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Previous studies suggest an increased prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases among African immigrants with increased length of stay in the U.S. The objective of the current study is to understand the dietary practices and perceptions of recent African immigrant families. Focus group sessions were conducted with Nigerian and Congolese immigrant parents residing in Illinois. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling methods and focus group sessions were conducted via videoconference. Participants discussed dietary practices, meal preparation, and family mealtimes for their families. They also discussed experiences with eating different kinds of foods since arrival in the U.S. Verbatim transcription of focus group sessions were completed and deductive thematic analysis of transcribed data was conducted using NVivo (QSR International Pty Ltd. [2020] NVivo [version 12]). Twenty African immigrant parents (Mean age: 42 years, Female: 95%) residing in Northern and Central Illinois participated in a total of five focus group sessions. Seven themes were derived from the analysis. Participants had a positive attitude toward healthy diet and had a high level of interest in receiving educational resources to make healthier food choices. Participants preferred and mostly consumed foods they were familiar with before migration. A majority of the participants perceived 'American foods' as unhealthy, characterizing them as containing a high amount of sugar and salt. Parents reported that their school-aged children often preferred a western diet over traditional African meals. This study helps to understand unique diet-related practices and perceptions of recent Nigerian and Congolese African immigrants in Illinois. Findings could help to inform cultural adaptation of evidence-based nutrition education programs for these groups of African immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been identified as a cardiometabolic risk marker in children and adolescents which reflects abdominal fat distribution. The aim of the present study was to evaluated the predictive capacity of VAI, a body shape index (ABSI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and triglycerides and glucose index (TyG index) compared with classical anthropometric measurements to discriminate metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: This retrospective study included 1372 individuals. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were used to screen the prevalence of MetS components and to calculate VAI, ABSI, TyG index, and AIP. Results: The discriminatory capacity among the variables was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). VAI was the variable with the highest AUC with 0.932 CI 95% (0.917–0.948), followed by AIP with 0.914 CI 95% (0.897–0.931), and TyG index with 0.889 CI 95% (0.871–0.908). Conclusion: VAI is a promising tool to identify MetS in the late adolescence setting. Among the novel adiposity indexes VAI, AIP, TyG index are able to determine MetS presence, while ABSI is not capable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The prevalence of prediabetes is increasing worldwide. However, the determinants that contribute to its onset in young individuals remain poorly understood. An essential aspect of directing control and preventive initiatives is comprehending the geographical distribution of these disorders and pinpointing regions with a high prevalence. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of prediabetes and associated risk factor prevalence among late adolescents in the metropolitan area of San Luis Potosí (MASLP), México, during the years 2008, 2009, and 2010. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 15,672 participants between the ages of 18 and 21 years. We made a cartographic overlay of the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) using a 2010 marginalization index. Results The prevalence of prediabetes was 5.5%, whereas the prevalence of overweight and obesity remained stable for three years. However, in 2010, the prevalence of both diastolic BP and prediabetes increased. Spatial analysis revealed that the urban basic geostatistical area (Area Geo-Estadística Básica (AGEB)), with 11-20 participants with prediabetes, was mainly concentrated in the areas of medium and low marginalization throughout all years. Conclusion We found a yearly increase in prediabetes prevalence and increased diastolic BP. Prediabetes varies across the region. MASLP has statistically detected significant high hot spots in prediabetes. The findings of this study are valuable for directing resource distribution and highlighting intervention programs that target modifiable prediabetes predictors. To improve health coverage, it is necessary to consider different local realities., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Bioethics and Research Committee of the State of San Luis Potosí issued approval SLP/012-2008 (2008), SLP/012-2009 (2009), and SLP/012-2010 (2010). The collaboration agreement was authorized and signed by the authorities of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi and Illinois University until 2009 and renewed it in 2014. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Cossío-Torres et al.)