Browsing by Author "Donoso, Silvana"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Caracterización del proceso tradicional del pelado de maíz con ceniza con miras a la inocuidad alimentaria
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2016-09) Ochoa, María Cristina; Molina, María José; Astudillo, Gabriela; Donoso, Silvana; Ortiz, Johana
    In Ecuador, as in the rest of Latin America, maize production and consumption is high (82,9 Kg/person/year). Maize is susceptible of contamination with mycotoxins, however, nixtamalization and similar peeling processes have the potential of detoxify the cereal. The objective of this study is to characterize and standardize the traditional process of peeling maize using ash in Ecuador. An exploratory study was performed I Nab´on-Ecuador from August to September 2014. Interviews were carried-out among 40 community members to collect data on maize peeling process. The Ecuadorian process “traditional process of wood ash nixtamalization” is performed as follows: it uses 1,450 grams of wood ash for each 2,500 grams of maize, this two ingredients are added to boiling water (4.8 liters) and the mixture is cooked during 0.5-1 hour with constant movement. Subsequently, the removal of the pericarp is performed by manual rub, then, the maize is subjected to soaking (12 hours) and drying (48-72 hours) processes. The standardization of the process could encourage the use of this traditional technique accessible to the community, keeping the organoleptic characteristics and ensuring food safety without increasing maize price in the market.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Dietary intake practices associated with cardiovascular risk in urban and rural Ecuadorian adolescents: a cross-sectional study
    (2014) Ochoa Avilés, Angélica María; Verstraeten, Roosmarijn; Lachat, Carl; Andrade, Susana; Van Camp, John; Donoso, Silvana; Kolsteren, Patrick
    Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. Risk factors of CVD develop during childhood and adolescence, and dietary quality has been linked to the development of CVD itself. This study examines the association between dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk in a group of urban and rural Ecuadorian adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2008 to April 2009 among 606 adolescents from the 8th, 9th and 10th grade in an urban area (Cuenca), and 173 adolescents from a rural area (Nabón) in Ecuador. Data collection involved measuring anthropometric data (weight, height and waist circumference), blood pressure, dietary intake (2-day 24 h recall) and socio-demographic characteristics. Fasting blood lipids and glucose were measured in a subsample of 334 adolescents. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns and linear regression models were used to (i) identify differences in food intake practices according to socioeconomic status and place of residence and (ii) establish relationships between dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk factors. Results Median energy intake was 1851 kcal/day. Overall, fiber, fish and fruit and vegetables were scarcely consumed, while added sugar, refined cereals and processed food were important constituents of the diet. Two dietary patterns emerged, one labelled as “rice-rich non-animal fat pattern” and the other one as “wheat-dense animal-fat pattern”. The first pattern was correlated with a moderate increase in glucose in urban participants, while the second pattern was associated with higher LDL and cholesterol blood levels in rural participants. Conclusions This group of adolescents presented various dietary practices conducive to CVD development. Effective strategies are needed to prevent CVD in the Ecuadorian population by encouraging a balanced diet, which contains less refined cereals, added sugar, and processed food, but has more fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors affecting physical activity in ecuadorian adolescents: a focus group study
    (2015-03) Van Royen, Kathleen; Verstraeten, Roosmarijn; Andrade, Susana; Ochoa Avilés, Angélica María; Donoso, Silvana; Maes, Lea; Kolsteren, Patrick
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Prevalence of overweight and obesity among 6- to 9-year-old schoolchildren in Cuenca, Ecuador: relationship with physical activity, poverty, and eating habits
    (2013) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Manuel-y-Keenoy, Begoña; Solà, Rosa; García, Jorge Luis; Nessier, Celeste; Rojas, Rosendo; Donoso, Silvana; Arija, Victoria
    Background. The high prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is a health problem worldwide. In developing countries, we lack information on the extent of the problem and the risk factors involved. Objective. To determine the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity and of abdominal obesity, and their relationship with physical activity, poverty, and eating habits in schoolchildren in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methods. A cross-sectional survey in a representative sample (n = 743) schoolchildren aged 6 to 9 years was conducted. Overweight and obesity were detected using the International Obesity Task Force cutoffs according to body mass index (BMI), and abdominal obesity was detected according to waist circumference. Poverty, physical activity, and eating habits were assessed with validated questionnaires. Results. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity and of abdominal obesity were 26.0% and 10.6%, respectively. There were no differences between the sexes, but the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 1.5- to 2-fold higher in 9-year-old than in 6-year-old children (p < .05). Multivariate models demonstrated that higher BMI and waist circumference were significantly related to low physical activity and nonpoverty. Insufficient physical activity (in 75% of children) was associated with a 13% to 18% increased risk of overweight and obesity and abdominal obesity. Eating breakfast and eating more than three meals per day (in 96.7% and 85.9% of children, respectively) were not related to the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Eating fruits during school break was associated with a lower BMI. Conclusions. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity observed in schoolchildren increased from the ages of 6 to 9 years and was associated with insufficient physical activity and nonpoverty. Promoting physical activity and fruit consumption in school snacks should be explored as intervention measures to prevent and reduce overweight and obesity in Cuenca schoolchildren.