Disentangling between-person and within-person associations of physical symptoms of depression with self-perceived health and life satisfaction: A longitudinal study in Chilean adults.

Depression is a major health problem in Chile. Evidence suggests that physical symptoms of depression (PSD) negatively impact self-perceived health and life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the between-person and within-person associations of PSD with self-perceived health and life satisfaction in Chilean adults. The sample consisted of 1424 participants (64.54% female; Mage = 46.77, SD = 14.88) with data in five waves of the Social Longitudinal Study of Chile. Variables were measured through self-report questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using multilevel analysis. At the within-person level, physical slowing, fatigue, and sleep problems were associated with poorer self-perceived health and lower life satisfaction. At the between-person level, physical slowing and fatigue were associated with poorer perceived health and lower life satisfaction. PSD are associated with self-perceived health and life satisfaction in Chilean adults longitudinally. The study highlights the importance of monitoring PSD changes in Chilean adults.

Cardiometabolic comorbidities in Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors: prevalence and impact on health-related quality of life and supportive care needs.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities (i.e., diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease) among Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors and examine the impact of cardiometabolic comorbidities on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), unmet supportive care needs, patient-provider communication self-efficacy, satisfaction with cancer care, and increases in healthy behaviors. METHODS: Hispanics/Latinos diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer (N = 288) were assessed within 15 months of primary treatment completion. RESULTS: One-quarter (24.7%) of survivors were diagnosed with diabetes and one-fifth (20.8%) were diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease. Survivors with at least one cardiometabolic comoribidity were older (t(278) = -.3.622, p < .001) and more likely to have a household income of less than $25,000 (X2 = 8.369, p = .004). When adjusting for sociodemographic and medical covariates, survivors with cardiometabolic comorbidities demonstrated worse overall HRQoL (B = -4.792, p = .050), emotional (B = -1.479, p = .018) and physical (B = -2.228, p = .005) wellbeing, a higher odds of unmet psychological (OR = 2.095, p = .027) and sexuality (OR = 2.898, p = .004) needs, and greater patient-provider communication self-efficacy (B = .179, p = .045). There were no differences in healthy behavior changes or satisfaction with cancer care. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiometabolic comorbidities may be highly prevalent among Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors and increase the risk of worse HRQoL and unmet supportive care needs. Targeted interventions are needed to optimize health among Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors with cardiometabolic comorbidities.

[Health-related quality of life in Chileans from vulnerable communes]. / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en chilenos de comunas vulnerables.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social and health crisis impacted the well-being of the population. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) could be affected, mainly in conditions of social vulnerability. The objective was to analyze the HRQoL and the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D instrument in adult Chilean population from vulnerable communes of the Metropolitan Region. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out during quarantine period April to June 2021. Five hundred adults residing in Chilean communes were selected and completed a structured questionnaire by video-call, including the EQ-5D instrument. Descriptive analyzes and confirmatory factor analyzes of the traditional reflective model were performed. RESULTS: The age of the sample was 36.36±12.41 years, the majority reported having a secondary education level and being employed. Regarding the EQ-5D instrument, the most affected dimensions were pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The global health status was 73.0±19.71 points. The model showed an adequate fit: χ2=6.992, p=0.221, CFI=0.996, TLI=0.993, RMSEA=0.028 (90% CI: 0.000-0.073) and SRMR=0.067. In addition, the items of the scale were good indicators of the construct of interest. CONCLUSIONS: In a pandemic context, the population was mostly affected by pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The EQ-5D instrument is a useful tool to estimate CRSV in the Chilean population in the context of pandemic. In addition, the psychometric evidence supports the dimensionality of the construct and the potential utility of decomposing its analysis.

Relación entre estigma de peso y alimentación emocional: una aproximación desde el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales / Relation between weight stigma and emotional eating: an approach from structural equation modeling

Introducción: se ha demostrado que la ingesta alimentaria es uno de los principales factores que influyen en el incremento del peso y que el estigma de peso contribuye a una mayor alimentación emocional. Sin embargo, los factores que median esta relación han sido menos estudiados. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la relación que existe entre estigma de peso y alimentación emocional, y si esta relación está mediada por la internalización del sesgo de peso y el malestar psicológico. Métodos: una muestra no probabilística de 332 personas de población general (192 mujeres y 140 hombres) respondió instrumentos psicológicos de autorreporte y proporcionó medidas antropométricas. Resultados: por medio de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM), se identificaron relaciones directas, entre las que destaca la relación del estigma de peso y alimentación emocional (β = 0,422, p < 0,001), además de la relación indirecta entre estas variables mediante la internalización del sesgo de peso y malestar psicológico (βindirecto = 0,016, p = < 0,05). El modelo tuvo buenos indicadores de bondad de ajuste y explicó un 85 % de la varianza. Conclusión: los resultados muestran la importancia de incluir variables psicológicas y conductuales en el tratamiento de la alimentación emocional en personas con sobrepeso y obesidad, así como de abordar estos temas desde políticas públicas para disminuir el estigma asociado que aún impera en la sociedad. (AU)

Introduction: dietary intake has been shown to be one of the main factors influencing weight gain, and weight stigma contributes to increased emotional eating. However, the factors that mediate this relationship have been less studied. Objective: the aim of this study was to identify the relationship between weight stigma and emotional eating, and whether this relationship is mediated by internalizing weight bias and psychological distress. Methods: a non-probabilistic sample of 332 people from the general population (192 women and 140 men) answered self-report psychological instruments and provided anthropometric measurements. Results: through structural equation analysis (SEM), direct relationships were identified, among which the relationship between weight stigma and emotional eating stands out (β = 0.422, p < 0.001), in addition to the indirect relationship between these variables mediated by internalized weight bias and psychological distress (βindirect = 0.016, p = < 0.05). The model had good indicators of goodness of fit and explained 85 % of the variance. Conclusion: the results show the importance of including psychological and behavioral variables in the treatment of emotional eating in people with overweight and obesity, as well as addressing these issues from public policies to reduce the associated stigma that still prevails in society. (AU)

[Relation between weight stigma and emotional eating: an approach from structural equation modeling]. / Relación entre estigma de peso y alimentación emocional: una aproximación desde el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales.

Introduction: Introduction: dietary intake has been shown to be one of the main factors influencing weight gain, and weight stigma contributes to increased emotional eating. However, the factors that mediate this relationship have been less studied. Objective: the aim of this study was to identify the relationship between weight stigma and emotional eating, and whether this relationship is mediated by internalizing weight bias and psychological distress. Methods: a non-probabilistic sample of 332 people from the general population (192 women and 140 men) answered self-report psychological instruments and provided anthropometric measurements. Results: through structural equation analysis (SEM), direct relationships were identified, among which the relationship between weight stigma and emotional eating stands out (ß = 0.422, p < 0.001), in addition to the indirect relationship between these variables mediated by internalized weight bias and psychological distress (ßindirect = 0.016, p = < 0.05). The model had good indicators of goodness of fit and explained 85 % of the variance. Conclusion: the results show the importance of including psychological and behavioral variables in the treatment of emotional eating in people with overweight and obesity, as well as addressing these issues from public policies to reduce the associated stigma that still prevails in society.

Introducción: Introducción: se ha demostrado que la ingesta alimentaria es uno de los principales factores que influyen en el incremento del peso y que el estigma de peso contribuye a una mayor alimentación emocional. Sin embargo, los factores que median esta relación han sido menos estudiados. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la relación que existe entre estigma de peso y alimentación emocional, y si esta relación está mediada por la internalización del sesgo de peso y el malestar psicológico. Métodos: una muestra no probabilística de 332 personas de población general (192 mujeres y 140 hombres) respondió instrumentos psicológicos de autorreporte y proporcionó medidas antropométricas. Resultados: por medio de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM), se identificaron relaciones directas, entre las que destaca la relación del estigma de peso y alimentación emocional (ß = 0,422, p < 0,001), además de la relación indirecta entre estas variables mediante la internalización del sesgo de peso y malestar psicológico (ßindirecto = 0,016, p = < 0,05). El modelo tuvo buenos indicadores de bondad de ajuste y explicó un 85 % de la varianza. Conclusión: los resultados muestran la importancia de incluir variables psicológicas y conductuales en el tratamiento de la alimentación emocional en personas con sobrepeso y obesidad, así como de abordar estos temas desde políticas públicas para disminuir el estigma asociado que aún impera en la sociedad.

Problemas de salud mental en universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19: ¿qué tipo de ayuda buscan? / Mental health problems in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: What kind of help do they seek?

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto negativo en el bienestar psicológico de la población, siendo los jóvenes un grupo especialmente vulnerable. Objetivo: El presente estudio se propuso examinar los niveles de búsqueda de ayuda (formal e informal) para problemas en salud mental y sus variables asociadas en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de la Región de La Araucanía, en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: A través de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, se reclutó a 500 estudiantes de entre 18 y 29 años. Se describió y comparó su nivel de búsqueda de ayuda, así como variables que podrían obstaculizarla o facilitarla, según género. Adicionalmente, se estimaron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple diferenciados por género, con la búsqueda de ayuda informal como variable criterio. Resultados: Se evidenció una renuencia general a buscar ayuda (formal e informal) tanto en hombres como mujeres, una mayor experimentación de malestar psicológico y mayor conocimiento sobre salud mental en mujeres. Finalmente, se observaron diferencias en los predictores de la búsqueda de ayuda informal entre hombres y mujeres, siendo el apoyo social y las emociones negativas en pandemia los únicos comunes entre géneros. Conclusión: Se discuten los bajos niveles de búsqueda de ayuda evidenciados, y las diferencias observadas en variables asociadas, en función de la brecha de género en salud mental.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological well-being of the population, with young people being a particularly vulnerable group. Aim: The present study examines help-seeking intention for mental health problems and associated variables among male and female university students in La Araucanía Region during the COVI-19 pandemic. Method: A sample of 500 students aged 18 to 29 was recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Help-seeking levels and facilitating or hindering variables were compared by gender. Multiple linear regression models were estimated separately by gender to predict the criterion variable of informal help-seeking. Results: The results indicate that both men and women are reluctant to seek help (formal and informal). Women reported higher levels of psychological distress and greater knowledge about mental health than men. Differences in predictors of informal help-seeking between men and women are evidenced, with social support and negative emotions in pandemic being the only common predictors between genders. Conclusion: The low levels of help-seeking evidenced, and the differences observed in associated variables based on the gender gap in mental health, are discussed.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en chilenos de comunas vulnerables / Health-related quality of life in Chileans from vulnerable communes

Objetivo: La pandemia de COVID-19 y la crisis sociosanitaria resultante tuvieron impacto sobre el bienestar de la población. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) podría verse afectada, principalmente en condición de vulnerabilidad social. El objetivo fue analizar la CVRS y las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento EQ-5D en población chilena adulta de comunas vulnerables de la Región Metropolitana. Método: Estudio transversal realizado durante la cuarentena de abril-junio de 2021. Se seleccionaron 500adultos residentes en comunas de Chile que completaron por videollamada un cuestionario estructurado incluyendo el instrumento EQ-5D. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y factoriales confirmatorios del modelo reflectivo tradicional. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 36,36 ± 12,41 años, la mayoría reportaron un nivel educativo secundario y estar empleado. Con respecto al instrumento EQ-5D, se encontró mayor afectación en la dimensión dolor/malestar y ansiedad/depresión. El estado de salud global evaluado con la escala visual análoga fue de 73,0 ± 19,71 puntos. El modelo evaluado presentó un ajuste adecuado: 2 = 6.992, p = 0.221, CFI = 0.996,TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.028 (IC90%: 0.000-0.073) y SRMR = 0.067. Además, los ítems de la escala resultaron buenos indicadores del constructo de interés. Conclusiones: En contexto de pandemia, la población estudiada presentó mayor afectación en las dimensiones dolor/molestia y ansiedad/depresión. El instrumento EQ-5D es una herramienta útil para estimarla CVRS en población chilena en contexto de pandemia. Además, la evidencia psicométrica respalda la unidimensionalidad del constructo y la potencial utilidad de descomponer su análisis.(AU)

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social and health crisis impacted the well-being ofthe population. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) could be affected, mainly in conditions of socialvulnerability. The objective was to analyze the HRQoL and the psychometric properties of the EQ-5Dinstrument in adult Chilean population from vulnerable communes of the Metropolitan Region. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out during quarantine period April to June 2021. Five hundredadults residing in Chilean communes were selected and completed a structured questionnaire by video-call, including the EQ-5D instrument. Descriptive analyzes and confirmatory factor analyzes of thetraditional reflective model were performed. Results: The age of the sample was 36.36 ± 12.41 years, the majority reported having a secondary edu-cation level and being employed. Regarding the EQ-5D instrument, the most affected dimensions werepain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The global health status was 73.0 ± 19.71 points. The model sho-wed an adequate fit: 2 = 6.992, p = 0.221, CFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.028 (90% CI: 0.000–0.073)and SRMR = 0.067. In addition, the items of the scale were good indicators of the construct of interest. Conclusions: In a pandemic context, the population was mostly affected by pain/discomfort andanxiety/depression. The EQ-5D instrument is a useful tool to estimate CRSV in the Chilean populationin the context of pandemic. In addition, the psychometric evidence supports the dimensionality of theconstruct and the potential utility of decomposing its analysis.(AU)

Propiedades psicométricas del ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) en una muestra chilena / Psychometric properties of the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) in a Chilean sample

Introducción El apoyo social percibido es una variable relevante en los procesos de salud-enfermedad. Es importante que los instrumentos dirigidos a medir este constructo presenten evidencia de fiabilidad y validez. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las propiedades psicométricas del ESSI en población chilena, y su invarianza de medida entre hombres y mujeres, y entre universitarios y adultos. Método Dos muestras no probabilísticas, una de universitarios (n = 538) y una de adultos (n = 446) fueron enroladas en un estudio transversal. Los datos fueron analizados con análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo y análisis de consistencia interna con Omega de McDonald (ω). Resultados La estructura unidimensional de la ESSI fue confirmada en la muestra completa. Asimismo, se demostró invarianza escalar entre hombres y mujeres, e invarianza escalar parcial entre universitarios y adultos. La fiabilidad de los puntajes de la ESSI fue adecuada (ω > .80). Conclusión Los puntajes de la ESSI presentan evidencia de validez factorial y fiabilidad en población chilena. La escala puede ser utilizada para medir apoyo social percibido, aunque es recomendable su uso diferenciado entre universitarios y adultos.

Introduction Perceived social support is a relevant variable in health-disease processes. Measurement of this construct must be reliable and valid; thus, we aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the ESSI in the Chilean population and whether this measure is invariant between men and women and between university students and adults. Method Two non-probabilistic samples (students; n = 538, and adults; n = 446) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed with a Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis and reliability with McDonald's Omega coefficient (ω). Results A unidimensional structure of the ESSI was confirmed in the entire sample. Likewise, we proved scalar invariance between men and women and partial scalar invariance between university students and adults. The reliability of the ESSI scores was adequate (ω > .80). Conclusion The ESSI scores present evidence of factorial validity and reliability in the Chilean population. The scale can be used to measure perceived social support, although its differentiated use between university students and adults is recommended.

Model to Predict Healthcare Behaviors: Comparison of a Chilean and Mexican Sample.

(1) Background: Adherence to treatment and medical check-ups are important for health outcomes, but low adherence to treatment is a common phenomenon. Thus, we aimed to examine the role of cultural beliefs about physicians, perceived mistreatment, and emotions associated with the experience of mistreatment as an antecedent of healthcare behavior among Chilean and Mexican primary care patients using Betancourt's model for the study of health behavior. (2) Methods: This is a multivariate cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample of 326 Mexican and 337 Chilean participants. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to test the structural relations among the cultural and psychological variables as determinants of healthcare avoidance behavior. (3) Results: The results revealed a pattern of associations that work in the same way for Chilean and Mexican samples. Negative cultural beliefs about physicians have a direct effect on avoidance behaviors in healthcare. In addition, this effect is mediated through psychological factors, such as perception of mistreatment and negative emotions associated with mistreatment. (4) Conclusions: A structural invariance test showed that the perception of mistreatment and negative emotions were less intense for Chileans than Mexicans. In contrast, the association between negative emotions and avoidance behaviors was less intense for Mexicans.

Posición social y obesidad en población chilena: mediadores y moderadores psicológicos / Social position and obesity in Chilean population: Psychological mediators and moderators

Resumen Introducción: la obesidad es un problema de salud mundial que ha sido vinculada con la posición social de las personas. Si bien la evidencia que relaciona estas variables es clara, se ha puesto menos atención a los mecanismos por medio de los cuales estas variables pueden asociarse. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la posición social se relacionaba directamente con obesidad abdominal e indirectamente vía percepción de discriminación, afectividad negativa y calidad de la dieta, y el rol moderador del apoyo social. Método: 420 funcionarios de una universidad chilena. Se midió el perímetro de cintura como proxy de obesidad, se utilizaron instrumentos de autorreporte para variables psicológicas y conductuales. Resultados: análisis de ecuaciones estructurales revelaron que la posición social no se asoció directamente con obesidad abdominal, pero sí a través de una secuencia de mediación que incluyó la percepción de discriminación, afectividad negativa y calidad de la dieta. El apoyo social no moderó estas relaciones. Conclusión: se identifican mecanismos que median el nexo entre posición social y obesidad abdominal. Se destaca la relevancia de considerar variables psicológicas y conductuales subyacentes en esta relación.

Abstract Introduction: Obesity is a health problem worldwide that has been linked to social position. Although the evidence linking these variables is sound, little attention has been paid to the mechanisms by which these variables can be associated. We sought to determine whether social position is directly related to abdominal obesity and indirectly via perceived discrimination, negative affectivity and diet quality, and the moderating role of social support. Method: Four hundred and twenty participants from a Chilean University were selected. Obesity was measured through waist circumference and self-reported measures were used to asses psychological and behavioral variables. Results: Structural equation modeling allowed us to estimate that social position was not directly related to abdominal obesity, but indirectly via a sequenced mechanism that included perceived discrimination, negative affectivity and diet quality. Social support did not moderate these associations. Conclusion: We identified underlying mechanisms that mediate the association between social position and abdominal obesity. We highlight the relevance that psychological and behavioral variables has in obesity.

Apoyo social y obesidad: el papel de los síntomas depresivos y la alimentación emocional en un modelo estratificado por sexo.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la obesidad es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, cuya prevalencia ha aumentado sostenidamente en Latinoamerica. En Chile, el 75% de la población tiene sobrepeso u obesidad, siendo esta última más prevalente en mujeres (38%) que en hombres (30%). Si bien la percepción de apoyo social ha sido identificada como un factor protector para el desarrollo de la obesidad, el papel de la sintomatología depresiva y la alimentación emocional como mecanismos mediadores ha sido menos estudiado. OBJETIVO: determinar si el vínculo entre la percepción de apoyo social y el perímetro de cintura está mediado por la sintomatología depresiva y la alimentación emocional en una muestra de adultos chilenos estratificada por sexo. MÉTODOS: trescientos veinticinco (n = 325) adultos chilenos de una región del sur de Chile fueron seleccionados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico intencional (55% mujeres, Medad mujeres = 57.21, Medad hombres = 58.34). Se midió el perímetro de cintura como indicador de obesidad y se utilizaron instrumentos de autorreporte para evaluar variables psicológicas, conductuales y sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS: la alimentación emocional medió totalmente el vínculo entre sintomatología depresiva y perímetro de cintura tanto en hombres (ß = 0.089, p = 0.042), como en mujeres (ß = 0.086, p = 0.013). La percepción de apoyo social se vinculó indirecta y negativamente con el perímetro de cintura a través de una secuencia de mediación que incluyó sintomatología depresiva y alimentación emocional solo en mujeres (ß = -0.043, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONES: la alimentación emocional es una variable a través de la cual la sintomatología depresiva se vincula con obesidad tanto en hombres como mujeres. Los hallazgos avalan el papel protector de la percepción de apoyo social en obesidad en mujeres, lo que puede orientar el desarrollo de estrategias para disminuir las altas tasas de obesidad en población chilena adulta.

Association between eating habits and quality of life among Chilean university students.

Objective To estimate the association between eating habits and quality of life (QOL) in Chilean university students. Participants: 1,212 students from the Universidad de La Frontera, Chile (mean age 18.7 ± 2.15) were surveyed in January-March 2018. Methods: Participants completed a cross-sectional self-report survey to evaluate QOL using the WHOQOL-BREF scale and eating habits with a food habits survey. Results: Students reporting a better healthy eating habits score also presented a higher QOL. Eating breakfast and eating home-cooked meals is a protective factor for QOL in each domain. The consumption of sweet snacks was shown to be a risk factor for the physical health and environment domains. The consumption of fast food is shown as the greatest risk factor in the physical domain. Conclusion: Healthy and unhealthy eating habits are associated with different dimensions of QOL. University authorities should develop new policies to improve the QOL of the entire university community.

Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y funcionamiento cognitivo: el rol de la reserva cognitiva / Association between cardiometabolic risk and cognitive impairment

Background: Several risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment in older people, but little attention has been paid to cardiometabolic variables, as well as how cognitive reserve can mediate this association. Aim: To determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with cognitive functioning and whether the cognitive reserve mediates this association. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 300 participants with a median age of 56 years (53% male) was conducted. Participants had a cognitive functioning assessment. Fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure were measured. Results: A Structural Equation Modeling, revealed a direct effect of cardiometabolic latent risk factors on both a cognitive functioning (β = -.204; p = .056), and cognitive reserve factors (β = -.236, p = .04). Cognitive reserve was directly associated with cognitive functioning (β = .327, p = .01), but did not mediate the association between the cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive functioning (β = .077, p = .07). The overall goodness of fitness was excellent χ2 (50) = 58.357, p = .195, comparative fit index = .980, Tucker-Lewis Index = .974, root mean square error of approximation = .023 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .041. Conclusions: A direct effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on cognitive functioning was observed.

[Association between cardiometabolic risk and cognitive impairment]. / Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y funcionamiento cognitivo: el rol de la reserva cognitiva.

BACKGROUND: Several risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment in older people, but little attention has been paid to cardiometabolic variables, as well as how cognitive reserve can mediate this association. AIM: To determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with cognitive functioning and whether the cognitive reserve mediates this association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 300 participants with a median age of 56 years (53% male) was conducted. Participants had a cognitive functioning assessment. Fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure were measured. RESULTS: A Structural Equation Modeling, revealed a direct effect of cardiometabolic latent risk factors on both a cognitive functioning (ß = -.204; p = .056), and cognitive reserve factors (ß = -.236, p = .04). Cognitive reserve was directly associated with cognitive functioning (ß = .327, p = .01), but did not mediate the association between the cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive functioning (ß = .077, p = .07). The overall goodness of fitness was excellent χ2 (50) = 58.357, p = .195, comparative fit index = .980, Tucker-Lewis Index = .974, root mean square error of approximation = .023 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .041. CONCLUSIONS: A direct effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on cognitive functioning was observed.

Weight Stigma, Chronic Stress, Unhealthy Diet, and Obesity in Chilean Adults.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is highly prevalent around the world, including in Chile. Although various psychological factors have been previously associated with obesity, there has been less attention on the role of weight stigma as a determinant of obesity in Chile. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to examine the direct effect of weight stigma on obesity and determine whether chronic stress and unhealthy diet mediate the relationship between weight stigma and obesity. METHODS: Faculty and staff from a Chilean university enrolled in the Chilean Study of Psychological Predictors of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome and completed anthropometric measurements and measures of weight stigma, chronic stress, and unhealthy diet. RESULTS: Three-hundred and eighty-three participants (Mage = 45 years old; 58% female) were included in the present analysis. Structural equation model analyses demonstrated a direct effect of weight stigma on obesity, chronic stress, and unhealthy diet. However, chronic stress and unhealthy diet did not mediate the relationship between weight stigma and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Weight stigma is an important determinant of obesity and is associated with high levels of chronic stress and unhealthy diet in Chilean adults. Our results provide further support for the multifactorial nature of obesity and can inform future interventions aimed promoting weight loss in people with overweight and obesity.

Disentangling socioeconomic inequalities of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chile: A population-based analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chile experiences a growing prevalence of DM2 in its adult population over time. The country has prioritised the diagnosis and treatment of DM2 through a universal health care package, largely focused on the clinical dimensions of the disease. We analysed the significance of socioeconomic variables in the prevalence of DM2, as well as its related dimensions of presence of complications (diabetic foot and ophthalmologic complications), attendance to health checks and acquisition of recommended lifestyle changes due to this condition. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the national health survey (ENS) 2016-2017 (n = 6,233 respondents). Crude and income-adjusted odds of reporting DM2 was estimated, as well as the relationship between complications due to diabetes and a number of clinical and sociodemographic variables using weighted log-linear multiple regression models. RESULTS: We found a clear social gradient of the prevalence of DM2 by household income quintiles and educational level in the adult population. Income quintile and educational level gradients remained significantly associated with the presence of complications and attendance to health checks. We found no significant association, however; between income quintile and reported lifestyle change. The association between complications due to DM2 and socioeconomic variables, particularly income, remained relevant even after adjusting for all sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to analyse the association between DM2 and socioeconomic variables in Chile, useful for monitoring and policy planning. Income was strongly associated with DM2 prevalence and with related clinical variables (complications and attendance to health checks). Age, health care provision and educational level were also relevant factors, but lost significance in the fully adjusted model.