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Objective. To describe the magnitude of overweight and obesity (OW+OB) in school-age children and adolescents (5-19y) in Mexico, as well as its association with the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F+V) and added sugars. Materials and methods. The prevalence of OW+OB was estimated in 15 109 schoolchildren and adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys (Ensanut, in Spanish) from 2020 to 2023, according to the World Health Organization growth standards. The consumption of energy from added sugar and F+V consumption, were estimated in a subsample (n=4 014). The association between energy consumption from added sugars (as a percentage) and F+V consumption with OW+OB was analysed using logistic regression models. Results. The prevalence of OW+OB was 36.5% in schoolchildren and 40.4% in adolescents. The median percentage of energy consumption from sugars was 12.6%, and the median F+V consumption was 200 g/d. The probability of OW+OB decreased as F+V consumption increased in children with a parent with normal body mass index. The probability of OW+OB increased with a higher percentage of energy from added sugars. Conclusions. In Mexican population aged 5 to 19 years, added sugar consumption is high, while F+V consumption is low, these conditions are related with the high prevalence of OW+OB. Interventions to stop that situation are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the nutritional status and eating habits in snacks of schoolchildren in 12 public schools in Reynosa Tamaulipas, related to socioeconomic level. Methodology: The socioeconomic level was identified, weight, height and waist circumference were measured, and school snack foods were recorded for five consecutive days, after signing the informed consent by the parents. Results: Regarding the eating habits related to the socioeconomic level, it was observed that the children of the lower middle level had a higher consumption of calories based on foods such as flautas, fried tacos, hamburger, pizza, hot cakes, tamales, ham, egg, flour tortilla, potato, fresh cheese. Unlike the medium-high level, who had a higher consumption of sugary drinks, pasteurized cheese, tacos, fruit, dairy products, and vegetables. Limitation: Low availability of the parents to sign the informed consent. Conclusion: It is recommended to strengthen food policies to carry out interventions in school snacks with other healthy food alternatives considering the socioeconomic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To contribute to and elucidate the participation of microbiota in celiac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) development, we evaluated the influence of HLA haplotypes, familial risk, and diet on the microbiota of schoolchildren. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 821 apparently healthy schoolchildren, genotyping HLA DQ2/DQ8, and registering familial risk. We analyzed the fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and autoantibodies for CD or T1D by ELISA. After analyses, we created three groups: at-high-risk children (Group 1), at-high-risk children plus autoantibodies (Group 2), and nonrisk children (Group 3). HLA influenced the microbiota of Groups 1 and 2, decreasing phylogenetic diversity in comparison to Group 3. The relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae UCG_002, Parabacteroides, Akkermansia, and Alistipes was higher in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2. Moreover, Oscillospiraceae UCG_002 and Parabacteroides were protectors of the autoantibodies' positivity (RRR = 0.441 and RRR = 0.034, respectively). Conversely, Agathobacter was higher in Group 2, and Lachnospiraceae was in both Groups 1 and 2. Lachnospiraceae correlated positively with the sucrose degradation pathway, while the principal genera in Group 3 were associated with amino acid biosynthesis pathways. In summary, HLA and familial risk influence microbiota composition and functionality in children predisposed to CD or T1D, increasing their autoimmunity risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: between 2006 and 2020, obesity in Mexico increased across all age groups and displayed a homogenizing evolutionary trend throughout, prevalence overweigth and obesity (Ow+Ob) has 38.2% in school age children. Objectives: to analyze the changes of Ow+Ob in a cohort with four years of evolution of students from Mexico elementary schools and to evaluate its association with socio-demographic factors. Methods: information comes from a nutritional surveillance system of 52,545 elementary schools, with weight and height measurements from 2,008,474 children from six to eleven years old. A follow-on panel longitudinal analysis was performed from 2015 to 2019 in a dynamic cohort with three measurements. Ow+Ob prevalences were obtained; through a logistic regression with random effects, odds ratios (OR) were calculated, adjusting by sociodemographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Results: between 2015 and 2019, positive OR were observed for Ow+Ob development in 2017-2018 (OR = 1.02) and 2018-2019 (OR = 1.06). Students from the northern and southern regions of the country showed a greater probability of suffering Ow+Ob (OR = 1.58 and 1.64) when compared with the center. Attending to community or indigenous schools was a protective factor (OR = 0.54) whereas attending to a private school increased the risk (OR = 1.75). Adjusted Ow+Ob prevalences showed an accelerated increasing trend in males through all the periods. Conclusions: in Mexico, obesity in school children is a growing problem related to sociodemographic factors, therefore, urgent actions are needed for its restraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate the prevalence and severity of caries in permanent teeth and their association with the treatment needs of 8-12-year-old Mexican schoolchildren. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 1139 8-12-year-old schoolchildren attending two public primary schools in State of Mexico. The study used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to examine the prevalence of caries and identify treatment needs in schoolchildren. Other variables considered were age, gender, oral hygiene, dental visits ≤6 months, toothbrushing frequency, and the mother's years of education. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association between independent variables and treatment needs. In all analyses, two-tailed p values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of caries lesions was 82.1% (82.2% boys vs. 81.9% girls) considering all lesion categories (ICDAS 1-6), while the distribution of the severity of caries was 17.9% (ICDAS 0), 13.9% (ICDAS 1-2), 28.3% (ICDAS 3-4) and 39.9% (ICDAS 5-6). The treatment needs index was 77.3%. The logistic regression model showed that the schoolchildren with moderate (ICDAS 3-4) and extensive carious (ICDAS 5-6) lesions were, respectively, 61% Odds Ratio ((OR) = 1.61; p = 0.036) and 77% (OR = 1.77; p = 0.013) more likely to present treatment needs. Other variables, such as poor oral hygiene (OR = 1.52; p = 0.009), the mother's low level of education (OR = 1.53; p = 0.007), and a lack of dental visits (OR = 1.42; p = 0.030) were associated with dental treatment needs. The results obtained show that the 8-12-year-old Mexican schoolchildren presented a high level of treatment needs for moderate and extensive carious lesions (ICDAS 3-6). These findings reiterate the importance of implementing oral health prevention, promotion, and intervention programs to help protect the oral health of school-age children., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Periodic toothbrushing is the most common, effective, and reliable way to mechanically remove biofilm from oral tissues. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between toothbrushing frequency and socioeconomic position for schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years of age in four cities in Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 Mexican schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years of age from public schools in four Mexican cities. Questionnaires were administered to the parents/guardians of the schoolchildren to obtain the variables included in the study. The dependent variable was toothbrushing frequency, dichotomized as: 0 = less than twice a day and 1 = at least twice a day. The analysis was performed in Stata. The average age of the schoolchildren was 8.9 ± 1.9 years; 50.4% were female. The prevalence of toothbrushing was 52.8% (at least twice a day) (95% CI = 48.4−57.1). In the multivariate model, the variables associated (p < 0.05) with toothbrushing frequency were older age of the schoolchild (OR = 1.14); younger age of the mother (OR = 0.93); being a girl (OR = 1.70); being enrolled in Seguro Popular (OR = 0.69); being in a household that was owned (OR = 2.43); and being a schoolchild who lived in a home that owned a car (OR = 1.31). The prevalence of toothbrushing at least twice a day was just over 50% in these Mexican children. We found demographic and socioeconomic variables to be associated with toothbrushing. Based on socioeconomic variables that were associated with toothbrushing frequency—such as health insurance, home ownership and the household owning a car—the results of the present study confirm the existence of health inequalities in toothbrushing frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to characterize socioeconomic inequalities in the patterns of professionally applied topical fluoride (PATF) in Mexican schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3029 Mexican schoolchildren. A questionnaire was administered to caregivers to determine sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables. The dependent variable was prevalence of PATF, coded as 0 = without PATF and 1 = with PATF, at any point in life, and separately, in the previous year. Various indicators of socioeconomic position were included. Logistic regression was used in the final multivariate analysis. The prevalence of PATF any time in life was 33.8%, while in the previous year it was 11.4%. The variables associated (p < 0.05) with PATF any time in life were child's older age (OR = 1.12), older age when tooth brushing started (OR = 1.57), higher brushing frequency (OR = 1.60), having health insurance [public (OR = 1.61) or private (OR = 1.45)], if family owned a car (OR = 1.29) and better socioeconomic position [parents' education, second (OR = 1.48) and third (OR = 1.75) tertile]. For PATF in the previous year, the variables associated were older age of mother (OR = 1.03), older age when tooth brushing started (OR = 1.99), higher brushing frequency (OR = 1.68), having health insurance [public (OR = 1.62)] and better socioeconomic position (parents' education, second (OR = 1.57) and third (OR = 1.97) tertile). This study suggests the existence of socioeconomic inequalities in PATF, manifested through socioeconomic position, access to health insurance and household having a car. Identifying and addressing PATF inequalities would improve oral health in the child population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present research was to quantify the association between dental caries self-report and socioeconomic indicators in Mexican children. An ecological study included a self-report of dental caries in schoolchildren enrolled in public elementary and middle schools derived from the National School Health Survey. A total of 73,560 schoolchildren (representing 19,745,366 students) aged 5 to 16 years were included. Socioeconomic variables included were scales depicting physical characteristics of housing, purchasing power, etc. used in national surveys in Mexico to measure deprivation, poverty, and income inequality in official data. Data were analyzed in Stata using Spearman’s correlation test. For the most part, no association (p > 0.05) was found between caries self-report, socioeconomic variables, or the Gini index. However, caries self-report in elementary schoolchildren and total (elementary + middle-school) schoolchildren groups was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with two poverty variables: extreme poverty by income (value of personal food purchases per month) and poverty by income (value of personal food and non-food purchases per month). National data for dental caries self-report were associated—at the ecological level—with a few socioeconomic indicators but not with most of the usual and customary indicators used in national surveys in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To estimate the obesity prevalence among school-age children in Mexico and define possible riskassociated factors. Materials and methods. Data from National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut 2018-19) was used. Information from 6 268 school-age children and 5 670 teenagers was obtained. Logistic regression models were estimated in order to study the relationship between overweight and obesity (OW+O) and sociodemographic variables, OW+O condition in their parents, health, dietary and healthy behaviors variables. Results. OW+O in school-age children and teenagers is associated with the presence of OW+O in their mothers (p<0.001), more time spent in front of a screen and belonging to a middle wealth conditions index; a negative association was found for dietary fiber consumption. In teenagers with obesity, the odds for depression showed an increase. Conclusion. It is important to identify the predisposing and risk factors and the causes behind obesity in children in order to design integral prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between caries experience and obesity in Mexican schoolchildren aged 8–12 years. This is a cross-sectional study. This study was conducted on 522 schoolchildren selected from public schools. The prevalence of caries was evaluated by applying the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and ascertaining the subjects' dental caries experience from the mean DMFT value. Socio-economic data were collected from the parents, with data on the children's characteristics collected from them via a questionnaire. Their weight and height were then measured and used to calculate their body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score, which was then adjusted by age and sex. The prevalence of caries was 79.9% (DMFT≥1) in permanent dentition. Of all children, 47.5% of them brushed their teeth two or more times per day, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.1% and 17.6%, respectively. The logistic regression model showed that children with obesity (a >2 Z-score on the BMI-for-age growth chart) were less likely to have dental caries (odds ratio [OR] = 0.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.31–0.89]; P = 0.017) than children without obesity, with schoolchildren who consume more sweets per day (OR = 1.65 [95% CI: 1.03–2.62]; P = 0.035) more likely to present caries than schoolchildren who consume fewer sweets per day. Children with obesity are less likely to present dental caries. Comprehensive strategies aimed at risk factors can be useful in controlling nutritional status and improving oral health. • Children with obesity are less likely to present dental caries. • Children who consumed more sweets per day were more likely to present caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient for cellular function, but in high concentrations, it is neurotoxic. Environmental exposure to Mn has been associated with cognitive effects in children. This study aimed to assess the effect of environmental exposure to Mn on verbal memory and learning in schoolchildren residents from two municipalities in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2006 and 2013 with a total of 265 schoolchildren of 7 to 11 years old. Children's Auditory Verbal Learning Test-2 (CAVLT-2) was used to assess verbal memory and learning. Mn exposure tertiles were defined according to hair manganese (MnH) levels determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between MnH levels and CAVLT-2 scores. The models were adjusted by potential confounders. The lowest and highest exposure tertiles were defined below and above MnH levels of ≤ 0.72 and ≥ 3.96 μg/g, respectively. Mn exposure was significantly associated with an average of 5- to 9-point decrease in learning curves and summary CAVLT-2 scores in the highest tertile. This study adds to the evidence of decreased verbal memory and learning in schoolchildren environmentally exposed to manganese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) participates as a cofactor for many enzymes in the cellular metabolism, and its serum levels have been associated with different metabolic diseases, especially obesity (OB). Nevertheless, its associations are not clear in the children population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between serum Zn levels (SZn) with overweight/obesity status (OW/OB), as well as its cardiometabolic traits in a population of children in Mexico City. Anthropometrical data (body mass index z score (BMIz)), demographic variables (age and sex), and cardiometabolic traits (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and insulin) were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. SZn were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The population included 210 children from Mexico City (girls (n = 105) and boys (n = 105)) between ages 6 and 10 years. Normal-weight (NW) schoolchildren had higher SZn concentrations (66 µg/dL; IQR: 48 to 91) compared to OW or OB schoolchildren (61 µg/dL; IQR: 45 to 76). The data showed a significant negative association between SZn and BMIz without sex exclusion (r =  - 0.181 and p = 0.009). The boy's population did not show an association between the SZn and BMIz compared to the girl's population which showed a significant negative association (r =  - 0.277 and p = 0.004). In addition, other associations were found between SZn and TC (boys (r = 0.214 and p = 0.025), LDLc (boys (r = 0.213 and p = 0.029), and TG (girls (r =  - 0.260 and p = 0.007)). Moreover, 38.6% of the total children in our population study had Zn deficiency (ZnD). NW schoolchildren had higher SZn concentrations compared to OW or OB schoolchildren. A diet low in Zn can be a factor to evaluate in the development of childhood OB in Mexico. However, further studies need to be performed on the children Mexican population to replicate and confirm our findings., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Childhood obesity has increased rapidly in Mexico, along with changes in the food environment. However, little is known about the dietary patterns (DP) of Mexican children. We aimed to characterize the DP of schoolchildren and to analyse their associations with sociodemographic factors. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Dietary and sociodemographic information was obtained, including a single 24 h recall, socio-economic status (SES), geographic region, area of residence and ethnicity. DP were defined with cluster analysis (using k-means). Multinomial logistic regression models, adjusted for the survey design, were used to assess associations between DP and sociodemographic variables. Setting: 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT-2012). Subjects: Schoolchildren (n 2751) aged 5-11 years who participated in ENSANUT-2012. Results: Four DP were identified: 'Traditional', 'Industrialized', 'Varied' and 'Modern'. Reported energy intake (mean (SD)) was lowest in the 'Traditional' and highest in the 'Industrialized' DP (7037 (3707) kJ/d (1682 (886) kcal/d) v. 8427 (3753) kJ/d (2014 (897) kcal/d), respectively, P<0·05). Significant differences in fat and fibre intakes were seen across DP. Non-indigenous v. indigenous children were 22·0 times (95% CI 5·1, 93·6) more likely to have a 'Modern' rather than 'Traditional' DP. Relative likelihood of having an 'Industrialized' rather than 'Traditional' DP was 6·2 (95% CI 3·9, 9·9) among schoolchildren from high SES v. low SES. Conclusions: Among Mexican schoolchildren, DP were associated with sociodemographic variables. Non-indigenous children were significantly more likely to consume a 'Modern' than a 'Traditional' DP. Children with higher SES were more likely to have an 'Industrialized' pattern. It is necessary to consider dietary characteristics in the different sociodemographic strata when dietary interventions are designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to identify the current status of backpack weight in primary schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico, in relation to gender, school grade level, and body mass index. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 randomly selected children from 20 primary schools. The participating children’s parents signed statements of informed consent. Descriptive statistics, the χ2 test, Student’s t-test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used. The mean age was 8.55 ± 2 years (range: 5–12 years). Seventy-eight percent of the schoolchildren presented with a backpack overload that was greater than 10% of their body weight. No significant differences were found in relation to gender. Four out of every five schoolchildren presented with backpack overload, exposing them to a potential health problem. Education and public policy prevention strategies for this situation should be implemented in Mexico and other regions of the world with the same problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The places where a child lives and attends to school are both major environmental and social determinants of its present and future health status. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and some of their risk factors among child and adolescent populations are obesity and dyslipidemia, so finding the patterns of distribution of these risk factors by gender, type of school, area, and margination level is important to do health intervention focusing in their necessities to prevent diseases at younger ages. Because of that, a cross-sectional study was performed among elementary and junior high school students from public and private schools in six of the seven areas of the metropolitan zone of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Biochemical dyslipidemia indicators (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein) and anthropometric data (weight and height) were obtained. Seventeen public schools and five private schools with a total of 383 students were included. More than half of the studied population (53.0%) had elevated triglyceride levels. A total of 330 students (86.2%) had normal levels of total cholesterol with a mean value of 141.7 mg/dl, and 202 schoolchildren (52.8%) had lower than acceptable levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with a mean value of 43.9 mg/dl. There were differences in the levels of high-density protein between the areas and the type of school where they had been studied. Finally, a total of 150 students (39.4%) had at least one altered lipid value and 103 participants (26.9%) had two altered values. Several students, despite their young age, showed a high prevalence of risk factors, so it is important to design programs according to their necessities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: in Mexico, although there are low intakes of some nutrients; there are higher total energy, fat and sodium and common inadequate physical activity in schools, which originates the presence of overweight and obesity. Objetive: the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children full- time state of Morelos (Mexico).Subjects and Methods: a cross sectional study in 30 966 students 3-15 years attending 186 schools. The nutritional status was obtained through the Body Mass Index, considering the age and sex; weight was measured with SECA 813 scales and height with stadiometer SECA 213; international benchmarks were used.Results: 36 482 boys and girls censused, it's measured at 30 966 (84.9%) attended the day of visit. The overall prevalence of underweight was close to 8%, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity exceeded 25%. Were higher prevalences of underweight and obesity in men.Conclusions: one in 12 children are underweight; one in four, overweight and one in nine obese. The male population is more vulnerable to suffer consequences for nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Specific studies are needed to differentiate and address obesity primary type and associated risks to define future actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Undernutrition is a recognized public health problem in Mexican children and cryptosporidiosis is probably a factor contributing to this problem. However, it remains a neglected and poorly attended infection in Mexico. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum and to establish its association with the nutritional status in schoolchildren of northwestern Mexico. Methodology: A total of 405 schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age were included in this study. Weight-for-age (W/A), height-for-age (H/A) and body mass index-for-age (BMI/A) Z scores were calculated. The Faust technique was used to detect intestinal parasites in stool samples and C. parvum coproantigen was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The overall prevalence of C. parvum was 28.4%. Some of the study children were C. parvum free (n = 86) and some were C. parvum infected (n = 77). The prevalences of risk of undernutrition found in both groups of children for H/A, W/A, and BMI/A Z scores were 18%, 21% and 28%, respectively. Weight, ZW/A, and ZH/A were significantly higher in the C. parvum-free group compared to the C. parvuminfected group (p ≤ 0.05). The children with cryptosporidiosis were 2.7 times more likely to be at risk of undernutrition by W/A Z score and 2.9 times more likely to be at risk of undernutrition by ZH/A than were the C. parvum-free children. Conclusions: Cryptosporidiosis may be a contributing factor to childhood undernutrition in northwestern Mexico. The proper authorities must implement control and prevention measurements in Mexico and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to compare the accuracy of three BMI-forage references (World Health Organization reference, WHO; the updated International Obesity Task Force reference, IOTF; and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts) to diagnose obesity in Mexican children. Methods: a convenience sample of Mexican schoolchildren (n = 218) was assessed. The gold standard was the percentage of body fat estimated by deuterium dilution technique. Sensitivity and specificity of the classical cutoff point of BMI-for-age to identify obesity (i.e. > 2.00 standard deviation, SD) were estimated. The accuracy (i.e. area under the curve, AUC) of three BMI-for-age references for the diagnosis of obesity was estimated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves method. The optimal cutoff point (OCP) was determined. Results: the cutoff points to identify obesity had low (WHO reference: 57.6%, CDC: 53.5%) to very low (IOTF reference: 40.4%) sensitivities, but adequate specificities (91.6%, 95.0%, and, 97.5%, respectively). The AUC of the three references were adequate (0.89). For the IOTF reference, the AUC was lower among the older children. The OCP for the CDC reference (1.24 SD) was lower than the OCP for WHO (1.53 SD) and IOTF charts (1.47 SD). Conclusions: the classical cutoff point for obesity has low sensitivity -especially for the IOTF reference. The accuracy of the three references was similar. However, to obtain comparable diagnosis of obesity different cutoff points should be used depending of the reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intestinal parasitism remains a public health challenge in northwestern Mexico even when a twice yearly single dose of albendazole (400 mg) is administered to schoolchildren. We aimed to determine the current prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren of northwestern Mexico. Methods The Faust and Kato Katz techniques were used to detect and identify the intestinal parasite species. One thousand two hundred and seventy eight children from 12 public schools were invited to participate in this study; 312 children participated in September 2003. Results Sixty eight percent of the subjects had intestinal parasites, 63% had protozoan infections, and 29%, 16% and 10% were infected with Giardia duodenalis, Hymenolepsis nana, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii respectively. Fifty children excreted eggs of Hymenolepsis nana. Conclusion Educational strategies should be considered to support the national de-worming campaign, because albendazole alone will not sufficiently improve the health conditions of vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children living in an endemic hydrofluorosis area. Methods: Schoolchildren aged 8-10 years living in an area with 3.38 ppm F water concentration completed a validated Spanish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ). World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were applied for the diagnosis of dental caries and malocclusion. Additionally, the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI) was used for fluorosis diagnosis. CPQ scores and oral health status were analyzed using non-parametric tests and logistic regression models. Results: Two hundred and twelve schoolchildren participated in this study. The mean CPQ score was 12.98 (SD 11.4). General oral health was rated as 'poor' in 14.6%, 'fair' in 41.5%, 'good' in 25.9%, and 'very good' in 17.9% of the children. Regarding overall well-being, half (51.6%) of the children perceived that the condition of their mouths disturbs their quality of life (QoL). Children with dental fluorosis (TF >4) had a high CPQ score in all domains ( P < 0.005). Additionally, children with DMFS + dmfs >5 had higher scores in the oral symptoms, functional limitation, and emotional well-being CPQ domains ( P < 0.05). Applying a CPQ cutoff point of 32, the OR values for severe malocclusion, caries, and fluorosis were 5.2 ( P = 0.034), 4.6 ( P = 0.006), and 5.1 ( P = 0.007), respectively. Conclusions: Malocclusion, caries, and fluorosis were associated with a negative impact on children's QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the effects of guava juice among students in Tarahumara in northern Mexico. Students with mild iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were given 300 millimeters (ml) of natural guava juice with ascorbic acid in the main meal provided by the school. It was observed that guava juice had little effect on hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma ferritin (PF) concentrations on the children with IDA due to the diet that was rich in nonheme iron (NHI) content and phytic acid.

Aim: To assess the stability of centrality measures used in social network analyses aimed at identifying long-lasting leaders from an indigenous boarding school. Methodology: Data was collected from children aged 6-14 years interviewed in 2005 and 2006. Children were asked to mention five peers to whom they communicated more. Analyses included computation of centrality scores and attribute-related density by sex and school grade with UCINET. Stability was assessed using kappa and correlation coefficients; leaders with scores in the fourth quartile were selected. Results: There were differences in density values by sex and grade in both years (p<0.01). Kappa coefficients were very low, but highest for closeness (0.15) and eigenvector (0.18); correlations ranged from 0.15 (betweeness) to 0.51 (closeness). The proportion of matching children with centrality scores in the fourth quartile between 2005 and 2006 was <12% in all centrality measures. Conclusion: Using centrality measures to identify stable leaders proved difficult in this indigenous school scenario; unless this approach is used on annual basis, the leaders selected in one year might not be the same in the next potentially limiting the impact of health promotion interventions based on this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the association between trichuriasis and iron status in rural schoolchildren from Northwest Mexico.Subjects/Methods:A total of 73 schoolchildren (37 boys, 36 girls) between the ages of 6 and 10 years were voluntarily recruited from the public primary school of the rural community of El Higueral in Culiacan, Sinaloa (Northwest Mexico) for a cross-sectional study with a longitudinal follow-up of 5 weeks. Data were collected on socioeconomic status, anthropometry, haematological and biochemical indices of iron status, daily iron intake, and prevalence and intensity of trichuriasis. Multiple regression models, independent t-test and paired t-test were used to analyse the association between trichuriasis and iron status in cross-sectional and longitudinal samples, respectively. Adjusted models were tested for linear regression assumptions using residual plots.Results:The mean age of the Trichuris-free and Trichuris-infected groups was 7.7±1.3 and 7.7±1.5 years respectively (P=0.92). The height for age was significantly higher in the Trichuris-free group than the Trichuris-infected group (P=0.02). No differences were found in the socioeconomic variables between the two groups. At baseline, significantly higher concentrations of haemoglobin, haematocrit, blood cell count (RBC) and serum iron were measured in the Trichuris-free group compared with the Trichuris-infected children (P<0.05). An association was found between trichuriasis and haemoglobin adjusted for socioeconomic variables, age and sex. Haemoglobin, RBC and serum ferritin concentrations were significantly increased in the infected children 5 weeks after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusions:Trichuriasis could be a risk factor for low-iron status in the schoolchildren of Northwest Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To know the frequency of overweight-obesity in schoolchildren of a marginal area of Mexico City. Material and methods. In a sample of 448 schoolchildren aged 6 to 11 years old and living in a low socioeconomic area of Mexico City were obtained anthropometric indices of weight, stature and abdominal circumference and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results. More than 40% of the students had nutritional problem: 37.3% reported overweight and 4.5% overweight. By the other side 4.5% children had a nutritional deficit. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was over the national average of schoochildren with predominance of overweight-obesity in males. Conclusion. It is required urgently to promote preventive measures population of food education for prevention of obesity, even in marginal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the relation between diet and the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Material and Methods. We apply the ISAAC's questionnaire in 5460 schoolchildren from 6 to 8 and 11-14-year-old of elementary level selected in random form. Six groups of food were formed using a hierarchic clusters analysis and the association was evaluated using logistic regression models. Results. The consumption of fast food had an adverse effect for current wheezing (OR=1.82; CI95%=1.16-2.87) and the consumption of tidbits for more than three episodes of wheezing (OR=2.26; CI95%=1.04-4.95) and nasal symptoms without cold, OR=1.35 (IC95%;1.06-1.71). Conclusions. This study provides evidence that the diet plays a very important role since the high consumption of fast food and tidbits increased the risk of asthma and rhinitis symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread or restlessness and can develop into a weight-related disorder. The objective was to analyze the psychometric properties of the trait anxiety subscale of the Physical Appearance State and Trait Anxiety Scale (PASTAS), as well as the invariance in Mexican preadolescents. The sample consisted of 604 participants, 285 female and 319 male, whose ages ranged between 11 and 12 years (M = 11.37; SD = 0.48). The questionnaire's factor structure was analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses. The analyses show the viability and adequacy of a two-factor structure (weight and non-weight factors) both for the total sample and for the populations of male and female. The two-factor structure showed adequate reliability and validity fit indicators. The factor structure, the factor loadings and intercepts are considered invariant according to the variable sex; however, differences between female and male participants were found for levels of anxiety caused by physical appearance. In conclusion, the PASTAS can be considered a convenient instrument to assess the variables related to anxiety generated by one's physical appearance, as well as allowing more participants to be quickly assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The biological mechanisms involved in inflammatory response to air pollution are not clearly understood. OBJECTIVE: In this study we assessed the association of short-term air pollutant exposure with inflammatory markers and lung function. METHODS: We studied a cohort of 158 asthmatic and 50 nonasthmatic school-age children, followed an average of 22 weeks. We conducted spirometric tests, measurements of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in nasal lavage, and pH of exhaled breath condensate every 15 days during follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: An increase of 17.5 μg/m³ in the 8-hr moving average of PM2.5 levels (interquartile range) was associated with a 1.08-ppb increase in FeNO [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.16] and a 1.07-pg/mL increase in IL-8 (95% CI 0.98-1.19) in asthmatic children and a 1.16 pg/ml increase in IL-8 (95% CI, 1.00-1.36) in nonasthmatic children. The 5-day accumulated average of exposure to particulate matter < 2.5 pm in aerodynamic diamter (PM2.5) was significantly inversely associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (p = 0.048) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.012) in asthmatic children and with FVC (p = 0.021) in nonasthmatic children. FeNO and FEV1 were inversely associated (p = 0.005) in asthmatic children. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to PM2.5 resulted in acute airway inflammation and decrease in lung function in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the increase of prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in school age children in the outskirts south of Mexico City: Xochimilco. The concentration of fluorine was investigated in drinking water; it is less than 0.3 ppm. We evaluated 11 year old schoolchildren born and raised in the area under study. The level of dental fluorosis was determined using the Dean's Modificated Index (DI); subsequently community dental fluorosis Index (CFI) was evaluated through an investigator using the WHO criterion with Kappa value of 0.93. These results were compared with those obtained in a previous study in the same community. Dental fluorosis in this research was 31.3%, distributed in very slight, 20.86%; slight, 8.59 and moderate 1.85%. The CFI showed a value of 0.43. Results in proportion of the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis were compared in both studies. At the same time, a sampling of the population comparing the results obtained in 2006 with a previous research showed an increase of the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis. We conclude that the exposure of multiples fluoride sources could be the reasons for the increase of dental fluorosis. Therefore prevention measures should be implemented in order to eliminate or diminish the risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico, food fortification is used as a strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies. However, little is known about the effects of food fortification in vulnerable populations. This study was carried out in a population of school children believed to be at risk of various micronutrient deficiencies, including iron. The study aimed at determining iron status of children, and identifying and quantifying the sources of iron intake and the presence of relevant enhancers and inhibitors of iron absorption in the diet. The iron status and dietary iron intake was assessed of schoolchildren aged 3–14 years in western Mexico. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation percentages were used to evaluate the iron status in a school-based sample of 762 children. Dietary data were collected from 607 children using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. The overall prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency was 3.7% and 4%, respectively. Iron intake ranged from 1.9 to 3.3 times the recommended daily allowance, with fortified iron accounting for 72% of the total iron intake. Although iron fortification of staples such as maize flour in Mexico for more than a decade most likely contributed to reducing the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency, the relatively large amounts of iron consumed could eventually lead to problems related to excessive iron intake in some children. Nutritional guidelines for iron fortification in Mexico should be defined and put into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper adds iodine data to the nutritional survey recently published in the Eur J Clin Nutr (2004;58:532–540) to identify growth retardation and micronutrient deficiencies among Tarahumara children from five selected indigenous boarding schools in Mexico. Total goiter rate (TGR) (n=384), urinary iodine concentrations (UI) (n=100), and iodine content of salt were measured. Overall, TGR was 7.0% (grade 1=6.8%, grade 2=0.2%). The median UI of the group was 125 μg / l, while the median UI across the schools ranged from 92.0–156.5 μg / l, with 32 and 6% of the children having UI between 50–99 μg / l and 20–49 μg / l, respectively. The iodine content in all the salt packages checked at the schools was above 25 parts per million. Based on TGR and UI, there is a marginal iodine deficiency in this sample of children, probably due to an insufficient iodine intake. These results add to existing evidence that iodine deficiency still constitutes a public health problem in certain populations living in the mountainous regions in Mexico.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 1213–1216. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602214; published online 6 July 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To assess the nutritional status of Tarahumara children at indigenous boarding schools. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional comprehensive nutritional survey. SETTING:: The schools sampled were located in indigenous municipalities of the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. SUBJECTS:: The study was carried out in 2001 among 331 children aged 6-14?y from a sample of five schools. Anthropometric measurements, a thyroid exam and capillary haemoglobin levels were obtained from the children. Serum concentrations of ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, vitamin B12, folic acid and zinc were collected from a subsample of 100 children. RESULTS:: The prevalence of wasting and overweight (children 6-9?y) was 1.1 and 4.6%, respectively, and of underweight, risk of overweight and overweight (10-14?y) was 3.2, 5.1 and 0.6%, respectively. Stunting (6-12?y) was present in 22.3% of the children. The total goitre rate was 5.4%. The prevalence of anaemia was 13% (boys 11.4, girls 14.5%). Overall, 24.2% of the children were iron deficient (depletion 11.1%, deficient erythropoiesis 3%, iron deficiency anaemia 10.1%). No child had folic acid values <3?ng/ml, but 20.2% had low (<200?µg/dl) and 27.3% marginal (200-300?µg/dl) vitamin B12 levels, and 80.2% had low zinc concentrations (<60?µg/dl). CONCLUSIONS:: Nutritional underweight and stunting were similar to those reported in rural localities at the national level, but overweight was less prevalent in children aged 10-14?y. Various micronutrient deficiencies was identified including zinc and vitamin B12, but the prevalence of iron and folic acid deficiency was lower than expected. These results suggest that Tarahumara children attending boarding schools may be the better-off children from these extremely poor and marginalized areas. SPONSORSHIP:: Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation with Developing Countries and the Mexican Social Security Institute.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 532-540. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601840 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with active head lice infestation. In total 140 children, aged 6 to 16-years, from a public school in rural Yucatan, Mexico, were examined by wet-combing. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on individuals and the conditions in the surrounding environment. Head lice infestation was found in 19 out of the 140 children tested (13.6%) and this was associated with both lower income (OR 9.9, 95% CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) and a higher frequency of hair washing (OR 8, 95% CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Intersectoral control programs that take into account the socioeconomic differences of children should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the consumption of cold school breakfast (CSB) and its association with weight gain in the preschool and school beneficiary population in San Luis Potosí., Materials and Methods: longitudinal study was conducted on 255 girls and boys from 3 to 8 years old. The weight gain was measured during one year and the total energy intake was estimated by means of a frequency of consumption questionnaire. The energy from CSB was divided into terciles and its association with weight gain was estimated through multiple linear regression., Results: In schoolchildren, the interaction between the energy tercile of CSB and sex showed that the girls of the second and third tercile gained 500g (p=0. 063) and 800g (p=0. 015) more, respectively., Conclusions: Higher energy consumption from school breakfast is associated with an increase in weight gain in school-age girls., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflict of interests. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

Objective: Dental fluorosis (DF) is a dental development disorder caused by chronic fluoride overconsumption. There are differences in the susceptibility to and severity of DF in studied populations. The objective of the present study was to determine if single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) in the genes Amelogenin (AMELX), Odontogenic Ameloblast Associated (ODAM) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) are associated with DF by evaluating the relationship between variations in these genes and the degree of DF severity., Subjects and Methods: Schoolchildren from two regions of Durango State and Mexico City, Mexico, were studied. The DF phenotype was determined using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) index. DNA was obtained from the buccal mucosa of each participant, and the presence of the variations rs946252 in AMELX, rs1514392 in ODAM and rs1784418 in MMP20 was determined by bidirectional DNA sequencing., Results: A total of 180 DNA samples from 30 schoolchildren from 2 areas of Durango State were sequenced and analyzed. Differences in the severity of DF were found between the study areas (p = 0.006). SNVs in theMMP20 gene were present in 76.9 % of the participants in the high fluoride concentration and lower DF severity area., Conclusion: AMELX and ODAM variations was not different between the two populations with respect to DF severity; however, the presence of rs1784418 differed between phenotypes with regard to susceptibility to DF. Therefore, MMP20 might be related to the various phenotypes of DF and may serve as a protective marker., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Childhood obesity is a global problem, causing social and psychological damage, as well as physical health risks. This study estimated the occurrence of body image dissatisfaction in primary schoolchildren aged 9-13 years and investigated its association with obesity and other factors., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, for which 533 students attending three public primary schools in Acapulco were recruited. Students completed a facilitated self-administered questionnaire about their age, sex, socioeconomic level, body image satisfaction, and perception of their parents' body image. We registered anthropometry of the students and calculated body mass index (BMI). We examined the associations of BMI category and other factors with body image dissatisfaction, calculating the cluster-adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals., Results: From the total number of participants, 75% (181/243) of girls and 73% (170/232) of boys were dissatisfied with their body image and wanted a slimmer body. About half were overweight or obese: 45% (121/271) of girls and 52% (135/262) of boys. Overweight or obese children were much more likely to be dissatisfied with their body image (cluster adjusted: 6.73; 95% CI: 5.42-8.36). No other factors were significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. One-third of the girls (32%, 86/271) and 17% (45/261) of the boys reported an underweight desired body image., Conclusions: The high level of obesity is a cause for concern and an even higher level of body image dissatisfaction as well. The high dissatisfaction among children suggests that boys, as well as girls in Mexico, may now be subjected to intense social pressure about desirable body image., (Copyright: © 2020 Permanyer.)

Background: Overweight and obesity in schoolchildren are a major public health problem in Mexico. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the association of appetitive traits with the presence of obesity and identify gender differences in children attending a university hospital., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 176 children with obesity and 175 children with normal weight in the outpatient clinic of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. The parents completed the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire to measure eight appetitive traits. The mean appetitive trait scores were compared between children with obesity and normal weight, and between genders. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests for independent samples and regression analysis between appetite traits and BMI Z-scores., Results: The mean food responsiveness score (or food onset appetitive trait) was higher in children with obesity (p < 0.001), while the mean satiety responsiveness (or food offset trait) was higher in children with normal weight (p < 0.001). Normal weight males showed higher scores for Food responsiveness, Emotional over-eating, and Desire to drink (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Children with obesity show appetitive traits that could lead to higher food consumption. Normal weight males showed appetitive traits that could represent a risk of developing obesity., (Copyright: © 2020 Permanyer.)

Objective : To evaluate the impact of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in the OHRQoL in a group of 8 to 10 year-old Mexican schoolchildren. Study design: A cross-sectional study of 411 8 to 10 year-old schoolchildren selected from public schools in Naucalpan, in the State of Mexico. The presence and severity of MIH was evaluated using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. The OHRQoL was evaluated using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ). Poisson regression models were performed for the analysis. Results: The prevalence of MIH in the permanent dentition was 40.4%. High scores were found in the four domains of the CPQ for children with MIH compared to children without MIH (p<0.001). In the Poisson model, a greater negative impact in the four CPQ domains was found for schoolchildren with MIH: oral symptoms [RR=1.75 (CI95% 1.63-1.78)]; functional limitations [RR=2.17 (CI95% 2.01-2.35)]; emotional wellbeing [RR=1.94 (CI95% 1.80-2.08)]; and, social well-being [RR=2.62 (CI95% 2.49-2.77)]. A greater impact on the four CPQ domains were found for children with moderate/severe MIH compared to children without MIH (p<0.001). Conclusion: Children with moderate/severe MIH experienced a greater negative impact on their OHRQoL compared to children without MIH.

Introduction: Scorpion stings represent a public health problem in Latin America and North America. The aim of this study was to identify species of medical importance, as well as to estimate the frequency of scorpion sting and the associated risk and protective factors in schoolchildren., Methods: Cross-sectional study in two rural communities in the Mexican state of Guerrero, in two phases: an entomological study that estimated the scorpion density and overcrowding index; a survey to document housing characteristics, poultry ownership, and history of scorpion sting in schoolchildren. Adjusted odds ratio (ORa) was used as a measure of association with scorpion sting in a multivariate analysis., Results: The species of medical importance were Centruroides limpidus and Centruroides balsasensis. Twelve percent (171/1,437) of school children reported scorpion sting in the last six months, of whom seven out of ten required medical care. Four factors were associated with the report of scorpion sting: having ducks in the dwelling (ORa: 1.98; CI 95%: 1.2-4.29), lack of cleanliness in the dwelling (ORa: 1.84; CI 95%: 1.02-4.16), farming as an occupation (ORa: 1.53; CI 95%: 1.13-2.46) and dwelling with uncovered infrastructure of the roof, those made of wood/iron sheet or cardboard (ORa: 1.42; CI 95%: 1.04-2.18)., Conclusions: The most relevant species was Centruroides limpidus. Two factors might be particularly relevant to prevention: improvement of household roofing material and attention to housekeeping., (Copyright: © 2019 Permanyer.)

Background: According to the ISAAC study, the prevalence of allergy disease is reported to have increased., Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis diagnosis, its symptoms and the magnitude of the association of symptoms with the disease as risk indicators., Methods: A study on allergic rhinitis prevalence was carried out, where 3446 questionnaires were applied to schoolchildren in Zacatlán, Puebla, using a validated instrument., Results: According to the questionnaire results, 413 children (12 %) were positive for allergic rhinitis diagnosis, while 3033 (88 %) were negative; 263 (7.6 %) of the cases with allergic rhinitis diagnosis were females. Overall, the prevalence of symptoms was higher than the prevalence of allergic rhinitis diagnosis. Recurrent catarrhal symptoms had the highest magnitude of association with the disease, followed by symptoms of morning and nocturnal predominance., Conclusions: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 12 %; recurrent nasal symptoms showed higher association with allergic rhinitis than in the general population.