Solidarity through food: Coping with food insecurity among adolescent migrants in transit through Mexico and Central America.

BACKGROUND: The food choices of migrants are frequently limited by lack of access to sufficient and adequate food. Food insecurity (FI) during adolescence has potential negative health consequences, however the experiences of FI of adolescent in-transit migrants have seldom been reported. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of FI of adolescent in-transit migrants and their ways of coping with it. METHODS: Qualitative study, with 19 semi-structured interviews with adolescents (ages 13-19 years), in shelters for migrants in Mexico in 2022-2023. We followed a reflexive thematic analysis strategy. RESULTS: Most participants had experienced FI during the journey, and responded by limiting intake, choosing food according to price, seeking temporary work or asking for food or money in the streets. We defined "solidarity through food" as a central theme that summarized participants' experiences of sharing food with other migrants, as givers or recipients. Solidarity through food was a response to FI, benefitting the more disadvantaged (e.g. young children, those who had been robbed). Despite their young age, interviewees took part in this, giving their food to others and restricting their intake to prioritize younger siblings. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Solidarity through food was a form of generalized reciprocity, enacted not only among family members or friends, but extended to other migrants sharing the route. In further studies, it will be important to explore the role and nuances of food sharing as a practice of social exchange of responsibility and care, on adolescent migrants' health, and in their psychological and relational development into adulthood.

Determinación social de la obesidad, la diabetes y la hipertensión arterial desde las narrativas de mujeres de una comunidad indígena en el sur de Morelos, México.

OBJETIVO: comprender los procesos críticos (PC) de determinación social de la obesidad, la diabetes y la hipertensión (ODH) en una comunidad nahua de México. METODOLOGÍA: estudio cualitativo de registros de un taller de fotovoz, donde las participantes fotografiaron su entorno y analizaron las causas y posibles soluciones a la ODH. Para analizar los PC de la ODH utilizamos como método la investigación narrativa y, como referente teórico, la epidemiología crítica. RESULTADOS: la ODH se reproduce social e históricamente a través de PC destructivos vinculados con las relaciones de producción global y de género. Estas determinan modos de vida deteriorantes que limitan la atención a la salud, comprometen la salud mental, producen contaminación y diferenciación de uso de espacios, y reducen oportunidades para alimentarse nutritivamente y realizar actividad física. Todo ello se expresa como ODH y problemas de salud mental. Los PC protectores ante estas expresiones incluyen la atención estatal, las oportunidades de trabajo, y la promoción de dispositivos culturales y comunitarios. CONCLUSIONES: nuestros resultados aportan a la discusión global sobre cómo las condiciones históricas de vida son parte de la determinación social de la ODH. Comprender los PC y sus expresiones locales puede orientarnos hacia la descolonización de la forma de pensar y hacer promoción de la salud.

Challenges around Child-Feeding Practices with 'Comida Chatarra': A Qualitative Study to Understand the Role of Sociocultural Factors in Caregiver Feeding Decisions.

A massive incorporation of ultra-processed products into young children's diets worldwide and in Mexico has been documented. The aim of this study is to understand the role of sociocultural factors in principal caregivers' decisions to give a type of ultra-processed food to children under age five, called 'comida chatarra' ('junk food' in English), usually includes sugar-sweetened beverages, sweet and salty snacks, and sweet breakfast cereals. We conducted a descriptive, observational qualitative study. The research was conducted in urban and rural communities in two Mexican states. Twenty-four principal caregivers were equally distributed between the two states and types of communities. They were interviewed in person. Phenomenology underpinned this study. Results highlight the preponderant role of culture in food choices and feeding practices with junk food. Local culture influences child-feeding with ultra-processed products through social norms, knowledge, or socially constructed attitudes. These social norms, built in the context of abundant ultra-processed products and omnipresent marketing, 'justify' children's consumption of junk food. They acquire these products from the principal caregivers, family members, and neighbors, among others, who reward and pamper them. These actors also define what amount (small amounts) and when (after meals as snacks) children are given these products. Cultural factors must be considered in the development of effective public policies and programs that aim to change the culture around ultra-processed products among children and avoid their consumption.

[Commitment and community participation towards health: knowledge creation from the systematization of social experiences]. / Compromiso y participación comunitaria en salud: aprendizajes desde la sistematización de experiencias sociales.

OBJECTIVE: Objective. To reflect on the process of committing to participation in the implementation of a health strategic plan, using Participative Systematization of Social Experiences as a tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study was a qualitative research-intervention study, based on the Dialectical Methodological Conception approach. We designed and implemented a two-day workshop, six hours daily, using Systematization methodology with a Community Work Group (CWG). During the workshop, women systematized their experience, with compromise as axis of the process. Using Grounded Theory techniques, we applied micro-analysis to data in order to identify and strengthen categories that emerged during the systematization process. We completed open and axial coding. RESULTS: The CWG identified that commitment and participation itself is influenced by group dynamics and structural determinants. They also reconsidered the way they understood and exercised commitment and participation, and generated knowledge, empowering them to improve their future practice. CONCLUSIONS: Commitment and participation were determined by group dynamics and structural factors such as socioeconomic conditions and gender roles. These determinants must be visible and understood in order to generate proposals that are aimed at strengthening the participation and organization of groups.

OBJETIVO: Reflexionar sobre el compromiso en el proceso de participación en salud empleando la herramienta de sistematización participativa de experiencias sociales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Investigación-intervención de corte cualitativo, desde la concepción metodológica dialéctica. Las mujeres pertenecientes a un grupo de trabajo comunitario en Xoxocotla, Morelos, México, sistematizaron su experiencia utilizando como eje el compromiso. Con base en técnicas derivadas de la teoría fundamentada, se realizó un microanálisis para identificar y robustecer las categorías del contenido correspondiente al proceso de sistematización. RESULTADOS: Las participantes identificaron los determinantes estructurales del compromiso en su proceso de participación y elementos relacionados con la dinámica grupal que lo influyen; asimismo, redefinieron la forma de entender y ejercer el compromiso y la participación, y extrajeron aprendizajes para mejorar su práctica futura. CONCLUSIONES: El compromiso y la participación están determinados por factores estructurales como la condición socioeconómica y el rol de género, los cuales deben visibilizarse y comprenderse para generar propuestas que fortalezcan el involucramiento y la organización de grupos.

Compromiso y participación comunitaria en salud: aprendizajes desde la sistematización de experiencias sociales / Commitment and community participation towards health: knowledge creation from the systematization of social experiences

Resumen: Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre el compromiso en el proceso de participación en salud empleando la herramienta de sistematización participativa de experiencias sociales. Material y métodos: Investigación-intervención de corte cualitativo, desde la concepción metodológica dialéctica. Las mujeres pertenecientes a un grupo de trabajo comunitario en Xoxocotla, Morelos, México, sistematizaron su experiencia utilizando como eje el compromiso. Con base en técnicas derivadas de la teoría fundamentada, se realizó un microanálisis para identificar y robustecer las categorías del contenido correspondiente al proceso de sistematización. Resultados: Las participantes identificaron los determinantes estructurales del compromiso en su proceso de participación y elementos relacionados con la dinámica grupal que lo influyen; asimismo, redefinieron la forma de entender y ejercer el compromiso y la participación, y extrajeron aprendizajes para mejorar su práctica futura. Conclusiones: El compromiso y la participación están determinados por factores estructurales como la condición socioeconómica y el rol de género, los cuales deben visibilizarse y comprenderse para generar propuestas que fortalezcan el involucramiento y la organización de grupos.

Abstract: Objective: To reflect on the process of committing to participation in the implementation of a health strategic plan, using Participative Systematization of Social Experiences as a tool. Materials and methods: Our study was a qualitative research-intervention study, based on the Dialectical Methodological Conception approach. We designed and implemented a two-day workshop, six hours daily, using Systematization methodology with a Community Work Group (CWG). During the workshop, women systematized their experience, with compromise as axis of the process. Using Grounded Theory techniques, we applied micro-analysis to data in order to identify and strengthen categories that emerged during the systematization process. We completed open and axial coding. Results: The CWG identified that commitment and participation itself is influenced by group dynamics and structural determinants. They also reconsidered the way they understood and exercised commitment and participation, and generated knowledge, empowering them to improve their future practice. Conclusions: Commitment and participation were determined by group dynamics and structural factors such as socioeconomic conditions and gender roles. These determinants must be visible and understood in order to generate proposals that are aimed at strengthening the participation and organization of groups.

Breastfeeding practices, beliefs, and social norms in low-resource communities in Mexico: Insights for how to improve future promotion strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding is recommended exclusively for the first 6 months after birth, with continued breastfeeding for at least 2 years. Yet prevalence of these recommendations is low globally, although it is an effective and cost-effective way to prevent serious infections and chronic illness. Previous studies have reported that social support greatly influences breastfeeding, but there is little evidence on perceived social norms in Mexico and how they affect actual behavior. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate breastfeeding intention, practices, attitudes, and beliefs, particularly normative, among low-resource communities in central and southern Mexico. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis using the theory of planned behavior with cross-sectional data, which included semi-structured individual interviews with fathers (n 10), 8 focus groups with mothers (n 50), and 8 focus groups with women community leaders (n 44) with a total of 104 participants. Our data also included a quantitative survey among pregnant women and mothers (n 321). RESULTS: Women reported supplementing breast milk with water and teas soon after birth, as well as introducing small bites of solid food a few months after birth. Social norms appeared to support breastfeeding, but not exclusive breastfeeding or breastfeeding for periods longer than about a year. This may be partially explained by: a) behavioral beliefs that for the first 6 months breast milk alone is insufficient for the baby, and that water in addition to breast milk is necessary to hydrate an infant and b) normative beliefs related to the appropriateness of breastfeeding in public and as the child gets older. CONCLUSIONS: Future strategies should focus on positively influencing social norms to support recommended practices, and emphasize the specific reasons behind the recommendations. Future efforts should take a multi-pronged approach using a variety of influences, not only directed at healthcare providers but close family members, including fathers.

Substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages reduces circulating triglycerides and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese but not in overweight Mexican women in a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mexico's sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake is among the highest globally. Although evidence shows that increases in SSB intake are linked with increased energy intake, weight gain, and cardiometabolic risks, few randomized clinical trials have been conducted in adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if replacing SSBs with water affects plasma triglycerides (TGs) (primary outcome), weight, and other cardiometabolic factors. METHODS: We selected overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 and <39 kg/m(2)) women (18-45 y old) reporting an SSB intake of at least 250 kcal/d living in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Women were randomly allocated to the water and education provision (WEP) group (n = 120) or the education provision (EP)-only group (n = 120). The WEP group received biweekly water deliveries, and both groups received equal monthly nutrition counseling. During nutrition counseling, the WEP group sessions included activities to encourage increased water intake, reduced SSB intake, and substitution of water for SSBs. Repeated 24-h dietary recalls, anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 mo. The Markov-Monte Carlo method was used for multiple imputation; separate mixed-effects models tested each outcome. RESULTS: An intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis indicated that the WEP group increased water intake and decreased SSB intake significantly over time, but there were no differences in plasma TG concentrations between groups at the end of the intervention (WEP at baseline: 155 ± 2.10 mg/dL; WEP at 9 mo: 149 ± 2.80 mg/dL; EP at baseline: 150 ± 1.90 mg/dL; EP at 9 mo: 161 ± 2.70 mg/dL; P for mean comparisons at 9 mo = 0.10). Secondary analyses showed significant effects on plasma TGs (change from baseline to 9 mo: WEP, -28.9 ± 7.7 mg/dL; EP, 8.5 ± 10.9 mg/dL; P = 0.03) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence at 9 mo (WEP: 18.1%; EP: 37.7%; P = 0.02) among obese participants. CONCLUSIONS: Providing water and nutritional counseling was effective in increasing water intake and in partially decreasing SSB intake. We found no effect on plasma TGs, weight, and other cardiometabolic risks in the ITT analysis, although the intervention lowered plasma TGs and MetS prevalence among obese participants. Further studies are warranted. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01245010.

Design and challenges of a randomized controlled trial for reducing risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Mexican women through water intake / Diseño y retos de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado para reducir el riesgo de síndrome metabólico en mujeres mexicanas mediante consumo de agua

Objective. To describe the design, methods, and challenges encountered during a randomized clinical trial aimed to promote water intake for reducing risks of metabolic syndrome in Mexican women. Materials and methods. In a randomized clinical trial in Cuernavaca, Mexico, overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 < 39) women, 18 - < 45 years old with an intake of sugar-sweetened beverages ≥ 250 kilocalories per day (kcal/day) were randomly allocated to the water and education provision group (n = 120) or the education provision only group (n = 120). Results. We screened 1 756 women. The main difficulties encountered were identifying participants with the recruitment criteria, delivering water to participants, and the time demanded from the study participants. Conclusions. The trial's main challenges were difficulties surrounding recruitment, delivery of the intervention, and the time demanded from the study participants. Modifications were effectively implemented without jeopardizing the original protocol.

Objetivo. Describir el diseño, métodos y dificultades logísticas enfrentadas durante un ensayo clínico aleatorizado con el objetivo de promover el aumento en el consumo de agua para reducir el riesgo metabólico en mujeres obesas. Material y métodos. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, desarrollado en Cuernavaca, México. Mujeres con IMC ≥ 25 y < 39, entre 18 y < 45 años, con consumo de bebidas azucaradas ≥ 250 kcal/día, se asignaron aleatoriamente a a) grupo de agua y educación nutricional (n = 120), o b) educación nutricional únicamente (n = 120). Resultados. Se realizaron pruebas de tamizaje a 1 756 mujeres. Las principales dificultades para el desarrollo del estudio fueron identificar participantes que cumplieran criterios del estudio, entrega de agua y tiempo invertido por las participantes en actividades del proyecto. Conclusiones. Los retos del proyecto estuvieron relacionados con el reclutamiento, entrega de la intervención y demanda de tiempo a las participantes. Se implementaron modificaciones sin afectar la validez del estudio.

Design and challenges of a randomized controlled trial for reducing risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Mexican women through water intake.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the design, methods, and challenges encountered during a randomized clinical trial aimed to promote water intake for reducing risks of metabolic syndrome in Mexican women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial in Cuernavaca, Mexico, overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 < 39) women, 18 - < 45 years old with an intake of sugar-sweetened beverages ≥ 250 kilocalories per day (kcal/day) were randomly allocated to the water and education provision group (n = 120) or the education provision only group (n = 120). RESULTS: We screened 1 756 women. The main difficulties encountered were identifying participants with the recruitment criteria, delivering water to participants, and the time demanded from the study participants. CONCLUSIONS: The trial's main challenges were difficulties surrounding recruitment, delivery of the intervention, and the time demanded from the study participants. Modifications were effectively implemented without jeopardizing the original protocol.