Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling Peruvian adults: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) have emerged as significant contributors to negative health outcomes in the past decade. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and SO in a community-dwelling population of 1151 adults aged ≥55 years in Lima, Peru.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle strength (LMS) and low muscle mass (LMM) according to European (EWGSOP2), US (FNIH) and Asian (AWGS2) guidelines. We measured muscle strength by maximum handgrip strength and muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. SO was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and sarcopenia.

RESULTS

The study participants had a mean age of 66.2 years (SD 7.1), age range between 60 to 92 years old, of which 621 (53.9%) were men. Among the sample, 41.7% were classified as obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²). The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was estimated to be 22.7% (95%CI: 20.3-25.1) using the EWGSOP2 criteria and 27.8% (95%CI: 25.2-30.4) using the AWGS2 criteria. Sarcopenia prevalence, assessed using skeletal muscle index (SMI), was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.4-7.1) according to EWGSOP2 and 8.3% (95%CI: 6.7-9.9) using AWGS2 criteria. The prevalence of sarcopenia based on the FNIH criteria was 18.1% (95%CI: 15.8-20.3). The prevalence of SO, considering different sarcopenia definitions, ranged from 0.8% (95%CI: 0.3-1.3) to 5.0% (95%CI: 3.8-6.3).

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal substantial variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia and SO, underscoring the necessity for context-specific cut-off values. Although the prevalence of SO was relatively low, this result may be underestimated. Furthermore, the consistently high proportion of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia point to a substantial public health burden.

Compliance with eye and foot preventive care in people with self-reported diabetes in Latin America and the Caribbean: Pooled, cross-sectional analysis of nine national surveys

AIMS

To estimate the proportion of people with self-reported diabetes receiving eye and foot examinations in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of national health surveys in nine countries. Adults aged 25-64 years with self-reported diabetes. We quantified the proportion who reported having an eye examination in the last two years or a foot examination in the last year. We fitted multilevel Poisson regressions to assess socio-demographic (age and sex) and clinical (oral hypoglycemic medication and insulin treatment) variables associated with having had examinations.

RESULTS

There were 7435 people with self-reported diabetes included in the analysis. In three countries (Chile [64%; 95% CI: 56%-71%], British Virgin Islands [58%; 95% CI: 51%-65%], and Brazil [54%; 95% CI: 50%-58%]), >50% of people with diabetes reported having had an eye examination in the last two years. Fewer participants (<50% across all countries) reported having had a foot examination in the last year, with Ecuador having the lowest proportion (12%; 95% CI: 8%-17%). Older people, and those taking oral medication or insulin, were more likely to have eye/foot examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of eye and foot examinations in people with self-reported diabetes across nine countries in LAC is low.

Outcomes measured in studies assessing health systems interventions for type 1 diabetes management: A scoping review

AIMS

Describe the outcomes reported in research on health systems interventions for type 1 diabetes management in comparison to the outcomes proposed by a core outcome set (COS) for this condition, an essential list of outcomes that studies should measure.

METHODS

Systematic search of studies published between 2010 and 2021 reporting health systems interventions directed to improve the management of type 1 diabetes using PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL. Information on the outcomes was extracted and classified according to a COS: self-management, level of clinical engagement, perceived control over diabetes, diabetes-related quality of life, diabetes burden, diabetes ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C).

RESULTS

187 studies were included. Most of the studies included either children (n = 82/187) or adults (n = 82/187) living with type 1 diabetes. The most common outcome measured was HbA1C (n = 149/187), followed by self-management (n = 105/187). While the least measured ones were diabetes ketoacidosis (n = 15/187), and clinical engagement (n = 0/187). None of the studies measured all the outcomes recommended in the COS. Additionally, different tools were found to be used in measuring the same outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a description of what researchers are measuring when assessing health systems interventions to improve type 1 diabetes management. In contrast to a COS, it was found that there is a predominance of clinical-based outcomes over patient-reported outcome measures.

Sex differences in the secular change in waist circumference relative to body mass index in the Americas and England from 1997 to 2020

Objective

To quantify changes over time in waist circumference (WC) relative to body mass index (BMI) by sex in the Americas (United States of America, Mexico, Chile, Peru) and England.

Methods

Data from adults aged 25-64 years between 1997 and 2020 was analysed; US data was stratified by racial-ethnic groups. Sex-specific BMI and WC means, and obesity and abdominal obesity prevalence, were compared between the first and last surveys. Using data from all survey years, secular changes across the BMI and WC distributions were estimated applying quantile regression models. BMI was added as a predictor of WC to estimate secular changes in WC relative to BMI. Interaction terms were included in all models to evaluate differences by sex.

Results

BMI and WC (except Peru) showed larger secular increases at the upper-tails of the distributions in both sexes. Increases at the 50th and 75th WC centiles relative to BMI were more pronounced in women than in men, with larger increases in US non-Hispanic whites and in England. In men, increases in WC independently of BMI were most evident in Mexico.

Conclusions

Disease risk associated with visceral fat, is potentially underestimated by national surveillance efforts that quantify secular changes only in BMI.

Blood pressure and 10-year all-cause mortality: Findings from the PERU MIGRANT Study

Background

The long-term impact of elevated blood pressure on mortality outcomes has been recently revisited due to proposed changes in cut-offs for hypertension. This study aimed at assessing the association between high blood pressure levels and 10-year mortality using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) and the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2017 blood pressure guidelines.

Methods

Data analysis of the PERU MIGRANT Study, a prospective ongoing cohort, was used. The outcome of interest was 10-year all-cause mortality, and exposures were blood pressure categories according to the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines. Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to assess the associations of interest controlling for confounders. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

Results

A total of 976 records, mean age of 60.4 (SD: 11.4), 513 (52.6%) women, were analyzed. Hypertension prevalence at baseline almost doubled from 16.0% (95% CI 13.7%-18.4%) to 31.3% (95% CI 28.4%-34.3%), using the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 definitions, respectively. Sixty-three (6.4%) participants died during the 10-year follow-up, equating to a mortality rate of 3.6 (95% CI 2.4-4.7) per 1000 person-years. Using JNC-7, and compared to those with normal blood pressure, those with pre-hypertension and hypertension had 2.1-fold and 5.1-fold increased risk of death, respectively. Similar mortality effect sizes were estimated using ACC/AHA 2017 for stage-1 and stage-2 hypertension.

Conclusions

Blood pressure levels under two different definitions increased the risk of 10-year all-cause mortality. Hypertension prevalence doubled using ACC/AHA 2017 compared to JNC-7. The choice of blood pressure cut-offs to classify hypertension categories need to be balanced against the patients benefit and the capacities of the health system to adequately handle a large proportion of new patients.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling Peruvian adults: A cross-sectional study

Background

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) have emerged as significant contributors to negative health outcomes in the past decade. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the criteria and cut-off thresholds for assessing sarcopenia and SO. Moreover, limited data are available on the prevalence of these conditions in Latin American countries. To address this evidence gap, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and SO in a community-dwelling population of 1151 adults aged ≥ 55 years in Lima, Peru.

Methods

Data collection for this cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 in two urban low-resource settings in Lima, Peru. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle strength (LMS) and low muscle mass (LMM) according to European (EWGSOP2), US (FNIH) and Asian (AWGS) guidelines. We measured muscle strength by maximum handgrip strength; muscle mass using a whole-body single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery and 4-meter gait speed. SO was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and sarcopenia.

Results

The study participants had a mean age of 66.2 years (SD 7.1), of which 621 (53.9%) were men, and 41.7% were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was estimated to be 22.7% (95%CI: 20.3-25.1) using the EWGSOP2 criteria and 27.8% (95%CI:25.2-30.4) using the AWGS criteria. Sarcopenia prevalence, assessed using skeletal muscle index (SMI), was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.4-7.1) according to EWGSOP2 and 8.3% (95%CI: 6.7-9.9) using AWGS criteria. The prevalence of sarcopenia based on the FNIH criteria was 18.1% (95%CI: 15.8-20.3). The prevalence of SO, considering different sarcopenia definitions, ranged from 0.8% (95%CI: 0.3-1.3) to 5.0% (95%CI: 3.8-6.3).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal substantial variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia and SO when using different guidelines, underscoring the necessity for context-specific cut-off values. Nevertheless, regardless of the chosen guideline, the prevalence of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Peru remains noteworthy.

Facilitators and barriers of the implementation of point-of-care devices for cardiometabolic diseases: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices may facilitate the delivery of rapid and timely results, providing a clinically important advantage in patient management. The challenges and constraints in the implementation process, considering different levels of actors have not been much explored. This scoping review aimed to assess literature pertaining to implementation facilitators and barriers of POCT devices for the diagnosis or monitoring of cardiometabolic diseases.

METHODS

A scoping review of the literature was conducted. The inclusion criteria were studies on the inception, planning, or implementation of interventions with POCT devices for the diagnosis or monitoring of cardiometabolic diseases defined as dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Global Health databases using the OVID searching engine until May 2022. The Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to classify implementation barriers and facilitators in five constructs. Also, patient, healthcare professional (HCP), and organization level was used.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met the eligibility criteria for data extraction. All studies except two were conducted in high-income countries. Some findings are: 1) Intervention: the most widely recognized facilitator was the quick turnaround time with which results are obtained. 2) Outer setting: at the organizational level, the lack of clear regulatory and accreditation mechanisms has hindered the adoption and sustainability of the use of POCT. 3) Inner setting: for HCP, performing POCT during the consultation was both a facilitator and a barrier in terms of time, personnel, and service delivery. 4) Individuals: the implementation of POCT may generate stress and discomfort in some HCP in terms of training and new responsibilities. 5) Process: for patients, it is highly appreciated that obtaining the sample was simple and more comfortable if venipuncture was not used.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review has described the facilitators and barriers of implementing a POCT device for cardiometabolic conditions using the CFIR. The information can be used to design better strategies to implement these devices and benefit more populations that have low access to cardiometabolic tests.

Prevalence and incidence of stroke in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Stroke is a recurrent and well-known cardiovascular event and a leading cause of death worldwide. We identified reliable epidemiological evidence of stroke in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and estimated the prevalence and incidence of stroke, overall and by sex, in that region. A systematic search in OVID (Medline, Embase and Global Health) and in the Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) until the end of 2020 was made for all cross-sectional or longitudinal studies estimating (or allowing the estimation of) the prevalence or incidence of stroke among individuals of the general population ≥ 18 years from LAC countries. No language restriction was applied. Studies were assessed for methodological quality and risk of bias. Pooled estimates were calculated using random effect meta-analysis as high heterogeneity was expected. A total of 31 papers for prevalence and 11 papers for incidence were included in the review for analysis. The overall pooled stroke prevalence was 32 (95% CI 26-38) per 1000 subjects and were similar among men (21; 95% CI 17-25) and women (20; 95% CI 16-23) per 1000 subjects. The overall pooled stroke incidence was 255 (95% CI 217-293) per 100 000 person-years, being higher in men (261; 95% CI 221-301) compared to women (217; 95% CI 184-250) per 100 000 person-years. Our results highlight the relevance of the prevalence and incidence of stroke in the LAC region. The estimates were similar in stroke prevalence by sex, but with higher incidence rates among males than females. Subgroup analyses highlight the need for standardized methodologies to obtain appropriate prevalence and incidence estimates at the population level in a region with a great burden of cardiovascular events.

Multimorbidity and Sleep Patterns among Adults in a Peruvian Semi-Urban Area

Objective  To assess if the duration and quality of sleep vary due to the presence of multimorbidity. Materials and Methods  We performed a secondary analysis using data from a population-based study involving adult subjects aged between 30 and 69 years residing in a semi-urban area of Tumbes, Peru. The duration (normal, short or prolonged) and quality (good or poor) of sleep were our outcome variables, whereas the exposure was multimorbidity (two or more chronic conditions). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models were built to assess the association of interest, and prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were reported. Results  We analyzed data from 1,607 subjects with a mean age of 48.2 (standard deviation [SD]: ± 10.6) years, 809 (50.3%) of whom were women. Multimorbidity was present in 634 (39.5%; 95%CI: 37.1-41.9%) subjects, and 193 (12.1%; 95%CI: 10.5-13.7%) were short sleepers, 131 (8.2%; 95%CI: 6.9-9.6%) were long sleepers, and 312 (19.5%; 95%CI: 17.5-21.5%) had poor sleep quality. In the multivariable model, multimorbidity was associated with prolonged sleep duration (PR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.03-2.04) and poor sleep quality (PR = 2.04; 95%CI: 1.65-2.52). Conclusions  Multimorbidity was associated with prolonged, but not short, sleep duration, as well as with poor sleep quality. Our results suggest the need of assessing sleep patterns among adults with multimorbidity.

Stroke-related length of hospitalization trends and in-hospital mortality in Peru

Background

Peru faces challenges to provide adequate care to stroke patients. Length of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality are two well-known indicators of stroke care. We aimed to describe the length of stay (LOS) of stroke in Peru, and to assess in-hospital mortality risk due to stroke, and subtypes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used hospitalization registries coding with ICD-10 from 2002 to 2017 (N = 98,605) provided by the Ministry of Health; in-hospital mortality was available for 2016-2017 (N = 6,566). Stroke cases aged ≥35 years were divided into subarachnoid hemorrhage (I60), intracerebral hemorrhage (I61), cerebral infarction (I63), and stroke not specified as hemorrhage or infarction (I64). Data included stroke LOS and in-hospital mortality; socio-demographic and clinical variables. We fitted a region- and hospital level-stratified Weibull proportional hazard model to assess the in-hospital mortality.

Results

The median LOS was 7 days (IQR: 4-13). Hemorrhagic strokes had median LOS longer than ischemic strokes and stroke not specified as hemorrhage or infarction (P = <0.001). The case fatality rate (CFR) of patients with stroke was 11.5% (95% CI [10-12%]). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (HR = 2.45; 95% CI [1.91-3.14]), intracerebral hemorrhage (HR = 1.95; 95% CI [1.55-2.46]), and stroke not specified as hemorrhage or infarction (HR = 1.45; 95% CI [1.16-1.81]) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality risk in comparison to ischemic strokes.

Discussion

Between 2002 and 2017, LOS due to stroke has not changed in Peru in stroke patients discharged alive. Hemorrhagic cases had the longest LOS and highest in-hospital mortality risk during 2016 and 2017. The findings of our study seem to be consistent with a previous study carried out in Peru and similar to that of HIC and LMIC, also there is an increased median LOS in stroke cases managed in specialized centers. Likewise, LOS seems to depend on the type of stroke, where ischemic stroke cases have the lowest LOS. Peru needs to improve access to stroke care.

Double burden of malnutrition as a risk factor for overweight and obesity

OBJECTIVE

To assess the longitudinal effect of double burden of malnutrition (DBM) on the risk of developing child and adolescent overweight or obesity.

METHODS

Analysis of the Peruvian Young Lives Study, younger cohort: baseline (2002) and 4 follow-ups (2006-2007, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, and 2016-2017). Outcomes were the incidence of overweight and obesity as defined by the World Health Organization standards. The exposure comprised a variable with 4 categories: non-stunted child with a non-overweight mother (reference group), non-stunted child with an overweight mother, stunted child with a non-overweight mother, and stunted child with an overweight mother (i.e., DBM). Poisson regression models were built to assess the association of interest, and relative risks (RR) and 95%CI were reported.

RESULTS

Data from 2,034 children; 50.0% were girls and the mean age was 12.0 (3.6) months at baseline. Non-stunted children with an overweight mother had greater risk (RR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.35-1.99) of developing overweight, compared with the risk for stunted children with a non-overweight mother (RR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.10-1.72), and for those with DBM (RR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.02-1.61). When compared with the reference group, obesity risk was greater among non-stunted children with an overweight mother (RR = 2.33; 95%CI: 1.68-3.22), greater among stunted children with a non-overweight mother (RR = 2.59; 95%CI: 1.75-3.84), and greater among those with DBM (RR = 2.14; 95%CI: 1.39-3.28).

CONCLUSIONS

DBM is a risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity in Peru. Dual-duty policies tackling both undernutrition in children and overweight in mothers are needed to reduce DBM and its future effects in Peru.

Association between socioeconomic level and cardiovascular risk in the Peruvian population

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between socioeconomic level and the presence of obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Peruvian population.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of data from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey ( Encuesta Nacional Demográfica y de Salud Familiar , Endes) from 2018 to 2020. The outcomes were obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The exposure variables were two indicators of socioeconomic status: educational level (< 7 years, 7–11 years, and 12+ years) and wealth index (in tertiles). Models were created using Poisson regression, reporting prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

Data from 98,846 subjects were analyzed. Mean age: 45.3 (SD: 16.0) years, and 55.5% were women. The prevalence of obesity was 26.0% (95%CI: 25.4–26.6); of hypertension, 24.9% (95%CI: 24.3–25.5); and of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 4.8% (95%CI: 4.5–5.1). In multivariate model, and compared with those with a low wealth index, those with a high wealth index had a higher prevalence of obesity (PR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.38–1.62), hypertension (PR = 1.09; 95%CI: 1.02–1.17) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (PR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.29–2.29). On the other hand, higher educational level was only associated with a reduction in the prevalence of obesity (PR = 0.89; 95%CI: 0.84–0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a differential association between the wealth index, educational level and markers of noncommunicable diseases. There is evidence of a positive association between wealth index and obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas educational level was only negatively associated with obesity.

Uso de marcadores de obesidad para el tamizaje de Diabetes Mellitus 2: Un estudio transversal en Perú

Introducción: Existen diversos métodos para evaluar el exceso de grasa corporal, pero si alguno de ellos es mejor para detectar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) no ha sido completamente evaluado en Perú. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar el rendimiento diagnóstico de ciertos marcadores antropométricos de obesidad para detectar casos recientes de DMT2 a nivel poblacional y según el sexo. Metodología: Se realizó un análisis secundario de un estudio transversal realizado en Tumbes; Perú, reclutando pacientes de 30 a 69 años. La variable desenlace fue el diagnóstico reciente de DMT2, determinado por la prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa. Las variables de exposición fueron los marcadores antropométricos: índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de cintura (CC), razón cintura-talla (RCT). Para la valoración diagnóstica de estos marcadores, se utilizaron curvas ROC (área bajo la curva: AUC), y se estimó la sensibilidad y especificidad en base al índice de Youden.  Resultados: Se analizaron los datos de 1500 participantes, encontrándose una prevalencia de DMT2 recién diagnosticada del 4,7%. La edad promedio fue de 47,6 años (desviación estándar: 10,6) y el 50,1% fueron varones. El rendimiento diagnóstico de los marcadores para el tamizaje de DMT2 en la población general fueron: RCT (AUC: 0,67; IC 95%: 0,60-0,73), IMC (AUC: 0,65; IC 95%: 0,58-0,72) y CC (AUC: 0,65; IC 95%: 0,58-0,72). Cuando se estratificó por sexo los resultados fueron similares, excepto por el valor de CC en varones cuyo rendimiento diagnóstico fue aceptable (AUC: 0,70; IC 95%: 0,60–0,81). Conclusiones: El rendimiento diagnóstico de los marcadores de obesidad incluidos en el presente trabajo (IMC, RCT y CC) para el tamizaje de DMT2 en la población general fue pobre.

Prevalence and trends of active and passive smoking among Peruvian adolescents

OBJECTIVE.

This study aimed to assess the trends of different smoking indicators among Peruvian adolescents. Additionally, we evaluated whether such trends were different by sex or among those without previous smoking history.

MATERIALS AND METHODS.

We analyzed the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2007, 2014, 2019). Active smoking was defined according to smoking in the last 30 days. Passive smoking was assessed based on exposure to tobacco inside and outside the household, both overall and daily. Analyses considered the sample design.

RESULTS.

A total of 17,047 records (9,869 in 2007, 3,424 in 2014, and 3,754 in 2019) were analyzed; the mean age was 14 years, and 49.9% were women. Previous smoking history was reported in 26.6% of the records; such prevalence fell from 45.2% (2007), to 25.3% (2014), and to 19.4% (2019, p-value for trend < 0.001), whereas active smoking fell from 17.1% (2007) to 8.7% (2014) and to 5.7% (2019). The overall prevalence of passive smoking inside the household fell from 24.7% to 12.9% and 10.4% (p-value <0.001), whereas the overall prevalence of passive smoking outside the household dropped from 46.3% to 39.4% and 36.3% (p-value <0.001) during the same period. The reduction of the smoking indicators was observed mainly among women than in men.

CONCLUSION.

There is evidence of a sustained reduction in smoking indicators in Peruvian adolescents. Passive smoking outside the household continues to be common, calling for strengthening current tobacco control policies.

Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y características del sueño: un estudio poblacional en Tumbes, Perú

Objetivo. Determinar si existe asociación entre la presencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y la duración, dificultad para dormir, y calidad de sueño, en sujetos de 30 a 69 años en Tumbes. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico. Las variables dependientes fueron dificultad para dormir (a veces/casi nunca y frecuentemente), duración del sueño (normal, corto y prolongado) y calidad del sueño (buena y mala). La variable independiente fue la presencia de DM2 evaluada usando la prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa (no DM2, con DM2 y sin diagnóstico previo, y con DM2 y diagnóstico previo). Se usó modelos de regresión de Poisson para reportar razones de prevalencia (RP) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Resultados. Se analizaron 1604 individuos, con una edad media de 48,2 años; 50,3% fueron mujeres; 71 (4,4%) tenían DM2 sin diagnóstico previo y 105 (6,5%) tenían DM2 con diagnóstico previo. Según las características del sueño, 12,0% presentó sueño corto y 8,2% presentó sueño prolongado; 3,7% reportó dificultad para dormir, y 19,5% tuvo mala calidad de sueño. En el modelo multivariable, tener DM2 con diagnóstico previo estuvo asociado con dificultad para dormir (RP = 2,20; IC 95%: 1,13–4,27) y mala calidad de sueño (RP = 1,40; IC 95%: 1,05–1,92) comparado con aquellos sin DM2. Conclusiones. Los individuos con DM2 que tenían diagnóstico previo tuvieron mayor probabilidad de presentar dificultad para dormir y mala calidad de sueño. Nuestros resultados sugieren la necesidad de evaluar en forma periódica las características del sueño en pacientes con DM2.

Prevalencia e incidencia de hipertensión arterial en Perú: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia e incidencia de hipertensión arterial, y la prevalencia de diagnóstico previo de hipertensión arterial (autorreportado) en población general adulta del Perú. Materiales y métodos. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de estudios epidemiológicos disponibles en LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE y Global Health. Se incluyeron estudios que siguieron un muestreo aleatorio de la población general adulta. El tamizaje y estudio de los manuscritos fue realizado por dos investigadores de forma independientemente. Se hizo metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios para cuantificar la prevalencia e incidencia global. Los manuscritos fueron evaluados con la escala Newcastle-Ottawa para evaluar el riesgo de sesgo. Resultados. Se tamizaron 903 artículos, y se incluyeron 15 manuscritos para prevalencia, 8 para prevalencia de diagnóstico previo, y 4 para incidencia de hipertensión. El metaanálisis mostró una prevalencia agregada de hipertensión de 22,0% (IC 95%: 20,0% - 25,0%; I2=99,2%). Esta prevalencia fue menor en estudios nacionales [20,0% (IC 95%: 17,0% - 22,0%; I2=99,4%] que en subnacionales [24,0% (IC 95%: 17,0% - 30,0%; I2=99,2%]. La prevalencia global de diagnóstico previo de hipertensión fue 51,0% (IC 95%: 43,0% - 59,0%; I2=99,9%). La incidencia global fue de 4,2 (IC 95%: 2,0 – 6,4; I2=98,6%) por cada 100 personas-año. Los manuscritos estudiados no presentaron alto riesgo de sesgo. Conclusiones. Nuestros hallazgos muestran que uno de cada cinco peruanos tiene hipertensión, y que aparecen cuatro nuevos casos por 100 personas en un año, además solo la mitad de los pacientes hipertensos tienen el diagnóstico previo de su condición. 

Incidence rate of stroke in Peru

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of stroke, overall and by sub-types, in Peru between 2017 and 2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of hospital morbidity data obtained from SUSALUD (open data). Using the ICD-10 codes, the following were studied: subarachnoid hemorrhage (I60), atraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (I61), cerebral infarction (I63), and unspecified stroke (I64). The crude and age-standardized incidence was calculated according to the population of the World Health Organization and using the national projected population number of people according to year, age and sex as the denominator.

RESULTS

In 2017, a total of 10,570 stroke cases were recorded, whereas, in 2018, there were 12,835 cases. Ischemic events were more frequent in both years. Regardless of stroke subtype and year, men were more affected than women. In the 35+ year-old population, an increase in the crude incidence of total stroke was observed between 2017 and 2018, from 80.9 to 96.7 per 100,000 person-years. The age-standardized incidence showed the same trend, but in a greater magnitude: from 93.9 to 109.8 per 100,000 person-years. Ischemic stroke was the one that increased the most, with an age-standardized rate in people aged 35+ years of 35.2 in 2017 and 46.3 per 100,000 person-years in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of stroke is high in Peru. Ischemic cases are the most frequent and they disproportionately affect men. Our results suggest the need for a surveillance system to robustly quantify the incidence of these cases and understand their determinants.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a high-altitude setting in Peru: adult population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There are several ecological studies, but few studies of the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 at high altitude. We aimed to estimate the population-based seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 in three settings of Cusco at the end of the first wave among adults.

METHODS

A population-based survey was conducted in September 2020, in three settings in the region of Cusco: (1) Cusco city at 3,300 meters above the sea level (m.a.s.l.), (2) the periphery of Cusco (Santiago, San Jerónimo, San Sebastián, and Wanchaq) at 3,300 m.a.s.l., and (3) Quillabamba city, located at 1,050 m.a.s.l. People aged ≥ 18 years within a family unit were included. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was based on identifying anti- SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (IgM and IgG) in serum using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 chemiluminescence test.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1924 participants from 712 families. Of the total, 637 participants were anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Seroprevalence was 38.8% (95% CI [33.4%-44.9%]) in Cusco city, 34.9% (95% CI [30.4%-40.1%]) in the periphery of Cusco, and 20.3% (95% CI [16.2%-25.6%]) in Quillabamba. In 141 families (19.8%; 95% CI [17.0%-22.8%]) the whole members were positive to the test. Living with more than three persons in the same house, a positive COVID-19 case at home, and a member who died in the last five months were factors associated with SARS-COV-2 seropositivity. Dysgeusia/dysosmia was the symptom most associated with seropositivity (aPR = 2.74, 95% CI [2.41-3.12]); whereas always wearing a face shield (aPR = 0. 73; 95% CI [0.60-0.89]) or a facial mask (aPR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.63-0. 92) reduced that probability.

CONCLUSIONS

A great proportion of Cusco's city inhabitants presented anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the end of the first wave, with significant differences between settings. Wearing masks and face shields were associated with lower rate of seropositivity; however, efforts must be made to sustain them over time since there is still a high proportion of susceptible people.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and antibiotic-resistant infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with infectious diseases; however, whether T2DM is associated with bacterial-resistant infections has not been thoroughly studied. We ascertained whether people with T2DM were more likely to experience resistant infections in comparison to T2DM-free individuals.

METHODS

Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis. The search was conducted in Medline, Embase and Global Health. We selected observational studies in which the outcome was resistant infections (any site), and the exposure was T2DM. We studied adult subjects who could have been selected from population-based or hospital-based studies. I² was the metric of heterogeneity. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa risk of bias scale.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 3370 reports, 97 were studied in detail and 61 (449 247 subjects) were selected. Studies were mostly cross-sectional or case-control; several infection sites were studied, but mostly urinary tract and respiratory infections. The random-effects meta-analysis revealed that people with T2DM were twofold more likely to have urinary tract (OR=2.42; 95% CI 1.83 to 3.20; I² 19.1%) or respiratory (OR=2.35; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.69; I² 58.1%) resistant infections. Although evidence for other infection sites was heterogeneous, they consistently suggested that T2DM was associated with resistant infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Compelling evidence suggests that people with T2DM are more likely to experience antibiotic-resistant urinary tract and respiratory infections. The evidence for other infection sites was less conclusive but pointed to the same overall conclusion. These results could guide empirical treatment for patients with T2DM and infections.

Physical activity levels by glycemia status: A population-based cross-sectional study in Peru

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the prevalence of low physical activity levels and time spent watching TV differ depending on glycemia status.

METHODS

A secondary analysis using data from a population-based study was conducted. Two were the outcomes: physical activity levels, derived from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and sitting time watching TV. The exposure was glycemia status, defined based on results of the oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT): euglycemia, dysglycemia, and T2DM. The T2DM group was further split into: aware and unaware of T2DM diagnosis. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CI were reported using Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Data of 1607 individuals, mean age 48.2 (SD: 10.6) years, 809 (50.3%) females, were analyzed. Dysglycemia and T2DM was present in 16.9% (95% CI: 15.1%-18.8%) and 11.0% (95% CI: 9.5%-12.6%) of participants, respectively. A total of 605 (37.6%; 95% CI: 35.2%-39.9%) participants had low levels of physical activity and 1019 (63.3%; 95% CI: 60.9%-65.7%) subjects spent ≥2 h per day sitting watching TV. In multivariable model, there was no significant association between glycemia status and physical activity levels (PR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.95-1.36). Similar result was found between glycemia status and sitting time watching TV. However, those aware of T2DM diagnosis were more likely to have low levels of physical activity (PR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06-1.61) compared to the euglycemia group.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a no relationship between glycemia status and physical activity level or sitting time watching TV, pointing out similar levels of physical (in)activity among those with euglycemia, dysglycemia and T2DM. Individuals aware of having T2DM were 30% more likely to have low physical activity levels compared to the euglycemic group. There is a need to increase physical activity levels among T2DM individuals.

Diagnostics and monitoring tools for noncommunicable diseases: a missing component in the global response

A key component of any health system is the capacity to accurately diagnose individuals. One of the six building blocks of a health system as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) includes diagnostic tools. The WHO’s Noncommunicable Disease Global Action Plan includes addressing the lack of diagnostics for noncommunicable diseases, through multi-stakeholder collaborations to develop new technologies that are affordable, safe, effective and quality controlled, and improving laboratory and diagnostic capacity and human resources. Many challenges exist beyond price and availability for the current tools included in the Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PEN) for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. These include temperature stability, adaptability to various settings (e.g. at high altitude), need for training in order to perform and interpret the test, the need for maintenance and calibration, and for Blood Glucose Meters non-compatible meters and test strips. To date the issues surrounding access to diagnostic and monitoring tools for noncommunicable diseases have not been addressed in much detail. The aim of this Commentary is to present the current landscape and challenges with regards to guidance from the WHO on diagnostic tools using the WHO REASSURED criteria, which define a set of key characteristics for diagnostic tests and tools. These criteria have been used for communicable diseases, but so far have not been used for noncommunicable diseases. Diagnostic tools have played an important role in addressing many communicable diseases, such as HIV, TB and neglected tropical diseases. Clearly more attention with regards to diagnostics for noncommunicable diseases as a key component of the health system is needed.

Avances en la investigación de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en el Perú

Las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) son causa importante de carga de enfermedad en el Perú así como en otros países en desarrollo. Las respuestas para el control de las ENT requieren de investigación multidisciplinaria, tanto a nivel local como internacional. Desde hace más de 10 años, CRONICAS: Centro de Excelencia en Enfermedades Crónicas, de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, realiza investigación en el campo de las ENT en el Perú. En el presente artículo se describen algunos estudios realizados, incluyendo los estudios epidemiológicos PERU MIGRANT, y la cohorte CRONICAS. También se presentan resultados de revisiones sistemáticas y resultados de intervenciones frente a las ENT. A través de estos estudios llevados a cabo por el centro CRONICAS se señalan potenciales áreas para afrontar las ENT en países en desarrollo.

CKD and CKDu in northern Peru: a cross-sectional analysis under the DEGREE protocol

BACKGROUND

This study estimated the prevalence and risk factors for decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in those without known hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or heavy proteinuria as a surrogate marker for chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) among adults in the North of Peru.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted following the Disadvantaged Populations eGFR Epidemiology (DEGREE) Study protocol. Low eGFR was defined based on a single eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.7m² estimated using the CKD-EPI equation. Environmental conditions related to CKDu (i.e., work in agriculture or sugarcane, water source, heat intolerance, and pesticide exposure) were evaluated, in addition to traditional risk factors for CKD (i.e., smoking, heavy drinking, physical activity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis, among others).

RESULTS

A total of 1514 subjects were included in the study, mean age 45.1 (SD: 16.4), and 55.2% were females. Overall, only 26 cases (1.7%; 95%CI: 1.1-2.5%) had an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.7m² compatible with CKD definition; when those with hypertension and type-2 diabetes or heavy proteinuria were excluded, according to the DEGREE protocol, the estimate fell to 0.9% (95%CI: 0.4-1.5%). Low physical activity levels (OR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.18-3.34), hypertension (OR = 2.07; 1.26-3.41), and urolithiasis (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.18-3.27) were factors associated with low eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

A low population-based prevalence of low eGFR (as a surrogate for CKDu), both in rural and urban settings areas, in the Northern Peru, was found. Low physical activity levels, hypertension and urolithiasis were factors associated with low eGFR. Interventions to prevent CKD cases may be focused on well-known CV risk factors and urolithiasis.

Trends and patterns of the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in Peru: a pooled analysis of 129,159 mother-child dyads

Background

This study aims to evaluate trends of DBM in Peru over the last 20 years.

Methods

Using individual-level data collected in nationally representative household surveys from Peru between 1996 and 2017, we analysed trends in the prevalence and patterning of the DBM. We classified the nutritional status of children and their mothers as undernourished (either underweight, stunted or wasted for children), normal, overweight or obese. Children classified as experiencing the DBM were those undernourished and living with an overweight or obese mother. We also fitted logistic regression models to evaluate the probability of children having an overweight/obese mother across subgroups of socioeconomic status, place of residence and education.

Results

The overall percentage of children experiencing the DBM in 2016 was 7%, and constitutes ~203,600 children (90% of whom were stunted). Between 1996 and 2016, undernourished children have seen the largest relative increase in the risk of having an overweight mother (31% vs. 37%) or obese mother (6% vs. 17%); however, due to the substantial decrease in the absolute number of undernourished children, the DBM has not grown. Moreover, all children, irrespective of their own nutritional status, are now more likely to live with an overweight or obese mother, a consistent pattern across wealth, location and education subgroups, and all regions of Peru.

Conclusions

DBM prevalence in Peru has decreased, although the number of DBM cases is estimated to be above 200,000. In addition, all children are now more likely to live with overweight or obese mothers. The basic pattern has shifted from one of undernourished children whose mothers have a ‘normal’ BMI, to one where now most children have a ‘normal’ or healthy anthropometric status, but whose mothers are overweight or obese. This suggest that Peru is on the cusp of a major public health challenge requiring significant action.

Clusters of people with type 2 diabetes in the general population: unsupervised machine learning approach using national surveys in Latin America and the Caribbean

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to identify clusters of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to assess whether the frequency of these clusters was consistent across selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed 13 population-based national surveys in nine countries (n=8361). We used k-means to develop a clustering model; predictors were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and T2DM family history. The training data set included all surveys, and the clusters were then predicted in each country-year data set. We used Euclidean distance, elbow and silhouette plots to select the optimal number of clusters and described each cluster according to the underlying predictors (mean and proportions).

RESULTS

The optimal number of clusters was 4. Cluster 0 grouped more men and those with the highest mean SBP/DBP. Cluster 1 had the highest mean BMI and WC, as well as the largest proportion of T2DM family history. We observed the smallest values of all predictors in cluster 2. Cluster 3 had the highest mean age. When we reflected the four clusters in each country-year data set, a different distribution was observed. For example, cluster 3 was the most frequent in the training data set, and so it was in 7 out of 13 other country-year data sets.

CONCLUSIONS

Using unsupervised machine learning algorithms, it was possible to cluster people with T2DM from the general population in LAC; clusters showed unique profiles that could be used to identify the underlying characteristics of the T2DM population in LAC.

[Healthcare challenges for people with diabetes during the national state of emergency due to COVID-19 in Lima, Peru: primary healthcare recommendations]

Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who then become infected with SARS-CoV-2, are at greater risk of developing complications from COVID-19, which may even lead to death. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires continuous contact with healthcare facilities; therefore, this type of patients should have regular access to medicines, tests and appointments with healthcare personnel. In Peru, care and treatment continuity have been affected since the national state of emergency due to COVID-19 began; because many healthcare facilities suspended outpatient consultations. The strategies presented in this study were developed by different Peruvian health providers in the pandemic context to ensure care continuity for people with diabetes. This article provides recommendations to strengthen primary healthcare, because it is the first level of healthcare contact for patients with diabetes.

FINDRISC in Latin America: a systematic review of diagnosis and prognosis models

This review aimed to assess whether the FINDRISC, a risk score for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been externally validated in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We conducted a systematic review following the CHARMS (CHecklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies) framework. Reports were included if they validated or re-estimated the FINDRISC in population-based samples, health facilities or administrative data. Reports were excluded if they only studied patients or at-risk individuals. The search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus and LILACS. Risk of bias was assessed with the PROBAST (Prediction model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool) tool. From 1582 titles and abstracts, 4 (n=7502) reports were included for qualitative summary. All reports were from South America; there were slightly more women, and the mean age ranged from 29.5 to 49.7 years. Undiagnosed T2DM prevalence ranged from 2.6% to 5.1%. None of the studies conducted an independent external validation of the FINDRISC; conversely, they used the same (or very similar) predictors to fit a new model. None of the studies reported calibration metrics. The area under the receiver operating curve was consistently above 65.0%. All studies had high risk of bias. There has not been any external validation of the FINDRISC model in LAC. Selected reports re-estimated the FINDRISC, although they have several methodological limitations. There is a need for big data to develop-or improve-T2DM diagnostic and prognostic models in LAC. This could benefit T2DM screening and early diagnosis.

[Mortality from chronic kidney disease in Peru: national trends 2003-2015]

OBJECTIVES.

To describe the mortality trend due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Peru in the period 2003-2015.

MATERIALS AND METHODS.

Analysis of secondary data and ecological design. National mortality registries based on death certificates were analyzed. ERC was defined as CIE code 10: N18 in the basic cause. Absolute and relative frequencies of death by ERC are described. To estimate the proportion of deaths by CKD in each region of Peru, a generalized mixed linear model was used. The outcome variable was the proportion of deaths, the independent variables were each region of the country and the year.

RESULTS.

The analysis included 1,086,778 deaths, of which 25,091 (2.0 % age- and sex-adjusted) were by CKD. During the study period, the average age at death increased by 2.6 years (p<0.001); in addition, the proportion of age- and sex-adjusted CKD deaths was always higher in women. In the observation period, the region with the highest mortality from CKD was Puno (4.1%), and with the lowest mortality was Amazonas (1.1%). Those regions that showed a significantly greater increase than the others were Tacna, La Libertad, Tumbes, Apurímac, Cusco, Ica, Moquegua, Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Puno.

CONCLUSIONS.

In the 2003-2015 period, mortality from CKD in Peru has increased; this trend is observed in several regions of the country. Preventive measures, early identification, and access to treatment must be implemented to control this trend.

Sleep Duration and Risk of Obesity by Sex: Nine-Year Follow-Up of the Young Lives Study in Peru

Background: We aimed to evaluate if there is association between hours of sleep and the risk of obesity among children and whether this association differs by sex. Methods: A secondary data analysis, using information of the Young Lives study, was conducted. The outcome was obesity, based on the BMI for age z-score; the exposure was child's sleep duration (reported by parents) categorized using the National Sleep Foundation guidelines, and as a numerical variable. Baseline and three follow-ups information were used to evaluate association, reporting relative risks (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), as well as coefficients and 95% CI. Results: Data from 1949 children, baseline mean age 4.3 (standard deviation: 0.3) and 962 (49.5%) females, were analyzed. Short sleep duration was present in 26.0% (95% CI: 24.0-28.0) at baseline. After 9.6 years of follow-up, the incidence of obesity was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70-0.98) per 100 person-years at risk. In multivariable model (n = 1579), there was no association between short sleep duration and obesity in the whole sample (p = 0.13); but the risk of obesity was lower among girls (n = 816; RR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21-0.96; p = 0.03) compared with boys (n = 763; RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.95-2.14; p = 0.09). On the contrary, each additional hour of sleep was associated with an increase of boy's BMI mean (0.05; 95% CI: 0.02-0.08; p < 0.001), but not among girls (-0.02; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.01; p = 0.11). Conclusions: Our results evidenced a lower risk of obesity due to short sleep duration in girls, but not in boys. Each additional hour of sleep was associated with an increase of BMI in boys, but not in girls. Strategies are needed to guarantee adequate sleep duration in Peruvian children.

Older adults with disability in extreme poverty in Peru: How is their access to health care?

BACKGROUND

Disability rates increase with age. In 2012, Peruvian older adults (≥ 65 years) represented 9% of the population. Additionally, older population reported disabilities at about 5 times the rate of Peruvians between 36 and 64 years old, and 30% of older population lived in poverty. Peruvian seniors living in extreme poverty experience disabilities and the extent of their access to healthcare is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses associations between disability and access to healthcare among Peruvians older individuals living in extreme poverty.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a national representative population based survey that utilizes information from Peru's 2012 survey Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults (ESBAM), which includes older adults living in extreme poverty. We define disability in terms of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL disability) framework. Healthcare access was assessed as having any of Peru's available health insurance schemes combined with preventive health services (vision assessment, influenza vaccination, blood pressure assessment, diabetes screening, and cholesterol assessment). Poisson robust regression models were used to evaluate the associations among relevant variables. Prevalence Ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were reported.

RESULTS

Data from 3869 individuals (65 to 80 years old), of whom 1760 (45.5%) were females, were analyzed. The prevalence of ADL disability was 17.3% (95%CI: 16.0%-18.4%). In addition, more than 60% had never received any of the preventive measures evaluated, except for the blood pressure assessment. In the adjusted model, people with ADL disability had 63% less probability of having extensive insurance, compared to those without disability (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that this Peruvian older population living in extreme poverty has limited access to healthcare services. Although there was no consistent association between ADL disability and the healthcare access, there is an urgent need to reduce the inequitable access to healthcare of this poor Peruvian older population.

Intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual assault and its association with alcohol consumption

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the prevalence of intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual assault in adolescents of Peru and its association with alcohol consumption.

METHODS

We used a two-step and stratified probabilistic sampling to select male and female students in secondary education from all over Peru. The study included data from 54,756 students with information on demographics, alcohol and drug use, and sexual assault. The statistical analysis considered the complex sampling and we conducted two independent analyses by type of sexual assault (intrafamilial and extrafamilial), stratified by the sex of the victim.

RESULTS

The prevalence of life of intrafamilial sexual assaults (5.4%, 95%CI 5.0-5.8) was similar to that of extrafamilial sexual assaults (6.1%, 95%CI 5.6-6.6). Alcohol consumption in the past year was associated with intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual assaults that occurred in the same period after adjusting for confounders. Alcohol consumption in the past year was associated with non-physical and physical forms of intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual assaults in the disaggregated analysis by type of assault. Alcohol consumption in the past year was associated with extrafamilial rape only among females (ORa = 2.8; 95%CI 1.3-5.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual assault against adolescent males and females by family members is a frequent form of victimization that is associated with alcohol consumption in Peru. It is important to examine this form of victimization among adolescents, especially those who consume alcohol.

Family Support and Diabetes: Patient's Experiences From a Public Hospital in Peru

Family support is crucial for managing chronic conditions but it is often overlooked when designing behavioral interventions in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As part of the formative phase of a feasibility randomized control trial (RCT), we conducted 20 semistructured interviews with people with T2DM from Lima, Peru. Based on such results, we describe the support people with T2DM receive from their families and the role that such support has in their efforts to implement diabetes management practices. We learned that participants receive support from family members, but mostly from their spouses and children. Their relatives encourage them and motivate them to fight for their health, they also provide instrumental support by preparing healthy meals, reminding them to take medications, and sharing physical activity. Participants also reported controlling actions which were not always "well received." Thus, any intervention supporting self-management practices need to work with key family members. We support the literature that suggests that interventions should target family members to ensure improved T2DM self-management practices.

Addressing the impact of urban exposure on the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus: The PERU MIGRANT Study

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of T2DM in three population groups: rural, rural-to-urban migrants and urban dwellers. Data from the PERU MIGRANT Study was analysed. The baseline assessment was conducted in 2007-2008 using a single-stage random sample and further follow-up was undertaken in 2015-16. T2DM was defined based on fasting glucose and self-reported diagnosis. Poisson regression models and robust variance to account for cluster effects were used for reporting risk ratios (RR) and 95%CI. At baseline, T2DM prevalence was 8% in urban, 3.6% in rural-to-urban migrants and 1.5% in rural dwellers. After 7.7 (SD: 1.1) years, 6,076 person-years of follow-up, 61 new cases were identified. The incidence rates in the urban, migrant and rural groups were 1.6, 0.9 and 0.5 per 100 person-years, respectively. Relative to rural dwellers, a 4.3-fold higher risk (95%CI: 1.6-11.9) for developing T2DM was found in urban dwellers and 2.7-fold higher (95%CI: 1.1-6.8) in migrants with ≥30 years of urban exposure. Migration and urban exposure were found as significant risk factors for developing T2DM. Within-country migration is a sociodemographic phenomenon occurring worldwide; thus, it is necessary to disentangle the effect of urban exposure on non-healthy habits and T2DM development.

Parental body mass index and blood pressure are associated with higher body mass index and blood pressure in their adult offspring: a cross-sectional study in a resource-limited setting in northern Peru

OBJECTIVES

High body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) are major contributors to the high burden of non-communicable diseases in adulthood. Individual high-risk and population approaches for prevention require newer strategies to target these risk factors and focusing on the family to introduce prevention initiatives appears as a promising scenario. Characterisation of the relationship between BMI and BP among the adult members of a given family merits evaluation. We conducted a secondary analysis of an implementation study in Tumbes, Peru, benefiting from data derived from families with at least one adult offspring.

METHODS

The exposures of interest were the BMI, systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) of the mother and father. The outcomes were the BMI, SBP and DBP of the offspring. Mixed-effects linear regression models were conducted.

RESULTS

The mean age of the offspring, mothers and fathers was 29 (SD: 9.5), 54 (SD: 11.8) and 59 (SD: 11.6) years, respectively. Father's BMI was associated with a quarter-point increase in offspring BMI, regardless of the sex of the offspring. Mother's BMI had a similar effect on the BMI of her sons, but had no significant effect on her daughters'. Mother's SBP was associated with almost one-tenth of mmHg increase in the SBP of the adult offspring. There was no evidence of an association for DBP.

CONCLUSIONS

In families with adult members, the higher the parents' BMI and SBP, the higher their adult offspring's levels will be.

Trajectories of body mass index and waist circumference in four Peruvian settings at different level of urbanisation: the CRONICAS Cohort Study

Background

Studies have reported the incidence/risk of becoming obese, but few have described the trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) over time, especially in low/middle-income countries. We assessed the trajectories of BMI and WC according to sex in four sites in Peru.

Methods

Data from the population-based CRONICAS Cohort Study were analysed. We fitted a population-averaged model by using generalised estimating equations. The outcomes of interest, with three data points over time, were BMI and WC. The exposure variable was the factorial interaction between time and study site.

Results

At baseline mean age was 55.7 years (SD: 12.7) and 51.6% were women. Mean follow-up time was 2.5 years (SD: 0.4). Over time and across sites, BMI and WC increased linearly. The less urbanised sites showed a faster increase than more urbanised sites, and this was also observed after sex stratification. Overall, the fastest increase was found for WC compared with BMI. Compared with Lima, the fastest increase in WC was in rural Puno (coefficient=0.73, P<0.001), followed by urban Puno (coefficient=0.59, P=0.001) and Tumbes (coefficient=0.22, P=0.088).

Conclusions

There was a linear increase in BMI and WC across study sites, with the greatest increase in less urbanised areas. The ongoing urbanisation process, common to Peru and other low/middle-income countries, is accompanied by different trajectories of increasing obesity-related markers.

Taste, Salt Consumption, and Local Explanations around Hypertension in a Rural Population in Northern Peru

Interventions to promote behaviors to reduce sodium intake require messages tailored to local understandings of the relationship between what we eat and our health. We studied local explanations about hypertension, the relationship between local diet, salt intake, and health status, and participants' opinions about changing food habits. This study provided inputs for a social marketing campaign in Peru promoting the use of a salt substitute containing less sodium than regular salt. Qualitative methods (focus groups and in-depth interviews) were utilized with local populations, people with hypertension, and health personnel in six rural villages. Participants were 18-65 years old, 41% men. Participants established a direct relationship between emotions and hypertension, regardless of age, gender, and hypertension status. Those without hypertension established a connection between eating too much/eating fried food and health status but not between salt consumption and hypertension. Participants rejected dietary changes. Economic barriers and high appreciation of local culinary traditions were the main reasons for this. It is the conclusion of this paper that introducing and promoting salt substitutes require creative strategies that need to acknowledge local explanatory disease models such as the strong association between emotional wellbeing and hypertension, give a positive spin to changing food habits, and resist the "common sense" strategy of information provision around the causal connection between salt consumption and hypertension.

Abandono de la terapia nutricional y pérdida de peso en pacientes bariátricos: Cohorte retrospectiva en Lima, Perú

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la proporción de pacientes que cumplen criterios internacionales de gastrectomía en manga, así como estimar la asociación entre porcentaje de pérdida de peso con tasa de abandono del tratamiento nutricional.Materiales y métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva realizada con historias clínicas de pacientes con gastrectomía en manga entre 2008-2014 en una clínica privada. Hubo dos variables resultado de interés: los criterios de inclusión para cirugía bariátrica según criterios internacionales (IMC ≥40 kg/m2 o ≥ 35 kg/m2 con comorbilidades) y el abandono antes o durante (inasistencia  ≥ 60 días desde la consulta previa sin recibir alta [IMC < 25]) del tratamiento nutricional. La exposición fue el porcentaje de peso perdido en las primeras cinco semanas después de la cirugía (< 10% vs. ≥ 10%). Se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Poisson. Se calcularon riesgos relativos e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). Resultados: La muestra incluyó 423 historias clínicas, 294 (69,5%) mujeres, edad media 39,2 (±12,3) años. 117 (27,7%) cumplieron requisitos para cirugía y 48 de esos 117 (41%) abandonaron el tratamiento nutricional antes de iniciarlo. Los pacientes que perdieron ≥10% de peso en el primer mes tuvieron un 90% menos de riesgo de abandonar la terapia nutricional que los que perdieron <10% del peso (RR =0,10; IC95%: 0,01–0,68), ajustando por sexo y edad.Conclusión: La mayoría de pacientes bariátricos no cumple los requisitos internacionales. Una mayor pérdida de peso en el primer mes se asoció a un menor abandono del tratamiento nutricional.

Impact of urbanisation and altitude on the incidence of, and risk factors for, hypertension

BACKGROUND

Most of the data regarding the burden of hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries comes from cross-sectional surveys instead of longitudinal studies. We estimated the incidence of, and risk factors for, hypertension in four study sites with different degree of urbanisation and altitude.

METHODS

Data from the CRONICAS Cohort Study, conducted in urban, semiurban and rural areas in Peru, was used. An age-stratified and sex-stratified random sample of participants was taken from the most updated census available in each site. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or self-report physician diagnosis and current treatment. The exposures were study site and altitude as well as modifiable risk factors. Incidence, incidence rate ratios (IRRs), 95% CIs and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were estimated using generalised linear models.

RESULTS

Information from 3237 participants, mean age 55.8 (SD±12.7) years, 48.4% males, was analysed. Overall baseline prevalence of hypertension was 19.7% (95% CI 18.4% to 21.1%). A total of 375 new cases of hypertension were recorded, including 5266 person-years of follow-up, with an incidence of 7.12 (95% CI 6.44 to 7.88) per 100 person-years. Individuals from semiurban site were at higher risk of hypertension compared with highly urbanised areas (IRR=1.76; 95% CI 1.39 to 2.23); however, those from high-altitude sites had a reduced risk (IRR=0.74; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.95). Obesity was the leading risk factor for hypertension with a great variation according to study site with PAF ranging from 12.5% to 42.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest heterogeneity in the progression towards hypertension depending on urbanisation and site altitude.

A Multiethnic Study of Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes in LMIC

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Approximately three-quarters of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, and these countries are projected to experience the greatest increase in diabetes burden.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in 3 urban and periurban regions: the Southern Cone of Latin America and Peru, South Asia, and South Africa. In addition, we examined the relationship between diabetes and pre-diabetes with known cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.

METHODS

A total of 26,680 participants (mean age, 47.7 ± 14.0 years; 45.9% male) were enrolled in 4 sites (Southern Cone of Latin America = 7,524; Peru = 3,601; South Asia = 11,907; South Africa = 1,099). Detailed demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were defined as a fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dl and 100 to 125 mg/dl, respectively. Diabetes control was defined as fasting plasma glucose <130 mg/dl.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes was 14.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.2% to 14.8%) and 17.8% (95% CI: 17.0% to 18.7%) in the Southern Cone of Latin America, 9.8% (95% CI: 8.8% to 10.9%) and 17.1% (95% CI: 15.9% to 18.5%) in Peru, 19.0% (95% CI: 18.4% to 19.8%) and 24.0% (95% CI: 23.2% to 24.7%) in South Asia, and 13.8% (95% CI: 11.9% to 16.0%) and 9.9% (95% CI: 8.3% to 11.8%) in South Africa. The age- and sex-specific prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes for all countries increased with age (p < 0.001). In the Southern Cone of Latin America, Peru, and South Africa the prevalence of pre-diabetes rose sharply at 35 to 44 years. In South Asia, the sharpest rise in pre-diabetes prevalence occurred younger at 25 to 34 years. The prevalence of diabetes rose sharply at 45 to 54 years in the Southern Cone of Latin America, Peru, and South Africa, and at 35 to 44 years in South Asia. Diabetes and pre-diabetes prevalence increased with body mass index. South Asians had the highest prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes for any body mass index and normal-weight South Asians had a higher prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes than overweight and obese individuals from other regions. Across all regions, only 79.8% of persons with diabetes were aware of their diagnosis, of these only 78.2% were receiving treatment, and only 36.6% were able to attain glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes is alarmingly high among urban and periurban populations in Latin America, South Asia, and South Africa. Even more alarming is the propensity for South Asians to develop diabetes and pre-diabetes at a younger age and lower body mass index compared with individuals from other low and middle income countries. It is concerning that one-fifth of all people with diabetes were unaware of their diagnosis and that only two-thirds of those under treatment were able to attain glycemic control. Health systems and policy makers must make concerted efforts to improve diabetes prevention, detection, and control to prevent long-term consequences.

Geographical variation in the progression of type 2 diabetes in Peru: The CRONICAS Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The study aims were to estimate the incidence and risk factors for T2D in four settings with different degree of urbanization and altitude in Peru.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study conducted in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas in Peru. An age- and sex-stratified random sample of participants was taken from the most updated census. T2D was defined as fasting blood glucose ⩾7.0mmol/L or taking anti-diabetes medication. Exposures were divided into two groups: geographical variables (urbanization and altitude), and modifiable risk factors. Incidence, relative risks (RR), 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), and population attributable fractions (PAF) were estimated.

RESULTS

Data from 3135 participants, 48.8% males, mean age 55.6years, was analyzed. Overall baseline prevalence of T2D was 7.1% (95%CI 6.2-8.0%). At follow-up, including 6207 person-years of follow-up, a total of 121 new T2D cases were accrued, equating to an incidence of 1.95 (95%CI 1.63-2.33) per 100 person-years. There was no urban to rural gradient in the T2D incidence; however, compared to sea level sites, participants living in high altitude had a higher incidence of diabetes (RR=1.58; 95%CI 1.01-2.48). Obesity had the highest attributable risk for developing T2D, although results varied by setting, ranging from 14% to 80% depending on urbanization and altitude.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the incidence of T2D was greater in high altitude sites. New cases of diabetes were largely attributed to obesity, but with substantial variation in the contribution of obesity depending on the environment. These findings can inform appropriate context-specific strategies to reduce the incidence of diabetes.

Factors associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables among Community Kitchens customers in Lima, Peru

Community Kitchens (CKs) are one of the main food providers to low-income families in Peru and may encourage healthier diets. We aimed to determine the prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption and associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors among CKs customers. A cross-sectional study enrolling customers of 48 CKs in two areas of Lima, Peru, was performed. The self-reported amount of fruits and vegetables consumed (< 5 vs. ≥ 5 servings/day) was the outcome. The exposures were grouped in sociodemographic variables (i.e. age, gender, education level, etc.), and self-reported intention to change eating- and exercise-related habits in the last four weeks just prior to the interview. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using Poisson regression. Data from 422 subjects were analyzed, 328 females (77.9%), mean age 43.7 (± 14.5) years. Only 36 (8.5%; 95% CI 5.9%–11.2%) customers reported consuming ≥ 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This pattern was 4-fold more likely among those with higher levels of education (≥ 12 vs. < 7 years), and 64% less common for migrants relative to non-migrants. In terms of intentions to change habits, those who reported having tried to reduce sugar consumption or to eat more fruits were up to 90% more likely to meet the ≥ 5 servings/day target. A substantial gap in the consumption of ≥ 5 servings of fruits and vegetables/day was found among CKs customers that does not appear to be dependent on familial income. The profiles reported in this study can inform appropriate strategies to increase healthier eating in this population.

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Only 10% of CKs clients consumed recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.

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The gap in fruits and vegetables consumption is not dependent of familial income.

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Better educated participants were more likely to report healthy eating habits.

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Strategies to increase fruits/vegetables consumption in this population are needed.

Towards sustainable partnerships in global health: the case of the CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases in Peru

Human capital requires opportunities to develop and capacity to overcome challenges, together with an enabling environment that fosters critical and disruptive innovation. Exploring such features is necessary to establish the foundation of solid long-term partnerships. In this paper we describe the experience of the CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, based at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru, as a case study for fostering meaningful and sustainable partnerships for international collaborative research. The CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases was established in 2009 with the following Mission: "We support the development of young researchers and collaboration with national and international institutions. Our motivation is to improve population's health through high quality research." The Centre's identity is embedded in its core values - generosity, innovation, integrity, and quality- and its trajectory is a result of various interactions between multiple individuals, collaborators, teams, and institutions, which together with the challenges confronted, enables us to make an objective assessment of the partnership we would like to pursue, nurture and support. We do not intend to provide a single example of a successful partnership, but in contrast, to highlight what can be translated into opportunities to be faced by research groups based in low- and middle-income countries, and how these encounters can provide a strong platform for fruitful and sustainable partnerships. In defiant contexts, partnerships require to be nurtured and sustained. Acknowledging that all partnerships are not and should not be the same, we also need to learn from the evolution of such relationships, its key successes, hurdles and failures to contribute to the promotion of a culture of global solidarity where mutual goals, mutual gains, as well as mutual responsibilities are the norm. In so doing, we will all contribute to instil a new culture where expectations, roles and interactions among individuals and their teams are horizontal, the true nature of partnerships.

Rural-to-Urban Migration: Socioeconomic Status But Not Acculturation was Associated with Overweight/Obesity Risk

To investigate whether socioeconomic status (SES) and acculturation predict overweight/obesity risk as well as the mediating effect of physical activity (PA) in the context of internal migration. Cross-sectional study of 587 rural-to-urban migrants participating in the PERU MIGRANT study. Analyses were conducted using logistic regression and structured equation modeling. Interaction effects of SES and acculturation were tested. Models were controlled for age, gender and education. Only SES was a significant predictor of overweight/obesity risk. Lower SES decreased the odds of being overweight/obese by 51.4 %. This association did not vary by gender nor was it explained by PA. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between SES and overweight/obesity may differ depending on the geographic location and sociocultural context of the population studied. Research on internal migration and health would benefit from the development of tailored acculturation measures and the evaluation of exploratory models that include diet.

Impact of Food Assistance Programs on Obesity in Mothers and Children: A Prospective Cohort Study in Peru

OBJECTIVES

To assess obesity risk among mothers participating in Community Kitchens and children participating in Glass of Milk (Peru food assistance programs).

METHODS

We analyzed prospective data from the Young Lives study. The exposure consisted in varying degrees of benefit from any of the programs (no participation in any of the programs, program participation for some months, or program participation nearly every month) at baseline (2006-2007). The outcome was overweight and obesity in mothers and children at follow-up (2009-2010).

RESULTS

Prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity was 15.5% and 5.1%, respectively; the corresponding figures for mothers were 40.5% and 14.6%. Children exposed nearly every month to the Glass of Milk program had a 65% lower risk of becoming obese compared with children not participating in the program (relative risk [RR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18, 0.66). Mothers participating frequently in the Community Kitchens program had almost twice the risk of becoming obese compared with those who did not participate (RR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.18, 3.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Participating in food assistance programs in Peru was associated with a lower risk of obesity in children and greater risk of obesity in mothers.

Tobacco consumption and positive mental health: an epidemiological study from a positive psychology perspective

Background

Positive mental health (PMH) is much more than the absence of mental illnesses. For example, PMH explains that to be happy or resilient can drive us to live a full life, giving us a perception of well-being and robustness against everyday problems. Moreover, PMH can help people to avoid risky behaviours like tobacco consumption (TC). Our hypothesis was that PMH is negatively associated with TC, and this association differs across rural, urban and migrant populations.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the PERU MIGRANT Study’s dataset, including rural population from the Peruvian highlands (n = 201), urban population from the capital city Lima (n = 199) and migrants who were born in highlands but had to migrated because of terrorism (n = 589). We used an adapted version of the 12-item Global Health Questionnaire to measure PMH. The outcome was TC, measured as lifetime and recent TC. Log-Poisson robust regression, performed with a Maximum Likelihood method, was used to estimate crude prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI), adjusted by sex, age, family income and education which were the confounders. The modelling procedure included the use of LR Test, Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC).

Results

Cumulative occurrence of tobacco use (lifetime TC) was 61.7 % in the rural group, 78 % in the urban group and 76.2 % in rural-to-urban migrants. Recent TC was 35.3 % in the rural group, 30.7 % in the urban group and 20.5 % in rural-to-urban migrants. After adjusting for confounders, there was evidence of a negative association between PMH and lifetime TC in the rural group (PR = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87–0.99), and a positive association between PMH and recent TC in migrants (PR = 1.1; 95%CI: 1.0–1.3).

Conclusions

PMH was negatively associated with TC in rural participants only. Urbans exhibited just a similar trend, while migrants exhibited the opposite one. This evidence represents the first step in the route of knowing the potential of PMH for fighting against TC. For rural populations, this study supplies new information that could support decisions about prevention programmes and psychotherapy for smoking cessation. However, more research in the topic is needed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40359-016-0130-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Characteristics Associated With Antihypertensive Treatment and Blood Pressure Control: A Population-Based Follow-Up Study in Peru

BACKGROUND

Over one-quarter of the world's adult population has hypertension, yet achieving adequate treatment or control targets remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to identify, longitudinally, characteristics associated with antihypertensive treatment and blood pressure (BP) control among individuals with hypertension.

METHODS

Data from individuals enrolled in the population-based CRONICAS Cohort Study (adults ≥35 years, living in 4 different rural/urban and coastal/high-altitude Peruvian settings) with hypertension at baseline were used. Antihypertensive treatment and BP control were assessed at baseline and at 15 months. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate relative risk ratios (RRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of factors associated with antihypertensive treatment and BP control at follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, among 717 individuals with hypertension (53% women, mean age 61.5 ± 12.4 years), 28% were unaware of their hypertension status, 30% were aware but untreated, 16% were treated but uncontrolled, and 26% were treated and controlled. At follow-up, 89% of unaware and 82% of untreated individuals persisted untreated, and only 58% of controlled individuals remained controlled. Positive predictors of receiving treatment and being controlled at follow-up included age (RRR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73 to 0.91 for every 5 years) and family history of a chronic disease (RRR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.92 vs. no history); whereas Puno rural site (RRR: 16.51; 95% CI: 1.90 to 143.56 vs. Lima) and male sex (RRR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.54 to 4.36) were risk factors. Systolic BP at baseline (RRR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.39 for every 5 mm Hg) and male sex (RRR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.98) were risk factors for being treated but uncontrolled at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Large gaps in treatment of hypertension were observed. Targeting specific populations such as men, younger individuals, or those without family history of disease may increase coverage of antihypertensive treatment. Also, targeting male individuals or those with higher systolic BP could yield better rates of BP control in the short term.

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and CV Risk Factors: The CRONICAS Cohort Study of Peruvian Adults

BACKGROUND

Variations in the distribution of cardiovascular disease and risk factors by socioeconomic status (SES) have been described in affluent societies, yet a better understanding of these patterns is needed for most low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to describe the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and SES using monthly family income, educational attainment, and assets index, in 4 Peruvian sites.

METHODS

Baseline data from an age- and sex-stratified random sample of participants, ages ≥35 years, from 4 Peruvian sites (CRONICAS Cohort Study, 2010) were used. The SES indicators considered were monthly family income (n = 3,220), educational attainment (n = 3,598), and assets index (n = 3,601). Behavioral risk factors included current tobacco use, alcohol drinking, physical activity, daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and no control of salt intake. Cardiometabolic risk factors included obesity, elevated waist circumference, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels.

RESULTS

In the overall population, 41.6% reported a monthly family income

CONCLUSIONS

The association between SES and cardiometabolic risk factors varies depending on the SES indicator used. These results highlight the need to contextualize risk factors by socioeconomic groups in Latin American settings.

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Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings

• Adult
• Aged
• Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology
• Cholesterol, HDL
• Cohort Studies
• Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology
• Diet/statistics & numerical data
• Dyslipidemias/epidemiology
• Educational Status
• Exercise
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension/epidemiology
• Hypertriglyceridemia/epidemiology
• Income/statistics & numerical data
• Insulin Resistance
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Obesity/epidemiology
• Peru/epidemiology
• Poverty/statistics & numerical data
• Risk Factors
• Smoking/epidemiology
• Social Class
• Waist Circumference

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Grants

• 098504/Z/12/Z Wellcome Trust
• MR/K006584/1 Medical Research Council
• R21 TW009982 FIC NIH HHS
• R21TW009982 FIC NIH HHS
• U19 MH098780 NIMH NIH HHS
• R00HL096955 NHLBI NIH HHS
• R00 HL096955 NHLBI NIH HHS
• MR/K007467/1 Medical Research Council
• U01HL114180 NHLBI NIH HHS
• U19MH098780 NIMH NIH HHS
• 103994/Z/14/Z Wellcome Trust
• HHSN268200900033C NHLBI NIH HHS
• U01 HL114180 NHLBI NIH HHS
• M007405 Medical Research Council
• MR/M020894/1 Medical Research Council
• Wellcome Trust
• MC_UU_12013/5 Medical Research Council

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Affiliation(s)

Renato Quispe CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
Catherine P Benziger CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Juan Carlos Bazo-Alvarez CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
Laura D Howe MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
William Checkley Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Robert H Gilman Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Peru
Liam Smeeth Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
Antonio Bernabé-Ortiz CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
J Jaime Miranda CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.

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Effectiveness of an mHealth intervention to improve the cardiometabolic profile of people with prehypertension in low-resource urban settings in Latin America: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Poor diet and physical inactivity strongly affect the growing epidemic of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Mobile phone-based health interventions (mHealth) have been shown to help promote weight loss and increase physical activity and are an attractive approach for health-care systems with limited resources. We aimed to assess whether mHealth with advice for lifestyle improvements would reduce blood pressure, promote weight loss, and improve diet quality and physical activity in individuals with prehypertension living in low-resource urban settings in Latin America.

METHODS

In this parallel-group, randomised controlled trial, we recruited individuals (aged 30-60 years) with systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg, or both from health-care centres, workplaces, and community centres in low-resource urban settings in Argentina, Guatemala, and Peru. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either monthly motivational counselling calls and weekly personalised text messages to their mobile phones about diet quality and physical activity for 12 months, or usual care. Randomisation was stratified by country, and we applied minimisation by sex and age groups. Study personnel collecting and analysing data were masked to group assignment. The primary outcomes were mean between-group differences in the changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 months in an intention-to-treat analysis of all participants who completed assessments at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were changes in bodyweight, waist circumference, and self-reported target behaviours from baseline to 12 months. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01295216.

FINDINGS

Between March 1, 2012, and Nov 30, 2012, we randomly assigned 637 participants to receive intervention (n=316) or usual care (n=321). 266 (84%) participants in the intervention group and 287 (89%) in the control group were assessed at 12 months. The intervention did not affect change in systolic blood pressure (mean net change -0·37 mm Hg [95% CI -2·15 to 1·40]; p=0·43) or diastolic blood pressure (0·01 mm Hg [-1·29 to 1·32]; p=0·99) compared with usual care. However, we noted a significant net reduction in bodyweight (-0·66 kg [-1·24 to -0·07]; p=0·04) and intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods (-0·75 [-1·30 to -0·20]; p=0·008) in the intervention group compared with the control group. In a prespecified subanalysis, we found that participants in the intervention group who received more than 75% of the calls (nine or more, from a maximum of 12) had a greater reduction of bodyweight (-4·85 [-8·21 to -1·48]) and waist circumference (-3·31 [-5·95 to -0·67]) than participants in the control group. Additionally, participants in the intervention group had an increase in the intake of fruits and vegetables and a decrease in diets high in sodium, fat, and simple sugars relative to participants in the control group. However, we found no changes in systolic blood pressure, diasatolic blood pressure, or physical activity in the group of participants who received more than 75% of the calls compared with the group who received less than 50% of the calls.

INTERPRETATION

Our mHealth-based intervention did not result in a change in blood pressure that differed from usual care, but was associated with a small reduction in bodyweight and an improvement in some dietary habits. We noted a dose-response effect, which signals potential opportunities for larger effects from similar interventions in low-resource settings. More research is needed on mHealth, particularly among people who are poor and disproportionally affected by the cardiovascular disease epidemic and who need effective and affordable interventions to help bridge the equity gap in the management of cardiometabolic risk factors.

FUNDING

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US National Institutes of Health) and the Medtronic Foundation.