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Introduction: Hepatitis B surveillance is crucial. We proposed to describe the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B infection and the associated factors among Ecuadorian Amazonia communities. Outline: A serologic cross-sectional study was carried out in subjects over two years old. We classified seropositivity according to the Centers of Diseases Control criteria and recorded sex, age, temporary migration, sometime Hepatitis B in their life, and previous vaccination. Results: Out of 215 participants, 50.0%, 8.8%, 1.9%, and 1.4% were susceptible, immune due to natural infection, chronic infection, and early acute HBV infection, respectively. Of the 8 people who reported having ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis B, none showed chronic or acute infection and one was positive for immunity due to the vaccine. HBsAg was found in 3.3% (95% IC 0.9-7.0) and was higher among those who migrate 7.7% (p-value 0.04). 16.3% (95% CI 11.6-21.4) was immune due to HBV vaccination. Among the 58 participants who declared having received the vaccine, 20.7% presented post-vaccine immunity. Implications: Participants who should have benefited from the vaccination campaign (susceptible) are those with the lowest immune response due to vaccination. To assessing the burden of viral hepatitis in people living in marginalized areas and guide preventive measures is mandatory.

Background: Care coordination is a characteristic of integrated health service networks, understood as an action that, based on primary care, integrates the different levels of care. Care coordination can improve the quality of care, especially for chronic diseases such as asthma. Objective: To analyse perspectives of health professionals within different levels of care on the care coordination for asthma in Ecuador. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study. Guided by the Integrated Health Care Network Model, we completed 25 in-depth semi-structured interviews in three Ecuadorian cities between 2020 and 2021. Using purposive sampling, health care professionals were selected from primary, emergency, specialist, and managerial levels. We used narrative analysis to identify significant phrases from interviews. We followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Results: Participants highlighted the scarce use of institutional documents for the referral of patients with asthma from the first level to specialists and vice versa, as well as between the different health subsystems. They identified weaknesses in the follow-up for patients with asthma, lack of objectives shared between the different levels of care, duplication of tests and medical prescriptions, and lack of availability of appointments in the public system that limits access to specialized care. The managers highlighted the system's inability to assign appointments on time and failures in administrative processes for follow-up. Emergency professionals do not have access to previous clinical data for patients having an asthma attack, so they rely on the use of emergency treatments without scheduling a specialist referral afterwards. Conclusions: From the perspectives of health professionals in Ecuador, asthma care coordination requires strengthening at all levels within the public health system, from the formulation of common goals to improved transfer of asthmatic patients between levels to optimize healthcare resources.

To characterize the time in therapeutic range (TTR) and estimate the incidence rate of complications (PTIRc) in adults with warfarin protocol.Retrospective cohort based on medical records of patients older than 18years, between 1996 and 2016 and followed for at least three months. SITE: Hematology unit of a Venezuelan specialized cardiovascular center.Electronic health record.TTR and PTIRc. The variables were sex, functional illiteracy, occupation, International Normalized Ratio (INR) and follow-up time, which were analyzed with TTR and PTIRc using binomial logistic and Poisson regression models, respectively.2,770 patients were followed up for a total of 1,201,380 days, 42.3% had a TTR65% and 3.5% had INR 2.5-3.5. 61.8% had complications. PTIRc was 6.84/100 person-months (95%CI: 6.56-7.15). TTR65% showed significant adjusted OR with functional illiteracy and INR 2.5-3.5, while for higher PTIRc a significant RR was found in the two factors mentioned, shorter follow-up time, TTR65% and in women.Despite new anticoagulant treatments, warfarin is useful. As follow-up time increased, control was better and the rate of occurrence of complications decreased; however, the conditions that showed lower TTR and higher rate of occurrence of complications require a thorough review of follow-up especially in patients with functional illiteracy.

Objective: To determine associations between standardized prevalence ratios of Metabolic Syndrome (MS), High Blood Pressure (HBP), and Obesity (O) with structural factors in ecuadorian population aged 20 to 59. Methods: An ecological study was conducted through data from the Ecuador’s National Health and Nutrition Survey 2013-2014, and National Census. Standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) variability was analyzed with Poisson multiple regression models (adjusted Relative Risk). Results: The SPR variability for the three diseases was associated with non-affiliation to social security, and inversely related to lower urbanization. HBP and O were associated with functional illiteracy and higher rates of primary care physicians/1000 inhabitants. HBP and MS were related to poor housing. Conclusions: Policies of non-communicable chronic diseases control in ecological transition countries need to take structural variations into account.

Objectives To develop a simple DNA sequencing test for simultaneous identification and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection of multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods Real-time PCR (qPCR) was initially performed to identify Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections among a total of 200 vulvo-vaginal swab samples from female sex workers in Ecuador. qPCR positive samples plus qPCR negative controls for these STIs were subjected to single gene targeted PCR MinION-nanopore sequencing using the smartphone operated MinIT. Results Among 200 vulvo-vaginal swab samples 43 were qPCR positive for at least one of the STIs. Single gene targeted nanopore sequencing generally yielded higher pathogen specific read counts in qPCR positive samples than qPCR negative controls. Of the 26 CT, NG or MG infections identified by qPCR, 25 were clearly distinguishable from qPCR negative controls by read count. Discrimination of TV qPCR positives from qPCR negative controls was poorer as many had low pathogen loads (qPCR cycle threshold >35) which produced few specific reads. Real-time AMR profiling revealed that 3/3 NG samples identified had gyrA mutations associated with fluoroquinolone resistance, 2/10 of TV had mutations related to metronidazole resistance, while none of the MG samples possessed 23S rRNA gene mutations contributing to macrolide resistance. Conclusions Single gene targeted nanopore sequencing for diagnosing and simultaneously identifying key antimicrobial resistance markers for four common genital STIs shows promise. Further work to optimise accuracy, reduce costs and improve speed may allow sustainable approaches for managing STIs and emerging AMR in resource poor and laboratory limited settings.

Background There are limited published data on factors related to risky sexual practices (RSP) affecting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ecuador. Methods Cross-sectional study of FSWs presenting for a consultation in a primary health care centre during 2017. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on RSP and potential risk factors including age, membership of an FSW association, self-report of previous STI diagnosis, previous treatment for suspected STI and temporary migration for sex work. Associations between RSP and potential risk factors were estimated by logistic regression. The proportion of STI was estimated from vaginal swabs by real-time PCR for four sexually transmitted pathogens (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium). Results Of 249 FSWs recruited, 22.5% had reported RSPs at least once during sex work. Among FSWs reporting unprotected vaginal sex in the previous three months, 25.5% had at least one other RSP type. 17.6% (95%CI 13.3–22.8) had at least one active STI. Prevalence of co-infections was 2.4% (95%CI 1.1–5.2). In multivariable analysis, RSP was associated with age (adjusted OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.02–1.10), membership of an FSWs association (aOR 3.51; 95%CI 1.60–7.72) and self-reported previous STI (aOR 3.43; 95%CI 1.28–9.17). Conclusions Among a population of female sex workers with high proportion of STIs, increasing age and belonging to an FSWs association was associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in RSP with clients. Engaging with FSWs organisations may reduce the burden of STI among sex workers.

Objectives: to estimate the prevalence ofpeer victimization (VI-P) and to identify factors associated to it. Methods: a cross sectional study based on a state-representativesample; 2555 students from primary and secondary schools of Campeche, in the academic year 2015-2016 participated. They were interviewed face to face. VI-P was analyzed by sex, age and various school-related aspects with prevalence rate and 95% confidence interval. The analysis of interactions among the studied factors was carried out using a hierarchical log-lineal model. With the significant terms,a multiviarite analysis using a logistic model was performed. Based on this model, maximum and minimum predictive values for VI-P were calculated by odds inverse transformation. Results: the global prevalence of VI-P was 60.4% (CI95%= 58.6-62.3). The prevalence of violence physical, psycho-emotional, patrimonial, and sexual, were 28.8, 52.9, 26.5, and 8.7%, respectively. Students in the first year, who were male, had classes scheduled in the evening, attended a public school and resided in a municipality of high/highest margination index, had the highest probability (75.3%) of suffering VI-P. Conclusions: given the high levels of VI-P found, and its possible effects, it is necessary implement truly effective measures to prevent it.

Background In populations above 3,000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) normal values of oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 90% have been reported. Few studies have been conducted in cities of moderate altitude (between 2,500 and 3,000 m a.s.l). We set out to describe the range of SpO2 values measured with a pulse oximeter in healthy children between 1 month and 12 years of age living in an Ecuadorian Andean city. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in Quito, Ecuador, located at 2,810 m a.s.l. SpO2 measurement in healthy children of ages ranging from 1 month to 12 years of age residents in the city were recorded by pulse oximetry. Age and gender were recorded, and median and 2.5th and 5th percentile were drawn. Non parametric tests were used to compare differences in SpO2 values by age and gender. Results 1,378 healthy children were included for the study, 719 (52.2%) males. The median SpO2 for the entire population was 94.5%. No differences were observed between SpO2 median values by age and gender. The 2.5th percentile for global SpO2 measurements was 90%, in children under 5 years of age was 91% and it was 90% in children older than 7. Conclusions Our results provide SpO2 values for healthy children from 1 to 12 years old residents in Quito, a city of moderate altitude. The SpO2 percentile curve could contribute as a healthy range for the clinical evaluation of children residing at this altitude.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported an association between maternal zinc deficiency and increased risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in offspring. A high prevalence of zinc deficiency and a high prevalence of NSCL/P have been reported in Ecuador. We postulated that mothers of infants with NSCL/P may have lower serum zinc levels than women from the general population. METHODS A case series study was conducted from November 2013 to July 2016. Thirty-five healthy mothers of infants with NSCL/P were selected during surgical missions conducted by Operacion Sonrisa Ecuador. A single blood sample along with pertinent medical history was collected during personal interviews after 3.6 months postpartum. The prevalence of plasma zinc concentration (PZn) deficiency among the participants was determined and analyzed along with the prevalence of PZn deficiency in Ecuadorian women of reproductive age from the general population. RESULTS The mean PZn was 11.47 µmol/dm3 . The prevalence of PZn deficiency among the participants was 31.4% (95% CI: 17.1-48.6) and differed significantly from the prevalence of zinc deficiency observed among women from the general population (G2 = 8.66; p

Objective. To determine the rate of Bordetella pertussis infection in children admitted to a paediatric emergency hospital service.Material and methods. The positivity rate to B. pertussis infection was determined in 344 enrolled children under five-year old measured by culture, RT-PCR, clinical and laboratory predictors.Results. The positive rate of B. pertussis infection was 5.40% (95%CI=2.24-13.05) by culture, 16.12% (95%CI=2.42-29.84) by RT-PCR, and 36.66% (95%CI=18.36-54.97) by the laboratory predictor.Conclusions. Clinical and laboratory predictors represent a suitable tool to improve the diagnosis and prevention of pertussis by health services in the region of study.

Background Major mental disorders in prison populations have been recognised as a long-term problem with an important impact on public health. Despite this, screening activities in prisons are still weak in Latin America. We proposed to estimate the prevalence of depression and psychosis and associated factors in the largest Ecuadorian prison for male inmates. Methods Cross-sectional study with 309 prisoners chosen at random between January and February 2017, who were administered two structured questionnaires. The first examined socio-demographic and occupational characteristics prior to incarceration and presence of social support networks; the second was the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview version in Spanish 5.0.0. We used maximum likelihood tests and multiple logistic regression to assess associations between depression, psychosis and study factors. Results The prevalence of depression and psychosis were 50.2% (95% CI 44.6–55.8) and 25.9% (95% CI 21.0–30.8), respectively. The two conditions occurred together in 22.0% of the cases (95% CI 14.8–29.2), and depression or psychosis (D/P) was found in 54.0% (95% CI 48.4–59.6). Consuming drugs while in prison was found in 41.4% (95% CI 35.9–46.9). When age was considered among those consuming drugs, the prevalence of D/P were 72.2, 88.0, and 92.3%, respectively for the age-groups 18–29, 30–39 and 40 years or over (p-value

Digital, Waterborne pathogens, associated with poverty and poor sanitary conditions, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are limited data on the epidemiology of waterborne pathogens in indigenous populations living in the Amazon region. We did a cross-sectional survey in two indigenous Shuar communities in the Amazon region of Ecuador in which we documented the presence of pathogens representing different sources of environmental contamination of water. We detected protozoa and soil-transmitted helminths by microscopy of fecal samples and the presence of IgG antibodies to hepatitis A and Leptospira spp. in blood samples from individuals older than 2 years and collected data by questionnaire on sociodemographic factors and knowledge of infectious diseases. Seroprevalence for hepatitis A and Leptospira spp. were 98.1% (95% CI: 97.0–99.8) and 50.0% (95% CI: 43.3–56.6), respectively, whereas 62.6% (95% CI: 55.8–69.4) had enteric parasites in stool samples. In participants older than 6 years, eight of 10 had evidence of infection with or exposure to at least one of the pathogens studied. Although prevalence of pathogens varied by age, it did not vary significantly by gender, temporal migration, illiteracy, perceived morbidity, receipt of conditional cash transfers, water boiling practices, poor housing conditions, and anthropometric status. These findings indicate a high level of contamination of drinking water by human pathogens in these indigenous communities and the need for interventions to improve access to and use of clean drinking water in these marginalized communities., Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud

A new method using a magnetic nanoparticle-based colorimetric biosensing assay (NCBA) was compared with sputum smear microscopy (SSM) for the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in sputum samples. Studies were made to compare the NCBA against SSM using sputum samples collected from PTB patients prior to receiving treatment. Experiments were also conducted to determine the appropriate concentration of glycan-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (GMNP) used in the NCBA and to evaluate the optimal digestion/decontamination solution to increase the extraction, concentration and detection of acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The optimized NCBA consisted of a 1:1 mixture of 0.4% NaOH and 4% N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC) to homogenize the sputum sample. Additionally, 10 mg/mL of GMNP was added to isolate and concentrate the AFB. All TB positive sputum samples were identified with an increased AFB count of 47% compared to SSM, demonstrating GMNP&rsquo, s ability to extract and concentrate AFB. Results showed that NCBA increased AFB count compared to SSM, improving the grade from &ldquo, 1+&rdquo, (in SSM) to &ldquo, 2+&rdquo, Extending the finding to paucibacillary cases, there is the likelihood of a &ldquo, scant&rdquo, grade to become &ldquo, The assay uses a simple magnet and only costs $0.10/test. NCBA has great potential application in TB control programs.

International initiatives like the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) have emerged to support monitoring and surveillanceofphysicalactivity,physical fitness,sedentarybehavioranditssocialandenvironmentalinfluencesamongchildrenand adolescents.1,2 The standardized methodology proposed by AHKGA focuses on the development of a Report Card, allows the compilation of knowledge gaps and highlights the most urgent needsandproblemsthat shouldbeconsidered by policymakersto promote an active healthy lifestyle among children and youth withineachcountry.2 Thispapersummarizesthe firstresultsofthe Ecuadorian 2018 Report Card (Figure 1) based on the AHKGA methodology.

Background: Little is known about how asthmatic children’s caregivers (CG) and health care workers (HCW) experience asthma attacks in a low resource setting. This could influence their attitude and actions towards asthma management. Aim: To better understand the significance of acute childhood asthma attacks from the caregivers’ and health care workers’ perspective in a low resource setting. Methods: We recruited CG of asthmatic children to focus group discussions (FGD) and HCW who attend paediatric asthma attacks, to in-depth semi-structured interviews (ISI), in Esmeraldas city, Ecuador. FGD and ISI were digitally recorded, transcribed, open-coded in QDA Miner, categorised using an interpretative phenomenological approach and analysed thematically. Results: 20 CG participated in 5 FGD and 3 paediatricians, 6 general doctors and 3 respiratory therapists provided 12 interviews, reporting diverse experiences. HCW feel responsible for the child’s outcome during the asthma attack and focus on the medical management. Inexperienced HCW may endure this event with fear and uncertainty, while more experienced workers are confident on their skills and knowledge. For the CG, asthma attacks are troublesome and urgent events that they live with fear, desperation and resignation in some cases. They affect the family’s economy, organisation and activities. Both CG and HCW feel responsible for the child and are aware of the possible complications and risk of death of the event. Conclusion: Asthma attacks in children are perceived and experienced differently by CG, inexperienced and experienced HCW. Personal perception is crucial to the experience of acute asthma.

Obesity is an epidemic problem in the world and is present from an early age. The objective was to analyze the variability of excess weight, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL in obese students. 276 school children, 9 to 16 years of municipal educational units of the Metropolitan District of Quito, cohort 2010-2011, whom blood measurement was performed after fasting for eight hours. The risk categorization was based on the American Diabetes Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program. Excess weight was calculated in kilograms, from the WHO reference for age and sex. The average adolescents showed greater excess weight unlike early adolescents and children (p

Objectives: to evaluate the concordance of food consumption habits declared by parents and by their children, and relate it to excess weight prevalence. Methods: cross-sectional study. Concordance was analysed by Kappa and McNemar tests. The analysis of the discrepancies against excess weight was made by logistic regression. Results: we found high levels of discrepancy between parents and children: Kappa -0.02-0.31 (p≤0.01), McNemar p≤0.01. Excess weight did not vary in terms of the discrepancies, except for the affirmation of following a diet (ORadjusted: 1.79; CI95%: 1.49-2.14). Conclusions: agreement between parents and their children demonstrated discordance, but did not influenced on excess weight. Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a concordância entre hábitos de consumo de alimentos relatados pelos pais e seus filhos e relacionar à prevalência de excesso de peso. Métodos: estudo transversal. A concordância foi analisada pelo Kappa e McNemar. As discrepâncias em relação com excesso de peso foram realizadas por regressão logística. Resultados: se observou alto grau de discordância Kappa -0.02-0.31 (p≤0.01) McNemarp≤0.01. A prevalência de excesso de peso entre escolares não mostrou nenhuma diferença em relação às discrepâncias, exceto com a declaração de fazer dieta (OR: 1.79 IC95%: 1.49-2.14). Conclusões: as informações relatadas pelos pais mostraram discordância, masnão variaram com o excesso de peso.

Background Rural communities in the Amazonian southern border of Ecuador have benefited from governmental social programmes over the past 9 years, which have addressed, among other things, diseases associated with poverty, such as soil transmitted helminth infections. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of geohelminth infection and several factors associated with it in these communities. Methods This was a cross sectional study in two indigenous communities of the Amazonian southern border of Ecuador. The data were analysed at both the household and individual levels. Results At the individual level, the prevalence of geohelminth infection reached 46.9% (95% CI 39.5% to 54.2%), with no differences in terms of gender, age, temporary migration movements or previous chemoprophylaxis. In 72.9% of households, one or more members were infected. Receiving subsidies and overcrowding were associated with the presence of helminths. Conclusions The prevalence of geohelminth infection was high. Our study suggests that it is necessary to conduct studies focusing on communities, and not simply on captive groups, such as schoolchildren, with the object of proposing more suitable and effective strategies to control this problem.

Resumen Introducción: En el oficio de ser médico existen momentos de toma de decisiones en los que están presentes situaciones como: género, ciclo vital, capital económico.Objetivo: Explorar las expectativas de residentes médicos para la toma de decisión del ámbito de trabajo.Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, basado en enfoque fenomenológico. Se realizaron grupos focales con residentes de especialidades médicas, de universidades públicas y privadas de Quito. Las categorías analizadas fueron: expectativas para continuar con la construcción del oficio de médicos, expectativas para insertarse en un lugar de trabajo, expectativas para conciliar vida profesional y familiar.Resultados: no se encontró diferencia en el discurso entre hombres y mujeres, ni entre universidad pública y privada, pero sí entre quienes tienen la obligación de devengar una beca y no son de la ciudad capital. Posgradista hombres y mujeres con beca hablan de regresar para establecerse en su lugar de origen, valoran ventajas de vivir en ciudades pequeñas, menos saturadas de especialistas, menor necesidad de contar con grandes capitales económicos, tienen esperanza de desarrollar mejor la profesión.Conclusiones: Tanto hombres como mujeres tienen la expectativa de realizar una subespecialidad, es claro que solamente es posible si cuentan con capital económico. Para quienes cuenta con este capital la posibilidad de viajar y trabajar en otro país está presente, siempre y cuando no tengan responsabilidades familiares directas.

Of the 238 cases reported to the Ecuador Health Authorities in 2012 as severe dengue, only 53.3% met diagnostic criteria. The definition of severe dengue should be based on more precise criteria. Information about compliance with criteria should be fed back to local levels.

El enlace entre la visión sanitaria occidental y la medicina indígena cimienta la identidad colectiva en la formación en salud. Analizar la percepción de la participación en un programa de formación en salud, desde la visión de parteras y sanadores tradicionales de la zona norte andina ecuatoriana. Diseño cualitativo de tipo interpretativo/ explicativo, se realizaron 25 entrevistas a profundidad y tres grupos focales a 20 parteras y 5 sanadores tradicionales, autodefinidos indígenas; el muestreo fue intencionado y razonado, de tipo opinático. Las subcategorías fueron definición de la participación en un programa de formación en salud, rol social y formación en salud y aplicación de la formación. El contraste de la narrativa se analizó a partir del sexo y tipología del informante. La participación en un programa de formación en salud fue descrita como la oportunidad para compartir, recuperar, conservar y fortalecer la medicina tradicional; opinar en cuestiones de salud-enfermedad en escenarios públicos como asambleas, y en escenarios privados como el acto de curar a la gente. La construcción de la participación en un programa de formación en salud, desde los actores de medicina tradicional enriquece el proceso.

An outbreak of sylvatic rabies was reported in indigenous communities located in the Ecuadorian Amazon in November 2011. The objective of this study was to analyze family dwelling characteristics and other sociodemographic factors associated with the perception of an increase in hematophagous bat bites in humans and domestic animals to assist the implementation of intervention policies in the region. A total of 381 households from communities covered by the outbreak response activities were surveyed. Despite being associated with poorer dwelling conditions, the possession of domestic animals is associated with the perception of an increase in bat bites among animals. Better dwelling conditions, use of protective measures, access to electricity, and no domestic animals are variables associated with the perception of a rise in attacks on humans. The analysis of perceptions of bite frequency is fundamental to improve the effectiveness of vaccination programs and strategies to promote the adoption of preventive measures against rabies among the population En Ecuador se reportó un brote de rabia selvática en comunidades indígenas amazónicas en noviembre de 2011. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar las características de las viviendas de las familias, añadiendo aspectos sociodemográficos asociados a la percepción del aumento de mordeduras de murciélagos hematófagos en humanos y en ganado, con el fin de implementar políticas de intervención en la zona. Fueron encuestados 381 jefes de familia de las comunidades incluidas en el programa de primera intervención de vacunación. La posesión de ganado conduce a un aumento en la percepción de las mordeduras de murciélago en los animales y estas personas tienen casas con las peores condiciones de vivienda, donde pueden entrar y habitar murciélagos, mientras que las familias que tienen mejores condiciones de vivienda, con protección, electricidad y sin ganado perciben un aumento en los ataques a humanos. El análisis de la percepción de frecuencia de mordeduras es fundamental para lograr una adhesión a las medidas de prevención y vacunación

Aim: This study aimed to characterise the consumption and type of breakfast associated with overweight and obesity in students of the Quito Metropolitan area in the academic year 2010-2011. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Quito municipal schools during the academic year 20102011. Methodology: We surveyed 6964 students (3254 males, 3710 females; age range 9 Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 3(1): 128-139, 2013 129 17 years), previously classified by their body mass index. The self-administered questionnaire, completed in class time asked about breakfast habits, physical activity, type and stage of family. Results: 6939 students (99.6%) answered the question about usually eating breakfast. Of these, 5.4% (CI95% 4.87-5.94) reported not eating breakfast, this response being given by 6.8% of the girls (CI95% 6.0-7.6) and 3.7% of the boys (CI95% 3.1-4.4). Not eating breakfast was more common among the students aged 15 years (11.9% CI95% 8.2-15.7), 16 years (19.5% CI95% 12.8-26.3) and 17 years (17.9% CI95% 10.3-26.9). The crude OR for weight excess and not breakfasting 1.44 (CI95% 1.16-1.80) was strengthened after adjustment by age, sex, family type, family stage, sedentarism and health zone: OR 1.54 (CI95% 1.16-2.05). There was no significant association between eating a non-recommended breakfast and weight excess when adjusted by the mentioned variables. Conclusion: Not eating breakfast is associated with overweight and obesity, this problem being enhanced in girls who skipped breakfast twice as much as boys. Also, students living in launch pad families eat breakfast more often and suffer less from excess weight.