Índice de riesgo de obesidad infantil (IROBIC) para áreas administrativas pequeñas en Chile / Childhood obesity risk index (IROBIC) for small administrative areas in Chile

Introducción: a pesar de la alta prevalencia de la obesidad infantil (OI) globalmente, no existen índices compuestos para estimar los aspectos territoriales asociados al riesgo de OI. Objetivo: elaborar un índice de riesgo de OI (IROBIC) para unidades administrativas pequeñas (comunas) de Chile Métodos: se utilizaron datos de 2019 de fuentes públicas con información de menores de 10 años de todas las comunas de las 2 regiones más grandes. El IROBIC incluye 16 indicadores estandarizados por comuna y agrupados en cuatro dimensiones, determinadas por análisis de componentes principales (salud, socio económica, entornos comunal y educacional). Se determinó el IROBIC mediante una media geométrica ponderada y posteriormente se calcularon las diferencias entre las 10 y 5 comunas con mayores y menores IROBIC y de cada dimensión, con el coeficiente de disparidad Resultados: aun cuando los mayores IROBIC se obtuvieran en comunas más vulnerables, su valor total y el de cada dimensión, mostraron que es posible amortiguar los efectos de la desigualdad sobre la OI. Las 10 y 5 comunas con mayor IROBIC presentan un riesgo, 2,41 y 4,05 veces mayor que las de menor valor, respectivamente. Conclusiones: el IROBIC puede monitorear el riesgo de OI —y factores asociados— desde una perspectiva territorial. (AU)

Introduction: although the prevalence of childhood obesity (CO) is high globally, there are no composite indices to estimate territorial aspects associated with its risk Objective: to develop an obesity risk index (IROBIC) for small administrative units, called “comunas” in Chile Methods: we used 2019 data from public sources on children under 10 years living in “comunas” of the two largest regions. IROBIC includes 16 indicators standardized for each “comuna” and grouped together into four domains, determined by principal component analysis (health, socio-economic, built-in and educational environments). IROBIC was calculated as a weighted geometric mean. Differences in obesity risk between the 10 and 5 “comunas” with the highest and lowest IROBIC and of each domain, were calculated with the disparity ratio. Results: in spite of the poorest “comunas” having the highest IROBIC, when its value and that for each domain were considered, we observed that the effect of inequality could be mitigated. The 10 and 5 “comunas” with the highest IROBIC have a 2.41 and 4.05 higher risk of CO compared to those with the lowest values Conclusions: IROBIC is a useful tool for monitoring the risk of CO and its factors from a territorial perspective. (AU)

[Childhood obesity risk index (IROBIC) for small administrative areas in Chile]. / Índice de riesgo de obesidad infantil (IROBIC) para áreas administrativas pequeñas en Chile.

Introduction: Introduction: although the prevalence of childhood obesity (CO) is high globally, there are no composite indices to estimate territorial aspects associated with its risk Objective: to develop an obesity risk index (IROBIC) for small administrative units, called "comunas" in Chile Methods: we used 2019 data from public sources on children under 10 years living in "comunas" of the two largest regions. IROBIC includes 16 indicators standardized for each "comuna" and grouped together into four domains, determined by principal component analysis (health, socio-economic, built-in and educational environments). IROBIC was calculated as a weighted geometric mean. Differences in obesity risk between the 10 and 5 "comunas" with the highest and lowest IROBIC and of each domain, were calculated with the disparity ratio. Results: in spite of the poorest "comunas" having the highest IROBIC, when its value and that for each domain were considered, we observed that the effect of inequality could be mitigated. The 10 and 5 "comunas" with the highest IROBIC have a 2.41 and 4.05 higher risk of CO compared to those with the lowest values Conclusions: IROBIC is a useful tool for monitoring the risk of CO and its factors from a territorial perspective.

Introducción: Introducción: a pesar de la alta prevalencia de la obesidad infantil (OI) globalmente, no existen índices compuestos para estimar los aspectos territoriales asociados al riesgo de OI. Objetivo: elaborar un índice de riesgo de OI (IROBIC) para unidades administrativas pequeñas (comunas) de Chile Métodos: se utilizaron datos de 2019 de fuentes públicas con información de menores de 10 años de todas las comunas de las 2 regiones más grandes. El IROBIC incluye 16 indicadores estandarizados por comuna y agrupados en cuatro dimensiones, determinadas por análisis de componentes principales (salud, socio económica, entornos comunal y educacional). Se determinó el IROBIC mediante una media geométrica ponderada y posteriormente se calcularon las diferencias entre las 10 y 5 comunas con mayores y menores IROBIC y de cada dimensión, con el coeficiente de disparidad Resultados: aun cuando los mayores IROBIC se obtuvieran en comunas más vulnerables, su valor total y el de cada dimensión, mostraron que es posible amortiguar los efectos de la desigualdad sobre la OI. Las 10 y 5 comunas con mayor IROBIC presentan un riesgo, 2,41 y 4,05 veces mayor que las de menor valor, respectivamente. Conclusiones: el IROBIC puede monitorear el riesgo de OI ­y factores asociados­ desde una perspectiva territorial.

Socio-Spatial Segregation of Unhealthy Food Environments across Public Schools in Santiago, Chile.

Santiago, Chile is a very segregated city, with higher childhood obesity rates observed in vulnerable areas. We compared the counts and proximity of unhealthy food outlets (UFOs) around a 400 m buffer of 443 public schools (municipal and subsidized) located in socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods in 14 municipalities of Santiago. This was a cross-sectional study in which the socioeconomic status (SES) of the population living inside the buffer was classified as middle-high, middle, and low. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test for comparisons of density and proximity between type of school, SES, and population density. We used a negative binomial model (unadjusted and adjusted by population density) to determine the expected change in counts of UFOs by SES, which was compared to the reference (middle-high). Low SES neighborhoods had significantly more counts of UFOs, and these were located much closer to schools. Low and middle SES neighborhoods had an 88% and 48% higher relative risk of having UFOs compared to middle-high SES areas; (IRR = 1.88; 95% CI 1.59-2.23) and (IRR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.20-1.82), respectively. A socio-spatial segregation of UFOs associated with childhood obesity across public schools was observed in Santiago.

Generatividad y Satisfacción Vital en un una muestra de abuelos/as de Santiago, Chile / Generativity and Life Satisfaction in a sample of grandparents from Santiago, Chile

Resumen Se presentan los resultados de una muestra de 385 abuelos1 chilenos estratificada por sexo, edad y nivel de ingreso del grupo familiar en la Escala de Generatividad de Loyola (McAdams & de St. Aubin, 1992) adaptada para abuelos en Chile (EGL-A) por Larrain, Zegers & Orellana (2016) y en el Índice de Satisfacción Vital de Neugarten, Havighurst & Tobin (1961,1996) en su versión adaptada a Chile por Zegers, Rojas-Barahona & Föster (2009). No se encontró evidencia de correlación positiva entre los puntajes totales de ambos instrumentos, pero sí al estratificar por escolaridad, la correlación entre generatividad y la dimensión congruencia del LSI-A resultó positiva para quienes poseían escolaridad media (r = 0.215, p= 0.021) o superior (r = 0.230, p= 0.0066).

Abstract The results of a sample of 383 chilean grandparents stratified by sex, age and income level to the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) (McAdams & de St. Aubin, 1992) adapted for grandparents in Chile (EGL-A) by Larrain, Zegers & Orellana (2016) and the Life Satisfaction Index Neugarten, Havighurst & Tobin (1961, 1996) in its adapted version to Chile by Zegers, Rojas-Barahona & Föster (2009) are presented. It was not found a positive correlation between the total scores of both instruments but it was positive when the sample was stratified by school level between generativity and the congruence dimensión of the LSI-A for all those with complete high school studies (r = 0.215, p= 0.021) or college studies (r = 0.230, p= 0.0066).

A multifactorial approach of nutritional, intellectual, brain development, cardiovascular risk, socio-economic, demographic and educational variables affecting the scholastic achievement in Chilean students: An eight- year follow-up study.

The aim of this study was to quantitate the relative impact of nutritional, intellectual, brain development, cardiovascular risk, socio-economic, demographic and educational variables on the results of the 2009 Quality Education Measurement System (SIMCE) tests of language and mathematics for scholastic achievement (SA) applying a multifactorial approach, in school-age children of the 2010 5th elementary school grade (5ESG) and of the 1st grade of high school (1HSG). The purposes were: i) to test the hypothesis that intellectual ability, the level of SA of the educational establishments in the 2009 SIMCE tests, sex, parental schooling levels, and head circumference-for-age Z-score are the most relevant parameters associated with 2009 SIMCE outcomes; ii) to determine the predictive ability of the 2009 SIMCE results in determining the 2013 SIMCE outcomes for the 2010 5ESG cohort (when they graduated from elementary school, 8th grade) and for determining the 2013 University Selection Test (PSU) outcomes for the 2010 1HSG group (for university admission, when they graduated from high school, 4th grade); iii) to determine the association between the 2009 SIMCE results with the 2017 PSU outcomes for the 2010 5ESG group (for university admission, when they graduated from high school, 4th grade). A representative, proportional and stratified sample of 33 schools of the Metropolitan Region of Chile was randomly chosen. In these schools, 1,353 school-age children of both sexes, of the 2010 5ESG (n = 682; mean age = 10.8 years, SD = 0.6) and of the 2010 1HSG (n = 671; mean age = 14.8 years, SD = 0.6) participated. In both grades and tests, the findings confirm the hypotheses formulated. 2009 SIMCE outcomes were positively and significantly associated with 2013 SIMCE and with 2017 PSU and, with 2013 PSU outcomes in school-age children from 2010 5ESG and 1HSG, respectively. These findings may be useful for educational and health planning in Chile and countries in a comparable stage of development.

Impact of anthropometric nutritional parameters on the university selection test in Chile: A multifactorial approach.

OBJECTIVES: Scholastic achievement (SA) is a multifactorial problem that depends on factors related to the child, the child's family, and the educational system. The aim of this study was to quantify the relative impact of significant variables at the beginning of high school during 2010 (first grade of high school [1 HSG]) on 2013 university selection test (Prueba de Seleccion Universitaria [PSU]) outcomes, both in language scholastic achievement (LSA) and mathematics scholastic achievement (MSA), when students graduated from high school (4 HSG). This was done at the time of university admission with a multicausal approach. The purpose was to confirm the hypothesis that the level of educational establishment SA, intellectual ability, sex, parental schooling levels, and head circumference for age Z-score at the onset of high school are the most relevant parameters associated with 2013 PSU outcomes, both in LSA and MSA. METHODS: A representative, proportional, and stratified sample of 671 children of both sexes who enrolled in 1 HSG in 2010 (mean age: 14.8 ± 0.6 y) participated in the study. Nutritional, intellectual, brain developmental, cardiovascular risk, socio-to-economic, demographic, and educational variables were quantitated. SA was assessed at 4 HSG with the 2013 PSU tests. Data were analyzed with SAS software. RESULTS: Educational establishment SA, intellectual ability, maternal schooling, and age Z-score were the most relevant parameters to explain LSA (R2 = 0.493; P < 0.0001) and MSA variance in addition to sex (male), but only in MSA (R2 = 0.600; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the hypothesis and can be useful to support nutritional, health, and educational planning.

Docosahexaenoic acid levels in erythrocytes and their association with the University Selection Test Outcomes in Chile.

The aim of this study was to quantitate the relative impact of DHA and AA levels in erythrocytes, anthropometric parameters and socio-economic status of school-age children, of both genders, graduated from high school in Chile, on the scholastic achievement in the University Selection Test (Prueba de Selección Universitaria, PSU) both language scholastic achievement (LSA) and mathematics scholastic achievement (MSA). A representative sample of 671 school-age young graduated from high school in 2013, 550 and 548 of them took the PSU for LSA and MSA, respectively. Only school-age young with high (n = 91) and low (n = 69) SA in both tests were considered. A total of 122 school-age children agreed to participate in the study and were divided as follows: Group 1: high PSU outcome (n = 70; males n = 48) and Group 2: low PSU outcome (n = 52; males n = 23). Data were analyzed by means of SAS software. Independently of gender, DHA, socio-economic status and head circumference-for-age Z-score were the most relevant parameters explaining both LSA (R2 = 0.650; p < 0.0001) and MSA outcomes (R2 = 0.700; p < 0.0001). These results can be useful for nutrition, health and education planning, in order to protect children starting from an early age and thus increase their school outcomes.

Overnutrition and Scholastic Achievement: Is There a Relationship? An 8-Year Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between overnutrition and scholastic achievement (SA). METHODS: A representative and proportional sample of 477 children of the 5th elementary school grade of both genders was randomly chosen during 2010, in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. SA was measured through the 2009 Education Quality Measurement System (SIMCE) tests of language (LSA), mathematics (MSA) and understanding of the natural environment (UNESA). Current nutritional status was assessed through the body mass index Z-score (Z-BMI). Nutritional quality of diet, schedule exercise, socioeconomic status, family, and educational variables were also recorded. Four and 8 years later, SA was assessed through the 2013 SIMCE and the University Selection Test (2017 PSU), respectively. RESULTS: Socioeconomic status, the number of repeated school years, and maternal schooling were strong predictors of 2009 SIMCE and the independent variables with the greatest explanatory power for LSA (Model R2 = 0.178; p < 0.00001) variances, besides of gender for MSA (Model R2 = 0.205; p< 0.00001) and UNESA (Model R2 = 0.272; p < 0.00001). Overnourished children did not have significantly lower 2009 and 2013 SIMCE and 2017 PSU outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that overnourished children did not achieve significantly lower SA.

Physically active Chilean school kids perform better in language and mathematics.

We examined the association between the engagement in regular physical activity (PA) and the academic performance (AP) of school-age children from Santiago Metropolitan Region. In a random sample of 1271 students (13.3 ± 2.3 years old) we measured regular PA, accounting for hours of weekly scheduled exercise, and AP, using national standardized tests scores in Language and Mathematics. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to model the relation between academic and health-related behaviors. Two outcomes were considered: (i) sufficiency according to the Ministry of Education and (ii) discretionary sufficiency (tests z-scores ≥50th percentile). About 80% of students were poorly engaged in scheduled exercise (<2 h per week). Devoting more than 4 h per week to scheduled exercise significantly increased the odds of reaching the official and discretionary sufficiency in both Language and Mathematics. Moderate engagement (2-4 h per week) just improved the odds of reaching the discretionary sufficiency standard. These results confirm the poor engagement in regular exercise at the school level. School kids with the highest allocation of time to scheduled exercise have better AP in Language and Mathematics. Our findings support the notion that academic and health-related behaviors are linked and, similarly, that school health programs may have positive effects on educational outcomes.

Compliance of physical activity guidelines by chilean low-income children: difference between school and weekend days and nutritional status.

The main objectives of this study were to compare in 6-9 y Chilean low-income children, daily minutes of moderate/ vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and compliance of the guideline of 60 min of daily MVPA on weekdays versus weekends, by sex and nutritional status (NS). The sample included 250 children (139 boys). Weight and height were measured; MVPA was assessed with NL1000 pedometers during 7 days. The sample was categorized into normal-weight (N) and overweight (OW) according to BMI z score (WHO reference 2007). Comparisons between weekdays and weekends included: a) MVPA by sex, using t-test b) MVPA of N and OW by sex, using ANOVA c) Compliance of guideline by sex and NS, using test of proportions. 66% of the children were OW, accumulating significantly more MVPA on weekdays, 50.5 min versus 40.3; boys more than girls; this result was similar by NS, except for N girls who spent similarly on weekdays as on weekends. Only 33 % boys and 15% girls (p= 0.03) and 17 and 9% (p=0.058) met the guideline on weekdays and weekends respectively, similarly by NS. A very small proportion of children met the MVPA guideline; adopting an active lifestyle is key, considering their high overweight prevalence.

Los principales objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar en escolares chilenos de bajos ingresos (6-9 años), minutos diarios de actividad física moderada / vigorosa (AFMV) y el cumplimiento de la recomendación de 60 minutos diarios de AFMV durante la semana y fin de semana, por sexo y estado nutricional (EN). La muestra incluyó a 250 niños (139 varones). Se midieron peso, talla y AFMV que se evaluó con podómetros (NL1000) durante 7 días. La muestra se clasificó en peso normal (N) y sobrepeso (SP) según puntaje z de IMC (OMS 2007). Las comparaciones entre días de semana y fines de semana incluyeron : a) AFMV por sexo, utilizando la prueba t b) AFMV de N y SP según sexo, usando ANOVA y c) grado de cumplimiento de la recomendación por sexo y EN, utilizando la prueba de proporciones. 66% de los niños eran SP, acumulando significativamente más AFMV los días de semana, 50.5 min versus 40,3; los niños más que las niñas. Este resultado fue similar según EN, excepto para las niñas N. Sólo 33% de los niños y 15% de las niñas (p = 0,03) y el 17% y el 9% (p = 0,058) cumplieron con la recomendación durante la semana y fin de semana, respectivamente con resultados similares según EN. Un bajísimo % de niños chilenos cumple con la recomendación diaria de AFMV. La adopción de un estilo de vida activo desde temprana edad es clave, teniendo en cuenta además la alta prevalencia de sobrepeso.

Compliance of physical activity guidelines by Chilean low-income children: difference between school and weekend days and nutritional status / Grado de cumplimiento de niños chilenos de bajos recursos con la recomendación diaria de actividad física: diferencia entre semana y fin de semana según estado nutricional

The main objectives of this study were to compare in 6-9 y Chilean low-income children, daily minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and compliance of the guideline of 60 min of daily MVPA on weekdays versus weekends, by sex and nutritional status (NS). The sample included 250 children (139 boys). Weight and height were measured; MVPA was assessed with NL1000 pedometers during 7 days. The sample was categorized into normal-weight (N) and overweight (OW) according to BMI z score (WHO reference 2007). Comparisons between weekdays and weekends included: a) MVPA by sex, using t-test b) MVPA of N and OW by sex, using ANOVA c) Compliance of guideline by sex and NS, using test of proportions. 66% of the children were OW, accumulating significantly more MVPA on weekdays, 50.5 min versus 40.3; boys more than girls; this result was similar by NS, except for N girls who spent similarly on weekdays as on weekends. Only 33 % boys and 15% girls (p= 0.03) and 17 and 9% (p=0.058) met the guideline on weekdays and weekends respectively, similarly by NS. A very small proportion of children met the MVPA guideline; adopting an active lifestyle is key, considering their high overweight prevalence (AU)

Los principales objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar en escolares chilenos de bajos ingresos (6-9 años), minutos diarios de actividad física moderada / vigorosa (AFMV) y el cumplimiento de la recomendación de 60 minutos diarios de AFMV durante la semana y fin de semana, por sexo y estado nutricional (EN). La muestra incluyó a 250 niños (139 varones). Se midieron peso, talla y AFMV que se evaluó con podómetros (NL1000) durante 7 días. La muestra se clasificó en peso normal (N) y sobrepeso (SP) según puntaje z de IMC (OMS 2007). Las comparaciones entre días de semana y fines de semana incluyeron : a) AFMV por sexo, utilizando la prueba t b) AFMV de N y SP según sexo, usando ANOVA y c) grado de cumplimiento de la recomendación por sexo y EN, utilizando la prueba de proporciones. 66% de los niños eran SP, acumulando significativamente más AFMV los días de semana, 50.5 min versus 40,3; los niños más que las niñas. Este resultado fue similar según EN, excepto para las niñas N. Sólo 33% de los niños y 15% de las niñas (p = 0,03) y el 17% y el 9% (p = 0,058) cumplieron con la recomendación durante la semana y fin de semana, respectivamente con resultados similares según EN. Un bajísimo % de niños chilenos cumple con la recomendación diaria de AFMV. La adopción de un estilo de vida activo desde temprana edad es clave, teniendo en cuenta además la alta prevalencia de sobrepeso (AU)

The relationship between unhealthy snacking at school and academic outcomes: a population study in Chilean schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between unhealthy snacking at school and academic outcomes in students from the Santiago Metropolitan Region (Chile). DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study. SETTING: We measured the nutritional quality of snacks at school using an FFQ, and accounting for the amounts of saturated fat, fibre, sugar and salt in the foods, and academic outcomes using national standardized test scores in Language and Mathematics. Multivariate regression analyses modelled the relationship between unhealthy snacking at school (exposure), potential confounders and performance in Mathematics and Language (outcomes). SUBJECTS: Random sample of 1073 students (13.1 (SD 2.3) years old) attending public, partially subsidized and private schools. RESULTS: Fifty-six per cent of students ate items at snack time that were high in fat, sugar, salt and energy, and thus were considered to have unhealthy snaking. Thirty-six per cent and 8% were considered to have poor-to-fair and healthy snacking, respectively. Unhealthy snacking significantly lowered the odds of good academic performance in both domains. Students having unhealthy snacks were 56% less likely to pass in Language (fully adjusted OR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.23, 0.85) and 66% less likely to pass in Mathematics (fully adjusted OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.19, 0.64) compared with students having healthy snack items. CONCLUSIONS: Schoolchildren eating unhealthy foods at snack time had worse academic performance in Language and Mathematics, as measured by a standardized test. Although association does not imply causation, these findings support the notion that academic and health-related behaviours are linked. More research is needed on the effect of school health programmes on educational outcomes.

Association between socioeconomic vulnerability and height with obesity in low-income Chilean children in the transition from preschool to first grade.

This study determined the percentage of obesity among lower-income Chilean children 4-6 years of age, by socioeconomic vulnerability (family score assessing the children's risk of becoming poor) and height. The sample included 17,080 children with anthropometry at 4, 5, and 6 years of age, and three categories of socioeconomic vulnerability. Body mass index Z-score (BMI Z), % obesity, height/age Z-score (HAZ) by socioeconomic vulnerability/sex, the effect of socioeconomic vulnerability on BMI Z and HAZ by age/sex, and BMI Z and % obesity at 4-6 years, according to initial height, were determined. Between 4-6 years, % obesity is very high, especially among the less-vulnerable and taller children. Preventive measures should prioritize this group.

Scheduled physical activity is associated with better academic performance in Chilean school-age children.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to examine the association between systematic physical activity and academic performance in school kids after controlling for potential sociodemographic and educational confounders. METHODS: In a random sample of 1271 students from urban Santiago, attending 5th and 9th grade, who took the 2009 System for the Assessment of Educational Quality (SIMCE) tests, we measured physical activity habits, anthropometric characteristics, and socioeconomic status. Academic performance was measured by the standardized SIMCE tests. Logistic regressions assessed the relationship between the allocation of time to weekly scheduled exercise, potential confounding factors, and individual academic performance. RESULTS: About 80% of students reported less than 2 hours of weekly scheduled exercise, while 10.6% and 10.2% reported 2 to 4 hours/week and more than 4 hours/week, respectively. Devoting more than 4 hours/week to scheduled exercise significantly increased (P < .01) the odds of having SIMCE composite z-scores ≥ 50th percentile (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6) and ≥ 75th percentile (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.3). CONCLUSIONS: Better academic performance was associated with a higher allocation of time to scheduled exercise in school-age children.

Achievement in mathematics and language is linked to regular physical activity: a population study in Chilean youth.

We examined the association between the allocation of time to regular physical activity (PA) and achievement in mathematics and language in Chilean adolescents after controlling for confounders. In a random sample of 620 ninth graders (15.6 ± 0.7 years old), we measured regular PA, including physical education and sports extracurricular activities, and academic performance, using national standardised tests. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses modelled the relation between academic and health-related behaviours. Sufficiency and proficiency in mathematics and language were used as outcome variables. Only 18% of adolescents had >4 h·week(-1) of regular PA. Devoting >4 h · week(-1) to regular PA significantly increased the odds of sufficiency and proficiency in both domains. After full adjustment, the odds of sufficiency and proficiency in mathematics increased by 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.5) and 2.7 (95% CI: 1.7-4.3), respectively. Similarly, the odds of sufficiency and proficiency in language increased by 3.3 (95% CI: 1.7-9.7) and 2.6 (95% CI: 1.6-4.1), respectively. Adolescents with the highest allocation of time to regular PA performed much better in mathematics and language than inactive students. The academic benefits associated with PA can help to promote sustained behaviour changes regarding lifestyles. They can be more easily perceived as gains than health benefits alone.

Brain development and scholastic achievement in the Education Quality Measurement System tests in Chilean school-aged children.

BACKGROUND: Head circumference (HC), the anthropometric index of both brain development and nutritional background, has been described to be significantly associated with scholastic achievement (SA). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of nutritional background and current nutritional status parameters on SA in the Education Quality Measurement System (SIMCE) tests. METHODS: A representative sample of 33 schools was randomly chosen in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The sample consisted of 1,353 school-aged children of both sexes, from the fifth grade of elementary school and from the first grade of high school who in 2009 took the SIMCE tests. Nutritional status was assessed through anthropometric parameters. Brain development was measured through the HC expressed as HC-for-age Z-score (Z-HC). RESULTS: Students with Z-HC < -2 SD and >2 SD obtained low and high SA, respectively, both in the language and the mathematics tests (P < 0.001). In general, in both grades, those students with Z-HC ≥ 0 SD increase more than double the probability to obtain language and mathematics SA scores ≥ the median (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We confirm the hypothesis that HC is the most relevant physical index associated with SA; therefore, children with the lowest scores in the SIMCE tests probably have lower brain development.

Somatotype and intellectual ability (Raven Progressive Matrices Test) in Chilean school-age children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between somatotype and intellectual ability (IA) in 11-12 and 15-16 year-old students (n = 1,015) in the Chile's Metropolitan Region from a representative sample of 33 educational establishments chosen at random. METHODS: The Heath-Carter somatotype and the IA assessed through the Raven Progressive Matrices Test were measured. RESULTS: The endomorph was observed in 59% of the students; 28% had a mesomorph and 13% ectomorph. The IA was distributed in: 11.2% Grade I, 26.8% Grade II, 41% Grade III, 17.6% Grade IV and 3.2% Grade V. A positive and significant correlation of IA with the endomorphic component (r = 0.074, p = 0.02) was found in the total sample and only in females (r = 0.109, p = 0.02); at the same time, a positive and significant correlation with the ectomorph component was also observed (r = 0.067, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that other variables would influence more strongly the IA for which further research is needed to quantitate this multifactorial problem.

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre el somatotipo y la habilidad intelectual (HA) en estudiantes de 11-12 y 15-16 años de edad de la Región Metropolitana, Chile. Métodos: Se registró una muestra representativa de 1.015 escolares de acuerdo a los resultados del sistema de medición de la calidad de la educación (SIMCE) 2009. Se evaluó el somatotipo de Heath-Carter y la HA de acuerdo al Test de Matrices Progresivas de Raven. Resultados: Un 59% presentó un somatotipo endomórfico, 28% mesomórfico y 13% ectomorfo. La HA se distribuyó en: 11,2% Grado I, 26,8% Grado II, 41% Grado III, 17,6% Grado IV y 3,2% Grado V. Se presenta una correlación significativa positiva con el componente endomórfico (r = 0,074 p = 0,02), y sólo en mujeres (r = 0,109 p = 0,02), a la vez se observa una relación significativa positiva con el componente ectomorfo (r = 0,067 p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Esto sugiere que otras variables estarían influyendo más fuertemente en la HA, además de apoyar la no discriminación por biotipo en los establecimientos educacionales.

Somatotype and intellectual ability (Raven progressive matrices test) in Chilean school-age children / Somatotipo y capacidad intelectual (prueba de matrices progresivas de Raven) en escolares chilenos

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between somatotype and intellectual ability (IA) in 11-12 and 15-16 year-old students (n = 1,015) in the Chile's Metropolitan Region from a representative sample of 33 educational establishments chosen at random. METHODS: The Heath-Carter somatotype and the IA assessed through the Raven Progressive Matrices Test were measured. RESULTS: The endomorph was observed in 59% of the students; 28% had a mesomorph and 13% ectomorph. The IA was distributed in: 11.2% Grade I, 26.8% Grade II, 41% Grade III, 17.6% Grade IV and 3.2% Grade V. A positive and significant correlation of IA with the endomorphic component (r = 0.074, p = 0.02) was found in the total sample and only in females (r = 0.109, p = 0.02); at the same time, a positive and significant correlation with the ectomorph component was also observed (r = 0.067, p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that other variables would influence more strongly the IA for which further research is needed to quantitate this multifactorial problem (AU)

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre el somatotipo y la habilidad intelectual (HA) en estudiantes de 11-12 y 15-16 años de edad de la Región Metropolitana, Chile. Métodos: Se registró una muestra representativa de 1.015 escolares de acuerdo a los resultados del sistema de medición de la calidad de la educación (SIMCE) 2009. Se evaluó el somatotipo de Heath-Carter y la HA de acuerdo al Test de Matrices Progresivas de Raven. Resultados: Un 59% presentó un somatotipo endomórfico, 28% mesomórfico y 13% ectomorfo. La HA se distribuyó en: 11,2% Grado I, 26,8% Grado II, 41% Grado III, 17,6% Grado IV y 3,2% Grado V. Se presenta una correlación significativa positiva con el componente endomórfico (r = 0,074 p = 0,02), y sólo en mujeres (r = 0,109 p = 0,02), a la vez se observa una relación significativa positiva con el componente ectomorfo (r = 0,067 p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Esto sugiere que otras variables estarían influyendo más fuertemente en la HA, además de apoyar la no discriminación por biotipo en los establecimientos educacionales (AU)

[Differences in magnitude of nutritional status in Chilean school children according to CDC and WHO 2005-2008 reference]. / Diferencias en magnitud de estado nutricional en escolares Chilenos según la referencia CDC Y OMS 2005-2008.

INTRODUCTION: Further discussions are needed regarding the magnitude of nutritional problems diagnosed using CDC or WHO, against the existence of new biological or statistical definitions of obesity. OBJECTIVE: To compare the evolution of the prevalence of nutritional status among schoolchildren in first grade, from 2005 to 2008, according to CDC and WHO. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, of 140.265 students of both sexes of first grade, evaluated from 2005- 2008, whose anthropometric data (weight and height), were obtained from annual registration system of school nutrition. To classify the nutritional status of children, CDC and WHO patterns were used. RESULTS: The mean BMI was slightly different and lower in girls than in boys, in 2005 and 2006. During 2007 and 2008 the average BMI in girls reached the observed in males. There was a higher prevalence of underweight according to WHO (p=0,03), with a tendency to decrease in the subsequent years. The prevalence of normality was greater according to the CDC criteria, with a reduction between 2005 and 2007 and an increase in 2008 (P < 0,001). There was a lower prevalence of overweight according to CDC criteria (P < 0,001), with an increase between 2005 and 2007, both CDC and WHO. The prevalence of obesity was lower according to the WHO criteria, and there were not statistically significant differences when comparing the CDC pattern. CONCLUSIONS: By comparing both patterns, CDC tends to overestimate the normal and underestimate the overweight, while obesity was not significant differences.

Introducción: Es necesario realizar nuevas discusiones respecto a la magnitud de los problemas nutricionales diagnosticados, al usar CDC u OMS, frente a la existencia de nuevas definiciones biológicas o estadísticas de obesidad. Objetivo: Comparar la evolución de la prevalencia de estado nutricional en escolares de primero básico, desde el 2013 2005 al 2008, según CDC y OMS. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva, de 140.265 escolares de ambos sexos de primero básico, evaluados entre 2005- 2008, cuyos datos antropométricos (peso y talla), se obtuvieron del sistema anual de registro del estado nutricional escolar. Para clasificar el estado nutricional, se utilizaron los patrones CDC y OMS. Resultados: Los promedios de IMC fueron levemente diferentes y menores en la niñas que en los niños, en 2005 y 2006. Durante el 2007 y 2008 el promedio de IMC en las niñas alcanzó la cifra observada en los varones. Hubo mayor prevalencia de bajo peso según OMS (p=0,03), con una tendencia a la disminución en los 2013s posteriores. La prevalencia de normalidad fue mayor según el criterio CDC, con una reducción entre el 2005 y 2007 y un incremento 2008 (p<0,001). Hubo una menor prevalencia de sobrepeso según el criterio CDC (p<0,001), con aumento entre el 2005 y 2007, tanto CDC como OMS. La prevalencia de obesidad fue menor según el criterio OMS, no encontrándose diferencia estadísticamente significativa al comparar con el patrón CDC. Conclusiones: Al comparar ambos patrones, CDC tiende a sobreestimar la normalidad y subestimar el sobrepeso, mientras que en obesidad no se encontraron diferencias significativas.

Diferencias en magnitud de estado nutricional en escolares chilenos según la referencia CDC y OMS 2005-2008 / Differences in magnitude of nutritional status in Chilean school children according to CDC and WHO 2005-2008 reference

Introducción: Es necesario realizar nuevas discusiones respecto a la magnitud de los problemas nutricionales diagnosticados, al usar CDC u OMS, frente a la existencia de nuevas definiciones biológicas o estadísticas de obesidad. Objetivo: Comparar la evolución de la prevalencia de estado nutricional en escolares de primero básico, desde el año 2005 al 2008, según CDC y OMS. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva, de 140.265 escolares de ambos sexos de primero básico, evaluados entre 2005-2008, cuyos datos antropométricos (peso y talla), se obtuvieron del sistema anual de registro del estado nutricional escolar. Para clasificar el estado nutricional, se utilizaron los patrones CDC y OMS. Resultados: Los promedios de IMC fueron levemente diferentes y menores en la niñas que en los niños, en 2005 y 2006. Durante el 2007 y 2008 el promedio de IMC en las niñas alcanzó la cifra observada en los varones. Hubo mayor prevalencia de bajo peso según OMS (p=0,03), con una tendencia a la disminución en los años posteriores. La prevalencia de normalidad fue mayor según el criterio CDC, con una reducción entre el 2005 y 2007 y un incremento 2008 (p<0,001). Hubo una menor prevalencia de sobrepeso según el criterio CDC (p<0,001), con aumento entre el 2005 y 2007, tanto CDC como OMS. La prevalencia de obesidad fue menor según el criterio OMS, no encontrándose diferencia estadísticamente significativa al comparar con el patrón CDC. Conclusiones: Al comparar ambos patrones, CDC tiende a sobreestimar la normalidad y subestimar el sobrepeso, mientras que en obesidad no se encontraron diferencias significativas (AU)

Introduction: Further discussions are needed regarding the magnitude of nutritional problems diagnosed using CDC or WHO, against the existence of new biological or statistical definitions of obesity. Objective: To compare the evolution of the prevalence of nutritional status among schoolchildren in first grade, from 2005 to 2008, according to CDC and WHO. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, of 140.265 students of both sexes of first grade, evaluated from 2005-2008, whose anthropometric data (weight and height), were obtained from annual registration system of school nutrition. To classify the nutritional status of children, CDC and WHO patterns were used. Results: The mean BMI was slightly different and lower in girls than in boys, in 2005 and 2006. During 2007 and 2008 the average BMI in girls reached the observed in males. There was a higher prevalence of underweight according to WHO (p=0,03), with a tendency to decrease in the subsequent years. The prevalence of normality was greater according to the CDC criteria, with a reduction between 2005 and 2007 and an increase in 2008 (p <0,001). There was a lower prevalence of overweight according to CDC criteria (p <0,001), with an increase between 2005 and 2007, both CDC and WHO. The prevalence of obesity was lower according to the WHO criteria, and there were not statistically significant differences when comparing the CDC pattern. Conclusions: By comparing both patterns, CDC tends to overestimate the normal and underestimate the overweight, while obesity was not significant differences (AU)