Birthweight and its association with cardiometabolic risk parameters in rural Maya children from Yucatan, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the influence of early developmental factors on cardiometabolic health in the Maya is limited. AIM: To analyse the relationship between birthweight (BW) and cardiometabolic parameters in a sample of rural Maya children from Yucatan, Mexico. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We took anthropometric measurements and obtained data on BW and fasting blood samples in a sample of 75 children aged 5-14 years. Dependent variables were: fat mass index (FMI), body mass index (BMI), glucose (G), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios and metabolic index (TGxG/HDL2). Outcomes were transformed to y = 100 log(e)x and the resulting estimates are interpreted as symmetrical percentage differences. The main independent variable was BW z-score. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between BW and outcomes. RESULTS: An increase of one standard deviation in BW predicted 6.6% (95% CI [-11.6, -1.6]) decrease in HDL and 11% (95% CI [3.7, 18.4]), 7.8% (95% CI [2.3, 13.2]) and 19.6% (95% CI [3.1, 36]) increases in LDL/HDL, TC/HDL and metabolic index, respectively. CONCLUSION: Higher birthweights were associated with adverse levels of biochemical parameters in this sample of rural Maya children.

Secular trends in the anthropometric characteristics of children in a rural community in Yucatan, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in height, weight, and body mass index (BMI = kg/m2 ) from 1986 to 2022 in 3-11 year old children from Dzeal, a rural Maya community in Yucatan, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October-2022 to February-2023 (third-wave survey), we obtained anthropometric measurements of children (n = 80) and family socioeconomic data and compared them with data obtained in 1986 (n = 38) and 2000 (n = 76). Comparisons of anthropometric parameters by sex between years of measurement were performed graphically and through one-way ANOVA, splitting children into two age groups: 3-7 and 8-11. Bonferroni adjustments for multiple comparisons were used when ANOVAs were statistically significant (p < .05). RESULTS: In girls, significant increases in height and weight between surveys were found in 3-7 and 8-11 age groups; in boys, significant increases were only found in the 8-11 age group. Regarding BMI, there were increases in 2022 compared with 1986/2000 in both sexes from 8 years onwards. Differences indicate increases of 3.9 and 4.4 cm per decade in girls aged 3-7 and 8-11, respectively, and increases in weight of 1.1 and 3.3 kg per decade, respectively. Increases in boys 8-11 years were 2.3 cm and 2.4 kg per decade. CONCLUSION: Significant increases in growth parameters were observed in specific-age children in the community studied in the context of changes in livelihoods and improvements in household material conditions.

The impact of COVID-19 on the number of births in Yucatan, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the number of births in Yucatan, Mexico during 2020 and 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 470 651 live births occurred in Yucatan from January 1st, 2008, to December 31st, 2021, and were included in the analysis. The monthly number of births observed during January 2008-February 2020 was used to describe pre-pandemic trends. Time-series analysis was applied to examine whether the number of births observed from December 2020 (9 months after the beginning of the pandemic) to December 2021 differed from the expected values. Trends in the number of births according to maternal age, parity and education were examined to identify changes differentiated by sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The number of births in 2021 decreased by 18% (5869 births) compared with 2019, which represents a reduction from 12.89 to 12.48 per thousand inhabitants. The observed number of births from December 2020 to July 2021 was significantly lower than the figure expected. April (expected = 2863 vs. observed = 1722), May (expected = 2948 vs. observed = 1990), and June (expected = 2997 vs. observed = 1978) 2021 showed the largest differences between expected and observed values. Then, from August to December 2021, the observed number of births fell within the expected range. Birth decline was slightly more pronounced among mothers between 20 and 29 years of age and in those without previous offspring. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence of birth decline in Yucatan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Birth rate reduction in Yucatan doubled the world average and young women without children were the most affected.

Análisis de la diversidad dietética en mujeres embarazadas del sureste de México

Objetivo: Describir la diversidad dietética (DD) de un grupo de mujeres embarazadas del municipio de Mérida, Yucatán. Métodos: Se aplicó un cuestionario socioeconómico y tres recordatorios de 24 horas (R-24) en días no consecutivos a 83 mujeres embarazadas. La DD se evaluó a nivel individual de acuerdo a la puntuación Mínima de Diversidad Dietética para la Mujer (MDD-W). Se consideró una DD alta cuando se consumieron ≥5 grupos de alimentos y DD baja cuando el consumo fue <5. Se analizaron las diferencias en el consumo de los grupos de alimentos de acuerdo al nivel de DD mediante pruebas de Chi2. Resultados: La edad promedio de la muestra fue de 27,6 años (±5,2), con una edad gestacional promedio de 23 semanas (±8,3). La media de la DD fue de 4,9 (±1,5) grupos de alimentos. El 39% de la muestra tuvo una DD baja. Las mujeres con DD baja consumieron en menor frecuencia alimentos cárnicos, huevos, vegetales de hoja verde oscuro, frutas y verduras ricas en vitamina A, otras verduras y otras frutas (P= <0,05). La proporción de mujeres con DD baja fue mayor durante los fines de semana (49% vs 68%, Chi2= 7,89, P= 0,005). Conclusiones: La media de la DD obtenida en esta muestra indica una DD baja. Las mujeres en este estudio presentaron un bajo consumo de alimentos ricos en vitaminas mientras que los alimentos ricos en energía y proteína de origen animal presentan un consumo alto.

Objective: To describe the dietary diversity (DD) in a sample of pregnant women from Merida, Yucatan. Methods: We applied a socioeconomic questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls, on non-consecutive days, to 83 pregnant women residing in Merida, Yucatan. DD was assessed according to the Minimum Dietary Diversity score for Women (MDD-W). A high DD was considered when a consumption ≥5 food groups occurred, while a consumption <5 groups was considered as a low DD. We analyze the differences in the consumption of food groups according to the level of DD. Chi square test were applied to assess DD. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.6 years (±5.2) and the average gestational age was 23 weeks (±8.3). The mean DD was 4.9 (±1.5) food groups and 39% of the sample had a low DD. Women with low DD consumed less frequently meat foods, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A, other vegetables and other fruits (P<=0.05). Low DD was more frequently registered during weekend days (49% vs 68%, P= 0.005). Conclusions: The sample had low DD. Women who participated in this study had a low consumption of foods rich in micronutrients while foods rich in energy and protein of animal origin had a high consumption.

Association between overweight and obesity with school performance in secondary students in Merida, Mexico. / Asociación entre el sobrepeso y la obesidad con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de secundaria de la ciudad de Mérida, México

Background: Some studies have found a negative relationship between obesity and school performance in scholars. However, this topic has not been studied in depth in Mexico. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between overweight and obesity with school performance in secondary school students from Merida. Methods: Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated in a sample of 566 secondary students in Merida. Nutritional status was classified in normal weight (-2-<+1 standard deviation [SD]), overweight (+1-<2 SD) and obesity (> + 2 SD) according to the World Health Organization criteria. The scores in language, mathematics and sciences were used as indicators of school performance. Good performance was considered when the scores were ≥8 points, and poor performance when scores were <8 points. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between the variables. Results: The 44% of the sample met the criteria for overweight and obesity. After adjusting for school grade, type of school, number of absences, and Mayan surnames, we found that girls classified as obese had a significant risk of a poor performance in mathematics (odds ratio [OR]: 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-6.80) and language (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.14-5.71) compared with those with healthy weight. Conclusions: Our results suggest that obesity represents a risk of having a lower school performance in girls but not in boys.

Introducción: Diversos estudios señalan una relación negativa entre la obesidad y el rendimiento académico en la población infantil. Sin embargo, este tema ha sido poco estudiado en México. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre el sobrepeso y la obesidad con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de secundaria de Mérida. Métodos: Se midió el peso y la talla y se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en una muestra de 566 alumnos de ambos sexos de escuelas secundarias públicas de Mérida. Se clasificó el estado nutricional de los adolescentes en peso normal (-2 - < +1 desviaciones estándar [DE]), sobrepeso (+1 - < 2 DE) y obesidad (> +2 DE) de acuerdo con los valores de referencia de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se utilizó el promedio de calificaciones obtenidas en las asignaturas de lenguaje, matemáticas y ciencias como un indicador del rendimiento académico. Se consideró desempeño mayor cuando el promedio fue > 8 puntos y menor cuando fue < 8 puntos. El análisis de asociación entre las variables se realizó mediante modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: La prevalencia conjunta de sobrepeso y obesidad fue del 44%. Al ajustar para el grado escolar, el tipo de escuela, el número de ausencias y la procedencia maya del apellido, las adolescentes con obesidad tuvieron un riesgo significativo de tener desempeño menor en matemáticas (razón de momios [RM]: 3.07; IC 95%: 1.39-6.80) y lenguaje (RM: 2.55; IC 95%: 1.14-5.71) al compararlas con aquellas con peso saludable. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la obesidad es un factor de riesgo para tener un menor rendimiento académico en las adolescentes de entre 12 y 15 años, pero no entre los adolescentes de la misma edad.

Asociación entre el sobrepeso y la obesidad con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de secundaria de la ciudad de Mérida, México / Association between overweight and obesity with school performance in secondary students in Merida, Mexico

Resumen Introducción: Diversos estudios señalan una relación negativa entre la obesidad y el rendimiento académico en la población infantil. Sin embargo, este tema ha sido poco estudiado en México. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre el sobrepeso y la obesidad con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de secundaria de Mérida. Métodos: Se midió el peso y la talla y se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en una muestra de 566 alumnos de ambos sexos de escuelas secundarias públicas de Mérida. Se clasificó el estado nutricional de los adolescentes en peso normal (-2 - < +1 desviaciones estándar [DE]), sobrepeso (+1 - < 2 DE) y obesidad (> +2 DE) de acuerdo con los valores de referencia de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se utilizó el promedio de calificaciones obtenidas en las asignaturas de lenguaje, matemáticas y ciencias como un indicador del rendimiento académico. Se consideró desempeño mayor cuando el promedio fue > 8 puntos y menor cuando fue < 8 puntos. El análisis de asociación entre las variables se realizó mediante modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: La prevalencia conjunta de sobrepeso y obesidad fue del 44%. Al ajustar para el grado escolar, el tipo de escuela, el número de ausencias y la procedencia maya del apellido, las adolescentes con obesidad tuvieron un riesgo significativo de tener desempeño menor en matemáticas (razón de momios [RM]: 3.07; IC 95%: 1.39-6.80) y lenguaje (RM: 2.55; IC 95%: 1.14-5.71) al compararlas con aquellas con peso saludable. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la obesidad es un factor de riesgo para tener un menor rendimiento académico en las adolescentes de entre 12 y 15 años, pero no entre los adolescentes de la misma edad.

Abstract Background: Some studies have found a negative relationship between obesity and school performance in scholars. However, this topic has not been studied in depth in Mexico. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between overweight and obesity with school performance in secondary school students from Merida. Methods: Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated in a sample of 566 secondary students in Merida. Nutritional status was classified in normal weight (−2-<+1 standard deviation [SD]), overweight (+1-<2 SD) and obesity (> + 2 SD) according to the World Health Organization criteria. The scores in language, mathematics and sciences were used as indicators of school performance. Good performance was considered when the scores were ≥8 points, and poor performance when scores were <8 points. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between the variables. Results: The 44% of the sample met the criteria for overweight and obesity. After adjusting for school grade, type of school, number of absences, and Mayan surnames, we found that girls classified as obese had a significant risk of a poor performance in mathematics (odds ratio [OR]: 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-6.80) and language (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.14-5.71) compared with those with healthy weight. Conclusions: Our results suggest that obesity represents a risk of having a lower school performance in girls but not in boys.

Crecimiento y estado nutricional de escolares de tres comunidades de yucatán, méxico / Growth and nutritional status of school age children of three communities from yucatan, mexico

En México, el estado nutricional de niños en edad escolar aun es un problema de salud pública, particularmente en el sureste del país en donde las cifras de mala nutrición son alarmantes. El estado de Yucatán, México, presenta una de las prevalencias más altas de desnutrición crónica (talla baja) y sobrepeso/obesidad en la región. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el estado nutricional y de crecimiento de una muestra de niños y niñas escolares (6 a 12 años de edad) en tres comunidades rurales del estado de Yucatán. Entre noviembre y diciembre de 2014 obtuvimos la talla, talla sentado, peso, circunferencia de cintura (CC), pliegue cutáneo tricipital y calculamos la longitud de extremidades inferiores, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal de una muestra de 144 niños (6-12 años de edad) en tres comunidades de Yucatán. El 14 % de la muestra total presentó talla baja para la edad y el 16 % y 21 % mostró IMC y CC excedidos respectivamente. Estos datos muestran la coexistencia de ambos extremos de la mala nutrición en el contexto de las comunidades estudiadas. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las medidas de crecimiento y categorías de estado nutricional entre las comunidades. Factores como la producción y comercialización local de alimentos, la migración (rural-urbana, regional e internacional) así como diferencias en inversión en infraestructura de soporte social parecen estar asociados a las variaciones en el estado nutricional y de crecimiento de los escolares estudiados(AU)

In Mexico, the nutritional status of school age children it is still a public health problem, particularly in the country southeast where malnutrition is alarming. Yucatan state, in Mexico, has one of the highest chronic undernutrition (stunting) and overweight/obesity prevalences. The aim of this study was to describe the growth and nutritional status of a sample of school children (6 - 12 years old) from three rural communities in Yucatan. Between November and December 2014 we obtained height, sitting height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and tricipital skinfold, and calculate leg length, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage of a sample of 144 children (6 - 12 years old) in three communities in Yucatan. The 14% of the total sample showed low height for age and 16% and 21% showed exceeded BMI and WC respectively. These data show the coexistence of both extremes of malnutrition. Significant differences in measures of growth and nutritional status categories were found between communities. Factors such as the production and merchandising of local foods, migration (rural-to-urban, regional and international) as well as differences in infraestructure investment in social support appear to be associated with variations in the growth and nutritional stattus of school age children analyzed(AU)

Growth and nutritional status of school age children of three communities from Yucatan, Mexico.

In Mexico, the nutritional status of school age children it is still a public health problem, particularly in the country southeast where malnutrition is alarming. Yucatan state, in Mexico, has one of the highest chronic undernutrition (stunting) and overweight/obesity prevalences. The aim of this study was to describe the growth and nutritional status of a sample of school children (6 - 12 years old) from three rural communities in Yucatan. Between November and December 2014 we obtained height, sitting height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and tricipital skinfold, and calculate leg length, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage of a sample of 144 children (6 - 12 years old) in three communities in Yucatan. The 14% of the total sample showed low height for age and 16% and 21% showed exceeded BMI and WC respectively. These data show the coexistence of both extremes of malnutrition. Significant differences in measures of growth and nutritional status categories were found between communities. Factors such as the production and merchandising of local foods, migration (rural-to-urban, regional and international) as well as differences in infraestructure investment in social support appear to be associated with variaticins in the growth and nutritional stattus of school age children analyzed.