scholarly journals Original research Socio-demographic patterning of self-reported physical activity and sitting time in Latin American countries: findings from ELANS

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerson Luis de Moraes Ferrari ◽  
◽  
Irina Kovalskys ◽  
Mauro Fisberg ◽  
Georgina Gómez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Latin American Countries

Abstract Background Low levels of physical activity (PA) and prolonged sitting time (ST) increase the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality, and can be influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. The aim of this study was to use self-report data to characterise socio-demographic patterns of PA and ST in eight Latin American countries. Methods Data were obtained from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a household population-based, multi-national, cross-sectional survey (n = 9218, aged 15–65 years), collected from September 2014 to February 2015. Transport and leisure PA and ST were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–long version. Overall and country-specific mean and median levels of time spent in transport and leisure PA and ST were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level. Results Mean levels of transport and leisure PA were 220.3 min/week (ranging from 177.6 min/week in Venezuela to 275.3 min/week in Costa Rica) and 316.4 min/week (ranging from 272.1 min/week in Peru to 401.4 min/week in Ecuador). Transport and leisure PA were higher (p < 0.005) in men than women with mean differences of 58.0 and 34.0 min/week. The mean and median for transport PA were similar across age groups (15–29 years: mean 215.5 and median 120 min/week; 30–59 years: mean 225.0 and median 120 min/week; ≥60 years: mean 212.0 and median 120 min/week). The median time spent in transport and leisure PA between three strata of socioeconomic and education levels were similar. The prevalence of not meeting PA recommendations were 69.9% (95% CI: 68.9–70.8) for transport and 72.8% (95% CI: 72.0–73.7) for leisure. Men, younger people (15–29 years), individuals with higher socioeconomic and education levels spent significantly (p < 0.001) more time sitting than women, older people (30–59 years and ≥ 60 years) and those in the middle and low socioeconomic and education groups, respectively. Conclusions Transport and leisure PA and ST range widely by country, sex, and age group in Latin America. Programs for promoting leisure and transport PA and reducing ST in Latin America should consider these differences by age and gender and between countries. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

scholarly journals Predictors of COVID-19 Fatality: A Worldwide Analysis of the Pandemic over Time and in Latin America

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayana Rojas ◽  
Jorge Saavedra ◽  
Mariya Petrova ◽  
Yue Pan ◽  
José Szapocznik
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Latin American Countries ◽  
Risk Ratios

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 has infected over one hundred million people worldwide and has affected Latin America particularly severely in terms of both cases and deaths. This study aims to determine the association between SARS-CoV-2 testing and COVID-19 fatality rate worldwide over 8 months and to examine how this relationship differs between Latin America and all other countries. This cross-sectional study used March 2021 data from 169 countries. Multivariate regressions predicted COVID-19 fatality (outcome) from the number of SARS-CoV-2 tests (exposure), while controlling for other predictors. Results for March 2021 were compared to results from June 2020. Additionally, results for Latin America were also compared to all other countries except Latin American for March 2021. SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a significant decrease in COVID-19 fatality rate in both June 2020 and March 2021 (RR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.87–0.96 and RR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.74–1.00, respectively). SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a significant decrease in COVID-19 fatality rate in Latin American countries but not in all other countries (RR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.23–0.89 and RR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.82–1.11, respectively). However, the difference between the risk ratios for June 2020 and March 2021 and between the risk ratios for Latin America and all other countries were not statistically significant. Increased SARS-CoV-2 testing may be a significant predictor of lower COVID-19 case fatality rate, specifically in Latin American countries, due to the existence of a strong association, which may have driven the worldwide results.

scholarly journals Front-of-pack warning labels are preferred by parents with low education level in four Latin American countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Sofia Rincon Gallardo Patino ◽  
Ángela Carriedo ◽  
Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽  
Jacqueline Araneda ◽  
Lorena Allemandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Warning Labels ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Low Education ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Latin American Countries

Background: Overweight and obesity rates in Latin America are much higher than the global prevalence. Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition label systems are gaining momentum in Latin America and being implemented as a strategy to tackle obesity among children and adults. This study investigates the usage and preference of three FOP nutrition labels among Argentinian, Chilean, Costa Rican, and Mexican adult parents. Methods: From March to May 2016, a questionnaire was administered to 966 parents of elementary school aged children in Argentina (89), Chile (304), Costa Rica (258) and Mexico (315). Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA), traffic light (TL), and warning label FOP systems were compared and analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using frequencies and proportions. Median differences tests, ANOVAs and logistic regression models were performed. A thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted using a deductive process. Results: Parents with low education levels and poor health conditions (i.e., overweight) preferred the FOP warning labels over the GDA and TL systems. The GDA FOP nutrition labels were preferred by parents with higher education levels. Overall, the TL system was preferred with no significant differences across countries. Conclusion: FOP warning labels are preferred by parents with vulnerable conditions (i.e., low education levels and overweight) across four Latin American countries. An easily understandable, readable and acceptable label may facilitate usage by vulnerable groups to make healthy food purchases. These results have important policy implications by providing evidence to government policymakers to enact legislation to implement or enhance existing FOP nutrition label policies as a viable strategy to reduce obesity risk.

scholarly journals Comparison of self-report versus accelerometer – measured physical activity and sedentary behaviors and their association with body composition in Latin American countries

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0232420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerson Luis de Moraes Ferrari ◽  
Irina Kovalskys ◽  
Mauro Fisberg ◽  
Georgina Gómez ◽  
Attilio Rigotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Latin American Countries

scholarly journals Repercussions of COVID-19 on the Ecuadorian tax system and its ranking compared to other countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-20
Author(s):  
Pamela Elizabeth Roque-Valarezo ◽  
María de los Ángeles Yumbo-Gúzman ◽  
Milca Orellana
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Income Tax ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Reliable Information ◽  
Direct Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tax System ◽  
Local Companies ◽  
Latin American Countries

Tax systems are essential for the collection of taxes, since the economic spending of the countries depends on them; Among the items we have the Income Tax (IR) and the Value Added Tax (VAT), which are the highest income obligations that Ecuador has. This article aims to analyze the repercussions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the collection systems of Ecuador compared to the countries of Latin America. For this purpose, a descriptive-documentary cross-sectional methodology was carried out in order to obtain true, reliable information from indexed databases that were verified and approved by different researchers. The results show that COVID-19 had a direct impact on the economies of Latin American countries, especially in the first half of 2020, however, the policies adopted by governments, precisely in Ecuador, helped reduce the burden of the crisis, by deferring the payment of taxes, which generated momentary relief for local companies.

scholarly journals The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Latin America: a systematic review

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1702-1713 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Márquez-Sandoval ◽  
G Macedo-Ojeda ◽  
D Viramontes-Hörner ◽  
JD Fernández Ballart ◽  
J Salas Salvadó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multi Centre Study ◽  
Mature Adult ◽  
Latin American Countries

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the available data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Latin-American countries.DesignSystematic review. Searches were carried out in PubMed, ISIWeb, SCielo and Redalyc, using ‘metabolic syndrome x’ and ‘prevalence’ as keywords for titles and/or abstracts. Articles selected were cross-sectional studies in Latin-American countries, whose main objective was to study MS and whose study population is described below. MS must be determined using Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Twelve studies with these criteria were selected, one of which was multi-centric.SettingLatin America.SubjectsApparently healthy subjects aged 18–65 years (including young adult, mature adult and elderly populations) of both genders.ResultsThe general prevalence (weighted mean) of MS in Latin-American countries was 24·9 (range: 18·8–43·3) %. MS was slightly more frequent in women (25·3 %) than in men (23·2 %), and the age group with the highest prevalence of MS consisted of those over 50 years of age. The most frequent components of MS were low HDL cholesterol levels (62·9 %) and abdominal obesity (45·8 %). Similar outcomes were obtained from the multi-centre study on Latin-American populations analysed.ConclusionsThe present review brings us closer to an understanding of the prevalence of MS in Latin-American countries. However, it is not possible to know the full scope of the problem, partly because data from some countries are not available, and because the methodological differences among the studies published up to the present limit a joint analysis of their results.

Obesity in Latin America, a scoping review of public health prevention strategies and an overview of their impact on obesity prevention

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-34
Author(s):  
Cristina Palacios ◽  
Marcia Magnus ◽  
Alejandro Arrieta ◽  
Héctor Gallardo-Rincón ◽  
Roberto Tapia-Conyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
School Nutrition ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽  
Latin American Countries

Abstract Objective: To describe the strategies implemented in 17 Latin American countries for obesity prevention and to provide an overview of their impact. Design: A thorough search of strategies and their impact was done through an Internet search, governmental webpages, reports, and research articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Setting: Latin America (not including the Caribbean countries). Participants: any. Results: The Ministry of Health is the main oversight for obesity prevention, with six countries having a specific structure for this. Regular obesity monitoring occurs in a few countries and 13 countries have a national obesity prevention plan. The main regulations being implemented/designed are front-of-package labeling (16 countries), school environment (15 countries), school nutrition education (9 countries), promotion of physical activity level (9 countries), and sugar-sweetened beverage tax (8 countries). All countries have dietary guidelines. The main community-based programs being implemented are school meals (17 countries), complementary nutrition (11 countries), nutrition education (14 countries), promotion of physical activity (9 countries), and healthy environments (9 countries). Most of these strategies have not been evaluated. The few with positive results have used a coordinated, multi-disciplinary, and multi-sector approach, with legislation and executive-level support. Conclusions: important obesity prevention strategies are being implemented in the 17 Latin American countries included in the present review. However, few have been evaluated to assess their impact on preventing obesity. This information can help assess which actions can be generalized to other countries within the region and can help inform how to prevent obesity in different settings.

Party Systems and Redistribution in Democratic Latin America

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Party Systems ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contemporary Politics ◽  
Political Left ◽  
Latin American Countries ◽  
Over Time

A redistributive wave across Latin America provided credence to existing explanations that emphasize the importance of democracy and the political left for democratic redistribution. Yet, neither of these theories tells the entire story behind the contemporary politics of inequality in Latin America. This article stresses the importance of party systems for democratic redistribution, especially their role in increasing the scope of social policy as well as igniting competitive electoral environments that incentivize political elites to redistribute, leading to the amelioration of inequality over time. Utilizing a time-series cross-sectional dataset on fifteen Latin American countries covering the period of 1990–2015, and extending the analysis to sixty-five global democracies, this article finds that countries with institutionalized party systems exhibit greater income redistribution and lower levels of inequality than those with inchoate counterparts.

scholarly journals Diet Quality and Diet Diversity in Eight Latin American Countries: Results from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS)

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Gómez ◽  
Regina Fisberg ◽  
Ágatha Nogueira Previdelli ◽  
Cristiane Hermes Sales ◽  
Irina Kovalskys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Economic Level ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Latin American Countries

This study aimed to assess diet quality score (DQS), considering healthy and unhealthy foods and nutrients, and diet diversity score (DDS) as indicators of risk of noncommunicable diseases in eight Latin American countries, and to verify the possible differences considering country, sex, age, socioeconomic, and nutritional status. A multicenter household population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 9218 individuals (age range 15–65 years). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. Dietary intake was measured using two non-consecutive 24-h recalls and diet quality and diversity were assessed. In the whole sample, scores were observed from 63.0% ± 9.3% to total DQS, 65.0% ± 13.6% to healthy dietary items and 60.2% ± 13.6% to unhealthy items, and 5.6 ± 1.1 out of 9 points to DDS. Women presented lower DDS compared to men (5.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Healthy DQS was higher as the socio-economic level increased, and unhealthy DQS was the opposite (p < 0.05). Total DQS was significantly lower only at the low socio-economic level (p < 0.05). Chile and Venezuela showed the lowest healthy (62.2 ± 15.2 and 61.9 ± 11.7, p < 0.05) and total DQS (61.4 ± 10.3, 61.2 ± 8.7, p < 0.05). No effects were observed when considering the age and anthropometric measurements. Promoting consumption of a diverse and high-quality diet is an essential challenge to accomplish.

scholarly journals Association between Perceived Neighborhood Built Environment and Walking and Cycling for Transport among Inhabitants from Latin America: The ELANS Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6858
Author(s):  
Gerson Ferrari ◽  
André Oliveira Werneck ◽  
Danilo Rodrigues da Silva ◽  
Irina Kovalskys ◽  
Georgina Gómez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Alternative Routes ◽  
Neighborhood Built Environment ◽  
Latin American Countries

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the associations of the perceived neighborhood built environment with walking and cycling for transport in inhabitants from Latin American countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 9218 participants (15–65 years) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, which included a nationally representative sample of eight countries. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form for measure walking and cycling for transport and the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated. Furthermore, perceived proximity from home to public open spaces and shopping centers was assessed. Results: Perceived land use mix-access (OR: 1.32; 95%CI: 1.16,1.50) and the existence of many alternative routes in the neighbourhood (1.09 1.01,1.17) were associated with higher odds of reporting any walking for transport (≥10 min/week). Perceived slow speed of traffic (1.88 1.82,1.93) and few drivers exceeding the speed limits (1.92; 1.86,1.98) were also related to higher odds of reporting any walking for transport. The odds of reporting any cycling for transport (≥10 min/week) were higher in participants perceiving more walking/cycling facilities (1.87 1.76,1.99), and better aesthetics (1.22 1.09,1.38). Conclusions: Dissimilar perceived neighborhood built environment characteristics were associated with walking and cycling for transport among inhabitants from Latin America.

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