Food consumption and remote working conditions among Brazilian Primary Schools teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic / Consumo de alimentos y condiciones de trabajo remoto en maestros brasileños de básica durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: Teaching work, which is characterized by being exhausting, with a significant workload, with synchronous and/or asynchronous remote classes. Objective: To describe associations between the working conditions of school teachers at home and their food consumption during the suspension of face-to-face classes. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire with 15,372 working teachers from Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variables analyzed were the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods. Independent variables included sociodemographic factors, remote work conditions, understanding of online technologies, computer access, and quality of Internet connection. The Poisson model with robust variance was used to determine the association between working conditions and food consumption. Results: In the analysis of the adjusted multivariate model, there was a significant association between eating habits and the following variables: gender, age, working hours (per week), feelings regarding teachers' work during the pandemic, working hours during the pandemic and quality work internet connection. Our data shows that teachers' remote working conditions are associated with worse food consumption. They also showed that working hours equal to or greater than 40 hours per week, feelings of dissatisfaction with working conditions during the pandemic, increased working hours during the pandemic and poor quality of internet connection were variables correlated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. Conclusions: Remote working conditions during the pandemic influenced primary school teachers' food choices. More studies are needed to delve deeper into issues related to teachers' working conditions and the implications for food choices(AU)

Introducción: La labor docente se caracteriza por ser agotadora, con una importante carga horaria, con clases remotas síncronas y/o asíncronas. Objetivo: Describir la asociación existente entre las condiciones del trabajo remoto de los docentes de la educación básica y el consumo de sus alimentos durante el período de suspensión de las clases presenciales. Métodos: Es un estudio transversal mediante cuestionario en línea autoadministrado con 15.372 docentes activos en Minas Gerais, Brasil. Las variables dependientes analizadas fueron el consumo de los alimentos saludables y de los no saludables. Las variables independientes incluyeron los factores sociodemográficos, las condiciones del trabajo remoto, la comprensión de las tecnologías en línea, el acceso a las computadoras así como la calidad de la conexión a la Internet. Se utilizó el modelo de Poisson con variación robusta para determinar la asociación entre las condiciones del trabajo y el consumo de los alimentos. Resultados: En el análisis del modelo multivariado ajustado hubo una asociación significativa entre los hábitos alimentarios y las siguientes variables: el género, la edad, la jornada laboral semanal, el sentimiento sobre el trabajo durante la pandemia, la jornada laboral durante la pandemia y la calidad de la conexión a la internet. Nuestros datos demuestran que las condiciones del trabajo remoto de los docentes están asociadas con un empeoramiento en el consumo de los alimentos. También mostraron que la jornada laboral igual o superior a unas 40 horas semanales, los sentimientos de insatisfacción con las condiciones laborales, el aumento de la jornada laboral y la mala calidad de la conexión a la Internet durante la pandemia fueron variables correlacionadas con el consumo de alimentos no saludables. Conclusiones: Las condiciones del trabajo remoto durante la pandemia influyeron en las elecciones alimentarias de los docentes de la educación básica. Se necesitan más estudios para profundizar en los aspectos relacionados con las condiciones laborales de los docentes y sus implicaciones en la elección de sus alimentos(AU)

Association between health risk behaviors and food consumption in adolescents.

The study aims to evaluate the association between substance use and social isolation with food consumption in adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2,040 adolescents from a medium-sized city in Brazil. The exposures assessed were the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, and social isolation. The outcomes were the regular consumption (≥5 times/week) of beans, fruit/fruit salad, candies, and soft drinks, and an unhealthy eating score. The association between health risk behaviors and food consumption was assessed through logistic and linear regressions. Regular users of alcohol were more likely to have regular consumption of candies and soft drinks, and those who used tobacco regularly were less likely to have regular bean consumption and more likely to have regular candies consumption. The use of at least one substance was negatively associated with regular bean consumption and positively associated with regular consumption of sweets and soft drinks. Socially isolated adolescents were less likely to have regular bean consumption. Substance use was positively associated with the unhealthy eating score. In conclusion, substance use and social isolation were associated with less regular consumption of healthy food markers and greater regular consumption of unhealthy food markers.

Perfil de morbidade no primeiro ano de vida entre recém-nascidos de alto risco / Morbidity profile in the first year of life among high-risk newborns

Os cuidados destinados aos recém-nascidos prematuros extremos têm propiciado importantes resultados na sobrevida dessas crianças. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil de morbidade no primeiro ano de vida entre recémnascidos de alto risco. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória realizada no ambulatório de seguimento de recém-nascidos de alto risco do norte de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi referente às admissões no período de março de 2014 a abril de 2015. O instrumento contemplava características: demográficas, sociais, condições de gestação e parto, intercorrências no pós-parto e condições de saúde das crianças acompanhadas ao longo do primeiro ano de vida. Realizou-se a análise estatística descritiva e o teste Qui-Quadrado, assumindo-se um nível de significância de 5% para comparação da distribuição das morbidades por faixas de peso. Resultados: Participaram deste estudo 282 recém-nascidos, sendo 53,9% do sexo masculino. Entre as mães, 58,2% era multípara e 35,8% hipertensas. Em relação ao peso de nascimento, 59,6% dos recém-nascidos acompanhados pesaram menos de 1500 gramas. As principais morbidades identificadas no primeiro ano de vida foram atraso do desenvolvimento neuro-psicomotor, infecções de vias aéreas superiores, as alterações neurológicas e as afecções respiratórias crônicas. Foram registradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes para o atraso do desenvolvimento neuro-psico-motor (p<0,001), intercorrências neurológicas (p=0,008) e episódios de diarreia (p=0,047), entre as faixas de peso de nascimento. Conclusão: A assistência ambulatorial para o recém-nascido prematuro de alto risco contribui para a identificação e a prevenção de doenças recorrentes nessa população(AU)

Introduction: Care for extremely premature newborns has provided important results in the survival of these children. Objective: To characterize the morbidity profile in the first year of life among high-risk newborns. Materials and Method: This is an exploratory research carried out at the follow-up clinic for high-risk newborns in the north of Minas Gerais. Data collection referred to admissions in the period from March 2014 to April 2015. The instrument included characteristics: demographic, social, pregnancy and delivery conditions, postpartum complications and health conditions of children monitored during the first year of life. Descriptive statistical analysis and the chisquare test were performed, assuming a significance level of 5% to compare the distribution of morbidities by weight range. Results: A total of 282 newborns participated in this study, 53.9% of whom were male. Among the mothers, 58.2% were multiparous and 35.8% were hypertensive. Regarding birth weight, 59.6% of newborns monitored weighed less than 1500 grams. The main morbidities identified in the first year of life were delayed neuro-psycho-motor development, upper airway infections, neurological disorders and chronic respiratory conditions. Statistically significant differences were recorded for delayed neuro-psycho-motor development (p<0.001), neurological complications (p=0.008) and episodes of diarrhea (p=0.047), between birth weight ranges. Conclusion: Outpatient care for high-risk premature newborns contributes to the identification and prevention of recurrent diseases in this population(AU)

Association between lifestyle and emotional aspects of food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adequate nutrition during infectious outbreaks require a personal management strategy, especially when there are emotional factors involved. To evaluate the association between lifestyle and emotional aspects of food consumption during the pandemic COVID-19. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional study using online self-applied questionnaire with 15,372 active schoolteachers who worked in primary education (kindergarten, elementary and high school) from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Poisson Regression model with robust variance was used to determine the association between lifestyle and emotional aspects and food consumption. Greater adherence to the healthy consumption profile showed a statistically significant association with decreased weight (PR = 1.58; p = 0.000), decreased physical activity (PR = 1.27; p = 0.000), reduced income, (PR = 1.26; p = 0.000), reduced alcohol consumption (PR = 1.22; p = 0.000), and changes in mental health (PR = 1.19; p = 0.000). Unhealthy consumption profile was significantly correlated with weight gain (PR = 1.54; p = 0.000), consuming more alcohol, or started drinking during the pandemic (PR = 1.44; p = 0.000), increased physical activity (PR = 1.43; p = 0.000); increased cigarette consumption (PR = 1.17; p = 0.000), and being a younger adult (PR = 1.17; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the food profiles of basic education teachers in the Minas Gerais state education system in a bidirectional manner, favoring the practice of consuming healthy or unhealthy foods.

Dietary risk behaviors for chronic non-communicable diseases in Brazilian medical students.

College students in general commonly present unhealthy habits and, as a result, they can develop chronic non-communicable diseases. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of clustering of dietary risk behaviors for chronic non-communicable diseases and associated factors among medical students. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 231 students in the 1st, 7th and 11th semesters of undergraduate medical courses at three institutions in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Information on food intake was obtained through a survey of risk and protection factors for chronic diseases conducted by telephone. Statistical analysis was carried out using Poisson regression with robust variance. With regard to the clustering of dietary risk behaviors for chronic diseases, 30.8% of the students had three or more such behaviors. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that the prevalence of dietary risk behaviors was significantly higher among first-semester students. It is believed that students in other semesters had a lower prevalence of clustering of dietary risk behaviors because they had in-depth knowledge about the benefits of a healthy diet.

Fatores associados à ocorrência de infecção e internação por COVID- 19 em professores de Minas Gerais em 2020 / Factors associated with the occurrence of infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in teachers from Minas Gerais, 2020

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar fatores associados à ocorrência de infecção confirmada e internação por COVID- 19 entre professores da educação pública de Minas Gerais. Estudo transversal realizado entre agosto e setembro de 2020, via internet. As variáveis dependentes foram relatos de teste positivo para COVID-19 e ocorrência de internação. Realizou-se Regressão de Poisson. Participaram 15.641 professores. A prevalência de infecção por COVID-19 foi de 1,2%; e foi maior entre as mulheres (RP: 1,69; IC 95%: 1,08;2,66), aqueles com renda de 10 salários ou mais (RP: 2,83; IC95%: 1,40;5,75), plano privado de saúde (RP: 1,52; IC95%: 1,09;2,11), que não receberam informações sobre a COVID-19 (RP: 2,06; IC95%: 1,19;3,58), obesos (RP: 1,55; IC 95%: 1,11;2,17) e cujo amigo ou familiar desenvolveu sintomas graves da COVID-19 (RP: 3,13; IC95%: 2,31;4,24). Entre os infectados, 6,5% foram internados, houve maior prevalência entre grupos de risco da COVID-19 (RP: 1,11; IC95%: 1,02;1,20). Concluindo, a ocorrência da infecção relacionou-se às questões sociodemográficas, acesso a informações, saúde e contatos prévios. Já a internação foi mais prevalente nos considerados grupos de risco para a COVID-19.

The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with the occurrence of confirmed infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 among public education teachers in Minas Gerais. Cross-sectional study carried out between August and September 2020, via internet. The dependent variables were report of a positive tests for COVID-19 and the occurrence of hospitalization. Poisson Regression was performed. 15,641 teachers participated. The prevalence of infection for COVID-19 was 1.2%, and was higher among women (PR: 1.69, CI 95%: 1.08;2.66), with income of 10 salaries or more (PR: 2.83, CI95%: 1.40;5.75), private health insurance (PR: 1.52, CI95%: 1.09;2.11), who did not receive information about COVID-19 (PR: 2.06, CI95%: 1.19;3.58), obese (PR: 1.55; CI 95%: 1.11;2.17) and whose friend or family member developed severe symptoms of COVID-19 (PR: 3.13, CI95%: 2.31;4.24). Among those infected, 6.5% were hospitalized, there was a higher prevalence among risk groups for COVID-19 (PR: 1.11, CI95%: 1.02;1.20). In conclusion, the occurrence of the infection was related to sociodemographic issues, access to information, health and previous contacts. Hospitalization was more prevalent in groups considered at risk for COVID-19.

Implantação da estratégia de fortificação da alimentação infantil em um município do Sudeste do Brasil: relato de experiência / Implementation of the strategy to fortify infant feeding in a city in Southeastern Brazil: an experience report

As crianças encontram-se mais vulneráveis quanto à deficiência de micronutrientes, sendo um público prioritário para a destinação de políticas de prevenção de carências nutricionais. Assim, este relato de experiência descreve a implantação da Estratégia de Fortificação da Alimentação Infantil com Micronutrientes em pó (NutriSUS), que visa principalmente combater a anemia ferropriva, dentre outras deficiências nutricionais, enfatizando o cotidiano nas creches participantes da estratégia no decorrer da implantação, bem como, o objetivo do relato. Participaram das descrições sete creches pertencentes ao Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE), que foram contempladas com o NutriSUS. O período de duração da implantação foi de, aproximadamente, um ano. Ressalta-se a importância desse relato no que tange ao fornecimento de subsídio para a promoção dessa estratégia e, também, da parceria entre as Secretarias de Saúde e Educação, contribuindo para o fortalecimento de ações de desenvolvimento integral das crianças.

Children are more vulnerable to micronutrient deficiency, and they are a priority audience for the allocation of policies to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this experience report describes the implementation of the Strategy for the Fortification of Infant Nutrition with micronutrients powder (Nutrisus), which mainly aims to combat iron deficiency anemia, among other nutritional deficiencies, emphasizing the daily routine in the daycare centers participating in the strategy during the implementation, as well as the objective of the report. Seven daycare centers belonging to the School Health Program (PSE) participated in the descriptions and were included in the Nutrisus program. The study lasted approximately one year, the period in which the implantation took place. We highlight the importance of this report regarding the provision of subsidies to promote this strategy and, also, the partnership between health and education departments, contributing to the strengthening of actions for the development of children as a whole.

Food consumption changes among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The present study aimed to analyze changes in food consumption among teachers of state schools in Minas Gerais in the context of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is a cross-sectional study of teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools in Minas Gerais. An online questionnaire was made available to all participants through the Google Forms platform. For the analysis, sociodemographic, economic, occupational profile, health conditions, and behavioral/habitual variables were used. Food consumption was assessed through the weekly frequency of eating foods considered healthy and unhealthy before and during the pandemic. The changes observed in the frequency were classified as: decreased intake, no change in intake, and increased intake during the pandemic. Statistical analysis was performed using bivariate and multiple analysis using the Multinomial Logistics Regression model. The data were tabulated with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 18.0. A total of 15,641 teachers participated in this study, with an average age of 42.96 (±9.27) years, and most of them were female (81.9%). During the pandemic, approximately 40% reported altered sleep quality and alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity with 60.4% of the professionals categorized as overweight. During this period, there was an increase in the consumption of sweets (19.5%), soft drinks (13.3%), sausages (12.0%), frozen foods (8.9%), salty foods (6.3%), vegetables (13.1%), fruits (12.6%), and wholegrain products (8.3%). In the regression analysis, several factors were found to be associated with changes in teachers' food consumption in a bidirectional way when associated with variables related to sociodemographic characteristics, occupational profile, general health, and lifestyle.

Relação entre ganho de peso e consumo de refrigerantes em adolescentes brasileiros do ensino médio / Relationship between weight gain and the consumption of soft drinks in Brazilian adolescents of secondary education

A adolescência é um período de diversas transformações, sendo observadas mudanças em relação à nutrição, que podem resultar em excesso de peso corporal. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a associação entre excesso de peso corporal e consumo de refrigerante em adolescentes escolares estratificado por sexo. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com estudantes do ensino médio. Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicável. A variável desfecho foi a mediana do escore de IMC (eutrófico e excesso de peso) e o consumo de refrigerante foi a variável de exposição principal. Foi utilizado o modelo de Poisson, estratificado por sexo. Participaram do estudo 1.225 adolescentes, 53,4% do sexo feminino e 15,6% consumiam refrigerante diariamente. Nos adolescentes eutróficos não houve associação de consumo de refrigerantes e zIMC. Nos meninos com excesso de peso e consumo de refrigerante mais de duas vezes na semana apresentaram maior chance de estarem acima da mediana de zIMC. Os resultados apontaram que o consumo diário de refrigerantes por adolescentes do sexo masculino com excesso de peso pode aumentar as chances de ter zIMC ainda mais alto, reforçando assim, a necessidade de medidas que visem a redução do consumo de refrigerante(AU)

Adolescence is a period of several changes, with changes related to nutrition, which can result in excess body weight. Thus, the study aimed to verify the association between excess body weight and soft drink consumption in school adolescents stratified by sex. This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with high school students. A self-administered questionnaire was used. The outcome variable was the median BMI score (eutrophic and overweight) and soft drink consumption was the main exposure variable. The Poisson model, stratified by sex, was used. The sample consisted of 1,225 adolescents, which 53.4% were female and 15.6% consumed soft drinks daily. In eutrophic adolescents, there was no association between consumption of soft drinks and the BMI Z-score. In overweight boys and soda consumption more than twice a week, they were more likely to be above the BMI Z-score median. The results showed that the daily consumption of soft drinks by overweight male adolescents may increase the chances of having even higher BMI Z-score, thus reinforcing the need for measures aimed at reducing the consumption of soft drinks(AU)

Introdução de frutas e verduras na alimentação complementar de lactentes em Montes Claros, Minas Gerais / Introduction of fruits and vegetables in the complementary feeding of infants in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais

Esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a introdução de frutas e verduras na alimentação complementar de lactentes. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, realizado em 2015, envolvendo crianças com idade entre 0 a 24 meses de idade, que frequentam a Estratégia da Saúde da Família de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Avaliaram-se as características sociodemográficas e o consumo alimentar de frutas e verduras entre as crianças. Foi aplicado o questionário de frequência de consumo alimentar onde se perguntava em que idade se deu início a ingestão de frutas e verduras, além de aplicar também o recordatório alimentar para avaliar a presença ou ausência do consumo desses alimentos no dia anterior. Participaram deste estudo 545 crianças, sendo 53,9% do sexo masculino. Quanto à introdução de frutas e verduras, observou-se que 52,0% e 24,0% consumiram antes dos seis meses de idade, respectivamente. Neste estudo foi alta a prevalência da introdução precoce de frutas e verduras entre as crianças(AU)

This work aimed to evaluate the introduction of fruits and vegetables in the complementary feeding of infants. This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in 2015, involving children aged 0 to 24 months, who attend the Family Health Strategy of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Sociodemographic characteristics and food consumption of fruits and vegetables among children were evaluated. The food consumption frequency questionnaire was applied, asking at what age fruit and vegetable intake started, in addition to applying the food record to assess the presence or absence of consumption of these foods on the previous day. 545 children participated in this study, being 53.9% male. As for the introduction of fruits and vegetables, it was observed that 52.0% and 24.0% consumed before the age of six months, respectively. In this study, the prevalence of early introduction of fruits and vegetables was high among children(AU)

Quality of life in climacteric women assisted by primary health care.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the quality of life and associated factors of climacteric women in Brazil using a random and representative sample of women assisted by primary care professionals. We investigated the variables using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, MENQOL, whose mean scores were compared using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests according to the sample characteristics. The variables associated with the outcomes in univariate analyses with a p≤0.2 were jointly evaluated using multiple linear regression. In this study, 849 women ranging in age from 40 to 65 years were evaluated. The predictors of poor quality of life in the vasomotor domain were women with severe climacteric symptoms (p<0.001), increased Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.006), sleep (p = 0.022), and postmenopausal (p<0.001) alterations. For the psychosocial domain, the associated variables were severe climacteric symptoms (p<0.001) and sleep alterations (p<0.001); for the physical domain, the associated variables were severe climacteric symptoms (p<0.001), increased BMI (p<0.001), sleep (p<0.001), and postmenopausal (p<0.001) alterations. Severe climacteric symptoms, low sleep quality, increased BMI, and postmenopausal status were factors that were more associated with impairments in quality of life. With the increase in life expectancy, we suggest that greater attention should be paid to women's quality of life associated with climacteric symptoms.

Prevalence and factors associated with asthma in students from Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

We investigated the prevalence of asthma and factors related to asthma development in schoolchildren aged 6 to 14, living in central and peripheral areas of the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais and who were registered with the Family Health Strategy program. Initially, a standard written questionnaire, based on ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood), was administered to collect personal data, information regarding income, asthma prevalence, allergic rhinitis and eczema (N = 1,131). Secondly, a case-control study was performed by grouping the patients as either asthmatic (A; N = 172) or non-asthmatic (NA; N = 379). Potential factors associated with the occurrence of asthma were evaluated using the complementary questionnaire from ISAAC phase II. Skin tests for immediate hypersensitivity (STIH) and parasitological tests were also performed. The odds ratio, estimated by multivariate analysis, indicated that asthma cases were related to kindergarten attendance, household smoking, family history of asthma, rhinitis and positive STIH. It was concluded that, in the studied population, the prevalence of asthma was related to genetic predisposition, in addition to individual history, social demographics, exposure to pollutants such as tobacco smoke and a positive response to allergy testing.

Distinct metabolic effects of resveratrol on lipogenesis markers in mice adipose tissue treated with high-polyunsaturated fat and high-protein diets.

OBJECTIVE: A healthy diet is essential for the prevention of metabolic syndrome. The present study evaluated the effect of resveratrol associated with high-polyunsaturated fat and high-protein diets on expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes. RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: FVB/N mice were divided into 6 groups (n=7 each) and fed with experimental diets for 60days: standard (ST), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-protein diet (HPD), with and without resveratrol (RSV) (4g/kg diet). The body weight, food intake, energy intake (kcal), and blood parameters (HDL-C, total cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels) were assessed. Real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of adipogenesis and lipogenesis markers: PPARγ, SREBP-1c, ACC and FAS in samples from perigonadal adipose tissue. RESULTS: In the HPD+RSV group, resveratrol decreased body weight, body adiposity, adipose tissue weight, adipocyte area, total cholesterol, ACC and FAS expression, and increased HDL-cholesterol in comparison to HPD. In the HPD group there was a decrease in adipocyte area, as well as PPARγ, SREBP-1c and ACC expression in comparison to ST. While in HFD+RSV, resveratrol decreased levels of total cholesterol in comparison to HFD. In the HFD group there was decrease in body weight, and PPARγ, SREBP-1c and ACC expression in comparison to ST. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results show that resveratrol decreases lipogenesis markers and metabolic parameters in the setting of a high-protein diet. Moreover, resveratrol decreased total cholesterol in both diets. These results point to the increased potential of resveratrol use in prevention of metabolic syndrome, acting on different dietary compositions.

Associated factors of overweight in adolescents from public schools in Northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to weight excess in public school students from Montes Claros, MG, Southeast Brazil, were studied. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents from the public schools of the city. The nutritional status was evaluated and an inquiry was carried out in the schools to determine food consumption and practice of physical activities. Factors associated to weight excess were assessed by bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Weight excess prevalence was detected in 18.5% of the 535 adolescents evaluated. The factors associated to weight excess were: per capita income above half minimum wage (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.01-3.93), candy consumption above two daily portions (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.13-3.32) and absence of sport activity during leisure time (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.15-5.59). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of weight excess in adolescents from public schools is relevant and associated with socioeconomic condition of the family, bad eating habits and sedentary life.

[Factors associated with the risk of eating disorders among academics in the area of health]. / Fatores associados ao risco de transtornos alimentares entre acadêmicos da área de saúde.

The object of this study was aimed at identifying factors associated with the risk of eating disorders in undergraduate students in the area of Health Sciences. It is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study carried out in Montes Clams, MG (Brazil), from August to October 2012. The profile of the university students was identified and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) applied. 200, students aged 23.4 +/- 6.13 years participated in the study, 76.5% of them females. A frequency of 4.0% of the students were at high risk of developing eating disorders, 21.0% at low risk and 75.0% had no risk factors. Various inadequate self-perceptions of the body, dietary practice, missed breakfasts and snacking during intervals were associated with factors for eating disorder risk (p < 0.05). For students with inadequate nutritional status, 34.4% were at risk of an eating disorder (p=0,004). The high risk of developing eating disorders among students in a nutritionally deficient condition indicates that they should receive preventive dietary advice.

[Excess weight and food consumption of adolescents in public schools in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil]. / Excesso de peso e consumo alimentar em adolescentes de escolas públicas no norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

This study sought to identify the prevalence of excess weight and food consumption patterns among adolescents attending public schools in northern Minas Gerais state. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random and representative sample of adolescents. Demographic and economic data were collected. Food consumption was evaluated by applying a semi-quantitative food questionnaire. Body weight and height were measured to assess the nutritional status based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) by Age. The sexes were compared by Student's t test (comparison of samples) and chi-square test (goodness of fit) at a level of significance of p <0.05. 535 adolescents were evaluated and prevalence of excess weight was detected in 18.5% of the group. BMI (p = 0,001) was statistically different between the sexes and higher for girls. The average energy consumption of the group was 3096.30 kcal/day. Fiber consumption was insufficient in 35% of the adolescents, vitamin A and calcium in 80% and unsaturated fats in 100%. Carbohydrate and cholesterol were consumed in excess by 20.6% and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of excess weight and inadequate food consumption is of great concern for the population studied and requires appropriate nutritional intervention.

Development and validity of a questionnaire to test the knowledge of primary care personnel regarding nutrition in obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In light of its epidemic proportions in developed and developing countries, obesity is considered a serious public health issue. In order to increase knowledge concerning the ability of health care professionals in caring for obese adolescents and adopt more efficient preventive and control measures, a questionnaire was developed and validated to assess non-dietitian health professionals regarding their Knowledge of Nutrition in Obese Adolescents (KNOA). METHODS: The development and evaluation of a questionnaire to assess the knowledge of primary care practitioners with respect to nutrition in obese adolescents was carried out in five phases, as follows: 1) definition of study dimensions 2) development of 42 questions and preliminary evaluation of the questionnaire by a panel of experts; 3) characterization and selection of primary care practitioners (35 dietitians and 265 non-dietitians) and measurement of questionnaire criteria by contrasting the responses of dietitians and non-dietitians; 4) reliability assessment by question exclusion based on item difficulty (too easy and too difficult for non-dietitian practitioners), item discrimination, internal consistency and reproducibility index determination; and 5) scoring the completed questionnaires. RESULTS: Dietitians obtained higher scores than non-dietitians (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05), confirming the validity of the questionnaire criteria. Items were discriminated by correlating the score for each item with the total score, using a minimum of 0.2 as a correlation coefficient cutoff value. Item difficulty was controlled by excluding questions answered correctly by more than 90% of the non-dietitian subjects (too easy) or by less than 10% of them (too difficult). The final questionnaire contained 26 of the original 42 questions, increasing Cronbach's α value from 0.788 to 0.807. Test-retest agreement between respondents was classified as good to very good (Kappa test, >0.60). CONCLUSION: The KNOA questionnaire developed for primary care practitioners is a valid, consistent and suitable instrument that can be applied over time, making it a promising tool for developing and guiding public health policies.

Diet composition modulates expression of sirtuins and renin-angiotensin system components in adipose tissue.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of RAS components and SIRTs enzymes in the adipose tissue of mice fed diets with different macronutrient composition. DESIGN AND METHODS: The body weight, food intake, and energy intake (kcal) were evaluated. Blood parameters (insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, total cholesterol, HDL-C triglyceride, and glucose levels) were also assessed. Real-time PCR was performed in epididymal adipose tissue samples to analyze the expression of renin, angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 and 2 (ACE and ACE2), and SIRTs 1-7. Male FVB/N mice were divided into 5 groups (N = 10 each) that were fed with experimental diets for 60 days. Test diets were divided into standard (ST), AIN-93M, high glucose (HG), high protein (HP) and high lipid (HL). RESULTS: The main results showed that HL diet treatment induced reduction in HDL-C and triglyceride plasma levels; increased ACE (Ang II marker) expression and decreased ACE2 (Ang-[1-7] catalyzer) expression in adipose tissue; and also increased SIRT4 expression. CONCLUSION: Diets with high lipid content induced a degenerative state associated with deregulation of adipose tissue enzymes expression.