Calidad de vida en personas mayores con depresión y dependencia funcional: validez del cuestionario SF-12 / Quality of life of older people with depression and dependence: validity of the SF-12 (short form health survey) questionnaire

Background: Depression and dependence have a great impact on the quality of life of older people. Aim: To validate the SF-12 (short-form) health related quality of care questionnaire (HRQOL) as an alternative of the SF-36 to estimate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its association with depression and dependence in Chilean older people living in the community. Material and Methods: The questionnaire was answered by 4,124 Chilean older people (61% women). HRQoL was evaluated with the SF-36 questionnaire. The SF-12 questionnaire includes 12 items from the SF-36. Results: The internal consistency of the SF-12 questionnaire was high (0.88). The effect size of the differences in the averages of the SF-12 and SF-36 scales was small (0.06-0.41). Good agreement was found between the physical and mental components of the SF-12 and SF-36 (0.94 and 0.89). Logistic regressions determined that people with dependence and depression have a higher risk of poor HRQoL. The figures for the physical component were, mild depression: odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 3.28 (2.74-3.93), severe depression: OR (IC95%CI) = 4.66 (3.55-6.11), mild to moderate dependence: OR (95CI%) = 3.67 (2.97-4.54), severe dependence: OR (95%CI) = 13.06 (7.23-23.61). For the mental component, the figures were: mild depression: OR (95CI%) = 6.11(5.05-7.38), severe depression: OR (95CI%) = 22.01(14.47-33.49), mild to moderate dependence: OR (95CI%) = 1.59 (1.28-1.97), severe dependence: OR (95CI%) = 1.60 (1.04-2.47), adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related variables. Conclusions: The validity of the SF-12 for measuring HRQoL was demonstrated. People with depression and dependence have a worse physical and mental quality of life.

Aplicación y efectividad de un modelo educativo en hábitos saludables con entrega de fruta y programa de actividad física en escolares

RESUMEN El objetivo fue evaluar una intervención educativa en hábitos de alimentación saludable basada en el programa Colación BKN en pre-escolares y escolares entre los años 2013-2018. Diseño longitudinal con comparación de cortes trasversales en escolares de prekínder a cuarto año básico durante 4 años en 14 escuelas de la Región Metropolitana de Chile. El programa consistió en entrega de fruta como colación, educación alimentaria, mejora de la actividad física y kioscos escolares, con participación de profesores y familias. Como resultado se observó una mejoría de los conocimientos en alimentación saludable de los niños, con una excelente satisfacción de usuarios. Sobrepeso y obesidad se mantuvieron el 2016 y 2018, pero aumentaron el 2015 y 2017. En escuelas similares no intervenidas el exceso de peso fue mayor con respecto a las del programa. Hubo una tendencia a disminuir el consumo de dulces y bebidas azucaradas en prekínder y kínder entre 2014 y 2017 y el consumo de 3 porciones al día de frutas y verduras en niños intervenidos fue superior al promedio nacional de 2 porciones al día.Conclusiones: Hubo un aumento exitoso en el consumo de frutas y verduras, educación alimentaria y actividad física para el cambio hacia hábitos más saludables.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate an educational intervention for healthy eating habits based on the Colación BKN program, among preschool and schoolchildren, carried out in 2013-2018. We conducted a longitudinal study with cross-sectional data among preschool and school-age children (up to the fourth grade) over four years in 14 schools in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The intervention program consisted of fruit delivery, nutrition education and improvements in physical activity and school food kiosks, with active participation of teachers and parents. There was an improvement in knowledge of healthy foods in children and excellent user satisfaction. Overweight and obesity did not increase during 2016 and 2018, but increased in 2015 and 2017. In similar not-intervened schools there was an increase of overweight and obesity compared with Colación BKN schools. For food consumption, there was a decrease in consumption of candy and soft drinks in preschool students and all children consumed more than three portions of fruits and vegetables per day, which is greater than the national average of two portions per day in the general population. Conclusions: There was a successful increase in fruit and vegetable consumption with nutrition education and promotion of healthy habits, such as physical activity and healthy food consumption.

Prevalencia de fragilidad en personas mayores de Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017

Background: The assessment of frailty among older people could help to reduce its social and health burden. Aim: To determine and characterize the prevalence of frailty in Chilean older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 233 participants, aged > 60 years, participating in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Frailty was assessed using modified Fried criteria. Thus, people classified as frail should meet at least 3 out of the 5 criteria (low strength, low physical activity, low body mass index, slow walking pace and tiredness). Results: The prevalence of frailty was 10.9% (7.7% for men and 14.1% for women). The prevalence of pre-frailty was 59.0% whereas 30.1% of participants were classified as robust. At the age of 80 years 58 and 62% of men and women were frail, respectively. These figures increased to 90 and 87% at the age of 90 years. The prevalence of pre-frailty increased from 43 to 92.1% among men and from 76% and 78% among women from the ages of 60 to 90 years, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty increased markedly with age. It is important to implement prevention strategies to allow an early identification of high-risk individuals.

Validez y confiabilidad del cuestionario Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT-10) para detectar disfagia en adultos mayores chilenos / Validation of the eat-10 score to detect dysphagia in older people

Background: In Chile, comprehensive geriatric assessment does not include the identification of dysphagia, despite being considered a geriatric syndrome. The Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT-10) questionnaire is a 10-question instrument that specifically describes the perception of dysphagia and has a Spanish translation. Aim: To validate and test the reliability of the EAT-10 questionnaire in Chilean older people living in the community. Material and Methods: The EAT-10 score was applied to 80 participants aged 75 ± 14 years (51 women). Other observer, blinded to the result of the score, performed the volume-viscosity swallow test as the gold standard to assess dysphagia. Results: The translated version of the EAT-10 had a strong internal consistency (Cronbach alfa =0.89) and interobserver consistency (100%). Using a score of seven as cutoff point, the EAT-10 had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 86% to detect dysphagia, when compared with the volume-viscosity swallow test. Conclusions: The EAT-10 questionnaire is valid and reliable and can be used as a clinical instrument in primary care in our country to identify older people with dysphagia.

Diagnóstico de la situación alimentaria y nutricional de niños de tercero a quinto año básico de la comuna de la Reina, Santiago de Chile / Food and nutrition diagnosis of third to fifth grade school-age children from the La Reina neighborhood, Santiago de Chile

RESUMEN Se describe el estado nutricional, consumo, hábitos alimentarios y habilidades culinarias en alumnos de tercero a quinto año básico de colegios municipales de la comuna de La Reina, Santiago, Chile, para proponer intervenciones que conduzcan hacia una alimentación saludable. El estudio es descriptivo, de corte transversal en 617 niños, 349 hombres y 268 mujeres de tercero (n=193), cuarto (n=202) y quinto básico (n=222). El 30,3% de los niños tenía obesidad, mayor que el 24,2% reportado por la Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas (JUNAEB) en primero básico el 2015. Al 66,2% de los niños les gusta cocinar, pero sólo un 20,0% mezcla y aliña verduras, hace sándwich y pela o pica fruta 4 a 5 días en la semana. Todos los niños (100%) toman once, pero sólo un 60,9% cena en la noche. Un 20,7% toma doble desayuno y un 35,7% come doble almuerzo. Casi todos (97%) llevaban dinero o colación de la casa. El 78,4% llevaba golosinas dulces, 60,0% fruta, 50,0% lácteos y 48,4% bebidas o jugos azucarados y un 45,0% lleva $500 a $1.000 por día al colegio. Existe la necesidad de educar en hábitos de alimentación saludable a los alumnos, incorporando padres con apoyo del Ministerio de Educación, para tener una política de Estado en prevención de la obesidad infantil.

ABSTRACT This article describes the nutritional status, food consumption, dietary behavior and culinary skills of third to fifth grade public school students from the La Reina neighborhood, Santiago de Chile, in order to propose healthy eating interventions. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study in 617 children (349 males and 268 females) from third (n= 193), fourth (n= 202) and fifth grade (n= 222). Obesity prevalence was 30.3%, greater than the 24.2% reported by National Board of Scholarships and Grants in first grade in 2015. Most of the children reported liking cooking (66.2%), but just 20.0% cooked mixed or seasoned vegetables, made sandwiches, or peeled or cut 4 or 5 days per week. All children (100%) ate a late snack in the afternoon, but only 60.9% ate dinner at night. A second breakfast was eaten by 20.7% of the children and a second lunch by 35.7%. Almost all children (97%) brought money or a snack from home: 78.4% brought candies, 60.0% fruit, 50.0% dairy products and 48.4% soft drinks or juices with sugar, and 45.0% money (500 to 1000 Chilean pesos). It is necessary to educate children in healthy eating habits, with participation of parents and support from the Ministry of Education to prevent children obesity.

Evaluación de una intervención educativa nutricional en trabajadores de la construcción para prevenir enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en Chile / Assessment of a nutrition education intervention among construction workers

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles and overweight are common among blue collar workers. Aim: To evaluate a nutrition education intervention in construction workers to prevent chronic diseases. Material and Methods: One hundred forty two participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 69) and or a control group (n = 73). The experimental group received nutrition education consisting in individual lifestyle counseling, group workshop, group counseling in healthy lifestyles, and environmental intervention. At baseline and after one year of intervention, clinical evaluations consisting in laboratory determinations, anthropometry and nutritional assessment evaluation were carried out. Results: The experimental group experienced a significant decrease in waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase in HDL cholesterol. A significant reduction in total calorie intake, especially at the evening snack was observed during week-days. The same reduction in total calories occurred at dinner during the week-end. A significant increase was observed in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish. In the control group there was a significant increase in weight, waist circumference, body mass index, glucose and insulin, without changes in total calorie intake or healthy food consumption. High soft drink consumption did not change in both groups. Conclusions: In construction workers, integral nutrition intervention at the individual, group and environmental level had an impact in nutritional and biochemical indicators.

Evaluación de una intervención de educación nutricional en profesores y alumnos de prebásica y básica de la comuna de los Andes en Chile / Evaluation of a nutrition education intervention in teachers and students in preschool and primary schools in los Andes, Chile

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de un programa de intervención con metodologías educativas innovadoras en alimentación y nutrición en profesores y alumnos de prebásica y básica, para lograr una mejoría en sus conocimientos, ingesta alimentaria y estado nutricional. Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental en que se evaluó conocimiento, consumo alimentario y estado nutricional al inicio y término de la intervención educativa. La muestra quedó constituida por 25 profesores y 465 alumnos de Los Andes y 352 estudiantes controles de San Felipe. La intervención consistió en 9 sesiones educativas para los profesores en temas de alimentación saludable durante 5 meses, con transferencia de conocimientos a sus alumnos. Hubo una mejoría significativa en conocimiento y una disminución en el consumo de alimentos poco saludables en los alumnos de los profesores que recibieron la capacitación, con respecto al grupo control, sin cambios significativos en el estado nutricional de ambos grupos. En conclusión, la intervención en los profesores mejoró el conocimiento e ingesta de alimentos saludables en sus alumnos, sin modificar el estado nutricional por su corta duración. Si esta estrategia se mantiene en el tiempo y se incorpora al currículo escolar, puede lograr resultados en el largo plazo, incorporando a los padres en esta tarea.

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of a nutrition education program for teachers to improve food knowledge, food consumption and the nutritional status of their pre basic and basic students. A quasi-experimental study was carried out, with a pre-post evaluation of food knowledge, food consumption and nutritional status. The sample was 25 teachers and 465 students in Los Andes, with 352 students as control group in San Felipe. The nutrition intervention consisted in 9 interactive workshops for teachers during 5 months, transferring the information to the students. In the experimental group there was a significant improvement in food knowledge and a decrease in non-healthy food consumption in students, compared with the control group, without changes in nutritional status. In conclusion, the intervention in teachers improved food knowledge and healthy food consumption in students. As a consequence of the short period of intervention, the nutritional status did not change. If these strategies are maintained over time and incorporated to the school curricula could achieve more significant results, in particular if parents are incorporated in school nutrition education programs.

Estilos de vida, alimentación y estado nutricional en trabajadores de la construcción de la Región Metropolitana de Chile / Feeding habits and lifestyles of male construction workers

Background: The less affluent and educated members of the society tend to be less prone to healthy lifestyles. Aim: To describe feeding habits, nutrition, quality of life and working conditions of construction workers comparing two recent surveys, namely the 2009 Chilean National Health Survey (NHS) and the 2010 Work, Employment and Health Survey (WEH). Material and Methods: One hundred ninety male workers aged 43 ± 13 years were surveyed about feeding habits during working days and weekends, smoking and usual physical activity. Weight, height and blood pressure were also measured. Results: In 2010, 82% of workers were overweight or obese compared with 67% rates in the NHS of 2009. The rate of sedentariness was 86% compared with 84% in the NHS of 2009 and 93% in the WEH 2010. Forty one percent smoked and those aged less than 25 years consumed more calories than the other age groups. There was a high intake of carbonated beverages, bread, salted and red meats and a low consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish. Seventy seven percent had a meal at midafternoon and only 25% ate supper. Lunch had a fixed schedule, was considered good and usually was prepared by a family member. The level of satisfaction with work, family life and life in general was high. The satisfaction with health and physical condition was lower. Conclusions: The unhealthy lifestyles of these construction workers should alert health authorities.

Método Delphi para identificar materiales educativos sobre alimentación saludable para educadores, escolares y sus padres

Se describe la consulta a expertos mediante la técnica Delphi para consensuar su opinión sobre contenidos del material educativo en alimentación saludable para profesores, alumnos de prebásica, básica y sus familias. El cuestionario se elaboró con los resultados de encuestas y grupos focales con niños, padres y profesores realizados previamente. Este cuestionario fue enviado a 54 expertos en nutrición, educación y comunicación en una primera ronda, cuyos resultados fueron analizados y reenviados en una segunda ronda con las preguntas donde no había consenso. El ciclo se completó con una validación realizada con padres y profesores sobre los principales tópicos consensuados en las dos rondas con los expertos. Los principales consensos fueron priorizar los materiales educativos audiovisuales por sobre los escritos y privilegiar actividades participativas (talleres de cocina, juegos, actividades) por sobre las pasivas (información en reuniones de padres, entrega de material educativo y conferencias de expertos). Existió consenso en educar en conductas saludables, como no dar dinero a los niños para que lleven a la escuela; escoger comida saludable en las salidas familiares y asociar actividades recreativas con alimentación saludable durante fines de semana; preferir la comida saludable preparada en casa en vez de la comida procesada; restringir las golosinas y comer fuera de hora; comer en familia sin ver TV y preferir comida en vez de tomar té o merienda en la noche. Estos resultados son fundamentales para diseñar materiales educativos en alimentación saludable tendientes a cambiar los malos hábitos alimentarios actuales, que contribuyen en forma importante a aumentar el problema de la obesidad infantil.

Delphi method to identify education material on healthy food for teachers, school-age children and their parents. Delphi method applied to get expert consensus about healthy food topics to include in educational materials for preschool and school-age children, their parents and teachers is described. The questionnaire was developed with the results of surveys and focus groups in children, parents and teachers made previously. The questionnaire was mailed to 54 experts in nutrition, education and communication in a first round. The results were analyzed and forwarded in a second round with the subjects without consensus. The cycle was completed by a validation conducted with teachers and parents and were prioritized by audiovisual educational materials on the writings, favoring participatory activities such as cooking workshops, games, activities over the passive (information at parent meetings, delivery of educational materials and conferences of experts). There was consensus on education in health behaviors such as not giving them money to carry to school, make healthy food choices on family outings and recreational activities associated with healthy eating during weekends; prefer healthy food prepared at home instead of the processed food; restrict eating out candy and prefer family meals without watching TV and food instead of taking a snack in the evening. These results are critical to design educational materials on healthy eating plans to change current eating habits that are contributing significantly to increase the childhood obesity.

Evaluación de un programa de intervención nutricional y de actividad física dirigido a mujeres chilenas de bajo nivel socioeconómico

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar un programa de intervención en educación nutricional y actividad física para disminuir la obesidad, cambiar hábitos alimentarios y aumentar la actividad física en mujeres de nivel socioeconómico bajo. Para ello se seleccionaron cuatro grupos seguidos por seis meses: uno intervenido en educación nutricional y actividad física (grupo A); otro con educación nutricional (grupo B); un tercero con actividad física (grupo C), y un grupo control. Se realizaron tres talleres de alimentación por líderes de la comunidad y nutricionistas, y tres sesiones semanales de actividad física. Se efectuaron evaluaciones antropométricas y encuestas de compra, consumo de alimentos y actividad física, antes y después de la intervención. En el grupo A se incrementó la obesidad, pero en los otros dos grupos intervenidos (B y C), bajó en un 10% y en el grupo B disminuyó la grasa corporal total. En el grupo control se mantuvo el porcentaje de obesidad y aumentó la grasa corporal total. La adherencia a sesiones de actividad física fue baja, lo que repercutió en los resultados de evaluación nutricional en los dos grupos intervenidos con actividad física (B y C). Los tres grupos intervenidos tuvieron cambios saludables en sus hábitos de compra y consumo de alimentos. Se concluye que la obesidad bajó en un 10% en los grupos intervenidos B y C, y en el B disminuyó la grasa corporal total. En los tres grupos intervenidos mejoraron los hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física. Los resultados permiten contar con un programa de intervención comunitaria en educación nutricional y actividad física para mujeres de nivel socioeconómico bajo.

Evaluation of a nutrition education and physical activity intervention in Chilean low socioeconomic women The objective of the study was to assess a nutrition education and physical activity intervention to decrease obesity changing food habits and increasing physical activity in low socioeconomic women. Four groups were selected and followed-up during six months: one was intervened with food education and physical activity (group A); another with food education (group B); a third with physical activity (group C), and a control group. Three nutrition education workshops were carried out with community leaders and nutritionists, and three times per week physical activity sessions were performed. Anthropometric measurements and food and physical activity surveys were carried out before and after the intervention. Obesity increased in group A, but decreased 10% in the other two intervened groups (B and C), and total fatty mass decreased in group B. In the control group, obesity did not change but total fatty mass increased. Attendance to physical activity sessions was poor, with negative results in the nutritional impact in the physical activity intervened groups (B and C). We conclude that obesity was reduced in 10% in groups B and C; total fatty mass was reduced in group B and increased in the control group. Healthy diet and physical activity habits improved in the three intervened groups. With these results, an intervention program in nutrition education and physical activity can be available for future community interventions in low socioeconomic women.

Efecto sobre la salud de las desigualdades socioeconómicas en el adulto mayor: Resultados basales del estudio expectativa de vida saludable y discapacidad relacionada con la obesidad (Alexandros) / Socioeconomic inequalities in active life expectancy and disability related to obesity among older people

Background: The rapid increase in life expectancy in Chile, with obesity as the main nutritional problem in all age groups, makes it necessary to ask whether the years gained are healthy. Aim: To study the trajectories of disability associated with obesity in Chilean elderly groups from different socio-economic and demographic backgrounds. Material and Methods: Longitudinal study of 3 cohorts of older adults from Santiago: the SABE cohort including 1235 people born before 1940; the Alexandros cohort including 950 people born between 1940 and 1948 from Primary Health Care centers and the ISAPRES cohort of 266 people from private health insurance registries (ISAPRES) born before 1947. An interview yielded socio demographic data and history of diseases. Anthropometric measurements and hand dynamometry were performed. Cognitive status was assessed by the mini mental state examination, depressive symptoms through the geriatric depression socore-5 and functional limitations through self-reporting of basic (ADL), instrumental (IADL) and advanced daily living (AADL) activities. Results: We report here baseline results from ISAPRES and SABE cohorts. Important social and gender differentials were observed. After adjustment by age and gender, a significant lower frequency of limitations in ADL (odds ratio (OR) = 0.17; 95 percent confidence intervals (CI): 0.079-0.343), IADL (OR = 0.27; 95 percentCI: 0.159-0.452), and AADL (OR = 0.42; 95 percentCI: 0.298-0.599) persisted in the ISAPRE cohort, compared to the SABE cohort. Obesity was associated with functional limitations only in AADL (OR = 1.65; 95 percentCI: 1.18-2.31) and hand dynamometry was associated with lower functional limitation in ADL, IADL and AADL. Conclusions: This study demonstrates profound socio-economic and gender inequalities in older people, thus showing that the years of healthy life gained are not the same for the whole society.

Prevención de la obesidad en escuelas básicas de Peñalolén: componente alimentación y nutrición / Obesity prevention in primary schools in Peñalolen: food and nutrition component

A food and nutrition education intervention was implemented in nine public schools in Peñalolen, Chile, with one control school. The objective was to determine the trend in obesity prevalence and in food knowledge and food consumption in preschool and school-age children followed longitudinally in the first year of intervention, compared with the control school. The sample included 1556pre-school, first and second grade (1225 children in experimental schools and 331 in the control school) followed during one school year. Nutrition education activities were performed with teachers and students, and the evaluation of nutritional status was carried out in two points, March-April and October-November 2010. There was also one measurement of snack consumption in pre-school children and a food and nutrition survey in school age children at the beginning and at the end of the year. Results showed that there was no change in overweight and obesity in the intervened school-age children, and a small increase in the control school. However, analyzing nutritional status by school, in seven of the nine experimental schools there was a decrease in obesity. A high percentage ofpreschool children carried soft drinks and juices to school. In school age children there was a significant increase in fruit and dairy consumption during the year. School age children had a good knowledge offruits and dairy food, but not offish and legumes. Despite the short period of food and nutrition intervention, this study shows that interventions implemented in a structured way with an evaluation can have a positive impact on changing eating habits and improving the nutritional status of municipal preschool and school children.

Se plantea una intervención en educación alimentaria y nutricional en nueve escuelas de la comuna de Peñalolén, con una escuela control. El objetivo es evaluar los cambios en el estado nutricional, conocimiento y consumo de alimentos de los niños de prebá-sica y básica durante el primer año de la intervención, comparados con el colegio control. Es un estudio cuasi-experimental, de seguimiento longitudinal en 1556 niños de prekinder, kínder, primero y segundo básico (1225 niños de las escuelas intervenidas y 331 de la escuela control) seguidos durante un año escolar. Se realizaron actividades educativas con profesores y alumnos y la evaluación consistió en una medición de su estado nutricional en marzo-abril y octubre-noviembre del año 2010; una medición de las colaciones en los niños de prekinder y kínder, con una encuesta alimentaria a los de primero y segundo básico. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo cambio en el estado nutricional en el total de los niños intervenidos, aumentando levemente el sobrepeso y obesidad en el colegio control. Sin embargo, al hacer el análisis por colegio, en siete de los nueve colegios intervenidos disminuyó la obesidad. En cuanto a consumo, un alto porcentaje de niños de prebásica llevaban jugos y bebidas en las colaciones y en los niños de básica se produjo un incremento significativo del consumo de frutas y lácteos durante el año. En conocimiento, los niños de primero y segundo básico tuvieron una buena comprensión en frutas y lácteos, no así para el pescado y legumbres. A pesar del corto período de intervención, este estudio permite señalar que cuando las intervenciones en alimentación y nutrición se realizan en forma estructurada y son evaluadas, pueden tener un impacto positivo en el cambio de hábitos alimentarios y en la disminución de la obesidad en preescolares y escolares de escuelas municipales.

Investigación Promoción de alimentos y preferencias alimentarias en escolares chilenos de diferente nivel socioeconómico / Food promotion and food preferences in Chilean school age children from different socioeconomic levels

Para determinar su actitud ante la promoción comercial de alimentos y bebidas, se seleccionó una muestra de 1.048 escolares de 8 a 13 años en tres ciudades del país (norte, centro y sur), a los que se entrevistó aplicando un cuestionario validado en estudios previos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables estudiadas y se determinó las diferencias según región, nivel socioeconómico (NSE) y sexo con la prueba de Chi2. Las diferencias según NSE fueron mayores en Santiago. Una mayor proporción de escolares de NSE medio bajo veía más de 2 horas de TV durante los días de colegio y fines de semana (p.

To determine the attitude towards marketing of food and beverages a sample of 1,048 school children ages 8 to 13 from three cities of Chile (north, center and south of the country) were interviewed. The instrument applied was a validated questionnaire used in previous studies. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed and differences were determined by region, socioeconomic level (SEL) and gender using Chi2 test. Differences per SEL were higher in Santiago. A greater proportion of school children of medium-low SEL watched more than 2 hours of TV during weekdays and weekends (p.

Asociación entre el índice de masa corporal y la talla desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años en preescolares chilenos / Association between body mass index (BMI) and height from birth to 5 years in Chilean preschool children

Background: It has been shown that excess weight gain during childhood is associated with a greater risk of obesity; this relationship may be mediated by growth in height. Aim: To quantify the associations between z scores for body mass index (BMIZ) and height for age (HAZ) from birth to 5 years of age and to assess how this association varies according to age and adiposity. Material and Methods: Weight and height were recorded at 11 occasions from birth on a cohort of1089 Chilean five year-old children with a birth weight > 2500 g. BMI, BMIZ, HAZ and prevalence of obesity were calculated. We determined the cross-sectional association between BMIZ and HAZ for the total sample and by 3 BMI Z categories, using Pearson correlation. We determined the probability of obesity according to four HAZ categories. Results: Obesity increased continuously reaching approximately 16 percent at 5 years. Stunting was virtually nonexistent. No association between BMIZ and HAZ was observed at birth, while at 1 and 2 months, leaner infants had lower stature. No association between theseparameters was observed between 6-24 months, while after 3 years, a clear relationship was observed. Conclusions: The probability of a preschool child of being obese is less than 10 percent with a HAZ is < 0. Nevertheless, children with heights above the median (even within the normal range) have an increased risk of obesity, especially after 3 y of age. Between 0-5 years, the relationship between weight and height varies by age and adiposity.

Prevalencia de las deficiencias de zinc y cobre en adultos mayores de la Región Metropolitana de Santiago / Prevalence of zinc and copper deficiencies in older subjects living in Metropolitan Santiago

Background: Older subjects have a high risk of developing zinc and copper deficiencies. Aim: To determine the prevalence of copper and zinc deficiencies in adults aged over 60 years, living in Metropolitan Santiago. Subjects and Methods: Analyses were performed using anonymous serum samplesfrom older subjects living in Santiago, Chile, who participated in the multicenter project SABE. Of the studied subjects, 49.3 percent had enough left over serum to measure serum zinc and copper concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: A total of444 men and 198 women were studied. A positive correlation between serum zinc and copper was found in both women (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and men (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). There were no differences in serum zinc concentration by sex and age. The prevalence of subnormal serum zinc valúes was 66.9 percent in women and 66.7 percent in men. Women had a significantly higher serum copper valúes than men (p < 0.02) and there were no differences by age. Prevalence of subnormal serum copper valúes was higher in women than in men (32.9 and 23.7 percent respectively, p < 0.05). Women had significantly higher copper I zinc serum ratio than men (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Older people living in Metropolitan Santiago have a high prevalence of copper and zinc deficiencies.

Evolución del estado nutricional de niños chilenos desde la etapa preescolar a la escolar: Resultados antropométricos según procedencia de las mediciones / Evolution of the nutritional status of Chilean children from preschool to school age: Anthropometric results according to the source of the data

Como los resultados del estado nutricional que entregan instituciones chilenas que recolectan datos antropométricos de su población bajo control, muestran diferentes magnitudes en el incremento del porcentaje de obesidad entre preescolares de 4 años y escolares de 1er grado, quisimos verificar la real magnitud de este aumento. Este estudio se basó en una investigación longitudinal que comenzó el 2006 con 1100 niños de 3 años, evaluados por el INTA a los 4, 5 y 6 años. Se determinó el estado nutricional a esas edades según Z IMC y referencias OMS 2006/2007. La información recogida sirvió además, para determinar la concordancia entre los datos antropométricos recogidos por profesores de escuelas públicas en escolares de 1er grado el 2009 (base JUNAEB) y los mismos niños evaluados paralelamente por el INTA (base INTA). La muestra incluyó a 474 niños de 6 años. No se observaron diferencias entre los promedios de Z IMC y Z talla/edad. El grado de concordancia entre los Z IMC fue bueno (rho= 0,73), sin embargo hubo diferencias en la clasificación nutricional, ya que el porcentaje de bajo peso fue significativamente mayor en la base JUNAEB (9,5% vs 3,6% ), mientras que el porcentaje de obesidad fue menor en la base INTA, 17,5% vs 19,2% (diferencia no significativo). A los 4 y 5 años los porcentajes de obesidad de estos niños fueron 13,3% y 15,7% respectivamente (datos INTA). Por la trayectoria observada, es más probable que el alza en el porcentaje de obesidad entre los 4 y 6 años fue de 4 puntos porcentuales y no de 6, tal como indican los datos INTA.

Because the results of the nutritional status released by Chilean institutions which collect anthropometric data on their population under control, show different increments in the prevalence of obesity between preschoolers and children in 1st grade, we decided to verify the real magnitude of this increase. This study is based on a longitudinal investigation which began in 2006 and included 1100, three-year old children, which we evaluated when they were 4, 5 and 6 y. The nutritional status was determined according to BMI Z and WHO References 2006 / 2007. The information was also used to determine the concordance between the anthropometric data collected on first graders by teachers from public schools in 2009 (JUNAEB data set) and the same children assessed in parallel by INTA (INTA data set). The sample included 474, six-year olds. No differences were found between the average BMI Z and HAZ of the two data sets, and the degree of concordance between the BMI Z´s was good (rho = 0.73), however there were differences in the nutritional status, since the prevalence of low weight was significantly greater when assessed with JUNAEB´s data (9.5% vs 3.6% ), while that for obesity was lower with INTA´s data, 17.5% vs. 19.2% (not significantly different). At 4 and 5 y, obesity prevalence of the children was 13.3% and 15.7% respectively (INTA´s data). Considering the observed nutritional trajectory, it is likely that the rise in obesity between 4 and 6 y of age, was 4 percentage points and not 6, as was determined with INTA´s data.

Déficit de vitamina B-12 en adultos mayores: ¿Un problema de salud pública en Chile? / Prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency in older adults

Background: There is a correlation between aging and the decrease of plasma levels of vitamin B-12. Aim: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency and its hematological impact among older adults (AM). Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, in 1028 subjects aged 65 to 87years, living in community and evaluated between 2005 and 2008. Percentile distribution of vitamin B-12, folate, hemoglobin, packed red cell volume and mean cell volume by gender and age were analyzed. Deficiency was defined as vitamin B-12 levels < 148 pmol/L, marginal deficiency as vitamin B-12 levels < 221 pmol/L, anemia was defined as a hemoglobin < 13 and 12 g/dL among men and women, respectively. Results: The prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency was 12 percent and the figure for marginal deficiency was 25.4 percent. Males were more affected than females (p < 0.001). The frequency of anemia was 8.6 percento, and was higher among women (p = 0.004). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of full blown and marginal deficit of vitamin B-12 among the elderly. This deficiency should be considered for correction through public nutrition policies.

Valores normativos de resistencia a la insulina mediante HOMA-IR en adultos mayores de Santiago de Chile / Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) values in Chilean elderly subjects

Background: The homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) estimates insulin resistance using basal insulin and glucose values and has a good concordance with values obtained with the euglycemic clamp. However it has a high variability that depends on environmental, genetic and physiologic factors. Therefore it is imperative to establish normal HOMA values in different populations. Aim: To report HOMA-IR values in Chilean elderly subjects and to determine the best cutoff point to diagnose insulin resistance. Material and methods: Cross sectional study of 1003 subjects older than 60 years of whom 803 (71 percent women) did not have diabetes. In 154 subjects, an oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. Insulin resistance (IR) was defined as the HOMA value corresponding to percentile 75 of subjects without over or underweight. The behavior of HOMA-IR in metabolic syndrome was studied and receiver operating curves (ROC) were calculated, using glucose intolerance defined as a blood glucose over 140 mg/dl and hyperinsulinemia, defined as a serum insulin over 60 µU/ml, two hours after the glucose load. Results: Median HOMA-IR values were 1.7. Percentile 75 in subjects without obesity or underweight was 2.57. The area under the ROC curve, when comparing HOMA-IR with glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia, was 0.8 (95 percent confidence values 0.72-0.87), with HOMA-IR values ranging from 2.04 to 2.33. Conclusions: HOMA-IR is a useful method to determine insulin resistance in epidemiological studies. The HOMA-IR cutoff point for insulin resistance defined in thi spopulation was 2.6.

Indicadores antropométricos, composición corporal y limitaciones funcionales en ancianos / Anthropometry, body composition and functional limitations in the elderly

Background: Functional limitations limit the independence and jeopardize the quality of life of elderly subjects. Aim: To assess the association between anthropometric measures and body composition with functional íimitations in community-living older people. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 377 people >6 5 years old (238 women), randomly selected from the SABE/Chile project. Complete anthropometric measurements were done. Handgrip muscle strength was measured using dynamometers. Body composition was determined using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Functional limitations were assessed using self reported and observed activities. Results: Body mass index was strongly associated with fat mass (men r =0.87; women r =0.91) and with lean mass (men r =0.55; women r =0.62). Males had significantly greater lean mass (48.9 kg vs 34.9 kg), and bone mass than females (2.6 kg vs 1.8 kg) and women had higher fat mass than men (26.3 kg vs 22.9 kg). The prevalence of functional íimitations was high, affecting more women than men (63.7 percent vs 37.5 percent, p <0.01). Functional íimitations were associated with lower handgrip strength in both sexes. In the multiple regression models, with functional íimitations as dependent variable and anthropometric measures as contributing variables, only hand grip strength had a significant association (negative) with functional íimitation in both genders. Age was also a significant risk factor for functional íimitations among women. Conclusions: Hand grip strength was strongly and inversely associated with functional íimitations. Handgrip dynamometry is an easy, cheap and low time-consuming indicator for the assessment of functional íimitations and the evaluation of geriatric interventions aimed to improve functional ability.

Propuesta metodológica para incorporar la educación en nutrición en la enseñanza básica: la experiencia de Chile / A methodological proposal to include nutrition education in primary schools: experience of Chile

Se presenta la metodología utilizada para incorporar la educación en nutrición en las escuelas básicas de Chile. El 2001, se evaluó el estado nutricional, los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas alimentarias de 1.701 escolares de 3° a 7° básico (927 niños y 774 niñas) de 10 escuelas municipales urbanas y rurales de 3 regiones del país, cuyos resultados sirvieron de base para diseñar el modelo educativo. En el total de la muestra se encontró 15,4 por ciento de escolares obesos y 19,6 por ciento con sobrepeso, sin diferencias por región o sector urbano o rural. Se observó un consumo insuficiente de lácteos, verduras y frutas y excesivo de snacks de alta densidad enérgica. Debido a que el Ministerio de Educación no permite incorporar nuevos programas al currículo, el modelo educativo consistió en la elaboración de un libro, una Guía para el Profesor, cinco Guías para Alumnos de 3° a 8° básico y un CD-Rom. Los materiales fueron validados por 36 profesores en un programa de 5 meses con niños de 4° a 8° básico en 6 escuelas el 2002, resultando motivadores y fáciles de utilizar por profesor y alumnos. Resultados preliminares mostraron un significativo aumento en los conocimientos alimentarios, el consumo de lácteos, y una disminución en el consumo de pan en el grupo que recibió educación. El consumo de snacks aumentó ambos grupos (intervenido y control). Se concluye que para mejorar los hábitos alimentarios en los niños, se requiere mayor regulación de la publicidad y venta de snacks en las escuelas y fuera de ellas