Binge drinking associated with mean temperature: a cross-sectional study among Mexican adults living in cities.

BACKGROUND: The association between environmental temperature and alcohol consumption has not been widely explored despite the potential that increasing temperatures could promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the alcohol-related burden of disease. We aimed to explore the association between temperature and binge drinking in Mexican adults from urban cities, overall, and by alcoholic beverage type. METHODS: Data on 10,552 adults ≥ 18 years was obtained from the 2016 National Survey on Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Consumption. The mean annual temperature at the municipality was obtained from the Mexican National Weather Service using monthly temperatures from 2015 to 2016. We analyzed binge drinking for all alcoholic beverages in the last year and by type of alcohol as beer, liquor, wine, and coolers. Associations between mean temperature over the past year and binge drinking over the past year among current drinkers were estimated using multilevel Poisson models with robust standard errors adjusted for age, sex, education level, marital status, and household socioeconomic status, with a fixed effect by region. RESULTS: We observed a non-significant increase in the prevalence of binge drinking for every difference of 1 °C between municipalities of the same region. By alcohol type, a 1 °C increase in mean annual temperature across municipalities of the same region increased the prevalence of beer binge drinking in the past year by 0.9% (PR = 1.009, 95%CI 1.005, 1.013) among beer consumers and the prevalence of coolers' binge drinking by 3.0% (PR = 1.030, 95%CI 1.003, 1.057) in coolers consumers. We observed non-significant results for liquor binge drinking (PR = 1.047, 95%CI 0.994, 1.102) and wine binge drinking (PR = 1.047, 95% 0.944, 1.161). CONCLUSION: People living in municipalities with higher temperatures reported a higher beer binge drinking in Mexican cities. This could account for 196,000 cases of beer binge drinking in 2016. The context of each country needs to be considered when generalizing these findings, and they need to be further explored with longitudinal data as there might be implications for climate change. If our findings are confirmed given the forecasted rising temperatures, we could expect an increase in binge drinking and therefore, in the alcohol burden of disease.

Prevalence of Post-COVID conditions among Mexican COVID-19 survivors: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are limited population-representative data that describe the potential burden of Post-COVID conditions (PCC) in Mexico. We estimated the prevalence of PCC overall and by sociodemographic characteristics among a representative sample of adults previously diagnosed with COVID-19 in Mexico. We additionally, characterized the PCC symptoms, and estimated the association between diagnosed type-2 diabetes and hypertension with PCC. METHODS: We used data from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey in Mexico, a nationally and regionally representative survey, from August 1st to October 31st, 2021. Using the WHO definition, we estimated the prevalence of PCC by sociodemographics and prevalence of PCC symptoms. We fit multivariable log-binomial regression models to estimate the associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of PCC was 37.0%. The most common persistent symptoms were fatigue (56.8%), myalgia or arthralgia (47.5%), respiratory distress and dyspnea (42.7%), headache (34.0%), and cough (25.7%). The prevalence was higher in older people, women, and individuals with low socioeconomic status. There was no significant association between hypertension and PCC or diabetes and PCC prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of the adult Mexican population who had COVID-19 in 2021 had Post-COVID conditions. Our population-based estimates can help assess potential priorities for PCC-related health services, which is critical in light of our weak health system and limited funding.

How Could Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Foods Help Reduce the Burden Of Type 2 Diabetes?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Taxes on sugary drinks and foods have emerged as a key strategy to counteract the alarming levels of diabetes worldwide. Added sugar consumption from industrialized foods and beverages has been strongly linked to type 2 diabetes. This review provides a synthesis of evidence on how taxes on sugary products can influence the onset of type 2 diabetes, describing the importance of the different mechanisms through which the consumption of these products is reduced, leading to changes in weight and potentially a decrease in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: Observational studies have shown significant reductions in purchases, energy intake, and body weight after the implementation of taxes on sugary drinks or foods. Simulation studies based on the association between energy intake and type 2 diabetes estimated the potential long-term health and economic effects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting that the implementation of sugary food and beverage taxes may have a meaningful impact on reducing type 2 diabetes and complications. Public health response to diabetes requires multi-faceted approaches from health and non-health actors to drive healthier societies. Population-wide strategies, such as added sugar taxes, highlight the potential benefits of financial incentives to address behaviors and protective factors to significantly change an individual's health trajectory and reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes worldwide, both in terms of economy and public health.

Food and beverage purchases at formal and informal outlets in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To examine food and beverage purchasing patterns across formal and informal outlets among Mexican households' and explore differences by urbanicity and income. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of households. We calculated the proportion of total food and beverage expenditure in each household by food outlet type overall and by urbanicity and income. We defined informal outlets as those which are not registered or regulated by tax and fiscal laws. Since some of the outlets within community food environments do not fall in clear categories, we defined a continuum from formal to informal outlets, adding mixed outlets as a category. SETTING: Mexico. PARTICIPANTS: Mexican households (n 74 203) from the 2018 National Income and Expenditure Survey. RESULTS: Of the total food and beverage purchases, outlets within the formal food sector (i.e. supermarkets and convenience stores) accounted for 15 % of the purchases, 13 % of purchases occurred in outlets within the informal food sector (i.e. street markets, street vendors and acquaintances) and 70 % in fiscally mixed outlets (i.e. small neighbourhood stores, specialty stores and public markets). Across levels of urbanicity and income, most food and beverage purchases occurred in mixed outlets. Also, purchases in informal and mixed outlets decreased as levels of urbanicity and income increased. In contrast to informal outlets, purchases in formal outlets were most likely from richer households and living in larger sized cities. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding where Mexican households shop for food is relevant to create tailored interventions according to food outlet type, accounting for regulatory and governance structures.

Elección de proveedores de servicios de atención y necesidades de salud de la población mexicana, 2021.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la asociación entre la elección de pro-veedores de servicios de atención y las necesidades de salud de la población. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2021 sobre Covid-19. RESULTADOS: Las necesidades agudas (infeccio-nes respiratorias, diarrea y Covid-19) representan 48% del total; 21% crónicas (control, seguimiento o diagnóstico de diabetes, hipertensión, gastritis, cáncer); 12% necesidades de prevención (vacunación, chequeo, control prenatal); 7% eventos agudos no infecciosos que incluyen lesión física, dolor de cabeza, fiebre, y 4% el resto. La población elige atención privada o pública de forma diferenciada dependiendo del tipo de necesidad de salud. Para necesidades agudas sólo 25% se atiende en el sector público. Para enfermedades crónicas, agudas no infecciosas y de prevención, la proporción que se atiende en sector público es mayor, incluida la población sin seguridad social. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio serán de utilidad para que la reforma en el sistema de salud pueda reforzar los servicios públicos que requieran más recursos.

Utilización de servicios de salud en México: cascada de atención primaria en 2022.

OBJETIVO: Presentar un panorama descriptivo de las elecciones de la población mexicana frente a una necesidad de salud en 2022. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022. RESULTADOS: De 24.6% de la población que informó haber tenido una necesidad de salud en los últimos tres meses, 44% recibió atención en servicios públicos. El uso de servicios privados es extensivo a toda la población, pero fue más elevado en aquellos sin derechohabiencia. Se encontró que 71% de los motivos por los que las personas no se atendieran en el lugar que les correspondía de acuerdo con su derechohabiencia tuvo que ver con el acceso y 21% con la percepción de calidad. Entre los motivos de acceso para elegir el lugar donde se atendieron destacan la afiliación, la cercanía y el costo. En cuanto a la calidad, resaltan la atención rápida y la satisfacción con la atención. CONCLUSIONES: Con el fin de reducir la desigualdad de acceso y el gasto de bolsillo asociado con un mayor uso de servicios privados, sobre todo entre la población sin seguridad social, mejorar el acceso (como la distancia, los horarios de atención, las barreras burocráticas) puede ayudar a avanzar en este objetivo.

Barriers, refusal and a hypothetical monetary incentive for Covid-19 vaccination in Mexican adults.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate vaccine uptake and assess sociodemographic conditions associated with vaccination barriers and refusal and to explore the effect of a monetary incentive to overcome them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from adults from the 2021 National Continuous Health and Nutrition Survey conducted during August-October 2021. We evaluated if an hypothetical monetary incentive between 50-650 MXN (~2.5-31 USD) would overcome barriers or refusal. RESULTS: 73.9% were vaccinated with at least one dose, 7.5% refused, 4.8% reported barriers and 13.8% were ineligible at the time of the survey. Refusal and barriers were more frequent in men, older age, lower education and socioeconomic status, unemployed and informal workers. In people with barriers and refusal, the hypothetical incentive increased the acceptance in 57.6% (95%CI 50.7,64.4%) and 17.4% (95%CI 13.2,21.7%) in people with barriers and refusal, respectively. CONCLUSION: Understanding the reasons for barriers and refusal is crucial for future Covid-19 vaccination campaigns or epidemics. A monetary incentive might increase vaccination uptake, although, cost-effectiveness analyses are needed.

Patrones de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos: Ensanut Continua 2022.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar los patrones de consumo (actual y excesivo) de alcohol en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos. Material y métodos. Se analizó información de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022) representativa a nivel nacional y regional. Se estimaron las prevalencias de consumo de alcohol actual y consumo excesivo de alcohol en los últimos 12 meses y 30 días. RESULTADOS: En adolescentes, las prevalencias de consumo actual de alcohol, excesivo en los últimos 12 meses y 30 días fueron de 20.6, 13.9 y 5.2%. En adultos, las prevalencias de consumo actual de alcohol, excesivo en los últimos 12 meses y 30 días fueron 55.5, 40.4 y 19.1%. Las prevalencias fueron mayores en hombres que en mujeres, con diferencias significativas en adultos. En adolescentes, las prevalencias fueron mayores a mayor edad, nivel socioeconómico y en aquellos sin estudios. En adultos, las prevalencias fueron mayores a menor edad, mayor nivel socioeconómico y escolaridad, y en áreas metropolitanas. Conclusión. Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de fortalecer las acciones de implementación, seguimiento y protección ofrecidas por la estrategia SAFER para prevenir y reducir el consumo nocivo de alcohol en adolescentes y adultos.

Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2023: metodología y avances de la Ensanut Continua 2020-2024.

OBJETIVO: Presentar la metodología de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2023 (Ensanut 2023) y describir los procedimientos de inferencia para conjuntar la información colectada por la Ensanut Continua 2020-2024. Material y métodos. La Ensanut 2023 es la cuarta encuesta de la serie Ensanut Continua. Se describe el alcance de la Ensanut 2023 junto con sus procedimientos de muestreo, estimación, medición y organización logística. Además, se discute el procedimiento básico de estimación para analizar la integración de las encuestas Ensanut Continua 2020-2024. RESULTADOS: La Ensanut 2023 obtendrá a nivel nacional al menos 11 720 entrevistas completas de hogar y 13 378 cuestionarios completos de adulto. La unión de las Ensanut Continua 2020-2023 permitirá, en general, estimar a nivel estatal prevalencias p≥5% en adultos, con confiabilidad tolerable según las recomendaciones del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. CONCLUSIONES: El análisis de la unión de la Ensanut Continua 2020-2023 permitirá iniciar la generación de estimaciones nacionales y estatales sobre el estado de salud y nutrición de la población mexicana.

Prevalencia de anticuerpos y vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2 en 2022 en México.

OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra SARS-CoV-2, vacunación, barreras y rechazo a la vacunación Covid-19 en población mexicana. Material y métodos. Se utilizó información de los integrantes del hogar de uno y más años, incluidos en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022) realizada de agosto-noviembre. Se estimó la prevalencia de anticuerpos antiproteínas N y S de SARS-CoV-2 en muestras de sangre capilar, dosis reportadas de vacunación a Covid-19 y las razones de barreras y rechazo a la vacunación. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-N fue de 94.4% y de anti-S 98.1%. La prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-S fue mayor en personas vacunadas con una, dos o tres o más dosis que en no vacunadas. Dentro de la población elegible a vacunación, 20.2% no estaba vacunada, 16.2% tenía una dosis, 30% dos dosis y 33.6% tres dosis o más. El 11.2% de la población elegible rechazó la vacunación, 5.5% reportó una barrera y 3.2% reportó que la vacuna no había llegado a su localidad. Conclusión. La prevalencia de anticuerpos por infección natural y por vacunación Covid-19 es alta en México. Las variaciones de rechazo y barreras a la vacunación entre grupos de edad y regiones deben tomarse en cuenta para intensificar esfuerzos específicos para la vacunación.

Density of alcohol-selling outlets and prices are associated with frequent binge drinking in Mexico.

Despite the increase in the prevalence of binge drinking in Mexico studies focus on sociodemographic factors and little attention is paid on contextual factors. We estimated the association between density of alcohol outlets, price of alcoholic beverages, and binge drinking in Mexico among the population aged 12 to 65 years old who consumed alcohol during the last 12 months. Data come from different sources for alcohol consumption; availability of bar, nightclubs, saloons and stores that sell alcohol and prices of alcoholic beverages. We estimated generalized linear models for binary outcomes for the relationship between density of alcohol outlets and prices of alcoholic beverages with binge drinking at least once per year, at least once per month, and at least once per week controlling for sex, age, religion, household income and municipality size. Living in areas with a high density of alcohol-selling outlets was associated with a higher risk of binge drinking, at least once a year (RR 1.0, 95% CI: 1.0,1.1) at least once a month (RR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.4) and weekly (RR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.2). Living in States with lower alcohol prices was marginally associated to binge drinking at least once a year (RR 1.0, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.1) but more strongly associated to monthly (RR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.4) and weekly binge drinking (RR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 1.6). Along with strong fiscal policies, the implementation of spatial restrictions to the number of alcohol-selling outlets could help decrease binge drinking.

The role of social determinants on unhealthy eating habits in an urban area in Mexico: A qualitative study in low-income mothers with a young child at home.

Overweight and obesity are a severe public health problem in Mexico. National policies to fight unhealthy eating have been implemented but they don't target social and family environment determinants. Our study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the determinants of unhealthy eating by exploring the perspectives and experiences of low-income Mexican women with a young child at home. We conducted a purposeful sampling to include participating kindergartens in Morelos, México. Women with a child enrolled in the kindergarten were invited to focus group discussions. Afterward, women with specific profiles were invited to in-depth interviews. During analysis we applied Dahlgren and Whitehead's model of social determinants of health (SDH). Overall, we found that participants have unhealthy habits, for example: low variability in consumption patterns, regular sugar-sweetened beverages intake and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake. By low variability we mean frequently consumed products (on most days of the week) limited to a restricted food set. As for the determinants of unhealthy habits, we found at the community level that families encourage unhealthy eating. At the household and work level, tight schedules for food preparation determine unhealthy eating. And, at a socio-economic level, lack of access and money constraints shape unhealthy habits. Unhealthy habits are determined by factors on multiple levels and using an SDH approach can be an effective way to inform comprehensive strategies targeting the overweight and obesity epidemic in Mexico and other low- and middle-income countries.

Psychological discomfort and binge drinking in Mexican adults.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between binge drin-king and psychological discomfort in Mexican adults. Mate-rials and methods. We used data from the 2011 National Survey on Addictions in Mexico. A two-stage bivariate probit model with instrumental variables was used to address the potential reverse causality in the association between binge drinking and psychological discomfort. RESULTS: Individuals who had at least one episode of binge drinking in the last year and in the last month are more likely to experience psychological discomfort. CONCLUSION: This study shows the relevance of developing prevention and treatment programs for people who consume alcohol in excess due to its negative effects on mental health.

Metodología de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022 y Planeación y diseño de la Ensanut Continua 2020-2024.

OBJETIVO: Presentar el diseño de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2022 y cuantificar el avance de la Ensanut Continua 2020-2024. Material y métodos. La Ensanut 2022 es la tercera encuesta de la serie de en-cuestas denominada Ensanut Continua 2020-2024. En este documento se describe el alcance de la Ensanut 2022 y sus procedimientos de muestreo, medición y organización logís-tica. Además, se presenta el avance esperado de la Ensanut Continua 2020-2024 al concluir la Ensanut 2022. Resulta-dos. La Ensanut 2022 obtendrá, a nivel nacional, al menos 10 160 entrevistas completas de hogar y 9 441 resultados de seropositividad a SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONES: La Ensanut 2022 estimará la prevalencia de seropositividad a SARS-CoV-2 a nivel nacional y regional y avanzará en la acumulación de información para alcanzar los objetivos de la Ensanut Con-tinua 2020-2024.

How should we evaluate sweetened beverage tax policies? A review of worldwide experience.

Over 45 jurisdictions globally have implemented sweetened beverage taxes. Researchers and policymakers need to assess whether and how these taxes change beverage demand and supply, their intended and unanticipated health, economic and equity impacts. Lessons from such evaluations can maximise the policies' success and impact on non-communicable disease prevention globally. We discuss key theoretical, design and methodological considerations to help policymakers, funders and researchers commission and conduct rigorous evaluations of these policies and related disease prevention efforts. We encourage involving the perspectives of various stakeholders on what evaluations are needed given the specific context, what data and methods are appropriate, readily available or can be collected within time and budget constraints. A logic model /conceptual system map of anticipated implications across sectors and scales should help identify optimal study design, analytical techniques and measures. These models should be updated when synthesising findings across diverse methods and integrating findings across subpopulations using similar methods.

Developing HIV assisted partner notification services tailored to Mexican key populations: a qualitative approach.

BACKGROUND: Assisted partner notification services (APNS) may increase HIV testing, early diagnosis, and treatment, but they are not formally implemented in Mexico, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen (TW). This study aimed to explore the awareness of and need for HIV partner notification, as well as to outline potential strategies for APNS based on identified barriers and facilitators. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore partner notification with MSM, TW, and counselors. Afterwards, brainstorm sessions were carried out to produce strategies for implementing APNS. RESULTS: Most participants reported experiences with informal partner notification and serostatus disclosure, but not with APNS. Only one counselor indicated assisting notification systematically. The main barriers for notifying or disclosing mentioned by both MSM and TW included fear of (violent) reactions, discrimination and lacking contact information of casual partners. Participants thought it was easier to inform a formal partner, conditional of being well informed about HIV. Given current stigma and lack of awareness, it was suggested that APNS should be preceded by HIV awareness efforts, and be provided by counselors or peers to mitigate potential rejection or violent reactions. CONCLUSIONS: While APNS are not formally implemented in Mexico, all participants supported the service, indicating that APNS could potentially enhance early HIV diagnosis in Mexico. Strategies to implement such services need to be flexible addressing the individual needs of participants, guaranteeing the safety of more vulnerable participants.

Taxes to Unhealthy Food and Beverages and Oral Health in Mexico: An Observational Study.

In January 2014, taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and nonessential energy-dense food were implemented in Mexico to discourage the consumption of these products. Published evaluations have shown reductions in purchases of taxed food and beverages associated with the implementation of this fiscal policy. Although there are some studies on the impact on health based on simulation studies, no evaluations with empirical data on changes in oral health have been published. We used administrative records and data from an epidemiological surveillance system to estimate changes in (1) outpatient visits related to dental caries; (2) having experienced dental caries: Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) >0 for permanent dentition or dmft >0 for primary dentition (dmft); (3) number of teeth with caries experience (DMFT and dmft), (4) cases with DMFT >0 or dmft >0, and (5) the series of mean DMFT or dmft, associated with the taxes. We estimated probit and negative binomial models for outcomes at individual level, and interrupted time series analysis for population-level outcomes. The implementation of the taxes was associated with negative changes in the trends of outpatient visits, as well as for cases with DMFT >0, dmft >0 and mean DMFT. Taxes were also associated with a lower probability of having experienced dental caries and with a lower number of teeth with caries experience in the samples studied. Our results suggest positive impacts of the implementation of taxes on unhealthy food and beverages in the oral health of Mexicans, which are the first health benefits observed, and add to the health benefits predicted by modeling studies.

The Covid-19 cascade of care in Mexico: symptoms, positivity, and health care seeking decisions amid the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The study describes health care services utilization contextualized by the needs of the Mexican population during the Covid-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey, Covid-19. Among the population with symptoms compatible with Covid-19, we describe the proportion who sought care, received care, were tested, were diagnosed positive, and survived, and whether they received care in public or private services. We estimated factors associated with the probability of seeking and receiving care. RESULTS: Out of 7.1% of the population with symptoms compatible with Covid-19, 64.4% received care, and 15.4% tested positive; 74.5% received care in the private sector, even among the population with social security. Those with social security, in contact with a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 case, and with at least one comorbidity had a higher probability of seeking and receiving care. CONCLUSIONS: The most relevant finding of our study is the large proportion of the population with Covid-19 symptoms who sought and received care in private facilities an essential aspect for decision-makers to consider as the current health reform moves forward in Mexico.

Health care utilization during the Covid-19 pandemic in Mexico: the cascade of care.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to describe trends in selected services offered at public health facilities and utilization patterns during the Covid-19 epidemic in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used administrative data and the National Health and Nutrition Survey Covid-19, 2020. RESULTS: We found a reduction in the rates of diabetes and detection screening during 2020 compared to 2014-2019. From the demand side, we found that 18.6% of the population reported health needs, and only 34% of them received care in public health facilities. The use of private health services was extensive even among the population with social security. The uninsured and the population with high and medium socioeconomic status had a lower probability of receiving care in public health facilities. CONCLUSION: We document trends in selected services, as well as the cascade of care during the Covid-19 epidemic in Mexico and its potential impact on displaced health care.

Price elasticity and income elasticity of the demand for beer in Mexico / Elasticidad precio y elasticidad ingreso de la demanda de cerveza en México

Objective: Estimate the price and income elasticities of the demand for beer in Mexico. Materials and methods: Monthly series on beer sales and prices from 2007 to 2019 were used. Long-term elasticity was estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS). Short-term elasticity was estimated using a dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) model. Results: The price elasticity was in the long term of -1.40 (95%CI: -2.53 to -0.27) and -1.31 (95%CI: -2.46 to -0.15) in the short term. The income elasticity of demand in the long and short term was estimated at 0.86 (95%CI: 0.44-1.29 and 0.93 (95%CI: 0.51-1.34), respectively. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that fiscal policies may have a positive impact on the health of the population by reducing beer consumption.