Association between a lifestyle score and all-cause mortality: a prospective analysis of the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between a lifestyle score and all-cause mortality in the Chilean population. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTINGS: The score was based on seven modifiable behaviours: salt intake, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, sleep duration, smoking, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. 1-point was assigned for each healthy recommendation. Points were summed to create an unweighted score from 0 (less healthy) to 7 (healthiest). According to their score, participants were then classified into: less healthy (0-2 points), moderately healthy (3-4 points) and the healthiest (5-7 points). Associations between the categories of lifestyle score and all-cause mortality were investigated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for confounders. Nonlinear associations were also investigated. PARTICIPANTS: 2706 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 10·9 years, 286 (10·6 %) participants died. In the maximally adjusted model, and compared with the healthiest participants, those less healthy had 2·55 (95 % CI 1·75, 3·71) times higher mortality risk due to any cause. Similar trends were identified for the moderately healthy group. Moreover, there was a significant trend towards increasing the mortality risk when increasing unhealthy behaviours (hazard ratio model 3: 1·61 (95 % CI 1·34, 1·94)). There was no evidence of nonlinearity between the lifestyle score and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Individuals in the less healthy lifestyle category had higher mortality risk than the healthiest group. Therefore, public health strategies should be implemented to promote adherence to a healthy lifestyle across the Chilean population.

[Association between low vitamin D levels and cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults: findings of the National Health Survey 2016-2017]. / Asociación entre bajos niveles de vitamina D y deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores chilenas: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have shown that low vitamin D levels constitute a potential risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. The present study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and the suspicion of cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study, including 1,287 participants ≥ 65 years (56.8% were women, age range 65 to 97 years) from the Chilean National Health Survey. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participants were classified into three groups according to their vitamin D levels (> 29 ng/ml sufficient, 12-29 ng/ml deficit, and < 12 ng/ml severe deficit). The association between vitamin D levels and cognitive impairment was explored using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for confounding factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficit and vitamin D severe deficit was 37.7% and 21.0%, respectively. Compared to older adults with sufficient levels of vitamin D, those with severe deficits had a 94% (OR: 1.94 [95% IC: 1.27; 1.66], p = 0.002) higher odds of cognitive impairment (unadjusted model). Adjusting according to sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, adiposity, sunlight exposure, and multimorbidity slightly attenuated the association to 61% (OR: 1.61 [95%IC: 1.03; 2.19], p = 0.046), but remain significant. CONCLUSION: A severe deficit of vitamin D was associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults independent of major confounding factors. Future studies are needed to provide causal evidence between vitamin D and the suspicion of cognitive impairment.

[ABSI obesity index and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chilean adults: a cross-sectional study of the ENS 2016-2017]. / Índice de obesidad ABSI y su asociación con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adultos chilenos: un estudio transversal de la ENS 2016-2017.

INTRODUCTION: A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a new obesity index based on body volume; this has been associated with chronic non-communicable diseases and mortality, independent of the values of the body mass index (BMI); however, its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Chilean adult population is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between ABSI, glycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAc1), and self-reported T2DM in the Chilean adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 4,874 participants were included (mean age 43.3 years, 50.9% women) from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey. ABSI was calculated according to the proposed formula (based on waist circumference, BMI, and height). The Poisson regression was used to investigate the association between ABSI and T2DM, and linear regression was used to investigate the association between ABSI, glycemia, and HbAc1. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and BMI adjusted the analyses. RESULTS: ABSI was positively associated with glycemia (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p < 0.001), and DMT2 (p < 0.001). In the most adjusted model, for every 0.025 unit increase in ABSI, glycemia increased by 1.78 mg/dL (95% CI: 1.21, 2.35) and HbAc1 by 0.92% (95% CI: 0.49, 1.35). Regarding T2DM, the prevalence ratio was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.20), independent of sociodemographic factors, lifestyles, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: ABSI was linearly associated with a higher probability of suffering from T2DM and higher levels of glycemia and HbA1c in Chilean adults. In this context, ABSI could be a complementary index, independent of BMI, to assess the risk of metabolic disorders associated with obesity.

[Adaptation and validation of aged adults' adaptation scale to their residence (EAPAR) in Chile]. / Adaptación y validación chilena de la escala de adaptación de la persona mayor a su residencia.

BACKGROUND: The adaptation of older people to nursing homes may be problematic. Scales to assess the degree of adaptation are required. AIM: To adapt and evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Scale of Adaptation of the Older Adults to their Residence (EAPAR) in the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EAPAR and self-esteem scales were applied to 106 people aged 79 ± 7 years (57% women) living in nursing homes. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The instrument was adequately understood by the Chilean participants. In the content validity, the structure of the scale appears homogeneous and with an acceptable statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: EAPAR is a reliable and valid instrument to be used by health professionals.

[Association between educational level and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in Chilean older people]. / Asociación entre nivel educacional y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. AIM: To determine the association between educational attainment and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in older Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 2,005 adults aged ≥ 60 years assessed during 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ≤ 8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: > 12 years. suspicion of cognitive imparirment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. RESULTS: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24; 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (≤ 8 years) were more likely to be at risk of suspicion of cognitive imparirment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of suspicion of cognitive imparirment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ≤ 8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42; 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing suspicion of cognitive imparirment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.

A healthy eating score is inversely associated with depression in older adults: results from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of a healthy eating score with depression in Chilean older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Older adults from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Associations were analysed using complex samples multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for age, sex, socio-demographic, lifestyles (physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep duration), BMI and clinical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular diseases). PARTICIPANTS: The number of participants was 2031 (≥ 60 years). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form was applied to establish the diagnosis of major depressive episode. Six healthy eating habits were considered to produce the healthy eating score (range: 0-12): consumption of seafood, whole grain, dairy, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Participants were categorised according to their final scores as healthy (≥ 9), average (5-8) and unhealthy (≤ 4). RESULTS: Participants with a healthy score had a higher educational level, physical activity and regular sleep hours than participants with an average and unhealthiest healthy eating score. Participants classified in the healthiest healthy eating score had an inverse association with depression (OR: 0·28, (95 % CI 0·10, 0·74)). Food items that contributed the most to this association were legumes (15·2 %) and seafood (12·7 %). CONCLUSION: Older adults classified in the healthiest healthy eating score, characterised by a high consumption of legumes and seafood, showed a lower risk for depression in a representative sample of Chilean population.

[Water intake in the Chilean population: Findings from the 2016-17 National Health Survey]. / Caracterización del consumo de agua en población chilena: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Water is an essential nutrient for cellular homeostasis and life. Drinking ≥ 6 glasses (1.5 L/day) is the recommendation of daily water intake (RIAD). AIM: To characterize water intake, according to sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyles variables, in the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from 5,520 participants of the 2016-17 National Health Survey. Compliance with RIAD by population groups according to sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics was studied through logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Only 27.8% of the national population met the RIAD. Women, people over than 56 years of age, housewives, retired people, widowers, and non-smokers were less likely to meet the RIAD. The likelihood of not complying with RIAD in these segments of the population ranged from 28% to 62%. Conversely, participants who presented a higher likelihood of meeting RIAD were those who co-habiting, had a medium and higher educational level, followed a diet plan, and those who reported a good health and well-being. The likelihood of meeting with the RIAD for these population groups ranged from 47% to 116%. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of meeting the RIAD varied according to different sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables. Therefore, public policies for promoting water consumption should be focused on all age groups, but especially in those groups with the highest risk of underconsumption.

[Factors associated with depression in Chilean adults. Results of the 2016-2017 National Health Survey]. / Factores asociados a depresión en población chilena. Resultados Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a highly prevalent disease in Chilean adults. AIM: To identify sociodemographic, biomedical, and psychosocial factors related with depression in a representative sample of the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from the National Health Survey 2016-2017 which included 5,291 participants aged > 15 years. Depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-SF). Association between sociodemographic data, health and psychosocial variables and depression was analyzed using Poisson regression with robust error. RESULTS: The probability of depression was higher in women than in men (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.13 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.65, 2.75]). In both genders, the probability was higher in people with frailty (women: PR = 10.0 [95% CI: 1.86, 18.1] and men: PR = 3.38 [95% CI: 2.72; 4.20]), severe chronic pain (women: PR = 2.84 [95% CI: 1.93, 4.18 and men: PR = 6.41 [95% CI: 3.59, 9.40]), presence of two or more diseases (women: PR = 4.15 [95% CI: 2.78, 6.20 and men: PR = 2.60 [95% CI: 1.39, 3.81]), perception of permanent stress (women: PR = 11.0 [95% CI: 6.13, 16.0], men: PR = 21.0 [95% CI: 10.2, 31.7]), financial stress (women: PR = 2.57 [95% CI: 1.87, 3.27] men: PR = 4.27 [95% CI: 2.48, 6.06] and poor or very poor perception of health (women: PR = 5.02 [95% CI: 1.92, 8.12], men: 2.09 [95% CI: 0.49, 3.69]). In men, the probability of depression was higher for widowers than married man (PR = 5.58 [95% CI: 2.5, 8.25]), presence of goiter (PR = 4.03 [95% CI: 1.99, 6.07]) and low social support (PR = 1.95 [95% CI: 1.18; 2.72]). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with a higher probability of depression are diverse in nature. Among these being women, frailty, chronic pain, multimorbidity and high perception of stress are important factors.

[Legume consumption in chileans: findings from the 2016-2017 national health survey]. / Caracterización del consumo de legumbres en población chilena: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Legumes are low cost and high-quality nutritional foods. In Chile, a twice per week legume consumption is recommended to promote health and prevent disease. AIM: To characterize the consumption of legumes according to sociodemographic and anthropometric variables in the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Analysis of data from 5,473 participants of the 2016-2017 National Health Survey. The compliance with legume consumption was studied in population groups, according to sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, through logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Only 24% of all participants (51.4% of women) fulfilled legume intake recommendations. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, the participants who were less likely to comply with the recommendation were widowers (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.58 [95% confidence intervals (CI): (0.40; 0.85]). On the contrary, people between 70-80 years (OR: 1.78 [95% CI: 1.11; 2.88]), those who resided in rural areas (OR: 1.62 [95% CI: 1.25; 2.10]) and those who resided in the Maule region (OR: 2.11 [95% CI: 1.37, 3.25]) had a higher likelihood of compliance. CONCLUSIONS: One out of four Chileans complied with the recommendations of legume consumption. Even though the results differed when stratified by sex, it is highlighted that living in rural areas increased the probabilities of an adequate legume consumption.

[Association of adiposity and diabetes mellitus type 2 by education level in the Chilean population]. / Asociación entre adiposidad y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según nivel educacional en población chilena: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity and education are two independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is limited evidence whether both education and adiposity are associated with T2D in an additive manner in the Chilean population. AIM: To investigate the joint association between adiposity and education with T2D in the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,033 participants with a mean age of 43 years, (51% women). Poisson regression analyses with robust standard error were used to investigate the joint association of the education level and general and central adiposity with T2D. The results were reported as Prevalence Ratio and their 95% confidence intervals (PR, 95% CI). RESULTS: Obesity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in men than in women, however central adiposity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in women than in men. Compared with men who had higher education (> 12 years) and had normal body weight, those with the same educational level and who were obese had 2.3-times higher probability of having T2D (PR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.02; 5.39]). For women, having a low education and being obese was associated with 4.4-times higher probability of having T2D compared to those with higher education and normal body mass index (BMI) (PR: 4.47 [95% IC: 2.12; 9.24]). Similar results were observed when waist circumference was used as a marker of obesity rather than BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Women and men with higher BMI and low education had a higher risk of T2D. However, this risk was higher in women than in men.

Association between fitness, anthropometric indices and laboratory parameters in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Aging causes an involution of anthropometric and health indices that can affect physical fitness. AIM: To determine the influence of anthropometric and health indices on the physical fitness of elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, blood glucose and physical fitness evaluated using Senior Fitness Test, were assessed in 140 women aged 70 ± 5 years. The association between parameters was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression models. RESULTS: In the regression models serum lipids and the suprailiac skinfold were significant predictors of the up and go test (R2= 0.48). HDL cholesterol and the level of physical activity were predictors of the two minutes step test (R2= 0.31). Serum lipids, suprailiac skinfold and age were predictors of the back-scratch test (R2= 0.41). Fasting blood glucose and HDL cholesterol were predictors of the chair sit and reach test (R2= 0.24). Serum lipids and body mass index were predictors of the arm curl test (R2= 0.37). Body mass index and serum lipids were predictors of the chair stand test (R2= 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric variables, serum lipid levels and blood glucose were predictors of different physical fitness parameters in these women.

[Cancer in Chile and worldwide: an overview of the current and future epidemiological context]. / Cáncer en Chile y en el mundo: una mirada actual y su futuro escenario epidemiológico.

Cancer is a chronic non-communicable disease associated with a high mortality burden. The prevalence of cancer is increasing rapidly worldwide. However, this scenario will be worse in low and middle-income countries such as Chile, where 70% of cancer deaths occur. The aim of this review was to assess the epidemiological scenario of cancer and its projection for the Chilean population. In Chile, 53,365 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2018, led by prostate, colorectal, breast, stomach, lung and gallbladder cancer. From 1986 to 2016, cancer increased by 109%. When we reviewed mortality by sex, stomach and prostate cancer were responsible for more than 30% of cancer deaths among men. However, for women the first three places were occupied by breast, colorectal and lung cancer, as in the rest of the world. Considering that 40% of cancers are related to unhealthy lifestyles, working on the prevention of modifiable risk factors represents an opportunity for the creation of public health policies that allow changes at the environmental and individual level.

[Older people in Chile: the new social, economic and health challenge for the 21st century]. / Personas mayores en Chile: el nuevo desafío social, económico y sanitario del Siglo XXI.

Ageing will be one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century worldwide. In the last 40 years, Chile has tripled its older adult population. As a result, by 2050 the country will have the highest proportion of older adults in Latin America. This remarkable growth reinforces the need to identify their current situation and to revise what is the society doing to maintain older people as active members. In this context, this narrative revision aimed to describe the sociodemographic, epidemiologic and sociocultural profile of the older Chilean adults. Besides, programs and public policies focused on the improvement of their quality of life were identified.

[Association of menopause with cardiovascular risk. Analysis of data from the 2016-17 Chilean national health survey]. / Menopausia y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres chilenas.

BACKGROUND: Menopause exposes women to an increased cardiovascular risk. AIM: To determine the association between menopause and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adult women using data from the National Health Survey (NHS) 2016-2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 2,139 women over 40 years of age participating in the NHS 2016-2017, with information about menopause and cardiovascular risk factors was used. Expansion factors were applied to this sample, obtaining an expanded sample of 3,733,191 participants. Laboratory values (blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL and total cholesterol) and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height and waist circumference) were analyzed. The presence of hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were also recorded. RESULTS: Sixty seven percent of surveyed women were menopausal and had higher systolic blood pressure than non-menopausal participants. Menopause was significantly associated with hypertension (Odds ratio (OR): 2.43 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.71; 3.45], p < 0.01) and diabetes (OR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.32; 3.19], p < 0.01). However, no association was observed with obesity, abdominal obesity or MetS. CONCLUSIONS: In these women, a positive association was identified between menopause and hypertension as well as diabetes.

[Prevalence of frailty among Chilean older people]. / Prevalencia de fragilidad en personas mayores de Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of frailty among older people could help to reduce its social and health burden. AIM: To determine and characterize the prevalence of frailty in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 233 participants, aged > 60 years, participating in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Frailty was assessed using modified Fried criteria. Thus, people classified as frail should meet at least 3 out of the 5 criteria (low strength, low physical activity, low body mass index, slow walking pace and tiredness). RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was 10.9% (7.7% for men and 14.1% for women). The prevalence of pre-frailty was 59.0% whereas 30.1% of participants were classified as robust. At the age of 80 years 58 and 62% of men and women were frail, respectively. These figures increased to 90 and 87% at the age of 90 years. The prevalence of pre-frailty increased from 43 to 92.1% among men and from 76% and 78% among women from the ages of 60 to 90 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty increased markedly with age. It is important to implement prevention strategies to allow an early identification of high-risk individuals.

[Prevalence of low hand grip strength in Chilean older adults. Findings from the national health survey 2016-2017]. / Prevalencia de debilidad muscular en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is an indicator of frailty in older people. AIM: To determine the prevalence of low handgrip strength in older Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals aged 60 years or more, participating in the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey, was carried out. Handgrip strength was evaluated by a hand dynamometer and low grip strength was determined as a grip strength ≤ 15 kg and ≤ 27 kg for women and men, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty nine percent of participants had low grip strength. The average grip strength among 60-year-old men and women was 34.7 and 22.1 kg, respectively. These figures decreased to 28.8 kg and 17.2 kg among 90-year-old men and women, respectively. The prevalence of low grip strength in men and women aged 60 years was 18%. In 90-year-old men and women, these figures increased to 79% and 56.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of low grip strength increased substantially with age.

Association of leisure time and occupational physical activity with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), both occupational (OPA) and during leisure time (LTPA), with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults. 5,157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. OPA and LTPA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association between both PA with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors was determined using logistic regression. Our findings showed a significant trend between higher LTPA and lower odds for obesity (OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.53; 0.76], central obesity 0.52 [0.44; 0.61]) and other cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes (OR: 0.72 [0.55; 0.94]), hypertension (OR: 0.59 [0.50; 0.71]) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.62 [0.50; 0.78]). In contrast, OPA was only associated with lower odds of diabetes (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.98]) and hypertension (0.85 [0.74; 0.98]). In conclusion, LTPA was associated with a lower risk of all major cardiovascular risk factors, whereas OPA was only associated with a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension.

[Factors associated with cognitive impairment in older adults in Chile]. / Factores asociados al deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores en Chile.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for the development of cognitive impairment are not well known. AIM: To identify socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors associated with cognitive impairment in older Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data analysis of 1,384 participants ≥ 60 years who participated in the National Health Survey of Chile 2009-2010. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors were used as exposure variables of interest. Cognitive impairment was assessed using an abbreviated version of the Mini Mental test and defined as a score < 13 points of a maximum of 19. A logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: In this sample, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 11.6 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 8.8; 15.2]. The factors associated with cognitive impairment were age (Odds ratio (OR) for > 76 years: 4.89, p < 0.01), male sex (OR: 2.42, p = 0.02), lower education (OR: 21.6, p < 0.01), physical inactivity (OR: 2.07, p = 0.02), sedentary behavior (OR: 2.23, p = 0.01), sleeping > 9/hours/day (OR: 2.98, p = 0.01), consumption of < 5 portions/day of fruit and vegetables (OR: 2.02, p = 0.05), having an unhealthy lifestyle (OR: 6.10, p = 0.0001), being underweight (OR: 3.67, p < 0.01), obesity (OR: 3.32, p = 0.03), having hearing impairment (OR: 2.26, p = 0.02), having a visual impairment (OR: 3.89, p < 0.01), a history of depression (OR: 3.03, p = 0.01) and having a physical disability (OR: 5.63, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 14 factors associated with cognitive impairment. Although some of these factors were non-modifiable such as age and sex, most of them could be modified by implementing prevention programs aiming to improve lifestyle behaviors in older adults in Chile.

[Factors associated with falls in older adults in chile. Analysis of the National Health Survey 2009-2010]. / Factores asociados a caídas en adultos mayores chilenos: evidencia de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: A decrease in functional capacity due to ageing is one of the main risk factors for falls in older people. AIM: To investigate factors associated with falls in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the self-reports of falls of 1,334 people aged ≥ 60 years who answered the National Health Survey 2009-2010. Falls during the last 12 months were recorded. Lifestyle, socio-demographic and health status were analyzed. A Poisson regression with robust variance estimates was performed to identify factors associated with falls. RESULTS: Falls during the preceding year were reported by 37% of respondents (95% confidence intervals (CI): 32-42]. Fall frequency was higher in women (Prevalence ratio (PR):1.30 [95% CI:1.11; 1.53], p < 0.01) and those aged ≥ 75 years (PR:1.29 [95% CI:1.04; 1.61], p = 0.02). Hearing impairment (PR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.07; 1.61], p < 0.01), impaired vision (PR:1.46 [95% CI:1.20; 1.77], p < 0.01), low self-reported wellbeing (PR: 1.41 [95% CI: 1.03; 1.94], p = 0.03) and disability (PR: 1.54 [95% CI:1.32; 1.79], p < 0.01) were associated with falls. However, multimorbidity (having ≥ 3 diseases) was negatively associated with falls (PR: 0.79 [95% CI: 0.63; 0.99], p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among older people, female sex, being aged > 75 years and having disability, hearing or vision impairment are risk factors for falls.

[Association between adiposity and asthma]. / ¿Existe asociación entre asma y adiposidad en la población adulta chilena?

BACKGROUND: In people with asthma, adiposity is associated with more symptoms and less control of the disease whereas on those without asthma adiposity is associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. AIM: To investigate the association between asthma and adiposity markers in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 5,499 adults older than 15-years-old from the Chilean National Health Survey 20162017 were analyzed. Quintiles of body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used as a proxy of adiposity. The association between asthma and quintiles of BMI and WC was determined by logistic regression. RESULTS: A higher BMI and WC was associated with a higher odds for asthma. This trend remained significant even after adjusting the models for socio-demographic factors, physical activity and smoking (Odds Ratio [OR] BMI: 1.13 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.04; 1.22], p < 0.01 and OR WC: 1.15 [95% IC: 1.06; 1.25], p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher BMI and WC were positively associated with asthma.