Unveiling the Burden of Miscoding and Misclassification in Stroke Mortality: Analysis of Multiple Cause-of-Death Data in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases in Mexico is increasing although stroke mortality declined from 1990 to 2010, without meaningful changes afterward. While improving access to adequate prevention and care could explain this trend, miscoding and misclassification in death certificates need to be assessed to unveil the true burden of stroke in Mexico. Practices in death certification along with the presence of multi-morbidity could contribute to this distortion. Analyses of multiple causes of death could reveal ill-defined stroke deaths, providing a glimpse of this bias. METHODS: Cause-of-death information from 4,262,666 death certificates in Mexico from 2009 to 2015, was examined to determine the extent of miscoding and misclassification on the true burden of stroke. Age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants (ASMR) were calculated for stroke as underlying and multiple causes of death, by sex and state. Deaths were classified following international standards as ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and unspecified, which were kept as an independent category to measure miscoding. To approximate misclassification, we compared ASMR under three misclassification scenarios: (1) current (the status quo); (2) moderate, which includes deaths from selected causes mentioning stroke; and (3) high which includes all deaths mentioning stroke. National and subnational data were analyzed to search for geographical patterns. RESULTS: The burden of stroke in Mexico is underreported due to miscoding and misclassification. Miscoding is an important issue since almost 60% of all stroke deaths are registered as unspecified. Multiple cause analysis indicates that stroke ASMR could increase 39.9%-52.9% of the current ASMR under moderate and high misclassification scenarios, respectively. Both problems indicate the need to improve death codification procedures and cause-of-death classification. CONCLUSIONS: Miscoding and misclassification lead to underestimation of the burden of stroke in Mexico. Stroke deaths are underreported when other important causes coexist, being diabetes the most frequent.

Factores asociados con anemia y deficiencia de micronutrimentos en mujeres mexicanas. Ensanut Continua 2022.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados con anemia, deficiencias de hierro (DH) y vitamina B12 (DVB12) en mujeres de 12 a 49 años, participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022). Material y métodos. La Ensanut es probabilística con representatividad nacional. Se recolectó sangre venosa de 1 141 mujeres para analizar hemoglobina, ferritina y vitamina B12, para estimar deficiencias según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y modelos de regresión logística (módulo SVY/STATA). RESULTADOS: Las prevalencias de anemia, DH y DVB12 fueron 15.7, 41.9 y 17.2%, respectivamente. Se asoció (p<0.5) anemia con agua de garrafón/botella (razón de momios [RM]=2.27; IC95% 0.99,5.17) y DH con no tener agua entubada (RM=2.86; IC95% 1.31, 6.22) y pertenecer al estrato urbano (RM=1.56; IC95% 0.98, 2.45). Conclusión. La anemia, DH y DVB12 fueron altamente prevalentes, por lo tanto se requiere profundizar en el tema del agua para beber y en la derechohabiencia en mujeres con mayores desventajas socioeconómicas.

Estado de micronutrimentos en niños, niñas y mujeres mexicanas: análisis de la Ensanut Continua 2022.

OBJETIVO: Describir las deficiencias de micronutrientes en la población mexicana participante de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022 (Ensanut 2022). Material y métodos. La Ensanut 2022 es probabilística y de representatividad nacional. Se recolectó sangre venosa en una submuestra de niños de 1-11 años (48%) y de mujeres de 12-49 años (37%). Se separó el suero in situ para analizar ferritina, vitamina B12, folato y 25[OH]D, definiendo deficiencias según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos en niños/as preescolares, escolares y mujeres (12-49 años), utilizando el diseño de la encuesta. RESULTADOS: Las prevalencias de deficiencia de hierro, niveles bajos de vitamina B12 y deficiencia de vitamina D fueron 30.6, 17.4 y 4.7% en preescolares; 17.2, 20 y 37.1% en escolares; y 39.7, 34.0 y 37.7% en mujeres, respectivamente. Conclusión. La deficiencia de hierro en preescolares y de micronutrientes en mujeres fueron altamente prevalentes. Es necesario un llamado a la acción para realizar intervenciones focalizadas en grupos con mayor desventaja social.

Prevalencia de anemia en la población mexicana: análisis de la Ensanut Continua 2022.

OBJETIVO: Describir la magnitud de la prevalencia de anemia en la población mexicana participante en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022). Material y métodos. La Ensanut 2022 es probabilística. Mediante sangre venosa y Hemocué (201+) se midió hemoglobina (Hb) y se ajustó por altitud. Se definió anemia según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Considerando el diseño muestral de la encuesta, se obtuvieron prevalencias e IC95%. RESULTADOS: Las prevalencias de anemia fueron 6.8% en niños de 1-4 años, 3.8% en niños de 5-11 años, 10.1% en adolescentes (12-19 años), 15.8% en mujeres (20-49 años) y 10.3% en adultos mayores (≥60 años). CONCLUSIONES: La anemia afectó principalmente a las mujeres adultas. Resulta necesario identificar sus causas para focalizar acciones y evitar el ciclo intergeneracional del riesgo de anemia.

Validation of hemoglobin measurement in venous blood using HemoCue for the Ensanut 2022.

OBJECTIVE: To validate hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in venous blood (VB) using the HemoCue 201+ in a subsample of children and women from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2022. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prior to field work 50 HemoCue 201+ devices were verified using venous blood. During the field work 57 children (aged 1-11) and 62 women (aged 12-49) donated 3 mL of VB each. Hb was measured in each device of HemoCue 201+ and in a hematologic autoanalyzer for the validation. RESULTS: No significant bias was found in most of the devices. An adjustment criterion was used for 22 devices. Hb mean difference results were -0.049±0.578 g/dL in children and -0.098±0.628 g/dL in women. CONCLUSIONS: The HemoCue 201+ is a valid tool for estimating Hb concentration to produce reliable estimates of anemia prevalence when using venous blood.

Serum retinol levels are associated with cognitive function among community-dwelling older Mexican adults.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A (VA) provides neuroprotection against oxidative stress and brain inflammation. VA deficiency (VAD) increases the risk of neurodegeneration in animal models, but results are inconclusive in humans: particularly in the older adult (OA) population which is at higher risk for micronutrient deficiencies and cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between serum retinol levels and cognitive function (CF) in older Mexican adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 803 adults aged ≥60 years with fasting blood sample from the southern region of Mexico, collected in summer of 2015. Low serum retinol (LSR) was defined if serum retinol ≤20 µg/dl. CF was evaluated using Semantic Verbal Fluency Test (SVFT). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was defined using normative values for SVFT. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of LSR with CF and MCI, respectively. RESULTS: Prevalence of MCI was 9.35% and LSR 3.36%. OA with LSR evoked less words in the SVFT (ß = -2.8, CI95% -4.6, -0.9) and had higher probability of MCI (OR = 2.7, CI95% 0.9, 7.7). Associations remained significant when considered IL-6. CONCLUSION: Frequency of LSR in older Mexican adults was low, but strongly associated with MCI. This result suggests that VA plays a role in maintaining CF in the elderly population. Since VAD is a reversible condition, further studies are needed in order to identify the main causes of LSR and prevent MCI in populations which are at higher risk for malnutrition.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04820465.

Nutritional status of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A and anemia in Mexican children: results from the Ensanut 2018-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current status of micronutrient deficiencies (MD) and anemia in Mexican children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum data from 1 382 pre-school-age chil-dren (1-4 years) and 3 590 school-age children (5-11 years) Ensanut 2018-19 participants were analyzed. Iron deficiency (ID), vitamin B12 deficiency (B12D), vitamin A depletion (VADp), and anemia were identified. Logistic regression models were used to identify associations between socio-demographic characteristics of children and MD. RESULTS: Anemia was present in 28.9 and 19.2% of the children aged 1-4 and 5-11, respectively; in ID 10 and 5.1%; B12D, in 5.1 and 4.8%, and VADp, in 4.7 and 4.3%. 18.5% of the preschool-age children and 13% of the school-age children had at least one MD associated to anemia. CONCLUSIONS: MD and anemia affect the younger children in larger proportion. Fortification and supplementation programs should be reinforced to avoid the long-term consequences of MD.

Iron deficiency is not the main contributor to anemia in older Mexican adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current status of anemia and iron deficiency (ID), as well as associated sociodemographic characteristics, in older adults (OA). Materials and meth-ods. Serum and capillary blood samples from a sample of OA participants (n=2 902) from the Ensanut 2018-19 were analyzed. ID was defined as s-ferritin<15 µg/L, and anemia was defined according to World Health Organization stan-dards. Logistic regression models were used to associate the characteristics of OA with anemia and ID. RESULTS: Of the OA analyzed, anemia was present in 28.4%, ID in 5% and iron deficiency anemia in 2.07%. Diabetes (OR=2.14), renal insuf-ficiency (OR=10.4), higher age, and urban dwelling (OR=1.35) were conditions associated with higher odds for anemia (p<0.05). Belonging to the 70-79 year age group was the only condition associated with higher odds for ID (OR=1.86, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anemia affects a high proportion of OA, and ID is not the main contributor to anemia. Chronic comorbidities help explain the anemia problem in OA.

Vitamin D status in Mexican children 1 to 11 years of age: an update from the Ensanut 2018-19.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vitamin D status and deficiency in Mexican children and related factors, with updated data from a representative national survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data and serum samples of child participants were collected in the Ensanut 2018-19. The measurement 25-(OH)-D was obtained through chemiluminescence. Height and weight, as well as dietary information, were measured using a semi-quan-titative food frequency questionnaire and sociodemographic information. RESULTS: Data of 4 691 children aged 1-11 years were analyzed. Vitamin D deficiency (25-OH-D<50 nmol/L) was found in 27.3% of pre-school-age children and 17.2% of school-age children, and was positively associated with the body mass index (BMI). Main dietary sources were milk, eggs and dairy products, which in combination provided >70% of vitamin D intake. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is important in Mexican children. Actions and programs to fight this deficiency are required.

A decreasing trend in zinc deficiency in Mexican children aged 1-4: analysis of three national health and nutrition surveys in 1999, 2006 and 2018-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in zinc deficiency (ZD) prevalence among preschool-age Mexican children, and explore differences in this trend among beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program Progresa/Oportunidades/ Prospera (CCT-POP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serum zinc information of children aged 1-4 who participa-ted in the ENN 1999, Ensanut 2006 and Ensanut 2018-19 was analyzed. ZD was categorized according to IZiNCG cutoff values. Logistic regression models were used to iden-tify personal participant characteristics associated with ZD trends, and tests for interactions between survey CCT-POP beneficiaries were applied. RESULTS: ZD decreased by 22.3 percentage points (pp) between ENN 1999 and Ensanut 2018-19; among CCT-POP beneficiaries, the decrease was 58.6 pp. Overweight was associated with higher odds of ZD (OR=2.18, p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: In the last 19 years, ZD declined significantly among preschool-age Mexican children. Child beneficiaries of the social program CCT-POP showed the largest reduction of ZD.

Prevalence of iron deficiency was stable and anemia increased during 12 years (2006-2018) in Mexican women 20-49 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of women 20-49 years of age with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron deficiency with no anemia (IDNA), and non-ID anemia (NIDA) in com-parison during 2006, 2012 and 2018, and their association with sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ensanut 2006, 2012 and 2018- 19 are comparable for measurements of anemia (hemoglobin) and Iron deficiency (ID, by ferritin). Both measurements combined were compared with year of surveys and other dependent variables using a multinomial regression. RESULTS: In 2006, the total prevalence of anemia was 14.9% and ID 29.0%, the prevalence of IDA was 8.35%, of IDNA 20.5%, and NIDA 6.6%; in 2012, the total prevalence of anemia was 13.3%, ID was 9.6%, IDA 8.6%, IDNA 21.0% y NIDA 4.7%; in 2018 total prevalence of anemia was 21.4%, of ID 25.7%, IDA 10.5%, IDNA 15.2% and NIDA 10.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The total prevalence of anemia increased 6.5 pp between 2006 and 2018, IDNA reduced, IDA had no significant changes, the mayor increase (4.3 pp) occurred in NIDA.

Prevalence of diabetes and glycemic control in Mexico: national results from 2018 and 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed), glycemic control in Mexico, and its associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from Ensanut 2018 (n=12 648) and 2020 (n=2 309). We defined diabetes as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl or HbA1c≥6.5% or previously diagnosed; glycemic control was defined as HbA1c<7%. We fitted Poisson regression models to assess the association between diabetes, glycemic control, and potential associated factors. RESULTS: The total prevalence of diabetes was 16.8% in 2018 and 15.7% in 2020. In 2018, 38% of adults with diabetes were unaware of their disease, while in 2020 this figure was 29%. Glycemic control was observed in 42% of participants in 2018 and 39% in 2020. Longer disease duration was associated with lower glycemic control, while older age, having a diet, and being affiliated to IMSS, Pemex, Sedena, or private healthcare were associated with better control. CONCLUSION: Mexico is among the countries with the highest diabetes prevalence. A high proportion of adults with diabetes did not have a previous diagnosis, and the proportion with glycemic control is low. Strengthening screening to achieve a timely diagnosis, and improving glycemic control, should be key actions in the management of diabetes.

[Health conditions, geriatric syndromes andnutritional status of older adults in Mexico.] / Condiciones de salud, síndromes geriátricos y estado nutricional de los adultos mayores en México.

OBJECTIVE: To generate an updated diagnosis of the health conditions, geriatric syndromes, and nutritional status of older Mexican adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive study with a sample of 9 047 older adults aged 60 years and over with national representativeness. We analyzed indicators related to health conditions, geriatric syndromes, and nutritional status, obtaining prevalence as well as tests of differences in proportions and means. RESULTS: Oldest older adults, women, and residents of rural areas showed the highest prevalence of chronic conditions, geriatric syndromes, and poor nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study offer an updated insight of the health conditions, geriatric syndromes, and nutritional status of older Mexican adults, and show the main health needs that this age group faces, which in turn represent a challenge for the health system in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Generar un diagnóstico actualizado de las con-diciones de salud, síndromes geriátricos y estado nutricional de los adultos mayores mexicanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo con una muestra de 9 047 adultos mayo-res de 60 años o más con representatividad nacional. Se ana-lizaron indicadores relacionados con las condiciones de salud, síndromes geriátricos y el estado nutricional. Se reportan las principales prevalencias así como pruebas de diferencias de proporciones y medias. RESULTADOS: Los adultos mayores con mayor edad, mujeres y residentes de áreas rurales mos-traron las mayores prevalencias de padecimientos crónicos, síndromes geriátricos y mala nutrición. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio ofrecen un panorama actualizado de las condiciones de salud, síndromes geriátricos y estado nutricional de los adultos mayores mexicanos, y muestran las principales necesidades de salud que este grupo etario enfrenta, las cuales a su vez representan un reto para el sistema de salud en México.

[Behavior and factors associated with anemia inMexican women of childbearing age. Ensanut 2018-19]. / Comportamiento y factores asociados con la anemia en mujeres mexicanas en edad fértil. Ensanut 2018-19.

OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of anemia in 2006, 2012 and 2018-19, its severity and associated factors in Mexican women between 20 and 49 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ensanut 2006, 2012 and 2018-19 has a methodological design that allows comparisons between them. Capillary hemoglobin (Hb) classified anemia with Hb values <12dL. Pregnant women were excluded. Anemia was associated with individual and sociodemographic factors using a logit regression model. RESULTS: The reduction in anemia from 2006 to 2012 was significant, but not the increase for 2018-19. Anemia was associated with a higher number of pregnancies, and being 35 to 49 years of age. A BMI≥30 (k/m2), tertile 3 of wellness condition, not being indigenous and living in the Center and Mexico City were protective of anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia continues to be a public health problem, especially in women 35 to 49 years of age with more than four pregnancies.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar el comportamiento de la anemia en los años 2006, 2012 y 2018-19, su severidad y factores asociados en mujeres mexicanas de 20 a 49 años de edad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Las Ensanut 2006, 2012 y 2018-19 tienen un diseño metodológico que permite comparaciones entre ellas. Mediante hemoglobina capilar <12dL se clasificó anemia. Se excluyó a quienes estuvieron embarazadas. Se asoció anemia con factores sociodemográficos mediante regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La reducción de anemia de 2006 a 2012 fue significativa, pero no el incremento para 2018-19. Se asoció anemia con un mayor número de embarazos, y tener de 35 a 49 años de edad. Fueron factores protectores de anemia un IMC≥30(k/m2), tercil 3 de CB, no ser indígena y vivir en Cen-tro y Ciudad de México. CONCLUSIONES: La anemia continúa siendo un problema de salud pública, sobre todo en mujeres de 35 a 49 años de edad con más de cuatro embarazos.

[Prevalence of diabetes and poor glycemic control in Mexico: results from Ensanut 2016.] / Prevalencia de diabetes y descontrol glucémico en México: resultados de la Ensanut 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of total, diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, and the prevalence of poor glycemic control in Mexico, and its associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 3 700 adult participants were analysed in the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Diabetes prevalences were estimated with population weights, and the factors associated with total diabetes and poor glycemic control with Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The total prevalence of diabetes was 13.7% (9.5% diagnosed, 4.1% undiagnosed); 68.2% of people with diagnosed diabetes presented poor glycemic control. Longer disease duration, living in the centre or south of the country and being treated in pharmacies were associated with poor glycemic control. Being treated in a social security system was associated with better glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Multisectoral efforts are needed to strengthen screening, timely diagnosis and disease control, considering differences by region and type of health service.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de diabetes (total, diagnosticada y no diagnosticada), de descontrol glucémico en México y sus factores asociados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 3 700 adultos participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de 2016. Se estimaron las prevalencias con ponderadores poblacionales y los factores asociados con diabetes total y descontrol glucémico con modelos de regresión de Poisson. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia total de diabetes fue de 13.7% (9.5% diagnosticada, 4.1% no diagnosticada); 68.2% de los diagnosticados presentó descontrol glucémico. Mayor tiempo de diagnóstico, vivir en el centro/sur del país y ser atendido en farmacias se asoció con descontrol glucémico, mientras que ser atendido en los servicios de seguridad social se asoció con mejor control glucémico. CONCLUSIONES: Se requieren esfuerzos multisectoriales para fortalecer el tamizaje, diagnóstico oportuno y control de la enfermedad, considerando las diferencias por región y tipo de servicio de salud.

Socioeconomic inequalities in health and nutrition among older adults in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the socioeconomic inequalities in health among the population of older adults in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of two national health surveys in Mexico (Ensanut 2012 and Ensanut 100k) in which inequality gradients are estimated for various health and nutrition outcomes of older adults over 60 years, using the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and the Slope Index of Inequality (SII). RESULTS: Older adults with lower socioeconomic status had worse levels of cognition, instrumental activities of daily living, depressive symptoms, muscle mass, low weight, and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial socioeconomic inequalities in health were observed in this study. Given the rapid growth of the population of older adults in Mexico, our results indicate that urgent actions are necessary to achieve health equity in this population group, particularly universal access to health, as well as universal coverage of health services.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las desigualdades socioeconómicas en salud entre la población de adultos mayores en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis de dos encuestas nacionales de salud en México (Ensanut 2012 y Ensanut 100k) en las que se estiman los gradientes de desigualdad para diversos desenlaces en salud y nutrición de los adultos mayores de 60 años en adelante, usando el Índice Relativo de Desigualdad (RII) y el Índice de la Pendiente de Desigualdad (SII). RESULTADOS: Los adultos mayores con menor nivel socioeconómico tuvieron peores niveles de cognición, actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria, síntomas depresivos, masa muscular y anemia. CONCLUSIONES: Se observaron desigualdades socioeconómicas en salud sustanciales. Dado el rápido crecimiento de la población de adultos mayores en México, nuestros resultados indican que son necesarias acciones urgentes para lograr la equidad en salud en este grupo poblacional, particularmente lograr el acceso universal a la salud, así como la cobertura universal de los servicios de salud.

[Anemia, iron and zinc deficiencies, supplements consumption and morbidity in Mexican children aged 1 to 4: analysis of Ensanut 100k.] / Anemia, deficiencias de zinc y hierro, consumo de suplementos y morbilidad en niños mexicanos de 1 a 4 años: resultados de la Ensanut 100k.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between supplements and Liconsa milk intake, with anemia, zinc (ZD) and iron (ID) deficiencies, and morbidity in Mexican children resident of less than 100 000 habitants' localities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A subsample of 1 516 children aged 1-4 participants of Ensanut 100k was analyzed, carried out in 2018. Anemia was considered if [Hb]<11 g/dL, ZD if [Zn]<65 µg/dL and ID if [ferritin]<12 µg/L. Supplements and Liconsa milk consumption were obtained from a semi-quantitative food frequency; morbidity by self-report of the mother. Multiple logistic regression models were used adjusted by confounders. RESULTS: Medium and high consumption of Liconsa milk was associated to lower odds of ID (OR=0.02, [95%CI 0.002,0.24] and OR=0.07, [95%CI 0.01,0.52]) and anemia (OR=0.13, [95%CI 0.04,0.37] and OR=0.17, [95%CI 0.03,0.87]). A high intake of Liconsa milk (OR=0.09, [95%CI 0.01,0.44]) and Vitaniño (OR=0.05 [95%CI 0.005, 0.46]) were both associated to lower diarrhea risk. CONCLUSIONS: To assure the continuity of the consumption of nutritional supplements is necessary for improving the health and the micronutrients status in vulnerable Mexican children.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la asociación entre el consumo de suplementos o leche Liconsa y anemia, deficiencias de zinc (DZ) y hierro (DH) y morbilidad en niños mexicanos residentes de localidades menores a 100 000 habitantes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó información de 1 516 niños de 1 a 4 años de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición en localidades con menos de 100 000 habitantes realizada en el año 2018. Se definió Anemia si [Hb]<11 g/dL, DZ: [Zn]<65 µg/dL y DH: [ferritina]<12 µg/L. El consumo de suplementos y de leche Liconsa se obtuvo del cuestionario de Frecuencia de Consumo de Alimentos y morbilidad por autorreporte de la madre. Se emplearon modelos de regresión logística múltiple para el análisis de las asociaciones, ajustados por confusores. RESULTADOS: El consumo medio y alto de leche Liconsa se asoció con menor momio de DH (RM=0.02 [IC95% 0.002,0.24] y RM=0.07 [IC95% 0.01,0.52]) y anemia (RM=0.13 [IC95% 0.04,0.37] y RM=0.17 [IC95% 0.03,0.87]). Un alto consumo de leche Liconsa (RM=0.09, [IC95% 0.01,0.44]) y de Vitaniño (RM=0.05 [IC95% 0.005, 0.46]) se asoció con menor momio de diarrea. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario considerar la continuidad del consumo de suplementos nutricionales para mejorar la salud y el estado de micronutrimentos en población infantil mexicana vulnerable.

Prevalence of anemia and consumption of iron-rich food groups in Mexican children and adolescents: Ensanut MC 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of anemia and con-sumption of iron rich groups among Mexican children and adolescents who participated in the Halfway National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study sample included children and adolescents who provided full capillary hemoglobin data. Anemia was defined accord-ing to WHO criteria. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association among consumption of iron-rich food groups, sociodemographic characteristics and anemia. RESULTS: In 2016, the prevalence of anemia was 26.9% in children aged 1 to 4 years old, 12.5% in those aged 5 to 11, and 9.6% in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Rates were the highest among females who lived in the southern and central parts of Mexico, belonged to an indigenous ethnic group and fell within the first tercile of the Household Wealth Index. Consumption of beef by preschoolers and viscera by ado-lescents was associated with lower risk for anemia; higher risk was associated with consumption of Liconsa milk and non-heme iron by preschoolers. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is highly prevalent in Mexican children and adolescents, affect-ing mainly the poorest and youngest populations. Sources of heme iron are the principal dietary factor associated with low risk for anemia.

Dissonant health transition in the states of Mexico, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.

BACKGROUND: Child and maternal health outcomes have notably improved in Mexico since 1990, whereas rising adult mortality rates defy traditional epidemiological transition models in which decreased death rates occur across all ages. These trends suggest Mexico is experiencing a more complex, dissonant health transition than historically observed. Enduring inequalities between states further emphasise the need for more detailed health assessments over time. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2013 (GBD 2013) provides the comprehensive, comparable framework through which such national and subnational analyses can occur. This study offers a state-level quantification of disease burden and risk factor attribution in Mexico for the first time. METHODS: We extracted data from GBD 2013 to assess mortality, causes of death, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and healthy life expectancy (HALE) in Mexico and its 32 states, along with eight comparator countries in the Americas. States were grouped by Marginalisation Index scores to compare subnational burden along a socioeconomic dimension. We split extracted data by state and applied GBD methods to generate estimates of burden, and attributable burden due to behavioural, metabolic, and environmental or occupational risks. We present results for 306 causes, 2337 sequelae, and 79 risk factors. FINDINGS: From 1990 to 2013, life expectancy from birth in Mexico increased by 3·4 years (95% uncertainty interval 3·1-3·8), from 72·1 years (71·8-72·3) to 75·5 years (75·3-75·7), and these gains were more pronounced in states with high marginalisation. Nationally, age-standardised death rates fell 13·3% (11·9-14·6%) since 1990, but state-level reductions for all-cause mortality varied and gaps between life expectancy and years lived in full health, as measured by HALE, widened in several states. Progress in women's life expectancy exceeded that of men, in whom negligible improvements were observed since 2000. For many states, this trend corresponded with rising YLL rates from interpersonal violence and chronic kidney disease. Nationally, age-standardised YLL rates for diarrhoeal diseases and protein-energy malnutrition markedly decreased, ranking Mexico well above comparator countries. However, amid Mexico's progress against communicable diseases, chronic kidney disease burden rapidly climbed, with age-standardised YLL and DALY rates increasing more than 130% by 2013. For women, DALY rates from breast cancer also increased since 1990, rising 12·1% (4·6-23·1%). In 2013, the leading five causes of DALYs were diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, low back and neck pain, and depressive disorders; the latter three were not among the leading five causes in 1990, further underscoring Mexico's rapid epidemiological transition. Leading risk factors for disease burden in 1990, such as undernutrition, were replaced by high fasting plasma glucose and high body-mass index by 2013. Attributable burden due to dietary risks also increased, accounting for more than 10% of DALYs in 2013. INTERPRETATION: Mexico achieved sizeable reductions in burden due to several causes, such as diarrhoeal diseases, and risks factors, such as undernutrition and poor sanitation, which were mainly associated with maternal and child health interventions. Yet rising adult mortality rates from chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cirrhosis, and, since 2000, interpersonal violence drove deteriorating health outcomes, particularly in men. Although state inequalities from communicable diseases narrowed over time, non-communicable diseases and injury burdens varied markedly at local levels. The dissonance with which Mexico and its 32 states are experiencing epidemiological transitions might strain health-system responsiveness and performance, which stresses the importance of timely, evidence-informed health policies and programmes linked to the health needs of each state. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública.

Understanding and acceptability by Hispanic consumers of four front-of-pack food labels.

BACKGROUND: Front-of-pack food labels (FOPL) can help consumers make healthy and informed food choices. FOPL are used in the food market but evaluations of their understanding and acceptability are scanty. This study aimed to explore the subjective understanding and acceptability of four FOPL among Hispanic consumers. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in six States of Mexico, in 18 urban elementary schools. A purposive sample of 135 parents of fifth-grade children was selected. Four FOPL were assessed: Logos, Rating Stars, Guideline Daily Allowances (GDA's), and Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL). Trained interviewers performed 18 focus groups with the participants, using an interview guide. Participants were asked about their subjective understanding and acceptability of the FOPL, displaying 16 generic breakfast cereal boxes designed for this study (four for each FOPL), varying in their nutritional value. Afterwards, participants were asked to choose among the four cereal boxes the one to best communicate the product healthiness and their reasons for choice, proposals for improving the FOPL, and desirable characteristics for new FOPL. Finally, a socio-demographic questionnaire was applied. Thematic analysis of the transcriptions of the focus groups was performed, using Altlas.tiV5 software. RESULTS: Logos were perceived as easy to understand, highly acceptable, and useful for decision-making; institutional endorsement of Logos was related to greater confidence in the label. The GDA's were hard to understand considering the nutritional knowledge and time needed for interpretation. The Rating Stars were related to the quality in businesses rather than foods. The MTL were viewed as indicating the high/low content of specific nutrients, but the meaning of the amber color was not fully understood. Participants highlighted the need for a simple FOPL that allows easily identification of healthy products while considering food purchasing time limitations and interpretation of food portions. CONCLUSIONS: Logos with an institutional endorsement was the best understood and accepted FOPL, and the GDA's and Rating Stars were the least. Our findings provide valuable insights about Hispanic consumers´ perceptions regarding FOPL and to guide public health policy. Further studies are needed in populations with chronic diseases and diverse social contexts.