Cut-off points of anthropometric markers associated with hypertension and diabetes in Peru: Demographic and Health Survey 2018.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal anthropometric cut-off points for predicting the likelihood ratios of hypertension and diabetes in the Peruvian population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed to establish cut-off values for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist:height ratio (WHtR) and Conicity index (C-index) associated with increased risk of hypertension and diabetes. Youden's index (YIndex), area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated. SETTING: Peruvian households. PARTICIPANTS: Peruvian population over the age of 18 years. RESULTS: A total of 31 553 subjects were included, 57 % being women. Among the women, 53·06 % belonged to the 25- to 44-year-old age group [mean age: 41·66 in men and 40·02 in women]. The mean BMI, WHtR and C-index values were higher in women 27·49, 0·61, 1·30, respectively, while the mean WC value was higher in men 92·12 cm (sd ± 11·28). The best predictors of hypertension in men were the WHtR (AUC = 0·64) and the C-index (AUC = 0·64) with an optimal cut-off point of 0·57 (YIndex = 0·284) and 1·301 (YIndex = 0·284), respectively. Women showed an AUC of 0·63 and 0·61 in the WHtR and C-index, respectively, with an optimal cut-off of 0·61 (YIndex = 0·236) and 1·323 (YIndex = 0·225). The best predictor for diabetes was the C-index: with an AUC = 0·67 and an optimal cut-off of 1·337 (YIndex = 0·346) for men and an AUC = 0·66 and optimal cut-off of 1·313 (YIndex = 0·319) for women. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that in Peruvian adults, the WHtR and the C-index have the strongest association with hypertension in both sexes. Likewise, the C-index had the strongest association with diabetes.

[Head of household disability can increase household food insecurity: an analysis of a Colombian population survey]. / La discapacidad del jefe de familia aumenta la severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria en el hogar: análisis de una encuesta poblacional colombiana.

This study investigated the association between head of household disability and the severity of food insecurity in Colombian households during 2017. A secondary data analysis was conducted based on 2017 Colombian National Quality of Life Survey (ECV 2017). As the independent variable, disability was assessed using questions from the Washington group, whereas the dependent variable - food insecurity - was measured by the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). Sociodemographic confounding variables and variables related to food insecurity were included. Association was analyzed by ordinal logistic regression, and the odds ratio (OR) was estimated with its 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). All calculations considered the complex sampling of ECV 2017. Data from 8,488 heads of household were included. A total of 9.2% of the participants had some type of disability and 41.8% reported some level of household food insecurity. Households with a head of household with some disability were 30% more likely to develop severe food insecurity compared with households with a head of household without disabilities (OR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.07-1.59), adjusted for multiple confounding variables. In 2017, Colombian households with heads of household with disabilities were more likely to develop severe food insecurity. It is essential to implement nutritional assistance programs aimed at vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la asociación entre la discapacidad del jefe de familia y la severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria de su hogar, en pobladores de Colombia, durante el 2017. Se realizó un análisis secundario de los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Calidad de Vida del 2017 (ECV 2017) de Colombia. La variable independiente fue la discapacidad evaluada con las preguntas del grupo de Washington y la variable dependiente fue la inseguridad alimentaria medida con la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria (ELCSA). Se incluyeron variables de confusión sociodemográficas y relacionadas con la inseguridad alimentaria. Para demostrar la asociación se utilizó la regresión logística ordinal y se estimaron odds ratio (OR) con sus intervalos de 95% de confianza (IC95%). En todos los cálculos se consideró el muestreo complejo de la ECV 2017. Se incluyeron los datos de 8.488 jefes de familia. El 9,2% admitió que tenía alguna discapacidad y el 41,8% refirió que su hogar presentaba algún nivel de inseguridad alimentaria. Los hogares con un jefe de familia con discapacidad tuvieron 30% más probabilidad de mayor severidad de inseguridad alimentaria, en comparación con los hogares con un jefe de familia sin discapacidad (OR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,07-1,59), ajustado por múltiples variables de confusión. En conclusión, en Colombia, durante el 2017, la discapacidad de los jefes de familia aumentó la probabilidad de mayor severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria en sus hogares. Es necesaria la creación de programas de asistencia nutricional enfocados en las poblaciones vulnerables como las personas con discapacidad.

Este estudo busca determinar a associação entre a deficiência do chefe de família e a gravidade da insegurança alimentar em domicílios colombianos durante 2017. Foi realizada uma análise secundária dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Qualidade de Vida de 2017 (ECV 2017) da Colômbia. A variável independente foi a deficiência, avaliada por meio de perguntas do grupo de Washington, e a variável dependente foi a insegurança alimentar, medida pela Escala de Segurança Alimentar da América Latina e do Caribe (ELCSA). Foram incluídas variáveis de confusão sociodemográficas e relacionadas à insegurança alimentar. A regressão logística ordinal foi utilizada para analisar a associação, e a razão de probabilidades (OR) foi estimada com seus intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Em todos os cálculos foi considerada a amostragem complexa da ECV 2017. Foram incluídos dados de 8.488 chefes de família. Houve 9,2% dos participantes com algum tipo de deficiência e 41,8% relataram que seu domicílio apresentava algum nível de insegurança alimentar. Os domicílios com chefe de família com deficiência tiveram 30% mais chances de desenvolver insegurança alimentar mais grave, em comparação com as famílias com chefe de família sem deficiência (OR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,07-1,59), ajustado para múltiplas variáveis de confusão. Em 2017, os domicílios colombianos com chefes de família com deficiência tiveram maior probabilidade de desenvolver insegurança alimentar grave. É necessária a implementação de programas de assistência nutricional voltados para populações vulneráveis como as pessoas com deficiência.

Emotional Impact of COVID-19 and Emotional Eating and the Risk of Alcohol Use Disorder in Peruvian Healthcare Students.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the association between the emotional impact of COVID-19 and emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among Peruvian health science students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in which an online questionnaire was administered to 456 health science interns from four cities in Peru. We used the COVID-19 Emotional Impact Profile questionnaire, Mindful Eating Questionnaire, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Spearman's correlations were calculated and two multiple linear regression models were developed. RESULTS: 68.4% of the participants were emotional eaters and 8.6% reported low-risk levels of alcohol use disorder. Based on the results of the first model, the overall emotional impact of COVID-19, being overweight or obese, depression and anxiety levels, and living with only one parent were factors associated with emotional eating. The results of the second model showed that the level of depression, living with just one parent, living alone, sex, and number of months as an intern were factors associated with the risk of alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among interns, universities should implement interventions aimed at reducing the emotional impact of COVID-19 and provide nutritional counseling.

Exploring Children's Knowledge of Healthy Eating, Digital Media Use, and Caregivers' Perspectives to Inform Design and Contextual Considerations for Game-Based Interventions in Schools for Low-Income Families in Lima, Peru: Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren is increasing in Peru. Given the increased use of digital media, there is potential to develop effective digital health interventions to promote healthy eating practices at schools. This study investigates the needs of schoolchildren in relation to healthy eating and the potential role of digital media to inform the design of game-based nutritional interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore schoolchildren's knowledge about healthy eating and use of and preferences for digital media to inform the future development of a serious game to promote healthy eating. METHODS: A survey was conducted in 17 schools in metropolitan Lima, Peru. The information was collected virtually with specific questions for the schoolchild and their caregiver during October 2021 and November 2021 and following the COVID-19 public health restrictions. Questions on nutritional knowledge and preferences for and use of digital media were included. In the descriptive analysis, the percentages of the variables of interest were calculated. RESULTS: We received 3937 validated responses from caregivers and schoolchildren. The schoolchildren were aged between 8 years and 15 years (2030/3937, 55.8% girls). Of the caregivers, 83% (3267/3937) were mothers, and 56.5% (2223/3937) had a secondary education. Only 5.2% (203/3937) of schoolchildren's homes did not have internet access; such access was through WiFi (2151/3937, 54.6%) and mobile internet (1314/3937, 33.4%). In addition, 95.3% (3753/3937) of schoolchildren's homes had a mobile phone; 31.3% (1233/3937) had computers. In relation to children's knowledge on healthy eating, 42.2% (1663/3937) of schoolchildren did not know the recommendation to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, 46.7% (1837/3937) of schoolchildren did not identify front-of-package warning labels (FOPWLs), and 63.9% (2514/3937) did not relate the presence of an FOPWL with dietary risk. Most schoolchildren (3100/3937, 78.7%) preferred to use a mobile phone. Only 38.3% (1509/3937) indicated they preferred a computer. In addition, 47.9% (1885/3937) of caregivers considered that the internet helps in the education of schoolchildren, 82.7% (3254/3937) of caregivers gave permission for schoolchildren to play games with digital devices, and 38% (1495/3937) of caregivers considered that traditional digital games for children are inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that knowledge about nutrition in Peruvian schoolchildren has limitations. Most schoolchildren have access to the internet, with mobile phones being the device type with the greatest availability and preference for use. Caregivers' perspectives on games and schoolchildren, including a greater interest in using digital games, provide opportunities for the design and development of serious games to improve schoolchildren's nutritional knowledge in Peru. Future research is needed to explore the potential of serious games that are tailored to the needs and preferences of both schoolchildren and their caregivers in Peru in order to promote healthy eating.

Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrant and refugee urban households in Peru.

Introduction: Food insecurity (FI) is a public health problem affecting many regions of the world. In Venezuela, the political, social and economic situation experienced since 2010 has caused a mass migration of its population to other countries, including Peru, which, in turn, may have limited access to and availability of food leading to a high nutritional burden in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and analyze the determinants of FI in the households of Venezuelan immigrants in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the "Encuesta Dirigida a la Población Venezolana que Reside en el País" (ENPOVE 2022). The dependent variable was moderate-severe FI (yes/no), which was constructed from an eight-item Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) to measure FI at the household level. Poisson log generalized linear regression models were fitted to assess the association between the independent variables and FI. In addition, the reliability of the FIES as a tool for measuring food insecurity in the target population was determined. Results: A total of 3,491 households with Venezuelan migrants and refugees were included in the analysis. We found that 39.0% of Venezuelan immigrant households in Peru experienced moderate-severe FI. The determinants of FI included socio-demographic characteristics of the household head, and economic and geographical characteristics of the household. Regarding the FIES, we found that the inclusion of 7 of the 8 items had adequate internal consistency and its items assessed the same latent range. Discussion: This study highlights the need to identify determinants associated with FI to design strategies that mitigate the consequences of health crises and strengthen regional food systems, making them more sustainable. Although several studies have evaluated the prevalence of FI in Venezuelan migrant populations in other countries, this study is the first to evaluate the determinants of FI in Venezuelan immigrant households in Peru.

Iron status and hemoglobin adjustment by altitude to define anemia in children aged 6 to 8 months living in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno. / Estado de hierro y propuesta de ajuste de hemoglobina por altitud en niños de 6 a 8 meses residentes en Lima, Arequipa, Cusco y Puno.

OBJECTIVE.: To describe the iron status profile and to propose hemoglobin adjustment factors for altitude for children aged 6 to 8 months in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Cross-sectional study in children aged 6 to 8 months from four cities. We measured hemoglobin and other iron biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP), among others. To estimate the adjustment equation, we applied an exponential regression. We excluded children with iron deficiency (ID) and/or inflammation. RESULTS.: The proportions of ID were higher in Puno and Arequipa, while inflammation did not exceed 19% in any of the cities. Hemoglobin showed an exponential increase at higher altitude. The adjustment equation was: 10.34249 x (1.00007 ^ Alt). CONCLUSIONS.: Children residing in Arequipa and Puno showed higher rates of ID and lower iron reserves; furthermore, the increase in hemoglobin by altitude was exponential, showing the need to adjust hemoglobin at altitude.

OBJETIVOS.: Caracterizar el estado del hierro y proponer factores de ajuste de hemoglobina por altitud, en niños de 6 a 8 meses de Lima, Arequipa, Cusco y Puno. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio transversal en niños de 6 a 8 meses de edad en cuatro ciudades, se midió hemoglobina y otros biomarcadores de hierro, Proteína C reactiva (PCR), entre otros. Para estimar la ecuación de ajuste, se aplicó una regresión exponencial y excluimos a los niños con deficiencia de hierro (DH) y/o inflamación. RESULTADOS.: Las proporciones de DH fueron mayores en Puno y Arequipa, mientras que la inflamación no superó el 19% en ninguna de las ciudades. La hemoglobina mostró un incremento exponencial a mayor altitud. La ecuación de ajuste fue: 10,34249 x (1,00007

Correlation and agreement between the body mass index and abdominal perimeter with the waist-to-height ratio in peruvian adults aged 18 to 59 years. / Correlación y concordancia del índice de masa corporal con el perímetro abdominal y el índice cintura-talla en adultos peruanos de 18 a 59 años.

OBJECTIVE.: Motivation for the study: the body mass index (BMI) is the most widely used criterion for diagnosing obesity, despite its limitations and the fact that it is not the most accurate for identifying the risks of metabolic diseases. In Peru, the correlation of various anthropometric measures has not been evaluated in a representative sample of adults. Main findings: the correlation was poor between BMI and abdominal perimeter (AP) and BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and moderate between AP and WHtR. In addition, the diagnostic agreement between BMI and AP was acceptable but between BMI and WHtR was mild. Implications: the results show that the anthropometric measures evaluated are not interchangeable and that the use of BMI should be re-evaluated since there are other indexes that identify the risks of chronic diseases earlier. To determine the correlation and diagnostic agreement of body mass index (BMI) and abdominal perimeter (AP) with the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A descriptive, cross-sectional, secondary data study was conducted using the anthropometric databases of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance Survey by Adult Life Stages from 18 to 59 years old, 2017-2018, which included 1084 individuals for the geographic domains of Metropolitan Lima, other urban areas, and rural regions. The prevalence of obesity was estimated according to BMI, AP and WHtR. Lin's correlation coefficient and Cohen's Kappa were used to determine the correlation and agreement between the three anthropometric measurements. RESULTS.: According to the BMI, AP, and WHtR criteria, the prevalence of obesity was 26.8%, 50.4% and 85.4%, respectively; the prevalence was higher in women and in those over 30 years of age. The correlation between BMI and AP, as well as between BMI and WHtR was poor; it was moderate between AP and WHtR, with differences between men and women. Furthermore, the agreement between BMI and AP was acceptable, whereas the agreement between BMI vs. WHtR was mild. CONCLUSIONS.: The results regarding correlation and agreement are limited and suggest that they are not interchangeable measures, so it is necessary to evaluate the adequacy of using BMI alone for the diagnosis of obesity in Peru. The limited correlation and agreement was reflected in the different proportions of obesity that range from 26.8% to 85.4% when applying the three criteria.

OBJETIVOS.: Motivación para realizar el estudio: el índice masa corporal (IMC) es el criterio más usado para diagnosticar obesidad, a pesar de sus limitaciones y de que no es el más preciso para identificar los riesgos de enfermedades metabólicas. En Perú no se ha evaluado la correlación de diversas medidas antropométricas en una muestra representativa de adultos. Principales hallazgos: la correlación entre el IMC y el perímetro abdominal (PA) e IMC y el índice cintura-talla (ICT) fue pobre y entre PA e ICT fue moderada. Además, la concordancia diagnóstica entre; IMC y PA fue aceptable y entre IMC e ICT fue leve. Implicancias: los resultados muestran que las medidas antropométricas evaluadas no serían intercambiables y que al existir otros índices que identifican más precozmente los riesgos a enfermedades crónicas debe evaluarse el uso del IMC. Determinar la correlación y concordancia diagnóstica del índice de masa corporal (IMC), con el perímetro abdominal (PA) y el índice cintura-talla (ICT). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, de datos secundarios usando las bases de datos antropométricos de la Encuesta Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional por Etapas de Vida Adulto de 18 a 59 años 2017-2018 que incluyó 1084 personas para los dominios geográficos Lima Metropolitana, resto urbano y rural. Se estimaron las prevalencias de obesidad según IMC, PA e ICT y se empleó el coeficiente de correlación de Lin y Kappa de Cohen para determinar la correlación y concordancia entre las tres mediciones antropométricas. RESULTADOS.: Según los criterios de IMC, PA e ICT las prevalencias de obesidad fueron de 26,8%, 50,4% y 85,4%, respectivamente; las prevalencias fueron mayores en mujeres y en mayores de 30 años. La correlación entre IMC vs. PA e IMC vs. ICT fue pobre y de PA con ICT fue moderada, con diferencias entre hombres y mujeres. Además, la concordancia entre IMC y PA fue aceptable, mientras que la concordancia entre IMC vs. ICT fue leve. CONCLUSIONES: . Los resultados de la correlación y concordancia son limitados y sugieren que no son medidas intercambiables, por lo que es necesario evaluar la suficiencia de emplear solo IMC para el diagnóstico de obesidad en el Perú. Esta limitada correlación y concordancia se refleja en las diferentes proporciones de obesidad que oscilan entre 26,8% a 85,4% al aplicar los tres criterios.

Perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals on the guideline of management and treatment of anemia among children under 3 years of age during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Percepciones y experiencias de los profesionales de la salud sobre la aplicación de la norma de manejo y tratamiento de la anemia en menores de tres años durante la pandemia de la COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE.: To understand the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals on the application of the guideline for the management and treatment of anemia in children under 3 years old, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in metropolitan Lima, 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Phenomenological design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals: physicians, nurses and nutritionists working at the first level of care in the Ministry of Health in Lima, Peru. The interviews were conducted virtually with the participants, all of whom worked face-to-face in services providing care to children under 3 years old. Data analysis was thematic and NVivo software was used for coding. RESULTS.: A total of 33 interviews with healthcare professionals were conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. Four themes emerged about the guideline: its feasibility, perceived imperfections, challenges in implementing it, and prospects for improvement. The health professionals interviewed perceived the guideline to be feasible to implement, but there were gaps in the indications that should have been more explicit. Nevertheless, they expressed their challenges and expectations for improvement. CONCLUSIONS.: Healthcare professionals perceived that it was feasible to use the guideline and emphasized their experiences overcoming perceived difficulties and weaknesses in the guidelines for anemia management and treatment.

OBJETIVOS.: Comprender las percepciones y experiencias de los profesionales de la salud sobre la aplicación de la directiva para el manejo y tratamiento de anemia en niños menores de tres años, durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en Lima Metropolitana, año 2020. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio de diseño fenomenológico. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas individuales a profesionales de salud: médicos, enfermeras y nutricionistas que trabajaban en el primer nivel de atención en el Ministerio de Salud de Lima, Perú. Las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo en forma virtual. Todos laboraban en forma presencial en servicios de atención a niños menores de tres años. El análisis de datos fue temático, para las codificaciones se utilizó el software NVivo. RESULTADOS.: Se realizaron 33 entrevistas a profesionales de la salud, entre noviembre de 2020 a enero de 2021. Surgieron cuatro temas emergentes sobre la norma: su factibilidad, imperfecciones percibidas, los desafíos para implementarla y las perspectivas de mejora. Los profesionales entrevistados percibieron que la norma era factible de ejecutarla, pero presentaba vacíos en las indicaciones que deberían estar más explícitos los aspectos del manejo y tratamiento de la anemia. A pesar de ello dieron a conocer sus desafíos y expectativas de mejora. CONCLUSIONES.: Los encuestados percibieron que fue factible utilizar la norma y destacaron sus experiencias para lograr superar las dificultades pese a encontrar vacíos en la normativa para el manejo y tratamiento de la anemia.

Analysis of the distribution of macronutrients of food baskets delivered by municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. / Análisis de la distribución de macronutrientes en canastas alimentarias entregadas por las municipalidades durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Perú.

OBJECTIVES.: To evaluate and compare the macronutrient distribution of the food baskets delivered by Peruvian municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the geographic domain and assigned budget level. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Secondary analysis of the database "Consultation of Acquisition and distribution of basic necessities of the basic family basket" of the General Comptroller of the Republic. Stratified probability sampling was carried out. The caloric intake distribution was calculated according to macronutrients and compared with the Acceptable Intervals of Macronutrient Distribution (IADM) of the Nutrition Institute of Central America and Panama (INCAP) and the National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI). RESULTS.: At the national level, the median caloric intake of proteins was 7.7%; for carbohydrates it was 62.5%; and for fats it was 28.1%. The proportion of municipalities with protein deficit was 84%; Municipalities with excess carbohydrates ranged from 16.5% (according to INCAP) to 35.9% (according to INDECI), and with excess fat, it was between 61.6% (according to INCAP) and 20.2% (according to INDECI). According to INDECI, nationally only 9.2% of municipalities delivered baskets with an adequate distribution of macronutrients; Metropolitan Lima stands out with the highest proportions of adequate baskets, while in the Jungle region this percentage was less than 5%. CONCLUSIONS.: Most of the baskets delivered did not have adequate macronutrient distribution. Especially the baskets of municipalities outside of Metropolitan Lima or those that had smaller budget. Carbohydrates and fats were the nutrients that were included in excess, while proteins were deficient.

OBJETIVOS.: Evaluar y comparar la distribución de macronutrientes de las canastas alimentarias entregadas por las municipalidades peruanas durante la pandemia de COVID-19 según dominio geográfico y nivel de presupuesto asignado. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Análisis secundario de la base de datos «Consulta de adquisición y distribución de bienes de primera necesidad de la canasta básica familiar¼ de la Contraloría General de la República. Se realizó un muestreo probabilístico estratificado. Se calculó la distribución del aporte calórico según macronutrientes y se comparó con los intervalos aceptables de distribución de macronutrientes (IADM) del Instituto de Nutrición de Centro América y Panamá (INCAP) y del Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI). RESULTADOS.: A nivel nacional la mediana del aporte calórico de las proteínas fue 7,7%; carbohidratos 62,5%, y grasas 28,1%. La proporción de municipalidades con canastas con déficit de proteínas fue de 84%. Las municipalidades con canastas con exceso de carbohidratos variaron de 16,5% (según INCAP) a 35,9% (según INDECI) y con exceso de grasas fue 61,6 % (según INCAP) y 20,2% (según INDECI). Según INDECI, a nivel nacional solo el 9,2% de municipalidades entregaron canastas con distribución adecuada de macronutrientes, aquí destaca Lima Metropolitana con las proporciones más altas; mientras que en la selva este porcentaje fue menor del 5%. CONCLUSIONES.: La mayoría de las canastas entregadas no tuvieron distribución adecuada de macronutrientes, en especial las canastas de municipalidades fuera de Lima Metropolitana o las que contaban con menor presupuesto. Los carbohidratos y las grasas fueron los nutrientes que se incluyeron en exceso, mientras que las proteínas tuvieron déficit.

COVID-19, body weight and the neighbourhood: food system dimensions and consumption associated with changes in body weight of Peruvian adults during first wave lockdowns.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess changes in the dimensions of the food system and consumption associated with body weight variations during the first month's lockdown in Peruvian adults in Metropolitan Lima. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted during the first months of lockdowns in Peru. 694 adults completed a web-based survey about changes experienced in the process of acquiring food during lockdown, changes in their intake and self-perceived body weight. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with changes in body weight. Results: Weight gain was perceived in 38% of the participants and 22.8% perceived weight loss. 39.2% did not perceive changes in their weight. Risk factors for body weight gain were increased alcohol consumption (OR=4.510, 95% CI 1.764 to 11.531) and decreased fruit consumption (OR=2.129, 95% CI 1.290 to 3.515), while decreasing cereal intake (OR=0.498, 95% CI 0.269 to 0.922) and choosing nutritious food as a driver for purchase (OR=0.512, 95% CI 0.320 to 0.821) were found to be protective against gaining weight. Decreasing food intake during the pandemic (OR=2.188, 95% CI 1.348 to 3.550) and having to miss important foods (OR=2.354, 95% CI 1.393 to 3.978), were associated with weight loss. Conclusions: During confinement, weight gain was mostly associated with food consumption and personal food system factors. Meanwhile, weight loss was associated with external food system factors.

Does food biodiversity protect against malnutrition and favour the resilience to climate change-related events in Amazon Indigenous communities? A protocol for a mixed methods study.

Background : Undernutrition is projected to be a major consequence of climate change. Biodiversity could enhance climate change resilience by improving nutritional outcomes and providing healthy food resources during and/or after climate-related events. For Indigenous populations who currently base their diet on local biodiversity, rapid climate changes may affect their ability to produce, access or gather food and consequently impact their nutritional status. There is a knowledge gap regarding whether nutritional status among Indigenous populations is better among those who consume a diet with greater biodiversity than those who have a diet with low biodiversity. Objective : This study aims to investigate the role of food biodiversity (FBD) in nutritional resilience to extreme flooding events of Shawi Amazon Indigenous adults living in Peruvian communities that have experienced extreme floods in the past five years. Methods : This study will use a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. The quantitative component includes a cross-sectional survey to assess the association between food biodiversity (FBD) and the prevalence of anaemia in adults aged 15 to 60 years old (n=365). Anaemia will be evaluated using blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin. FBD will be measured with a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall. Soil-transmitted helminth infections, malaria, and inflammatory biomarkers will also be evaluated. The qualitative component will include a community-based participatory approach to investigate the role of FBD in the responses to extreme floods. Male (n=14) and female (n=14) participants, previously identified in the quantitative phase with high and low levels of FBD, will be invited to participate in a Photovoice activity and semi-structured interviews. A analytical framework for climate change resilience will be used to integrate the data. Discussion : Findings will be integrated to identify nutritional resilience indicators that can inform adaptative interventions to changing climatic conditions in the Amazon and that respect Indigenous worldviews.

Social predictors of food insecurity during the stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. Results from a cross-sectional web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Stay-at-home orders and social distancing have been implemented as the primary tools to reduce the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, this approach has indirectly lead to the unemployment of 2·3 million Peruvians, in Lima, Perú alone. As a result, the risk of food insecurity may have increased, especially in low-income families who rely on a daily wage. This study estimates the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity (MSFI) and identifies the associated factors that explain this outcome during the stay-at-home order. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey, with non-probabilistic sampling, was conducted between May 18 and June 30, 2020, during the stay-at-home order in Peru. We used social media advertisements on Facebook to reach 18-59-year-olds living in Peru. MSFI was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Rasch model methodology requirements were considered, and factors associated with MSFI were selected using stepwise forward selection. A Poisson generalized linear model (Poisson GLM), with log link function, was employed to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). FINDINGS: This analysis is based on 1846 replies. The prevalence of MSFI was 23·2%, and FIES proved to be an acceptable instrument with reliability 0·72 and infit 0·8-1·3. People more likely to experience MSFI were those with low income (less than 255 US$/month) in the pre-pandemic period (aPR 3·77; 95%CI, 1·98-7·16), those whose income was significantly reduced during the pandemic period (aPR 2·27; 95%CI, 1·55-3·31), and those whose savings ran out in less than 21 days (aPR 1·86; 95%CI, 1·43-2·42). Likewise, heads of households (aPR 1·20; 95%CI, 1·00-1·44) and those with probable SARS-CoV2 cases as relatives (aPR 1·29; 95%CI, 1·05-1·58) were at an increased risk of MSFI. Additionally, those who perceived losing weight during the pandemic (aPR 1·21; 95%CI, 1·01-1·45), and increases in processed foods prices (aPR 1·31; 95%CI, 1·08-1·59), and eating less minimally processed food (aPR 1·82; 95%CI, 1·48-2·24) were more likely to experience MSFI. INTERPRETATION: People most at risk of MSFI were those in a critical economic situation before and during the pandemic. Social protection policies should be reinforced to prevent or mitigate these adverse effects.

Factors associated with attitudes towards violence in schoolchildren from marginal urban areas of Metropolitan Lima, 2019. / Factores asociados a las actitudes hacia la violencia en escolares de las zonas urbano-marginales de Lima Metropolitana, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with attitudes towards violence (ATV) in schoolchildren from public educational institutions (EI) located in marginal urban areas of Metropolitan Lima in 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive and transversal study. The sample was made up of adolescents from 10 mixed-gender EIs enrolled between the sixth grade of primary school and the third year of secondary school. The questionnaire of attitudes towards violence (CAHV-25) was used. During the bivariate analysis, the Spearman Correlation Coefficient, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test with Dunn's post-hoc adjusted by Bonferroni were used. To determine the associated factors, multivariate analysis was performed using negative binomial regression model. RESULTS: 45.1% of the schoolchildren were female and 87.3% received information on school bullying. In the bivariate analysis, statistically significant differences were found between the ATV scores and age (p = 0.003), sex (p < 0.001), having a social network account (p = 0.009) and year of study (p < 0.001); however, in the multivariate model, the factors associated with the total ATV scores were age (p = 0.012) and sex (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The factors associated with ATV in schoolchildren from public EIs were age and sex, these findings would indicate the need to consider the gender perspective in the analysis of school violence and differentiate interventions according to age.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados a las actitudes hacia la violencia (AHV) en escolares de instituciones educativas (IE) públicas ubicadas en zonas urbano-marginales de Lima Metropolitana en 2019. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Los participantes fueron adolescentes de diez IE mixtas del sexto grado de primaria al tercer año de secundaria. Se empleó el cuestionario de actitudes hacia la violencia (CAHV25). En el análisis bivariado se empleó la prueba de coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, la U de Mann-Whitney y la H de Kruskal Wallis con post hoc de Dunn, ajustado por método de Bonferroni. Para determinar los factores asociados se realizó el análisis multivariado mediante un modelo de regresión binomial negative. RESULTADOS: El 45,1% de escolares fueron de sexo femenino y el 87,3% recibió información sobre acoso escolar. En el análisis bivariado, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los puntajes de las AHV con la edad (p = 0,003), el sexo (p < 0,001), tener una cuenta de red social (p = 0,009) y el año de estudios (p < 0,001); sin embargo, en el modelo multivariado, los factores que estuvieron asociados al puntaje total de las AHV fueron la edad (p = 0,012) y el sexo (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: Los factores asociados a las AHV en escolares de IE públicas fueron la edad y el sexo; estos hallazgos indicarían la necesidad de considerar la perspectiva de género en el análisis de la violencia escolar y diferenciar las intervenciones según edad.

[Impact of micronutrient powder on anemia in children aged 10-35 months in Apurimac, Peru]. / Impacto de micronutrientes en polvo sobre la anemia en niños de 10 a 35 meses de edad en Apurímac, Perú.

OBJECTIVE.: Objective. To assess the impact of micronutrient powder supplementation (MNP) in reducing anemia in children aged 10 to 35 months in Apurimac, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A secondary analysis of the database of the Evaluation of supplementation with MNP in the Apurímac region, conducted by the National Food and Nutrition Center (CENAN, in Spanish) between 2009 and 2010, was conducted. The intervention group was defined as children who consumed 60 or more packets of MNP; to generate the controls (children who did not consume MNP), we applied a propensity score matching (PSM); and, to estimate the impact of the MNP, we compared the prevalence of anemia in each study group, weighted by the probability of participation, applying three matching algorithms: nearest neighbor, kernel and local linear regression. All calculations were performed in the Stata 14 SE statistical program. RESULTS.: The prevalence of anemia was significantly lower by up to 11 percentage points in the intervention group compared to controls (p=0.001), and mean hemoglobin increased by 0.3 g/dL in the same group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS.: MNP supplementation showed impact in reducing anemia and increasing hemoglobin level in children who consumed 60 or more packets of MNP over a six-month period. Efforts to reduce anemia by using MNP to prevent this nutritional deficiency should continue.

OBJETIVOS.: Evaluar el impacto de la suplementación con micronutrientes en polvo (MNP) en la reducción de anemia en niños de 10 a 35 meses de edad de Apurímac, Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un análisis secundario de la base de datos de la Evaluación de suplementación con MNP en la región de Apurímac, realizada por el Centro Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición (CENAN) entre 2009 y 2010. Se definió como grupo de intervención a los niños que consumieron 60 o más sobres de MNP, para generar los controles (niños sin consumo de MNP) aplicamos un propensity score matching (PSM), y en la estimación del impacto de los MNP comparamos la prevalencia de anemia en cada grupo de estudio, ponderada por la probabilidad de participación, aplicando tres algoritmos de emparejamiento: vecino más cercano, kernel y regresión lineal local. Todos los cálculos se realizaron en el programa estadístico Stata 14 SE. RESULTADOS.: La prevalencia de anemia fue significativamente menor hasta en 11 puntos porcentuales en el grupo de intervención comparado con los controles (p=0,001) y que el promedio de hemoglobina aumentó en 0,3 g/dL en el mismo grupo (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES.: La suplementación con MNP mostró impacto para reducir la anemia e incrementar el nivel de hemoglobina en niños que consumieron 60 o más sobres de MNP en un periodo de seis meses. Se deben continuar los esfuerzos por reducir la anemia empleando los MNP para prevenir esta deficiencia nutricional.

La discapacidad del jefe de familia aumenta la severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria en el hogar: análisis de una encuesta poblacional colombiana / Head of household disability can increase household food insecurity: an analysis of a Colombian population survey / A deficiência do chefe de família pode aumentar a insegurança alimentar domiciliar: análise de uma pesquisa populacional colombiana

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la asociación entre la discapacidad del jefe de familia y la severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria de su hogar, en pobladores de Colombia, durante el 2017. Se realizó un análisis secundario de los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Calidad de Vida del 2017 (ECV 2017) de Colombia. La variable independiente fue la discapacidad evaluada con las preguntas del grupo de Washington y la variable dependiente fue la inseguridad alimentaria medida con la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria (ELCSA). Se incluyeron variables de confusión sociodemográficas y relacionadas con la inseguridad alimentaria. Para demostrar la asociación se utilizó la regresión logística ordinal y se estimaron odds ratio (OR) con sus intervalos de 95% de confianza (IC95%). En todos los cálculos se consideró el muestreo complejo de la ECV 2017. Se incluyeron los datos de 8.488 jefes de familia. El 9,2% admitió que tenía alguna discapacidad y el 41,8% refirió que su hogar presentaba algún nivel de inseguridad alimentaria. Los hogares con un jefe de familia con discapacidad tuvieron 30% más probabilidad de mayor severidad de inseguridad alimentaria, en comparación con los hogares con un jefe de familia sin discapacidad (OR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,07-1,59), ajustado por múltiples variables de confusión. En conclusión, en Colombia, durante el 2017, la discapacidad de los jefes de familia aumentó la probabilidad de mayor severidad de la inseguridad alimentaria en sus hogares. Es necesaria la creación de programas de asistencia nutricional enfocados en las poblaciones vulnerables como las personas con discapacidad.

Abstract: This study investigated the association between head of household disability and the severity of food insecurity in Colombian households during 2017. A secondary data analysis was conducted based on 2017 Colombian National Quality of Life Survey (ECV 2017). As the independent variable, disability was assessed using questions from the Washington group, whereas the dependent variable - food insecurity - was measured by the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). Sociodemographic confounding variables and variables related to food insecurity were included. Association was analyzed by ordinal logistic regression, and the odds ratio (OR) was estimated with its 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). All calculations considered the complex sampling of ECV 2017. Data from 8,488 heads of household were included. A total of 9.2% of the participants had some type of disability and 41.8% reported some level of household food insecurity. Households with a head of household with some disability were 30% more likely to develop severe food insecurity compared with households with a head of household without disabilities (OR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.07-1.59), adjusted for multiple confounding variables. In 2017, Colombian households with heads of household with disabilities were more likely to develop severe food insecurity. It is essential to implement nutritional assistance programs aimed at vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities.

Resumo: Este estudo busca determinar a associação entre a deficiência do chefe de família e a gravidade da insegurança alimentar em domicílios colombianos durante 2017. Foi realizada uma análise secundária dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Qualidade de Vida de 2017 (ECV 2017) da Colômbia. A variável independente foi a deficiência, avaliada por meio de perguntas do grupo de Washington, e a variável dependente foi a insegurança alimentar, medida pela Escala de Segurança Alimentar da América Latina e do Caribe (ELCSA). Foram incluídas variáveis de confusão sociodemográficas e relacionadas à insegurança alimentar. A regressão logística ordinal foi utilizada para analisar a associação, e a razão de probabilidades (OR) foi estimada com seus intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Em todos os cálculos foi considerada a amostragem complexa da ECV 2017. Foram incluídos dados de 8.488 chefes de família. Houve 9,2% dos participantes com algum tipo de deficiência e 41,8% relataram que seu domicílio apresentava algum nível de insegurança alimentar. Os domicílios com chefe de família com deficiência tiveram 30% mais chances de desenvolver insegurança alimentar mais grave, em comparação com as famílias com chefe de família sem deficiência (OR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,07-1,59), ajustado para múltiplas variáveis de confusão. Em 2017, os domicílios colombianos com chefes de família com deficiência tiveram maior probabilidade de desenvolver insegurança alimentar grave. É necessária a implementação de programas de assistência nutricional voltados para populações vulneráveis como as pessoas com deficiência.

[Microcephaly in newborns in level II and III health facilities of the Ministry of Health of Peru]. / Microcefalia en recién nacidos en establecimientos de salud de nivel II y III del Ministerio de Salud de Perú.

OBJECTIVES.: To determine the ratio of microcephaly in newborns in level II and III health facilities of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) of Peru for the period 2005-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A secondary analysis of the databases of the Perinatal Information System was carried out during 2005-2013. Microcephaly was identified applying World Health Organization (WHO), Fenton, mixed (WHO-Fenton), and proportionality criteria. The ratios and indices of microcephaly were estimated per 10,000 live births (LB) by region and concordance was compared, using the WHO parameter as a reference. RESULTS.: The ratio of microcephaly during 2005 to 2013 was 3.4%, the average rate of microcephaly was 335 per 10,000 LBs according to the WHO criterion. The mixed parameter showed a substantial concordance (Kappa of 0.635), while the proportionality parameter showed a reasonable concordance (Kappa of 0.298). CONCLUSIONS.: The ratio of microcephaly in MINSA Level II and III health facilities was higher than that reported in other countries in the region before the appearance of Zika in the Americas. The frequency variations observed with those of other countries and among Peruvian regions could be explained by different factors, such as the technique for measuring head circumference, data capture, constitutional factors, and social determinants. We suggest standardizing measurements and their recording, harmonizing diagnostic criteria, and establishing health strategies to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance of the causes of microcephaly.

OBJETIVOS.: Determinar la proporción de microcefalia en recién nacidos en establecimientos de salud (EESS) de nivel II y III del Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) de Perú durante el periodo 2005-2013. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un análisis secundario de las bases de datos del Sistema Informático Perinatal durante 2005-2013. La identificación de microcefalia se realizó aplicando los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), de Fenton, mixto (OMS-Fenton) y de proporcionalidad. Se estimaron las proporciones y tasas de microcefalia por 10 000 nacidos vivos (NV) por regiones y se comparó la concordancia, considerando al parámetro de OMS como referencia. RESULTADOS.: La proporción de microcefalia durante el 2005 a 2013 fue de 3,4%, la tasa promedio de microcefalia fue de 335 por 10 000 NV según el criterio de OMS. El parámetro mixto mostró una concordancia sustancial (Kappa de 0,635), mientras que el de proporcionalidad mostró una concordancia razonable (Kappa de 0,298). CONCLUSIONES.: La proporción de microcefalia en EESS de nivel II y III del MINSA fue mayor a lo reportado en otros países de la región antes de la aparición del Zika en las Américas. Las variaciones de las frecuencias observadas con las de otros países y entre las regiones peruanas, se podrían explicar por diferentes factores, como la técnica de medición del perímetro cefálico, captura de datos, factores constitucionales y determinantes sociales. Sugerimos estandarizar las mediciones y su registro, uniformizar los criterios de diagnóstico y establecer las estrategias sanitarias para fortalecer la vigilancia epidemiológica de las causas de la microcefalia.

Asociación entre vacunación completa y anemia en niños menores de 5 años, del Perú, en los años 2019 a 2021 / Association between complete vaccination and anemia in children under 5 years of age, in Peru, in the years 2019 to 2021

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre vacunación completa y anemia en niños menores a 5 años en los años 2019, 2020 y 2021. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, de análisis secundario de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES) proporcionada por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI) para los años 2019, 2020 y 2021. Se realizaron estimaciones respecto a la tenencia y nivel de anemia en los niños menores de 5 años, tomando como variable principal que los niños se encuentren al día en sus vacunas, según su edad en meses. La vacunación está en función a la Resolución Ministerial Nº 719-2018/MINSA y el periodo de estudio fue entre los años 2019 al 2021. Se describieron las frecuencias y medias de las variables de interés y luego se realizó un análisis bivariado de tipo Logit; finalmente se estimó un análisis ajustado aplicando un modelo de Poisson. Resultados: Se puede observar que, en el año 2019, la magnitud que tiene la inmunización completa, tanto a nivel individual como colectivo, es mayor a los años posteriores. De esta premisa se desprende la conclusión principal, la cual indica que existe asociación entre vacunación completa y probabilidad de anemia en menores a 5 años. Conclusiones: El presente estudio muestra que la vacunación en menores de 5 años reduce significativamente la probabilidad de anemia. Es necesario diseñar nuevas estrategias que permitan garantizar la cobertura de vacunación en la población infantil, dado que previene enfermedades entre ellas la anemia.(AU)

The present study consists of observing the relationship between immunizations and anemia in children under 5 years ofage. Anemia is a public health problem worldwide and LatinAmerica is no exception. Particularly, for the Peruvian case,approximately one third of children under 5 years of age present this disease. The consequences vary depending on thedegree of anemia that occurs; Mild anemia being the mostcommon case among minors. In order to combat anemia, thePeruvian Ministry of Health proposes various actions, including vaccination against rotavirus and pneumococcus as someof them. From this perspective, the question arises if there isa relationship between immunization and anemia. For this,taking information from the Demographic Survey of FamilyHealth (ENDES), estimates are made regarding the possession and level of anemia in children under 5 years of age, taking as the main variable that children are up to date with theirvaccinations, according to their age in months. Vaccination isbased on Ministerial Resolution No. 719-2018/MINSA and the study period is from 2019 to 2021, considering the year inwhich the pandemic began.It can be seen that in 2019, the magnitude of complete immunization, both individually and collectively, is greater thanin subsequent years. From this premise the main conclusioncan be drawn, which indicates that there is an inverse association between complete immunization and the tenure ofanemia in children under 5 years of age.(AU)

[Barriers and Facilitators of Micronutrient Powder Supplementation: Maternal Perceptions and Dynamics of Health Services]. / Barreras y facilitadores a la suplementación con micronutrientes en polvo. Percepciones maternas y dinámica de los servicios de salud.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the barriers and facilitators of micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation to mothers of children aged 6 to 35 months living in the Peruvian cities of Tacna, Loreto, Puno, and Lima. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative exploratory study with a grounded theory approach was conducted in the Peruvian cities of Lima, Tacna, Loreto, and Puno in 2014. In-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of children younger than 3 years, and observations in health care facilities (HCFs) were made to determine the barriers and facilitators of MNP supplementation. RESULTS: The barriers identified at the health care level were limited access to HCFs, negative rumors regarding the MNP in the clinics, and poor care by health personnel. The barrier at the product (MNP) level was the lack of knowledge about the supplement, including taste and side effects. The barrier at the maternal level was lack of time, neglect, difficulties in preparing the MNP, and opposition to the use of the MNP by the husband. The main facilitators were receiving information from health personnel regarding child improvement, mother's perception of child's improvement, and positive testimonies about the effectiveness of the MNP from relatives and neighbors. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers regarding MNP use at the health care system level and those associated with the behavior mothers and family/community, which prevent children from consuming the MNP supplement daily, need to be addressed through the development of strategies. Strategies must be developed to overcome the barriers related to the health care system, the MNP, and the behavior of children, mothers, and family/community because these barriers prevent children from consuming the MNP daily.

OBJETIVOS: Explorar las barreras y facilitadores para la suplementación con micronutrientes en polvo (MNP) en madres de niños de 6 a 35 meses de edad de Tacna, Loreto, Puno y Lima. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo, exploratorio con enfoque de teoría fundamentada, realizado en Lima, Tacna, Loreto y Puno en el año 2014. Se aplicaron entrevistas a profundidad a madres de niños menores de tres años y observación en establecimientos de salud (ES) para explorar las barreras y facilitadores a la suplementación con MNP. RESULTADOS: Se encontró como barreras: a nivel de sistema de salud, a las dificultades para acceder al ES, los rumores negativos al suplemento en la sala de espera y el maltrato del personal de salud; a nivel del producto (MNP), la falta de conocimiento sobre el suplemento, el sabor y los efectos secundarios y a nivel de la madre, aparecen barreras como la falta de tiempo, el olvido, las dificultades en la preparación del MNP y la oposición al uso del suplemento por parte del esposo. Los principales facilitadores fueron: recibir información del personal de salud sobre la mejora del niño, la percepción de la madre de que el niño mejora y testimonios positivos sobre el MNP de familiares o vecinas. CONCLUSIONES: Existen barreras relacionadas al sistema de salud, al producto (MNP) y al comportamiento de niños, madres y familia / comunidad, que son necesarios abordar con estrategias que permitan superar estas dificultades, ya que impiden que los niños consuman diariamente, en una preparación adecuada el suplemento de MNP.

[Recommendations for Interventions with Iron Supplements: Lessons Learned in a Community Trial in Four Regions of Peru]. / Recomendaciones para intervenciones con suplementos de hierro: lecciones aprendidas en un ensayo comunitario en cuatro regiones del Perú.

Iron supplementation programs, despite evidence of their effectiveness in controlled conditions, are not effective as largescale interventions in health services because of the necessary involvement during execution of a series of processes that, when not fulfilled, limit the implementation of the program. In many cases, the lack of impact of interventions to provide iron supplements is the result of failures or deviations from execution rather than flaws in the intervention design (theory of change) or intervention strategy. The objective of this study was to share the lessons learned in the execution of a community trial in 2015 to improve adherence to micronutrient powder supplementation in children younger than 3 years in four regions of Peru, as well as to provide recommendations on iron supplementation in children to help close gaps in the design and execution of public policies.

Los programas de suplementación con hierro, a pesar de contar con evidencia de que funcionan en condiciones controladas, no muestran efectividad en las intervenciones a gran escala a través de los servicios de salud, porque implica garantizar una serie de procesos durante la ejecución que, al no cumplirse, producen fallas en la implementación del programa. En muchos casos la falta de impacto en las intervenciones con hierro se debe a estas fallas o desviaciones de la implementación, más que a fallas en el diseño de la intervención (teoría del cambio) o estrategia. Bajo esa premisa, el objetivo del presente artículo es compartir las lecciones aprendidas en la ejecución, durante el año 2015, del ensayo comunitario para mejorar la adherencia a suplementación con micronutrientes en polvo en niños menores de 3 años de 4 regiones del Perú y brindar recomendaciones puntuales a las intervenciones con suplementos de hierro en población infantil con la finalidad de contribuir a cerrar las brechas de implementación y mejorar la ejecución de estas políticas públicas.

[Impact evaluation of educational-motivational intervention "Como Jugando" to prevent obesity in school children of Cercado de Lima: results in the first year]. / Evaluación del impacto de la intervención educativa-motivacional "Como Jugando" para prevenir la obesidad en escolares del Cercado de Lima: resultados al primer año.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the educational-motivational intervention "Como jugando" on the body mass index (BMI), knowledge on nutrition, physical activity levels, and eating patterns in students from the first to fourth grades of four educational institutions (EIs) of Cercado de Lima after the first year of the intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental, controlled study. BMI, knowledge on nutrition, frequency of food consumption, and level of physical activity were evaluated. The "Como jugando" program included playful and experiential activities for school children and involved both teachers and parents. The impact was estimated by applying the McNemar test for related samples and regression models for the analysis of differences in adjusted variables related to children and their mothers. RESULTS: The study included 696 school children from two experimental EIs and two control EIs. The Z-score for BMI and the prevalence of obesity did not vary during the study period. The intervention improved the knowledge of nutrition [odds ratio (OR): 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-1.81], reduced the likelihood of poor levels of physical activity (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46-0.87), and improved the consumption patterns for all food categories except vegetables in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: The "Como jugando" intervention, in the first year of implementation, did not reduce the Z-score for BMI but improved the knowledge of nutrition, reduced the probability of poor levels of physical activity, and maintained or increased the consumption of fruits, sugar-free water, packaged juices, and sweet and savory cookies. Therefore, the "Como jugando" intervention should be better studied in order to estimate its impact on biological indicators.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto, al primer año, de la intervención educativa-motivacional "Como Jugando" sobre el índice de masa corporal (IMC), conocimientos en alimentación, niveles de actividad física y patrones de consumo alimentario en escolares del 1.° al 4.° grado de primaria, de cuatro instituciones educativas (IE) del Cercado de Lima. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cuasiexperimental, controlado. Se evaluó el IMC, conocimientos en nutrición, frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y nivel de actividad física. "Como Jugando" incluyó actividades lúdicas y vivenciales para escolares e involucró a docentes y padres. El impacto se estimó aplicando la prueba de McNemar para muestras relacionadas y modelos de regresión de diferencias en diferencias ajustados por variables relativas al escolar y la madre. RESULTADOS: El estudio incluyó a 696 escolares de 2 IE de intervención y 2 IE de control, el puntaje Z de IMC y las prevalencias de obesidad no variaron durante el periodo de estudio. La intervención mostró impacto en mejorar los conocimientos en nutrición (OR: 1,46; IC95%: 1,17-1,81) redujo el riesgo de tener un nivel malo de actividad física (OR: 0,63; IC95%: 0,46-0,87) y mejoró los patrones de consumo de todos los alimentos, salvo verduras (grupo intervención). CONCLUSIONES: La intervención "Como Jugando", al primer año de implementación, no redujo el Puntaje Z del IMC, sin embargo, tuvo impacto sobre los conocimientos en nutrición, redujo la probabilidad de tener un nivel malo de actividad física y mantuvo o aumentó la frecuencia adecuada del consumo de frutas, agua sin azúcar, jugos envasados y galletas dulces y saladas. Es necesario continuar evaluando la intervención "Como Jugando" para estimar el impacto sobre indicadores biológicos.