Is Ultra-Processed Food Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Glaucoma? A Prospective Cohort Study including 19,255 Participants from the SUN Project.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake with the incidence of glaucoma in a large sample of Spanish university graduates followed prospectively. METHODS: Prospective cohort study using data from the SUN Project. A final sample of 19,225 participants (60.1% women) was included in this study, with a mean age of 38.2 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.4). Participants were followed-up for a mean time of 12.9 years (SD = 5.4). Dietary intake was measured using a 136-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. UPFs were defined based on the NOVA classification system. Glaucoma diagnosis was determined by asking the participants if they had ever been diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist. This self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma has been previously validated. RESULTS: After adjusting for several covariates, participants with the highest UPF consumption were at higher risk of glaucoma (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 3.17) when compared to participants in the lowest category of UPF consumption. Regarding subgroup analyses, a significant multiplicative interaction was found for age (p = 0.004) and omega 3:6 ratio (p = 0.040). However, an association between UPF consumption and glaucoma was only found in older participants (aged ≥ 55 years), in men, in the most physically active group, in the group of non- or former smokers, in those with a lower omega 3:6 ratio, and in those with a lower energy intake. Regarding the contribution of each type of UPF group, UPF coming from sweets showed a significant risky effect (HR = 1.51; CI 95% 1.07 to 2.12). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective cohort study shows that participants with a greater UPF consumption have a higher risk of developing glaucoma when compared to participants with a lower consumption. Our findings emphasize the relevance of monitoring and limiting the consumption of UPFs as a means of preventing glaucoma incidence.

Medicaciones inhaladas y cámaras de inhalación para el asma infantil. Red española de grupos de trabajo sobre asma en pediatría (REGAP) / Inhaled medications and inhalation chambers for childhood asthma. Spanish network of working groups on asthma in pediatrics (REGAP)

El asma, la enfermedad crónica más prevalente en la edad pediátrica, continúa planteando desafíos en su manejo y tratamiento1. Guías nacionales e internacionales destacan la importancia de la educación terapéutica (ET) para lograr el control de esta enfermedad2,3. Esta educación implica la transmisión de conocimientos y habilidades al paciente y su familia, mejorando la adherencia a la medicación, corrigiendo errores en la técnica de inhalación y ajustando el tratamiento según las características individuales de cada paciente4,5. Es esencial que la ET sea progresiva, gradual e individualizada, y que esté presente en todos los niveles asistenciales. La formación en ET de profesionales sanitarios es crucial, especialmente para los pediatras, quienes además deben conocer la extensa variabilidad de medicamentos e inhaladores disponibles y sus indicaciones para cada edad6. Para abordar esta necesidad, el Grupo red española de grupos de trabajo sobre asma en pediatría (REGAP) ha revisado exhaustivamente los inhaladores actualmente disponibles en España para el tratamiento del asma en la edad pediátrica. La revisión incluye una revisión de los distintos sistemas de inhalación y los distintos fármacos inhalados, utilizados para el tratamiento del asma en la edad pediátrica. Esta revisión se actualizará anualmente, incluyendo información sobre fármacos, dispositivos, cámaras de inhalación, indicaciones y financiación. El Grupo REGAP espera que estas tablas sean una valiosa ayuda para los pediatras en su práctica clínica diaria y constituyen una eficaz herramienta de ET.(AU)

Asthma, the most prevalent chronic disease in pediatric age, continues to pose challenges in its management and treatment. National and international guidelines emphasize the importance of therapeutic education (TE) to achieve disease control. TE involves imparting knowledge and skills to the patient and their family, enhancing medication adherence, rectifying errors in inhalation technique, and tailoring treatment based on individual patient characteristics. It is essential for TE to be progressive, gradual, and personalized, spanning all levels of care. Training healthcare professionals in TE is crucial, particularly for pediatricians, who must also be aware of the extensive variability of available meds and inhalers and their respective age-specific indications. Addressing this need, the REGAP Group extensively reviewed inhalers currently available in Spain for pediatric asthma treatment. The review encompassed different inhalation systems and inhaled drugs used for pediatric asthma treatment. This review will be updated annually, providing information on medications, devices, inhalation chambers, indications, and financiation. The REGAP Group hopes that these tables will be a valuable help for pediatricians in their daily clinical practice and serve as an effective TE tool.(AU)

Inhaled medications and inhalation chambers for childhood asthma. Spanish network of working groups on asthma in pediatrics (REGAP).

Asthma, the most prevalent chronic disease in pediatric age, continues to pose challenges in its management and treatment. National and international guidelines emphasize the importance of therapeutic education (TE) to achieve disease control. TE involves imparting knowledge and skills to the patient and their family, enhancing medication adherence, rectifying errors in inhalation technique, and tailoring treatment based on individual patient characteristics. It is essential for TE to be progressive, gradual, and personalized, spanning all levels of care. Training healthcare professionals in TE is crucial, particularly for pediatricians, who must also be aware of the extensive variability of available meds and inhalers and their respective age-specific indications. Addressing this need, the REGAP Group extensively reviewed inhalers currently available in Spain for pediatric asthma treatment. The review encompassed different inhalation systems and inhaled drugs used for pediatric asthma treatment. This review will be updated annually, providing information on medications, devices, inhalation chambers, indications, and financiation. The REGAP Group hopes that these tables will be a valuable help for pediatricians in their daily clinical practice and serve as an effective TE tool.

Is the long-term mortality similar in COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia?

Introduction: There are no data on the association of type of pneumonia and long-term mortality by the type of pneumonia (COVID-19 or community-acquired pneumonia [CAP]) on long-term mortality after an adjustment for potential confounding variables. We aimed to assess the type of pneumonia and risk factors for long-term mortality in patients who were hospitalized in conventional ward and later discharged. Methods: Retrospective analysis of two prospective and multicentre cohorts of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and CAP. The main outcome under study was 1-year mortality in hospitalized patients in conventional ward and later discharged. We adjusted a Bayesian logistic regression model to assess associations between the type of pneumonia and 1-year mortality controlling for confounders. Results: The study included a total of 1,693 and 2,374 discharged patients in the COVID-19 and CAP cohorts, respectively. Of these, 1,525 (90.1%) and 2,249 (95%) patients underwent analysis. Until 1-year follow-up, 69 (4.5%) and 148 (6.6%) patients from the COVID-19 and CAP cohorts, respectively, died (p = 0.008). However, the Bayesian model showed a low probability of effect (PE) of finding relevant differences in long-term mortality between CAP and COVID-19 (odds ratio 1.127, 95% credibility interval 0.862-1.591; PE = 0.774). Conclusion: COVID-19 and CAP have similar long-term mortality after adjusting for potential confounders.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cystic fibrosis: A cross-sectional multicenter study in Spain. New waves, new knowledge.

INTRODUCTION: The association between viral infections and pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (cwCF) is well established. However, the question of whether cwCF are at a higher risk of COVID-19 or its adverse consequences remains controversial. METHODS: We conducted an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study of cwCF infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) between March 2020 and June 2022, (first to sixth COVID-19 pandemic waves) in Spain. The study aimed to describe patients' basal characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 clinical manifestations and outcomes, and whether there were differences across the pandemic waves. RESULTS: During study time, 351 SARS-CoV2 infections were reported among 341 cwCF. Median age was 8.5 years (range 0-17) and 51% were female. Cases were unevenly distributed across the pandemic, with most cases (82%) clustered between November 2021 and June 2022 (sixth wave, also known as Omicron Wave due to the higher prevalence of this strain in that period in Spain). Most cwCF were asymptomatic (24.8%) or presented with mild Covid-19 symptoms (72.9%). Among symptomatic, most prevalent symptoms were fever (62%) and increased cough (53%). Infection occurring along the sixth wave was the only independent risk factor for being symptomatic. Just eight cwCF needed hospital admission. No multisystem inflammatory syndrome, persisting symptoms, long-term sequelae, or deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish current data indicate that cwCF do not experience higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection nor worse health outcomes or sequelae. Changes in patients' basal characteristics, clinical courses, and outcomes were detected across waves. While the pandemic continues, a worldwide monitoring of COVID-19 in pediatric CF patients is needed.

Is chronotype linked with adherence to the Mediterranean diet among adolescents? The EHDLA study.

BACKGROUND: No previous study has evaluated the relationship between chronotype and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among adolescents. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between chronotype and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Spanish adolescents aged 12-17 years. METHODS: This study examined secondary data from 820 adolescents (55.5% girls) from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study, which included a representative sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). Adolescents' chronotype was evaluated with the Morningness/Eveningness Scale in Children. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was determined through the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Teenagers. RESULTS: The proportion of adolescents with an optimal Mediterranean diet was 37.6%. In relation to chronotype, we found that 24.5%, 69.4%, and 6.1% of the adolescents were classified as morning, intermediate, and evening types, respectively. After adjusting for several covariates, both evening- and intermediate-type adolescents showed lower odds of having optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet (evening-type: odds ratio [OR] = 0.30, confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.12-0.72; intermediate-type: OR = 0.62, CI 95% 0.44-0.87) than morning-type adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Chronotype could affect adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in adolescents, so it should be a factor to be considered in future studies assessing eating habits. IMPACT: No previous study has evaluated the relationship between chronotype and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among adolescents. Both evening- and intermediate-type adolescents showed lower odds of having optimal Mediterranean diet adherence than morning-type adolescents. These findings may indicate a need to promote eating healthy habits based on a more holistic approach, not only on the total energy expenditure or in specific food groups but also on the chronotype.

The long-term boomerang effect of COVID-19 on admissions for non-COVID diseases: the ECIEN-2022 study.

Since COVID-19 pandemic started, many changes have been seen in the cycling patterns of pediatric pathologies. On year 2020, we described the initial effects of COVID-19, with a significant decrease in emergency visits and admissions, but 2 years later the situation seems to be reversed. Our study bridges a literature gap by exploring the lasting effects of COVID-19 on pediatric non-COVID admissions, particularly the resurgence of respiratory illnesses. ECIEN-2022 is a single-center, retrospective, observational-study conducted 3 years after the pandemic onset, to describe the long-term effects of COVID-19 in pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases. Admissions during year 2022 were compared with the Pre-Pandemic Period (PPP: 2015-2019). Pediatric Emergency Department (P-ED) visits, hospital, and Intensive Care Unit (P-ICU) admissions were compared across pre- and post-pandemic periods. Monthly distribution and year-waves are presented. P-ED monthly visits (mean and Standard deviation (SD) raised from 3521 (533) in the PPP to 3775 (996) in 2022 (p < 0.001). Monthly hospital admissions in the 3rd quarter of the Pre-Pandemic Period were 111.7/month (SD:29), dropped to 88.5(SD:6.5) in 2020 and raised to 149(SD:38.8) in 2022 (p = 0.036). An increase in respiratory illnesses was observed in 2022 compared to PPP; Bronchiolitis increased 38%, bronchitis 56%, and admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus 67%.  Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and nature of pediatric health services. The initial decrease has been followed by a boomerang effect with an increase of cases, mainly due to an increase in respiratory infections when pandemic control measures and social restrictions have been lifted. It is essential to maintain an active surveillance and monitorization of these patterns to ensure appropriate healthcare access and utilization. What is Known: • COVID-19 pandemic initially led to a significant decrease in emergency visits and admissions for non-COVID diseases. What is New: • ECIEN-2022 study investigated the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases, detecting a "boomerang effect" with an increase in pediatric admissions for non-COVID diseases in year 2022. • Pediatric Emergency Department visits and hospital admissions for non-COVID diseases, especially those due to respiratory infections, increased significantly in 2022 when compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period.

The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Sleep Quality of Children.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 lockdown has caused important changes in children's routines, especially in terms of nutrition, physical activity, screen time, social activity, and school time. Regarding these changes, recent studies show that the COVID-19 lockdown is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in children. The objective of this study was to assess changes in sleep quality in Spanish children during the lockdown decreed by the Spanish government between March and June 2020. METHODOLOGY: We compared the BEAR (bedtime, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakening during the night, and regularity and duration of sleep) scores of 478 participants (median age = 7.5 years; 48% girls) in the SENDO project during the periods before, during, and after lockdown. The questionnaires were filled out by one of the parents. We used hierarchical models with two levels of clustering to account for the intra-cluster correlation between siblings. The interaction of time with a set of a priori selected variables was assessed by introducing the interaction term into the model and calculating the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: The mean scores in the BEAR questionnaire referred to the periods before, during, and after lockdown were 0.52 (sd 1.25), 1.43 (sd 1.99), and 1.07 (sd 1.55), respectively. These findings indicate a deterioration in sleep quality during the period of confinement. Parental level of education was found to be an effect modifier (p for interaction = 0.004). Children whose parents had higher education (university graduates or higher) showed a smaller worsening than those without. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a significant worsening of sleep quality. Moreover, although the end of the lockdown brought about a slight improvement, mean scores on the BEAR scale remained significantly higher than before the lockdown, suggesting that the consequences for sleep quality could persist over time. This worsening was higher in children whose parents had lower educational degrees. Helping children maintain healthy sleeping habits despite the circumstances and providing early psychological support when needed is important to prevent negative psycho-physical symptoms due to lockdown that could persist over the years.

Programa educativo de cáncer de mama en mujeres que acuden a quimioterapia en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Breast Cancer educational program in women who attend chemotherapy during the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es la principal causa de muerte oncológica en México, por lo que la alfabetización en salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 resulta de gran importancia para reducir la morbimortalidad. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad y grado de satisfacción de un programa educativo oncológico durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Material y métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental pre y posintervención educativa (programa educativo breve), en 31 pacientes que acudieron a quimioterapia durante la pandemia entre abril y julio de 2021, incluyendo educación sobre COVID-19, educación terapéutica sobre cáncer de mama y herramientas de promoción de la salud. El alfabetismo en salud se analizó mediante prueba de rangos de Wilcoxon, para muestras relacionadas. Resultados: la prueba de Wilcoxon fue estadísticamente significativa en el pre y-posprograma educativo (Z = 4.876, p = < 0,001) con un incremento del 70% al 83,3% de aciertos posprograma educativo y un grado de satisfacción del 87,09%. Conclusión: un programa educativo breve, implementado en un hospital oncológico durante la pandemia, es eficaz para incrementar el alfabetismo en salud y es bien valorado por las participantes. (AU)

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most important cause of cancer death in Mexico, so health literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic is very important to reduce morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of an educational oncology program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: Quasi-experimental study pre-post educational intervention (brief educational program), in 31 patients who underwent chemotherapy during the pandemic between April and July 2021, including COVID-19 education, therapeutic education in breast cancer and health promotion recommendations. Health literacy was analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank test for related samples. Results: The Wilcoxon test was statistically significant pre-post educational program (Z − 4,876, p < 0.001) with an increase from 70% to 83.3% of correct answers after the educational program and a satisfaction of 87.09%. Conclusion: A brief educational program, implemented in a cancer hospital during the pandemic, is effective in increasing health literacy and is highly valued by the participants. (AU)

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the Archena Infancia Saludable Project on 24-h Movement Behaviors and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Schoolchildren: A Pilot Study Protocol.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will evaluate the effects of a lifestyle-based intervention. The Archena Infancia Saludable project will have several objectives. The primary objective of this project is to determine the 6-month effects of a lifestyle-based intervention on adherence to 24-h movement behaviors and Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in schoolchildren. The secondary objective of this project is to test the intervention effects of this lifestyle-based intervention on a relevant set of health-related outcomes (i.e., anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, perceived physical fitness, sleep habits, and academic performance). The tertiary objective is to investigate this intervention's "halo" effect on parents'/guardians' 24-h movement behaviors and adherence to the MedDiet. Methods: The Archena Infancia Saludable trial will be a cluster RCT submitted to the Clinical Trials Registry. The protocol will be developed according to SPIRIT guidelines for RCTs and CONSORT statement extension for cluster RCTs. A total of 153 eligible parents/guardians with schoolchildren aged 6-13 years will be randomized into an intervention group or a control group. This project focuses on two fundamental pillars: 24-h movement behaviors and MedDiet. It will mainly focus on the relationship between parents/guardians and their children. Behavior change strategies for dietary and 24-h movement behaviors in schoolchildren will be based on healthy lifestyle education for parents/guardians through infographics, video recipes, brief video clips, and videos. Conclusions: Most of the current knowledge on 24-h movement behaviors and adherence to the MedDiet is based on cross-sectional or longitudinal cohort studies, warranting a need to design and conduct RCTs to obtain more robust evidence on the effect of a healthy lifestyle program to increase 24-h movement behaviors and to improve adherence to the MedDiet in schoolchildren.

Cost-effectiveness of omalizumab for the treatment of severe pediatric allergic asthma-Results of a real-life study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Severe pediatric allergic asthma (SPAA) induces a huge economic burden in terms of direct, indirect, and intangible costs. The use of omalizumab for the treatment of these patients has produced a significant improvement in several clinical outcomes, but at the same time, the cost for the management of the disease has also increased. The aim of this report was to evaluate whether the use of omalizumab is cost-effective. METHODS: A sample of 426 children with SPAA from the ANCHORS (Asthma iN CHildren: Omalizumab in Real-life in Spain) study was used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the avoidance of moderate-to-severe exacerbations (MSE) and also for the improvement in childhood Asthma Control Test (c-ACT) or the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5). We retrospectively collected data on health encounters and drug consumption before and up to 6 years after the beginning of the treatment with omalizumab. RESULTS: The ICER per avoided MSE was €2107 after 1 year, and it consistently decreased to €656 in those followed up to 6 years. Similarly, the ICER for the minimally important difference in control tests showed a decrease from €2059 to €380 per each 0.5 points of improvement in ACQ5 and from €3141 to €2322 per each 3 points improvement in c-ACT, at years 1 and 6, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of OMZ is a cost-effective option for most children with uncontrolled SPAA, especially those who have frequent exacerbations; the costs are progressively reduced in successive years of treatment.

Breastfeeding Is Associated with Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in a Spanish Population of Preschoolers: The SENDO Project.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether breastfeeding during the first months of life is associated with adherence to the Mediterranean dietary (MedDiet) pattern in preschool children. DESIGN: The Seguimiento del Niño para un Desarrollo Óptimo (SENDO) project is an ongoing pediatric cohort with open recruitment, started in 2015 in Spain. Participants, recruited when they are 4 to 5 years old at their primary local health center or school, are followed annually through online questionnaires. For this study, 941 SENDO participants with full data on study variables were included. Breastfeeding history was collected retrospectively at baseline. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with the KIDMED index (range -3 to 12). RESULTS: After accounting for multiple sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders, including parental attitudes and knowledge about dietary recommendations for children, breastfeeding was independently associated with a higher adherence to the MedDiet. Compared with children who were never breastfed, children breastfed for ≥6 months had a one-point increase on their mean KIDMED score (Mean difference +0.93, 95%confidence interval [CI]. 0.52-1.34, p for trend <0.001). The odds ratio of high adherence to the MedDiet (KIDMED index ≥8) was 2.94 (95%CI 1.50-5.36) in children who were breastfed for at least 6 months, as compared to their peers who were never breastfeed. Children who were breastfed for less than 6 months exhibited intermediate levels of adherence (p for trend <0.01). CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding for 6 months or longer is associated with a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the preschool years.

Photodynamic nasal SARS-CoV-2 decolonization shortens infectivity and influences specific T-Cell responses.

Background: The main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal photodynamic therapy (PDT) in SARS-CoV-2 mildly symptomatic carriers on decreasing the infectivity period. SARS-CoV-2-specific immune-stimulating effects and safety were also analysed. Methods: We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in a tertiary hospital (NCT05184205). Patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in the last 48 hours were recruited and aleatorily assigned to PDT or placebo. Patients with pneumonia were excluded. Participants and investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was the reduction in in vitro infectivity of nasopharyngeal samples at days 3 and 7. Additional outcomes included safety assessment and quantification of humoral and T-cell immune-responses. Findings: Patients were recruited between December 2021 and February 2022. Most were previously healthy adults vaccinated against COVID-19 and most carried Omicron variant. 38 patients were assigned to placebo and 37 to PDT. Intranasal PDT reduced infectivity at day 3 post-treatment when compared to placebo with a ß-coefficient of -812.2 (CI95%= -478660 - -1.3, p<0.05) infectivity arbitrary units. The probability of becoming PCR negative (ct>34) at day 7 was higher on the PDT-group, with an OR of 0.15 (CI95%=0.04-0.58). There was a decay in anti-Spike titre and specific SARS-CoV-2 T cell immunity in the placebo group 10 and 20 weeks after infection, but not in the PDT-group. No serious adverse events were reported. Interpretation: Intranasal-PDT is safe in pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 patients, it reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and decelerates the decline SARS-CoV-2 specific immune-responses.

ACE-Vitamin Index and Risk of Glaucoma: The SUN Project.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies regarding antioxidant consumption and glaucoma have shown contradictory results. The aim of this study was to analyze the combined effect of the consumption of three vitamins (A, C and E) on the incidence of glaucoma in the SUN Project. METHODS: For this study, 18,669 participants were included. The mean follow-up was 11.5 years. An index including vitamins A, C and E (ACE-Vitamin Index) was calculated. Vitamin intake was extracted from participants' dietary data and vitamin supplements, if taken. Information on glaucoma incidence was collected by previously validated self-reported questionnaires. The association between glaucoma and vitamin intake was assessed by repeated-measures Cox regression using multi-adjusted hazard ratios. RESULTS: A total of 251 (1.3%) cases of glaucoma were detected. Participants with a higher ACE-Vitamin Index presented a reduced risk of glaucoma compared to participants with lower consumption (adjusted HR = 0.73; 95% CI, (0.55-0.98)). When each vitamin was analyzed individually, none of them had a significant protective effect. The protective effect of the ACE-Vitamin Index was higher in men and older participants (≥55 year). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of vitamins A, C and E considered separately do not seem to exert a protective effect against glaucoma, but when these vitamins are considered together, they are associated with a lower risk of glaucoma.

Individual and family predictors of ultra-processed food consumption in Spanish children. The SENDO project.

BRACKGROUND: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is increasing exponentially, becoming a matter of concern for Public Health, given its adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: To identify individual and family factors predicting UPF consumption in childhood. DESIGN: The SENDO project is an ongoing prospective dynamic cohort of Spanish children. In this study, we used baseline information of participants recruited between January 2015 and June 2021. Dietary information was collected with a validated semi-quantitative FFQ, and food items were classified using the NOVA classification. Individual and family factors associated with UPF consumption (p< 0.20) in univariate analyses were introduced in a model of generalized estimating equations (GEE) which accounted for intra-cluster correlations between siblings. SETTING: The SENDO proyect (Spain), 2015-2021. PARTICIPANTS: Spanish children are recruited at the age of 4-5 years and followed yearly through online questionnaires completed by parents. RESULTS: In this sample of 806 participants (49% girls; mean age 5 years [SD: 0.90]), the mean UPF consumption was 37.64 % of total energy intake (sd: 9.59). Large family size and longer exposure to screens predicted higher consumption of UPF. On the other hand, better knowledge of children's dietary recommendations, healthy dietary attitudes towards child's eating habits and longer breastfeeding were associated with lower consumption of UPF. All these factors accounted for approximately 16% of the variability on the consumption of UPF in childhood. CONCLUSION: Since most of the factors identified in this study are modifiable, they should be considered in public health strategies aimed at promoting heathy dietary habits in early life.

Parental perception of child's weight, their attitudes towards child's dietary habits and the risk of obesity.

BACKGROUND: The association between parental perception of child's weight and their attitudes towards his/her dietary habits has not been reported yet. This study aimed to assess the association between parental underestimation of child's weight and parental attitudes towards child's dietary habits. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of SENDO cohort participants recruited between January 2015 and June 2020. All information was collected through online questionnaires completed by parents. We calculated crude and multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for unhealthy attitudes towards child's dietary habits associated with parental underestimation of child's weight. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of children in the SENDO project had parents who underestimated their weight. Parents who underestimated their child's weight status were more likely to have unhealthy attitudes toward his/her dietary habits [OR 3.35; 95% CI (1.71-6.53)]. CONCLUSIONS: Parental underestimation of child's weight was associated with unhealthy attitudes towards child's dietary habits. Pediatricians and public health practitioners should pay attention to the parental perception of child's weight to identify parents who underestimate it as an at-risk group in which to inquire about lifestyle and dietary habits.

Healthy Lifestyle Score and Incidence of Glaucoma: The Sun Project.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between modifiable risk factors, such as diet and lifestyle, and glaucoma remains controversial. We analyse the effect of the Mediterranean lifestyle (ML) on glaucoma incidence in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) Project. METHODS: The SUN Healthy Lifestyle Score (SHLS) includes 10 healthy habits: never having smoked, moderate to high physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, moderate alcohol consumption, low television exposure, no binge drinking, short afternoon napping, meeting up with friends, working at least 40 h/wk, and low body mass index. The information was collected biennially through self-reported questionnaires. The relationship between new glaucoma cases and the SHLS was assessed by Cox regression using hazard ratios. Crude, multi-adjusted, and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: During a median of 12 years of follow-up, 261 (1.42%) new cases of glaucoma were identified among 18,420 participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the healthiest SHLS category showed a significantly reduced risk of glaucoma compared to those in the lowest SHLS category (adjusted HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28-0.93). For each point added to the SHLS, the risk of glaucoma relatively dropped 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to a ML, measured by the SHLS, was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing glaucoma. Based on our study, the ML is a protective factor for glaucoma incidence.

Effects of the First 1000 Days Program, a systems-change intervention, on obesity risk factors during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: First 1000 Days is a systems-oriented program starting in early pregnancy lasting through the first 24 months of infancy focused on preventing obesity and related risk factors among low income, mother-infant pairs. The program was developed in partnership with stakeholders to create an infrastructure for system-wide change. It includes screening for adverse health behaviors and socio-contextual factors, patient navigation and educational materials to support behavior change and social needs, and individualized health coaching for women at highest risk of obesity and has been shown to reduce excess gestational weight gain for women who were overweight at the start of their pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine changes from the first to third trimester for women participating in the First 1000 Days Program. METHODS: We collected information through self-administered questionnaires during the first and third trimester of gestation and from electronic health records relating to obesity risk factors. Measures collected included behavior (i.e., diet, physical activity and screen time) and psychosocial (i.e., anxiety) outcomes, as well as enrollment in Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. We examined the extent to which participation in the program was associated with changes in behaviors and psychosocial outcomes among women during pregnancy. RESULTS: Women completed surveys at their initial and third trimester prenatal visits (n = 264). Mean age (SD) was 30.2 (5.51) years and 75% had an annual household income of <$50,000. Mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 kg/m2 and 64% started pregnancy with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. In multivariable adjusted models, we observed decreases in intake of sugary-drinks (- 0.95 servings/day; 95% CI: - 1.86, - 0.03) and in screen time (- 0.21 h/day; 95% CI: - 0.40, - 0.01), and an increase in physical activity (0.88 days/week; 95% CI: 0.52, 1.23) from the first to third trimester. We also observed a decrease in pregnancy-related anxiety score (- 1.06 units; 95% CI: - 1.32, - 0.79) and higher odds of enrollment in Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.96, 3.41). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a systems-oriented prenatal intervention may be associated with improvements in behaviors and psychosocial outcomes during pregnancy among low-income mothers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03191591 ; Retrospectively registered on June 19, 2017).