategy for malaria prevention depends on travellers' strong adherence to it.

The relationship between the parenteral dose of fish oil supplementation and the variation of liver function tests in hospitalized adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic dysfunction is a complication associated with parenteral nutrition (PN). Our primary objective was to study the relationship between doses of intravenous fish oil (FO) emulsion in PN and the variation in the main liver function tests (LFTs) in hospitalized PN-treated adults. As a secondary objective, we studied the safety of FO administration. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in adult patients receiving FO supplementation in PN. Demographic, nutritional and safety variables were collected. Variation of LFTs was defined as the difference between values just before the first administration of FO and values at the end of PN. A multiple linear regression was performed to study the association between PN-lipids (FO or vegetable) and the variation of each LFT; the following variables were used to adjust the effect of lipids: sepsis, length of stay in the intensive care unit and lipids dose. Student t-test was used to study safety variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: Patients (53, median age 68 years (24-90); 62% men) with the principal diagnosis of digestive neoplasm (42%) received PN for a median of 19 (7-75) days. In the multivariate analysis, the amount of FO was related to a decrease in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (B = -2.23;CI95 % = -4.41/-0.05), a decrease in alkaline phosphatase (AP) (B = -1.23;CI95 % = -2.07/-0.37), and a decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (B = -0.82; CI95 % = -1.19/-0.44). No differences were found in safety variables. CONCLUSIONS: GGT, AP and ALT improved with FO PN-supplementation. Moreover, the improvement was greater when the doses of FO were higher. FO administration in PN is safe.

Nutritional status of children from Cochabamba, Bolivia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adequacy of energy and nutritional intakes compared to recommended daily intakes (RDIs) in schoolchildren from the Cochabamba region (Bolivia) and to determine micronutrient intake distributions across different ages and genders. METHODS: This nutritional study (n = 315) was part of a larger population-based crosssectional study (the "Bolkid" survey) that collected data on schoolchildren 5-16 years old in 2010 in the Cochabamba region. Information about food intake was gathered with a semiquan-titative, food-frequency, parent-administered questionnaire about l2 months before the study. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of energy and nutrient intakes were assessed. RESULTS: For all ages studied and both genders, the average energy and micronutrient intakes were acceptable but below the requirements. The diet included high amounts of fiber, some minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium), and vitamins (pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamins B2, B12, C, and E), but was low in calcium and vitamin D. However, more than half the children had insufficient energy intake, and low calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D intakes, according to RDIs adjusted for age and gender; one-third of the children had insufficient folate and magnesium intakes; and adolescent girls had low iron intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of recommendations or demographic characteristics, the vast majority of children in Cochabamba consumed insufficient energy and too little calcium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin A and D. In addition, adolescent girls consumed insufficient iron. Higher energy intake for schoolchildren through increased food availability, frequency, and size portions in daily meals should be a priority for Bolivian public health institutions.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Burden in Community-Dwelling and Long-Term Care Facility Older Adults in Europe and the United States: A Prospective Study.

Background: Data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease burden in adults remain scarce. We assessed the burden of confirmed RSV-acute respiratory infections (cRSV-ARIs) in community-dwelling (CD) adults and those in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: In this prospective cohort study covering 2 RSV seasons (October 2019-March 2020 and October 2020-June 2021), RSV-ARIs were identified through active surveillance, in medically stable CD-adults ≥50 years (Europe) or adults ≥65 years in LTCFs (Europe and the United States). RSV infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from combined nasal and throat swabs. Results: Of 1981 adults enrolled, 1251 adults in CD and 664 LTCFs (season 1) and 1223 adults in CD and 494 LTCFs (season 2) were included in the analyses. During season 1, overall incidence rates ([IRs] cases/1000 person-years) and attack rates (ARs) for cRSV-ARIs were 37.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.62-61.35) and 1.84% in adults in CD and 47.85 (CI, 22.58-101.4) and 2.26% in adults in LTCFs. Complications occurred for 17.4% (CD) and 13.3% (LTCFs) of cRSV-ARIs. One cRSV-ARI occurred in season 2 (IR = 2.91 [CI, 0.40-20.97]; AR = 0.20%), without complications. No cRSV-ARIs led to hospitalization or death. Viral pathogens were codetected in ≤17.4% of cRSV-ARIs. Conclusions: RSV is an important cause of disease burden in adults in CD and LTCFs. Despite the observed low severity of cRSV-ARI, our results support the need for RSV prevention strategies among adults ≥50 years old.

Acceptance of yellow fever vaccine in the older traveller: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Current demographic changes and improvement of quality of life of elderly population have direct consequences on international travelling. The older traveller demands for specific care and precautions to be observed, as for the yellow fever (YF) vaccination, due to the increased incidence rate of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in people aged 60 years or over. The aim of our study was to determine the adherence to YF vaccine and travel behaviours in a sample of elderly travellers moving to YF endemic areas. METHODS: Participants in this cohort study were offered YF vaccine, and informed about the increased risk of AEFIs and the unavoidable risk of acquiring YF at the destination. The research was planned on survey-based design, using pre- and post-travel questionnaires. RESULTS: In 2018, 239 travellers aged 60 years or older attended our travel clinic, of whom 36.8% (n = 88) planned to travel to YF endemic areas and 23.0% (n = 55) for the first time. Of these, 63.6% accepted and 36.4% rejected the vaccination, with 15 travellers moving to endemic areas without immunization, including one patient who presented contraindications to YF vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of more than a third of elderly travellers who travelled without vaccination is a substantial public health problem and, since the number of older travellers continues to increase, it becomes necessary to implement robust actions to improve YF vaccine advocacy and adherence.

Burden of cancer mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of carcinogenic infections on cancer-related mortality is unknown. METHODS: The mortality due to cancers attributable to carcinogenic infections was estimated. The attributable fraction for the infectious agents classified as group 1 carcinogenic in human beings was applied to yearly data on causes of cancer mortality over the period 2013-2017 in Spain according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). RESULTS: It was estimated that 9115 deaths (over 110,287 cancer-related deaths, 8.3%) were attributable to infections caused by carcinogenic agents. The estimated number of deaths in men was 5434 (59.6%). The estimated mortality attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection accounted for 48.3% and four agents (H. pylori, HCV, HPV, and HBV) accounted for 96.8% of all cancer deaths attributable to carcinogenic infections. The burden of cancer-related mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Spain during the period 2013-2017 was approximately 8%. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, one-twelfth of cancer deaths are attributable to carcinogenic infections. Public health measures aiming to reduce the impact of carcinogenic infections are essential.

Estimates of Cancer Mortality Attributable to Carcinogenic Infections in Italy.

Several infectious agents are ascertained causes of cancer, but the burden of cancer mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Italy is still unknown. To tackle this issue, we calculated the rate and regional distribution of cancer deaths due to infections sustained by seven pathogens ranked as group 1 carcinogenic agents in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Population attributable fractions related to these agents were applied to annual statistics of cancer deaths coded according to the 10th International Classification of Diseases. The estimated burden of cancer mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Italy during the period 2011-2015 was 8.7% of all cancer deaths registered yearly, on average. Approximately 60% of deaths occurred in men, and almost the whole burden was due to four infectious agents (Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C virus, high-risk human papillomavirus, and hepatitis B virus). The analysis of regional distribution showed a higher number of infection-related cancer deaths in the northern regions, where the estimates reached 30 (Liguria) and 28 (Friuli Venezia Giulia) deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015. Since one-twelfth of cancer deaths were attributable to these modifiable risk factors, the implementation of appropriate prevention and treatment interventions may help to reduce the impact of these infections on cancer mortality.

Knowledge about E-Cigarettes and Tobacco Harm Reduction among Public Health Residents in Europe.

INTRODUCTION: Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other tobacco-related products are becoming widely popular as alternatives to tobacco, little has been published on the knowledge of healthcare workers about their use. Thus, the aim of this study was to elicit the current knowledge and perceptions about e-cigarettes and tobacco harm reduction (THR) among medical residents in public health (MRPH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Europe-wide cross-sectional study was carried out amongst MRPH from the countries associated with the European Network of MRPH from April to October 2018 using an online questionnaire. RESULTS: 256 MRPHs agreed to participate in the survey. Approximately half the participants were women (57.4%), with a median age of 30 years, and were mainly Italian (26.7%), Spanish (16.9%) and Portuguese (16.5%). Smoking prevalence was 12.9%. Overall, risk scores significantly differed for each investigated smoking product when compared with e-cigarettes; with tobacco cigarettes and snus perceived as more risky, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and non-NRT oral medications seen as less risky (p < 0.01 for all). Regarding the effects of nicotine on health, the vast majority of MRPHs associated nicotine with all smoking-related diseases. Knowledge of THR was low throughout the whole sample. CONCLUSIONS: European MRPH showed a suboptimal level of knowledge about e-cigarettes and THR. Training programs for public health and preventive medicine trainees should address this gap.

The use of stand-by emergency treatment (SBET) for malaria in travellers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Since SBET is a controversial strategy for malaria self-treatment, this study aims to systematically review primary studies on its use amongst travellers. METHODS: Once studies were independently selected and data extracted, the pooled effect estimates (ES) were calculated through meta-analysis. Number of SBET users, of travellers carrying medications abroad, of subjects experiencing fever, of users complying with correct dosage, of those experiencing adverse effects, of those seeking medical care following SBET use, and those with positive malaria diagnostic test were collected and analysed. Subgroup and sensitive analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Of 935 titles and abstracts screened, 9 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and 7 in the meta-analysis for the main outcome, with a pooled ES of the overall use of SBET in the studied population of 2%. There was significant heterogeneity for all studies. The pooled ES of travellers who carried SBET medications abroad and of SBET users seeking medical care after self-administration was 65% and 52%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that the vast majority of travellers prescribed with SBET did not use it and the adherence to pre-travel recommendations on SBET use is suboptimal. Further studies to assess SBET cost-effectiveness and safety are needed.

Relationship between Smoking and Acute Mountain Sickness: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

AIMS: Previous epidemiological investigations of the relationship between smoking and acute mountain sickness (AMS) risk yielded inconsistent findings. Therefore, a meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to determine whether smoking is related to the development of AMS. METHODS: Searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies that were published before November 2016 reporting smoking prevalence and AMS. Two evaluators independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality. The pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the type of participant, altitude, and study design. RESULTS: A total of 11 observational studies involving 7,106 participants, 2,408 of which had AMS, were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The summary RR for AMS comparing smokers to nonsmokers was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.83 to 1.26). Specific analyses for altitude, type of participant, and study design yielded similar results. There was significant heterogeneity for all studies (Q = 37.43; P < 0.001; I2 = 73%, 95% CI: 51% to 85%). No publication bias was observed (Egger's test: P = 0.548, Begg's test: P = 0.418). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis indicates that no difference was found in AMS risk with regard to smoking status.

Seroprevalence of pertussis amongst healthcare professionals in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: This multi-center, hospital-based observational study determined the seroprevalence of pertussis antibodies amongst healthcare professionals from three different hospitals in Spain to ascertain the health status of professionals attending to susceptible groups who are at risk of contracting and transmitting pertussis. METHODS: Medical professionals from three hospitals in Spain were recruited for this study (NCT01706224). Serum samples from subjects were assessed for anti-pertussis antibodies by ELISA. The percentage of subjects positive for anti-pertussis antibodies were determined by age-strata, gender, vaccination status, professional level (physicians, nurses, ancillary nurses and midwives), hospital department, number of working years, numbers of hours spent with the patient as well as number of children in the household. RESULTS: Overall, 31.2% of subjects were seropositive; 3.3% of these healthcare professionals had ELISA values indicative of current or recent infection. There were no significant differences in terms of pertussis prevalence with respect to age, gender, hospital department, profession, number of working years and number of hours spent with patients. These levels of seronegativity amongst healthcare workers further strengthen the rationale for vaccination amongst this specific population against pertussis.

[Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from Cochabamba (Bolivia); a cross-sectional study]. / Prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes de Cochabamba (Bolivia); estudio transversal.

BACKGROUND: The anthropometric status of school age children and young adolescents in Andean countries is not well known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents in the Cochabamba region (Bolivia), and their association with different variables, as well as to determine the agreement between two classifications (BAP, IOTF) of obesity and overweight. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional survey (n=441) was carried out in 2010 in pupils, aged 5 to 16 years old, living in the Cochabamba region (Bolivia). Evaluations were based on parent-administered questionnaires and a physical examination based on anthropometric measures. Descriptive, bivariate, and concordance analyses were performed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were 20.9% (CI95% 17.1-24.7) and 3.2% (CI 95% 1.6-4.8) respectively, with higher incidences in younger birth cohorts from rural areas. No differences were observed according to gender, parent's educational level, nutritional patterns, or physical activity. There was a moderate agreement globally and on overweight, and excellent on obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that the prevalence of overweight and obese Bolivian school children is increasing, mainly in younger birth cohorts from rural areas, independently from physical activity and energy intake.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La antropometría en escolares y jóvenes adolescentes de países andinos es poco conocida. OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de dicho estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes de la región de Cochabamba (Bolivia), y su asociación con diferentes variables así como determinar la concordancia entre una clasificación nacional (BAP) e internacional (IOTF) de obesidad y sobrepeso. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en el año 2010 en escolares (n=441) entre 5 y 16 años de edad de la región de Cochabamba (Bolivia). Los padres de los participantes fueron encuestados y a los escolares se les realizó un examen físico antropométrico. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariado y de concordancia entre clasificaciones. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia global de sobrepeso fue del 20,9% (IC95% 17,1-24,7) y de obesidad del 3,2% (IC95% 1,6-4,8), con mayores tasas en cohortes más jóvenes de áreas rurales. No se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas según género, nivel educativo de los padres, ingesta alimentaria ni actividad física. Hubo un grado de acuerdo moderado tanto a nivel global como en el sobrepeso, y excelente en la obesidad. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio determinó que la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en escolares está aumentando, principalmente en cohortes más jóvenes de áreas rurales, independientemente de actividad física e ingesta alimentaria.

Nutritional status of children from Cochabamba, Bolivia: a cross-sectional study / Estado nutricional de los niños de Cochabamba, Bolivia: un estudio transversal

Objective. To assess the adequacy of energy and nutritional intakes compared to recommended daily intakes (RDIs) in schoolchildren from the Cochabamba region (Bolivia) and to determine micronutrient intake distributions across different ages and genders. Methods. This nutritional study (n = 315) was part of a larger population-based cross-sectional study (the “Bolkid” survey) that collected data on schoolchildren 5–16 years old in 2010 in the Cochabamba region. Information about food intake was gathered with a semiquantitative, food-frequency, parent-administered questionnaire about 12 months before the study. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of energy and nutrient intakes were assessed. Results. For all ages studied and both genders, the average energy and micronutrient intakes were acceptable but below the requirements. The diet included high amounts of fiber, some minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium), and vitamins (pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamins B2, B12, C, and E), but was low in calcium and vitamin D. However, more than half the children had insufficient energy intake, and low calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D intakes, according to RDIs adjusted for age and gender; one-third of the children had insufficient folate and magnesium intakes; and adolescent girls had low iron intakes. Conclusions. Regardless of recommendations or demographic characteristics, the vast majority of children in Cochabamba consumed insufficient energy and too little calcium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin A and D. In addition, adolescent girls consumed insufficient iron. Higher energy intake for schoolchildren through increased food availability, frequency, and size portions in daily meals should be a priority for Bolivian public health institutions.

Objetivo. Evaluar la idoneidad del consumo energético y de nutrientes en escolares de la región de Cochabamba, Bolivia, por comparación con las cantidades diarias recomendadas (CDR), y determinar la distribución de la ingesta de micronutrientes en distintas edades y ambos sexos. Métodos. Este estudio nutricional (n = 315) formó parte de un estudio transversal poblacional más amplio (la llamada encuesta Bolkid) en que se obtuvieron datos de escolares de 5 a 16 años de edad en la región de Cochabamba en el 2010. Se usó un cuestionario semicuantitativo, administrado por los padres, para obtener información acerca de la frecuencia del consumo de alimentos alrededor de 12 meses antes del estudio. Se evaluaron los resultados de análisis descriptivos y bivariados de la ingesta energética y de nutrientes. Resultados. En todas las edades estudiadas y ambos sexos, las ingestas energética y de micronutrientes fueron aceptables pero inferiores a las cantidades necesarias. La alimentación tenía un alto contenido de fibra, de algunos minerales (hierro, magnesio, fósforo, potasio, sodio) y de vitaminas (ácido pantoténico, niacina, vitaminas B2, B12, C y E), pero poco contenido de calcio y vitamina D. No obstante, más de la mitad de los niños tenían una ingesta energética insuficiente e ingestas demasiado bajas de calcio, vitamina A y vitamina D, según las CDR ajustadas por edad y sexo; una tercera parte consumían cantidades insuficientes de folato y magnesio; y las adolescentes tenían ingestas de hierro demasiado bajas. Conclusiones. Independientemente de las cantidades recomendadas o de las características demográficas, la gran mayoría de los niños en Cochabamba tenían un consume energético insuficiente e ingestas demasiado bajas de calcio, folato, magnesio y vitaminas A y D. Además, las adolescentes consumían cantidades insuficientes de hierro. Las instituciones de salud pública bolivianas deberían dar prioridad a aumentar el consumo energético de los escolares propiciando una mayor disponibilidad de alimentos, un consumo más frecuente y porciones más grandes en las comidas diarias.

Nutritional status of children from Cochabamba, Bolivia: a cross-sectional study / Estado nutricional de los niños de Cochabamba, Bolivia: un estudio transversal

OBJECTIVE:To assess the adequacy of energy and nutritional intakes compared to recommended daily intakes (RDIs) in schoolchildren from the Cochabamba region (Bolivia) and to determine micronutrient intake distributions across different ages and genders. METHODS: This nutritional study (n = 315) was part of a larger population-based crosssectional study (the "Bolkid" survey) that collected data on schoolchildren 5-16 years old in 2010 in the Cochabamba region. Information about food intake was gathered with a semiquan-titative, food-frequency, parent-administered questionnaire about l2 months before the study. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of energy and nutrient intakes were assessed. RESULTS: For all ages studied and both genders, the average energy and micronutrient intakes were acceptable but below the requirements. The diet included high amounts of fiber, some minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium), and vitamins (pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamins B2, B12, C, and E), but was low in calcium and vitamin D. However, more than half the children had insufficient energy intake, and low calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D intakes, according to RDIs adjusted for age and gender; one-third of the children had insufficient folate and magnesium intakes; and adolescent girls had low iron intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of recommendations or demographic characteristics, the vast majority of children in Cochabamba consumed insufficient energy and too little calcium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin A and D. In addition, adolescent girls consumed insufficient iron. Higher energy intake for schoolchildren through increased food availability, frequency, and size portions in daily meals should be a priority for Bolivian public health institutions.

OBJETIVO:Evaluar la idoneidad del consumo energético y de nutrientes en escolares de la región de Cochabamba, Bolivia, por comparación con las cantidades diarias recomendadas (CDR), y determinar la distribución de la ingesta de micronutrientes en distintas edades y ambos sexos. MÉTODOS: Este estudio nutricional (n = 315) formó parte de un estudio transversal poblacional más amplio (la llamada encuesta Bolkid) en que se obtuvieron datos de escolares de 5 a 16 años de edad en la región de Cochabamba en el 2010. Se usó un cuestionario semicuantitativo, administrado por los padres, para obtener información acerca de la frecuencia del consumo de alimentos alrededor de 12 meses antes del estudio. Se evaluaron los resultados de análisis descriptivos y bivariados de la ingesta energética y de nutrientes. RESULTADOS: En todas las edades estudiadas y ambos sexos, las ingestas energética y de micronutrientes fueron aceptables pero inferiores a las cantidades necesarias. La alimentación tenía un alto contenido de fibra, de algunos minerales (hierro, magnesio, fósforo, potasio, sodio) y de vitaminas (ácido pantoténico, niacina, vitaminas B2, B12, C y E), pero poco contenido de calcio y vitamina D. No obstante, más de la mitad de los niños tenían una ingesta energética insuficiente e ingestas demasiado bajas de calcio, vitamina A y vitamina D, según las CDR ajustadas por edad y sexo; una tercera parte consumían cantidades insuficientes de folato y magnesio; y las adolescentes tenían ingestas de hierro demasiado bajas. CONCLUSIONES: Independientemente de las cantidades recomendadas o de las características demográficas, la gran mayoría de los niños en Cochabamba tenían un consumo energético insuficiente e ingestas demasiado bajas de calcio, folato, magnesio y vitaminas A y D. Además, las adolescentes consumían cantidades insuficientes de hierro. Las instituciones de salud pública bolivianas deberían dar prioridad a aumentar el consumo energético de los escolares propiciando una mayor disponibilidad de alimentos, un consumo más frecuente y porciones más grandes en las comidas diarias.

[Reasons for smoking cessation in Spain by gender and age]. / Motivos para dejar de fumar en España en función del sexo y la edad.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze gender- and age-related motivations among smokers wishing to quit. METHODS: We performed a multicenter cross-sectional study in 1,634 smokers attended by general practitioners and specialized physicians in Spain who, after being explicitly asked about their intention to quit smoking, expressed a desire to do so. Sociodemographic data, history of smoking and motivations for cessation were collected. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.6 years (SD+/-12.0 years). Fifty-six percent were men. A total of 35.2% had studied beyond high school. The main motivation expressed by 63.9% of men and 81.1% of smokers older than 60 years old was medical advice; 60.7% of women were motivated by disease prevention; 31.5% of smokers aged between 31 and 45 years old wanted to be a good role model for their children and 11.4% of those aged between 18 and 30 were motivated by esthetic reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Men tend to be motivated by medical advice, while women are motivated by a desire to be a role model for their children, to prevent diseases or improve their appearance. The greater the age, the greater the percentage of patients motivated by medical advice. Middle-aged adults want to be good role models for their children while young patients are motivated by esthetic concerns.