Self-perception of mental health, COVID-19 and associated sociodemographic-contextual factors in Latin America.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alterations in self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associated factors in four Latin American countries. This is a cross-sectional study based on data collected from adults in 2021 through the Collaborative Response COVID-19 Survey by the MacDonnell Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (United States). The sample was composed of 8,125 individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. A generalized linear model for a binary outcome variable with a logistic link and fixed country effects was used. There were 2,336 (28.75%) individuals who considered having suffered alterations in self-perceived mental health. Unemployed individuals (OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.24-1.58), those with bad/regular quality of life (OR = 5.03; 95%CI: 4.01-6.31), and those with high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.41-1.96) had a higher risk of self-perceived mental health alterations than those with full-time employment, excellent quality, and low socioeconomic status. According to the fixed-effects model, Brazilians living in the country during the pandemic, who disagreed with their government's decisions (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) and lacked trust in their government (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) had a higher risk of having self-perceived mental health alterations. Nearly 30% of respondents indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic altered their self-perceived mental health. This outcome was associated with political, sociodemographic, and health risk factors. These findings should help policymakers develop post-pandemic community interventions.

Gender Differences in Physical Activity and Health-Related Authorships Between 1950 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate gender differences in authorship in physical activity and health research. METHODS: A bibliometric study including 23,399 articles from 105 countries was conducted to estimate the participation of female researchers in physical activity publications from 1950 to 2019. The frequency of female researchers was analyzed and classified by first and last authors and the overall percentage of female authors by region and country. RESULTS: The proportion of female first authors increased from <10% in the 50s and 80s to 55% in the last decade. On the other hand, the proportion of last authors increased from 8.7% to 41.1% in the same period. Most publications with female researchers were from the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden, and China. Nine of these countries had over 50% of the articles published by female first authors. However, in all 10 countries, <50% of the articles were published by female last authors. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of female researchers increased over time. However, regional differences exist and should be addressed in gender equity policies. There is a gap in the participation of female researchers as last authors. By actively addressing the gender gap in research, the global society can harness the full potential of all talented individuals, regardless of gender, leading to more inclusive and impactful scientific advancements.

Physical Activity Policies at National and Subnational Levels: A Study in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: National physical activity (PA) policy processes are only beginning to be studied in Latin America, and little attention has focused at the subnational level. This study examined national-subnational relations in the policy process (agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation) in selected Latin American countries. METHODS: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity's (GoPA!) INTEGRATE-PA-Pol tool was applied in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico. Data were collected in matched pairs of the capital plus one noncapital city among national and subnational policymakers (n = 27), previously identified by the GoPA! Country Contacts. PA policy development and implementation were assessed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Twenty-three (response rate = 85.2%) informants provided data, mainly from the health sector (52.2%), followed by the sport (26.1%), transport (13.0%), and education (8.7%) sectors. Most informants reported that their countries had a current PA policy embedded within noncommunicable diseases prevention plans (46.2%), other plans (46.2%), or obesity prevention/management/control plans (7.7%). Respondents at the subnational level rated PA promotion as central (64.3%), while the national-level role was important but not central (75.0%). National and subnational policymakers indicated low-to-little involvement in the other level's PA policy processes across the 5 policy stages. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that collecting national and subnational PA policy data across countries with the active collaboration of the GoPA! network was feasible. We also successfully identified governmental interactions throughout the PA policy process, suggesting suboptimal engagement between national and subnational levels.

Self-perception of mental health, COVID-19 and associated sociodemographic-contextual factors in Latin America / Autopercepción de la salud mental, COVID-19 y factores sociodemográficos y contextuales asociados en Latinoamérica / Autopercepção da saúde mental, COVID-19 e fatores sociodemográficos e contextuais associados na América Latina

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alterations in self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associated factors in four Latin American countries. This is a cross-sectional study based on data collected from adults in 2021 through the Collaborative Response COVID-19 Survey by the MacDonnell Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (United States). The sample was composed of 8,125 individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. A generalized linear model for a binary outcome variable with a logistic link and fixed country effects was used. There were 2,336 (28.75%) individuals who considered having suffered alterations in self-perceived mental health. Unemployed individuals (OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.24-1.58), those with bad/regular quality of life (OR = 5.03; 95%CI: 4.01-6.31), and those with high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.41-1.96) had a higher risk of self-perceived mental health alterations than those with full-time employment, excellent quality, and low socioeconomic status. According to the fixed-effects model, Brazilians living in the country during the pandemic, who disagreed with their government's decisions (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) and lacked trust in their government (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) had a higher risk of having self-perceived mental health alterations. Nearly 30% of respondents indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic altered their self-perceived mental health. This outcome was associated with political, sociodemographic, and health risk factors. These findings should help policymakers develop post-pandemic community interventions.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la prevalencia de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y sus factores asociados en cuatro países de América Latina. Este es un estudio transversal de datos recopilados de adultos en el 2021 por medio de la investigación Respuesta Colaborativa a COVID-19 de la Academia McDonnell en la Universidad Washington en St. Louis (Estados Unidos). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 8.125 personas de Brasil, Colombia, México y Chile. El estudio utilizó un modelo lineal generalizado para una variable de desenlace binario con un enlace logístico y efectos fijos por país. En total, 2.336 (28,75%) personas consideraron que habían sufrido alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental. Los desempleados (OR = 1,40; IC95%: 1,24-1,58), aquellos con calidad de vida mala/regular (OR = 5,03; IC95%: 4,01-6,31) y aquellos con alto nivel socioeconómico (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,41-1,96) presentaron mayor riesgo de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental que aquellos con empleo a tiempo completo, excelente calidad y bajo nivel socioeconómico. Según el modelo de efectos fijos, los brasileños que vivían en el país durante la pandemia y que no estuvieron de acuerdo con las decisiones del gobierno (OR = 2,05; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) y no confiaban en su gobierno (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) presentaron mayor riesgo de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental. Casi el 30% de los encuestados indicaron que la pandemia de COVID-19 alteró su autopercepción de la salud mental. Este desenlace se asoció con factores políticos, sociodemográficos y de riesgo a la salud. Estos hallazgos deben ayudar a los formuladores de políticas a desarrollar intervenciones comunitarias pospandémicas.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e seus fatores associados em quatro países da América Latina. Este é um estudo transversal de dados coletados de adultos em 2021 por meio da pesquisa Resposta Colaborativa à COVID-19 da Academia McDonnell na Universidade Washington em St. Louis (Estados Unidos). A amostra foi composta por 8.125 pessoas do Brasil, Colômbia, México e Chile. O estudo utilizou um modelo linear generalizado para uma variável de desfecho binário com uma conexão logística e efeitos fixos do país. No total, 2.336 (28,75%) pessoas consideraram ter sofrido alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental. Os desempregados (OR = 1,40; IC95%: 1,24-1,58), aqueles com qualidade de vida ruim/regular (OR = 5,03; IC95%: 4,01-6,31) e aqueles com alto nível socioeconômico (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,41-1,96) apresentaram maior risco de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental do que aqueles com emprego em tempo integral, excelente qualidade e baixo nível socioeconômico. De acordo com o modelo de efeitos fixos, os brasileiros que viviam no país durante a pandemia, que discordavam das decisões do governo (OR = 2,05; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) e não confiavam em seu governo (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) apresentaram maior risco de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental. Quase 30% dos entrevistados indicaram que a pandemia da COVID-19 alterou sua autopercepção de saúde mental. Esse desfecho estava associado a fatores políticos, sociodemográficos e de risco à saúde. Estes achados devem ajudar os formuladores de políticas a desenvolver intervenções comunitárias pós-pandemia.

Fuerza prensil y composición corporal en escolares colombianos. Estudio piloto

Introducción: Algunos estudios han encontrado relación entre exceso de peso y baja fuerza de prensión relativa. En países de ingresos socioeconómicos medianos y bajos hay pocas evidencias que evalúen la fuerza prensil y su relación con la composición corporal en población pediátrica. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre la fuerza prensil y la composición corporal de escolares de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio piloto de corte transversal, analítico, correlacional. Participaron niños en edad escolar de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Las principales variables dependientes fueron masa muscular, agua corporal total, proteínas (kg) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal. La variable independiente correspondió a la fuerza prensil. Se usó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman para explorar la relación entre variables. Resultados: El promedio de la fuerza prensil en el total de la muestra fue de 13,8 ± 3,2 Newton. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas y estadísticamente significativas entre la fuerza prensil y la masa musculoesquelética (r = 0,73), agua corporal total (r = 0,73) y proteínas (r = 0,74). Discusión: Nuestros resultados son consistentes con evidencias previas que identifican a la fuerza prensil como un indicador de la composición corporal, específicamente en las variables de masa musculoesquelética y proteínas. Conclusión: Los niños en el tercil más alto de fuerza prensil presentan los terciles más altos de masa musculoesquelética, agua corporal total y proteínas.

Introduction: Some studies have found a relationship between excess weight and low relative grip strength. In countries with medium and low socioeconomic income, there is little evidence evaluating grip strength and its relationship with body composition in the pediatric population. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between grip strength and body composition of schoolchildren from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical, correlational pilot study was conducted. Schoolchildren from Bucaramanga, Colombia participated. The main dependent variables were muscle mass, total body water, protein (kg), and percentage of body fat. The independent variable corresponded to the prehensile force. Spearman's Correlation Coefficient was used to explore the relationship between variables. Results: The average prehensile force in the total sample was 13.8±3.2 Newton. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between grip strength and musculoskeletal mass (r=0.73), total body water (r=0.73), and protein (r=0.74). Discussion: Our results are consistent with previous evidence that identifies grip strength as an indicator of body composition, specifically in the variables of musculoskeletal mass and protein. Conclusion: Children in the highest tertile of prehensile strength present the highest tertiles of skeletal muscle mass, total body water, and protein.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Colombian University Students' Perceptions of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Repercussions on Academic Achievement.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in academic activities at home negatively impacted mental health, due to significant levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. We investigated the association of depression and anxiety with university students' academic performance during the COVID-19 lockdown in Bucaramanga, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey during the lockdown, through the use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the grade-point average. RESULTS: 1090 females, out of 1957 students, with mean age 22.2 ± 5.3 years, participated in the study. The prevalence of low academic performance was higher in men (4.7% p = 0.014). As for mental health, 2.5% of the students were classified as "definite cases" of anxiety and 8.2% were diagnosed with depression. Women with a low academic performance had a greater percentage of being "definite cases" (3.8%) of anxiety as compared to men (1.1%). Regarding depression, in men, 12.2% of those with low academic performance were "definite cases" (6.9% p < 0.05); in females with low academic performance, 10.1% were "definite cases" of depression, according to the Poisson regression analysis. The probability of low performance was 100% higher for women identified as "doubtful cases" of depression (PR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.10-5.18, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: A positive association between the severity of anxiety/depression and lower grades, especially in women, was found. Mental health should be a special concern when considering university students, in order to improve their academic performance.

Induced sputum as an adequate clinical specimen for the etiological diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of induced sputum (IS) for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in pediatric population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included pediatric population aged between 1 month and 17 years who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of CAP in 13 hospitals in Colombia, in whom an IS sample was obtained. Gram staining, aerobic bacterial and mycobacterial culture tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 6 atypical bacteria and 15 respiratory viruses were performed. We evaluated the quality of IS samples. RESULTS: IS samples were collected in 516 of 525 children included in this study. The median age was 32 months, 38.6% were younger than 2 years, and 40.9% were between 2 and 5 years. Two patients had transient hypoxemia during the procedure. The quality of the IS obtained was good in 48.4% and intermediate in 24.5%. Identification of a respiratory pathogen was achieved with an IS sample (with Gram staining, culture test, and PCR) in 372 of 516 children with CAP. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that IS is an adequate sample for the diagnosis of CAP in pediatric population that required hospitalization. The procedure was safe, well tolerated, and with better diagnostic yields compared with the rest of the samples obtained.

Age band 1 of the movement assessment battery for children -2. Reliability of the spanish version. / Batería para la evaluación del movimiento en niños -2- banda 1. Confiabilidad de la versión en español.

INTRODUCTION: The development of motor skills influences the capacity of the child to interact with the environment. Thus, several instruments have been created for their assessment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the internal consistency, reproducibility, and agreement level of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2 in a preschool group. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Assessment study of diagnostic tests with 29 preschoolers, selected by convenience, enrollments in an educational ins titution in Bucaramanga city, Colombia. For the inter-evaluators reproducibility assessment, three evaluators watched each video independently. In the intra-evaluator reproducibility assessment, each evaluator watched the same video on two different occasions. The internal consistency, the intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility, and the agreement level were determined using Cronbach's alpha co efficient, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman limits of agreement method, respectively. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the total test for each of the three evaluators was higher than 0.60. Very good reliability was found for all items, domains, and total score of age band 1 of MABC-2 (ICC > 0.85), as well as good limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: age band 1 of MABC-2 Spanish version is an instrument with adequate reliability psychometric properties that can be used for the motor skills development evaluation in preschoolers.

Batería para la evaluación del movimiento en niños -2- banda 1. Confiabilidad de la versión en español / Age band 1 of the movement assessment battery for children -2. Reliability of the spanish version

INTRODUCCIÓN: La adquisición de las destrezas motoras fundamentales influyen en la capacidad que tiene el niño para interactuar con el ambiente. Por lo anterior diversos instrumentos han sido creados para su evaluación. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la consistencia interna, reproducibilidad y el nivel de acuerdo de la Batería para la evaluación del Movimiento en Niños -2- banda 1 (MABC-2) en un grupo de preescolares. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio de evaluación de pruebas diagnósticas con 29 preescolares, seleccionados por conveniencia, matriculados en una institución educativa de la ciudad de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Para la evaluación de la reproducibilidad inter-evaluadores, tres evaluadores observaron cada video de forma independiente. En la evaluación de la reproducibilidad intra-evaluador, cada evaluador observó el mismo video en dos oportunidades diferentes. Fue calculado el a de Cronbach para establecer la consistencia interna, la reproducibilidad intra y entre evaluadores fue calculada con el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y el nivel de acuerdo fue determinado em pleando la metodología de Bland y Altman. RESULTADOS: La consistencia interna del total de la prueba para cada uno de los tres evaluadores fue superior a 0,60. Se encontró muy buena reproducibilidad para todos los ítems, atributos y el puntaje total del MABC-2 banda 1 (CCI > 0,85), así como buenos niveles de acuerdo. CONCLUSIÓN: La banda 1 del MABC-2 versión en español es un instrumento con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas de confiabilidad que puede ser utilizado para la evaluación del desarrollo motor en preescolares.

INTRODUCTION: The development of motor skills influences the capacity of the child to interact with the environment. Thus, several instruments have been created for their assessment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the internal consistency, reproducibility, and agreement level of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2 in a preschool group. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Assessment study of diagnostic tests with 29 preschoolers, selected by convenience, enrollments in an educational ins titution in Bucaramanga city, Colombia. For the inter-evaluators reproducibility assessment, three evaluators watched each video independently. In the intra-evaluator reproducibility assessment, each evaluator watched the same video on two different occasions. The internal consistency, the intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility, and the agreement level were determined using Cronbach's alpha co efficient, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman limits of agreement method, respectively. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the total test for each of the three evaluators was higher than 0.60. Very good reliability was found for all items, domains, and total score of age band 1 of MABC-2 (ICC > 0.85), as well as good limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: age band 1 of MABC-2 Spanish version is an instrument with adequate reliability psychometric properties that can be used for the motor skills development evaluation in preschoolers.

Longitudinal association of adiposity with wheezing and atopy at 22 years: the 1993 Birth Cohort, Pelotas, Brazil.

PURPOSE: Asthma is a highly prevalent noncommunicable lung disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal association of obesity/adiposity with wheezing and atopy. METHODS: The population of the study was composed of participants from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. The following outcome variables were measured at 22 years: wheezing in the last 12 months, wheezing with atopy, wheezing without atopy, only atopy, and persistent wheezing at 18 and 22 years. Exposure variables were obesity body mass index, percent fat mass (FM), and fat mass index, which were obtained by precise methods (BOD POD and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]). Crude and adjusted logistic and multinomial logistic regressions were used in the analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of wheezing (with and without atopy), wheezing without atopy, only atopy, and persistent wheezing were 10.6%, 3.9%, 30.9%, and 4.0%, respectively. To be obese or to belong to the highest tertile of obesity/adiposity at two follow-ups showed a cumulative and positive association with wheezing in the adjusted analysis; for atopy there was no significant association. The odds ratio (OR) for wheezing according to the percentage of total FM measured by DXA in the highest tertile at both follow-ups was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.14-2.20) against an OR of 1.16 (95% CI: 0.92-1.47) for atopy. Persistent wheezing was also associated with adiposity, but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive longitudinal association between several measures of adiposity and wheezing at 22 years old. The effect was higher for cumulative adiposity; the results for atopy were not consistent.

Physical activity during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Maternal physical activity (PA) during pregnancy could affect offspring's neurodevelopment. However, studies in humans in early childhood are scarce and show inconsistent results. We aimed to review the literature on the association between physical activity during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment. METHODS: LILACS, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for studies published since 1977. Original studies conducted in humans, without language, country, or study type restriction, were eligible. Information on the study methodology like study design, sample size, PA exposure and neurodevelopment assessment, covariates, and the effect measure were extracted from the selected articles. RESULTS: From 802 non-duplicated titles initially located, 6 articles were selected and included (one randomised clinical trial and 5 cohort studies). The instruments used to measure PA during pregnancy and neurodevelopment varied between the studies. PA was self-reported at different gestational ages and neurodevelopment was assessed prospectively in offspring aged 1-8 years old. Only the randomised clinical trial found no effect of PA over offspring neurodevelopment. Cohort studies found a positive association between PA practice during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that leisure-time physical activity practice may have positive association with language offspring's neurodevelopment in the age range of 18 from 60 months.

Calidad De Vida En Estudiantes Universitarios. Evaluación De Factores Asociados / Quality of life In college students evaluation of associated factors

Determinar el nivel de calidad de vida en estudiantes universitarios de áreas de la salud y evaluar factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, nivel de actividad física con el International Physical Activity Questionnaire, dolor con el Formulario de Autoregistro del Dolor y calidad de vida con el Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Modelos de regresión lineal simple y múltiple evaluaron las asociaciones. Resultados: Participaron 237 estudiantes, 37,1% hombres, edad promedio de 20,6 ± 2,2 años. La prevalencia de actividad física vigorosa fue 8,4%, dolor agudo 18,3% y crónico 22,8%; la media de horas semanales de jornada académica 30,9 ± 10,7 horas y la calidad de vida osciló entre 33 y 75 / 100. El dolor agudo (β: -2.6), dolor crónico (β: -3.9) y horas semanales de jornada académica presencial (β: -0.07) se asociaron negativamente con la calidad de vida, solo la actividad física vigorosa fue positiva (β = 5.3). Conclusiones: Los factores evaluados son susceptibles de intervenir. Se requiere la implementación de programas dirigidos al fomento de la actividad física, la recreación y el deporte, como parte de un estilo de vida saludable que contribuya a mejorar la calidad de vida de los estudiantes universitarios...

To determine the level of quality of life in college students health areas and evaluate associated factors. Methods: Cross sectional study. Sociodemographic variables were measured, level of physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, pain with Self Registration Form Pain and quality of life with the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Models of simple and multiple linear regression assessed associations. Results: A total of 237 students, 37.1% male, mean age 20.6 ± 2.2 years. The prevalence of vigorous physical activity was 8.4%, 18.3% acute pain and chronic 22.8%, the average weekly hours of school day 30.9 ± 10.7 hours and quality of life ranged between 33 and 75/100. Acute pain (β:-2.6), chronic pain (β: -3.9) and hours per week of classroom academic day (β:-0.07) were negatively associated with quality of life, only vigorous physical activity was positive (β = 5.3). Conclusions: The factors evaluated are likely to intervene. It requires the implementation of programs aimed at promoting physical activity, recreation and sport, as part of a healthy lifestyle that contributes to improving the quality of life of college students...