Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults in the United Kingdom.

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and the confinement measures that were subsequently implemented had unprecedented effects on the mental health of older adults, leading to the emergence and exacerbation of different comorbid symptoms including depression and anxiety. This study examined and compared depression and anxiety symptom networks in two specific quarantine periods (June-July and November-December) in the older adult population in the United Kingdom. We used the database of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 Substudy, consisting of 5797 participants in the first stage (54% women) and 6512 participants in the second stage (56% women), all over 50 years of age. The symptoms with the highest centrality in both times were: "Nervousness (A1)" and "Inability to relax (A4)" in expected influence and predictability, and "depressed mood (D1"; bridging expected influence). The latter measure along with "Irritability (A6)" overlapped in both depression and anxiety clusters in both networks. In addition, a the cross-lagged panel network model was examined in which a more significant influence on the direction of the symptom "Nervousness (A1)" by the depressive symptoms of "Anhedonia (D6)", "Hopelessness (D7)", and "Sleep problems (D3)" was observed; the latter measure has the highest predictive capability of the network. The results report which symptoms had a higher degree of centrality and transdiagnostic overlap in the cross-sectional networks (invariants) and the cross-lagged panel network model of anxious and depressive symptomatology.

Intake of foods high in saturated fats, vegetarian dietary pattern, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with body weight in Peruvian university students.

Background: The prevalence of obesity continues to increase among university students and the general population. Consumption of a diet high in saturated fats could be one of the risk factors. Objective: The consumption of foods high in saturated fats, the vegetarian diet pattern, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with excess body weight (overweight/obesity) were evaluated in Peruvian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out selecting 5,608 Peruvian university students through no probabilistic convenience sampling. The survey was carried out during the months of February and April 2022. The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between diet (saturated fats intake and dietary pattern) and sociodemographic factors with excess body weight in a cross-sectional analysis. Results: It was observed that students who reported high consumption of foods high in saturated fats (ORB = 1.14) and those who had a non-vegetarian dietary pattern (ORB = 2.76) were found to be more likely to have excess body weight. On the contrary, students who reported adherence to the vegetarian diet pattern for more than 5 years were less likely to be overweight or obese (ORB = 0.84). Being ≥26 years of age (ORB = 3.28), living in urban areas (ORB = 1.68) and coastal areas of the country (ORB = 1.17), and enrolled in the engineering faculty (ORB = 1.19), were significantly associated with excess body weight. Conclusion: The findings of the current study evidenced several factors associated with excess body weight in university students. Therefore, it is necessary to promote and implement healthy lifestyle programs, considering sociodemographic and dietary aspects such as age and dietary intake to control and prevent obesity in university students.

Body mass index and healthy lifestyle practices among Peruvian university students: a comparative study among academic discipline.

Background: Excess body weight and an unhealthy lifestyle are a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. University students are susceptible to unhealthy habits and obesity. This study compared body mass index (BMI) and healthy lifestyle practices among university students from four academic disciplines: Health Sciences, Business Sciences, Human Sciences and Education, and Engineering/Architecture. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a sample of 6,642 university students selected by non-probability convenience sampling. The Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS), the Peruvian validation of the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index (VLI), was used to assess healthy lifestyle practices. Results: Students in the areas of Business Sciences and Engineering/Architecture had a higher BMI than their peers in Health Sciences (B = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15-0.56 and 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13-0.52; p = 0.001). Additionally, these students tended to adopt less healthy lifestyle (B = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.20 to -0.01 and -0.09, 95% CI: -0.18 to -0.00; p < 0.05) compared to those in Health Sciences. Conclusion: Although students of Health Sciences and Human Sciences and Education exhibited healthy lifestyle patterns, there is a clear need to improve eating and living habits in general among the university population to mitigate the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.

Impact of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Knowledge, Healthy Eating Index, and Biochemical Profile in a Rural Community in Peru.

Background: Non-communicable diseases in adults and anemia in children represent a major global public health problem, with multiple causes including poor dietary quality. However, nutrition education interventions can empower individuals to make appropriate dietary changes. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a nutritional education intervention on nutrition knowledge (NK), healthy eating index (HEI), and biochemical profile in families in the community in Peru. Methods: A pre-experimental study was conducted in the community of Sinchicuy, located on the banks of the Amazon River, Iquitos, Peru. Nutrition education was provided over a 16-week period to a total of 61 heads of household (23 children under 5 years of age and 23 older adults). Fasting glucose and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration analyses were also carried out before and after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, a significant improvement in the NK score was observed, increasing by 90% (p < 0.001). Additionally, the average HEI scores experienced a significant increase, rising by approximately 11.4% (p < 0.001). In children under 5 years of age, the Hb level showed a significant increase of 5.1% (p = 0.017). However, no statistically significant difference in glucose concentration was observed in older adults after the intervention. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated a positive impact on NK, HEI, and Hb in heads of households, older adults, and children under five in a rural community where there is limited access to basic services.

Análisis del estado nutricional en pacientes adultos mayoreshospitalizados por COVID-19 en unidades de cuidadosintensivos, Perú, 2020 / Analysis of nutritional status in older adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in intensive care units, Perú, 2020

Introducción: El estado nutricional es un indicador del estado de salud y es un elemento de resistencia del organismo frente a enfermedades intercurrentes, incluyendo la COVID-19. Objetivo: Analizar el estado nutricional en pacientes adultos mayores hospitalizados en UCI diagnosticados de COVID-19. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal entre los meses abril y mayo de 2020. Se determinó y comparó el estado nutricional de un grupo de 83 pacientes adultos mayores con COVID-19. Los datos fueron analizados mediante pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y t-student, considerando un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Aproximadamente el 42,2% de los pacientes presentaban exceso de peso corporal. La anemia (46,9% vs. 9,8%, p < 0,001) y el riesgo de sarcopenia (45,7% vs. 33,3%, p = 0,011) fueron mayores en las mujeres en comparación a los hombres que presentaban COVID-19. También, los niveles de urea fueron significativamente más bajos en los pacientes con desnutrición en comparación con aquellos que no presentaban desnutrición (37,9 mg/dL vs. 44,1 mg/dL, p = 0,020). Del mismo modo, se encontró que la concentración de leucocitos estuvo más baja en los pacientes con COVID-19 que presentaban desnutrición 9,6 WBC (x10g

Background: Nutritional status is an indicator of healthstatus and an element of the body’s resistance to intercurrentdiseases, including COVID-19.Objective: To analyze the nutritional status in hospitalizedolder adult ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in aNational Hospital in Metropolitan Lima during the months of April and May 2020. The nutritional status of a group of 83older adult patients with COVID-19 was determined and com-pared. The data were analyzed using Chi-square and t-stu-dent tests, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: Approximately 42.2% of the patients had ex-cess body weight. Anemia (46.9% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001)and risk of sarcopenia (45.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.011) werehigher in women compared to men presenting COVID-19.Furthermore, urea levels were significantly lower in patientswith malnutrition compared to those without malnutrition(37.9 mg/dL vs. 44.1 mg/dL, p = 0.020). Similarly, leuko-cyte concentration was found to be lower in COVID-19 pa-tients with malnutrition 9.6 WBC (x10g

Analysis of adherence to a healthy lifestyle among vegetarian and non-vegetarian Peruvian university students: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that a healthy lifestyle can promote physical and mental well-being in the general population. However, there are few studies that assess the adherence to a healthy lifestyle in vegetarian and non-vegetarian university students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in adherence to a healthy lifestyle between vegetarian and non-vegetarian university students in Peru. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out considering data from 6,846 students selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS), the Peruvian validation of the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index (VLI), was used. In addition, sociodemographic and anthropometric data such as weight and height were collected. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. RESULTS: Semi-vegetarian and vegetarian students had a high healthy lifestyle score compared to non-vegetarians. In addition, vegetarian diets showed a significantly higher proportion among students with a lower BMI (normal and underweight). Students with excess body weight (overweight and obesity) were less likely to report healthy lifestyle. In the overall population analyzed, it was observed that the levels of health and lifestyle behaviors, such as daily exercise and sunlight exposure, were mostly moderate and low. Additionally, sweets intake was high, while healthy food consumption such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains was low. CONCLUSION: The current findings show that although vegetarians had better adherence to a healthy lifestyle, interventions in the university setting are needed to improve healthy lifestyle in university students.

A Network Analysis Approach to Understanding Centrality and Overlap of 21 Dark Triad Items in Adults of 10 Countries.

Background: Previous research has suggested that manipulation and callousness are central to Dark Triad traits, but it has not identified which specific manifestations are expressed across various countries. Objective: This study aimed to identify the core and overlapping manifestations of Dark Triad traits across 10 countries. Methods: We used the Short Dark Triad (SD3) scale and assessed a sample of 8093 participants (59.7% women, M(age) = 32.68 years). For graphical representation, the spinglass algorithm was applied to understand the cluster distribution among Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and subclinical narcissism traits. Centrality indices were used to identify the most influential items, and the clique-percolation algorithm was employed to detect shared attributes among multiple Dark Triad items. Results: Straightforward SD3-21 items demonstrated better interpretability as aversive traits within the broader system. Items with higher centrality values were those related to short-term verbal manipulation from the psychopathy domain, clever manipulation, strategic revenge-seeking from Machiavellianism, and narcissistic motivations for connecting with significant individuals. The most predicted items were linked to planned revenge, using information against others from Machiavellianism, short-term psychopathic verbal manipulation, and narcissistic belief of specialness based on external validation. Items like short-term verbal manipulation had overlaps with both psychopathy and narcissism clusters, while clever manipulation overlapped with Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Conclusion: This cross-cultural study highlights the central role of verbal manipulation within the Dark Triad traits, along with identifying overlapping items among traits measured using straightforward SD3 scale items. In line with our findings, future research that incorporates a wide range of cultural contexts is encouraged to establish the consistency of these findings with the SD3 Scale or alternative measures.

Structural, chemical and technofunctional properties pectin modification by green and novel intermediate frequency ultrasound procedure.

The impact of intermediate frequency ultrasound (IFUS, 582, 864 and 1144 kHz), mode of operation (continue and pulsed) and ascorbic acid (Aa) addition on the structural, chemical and technofunctional properties of commercial citrus high methoxyl-grade pectin (HMP) was investigated. The chemical dosimetry of IFUS, monitored by the triiodide formation rate (I3-), demonstrated that the pulsed ratio (1900 ms on/100 ms off) at the three frequencies was similar to that of continue mode but IFUS1144 kHz produced more acoustic streaming demonstrated by the height liquid measured using image analysis. In presence of Aa, HMP presented higher fragmentation than in its absence. IFUS did not give rise any changes in the main functional groups of the HMP. In general, a reduction in molecular weight was observed, being the presence of Aa the most influencing factor. Regarding monosaccharides, IFUS modified the structure of homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I and increased of GalA contents of the HMP in presence of Aa at the above three frequencies. A reducing of the consistency index (k) and increasing of the flow index (n) of HMP were showed by IFUS frequency and Aa addition. The emulsifying activity and stability index were increased for HMP treated by IFUS in continue mode at all frequencies and in presence of Aa. The results presented in this research shown the effectiveness of IFUS as tool to modify pectin into different structures with different functionalities.

Validation of the Working Alliance Inventory- Short Form for Patient (WAI-S-P) in Peruvian Adults.

Background: Although the importance of the therapeutic alliance in the treatment process and health outcomes is recognized, so far, there has been no evaluation in the Peruvian context that considers possible individual differences that could influence this assessment. Purpose: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the WAI-S-P in a sample of individuals from Peru who are receiving psychological therapy. Furthermore, a network analysis was conducted to investigate the direct relationships between the therapeutic alliance and several relevant sociodemographic variables. Methods: The short version of the Working Alliance Inventory was used in a sample of 241 participants (Mage=32.58, SD=12.67) that had attended less than 6 sessions. Three models were considered, including a three-factor and a two-factor correlated model, as well as a bifactor model. In addition, a network of partial associations was created including the overall therapeutic alliance, sex, age, and number of psychotherapeutic sessions. Results: The bifactor model, with an overall therapeutic alliance factor and two specific factors ("contact" and "contract"), better fit the data. Invariance of the structure by sex and age showed equitable measurement. On the other hand, network analysis revealed a positive correlation between total session attendance and therapeutic alliance. Men reported higher therapeutic alliance, while women had higher total session attendance. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the therapeutic alliance is better represented by a bifactor model and demonstrates invariance across sex and age in Peruvian adults. Additionally, findings indicate that differences in life experiences and the sex of patients may need to be verified in future studies to better understand nuanced needs in forming therapeutic alliances at least in the early stages of session attendance.

Network Analysis of Dark Triad Traits and Emotional Intelligence in Peruvian Adults.

Background: The study of Dark Triad traits and emotional variables has been conducted in numerous regions; however, there is a lack of research focusing on Latin American samples and considering variables such as sex and age. Incorporating these variables could enhance our understanding of underlying aversive patterns. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the associations between Dark Triad traits and emotional intelligence in Peruvian adults. Methods: Data were collected in 2021 and 272 adults (M=31.8 years, 68% female) participated through online surveys via non-probability purposive sampling. Dirty Dozen and Trait Meta-Mood Scales were used. Two partial correlation network models were applied between the study variables with and without controlling for gender and age. Bridge-expected influence and predictability analysis were calculated to find interconnected traits and higher connections, respectively. Results: Subclinical psychopathy primarily showed negative associations with emotional clarity (r=-0.17), followed by emotional attention (r=-0.08) and emotional repair in networks with and without age and gender variables. Machiavellianism consistently displayed a negative association with emotional repair (r=-0.13) in both estimated networks. Conversely, subclinical narcissism exhibited a positive association solely with emotional attention (r=0.15). Furthermore, younger age was linked to higher Machiavellianism (r=-0.23), females showed higher emotional attention (r=0.11), and narcissism connected intrapersonal emotional domains with Dark Traits (bridge expected influence >1.25) while Machiavellianism exhibited greater predictability (r2>0.45) due to reinforcement by other Dark Traits. Conclusion: This study revealed negative connections between the Dark Triad and emotional intelligence traits, except for narcissism, which was positively associated with emotional attention and functioned as a "bridge" between all traits. However, relying solely on this single positive emotional aspect of narcissism may not be adequate to characterize it as possessing fully adaptive emotional traits. Findings suggest that detailed aspects of emotional intelligence and sociodemographic factors can provide valuable insights into the complex nature of aversive patterns and their broader impact on society.

Sociodemographic Factors, Mental Health, and Emotional Eating Associated With Concern for COVID-19 Contagion in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between sociodemographic factors, stress, depression and anxiety, emotional eating, and concern about COVID-19 contagion in first and second-line Peruvian nurses. METHODOLOGY: The study was cross-sectional and conducted with 500 Peruvian nurses of both sexes, over 18 years of age. Validated questionnaires were used to measure sociodemographic aspects, concern about COVID-19, generalized anxiety, depression, self-perceived stress, and emotional eating. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors affecting concern about COVID-19 contagion. RESULTS: The multiple linear regression analysis showed that stress, being between the ages of 18 and 29 years, being male, being from the coastal region or the jungle region, having a bachelor's degree, severe anxiety, and severe depression were associated with higher concern about COVID-19. On the other hand, having more than 5 to 10 years of experience and more than 10 years of experience, low emotional eating, and non-emotional eating were negatively associated with concern. This model explained 44.05% of the variability among the participating nurses. CONCLUSION: These findings provide resources for future research on the comprehensive well-being of nursing staff by exploring various sociodemographic aspects and mental conditions associated with greater concern about COVID-19. Meanwhile, years of experience and emotional eating behavior were associated with lower concern about COVID-19. Future studies could incorporate this information to preserve the mental and physical health of nurses in the face of potential occupational threats.

Association between frequency of breakfast consumption and cardiometabolic risk in Peruvian university teachers, 2019-2020.

Background: Although the relationship between health status and dietary intake has been extensively studied in the general population, there is a lack of research that has specifically examined the association between frequency of breakfast consumption and cardiometabolic risk in university teachers. Objective: To determine the association between the frequency of breakfast consumption and cardiometabolic risk in university teachers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 176 teachers from a private university located in the eastern region of Lima, Peru (Mage: 37.0 years; SD: 0.8, range: 24-59 years). The study was conducted during the period from December 2019 to February 2020. Information was collected on anthropometric and biochemical parameters and frequency of breakfast consumption. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore the association between frequency of breakfast with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and biochemical variables. Results: The highest prevalence of excess body weight (44.4%) was observed in those who consumed breakfast 0 to 2 days/week, but without statistical differences. Those who reported Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) < 160 mg/dL were 77% less likely to fall into the 3-5 day/week breakfast frequency category than those who reported a regular frequency of breakfast (6 to 7 days/week) (Adjusted OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.73; p < 0.05). In addition, teachers who reported a breakfast frequency of 3 to 5 days/week were 83% more likely to have a glucose concentration < 110 mg/dL compared to those who consumed breakfast of 6 to 7 days/week (Adjusted OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.75; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Skipping breakfast for an extended period of time can have detrimental effects on cardiometabolic health. Promoting the benefits of breakfast could be a health message of great public health interest.

Structure and factorial invariance of the Grit-Original scale and convergent validity of the network with job satisfaction and happiness.

Background: The concept of Grit refers to a person's ability to maintain perseverance and passion in the pursuit of long-term objectives. However, research on the applicability of the Grit-Original scale (Grit-O) in the Latin American context is limited. Objective: This instrumental design study aimed to analyze the structure of this scale and its factorial invariance in relation to gender, as well as to examine its convergent validity with job satisfaction and happiness. Methods: A sample of 364 Peruvian workers that were selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in 2021. Results: The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-dimensional structure of 12 items presented adequate goodness-of-fit indices. Additionally, the instrument is invariant between men and women. Likewise, the convergent relationship between the Grit scale, job satisfaction, and happiness variables was confirmed, which supports the validity of the instrument in the study context. Conclusion: The findings of the study confirm that the GRIT-O is a measure with adequate psychometric properties in the Peruvian context.

Gender network analysis of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q7) in Peruvian adults / Análisis de red de género del Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q7) en adultos peruanos

Background: network assessment of eating disorder (ED)-related symptomatology from a gender perspective is an important topic of study; however, there is limited research in the Latin American context. Objective: this study aimed to explore the patterns of association of the components of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q7) according to gender, using two simultaneous network models in 890 Peruvian adults (63.51 % were women; mean age: 26.40). Methods: two graphs considering the gender factor were made using the R package qgrap and the merged LASSO graph. Results: higher network centrality measures were obtained for items related to body image dissatisfaction and overvaluation in women; while in the men's network, the items of food restriction and overestimation of weight were the most central symptoms. Conclusion: both network models were invariant and showed no significant differences in both structure and connections.(AU)

Introducción: la evaluación de redes de la sintomatología relacionada con los trastornos alimentarios (TA) desde el punto de vista del géneroes un tema importante de estudio; sin embargo, existen pocas investigaciones en el contexto latinoamericano.Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue explorar los patrones de asociación de los componentes del Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire(EDE-Q7) según el sexo mediante dos modelos de red simultánea en 890 adultos peruanos (63,51 % de mujeres; edad promedio: 26,40 años).Métodos: se realizaron dos gráficos considerando el factor género utilizando el paquete R qgrap y el gráfico LASSO fusionado.Resultados: se obtuvieron medidas de centralidad de red más altas para los ítems relacionados con la insatisfacción y la sobrevaloración dela imagen corporal en las mujeres; mientras que, en la red de los hombres, los ítems de restricción alimentaria y sobrevaloración del peso eranlos síntomas más centrales.Conclusión: ambos modelos de red resultaron invariables y no mostraron diferencias significativas a nivel de estructura y conexiones.(AU)

Burnout, Fat Intake, and Body Mass Index in Health Professionals Working in a Public Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Burnout can have a negative influence on dietary intake, promoting unhealthy eating behaviors in health care workers. This study determined the association between burnout, saturated fat intake, and body mass index (BMI) in a group of health care workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 health professionals residing in Rioja, Department of San Martin, Peru. Data were collected through an online and face-to-face survey. Burnout was assessed using a scale adapted and validated in the Peruvian population. Additionally, a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess habitual fat intake. Both instruments were validated and adapted to the Peruvian population. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multivariate logistic regression. Values of P < .05 were considered statistically significant. In the adjusted model, it was found that, for each extra point on intake scale, an average of 1.10 (95% CI, 0.57-1.62, P < .001) points increased burnout scale; these results persisted when compared by gender, 1.17 0.49 1.85, and 1.08 0.16 2.00, respectively female male genders. there no association between bmi (P > .05). Future programs and interventions should be considered to minimize the effects of burnout on unhealthy food intake in health care workers in Peru to ensure better medical care by health care professionals on behalf of patients.

Gender network analysis of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q7) in Peruvian adults.

Introduction: Background: network assessment of eating disorder (ED)-related symptomatology from a gender perspective is an important topic of study; however, there is limited research in the Latin American context. Objective: this study aimed to explore the patterns of association of the components of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q7) according to gender, using two simultaneous network models in 890 Peruvian adults (63.51 % were women; mean age: 26.40). Methods: two graphs considering the gender factor were made using the R package qgrap and the merged LASSO graph. Results: higher network centrality measures were obtained for items related to body image dissatisfaction and overvaluation in women; while in the men's network, the items of food restriction and overestimation of weight were the most central symptoms. Conclusion: both network models were invariant and showed no significant differences in both structure and connections.

Introducción: Introducción: la evaluación de redes de la sintomatología relacionada con los trastornos alimentarios (TA) desde el punto de vista del género es un tema importante de estudio; sin embargo, existen pocas investigaciones en el contexto latinoamericano. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue explorar los patrones de asociación de los componentes del Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q7) según el sexo mediante dos modelos de red simultánea en 890 adultos peruanos (63,51 % de mujeres; edad promedio: 26,40 años). Métodos: se realizaron dos gráficos considerando el factor género utilizando el paquete R qgrap y el gráfico LASSO fusionado. Resultados: se obtuvieron medidas de centralidad de red más altas para los ítems relacionados con la insatisfacción y la sobrevaloración de la imagen corporal en las mujeres; mientras que, en la red de los hombres, los ítems de restricción alimentaria y sobrevaloración del peso eran los síntomas más centrales. Conclusión: ambos modelos de red resultaron invariables y no mostraron diferencias significativas a nivel de estructura y conexiones.

Network Structure of Comorbidity Patterns in U.S. Adults with Depression: A National Study Based on Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Background: People with depression are at increased risk for comorbidities; however, the clustering of comorbidity patterns in these patients is still unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify latent comorbidity patterns and explore the comorbidity network structure that included 12 chronic conditions in adults diagnosed with depressive disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on secondary data from the 2017 behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) covering all 50 American states. A sample of 89,209 U.S. participants, 29,079 men and 60,063 women aged 18 years or older, was considered using exploratory graphical analysis (EGA), a statistical graphical model that includes algorithms for grouping and factoring variables in a multivariate system of network relationships. Results: The EGA findings show that the network presents 3 latent comorbidity patterns, i.e., that comorbidities are grouped into 3 factors. The first group was composed of 7 comorbidities (obesity, cancer, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes). The second pattern of latent comorbidity included the diagnosis of asthma and respiratory diseases. The last factor grouped 3 conditions (heart attack, coronary heart disease, and stroke). Hypertension reported higher measures of network centrality. Conclusion: Associations between chronic conditions were reported; furthermore, they were grouped into 3 latent dimensions of comorbidity and reported network factor loadings. The implementation of care and treatment guidelines and protocols for patients with depressive symptomatology and multimorbidity is suggested.

Physical Inactivity is Associated with Job Burnout in Health Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The pandemic has drastically impacted lifestyles, including the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity, which, in turn, leads to negative effects on job burnout among healthcare workers. Objective: This study evaluated the association between the level of physical activity and job burnout in a sample of health professionals during health emergency. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 workers working in a public hospital, located in the city of Rioja, Department of San Martin, Peru, were considered. Data were collected through an online and face-to-face survey. Job burnout was assessed using a validated questionnaire adapted to the Peruvian population and physical activity was assessed based on a single item. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were created to assess the association between the frequency of physical activity performed weekly and the level of job burnout. Results: In the crude models, it was observed that participants who performed physical activity 1-2 times, 3-4 times, or more than 4 times per week had, respectively, 6.29 (95% CI, 11.00-1.59), 14.28 (95% CI, 21.70-6.85), and 14.95 (95% CI, 25.17-4.72) lower job burnout points compared to those who never performed physical activity. In the model adjusted for confounding variables, the association of this result was maintained, showing a dose-response effect. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for the implementation of health education programs that include physical activity to minimize the negative effects of job burnout and ensure better medical care by health professionals for the benefit of patients.

Psychometric evaluation and invariance of the Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener (BFS-E) in university students.

Introduction: University students constantly face a number of health challenges related to an unhealthy diet, characterized by a high intake of saturated fats. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener (BFS-E) food frequency questionnaire in a university population. Methods: An observational analytical study of instrumental type was carried out in 5608 Peruvian university students. Based on the Block Fat Screener questionnaire, a back-translation and cultural adaptation process was carried out. The validity of the questionnaire was determined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hypothesizing a unidimensional structure. For the determination of reliability, the alpha coefficients were considered; likewise, the ω and H coefficients were used to evaluate the construct. The model explained 63% of the cumulative variance. Results: The CFA confirmed the unidimensionality of the 16-item questionnaire with appropriate goodness-of-fit indicators; therefore, which model of the Peruvian version adequately fits the observed data. The values of the reliability coefficients were higher than 0.90, with ordinal α = 0.94, ω = 0.94, and H = 0.95. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener food frequency questionnaire presents adequate psychometric properties and is therefore a valid scale to quickly measure fat intake in university students in a Latin American context.

Body Self-Perception, Dietary Self-Efficacy, and Body Mass Index in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Body self-perception and dietary self-efficacy may represent an important factor in the prevention of excess body weight. Purpose: This study evaluated body self-perception, dietary self-efficacy, and body mass index (BMI) in the Peruvian population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 190 men and 210 women. Each participant was shown 9 Stunkard anatomical silhouettes corresponding to BMI values. The results obtained were classified as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. The Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale (DIET-SE) was also applied. Chi-square statistic, Kruskal-Wallis, Student t-test, and ANOVA were used to explore differences in means and proportions. Results: Age was significantly higher in those who underestimated their weight and who were dissatisfied with their body (p = 0.000). BMI was higher in men, most were dissatisfied with their body (p<0.05), and were more likely to underestimate their weight compared to women (p = 0.000). Those participants who were dissatisfied with their body and who underestimated their weight were more likely to have an elevated BMI compared to those who were satisfied and who did not underestimate their weight. All participants had low dietary self-efficacy (LDSE), with a little higher proportion in men compared to women (62.6% vs 61.4%). The majority (45.9%) reported little confidence to resist high-calorie food temptations. More than half of the participants reported body dissatisfaction and LDSE, this was more frequent in men compared to women. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop and implement preventive measures to improve self-perception of the body, taking into account factors such as gender, age, and eating habits.