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One-fourth of the adult population of Colombia is estimated to have hypertension. However, there has been relatively little attention to participatory approaches that address the social determinants of hypertension at the local level in Colombia. Early stages of a coalition for addressing hypertension in Quibdó (Colombia) included a stakeholder analysis and engagement of local organizations. This was followed by defining mutual goals, agreement of rules for decision making, and refining a shared vision. Based on a unified understanding of factors influencing hypertension risk, 12 organizations joined the local coalition. They developed an action plan for preventing hypertension and eliminating social disparities in its distribution. Lessons learned during this process suggest that, in marginalized urban areas of middle- and low-income countries, particular attention should be paid, at early implementation stages of coalition, to context specific challenges and opportunities, coalition membership and structure, reframing health, and strengthening capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Utilitarian physical activity confers health benefits, but little is known about experiences in developing countries. The objective was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with walking and bicycling for transport in adults from Bogotá. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 1464 adults age 18 to 29 y during the year 2002. Results: 16.7% reported bicycling for at least 10 min during the last week and 71.7% reported walking for at least 90 min during the last week. Bicycling was more likely among adults living in Tunjuelito (flat terrain), who use the "ciclovía" (car-roads for recreational bicycling on holidays/Sundays) or reporting physical activity during leisure-time and less likely among women, or adults with college education. Walking was more likely among adults reporting physical activity during leisure time and less likely among housewives/househusbands or those living in Tunjuelito. Conclusion: Programs that promote walking or bicycling in Bogotá should consider differences in individual and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Evaluate a conceptual model that suggests an association between socioeconomic status (SES), perception of neighborhood environment, physical activity behavior, and self-rated health status (SRHS) among women living in low-resource neighborhoods of Bogotá, Colombia. Methods. A secondary source analysis of the first measurement of a community cluster trial was used to evaluate a program to encourage a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity levels among homemakers in Bogotá. Analyses were done using a multivariate multilevel logistic model to identify associations and confirm the mediations proposed in the conceptual model. Results. The adjusted models revealed that individual-level SES and neighborhood perception are inversely and significantly associated with suboptimal SRHS, while the association between physical activity and SRHS was not significant. Conclusions. The study findings underscore the importance of individual SES in assessment of health status and strengthen the evidence on the independent role of perception of neighborhood environment in the SRHS of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista de Salud Pública is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Evaluate a conceptual model that suggests an association between socioeconomic status (SES), perception of neighborhood environment, physical activity behavior, and self-rated health status (SRHS) among women living in low-resource neighborhoods of Bogotá, Colombia., Methods: A secondary source analysis of the first measurement of a community cluster trial was used to evaluate a program to encourage a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity levels among homemakers in Bogotá. Analyses were done using a multivariate multilevel logistic model to identify associations and confirm the mediations proposed in the conceptual model., Results: The adjusted models revealed that individual-level SES and neighborhood perception are inversely and significantly associated with suboptimal SRHS, while the association between physical activity and SRHS was not significant., Conclusions: The study findings underscore the importance of individual SES in assessment of health status and strengthen the evidence on the independent role of perception of neighborhood environment in the SRHS of women.

Objective: Determining the association between the degree of urbanisation and excessive television-viewing and video-game use amongst children aged 5 to 12 years old., Methods: Data from the Colombian National Nutritional Survey 2005 was used in the analysis. Television viewing and video-game use was determined through parental reports for 13,090 children and classified as being excessive (e' 2 hours/day) or suitable (<2 hours/day). Five levels of urbanisation were determined using criteria from the National Planning Department and the population size of the rural or urban settings included in the survey. Multiple logistical regression analysis was conducted while taking potential confounders into account., Results: There was a gradual increase in the probability of TV or videogames being used for 2 hours or more as the degree of urbanisation increased. This association was statistically significant for urbanisation level 3 and higher (urbanisation level 2, OR=1,33: 0,89-1,99 95 %CI; urbanisation level 3, 1,35=OR: 1,00-1,80 95 %CI; urbanisation level 4, 1,61=OR: 1,16-2,23 95 %CI and urbanisation level 5, 1,7=OR: 1,17-2,46 95 %CI)., Conclusion: Colombian children living in areas of high-to-moderate urbanisation and population density are at a higher risk of excessive exposure to electronic media entertainment. Due to its multiple health implications (in particular obesity and cardio-metabolic health), such sedentary behaviour should be monitored and its determinants in the Colombian paediatric population must be understand for making effective public health interventions.

Introduction: We conducted a pilot study to develop and assess the effectiveness of three interventions to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables, promote physical activity, and negotiate smoke-free homes among home caregivers in Bogotá, Colombia. Colombian home caregivers were defined as women who take care of minors in their local communities regardless of kinship or family ties., Methods: A nonrandomized community intervention was conducted in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods in Bogotá. Ninety-seven women aged 18 to 60 years participated in one of three groups. In groups A and B, women received the following components: information and communication about healthy behaviors (with group A receiving additional activities); education about developing decision-making skills; and social support from family members and others. In group C, women received only the information and communication component received by group B. The main outcomes (measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention at 5 months, and at 7 months) included self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables, whether there was an agreement form signed by family members to refrain from smoking inside the home, and self-reported level of physical activity., Results: No differences were found between intervention groups. Regardless of the intervention, there was an increase in the proportion of women who reported consuming juices made from fruit (from 51.5% at baseline to 80.9% at 7 months, P <.001), an increase in the proportion of women who reported daily consumption of vegetables or salad (from 44.1% at baseline to 64.7% at 7 months, P < .001), and an increase in the proportion of homes with an agreement that forbids in-home smoking (from 27.9% at baseline to 44.1% at 7 months, P = .04). There was no significant difference in levels of physical activity from baseline to postintervention., Conclusion: Home caregivers may be responsive to community interventions associated with the promotion of healthy diet and agreements with family members who smoke to refrain from smoking in the home.