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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to verify some relationships between entrepreneurial attitude, university environment, entrepreneurial culture and entrepreneurial training, which can be used to promote entrepreneurship among university students. Design/methodology/approach: A sample of 3,005 questionnaires answered by students from ten universities in Colombia was gathered and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis. Findings: The results show that the more a student perceives an entrepreneurial culture and the more training he or she receives, the more entrepreneurial attitude he or she will have. Also, it was found that entrepreneurial culture has a positive effect on university environment, and the latter has a positive effect on entrepreneurial training. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this study was that only ten Colombian universities were sampled; therefore, general inferences cannot be made. Additionally, the variables investigated here may have not accurately measured the full scale of the entrepreneurship programmes in such universities or the way the culture of these institutions had a direct impact on students. Projects such as the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS), which measure variables related to entrepreneurship at the university level, enable universities to shape their policies around this important topic. This study indicates that universities should offer training in entrepreneurial, problem-solving and communication skills to produce entrepreneurs who can better face current challenges. Originality/value: Other studies have discussed entrepreneurial culture, but they usually deal with university environment, entrepreneurial training and entrepreneurial attitudes separately. This study integrates all these factors and measures the level of interaction between them.

Background: Electronic cigarettes, hookahs, or water pipes are new forms of tobacco consumption, these alternatives are becoming popular in the adolescent and young adult population. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the usage of electronic cigarettes and hookahs in Colombian adolescents. Materials and Methods: Secondary analysis of data from one study aimed to determine the prevalence of traditional cigarette use (Emtamplona Study). The adolescents were considered consumers if he/she claimed to have consumed at least one cigarette or used a hookah and/or electronic cigarette during the last 30 days. A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was answered by 812 adolescents aged 14 ± 2 years (438 women). Results: The prevalence of electronic cigarette and hookah use was 1.8% (95%CI 0.9%–2.7%) and 2.8% (95%CI 1.8%–4.1%), respectively. A logistic regression analysis showed that traditional cigarette consumption was associated (OR 10.46, 95%CI 3.64–30.97) with electronic cigarette use. On the other hand, being in sixth-seventh grade (OR 5.19 95%CI 1.08–25.01) and belonging to a private school (OR 10.54 95%CI 3.95–28.13), smoking (OR 15.38 95%CI 3.45–68.62) was associated with hookah use. Conclusions: Electronic cigarette and hookah use among these adolescents is low; however, public health strategies are important to control tobacco consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Salud Uninorte is the property of Fundacion Universidad del Norte 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.)

Copyright of Medicina UPB is the property of Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana 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.)

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it provides a comprehensive assessment of the financial disincentives to enter formal employment implied by the design of the tax-benefit system in five Latin American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Then, it analyzes the extent to which formalizing informal workers would contribute to increase fiscal capacity in the region. The results show a wide variation in financial disincentives to enter formal employment, with formalization tax rates ranging between 8.5 percent in Venezuela and 42 percent in Colombia. Formalization tax rates are particularly high for self-employed informal workers, and mainly driven by the high costs associated with social insurance contributions. The analysis further shows that potential entries to formal employment would raise tax revenue in all countries, but mainly through the effect of increased social insurance contributions, whereas personal income tax revenue would have a marginal contribution, except in Bolivia and Venezuela. Interestingly, potential formalization of informal workers with the highest probability of being formal would allow capturing a substantial share of the additional tax revenue lost due to informality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a cross-sectional, empirical study set in Spain and Colombia to examine the main motivations and attitudes towards physical and sports activity in different population groups. An empirical model is proposed which integrates two existing models that explain the behaviour of physical exercise and sports practice: the physical activity and leisure motivation scale (PALMS), and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The results show neither significant differences between the two countries nor any differences in other categories, such as gender or age group. The motivation to take part in sports is seen as an improvement in physical condition and mental state and as a desire for mastery in sports practice. This is one of the most complete studies carried out in two countries at the same time to examine the process of consumer behaviour regarding sports services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Salud Uninorte is the property of Fundacion Universidad del Norte 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.)

Introduction: Introduction: vitamin D is a fundamental biomolecule for multiple biological processes in women of childbearing age; it is also one of the most important biomarkers in reproduction. Objective: to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and associated factors in Colombian women between 18 and 49 years of age. Methodology: an analytical cross-sectional study; it is a secondary analysis of the Encuesta de Situación Nutricional de Colombia, of 2015. A total of 7181 women between 18 and 49 years old, of childbearing age, who were not pregnant were evaluated. Vitamin D levels were estimated through chemiluminescence immunoassay. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and frequency-of-food-consumption characteristics were evaluated. A general description of the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was made for each of the variables of interest through absolute and percentage frequencies. To estimate the association between the different characteristics of interest and vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, multivariate binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used. Results: the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 23.8 % and that of insufficiency was 46.8 %; for insufficiency and deficiency the result was 70.6 %. Quartile IV of wealth (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 2.16-4.77); abdominal obesity (OR: 1.43; IC 95 %: 1.15-1.78), and the Bogotá region (OR: 3.98; 95 % CI: 2.48-6.38) showed an association with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. Conclusion: a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was identified. Therefore, comprehensive interventions involving nutritional and educational components are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Médica de Risaralda is the property of Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira 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.)

This study analyses the factors that users of consumer-to-consumer (C2C) commerce value as direct influences in the intention to use and the acceptance of a marketplace. An empirical model is formulated, which integrates three variables that evaluate trust and, in turn, other variables that influence C2C intention and purchases, taking a sample of 686 surveys gathered using the Internet in Colombia. The results show that trust is a fundamental factor in this type of electronic commerce in Colombia, given that C2C users seek intermediation pages with third-party recognition (TPR) and high web quality; similarly, key variables in the adoption of this type of commercial platform include finding low prices and social influence. The perception of trust in this type of electronic commerce is a broader concept that requires the analysis of psychosocial factors. For companies that manage marketplaces, this study allows them to focus on key actions and tools in their websites. This study allows one to get to know the users of this transactional system, specifically for the Latin American region, highlighting the variables that they most consider when engaging in direct commerce between people. The results show that C2C requires marketplaces that guarantee the necessary conditions for a purchase/sale transaction with trust and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the digital divide has a moderating effect on the technological factors that affect the adoption of electronic commerce. Design/methodology/approach: This study proposes an exploratory empirical model that integrates the basic variables of e-commerce adoption through the use of the technology adoption model, making an extension with the facilitating conditions and the digital divide as a moderating variable. A digital survey was randomly distributed in Colombia, reaching a final sample of 745 electronic buyers. Findings: The explanatory result validates that the perception of the digital divide negatively moderates the influence of the variables related to internet technology on the use of e-commerce. Originality/value: This one of the first studies that analyzes the effect of the digital divide on the adoption of e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of e-banking in Colombia, including a comprehensive analysis of consumer trust in this type of transaction and of the impact of the current government policy to promote e-commerce.Design/methodology/approach An empirical investigation based on the UTAUT2 model collected data from throughout the country to develop 600 online questionnaires.Findings The proposed model was validated in that the factors hypothesised to build trust in the use of electronic banking were shown to be significant: trust, performance expectancy and effort expectancy had a positive impact on the use of financial websites in Colombia, while government support did not have a significant impact.Research limitations/implications The study explains the antecedents to trust, as well as the government support variable, and concludes by producing a model that is highly successful in predicting financial customers’ online behaviour.Practical implications The results can help Colombia’s Government and private banks to further develop trust and other conditions necessary for e-banking.Social implications Studies on the adoption of electronic banking provide users of these services solutions for their needs. Government policies to support the development of e-banking are not viewed favourably by Colombians.Originality/value This study is one of the first to present empirical findings on the acceptance of e-banking in Latin America; it further presents a model that integrates the most important variables needed for an analysis of the acceptance of e-banking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are often used as indices predictive of central obesity. The aims of this study were: 1) to obtain smoothed centile charts and LMS tables for WC and WHtR among Colombian children and adolescents; 2) to evaluate the utility of these parameters as predictors of overweight and obesity.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted of a sample population of 7954 healthy Colombian schoolchildren [3460 boys and 4494 girls, mean age 12.8 (±2.3) years]. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), WC and WHtR were measured, and percentiles were calculated using the LMS method (Box-Cox, median and coefficient of variation). Appropriate cut-off points of WC and WHtR for overweight and obesity, according to International Obesity Task Force definitions, were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The discriminating power of WC and WHtR is expressed as area under the curve (AUC).Results: Reference values for WC and WHtR are presented. Mean WC increased and WHtR decreased with age for both genders. A moderate positive correlation was observed between WC and BMI (r = 0.756, P < 0.01) and between WHtR and BMI (r = 0.604, P < 0.01). ROC analysis revealed strong discrimination power in the identification of overweight and obesity for both measures in our sample population. Overall, WHtR was a slightly better predictor of overweight/obesity (AUC 95% CI 0.868-0.916) than WC (AUC 95% CI 0.862-0.904).Conclusion: This paper presents the first sex and age-specific WC and WHtR percentiles for Colombian children and adolescents aged 9.0-17.9 years. The LMS tables obtained, based on Colombian reference data, can be used as quantitative tools for the study of obesity and its comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Active commuting to school (ACS) can contribute to daily physical activity (PA) levels in children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristics of active commuting to and from school by bicycle and to identify the factors associated with the use of bicycles for active commuting to school based in a sample of schoolchildren in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 8,057 children and adolescents. A self-reported questionnaire was used to measure frequency and mode of commuting to school and the time it took them to get there. Weight, height, and waist circumference measurements were obtained using standardized methods, and mothers and fathers self-reported their highest level of educational attainment and household level. Multivariate analyses using unordered multinomial logistic regression models were conducted in the main analysis. Results: 21.9 % of the sample reported commuting by bicycle and 7.9 % reported commuting for more than 120 min. The multivariate logistic regression showed that boys, aged 9-12 years, and those whose parents had achieved higher levels of education (university/postgraduate) were the factors most strongly associated with a use bicycles as a means of active commuting to and from school. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that it's necessary to promote ACS from childhood and to emphasize its use during the transition to adolescence and during adolescence itself in order to increase its continued use by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with many adverse health outcomes and is highly prevalent worldwide. The present study assesses the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in a representative sample of pregnant women in Colombia.Method: We used data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative survey (ENSIN, 2010). A total of 1.781, (13-49 years old) pregnant women were enrolled. Serum Vitamin B12 a concentration was determined by chemiluminescence and sociodemographic date was assessed by computer-assisted personal interview technology. Multivariate analyses using unordered multinomial logistic regression models were conducted in the main analysis.Results: Vitamin B12 concentrations ranged from 45 to 1000 pg/mL (mean 299.2 pg/mL, 95% CI 290.6 to 303.7 pg/mL). A total of 18.6% of pregnant women had vitamin B12 concentrations below 200 pg/mL and 41.3% had concentrations between 200 and 300 pg/mL. Being of indigenous ethnicity, living in the east and living in a rural area showed the lowest mean values (273.2 pg/mL, 270.8 pg/mL and 290.1 pg/mL, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression shows that pregnant women belonging to the indigenous ethnic group OR 2.2, (95% CI 1.1 to 4.3), living in the pacific region (west) OR 4.4, (95% CI 2.8 to 6.9), or national territories (south) OR 2.3, (95% CI 1.4 to 3.7) were associated with a higher probability of serum vitamin B12 deficiency.Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in Colombian pregnant women is substantial. Factors associated with depletion among pregnant women should be considered for future interventions in countries experiencing nutritional transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To determine prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in a representative sample of children in Colombia. Materials and methods. Cross sectional secondary data analysis of the National Survey on the Nutritional Situation (ENSIN) conducted in 2010 in Colombia in 3542 children between 12 and 59 months. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by chemiluminescence and values <12 ug/L were considered as deficit ferritin. Sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical region) were collected using a structured questionnaire. All analyses were performed taking into account the complex nature of the sample. Results. It was found that the average value of ferritin was 32.1 g/L, (CI 95%: 30.7-35.6).10.6% (CI 95%: 9.3-12.0) of the children had ferritin levels less than 12.0 ug/L. The multivariate logistic regression shows that children aged 12 to 23 (OR 5.1, CI 95%: 3.3-8.0) and 24 to 35 months (OR 2.4, CI 95%: 1.5-3.7), belonging to the indigenous ethnic group (OR 1.8, CI 95%: 1.1-2.8), living in the Atlantic region (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1 -3.6), or Pacific area (OR 2.0, CI95%: 1.1-3.6) were associated with a higher probability of ferritin deficiencies. Conclusions. A significant prevalence of anemia caused by ferritin deficiency was found as well as various sociodemographic factors that contributed to the likelihood of increasing this problem. Comprehensive interventions are recommended in which nutritional and educational components are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for cell growth, protein synthesis and cell differentiation. This deficiency affects the growth, development, energy metabolism and immune response in Colombian children's. Objective: To examine factors associated with Zn deficiency in a representative sample of Colombian children. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted of data from the 2010 National Nutrition Survey of Colombia (ENSIN 2010), in 4.279 children aged between 12-59 months of age. Plasma levels of Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and associated factors (sex, age, ethnicity, SISBEN score, and geographic region) were collected by structured questionnaire. Associations were established through a multivariable regression model. Results: We found a range of Zn of 78.5 μg/dl, (95% CI 76.7 to 80.4 μg/dl). 43.3% (95% CI 42.2%-44.3%) of children had lower Zn levels to 65 μg/dl. Children belonging to an ethnic groups (indigenous) or residing in rural areas; showed Zn deficiency (56.3% and 47.8%) respectively. Regression models show that to be indigenous (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.41), and to reside in rural areas (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.67) were associated with Zn deficiency. Conclusions: The study population shows a high prevalence of Zn deficiency, so it is recommended that comprehensive interventions which are involved nutritional and educational component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is, over all newborn surgical afflictions, the most deathly, representing the main GI problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and a medical/surgical emergency in which early diagnosis and opportune treatment may diminish surgical needs and mortality. Objective: To describe the features of patients with NEC attended at a third-level hospital NICU in the city of Cali in 2006. Method and materials: We conducted a pilot descriptive retrospective study that included 32 clinical records of newborns in the NICU (named CIRENA) from the Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV) with NEC diagnosis. Finally, we made a descriptive analysis of the data by using the Epi-Info statistics program. Results: In 2006, 1555 newborns were admitted to HUV-CIRENA and 32 (2%) of them were diagnosed with NEC, a percentage that is similar to that of other countries; half of which weighed less than 1500 grams and only three pregnant women had adequate prenatal care, 17(53.1%) of these newborns were female and 15(46.9%) were male. Conclusions: Although the majority of NEC cases occurs in premature and/or very low weight children, it is outstanding the number of full-term newborns, either on gestational age and weight, that developed early NEC. There is a visible relationship among low birth weight, prematurity, and the development of NEC, especially in the higher degrees of the disease, where the tendency is the presentation of late NEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Colombia Medica is the property of Universidad del Valle 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.)

ROP is the first cause of childhood blindness in Cali, and in spite of sufficient scientific and technical information on how to evaluate these infants, there are no government programs to address this problem. Objective: To show how important it is to increase screening coverage and treatment for ROP with appropriate systems and good strategies aimed at decreasing the rates of this disease and reducing childhood blindness in Cali, Colombia. Methodology: Medical charts from the service of pediatric ophthalmology in the University of Valle were reviewed. The focus was on newborns weighing under 1500 g and / or younger than 32 weeks of gestational age, born between January 1, 2001 until December 31, 2005, and hospitalized at the CIRENA unit. The intervention program works with all staff members, medical and paramedical, teaching them awareness of the ROP problem: to personalize children, for instance, telling them by mother's first name of those that are now studying at the school for the blind. Other important messages include being alert to perform screenings and provide treatment if necessary. Results: 78 patients out of 266 (29.3%) were screened in 2001 with a rate of treatment of 18%; in 2002, 45.6% (140/307) were screened with a treatment rate of 15.7%, and in 2003 the screening rate was 89.7% (297/331) with 7.4% of treatment rate. In 2004, the screening rate was 86.51% (295/340) with 5.4% of treatment, and in 2005 the screening rate was 98.9% (364/386) and treatment 4.9%. Discussion: The rate of screened newborns shows a growth tendency, from 29.3% to 98.9%, in the last five years. Simultaneously, the rate of children requiring treatment decreased from 18% to 4.9%. This is the result of the implementation of early screening practices plus education and sensitization in the care of newborns by the paramedical staff. Conclusions: The treatment of ROP has better results with education activities and awareness promotion for all staff members who deal with newborns and medical care indicators for screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and to examine of associated factors among schoolchildren from Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: From a total of 8,136 schoolchildren and adolescents (age 9-17.9 years) taking part in the FUPRECOL Study. Sugar-sweetened beverages intake was based on intake from “regular soda”, “drink tea” and/or “concentrated juices”. Body weigth, heigth, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and percentage body fat by electrical bioimpedance analysis were measured such as adiposity markers. Associated factors (sex, age, abdominal obesity, BMI classification, mothers’ and fathers’ educational level and nutritional status by “Krece plus” questionnaire), were collected by structured questionnaire. Associations were established through a binary logistic regression. Results: Of the subjects, 58.4% were women. According to sex, boys response highest intake of “regular soda” daily/weekly frequency of the 70.9% and 21.0%, respectively, followed by “concentrated juices” (64.4% weekly vs.11.3% daily). In both gender, the prevalence of abdominal obesity was higher in schoolchildren that responded to intake “regular soda” (23.3%), “concentrated juices” (13.2%) and “drink tea” daily (9.7%). Age [OR 1.15 (95%CI 1.03 to 1.28)], mothers’ [OR 1.30 (95%CI 1.03 to 1.65)], and fathers’ [OR 1.34 (95%CI 1.01 to 1.79) low educational level and nutritional status [OR 2.60 (95%CI 2.09 to 3.25)], were associated with daily intake of “regular soda”. Conclusion: Age, parental education level and dietary patterns were associated with sugar-sweetened beverages in schoolchildren in Bogotá, Colombia. We recommended comprehensive interventions which are involved nutritional and educational component among children and adolescents from Bogotá, Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both fetal growth restriction and prematurity have been associated with cardiometabolic risk in youth and adults, however, data on their combined effects on cardiometabolic health in youth are scarce.Aims: This study aimed at assessing the effects of birth weight and gestational age combined on life-course cardiovascular risk factors and obesity among schoolchildren from Colombia.Study Design: A cross-sectional study.Subjects: Participants comprised 2510 Colombian schoolchildren (54.8% girls) aged 9-17.9years.Outcome Measures: Four groups were created according to WHO criteria: those born at term with an appropriate birth weight (≥2500g to ≤4000g) for gestational age (term AGA); those born preterm (<37 to <42 completed weeks) with an appropriate birth weight for gestational age (preterm AGA); those born at term with low birth weight for gestational age (term SGA); and those born preterm with low birth weight for gestational age (preterm SGA). Anthropometric markers (body mass, height, waist circumference, and body mass index), blood pressure, lipids profile, fasting glucose, and pubertal stage were assessed. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined by de Ferranti definition.Results: There were differences between the 4 groups for calendar age (p=0.011), body mass (p=0.001), height (p=0.001), and body mass index (p=0.027). Overall, preterm SGA group had a greater risk for having elevated fasting glucose and metabolic syndrome (total sample and in boys) compared with term AGA group (p<0.05). For other cardiovascular risk factors, no significant relationships were observed based on birth characteristics.Conclusions: School-age children and adolescents with combined fetal growth restriction and prematurity exhibited an increased prevalence of glucose risk and metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are becoming a common component in the diets among children and adolescents, and its consumption is associated with an increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to describe the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among Colombian children and adolescents and to examine whether differences by demographic and socioeconomic according to gender. Methods: we used data from the 2010 National Nutrition Survey of Colombia (ENSIN 2010) for 10 373 children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years old. SSB intake was based on intake from regular soda and/ or concentrated drinks. Demographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, urbanicity, area and geographic region) and socioeconomic level (social class) were collected by structured questionnaire. Associations were established through a multivariate logistic regression. All analyzes were calculated by complex samples. Results: nationwide, 23% of girls and 22.4% of boys drank SSB at least once a week. Differences by demographic factors were observed for SSB consumption. In girls, factors associated with a greater odds for SSB intake (≥ 1 time/week) were aged 14 to 17 years old [OR = 1.65 (95%CI = 1.32, 2.06)], living in the central region [OR = 2.42 (95%CI = 1.81, 3.25)] and urban area [OR = 1.77 (95%CI = 1.42, 2.20)]. In boys, the multivariate logistic regression shows that adolescents aged 14 to 17 years old [OR = 1.96 (95%CI = 1.58, 2.24)], living in the national territories (South) [OR = 2.42 (95%CI = 1.77, 3.32)] and urban area [OR = 1.79 (95%CI = 1.45, 2.20)] were associated with a higher probability of SSB consumption. Social class was not associated with SSB intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ferritin deficiency is associated with many adverse health outcomes and is highly prevalent worldwide. The present study assesses the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in a representative sample of pregnant women in Colombia. Methods: We used data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative survey National Nutritional Survey (ENSIN, 2010). A total of 1,386, (13-49 years old) pregnant women were enrolled. Serum ferritin a concentration was determined by chemiluminescence and sociodemographic date (age, urbanicity geographic region, ethnicity and socioeconomic level-SISBEN), was assessed by computer-assisted personal interview technology. Multivariate analyses using unordered binomial logistic regression models were conducted in the main analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of ferritin deficiency (serum <12μg/L) was 37.2% (95% Cl 35.0% to 39.2%).The multivariate logistic regression no shows associated with a probability of serum ferritin deficiencies. Conclusion: A significant prevalence of ferritin deficiency was found in our study population without an association with the studied sociodemographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori have coevolved with mankind since its origins, adapting to different human groups. In America, H. pylori has evolved into several subpopulations. We analysed the genome of 154 Colombian strains along with 1,091 strains from worldwide populations to discern the ancestry and adaption to Colombian people. Population structure and ancestry was inferred with FineStructure and ChromoPainter. Phylogenetic relationship and the relative effect of recombination were analysing the core SNPs. Also, a Fst index was calculated to identify the gene variants with the strongest fixation in the Colombian subpopulations compared to their parent population hspSWEurope . FineStructure allowed the identification of two Colombian subpopulations, the previously described hspSWEuropeColombia and a novel subpopulation named hspColombia , that included three subgroups following their geographic origin. Colombian subpopulations represent an admixture of European, African and Indigenous ancestry; although some genomes showed a high proportion of self identity, suggesting an advanced adaption to these mestizo Colombian groups. We found that recombination is more important that punctual mutations in H. pylori genome diversity, 13.9 more important in hspSWEurope , 12.5 in hspSWEColombia and 10.5 in hspColombia , reflecting the divergence of these subpopulations. Fst analysis identified 82 SNPs fixed in 26 genes of the hspColombia subpopulation that encode for outer membrane and central metabolism proteins. Strongest fixation indexes were identified in genes encoding HofC, HopE, FrpB-4 and Sialidase A. These findings demonstrate that H. pylori has evolved in Colombia to give rise to subpopulations with a self identity ancestry, reflected in allele changes on genes encoding for outer membrane proteins.

Objective: The objective of this study is twofold: i) to estimate the normative values for handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength, specific to sex and age, for Colombian children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age using quantile regression models and ii) to compare the normative values for handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength in Colombian children and adolescents with those in children and adolescents in different countries., Method: This was a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 2647 youngsters. Handgrip strength was evaluated with a TKK 5101 digital dynamometer (Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The relative handgrip strength was estimated according to weight in kilograms. The normative values were estimated to handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength through quantile regression models for the percentiles P 5, P 10, P 25, P 50, P 75 , P 90, and P 95 developed independently for each sex. All analyses were adjusted for the expansion factor., Results: The values for handgrip strength were considerably higher in males than in females in all age ranges. Additionally, as age increased for both sexes, the values for handgrip strength increased. The percentiles by sex and age for relative handgrip strength show for males a proportional increase according to age; for females, this did not occur., Conclusions: When making comparisons with international studies, variability is observed in the methodologies used to evaluate handgrip strength and estimation methods, which could influence the discrepancies between the different reports., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Background: Deliberate self-harm and the consumption of psy- choactive substances are important public health problems among adolescents., Aim: To determine the association of deliberate self-harm with the consumption of psychoactive substances, in school adolescents in Colombia., Material and Methods: A survey about deliberate self harm and psychoactive substance use during the last 12 months was answered by 80 018 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years., Results: The prevalence of deliberate self-harm in the last 12 months was 14.1%. The use of psychoactive drugs was associated with deliberate self-harm. The greatest association was observed with the use of non-prescription tranquilizers (Odds ratio 4.05 95% confidence intervals 3.42-4.81)., Conclusions: We observed an association between deliberate self-harm and the consumption of different psychoactive substances.

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infects the stomach of about half of the human population and is strongly associated with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and its premalignant precursors. The cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI) is a region of the Hp genome encoding for key molecular machinery involved in the infection process. Following a sequencing study, we selected 50 genetic polymorphisms located in seven cagPAI genes and tested their associations with the risk of advanced gastric premalignant lesions and GC in 1220 subjects from various Latin American populations showing the whole spectrum of phenotypes from gastritis to GC. We found that three polymorphisms of cagA are associated with the risk of advanced gastric premalignant lesions (incomplete intestinal metaplasia [ie, Type 2 and 3] or dysplasia), and that six polymorphisms located in cagA, cagL and cagI were associated with risk of GC. When corrected for multiple testing none of the associations were statistically significant. However, scores built by integrating the individual polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of advanced gastric premalignant lesions and GC. These results have the potential of establishing markers for risk stratification in the general population, in view of targeting Hp eradication to high-risk population groups., (© 2020 The Authors. International Journal of Cancer published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of UICC.)

Women of Latin American origin in the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and have a higher risk of mortality than non-Hispanic White women. Studies in U.S. Latinas and Latin American women have reported a high incidence of HER2 positive (+) tumors; however, the factors contributing to this observation are unknown. Genome-wide genotype data for 1,312 patients from the Peruvian Genetics and Genomics of Breast Cancer Study (PEGEN-BC) were used to estimate genetic ancestry. We tested the association between HER2 status and genetic ancestry using logistic and multinomial logistic regression models. Findings were replicated in 616 samples from Mexico and Colombia. Average Indigenous American (IA) ancestry differed by subtype. In multivariate models, the odds of having an HER2 + tumor increased by a factor of 1.20 with every 10% increase in IA ancestry proportion (95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P = 0.001). The association between HER2 status and IA ancestry was independently replicated in samples from Mexico and Colombia. Results suggest that the high prevalence of HER2 + tumors in Latinas could be due in part to the presence of population-specific genetic variant(s) affecting HER2 expression in breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: The positive association between Indigenous American genetic ancestry and HER2 + breast cancer suggests that the high incidence of HER2 + subtypes in Latinas might be due to population and subtype-specific genetic risk variants., (©2020 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Background: Marijuana consumption is a public health problem., Aim: To determine the life time prevalence of marijuana use among Colombian adolescents and the factors associated with its consumption., Material and Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking. A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was answered by 814 adolescents aged 14 ± 2 years (439 women)., Results: Ten percent of respondents consumed marijuana at least once in their life. A logistic regression analysis showed that professing a non-christian religion, being smoker and having an age over 12 years, was associated with marijuana consumption., Conclusions: There is a high frequency of marijuana use among these adolescents.

This study aimed to determine thresholds for percentage of body fat (BF%) corresponding to the cut-off values for overweight/obesity as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), using two bioelectrical impedance analyzers (BIA), and described the likelihood of increased cardiometabolic risk in our cohort defined by the IOTF and BF% status. Participants included 1165 children and adolescents (54.9% girls) from Bogotá (Colombia). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight. BF% of each youth was assessed first using the Tanita BC-418® followed by a Tanita BF-689®. The sensitivity and specificity of both devices and their ability to correctly classify children as overweight/obesity (≥2 standard deviation), as defined by IOTF, was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) by sex and age groups (9-11, 12-14, and 13-17 years old); Area under curve (AUC) values were also reported. For girls, the optimal BF% threshold for classifying into overweight/obesity was found to be between 25.2 and 28.5 (AUC = 0.91-0.97) and 23.9 to 26.6 (AUC = 0.90-0.99) for Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. For boys, the optimal threshold was between 16.5 and 21.1 (AUC = 0.93-0.96) and 15.8 to 20.6 (AUC = 0.92-0.94) by Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. All AUC values for ROC curves were statistically significant and there were no differences between AUC values measured by both BIA devices. The BF% values associated with the IOTF-recommended BMI cut-off for overweight/obesity may require age- and sex-specific threshold values in Colombian children and adolescents aged 9-17 years and could be used as a surrogate method to identify individuals at risk of excess adiposity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Low ferritin is associated with many adverse health outcomes and is highly prevalent worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the key findings related to plasma ferritin levels to identify the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors in a representative sample of children in Colombia, based on the 2010 National Nutrition Survey. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6650 Colombian children between the ages of 5 and 12. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by chemiluminescence. Sociodemographic data was assessed by computer-assisted personal interview technology. All analyses were conducted considering the complex nature of the sample. Of the children assessed, 3.5% had low ferritin, defined as levels <12 µg/L. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increased risks for low ferritin levels among black or Afro-Colombian ethnic group and for those living in the northern, western and southern regions of the country. In conclusion, a significant prevalence of anemia caused by low ferritin levels was found and various sociodemographic factors were associated with this finding in Colombia. Continued surveillance and implementation of interventions to improve dietary patterns among the identified high-risk groups should be considered. Implementing these recommendations can help reduce manifestations of iron deficiency (e.g., delays in infant and child development) and thus improve public health.

Objective: Rapid changes in dietary patterns, economic development, and urbanization in low- to middle-income countries are fueling complex malnutrition states that need better characterization using population-level data. The aim of this study was to describe the key findings related to vitamin B12 status to identify the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors in a representative sample of children in Colombia, based on the 2010 National Nutrition Survey., Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6910 Colombian children between the ages of 5 and 12. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence. Sociodemographic data was assessed by computer-assisted personal interview technology., Results: Of the children assessed, 2.8% had vitamin B12 deficiency, defined as levels <200 pg/mL, and 18.1% had marginal vitamin B12 deficiency, defined as levels between 200 and 300 pg/mL. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increased risks for vitamin B12 deficiency among children ages ≥9 y and for those living in the eastern, western, and southern regions of the country. No significant associations were found for ethnic groups, socioeconomic status, or urbanity levels. Being 11 y of age (odds ratio [OR], 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-3.00; P = 0.0001), living in the west (Pacific) region of the country (OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 3.14-4.90; P = 0.0001), and being male (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.20-1.65; P = 0.0001) were the factors most strongly associated with an increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency., Conclusions: Compared with data from other Latin American countries, Colombian children have a lower prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency; however the prevalence of marginal deficiency is substantial. Continued surveillance and implementation of interventions to improve dietary patterns among the high-risk groups identified should be considered., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To examine the sociodemographic factors associated with subclinical vitamin A deficiency in a representative sample of Colombian children. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted of data from the 2010 National Nutrition Survey of Colombia (ENSIN 2010) on 4,279 children aged 12 to 59 months. Plasma vitamin A levels were measured using high resolution liquid chromatography (HRLC), and sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, SISBEN score, and geographic region) were collected using a structured survey. Prevalence rates and associations were established using a multivariate regression model., Results: Vitamin A levels ranged from 7.5-93.7 μg/dL (mean=26.2; 95% CI, 25.9 to 26.5μg/dL). Vitamin A levels less than 20 μg/dL (subclinical deficiency) were found in 24.3% of children. Children belonging to ethnic groups of African ascent, those living in the Orinoquia and Amazonia regions, and those aged 12-23 months had the greatest subclinical vitamin A deficiencies (29.5%, 31.1%, and 27.6% respectively. Regression models showed that age ranging from 12 and 23 months (OR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.73), a SISBEN score 1 (OR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.34), an African ascent (OR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.74), and living in the Orinoquia and Amazonia regions (OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.62 to 3.51) were factors associated to subclinical vitamin A deficiency., Conclusions: The study population shows a high prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency, and comprehensive interventions involving nutritional and educational components are therefore recommended., (Copyright © 2014 SEEN. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To determine prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in a representative sample of children in Colombia., Materials and Methods: Cross sectional secondary data analysis of the National Survey on the Nutritional Situation (ENSIN) conducted in 2010 in Colombia in 3542 children between 12 and 59 months. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by chemiluminescence and values <12 ug/L were considered as deficit ferritin. Sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical region) were collected using a structured questionnaire. All analyses were performed taking into account the complex nature of the sample., Results: It was found that the average value of ferritin was 32.1 g/L, (CI 95%: 30.7-35.6).10.6% (CI 95%: 9.3-12.0) of the children had ferritin levels less than 12.0 ug/L. The multivariate logistic regression shows that children aged 12 to 23 (OR 5.1, CI 95%: 3.3-8.0) and 24 to 35 months (OR 2.4, CI 95%: 1.5-3.7), belonging to the indigenous ethnic group (OR 1.8, CI 95%: 1.1-2.8), living in the Atlantic region (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1 -3.6), or Pacific area (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1-3.6) were associated with a higher probability of ferritin deficiencies., Conclusions: A significant prevalence of anemia caused by ferritin deficiency was found as well as various sociodemographic factors that contributed to the likelihood of increasing this problem. Comprehensive interventions are recommended in which nutritional and educational components are involved.