Cardiovascular risk factors and food consumption of cadets from the Brazilian Air Force Academy

Association between preventable risk factors and metabolic syndrome

The risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome (Met-S) including hypertension, hyperglycemia, central obesity, and dyslipidemia are preventable, particularly at their early stage. There are limited data available on the association between Met-S and preventable risk factors in young adults. We randomly selected 2,010 Saudis aged 18-30 years, who applied to be recruited in military colleges. All the procedures followed the guidelines of International Diabetes Federation. The results showed that out of 2,010 subjects, 4088 were affected with Met-S. The commonest risk factors were high blood sugar (63.6%), high systolic and diastolic blood pressures (63.3 and 37.3%), and high body mass index (57.5%). The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes were 55.2 and 8.4%, respectively. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly associated with Met-S. The frequency of smoking was significantly linked with the development of Met-S. The prevalence of Met-S was found to be significantly higher in individuals with sedentary lifestyle. In conclusion, the results of this study clearly indicate that military recruits, who represent healthy young adults, are also prone to Met-S. The findings of this study will help in designing preventive measures as well as public awareness programs for controlling the high prevalence of Met-S in young adults.

Recent Trends of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Military Recruits from Saudi Arabia

Metabolic syndrome (Met-S) constitutes the risk factors and abnormalities that markedly increase the probability of developing diabetes and coronary heart disease. An early detection of Met-S, its components and risk factors can be of great help in preventing or controlling its adverse consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors in young army recruits from Saudi Arabia. A total of 2010 Saudis aged 18-30 years were randomly selected from groups who had applied to military colleges. In addition to designed questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected to measure Met-S components according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Met-S prevalence was 24.3% and it was higher in older subjects than the younger ones. There were significant associations between Met-S and age, education level and marital status. The most common Met-S components were high fasting blood sugar (63.6%) followed by high blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, 63.3% and 37.3% respectively) and high body mass index (57.5%). The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes were found to be 55.2% and 8.4%, respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia was found in 19.3% and low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in 11.7% of subjects. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of Met-S in young adults of Saudi Arabia. There is a need for regular monitoring of Met-S in young populations to keep them healthy and fit for nation building. It is also important to design and launch community-based programs for educating people about the importance of physical activity, cessation of smoking and eating healthy diet in prevention of chronic diseases.

Dietary Assessment Methods in Military and Veteran Populations: A Scoping Review

Optimal dietary intake is important for the health and physical performance of military personnel. For military veterans, the complex nature of transition into civilian life and sub-optimal dietary intake is a leading contributor to the increased burden of disease. A scoping review was undertaken to determine what is known about the assessment and reporting of dietary intakes within both military and veteran populations. In addition, this review determines if studies reporting on the dietary intake of military personnel or veterans include comparisons with dietary guidelines. Six databases were searched to identify papers published from the database inception to April 2019. Observational and intervention studies were searched to identify if they assessed and reported whole dietary intake data, reported data exclusively for a military or veteran population, and included only healthy populations. A total of 89 studies were included. The majority of studies used one dietary assessment method (n = 76, 85%) with fewer using multiple methods (n = 13, 15%). The most frequent methodology used was food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) (n = 40, 45%) followed by 24-hour recalls (n = 8, 9%) and food records (n = 8, 9%). The main dietary outcomes reported were macronutrients: carbohydrate, protein, fat, and alcohol (n = 66, 74%) with total energy intake reported in n = 59 (66%). Fifty four (61%) studies reported a comparison with country-specific dietary guidelines and 14 (16%) reported a comparison with the country-specific military guidelines. In conclusion, dietary intake in military settings is most commonly assessed via FFQs and 24-hour recalls. Dietary intake reporting is mainly focused around intakes of energy and macronutrients. Most studies compare against dietary guidelines, however, comparison to specific military dietary guidelines is minimal.

Fatores associados à prática de atividade física entre trabalhadores brasileiros

RESUMO Avaliaram-se os fatores associados à prática de atividade física de trabalhadores brasileiros. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, analítico, transversal, quantitativo, realizado com 82.019.207 trabalhadores por meio da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2015. Para verificar a associação da prática de atividade física dos trabalhadores, estimou-se a Odds Ratio (OR) com p<0,05 por meio de modelo de regressão logística com Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95%. Verificou-se que somente 31,7% dos trabalhadores praticavam atividade física. A possibilidade de praticar diminuiu com o aumento da idade, principalmente para aqueles do sexo masculino entre 46 e 55 anos (OR 0,626, IC 0,565-0,693), bem como para as trabalhadoras que possuíam filhos menores de 14 anos (OR 0,569, IC 0,474-0,682) e com elevada carga horária laboral. Do trabalho informal para o formal, ocorreu aumento da prática em 17,9%. Tanto a elevação da escolaridade como a salarial aumentaram essa chance em, respectivamente, 5,719 para aqueles com quinze anos ou mais de estudo e em 2,365 para aqueles que auferem renda entre doze e quinze salários mínimos. Por fim, os militares possuíam maior chance de praticar atividade física (OR 5,586, IC 3,572-8,736).