Ibero-Panamerican Federation of Periodontology Delphi study on the trends of periodontology and periodontics by the year 2030. A Latin American consensus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: As elsewhere in the world, the prevalence of periodontitis in stages I-II is high in the Latin American population, this scenario emphasizes the need for identification of urgent needs for allocating adequate resources to provide diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. The aim of this Delphi study was to predict the trends in periodontology/periodontics in the Latin American region by the year 2030. METHODS: A steering committee and an advisory group of experts in periodontology/periodontics were selected from 16 countries. An open questionnaire of 60 questions was validated and used following the Delphi methodology. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-five experts from Latin America answered the two rounds of the questionnaire. Moderate to strong consensus was reached on 45 questions (75%). The prediction was that the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis in stages I and II will be maintained, the importance of the link with systemic diseases will increase, and the impact of prevention and periodontal treatment will also increase, mainly in the private sector. There was a strong consensus that plastic and regenerative surgical procedures will increase, as well as the demand for training in the specialty of periodontology. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has provided relevant and useful information on predictions in periodontology/periodontics in Latin America, with important level of consensus among experts. It has been predicted that periodontitis will still be a highly prevalent disease, and its links with other medical conditions should demand more attention by health authorities to develop adequate prevention and management policies and strategies.

Evidence for a chemical arms race between cuckoo wasps of the genus Hedychrum and their distantly related host apoid wasps.

BACKGROUND: Brood parasites can exert strong selection pressure on their hosts. Many brood parasites escape their detection by mimicking sensory cues of their hosts. However, there is little evidence whether or not the hosts are able to escape the parasites' mimicry by changing these cues. We addressed this question by analyzing cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of Cerceris and Philanthus wasps and their brood parasites, cuckoo wasps mimicking the CHC profiles of their hosts. Some of these hosts use hydrocarbons to preserve their prey against fungal infestation and thus, they cannot significantly change their CHC composition in response to chemical mimicry by Hedychrum brood parasites. RESULTS: We found that the CHC overlap between brood parasites and their hosts was lower in case of host wasps not preserving their prey than in case of prey-preserving host wasps, whose CHC evolution is constrained. Furthermore, the CHC profiles in non-preserving host wasps is more strongly diversified in females than in males, thus in the sex that is chemically mimicked by brood parasites. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for a chemical arms race between those hosts that are liberated from stabilizing selection on their chemical template and their parasites.

Sensitivity and Specificity of the Remote Evaluation of Therapeutic Response in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Using Photographs from a Mobile Application.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) primarily affects people in remote settings with limited access to health services. mHealth tools offer an opportunity to overcome knowledge gaps about clinical response to treatment. We evaluated the validity of the Guaral+ST mobile application for the remote assessment of therapeutic response in patients with CL, through photographs of lesions captured with the app by community health volunteers. Patients with confirmed CL were followed at weeks 13 and 26 after completion of treatment to assess therapeutic response in two clinical settings in southwest Colombia. Direct evaluation of lesions performed by an experienced physician was considered the reference standard. Photographs of lesions taken by CHV or nurse assistants with the mobile app, were independently evaluated by three physicians to define clinical response. A summary measure of clinical outcome defined by the three physicians was considered the index test. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were estimated. Interrater reliability (kappa) was calculated. Among 53 participants with CL who had at least one follow-up visit, the sensitivity of therapeutic response evaluation through photographs taken with the Guaral+ST app, compared with direct evaluation by an expert physician, had high validity with sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval: 80.5-100%) and specificity of 97.2% (95% confidence interval: 85.5-99.9%). The chance-adjusted agreement (κ) was > 0.8, which is conventionally characterized as almost perfect. The high accuracy of the remote evaluation of photographs for the assessment of therapeutic response supports the use of mHealth tools for improving access to treatment follow-up for CL.

Diagnostic performance of a Recombinant Polymerase Amplification Test-Lateral Flow (RPA-LF) for cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic setting of Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Control of cutaneous leishmaniasis by public health systems in the Americas relies on case identification and treatment. Point-of-care diagnostics that can be performed by health workers within or near affected communities could effectively bring the health system to the resource-limited sites providing early diagnosis and treatment, reducing morbidity and the burden of disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic test performance of Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) targeting Leishmania kinetoplast DNA, coupled with a lateral flow (LF) immunochromatographic strip, in a field setting and a laboratory reference center. Minimally invasive swab and FTA filter paper samples were obtained by community health workers and highly trained technicians from ulcerated lesions of > 2 weeks' evolution from 118 patients' ≥ 2 years of age in the municipality of Tumaco, Nariño. Extracted DNA was processed by RPA-LF at a reference center or in a primary health facility in the field. Evaluation was based on a composite "gold standard" that included microscopy, culture, biopsy and real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of Leishmania 18S rDNA. Standard of care routine diagnostic tests were explored as comparators. Sensitivity and specificity of RPA-LF in the reference lab scenario were 87% (95%CI 74-94) and 86% (95%CI 74-97), respectively. In the field scenario, the sensitivity was 75% (95%CI 65-84) and specificity 89% (95%CI 78-99). Positive likelihood ratios in both scenarios were higher than 6 while negative likelihood ratios ranged to 0.2-0.3 supporting the usefulness of RPA-LF to rule-in and potentially to rule-out infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The low complexity requirements of RPA-LF combined with non-invasive sampling support the feasibility of its utilization by community health workers with the goal of strengthening the diagnostic capacity for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04500873.

Adaptation and performance of a mobile application for early detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Detection and management of neglected tropical diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis present unmet challenges stemming from their prevalence in remote, rural, resource constrained areas having limited access to health services. These challenges are frequently compounded by armed conflict or illicit extractive industries. The use of mobile health technologies has shown promise in such settings, yet data on outcomes in the field remain scarce. METHODS: We adapted a validated prediction rule for the presumptive diagnosis of CL to create a mobile application for use by community health volunteers. We used human-centered design practices and agile development for app iteration. We tested the application in three rural areas where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic and an urban setting where patients seek medical attention in the municipality of Tumaco, Colombia. The application was assessed for usability, sensitivity and inter-rater reliability (kappa) when used by community health volunteers (CHV), health workers and a general practitioner, study physician. RESULTS: The application was readily used and understood. Among 122 screened cases with cutaneous ulcers, sensitivity to detect parasitologically proven CL was >95%. The proportion of participants with parasitologically confirmed CL was high (88%), precluding evaluation of specificity, and driving a high level of crude agreement between the app and parasitological diagnosis. The chance-adjusted agreement (kappa) varied across the components of the risk score. Time to diagnosis was reduced significantly, from 8 to 4 weeks on average when CHV conducted active case detection using the application, compared to passive case detection by health facility-based personnel. CONCLUSIONS: Translating a validated prediction rule to a mHealth technology has shown the potential to improve the capacity of community health workers and healthcare personnel to provide opportune care, and access to health services for underserved populations. These findings support the use of mHealth tools for NTD research and healthcare.

Factores de riesgo en el abuso sexual de pacientes pediátricos que ingresaron al Servicio Desconcentrado Hospital Pediátrico Dr. Agustín Zubillaga / Risk factors in sexual abuse of pediatric patients admitted to the Servicio Desconcentrado Hospital Pediátrico Dr. Agustín Zubillaga

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar los factores de riesgo en el abuso sexual de pacientes pediátricos que ingresaron en el Hospital Pediátrico Dr. Agustín Zubillaga durante el período diciembre 2018-enero 2019. Se realizó una investigación de campo descriptivo transversal con una muestra de 20 pacientes con un promedio de edad de entre 2 años y 6 años, 55% eran del sexo femenino. En relación a los factores de riesgo individuales, familiares y comunitarios se puedo observar una predominancia de las familias monoparentales (55%), 75% de las madres de los pacientes víctimas de abuso dependían económicamente del padre, 60% de los padres de los niños estaban desempleados y el 65% de los pacientes abusados vivían en condiciones de hacinamiento y falta de privacidad. Los resultados de este estudio permitieron identificar factores de riesgo en este grupo de pacientes y así generar recomendaciones para la identificación y manejo de este flagelo que afecta a una más creciente parte de la población infantil(AU)

The goal of this study is determine the risk factors for sexual abuse of pediatric patients admitted to the Hospital Pediátrico Dr. Agustin Zubillaga during the period December 2018-January 2019. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed with a sample of 20 patients with an average age of 7.3 years and an age range between 2 years and 6 years old; 55% were females. In regards to individual, familial and community risk factors, the results show a predominance of single parent families (55%), 75% of mothers did not work and were economically dependent on the father, 60% of fathers were unemployed and 65% of patients lived in overcrowded conditions with lack of privacy. The results of this study allowed identification of risk factors in this group of patients in order to generate recommendations to manage this terrible issue that affects an increasing number of children(AU)

Insecticidal and Repellent Activity of Several Plant-Derived Essential Oils Against Aedes aegypti.

We examined the pupicidal, adulticidal, repellent, and oviposition-deterrent activities of essential oils (EOs) from Lippia alba, L. origanoides, Eucalyptus citriodora, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Citrus sinensis , Cananga odorata , Swinglea glutinosa, and Tagetes lucida plants against Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. Pupicidal and adulticidal activities were assessed at exploratory concentrations of 250, 310, and 390 parts per million (ppm); and 30, 300, and 1,000 ppm, respectively. The greatest pupicidal activity was exhibited at 390 ppm with a 24-h exposure by L. origanoides, and 390 ppm with a 48-h exposure by Citrus sinensis . Lippia origanoides killed all adult mosquitoes at 300 ppm after 120 min of exposure. Only L. origanoides and E. citriodora EOs, applied at 1,000 ppm to human skin, produced the greatest repellency (100%) to host-seeking Ae. aegypti after 2 min of exposure; the repellency decreased between 12% and 10% after 15 min. Complete oviposition deterrence by gravid Ae. aegypti was observed for E. citriodora EOs at 200 ppm with an oviposition activity index of -1.00. These results confirm that the EOs assessed in this study have insecticidal, repellent, and oviposition-deterrent activities against the dengue vector, Ae. aegypti.

Estudio Descriptivo: Expresiones de Aceptación ­ Rechazo Parental hacia Hijos con Síndrome de Down / Descriptive Research: Parental Acceptance-Rejection Expressions to Children with Down Syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN: La teoría de la Aceptación-Rechazo Parental (PARTheory) es una teoría basada en la evidencia que trata de predecir y explicar las principales causas, consecuencias y correlatos de la aceptación ­ rechazo especialmente parental a lo largo del ciclo vital. La presente investigación estuvo enfocada en identificar la tipología de las familias con niños con Síndrome de Down (SD), describir la frecuencia de las manifestaciones de aceptación-rechazo parental hacia ellos y determinar como las características de estos niños se relacionan con tales expresiones. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo cuantitativo y relacional. Incluyó a 167 padres de 96 hijos diagnosticados con SD; 74 papás de entre 22 y 82 años (X: 46.6±12.92 años), y 93 madres de entre 21 y 72 años (X:43.32±11.94 años). Se aplicó el "Cuestionario de aceptación ­ rechazo Parental de Rohner PARQ/ Control". Las variables de estudio comprendieron: aceptación, indiferencia, agresión, rechazo y control parental; fueron relacionadas con tipología familiar, sexo, edad y nivel de estudio de los padres; sexo, nivel de discapacidad de los niños y orden de nacimiento. RESULTADOS: La tipología familiar predominante fue la nuclear (62.5%) seguida de la monoparental materna (20.8%). Los resultados evidencian que los padres/madres de los niños con SD manifiestan frecuentes expresiones de afecto y control; en tanto que las manifestaciones de agresión, indiferencia y rechazo son escasas. Se encontró una relación inversa significativa entre el control y la edad de los padres/ madres, y entre el grado de discapacidad y el afecto (rs: -0.230; P: 0.003). Se presume que los indicadores de rechazo no evalúan las dimensiones como se esperaba (baja consistencia interna entre los ítems). CONCLUSIONES: El comportamiento de los padres/madres con hijos con SD tuvo una inclinación positiva hacia el afecto, pero también se evidenciaron muestras de control; no se encontró relación entre las dimensiones de afecto ­ rechazo parental y el grado de discapacidad de los hijos.(au)

BACKGROUND: The Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory (PARTheory) is a evidence-based theory which tries to predict and explain the main causes, consequences and correlations of parental acceptance and rejection throughout the life cycle. This research was focused on the identification of different kinds of families with children affected by Down Syndrome (DS), describe the frequency of parental acceptance-rejection manifestations towards them and determine how do the characteristics of these children are related to such expressions. METHODS: This is a descriptive research with a relational approach. It included 167 parents of 96 children diagnosed with SD; 74 parents aged between 22 and 82 years (X: 46.6±12.92 years) and 93 mothers aged 21 to 72 years (X:43.32±11.94). The "Parental Acceptance-Rejection Rohner Questionnaire ­ PARQ / Control" was applied. Study variables comprehended acceptance, indifference, aggression, rejection and parental control; these were related to family type, sex, age and parental education level and also children sex, disability level and birth order. RESULTS: Nuclear family was the most frequent (62.5%), followed by single-parent maternal families (20.8%). Results evidenced that parents of children with DS show common expressions of affection and control; while aggression, indifference and rejection events were limited. An inverse significant relation was found between control and age of parents, also with disability degree and affection (rs: -0.230; P: 0.003). Rejection indicators are likely not to assess dimensions as expected (low internal consistency among the items). CONCLUSIONS: The behavior of parents of children with DS has a positive disposition towards affection, but control expressions were also shown. Relation between parental affection-rejection dimensions and disability degree of children was not significant.(au)

Television viewing time and risk of eating disorders in Spanish adolescents: AVENA and AFINOS studies.

BACKGROUND: Effective preventive interventions for both eating disorders and obesity in adolescence should be focused on shared risk factors. We analyzed the association between television (TV) viewing time and the risk of eating disorders, as well as the potential role of obesity in this association. METHODS: The sample consisted of a total of 3458 Spanish adolescents, aged 13-18.5 years, from the Food and Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Adolescents (AVENA) and Physical Activity as a Preventive Measure of the Development of Overweight, Obesity, Allergies, Infections, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents (AFINOS) studies. Adolescents' TV time was assessed by self-report. Body mass index was calculated and the adolescents were classified into non-overweight and overweight-obesity. The risk of eating disorders was evaluated using the SCOFF questionnaire. RESULTS: Adolescents who watched TV >1 h/day had a higher risk for eating disorders, compared with those adolescents who watch TV <1 h/day. Also, overweight-obese adolescents had a higher risk for eating disorders than those who were non-overweight. Analyses across groups of TV viewing time and weight status showed similar trends, so that the higher the time spent in TV viewing, the higher the risk of eating disorders, regardless of weight status. CONCLUSIONS: TV viewing time might be a focal point for prevention of both eating disorders and obesity in adolescence.

Characteristics of extracurricular physical activity and cognitive performance in adolescents. The AVENA study.

The aim of this report was to examine the associations between some characteristics (i.e., structure and number) of extracurricular physical activity (EPA) and cognitive performance in adolescents. A total of 1662 adolescents (880 girls; 13.0-18.5 years) from 5 Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza) were included in this study. Structure (organised and non-organised) and number of EPAs, and participation at vigorous intensity during EPA were self-reported. Cognitive performance (verbal, numeric and reasoning abilities, and an overall score) was measured with the "SRA-Test of Educational Ability". Results showed that vigorous EPA was positively associated with all cognitive variables. Adolescents who practiced an organised EPA had higher scores in 3 of the 4 cognitive variables than those who practiced a non-organised EPA (all P < 0.05). Likewise, the group who participated in more than one EPA had higher cognitive performance in all variables than the group who participated in only one EPA (all P < 0.05). Regardless of potential confounder variables, including vigorous EPA, both structure and number of EPAs were each other independently associated with cognitive performance. Therefore, structure and number of EPAs may positively influence cognitive performance in adolescents. Participating in multiple, organised EPA may have benefits for cognitive performance.

Effects of an emotional intelligence intervention on aggression and empathy among adolescents.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a two-year intervention grounded in the ability model of emotional intelligence (EI) on aggression and empathy among adolescents. Eight Spanish public schools volunteered to participate in the research. A total of 590 adolescents (46% boys) were randomly assigned to either the EI training group or control group conditions. Students in the EI training group reported lower levels of physical/verbal aggression, anger, hostility, personal distress and fantasy compared to students in the control group. Additionally, the EI program was particularly effective for males' empathic abilities. These findings confirm the effectiveness of social and emotional learning interventions in Spanish academic contexts and extend the literature of gender-related differences during adolescence. Study limitations and future research directions are also considered.

Short- and midterm effects of emotional intelligence training on adolescent mental health.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects that an emotional intelligence (EI) educational program based on the EI ability model had on adolescent mental health immediately and 6 months after completion of the training. METHODS: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with a treatment and a control group was used; 479 Spanish adolescents (47.4% male, mean age of 13 years) were involved in the study. Adolescents were recruited through several schools in three Spanish cities. The 2-year training program involved 24 sessions lasting 1 hour each, conducted `weekly during 6 months of 2009 and 2010. Data on psychological adjustment, mental health, and negative affect were collected at baseline, at the end of the training program, and 6 months later. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Students who participated in the EI educational program reported fewer clinical symptoms compared with students in the control group, and these differences persisted 6 months after the conclusion of the program. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EI programs created to develop skills in perceiving, facilitating, understanding, and managing emotions can be effective at promoting mental health in adolescents.

Motivos de abandono y no práctica de actividad físicodeportiva en adolescentes españoles: estudio Avena / Motives of Doprout and Non Practice Physical Activity and Sport in Spanish Adolescents: The Avena Study

A pesar de los reconocidos beneficios físicos, psíquicos y sociales que la práctica de actividad físico-deportiva produce en la salud de los jóvenes,la prevalencia de abandono y falta de este tipo de actividades está mostrando un importante aumento a nivel mundial, particularmente en los países desarrollados. Se precisan actuaciones educativas inmediatas para frenar esta situación. El objetivo del estudio es analizar la expresión de interés hacia la actividad físico-deportiva atendiendo al nivel de participación de ésta, y conocerlos motivos de abandono y no práctica en una muestra representativa de adolescentes españoles. Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal y se empleó la encuesta sobre comportamientos, actitudes y valores sobreactividad físico-deportiva del estudio AVENA (Alimentación y Valoración del Estado Nutricional en Adolescentes). La muestra fue de 2.859 adolescentes españoles (1.357 hombres, 1.502 mujeres; rango de edad: 13-18,5 años)y elegida de entre los escolares de Enseñanza Secundaria, procedentes tanto de centros públicos como privados de cinco ciudades españolas: Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander y Zaragoza. Los principales resultados verifican una elevada expresión de interés hacia la práctica físico-deportiva aunque casi la mitad de los adolescentes indican un nivel de participación insuficiente respecto a lo que realmente querrían practicar. La exigencia del estudio y la pereza y desgana suponen los principales motivos de abandono de la misma. Respecto a los motivos de no práctica, la falta de tiempo, seguido muy de lejo (..) (AU)

Despite the recognized physical, psychological and social benefits of physical and sport practice in the health of young people, prevalence of doprout and lack of such activities is increasing in developed countries. Interventions of different society institutions are required, being particularly relevant educational institutions. The aim of the study is to analyze the interest physical activity and sport regarding the level of participation in this practice and to know the reasons for abandoning and non practicing in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. A descriptive cross-sectional study was implemented and the survey about behaviours, attitudes and values related to physical activity and sport practice, which was developed in the AVENA (Feeding and assessment of nutritional status of spanish adolescents) study. The sample size was 2859Spanish adolescents (1.357 men, 1.502 women; age range: 13-18.5 years) and (..) (AU)

Apesar dos reconhecidos benefícios físicos, psíquicos e sociais que produz a pratica de atividade fisico-esportivo em jovens, a prevalência de abandono e a falta dessa atividade esta crescendo a nível mundial especialmente em países desenvolvidos. Necessitam atuações educativas imediatas para desaceleraressa situação. O objetivo desse estudo é (..)(AU)

Diferencias de sexo en inteligencia emocional: efecto de mediación de la edad / Gender differences in emotional intelligence: the mediating effect of age

¿Son las mujeres más inteligentes emocionalmente que los hombres? Actualmente sigue vigente la visión, tanto popular como académica, de que el género femenino se vincula con un mejor conocimiento de las emociones. ¿Es realmente cierta esta cuestión o se trata de un estereotipo más? En este artículo consideramos la relación entre el sexo y la inteligencia emocional (IE) evaluada con el "Test de inteligencia emocional Mayer- Salovey-Caruso" (Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, MSCEIT), controlando la edad, como una de las principales características sociodemográficas que interacciona con el sexo y con la IE, para esclarecer cómo influyen las diferencias de sexo en la IE. Encontramos que las diferencias de sexo inicialmente halladas en IE quedan mediadas totalmente por la edad en las ramas facilitación y comprensión, el área estratégica y la puntuación total y, de forma parcial en manejo emocional. Estos datos sugieren que es necesario ser cautelosos a la hora de concluir que el sexo es determinante en la IE de las personas, sin haber examinado las posibles interacciones que otras variables puedan establecer con el sexo en su predicción (AU)

Are women more emotionally intelligent than men? Today it is widely believed, among the general public and academics alike, that the female gender is linked with better knowledge of emotions. Is this notion correct or yet another stereotype? To address this question, the relationship between gender and emotional intelligence (EI), as assessed using the "Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test" (MSCEIT), is considered. A new perspective was taken in this research by controlling for age, which is one of the principal sociodemographic characteristics that interacts with gender as well as EI, in order to clarify how gender affects EI. Results showed that the gender differences initially reported for EI are mediated completely by age for the branches of facilitation and understanding, for strategic area and for total score, and partially by age for the dimension of emotional managing. These findings indicate the need for caution when concluding that gender affects EI in the absence of tests for possible interactions between gender and other variables that may influence EI

Associations between parental educational/occupational levels and cognitive performance in Spanish adolescents: The AVENA study / Asociaciones entre el nivel educativo/profesional de los padres y rendimiento cognitivo en adolescentes españoles: el estudio AVENA

We examined the associations between parental educational/occupational levels and cognitive performance in Spanish adolescents. Cognitive performance was measured by a validated Scholar Aptitudes test in 2,162 participants. Parental educational and occupational levels were positively associated with all specific cognitive abilities and the overall score (p<001 to .04). The odds ratios of having a high cognitive performance (top quartile) in adolescents with high parental educational level were 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than for those with a low parental educational level. Similarly, the odds ratios were 1.9 to 2.4 times higher for adolescents with high parental occupational level. These findings suggest an association between parental educational/occupational levels and cognitive performance in Spanish adolescents and support the parents' role in the creation of a stimulating intellectual environment (AU)

Se examinaron las asociaciones entre el nivel educativo/profesional de los padres y el rendimiento cognitivo de adolescentes españoles. El rendimiento cognitivo se midió mediante un test validado de inteligencia en 2.162 participantes. El nivel educativo y profesional de los padres se asoció positivamente con todas las habilidades cognitivas específicas y la puntuación total (p<0,001 a 0,04). La probabilidad de que los adolescentes tuvieran un alto rendimiento cognitivo (cuartil superior) y padres con nivel educativo alto fue de 1,6 a 1,7 veces superior al de aquellos con padres de bajo nivel educativo. Del mismo modo, las probabilidades fueron de 1,9 a 2,4 veces mayor para los adolescentes con padres de nivel profesional alto. Estos resultados sugieren una asociación entre la educación/profesión de los padres y los niveles de rendimiento cognitivo en adolescentes y confirman el papel que desempeñan los padres en la creación de un entorno intelectual estimulante (AU)

Associations between parental educational/occupational levels and cognitive performance in Spanish adolescents: the AVENA study.

We examined the associations between parental educational/occupational levels and cognitive performance in Spanish adolescents. Cognitive performance was measured by a validated Scholar Aptitudes test in 2,162 participants. Parental educational and occupational levels were positively associated with all specific cognitive abilities and the overall score (p<001 to .04). The odds ratios of having a high cognitive performance (top quartile) in adolescents with high parental educational level were 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than for those with a low parental educational level. Similarly, the odds ratios were 1.9 to 2.4 times higher for adolescents with high parental occupational level. These findings suggest an association between parental educational/occupational levels and cognitive performance in Spanish adolescents and support the parents' role in the creation of a stimulating intellectual environment.

Combined influence of lifestyle risk factors on body fat in Spanish adolescents--the Avena study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the combined influence of four lifestyle risk factors related to physical activity, television viewing, sleep duration, and meal frequency on body fat (BF) in adolescents. METHOD: This cross-sectional study comprised 1,310 Spanish adolescents (age 13-18.5 years). Lifestyle variables were self-reported and BF indicators (weight, height, six skinfold thicknesses, waist circumference) measured during the years 2000-2002. Lifestyle risk factors were: physically inactive, ≥ 3 h/day watching television, <8 h/day sleep duration, and <5 meals a day. The number of lifestyle risk factors was calculated for each participant, ranging from 0 to 4. RESULTS: The number of lifestyle risk factors was positively associated with sum of six skinfolds, %BF, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio (all p < 0.001). The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of overweight (including obesity) for groups with 1, 2, and 3-4 lifestyle risk factors compared with those with 0 were 2.86 (1.77-4.62), 3.61 (2.16-6.04), and 5.81 (3.07-10.99), respectively (p for trend <0.001). All the observations were independent of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and fat free mass. CONCLUSION: The combined influence of four lifestyle risk factors is positively associated with BF and an approximately sixfold risk of overweight in adolescents.

Physical activity among Spanish adolescents: relationship with their relatives' physical activity - the AVENA study.

Identifying factors related to physical activity levels in young people is important for a more efficient health promotion. The aims of this study were to assess physical activity levels in a national sample of urban Spanish adolescents, and to examine the association between significant others' physical activity (father, mother, brother, sister, and close friends) and that of the adolescents. The present study comprised 2260 adolescents (1157 boys, 1103 girls) aged 13.0-18.5 years participating in the AVENA Study. Both the adolescents' physical activity and that of their relatives and close friends was assessed by questionnaire. The odds of being active were higher in boys than girls (odds ratio = 2.79, 95% confidence interval = 2.34-3.33) and tended to decrease across age groups in both boys and girls. Father's and older brother's physical activity was associated with boys' physical activity, while that of any significant other was associated with girls' physical activity. When both parents reported being active, boys had nearly two times higher odds of being active and girls had nearly three times higher odds of being active. The physical activity levels of Spanish adolescents are in line with those previously reported. Physical activity levels in girls are strongly related to the physical activity of any significant other, whereas physical activity levels in boys are only related to their male relatives' physical activity.