scholarly journals Compliance of infant formula promotion on websites of Brazilian manufacturers and drugstores

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Isabella Scatamacchia Cordeiro Ferraz Prado ◽  
Ana Elisa Madalena Rinaldi

OBJECTIVE: To verify the compliance with Law No. 11,265/2006 in the promotion strategies for infant formula in Brazilian websites of manufacturers and drugstore networks. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017. We analyzed the compliance to attributes of the Law No.11,265/2006 (Law for Marketing of Foods for Infants and Toddlers, Feeding Bottles, Teats and Pacifiers) in five websites of infant formula manufacturers and nine websites of drugstore networks. The main attributes assessed were: the presence of drawings or representations of children, the presence of warning statements displayed in conspicuous and prominent spaces informing if products are intended for infants aged under or over 6 months, the adequate display of infant formulas/similar products, and the presence of pop-ups with other infant formulas or links to websites for children’s products. All compliances and non compliances verified were described in absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: We verified that 80% of the websites of infant formula manufacturers displayed advertisements for other children’s food products. The main non compliance in infant formula manufacturer’s websites was the absence of warning statements about products intended for infants over 6 months of age. Only 33% of the drugstores’ websites complied with Law No. 11,265/2006. The main non compliances in these websites were the absence of warning statements on products intended for infants over 6 months of age (100%), the presence of pop-up advertisements for other infant foods (77%) and the presence of advertisements for other children’s food products (92%). CONCLUSION: We identified non compliances with the Law No. 11,256/2006 in almost all websites of infant formula manufacturers and in all the websites of drugstore networks. Most promotion strategies were found at drugstore websites, which are the main channels for online sales.

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Borges da Silva ◽  
Maria Inês Couto de Oliveira ◽  
Cristiano Siqueira Boccolini ◽  
Enilce De Oliveira Fonseca Sally

OBJECTIVE: To assess if the commercialization of infant formulas, baby bottles, bottle nipples, pacifiers and nipple protectors is performed in compliance with the Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância e de Produtos de Puericultura Correlatos (NBCAL – Brazilian Code of Marketing of Infant and Toddlers Food and Childcare-related products). The commercial promotion of these products is prohibited by the Law 11,265. METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 through a census of all pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores that sold products covered by NBCAL in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Health professionals trained at NBCAL used structured electronic form for direct observation of establishments and for interviews with their managers. We created indicators to evaluate commercial practices and performed descriptive analyses. RESULTS: A total of 352 commercial establishments were evaluated: 240 pharmacies, 88 supermarkets and 24 department stores, of which 88% sold products whose promotion is prohibited by NBCAL. Illegal commercial promotions were found in 20.3% of the establishments that sold the products we investigated: 52 pharmacies (21.9%), four supermarkets (7.5%) and seven department stores (33.3%). The most frequent commercial promotion strategies were discounts (13.2%) and special exposures (9.3%). The products with the highest prevalence of infractions of NBCAL were infant formulas (16.0%). We interviewed 309 managers of commercial establishments; 50.8% reported unfamiliarity with the law. More than three-quarters of the managers reported having been visited at the establishments by commercial representatives of companies that produce infant formulas. CONCLUSION: More than a fifth of commercial establishments promoted infant formulas, baby bottles and nipples, although this practice has been banned in Brazil for thirty years. We think it is necessary to train those managers. Government agencies must monitor commercial establishments in order to inhibit strategies of persuasion and induction to sales of these products, ensuring mothers’ autonomy in the decision on the feeding of their children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiano Boccolini ◽  
Karine da Silva ◽  
Maria Inês de Oliveira

Abstract Objectives To evaluate if infant formulas, baby bottles, nipples, pacifiers, and nipple protectors are marketed in compliance with the Brazilian Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (NBCAL). Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 through a census of all pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores that commercialized products covered by NBCAL in the Southern Zone of Rio de Janeiro. NBCAL- trained health professionals used a structured electronic form for direct observation of the establishments and for interviewing those responsible. Six indicators have been developed for the evaluation of commercial practices and descriptive analyzes have been carried out. Results 352 commercial establishments were evaluated: 240 pharmacies, 88 supermarkets, and 24 department stores, of which 88% sold products whose promotion is prohibited by NBCAL. The illegal commercial promotion was found in 20.3% of those who marketed the products investigated: 52 pharmacies (21.9%), four supermarkets (7.5%) and seven department stores (33.3%). The most frequent commercial promotion strategies were discounts and special exhibitions. The products with the highest prevalence of infractions to NBCAL were infant formulas. 309 people in charge of the commercial establishments were interviewed, more than half reporting not knowing about the Law. Visits of merchant representatives of infant formula manufacturers were reported by more than three-quarters of them. Conclusions More than a fifth of the commercial establishments were promoting infant formula, baby bottles, and nipples, despite the prohibition of this practice in Brazil for thirty years. Training of those responsible for the commercial establishments is necessary. Government agencies should carry out supervision of commercial establishments in order to curb strategies to persuade and induce sales of these products, guaranteeing mothers autonomy in the decision on feeding their children. Funding Sources CNPq and FAPERJ.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 777
Author(s):  
Maria Jose Bernal ◽  
Sergio Roman ◽  
Michelle Klerks ◽  
Juan Francisco Haro-Vicente ◽  
Luis Manuel Sanchez-Siles

Complementary feeding (CF) is an important determinant of early and later life nutrition with great implications for the health status and the development of an adequate growth. Parents can choose between homemade foods (HMFs) and/or commercial infant foods (CIFs). There is no consistent evidence as to whether HMFs provide a better nutritional profile and variety over CIFs. The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional profiles and food variety of HMFs versus CIFs in the Spanish market targeted for infants (6–11 months) and young children (12–18 months). Thirty mothers with their children aged 6 to 18 months were included in this cross-sectional study, following a 3-day weighed food diary of which HMFs were collected and chemically analyzed. HMFs meals for infant provided significantly lower energy, higher protein and higher fiber, for young children provided significantly higher protein and fiber than CIFs meals. HMFs fruit purees for infant shown significantly higher fiber and for young children provided higher energy than CIFs. HMFs meals contained a significantly greater number of different vegetables than CIFs meals (3.7 vs. 3.3), with carrot as the most frequently used in both. However, in CIFs fruit purees shown higher different fruits than HMFs, in both the banana was the fruit most frequently used. There was a predominance of meat and lack of oily fish and legumes in both HMFs and CIFs meals. HMFs and CIFs were equally characterized by a soft texture and yellow-orange colours. Importantly, our findings emphasize the need for clear guidelines for the preparation of HMFs as well as the promotion of food variety (taste and textures) in both HMFs and CIFs to suit infants’ and young children’s nutritional and developmental needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kochu Therisa Karingada ◽  
Michael Sony

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has caught many educational institutions by surprise and warranted an abrupt migration from offline to online learning. This has resulted in an education change, without any time for due consideration, as regards its impact on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on students. The purpose of this study is to investigate MSD related to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students in India. In total, 261 students participated in this online survey.FindingsThe study finds that around 80% of students have reported some symptom in the head, neck and eyes since they started online learning. In total, 58% have reported MSD symptom in the right shoulder and 56% in the right hand fingers. Besides, more than 40 % of students experienced some MSD symptoms, in almost all the body parts studied, due to online learning. Correlation analysis is conducted between time spent on online learning per day and MSD symptoms.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted on MSD and online learning during COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (31) ◽  
pp. 2865-2869
Author(s):  
Praveen Mulki Shenoy ◽  
Amith Ramos ◽  
Narasimha Pai ◽  
Bharath Shetty ◽  
Aravind Pallipady Rao

BACKGROUND The papillary muscle basal connections have significant clinical implications. Variety of studies done on its morphology and function by various specialists in different departments. A close look on these revealed the interconnections of papillary muscles to one another and to the interventricular septum of both ventricles is related to uncoordinated contractions of papillary muscles, leading to hyper or hypokinesia or prolapse or even its rupture. METHODS Our study done in 25 formalin soaked hearts revealed after the deep and meticulous dissection, reflecting the walls of ventricles laterally the numerous interconnections of papillary muscles at its bases and IVS. Ventricles are opened by inverted ‘L’ shaped incision and its reflected more laterally till all the papillary muscles is visible in one frame after incising the moderator band. The connections were noted, measured, photographed, tabulated, compared with similar studies and analysed with experts with respective fields. RESULTS Almost all the specimens did have the interconnections. Further the post mortem findings of the cardiac related deaths with involvement of papillary muscles suggest damage to such ‘bridges’. The moderator band extensions to the base of right APM, and its extension to the posterior groups is noted in all the specimens. The bridge from the IVS to bases of both the groups of papillary muscles is noted in left ventricle. In90% of specimens the one PPM is found to be loosely connected, more so in left ventricle. CONCLUSIONS We are of a conclusion that such basal interconnections and to the interventricular septum are responsible for rhythmic contractions of papillary muscles of both ventricles. Since the AV valves have to open simultaneously, interconnections becomes mandatory as the impulse has to reach it before it reaches the trabeculae carniae. One of the Posterior papillary muscles is loosely connected to other papillary muscles, may be the reason for its rupture, more so in left ventricle. KEYWORDS Papillary Muscle, Interbasal Connection, Moderator Band, Valvular Prolapse, AV Valves


1970 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-150
Author(s):  
Mausumi Basu ◽  
Palash Das ◽  
Biman Roy ◽  
Jayanta Kumar Baruah

Background: Diseases affecting the cornea constitute a major cause of blindness. Corneal transplantation offers the potential for sight restoration. Due to non-availability of healthy cornea, many people continue to live in a dark world.Objectives: To assess the awareness and perception of undergraduate medical students towards eye donation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of Kolkata on August 2010 using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Epi-info software package version 6.04.Results: Almost all (98.9%) participants knew that eyes can be donated and 70.8% were aware at the time of eye collection. However, only 43.7% respondents knew whom to approach for pledging their eyes for donation; 80.7% were either willing (76.0%) or had already pledged (4.7%) to donate their eyes. Television was the major source (78.1%) of information on eye donation. Nobility was the main motivation (87.7%) and 75.5% felt the need for helping the blind. Of these medical students, 19.3% were unaware and did not pledge eye donation due to objection by family members and dislike of the idea of separating their eyes.Conclusion: The present study revealed that medical students were well aware of eye donation with a favorable attitude towards it and most of them were inclined to pledge for eye donation. The perceived reasons for not donating eyes need to be considered while creating awareness about eye donation in the community. Students can be actively involved as volunteers in eye donation campaigns and after proper training in counselling techniques, they can act as counsellors for eye donation activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 139-144
Author(s):  
Chevin Ramadhan Hadiwijaya ◽  
Muhammad Imam Zan Zabiyla Analuddin ◽  
Ayikacantya Sudayasa ◽  
Muhammad Hoki Akbar ◽  
Lilyana Aritonia Ahmad ◽  
...  

Background: Adequate health systems and effective strategies are needed to increase trust and acceptance in vaccines. Generation Z is more concerned with environmental issues related to the pandemic situation.Objective: This study aimed to assess the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Generation Z.Methods: This was an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design on generation Z in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, from May to July 2021. The samples were taken by cluster sampling using faculty classification. Data was collected using a questionnaire with a google form, included the characteristics, knowledge regarding COVID-19 and vaccine, and the media information.Results: There were 396 participants. Most of them were 20 years (52.6%), female (74.8%), and Muslim (93.7%). About 61.6% live outside the city and had insurance (77.3%). Half of the participants knew the COVID-19 symptoms (51.26%), some participants were hesitant (11.8%) and did not even know (0.76%). Almost all participants were aware of the COVID-19 vaccination program (99.2%), benefits (95.2%), side effects (84.1%), and knew the contents of the COVID-19 vaccine (62.1%). Most of them were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine (77.8%). However, 17.93% were hesitant, and 4.29% were unwilling to participate. Most participants were not trusting vaccines (43.9%), did not feel the need (29.3%), and felt access was not easy (26.8%). Most of them used social media to get information about COVID-19 (89.1%).Conclusion: Generation Z has a good acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, even though there are still doubts and rejects. Accurately and sustainable information is needed.


Author(s):  
Manish Ranjan ◽  
Mahadevan Kumar ◽  
Sourav Sen ◽  
Parijat Das ◽  
Kunal Kanti Lahiri

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the commonest conditions for which people seek medical care with an estimated 150 million episodes per annum worldwide. An unprecedented upsurge in the rate of development of antimicrobial resistance has reduced the therapeutic options leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, development of complications. Majority of these infections are attributable to Gram negative bacteria which have now acquired resistance to almost all classes of antibiotics. Aim: To analyse the plasmid-mediated drug resistance and characterise the major plasmid families that are in circulation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising of a total of 95 non consecutive multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial isolates were subjected to Plasmid based replicon typing from January 2017 to June 2018. The 18 major replicons were divided in five multiplex and three uniplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) formats and the samples were subjected for plasmid characterisation and further sequencing of the plasmid Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). The data obtained was analysed by Microsoft Excel software. Results: Escherichia coli, accounted for maximum n=51 (53.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae n=19 (20%), Citrobacter sp n=11 (11.6%), miscellaneous gram negative n=14 (14.7%) The isolates exhibited a high degree of resistance to almost all tested antibiotics, sparing a few like Fosfomycin, Chloramphenicol, Imipenem, Amikacin. A total of 154 different plasmid families were detected from the 95 isolates. FIB replicon (24%), FIA (21%), F, W (20%), FIC, B/O (14%), Y (12%), I1 replicon (10.5%) were the major plasmid families detected in the present study. Conclusion: Many isolates exhibited the presence of more than one Incompatibility (Inc.) group plasmids, conferring multidrug resistance to the isolates. The study highlights the need for further research to study the association between plasmid families and their respective antibiotic resistance profiles for a given geographical niche and the need to devise further methods to target these epidemic plasmids.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luana Santos Vital Alves Coelho ◽  
Silvia Gonçalves Soares ◽  
Gabriela Duarte Carvalho ◽  
Virgínia Junqueira Oliveira ◽  
Vinícius Silva Belo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the association between violence in childhood and increase in the Body Mass Index among adolescents. Method: a cross-sectional study, conducted with 136 adolescents aged from 10 to 19 years old, monitored by a Multiprofessional Residency Program in Adolescents' Health, in health units from the municipality of Divinópolis-MG. The anthropometric assessment was conducted from March to June 2018; and information was collected referring to the socioeconomic level, demographic factors, food consumption, and physical activity of the participants. The variable related to violence in childhood was composed of five groups, obtained from a factorial analysis. Multiple regression models were used to identify the variables associated with the increase in Body Mass Index, with a significance level of 5%. Results: the prevalence of excess weight was 31.8%. The adolescents participating in the study consumed soft drinks (66.2%) and industrialized food products (66.9%) every week and ate in front of the TV every day (54.4%). The most prevalent type of abuse was emotional neglect, which affected 100% of the sample under study. An association was evidenced of physical neglect in childhood and intake of industrialized food products with the increase in the Body Mass Index z-score. Conclusion: violence in childhood and the consumption of industrialized food products were associated to the increase in Body Mass Index among adolescents. Investments in public policies for comprehensive promotion of health and protection of children and adolescents are imperious.


2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (10) ◽  
pp. 3295-3307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingjing Jiang ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Yingxian Pang ◽  
Nicole Bechmann ◽  
Minghao Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are characterized by distinct genotype-phenotype relationships according to studies largely restricted to Caucasian populations. Objective To assess for possible differences in genetic landscapes and genotype-phenotype relationships of PPGLs in Chinese versus European populations. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting 2 tertiary-care centers in China and 9 in Europe. Participants Patients with pathologically confirmed diagnosis of PPGL, including 719 Chinese and 919 Europeans. Main Outcome Measures Next-generation sequencing performed in tumor specimens with mutations confirmed by Sanger sequencing and tested in peripheral blood if available. Frequencies of mutations were examined according to tumor location and catecholamine biochemical phenotypes. Results Among all patients, higher frequencies of HRAS, FGFR1, and EPAS1 mutations were observed in Chinese than Europeans, whereas the reverse was observed for NF1, VHL, RET, and SDHx. Among patients with apparently sporadic PPGLs, the most frequently mutated genes in Chinese were HRAS (16.5% [13.6-19.3] vs 9.8% [7.6-12.1]) and FGFR1 (9.8% [7.6-12.1] vs 2.2% [1.1-3.3]), whereas among Europeans the most frequently mutated genes were NF1 (15.9% [13.2-18.6] vs 6.6% [4.7-8.5]) and SDHx (10.7% [8.4–13.0] vs 4.2% [2.6–5.7]). Among Europeans, almost all paragangliomas lacked appreciable production of epinephrine and identified gene mutations were largely restricted to those leading to stabilization of hypoxia inducible factors. In contrast, among Chinese there was a larger proportion of epinephrine-producing paragangliomas, mostly due to HRAS and FGFR1 mutations. Conclusions This study establishes Sino-European differences in the genetic landscape and presentation of PPGLs, including ethnic differences in genotype-phenotype relationships indicating a paradigm shift in our understanding of the biology of these tumors.


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