Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines among latin american adults: a multi-national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: 24-hour movement behaviors, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep duration, have important implications for health across the lifespan. However, no studies exist that have examined the integration of these 24-hour movement behaviors in Latin America. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline recommendations and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the guidelines in adults from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: This was a multi-national cross-sectional study of 2338 adults aged 18 to 64 years from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health. MVPA and ST data were collected using accelerometers. Sleep duration was self-reported using a daily log. Socio-demographic correlates included sex, age, education level, and marital status. Meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines was defined as: ≥150 min/week of MVPA; ≤8 h/day of ST; and between 7 and 9 h/day of sleep. Logistic regression models were estimated on pooled data. RESULTS: The prevalence of adults who met the MVPA, ST, sleep duration, and integrated recommendations was 48.3, 22.0, 19.4, and 1.6%, respectively. Overall, being a woman (OR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.55,0.93) and having a middle (0.63; 0.47,0.85) or high education level (0.31; 0.17,0.56) was associated with lower odds of meeting all three of the 24-hour movement guideline recommendations. Being married (1.70; 1.25,2.29) was associated with greater odds of meeting all three recommendations. Being a woman (0.46; 0.39,0.55), aged 50-64 years (0.77; 0.60,0.97), and married (0.79; 0.65,0.96) were associated with lower odds of meeting the MVPA recommendation. Having a middle (0.64; 0.50,0.80) or high (0.36; 0.23,0.55) education level was associated with lower odds and being married (1.86; 1.46,2.36) was associated with greater odds of meeting the ST recommendation. Being a woman (0.63; 0.51,0.78) was associated with lower odds; whereas being aged 50-64 years (1.40; 1.04,1.88) and having a middle education level (1.37; 1.09,1.73) were associated with greater odds of meeting the sleep duration recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the proportion of Latin American adults achieving healthy levels of 24-hour movement behaviors was low. Further efforts are needed to promote more MVPA, less ST, and sufficient sleep in Latin American adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02226627 . Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Breakfast in Latin America: Evaluation of Nutrient and Food Group Intake Toward a Nutrient-Based Recommendation.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about breakfast habits of the Latin American (LA) population to support nutritional recommendations for a balanced breakfast in this region. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional composition of breakfast in the LA population and to propose recommendations for a balanced breakfast. DESIGN: This multicenter cross-sectional study evaluated food and nutrient intake of nationally representative samples of urban populations of 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) in 2014-2015. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The sample comprised 8714 participants from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, aged 15 to 65 years, randomly recruited according to geographical location, sex, age, and socioeconomic level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two 24-hour recalls were used to examine dietary intake. Breakfast consumers were stratified by tertiles of Nutrient-Rich Foods Index 9.3 (NRF9.3) to assess the overall diet quality of individuals. Nutrient intake at breakfast of those in the upper tertile of NRF9.3 pooled for the 8 countries was used as a reference for the development of recommendations for LA adolescents and adults. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Comparison of food and nutrient intake of breakfast across NRF9.3 tertiles were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. RESULTS: Overall breakfast was an important contributor to protein, carbohydrate, and B vitamin intakes but also to added sugar and total and saturated fat intakes relative to daily intakes. Individuals in the upper NRF9.3 tertile had higher intake of key micronutrients such as calcium and potassium at breakfast compared with other tertiles. White breads/rolls/tortillas were the most consumed food group (60%), followed by butter/margarine (40%) and coffee/tea without milk (34%-50%). CONCLUSIONS: Breakfast contributed to the daily intake of B vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates but also added sugar and total and saturated fat intakes for all countries. The proposed recommendations support the nutrient density of existing highest-quality breakfast in the LA population while addressing concerns about nutrients to be encouraged or reduced.

Anthropometric Profile of Latin American Population: Results From the ELANS Study.

Background: Latin America has experienced changes in lifestyle since 1960. Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of obesity and stunting among eight countries of Latin American and to identify the determinant risk factors for obesity. Subjects and Methods: Data were obtained from 9,218 participants of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a multicenter cross-sectional study of the representative samples in eight Latin American countries. All the participants completed a standard protocol to investigate the nutrient intake and anthropometric variables (weight, height, and circumferences) analyzed by country, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: The prevalence of obesity was higher in Costa Rica and Venezuela (29%) and lower in Colombia (16%), stunting was reported higher in Peru (47%) and lower in Argentina (17%), and waist and neck circumferences showed the higher values in Costa Rica (43%) and Chile (52%) and lower values in Colombia (23 and 26%). Conclusion: This study indicates an increasing trend toward overweight and obesity that are associated with lower socioeconomic status, being a woman, and concurs with inadequate intakes of calcium, which may be related to poor quality diet and in the long term could constitute risk factors for the chronic diseases and a health burden to the region.

Agreement Between Self-Reported and Device-Based Sedentary Time among Eight Countries: Findings from the ELANS.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the agreement between self-reported and device-based sedentary time among eight countries in Latin America. As part of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), data were collected from 2524 participants (18-65 years) across eight countries. Participants reported time spent sedentary in different activities (computer use at home, videogame use, reading, sitting down to chat with friends/relatives or listening to music, speaking on the phone, watching TV, and riding in a car). Overall sitting time was assessed using a single item from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Device-based sedentary time was assessed using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. Self-reported overall sitting time (227.1 min/day) produced the lowest values of the three assessment methods, followed by self-reported sum of different types of sedentary behavior (364.1 min/day) and device-based sedentary time (568.6 min/day). Overall, correlation coefficients and ICC varied from weak to moderate (rho: 0.25-0.39; ICC: 0.21:0.39) between self-reported sum of different types of sedentary behavior, self-reported overall sitting time, and device-based sedentary time. The Bland-Altman plots indicated low to moderate agreement between self-reported overall sitting time and device-based sedentary time by sex. Self-report measures underestimate sedentary behavior and overall sitting time when compared with device-based measures. The weak and moderate level of agreement between methods indicates that caution is required when comparing associations between different self-report and device-based measures of sedentary behavior with health outcomes.

Is the perceived neighborhood built environment associated with domain-specific physical activity in Latin American adults? An eight-country observational study.

BACKGROUND: Characteristics of the neighborhood built environment are associated with physical activity (PA). However, few studies with representative samples have examined environmental correlates of domain-specific PA in Latin America. We examined the associations of the perceived neighborhood built environment with domain-specific PA in a large sample of adults from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: This study examined data from 8185 adults (aged 18-65 years) from eight Latin American countries. The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Survey - Abbreviated (NEWS-A) scale was used to assess perceptions of land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, walking/cycling facilities, aesthetics, safety from traffic, and safety from crime. Perceived proximity from home to public open spaces (metropolitan parks, playgrounds, public squares) and to shopping centers was also measured. Transport-related and leisure-time PA were assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Both logistic and linear regression models were estimated on pooled data. RESULTS: Perceptions of higher land use mix-access (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22,1.61), the existence of many alternative routes in the neighbourhood (1.12; 1.04,1.20), slow speed of traffic (1.19; 1.03,1.35) and few drivers exceeding the speed limits (1.09; 1.03,1.15) were associated with greater odds of reporting at least 10 min/week of transport-related PA. Perceptions of higher levels of land use mix-diversity, better aesthetics and greater safety from crime, the presence of crosswalks and pedestrian signals, and greater proximity of shopping centers were associated with more min/week of transport-related PA. Perceptions of higher land use mix-diversity (1.12; 1.05,1.20), higher land use mix-access (1.27; 1.13,1.43), more walking/cycling facilities (1.18; 1.09,1.28), and better aesthetics (1.10; 1.02,1.18) were associated with greater odds of engaging in at least 10 min/week of leisure-time PA versus none. Perceptions of higher land use mix-diversity were associated with more min/week of leisure PA. CONCLUSIONS: Different perceived neighborhood built environment characteristics were associated with domain-specific PA among adults from Latin America countries. Interventions designed to modify perceptions of the neighbourhood built environment might influence initiation or maintenance of domain-specific PA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials. Gov NCT02226627 . Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Active Transportation and Obesity Indicators in Adults from Latin America: ELANS Multi-Country Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between active transportation and obesity indicators in adults from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: Data from the ELANS study, an observational multi-country study (n: 8336; 18-65 years), were used. Active transportation (walking and cycling) and leisure time physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (long version). The obesity indicators considered were: body mass index, and waist and neck circumference. RESULTS: In the total sample, the average time dedicated to active transportation was 24.3 min/day, with the highest amount of active transportation being Costa Rica (33.5 min/day), and the lowest being Venezuela (15.7 min/day). The countries with the highest proportion of active transportation were Ecuador (71.9%), and the lowest was Venezuela (40.5%). Results from linear regression analyses suggest that active transportation was significantly and independently associated with a lower body mass index (ß: -0.033; 95% CI: -0.064; -0.002), but not with waist circumference (ß: -0.037; 95% CI: -1.126; 0.390 and neck circumference (ß: -0.007; 95% CI: -0.269; 0.130). CONCLUSIONS: Active transportation is significantly associated with a lower body mass index. Governments should incentivize this type of transportation as it could help to reduce the obesity pandemic in Latin America.

Association between Perceived Neighborhood Built Environment and Walking and Cycling for Transport among Inhabitants from Latin America: The ELANS Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the associations of the perceived neighborhood built environment with walking and cycling for transport in inhabitants from Latin American countries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 9218 participants (15-65 years) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, which included a nationally representative sample of eight countries. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form for measure walking and cycling for transport and the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated. Furthermore, perceived proximity from home to public open spaces and shopping centers was assessed. RESULTS: Perceived land use mix-access (OR: 1.32; 95%CI: 1.16,1.50) and the existence of many alternative routes in the neighbourhood (1.09 1.01,1.17) were associated with higher odds of reporting any walking for transport (≥10 min/week). Perceived slow speed of traffic (1.88 1.82,1.93) and few drivers exceeding the speed limits (1.92; 1.86,1.98) were also related to higher odds of reporting any walking for transport. The odds of reporting any cycling for transport (≥10 min/week) were higher in participants perceiving more walking/cycling facilities (1.87 1.76,1.99), and better aesthetics (1.22 1.09,1.38). CONCLUSIONS: Dissimilar perceived neighborhood built environment characteristics were associated with walking and cycling for transport among inhabitants from Latin America.

Breakfast Consumption Habit and Its Nutritional Contribution in Latin America: Results from the ELANS Study.

The aim of this study was to provide updated data on breakfast consumption, associated factors and its contribution to daily intakes among Latin American populations. A total of 9218 subjects, 15 to 65 years old, were evaluated in the ELANS study, a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela). Dietary data were obtained by two 24 h dietary recalls. Overall, 78.6% of the population were regular breakfast consumer, 15.9% occasional and 5.5% skippers. Adolescents were found to be the most frequent occasional consumers (19.2%) and skippers (6.8%). Among breakfast consumers (n = 8714), breakfast contributed to 444 ± 257 kcal, i.e., 23% of the total daily EI (16-27%). Breakfast consumers were more likely to be older adults than adolescents (OR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.06-2.10) and physically active than insufficiently active (OR = 1.29, 95% CI:1.07-1.55), and were less likely to be underweight than normal weight (OR = 0.63, 95% CI:0.41-0.98). In most countries, breakfast was rich in carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fat and calcium relative to the entire day, and the energy contribution of protein and fats was lower at breakfast than for the entire day. These findings will contribute to the development of data-driven nutrient recommendations for breakfast in Latin America.

Comparison of self-report versus accelerometer - measured physical activity and sedentary behaviors and their association with body composition in Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: Most population-based studies from Latin America have used questionnaires to measure physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB). Low reliability and validity of the questionnaires has limited the capacity to examine associations between PA and health. The purpose of this study was to compare self-reported and accelerometer-measured PA and SB and their associations with body composition in Latin American countries. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (aged 15-65 years), collected from September 2014 to February 2015. PA and SB were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (long version) and the Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer. Outcomes of interest included: body mass index (BMI), waist (WC) and neck circumference (NC). We used the Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plots, and multilevel linear regression models. RESULTS: Mean moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by accelerometer and IPAQ were 34.4 min/day (95% CI: 33.4 to 35.4) and 45.6 min/day (95% CI: 43.2 to 48.1), respectively. For SB (accelerometer and IPAQ) the means were 573.1 (95% CI: 568.2 to 577.9) and 231.9 min/day (95% CI: 225.5 to 238.3). MVPA, measured by the accelerometer was negatively associated with BMI (ß = -1.95; 95% CI: -2.83 to -1.08), WC (ß = -5.04; 95% CI: -7.18 to -2.89) and NC (ß = -1.21; 95% CI: -1.79 to -0.63). The MVPA estimated through IPAQ was not significantly associated with any of the three outcome variables. SB, measured by the accelerometer, was positively associated with BMI (ß = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.44) and WC (ß = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.91). SB estimated through IPAQ was positively associated with NC only. CONCLUSIONS: Low correlation coefficients were observed for accelerometer-derived and IPAQ-reported estimates of PA and SB. Caution is advised when making comparisons between accelerometer-measured and self-reported PA and SB. Further, studies examining associations between movement and health should discuss the impact of PA and SB measurement methodology on the results obtained.

Methodological design for the assessment of physical activity and sedentary time in eight Latin American countries - The ELANS study.

Worldwide studies of physical activity and sedentary time have historically under-represented low- and middle-income countries due to the lack of surveillance data. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methods and procedures used for the assessment of physical activity and sedentary time in the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud; ELANS). ELANS is a multicentre, cross-sectional and surveillance study of a nationally representative sample from eight Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Two instruments were used to evaluate different domains and intensities of physical activity and sedentary time: self-reported data and a triaxial accelerometer (model GT3X+). ELANS will generate important self-reported and objective information for the Latin American populations, namely:•evidence on the distribution of physical activity and sedentary time across population subgroups (e.g. sex, age, socioeconomic- and educational level). These sets of information will increase the evidence base and can help to inform future intervention strategies in Latin America;•self-reported and objective information on physical activity and sedentary time.

Anthropometry, dietary intake, physical activity and sitting time patterns in adolescents aged 15-17 years: an international comparison in eight Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: Although there is high prevalence of obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors among Latin American adolescents, there is limited evidence on dietary intake and physical activity (PA) patterns in this population. Therefore, we characterized anthropometry, dietary intake, PA and sitting time (ST) in adolescents aged 15-17 years from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: Six hundred seventy-one adolescents (41.4% girls) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included. Nutritional status was classified by four BMI (kg/m2) categories. Waist circumference (WC) was categorized as above or below thresholds. Dietary intake was assessed through two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. PA and ST were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We calculated overall and country-specific estimates by sex and tested for differences between boys and girls. RESULTS: Differences in the prevalence of overweightness (15.1 and 21.6%) and obesity (8.5 and 6.5%) between boys and girls, respectively, were statistically insignificant (p = 0.059). Average energy intake was 2289.7 kcal/day (95% CI: 2231-2350) for boys and 1904.2 kcal/day (95% CI: 1840-1963) for girls (p < 0.001). In relation to macronutrient intake for boys and girls, respectively, the average intake (expressed as percentage of total energy) was 15.0 and 14.9% for protein; 55.4 and 54.9% for carbohydrates; 14.1 and 14.5% for added sugar; 29.5 and 30.1% for total fat; and 9.6 and 9.9% for saturated fat (p > 0.05 for all outcomes). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of total energy (TE) saturated fat and added sugar (>10% of TE) between girls and boys (49.6% versus 44.8 and 81.7% versus 76.1%, respectively). Prevalence of physical inactivity was 19% in boys and 43.7% in girls (p < 0.001). Median levels of vigorous-intensity PA and total PA were significantly higher for boys than for girls (p < 0.05 for both outcomes); whereas levels of ST were similar (273.7 versus 220.0 min/day for boys and girls, respectively; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the high prevalence of poor dietary intake and physical inactivity in adolescents from Latin American countries. Therefore, effective and sustainable strategies and programmes are needed that promote healthier diets, regular PA and reduce ST among Latin American adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Socio-demographic patterning of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviours in eight Latin American countries: Findings from the ELANS study.

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) are two independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases. However, there is a lack of objectively measured information on PA and SB in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to use objective data to characterise socio-demographic patterns of PA and SB in eight Latin American countries. 2732 participants (aged 15-65 years) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included. PA and SB data were collected using accelerometers. Overall and country-specific average levels of time spent in PA and SB were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level. Overall, the mean time spent in SB was 571.6 min/day, ranging from 553.8 min/day in Chile to 596.7 min/day in Peru. Average levels of light, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total PA were 311.1 min/day (95% CI: 307.7; 314.5), 34.9 min/day (95% CI: 34.0; 35.9) and 7531.2 MET-min/week (95% CI: 7450.4; 7611.9), respectively. MVPA and total PA were higher in men than women. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 40.6%, ranging from 26.9% (Chile) to 47% (Costa Rica and Venezuela). Women were more physically inactive than men (47.7% versus 33.0%). SB levels were highest among those with higher education; PA graded positively with socioeconomic level. Our findings can inform the planning of health policies and programmes designed to reduce levels of physical inactivity, as well as inform the local and cultural adaptation of these policies and programmes for implementation in Latin America. Highlights Worldwide studies of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) have historically under-represented Latin American countries due to the lack of surveillance data. Across eight Latin American countries, the ELANS study collected data on PA and SB using an objective method (accelerometers) which we have analysed to quantify and characterise socio-demographic patterns. Over four-in-ten participants were physically inactive (40.6%); with a gender gap (47.7% women; 33.0% men); and striking differences between countries (47% Costa Rica and Venezuela; 26.9% Chile). In all countries, levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were lowest, and levels of SB were highest, among participants in the higher education groups. Our findings on the unequal distribution of PA and SB increases the evidence base and can help to inform future intervention strategies in Latin America.

Latin American consumption of major food groups: Results from the ELANS study.

BACKGROUND: The Latin American (LA) region is still facing an ongoing epidemiological transition and shows a complex public health scenario regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A healthy diet and consumption of specific food groups may decrease the risk of NCDs, however there is a lack of dietary intake data in LA countries. OBJECTIVE: Provide updated data on the dietary intake of key science-based selected food groups related to NCDs risk in LA countries. DESIGN: ELANS (Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health) is a multicenter cross-sectional study assessing food consumption from an urban sample between15 to 65 years old from 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Two 24-HR were obtained from 9,218 individuals. The daily intake of 10 food groups related to NCDs risk (fruits; vegetables; legumes/beans; nuts and seeds; whole grains products; fish and seafood; yogurt; red meat; processed meats; sugar-sweetened beverages (ready-to-drink and homemade)) were assessed and compared to global recommendations. RESULTS: Only 7.2% of the overall sample reached WHO's recommendation for fruits and vegetables consumption (400 grams per day). Regarding the dietary patterns related to a reduced risk of NCDs, among the overall sample legumes and fruits were the food groups with closer intake to the recommendation, although much lower than expected (13.1% and 11.5%, respectively). Less than 3.5% of the sample met the optimal consumption level of vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and yogurt. Largest country-dependent differences in average daily consumption were found for legumes, nuts, fish, and yogurt. Mean consumption of SSB showed large differences between countries. CONCLUSION: Diet intake quality is deficient for nutrient-dense food groups, suggesting a higher risk for NCDs in the urban LA region in upcoming decades. These data provide relevant and up-to-date information to take urgent public health actions to improve consumption of critically foods in order to prevent NCDs.

Original research Socio-demographic patterning of self-reported physical activity and sitting time in Latin American countries: findings from ELANS.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of physical activity (PA) and prolonged sitting time (ST) increase the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality, and can be influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. The aim of this study was to use self-report data to characterise socio-demographic patterns of PA and ST in eight Latin American countries. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a household population-based, multi-national, cross-sectional survey (n = 9218, aged 15-65 years), collected from September 2014 to February 2015. Transport and leisure PA and ST were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long version. Overall and country-specific mean and median levels of time spent in transport and leisure PA and ST were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level. RESULTS: Mean levels of transport and leisure PA were 220.3 min/week (ranging from 177.6 min/week in Venezuela to 275.3 min/week in Costa Rica) and 316.4 min/week (ranging from 272.1 min/week in Peru to 401.4 min/week in Ecuador). Transport and leisure PA were higher (p < 0.005) in men than women with mean differences of 58.0 and 34.0 min/week. The mean and median for transport PA were similar across age groups (15-29 years: mean 215.5 and median 120 min/week; 30-59 years: mean 225.0 and median 120 min/week; ≥60 years: mean 212.0 and median 120 min/week). The median time spent in transport and leisure PA between three strata of socioeconomic and education levels were similar. The prevalence of not meeting PA recommendations were 69.9% (95% CI: 68.9-70.8) for transport and 72.8% (95% CI: 72.0-73.7) for leisure. Men, younger people (15-29 years), individuals with higher socioeconomic and education levels spent significantly (p < 0.001) more time sitting than women, older people (30-59 years and ≥ 60 years) and those in the middle and low socioeconomic and education groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transport and leisure PA and ST range widely by country, sex, and age group in Latin America. Programs for promoting leisure and transport PA and reducing ST in Latin America should consider these differences by age and gender and between countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with neck circumference in eight Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of obesity. There are relatively few studies that explore the effect of accelerometer-determined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on neck circumference (NC), most of them confined to single high-income countries. The present study investigated the association of accelerometer-determined MVPA with NC in adolescents and adults from eight Latin American countries, which are mostly upper-middle income countries. METHODS: The sample consisted of 2370 participants (47.8% male) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, a multicenter cross-sectional nutrition and health surveillance study of a nationally representative sample from eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Times (min/day) in MVPA (defined as time accumulated at ≥1952 activity counts/min) was assessed by ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer over 7 days. NC for adolescent was categorized as abnormal if circumference was > 34.5 cm for boys and > 31.25 for girls, whereas for adults the cut-off points for abnormal were > 39 cm for men and > 35 cm women. Multilevel logistic models, including country and region as random effects and adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic level, and educational level, were used to study the association between MVPA and NC. RESULTS: The average time of MVPA was 34.88 min/day, ranging from 31.16 in Venezuela to 40.27 in Chile. Concerning NC, 37.0% of the sample was classified as having elevated NC. Chile was the country with the highest percentage of people with elevated NC (56.9%), and Colombia had the lowest percentage (24.8%). Overall, the MVPA (min/day) was associated with elevated NC (OR = 0.994, CI95% = 0.990-0.998). In Costa Rica and Peru, there were significant associations between MVPA and NC when analyzed by country. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided evidence of significant associations between MVPA and NC in adolescents and adults from Latin America, independent of sex, age, socioeconomic level, and educational level. This analysis of accelerometry data and NC represents the first examination of these associations in eight Latin America countries. Further research is required to understand the differences between countries in the observed associations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627 . Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Prevalence and determinants of misreporting of energy intake among Latin American populations: results from ELANS study.

Underreporting and overreporting of energy intake (EI) have been recognized as potential sources of bias. Dietary data mainly rely on proxy respondents, but little is known about the determinants of misreporting of EI among Latin American (LA) populations. This study was conducted using data from the multicenter Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health that consisted of information about sociodemographics, physical activity, and dietary intake from 9218 individuals aged 15 to 65 years who were living in urban areas in 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Goldberg methodology was applied to classify the participants into categories of overreporter (OR), plausible reporter (PR), or underreporter (UR) of EI. Associations between misreporting and covariates were examined by the Kruskal-Wallis test, logistic regression, and linear regression. The prevalence of UR was 12.1% and OR was 14.1%. Costa Rica had the highest percentage of UR (24.4%) and the lowest of OR (7.3%), and Colombia had the lowest of UR (5.7%) and the highest of OR (22.4%). Furthermore, underreporters were more likely to be females from older groups with minimal education, white, physically active, overweight or obese, and living in Costa Rica. Overreporters were more likely to be younger, single, of low socioeconomic level, nonwhite, physically active, underweight or with normal weight, and from Colombia. The results demonstrated that sex, age, race, education status, and nationality seemed to influence the reporting behavior, which is essential to correctly interpreting potentially biased associations between diet and health outcomes, and improving nutritional interventions and public health policies.

Brazilian Study of Nutrition and Health (EBANS) - Brazilian data of ELANS: methodological opportunities and challenges.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies with dietary variables are complex methodologically, being the researcher responsible for anticipating, controlling, reducing and preventing methodological errors. Obesity accounts for almost one-third of the world's population and has consequences for childhood and adolescence. Multifactorial disorder must be faced in several aspects, being food and physical activity, modifiable risk factors. The EBANS aims to perform a diagnosis of the nutritional status of the Brazilian population from 15 to 65 years old, from all regions, and the parameters associated with obesity, with several possibilities of correlating data. METHODOLOGICAL PROCESS: Part of the ELANS study (n = 9218), the EBANS (n = 2000) has a weighted sample and data collection that allows: to evaluate the socioeconomic level of the population; perform a diagnosis of nutritional status (through anthropometric variables); to evaluate food intake (R24h and FFQ for beverages); and evaluate physical activity practice (IPAQ-long and accelerometer). METHODOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES: With national coverage, EBANS has the potential to compose regional analyzes, portray the current nutritional epidemiological condition, food consumption and physical activity pattern of the Brazilian population, at different life stages, and may have their data analyzed together or stratified, offering useful subsidies for the formulation of public policies. METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES: Each methodological step was designed to reduce errors and biases related to methodological challenges. CAAE REGISTRATION: 31670314.8.0000.5567. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Of great potential for future data analysis, EBANS tries to contribute to the generation of knowledge to foment policies and actions capable of changing the current obesity scenario.

Brazilian Study of Nutrition and Health (EBANS) - Brazilian data of ELANS: methodological opportunities and challenges

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies with dietary variables are complex methodologically, being the researcher responsible for anticipating, controlling, reducing and preventing methodological errors. Obesity accounts for almost one-third of the world's population and has consequences for childhood and adolescence. Multifactorial disorder must be faced in several aspects, being food and physical activity, modifiable risk factors. The EBANS aims to perform a diagnosis of the nutritional status of the Brazilian population from 15 to 65 years old, from all regions, and the parameters associated with obesity, with several possibilities of correlating data. METHODOLOGICAL PROCESS: Part of the ELANS study (n = 9218), the EBANS (n = 2000) has a weighted sample and data collection that allows: to evaluate the socioeconomic level of the population; perform a diagnosis of nutritional status (through anthropometric variables); to evaluate food intake (R24h and FFQ for beverages); and evaluate physical activity practice (IPAQ-long and accelerometer). METHODOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES: With national coverage, EBANS has the potential to compose regional analyzes, portray the current nutritional epidemiological condition, food consumption and physical activity pattern of the Brazilian population, at different life stages, and may have their data analyzed together or stratified, offering useful subsidies for the formulation of public policies. METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES: Each methodological step was designed to reduce errors and biases related to methodological challenges. CAAE REGISTRATION: 31670314.8.0000.5567. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Of great potential for future data analysis, EBANS tries to contribute to the generation of knowledge to foment policies and actions capable of changing the current obesity scenario.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos epidemiológicos com variáveis dietéticas são complexos metodologicamente, e o pesquisador é responsável por antecipar, controlar, reduzir e prevenir erros metodológicos. A obesidade representa quase 1/3 da população mundial e agrega consequências que são observadas na infância e na adolescência. Desordem multifatorial deve ser enfrentada sob diversos aspectos, sendo alimentação e atividade física fatores de risco modificáveis. O EBANS se propõe a realizar um diagnóstico do estado nutricional da população brasileira de 15 a 65 anos, de todas as regiões, e dos parâmetros associados à obesidade, com diversas possibilidades de correlacionar dados. PROCESSO METODOLÓGICO: Parte do estudo ELANS (n=9218), o EBANS (n=2000) tem amostra ponderada e coleta de dados que permite: avaliar o nível socioeconômico da população; realizar diagnóstico do estado nutricional (por meio de variáveis antropométricas); avaliar consumo alimentar (R24h e QFA para bebidas); e avaliar prática de atividade física (IPAQ-longo e acelerômetro). OPORTUNIDADES METODOLÓGICAS: De abrangência nacional, o EBANS tem potencial para compor análises regionais, retratar a atual condição epidemiológica nutricional, de consumo alimentar e padrão de atividade física da população brasileira, em diferentes estágios da vida, podendo ter seus dados analisados em conjunto ou estratificados, oferecendo subsídios úteis para a formulação de políticas públicas. DESAFIOS METODOLÓGICOS: Cada etapa metodológica foi desenhada a fim de reduzir os erros e vieses atrelados aos desafios metodológicos. REGISTRO CAAE: 31670314.8.0000.5567. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: De grande potencial para futuras análises de dados, o EBANS intenta contribuir na geração de conhecimento para fomentar políticas e ações capazes de alterar o atual cenário de obesidade.

Total and Added Sugar Intake: Assessment in Eight Latin American Countries.

Non-communicable diseases are growing at an alarming rate in Latin America. We assessed total and added sugar intake in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, to verify the adequacy of the World Health Organization's recommendations, considering gender, socioeconomic level (SEL) and age. A total of 9218 non-institutionalized individuals living in urban areas (age range 15-65 years) were assessed in the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a multicenter household population-based cross-sectional survey. Socio-demographic data were collected. Total and added sugar intakes were measured using two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. The prevalence of excessive sugar intake was estimated. A large proportion of individuals showed high consumption of total and added sugar intake, which reflected in the high prevalence of excessive sugar intake. With minimal differences across countries, in general, women, individuals with high SEL, and younger people had higher percentages of total energy intake from total and added sugar intake, and of contribution of carbohydrates from total and added sugars. Thus, there is high consumption of total and added sugar intake in the Latin American countries with some peculiarities considering socio-demographic variables, which should be considered in each country's health intervention proposals.

Developing a cooperative multicenter study in Latin America: Lessons learned from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health Project

[ABSTRACT]. This report examines the challenges of conducting a multicenter, cross-sectional study of countries with diverse cultures, and shares the lessons learned. The Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) was used as a feasibility study involving the most populous cities of eight countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) in 2014–2015, about 40% of the population of the Americas. The target sample included 9 000 individuals, 15–65 years of age, and was stratified by geographic location (only urban areas), gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Six principal challenges were identified: team structuring and site selections; developing a single protocol; obtaining ethic approvals; completing simultaneous fieldwork; ensuring data quality; and extracting data and maintaining consistency across databases. Lessons learned show that harmonization, pilot study, uniformity of procedures, high data quality control, and communication and collaboration across sites are imperative. Barriers included organizational complexity, recruitment of collaborators and research staff, institutional cooperation, development of infrastructure, and identification of resources. Consensus on uniform measures and outcomes and data collection methodology, as well as a plan for data management and analysis, communication, publication, and dissemination of study results should be in place prior to beginning fieldwork. While challenging, such studies offer great potential for building a scientific base for studies on nutrition, physical activity, and other health topics, while facilitating comparisons among countries.

[RESUMEN]. En este informe se examinan los retos de llevar a cabo un estudio transversal multicéntrico en países con culturas diversas y se transmiten las enseñanzas extraídas. Se usó el Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS) como un estudio de factibilidad realizado en el período 2014–2015, que incluyó las ciudades más populosas de ocho países de América Latina (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Perú y Venezuela) y abarcó a cerca de 40% de la población de la Región de las Américas. La muestra establecida incluyó a 9 000 personas de 15 a 65 años de edad, y fue estratificada según la ubicación geográfica (solo zonas urbanas) y por sexo, edad y situación socioeconómica. Se encontraron seis retos principales: estructurar los equipos y seleccionar los sitios; preparar un protocolo único; obtener las aprobaciones éticas; terminar simultáneamente el trabajo sobre el terreno; velar por la calidad de los datos y extraer datos y mantener la uniformidad en todas las bases de datos. Las enseñanzas extraídas muestran que la armonización, los estudios piloto, la uniformidad de los procedimientos, el riguroso control de la calidad de los datos y la comunicación y colaboración entre todos los sitios son imperativos. Los obstáculos incluyeron la complejidad de la organización, el reclutamiento de colaboradores y personal de investigación, la cooperación institucional, el desarrollo de infraestructura y la definición de los recursos. Antes de comenzar el trabajo sobre el terreno, se debe llegar a un consenso acerca de mediciones y resultados uniformes y la metodología de recopilación de datos, así como un plan para la gestión y el análisis de los datos y la comunicación, publicación y difusión de los resultados del estudio. A pesar de que estos estudios constituyen un desafío, hacen posible establecer una base científica para los estudios sobre la nutrición, la actividad física y otros temas de salud, al facilitar las comparaciones entre los países de América Latina.

[RESUMO]. Neste relato se examinam os desafios de realizar um estudo transversal multicêntrico em países com culturas diversas e os ensinamentos tirados. O Estudo Latino-americano de Nutrição e Saúde (ELANS) serviu de estudo de viabilidade, englobando as cidades mais populosas de oito países da América Latina (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colômbia, Costa Rica, Equador, Peru e Venezuela) em 2014–2015, representando cerca de 40% da população das Américas. A amostra pretendida compreendeu 9.000 indivíduos com 15 a 65 anos de idade e foi estratificada por localização geográfica (exclusivamente áreas urbanas), sexo, idade e nível socioeconômico. Os seis principais desafios identificados foram: estruturar as equipes e selecionar as sedes, elaborar um único protocolo, obter as aprovações dos comitês de ética, realizar trabalho de campo simultâneo, assegurar a qualidade dos dados e extrair os dados e manter a consistência em todas as bases de dados. Os ensinamentos tirados demonstram serem imprescindíveis harmonização, estudo-piloto, uniformidade dos procedimentos, ótimo controle da qualidade dos dados e comunicação e colaboração entre as sedes. Entre as barreiras estão a complexidade organizacional, recrutamento de colaboradores e pessoal de pesquisa, cooperação institucional, desenvolvimento de infraestrutura e identificação dos recursos. Antes do início do trabalho de campo, deve-se chegar a um consenso sobre medidas e resultados uniformes e metodologia de coleta de dados assim como um plano para o gerenciamento e análise dos dados, comunicação, publicação e disseminação dos resultados dos estudos. Apesar da sua complexidade, tais estudos têm um grande potencial de fundar uma base científica para estudos de nutrição, atividade física e outros tópicos relacionados à saúde, ao mesmo tempo que facilitam comparações entre os países da América Latina.