Browsing by Author "Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria"

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Análisis de alimentos procesados etiquetados con contenido de sal y grasa que se expenden en supermercados de Cuenca. Octubre 2019 – marzo de 2020
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2020-08-18) Heredia González, Melanie Vanessa; Ochoa Díaz, María Emilia; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Background: At least 2.8 million people die each year from diseases related to overweight and obesity. The Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, encourages private companies to adopt responsible practices, particularly with the promotion and commercialization of foods high in saturated fat, trans fatty acids, sugars and salt. In Ecuador since 2013, the ‘Sanitary Regulation of Labeling of processed foods for human consumption’ is in force. Objective: To determine and analyze the components of the nutritional labeling of packaged and processed foods that contain salt and / or fat that are sold in supermarkets in the city of Cuenca in the period October 2019-March 2020. Methodology: It is a descriptive, cross sectional study. The largest and most frequent assistance supermarket chains in the city of Cuenca, Azuay were selected. Photographs of the products containing salt and / or fat were made using a standardized methodology according to the protocol of the International Network for research, monitoring and support for the action of food, obesity and chronic, non- communicable diseases. Results: With a total of 578 products analyzed, the category with the highest percentage was salty snacks with 27.3%. In the sodium content, the indicator with the highest percentage was ̈ Medium ̈ with 50.3%. In fat content, the indicator "Medium" predominated with 49.5%. The 100% of the products contain the nutritional table, 99.3% has a list of ingredients, 0.7% does not and 100% has the nutritional traffic light. Conclusions: On average, the highest percentage of all products was the "Medium" indicator. It is recommended to continue with studies related to the nutritional label; due to there are not enough in Ecuador. Key words: Processed foods. Nutrition Labeling. Salt. Fat. Supermarkets. Cuenca.
Análisis descriptivo del contenido de micronutrientes y percepción de la importancia de las declaraciones nutricionales de los productos procesados y ultraprocesados en la ciudad de Cuenca, julio - diciembre 2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-01-24) Altamirano Mendieta, Johanna Estefanía; Alvarado Alvarado, Flor María; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Background: The packaging of Processed Foods and Ultraprocessed Products (PFUP), inform about the content of critical nutrients for health, also show claims related to health and nutrition that require analysis. Objective: To identify the nutritional claims of PFUPs and their importance in the purchase and consumption decision of adults in Cuenca. Methodology: A mixed study (qualitative-quantitative) in which 2054 PFUP sold in Cuenca were analyzed. The frequency of nutrition claims in 10 categories of PFUP was identified. The type of legend was determined and the correspondence between these and what was declared in the nutritional table (NT) according to the INFORMAS taxonomy was compared. Twelve adults were interviewed on the perceived importance of the legends for the purchase of PFUP. Results: The PFUP with the highest proportion of statements are beverages, breakfast cereals, bakery and pastry products. The correlation between what is stated and what is reported in the NT is low. People express that the claims can generate misinterpretations and influence on the purchase decision compared to products that do not contain them. Conclusions: Most of the PFUP present nutritional declarations that do not have a good correlation with the real content of the product, which could suggest the analysis of the public policy applied in Ecuador with the objective of including more specific and detailed information on declarations, since this information leads to bad purchasing decisions by consumers.
Anexploratory investigation of the perspectives of educated parents on the gender roles and stereotypes in child and adolescent sexuality
(2022) Huiracocha Tutivén, María de Lourdes; Orellana Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Huiracocha Tutivén, Mirian Sofía; Clavijo, María Isabel
The exploratory research presented in this article investigated the perspectives on the gender roles and stereotypes in the care of children and their sexual education of a small group of educated parents, using a patriarchal model. The sample consisted of 30 parents of which 20 participated in in-depth interviews, and 10 in two focus groups, 5 in each group. All 23 women and 7 men possessed a third-level degree, and some held apostgraduate diploma. It was found that even educated parents reproduce patterns they learned within the traditional family. A man decides and enjoys free and dominant sexuality, while a woman is required to have a beautiful body and be a wife who submits sexually to her husband. The study concludes that the caringrole of women, the subalternity and maternalism-marianism of female identity, and the care of the body and the norms of beauty are the female characteristics that still dominate social thinking. However, due to the increasing participation of women in thelabor market, women are becoming gradually more autonomous
Autopercepción y constructo de la imagen corporal y su relación con la actividad física en adultos con sobrepeso y obesidad Ricaurte 2015
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2017-11-11) De La Cruz Yamunaqué, Elizabeth Lilian; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Background: Obesity is an epidemic, related to intrapersonal factors (perception of the image and body dissatisfaction), family (family functionality) and sociocultural (influence of advertising, and social environment). Objectives: To determine self-perception of body image and its relation to physical activity in overweight and obese adults, Ricaurte 2015. Materials and Methods: Quantitative-qualitative study. Quantitative: observational, analytical-transverse, sample of 364 adults, 18 and 64 years, overweight and obesity of Ricaurte, Azuay. The family APGAR, CIMEC, and IPAQ were applied. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS v15 program. Qualitative: three focus groups. Results: wrong perception of the image of 63.2%. Body dissatisfaction of 78%. Significantly statistically significant dissatisfaction with the perception of the image (p = 0.00). The women showed a high influence of the aesthetic models marked by the advertising 10,8 ± 7,7. 39.3% performed low activity, no relation was found between the perception of the image and the performance of physical activity (p = 0.652). People with body dissatisfaction are 5.7 times higher risk for inadequate perception (OR: 5.70, 95% CI: 3,329 - 9,790, p = 0,000). There are ambivalences in the feelings around the body, these range from indifference to sadness and rejection. Conclusions: high inadequate perception and body dissatisfaction in overweight or obese individuals. The perception of the image is not related to family functionality or physical activity. The feelings around the body are diverse
Call for emergency action to restore dietary diversity and protect global food systems in times of COVID-19 and beyond: Results from a cross-sectional study in 38 countries
(2023) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of the global food system, sending shockwaves across countries' societies and economy. This has presented formidable challenges to sustaining a healthy and resilient lifestyle. The objective of this study is to examine the food consumption patterns and assess diet diversity indicators, primarily focusing on the food consumption score (FCS), among households in 38 countries both before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 37 207 participants (mean age: 36.70 ± 14.79, with 77 % women) was conducted in 38 countries through an online survey administered between April and June 2020. The study utilized a pre-tested food frequency questionnaire to explore food consumption patterns both before and during the COVID-19 periods. Additionally, the study computed Food Consumption Score (FCS) as a proxy indicator for assessing the dietary diversity of households. Findings: This quantification of global, regional and national dietary diversity across 38 countries showed an increment in the consumption of all food groups but a drop in the intake of vegetables and in the dietary diversity. The household's food consumption scores indicating dietary diversity varied across regions. It decreased in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, including Lebanon (p < 0.001) and increased in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries including Bahrain (p = 0.003), Egypt (p < 0.001) and United Arab Emirates (p = 0.013). A decline in the household's dietary diversity was observed in Australia (p < 0.001), in South Africa including Uganda (p < 0.001), in Europe including Belgium (p < 0.001), Denmark (p = 0.002), Finland (p < 0.001) and Netherland (p = 0.027) and in South America including Ecuador (p < 0.001), Brazil (p < 0.001), Mexico (p < 0.0001) and Peru (p < 0.001). Middle and older ages [OR = 1.2; 95 % CI = [1.125–1.426] [OR = 2.5; 95 % CI = [1.951–3.064], being a woman [OR = 1.2; 95 % CI = [1.117–1.367], having a high education (p < 0.001), and showing amelioration in food-related behaviors [OR = 1.4; 95 % CI = [1.292–1.709] were all linked to having a higher dietary diversity. Conclusion: The minor to moderate changes in food consumption patterns observed across the 38 countries within relatively short time frames could become lasting, leading to a significant and prolonged reduction in dietary diversity, as demonstrated by our findings
Cambio en los hábitos alimentarios y en los estilos de vida en adultos jóvenes debido al Covid-19 en la ciudad de Cuenca, 2021
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-05-12) Saquicela Ulloa, Steven Mateo; Uyaguari Paucar, Nelson Ismael; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Following the outbreak of COVID 19 disease in Wuhan - China in 2019, a worldwide health emergency was declared, recommending isolation and social distancing. Several studies report that eating habits, lifestyles and sleep quality of adults have undergone changes as a result of proposals to contain the spread of the disease. These changes may affect the nutritional status of the population in relation to the presence of overweight or obesity, as well as malnutrition, anemia, etc. In several studies conducted in various countries and even in Ecuador, these changes are mentioned as a result of the pandemic. In view of this problem, the objective of this study was to determine the change in eating habits and lifestyle (physical activity, quality of sleep) due to the COVID-19 pandemic in young adults in the city of Cuenca, 2021. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out using the "snowball" technique for the selection of the sample, in addition, a survey was applied through the Google Forms platform related to eating habits and lifestyles before and during the pandemic. Based on the procedures carried out, it was possible to obtain as results that young adult in the city of Cuenca modified their eating habits and lifestyle due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Child development and nutritional status in Ecuador
(2019) Huiracocha Tutivén, María de Lourdes; Orellana Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Huiracocha Tutivén, Mirian Sofía; Palacios Santana, Gicela; Blume, Stuart
We assessed the development, nutritional status, and complementary feeding of 12- to 23-month-old children from Cuenca, Ecuador in 2013. Ecuador, an upper-middle-income country, developed a child policy in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We collected cross-sectional survey data. Child development was assessed using the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Guide–2011. The nutritional status was defined with WHO Child Growth Standards−2006. We investigated nutrient density, WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding Indicators, and nutrient supplementation intake of the complementary feeding. In all, 11.7% of children had “possible developmental delay,” stunting was identified in 29.4% of the children, and 25.3% faced overnutrition (overweight risk/overweight/obesity). The complementary feeding composition can be summarized as having adequate fat, high energy (MJ/day) and protein, and low iron and zinc. Children with “possible developmental delay” received less iron (P <.05) than children with normal development. Overall, 30.4% of children had minimum dietary diversity. A total of 47.7% of children received nutrient supplementation. This epidemiological profile of infants remains a challenge for Ecuador’s health programs.
Comportamiento alimentario y actividad física en niños de 3-4 años del municipio.
(2018) Espinoza Coello, Pamela Monserrath; Velásquez Ortíz, María del Carmen; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Orellana Paucar, Adriana Monserrath
Background: The preschool stage is the starting point in the creation of habits that will be present in the future, so we must observe the places where the behavior of children develops. General Aim: Observe the eating behavior and physical activity in 3-4 year old children of the Municipal Child Development Centers of the city of Cuenca (CDIs). Methodology: A mixed study was carried out, the qualitative inductive part was developed through non-participatory observations to preschoolers and their educators, analyzing their eating behavior and physical activity. 9 interviews were carried out with the kitchen staff of the CDIs to explore the practices that influence the eating behavior and quality of the menu. The descriptive quantitative study was carried out using a validated dietary quality questionnaire. Results: It was observed that children at the table behave according to the interaction of educators who use strategies to consume the preparations. It was observed that preschoolers do not comply with the recommendation of physical activity and have a prolonged sleep time after lunch. In the interviews, it was found that each CDI carries their organization, and they modify the menu according to several reasons, some of which provide benefits and other disadvantages. The quality of the menus according to the COMES questionnaire was acceptable to improvable. Conclutions: Preschoolers consume three meal times in the CDIs. For this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the factors that influence the eating behavior and physical activity.
Comportamiento en la alimentación y actividad física de preescolares al finalizar un proyecto de promoción de hábitos saludables
(2018) Peñaloza Moscoso, María José; Calle Bravo, Carla Karina; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Background: In the preschool stage, the teaching staff and / or the formal caregivers play an important role as health promoters, which will have a short and long term impact. General Objective: To identify the feeding and physical activity behavior of the preschool children at the end of an intervention project to promote healthy habits in the Infantile Development Centers of the Municipality of Cuenca (CDIs). Methodology: A quali-quantitative mixed study was carried out. The qualitative approach was carried out through non-participatory observations to children and to the educators during the days of attendance of the children to the CDIs. In addition, structured interviews were conducted with the food service staff of the CDIs to learn how the children's menu is prepared once a training course within the intervention project has been completed. Structured interviews were also conducted with educators to identify the most useful ludic and audiovisual material to teach children eating habits and physical activity. The quantitative study was carried out through the analysis of the quality of the menu eaten by children in the CDIs. For this study, a validated questionnaire was applied. Result: It was observed that the children's eating behavior depends on the control that the educator has, and it is different in each CDI; so, in some CDIs the children eat in a more relaxed way while in others they scream, hit things, etc. The food staff indicates that they have a similar organization in all CDIs, however, menus are altered for different reasons; this fact brings benefits and disadvantages. The teachers commented that stories and food replicas were within the preferred nutrition material to work with children. On the other hand, the analysis of the menus showed an ACCEPTABLE quality, with the fulfillment of 59%. Conclusions: The majority of preschoolers eat three times of food in the CDIs. In addition, it was observed that the attitude and habits that the educators have at the table influence directly on the feeding behavior of the children at the time of eating. Consequently, it is very important to monitor all aspects and to correct the factors that influence the children's eating behavior
Compra y consumo de alimentos después del confinamiento por la pandemia de COVID-19: percepciones de adultos en Cuenca, Ecuador
(2022) Morocho Pillco, Gladys Carolina; Mendez Criollo, Maria Estefani; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Espinoza Mejía, Jorge Mauricio
lntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world population causing changes in eating habits, food purchase and consumption, physical activity, emotional state, among others, due to the economic impact and the measures applied to prevent the virus's spread. Objective: To analyze the adult's perception about the food purchase, consumption, and preparation, practiced after the confinement by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was carried out. Twenty adults from the urban and rural areas of Cuenca participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until saturation. They were transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually. Results: Food purchase and consumption have changed from the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AII participants indicated that they had difficulty accessing food due to their low purchasing power. Participants from rural areas had access to natural foods of their own crops. Conclusions: The participants in general had difficulties accessing food with good nutritional quality, which could worsen the situation of food insecurity that existed in Ecuador befare the Pandemic. More studies are necessary to generate strategies focused on improving the food situation of the population at the local and national levels.
Concordancia del etiquetado nutricional de productos procesados y ultraprocesados de sabor dulce de tres supermercados de la ciudad de Cuenca con el RTE INEN 022 (2R). Cuenca, 2021
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2021-10-05) Morales Avilez, Diana Elizabeth; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Background: Nutritional labeling is an informative tool that allows the consumer to know the nutritional characteristics present on the label of a Processed or Ultra-processed Food Product (APUP). Objective: The concordance of the content of the nutritional labeling of processed and ultra-processed sweet-tasting products from three supermarkets in the city of Cuenca with the RTE INEN 022 (2R), Cuenca, 2021 was determined. Methods: quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. A database of 1200 sweet-tasting APUP products was analyzed. The analyzes were carried out in the SPSS version 15 program, the concordance and probability of inconsistencies in the nutritional traffic light label was determined. Results: 9.8%, 11.0% and 6.2% inconsistencies were reported in the components of sugars, fats and salt (sodium) respectively. An almost perfect concordance was observed in the indicators of sugars, fats, but only in the concentrations low (0.878; 0.884) and high (0.871; 0.856) respectively and in the indicator of salt (sodium), in the concentration low (0.900) and medium (0.867). It was found that the medium concentration is more likely to present inconsistencies in relation to the low concentration. Conclusions: There are inconsistencies between the reported and expected sugar, fat and salt (sodium) indicators of the APUP. It is necessary to develop a more specific critical nutrient nutritional information system that allows the consumer to have more accurate information on the amount of free sugars, fats and salt (sodium) added to the product.
Construcción de un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos para adultos ecuatorianos, estudio transversal
(2021) Morejón Terán, Yadira Alejandra; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Betancourt Ortiz, Sarita Lucila; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Sandoval Tamayo, Veronica Patricia; Espinoza Fajardo, Ana Cristina; Carpio Arias, Tannia Valeria
Introduction: Dietary surveys include food consumption frequency questionnaire (CFCA) is an inexpensive method, relatively easy to apply, and necessary for the evaluation of the diet of individuals and populations. The objective of this study was to develop an FFQ for the Ecuadorian adult population. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, in 255 adult individuals of both sexes between 18 and 68 years old residing in 10 provinces of Ecuador. A 24-hour reminder (R24h) was applied to obtain information on the dietary consumption of the population and the construction of the instrument. The preparation of the list of foods that make up the CFCA was made from the percentage contribution of each food for the total estimate of energy and nutrients of interest, using the Block method. Results: An instrument composed of 91 items distributed in 7 categories were obtained. The instrument was reviewed by experts from 4 universities belonging to the region, coast, highlands, and Amazon of Ecuador. Conclusions: This instrument makes an approximation of the dietary consumption of the three regions of continental Ecuador.
Consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y su relación con el estilo de vida en estudiantes universitarios de la Ciudad de Cuenca, diciembre 2021 - marzo 2022
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-01-06) Collahuazo Terreros, Alex Fernando; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Introduction: in low-income countries, the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased, in the same way, university students have an unhealthy diet and these foods are proving to be an attractive option for this population. In the long term, this can trigger health risks caused by various factors. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of ultra-processed food consumption and its relationship with lifestyle in university students in the city of Cuenca, 2021-2022. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study on a sample of 381 university students from Cuenca, with prior informed consent. The ENSANUT 2012 processed food consumption questionnaire was acquired according to the NOVA list, Ecuador. For the lifestyle of university students, the CEVJU-R questionnaire was applied. The analysis of the information was carried out in the SPSS V-21 software, for the sociodemographic variables, frequency and percentage tables were obtained, for the dependent and independent variables, association measures were taken, prevalence ratio with 95% CI and X2 with p value. < 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of UPF consumption was 99.7%. The exercise and physical activity dimension was associated with gender. The dimension of leisure time with the consumption of fats, consumption of sugars and derivatives, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and the dimension of the perceived emotional state with the consumption of sugars and derivatives. Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of UPF consumption in the study population and this was related to the lifestyle of university students.
Corrigendum to “Eating healthy”: distrust of expert nutritional knowledge among elderly adults [Appetite 165 (1 October 2021) 105289] (Appetite (2021) 165, (S0195666321001963), (10.1016/j.appet.2021.105289))
(2022) Suarez Ontaneda, Maka; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Torres Carrasco, Maria Elissa; Encalada Torres, Lorena Esperanza; Kuritzky, Amy; Morales Avilez, Diana Elizabeth
The authors regret to inform that the affiliation of the author María Elissa Torres is wrong, she made this research and writing as part of Universidad de Cuenca, in Cuenca, Ecuador not in UDLA, Quito, Ecuador as it is published. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Desarrollo de un sistema integrado de captura, procesamiento y consulta de información nutricional de productos procesados y ultra procesados: una aplicación móvil con asistente virtual basado en RAG
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-01-24) León Carrión, José Luis; Quinde Pasato, Henry Miguel; Espinoza Mejía, Jorge Mauricio; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
The increasing consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods poses significant public health challenges due to its association with non-communicable diseases. This study proposes an integrated system for capturing, processing, and querying nutritional information of these products, specifically tailored for the Ecuadorian context. The system includes a mobile application that utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and a Named Entity Recognition (NER) model to extract data from product labels, which are then stored in a knowledge graph managed with Neo4j. A web platform enables the validation and management of the captured data, while a virtual assistant based on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) facilitates natural language queries, generating precise and context-aware responses. The system architecture combines advanced technologies such as Google Vision API, OpenAI, Flutter, and Angular, providing an efficient solution adapted to local needs. Preliminary evaluations demonstrate high levels of usability and accuracy, showing that the system not only automates the collection of nutritional information but also enhances its accessibility and reliability, significantly contributing to data management in this field.
Designing the pre-class and class to implement the flipped learning model in a research methodology course
(2020) Pinos Vélez, Verónica Patricia; Quinde Herrera, Karina Sandra; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Moscoso Orellana, Blasco Danilo; Carrión Álvarez, Galo Iván; Urgilés Cárdenas, José Eduardo; Carrión Andrade, Galo Bernardo
The use of new technologies in university education is indispensable for promoting the autonomous work and motivation of a new generation of students who use technology frequently and skillfully. For these reasons, integrated technology into teaching-learning processes is needed. Our study focused on the implementation of the Flipped Learning model (FL) in the Research Methodology course. The content and the activities for the pre-class and class were designed to develop the skills and competencies in the students and to propose a research design. For the first execution, open-access videos were used. After analyzing the first execution, the results showed the need to make personal videos, that include the exact content, making them more attractive for the students as well as to use strategies to ensure that the students prepare the pre-class appropriately. In conclusion, the model encourages students to include technologies as learning tools, adapt their schedules to take better advantage of classes, and apply the knowledge taught in videos to their classwork.
Determinación de la frecuencia de infección por helicobacter pylori y parasitosis en preescolares de 2 a 4 años que acuden a los centros de desarrollo infantil del municipio de la ciudad de Cuenca. Julio, 2015
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2016-11-11) Maldonado Guanga, Gladys Teresa; Buestán Buestán, Doris Elizabeth; Orellana Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
This study was aimed to determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitosis in children from 2 to 4 years attending to daycare centers of Cuenca´s City Hall. Stool samples were collected at daycare centers with colaboration of parents and caretakers. Sample analysis were carried out according to quality control and biosafety standards at the Laboratory of Diagnostic Center of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Cuenca. Fresh examination was employed for identification of intestinal parasites and immunochromatographic technique for qualitative determination of Helicobacter pylori. Results of this study evidenced a prevalence of 26,1% for Helicobacter pylori infection and 219,3% for intestinal parasitosis in these daycare centers. Entamoeba histolytica was identified as the etiologic agent in 58,8% of parasitosis cases
Determinación de remoción de quistes de entamoeba coli, entamoeba histolytica, huevos de ascaris sp; tenia solium-saginata, en Planta de Tratamiento de Agua Potable de Tixán
(2001) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Torres Bailón, Paula Catherine; Vázquez Sempértegui, Patricio
Differences in nutritional status, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption in urban and rural school-going adolescents in Paute, Ecuador
(2016) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Flor Garrido, Ana Patricia; Romo Ledesma, Matthew
Ecuador is undergoing a nutrition tran- sition where overweight/obesity coexist with under-nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine nutritional status, physical activity, fruit and vegetables consumption frequency among school-going adolescents in the canton of Paute and further explore if these variables were differential by urban vs. rural residence. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a random sample of students aged 12 to 19 years from the only two public secondary schools in the canton Paute. We determined nutritional status according to the World Health Organization criteria. Demographics, physical activity habits, fruit and vegetable consumption frequency were determined by questionnaires. Of the total of 314 students, 44.9% lived in urban area and 55.1% in rural area. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was significantly higher among students with urban vs. rural residence (28.4% vs. 17.9%; P=.03). The prevalence of stunting was significantly higher among students with rural vs. urban residence (31.8% vs. 16.3%; P=.002). There were no significant differences detected between groups in the frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables. Urban residence was asso- ciated with a greater mean number of minutes of outdoor recreation after school (76.0 minutes vs. 57.1 minutes; P=.02), greater weekly hours of planned physical activity (2.0 hours vs. 1.6 hours; P=.007), and greater daily screen time in front of a television or computer (3.2 hours vs. 2.5 hours; P<.001). Interventions to prevent or reduce overweight/obesity in Paute and other similar areas with students from both urban and rural areas should consider place of residence in their design.
Diseño e implementación de un agente conversacional para optimizar el consumo de medicamentos en adultos mayores en la ciudad de Cuenca
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-07-27) Armijos Pulla, Carlos Sebastián; Cambizaca Quinde, Juan Daniel; Espinoza Mejía, Jorge Mauricio; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Centered on the need to prevent drug-drug and drug-food interactions among the elderly population in Cuenca, this project presents the development of a conversational agent implemented in a mobile application. The study incorporates a database on drug-drug and drug-food interactions, together with a content-based recommendation algorithm, specifically designed to suggest dietary alternatives in the event of potential interactions between a drug and a food item. The findings, endorsed by evaluations conducted by both nutrition students and field experts, confirm the efficacy of the chatbot in identifying pharmacological interactions and generating appropriate recommendations. These results underline the importance of precision systems that facilitate user interaction, for instance, through conversational agents and recommendation algorithms that provide personalized information to prevent drug interactions; moreover, the evaluation by experts assures the reliability and effectiveness of such systems.