scholarly journals Changes in the Sodium Content of Foods Sold in Four Latin American Countries: 2015 to 2018

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4108
Author(s):  
Adriana Blanco-Metzler ◽  
Jaritza Vega-Solano ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Lorena Allemandi ◽  
Rodrigo Burgos Larroza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Pan American ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Latin American Countries ◽  
Made In

In 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published sodium targets for packaged foods, which included two distinct levels: one “regional” and one “lower” target. Changes to the sodium content of the food supply in Latin American Countries (LAC) has not been evaluated. A repeated cross-sectional study used food label data from 2015 (n = 3859) and 2018 (n = 5312) to determine changes in the proportion of packaged foods meeting the PAHO sodium targets and the distribution in the sodium content of foods in four LAC (Argentina, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru). Foods were classified into the 18 food categories in the PAHO targets. The proportion of foods meeting the regional targets increased from 82.9% to 89.3% between 2015 and 2018 (p < 0.001). Overall, 44.4% of categories had significant decreases in mean sodium content. Categories with a higher proportion of foods meeting the regional and lower targets in 2018 compared to 2015 (p < 0.05) were breaded meat and poultry, wet and dry soups, snacks, cakes, bread products, flavored cookies and crackers, and dry pasta and noodles. While positive progress has been made in reducing the sodium content of foods in LAC, sodium intakes in the region remain high. More stringent targets are required to support sodium reduction in LAC.

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 Risk Analysis for Patient Safety in Surgical Departments: Cross-Sectional Design Usefulness

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2516
Author(s):  
Verónica Aranaz Ostáriz ◽  
María Teresa Gea Velázquez de Castro ◽  
Francisco López Rodríguez-Arias ◽  
José Lorenzo Valencia Martín ◽  
Carlos Aibar Remón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Health Care Quality ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Improve Health Care Quality ◽  
Health Organization

(1) Background: Identifying and measuring adverse events (AE) is a priority for patient safety, which allows us to define and prioritise areas for improvement and evaluate and develop solutions to improve health care quality. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of AEs in surgical and medical-surgical departments and to know the health impact of these AEs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study determining the prevalence of AEs in surgical and medical-surgical departments was conducted and a comparison was made among both clinical areas. A total of 5228 patients were admitted in 58 hospitals in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru, within the Latin American Study of Adverse Events (IBEAS), led by the Spanish Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization, and the WHO Patient Safety programme. (3) Results: The global prevalence of AEs was 10.7%. However, the prevalence of AEs in surgical departments was 11.9%, while in medical-surgical departments it was 8.9%. The causes of these AEs were associated with surgical procedures (38.6%) and nosocomial infections (35.4%). About 60.6% of the AEs extended hospital stays by 30.7 days on average and 25.8% led to readmission with an average hospitalisation of 15 days. About 22.4% resulted in death, disability, or surgical reintervention. (4) Conclusions: Surgical departments were associated with a higher risk of experiencing AEs.

scholarly journals Profile of simultaneous poly-substance users of undergraduate students at one university, Kingston - Jamaica

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (spe) ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
Joy Harrison ◽  
Laura Simich ◽  
Carol Strike ◽  
Bruna Brands ◽  
Norman Giesbrecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Caribbean Island ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Level ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The University ◽  
Latin American Countries

This study is part of a multicentric research project involving seven universities in five Latin American countries and one Caribbean island (Jamaica). This cross-sectional study examines the profile of a sample of first and second year undergraduate students in the Medical/Health Science Department of one university in Kingston, Jamaica. The sample size was 295 students. Our results revealed that this pattern of drug use is occurring in this specific university. Alcohol was the most frequently reported substance 27.5%, followed by cannabis 6.1% and tobacco 4.7%. Report of polydrug consumption was low for all categories studied. Our findings may inform interventions at the university level.

scholarly journals Evaluation of short-term safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis from Latin America

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 205521732110615
Author(s):  
Ricardo Alonso ◽  
Aníbal Chertcoff ◽  
Felisa del V Leguizamón ◽  
Lorna Galleguillos Goiry ◽  
Maria B Eizaguirre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Adenovirus Vector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Patient Organizations ◽  
Latin American Countries

Background To date, there are no data available on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin American patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Objective Characterize safety of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin American (LATAM) patients with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Methods A cross-sectional study between February 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021. Individuals with MS from LATAM countries were invited to participate in a self-administered web-based survey, through MS patient organizations from the region. Results 393 vaccinated pwMS from 10 different Latin American countries were included. The vaccines administered were: inactivated virus vaccines (IVV) in 38.2% of patients, adenovirus vector vaccines (AdV) in 48.8% and mRNA vaccines 13%. All patients received at least one dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines and 123 (31.3%) declared receiving a second dose. Mean (SD) age 41.5 (11.8) years, 82.4% female, MS disease duration: 8.4 (8.2) years. No serious adverse events were reported with any of the COVID-19 vaccines after either the first or second dose. A lower frequency of adverse events was found with IVV (22%) in comparison with AdV (46.4%) and mRNA (35.3%) ( p < 0.01). Five participants reported having an MS relapse after IVV first dose. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccines applied in LATAM proved safe for MS patients.

Analysis of prevalence and sociodemographic conditions among women in labor with and without COVID-19 in public hospitals in Chile

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helga Vera von Bargen ◽  
María Espinosa Serrano ◽  
Daniel Martin Navarrete ◽  
Paz Ahumada Droguett ◽  
Carolina Méndez B. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Premature Births ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Homogeneous Population ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Term Delivery ◽  
Latin American Countries

Abstract Objectives The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues wreaking worldwide havoc on health and between March and August 2020, the first outbreak of COVID-19 hit Chile. The pregnant population is especially vulnerable to infection. Studies have been published that associate socioeconomic status, overcrowding, and poverty with a higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are few studies about the development of this pandemic in Latin American countries so far. This study seeks to show the prevalence and sociodemographic and perinatal characteristics in pregnant women at the time of delivery, comparing both groups with positive and negative COVID-19 PCR results. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study of pregnant women who delivered at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Santiago between April 15, 2020 and June 15, 2020. Analysis of epidemiological, sociodemographic, obstetric, perinatal and sociodemographic data of patients with positive and negative COVID-19 PCR results. Results There were 701 patients included in the study. The prevalence of those with a positive COVID-19 PCR was 9.7% and 67.7% being asymptomatic. Pre-term delivery was significantly higher in the group of positive patients (23.5%) vs. negative patients (8.7%), which was not the same rate as with cesarean sections (C-sections). A 13.2% of patients required management of the pathology in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) and there were no cases of maternal or fetal deaths. We found no significant difference between both groups when analyzing socioeconomic variables, though we noted a trend of greater overcrowding among the group of patients with infection. Conclusions The majority of pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic. COVID-19 increases the rate of premature births, but this rate is not same with C-sections. Sociodemographic conditions and overcrowding do not show a higher infection rate in a homogeneous population in relation to the economic, social and demographic level.

scholarly journals Sodium Content of Processed Foods Available in the Mexican Market

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2008
Author(s):  
Claudia Nieto ◽  
Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽  
Catalina Medina ◽  
Eric Monterrubio-Flores ◽  
Edgar Denova-Gutiérrez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Processed Meats ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Food Standards ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Sodium intake is related to several adverse health outcomes, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Processed foods are major contributors to the population’s sodium intake. The aim of the present study was to determine sodium levels in Mexican packaged foods, as well as to evaluate the proportion of foods that comply with sodium benchmark targets set by the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (UK FSA) and those set by the Mexican Commission for the Protection of Health Risks (COFEPRIS). We also evaluated the proportion of foods that exceeded the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) targets. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised data collected from the package of 2248 processed foods from selected supermarkets in Mexico. Results: Many processed food categories contained an excessive amount of sodium. Processed meats, ham, bacon and sausages, had the highest concentrations. The proportion of foods classified as compliant in our sample was lower for international targets (FSA UK and PAHO) compared to the Mexican COFEPRIS criteria. Conclusions: These data provided a critical baseline assessment for monitoring sodium levels in Mexican processed foods.

scholarly journals Labeling and classification of breads, biscuits and toasts sold as wholegrain in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e1429107350
Author(s):  
Sarah Morais Senna Prates ◽  
Natália Adan Sabion ◽  
Juliana Sampaio Nespolo ◽  
Luciene Alves ◽  
Lucilene Rezende Anastácio
Keyword(s):  
American Heart ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Industrial Processing ◽  
Pan American ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Critical Nutrients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the labeling and classification of breads, biscuits and toasts declared as wholegrain and to compare them. The cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried in Uberaba, in 2016. Products sold in five supermarkets were classified as processed or ultra-processed according to the NOVA system, which considers the industrial processing employed. The Pan American Health Organization Nutritional Profile Model was used to classify products with excessive amounts of critical nutrients. The products were evaluated for the carbohydrate:fiber ratio recommended by the American Heart Association. A total of 147 products were analyzed: 99 biscuits, 36 breads and 12 toasts. The average number of ingredients in the formulations was 17.3±5.4, so that 100% of the products were classified as ultra-processed. The majority, 64.6%, did not present wholegrain flour as the first ingredient. The declaration of supplementary nutritional information on dietary fiber was present in 49% of the products and 100% complied with the mandatory requirements. Despite that, 53.7% presented excessive levels of sodium and 22.4% and 56.5% had excessive levels of total and saturated fat, respectively. For the criterion of carbohydrate:fiber ratio, 38.7% had a ratio of ≥10:1, mainly biscuits, which is undesirable. All biscuits, breads and toasts sold as "wholegrain" were ultra-processed, with excessive sodium content (breads and toast in general) and fats (most biscuits). Wholegrain flours only accounted for 35.4% of the products and half of the toasts, and most of the biscuits (66.7%) could not be considered a source of fiber.

Highlights on the Labels of Packaged Foods Sold in Jordanian Market from A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 770-782
Author(s):  
Narmeen J. Al-Awwad ◽  
Hiba F. Al-Sayyed ◽  
Hamzah Safi ◽  
Salma M. Al-Bosta ◽  
Summer Al-Zawawi
Keyword(s):  
Drug Administration ◽  
Food And Drug Administration ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Trans Fat ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Added Sugars ◽  
Packaged Foods

Jordan has adapted a strategy to prevent chronic diseases. Accordingly, Ministry of Health is looking for controlling food labeling particularly food fat, trans-fat, and caloric content. This study aimed to screen the food label of products that are sold in Jordanian market in terms of serving size, energy, macronutrient, fiber, total and added sugars, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and micronutrient contents. A cross-sectional study was performed to screen the food label for the food products based on the standards of The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations of 2016 and Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). Generally, food labels were not clear. The screened products were compliant with JFDA standards and not in compliance with some FDA standards. In addition, many products were found to be sources of added sugars, Na, and saturated fats. Stakeholders and legislators are called to focus on developing new laws, regulations, and polices for developing food label. Food manufacturers are needed to work hardly on developing informative, clear, easy-to-understand, and attractive food labels. The legislators of food label policies are called to look for ways to indicate the presence of high amounts of dietary risk factors such as sugars, added sugars, Na, saturated, and trans fats in packaged foods.

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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