Educational inequalities, urbanicity and levels of non-communicable diseases risk factors: evaluating trends in Argentina (2005–2013)

Background: We investigated a) whether urbanicity is associated with individual-level non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors and whether urbanicity modifies trends over time in risk factors; and (b) whether educational inequalities in NCD risk factors change over time or are modified by province urbanicity. Methods: We used data from three large national surveys on NCD risk factors (Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo; ENFR2005–2009-2013) conducted in urban areas of Argentina (n = 108,489). We used gender-stratified logistic random-intercept models (individuals nested within provinces) to determine adjusted associations of self-reported individual NCD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and current smoking) with education and urbanicity. Results: In both men and women, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes increased over time but smoking decreased. Hypertension prevalence increased over time in men. Higher urbanicity was associated with higher odds of smoking and lower odds of hypertension in women but was not associated with NCD risk factors in men. Obesity increased more over time in more compared to less urbanized provinces (in men) while smoking decreased more over time in less urbanized provinces. All risk factors had a higher prevalence in persons with lower education (stronger in women than in men), except for diabetes in men and smoking in women. Educational inequalities in obesity (in men) and hypertension (in men and women) became stronger over time, while an initial inverse social gradient in smoking for women reverted and became similar to other risk factors over time. In general, the inverse associations of education with the risk factors became stronger with increasing levels of province urbanicity. Conclusion: Increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity over time and growing inequities by education highlight the need for policies aimed at reducing NCD risk factors among lower socioeconomic populations in urban environments in Argentina.Fil: Rodríguez López, Santiago. Drexel University; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Bilal, Usama. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Ortigoza, Ana F.. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Diez Roux, Ana Victoria. Drexel University; Estados Unido

Urban social determinants of non-communicable diseases risk factors in Argentina

We examined associations of individual-, neighborhood- and city-level education -as proxies of SES at different levels-, with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking and binge drinking (non-communicable disease risk factors -NCD/RF) among Argentinian adults. We estimated mixed models based on 21,415 individuals from the 2013 National Survey of Risk Factors, living in 2,698 neighborhoods and 33 cities. Gradients by individual-level education differed by gender and NCD/RF, and some were modified by city education. In addition, we identified contextual effects of neighborhood and city education on some NCD/RF. Urban efforts to tackle NCD/RF in Argentina should be context- and gender-sensitive, and mainly focused on socially disadvantaged groups.Fil: Tumas, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; Argentina. Universitat Pompeu Fabra; EspañaFil: Rodríguez López, Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Bilal, Usama. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Ortigoza, Ana F.. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Diez Roux, Ana Victoria. Drexel University; Estados Unido

Urban social environment and low birth weight in 360 Latin American cities

Objective: Using data compiled by the SALURBAL project (Urban Health in Latin America; ‘Salud Urbana en América Latina’) we quantified variability in low birth weight (LBW) across cities in Latin America, and evaluated the associations of socio-economic characteristics at various levels (maternal, sub-city and city) with the prevalence of LBW. Methods: The sample included 8 countries, 360 cities, 1321 administrative areas within cities (sub-city units) and birth registers of more than 4.5 million births for the year 2014. We linked maternal education from birth registers to data on socioeconomic characteristics of sub-cities and cities using the closest available national population census in each country. We applied linear and Poisson random-intercept multilevel models for aggregated data. Results: The median prevalence of city LBW by country ranged from a high of 13% in Guatemala to a low of 5% in Peru (median across all cities was 7.8%). Most of the LBW variability across sub-cities was between countries, but there were also significant proportions between cities within a country, and within cities. Low maternal education was associated with higher prevalence of LBW (Prevalence rate ratios (PRR) for less than primary vs. completed secondary or more 1.12 95% CI 1.10, 1.13) in the fully adjusted model. In contrast, higher sub-city education and a better city social environment index were independently associated with higher LBW prevalence after adjustment for maternal education and age, city population size and city gross domestic product (PRR 1.04 95% CI 1.03, 1.04 per SD higher sub-city education and PRR 1.02 95% CI 1.00, 1.04 per SD higher SEI). Larger city size was associated with a higher prevalence of LBW (PRR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01, 1.12). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the presence of heterogeneity in the distribution of LBW and the importance of maternal education, local and broader social environments in shaping LBW in urban settings of Latin America. Implementing context-sensitive interventions guided to improve women’s education is recommended to tackle LBW in the region.Fil: Rodríguez López, Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Tumas, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; Argentina. Universidad Católica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Ortigoza, Ana. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Lima Friche, Amélia Augusta de. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Diez Roux, Ana Victoria. Drexel University; Estados Unido

Da produção ao consumo: impactos socioambientais no espaço urbano

O livro discute e estimula reflexões de como as relações de consumo podem comprometer a qualidade de vida, a justiça social e a sobrevivência do planeta. Aborda os impactos socioambientais das ações do homem nas esferas da produção, circulação e consumo, alertando para a necessidade de se adotar um uso mais sustentável do meio ambiente. Nos vários textos constantes da obra, as cidades são vistas como materialidade das mudanças socioambientais, onde todas as relações sociais de produção devem ser enfocadas em sua totalidade. Entre os temas tratados, merecem destaque: a industrialização, o incentivo ao consumo e ao descarte descontrolado de materiais e as disparidades entre o superconsumo e o subconsumo, a dialética global/local, as alterações climáticas, o planejamento e as políticas públicas. Estas diferentes questões são analisadas sob perspectivas diversas, o que demonstra a amplitude da problemática da produção, circulação e consumo e seus impactos na atualidade

Cesarean sections and social inequalities in 305 cities of Latin America

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure that, when medically justified, can help reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Worldwide CS rates (CSR) have been increasing; Latin America has rates that are among the highest in the world. Aim: Describe the variability of CSR across cities in Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru and examine the relationship of individual-level, sub-city, and city-level socioeconomic status (SES) with CSR. Methods: We used individual level data from vital statistics over the period 2014–2016 (delivery method, mother's age and education), census data to characterize sub-city SES and city GDP per capita from other sources compiled by the SALURBAL project. We fitted multilevel negative binomial regression models to estimate associations of SES with CSR. Results: 11,549,028 live births from 1,101 sub-city units in 305 cities of five countries were included. Overall, the CSR was 52%, with a wide range across sub-cities (13–91%). Of the total variability in sub-city CSRs, 67% was within countries. In fully adjusted model higher CSR was associated with higher maternal education [(PRR (CI95%) 0.81 (0.80–0.82) for lower educational level, 1.32 (1.31–1.33) for higher level (ref. medium category)], with higher maternal age [PRR (CI95%) 1.23 (1.22–1.24) for ages 20–34 years, and 1.48 (1.47–1.49) for ages ≥ 35 years (ref. ≤19 years], higher sub-city SES [(PRR (CI95%) 1.02 (1.01–1.03) per 1SD)], and higher city GDP per capita [(PRR (CI95%): 1.03 (1.00–1.07) for GDP between 10,500–18,000, and 1.09 (1.06–1.13) for GDP 18,000 or more (ref. <10,500)]. Conclusion: We found large variability in CSR across cities highlighting the potential role of local policies on CSR levels. Variability was associated in part with maternal and area education and GDP. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for this pattern and any policy implications it may have.Fil: Perner, Mónica Serena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Lanús; ArgentinaFil: Ortigoza, Ana. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Trotta, Andrés. Universidad Nacional de Lanús; ArgentinaFil: Yamada, Goro. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Braverman Bronstein, Ariela. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Friche, Amélia Augusta. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Alazraqui, Marcio. Universidad Nacional de Lanús; ArgentinaFil: Diez Roux, Ana Victoria. Drexel University; Estados Unido

Are Women’s Empowerment and Income Inequality Associated with Excess Weight in Latin American Cities?

Income inequality; Latin America; Women’s empowermentDesigualdad de ingresos; América Latina; Empoderamiento de la mujerDesigualtat d'ingressos; Amèrica Llatina; Empoderament de la donaWhile income gradients and gender inequalities in excess weight have been noted elsewhere, data from Latin American cities is lacking. We analyzed gender-specific associations between city-level women’s empowerment and income inequality with individual-level overweight/obesity, assessing how these associations vary by individual education or living conditions within cities in Latin America. Data came from national surveys and censuses, and was compiled by the SALURBAL project (Urban Health in Latin America). The sample included 79,422 individuals (58.0% women), living in 538 sub-cities, 187 cities, and 8 countries. We used gender-stratified Poisson multilevel models to estimate the Prevalence Rate Ratios (PRR) for overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) per a unit change in city-level women’s empowerment (proxied by a score that measures gender inequalities in employment and education) and income inequality (proxied by income-based Gini coefficient). We also tested whether individual education or sub-city living conditions modified such associations. Higher city labor women’s empowerment (in women) and higher city Gini coefficient (in men) were associated with a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity (PRR = 0.97 (95%CI 0.94, 0.99) and PRR = 0.94 (95%CI 0.90, 0.97), respectively). The associations varied by individual education and sub-city living conditions. For labor women’s empowerment, we observed weakened associations towards the null effect in women with lower education and in residents of sub-cities with worse living conditions (men and women). For the Gini coefficient, the association was stronger among men with primary education, and a negative association was observed in women with primary education. Our findings highlight the need for promoting equity-based policies and interventions to tackle the high prevalence of excess weight in Latin American cities.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature

Do income inequality and women empowerment predict obesity in Latin American cities?

Obesity is a major public health issue, interrelated to urbanization, social, and gender inequalities. A comprehensive understanding on this intersection in Latin America is yet to be accomplished. Our aim is to analyze the association between city-level income inequality, women empowerment indicators and obesity by gender in Latin America; and how these associations vary by individual- or subcity-socioeconomic conditions (SEC). Using census and health surveys information compiled by the SALURBAL (Urban Health in Latin America) project, we will analyze data of 187 cities from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru (2002-2016). Obesity will be used as the outcome while the income-based Gini and a women´s labor force participation (WLFP) score -as proxy of women empowerment- will be considered as exposure variables. We will estimate gender-stratified three-level logistic mixed-models. We expect that individuals living in cities with greater income inequality will have higher probability of obesity, and this association will be stronger among individuals from lower subcity- and individual-SEC. Individuals living in cities with greater WLFP will have lower probability of obesity, and this association will be stronger among individuals from higher subcity and individual-SEC. All the associations are expected to be stronger among women than men.Fil: Tumas, Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; ArgentinaFil: Anza Ramírez, Cecilia. Cronicas Centre Of Excellence In Chronic Diseases; PerúFil: Carvalho, Mariana. Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto; BrasilFil: Mazariegos, Mónica. Instituto de Nutrición de Centro América y Panamá; GuatemalaFil: Moore, Kari. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Ortigoza, Ana. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Perez Ferrer, Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública; MéxicoFil: Rodríguez López, Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Cultura y Sociedad; ArgentinaFil: Sarmiento, Olga L.. Universidad de Los Andes.; ChileFil: Benach, Joan. Universitat Pompeu Fabra; EspañaFil: Lazo, Mariana. Drexel University; Estados Unidos29th International Population Conference (IPC2021)HyderabadIndiaIndian Association for the Study of Populatio

Children's Health Habits and COVID-19 Lockdown in Catalonia : Implications for Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases

Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic imposed changes in children's daily routine that could lead to changes in behavior patterns. Using a survey targeted at children under 17 years of age, we described dietary (adherence to Mediterranean diet, AMD) and sleeping habits (disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep) after the implementation of lockdown, and examined the probability of the inadequate frequency of physical activity (PA) and use of TV and electronic devices (TV-ED) before and after lockdown through generalized estimating equation models, accounting for age and gender differences. From 3464 children included, 53.2% showed optimal AMD; 79.2% referred to delayed bedtime; and 16.3% were suspected of sleeping disorders after the implementation of lockdown. Delay in bedtime was more frequent among children older than 6 years, and inadequate sleeping hours among those younger than 11 years. There were no gender differences in AMD or sleeping habits. The odds of inadequate frequency of PA and TV-ED use were greater after lockdown, with a greater risk for TV-ED use. Boys were at greater risk of inadequate PA frequency and TV-ED use. Odds ratio of inadequate PA was greater at older ages. Lockdown could influence changes in children's habits that could lead to risk factors for non-communicable diseases during adulthood if such behaviors are sustained over time

Dark Matter Annual Modulation Results from the ANAIS-112 Experiment

An annual modulation in the interaction rate of galactic dark matter particles is foreseen due to Earth’s movement around the Sun; the DAMA/LIBRA observation of a modulation signal compatible with expectations has intrigued the community for twenty years. The ANAIS-112 experiment, with a target of 112.5 kg of NaI(Tl), has been running smoothly at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (Spain) since 2017. It aims to test this observation using the same detection technique and target. Results on the modulation search from two years of data (220.7 kg·y) have been presented and the analysis of three years (313.6 kg·y) is underway. Under the hypothesis of modulation, the deduced amplitudes from best fits are in all cases compatible with zero for the two energy regions at [2–6] and [1–6] keV; the results agree with the expected sensitivity for the considered exposure and fully support the goal of achieving a 3σ sensitivity to explore the DAMA/LIBRA result for a five-year operation. Here, the ANAIS-112 set-up and performance will be briefly recapped and the annual modulation results and prospects will be discussed

Are Women's Empowerment and Income Inequality Associated with Excess Weight in Latin American Cities?

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11524-022-00689-5