Association of the severity and progression rate of periodontitis with systemic medication intake.

Background/purpose: Information on the systemic medication profiles of patients with periodontitis is limited. Therefore, this retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationship between the severity and rate of progression of periodontitis and systemic medication intake using a database of patients who attended the Clinic of Periodontics of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Costa Rica. Methods: Electronic health records of patients diagnosed with periodontitis based on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions (2017) were evaluated. Individuals were further categorized based on the severity (stage) and rate of progression (grade). Data extracted from the patient records included age, sex, and self-reported medication intake. Results: In total, 930 records were included. Most of the studied population was middle-aged (36-64 years old); 43.01% were male, and 56.99% were female. Four hundred and fifty-seven patients (49.14%) reported taking at least one systemic medication for a chronic condition. Regarding the periodontal treatment phase, 62.37% underwent steps 1-3, and 37.63% underwent step 4. The most common systemic medications taken were for cardiovascular diseases (42.28%), followed by medications for diabetes (14.46%) and neurologic disorders (14.46%). Most patients (59.35%) were diagnosed with Stage III periodontitis. Grade B (48.28%) was the most prevalent. Calcium channel blockers demonstrated a disease severity-dependent association with the periodontal stage (p = 0.021). In addition, systemic medications for diabetes mellitus were associated with periodontal disease severity and rate of progression (all Ps < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides indirect evidence of the association between systemic diseases and periodontitis. The positive association between medications used to treat diabetes and the severity and rate of progression of periodontitis may be due to the underlying disease rather than the medications per se.

Low-grade Chronic Inflammation: A Shared Mechanism for Chronic Diseases.

Inflammation is an important physiological response of the organism to restore homeostasis upon pathogenic or damaging stimuli. However, persistence of the harmful trigger, or a deficient resolution of the process can evolve into a state of low-grade, chronic inflammation. This condition is strongly associated to the development of several increasingly prevalent and serious chronic conditions such as obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, elevating overall morbidity and mortality worldwide. The current pandemic of chronic diseases underscores the need to address chronic inflammation, its pathogenic mechanisms and potential preventive measures to limit its current widespread impact. The present review discusses the current knowledge and research gaps regarding the association between low-grade chronic inflammation and chronic diseases, focusing on obesity, cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases and cancer. We examine the state-of-the-art in selected aspects of the topic, and propose future directions and approaches for the field.

Neck Circumference Cut-Off Points for Identifying Adiposity: Association with Chronic Metabolic Diseases in Older People.

BACKGROUND: The leading cause of death in older people is cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have found that neck circumference (NC) is a simple anthropometric marker associated with adiposity. The aim of this study is to estimate and validate NC cut-off points as adiposity markers and analyze their association with cardiovascular and chronic metabolic diseases in older people. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in 358 non-disabled, community-dwelling older people (71.7 ± 3.9 years) living in Santiago de Chile and participating in the HTSMayor study was conducted. Measurements of body composition and cardiovascular risks were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of NC with cardiovascular and chronic metabolic diseases. NC cut-off points were obtained to predict obesity, abdominal obesity, and adiposity. RESULTS: The best performance values of neck circumference relative to obesity and adiposity were obtained with respect to abdominal obesity (40.6 cm in men and 34.2 cm in women). Higher NC values were associated with a higher area under the curve (AUC) for men and women (men: AUC = 0.84; women: AUC = 0.86). NC was significantly associated with a higher risk for diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.95), hypertension (OR = 2.42), acute myocardial infarction (OR = 4.36), and comorbidities (OR = 2.01), and a lower risk for sarcopenia (OR = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that NC is a useful tool for detecting abdominal obesity, obesity, and adiposity in older people and that a higher NC increases the risk of chronic diseases.

Health-Promoting Potential of Mandarin Pomace Extracts Enriched with Phenolic Compounds.

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of in vitro human digestion on the chemical composition (carbohydrates and phenolic compounds) and bioactivity of hydro-alcoholic-acid pomace extracts from two mandarin varieties (Clemenule and Ortanique) by measuring their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-glycative, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic compound profile showed that nobiletin was the main flavonoid found in the extracts and digests of Clemenule pomace and extract, while isosinensetin/sinensetin/tangeretin were the ones in the Ortanique samples. The digests of Clemenule and Ortanique extracts showed Folin reaction values of 9.74 and 9.20 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of sample, ABTS values of 83.2 and 91.7 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g of sample, and ORAC-FL values of 142.8 and 891.6 µmol TE/g of sample, respectively. Extracts (50-500 µg/mL) inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in CCD-18Co cells under physiological and oxidative-induced conditions. Clemenule and Ortanique extract digests showed IC50 values of 13.50 and 11.07 mg/mL for α-glucosidase, 28.79 and 69.64 mg/mL for α-amylase, and 16.50 and 12.77 mg/mL for AGEs, and 2.259 ± 0.267 and 0.713 ± 0.065 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase inhibition, respectively. Ortanique extract (250-1000 µg/mL) inhibited the production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages under inflammation-induced conditions, and intracellular ROS formation. In conclusion, altogether, the results supported the potential of mandarin extracts to be used as health promoters by reducing the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Evaluating the Utility of the Surprise Question Among General Physicians for Appropriate Palliative Care Indication in Brazil.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the agreement between established tools, such as the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) and Brazilian version of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT-BR), and the subjective assessment of palliative care (PC) need using the Surprise Question (SQ) administered by resident physicians. This assessment was conducted among hospitalized patients, with and without cancer, to determine the efficacy of these tools in indicating the need for PC. Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study in 2019 of medical records of patients hospitalized in a single center in IAMSPE-Brazil. The SPICT-BR and PPS were applied to the medical record data, and the SQ was posed to each resident physician. Comparisons for categorical data were made using the chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of 203 patients evaluated, 57.6% were male and 81.2% were older adults (≥60 years). The mean age was 67.40 ± 9.72 years. Chronic disease was nonneoplastic in 78.32% of patients, and 56.65% had not been hospitalized in the preceding year. The PPS score was <70% in 69.4% of patients, and 51.2% met at least one SPICT-BR criterion. Among patients with cancer, 40.9% had over two positive SPICT-BR criteria; 97.5% of these patients received NO responses to SQ by residents (p < 0.0001). Similarly, 90.6% of patients with one SPICT-BR criterion received NO responses to SQ, with no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: The SQ proved to be a valuable tool for PC indication, particularly when administered by untrained professionals. Consistent with SPICT-BR findings, our study highlights the SQ's role in facilitating early identification of patients in need of PC.

Perception of Complementary Medicine and Treatment Adherence as Predictors of Self-Efficacy in Individuals with Chronic Conditions in Mexico.

Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are significant global health challenges, contributing to millions of premature deaths. In Mexico, these pose major challenges due to limited access to healthcare and inadequate primary care quality. Complementary medicine presents itself as an adjuvant in this context, offering minimally invasive techniques to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, effective treatment adherence is crucial for positive outcomes, influenced by self-efficacy, resulting in persistently low adherence rates-a pressing public health concern. This observational study aimed to explore how perceptions of complementary medicine and treatment adherence predict self-efficacy among individuals with chronic diseases in Mexico. Data were collected from 113 participants with chronic conditions, including T2DM, HTN, and obesity. Participants completed surveys assessing perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. The study revealed significant correlations between the perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Treatment adherence was positively associated with self-efficacy, while perception of holistic medicine was negatively correlated with self-efficacy. Perception of complementary medicine and adherence to treatment were found to predict 41.9% (p = 0.001) self-efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of complementary therapies in enhancing self-efficacy levels, and highlight the importance of holistic healthcare approaches in managing chronic conditions. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships and their implications for healthcare outcomes in Mexico and beyond.

What Can the Gut Microbiota of Animals Teach Us about the Relationship between Nutrition and Burden of Lifestyle Diseases?

The gut microbiota performs several crucial roles in a holobiont with its host, including immune regulation, nutrient absorption, synthesis, and defense against external pathogens, significantly influencing host physiology. Disruption of the gut microbiota has been linked to various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, kidney, liver, respiratory, and intestinal diseases. Studying how animals adapt their gut microbiota across their life course at different life stages and under the dynamics of extreme environmental conditions can provide valuable insights from the natural world into how the microbiota modulates host biology, with a view to translating these into treatments or preventative measures for human diseases. By modulating the gut microbiota, opportunities to address many complications associated with chronic diseases appear. Such a biomimetic approach holds promise for exploring new strategies in healthcare and disease management.

La teoría de las transiciones como paradigma de apoyo al automanejo en personas con condiciones crónicas / Transitions theory as a paradigm for supporting self-management in people with chronic conditions / A teoria das transições como paradigma para apoiar a autogestão em pessoas com condições crónicas

Resumen Introducción: La experiencia de vivir con una enfermedad crónica no es una tarea sencilla, se requiere de herramientas que permitan aumentar el grado de conciencia para enfrentar las necesidades y superar desafíos sobre el estado de salud y enfermedad. En los últimos años, se ha instaurado el apoyo al automanejo, con la finalidad de potenciar las habilidades en personas con este tipo de afecciones. Resulta trascendental considerar como desde enfermería se puede contribuir al logro de aquello. El objetivo del presente ensayo es reflexionar acerca de la teoría de las transiciones de Meléis como paradigma de apoyo al automanejo en personas con condiciones crónicas. Desarrollo: La teoría de las transiciones de Meléis establece que las personas están en constante cambio, tal como ocurre en el proceso de transición de salud-enfermedad. Recibir el diagnóstico de una enfermedad crónica, conlleva una serie de procesos complejos para la persona, debido a la multiplicidad de variables que ello implica. La teoría de Meléis entrega lineamientos para orientar a la persona profesional de enfermería sobre elementos claves e interrelacionados, como la concepción previa de la naturaleza de la transición y sus condiciones, lo que servirá para la planificación de modalidades de intervención congruentes con las experiencias de la persona y su evaluación en el transcurso del proceso de salud y enfermedad. Conclusión: El paradigma ofrecido por Meléis puede ser considerado un enfoque clave para emprender el proceso de cuidado de enfermería tendiente a apoyar a las personas con enfermedad crónica en el logro del automanejo.

Abstract Introduction: The experience of living with a chronic disease is not a simple task, since it requires tools that allow increasing the degree of awareness to face the needs and overcome challenges about the state of health and disease. In recent years, support for self-management has been established, with the aim of enhancing the skills of people with this type of condition. It is important to consider how the nursing discipline can contribute to achieve this. The aim of this paper is to reflect on Meléis' theory of transitions as a paradigm to support self-management in people with chronic conditions. Development: Meléis' theory of transitions establishes that people are in constant change, as occurs in the health-illness transition process. Receiving the diagnosis of a chronic disease involves a series of complex processes for the person, due to the multiplicity of variables involved. Meléis' theory provides guidelines to orient the nursing professional on key and interrelated elements, such as the previous conception of the nature of the transition and its conditions, which will serve for the planning of intervention modalities congruent with the person's experiences and their evaluation in the course of the health and disease process. Conclusion: The paradigm offered by Meléis can be considered a key approach to undertake the nursing care process aimed at supporting people with chronic illness in achieving self-management.

Resumo Introdução: A experiênca de viver com uma doença crônica não é uma tarefa simple, pois requer ferramentas que permitam aumentar o nível de consciência para enfrentar as necessidades e superar desafios relativos ao estado de saúde e doença. Nos últimos anos, foi estabelecido o apoio à autogestão, com o objetivo de melhorar as habilidades das pessoas com este tipo de condições. É transcendental considerar como a disciplina de Enfermagem pode contribuir para isso. O objetivo deste ensaio é refletir sobre a teoria das transições de Meleis como paradigma de apoio à autogestão em pessoas com condições crônicas. Desenvolvimento: A teoria das transições de Meléis estabelece que as pessoas estão em constante mudança, como acontece no processo de transição saúde-doença. Receber o diagnóstico de uma doença crónica implica uma série de processos complexos para a pessoa, devido à multiplicidade de variáveis envolvidas. A teoria de Meléis fornece directrizes para orientar o profissional de enfermagem sobre elementos-chave e inter-relacionados, como a conceção prévia da natureza da transição e das suas condições, que servirão para o planeamento de modalidades de intervenção congruentes com as experiências da pessoa e a sua avaliação no decurso do processo saúde-doença. Conclusão: O paradigma oferecido por Meleis pode ser considerado uma abordagem chave para empreender o processo de cuidado de enfermagem que visa apoiar as pessoas com doenças crônicas no alcance do autogerenciamento.

Descripción de necesidades sobre capacitación en una población de cuidadores de pacientes con dependencia severa en el contexto del CESFAM Madre Teresa de Calcuta

Introducción: el envejecimiento poblacional, junto al aumento de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles han llevado a un incremento en la prevalencia de las personas en situación de dependencia severa, requiriendo que familiares, amigos o vecinos asuman roles de cuidadores. Este estudio se enfoca en identificar a la población de cuidadores de personas con dependencia severa y facilitar su adherencia en programas de capacitación para en un Centro de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) en Puente Alto, Santiago de Chile. Métodos: se detectaron 82 cuidadores de pacientes con dependencia severa, de los cuales 47 seguían siendo cuidadores activos. Se encuestó telefónicamente a 35 cuidadores de pacientes con dependencia severa. Se recopiló información sobre acceso a internet, tiempo disponible y conocimiento sobre la disponibilidad de capacitaciones. Además, se evaluó el nivel de sobrecarga en los cuidadores utilizando la escala de Zarit abreviada (EZA). Resultados: el 83% de los cuidadores encuestados tenía acceso a internet, aunque se identificaron barreras como la falta de tiempo y conocimiento sobre las capacitaciones disponibles. Se encontró que el 62,8% de los cuidadores experimentaba sobrecarga severa. Estos resultados sugieren la falta de mecanismos para el cuidado de pacientes dependientes y la necesidad de facilitar la participación en programas de capacitación. Conclusiones: el estudio ofrece una breve representación sobre los cuidadores de personas con dependencia severa en un contexto de atención primaria. Se concluye que se requieren intervenciones multidisciplinarias para acercar instancias de capacitación y optimizar el cuidado del cuidador. Como parte de estas intervenciones, se desarrolló un manual del cuidador que servirá como recurso para el equipo de salud del CESFAM Madre Teresa de Calcuta, con el fin de brindar apoyo efectivo a los cuidadores.

Introduction: Population aging and the increase in non-communicable chronic diseases have led to a rise in severe dependency, requiring that family members, friends, or neighbors take on caregiving roles. This study focuses on improving participation in training programs for caregivers of individuals with severe dependency at a Family Health Center (CESFAM) in Puente Alto, Santiago, Chile. Methods: To characterize this population and determine barriers to accessing distance training, 35 caregivers of patients with severe dependency were contacted by phone. All the information was gathered on internet access, available time, and awareness of training availability. Additionally, caregiver burden levels were evaluated using de abbreviated Zarit scale (EZA). Results: 83% of surveyed caregivers had internet access, although barriers such as lack of time and knowledge about available training were identified, and 62.8% of caregivers experienced severe burdens. These results highlight the need for interventions to facilitate participation in training programs and improve the care provided by caregivers. Conclusions: The study provides a specific insight into caregivers of individuals with severe dependency in a primary care context. Multidisciplinary interventions are required to bring training opportunities closer and optimize caregiver support. As part of these interventions, a caregiver manual was created to serve as a resource for the CESFAM Madre Teresa de Calcuta health team, aiming to provide adequate support to caregivers.

Insights from Chilean NCDs Hospitalization Data during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lifestyles of people of all ages, conditions and occupations. Social distance, remote working, changes in diet and a lack of physical activity have directly and indirectly affected many aspects of mental and physical health, particularly in patients with many comorbidities and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In our paper, we analyzed COVID-19 hospitalized and non-hospitalized cases according to comorbidities to assess the average monthly percentage change (AMPC) and monthly percentage change (MPC) using open access data from the Chilean Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation. As expected, the infection mainly affected patients with comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk factors. The hospitalized cases with obesity and chronic lung disease increased throughout the period of June 2020-August 2021 (AMPC = ↑20.8 and ↑19.4%, respectively, p < 0.05), as did all the non-hospitalized cases with comorbidities throughout the period (AMPC = ↑15.6 to ↑30.3 [p < 0.05]). The increases in hospitalizations and non-hospitalizations with comorbidities may be associated with physical inactivity. A healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity may have had a protective effect on the COVID-19 severity and related events in the post-pandemic period, especially for the NCD population.

Effect of frailty status on mortality risk among chilean community-dwelling older adults.

INTRODUCTION: The study of frailty and its effect on the risk of mortality in older people is of utmost importance, but understanding the critical factors is still limited. Our main objective was to analyze the association of frailty with all-cause mortality in a prospective community cohort of older people. METHODS: A five-year longitudinal follow-up study was conducted with 1,174 community-dwelling older adults (men and women≥65 years old) from different Family Health Centers and community groups from Chile. We evaluated the functional risk, socioeconomic status, and anthropometric variables. The frailty status was evaluated by modified Fried criteria. RESULTS: The diagnosis of frailty was reached in 290 older adult participants, who had significantly increased 5-year all-cause mortality independently of age, sex, cognitive impairment, and socioeconomic status (adjusted HR 1.51, 1.06-2.15). CONCLUSION: Frailty is a predictor of increased mortality independently of age, sex, socio-economic and cognitive factors.

An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter.

Background: Dietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). Methods: We recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40-47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p < 0.05). Lifestyle variables and health variables were included as confounding factors. Results: The findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40-43), and methylation in component 2 (44-47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response. Conclusion: These findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.

The impact of COVID-19 on deaths from dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Chile: an analysis of panel data for 16 regions, 2017-2022.

Background: Although several studies have documented the detrimental impacts of global COVID-19 containment measures on individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, a comprehensive analysis of mortality rates for these conditions within the Chilean population is notably lacking. This study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on mortality rates among individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Chile. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted, considering mortality data for specific mental health conditions during the pre-pandemic and pandemic contexts of COVID-19 in Chile. Quantile regression techniques were employed to analyze the existence of differences between the two periods, while non-observable heterogeneity models for panel data methods were used to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 mortality on crude mortality rates. Findings: Statistically significant differences were observed in the number of deaths from dementia and Alzheimer's disease between the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic periods. Specifically, crude mortality rates decreased by 10% (-0.10 [95% CI: -0.16, -0.05]) during the pandemic period. Furthermore, the number of deaths from COVID-19 during the pandemic period has a very weak incidence of deaths from mental health conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Specifically, a unit percentage increase in confirmed cases from COVID-19 would result in a 7% (-0.07 [95% CI: -0.13, -0.001]) decrease in the number of deaths from dementia and Alzheimer's. These findings are supported by the application of panel regression with one-way random effects models. Interpretation: The study findings indicate a reduction in mortality rates attributed to dementia and Alzheimer's disease during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. This decline could be attributed to the potential underreporting of mental illness as the cause of death during the pandemic period. Several studies have highlighted that approximately 30% of death certificates fail to document the presence of a dementia syndrome. Moreover, the cause of death recorded for individuals with mental health conditions may be influenced by the physician's familiarity with the patient or reflect the prevailing approach to managing end-stage dementia patients. Funding: This work received no funding.

Early-life nutrition and adult-life outcomes

Abstract Objectives To verify the association between early-life nutrition and chronic adult diseases. Data Sources Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database, and Lilacs. Summary of finds The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis postulates that a mismatch between early-life circumstances and later-life situations may have an impact on chronic diseases. In this review, the authors emphasize the research supporting the impact of early nutrition on the origins of adult height, obesity and metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive outcomes. Conclusion Even though this is a new topic and there are still many research questions to be answered, there is strong evidence that both deficiency and excess nutrition in early life can cause epigenetic changes that have effects that last a lifetime and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Public health efforts to protect adults from getting chronic diseases should focus on nutrition in the first 1000 days of life, from conception to the end of the second year of life.

Sorghum phytonutrients and their health benefits: A systematic review from cell to clinical trials.

Sorghum is key for global food security due to its genetic variability, resilience, and rich phytonutrient content, which are linked to numerous health benefits. A systematic review assessed the health effects of sorghum by analyzing cell (n = 22), animal (n = 20), and human (n = 7) studies across antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular, and diabetes outcomes. This review, involving 42 papers and 177 researchers from 12 countries, collected data from sorghum accessions (acc) and significant effects. Studies used 68 identified and 8 unidentified sorghums, 57% red (n = 20), brown (n = 5), and black (n = 17) pericarp colors, and evaluated whole (n = 31), brans (n = 11), and decorticated grains (n = 2). Colored sorghum, richer in phenolic compounds, especially 3-deoxyanthocyanins and tannins, inhibited cancer cell activities, including proliferation, tumor growth, and ROS activity, and promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Sorghum elevated HO1 and eNOS expression for cardiovascular, health-reduced platelet aggregation, and modulated platelet microparticles. They also suppressed inflammation markers and decreased lipid accumulation. Animal studies indicated sorghum's potential across antioxidant capacity, cancer and inflammation mitigation, and lipid and glucose metabolism. Translating these findings to human scenarios requires caution, especially considering cell studies do not fully represent polyphenol metabolism. Human studies provided mixed results, indicating antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory benefits and nuanced effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The main risks of bias highlighted challenges in quantifying phytonutrients, identifying sorghum acc features, and lack of assessors blinding. Nonetheless, sorghum emerges as a promising functional food for countering chronic diseases in Western diets.

Influência da exposição ambiental na percepção do estado de saúde de indivíduos de cinco países latino-americanos / Effect of environmental exposure on the perceived health status of individuals from five Latin American countries

OBJETIVO: A relação entre exposição ambiental e risco à saúde é amplamente reconhecida e a avaliamos em cinco países da América Latina com condições culturais distintas, mas com Índices de Desenvolvimento Humano semelhantes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal envolvendo 3.016 indivíduos (18 a 75 anos) oriundos de: Argentina (n = 878), Brasil (n = 1.030), México (n = 272), Paraguai (n = 508) e Peru (n = 328). A seleção foi aleatória e todos responderam questionário padronizado (fatores sociodemográficos, fatores ambientais e hábitos de vida) derivado do Clinical Screening Tool for Air Pollution Risk. Segundo o estado atual de saúde, foram categorizados em: saúde regular/má/péssima ou excelente/boa. Tendo-a como desfecho, realizou-se análise multivariada.Os dados foram apresentados como razão de verossimilhança (RV) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%), tendo-se 5% o nível de significância. RESULTADOS: Foram significantemente associados a pior percepção de situação de saúde: morar em qualquer um dos países, ter umidade na residência (OR = 1,68; IC 95%: 1,33-2,12), dirigir automóvel com janelas abertas (OR = 1,31; IC 95%: 1,03-1,65), ter baixa renda familiar (OR = 1,59; IC 95%: 1,26-2,01), nível educacional incompleto (OR = 1,54; IC 95%: 1,22-1,94), histórico pessoal/familiar de hipertensão arterial (OR = 2,25; IC 95%: 01,64-3,09), doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica/asma (OR = 1,74; IC 95%: 1,28-2,36), diabete melito (OR = 3,74; IC 95%: 2,23-6,29), obesidade (OR = 1,84; IC 95%: 1,84-3,19) ou comorbidades oftalmológicas (OR = 1,89; IC 95%: 1,55-2,30); realizar exercícios ao ar livre (OR = 1,60; IC 95%: 1,31-1,96). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar das diferentes exposições a que foram submetidos, alguns fatores permanecem muito significativos, e ter baixa renda familiar, expor-se à poluição e ter antecedentes de doenças crônicas foram associados à percepção de condição ruim de saúde.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between environmental exposure and health outcomes is well known.We investigated this relationship in five Latin American countries with different cultural backgrounds but similar Human Development Indexes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 3,016 individuals (18 to 75 years old) from Argentina (n=878), Brazil (n=1030), Mexico (n=272), Paraguay (n=508), and Peru (n=328). Participants were randomly selected and responded to a standardized questionnaire (including sociodemographic and environmental factors and lifestyle habits) derived from a clinical screening tool for air pollution risk. Based on their current health status, participants were categorized as having regular/bad/very bad or excellent/good health. Multivariate analysis was conducted, and data were presented as likelihood ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: Living in any of the study countries; indoor humidity (OR=1.68; 95%CI: 1.33-2.12); driving with the windows open (OR=1.31; 95%CI: 1.03-1.65); low family income (OR=1.59; 95%CI: 1.26-2.01); incomplete education (OR=1.54; 95%CI: 1.22-1.94); personal/family history of hypertension (OR=2.25; 95%CI: 01.643.09), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma (OR=1.74; 95%:CI: 1.28-2.36), diabetes (OR=3.74; 95%CI:2.23-6.29), obesity (OR=1.84; 95%CI: 1.84-3.19), or ocular comorbidities (OR=1.89; 95%CI: 1.55-2.30); and exercising outdoors (OR=1.60; 95%CI: 1.31-1.96) were significantly associated with a worse perceived health status. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the different exposures to which participants were subjected, some factors remain very significant. Low family income, exposure to pollution, and a history of chronic diseases were associated with the perception of a poor health condition.