Aspectos psicosociales, nutricionales, aptitud y actividad física en seis centros de jubilados de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

INTRODUCCIÓN: El estado nutricional, la actividad física (AF) y las variables psicosociales plantean nuevos desafíos en los adultos mayores (AM). El objetivo fue explorar y describir aspectos psicosociales, nutricionales, aptitud y AF en AM que asisten a centros de jubilados de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, observacional, transversal y cuantitativo con una muestra no probabilística de AM de ambos sexos, auto-válidos, en seis comunas de CABA durante 2017-2018. Se evaluó edad, sexo, índice de nivel socioeconómico (NSE), valoración sociofamiliar, cuestionario de reserva cognitiva e índice de bienestar de Pemberton, estado nutricional por Mini Nutritional Assessment, antropometría por índice de masa corporal, aptitud física por fuerza muscular y funcionalidad, gasto energético y nivel de AF por acelerometría. RESULTADOS: En una muestra de 150 AM de 74±7 años, el 90% (n=135) eran mujeres. El 48% pertenecía a un NSE bajo. Hubo presencia de riesgo social en el 50%, bienestar en el 97,6% y reserva cognitiva satisfactoria en el 53,6%. El 53,7% presentó sobrepeso/ obesidad con predominio en cuartil 1, y hubo 10,2% con riesgo o malnutrición. La debilidad muscular prevaleció en el tercer y cuarto cuartil. De los 57 AM que usaron acelerómetro, la mayoría tenía AF sedentaria y bajo gasto energético. DISCUSIÓN: La muestra explorada mostró riesgo/ problema social, exceso de peso y sedentarism

Childhood obesity: A review of school-based preventive interventions / Obesidad infantil: Una revisión de las intervenciones preventivas en escuelas

Abstract Objective: Assess the efficacy of the components of school-based preventive interventions in improving the nutritional quality of the children’s intake, in increasing their time of physical activity (PA), and ultimately in reducing childhood obesity. Methods: A review of the research literature published between 2009-2014 was conducted. Inclusion criteria was: systematic reviews, meta-analysis or reports regarding the impact of recommendations and specific governmental policies as well as of randomized or nonrandomized controlled, transversal and quasi-experimental trials with evaluations at 6 or more months after baseline that reported objectives measures of outcome. Results: 25 scientific publication met inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Although generalizability of results is limited by the heterogeneity of the studies, it appears that there is no evidence that a specific intervention component is more effective. Contrarily, multi-component programs, especially if they combine a change in quality intake together with an increase in PA seem to contribute to prevent childhood obesity. Evidence regarding regulation policies is non-conclusive and probably requires broader interventions that contemplate the socio-cultural context of the target population.   Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia que tienen los componentes de las intervenciones preventivas en escuelas para mejorar la calidad nutricional, aumentar la actividad física (AF) y, ulteriormente, reducir la obesidad de los ninos y adolescentes. ~ Método: Revisión de publicaciones realizadas entre los anos 2009 y 2014 comprendidas en ~ cualquiera de las siguientes categorías: revisión sistemática, metaanálisis o informes acerca del impacto de las recomendaciones y políticas gubernamentales específicas y de programas estudios aleatorizados, no aleatorizados, transversales y cuasiexperimentales que informen de medidas objetivas de resultados en un plazo igual o mayor a los 6 meses posteriores a la evaluación. Resultados: Veinticinco publicaciones científicas reunieron criterios de inclusión. Conclusión: Aunque la heterogeneidad de los estudios limita la posibilidad de generalizar los resultados, pareciera que no hay evidencia de que la implementación de un componente haya resultado más eficaz que otro. Por el contrario, los programas multiintervención, especialmente si combinan cambio de alimentación junto con incremento de AF, parecen contribuir a prevenir la obesidad. La evidencia respecto de las políticas de regulación es dudosa y probablemente requiera intervenciones más abarcativas que tengan en cuenta el contexto sociocultural de la población a la que apuntan

Gender differences and a school-based obesity prevention program in Argentina: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a school-based obesity prevention program that seeks to change food intake among students at schools in Rosario, Argentina. METHODS: This was a prospective study involving 405 children 9-11 years of age at six schools in the poor areas of Rosario, Argentina, in May-October 2008. After matching for socioeconomic status, schools were selected by simple randomization; participants were assessed at baseline (T1) and again 6 months later, after completion of the intervention (T2). The program focused on increasing the children's knowledge of healthy nutrition and exercise through four workshops; educating the parents/caregivers; and offering healthy options at the school snack bar. The main outcome measures were the children's intake of healthy and unhealthy foods (assessed with a weekly food frequency questionnaire) and their body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Of the 387 children assessed at T1, 369 were reassessed at T2 (205 intervention; 164 control). Girls at the schools where the intervention occurred increased their intake of three of the five healthy food items promoted by the program (fruits, vegetables, low-sugar cereals). Statistical significance was reached for skim milk (P = 0.03) and for pure orange juice (P = 0.05). Boys of both the intervention and control groups failed to improve their intake of healthy foods, but those of the intervention arm significantly reduced their intake of hamburgers and hot dogs (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Girls were more amenable to improving their dietary intake. Overall, the program was more likely to increase consumption of healthy food than to decrease intake of unhealthy foods. Gender differences should be taken into account when designing preventive interventions

Study Protocol of MINI SALTEN: a technology-based multi-component intervention in the school environment targeting healthy habits of first grade children and their parents

Abstract Background MINI SALTEN is a program developed to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and improve eating habits at home and school in first grade children. It aims to assess the effects of a technology family-based and PA school-based intervention. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the protocol design and the MINISALTEN intervention. Methods This is cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to run from July 2015 to November 2016 in 12 public schools of the city of Buenos Aires, matched for socio-demographic characteristics. The intervention is based on two main components: (a) “active breaks” (AB): implemented during school breaks by a PA instructor; (b) “virtual” (V): web-based contents delivered to the families via a multiplatform application. Using a computer generated random sequence participants are allocated to one of four intervention conditions: (AB), (V), (AB + V), and control (C). Outcomes are measured at baseline and 12 months post intervention, and will include data collected from the child and her/his mother/father or guardian. Primary outcome measures are: PA and sedentary behaviour (measured with accelerometers). Secondary outcome measures related are: percentage of kilocalories (kcal) from added sugars, and from total and saturated fats; grams of fruits and vegetables; and number of snacks and kcal coming from their added sugars and total and saturated fats. Family socio-economic level, home environment, and school environment will also be assessed. Statistical analysis is on an intention-to-treat principle. Baseline characteristics are described using summary measures and mixed models (with school as random effect). The effect of the two interventions will be estimated using a generalized mixed linear model with link and distribution selected according to the type of outcome. Included random effects are: child (or mother/father or guardian) accounting for repeated measures; school accounting for cluster induced by school. The most parsimonious model for each outcome will be reported. The False Discovery Rate criterion will be used to correct for multiple testing in non-planned analyses. Discussion It is a pioneer assessment of the impact of a technology-based virtual intervention and a school-based PA program, designed to prevent obesity, and involving the parents at public schools of Buenos Aires. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN58093412 . Registered March 14th, 2016 (retrospectively registered)

Psychosocial and nutritional aspects, physical fitness and activity in six retirement centers of Buenos Aires City

Resumen: INTRODUCCIÓN: El estado nutricional, la actividad física (AF) y las variables psicosociales plantean nuevos desafíos en los adultos mayores (AM). El objetivo fue explorar y describir aspectos psicosociales, nutricionales, aptitud y AF en AM que asisten a centros de jubilados de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, observacional, transversal y cuantitativo con una muestra no probabilística de AM de ambos sexos, auto-válidos, en seis comunas de CABA durante 2017-2018. Se evaluó edad, sexo, índice de nivel socioeconómico (NSE), valoración sociofamiliar, cuestionario de reserva cognitiva e índice de bienestar de Pemberton, estado nutricional por Mini Nutritional Assessment, antropometría por índice de masa corporal, aptitud física por fuerza muscular y funcionalidad, gasto energético y nivel de AF por acelerometría. RESULTADOS: En una muestra de 150 AM de 74±7 años, el 90% (n=135) eran mujeres. El 48% pertenecía a un NSE bajo. Hubo presencia de riesgo social en el 50%, bienestar en el 97,6% y reserva cognitiva satisfactoria en el 53,6%. El 53,7% presentó sobrepeso/ obesidad con predominio en cuartil 1, y hubo 10,2% con riesgo o malnutrición. La debilidad muscular prevaleció en el tercer y cuarto cuartil. De los 57 AM que usaron acelerómetro, la mayoría tenía AF sedentaria y bajo gasto energético. DISCUSIÓN: La muestra explorada mostró riesgo/ problema social, exceso de peso y sedentarismo.Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The nutritional status, physical activity (PA) and psychosocial variables pose new challenges for the elderly. The objective was to describe and explore psychosocial and nutritional aspects along with physical fitness and activity level in elderly attending retirement centers in the city of Buenos Aires. METHODS: An exploratory, observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study was carried out. It included a non-probabilistic sample of male and female self-sufficient elderly in six Buenos Aires communes during 2017-2018. The study assessed age, sex, socio-economic level index, socio-family appraisal, cognitive reserve questionnaire and Pemberton happiness index, nutritional status by Mini Nutritional Assessment, anthropometry by body mass index, physical fitness by muscle strength and functionality, energy expenditure and PA level by accelerometry. RESULTS: In a sample of 150 elderly people aged 74±7 years, 90% (n=135) were women. There were 48% belonging to a low socio-economic level, with social risk indicators in 50%, well-being in 97.6%, and satisfactory cognitive reserve in 53.6%; 53.7% had overweight/obesity, predominantly in the quartile 1, and 10.2% had risk/malnutrition. Muscle weakness prevailed in quartiles 3 and 4. A majority of the 57 elderly who used the accelerometer had sedentary PA and low energy expenditure. DISCUSSION: The studied sample showed social risk/problem, excess weight and sedentary activity