Reliability and validity of an FFQ for South American children and adolescents from the SAYCARE study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyse the reliability and validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ to assess food group consumption in South American children and adolescents. DESIGN: The SAYCARE (South American Youth/Child cARdiovascular and Environmental) study is an observational, multicentre, feasibility study performed in a sample of 3- to 18-year-old children and adolescents attending private and public schools from six South American countries. Participants answered the FFQ twice with a two-week interval and three 24-h dietary recalls. Intraclass and Spearman's correlations, weighted Cohen's kappa (κw), percentage of agreement and energy-adjusted Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. SETTING: Seven cities in South America (Buenos Aires, Lima, Medelin, Montevideo, Santiago, Sao Paulo and Teresina). SUBJECTS: A sample of 200 children and 244 adolescents for reliability analyses and 252 children and 244 adolescents for validity analyses were included. RESULTS: Depending on the food group, for children and adolescents, reliability analyses resulted in Spearman's coefficients from 0·47 to 0·73, intraclass correlation coefficients from 0·66 to 0·99, κw coefficients from 0·35 to 0·63, and percentage of agreement between 72·75 and 83·52 %. In the same way, validity analyses resulted in Spearman's coefficients from 0·17 to 0·37, energy-adjusted Pearson's coefficients from 0·17 to 0·61, κw coefficients from 0·09 to 0·24, and percentages of agreement between 45·79 and 67·06 %. CONCLUSION: The SAYCARE FFQ achieved reasonable reliability and slight-moderate validity for almost all food groups intakes. Accordingly, it can be used for the purpose of ranking the intake of individuals within a population.

Psychometric properties of 4-item questionnaire for sleep habits and time in a South American paediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the psychometric properties of 4-item questionnaire about sleep habits and time in South American children (3-10 years) and adolescents (11-18 years). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated 459 participants from seven South American cities. Two items from week and weekend days wake up time and bedtime were asked twice, with a 2-week interval. We calculated time spent in bed (subtracting wake up time from bedtime). Participants also answered the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) sleep time questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire showed acceptable temporal stability in children and adolescents on total days (rho≥0.30; p<0.05). For total days, the questionnaire presented acceptable convergent validity only in children (rho from 0.48 to 0.62; p≤0.01) compared with the HELENA questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The 4-item questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for children; however, its validity is not consistent in adolescents for sleep habits and time.

Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Health Professionals in the Multicenter Latin America Metabolic Syndrome Study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components increase the risk of a number of chronic diseases. Evidence regarding its prevalence among health professionals, particularly in Latin America, is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the overall prevalence of MS and its components among health professionals and students from five Latin American countries. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study entitled LATIN America METabolic Syndrome (LATINMETS) was conducted on five groups of apparently healthy volunteer subjects. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables (smoking and physical activity), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference), standard biochemical analyses [triglycerides, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], and blood pressure measurements were assessed. MS was diagnosed based on internationally harmonized criteria. Associations between MS components and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 1,032 volunteers (n = 316-Mexico, n = 285-Colombia, n = 223-Brazil, n = 132-Paraguay, and n = 76-Argentina) were recruited. The majority of them were women (71.9%), students (55.4%), and younger than 28 years (67.2%). The overall prevalence of age-standardized MS was 15.5% (23.1% men and 12.2% women). The majority (59.3%) presented at least one MS component, mainly abdominal obesity (29.7%) and low HDL-C levels (27.5%). After adjusting for age and sex, MS and its components were positively associated with being overweight or obese. Conclusions: MS prevalence in this study was similar to that generally found among young populations in Latin-American countries. More than half of the sample had at least one MS component, suggesting that preventive measures and treatments aimed at achieving low-risk health status are essential in this population.

Concentrations of Plasma Free Palmitoleic and Dihomo-Gamma Linoleic Fatty Acids Are Higher in Children with Abdominal Obesity.

Increased plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with abdominal obesity (AO). However, this association remains controversial in children. This study analyzed plasma FFA concentration in children with and without AO. Twenty-nine children classified with AO were matched by age and sex with 29 non-obese individuals. Blood samples were collected after fasting for 10-12 h. Plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined by automatized methods. FFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography. Children with and without AO had similar age (7.1 ± 2.6 vs. 7.2 ± 2.7 years; p > 0.05) but obese children showed higher (p < 0.05) body mass index (BMI) (+4.3 kg/m²), systolic blood pressure (+5.1 mmHg), and insulin (+27.8 pmol/L). There were no significant differences in plasma total FFA concentration between groups (1.02 ± 0.61 vs. 0.89 ± 0.37 mmol/L; p > 0.05). However, children with AO had higher palmitoleic acid (0.94 vs. 0.70 wt %; p < 0.05) and dihomo-gamma linoleic acid (DHGL) (2.76 vs. 2.07 wt %; p < 0.05). Palmitoleic and DHGL acids correlated (p < 0.05) with BMI (r = 0.397; r = 0.296, respectively) and with waist circumference (r = 0.380; r = 0.276, respectively). Palmitoleic acid correlated positively with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.386; p < 0.05) and negatively with HDL-C (-0.572; p < 0.01). In summary, children with AO have higher plasmatic concentrations of free palmitoleic and DHGL fatty acids, which correlate with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Metabolic syndrome in healthcare personnel of the university of Antioquia-Colombia; LATINMETS study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension (HTN), atherogenic dyslipidemia, an increased glycemia in a fasting state, and abdominal obesity (AO), constitute a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease named metabolic syndrome (MS). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and distribution of MS and its components in healthcare personnel from the University of Antioquia. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study conducted between 2010 and 2011. The collected data included anthropometrical, biochemical, socio-demographic, and lifestyle variables. The MS was diagnosed using the harmonized IDF/AHA definition. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed, including χ2 tests, and a = 0.05. RESULTS: 285 volunteers (29.1% men) with ages between 20 and 61 years were included. 31.6% of participants were overweight with a Body Mass Index higher than 25 kg/m2 (BMI). AO (29.8%) and HTN (29.8%) were the most frequent components of MS. Global prevalence of MS was 17.5% (95%CI: 13.1; 22). There was a lower presence of MS among women (OR 0.328; 95%CI: 0.175; 0.614; p < 0.05), and a positive gradient with age and income. Likewise, the prevalence of MS was higher among smokers and those who are overweight (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, MS was associated with sex (OR 0.348; 95%CI: 0.178; 0.680) and being overweight (OR 14.592; 95%CI: 6.343; 33.570). CONCLUSION: The most frequently observed components of MS in the studied sample were AO and HTN. BMI, sex, and socio-economic status are important independent risk factors associated with MS.

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial (HTA), la dislipidemia aterógena, una glucemia en ayunas aumentada y la obesidad abdominal (OA), constituyen un clúster de factores de riesgo para la enfermedad cardiovascular llamado síndrome metabólico (SM). Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y distribución del SM y sus componentes en personal del área de la salud de la Universidad de Antioquia. Metodología: Estudio transversal realizado entre 2010 y 2011. Se recolectaron datos antropométricos, bioquímicos, sociodemográficos y de estilo de vida. El SM se diagnosticó empleando la definición IDF/AHA armonizada. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y analítico con pruebas ?2 , y a = 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 285 voluntarios (29,1% hombres), con edades entre 20 a 61 AÑOs. El 31,6% de los participantes presentó exceso de peso por índice de masa corporal mayor a 25 kg/m2 (IMC). Los componentes del SM más frecuentes fueron la OA (29,8%) y la HTA (29,8%). La prevalencia global de SM fue del 17,5% (IC 95% 13,1-22%). Se observó una menor frecuencia de SM entre las mujeres (OR 0,328; IC 95% 0,175-0,614; p < 0,001), un gradiente positivo con la edad y los ingresos económicos, así como una mayor prevalencia entre fumadores y quienes presentaron exceso de peso (p < 0,05). Después de ajustar por edad, el SM mostró asociación con sexo (OR 0,348; IC 95% 0,178-0,680) y exceso de peso (OR 14,592; IC 95% 6,343-33,570). Conclusión: Los componentes del SM más frecuentemente observados en la muestra estudiada son la OA y la HTA. El IMC, el sexo y el nivel socioeconómico constituyen importantes factores de riesgo independientes asociados con SM.

Exceso de peso corporal en estudiantes universitarios según variables sociodemográficas y estilos de vida / Excess weight body in university students by sociodemographic and lifestyle variables

RESUMEN Introducción: Los estudiantes universitarios son particularmente vulnerables a una inadecuada nutrición, con la subsecuente afectación en su estado nutricional y de salud. Objetivo: Investigar la frecuencia de exceso de peso (EP) y algunos de sus factores asociados en estudiantes de la Universidad de Antioquia-Colombia. Métodos: Estudio transversal en 424 estudiantes, ambos sexos, con edades de 21,4±4,0 años. El EP se diagnosticó según índice de masa corporal (IMC) ≥ 25 kg/m2; el riesgo de adiposidad central (RAC) como perímetro de cintura (PC) ≥ 80 cm en mujeres y ≥ 90 cm en hombres. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas y asociadas con el estilo de vida (EV). Se empleó estadística descriptiva, prueba Chi2 y α = 0,05. Resultados: El 17,1% de los estudiantes presentó EP, mayor en hombres que en mujeres (22,6% vs 14,0%); un 8,1% mostró RAC, mayor en mujeres (9,1% vs 6,5%). El IMC se asoció con el sexo (p= 0,001). El RAC no mostró asociación con las características sociodemográficas ni de EV. Conclusión: Un porcentaje considerable de los universitarios presentó exceso de peso establecidos a partir de IMC, lo cual fue asociado al sexo del estudiante. No obstante, es importante promover espacios universitarios que propendan por estilos de vida saludables.

ABSTRACT Introduction: University students are particularly vulnerable to inadequate food intake, which has consequences for their nutritional and health status. Objective: To study the prevalence of overweight (OW) and its associated factors among a group of students at University of Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 424 male and female students 21.4±4.0 years of age. OW was diagnosed by body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2; risk of central adiposity was measured by waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm and ≥ 80 cm in men and women, respectively. Socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were measured. Chi2 test (a = 0.05) was used as a descriptive statistic. Results: 17.1% of students had OW, which was higher in men (men: 22.6% vs women 14.0%, p< 0.05); 8.1% had risk of central adiposity higher, which was higher in women (men: 6.5% vs women: 9.1%, p> 0.05). BMI was associated with sex (p= 0.001). Risk of central adiposity was not related with socio-demographic or lifestyle characteristics. Conclusion: A considerable percentage of university students were overweight based on BMI, which related to sex of the student. However, it is important to promote university spaces that are conducive to healthy lifestyles.

Sistematización de una estrategia de información, educación y comunicación para prevención del síndrome metabólico en profesionales del área de la salud / Systematization of an information, education and communication strategy to prevent the metabolic syndrome in the health care professional

Antecedentes: se realizó una campaña de información, educación y comunicación (IEC) sobre síndrome metabólico para personal universitario del área de la salud, derivada de una investigación realizada en esta población. Objetivo: reconocer las dinámicas y aprendizajes generados en los profesionales ejecutores de la campaña "Somos salud". Metodología: sistematización de experiencia realizada por los ejecutores de la campaña, quienes definieron la pregunta orientadora, reconstruyeron la experiencia, hicieron la reflexión crítica, en la cual identificaron aspectos significativos que permitieron construir y validar el sistema categorial. La información se recolectó mediante grupos focales. Resultados: se identificó como categoría principal: "Aprender en la práctica de la estrategia IEC" y como subcategorías destacadas: la reflexión sobre IEC y educación, la relación extensión-investigación, asuntos críticos de la ejecución y el diseño de mensajes y materiales. Conclusiones: se reconoce que aunque los procesos de IEC no garantizan cambios inmediatos en prácticas individuales y colectivas, contribuyen a conocer y discutir problemáticas de salud. Se reflexionó críticamente sobre la manera como se hace educación para la salud, resaltando la necesidad de considerar aspectos individuales y contextuales, mediadores en las decisiones de salud y reconociendo al profesional de la salud como agente y sujeto de tales decisiones.

Background: An information, education and communication campaign (IEC) was carried out about the metabolic syndrome, for university professional of the health sector; it is derived from a research carried out in this population. Objective: Recognition of dynamics and learning created in the professionals who perform the "We are Health" campaign. Methodology: Systematization of the experience was carried out by the campaign performers; who have defined the guiding question, rebuilt the experience, made a critical reflection, and identified significant aspects in it that let to build and validate the categorical system. By means of focus groups the information was collected. Results: "Learning by doing of the IEC strategy" was identified as the main category, and as emphasized subcategories: the reflection about the IEC and education, the extension-research relationship, critical aspects of the execution and design of messages and materials. Conclusions: Although it is recognized that the IEC processes do not guarantee immediate changes in individual and collective practices, they contribute to know and discuss health related issues. It was critically reflected on the way as education for health is made, emphasizing the need to consider individual and contextual aspects that mediate on health decisions, and the recognition of the health care professional as an agent and subject of such decisions.

Metabolic syndrome in healthcare personnel at the University of Antioquia-Colombia; LATINMETS study / Síndrome metabólico en personal del área de la salud de la Universidad de Antioquia-Colombia; Estudio LATINMETS

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN), atherogenic dyslipidemia, an increased glycemia in a fasting state, and abdominal obesity (AO), constitute a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease named metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: To analyze the prevalence and distribution of MS and its components in healthcare personnel from the University of Antioquia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted between 2010 and 2011. The collected data included anthropometrical, biochemical, socio-demographic, and lifestyle variables. The MS was diagnosed using the harmonized IDF/AHA definition. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed, including Χ2 tests, and α = 0.05. Results: 285 volunteers (29.1% men) with ages between 20 and 61 years were included. 31.6% of participants were overweight with a Body Mass Index higher than 25 kg/m2 (BMI). AO (29.8%) and HTN (29.8%) were the most frequent components of MS. Global prevalence of MS was 17.5% (95%CI: 13.1; 22). There was a lower presence of MS among women (OR 0.328; 95%CI: 0.175; 0.614; p < 0.05), and a positive gradient with age and income. Likewise, the prevalence of MS was higher among smokers and those who are overweight (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, MS was associated with sex (OR 0.348; 95%CI: 0.178; 0.680) and being overweight (OR 14.592; 95%CI: 6.343; 33.570). Conclusion: The most frequently observed components of MS in the studied sample were AO and HTN. BMI, sex, and socio-economic status are important independent risk factors associated with MS (AU)

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial (HTA), la dislipidemia aterógena, una glucemia en ayunas aumentada y la obesidad abdominal (OA), constituyen un clúster de factores de riesgo para la enfermedad cardiovascular llamado síndrome metabólico (SM). Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y distribución del SM y sus componentes en personal del área de la salud de la Universidad de Antioquia. Metodología: Estudio transversal realizado entre 2010 y 2011. Se recolectaron datos antropométricos, bioquímicos, sociodemográficos y de estilo de vida. El SM se diagnosticó empleando la definición IDF/AHA armonizada. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y analítico con pruebas Χ2 y α= 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 285 voluntarios (29,1% hombres), con edades entre 20 a 61 años. El 31,6% de los participantes presentó exceso de peso por índice de masa corporal mayor a 25 kg/m2 (IMC). Los componentes del SM más frecuentes fueron la OA (29,8%) y la HTA (29,8%). La prevalencia global de SM fue del 17,5% (IC 95% 13,1-22%). Se observó una menor frecuencia de SM entre las mujeres (OR 0,328; IC 95% 0,175-0,614; p < 0,001), un gradiente positivo con la edad y los ingresos económicos, así como una mayor prevalencia entre fumadores y quienes presentaron exceso de peso (p < 0,05). Después de ajustar por edad, el SM mostró asociación con sexo (OR 0,348; IC 95% 0,178-0,680) y exceso de peso (OR 14,592; IC 95% 6,343-33,570). Conclusión: Los componentes del SM más frecuentemente observados en la muestra estudiada son la OA y la HTA. El IMC, el sexo y el nivel socioeconómico constituyen importantes factores de riesgo independientes asociados con SM (AU)