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Evidence suggests that access to urban green spaces (UGS) may encourage physical exercise and impact nutritional status and health. Nevertheless, the quality of UGS is an understudied area. Novel digital tools allow the analysis of urban environments. This study aims to explore the quality of UGS and its association with obesity in Córdoba, Argentina, using Google Street View (GSV) images. Population-based cross-sectional study. Lifestyle and sociodemographic data were collected in Córdoba, Argentina (n = 1322 adults) during 2020–2022. Anthropometric measurements were obtained. Buffers of 500m were established around dwellings to identify the presence of large-area UGS (≥1ha). The quality of 226 UGS was evaluated across specific dimensions using a multi-dimensional assessment tool adapted for remote monitoring through GSV. Two-level logistic regression models for obesity outcome (yes/no) were fitted using a random intercept to account for spatial variability. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were estimated as measures of association. Obesity was present in 25.9 % of participants. The UGS quality dimensions that showed an inverse association with obesity were safety (OR = 0.33; 95 % CI 0.32–0.82), potential usage (OR = 0.42; 95 % CI 0.21–0.81), surroundings (OR = 0.54; 95 % CI 0.31–0.93), access (OR = 0.55; 95 % CI 0.31–0.97), aesthetics (OR = 0.55; 95 % CI 0.34–0.87) and amenities (OR = 0.62; 95 % CI 0.42–0.91). Proximity to UGS was not significantly associated with obesity. Rather than their proximity, the quality of the UGS might play a key role as a determinant of obesity. In urban areas, digital tools such as GSV are useful to explore these topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in preventing illness and death from COVID-19 in Córdoba, Argentina, during the period from January through June 2021. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 1,139,458 residents of the province of Córdoba. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to describe the relationship between vaccination and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 or death from COVID-19, while taking account of comorbidities and chronic disease risk factors and adjusting for sex and age. Results. Among the general population, having received one or two doses of vaccine reduced the risk of illness by 98.8% and 99.3%, respectively, and the risk of dying by 83% and 96.5%, respectively. Among those who developed COVID-19, the probability of dying was reduced by 57% and 80%, respectively. Regarding probability of death, risk increased with age, with being male, and with obesity, arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion. Vaccination is effective and protects against the risk of getting COVID-19, developing severe disease, or dying. Having obesity, arterial hypertension, or diabetes mellitus, in descending order, increases the risk of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction: the goal of this study was to evaluate whether an association exists between dietary components related to inflammation and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in Argentina. Methods: a case-control study was carried out with 3 controls for each case and participants of both genders who were between 24 and 85 years of age, who were recruited at the outpatient clinic, Odontology School, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, between 2012 and 2015. Dietary information was collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire from which energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) scores were computed. Logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between E-DII and OSCC. Results: significantly higher intakes of macronutrients such as fat, protein and cholesterol, and of micronutrients such as iron, riboflavin, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B6 were observed in cases as compared to controls (all p < 0.05). We also observed a significant 69% increase in OSCC for each point on the E-DII scale (OR 1.69, 95% CI [1.18-2.43]) after adjusting for alcohol and tobacco consumption. Conclusion: we found an association between diet-associated inflammation, as represented by the E-DII, and risk of OSCC. Future research should be directed at deepening our understanding of this association in other populations, and should include studies utilizing prospective designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) causes intestinal damage, inability to absorb nutrients, and progressive malnutrition. Iron deficiency is one of the predominant nutritional problems. A strict gluten-free diet (GF) allows for an optimal quality of life.Objective: To assess the nutritional situation of iron in school-aged celiac children by determining biochemical parameters, their relation to the consumption of the mineral and adherence to gluten-free diets in San Luis.Methods: Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. We included 44 children with CD, from 6-10 years of age, with diagnosis of celiac disease and registered in public and private entities of San Luis (Argentina) during 2011-2012. A qualitative-quantitative survey was used to determine dietary habits and sociodemographic characteristics. Iron levels and adherence to a GF diet were evaluated. Generalized linear regression models were constructed to verify the association of ferritin with iron consumption and adherence to diet.Results: Most families had low socioeconomic status and were large families. Current feeding did not prevent iron deficiency anemia. Most children had normal immune system, and normal antiendomysial and antitransglutaminase antibodies; 7% of the children showed low levels of iron. Under adequate iron consumption conditions, ferritin was associated to predictor antibodies and the presence of both parents in the home.Conclusion: Under adequate conditions of iron consumption, the levels of iron in blood were related to adherence to gluten-free diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the identification of risk group of oral cancer allows reducing the typical morbidity and mortality rates of this pathology.Objetive: it was analyzed the role of red meat, macronutrients and micronutrients on Oral Squamous Cell carcinoma (OSCC) in a case-control study carried out in Cordoba, Argentina.Methods: case-control study 3:1, both genders, aged 24-80 years. Dietary information was collected using a quali-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The logistic regression was applied for assessing the association among case/control status and daily red meat/macronutrient/ micronutrients/energy intake.Results: micronutrients and minerals in the diet that showed high significant median values of common consumption in cases relative to controls were iron, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B5, B6, E and K and selenium. The association measurement estimated by logistic regression was showed that a significant association between red meat, fat, daily energy, phosphorous, vitamin B5, vitamin E, and selenium intake and OSCC presence.Conclusions: a high intake of fats, phosphorus, vitamin B5, vitamin E, and selenium intake and red meat appears to be related to the presence OSCC in Cordoba, Argentina. In relation to red meat consumption and risk of OSCC, the future research should center of attention on reducing the complexity of diet and disease relationships and reducing variability in intake data by standardizing of criteria in order to implement simple strategies in public health for recognizing risk groups of OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer occurrence is associated with Arsenic (As) in drinking water. In Argentina, there are high As concentrations in groundwater but there is no published evidence yet of an association between geographic patterns of cancer incidence and the distribution of As in groundwater supplies. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between cancer incidence patterns and As in Córdoba province's aquifers. Age standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) were obtained from Córdoba Cancer Registry (CCR), and As data from official reports of monitoring wells. A multilevel model was applied. Total ASIRs by aquifers for males/females were 191.01/249.22 (Rioja plain); 215.03/225.37 (Pampa hills); and 239.42/188.93 (Chaco-Pampa plain). As was associated with increased risk of colon cancer in women, and lung and bladder cancers in both sexes. It had no association with breast cancer. ASIRs were related to As, controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. An overlapping pattern of higher As and higher risks was evident for lung, bladder and female colon cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In Argentina, there is evidence suggesting the obesity prevalence follows a social gradient. We analyze geographical differentials and trends in obesity burden according to socio-demographic conditions in Argentina (2005-2013). Methods The geographical distribution (n = 24 provinces) of the obesity burden in adult population of Argentina in 2005, 2009, and 2013 was analyzed by using mapping techniques. The National Survey of Chronic Diseases Risk Factors datasets were used to estimate and map the age-standardized prevalence of obesity (ASPO) and group-specific prevalence (% obesity) by province and year. Population groups were defined according to socio-demographic factors: age, sex, income level, education, and poverty level (by unsatisfied basic needs –UBN). Results Most of the provinces had an increasing ASPO between 2005 and 2013. In 2013, 75% of the provinces showed an ASPO above 20% in men, while 50% of the provinces exceed this ASPO value in women. In both sexes, the middle-aged group presented the most unfavorable situation. Overall, all the socio-demographic groups considered showed growing trends in obesity prevalence, although there were geographical disparities. Among the middle-income level population, a marked rising change was observed from 2009 to 2013. The population with incomplete primary education presented higher prevalence for all the years studied compared to the population with university education. Conclusions Since 2005, there was an overall increase in obesity prevalence in Argentina, with persistence of geographical disparities according to socio-demographical conditions. Key messages An overall rising trend in obesity prevalence was observed in Argentina. Geographical disparities by social groups were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to identify nutrition transition (NT) profiles in Argentina (2005-2013) and assess their association with obesity in the adult population.Design: A large cross-sectional study was performed considering data sets of nationally representative surveys. A multiple correspondence analysis coupled with hierarchical clustering was conducted to detect geographical clusters of association among sociodemographic and NT indicators. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of NT profile (proxy variable of contextual order) on obesity occurrence.Setting: First, we used geographically aggregated data about the adult and child populations in Argentina. Second, we defined the population of adults who participated in the National Survey of Chronic Disease Risk Factors (2013) as the study population.ParticipantsTwenty-four geographical units that make up the territory of Argentina and 32 365 individuals over 18 years old living in towns of at least 5000 people.Results: Three NT profiles were identified: 'Socionutritional lag' (characterized by undernutrition and socio-economically disadvantaged conditions; profile 1); 'Double burden of malnutrition' (undernutrition and overweight in highly urbanized scenarios; profile 2); and 'Incipient socionutritional improvement' (low prevalence of malnutrition and more favourable poverty indicator values; profile 3). Profiles 1 and 2 were significantly associated (OR; 95 % CI) with a higher risk of obesity occurrence in adults (1·17; 1·02, 1·32 and 1·44; 1·26, 1·64, respectively) compared with profile 3.Conclusions: Argentina is facing different NT processes, where sociodemographic factors play a major role in shaping diverse NT profiles. Most of the identified profiles were linked to obesity burden in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción: en las últimas décadas las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) son la principal causa de mortalidad mundial. En Argentina las más frecuentes son las enfermedades cardiovasculares y el cáncer (1). Las ENT son de etiología multicausal, producto de factores de índole biológico, ambiental y sociocultural, entre los que se encuentran los relacionados al estilo de vida (2). Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de factores predictivos de ENT asociados al estilo de vida en dos poblaciones de Argentina. Material y métodos: se estudiaron 4.431 sujetos de estudios de base poblacional realizados en la ciudades de Córdoba (n = 4.327, período 2005-2012) y San Luis (n = 102, período 2014- 2016). Se evaluó tensión arterial (HTA) y estado nutricional (índice de masa corporal [IMC] y circunferencia de cintura [cc]). Se indagó, además, sobre datos sociodemográficos, consumo de tabaco, actividad física (cuestionario IPAQ) e ingesta alimentaria (cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria validado) (3). Se calcularon frecuencias y promedios con desvío estándar (DE), valorando diferencias por sexo y entre poblaciones a través de test Chi-cuadrado y test T. Resultados: el 51% y 52% presentó exceso de peso, y entre ellos el 17% y 22%, obesidad en Córdoba y San Luis, respectivamente, sin diferencias significativas entre sexos. Más de la mitad de los individuos de ambas poblaciones eran sedentarios, siendo mayor el porcentaje en Córdoba (68%). Un 31% y 36% declaró fumar o haber fumado (Córdoba y San Luis, respectivamente). El riesgo cardiovascular, determinado por una cc elevada, fue de 47% en Córdoba y 41% en San Luis, siendo en Córdoba mayor en mujeres (p < 0,01). El 32% presentó HTA en Córdoba con mayor proporción en hombres (p = < 0,01). En San Luis la prevalencia de HTA fue menor (21%) y no hubo diferencias por sexo. La ingesta energética en Córdoba fue de 2.853,8 kcal (DE 1.082) y en San Luis de 2.768 kcal (DE 1.085), en ambos casos, significativamente mayor en hombres (p < 0,01). Conclusión: la prevalencia de reconocidos factores de riesgo para ENT fue elevada en ambas poblaciones. Todos ellos son en gran medida susceptibles de ser controlados con acciones en diversos ámbitos para disminuir su prevalencia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association of sociodemographic and environmental factors with the obesity occurrence in Argentina from a sex- and age-comparative perspective and a multilevel approach. Design: Cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the National Survey of Chronic Diseases Risk Factors (CDRF) 2018, Argentina. Two-level logistic regression models stratified by sex and age were used. Setting: The nationwide probabilistic sample of the CDRF survey and twenty-four geographical units. Participants: 16 410 adult people, living in Argentine towns of at least 5000 people, nested into 24 geographical units. Sex and age groups were defined as young (aged 18–44 years), middle-aged (45–64 years) and older (65 years and older) men and women. Results: Single men (all age groups) and divorced/widowed men (aged 45 years or older) had a lower obesity risk compared to married ones. In the middle-aged group, men with higher education showed a lower risk than men with incomplete primary education. In young women, a marked social gradient by educational level was observed. A low-income level coupled with highly urbanised contexts represents an unfavourable scenario for young and middle-aged women. Having a multi-person household was a risk factor for obesity (OR = 1·26, P = 0·038) in middle-aged women. Contextual factors linked to the availability of socially constructed recreational resources and green spaces were associated with obesity among young adults. Conclusions: Socio-environmental determinants of obesity seem to operate differently according to sex and age in Argentina. This entails the need to address the obesity epidemic considering gender inequalities and the socio-environmental context at each stage of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Feeding habits play a prominent role in carcinogenesis. The dietary patterns approach applied to the study of chronic diseases is of increasing interest in nutritional epidemiology. Nevertheless, it has been seldom used in Latin America.Objective: To identify dietary patterns in adult population in Córdoba (Argentina) and to estimate their effects on the risk of colon-rectal (CRC), urothelial (UC), breast (BC) and prostate (PC) cancers.Methods: Four case control studies were conducted, 2006-2012 for CRC, PC, BC and UC. To identify the dietary patterns, a Principal Components Factor Analysis was conducted. A multilevel logistic regression was adjusted for the risk analyses.Results: Characteristic dietary patterns in the whole population, and in women and men independently, were identified. In the whole population South Cone and Sweet Beverages patterns behaved as promoters for CRC and UC while the Prudent Pattern had a protective effect. Female South Cone, Rural and Starchy patterns were associated to a higher BC risk. Prudent Pattern lowered BC risk. In men, South Cone, Sweet Beverages and Typical Measured patterns promoted PC.Conclusion: It is necessary to promote a regular intake of vegetables, fruits and diary products (although a moderate intake for men), and to reduce red meat (especially fat meat), processed meat, starchy vegetables, wine and sweet beverages intakes, to prevent the occurrence of cancer. In men, it is recommended a moderate intake of egg. In women, it is advised a moderate intake of refined grains, bakery products, oils and mayonnaise intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Feeding habits play a prominent role in carcinogenesis. The dietary patterns approach applied to the study of chronic diseases is of increasing interest in nutritional epidemiology. Nevertheless, it has been seldom used in Latin America. Objective: To identify dietary patterns in adult population in Córdoba (Argentina) and to estimate their effects on the risk of colon-rectal (CRC), urothelial (UC), breast (BC) and prostate (PC) cancers. Methods: Four case control studies were conducted, 2006-2012 for CRC, PC, BC and UC. To identify the dietary patterns, a Principal Components Factor Analysis was conducted. A multilevel logistic regression was adjusted for the risk analyses. Results: Characteristic dietary patterns in the whole population, and in women and men independently, were identified. In the whole population South Cone and Sweet Beverages patterns behaved as promoters for CRC and UC while the Prudent Pattern had a protective effect. Female South Cone, Rural and Starchy patterns were associated to a higher BC risk. Prudent Pattern lowered BC risk. In men, South Cone, Sweet Beverages and Typical Measured patterns promoted PC. Conclusion: It is necessary to promote a regular intake of vegetables, fruits and dairy products (although a moderate intake for men), and to reduce red meat (especially fat meat), processed meat, starchy vegetables, wine and sweet beverages intakes, to prevent the occurrence of cancer. In men, it is recommended a moderate intake of egg. In women, it is advised a moderate intake of refined grains, bakery products, oils and mayonnaise intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There are significant differences in cancer mortality burden along time and between regions, related to changes in individual and contextual conditions. We aimed to analyze the geographic pattern and temporal trend of cancer mortality in Argentina, simultaneously, by using mapping techniques. Methods Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR, direct method) and average annual percent change (APC, joinpoint regression method) in 1996-2015 were estimated for breast, lung, prostate, colon, cervix, stomach and total cancer in Argentina. Mortality maps were constructed (provincial level, n = 24) for the 2013-2015 period, overlapping temporal trend information (1996-2015), using ascending or decreasing arrows for rising (positive) or decreasing (negative) APC, respectively; the arrow size was proportional to the APC magnitude. Results Both sexes show a similar geographical pattern in cancer ASMR characterized by higher rates in the central and southern Argentinian provinces, and lower rates in the northern provinces. However, men present higher rates than women (ASMRs between 85-158/100,000 deaths/year, and between 67-99/100,000, respectively). Most of tumour sites presented negative APC in most provinces, with geographical disparities on their magnitude. Nevertheless, lung cancer in women (mean APC=1.4%) and colon cancer (1.5% in men and 2.1% in women) showed increasing mortality trends. Conclusions Overall, cancer shows favorable mortality temporal trends, with heterogeneity between provinces in the APC magnitude. Maps suggest that geographical disparities may be linked to social inequalities. Key messages Geographical pattern in cancer ASMR was similar by sex, although with higher rates in men. Cancer sites show decreasing mortality trends, except female lung cancer and colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BC) is a multifactorial disease. Environmental factors, specifically, obesity and diet quality, have been linked with an increased risk of BC in women. This research was aimed at assessing the association of diet quality with BC risk, considering nutritional status, in Córdoba province (Argentina). A case-control study was conducted during the period 2008–2016 (346 cases/566 controls). A diet quality score was calculated for each woman based on fifteen dietary components related to low-grade inflammation. Dietary information was obtained through a validated questionnaire. A score (0, 0.5, or 1) was assigned to each variable depending on compliance with dietary recommendations. The higher the score, the higher the degree of adherence to a poor quality diet, which carries a potential inflammatory effect. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between BC occurrence and diet quality, adjusting by body mass index. The mean score of women was 6.86 (1.83). Of total women studied, 20% were obese. A 39% increase in BC risk was observed for each unit of increase in the score in this group (Odds Ratio: 1.39; 95% Confidence Interval: 1086–1796). Obese women with poorer quality diet have a greater risk of BC occurrence in Córdoba (Argentina). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is increasing scientific evidence that nutrition influence positive and negative on health along life. Many studies have reported that the student population is a particularly vulnerable group from the nutritional point of view, due to it is characterized by meal skipping frequently and nibble between eating occasions. Objective: To establish the relationship between the number of daily dietary intakes and nutritional status in male students aged 23 to 33 years of the National Technological University, in the city of Córdoba, in 2013. Methods: In order to achieve this aim, a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was used. Descriptive and inferential analysis were applied by using multiple logistic regression models. Results: Almost 50% of the sample analyzed presented overweight (OW) and 40% high body fat (BF). In relation to the intakes numbers, the students that take less than 4 and more than 6 had 2 times more chance of presenting overweight and high body fat. It was found that as age increases it also does the Body Fat Storage, whereas diminished physical activity increases the chance of having high Body Mass Index and Body Fat. Moreover, high ingestion of carbohydrates increases the chance of high Body Fat and Overweight, and a high intake of protein and lipids increases the risk of high Body Fat. Conclusion: It is recognized that high or low number of daily intakes than recommended, low level of physical activity, high consumption of carbohydrates and having more than 29 years is related to high overweight and body fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Health outcomes are often related to the conditions in which people live. Previous studies indicated that cancer mortality is non-randomly distributed between social groups and regions in Argentina. We aimed to analyze geographical pattern of mortality due to the most prevalent cancers in Argentina (2013-2015), from a quality of life approach. Methods Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for specific cancer types (breast, lung, prostate, colon, cervix, stomach) was estimated by direct method (2013-2015 period). Mortality maps at a departmental scale (n = 511) were constructed by using a Getis-Ord Hot Spot spatial analysis. A Quality of Life Index (QLI, continuous score) for Argentina 2010 was used. Poisson mixed models with a random intercept were performed to estimate IRRs (relative risk) as measures of association. Results Breast, lung, and colon cancers show the most clear ASMR geographical patterns, which locate an extensive cold spot (lower and correlated rates) in the northwestern region of Argentina and a hot spot (higher and correlated rates) in the Pampeana (center-east) region. Particularly, breast and cervix cancers showed confronting mortality geographic patterns and opposite relationships with the departmental QLI (IRR 1.23 and 0.78, respectively). A direct association was found for lung (IRR 1.46/1.15 for women/men) and colon cancer (IRR 1.57/1.49 for women/men). Conclusions Results evidence geographic disparities in cancer mortality burden linked to the quality of life of populations at departmental scale in Argentina. Key messages Geographic disparities in cancer mortality are linked to the quality of life in Argentina. Mortality-QLI relationship varies according the cancer type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]