Association of food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children under 5 years from rural households in Northern regions, Namibia.

BACKGROUND: Many developing countries, Namibia included, have a high prevalence of malnutrition among children, especially in rural subsistence farming areas where inadequate food supply is common. Poor diets in children under 5 years may result in negative health impacts. This study determined the association of food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children under 5 years from rural households in Oshana and Oshikoto regions in Namibia. METHOD: Employing a cross-sectional descriptive design, 377 children under 5 years participated in this study using purposive sampling. Validated dietary diversity and food frequency questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, commonly consumed food per week, and meal frequencies for the recruited children. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to assess nutritional status of children using Emergency Nutrition Assessment (ENA) software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 27. RESULTS: Staple foods, mostly grains, roots and tubers, along with flesh foods, legumes and nuts were commonly consumed. Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables were solely consumed in Oshana region (10.7%) and not in Oshikoto. Oshana exhibited a lower dietary diversity score (4±1 SD) compared to Oshikoto (5±1 SD). The prevalence of adequate feeding practices varied, with Oshana having 38.8% meeting minimum milk feeding frequency (MMFF), 55.6% minimum dietary diversity (MDD), 69.8% minimum meal frequency (MMF), and 27% minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In Oshikoto, these figures were lower at 2%, 7%, 32%, and 0.5%, respectively. Stunting, underweight, wasting, and overweight were also documented, with slight differences between the two regions. The study did not find association between nutritional status and MMFF, MDD and MAD. However, significant associations were found between specific food types, amount of food, breastfeeding length, MMF and malnutrition indicators in both regions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Most study participants consumed locally available staple foods. Stunting, underweight, and wasting were prevalent among children in the two regions which were significantly associated to the amount of food consumed, MMF and/ some food types. Improving food environments and eliminating access barriers to diversified diets can mitigate high prevalence of malnutrition among rural children.

Consumption Patterns of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Association with Undernutrition among Children Aged 9-17 Years in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, the high consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their effect on health have drawn significant attention. This study aimed to identify the consumption patterns of SSBs among children in rural areas of Guangzhou, China, and explore their association with undernutrition. A total of 1864 children aged 9-17 years old were included in this study. Demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and anthropometric and dietary information were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify patterns of SSBs, while nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). Latent class analysis was used to establish dietary preference models. Log-binomial regression analysis was used to analyze the association between SSBs consumption patterns and undernutrition. The undernutrition prevalence in children was 14.54-19.94% in boys and 9.07% in girls. Three SSB consumption patterns were identified, including the plant protein pattern, dairy-containing pattern, and coffee pattern. Both medium-high (Q3) and the highest (Q4) scores in the dairy-containing pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition, especially in boys. Furthermore, the highest scores in the plant protein pattern and coffee pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition in children aged 9-10 years old. The dairy-containing pattern was a risk factor for undernutrition in children, especially for boys; the plant protein patterns and coffee patterns were risk factors for undernutrition in children aged 9-10 years old. The findings of the study can provide scientific evidence and policy recommendations for improving children's health conditions.

Alcohol consumption patterns and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the adult population of Spain.

PURPOSE: The objective is to evaluate the association between various indicators of alcohol consumption and the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Spanish adult population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 44,834 participants ≥ 15 years of age from the 2017 National Health Survey and the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain. Alcohol patterns were defined based on (1) average intake: individuals were classified as low risk (1-20 g/day in men and 1-10 g/day in women) and high risk (> 20 g/day in men or > 10 g/day in women), (2) binge drinking, and (3) alcoholic beverage preference. Non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet was defined as scoring < 7 points on an adapted Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener index (range 0-10). Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Compared to non-drinkers, low and high-risk drinkers were more likely to report non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet: ORs 1.35 (95% CI 1.23; 1.49) and 1.54 (95% CI 1.34; 1.76), respectively. Similarly, reports of binge drinking less than once a month was associated with higher likelihood of non-adherence (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04; 1.31). Individuals reporting no preference for a specific beverage and those with a preference for beer or for spirits had lower adherence: ORs 1.18 (95% CI 1.05; 1.33), 1.31 (95% CI 1.17; 1.46), and 1.72 (95% CI 1.17; 2.54), respectively, while a preference for wine showed no association (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.90; 1.13). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption, even in low amounts, is associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, alcoholic beverages should not be included in measures that define the Mediterranean diet.

Consumption Pattern of Tea Is Associated with Serum Ferritin Levels of Women of Childbearing Age in Nandi County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tea consumption with meals affects iron absorption, increasing the risk of iron deficiency. Our study investigated the association between tea consumption patterns and serum ferritin levels among women of childbearing age (WCA) in Nandi County, Kenya. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study among 160 WCA selected using a systematic random sampling technique from Kapsabet Ward. Information on tea consumption practices was gathered using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and serum ferritin and C-reactive protein were measured. We assessed associations between tea consumption and iron status of respondents by multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, including parasitic infections and recent severe blood losses. RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency among the study participants were 86.2% and 45%, respectively. Majority (90.6%) of the respondents consumed tea or coffee, with an infusion time of more than 5 min (60.0%) and a moderate tea strength (64.1%), within 1 h before or after meals. Iron deficiency was associated the number of teacups consumed (adjusted odds ratio = 7.282, 95% CI = 3.580-14.812). CONCLUSION: High tea consumption is positively associated with iron deficiency among WCA. Lower tea infusion strength, shorter tea infusion duration, and a lower number of teacups overall consumed, as well as consuming tea 1 h before or after meals instead of with meals, may be recommended for better outcomes in iron status among WCA.

Association between Food Consumption Patterns and Handgrip Strength among Adults Aged ≥55 Years in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the IFLS-5.

We aimed to examine the association of food consumption patterns, measured by dietary diversity score (DDS) or food consumption score (FCS), with handgrip strength (HGS) among adults aged ≥55 years in Indonesia. This is a cross-sectional study involving 4351 middle-aged and older adults from the Indonesian Family Life Survey Fifth Wave (IFLS-5), collected in 2014-2015. A weighted linear regression model was used to examine the association of DDS or FCS with HGS in crude and adjusted models. In the adjusted models and compared to those with low DDS or poor FCS, those with medium/high DDS and borderline/acceptable FCS were associated with a higher mean of HGS. Good food consumption patterns, as reflected by high DDS or acceptable FCS, were shown to be significantly associated with stronger HGS among adults aged 55 years or above. More targeted nutritional interventions to promote good food consumption patterns may help improve HGS among middle-aged and older adults in Indonesia.

Digital Marketing and Fast-Food Intake in the UAE: The Role of Firm-Generated Content among Adult Consumers.

In the contemporary digital marketing context, this study aimed to investigate the influence of firm-generated content and social media advertising on fast-food consumption patterns among the adult population. Utilizing a questionnaire distributed to customers of a restaurant in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, convenience sampling was employed. The findings underscored a significant positive relationship between firm-generated content and social media engagement, as well as between the latter and online shopping behavior. However, it was determined that word of mouth did not significantly moderate the relationship between attitudes towards social media advertisements and fast-food consumption patterns. From a theoretical perspective, these results enrich the understanding of how digital dynamics shape consumer behavior in specific contexts. Practically speaking, they prompt a critical reflection on the ethics of marketing in promoting products potentially detrimental to health, urging both companies and policymakers to reconsider their strategies and regulations, respectively.

Contribution of Village Chickens in Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems for Children along a Rural-Urban Gradient: A Systematic Review.

Achieving sustainable and healthy food systems in support of human and planetary health is a global challenge. We systematically reviewed papers (n = 2322) showing how village chicken products (meat, eggs, and offal) contribute to sustainable and healthy food systems for children along a rural-urban gradient. A total of 72 articles, representing all different sections covered in this review, were finally included. Production of village chickens contributed positively on livestock-derived food consumption by children. Households who owned chickens were likely to move from medium to high dietary diversity. Children from households that owned chickens had lower odds of anemia (1.07) and higher height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) scores. Egg intervention increased HAZ and WAZ for children by 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.88] and 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45-0.77], respectively. Village chicken ownership had positive effect on children's poultry meat and egg consumption. Per capita consumption of chicken by girls and boys combined was 38.2 g/day, where girls had 36.9 g/day and boys had 39.4 g/day. Children from households that owned chickens consumed eggs 2.8 more times per week compared to children from households without chickens. Moving along a rural-urban gradient, village chicken production was less common. Improved production and quality of village chicken products, and policies supporting optimal maternal and child intake these products are required.

What Do United States Adolescents Eat? Food Group Consumption Patterns and Dietary Diversity from a Decade of Nationally Representative Data.

Background: Although the importance of adolescent nutrition has gained attention in the global nutrition community, there is a gap in research focused on adolescent dietary diversity and food group consumption. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize population-level food group consumption patterns and quantify the extent of dietary diversity among United States adolescents using a large nationally representative sample of adolescents aged 10-19 y. Methods: We used 24-h dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018 to construct the 10 food groups comprising the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) indicator and estimated the prevalence of intake of each food group. A composite metric adolescent dietary diversity score (ADDS) was derived for each adolescent where 1 point was awarded per food group. Both population scores and the distribution of individual scores were estimated. Differences in proportions of food groups consumed across sociodemographic categories were tested using the Rao-Scott χ2 test, and pairwise comparisons were expressed as population prevalence differences and prevalence ratios. Results: Food group consumption patterns were very similar across 2 d of dietary recall but varied significantly by sex, race/ethnicity, and income status. The food groups with the highest prevalence of consumption were grains, white, roots, and tubers (∼99%), milk products (∼92%), and meat, poultry, and fish (∼85%), whereas <15% of adolescents consumed key micronutrient-dense foods, such as vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and dark green vegetables. The mean ADDS was 4.69, with modest variation across strata. Conclusions: On average, United States youth consumed fewer than 5 food groups on a given day. The lack of dietary variety and relatively low prevalence of consumption of several micronutrient-rich plant-based foods could pose a risk for adolescents' ability to achieve micronutrient adequacy in the United States.

Correlation between Selected Clinical Symptoms and Severity of Aggression, Impulsiveness and Their Selected Behavioral Manifestations in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotype A.

Previous studies on aggressiveness and impulsiveness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are ambiguous. Furthermore, no biochemical or clinical factors related to these variables have been definitively confirmed. The aim of the study was to clarify whether, in women with phenotype A of PCOS, variables such as body mass index and clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism have an impact on either the intensity of impulsivity or aggression or on other selected behavioral manifestations of these variables. The study included 95 patients diagnosed with PCOS phenotype A. The criterion for recruitment into the study group and the control group was body mass index. The study was conducted with the use of a closed-format questionnaire and calibrated clinical scales. Higher body mass index (BMI) values in women with PCOS phenotype A are associated with poor eating habits. The severity of impulsivity and aggression syndrome, as well as the tendency to engage in risky sexual behavior and patterns of alcohol consumption among patients diagnosed with PCOS phenotype A, are not dependent on BMI. The severity of impulsiveness and the syndrome of aggression in women with phenotype A PCOS are not associated with clinical symptoms of hyperandrogenism or with androgen levels.

Beverage Consumption Patterns and Nutrient Intake Are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Urban Mexican Young Adults.

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been related to metabolic diseases. Our objective was to identify beverage consumption patterns, nutrient intake, and their possible association with the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Mexican young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Beverage consumption patterns were obtained by principal components analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between the beverage patterns and cardiovascular risk factors. Four beverage patterns were identified. Higher consumption of alcoholic beverages was associated with lower odds for high body fat percent (OR: 0.371; 95% CI: 0.173-0.798), high blood pressure (OR: 0.318; 95% CI: 0.116-0.871), and high glucose (OR: 0.232; 95% CI: 0.061-0.875). Higher consumption of yogurt was associated with lower odds for high glucose (OR: 0.110; 95% CI: 0.22-0.559). In contrast, highest consumption of juice had greater odds for high triglycerides (OR: 1.084; 95% CI: 1.011-4.656). Higher consumption of milk was associated with greater odds for high glucose (OR: 5.304; 95% CI: 1.292-21.773). Beverage consumption habits in Mexican young adults are associated with increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, intervening during young adulthood should be considered in order to improve current health and prevent cardiovascular mortality in later decades.

Out- Of- Pocket health expenditure and household consumption patterns in Benin: Is there a crowding out effect?

Health shocks are common and have serious consequences for households in developing countries where health insurance is lacking. In this study, we examine whether out-of-pocket health expenditures crowd out household consumption of non-healthcare necessities, such as education items in Benin using a sample of 14,952 households from the global vulnerability and food security analysis survey. We estimated a system of conditional Engel curves with three stage least squared (3SLS) and seemingly unrelated regression (SURE) for seven categories of goods using the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) in the form of budget shares corresponding to proportions of total non-health expenditure. Findings show that out of pocket health expenditure leads households to spend more on health care that in fine crowd out expenditure in other necessity goods such as education item. These findings highlight the need for social protection programs to mitigate the impact of health shocks on vulnerable households in Benin.

Increasing Nitrogen Losses Due to Changing Food Consumption Patterns in Bayannur City, China.

Increasing urbanization and affluence have led to changes in food consumption patterns. The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers ensures food security but also leads to environmental pollution due to N losses, through processes such as acidification, eutrophication, and greenhouse gas emissions. To clarify whether changes in food consumption patterns could increase N losses and to explore sustainable food system pathways, this study integrated the Chinese Food System Dashboard and the Nutrient Flows in Food Chains, Environment and Resources Use model to quantify and compare the link between food consumption and N losses in different agricultural regions using a case study of Bayannur City in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2016. During the study period, Bayannur's food consumption pattern changed from a "high carbohydrate and pork pattern" to a "high fiber and herbivore pattern", which represents a shift from low to high N consumption. The per-capita food consumption decreased by 11.55% from 425.41 kg cap-1, whereas the per-capita N losses increased by 12.42% from 35.60 kg N cap-1. The average share of the plant-oriented and animal-oriented food supply in these losses was 53.39% and 46.61%, respectively. There were differences in the food consumption patterns and N losses in Bayannur's farming, farming-pastoral, and pastoral regions. The changes in N losses were most significant in the pastoral region. The N losses to the environment increased sharply by 112.33% from 22.75 g N cap-1 over the past 16 years. The low level of economic development in Bayannur resulted in a shift in the food consumption pattern to a high N consumption. Four measures to protect food security and reduce the food N cost were proposed: (1) increasing the wheat planting area and maintaining the existing corn one; (2) expanding the scale of high-quality alfalfa planting; (3) enhancing the area of oat grass and wheat replanting; and (4) using modern planting technology.

Secondary School Students and Caffeine: Consumption Habits, Motivations, and Experiences.

Adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of caffeine due to a lack of tolerance, their small size, changing brain physiology, and increasing independence. Concerns about adolescent caffeine consumption relate to potentially serious physiological and psychological effects following consumption. Motivations driving caffeine intake are not well understood among adolescents but are important to understand to reduce harmful behavioural patterns. This study explored caffeine consumption habits (sources, amount, frequency) of New Zealand adolescents; and factors motivating caffeine consumption and avoidance. The previously validated caffeine consumption habits questionnaire (CaffCo) was completed by 216 participants (15-18 years), with most (94.9%) consuming at least one caffeinated product daily. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and kola drinks were the most consumed sources. The median caffeine intake was 68 mg·day-1. Gender (boy) and being employed influenced the source, but not the quantity of caffeine consumed. One-fifth (21.2%) of adolescents consumed more than the recommended European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) safe level (3 mg·kg-1·day-1). Taste, energy, and temperature were the main motivators for consumption, and increased energy, excitement, restlessness, and sleep disturbances were reported effects following caffeine consumption. This study provides information on caffeinated product consumption among New Zealand adolescents, some of whom consumed caffeine above the EFSA safe level. Public health initiatives directed at adolescents may be important to reduce potential caffeine-related harm.

Substance use disorder and alcohol consumption patterns among Dutch physicians: a nationwide register-based study.

PURPOSE: Problematic substance use and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are common in all layers of the population. Several studies suggest higher prevalence rates of problematic substance use among physicians compared to the general population, which is harmful for themselves and potentially impairs quality of care. However, nationwide comparison with a highly educated reference group is lacking. Using nationwide register data, this study compared the prevalence of clinical SUD diagnoses and alcohol consumption patterns between physicians and a highly educated reference population. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using registry data from 2011 up to and including 2019, provided by Statistics Netherlands. From the data, a highly educated reference group was selected and those with an active medical doctor registration were identified as "physicians". Clinical SUD diagnoses were identified by DSM-IV codes in mental healthcare registries. Benchmark analyses were performed, without statistical testing, to compare the prevalence of SUD diagnoses and alcohol consumption patterns between physicians and the reference population. RESULTS: Clinical SUD diagnoses were found among 0.3% of the physicians and 0.5% of the reference population, with higher proportions of sedative use disorder among physician patients. Among drinkers, the prevalence rates of heavy and excessive drinking were respectively 4.0% and 4.3% for physicians and 7.7% and 6.4% for the reference population. CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates of SUD diagnoses were fairly comparable between physicians and the highly educated reference population, but physicians displayed more favorable alcohol consumption patterns. The use of sedatives by physicians might deserve attention, given the relatively higher prevalence of sedative use disorder among physicians. Overall, we observed relatively low prevalence rates of SUD diagnoses and problematic alcohol use, which may reflect a treatment gap and social desirable answers.

Total Usual Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of United Arab Emirates Children (4 Years-12.9 Years): Findings from the Kids Nutrition and Health Survey (KNHS) 2021.

This study aims at investigating the anthropometric status and food consumption patterns of children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and assessing their adherence to nutrient and dietary recommendations. It is a population-based cross-sectional survey of 690 children (4-12.9 years), from 3 major Emirates. Socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics were collected. Dietary intakes were assessed using the 24-hour recall approach. Of the total sample, 4% were stunted, 8% were wasted and 28% were overweight/obese. A third of participating children consumed above the Estimated Energy Requirement, while the majority's intakes carbohydrate, total fat, and protein were within the recommendations; whereas over 70% and 90% of participants consumed above the WHO daily limits of free sugars and saturated fats, respectively. Inadequate intakes of linoleic acid (36% of children), alpha-linolenic acid (91%) and dietary fiber (100%) were observed. All children failed to meet the recommendation for vitamin D and considerable proportions had inadequate intakes of vitamin A, calcium, zinc, folate, and magnesium. Compared with the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, low dietary adherence was noted for fruits (9%), vegetables (4%), and milk/dairy (14%). These findings may be used in the development of nutritional policies aimed at improving the diets of children in the UAE.

Adaptation of a Dietary Screener for Asian Americans.

No brief dietary screeners are available that capture dietary consumption patterns of Asian Americans. The purpose of this article is to describe the cultural adaptation of the validated Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) for use by clinicians, researchers, and community-based partners seeking to understand and intervene on dietary behaviors among English-speaking Asian Americans, for the six largest Asian subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese) in the United States. This was mainly accomplished by adding culturally specific examples of foods to the questionnaire items via searching online databases and soliciting input from members of our community partner network representing each of the six largest Asian subgroups. Over half of the 26 items on the DSQ were modified to include more culturally specific foods. Developing high-quality tools that reflect the diversity of the U.S. population are critical to implement nutrition interventions that do not inadvertently widen health disparities.

Performance of the Heaviness of Smoking Index in Indian Settings.

Background and objective The heaviness of smoking index (HSI) is a popular tool to assess nicotine dependence in clinical and community settings. Low cigarette consumption and concurrent use of other tobacco products raise concerns about its validity in Indian settings. This study explores the performance of HSI in Indian settings. Methods This study analyzed daily manufactured cigarette smoker data from the cross-sectional Global Adult Tobacco Surveys (GATS) from its first (GAST-1, 2009) and second waves (GATS-2, 2016), both of which were available in the public domain. The HSI scores were calculated based on the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) and time to first smoke (TTFS) after waking up among the current daily cigarette users. This study examined the utility of the HSI scale in Indian settings by estimating the predictability of low dependence on quit attempts and quit intentions using the likelihood ratio parameter. Results About nine in 10 cigarette users in India consumed less than 10 cigarettes per day, yielding a low score on the HSI scale for most of the daily cigarette users. The majority of daily cigarette smokers scored ≤ 1 (low dependence) on the HSI scale both in GATS-1 and GATS-2, irrespective of their exclusive cigarette use status. The absolute value and the 95% confidence limit of positive likelihood ratios (falling below and above one) suggest that the predictability of low dependence on quit attempts and quit intention in the Indian setting is limited. Conclusions The utility of the HSI scale in assessing nicotine dependence among cigarette users in India is limited. This may be attributed to low average cigarette consumption, concurrent use of various tobacco products, and the sociocultural milieu of Indian smokers. This highlights the need for a new rapid nicotine dependence scale tailored to the specific patterns of tobacco use behavior prevalent in the Indian context.

Patrones de consumo de alcohol en trabajadores de la termoeléctrica "Antonio Guiteras" de Matanzas

Introducción: El enfrentamiento a los problemas relacionados con el alcohol se puede desarrollar desde múltiples contextos, incluidos los relacionados con la atención a trabajadores en instituciones de generación de energía. Para esto es primordial el diagnóstico de los patrones de consumo, como vía para el desarrollo efectivo de los procesos de intervención. Objetivo: Examinar las características del consumo de alcohol en trabajadores de la termoeléctrica "Antonio Guiteras" de Matanzas. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, entre septiembre de 2018 y agosto de 2019, en una muestra de 126 trabajadores. Se analizaron los patrones de consumo, los niveles de conocimientos, actitudes afines con la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas y su relación con algunas variables sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un cuestionario de identificación de los trastornos debidos al consumo de alcohol, así como un cuestionario para la exploración de los conocimientos y las actitudes acerca de dicha ingestión. Resultados: Predominaron los patrones de consumo de bajo riesgo. Los patrones de consumo de riesgo se asociaron al sexo masculino, las personas menores de 40 años y el estado conyugal soltero. Se apreciaron altos niveles de conocimientos sobre la peligrosidad de la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas y la presencia de actitudes beneficiosas hacia estas. Conclusiones: Los resultados acerca del consumo de alcohol son favorables, pero obligan al desarrollo de nuevas líneas de investigación para el enfrentamiento a las adicciones desde la psicología laboral y de las organizaciones, con técnicas, herramientas y esquemas de intervención propios de la atención primaria de salud o de la psicología de la salud.

Introduction: Coping with alcohol-related problems can be developed from multiple contexts, including those related to care for workers in power generation institutions. Thus, the diagnosis of consumption patterns is essential, as a way for the effective development of intervention processes. Objective: To examine the characteristics of alcohol consumption in workers of Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas. Methods: A descriptive research, from September 2018 and August 2019, was carried out in a sample of 126 workers. Consumption patterns, levels of knowledge, attitudes related to the ingestion of alcoholic beverages and their relationship with some sociodemographic variables were analyzed. A questionnaire for the identification of disorders due to alcohol consumption was applied, as well as a questionnaire for the exploration of knowledge and attitudes about said ingestion. Results: Low-risk consumption patterns predominated. Risky consumption patterns were associated with male sex, people under 40 years of age, and single marital status. High levels of knowledge about the danger of drinking alcoholic beverages and the presence of beneficial attitudes towards them were observed. Conclusions: The results regarding alcohol consumption are favorable, but new lines of research are required to confront addictions from occupational and organizational psychology, with techniques, tools and intervention schemes typical of primary care for health or health psychology.

[Energy drink consumption patterns and its adverse effects on adolescent health.] / Patrones de consumo de bebidas energéticas y sus efectos adversos en la salud de adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: Energy drinks generally contain caffeine and other stimulants, commercially aimed at young people. Previous research suggests that its effects on adolescents health are dangerous. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of taurine and caffeine consumption from energy drinks on adolescent health and to identify patterns of consumption and, their association with physiological symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of students (n=135) aged 16 to 17 years was conducted in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. A self-administered online questionnaire was used from September to November 2020 to report energy drink consumption patterns, perceived effects, and psychophysiological symptoms. The statistical analysis of questionnaire content was made by interjudges evaluation. A concordance index (Cohen-Fleiss Kappa coefficient) was applied for consumption patterns, bivariate correlation tests, Pearson correlation coefficients for levels (very high, moderate, low) of caffeine and taurine were used in the items applied to the target population and Spearmans rho for physiological and psychological effects. RESULTS: The participants (mean age: 16 years; 57.8% of women) reported having consumed energy drinks at least once. Only 26.7% of adolescents (n=36) reported that they had never consumed. The average consumption of energy drinks was once per month (24.4%). A statistically significant correlation was found between the consumption of drinks with taurine and the physical effects (tremors and chest pain) and caffeinated beverages with psychophysiological (fatigue, excessive urination, insomnia, and feeling of lack of rest). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate associations between energy drink consumption and the presence of adverse psychological and physical symptoms in adolescents.

OBJETIVO: Las bebidas energizantes generalmente contienen cafeína y otros estimulantes, comercialmente dirigidos a los jóvenes. Investigaciones anteriores sugieren que sus efectos sobre la salud en adolescentes son peligrosos. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del consumo de taurina y cafeína de bebidas energizantes en la salud de los adolescentes y establecer los patrones del consumo, así como su asociación con síntomas fisiológicos. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal de una muestra por conveniencia de estudiantes (n=135) de entre 16 y 17 años de edad en el Estado de Hidalgo, México. Se utilizó un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado de septiembre a noviembre de 2020 para informar los patrones de consumo de bebidas energizantes, los efectos percibidos y los síntomas psicofisiológicos. Para el análisis estadístico del contenido por interjueces. Se aplicó índice de concordancia (coeficiente Kappa de Cohen-Fleiss), para patrones de consumo se utilizaron pruebas de correlación bivariada, coeficientes de correlación de Pearson por niveles (muy alto, moderado, bajo) de cafeína y taurina en los ítems aplicados a población objetivo y rho de Spearman para síntomas fisiológicos y psicológicos. RESULTADOS: Los adolescentes estudiados (media de edad: 16 años; 57,8% de mujeres) informaron haber consumido bebidas energizantes al menos una vez. Solo el 26,7% de los adolescentes (n=36) informaron que nunca habían consumido. El consumo promedio de bebidas energizantes fue de una vez por mes (24,4%). Se encontró correlación estadística significativa entre el consumo de bebidas con taurina y los efectos físicos (temblores y dolor en el pecho) y el de bebidas con cafeína con los psicofisiológicos (fatiga, micción excesiva, insomnio y sensación de falta de descanso). CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos del estudio indican asociaciones entre el consumo de bebidas energéticas y la presencia de síntomas adversos psicológicos y físicos en los adolescentes.