scholarly journals Socioeconomic and environmental determinants of adolescent asthma in urban Latin America: an ecological analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 2367-2378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gisel Lorena Fattore ◽  
Carlos Antonio de Souza Teles Santos ◽  
Mauricio Lima Barreto
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
International Study ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Asthma Prevalence ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Environmental Determinants ◽  
Explanatory Variables

Abstract The prevalence of asthma is high in urban areas of many Latin-American countries where societies show high levels of inequality and different levels of development. This study aimed to examine the relationship between asthma symptoms prevalence in adolescents living in Latin American urban centers and socioeconomic and environmental determinants measured at the ecological level. Asthma prevalence symptoms were obtained from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase III. A hierarchical conceptual framework was defined and the explanatory variables were organized in three levels: distal, intermediate, proximal. Linear regression models weighed by sample size were undertaken between asthma prevalence and the selected variables. Asthma prevalence was positively associated with Gini index, water supply and homicide rate, and inversely associated with the Human Development Index, crowding and adequate sanitation. This study provides evidence of the potential influence of poverty and social inequalities on current wheezing in adolescents in a complex social context like Latin America.

scholarly journals Non-Pharmacologic Interventions for Caregivers of People With Dementia in Latin America: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 275-276
Author(s):  
Jose Aravena ◽  
Jean Gajardo ◽  
Laura Gitlin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Person With Dementia

Abstract In a scenario of increasing longevity and social inequalities, Latin-America is an important contributor to the worldwide dementia burden. Caregivers’ health is fundamental to maintain the person with dementia quality of life. However, caregiving is a culturally sensible role that requires tailored solutions. The aim is to synthesize the evidence about non-pharmacologic interventions targeted to caregivers of people with dementia in Latin-American contexts. A comprehensive review of interventions in caregivers and persons with dementia in Latin-American countries was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus with studies published until January 27th, 2020. Randomized clinical trials of non-pharmacologic interventions targeted to caregivers of people with dementia or dyads where included. Qualitative synthesis of the evidence was presented and analyzed. Overall, 9 pilot RCT were included for the final analysis (6 Brazil, 1 Colombia, 1 Mexico, 1 Perú). The biggest study recruited 69 caregivers and the smallest 13 dyads, with follow-up range of 3-6 months. 5 control groups received at least some other non-standard care type of intervention. 8 were targeted exclusively to caregivers (4 group intervention, 3 individual, and 1 combined) and 1 multicomponent intervention. Most frequent measured outcomes were caregiver’s burden, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life, and person with dementia neuropsychiatric symptoms. Individual interventions report better results in caregiver parameters such as burden and depressive symptoms and person with dementia neuropsychiatric symptoms. Group interventions presented mixed results. Nevertheless, the quality of evidence was low. There is a critical need to study interventions for caregivers in Latin-American contexts.

Skin Color and System Support in Latin America

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Peter M. Sanchez ◽  
David Doherty ◽  
Kirstie Lynn Dobbs
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Political System ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Outcomes

Abstract Is darker skin pigmentation associated with less favorable social and political outcomes in Latin America? We leverage data from 18 Latin American countries across multiple survey waves to demonstrate the robust and potent negative relationship between the darkness of skin tone and socio-economic status. Then we examine the relationship between skin color and attitudes toward the political system. In spite of our substantial sample size, we find little support for the expectation that respondents with darker skin are less favorably disposed toward the political system—indeed, on balance, our findings run counter to this expectation. Our findings suggest that the socio-economic “pigmentocracy” that pervades the region does not necessarily translate into pronounced differences in attitudes about the political system. This finding casts some doubt on the expectation that social inequalities are likely to destabilize governments or undermine their legitimacy.

Racial Mixing and National Integration in Latin America: The Return of Racial Differences in Mexico and Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-189
Author(s):  
Eduardo Torre Cantalapiedra
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
First Century ◽  
National Integration

The importance of racial differences in the configuration of Latin American societies has for decades been overshadowed by ideologies of racial mixing and social-class-based approaches to the analysis of the region’s societies. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century increased attention has been devoted to racial differences both in public policy and in social science research. Government affirmative action designed to reverse social inequalities due to racial differences in Brazil and the results of research on racial differences and racial mixing in Mexico indicate that, as Rodolfo Stavenhagen argued 50 years ago, racial mixing does not contribute to national integration. La transcendencia de las diferencias raciales en la configuración de las sociedades latinoamericanas ha sido poco atendida durante décadas; inicialmente, fue opacada por las ideologías del mestizaje, y posteriormente ensombrecida por el predominio de las clases sociales como forma de analizar a las sociedades de esta región. Desde a comienzos del siglo XXI, las diferencias raciales han adquirido notoriedad en Latinoamérica, tanto en las investigaciones en ciencias sociales como en las políticas públicas. Las políticas públicas de acción afirmativa conducidas por el gobierno brasileño y los hallazgos de las investigaciones más recientes en cuestiones referidas a las diferencias raciales y al mestizaje en el caso de México indican que, como dijo Rodolfo Stavenhagen hace cincuenta años, el mestizaje no contribuye a la integración nacional.

scholarly journals Developing a cooperative multicenter study in Latin America: Lessons learned from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health Project

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Fisberg ◽  
Irina Kovalskys ◽  
Georgina Gómez Salas ◽  
Rossina Gabriella Pareja Torres ◽  
Martha Cecilia Yépez García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
American Study ◽  
Latin American Study ◽  
Data Quality Control ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Study Results

This report examines the challenges of conducting a multicenter, cross-sectional study of countries with diverse cultures, and shares the lessons learned. The Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) was used as a feasibility study involving the most populous cities of eight countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) in 2014–2015, about 40% of the population of the Americas. The target sample included 9 000 individuals, 15–65 years of age, and was stratified by geographic location (only urban areas), gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Six principal challenges were identified: team structuring and site selections; developing a single protocol; obtaining ethic approvals; completing simultaneous fieldwork; ensuring data quality; and extracting data and maintaining consistency across databases. Lessons learned show that harmonization, pilot study, uniformity of procedures, high data quality control, and communication and collaboration across sites are imperative. Barriers included organizational complexity, recruitment of collaborators and research staff, institutional cooperation, development of infrastructure, and identification of resources. Consensus on uniform measures and outcomes and data collection methodology, as well as a plan for data management and analysis, communication, publication, and dissemination of study results should be in place prior to beginning fieldwork. While challenging, such studies offer great potential for building a scientific base for studies on nutrition, physical activity, and other health topics, while facilitating comparisons among countries.

scholarly journals From the Approach to the Concept: One Health in Latin America-Experiences and Perspectives in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Pettan-Brewer ◽  
Andreza Francisco Martins ◽  
Daniel Paiva Barros de Abreu ◽  
Ana Pérola Drulla Brandão ◽  
David Soeiro Barbosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
One Health ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One ◽  
Interdisciplinary Interaction

Professionals throughout the world have been working to assess the interdisciplinary interaction and interdependence between health and wellbeing in a constantly changing environment. The One Health concept was developed to encourage sustainable collaborative partnerships and to promote optimal health for people, animals, plants, the environment, and the whole planet. The dissemination of scientific discoveries and policies, by working directly with diverse communities, has been one of the main goals for Global One Health. The One Health concept has also been referred or related to as “One Medicine, One Medicine-One Health, One World-One Health, EcoHealth,” and Planetary Health,” depending on each fundamental view and approach. In Latin America, despite the concept still being discussed among health professionals and educators, several One Health initiatives have been used daily for more than decades. One Health action has been applied especially in rural and underserved urban areas where low socioeconomic status, lack of health professionals, and scarcity of medical resources may require professionals to work together. Local communities from diverse social and economic statuses, including indigenous populations have been working with institutions and social organizations for many years, accomplishing results through grassroots movements. These “bottom-up” socio-community approaches have also been tools for the prevention and control of diseases, such practice has preceded the One Health concepts in Latin American countries. It is strongly believed that collaborative, multidisciplinary, political, and economic initiatives with prosocial focus may become investments toward obtaining significant results in the face of global, economic and health challenges; working for a healthier world with inclusivity, equity, and equality. In this study, it is briefly presented how the One Health approach has been initiated and developed in Latin America, highlighting the events and actions taken in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Education for Citizenship in the Latin American Context

2019 ◽  
pp. 195-217
Author(s):  
Joan Pagès Blanch ◽  
Carolina García González ◽  
Martha Cecilia Gutiérrez Giraldo
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
International Study ◽  
Democratic Citizenship ◽  
The Political ◽  
Citizen Education ◽  
Community Boundaries ◽  
And Training

The chapter shows the situation of education for democratic citizenship in Latin America and its evolution over the last 25 years, taking as an example three countries: Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. First, the concept of citizenship in curricula is analyzed. Its role in the political and social re-democratization and its limitations are proposed as a result of a national identity concept that limits cultural, social, and political diversity. Their strengths and weaknesses are compared, considering issues like human rights, citizenship responsibilities, citizen participation, community boundaries, levels of identity, and cultural diversity. Second, the purposes of their teaching are interpreted in the curricula. It presents a curriculum focused on relevant social problems and on the formation of critical thinking and social participation and citizenship awareness. Finally, it reflects on the results of the international study on civic and citizen education in Latin America, pointing out its contradictions and the need to continue deepening in research and in teaching practice and training.

Latin American Attitudes toward Women in Politics: The Influence of Elite Cues, Female Advancement, and Individual Characteristics

2013 ◽  
Vol 107 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
JANA MORGAN ◽  
MELISSA BUICE
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Attitudes Toward Women ◽  
Female Leadership ◽  
Gender Attitudes ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Gender Egalitarianism ◽  
Context Shapes

This article outlines three theoretical arguments—socialization, status discontent, and elite cues—that generate competing predictions about the way context shapes gender attitudes. Using hierarchical analysis, we assess the power of these arguments in Latin America, a region that manifests considerable variation on our central explanatory variables and thus offers important theoretical leverage. We find men's gender attitudes to be highly contingent on elite cues and susceptible to backlash effects in response to women's economic advancement. Also, where women lack national representation, distrust of government promotes support for female leadership as an alternative to the discredited (male) establishment. The analysis supports existing individual-level explanations of gender attitudes and demonstrates a connection between diffuse democratic values and gender egalitarianism. The findings suggest that recent advances for female politicians in Latin America may be susceptible to reversal, and they illuminate strategies for strengthening women's equality in the region.

scholarly journals Conservation and Use of Latin American Maize Diversity: Pillar of Nutrition Security and Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Filippo Guzzon ◽  
Luis Walquer Arandia Rios ◽  
Galo Mario Caviedes Cepeda ◽  
Marcia Céspedes Polo ◽  
Alexander Chavez Cabrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Genetic Erosion ◽  
Farm Labor ◽  
Maize Diversity ◽  
Maize Landraces

Latin America is the center of domestication and diversity of maize, the second most cultivated crop worldwide. In this region, maize landraces are fundamental for food security, livelihoods, and culture. Nevertheless, genetic erosion (i.e., the loss of genetic diversity and variation in a crop) threatens the continued cultivation and in situ conservation of landrace diversity that is crucial to climate change adaptation and diverse uses of maize. We provide an overview of maize diversity in Latin America before discussing factors associated with persistence of large in situ maize diversity, causes for maize landrace abandonment by farmers, and strategies to enhance the cultivation of landraces. Among other factors, maize diversity is linked with: (1) small-holder farming, (2) the production of traditional food products, (3) traditional cropping systems, (4) cultivation in marginal areas, and (5) retention of control over the production system by the farmers. On the other hand, genetic erosion is associated with substitution of landraces with hybrid varieties or cash crops, and partial (off-farm labor) or complete migration to urban areas. Continued cultivation, and therefore on-farm conservation of genetic diversity held in maize landraces, can be encouraged by creating or strengthening market opportunities that make the cultivation of landraces and open pollinated varieties (OPVs) more profitable for farmers, supporting breeding programs that prioritize improvement of landraces and their special traits, and increasing the access to quality germplasm of landraces and landrace-derived OPVs.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding and the nutritional transition in the Latin American and Caribbean Region: a success story?

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. S119-S127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
The Caribbean

The objectives of this paper are to examine recent breastfeeding duration trends in Latin America and the Caribbean to document: (a) rural-urban differentials, (b) differences in educational levels, and (c) changes in breastfeeding duration across time. Secondary data analyses were conducted with 23 Demographic and Health Surveys collected between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s. Results indicate that median breastfeeding duration is still greater in rural (as compared to urban) areas and among less (versus more) educated women, although these differentials are decreasing with time. In five of the six countries examined for secular trends, breastfeeding duration continues to increase in both rural and urban areas. Breastfeeding duration in urban and rural areas was strongly correlated within countries. Breastfeeding duration improved more among women with the highest and declined among those with the lowest levels of education. Results indicate that breastfeeding duration has increased in Latin America and the Caribbean at a time when the opposite was predicted, given the region's increased urbanization. Breastfeeding protection policies and promotion programs may explain part of the increase in breastfeeding duration.

An ineffective preparation? The scarce effect in primary school principals’ practices of school leadership preparation and training in seven countries in Latin America

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Weinstein ◽  
Ariel Azar ◽  
Joseph Flessa
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Educational Leadership ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Leadership Practices ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Using Data ◽  
And Training

Latin American educational policy has relied on the assumption that better preparation can help school leaders improve their professional performance, thus improving quality of schools. Training programs for present or future school leaders have proliferated in the region, often publicly financed, but without enough evidence of their impact. Using data for seven Latin American countries from the Third Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (TERCE), we seek to determine the association between school leaders’ formal education and training received, with well recognized dimensions of school leadership practices reported by their teachers. We estimated linear regression models for each country in Latin America to determine the relationship between principals’ preparation with indicators of educational leadership practices. Our results show that in most observed indicators of leadership practices the effect of education or training is marginal. We provide possible explanations for this finding, emphasizing the weaknesses in principals’ initial selection processes and their deficiencies. We also consider schools’ precarious conditions to support principals in order to put the knowledge they learned in training activities into practice. We point out the need to continue conducting specific studies on the effects of training on educational leadership among school leaders in the region, overcoming TERCE information restrictions.

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