Association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors

Objective: to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of workers and to quantify its association with compliance with the Mediterranean diet follow-up. Method: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on a cohort of 23, 729 workers. Clinical data from annual medical examinations and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener were used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: 51.3% of the participants showed good adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The multivariate analysis showed an inverse and significant association between the follow-up of the Mediterranean diet and the prevalence of abdominal obesity (Odds Ratio = 0.64, 95% CI 0.56; 0.73), dyslipidemia (Odds Ratio = 0.55, 95% CI 0.42; 0.73), and metabolic syndrome (Odds Ratio = 0.76, 95% CI 0.67; 0.86). Conclusions: our results suggest that the Mediterranean diet is potentially effective in promoting cardiovascular health. Implementing the interventions promoting the Mediterranean diet in the working population seems justified. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una cohorte de trabajadores y cuantificar su asociación con el seguimiento de la dieta mediterránea. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal sobre una cohorte de 23.729 trabajadores. Se utilizaron los datos clínicos procedentes de los exámenes médicos anuales y el Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener para evaluar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. Resultados: el 51, 3% de los participantes presentó una buena adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. El análisis multivariante evidenció una asociación inversa y significativa entre el seguimiento de la dieta mediterránea y la prevalencia de obesidad abdominal (Odds Ratio = 0, 64, IC 95% 0, 56; 0, 73), dislipidemia (Odds Ratio = 0, 55, IC 95% 0, 42; 0, 73) y de síndrome metabólico (Odds Ratio = 0, 76, IC 95% 0, 67; 0, 86). Conclusión: nuestros resultados sugieren que la dieta mediterránea es potencialmente eficaz en la promoción de la salud cardiovascular. Parece justificada la implementación de intervenciones que promuevan la dieta mediterránea en la población trabajadora

The Teaching and Learning Cultural Competence in a Multicultural Environment (CCMEn) Model

Background: Within the European higher education context, students and lecturers are encouraged to engage in teaching and learning activities abroad. This frequently involves using a second language and being exposed to students and lecturers from culturally different backgrounds. Objective: To design a model for teaching and learning cultural competence in a multicultural environment (CCMEn). Design: Theory development from empirical experience, research, and scholarly works. Method: This model was developed based on our experience of teaching and learning cultural competence in a multicultural environment in a nursing education context; it rests on three pillars, namely, Coyle's Content and Language Integrated Learning educational approach, the concept of social and emotional learning, as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, and the existing literature surrounding teaching and learning cultural competence in higher education. Results: The CCMEn model is intended to guide the process of teaching and learning cultural competence in a multicultural environment through the use of a second language and has been adapted from existing educational approaches and theory. Conclusion: Teaching and learning in multilingual and multicultural contexts in Europe is becoming more common. Students who learn alongside students and teachers from different cultural backgrounds need to be supported from an academic, linguistic and socioemotional perspective. We believe that the CCMEn model can serve as a guide to enhancing student learning in this context