Temporal Patterns in Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Children and Adolescents in California.

Introduction: Childhood dietary behaviors, including fruit and vegetable intake, are associated with adult health. Most children do not meet daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Less is known about temporal patterns in fruit and vegetable consumption or if they vary by race and ethnicity. We investigated temporal patterns in fruit and vegetable intake among California school-age children and adolescents overall and by race and ethnicity. Methods: We used 2-year cross-sectional datasets from the child and adolescent samples in the California Health Interview Surveys from 2011-2012 through 2019-2020 and modified Poisson regression models to estimate the likelihood of consuming 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables in 2013-2016 and 2017-2020 compared with 2011-2012. Models controlled for age, race and ethnicity, gender, citizenship status, family income, and adult education and tested for differences by race and ethnicity. The samples included 16,125 children aged 5 to 11 years and 9,672 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Results: Overall, 29.3% of children and 25.9% of adolescents reported intake of 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day. Among children, adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of fruit and vegetable intake were higher in 2013-2016 (PR,1.25; 95% CI, 1.11-1.42) and 2017-2020 (PR,1.13; 95% CI, 0.99-1.30) compared with 2011-2012. Among adolescents, the adjusted prevalence did not differ significantly over time. We found no evidence of differential associations by race and ethnicity for children and adolescents. Conclusion: We found favorable temporal changes in fruit and vegetable consumption among children, but not among adolescents. Monitoring temporal patterns in fruit and vegetable intake remains critical for planning population-level interventions to increase consumption.

"Competitive" food and beverage policies and weight status: A systematic review of the evidence among sociodemographic subgroups.

Prior studies identified variable associations between competitive food and beverage policies (CF&B) and youth obesity, potentially due to differences across population subgroups. This review summarizes the evidence on associations between CF&B policies and childhood obesity within gender, grade level/ age, race/ethnicity, and/or socioeconomic levels. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ERIC database searches identified studies published in English in Canada and the United States between January 1, 2000, and February 28, 2022. Of the 18 selected studies, six were cross-sectional, two correlational, nine were before/after designs, and one study utilized both a cross-sectional and pre-post design. Twelve studies reported findings stratified by a single sociodemographic factor, with grade level/age as the most frequently reported. Although the evidence varied, greater consistency in direction of associations and strengths of evidence were seen among middle school students. Six studies reported findings jointly by multiple sociodemographic subgroups with evidence suggesting CF&B associations with slower rate of increase or plateaus or declines in obesity among multiple subgroups, though the strengths of evidence varied. Over the past two decades, there have been relatively limited subgroup analyses on studies about CF&B policies and childhood obesity. Studies are needed with stronger designs and analyses disaggregated, particularly by race/ethnicities and socioeconomic factors, across places and time.

Principales secuelas de SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de la salud en Baja California, México / Principal sequels of sars-cov-2 in health workers in Baja California, Mexico

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19, impactó en la vida de los trabajadores de la salud por su elevado riesgo de contagio. Objetivo: El objetivo fue describir las principales secuelas secundarias a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de la salud. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en los expedientes clínicos y Nuevo Sistema de Subsidios y Ayudas de los trabajadores de la salud que fueron valuados por una secuela secundaria a la COVID-19 adscritos al Órgano de Operación Administrativa Desconcentrada de Baja California del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de marzo 2020 a diciembre 2021. Resultados: Se valuaron 41 secuelas: 36,56 % presentaron secuela neuromuscular y 29,26 % pulmonares. Predominaron: el sexo femenino, el personal médico y de enfermería. Conclusiones: Es necesario identificar oportunamente aquellas secuelas asociadas al SARS-CoV-2, para brindar una atención especial a los pacientes vulnerables y otorgar un seguimiento que mejore su calidad de vida. (AU)

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of health workers due to its high risk of contagion. Objetives: The objective was to describe the principal sequels secondary to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers. Material and methods: Retrospective study of clinical records and the Nuevo Sistema de Subsidios y Ayudas of health workers who were valued for a secondary sequel to COVID-19 assigned to the Órgano de Operación Administrativa Desconcentrada de Baja California of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, from March 2020 to December 2021. Results: 41 sequelae were valuated, 36,56 % presented neuromuscular sequelae and 29,26 % pulmonary sequelae. Predominated: the female sex, the medical and nursing staff. Conclusions: It is necessary to timely identify those sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2, to provide special care to vulnerable patients and follow-up that improve their quality of life. (AU)

Descripción del nivel de conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de alarma obstétrica en mujeres embarazadas / Description of the level of knowledge about the signs and symptoms of obstetric alarm in pregnant women

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir el nivel de conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de alarma obstétrica en mujeres embarazadas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de serie de casos prolectivo y descriptivo efectuado en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar 16, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexicali, Baja California, entre los meses de enero a junio de 2022. Variables de estudio: edad, sexo, escolaridad y nivel de conocimiento de signos y síntomas de alarma a través de una encuesta elaborada conforme a los criterios de la guía de práctica clínica. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva con el programa SPSSv24. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 150 pacientes embarazadas. El bajo nivel de conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de alarma se observó en 15 casos, el nivel medio en 47 casos y el nivel alto en 88 casos (58.7%). En cuanto a las características de la población, los límites de edad fueron 20 y 34 años, la escolaridad secundaria ocupó el 47.3% seguido de la preparatoria con el 35.3% y en cuanto a la ocupación el 80.7% refirió ser empleada. El 34% cursaba el primer trimestre del embarazo y el 48.7% el segundo trimestre. CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de conocimiento de las pacientes embarazadas atendidas en la unidad es alto y medio porque pueden reconocer los signos y síntomas de alarma durante el embarazo, sobre todo quienes cursan el segundo embarazo, en coincidencia con estudios nacionales e internacionales. El grupo predominante fue el de 20 a 34 años, con escolaridad media y superior.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe the level of knowledge of obstetric alarm signs and symptoms in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective and descriptive case series study carried out in the Family Medicine Unit 16, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexicali, Baja California, between January and June 2022. Study variables: age, sex, education and level of knowledge of warning signs and symptoms through a survey prepared according to the criteria of the Clinical Practice Guide. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSSv24. RESULTS: 150 pregnant patients were screened. A low level of knowledge of warning signs and symptoms was observed in 15 cases, a medium level in 47 cases and a high level in 88 cases (58.7%). Regarding the characteristics of the population, the age range was 20-34 years, 47.3% had secondary education, followed by high school with 35.3%, and 80.7% reported being employed. Thirty-four per cent were in the first trimester of pregnancy and 48.7 per cent in the second trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge of pregnant patients attending the unit is high and medium in terms of being able to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, in line with national and international studies. The predominant age group was 20-34 years, with secondary and higher education.

Unusual presentation of Loeys-Dietz syndrome: A case report of clinical findings and treatment challenges.

BACKGROUND: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by heterozygous mutations causing multisystemic alterations. It was recently described in 2005, and today at least six different subtypes have been identified. Classically presenting with aortic root enlargement or aneurysms and craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities, with specific arterial tortuosity at any site. The differential diagnosis of LDS includes atypical Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Shprintzen-Goldberg craniosynostosis, and familial aortic aneurysm and dissection syndrome. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case study of a 35-year-old female who came to the emergency department due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding and severe abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed vascular tortuosity in almost every abdominal vein. CONCLUSION: This case report will help us analyze the infrequent presentation of LDS type 4 and the numerous complications that it implies, underlying the importance of publishing more cases in order to expand our knowledge and offer better treatment for these patients. Differential diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment options for this syndrome are discussed in this article.

La recherche communautaire en temps de pandémie : retour sur l'étude multi-pays EPIC.

In 2020, the COVID-19 health crisis affected all regions of the world, not sparing people already vulnerable to other viral epidemics such as HIV or HCV and/or those in precarious or socially marginalized situations. This is particularly the case for drug users or sex workers.Coalition PLUS, a network of associations fighting against HIV and viral hepatitis which defends and promotes the community-based approach, and its partners, have set up a multi-country community-based research project aimed at documenting the impact of the health crisis on the fight against HIV and viral hepatitis (key populations and community workers/activists), as well as the community responses put in place (EPIC survey).The objective of this paper is to reflect on the implementation of this community-based research study during the COVID-19 health crisis, and in particular the unforeseen difficulties to which the community-based research process had to confront and adapt. The goal is to draw lessons on what worked (and what did not work) in order to capitalize on community-based research practices during this pandemic and subsequently, facilitate the implementation of new research projects in similar contexts.

Competitive Food and Beverage Policies and Obesity among Middle School Students: Variability by Urbanicity in California.

Introduction: This study examined the association between California school nutrition policies and population-level trends in childhood overweight/obesity by levels of urbanicity. Methods: We used interrupted time series with Fitnessgram data on overweight/obesity from the period 2002 to 2010 pertaining to African American, Latino, Asian, and White students in seventh grades who attended California public schools. We used multilevel logistic regression models to examine the impact of the introduction of successive California school nutrition policies on overweight/obesity prevalence, stratified by gender and adjusted for school district-, school-, and student-level characteristics. Results: At the start of the study period, rural areas and second cities (i.e., population centers with lower population densities than urban areas) had relatively low prevalence, but experienced sharp increases in 2002-2004, leading to higher prevalence of overweight/obesity than suburban areas. There was evidence of beneficial policy influences on overweight/obesity in most areas, except for girls in urban areas and boys in second cities. The evidence of beneficial changes was strongest among children attending schools located in rural areas, and boys in suburban and urban areas. These results persisted even after we accounted for differences in racial/ethnic compositions, socioeconomic characteristics of the schools and school neighborhoods, and school sizes, as well as child-level race/ethnicity, age, and student fitness levels. Conclusion: Despite evidence of beneficial policy impact, childhood obesity prevalence remains high, especially in urban areas in California. Additional policies and environmental interventions are recommended to address obesogenic risk factors unique to each area.

School nutrition laws in the US: do they influence obesity among youth in a racially/ethnically diverse state?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the separate or combined effects of state and national nutrition policies regulating food and beverages in schools on child overweight/obesity (OV/OB) and related racial/ethnic disparities. We investigated the influence of school nutrition policies enacted in California, independently and in combination with the United States' national policy "Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act" (HHFKA) on childhood OV/OB and racial/ethnic disparities. SUBJECTS/METHODS: An interrupted time series design was used with data from 12,363,089 child-level records on 5th- and 7th-graders in California public schools to estimate sex- and racial/ethnic-specific time trends in OV/OB prevalence during three periods: before the California nutrition policies (2002-2004); when only California policies were in effect (2005-2012); and when they were in effect simultaneously with HHFKA (2013-2016). RESULTS: Before the state's policies, OV/OB prevalence increased annually among children in most subgroups. Improvements in OV/OB trends were observed for almost all groups after the California policies were in effect, with further improvements after the addition of HFFKA. The total change in annual log-odds of OV/OB, comparing the periods with both state and federal policies versus no policies, ranged from -0.08 to -0.01 and varied by grade, sex, and race/ethnicity. Within each sex and grade, the greatest changes were among African-American (-0.08 to -0.02, all p < 0.05) followed by Latino children (-0.06 to -0.01, all p < 0.05). Although disparities narrowed among these groups versus White children after the dual policy period, disparities remained large. CONCLUSIONS: State and national nutrition policies for schools may have contributed to containing the upward trend in childhood OV/OB and racial/ethnic OV/OB disparities within California. However, sizable OV/OB prevalence and disparities persist. To end the epidemic, promote healthy weight and increase health equity, future efforts should strengthen state and national policies to improve food quality in schools, particularly those serving populations with the highest OV/OB prevalence.

Physical activity strategies in low-resource elementary schools: Why and how are they prioritized?

Most US children do not achieve the recommended daily 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA). Schools are ideal settings to promote PA given their reach to large child populations, including students with less resources and limited access to PA opportunities. Although limited in numbers, schools that offer enough PA strategies can provide insights to increase PA in these settings. However, few studies have examined why and how these schools successfully prioritize PA strategies, particularly schools serving socioeconomically disadvantaged student populations. This qualitative study of low-resource, PA-supportive schools was conducted during 2017-2018 to obtain in-depth information about why and how schools make decisions to prioritize and implement PA strategies. Forty-two study participants in 17 states plus Washington DC were recruited. Content analysis revealed the following themes: (1) Schools prioritize PA because it helps advance learning and health goals; (2) Policies and standards for PA/PE reinforce the importance of PA; (3) A culture of learning and health advances decisions to offer PA; (4) Advocates play a key role in generating support to integrate PA; (5) Stakeholder buy-in enables decisions to offer PA opportunities; (6) Collaboration focused on PA specifically can facilitate decisions to increase PA strategies; and (7) Funding and resources drive decisions to put PA strategies into practice. The study findings offer insights that may be useful in efforts to increase access to PA opportunities in low-resource elementary schools.

Conversion from mini bypass to laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass in an emergency setting: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: It has been demonstrated that certain technique endpoints are key to the success for the OAGB and RYGB procedures but only a few texts in which post-operative complications are documented. PRESENTATION OF CASE: 42-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency department for presenting abdominal pain located in the epigastrium for 4 days, melenic evacuations and syncope on one occasion. Two years prior to admission, the patient underwent a single anastomosis bypass for grade III obesity.Gastric bypass mini revision surgery was performed an antecolic and antegastric gastrointestinal anastomosis was made with a 3 cm latero-lateral anastomosis; an intestinal-intestinal anastomosis was performed 60 cm from the gastric anastomosis. The length of the biliopancreatic loop (120 cm) and the feeding loop (60 cm) are reviewed. DISCUSSION: Performing an "en bloc" resection of the anastomosis is essential since bile reflux is one of the irritation mechanisms of the anastomosis but not the only one. The size of the gastric pouch directly influences the frequency of marginal ulcers, so during the OAGBP revision, the gastro-jejunal junction must be resected to remodel it, reducing the size of the gastric reservoir that allows to perform the new anastomosis in less inflamed tissue. Roux-en-Y reconstruction should be performed once the length of the biliopancreatic loop is verified and it does not exceed 150 cm and a short alimentary loop to avoid nutritional complications.Complications arising from bariatric procedures are varied, infrequent in well-trained surgeons, but severe in inexpert hands, leading to an increase in mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: We propose the laparoscopic conversion of OAGB to RYGB as a safe method, and feasible in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Food environment near schools and body weight-A systematic review of associations by race/ethnicity, gender, grade, and socio-economic factors.

Previous research reported modest associations between food environments near schools and adiposity among children overall. The associations within sociodemographic subgroups have not been synthesized. This review assessed the evidence on the associations between food environments near schools and childhood obesity within different demographic and socio-economic subgroups. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to identify studies published in English between January 1, 1980, and April 25, 2019, examining the presence of fast food outlets, convenience stores, supermarkets, and grocery stores near schools and measures of overweight/obesity by race/ethnicity, gender, grade, and income level. Twelve cross-sectional and two ecological studies were included. Fast food outlets were most commonly examined (n = 12). The associations between fast food outlets near schools and obesity were generally positive among Latino, white, and African American students and across grade levels, although the strengths of evidence varied. The directions of association were mixed among Asian children. Three studies reported generally positive associations between convenience stores and obesity among Latino and African American children and mixed associations among white and Asian children. Longitudinal studies are needed in addition to studies examining underlying mechanisms of the differential influence of food environments near schools within each subgroup.

Factores relacionados con el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación científica disciplinar por personal de enfermería / Factors related to the development of curricular scientific research projects made by the nursing staff

Introducción: es ineludible revisar la situación de la investigación en enfermería en relación con las condicionantes y dificultades que entraña esta actividad para los profesionales de enfermería. Objetivo: identificar los factores relacionados con el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación científica disciplinar por el personal de enfermería de un hospital de tercer nivel de atención del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal que incluyó una muestra aleatoria de 177 enfermeras. Se aplicó un cuestionario diseñado para el estudio y estructurado con 25 preguntas, con alfa de Cronbach de 0.772. Las variables cualitativas se analizaron con porcentajes y frecuencias, y las cuantitativas con medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. El análisis de factores se hizo con chi cuadrada. Resultados: la media de edad fue de 41 ± 7.91 años. El nivel académico del personal fue técnico en 46.9% y de licenciatura en 46.3%. El 15.3% del personal ha hecho proyectos de investigación; no obstante que el 5.6% del personal opina que casi siempre dedica tiempo para hacer investigación, 4.5% cuenta con apoyo económico en su área laboral para realizarla y 4% ha publicado. Fue significativa la relación entre quien hace investigación con el tiempo para su desarrollo (p < 0.05), así como con la publicación de artículos (p < 0.05). Conclusión: el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación científica disciplinar por el personal de enfermería está relacionado con el tiempo que dedican para ello y la publicación de artículos.

Introduction: It is unavoidable to review the status of nursing research, concerning the conditions and difficulties that this activity entails for nursing professionals. Objective: To identify the factors related to the development of curricular scientific research projects by the nursing staff from a third level hospital of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study which included a random sample of 177 nurses. A questionnaire designed for the study and structured with 25 questions was administered; it had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.772. Qualitative variables were analyzed with percentages and frequencies and quantitative variables with measures of central tendency and dispersion. The factor analysis was carried out with chi-square test. Results: Mean age was 41 ± 7.91 years. The school level of staff was technical in 46.9% and undergraduate in 46.3%. 15.3% has done research projects; despite the fact that 5.6% of staff believe that they almost always dedicate time to do research, 4.5% have financial support in their work area to carry it out and 4% have published. It was significant the relationship between those who carry out research with the time they take to develop it (p < 0.05), as well as with the publication of articles (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The development of curricular scientific research projects by nurses is related to the time they spend on it and the publication of articles.

Costes de invalidez por insuficiencia renal crónica en la Delegación Baja California del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social / Chronic kidney disease disability insurance in Baja California Delegation from Mexican Social Security Institute

Introducción: La Insuficiencia Renal Crónica (IRC) es un problema de salud pública discapacitante que limita las capacidades funcionales y la calidad de vida de los pacientes, genera la pérdida de años de vida productiva, siendo factible obtener un dictamen de invalidez si no pueden desempeñar su actividad laboral, esto conlleva a incrementar costes por esta enfermedad en las instituciones de salud. Objetivo: Evaluar los costes de invalidez por Insuficiencia Renal Crónica en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) durante el año 2015 en la delegación Baja California (BC). Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se realizó en la Delegación de BC del IMSS, se analizaron los expedientes de los asegurados con dictamen de invalidez por IRC en 2015, previa autorización por el Comité de Investigación, donde se evaluaron las variables de sexo, edad, años laborales perdidos, días de incapacidad temporal y costes por invalidez. Se realizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: El total de pacientes estudiados fue de 81, donde el 83% fueron hombres y 17% mujeres, la edad promedio al momento del estado de invalidez fue de 46 años, con un promedio de años laborales perdidos de 19, se subsidiaron 7.842 días de Incapacidad Temporal para el Trabajo (ITT) representando $1.125.759 millones de pesos con un coste de subsidio por invalidez de $3.008.104 millones de pesos, cantidades que sumadas representan el 3,37% del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) de Baja California. Conclusión: La enfermedad renal crónica produce altos costes monetarios y en especie en las instituciones de salud, por lo que prevenir enfermedades causantes y atención temprana, podrá mejorar la calidad de vida y disminuir el número de años laborales perdidos en esta enfermedad (AU)

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a disabling public health problem which affects functional capacity, health-related quality of life and generates loss of productive life years. Since sick persons cannot perform their work activity -representing incremental costs in health institutions for the disease- it would be feasible to obtain a disability report. Methods and materials: Descriptive and retrospective study. It was carried out in the BC Delegation of the Mexican Social Security Institute. In 2015 and after the Research Committee approval, the insured patients' records with CKD invalidity report were analyzed and the variables of gender, age, lost of working years, temporary disability days and disability costs were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: The total number of patients was 81: 83% were men, 17% women. The average disability age was 46 years, with an average of working years loss of 19, subsidized 7,842 thousand days of Temporary Incapacity for Work (TIW) meaning $1,125,759 million pesos, with a disability subsidy cost of $3,008,104 million pesos, totaling 3,37% of BC's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Conclusion: Chronic Kidney Disease causes high financial and in-kind costs in health institutions. The quality of life care will be improved and the number of working years lost for this disease will decrease preventing those disease-causing agents and going through an early care attention (AU)

Asociación de la proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible con la composición de la dieta en niños escolares mexicanos / Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein with diet composition in Mexican school children

La proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us) es un marcador de riesgo cardiovascular. En niños mexicanos sanos hay escasa evidencia que asocie los niveles séricos de este marcador con la dieta. El objetivo fue asociar los niveles séricos de PCR-us con la composición de la dieta en niños escolares mexicanos. El estudio fue transversal e incluyó 300 niños aparentemente sanos de 10 a12 años de edad. La cuantificación de PCR-us se realizó mediante nefelometría. La dieta se cuantificó con un cuestionario validado de frecuencia de consumo alimentos. Mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v18, se realizaron pruebas de estadística descriptiva, correlación y modelos de regresión multivariada. El 53,7% fueron niñas y el 46,3% niños. La mediana de la PCR-us fue de 0,3 mg/L (rango: 0,3-6,8 mg/L). Se observó una correlación directa significativa entre la concentración sérica de la PCR-us con la ingesta de proteínas (rho= 0,126, p= 0,029), ácidos grasos totales (rho= 0,128, p= 0,027), ácidos grasos saturados (rho= 0,159, p= 0,006). Mediante el análisis de regresión múltiple se asoció la PCR-us con la ingesta de proteínas (β= 0,203, p=0,037) e inversamente con los granos enteros (β=-0,175, p= 0,002). Con el resto de las variables no se observó asociación significativa. La concentración sérica de la PCR-us se asoció directamente con el consumo de proteínas, ácidos grasos totales y saturados e indirectamente con el consumo de granos enteros.

The high-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a cardiovascular risk marker. In healthy Mexican children, there islittle evidence that shows any relationship between serum levels of this marker with diet. The objective of this studywas to associate serum levels of hs-CRP with the diet composition in Mexican school children. The cross-sectional study included 300 seemingly healthy children of 10 to 12 years of age, 53.7% were girls and 46.3% boys.hs-CRP quantification was determined by nephelometry. The diet was quantified with a validated food frequency questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis, correlation and multivariate regression models were performed by using the SPSS v18 statistical software. The median of the hs-CRP was 0.3 mg / L (range: 0.3 to 6.8 mg / L). A significant direct correlation was found between serum hs-CRP with protein intake (rho=0.126, p=0.029), total fatty acids (rho = 0.128, p = 0.027) and saturated fatty acids (rho = 0.159, p = 0.006). hs-CRP was associated with the intake of protein (β = 0.203, p = 0.037) by multiple regression analysis, and inversely with whole grains (β = -0.175, p = 0,002). No significant association was found with the rest of the other variables. The serum concentration of hs-CRP was directly associated with the consumption of protein, total and saturated fatty acids and was indirectly proportional with the consumption of whole grains.

HIV seropositivity and sexuality: cessation of sexual relations among men and women living with HIV in five countries.

The sexuality of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is a key issue in the fight against HIV, as it influences both the dynamic of the epidemic and the quality of life of PLHIV. The present study examined the factors associated with cessation of sexual relations after HIV diagnosis among men and women in five countries: Mali, Morocco, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Romania and Ecuador. A community-based cross-sectional study was implemented by a mixed consortium [researchers/community-based organizations (CBO)]. Trained CBO members interviewed 1500 PLHIV in contact with CBOs using a 125-item questionnaire. A weighted multivariate logistic regression and a separate gender analysis were performed. Among the 1413 participants, 471 (33%) declared that they stopped having sexual relations after their HIV diagnosis, including 318 women (42%) and 153 men (23%) (p < .001). Concerning women, variables associated with the cessation of sexual relations in the final multivariate model were mainly related with relational factors and the possibility of getting social support (e.g., needing help to disclose HIV serostatus, feeling lonely every day, not finding support in CBOs, not being in a couple). Men's sexual activity was more associated with their representations and their perception of the infection (e.g., thinking they will have their HIV infection for the rest of their life, perceiving the HIV infection as a mystery, perceiving the infection as serious). Furthermore, the following variables were associated with both men and women sexual behaviours: being older, having suffered from serious social consequences after serostatus disclosure and not being able to regularly discuss about HIV with their steady partner. Results suggested clear differences between men and women regarding cessation of sexual relations and highlighted the importance of implementing gender-based tailored interventions that promote safe and satisfying sexuality, as it is known to have a positive impact on the overall well-being of PLHIV.

Factores asociados a establecer contacto con asociaciones de lucha contra el VIH/sida en Ecuador: resultados de un estudio comunitario / Factors associated with contacting HIV/AIDS associations in Ecuador: results of a community study

Objetivo. Describir el perfil de las personas que viven con VIH/sida (PVVS) que se contactan con asociaciones de lucha contra el VIH/sida en Ecuador e identificar los factores relacionados con dicho contacto. Métodos. En 2011, se realizó un estudio transversal comunitario en dos hospitales de Guayaquil. Con base en un cuestionario de 125 preguntas administrado a 300 PVVS adultas, se realizó un análisis de regresión multivariada ponderada para identificar los factores relacionados con el contacto con una asociación. Resultados. De los 300 participantes, 34 (11,3%) estuvieron en contacto con una asocia¬ción. Tener más de 35 años, obtener un puntaje elevado en la escala de autoeficacia, haber padecido consecuencias sociales graves tras la revelación de su estatus serológico, poder conversar con sus amistades sobre su vida con el VIH, expresar la necesidad de hablar de su vida con el VIH con un profesional de la salud y obtener un puntaje bajo en el índice del esfuerzo de control de la revelación del estatus serológico se relacionaron con dicho contacto. Conclusiones. Las características de las PVVS en contacto con una asociación fueron tener más de 35 años, haber padecido consecuencias sociales graves tras la revelación de la seroposi¬tividad y sentir necesidades no satisfechas por el sistema de salud en términos de acompañamiento psicosocial. Estas personas manejaban mejor su estatus serológico con el entorno y manifestaban una mayor facilidad para hablar con las amistades sobre su seropositividad. Estos elementos son de utilidad para los actores comunitarios, en aras de mantener y apoyar la movilización sobre el VIH en Ecuador.

Objective. To describe the profile of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) who contact HIV/AIDS associations in Ecuador and to identify the factors related to that contact. Methods. In 2011, a cross-sectional community study was conducted in two hospitals in Guayaquil. Based on a 125-question survey administered to 300 adult PLHA, a weighted multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the factors related to contact with an association Results. Of the 300 participants, 34 (11.3%) were in contact with an association. Being over the age of 35, scoring high on the self-efficacy scale, having suffered serious social consequences after disclosing their HIV status, being able to talk to friends about living with HIV, expressing the need to talk about living with HIV with a health professional, and scoring low on the index of the HIV status disclosure control effort were related to that contact. Conclusions. The characteristics of the PLHA in contact with an association were: being over the age of 35, having suffered serious social consequences following disclosure of seropositivity, and feeling that their psychosocial needs were not being met by the health system in terms of the services provided. These people more easily managed their HIV status in their social milieu and displayed a greater ability to talk to friends about their seropositivity. This information is useful for community actors to maintain and support mobilization on HIV in Ecuador.

Factores asociados a establecer contacto con asociaciones de lucha contra el VIH/sida en Ecuador: resultados de un estudio comunitario / Factors associated with contacting HIV/AIDS associations in Ecuador: results of a community study

OBJETIVO: Describir el perfil de las personas que viven con VIH/sida (PVVS) que se contactan con asociaciones de lucha contra el VIH/sida en Ecuador e identificar los factores relacionados con dicho contacto. MÉTODOS: En 2011, se realizó un estudio transversal comunitario en dos hospitales de Guayaquil. Con base en un cuestionario de 125 preguntas administrado a 300 PVVS adultas, se realizó un análisis de regresión multivariada ponderada para identificar los factores relacionados con el contacto con una asociación. RESULTADOS: De los 300 participantes, 34 (11,3%) estuvieron en contacto con una asociación. Tener más de 35 años, obtener un puntaje elevado en la escala de autoeficacia, haber padecido consecuencias sociales graves tras la revelación de su estatus serológico, poder conversar con sus amistades sobre su vida con el VIH, expresar la necesidad de hablar de su vida con el VIH con un profesional de la salud y obtener un puntaje bajo en el índice del esfuerzo de control de la revelación del estatus serológico se relacionaron con dicho contacto. CONCLUSIONES: Las características de las PVVS en contacto con una asociación fueron tener más de 35 años, haber padecido consecuencias sociales graves tras la revelación de la seropositividad y sentir necesidades no satisfechas por el sistema de salud en términos de acompañamiento psicosocial. Estas personas manejaban mejor su estatus serológico con el entorno y manifestaban una mayor facilidad para hablar con las amistades sobre su seropositividad. Estos elementos son de utilidad para los actores comunitarios, en aras de mantener y apoyar la movilización sobre el VIH en Ecuador.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the profile of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) who contact HIV/AIDS associations in Ecuador and to identify the factors related to that contact. METHODS: In 2011, a cross-sectional community study was conducted in two hospitals in Guayaquil. Based on a 125-question survey administered to 300 adult PLHA, a weighted multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the factors related to contact with an association RESULTS: Of the 300 participants, 34 (11.3%) were in contact with an association. Being over the age of 35, scoring high on the self-efficacy scale, having suffered serious social consequences after disclosing their HIV status, being able to talk to friends about living with HIV, expressing the need to talk about living with HIV with a health professional, and scoring low on the index of the HIV status disclosure control effort were related to that contact. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of the PLHA in contact with an association were: being over the age of 35, having suffered serious social consequences following disclosure of seropositivity, and feeling that their psychosocial needs were not being met by the health system in terms of the services provided. These people more easily managed their HIV status in their social milieu and displayed a greater ability to talk to friends about their seropositivity. This information is useful for community actors to maintain and support mobilization on HIV in Ecuador.