Showing papers by "Tonatiuh Barrientos-Gutiérrez published in 2023"

SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance in Ten Cities from Mexico

Abstract: We aimed to estimate the lead time and infection prevalence from SARS-CoV-2 wastewater (WW) monitoring compared with clinical surveillance data in Mexico to generate evidence about the feasibility of a large-scale WW surveillance system. We selected 10 WW treatment plants (WWTP) and 5 COVID-19 hospitals in major urban conglomerates in Mexico and collected biweekly 24-h flow-adjusted composite samples during October–November 2020. We concentrated WW samples by polyethylene glycol precipitation and employed quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays, targeting the nucleoprotein (N1 and N2) genes. We detected and quantified SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 88% and 58% of the raw WW samples from WWTPs and COVID-19 hospitals, respectively. The WW RNA daily loads lead the active cases by more than one month in large and medium WWTP sites. WW estimated that cases were 2 to 20-fold higher than registered active cases. Developing a continuous monitoring surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2 community transmission through WW is feasible, informative, and recognizes three main challenges: (1) WW system data (catchment area, population served), (2) capacity to maintain the cold-chain and process samples, and (3) supplies and personnel to ensure standardized procedures.

Prevalencia de anticuerpos y vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2 en 2022 en México

Abstract: Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra SARS-CoV-2, vacunación, barreras y rechazo a la vacunación Covid-19 en población mexicana. Material y métodos. Se utilizó información de los integrantes del hogar de uno y más años, incluidos en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022) realizada de agosto-noviembre. Se estimó la prevalencia de anticuerpos antiproteínas N y S de SARS-CoV-2 en muestras de sangre capilar, dosis reportadas de vacunación a Covid-19 y las razones de barreras y rechazo a la vacunación. Resultados. La prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-N fue de 94.4% y de anti-S 98.1%. La prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-S fue mayor en personas vacunadas con una, dos o tres o más dosis que en no vacunadas. Dentro de la población elegible a vacunación, 20.2% no estaba vacunada, 16.2% tenía una dosis, 30% dos dosis y 33.6% tres dosis o más. El 11.2% de la población elegible rechazó la vacunación, 5.5% reportó una barrera y 3.2% reportó que la vacuna no había llegado a su localidad. Conclusión. La prevalencia de anticuerpos por infección natural y por vacunación Covid-19 es alta en México. Las variaciones de rechazo y barreras a la vacunación entre grupos de edad y regiones deben tomarse en cuenta para intensificar esfuerzos específicos para la vacunación.

Frailty in Older Adults and Internal and Forced Migration in Urban Neighborhood Contexts in Colombia

Abstract: Objective: We investigated the association between the density of internal human migration, in the urban neighborhood, on frailty in the older adult population in Colombia. Methods: The data used in this study are from four Colombian population surveys. We analyzed 633 census tracts with a sample of 2,194 adults 60 years and over for frailty (measured using the Fried criteria). We considered the proportion of inhabitants in a census tract with a history of internal migration as the exposure variable considering three temporalities. For contextual forced migration, we identified two types: 5-year, and 1-year. Poisson multivariable regression models with two hierarchical levels (individual and census tracts) were estimated. Results: The prevalence of pre-fragile/frailty was 80.63% [CI 95%: 77.67, 83.28]. The prevalence ratio were significantly higher for the older adults who live in neighborhoods where a higher proportion of internal migrants reside. Conclusion: We conclude that older adults who lived in neighborhoods with a high proportion of internal migrants experience more frailty. Potential explanations are that neighborhoods with high internal migration could experience social (l increase in cultural heterogeneity, in the perception of insecurity, violence and physical conditions (pressure on local economies and services, leading elderly residents to compete for neighborhood resources), translated into social stress.

Assessing cohesion and diversity in the collaboration network of the SALURBAL project

Abstract: Abstract The SALURBAL (Urban Health in Latin America) Project is an interdisciplinary multinational network aimed at generating and disseminating actionable evidence on the drivers of health in cities of Latin America. We conducted a temporal multilayer network analysis where we measured cohesion over time using network structural properties and assessed diversity within and between different project activities according to participant attributes. Between 2017 and 2020 the SALURBAL network comprised 395 participants across 26 countries, 23 disciplines, and 181 institutions. While the cohesion of the SALURBAL network fluctuated over time, overall, an increase was observed from the first to the last time point of our analysis (clustering coefficient increased [0.83–0.91] and shortest path decreased [1.70–1.68]). SALURBAL also exhibited balanced overall diversity within project activities (0.5–0.6) by designing activities for different purposes such as capacity building, team-building, research, and dissemination. The network’s growth was facilitated by the creation of new diverse collaborations across a range of activities over time, while maintaining the diversity of existing collaborations (0.69–0.75 between activity diversity depending on the attribute). The SALURBAL experience can serve as an example for multinational research projects aiming to build cohesive networks while leveraging heterogeneity in countries, disciplines, career stage, and across sectors.

Patrones de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos: Ensanut Continua 2022

Abstract: Objetivo. Caracterizar los patrones de consumo (actual y excesivo) de alcohol en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos. Material y métodos. Se analizó información de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022) representativa a nivel nacional y regional. Se estimaron las prevalencias de consumo de alcohol actual y consumo excesivo de alcohol en los últimos 12 meses y 30 días. Resultados. En adolescentes, las prevalencias de consumo actual de alcohol, excesivo en los últimos 12 meses y 30 días fueron de 20.6, 13.9 y 5.2%. En adultos, las prevalencias de consumo actual de alcohol, excesivo en los últimos 12 meses y 30 días fueron 55.5, 40.4 y 19.1%. Las prevalencias fueron mayores en hombres que en mujeres, con diferencias significativas en adultos. En adolescentes, las prevalencias fueron mayores a mayor edad, nivel socioeconómico y en aquellos sin estudios. En adultos, las prevalencias fueron mayores a menor edad, mayor nivel socioeconómico y escolaridad, y en áreas metropolitanas. Conclusión. Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de fortalecer las acciones de implementación, seguimiento y protección ofrecidas por la estrategia SAFER para prevenir y reducir el consumo nocivo de alcohol en adolescentes y adultos.

Association between consumption of nonessential energy-dense food and body mass index among Mexican school-aged children: A prospective cohort study

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity prevalence in Mexican children has increased rapidly and is among the highest in the world. We aimed to estimate the longitudinal association between nonessential energy-dense food (NEDF) consumption and body mass index (BMI) in school-aged children 5 to 11 years, using a cohort study with 6 years of follow-up. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We studied the offspring of women in the Prenatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, child growth, and development (POSGRAD) cohort study. NEDF were classified into four main groups: chips and popcorn, sweet bakery products, non-cereal based sweets, and ready-to-eat cereals. We fitted fixed effects models to assess the association between change in 418.6 kJ (100 kcal) of NEDF consumption and changes in BMI. RESULTS: Between 5 and 11 years, children increased their consumption of NEDF by 225 kJ/day (53.9 kcal/day). In fully adjusted models, we found that change in total NEDF was not associated with change in children’s BMI (0.033 kg/m2, [p=0.246]). However, BMI increased 0.078 kg/m2 for every 418.6 kJ/day (100 kcal/day) of sweet bakery products (p=0.035) in fully adjusted models. For chips and popcorn, BMI increased 0.208 kg/m2 (p=0.035), yet, the association was attenuated after adjustment (p=0.303). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in total NEDF consumption were not associated with changes in BMI in children. However, increases in the consumption of sweet bakery products were associated with BMI gain. NEDF are widely recognized as providing poor nutrition yet, their impact in Mexican children BMI seems to be heterogeneous.

Desarrollo infantil temprano, sus determinantes y disciplina en la niñez mexicana: Ensanut 2022

Abstract: Objetivo. Conocer la prevalencia de desarrollo infantil temprano (DIT), sus determinantes y la exposición a métodos de disciplina en la niñez mexicana en 2022. Material y métodos. Se estimaron los indicadores de DIT, sus determinantes y la exposición a métodos de disciplina siguiendo la metodología de las Encuestas de Indicadores por Conglomerados (MICS). Para cada indicador se estimaron las prevalencias e intervalos de confianza al 95% y se desagregaron por características infantiles y sociodemográficas. Resultados. El 19.3% de las niñas y niños de 24 a 59 meses no alcanzó su máximo potencial de DIT. Existe baja asistencia a programas de aprendizaje temprano (7.1%) y preescolar (62.4%). En el grupo de cinco años, 41.7% no tenía libros y 8.1% recibió cuidado inadecuado. El 55.5% de las niñas y niños de 1 a 14 años fue expuesto a disciplina violenta. Conclusión. Los resultados nos permiten conocer la situación de la niñez y orientar la política pública de esta población.

Trends in food and beverage purchases in informal, mixed, and formal food outlets in Mexico: ENIGH 1994–2020

Abstract: Background The retail food environment in Mexico is characterized by the co-existence of both, formal and informal food outlets. Yet, the contribution of these outlets to food purchases over time has not been documented. Understanding the longitudinal trends where Mexican households purchase their foods is critical for the development of future food retail policies. Methods We used data from Mexico’s National Income and Expenditure Survey from 1994 to 2020. We categorized food outlets as formal (supermarkets, chain convenience stores, restaurants), informal (street markets, street vendors, acquaintances), and mixed (fiscally regulated or not. i.e., small neighborhood stores, specialty stores, public markets). We calculated the proportion of food and beverage purchases by food outlet for each survey for the overall sample and stratified by education level and urbanicity. Results In 1994, the highest proportion of food purchases was from mixed outlets, represented by specialty and small neighborhood stores (53.7%), and public markets (15.9%), followed by informal outlets (street vendors and street markets) with 12.3%, and formal outlets from which supermarkets accounted for 9.6%. Over time, specialty and small neighborhood stores increased 4.7 percentage points (p.p.), while public markets decreased 7.5 p.p. Street vendors and street markets decreased 1.6 p.p., and increased 0.5 p.p. for supermarkets. Convenience stores contributed 0.5% at baseline and increased to 1.3% by 2020. Purchases at specialty stores mostly increased in higher socioeconomic levels (13.2 p.p.) and metropolitan cities (8.7 p.p.) while public markets decreased the most in rural households and lower socioeconomic levels (6.0 p.p. & 5.3 p.p.). Supermarkets and chain convenience stores increased the most in rural localities and small cities. Conclusion In conclusion, we observed an increase in food purchases from the formal sector, nonetheless, the mixed sector remains the predominant food source in Mexico, especially small-neighborhood stores. This is concerning, since these outlets are mostly supplied by food industries. Further, the decrease in purchases from public markets could imply a reduction in the consumption of fresh produce. In order to develop retail food environment policies in Mexico, the historical and predominant role of the mixed sector in food purchases needs to be acknowledged.

Barriers, refusal and a hypothetical monetary incentive for Covid-19 vaccination in Mexican adults

Abstract: Objective. To estimate vaccine uptake and assess sociodemographic conditions associated with vaccination barriers and refusal and to explore the effect of a monetary incentive to overcome them. Materials and methods. We used data from adults from the 2021 National Continuous Health and Nutrition Survey conducted during August-October 2021. We evaluated if an hypothetical monetary incentive between 50-650 MXN (~2.5-31 USD) would overcome barriers or refusal. Results. 73.9% were vaccinated with at least one dose, 7.5% refused, 4.8% reported barriers and 13.8% were ineligible at the time of the survey. Refusal and barriers were more frequent in men, older age, lower education and socioeconomic status, unemployed and informal workers. In people with barriers and refusal, the hypothetical incentive increased the acceptance in 57.6% (95%CI 50.7,64.4%) and 17.4% (95%CI 13.2,21.7%) in people with barriers and refusal, respectively. Conclusion. Understanding the reasons for barriers and refusal is crucial for future Covid-19 vaccination campaigns or epidemics. A monetary incentive might increase vaccination uptake, although, cost-effectiveness analyses are needed.

Low-intensity daily smoking and mortality risk among Mexican women

Abstract: Objective To examine the association between low-intensity smoking (10 or less cigarettes per day) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk among women who smoke and by age at cessation among women who previously smoked. Methods In this study, 104 717 female participants of the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort Study were categorised according to self-reported smoking status at baseline (2006/2008) and were followed for mortality through 2019. We estimated HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause and cause-specific mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models with age as the underlying time metric. Results Smoking as few as one to two cigarettes per day was associated with higher mortality risk for all causes (HR: 1.36; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.67) and all cancers (HR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.02), compared with never smoking. Similarly, slightly higher HRs were observed among participants smoking ≥3 cigarettes per day (all causes HR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.70; all cancers HR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.97; cardiovascular disease HR: 1.58; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.28). Conclusions In this large study of Mexican women, low-intensity smoking was associated with higher mortality risk for all causes and all cancers. Interventions are needed to promote cessation among women who smoke at low-intensity in Mexico, regardless of how few cigarettes they smoke per day.

Longitudinal association between density of retail food stores and body mass index in Mexican school children and adolescents

Abstract: Obesity is rapidly increasing in Mexican children and adolescents, while food environments are rapidly changing. We evaluated the association between changes in retail food stores and change in body mass index (BMI) in Mexican children and adolescents.Data on 7507 participants aged 5-19 years old came from the Mexican Family Life Survey 2002-2012. Density of food stores at the municipal-level (number of food stores/area in km2) came from the Economic Censuses of 1999, 2004 and 2009. We categorized food stores as small food retail (small neighborhood stores, tiendas de abarrotes in Mexico), specialty foods, fruit/vegetables, convenience foods, and supermarkets. Associations between change in food stores and change in BMI were estimated using five longitudinal linear fixed-effects regression models (one per type of food store) adjusted for age, parental education, municipal-level socioeconomic deprivation and population density. Density of each food store type was operationalized as quartiles. Analyses were stratified by urbanization.There was an inverse dose-response association between increases in fruit/vegetable store density and BMI (β = -0.455 kg/m2, β = -0.733 kg/m2, and β = -0.838 kg/m2 in the second, third, and fourth quartile). In non-urban areas, children living in municipalities with the highest density of small food retail stores experienced a reduction in BMI (β = -0.840 kg/m2). In urban areas, there was an inverse association between specialty food stores with BMI (β = -0.789 kg/m2 in third quartile, and β = -1.204 kg/m2 in fourth quartile). We observed dynamic associations with age; results suggested stronger associations in adolescents.The availability of fruit/vegetable stores may influence a reduction in children and adolescents BMI. These results indicate that policy approaches could be tailored by type of food store - with some consideration for level of urbanization and children's age.

Sintomatología depresiva en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos: Ensanut 2022

Abstract: Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de sintomatología depresiva en adolescentes y adultos mexicanos. Material y métodos. La Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022 evaluó la prevalencia de sintomatología depresiva mediante la Escala de Depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos (CESD-7). En adolescentes se estimó el puntaje promedio y en adultos la prevalencia de sintomatología depresiva. Resultados. En adolescentes el puntaje promedio de la CESD-7 fue 3.2. El 16.7% de los adultos tiene sintomatología depresiva, siendo mayor en adultos mayores (38.3%) que en adultos (11.3%). Se observaron mayores prevalencias en mujeres, adultos con índice de bienestar bajo y en adultos mayores residentes del área rural. Conclusión. A nivel nacional la prevalencia de sintomatología depresiva es similar a lo estimado en 2018-19. Se deben orientar acciones para mejorar la salud mental de la población, particularmente el diagnóstico y tratamiento de personas con mayor sintomatología depresiva como son mujeres, adultos con bajo índice de bienestar y residentes de área rural.

Warning labels on alcoholic beverage containers: a pilot randomized experiment among young adults in Mexico

Abstract: Abstract Background Little is known about the potential impacts of visible and up-to-date health warning labels on alcoholic beverage containers on a range of outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted an experimental study to test the potential impacts of visible health warning labels (on the principal panel of the package) on thinking about health risks, product attractiveness, visual avoidance, and intention to change alcohol use among students in Mexico aged 18–30 years. Methods A double-blind, parallel-group, online randomized trial was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in 11 states in Mexico. In the control group, participants were presented with the image of a conventional beer can with a fictional design and brand. In the intervention groups, the participants observed pictograms with a red font and white backgrounds (health warning label in red—HWL red) or with a black font and yellow backgrounds (health warning label in yellow—HWL yellow), located at the top, covering around one-third of the beer can. We used Poisson regression models -unadjusted and adjusted for covariates- to assess differences in the outcomes across study groups. Results Using intention-to-treat analysis ( n = 610), we found more participants in groups HWL red and HWL yellow thought about the health risks from drinking beer compared to the control group [Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.43, CI95%:1.05,1.93 for HWL red; PR = 1.25, CI95%: 0.91, 1.71 for HWL yellow]. A lower percentage of young adults in the interventions vs control group considered the product attractive (PR 0.74, 95%CI 0.51, 1.06 for HWL red; PR 0.56, 95%CI 0.38, 0.83 for HWL yellow). Although not statistically significant, a lower percentage of participants in the intervention groups considered buying or consuming the product than the control group. Results were similar when models were adjusted for covariates. Conclusions Visible health warning labels could lead individuals to think about the health risks of alcohol, reducing the attractiveness of the product and decreasing the intention to purchase and consume alcohol. Further studies will be required to determine which pictograms or images and legends are most contextually relevant for the country. Trial registration The protocol of this study was retrospectively registered on 03/01/2023: ISRCTN10494244.

Expected reduction in obesity of a 20% and 30% tax to Sugar-Sweetened-Beverages in Brazil: a modeling study

Abstract: Background The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is associated with obesity, metabolic diseases, and incremental healthcare costs. Given their health consequences, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that countries implement taxes to SSB. Over the last 10 years, Brazil has almost doubled its obesity prevalence, yet, in 2016, the Brazilian government cut 23 percentage points to existing federal SSB taxes to their current 4%. To simulate the potential impact of updating the fiscal policy towards SSB in Brazil, we aimed to estimate the price-elasticity of SSB and model the potential impact of a new 20 or 30% excise SSB tax on consumption, obesity prevalence, and healthcare costs. Methods and Findings Using household purchases data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey (POF) from 2017/2018, we estimated constant elasticity regressions using a log-log specification by income level for all beverage categories: (1) sugar-sweetened beverages, (2) alcoholic beverages, (3) other beverages, and (4) low-calorie sweetened beverages. We estimated baseline intake for each beverage group using 24h dietary recall data from POF 2017/2018. Applying the price and cross-price elasticities to the baseline intake, we obtained changes in caloric intake. The caloric reduction was introduced into an individual dynamic model to estimate changes in weight and obesity prevalence. By multiplying the reduction in obesity cases during 10 years by the obesity costs per capita, we predicted the reduction in obesity costs attributable to the sweetened beverage tax. SSB price elasticities were higher in the low (-1.24) than in the high-income tertile (-1.13); cross-price elasticities suggest SSB were weakly substituted by milk, water, and 100% fruit juices. We estimated a caloric change of -17.3 kcal/day/person under a 20% excise tax and -25.9 kcal/day/person for a 30% tax. 10 years after implementation, a 20% tax is expected to reduce obesity prevalence by 6.7% and 9.1% for a 30% tax. These reductions translate into a -2.8 million and -3.8 million obesity cases for a 20 and 30% tax, respectively, and a reduction of $US -257.4 million and $US -345.9 million obesity costs over 10 years for a 20 and 30% tax, respectively. Conclusions Adding a 20 to 30% excise tax on top of Brazils current federal tax in Brazil could help reduce the consumption of ultra-processed beverages, empty calories, and body weight while avoiding large health-related costs. Given the recent cuts to SSB taxes in Brazil, a program to revise and implement excise taxes could prove beneficial for the Brazilian population.

Social and built environment interventions to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and legal cannabis use: a scoping review

Abstract: Eligibility criteria: We will use the following inclusion criteria: 1) Document must mention by name or describe at least one intervention, strategy, program or policy to prevent alcohol, tobacco and legal cannabis use. 2) Document must contain enough information for the researchers to determine if the intervention, strategy, program or policy was aimed at modifying the social and/or built environment. 3) Intervention, strategy, program or policy must have been aimed at modifying the social and/or built environment, using the following definitions: Social environment: “…the immediate physical surroundings, social relationships, and cultural milieus within which defined groups of people function and interact…Social environments can be experienced at multiple scales, often simultaneously, including households, kin networks, neighborhoods, towns and cities, and regions…”; Built environment: “the surroundings or conditions designed and built through human intervention, where a person lives or operates”. 4) Document must mention that intervention/strategy/program/policy has been implemented within the last 30 years (1992-2022), whatever the setting, time frame, or subpopulation. 5) Document must be within the body of scientific literature (peer-reviewed articles, research journal commentaries, editorials, or perspective pieces), be a published book or book chapter, a government, multinational organization or non-profit organization report, or a dissertation/thesis. 6) Document must not be a conference abstract, public letter, speech transcript, budget report, independent website post or blog, or news article. 7) Document must be in English or Spanish. 8) Document must be open-source, publicly available online, or accessible through the INSP’s library services.

Prevalencia de prediabetes y diabetes en México: Ensanut 2022

Abstract: Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de prediabetes y diabetes en la población adulta mexicana. Material y métodos. Se utilizó información de la submuestra de adultos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2022 con una muestra de sangre de 10 ml. Se excluyeron 150 individuos con ayuno menor a 8 horas y cuatro personas con diabetes gestacional. La muestra final fue de 1 945 adultos que expande a 78.3 millones de adultos. Resultados. La prevalencia de prediabetes fue de 22.1%, y de diabetes diagnosticada y no diagnosticada de 12.6 y 5.8%, respectivamente, lo que resulta en una prevalencia de diabetes total de 18.3%. Conclusión. La diabetes en México es muy prevalente e implica un reto importante para el sistema de salud. Se requieren acciones contundentes para prevenir la enfermedad, mejorar el tamizaje, el diagnóstico oportuno y el control de la enfermedad.