Caffeine consumption and association with sleep duration and screen time in Brazilian adolescents (ERICA Study).

OBJECTIVES: Some studies have demonstrated that caffeine consumption is a risk factor for insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality in adolescents. The aim of this study was to estimate the average daily caffeine consumption and to investigate the association between caffeine, sleep duration, and screen time in a large sample of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: We evaluated data from 71 533 adolescents aged 12 to 17 y, who participated in the ERICA study (Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents). Caffeine intake was extracted from 24-h dietary recalls of caffeine-containing products. The mean daily intake of caffeine/mg and caffeine/mg/kg, the prevalence of caffeine intake, and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated according to the general characteristics. Associations between caffeine consumption, sleep duration, and screen time were analyzed by a multinomial logistic regression model, considering P < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall average daily caffeine intake was 99.45 mg (95% CI, 91.43-107.47) and 1.88 mg/kg (95% CI, 1.71-2.04). Daily caffeine intake >3 mg/kg was significantly associated with screen time ≤2 h/d (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26) and sleep duration ≥8 h (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.17-1.46), which remained significant after adjustment. The time of day of the highest caffeine consumption was in the morning (05:00-12:59). The most consumed caffeine-containing product was coffee (35%), followed by soda (27%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that caffeine consumption does not interfere with sleep duration or screen time. Moreover, the study provided important information about the source of caffeine most consumed by Brazilian adolescents, which could help professionals plan appropriate caffeine consumption.

Asma em adolescentes: o que o estudo ERICA nos mostrou? / Asthma in adolescents: what did ERICA study show us?

A asma é uma doença heterogênea caracterizada pela história de sintomas respiratórios que variam de intensidade e ao longo do tempo. Devido à sua alta prevalência, constitui um problema mundial de saúde pública, atingindo todas as faixas etárias, em especial crianças e adolescentes. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as produções científicas sobre asma baseadas no Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (ERICA). Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa incluindo os artigos originais sobre asma baseados nos dados do ERICA, publicados em periódicos indexados em inglês e português. O ERICA foi um estudo multicêntrico nacional realizado em 2013 e 2014, que investigou a prevalência de asma e fatores de risco cardiovascular, incluindo obesidade, diabetes mellitus, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, dislipidemia, tabagismo, sedentarismo, hábitos alimentares inadequados, e a associação entre esses fatores, em adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos, estudantes de escolas públicas e privadas de municípios brasileiros com mais de 100.000 habitantes. Nos cinco estudos selecionados, foi possível demonstrar que a prevalência de asma foi significativamente maior entre adolescentes do sexo feminino em todas as capitais e macrorregiões do Brasil, com predomínio da doença na região Sudeste do nosso país. Além disso, a asma esteve fortemente associada ao tabagismo (passivo e ativo) e foi associada à duração curta do sono. Por outro lado, não esteve associada com os níveis séricos de vitamina D. Em relação aos parâmetros metabólicos, foi observado que a síndrome metabólica e alguns de seus componentes, como a circunferência abdominal, estiveram significativamente associados à asma grave em adolescentes brasileiros.

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a history of respiratory symptoms that vary in intensity and over time. Due to its high prevalence, asthma is considered a global public health problem affecting all age groups, especially children and adolescents. This study aimed to analyze scientific papers on asthma based on the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). We provide a narrative review of original articles on asthma based on ERICA data published in indexed journals in English and Portuguese. ERICA was a national multicenter study conducted in 2013 and 2014 that investigated the prevalence of asthma and cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate eating habits, and the association between these factors in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, students from public and private schools in Brazilian cities of more than 100,000 population. In the 5 selected studies, the prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in female adolescents in all capitals and macro-regions of Brazil, occurring predominantly in the southeast region of the country. In addition, asthma was strongly associated with smoking (passive and active) as well as with short sleep duration, but not with serum vitamin D levels. Regarding metabolic parameters, metabolic syndrome and some of its components, such as waist circumference, were significantly associated with severe asthma in Brazilian adolescents.

Association between polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and insulin resistance in Brazilian adolescents (ERICA Study).

OBJECTIVE: Some studies have proposed a beneficial effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake with regard to insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to estimate the energy percentage and the daily PUFA intake to investigate the association between PUFAs and insulin resistance in a large sample of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: We evaluated 37 023 adolescents ages 12 to 17 y, who were participants in ERICA (Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents). Energy percentage and PUFA daily intake were extracted from a 24-h dietary recall. The mean daily intake of total fat, median, and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of daily intake of linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and the ratio of LA to ALA were estimated according to sociodemographic variables. Associations of PUFA and markers of glucose homeostasis were analyzed by Poisson regression model. RESULTS: Mean total fat intake was 30.1% of energy (95% CI, 29.9-30.4). Most participants met the current recommended values of PUFA and LA/ALA ratio ranging from 5:1 to 10:1 (80.9%, 95% CI, 79.8-81.8). ALA intake was inversely associated with higher waist circumference (prevalence ratio [PR], 0.996; 95% CI, 0.994-0.998). LA/ALA ratio ≥9:1 was significantly associated with higher levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; PR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.006-1.02), and ratio >10:1 also showed significant association with higher levels of HOMA-IR (PR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03) and glycated hemoglobin (PR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.26). These associations remained significant after adjustment. CONCLUSION: Promotion of ALA intake and balanced LA/ALA ratio should be considered as a possible health strategy aimed at contributing to better control of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in adolescents.

ERICA: prevalence of fish consumption and its association with cardiovascular risk factors and healthy behavior in Brazilian adolescents

Abstract Objective: To describe the prevalence of fish consumption and its association with cardiovascular risk factors and healthy behavior in Brazilian adolescents. Method: The authors investigated data from 71,533 participants of the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes - ERICA), a nationwide, cross-sectional, school-based study. Of these, 37,815 adolescents were included for blood analyses. All prevalence estimates were presented proportionally with their 95% confidence intervals. Bivariate relationships were evaluated with Pearson's Chi-square test, and a multinomial logistic regression model was applied, considering p < 0.05. Results: Prevalence of fish consumption in the 7 days prior to the interview was 28.6% (95%CI 26.9-30.3), significantly higher among male adolescents (p = 0.0049), Asian descendants (p = 0.0270), private and rural school students (p < 0.001), and who resided in the Northern region (p < 0.001). A positive association between fish consumption and healthy behavior (breakfast consumption: OR=1.16; 95%CI 1.10-1.22; meals with family members: lunch: OR=1.07; 95%CI 1.01-1.13; dinner: OR=1.13; 95%CI 1.04-1.23; physical activity: OR=1.14; 95%CI 1.02-1.28) and an inverse association with hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.84; 95%CI 0.73-0.98) remained significant even after adjustment for possible confounding factors. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that fish consumption was associated with lower cardiovascular risk and may represent a marker of a healthy lifestyle in Brazilian adolescents.

ERICA: prevalence of fish consumption and its association with cardiovascular risk factors and healthy behavior in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of fish consumption and its association with cardiovascular risk factors and healthy behavior in Brazilian adolescents. METHOD: The authors investigated data from 71,533 participants of the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes - ERICA), a nationwide, cross-sectional, school-based study. Of these, 37,815 adolescents were included for blood analyses. All prevalence estimates were presented proportionally with their 95% confidence intervals. Bivariate relationships were evaluated with Pearson's Chi-square test, and a multinomial logistic regression model was applied, considering p < 0.05. RESULTS: Prevalence of fish consumption in the 7 days prior to the interview was 28.6% (95%CI 26.9-30.3), significantly higher among male adolescents (p = 0.0049), Asian descendants (p = 0.0270), private and rural school students (p < 0.001), and who resided in the Northern region (p < 0.001). A positive association between fish consumption and healthy behavior (breakfast consumption: OR=1.16; 95%CI 1.10-1.22; meals with family members: lunch: OR = 1.07; 95%CI 1.01-1.13; dinner: OR = 1.13; 95%CI 1.04-1.23; physical activity: OR = 1.14; 95%CI 1.02-1.28) and an inverse association with hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.84; 95%CI 0.73-0.98) remained significant even after adjustment for possible confounding factors. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that fish consumption was associated with lower cardiovascular risk and may represent a marker of a healthy lifestyle in Brazilian adolescents.

ERICA: cardiovascular risks associated with oral contraceptive use among Brazilian adolescents

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association between oral contraceptive use and cardiovascular risks, including metabolic syndrome and their components in Brazilian adolescents. Method: This study used data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes - ERICA), a nationwide, cross-sectional, school-based study with individuals aged 12-17 years. Sociodemographic variables and OC use were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome. Descriptive statistics were reported as prevalence and their respective confidence interval of 95% of oral contraceptives according to variables. Logistic regression was performed. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Results: This subsample was composed of 22,682 female adolescents, of which 12.65% reported using oral contraceptives and their use was associated with hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, school region, race, and tobacco use with an increase of 2.68 (1.66 - 4.32) and 3.45 (2.56 - 4.65) times, respectively. Conclusion: The present study was the first to examine the association between the use of oral contraceptives and cardiovascular risk factors among the largest number of female Brazilian adolescents. This method was significantly associated with hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia. Teenagers using oral contraceptives should be monitored for side effects, including blood pressure measurements and advised to avoid smoking.

ERICA: cardiovascular risks associated with oral contraceptive use among Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between oral contraceptive use and cardiovascular risks, including metabolic syndrome and their components in Brazilian adolescents. METHOD: This study used data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes - ERICA), a nationwide, cross-sectional, school-based study with individuals aged 12-17 years. Sociodemographic variables and OC use were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome. Descriptive statistics were reported as prevalence and their respective confidence interval of 95% of oral contraceptives according to variables. Logistic regression was performed. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: This subsample was composed of 22,682 female adolescents, of which 12.65% reported using oral contraceptives and their use was associated with hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, school region, race, and tobacco use with an increase of 2.68 (1.66 - 4.32) and 3.45 (2.56 - 4.65) times, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study was the first to examine the association between the use of oral contraceptives and cardiovascular risk factors among the largest number of female Brazilian adolescents. This method was significantly associated with hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia. Teenagers using oral contraceptives should be monitored for side effects, including blood pressure measurements and advised to avoid smoking.

Asthma and vitamin D in Brazilian adolescents: Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between asthma prevalence and serum levels of vitamin D in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, school-based study involving adolescents between 12-17 years of age from four large Brazilian cities located at different latitudes (Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Porto Alegre). Information on asthma diagnosis, lifestyle, and sociodemographic characteristics was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. Serum concentrations of calcifediol were dichotomized as sufficient (≥ 20 ng/mL) or insufficient/deficient (< 20 ng/mL) levels. Bivariate analyses were carried out between vitamin D levels and prevalence of active asthma (AA), as well as other variables in study, using the chi-square test. Generalized linear models were configured to analyze potential confounding factors (p < 0.20). RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2014, 1,053 adolescents were evaluated. The prevalences of AA and insufficient/deficient levels of calcifediol were 15.4% and 21%, respectively. There were no statistically significant associations between AA and hypovitaminosis D. The prevalences of AA and vitamin D insufficiency were, respectively, 2.34 (95% CI, 1,28-4.30) and 3.22 (95% CI, 1.75-5.95) times higher in Porto Alegre than in Rio de Janeiro, regardless of possible confounding factors. However, no significant associations were found between the prevalence of AA and vitamin-D-related variables in any of the cities. CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between AA and low levels of vitamin D in adolescents living at different latitudes in Brazil.

Birth weight, life course factors and excess weight among schoolchildren in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2010

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association between birth weight and excess weight among students aged 6-14 years, adjusted for life course confounding factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 6-14-year-old schoolchildren in 2010; 795 school children from two public schools. In addition, a sub-sample was selected using a case-cohort study approach. Sociodemographic, breastfeeding, food introduction, previous weight gain, family history, current clinical and behavioral variables as well as maternal variables related to pregnancy, were collected. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between birth weight and overweight. All prevalent cases of overweight (n = 160) were selected to compose the case group and a random sub-sample of all students participating in the study (n = 276 students, of whom 88 were cases) were the control group. Results: An unadjusted 6% increase in the excess weight prevalence ratio (p-value = 0.004) was found for each 100 g increase in birth weight. With adjustment for age, sex and behavioral variables (models 1 and 2), the association of birth weight with excess weight was positive and statistically significant, but it was no longer significant in the final model (model 3) when clinical variables were considered. Conclusions: Although some of the secondary associations were statistically significant, we could not identify a significant association between birthweight and excess weight in adolescents.

Association between asthma and sleep hours in Brazilian adolescents: ERICA

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between asthma and sleep duration in participants of the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents. Materials and methods Cross-sectional, national, school-based study, involving adolescents aged 12-17 years. In the period between 2013−14, data from 59,442 participants were analyzed. Bivariate analysis between current asthma and short sleep duration, defined as < 7 h/night, was performed separately with the other variables analyzed: sex, age group, type of school, weight categories, and common mental disorders. Then, different generalized linear models with Poisson family and logarithmic link functions were used to assess the independence of potential confounding covariates associated with both asthma and short sleep duration in the previous analysis. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses performed. Results Prevalence of current asthma was 13.4%, being significantly higher among students with short sleep duration (PR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-1.35; p = 0.034). This remained significant even after adjusting for the other study covariates. Conclusion There was a positive association between the prevalence of current asthma and short sleep duration among Brazilian adolescents. Considering the high prevalence and morbidity of the disease in this age group, the promotion of sleep hygiene should be considered as a possible health strategy aimed at contributing to better control of asthma in this population.

Association between asthma and sleep hours in Brazilian adolescents: ERICA.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between asthma and sleep duration in participants of the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, national, school-based study, involving adolescents aged 12-17 years. In the period between 2013-14, data from 59,442 participants were analyzed. Bivariate analysis between current asthma and short sleep duration, defined as < 7 h/night, was performed separately with the other variables analyzed: sex, age group, type of school, weight categories, and common mental disorders. Then, different generalized linear models with Poisson family and logarithmic link functions were used to assess the independence of potential confounding covariates associated with both asthma and short sleep duration in the previous analysis. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses performed. RESULTS: Prevalence of current asthma was 13.4%, being significantly higher among students with short sleep duration (PR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-1.35; p = 0.034). This remained significant even after adjusting for the other study covariates. CONCLUSION: There was a positive association between the prevalence of current asthma and short sleep duration among Brazilian adolescents. Considering the high prevalence and morbidity of the disease in this age group, the promotion of sleep hygiene should be considered as a possible health strategy aimed at contributing to better control of asthma in this population.

Birth weight, life course factors and excess weight among schoolchildren in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between birth weight and excess weight among students aged 6-14 years, adjusted for life course confounding factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 6-14-year-old schoolchildren in 2010; 795 school children from two public schools. In addition, a sub-sample was selected using a case-cohort study approach. Sociodemographic, breastfeeding, food introduction, previous weight gain, family history, current clinical and behavioral variables as well as maternal variables related to pregnancy, were collected. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between birth weight and overweight. All prevalent cases of overweight (n = 160) were selected to compose the case group and a random sub-sample of all students participating in the study (n = 276 students, of whom 88 were cases) were the control group. RESULTS: An unadjusted 6% increase in the excess weight prevalence ratio (p-value = 0.004) was found for each 100 g increase in birth weight. With adjustment for age, sex and behavioral variables (models 1 and 2), the association of birth weight with excess weight was positive and statistically significant, but it was no longer significant in the final model (model 3) when clinical variables were considered. CONCLUSIONS: Although some of the secondary associations were statistically significant, we could not identify a significant association between birthweight and excess weight in adolescents.

Association Between Work and Common Mental Disorders in School Adolescents: The ERICA Study.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescence is characterized by continuing profound mental, physical, and social changes and entering into the labor market during this phase may have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Common mental disorders (CMD) are characterized as disorders of mental functions, including symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as various nonspecific and somatic complaints such as reduced ability to concentrate, tiredness, irritation, and forgetfulness. Despite its increasing prevalence, few studies have addressed CMD and its association with work, in adolescents. In the present study, we aimed to identify the main factors associated with CMD and evaluated its association with work, in school adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 12 to 17-year-old adolescent students using a self-administered questionnaire with questions related to work. CMD was verified using the General Health Questionnaire of 12 items. In total, 3424 adolescents were studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of CMD and work in the last year was 28.72% and 19.63%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, multivariate analysis showed associations of CMD with female gender (OR=2.72) and work (OR=1.70). CONCLUSION: In the present study, a high number of cases of CMD were observed among the studied adolescents. Female gender and work history in the last year were negatively and independently associated with the presence of CMD.

Association Between Abdominal Waist Circumference and Blood Pressure In Brazilian Adolescents With Normal Body Mass Index: Waist circumference and blood pressure in Adolescents.

Obesity is the most common chronic disease in adolescents. In adults, waist circumference (WC) is associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and is also a better predictor of cardiovascular (CV) risk than body mass index (BMI). The association between WC and CV risk factors in adolescents has been poorly explored so far, mainly in those within the normal BMI range. Objective: To evaluate the association between WC and elevated blood pressure (BP) in adolescents with a normal BMI. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 73,399 scholars between 12 and 17 years old from the ERICA study, a school-based, national representative study with Brazilian adolescents. Only those within the normal range of BMI were included. The WC was categorized into quartiles for sex and age (Q1 to Q4). For the analysis, BP values ≥ 90th percentile were considered to indicate elevated BP, what includes hypertension and pre-hypertension. The Poisson Regression model was used and the prevalence ratio was estimated. Results: A total of 53,308 adolescents with normal BMI were included. Prevalence of elevated BP in the overall group was 18.0%. In female adolescents with WC in the lowest quartile for their age, the prevalence of elevated BP was 7.3% (12-14 years) and 6.9% (15-17 years), increasing in the upper quartile to 15.2% and 19.5% respectively, with a prevalence ratio (PR) indicating chance at least two times higher for elevated BP in Q4 (p < 0.001). Similarly, this was observed in boys, with a prevalence of elevated BP of 10.0% and 18.9% in Q1, increasing to 21.4% and 49.6% in Q4 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In adolescents, there is a strong association of increased WC with BP elevation, even when the BMI is adequate.

Low intake of dietary fibre among Brazilian adolescents and association with nutritional status: cross-sectional analysis of Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary fibre intake in Brazilian adolescents and its association with nutritional status. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study including data from the Brazilian multicentre Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). Data analysed were geographic region, sex, age, nutritional status, sexual maturation stage, socioeconomic status, school type and level of physical activity. For nutritional status classification, BMI/age was used by sex. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall. Dietary fibre intake was expressed in g/d, and adequacy was determined using dietary reference intake (DRI) values. Complex sample design was considered in statistical analysis, and logistic regression was used to estimate OR for fibre intake and nutritional status. SETTING: Brazilian municipalities with more than 100 000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 71 740 adolescents aged 12-17 years were included. RESULTS: The average total dietary fibre intake was 19·1 g/d (95 % CI 18·5, 19·7), and only 13·1 % (95 % CI 11·6, 14·7) of Brazilian adolescents reached the recommendations. The results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for geographic region, sex and type of school showed that overweight and obese adolescents were 1·6 and 1·8 times more likely, respectively, to have inadequate dietary fibre intake (P < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian adolescents had a significantly inadequate dietary fibre intake. This was particularly notable in adolescents with excess weight. Education policies on nutrition must be implemented, as dietary fibre plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Severity of obesity is associated with worse cardiometabolic risk profile in adolescents: Findings from a Brazilian national study (ERICA).

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity among adolescents has increased dramatically in developing countries. However, the distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors through the severity of obesity continuum is relatively unknown among youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of weight categories with cardiometabolic risk factors among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: ERICA (The Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents) was a multicenter, school-based, cross-sectional study composed of Brazilian adolescents (12-17 y of age). Severity of obesity was classified according to the International Obesity Task Force reference values for body mass index (BMI) and several cardiometabolic risk factors were measured after clinical and biochemical exams and categorized using standard definitions of abnormal values. RESULTS: Among the 37 892 adolescents enrolled, 8708 had excess weight, being classified with overweight (17.2%), obesity (5.6%), and severe obesity (1.3%). Increasing severity of obesity was associated with a worse cardiometabolic profile in the overall sample. Multivariable models that controlled for age, sex, skin color, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and total energy intake, showed that individuals in higher categories of severity of obesity tended to have higher prevalence ratios of most cardiometabolic risk factors compared with the other weight groups, except for high fasting blood glucose among boys. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive degrees of excess weight are positively associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth from a middle-income country, indicating the importance in classifying the severity of weight excess among adolescents and considering this to plan prevention programs against early development of obesity-related diseases.

Blood pressure reference values for Brazilian adolescents: data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA Study) / Valores de referência para pressão arterial em adolescentes brasileiros: dados do Estudo dos Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (Estudo ERICA)

Abstract Objective: Blood pressure (BP) references for Brazilian adolescents are lacking in the literature. This study aims to investigate the normal range of office BP in a healthy, non-overweight Brazilian population of adolescents. Method: The Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (Portuguese acronym "ERICA") is a national school-based study that included adolescents (aged 12 through 17 years), enrolled in public and private schools, in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, from all five Brazilian macro-regions. Adolescents' height and body mass index (BMI) were classified in percentiles according to age and gender, and reference curves from the World Health Organization were adopted. Three consecutive office BP measurements were taken with a validated oscillometric device using the appropriate cuff size. The mean values of the last two readings were used for analysis. Polynomial regression models relating BP, age, and height were applied. Results: Among 73,999 adolescents, non-overweight individuals represented 74.5% (95% CI: 73.3-75.6) of the total, with similar distribution across ages. The majority of the non-overweight sample was from public schools 84.2% (95% CI: 79.9-87.7) and sedentary 54.8% (95% CI: 53.7-55.8). Adolescents reporting their skin color as brown (48.8% [95% CI: 47.4-50.1]) or white (37.8% [95% CI: 36.1-39.5]) were most frequently represented. BP increased by both age and height percentile. Systolic BP growth patterns were more marked in males when compared to females, along all height percentiles. The same pattern was not observed for diastolic BP. Conclusions: Blood pressure references by sex, age, and height percentiles for Brazilian adolescents are provided.

Resumo Objetivo Referências de pressão arterial (PA) para adolescentes brasileiros estão ausentes na literatura. Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar a variação normal da pressão arterial no consultório em uma população brasileira saudável de adolescentes sem sobrepeso. Método O Estudo dos Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (ERICA) é um estudo brasileiro, de âmbito nacional e de base escolar, que incluiu adolescentes (12 a 17 anos) matriculados em escolas públicas e privadas, em cidades com mais de 100.000 habitantes, de todas as cinco macrorregiões brasileiras. A altura e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) dos adolescentes foram classificados em percentis de acordo com a idade e o sexo, sendo adotadas as curvas de referência da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Foram realizadas três medidas consecutivas de PA no consultório com um dispositivo oscilométrico validado, utilizando o manguito de tamanho apropriado. Os valores médios das duas últimas leituras foram utilizados nas análises. Modelos de regressão polinomial relacionando PA, idade e estatura foram aplicados. Resultados Entre os 73.999 adolescentes, os indivíduos sem sobrepeso representaram 74,5% (IC95%: 73,3-75,6) do total, com distribuição similar entre as idades. A maior parte da amostra sem sobrepeso originava-se das escolas públicas, com 84,2% (IC95%: 79,9-87,7), e os sedentários 54,8% (IC95%: 53,7-55,8). Os adolescentes que relataram sua cor de pele como parda (48,8% [IC95%: 47,4-50,1]) e branca (37,8%: [IC 95% 36,1-39,5]) foram os mais representados. A PA aumentou tanto com a idade, quanto com o percentil de altura. Os padrões de aumento sistólico da PA foram mais acentuados no sexo masculino quando comparados ao sexo feminino, em todos os percentis de altura. O mesmo padrão não foi observado para a PA diastólica. Conclusões São fornecidas referências de pressão arterial por sexo, idade e percentil de altura para adolescentes brasileiros.

Prevalence and factors associated with hypovitaminosis D in adolescents from a sunny country: Findings from the ERICA survey.

Vitamin D plays a role in bone and metabolic health in life long, however hypovitaminosis D is common in different settings. The aim of this study was to describe vitamin D status among adolescents from a large sunny country and analyze associated factors. This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based study. A total of 1152 adolescents age 12-17 from four Brazilian cities, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Brasília, and Porto Alegre, were included. Anthropometric variables, diet, type of school, race and season of data collection were evaluated. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured and categorized into three levels: ≤ 20 ng/mL, 21-29 ng/mL and ≥ 30 ng/mL. Ordered logistic regression models were used to explore the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL, between 21 and 29 ng/mL and above 30 ng/mL was 21 % (95 %CI: 19 %-24 %), 42 % (95 %CI: 39 %-46 %) and 37 % (95 %CI: 33 %-40 %), respectively. In the final adjusted model, hypovitaminosis D was positively associated with gender, center (latitudes), data collected in winter or spring, non-whites, and private school students. A higher proportional odds ratio (POR) for hypovitaminosis D was found among obese boys (POR = 2.2, 95 %CI: 1.1-4.5), but not girls. Adequate dietary intake of vitamin D was a protective factor (POR = 0.4, 95 %CI: 0.2-0.6) against hypovitaminosis D. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of Brazilian adolescents at risk of hypovitaminosis D, independent of region. Due to their potential benefits, lifestyle changes should be stimulated, including healthier food choices and spending more time outdoors (with sun protection).

Blood pressure reference values for Brazilian adolescents: data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA Study).

OBJECTIVE: Blood pressure (BP) references for Brazilian adolescents are lacking in the literature. This study aims to investigate the normal range of office BP in a healthy, non-overweight Brazilian population of adolescents. METHOD: The Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (Portuguese acronym "ERICA") is a national school-based study that included adolescents (aged 12 through 17 years), enrolled in public and private schools, in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, from all five Brazilian macro-regions. Adolescents' height and body mass index (BMI) were classified in percentiles according to age and gender, and reference curves from the World Health Organization were adopted. Three consecutive office BP measurements were taken with a validated oscillometric device using the appropriate cuff size. The mean values of the last two readings were used for analysis. Polynomial regression models relating BP, age, and height were applied. RESULTS: Among 73,999 adolescents, non-overweight individuals represented 74.5% (95% CI: 73.3-75.6) of the total, with similar distribution across ages. The majority of the non-overweight sample was from public schools 84.2% (95% CI: 79.9-87.7) and sedentary 54.8% (95% CI: 53.7-55.8). Adolescents reporting their skin color as brown (48.8% [95% CI: 47.4-50.1]) or white (37.8% [95% CI: 36.1-39.5]) were most frequently represented. BP increased by both age and height percentile. Systolic BP growth patterns were more marked in males when compared to females, along all height percentiles. The same pattern was not observed for diastolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: Blood pressure references by sex, age, and height percentiles for Brazilian adolescents are provided.