Self-reported body silhouettes: a diagnostic instrument for anthropometric parameters

OBJECTIVE

Routine body size measurement of anthropometric values requires professionals, standardized techniques, and calibrated tools. Therefore, there is a need for easier screening tools such as the self-reported body silhouette (Self-bosi). The aim of this study was to analyze the performance of Self-bosi as a proxy of anthropometric values.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective analytic study of the Health Workers Cohort Study.

METHODS

Adult participants of the Health Workers Cohort Study were included. Then, through the calculation sensitivity and specificity of Self-bosi to detect abnormal waist circumference (WC) (≥90 cm for male and ≥80 cm for female participants), elevated body fat percentage (BF%) (≥25% for male and ≥35% for female participants), as well as overweight and obesity (≥25 kg/m²) and obesity (≥30 kg/m²).

RESULTS

A total of 2471 male and 5940 female participants were analyzed. Overall, Self-bosi discriminate high WC values (area under the curve [AUC]; male participants: 0.80, female participants: 0.82); increased BF% (AUC: male participants: 0.78, female participants: 0.83); overweight and obesity (AUC: male participants: 0.81, female participants: 0.86); and obesity (AUC: male participants: 0.83, female participants: 0.89).

CONCLUSION

Self-bosi is an accurate method to assess increased WC, BF%, obesity, and overweight-obesity in Mexican adults. Given its simplicity and low-cost of the self-reported body silhouette, it might be considered a useful anthropometric screening instrument in large scale epidemiological research.

Comparison of International Reference Values for Bone Speed of Sound in Pediatric Populations: Meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to compare international reference values (RV) for tibial and radial speed of sound (SoS) assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in pediatric populations. These values were compared by age and country of origin in a systematic review with meta-analysis from studies published on QUS (Sunlight Omnisense). A search was carried out in electronic databases. Nine studies with 6963 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For the newborn populations, 3 studies (from Italy, Portugal, and Israel) were used. These studies included subjects with 27-42 wk gestational age. The mean difference (Portugal-Israel) was found to be 23.62 m/s [95% confidence interval [CI] 6.29, 40.95]. Additionally, no difference was found between Italy-Portugal (p = 0.69), or Italy-Israel (p = 0.28). In pediatric populations, we compared 8 studies from Canada, Mexico, Israel, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey. No significant differences found for SoS RV between Israel-Turkey, Israel-Greece, or Israel-Canada (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in Mexico-Israel -105.29 m/s (95% CI -140.05, -70.54) (p < 0.001); Mexico-Portugal -115.14 m/s (95% CI -164.86, -65.42) (p < 0.001); Mexico-Greece: -239.14 m/s (95% CI -267.67, -210.62) (p < 0.001); Mexico-Turkey: -115.14 m/s (95% CI -164.86, -65.42) (p < 0.001); Mexico-Canada: -113.51 m/s (95% CI -140.25, -86.77) (p < 0.001).This study demonstrates that there are differences in SoS-RV obtained by tibial and radial QUS in pediatric populations between Mexico and other countries (Israel, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and Canada).

The prevalence and treatment of hypertension in the elderly population of the Mexican Institute of Social Security

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and treatment of high blood pressure among elderly people in Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 1998 among the elderly people covered by the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) healthcare services in Mexico City. The study population consisted of 4,777 subjects aged 60 years and over, selected from a cohort of 5,433 people, representative of the population of Mexico City. Trained nurses carried out three blood pressure measurements at home. Diagnosis of high blood pressure was established if systolic pressure was equal to or higher than 160 mmHg, and/or diastolic pressure was equal or higher than 90 mmHg, or by self-report of a medical diagnosis of hypertension. Demographic and risk factor information was also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 4,777 subjects were screened; 2,036 (43%) of them reported that they had been previously diagnosed as hypertensive. Of these, 1,954 (96%) were already on pharmacological treatment. A further 273 (5.7%) subjects were found to be hypertensive at screening. Among those receiving treatment, 1,399 (68.5%) had a blood pressure reading of less than 160/90 mmHg, and this was also the case for 59 (72%) of the known hypertensives not on treatment. A single drug was used by 1,556 (79.6%) of those on treatment. Risk factors for hypertension were more frequent in the hypertensive group (p 0.05 Pound).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the elderly population is hypertensive, most of them are already on treatment, but about one third of those on treatment do not have an adequate control of high blood pressure.

Weight, physical activity, and smoking as determinants of insulinemia in adolescents

BACKGROUND

It is known that insulinemia is the result of the interaction among several factors, such as weight, body fat pattern distribution, and physical activity as well as ethnicity. There is little information regarding this question among Mexican adolescents. The association among fasting insulin levels, weight, fat distribution, physical activity, and cigarette smoking was studied in Mexican adolescents.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected from 352 Mexican adolescents aged 14-19 years (response rate 41.5%). Fasting insulin levels were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay; body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (WC) were determined using standardized techniques, while physical activity was determined by 7-day Stanford physical activity inventory. Cigarette smoking was defined as number of cigarettes/year.

RESULTS

Increased BMI and waist circumference, low physical activity, younger age, and non-smoking were associated with high insulin levels. Non-smokers had higher fasting insulin levels compared to smokers (57.8 pmol +/- 1.84 vs. 49.7 pmol/L +/- 2.8; p = 0.034). However, adjusted odds ratio (OR) between insulin and smoking status was not significant. Multivariate analysis showed the following: insulin increased 1.06 pmol/L for each unit of change in BMI; increased 1.02 pmol/L for each unit of change in waist circumference; increased 1.16 pmol/L for non-smoking, and decreased 1.07 pmol/L for each 250 kcal/day of energy expenditure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the concept that Mexican adolescents who are overweight have abdominal fat distribution and physical inactivity, and significant hyperinsulinemia. The relationship between smoking and lower insulinemia found in this research warrants further study.

Call and recall for cervical cancer screening in a developing country: a randomised field trial

A randomised field trial was used to assess Mexican women's response to a mailed invitation for a Papanicolaou test. A sample of 4,802 women, 20 to 64 years old, chosen at random from the Mexican Social Security Institute Register were randomly assigned to an intervention and to a control group. A letter of invitation and a reminder were sent to the intervention group. A letter was also sent to the control group at the end of the follow-up period (8.5 weeks) in order to compare the response among women who received a letter in both groups. Cumulative incidence and incidence rates were used to determine the response and the speed of response, respectively. The response among women who had received the letter was 33.5% (efficacy) in the intervention group, while 5.9% (p<0.001) in the control group attended a Papanicolaou test. For the total of women invited, the response was 20.1% (effectiveness) and 3.3% (p<0.001), respectively. The response was greater in rural areas (rural vs. urban/suburban; p = 0.002) and eldest women (50-64 vs. 20-49; p = 0. 02). The response rate was 7 times grater in the intervention than in the control group (RR = 7.1; 95% CI 5.4-9.4; p < 0.001). A mailed invitation to have a Papanicolaou test substantially increases attendance by women who receive it. A mailed reminder improves results. This strategy could be implemented in addition to the ones already in use, mainly among rural and elderly women.

Case-control study of diabetes, obesity, physical activity and risk of endometrial cancer among Mexican women

OBJECTIVES

Obesity, hypertension and diabetes are closely associated with endometrial cancer (EC). This study evaluates the relationship between diabetes and risk of EC on the basis of obesity.

METHODS

A case control study was carried out in Mexico City from 1995 to 1997. Eighty-five histologically confirmed cases were compared with 668 population-based controls obtained through frequency matching. Diabetes status, weight, height and other factors were determined through personal interviews among both cases and controls.

RESULTS

Compared to women without diabetes, those with diabetes had an adjusted odds ratio of 3.6 (95% CI = 1.7, 7.4) for EC. This association was modified by body mass index (p interaction < 0.001). Compared to non-overweight and non-diabetic women, non-overweight (OR = 3.9. 95% CI = 0.88, 18.0) and overweight (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 1.6, 21.1) diabetic women had a non-significant elevated risk of EC. However, elevated risk estimates were observed for obese diabetic women (OR = 8.0, 95% CI = 2.8, 22.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results strongly suggest an interaction effect between obesity and diabetes that significantly increases the risk of EC. This, in turn, may explain the growing number of new EC cases recently observed in developing countries with reduced birth rates and an increased incidence of both obesity and diabetes mellitus.

[Knowledge of health professionals about the prevention of cancer the cervix. Alternatives to medical education]

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have shown the importance of health care professionals as predictors of the use of cervical cancer screening (CCS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 520 health care professionals in the State of Morelos during 1998, in order to evaluate and quantify their level of knowledge on the impact, etiology, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. A 1 to 10 scale questionnaire was given, and the sample included family medicine specialists, general practitioners, specialist and general nurses, and social workers. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A knowledge mean of 4.74 (95% CI 4.57-4.88) was observed for a scale of 10; specialist physicians scored higher (mean 5.21, 95% CI 4.81-5.60) than social workers (mean 3.07, 95% CI 2.31-3.82). Periodicity of the Pap test in most cases was less than 1 year and there was poor consensus about the age period during which the Pap test should be obtained. The knowledge level was lower when trying to identify etiologic aspects and treatment perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that, besides the improvement of undergraduate academic programs, it is necessary to improve educational interventions for health care professionals through the updating, recycling, training, health education, and continuing medical education, among others, to promote professional competence and thus improve the quality of medical care.

Inverse association between plasma cholesterol and gallstone disease

BACKGROUND

The association between gallstone disease (gallstones or cholecystectomy) and plasma lipids was evaluated in 2,089 subjects who attended a private health care facility in Mexico City from August 1991 to August 1992.

METHODS

All participants provided data on their sociodemographic status, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus diagnoses, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits; women also gave data regarding their obstetric-gynecologic histories. Ultrasounds of the liver and biliary tract were performed. Cholesterol levels, high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, and triglyceride plasma concentration were determined.

RESULTS

This study shows a strong inverse association between gallstone disease and plasma cholesterol concentration, with OR = 0.61 (95% CI = 0.42-0.89) in the category of 181-239 mg/dL, and OR = 0.49 (95% CI = 0.32-0.77) in the group of 240 mg/dL or more, when compared to 180 mg/dL or less, after adjusting for the following risk factors: gender, age, and body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest an increment in the catabolic pool of cholesterol, reflected in lower levels of plasma cholesterol in subjects with gallstone disease.

Proposal to institutionalize criteria and quality standards for cervical cancer screening within a health care system

The uterine cervix is the most common cancer site for females. Approximately 52,000 new cases occur annually in Latin America, thus the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness of Cervical Cancer Screening Programs (CCSP) is mandatory to decrease the unnecessary suffering women must bear. This paper is addressing essential issues to revamp the CCSP as proposed by the Mexican official norm. A general framework for institutionalizing CCSP is outlined. Furthermore, strategies to strengthen CCSP performance through managerial strategies and quality assurance activities are described. The focus is on the following activities: 1) improving coverage; 2) implementing smear-taking quality control; 3) improving quality in interpretation of Pap test; 4) guaranteeing treatment for women for whom abnormalities are detected; 5) improving follow-up; 6) development of quality control measures and 7) development of monitoring and epidemiological surveillance information systems. Changes within the screening on cervical cancer may be advocated as new technologies present themselves and shortcomings in the existing program appear. It is crucial that these changes should be measured through careful evaluation in order to tally up potential benefits.

Epidemiologic panorama of colorectal cancer in Mexico, 1980-1993

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer is the third cause of cancer-related death in the world, with 468,000 estimated deaths in 1993. In some countries mortality rates have started to decline, and survival rates have increased. In this study performed in Mexico, information is presented on the increase in mortality from this form of cancer, especially in more economically developed areas.

METHODS

The mortality trend for colorectal cancer was evaluated and standardized by five-year age groups in the period 1980 to 1993. Also, the standardized mortality ratio was calculated for Mexico's 32 states, as was the possible association between mortality and indicators of rurality level and fertility rates in the different regions of Mexico.

RESULTS

In the period studied, 18,962 deaths were officially reported. The average age of death was 66 years. The mortality rate among women (1.8) was significantly higher than among men (1.55 per 100,000 inhabitants). Mortality from colorectal cancer grew by 100 percent in both genders (beta = 0.089; P < 0.001), especially in the age group 34 and younger, in the 45 to 49 age group, and in the older than 75 age group (P < 0.05). The standardized mortality ratio was greater in the states in the north of Mexico. Finally, an inverse correlation was observed throughout Mexico between the rurality index (r = -0.60; P < 0.001) and the fertility rates (r = -0.43; P < 0.05) and mortality from colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, there is evidence that mortality from this cancer is higher in geographic areas with greater socioeconomic development, similar to regional patterns observed in other countries. In Mexico, the coming years will see a serious epidemic in mortality from this disease; therefore, immediate attention must be given to identifying the profile of high-risk subjects and implementing early cancer detection measures.

[Epidemiologic panorama of cancer mortality in the Mexican Institute of Social Security: 1991-1995]

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the global cancer mortality and the specific mortality patterns for the main neoplasms among adult members of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using official death certificates and information about the population of the IMSS members during 1991-1995, national and regional annual global cancer mortality as well as specific mortality rates for the 10 most important malignant neoplasms by sex were estimated among people older than 20 years of age. The trends for these neoplasms during the study period were estimated by means of Poisson regression. The rate differences in specific cancer mortality by region and sex, for the two major neoplasms, were calculated subtracting specific regional rates from the respective national rate in 1995.

RESULTS

The global mortality rate for cancer among men increased from 76.2 in 1991 to 94.8 x 100000 IMSS' members in 1995; and among women from 85.6 to 105.8 x 100000 IMSS' members, representing an increment of 24.4 and 24% men and women, respectively, during the study period. Among men, neoplasm of kidney, leukemia, pancreas, prostate and lung showed the major increment; among women, neoplasm of colon, breast, pancreas, leukemia and liver showed the most significant increment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the IMSS it is necessary the integration of a population based cancer registry. The registry will play a main role in disease surveillance and control; will give basic information over incidence and temporal variation, and could be the main source of information for epidemiologic research, as well as planning and evaluation of the quality of medical attention services such as prevention and early diagnosis and treatment.