Consumo de agua, bebidas azucaradas y uso de bebederos en secundarias del Programa Nacional de Bebederos Escolares de la Ciudad de México / Plain water and sugar sweetened beverages intake and use of school drinking fountains in secondary schools of the National School Drinking Fountains Program in Mexico City

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir prácticas de consumo de bebidas y uso de bebederos escolares en estudiantes de secundarias del Programa Nacional de Bebederos Escolares (PNBE). Material y métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo, con enfoque mixto en secundarias públicas (turnos matutino y vespertino). Se indagó el consumo de agua y bebidas azucaradas, utilización de bebederos escolares y barreras-facilitadores para el consumo de agua. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 617 estudiantes (11 a 16 años); 51.5% fueron hombres. El consumo promedio de agua (568.9 ml; IC95%: 470.7-667.1) y bebidas azucaradas (143.4 ml; IC95%:124.0-162.7) fue similar entre hombres y mujeres. En el turno matutino las mujeres presentaron una menor probabilidad de hacer uso de los bebederos en comparación con los hombres (p=0.032). Hombres y mujeres desconfían del agua de los bebederos. Conclusiones: Se requieren acciones integrales para favorecer el consumo de agua y el uso de los bebederos en las secundarias del PNBE.

Abstract: Objective: To describe beverages consumption practices, and school drinking fountains utilization among secondary school's students from National School Drinking Fountains Program (PNBE, Spanish acronym). Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with mixed methods in public secondary schools (morning and afternoon shifts). We estimated plain water and sugar sweetened beverages consumption, school drinking fountains utilization, and barriers-facilitators for plain water consumption. Results: We interviewed 617 students (11 to 16 y); 51.5% were men. The mean of plain water intake (568.9 ml; CI95%: 470.7-667.1), and sugar sweetened beverages (143.4 ml; CI95%:124.0-162.7) was similar among women and men. In the morning shift women had a lower probability of utilizing the school drinking fountains in comparison with men (p=0.032). Men and women have mistrust water that comes from school drinking fountains. Conclusions: Integral actions are necessary to favor plain water consumption, and utilization of school drinking fountains at PNBE secondary schools.

Self-perception of dietary quality and adherence to food groups dietary recommendations among Mexican adults.

BACKGROUND: Mexicans' adherence to food group's dietary recommendations is low and an inaccurate self-perception of dietary quality might perpetuate this low adherence. Our aim was to compare the intake and the adherence to the dietary recommendations for several food groups, subgroups, and to an overall Mexican Diet Quality Index (MxDQI), among those that perceived their diet as healthy vs. those that did not. METHODS: We analyzed data from 989 subjects 20-59 y old from the nationally representative Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016. Dietary intake was collected with one 24-h recall and a repeated recall in 82 subjects. Self-perception of dietary quality was evaluated with the following question "Do you consider that your diet is healthy? (yes/no)". We used the National Cancer Institute method to estimate the usual intake. We compared the mean intake adjusted by sociodemographic variables and the percentage of adherence according to the self-perception of dietary quality among the whole sample and in sociodemographic subpopulations. RESULTS: Sixty percent perceived their diet as healthy, and their adherence to recommendations was low [20% for fruits and vegetables, < 8% for legumes, seafood and SSBs, and ~ 50% for processed meats and high in saturated fat and/or added sugar (HSFAS) products]. The mean number of recommendations they met was 2.8 (out of 7) vs. 2.6 among the rest of the population (p > 0.05), and the MxDQI score was 40 vs. 37 (out of 100 points). The only food groups and subgroups with a statistically significant difference between those that perceived their diet as healthy vs. unhealthy were fruits [38 g/d (95% CI 3, 73)], fruit juices [27 g/d (95% CI 2, 52)], industrialized SSBs [- 35 kcal/d (- 70, - 1)] and salty snacks [- 40 kcal/d (- 79, - 1)]. Other differences were small or inconsistent across subgroups of the population. CONCLUSIONS: Those that perceived their diet as healthy only had a slightly healthier diet than the rest of the population, moreover, their adherence to recommendations was very low. Hence, it is necessary to improve their nutrition knowledge.

Consumo de agua, bebidas azucaradas y uso de bebederos en secundarias del Programa Nacional de Bebederos Escolares de la Ciudad de México.

Objetivo. Describir prácticas de consumo de bebidas y uso de bebederos escolares en estudiantes de secundarias del Programa Nacional de Bebederos Escolares (PNBE). Material y métodos. Estudio transversal descriptivo, con enfoque mixto en secundarias públicas (turnos matutino y vespertino). Se indagó el consumo de agua y bebidas azucaradas, utilización de bebederos escolares y barreras-facilitadores para el consumo de agua. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 617 estudiantes (11 a 16 años); 51.5% fueron hombres. El consumo promedio de agua (568.9 ml; IC95%: 470.7-667.1) y bebidas azucaradas (143.4 ml; IC95%:124.0-162.7) fue similar entre hombres y mujeres. En el turno matutino las mujeres presentaron una menor probabilidad de hacer uso de los bebederos en comparación con los hombres (p=0.032). Hombres y mujeres desconfían del agua de los bebederos. Conclusiones. Se requieren acciones integrales para favorecer el consumo de agua y el uso de los bebederos en las secundarias del PNBE.

Promoting fruit, vegetable and simple water consumption among mothers and teachers of preschool children: An Intervention Mapping initiative.

For preschool children, mothers and teachers are the principal models and promoters of fruit, vegetable and simple water consumption at home and school, respectively. However, the daily intake of these food and drink items falls below recommended standards among Mexican adults, posing a high risk of non-communicable diseases such as overweight and obesity across all age groups in the country. The objective of this article is to describe the design, implementation and evaluation of an educational initiative conducted in a Mexican locality with the aim of promoting the consumption of fruits, vegetables (FVs) and simple water (SW) among preschoolers through the influence of their mothers and teachers. We used the Intervention Mapping methodology with qualitative and quantitative components. Mothers attended eight theoretical and practical sessions and two school meetings, while teachers were offered two workshops. Our results revealed positive changes among both groups: participants took greater interest in healthy nutrition, increased their purchase, preparation and intake of FVs and SW and promoted their consumption. This confirms that it is possible to achieve favorable changes in eating habits among those who participate in educational initiatives in Mexico.

Design of an educational strategy based on Intervention Mapping for nutritional health promotion in Child Care Centers.

Early childhood is a critical period for instilling healthy habits to prevent overweight and obesity. This paper describes the development of an educational intervention for the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity among two-to-four-year-old children in public child care centers (CCCs) in Mexico City. Following the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, we developed the Bright Futures multidisciplinary intervention. First, a formative research process to identify the personal and environmental determinants of childhood overweight and obesity, behavioral outcomes and performance objectives was conducted. Then, a matrix of change objectives by intersecting the performance objectives with the determinants was integrated. Bright Futures lasted six months and included 24 weekly sessions, each composed of five phases: warm-up, theory, active movements, relaxation, and hydration. Ad hoc interactive teaching materials focused on recreational activities, and formulated plans for the adoption, implementation and process/impact evaluation of the intervention was developed. IM successfully guided the design of a theory-driven and evidence-based intervention for children in CCCs within a socio-ecological and participatory planning framework. This is one of the first studies in Mexico to use IM in the context of CCCs.

Compliance with nutrition standards in Mexican schools and their effectiveness: a repeated cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Mexico approved mandatory nutrient-based standards for foods sold in schools in 2011. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between compliance with nutrition standards for foods sold in schools and children's school snacks. METHODS: Data came from three surveys representative of Mexican elementary schools in 13 states and their students (2012, 2013 and 2015); n = 645 children from N = 99 different schools. Information on foods sold in schools and snacks consumed by children was collected through direct observation. Compliance with the standards was defined as the proportion of foods sold in school which met nutrition criteria established by the standards. Snacks were classified as healthy if they contained at least one fruit or vegetable and had no sugar-sweetened beverages. Robust logistic regression models for cross-sectional and repeated surveys aggregated at the school-level were fitted to quantify the association between school compliance with standards and healthy snacks. RESULTS: On average across waves 27% of foods sold complied with nutrition standards; 18% of children consumed a healthy snack. For snacks purchased in school, a 10% increase in school compliance with the standards was associated with a 32% increase in the odds of a healthy snack (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.09,1.61); no association was observed for snacks brought from home. The odds of a healthy snack increased over time in schools where compliance with the standards improved (OR = 3.89; 95%CI 1.47,10.31) but not in those where compliance remained constant or decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Only a small proportion of children are eating healthy snacks in school. School compliance with standards increases the likelihood of a healthy snack if it is bought at school. Our findings support better implementation of the standards and additional strategies to enhance the policy to achieve its aim of reducing childhood obesity.

Dietary intake and adequacy in Mexican preschool children: National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate energy, nutrient intake and diet adequacy in preschool-aged children based on data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: dietary data in children < 5 years (n = 1,212) collected through a Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) were analyzed. Energy and daily nutrient intakes and adequacies were calculated comparing by sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: median daily energy intake was 1,252 kcal (adequacy 104%). Adequacies above 100% were observed for calcium, zinc, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A and median of saturated fat. Low percent adequacies were observed for fiber, iron, polyunsaturated fat and vitamin D. Intakes were lower in the southern region compared to other regions. Most intakes and adequacies were higher in urban compared to rural areas, but fiber had the opposite trend. Indigenous children had low intakes and percent adequacies. CONCLUSIONS: risks of dietary deficiencies and excess are present in Mexican preschool-aged children, with marked differences across sociodemographicstrata.

Does the Mexican sugar-sweetened beverage tax have a signaling effect? ENSANUT 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential signaling effect of the Mexican tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) by analyzing the association between awareness of and opinions about its effectiveness with current consumption of taxed SSBs and with a self-reported change in consumption of SSBs since the implementation of the tax. We also examined the association between psychosocial and environmental determinants of SSB consumption with current consumption of taxed SSBs and with a reported change in consumption of SSBs. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of survey and food-frequency questionnaire data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016. Participants were Mexican adults (20-59 years, N = 6,650). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the probability of a person reporting a decrease in SSB consumption, given their awareness of the tax, opinion about its effectiveness, psychosocial (SSB health-related beliefs, self-efficacy, and liking of SSBs) and environmental (availability of potable water) determinants. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to examine the association between the aforementioned factors and current consumption of taxed SSBs. RESULTS: Compared with adults not aware, adults who were aware of the SSB tax were more likely (OR = 1.30) to report a decrease in SSB consumption (p = .012). In urban areas, adults aware of the tax drank a significantly lower amount of taxed SSBs (-15.7%; p = .023) than those not aware. Self-efficacy and liking of SSBs were significantly associated with a reported decrease in consumption and with current consumption (p < .001), while health beliefs and availability of potable water were not significantly associated with either reported change in SSB consumption or current consumption of taxed SSBs. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an SSB tax accompanied by highly visible campaigns may further influence the impact of taxes on SSBs consumption. Future public health and nutrition education campaigns designed to increase knowledge and enhance motivation should be complemented by programs to assist individuals develop self-efficacy and self-regulation skills.

Percepción del peso corporal y de la probabilidad de desarrollar obesidad en adultos mexicanos / Perception of body weight and of the probability of developing obesity in Mexican adults

Resumen: Objetivo: Documentar la percepción del peso corporal, las variables que se asocian con una percepción correcta de éste y la percepción de la probabilidad de desarrollar obesidad a corto plazo en población adulta mexicana. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron datos de los cuestionarios de percepción de obesidad, comportamiento alimentario y actividad física (POCAA), y de hogar y antropometría obtenidos en la Ensanut MC, durante mayo y octubre de 2016. Resultados: Más de 90% de la población tiende a subestimar su peso. El 32% de la población refirió que sería muy probable que desarrollara obesidad; más de 90% consideró que padecer obesidad es grave. El tener una percepción correcta del peso corporal y tener sobrepeso u obesidad por IMC se relacionaron con la percepción de desarrollar obesidad a corto plazo. Conclusión: Resulta cada vez más relevante que los individuos, independientemente del estado de su peso, tengan una percepción precisa de su cuerpo y las consecuencias del sobrepeso en su salud.

Abstract: Objective: To document the perception of body weight, the variables that are associated with a correct perception of it and with the perception about the probability of developing obesity at short-term in Mexican adult population. Materials and methods: We used data from the Perception of obsesity, eating behavior and physical activity questionnaire (POCAA, by its Spanish acronym), as well as household and anthropometric measurements obtained at Ensanut MC during May and October of 2016. Results: More than 90% of the population tend to underestimate their weight; 32% of the population said that they would be very likely to develop obesity at short-term; more than 90% considered that suffering from obesity is very serious. Having a correct perception of body weight and being overweight or obese by BMI, were positively related to the perception of developing obesity at short-term. Conclusion: It is very relevant that individuals, regardless of the state of their weight, have an accurate perception of their body and the consequences to their health.

[Dietary diversity in women who live in food insecurity settings in Mexico, beneficiaries of a food support program]. / Diversidad de la dieta en mujeres que habitan en inseguridad alimentaria en México, beneficiarias de un programa de ayuda alimentaria.

INTRODUCTION: food diversity is an approximation of diet quality. In Mexico, the Food Support Program (PAL, by its acronym in Spanish) grants support to families facing food poverty, in form of cash (PAL EFECTIVO) or through monetary transfers on a card intended exclusively for the purchase of food (PAL SIN-HAMBRE), seeking to improve their food diversity. OBJECTIVE: to compare the dietary diversity in women beneficiaries of both schemes and their association with the level of food insecurity (FI) at household level. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was carried out in a national random sample of 243 women beneficiaries from PAL EFECTIVO and 277 from PAL SIN-HAMBRE in 14 states. A multinomial logistic regression model was constructed to measure the association between the FI perception index and its relationship with the PAL and the dietary diversity index. RESULTS: the PAL SIN-HAMBRE scheme is associated with a lower probability of mild and severe FI with respect to the PAL EFECTIVO. The interaction between the type of scheme and the dietary diversity index showed that the PAL EFECTIVO had a lower probability of severe FI when the dietary diversity index was greater with respect to the PAL SIN-HAMBRE. CONCLUSIONS: the FI in the household and the low dietary diversity seem to be strongly associated in women of childbearing age and this relationship is higher in those beneficiaries of the PAL SIN-HAMBRE scheme.

[Perception of body weight and of the probability of developing obesity in Mexican adults]. / Percepción del peso corporal y la probabilidad de desarrollar obesidad en adultos mexicanos.

OBJECTIVE: To document the perception of body weight, the variables that are associated with a correct perception of it and with the perception about the probability of developing obesity at short-term in Mexican adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from the Perception of obsesity, eating behavior and physical activity questionnaire (POCAA, by its Spanish acronym), as well as household and anthropometric measurements obtained at Ensanut MC during May and October of 2016. RESULTS: More than 90% of the population tend to underestimate their weight; 32% of the population said that they would be very likely to develop obesity at short-term; more than 90% considered that suffering from obesity is very serious. Having a correct perception of body weight and being overweight or obese by BMI, were positively related to the perception of developing obesity at short-term. CONCLUSIONS: It is very relevant that individuals, regardless of the state of their weight, have an accurate perception of their body and the consequences to their health.

OBJETIVO: Documentar la percepción del peso corporal, las variables que se asocian con una percepción correcta de éste y la percepción de la probabilidad de desarrollar obesidad a corto plazo en población adulta mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron datos de los cuestionarios de percepción de obesidad, comportamiento alimentario y actividad física (POCAA), y de hogar y antropometría obtenidos en la Ensanut MC, durante mayo y octubre de 2016. RESULTADOS: Más de 90% de la población tiende a subestimar su peso. El 32% de la población refirió que sería muy probable que desarrollara obesidad; más de 90% consideró que padecer obesidad es grave. El tener una percepción correcta del peso corporal y tener sobrepeso u obesidad por IMC se relacionaron con la percepción de desarrollar obesidad a corto plazo. CONCLUSIONES: Resulta cada vez más relevante que los individuos, independientemente del estado de su peso, tengan una percepción precisa de su cuerpo y las consecuencias del sobrepeso en su salud.

Consumption of foods and beverages in elementary schools: Results of the implementation of the general guidelines for foods and beverages sales in elementary schools in Mexico, stages II and III.

The Mexican government developed the General Guidelines for the dispensing or distribution of foods and beverages at food sales in elementary schools (Guidelines). The objective is to evaluate the consumption of food and beverages during school hours, in two different stages of the implementation of the Guidelines: stages II (2011-2012) and stage III (2012-2013) in 565 elementary school students. We constructed three categories of consumption according to the origin of food: Home, food brought from home; School, food purchased at school and Both, food from home and food purchased at school. The main results showed that there are differences in both stages in energy intake according to the foods' origin; the category of School has the lowest energy and macronutrients consumption, as well as the closer compliance with de Guidelines recommendations in both stages, while the category of Both has a higher consumption and the less compliance with the Guidelines. This may be indicating an improvement in school guidelines and it is also reflecting the need to reinforce orientation for a healthy diet with respect to foods brought from home. It is necessary to continue with periodic evaluations to measure fulfillment with the Guidelines.

The fight against overweight and obesity in school children: Public policy in Mexico.

Excess weight in schoolchildren is a serious health problem in Mexico. In 2010, the government established General Guidelines for Dispensing or Distribution of Foods and Beverages at School Food Establishments (SFEs) in Elementary Schools with the objective of stopping the epidemic of overweight and obesity. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with the Guidelines during two academic years. With a sample of 39 schools already randomly selected, we carried out a follow-up study. The research team recorded foods and beverages available at schools in two academic years, and compared their nutritional characteristics to those established in the Guidelines. At the schools in both stages of the study, we found broad availability of energy-dense foods not allowed in the SFEs. Vegetables, fruits, and plain water accounted for less than 7 per cent of the foods and drinks. We observed no changes between stages in the compliance the Guidelines.

Validity of a food frequency questionnaire to assess food intake in Mexican adolescent and adult population / Validación de un cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos para evaluar la ingesta alimentaria en adolescentes y adultos de México

Abstract: Objective: To assess the validity of a 140-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ), in Mexican adolescents and adults. Materials and methods: Dietary intakes using a SFFQ and two 24-hour dietary recalls (24DRs), in nonconsecutive days during the same week were measured from 178 adolescents and 230 adults participating in the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey-2012.Validity was evaluated using correlation coefficients (CC),deattenuated CC, linear regression models, cross-classification analysis, and the Bland-Altman method. Results: In adults, deattenuated correlation coefficients between the SFFQ and the 24DRs ranged from 0.30 for folate to 0.61 for saturated fat. In addition, 63% adults and 62% adolescents were classified in the same and adjacent quartile of nutrient intake when comparing data from SFFQ and 24DRs. Conclusions: The SFFQ had moderate validity for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. It also had good validity to rank individuals according to their dietary intake of different nutrients.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la validez de un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos semicuantitativo (CFA), en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos. Material y métodos: Se evaluó la ingesta de alimentos de 178 adolescentes y 230 adultos que participaron en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición-2012, de México, mediante un CFA y el promedio de dos recordatorios de 24-horas (24DRs). La validez se evaluó utilizando coeficientes de correlación, coeficientes de correlación corregidos (CCC) y análisis de clasificación. Resultados: En adultos, los CCC entre el CFA y el promedio de los 24DRs estuvieron entre 0.30 para folatos y 0.61 para grasas saturadas. Adicionalmente, 63% de los adultos y 62% de los adolescentes fueron clasificados en el mismo o adyacente cuartil cuando fueron comparados los datos del CFA y el 24DR. Conclusión: El CFA mostró una validez moderada para energía, macronutrimentos y micronutrimentos. Además, mostró buena validez para clasificar a los individuos de acuerdo con su ingesta dietética.

Methodology for estimating dietary data from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 / Metodología para la estimación de información dietética del cuestionario semicuantitativo de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012

Abstract: Objective: To describe the methodology used to clean up and estimate dietary intake (DI) data from the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. Materials and methods: DI was collected through a shortterm SFFQ regarding 140 foods (from October 2011 to May 2012). Energy and nutrient intake was calculated according to a nutrient database constructed specifically for the SFFQ. Results: A total of 133 nutrients including energy and fiber were generated from SFFQ data. Between 4.8 and 9.6% of the survey sample was excluded as a result of the cleaning process.Valid DI data were obtained regarding energy and nutrients consumed by 1 212 pre-school children, 1 323 school children, 1 961 adolescents, 2 027 adults and 526 older adults. Conclusions: We documented the methodology used to clean up and estimate DI from the SFFQ used in national dietary assessments in Mexico.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la metodología para la estimación y limpieza de datos sobre ingestión dietética (ID) derivados del cuestionario semicuantitativo de frecuencias de consumo de alimentos (CFCAS) de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012. Material y métodos: La información de ID fue recolectada a través de un CFCAS de siete días que obtuvo información sobre la ingesta de 140 alimentos (de octubre de 2011 a mayo de 2012). La ingesta de energía y nutrientes fue calculada utilizando una base de datos de nutrientes construida para el procesamiento del CFCAS. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 133 nutrimentos (incluidos energía y fibra). Entre 4.8 y 9.6% de la muestra fue excluido, con lo que se obtuvo información válida sobre la ingesta de energía y nutrimentos para 1 212 preescolares, 1 323 escolares, 1 961 adolescentes, 2 027 adultos y 526 adultos mayores. Conclusiones: Se documentó la metodología para la estimación de la ID y los criterios de limpieza para CFCAS usados para la evaluación dietética nacional.

Efecto de una intervención basada en guarderías para reducir conductas de riesgo de obesidad en niños preescolares / Effect of an intervention based on child-care centers to reduce risk behaviors for obesity in preschool children

Resumen: Introducción: La edad preescolar es una etapa crítica para la promoción de la salud y la prevención de la obesidad, que es un problema emergente de salud pública en la niñez. El objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar y evaluar el efecto de una intervención multifacética basada en la atención en guarderías para reducir conductas de riesgo de obesidad en niños preescolares. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo comunitario, aleatorizado por conglomerados, en 16 guarderías del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de la Ciudad de México. El estudio duró 12 meses. Participaron niños entre 2 y 4 años de edad que asistían a las guarderías. La intervención consistió en 12 sesiones educativas semanales interactivas para los niños y seis talleres familiares. Se determinaron cambios de alimentación y actividad física, disponibilidad en el hogar por tipo de alimentos y estilos maternos de alimentación a 6 y 12 meses. Se comparó el cambio por etapa en cada grupo y entre ambos grupos en cada etapa con la prueba χ2. Resultados: Se observó la reducción de disponibilidad en el hogar de algunos alimentos no recomendados y una mayor actividad física en el grupo de intervención. Conclusiones: La mejora en actividad física puede tener efecto en el largo plazo; se requieren estrategias innovadoras que modifiquen las conductas alimentarias de riesgo para obesidad en las familias.

Abstract: Background: Preschool age is a critical stage for health promotion and prevention of obesity, which is an emerging public health problem in children. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention based on child-care centers to reduce risk behaviors for obesity among preschool children. Methods: A 12-month cluster-randomized community trial was conducted in 16 Mexican Institute of Social Security child-care centers in Mexico City. Children between 2 and 4 years of age enrolled in the selected child-care centers participated in the study. Intervention comprised 12 weekly curriculum sessions for the children, and six family workshops. Changes in children's dietary and physical activity, food availability at home, and maternal feeding styles were determined after 6 and 12 months. Changes within groups among stages, and between groups by stage were analyzed through χ2 test. Results: The intervention showed decrease of home availability for some non-recommended foods and increase in physical activity in the intervention group compared to the usual care group. Conclusions: Improvement in physical activity can be effective in the long term; innovative strategies aimed to modify family dietary risk behaviors are required.

Methodology for estimating dietary data from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the methodology used to clean up and estimate dietary intake (DI) data from the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: DI was collected through a shortterm SFFQ regarding 140 foods (from October 2011 to May 2012). Energy and nutrient intake was calculated according to a nutrient database constructed specifically for the SFFQ. RESULTS:: A total of 133 nutrients including energy and fiber were generated from SFFQ data. Between 4.8 and 9.6% of the survey sample was excluded as a result of the cleaning process.Valid DI data were obtained regarding energy and nutrients consumed by 1 212 pre-school children, 1 323 school children, 1 961 adolescents, 2 027 adults and 526 older adults. CONCLUSIONS:: We documented the methodology used to clean up and estimate DI from the SFFQ used in national dietary assessments in Mexico.

Validity of a food frequency questionnaire to assess food intake in Mexican adolescent and adult population.

OBJECTIVE:: To assess the validity of a 140-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ), in Mexican adolescents and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Dietary intakes using a SFFQ and two 24-hour dietary recalls (24DRs), in nonconsecutive days during the same week were measured from 178 adolescents and 230 adults participating in the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey-2012.Validity was evaluated using correlation coefficients (CC),deattenuated CC, linear regression models, cross-classification analysis, and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS:: In adults, deattenuated correlation coefficients between the SFFQ and the 24DRs ranged from 0.30 for folate to 0.61 for saturated fat. In addition, 63% adults and 62% adolescents were classified in the same and adjacent quartile of nutrient intake when comparing data from SFFQ and 24DRs. CONCLUSIONS:: The SFFQ had moderate validity for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. It also had good validity to rank individuals according to their dietary intake of different nutrients.

[Effect of an intervention based on child-care centers to reduce risk behaviors for obesity in preschool children]. / Efecto de una intervención basada en guarderías para reducir conductas de riesgo de obesidad en niños preescolares.

BACKGROUND: Preschool age is a critical stage for health promotion and prevention of obesity, which is an emerging public health problem in children. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention based on child-care centers to reduce risk behaviors for obesity among preschool children. METHODS: A 12-month cluster-randomized community trial was conducted in 16 Mexican Institute of Social Security child-care centers in Mexico City. Children between 2 and 4 years of age enrolled in the selected child-care centers participated in the study. Intervention comprised 12 weekly curriculum sessions for the children, and six family workshops. Changes in children's dietary and physical activity, food availability at home, and maternal feeding styles were determined after 6 and 12 months. Changes within groups among stages, and between groups by stage were analyzed through χ2 test. RESULTS: The intervention showed decrease of home availability for some non-recommended foods and increase in physical activity in the intervention group compared to the usual care group. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in physical activity can be effective in the long term; innovative strategies aimed to modify family dietary risk behaviors are required.

Development of an educational intervention to promote healthy eating and physical activity in Mexican school-age children.

Mexico has the highest and most alarming rates of childhood obesity worldwide. A study conducted in the State of Mexico revealed that one of every three children presents overweight or obesity. The objective of this paper is to provide a step-by-step description of the design and implementation of an educational intervention to promote healthy eating and physical activity called "Healthy Recess". The educational intervention was designed using the six stages of the Health Communication Process. This methodological model allowed identifying the needs of school-age children on information and participation in activities. In order to improve the strategy, adjustments were made to the print and audiovisual materials as well as to assessment tools. Typography was modified as well as the color of the images in student's workbook and facilitator's; special effects of the videos were increased; the narration of the radio spots was improved and common words and phrases were included. The Health Communication Process is an effective tool for program planners to design interventions aimed at managing prevalent health problems such as overweight and obesity in school-age children.