Person:
Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria

Birth Date

1976-09-17

ORCID

0000-0002-4083-8401

Scopus Author ID

57243393500

Afiliación

Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Cuenca, Ecuador

País

Ecuador

Organizational Units

Organizational Unit

Facultad de Ciencias Médicas

La Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca fue creada en el año 1867, convirtiéndose en una de las facultades más antiguas. La Facultad de Ciencias Médicas es un lugar donde la pasión por la salud y el compromiso con el bienestar se fusionan para formar profesionales altamente capacitados en diversas disciplinas del área de la salud. Nos enorgullece ofrecer un amplio programa académico de calidad que abarca varias áreas importantes para el bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Ofrecemos un entorno de aprendizaje enriquecedor y vanguardista, con docentes altamente capacitados y recursos actualizados. Valoramos la vinculación con lo colectivo y la investigación científica, con compromiso social al igual que ética. Nuestros graduados son reconocidos por su excelencia y están preparados para afrontar los desafíos de un mundo en constante evolución.

Job Title

Profesor (T)

Last Name

Abril Ulloa

First Name

Sandra Victoria

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 31

Preventing overweight and obesity among preschool children: lessons learned in Cuenca, Ecuador
(2022) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Romo, Matthew L; Morales Avilez, Diana Elizabeth
Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity are major public health problems globally, including in Ecuador, and there is increasing interest in intervening as early as possible. We previously developed and evaluated a behavioural and educational intervention aiming to improve diet and physical activity habits among children at municipal preschools in Cuenca, Ecuador, after which it was implemented. Objective: To describe some of the key lessons learned in the process of intervention development, evaluation, and implementation. Methods: We conducted program evaluation using a survey questionnaire with open-ended questions with the coordinators, teachers, and kitchen staff of the preschools that participated in the intervention. Results: Human resource changes were a threat to the continued success of the intervention; therefore, these changes need to be anticipated and peer training emphasized. Careful consideration also needs to be given to impact on preschool staff workload. Teachers and other stakeholders like administrators should take ownership of the intervention and play a leadership role, distinct from that of researchers. Regarding the intervention itself, we identified that both fidelity and adaptability were critical for continued success. Conclusion: Lessons learned from our setting may be useful to inform the design, evaluation, and implementation of sustainable preschool-based interventions aiming to improve diet and physical activity habits elsewhere.
Subestimación del índice de masa corporal a través de la autopercepción de la imagen corporal en sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad
(2018) De la cruz Yamunaque, Elizabeth; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Arévalo Peláez, Carlos; Palacio Rojas, Marcos
Introducción: Actualmente la obesidad está considerada como una pandemia a nivel mundial. Muchos pacientes con exceso de peso pueden tener factores intrapersonales como la alteración en la percepción de la imagen personal e insatisfacción corporal. El motivo del presente estudio es evaluar la subestimación del índice de masa corporal (IMC) percibido por los pacientes con sobrepeso y obesidad. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico transversal en 364 adultos de18 y 64 años de edad, con sobrepeso y obesidad de Ricaurte, Azuay-Ecuador, durante el año 2015. La autopercepción del IMC se determinó mediante la escala visual validada. Las variables fueron expresadas en frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística para determinar la subestimación del IMC según la autopercepción. Los resultados de las pruebas estadísticas se consideraron como significativos cuando el valor de p<0,05. Resultados: El 17,6% de los sujetos con sobrepeso u obesidad subestiman su IMC mediante la autopercepción. El 78% refirió insatisfacción corporal, lo cual fue más frecuente en los obesos (90,9%) comparado con los sobrepeso (67,5%). Las variables que se asociaron a la subestimación fueron: la obesidad, donde sujetos con obesidad mostraron 1,91 veces más probabilidades de subestimar su IMC por autopercepción comparado con los sujetos con sobrepeso (OR=1,91; IC95%: 1,04-3,48; p=0,035), el nivel educativo de analfabeta/ primaria (OR=1,86; IC95%: 1,01-5,89; p=0,045), la insatisfacción corporal (OR=2,45; IC95%: 1,01-5,89; p=0,046) y la actividad física recreacional ≥90 minutos/semana (OR=0,21; IC95%: 0,04-0,32; p=0,039), este último se comportó como un factor protector. Conclusiones: Los sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad tienden a subestimar su índice de masa corporal por autopercepción, así como presentar insatisfacción corporal, las cuales son más frecuente en los obesos, y diversos factores se asocian a esta autopercepción alterada. Por lo que se sugiere aumentar la intervención educativa dirigida a las comunidades con bajo nivel educativo, así como fomentar la realización de actividades recreacionales que permitan establecer conciencia de la alteración ponderal, autopercepción corporal adecuada y estilos de
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
Estado nutricional y hábitos del estilo de vida en preescolares de los centros infantiles en Cuenca – Ecuador Presentado en el Congreso en Investigación de la Salud: Enfoques, avances y desafíos. Universidad de Cuenca. Junio de 2016
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2016) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Molina Ochoa, Gabriela Estefania; Morales Avilez, Diana Elizabeth; Huiracocha Tutivén, María de Lourdes
OBJECTIVE: To describe the nutritional status and lifes-tyle habits in preschool children from 2 to 4 years in Children’s Centers of Good Living in the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion (MIES) in Cuenca - Ecuador. METHODOLOGY: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The nutritional status of 156 children was evaluated according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007. A survey that included questions about caregiver type, type of family, social stratum, eating ha- bits, and hours in front a screen was performed. RESULTS: The 26.9% of children presented low height / age and 72.4% normal height. In the weight / age indicator showed about 0.6% underweight and 1.2% overweight and obesity. In the body mass index indicator / age no child presented emaciation, a 35.9% at risk of overweight and 8.3% overweight / obesity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic malnutrition and overweight are high, which are characteristics of a country experiencing a nutrition transition.
Programas de intervención nutricional y de actividad física en preescolares en Latinoamérica: Revisión bibliográfica
(2017) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Morales Avilez, Diana Elizabeth; Orellana Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Yamunaque Leon, Janneth Soraya; Palacios Santana, Gicela Monserrate; Chilet Rosell, Elisa; Huiracocha Tutivén, María de Lourdes; Monsalve, Daniela; Sempértegui León, Silvia Rocío
The material presented in this paper consists of a literature review about educative interventions promoting healthy habits in preschoolers in Latin-America. Due to changes in food patterns as a consequence of various factors such as migration, globalization, technology development, urbanization and socioeconomic status, underwent the traditional diets of this region drastic nutritional changes with an increased number of processed foods high in sugar and saturated fat. This transition coupled with a low prevalence of physical activity led to an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the different age groups including preschoolers. In fact, obesity has become a pandemic phenomenon not only in Latin American but worldwide. As a consequence, the increase in the prevalence of Chronic Non-C ommunicable Diseases (NCDs) is a health problem that requires special and urgent attention within the Health System. Therefore, educational interventions for healthy eating and physical activity are important and necessary for different age groups, especially for preschoolers since that knowledge and habits acquired at this age will probably remain during adulthood.
Socioeconomic status and nutritional status as predictors of food insecurity in older adults: a case study from southern Ecuador
(2022) Bedoya Ortega, Maria Elisa; Wong de balzan , Sara Null; Alvarado Romero, Samantha Natali; Encalada Torres, Lorena Esperanza; Encalada Torres, Janneth Olivia; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
While life expectancy is increasing due to scientific advancement, quality of life in aging depends, among other factors, on the nutritional status and socioeconomic status of older adults. To determine socioeconomic status and its association with nutritional status as a predictor of food insecurity among older adults in southern Ecuador, a cross-sectional study of 188 older adults in urban areas and 212 in rural areas was conducted. Nutritional status, food insecurity, and socioeconomic status were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS v 15.0 for descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Of the older participants, 59% had malnutrition, the majority women, and 24.7% were in poverty. Underweight was associated with low socioeconomic status for adults between 65 and 74 years old (OR = 7.710; CI 95% = 1.691–35.147), while obesity was associated with low socioeconomic status and non-manual labor (OR = 3.048; CI 95% = 1.268–7.326). Over 80% of older adults living in homes without children younger than 18 and at low socioeconomic status had food insecurity. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity points to widespread nutritional problems, especially in rural areas, that are significantly associated with low socioeconomic status. This demonstrates the need for multidisciplinary programs and government policies that can contribute to reducing food insecurity among the highly vulnerable older population.
Demographic characteristics, nutritional status, dietary and physical activity habits, helicobacter pylori infection, and intestinal parasitosis among children at municipal preschools in Cuenca, Ecuador
(2018) Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria; Romo, Mathew; Orellana Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Huiracocha Tutivén, María de Lourdes
Ecuador is a country in nutritional transition. National data show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity more than triples from the preschool to school-aged years, while stunting remains prevalent. A cross-sectional study in the municipal preschools in Cuenca was conducted to better understand the contributing factors to this nutritional transition. Of the 97 children in the sample population, 5.3% were overweight or obese and 8.5% were stunted. Despite no underweight children, 19.0% of the parents or caregivers considered their child to be underweight. Most households had some degree of food insecurity (71.4%). Parents reported that most children drank water daily at home (70.5%), but according to the teachers, less than half drank water at school daily (41.5%). Parents and teachers, respectively, reported that 89.5% and 34.7% of the children consumed vegetables daily and 70.5% and 57.9% consumed fruit daily at home or school. About three-quarters of the parents and teachers reported that children dedicated ≥1 hour daily to physical activity, at home and school. Half of the parents reported that their child spent at least 2 hours per day watching the television, using an electronic tablet or computer. Stool examination showed that 26.1% of children were positive for Helicobacter pylori antigen and 19.3% for intestinal parasites. This study provided insight into potential areas to focus health education and promotion among this population, for example, in diet and physical activity habits. However, other important factors including poverty related risk factors, such as household food insecurity, and high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and intestinal parasitosis, should be considered simultaneously in such efforts.
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.
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.
Ensuring traceability and Orchestration in the food supply chain
(Springer, 2020) Espinoza Mejía, Jorge Mauricio; Saquicela Galarza, Víctor Hugo; Abril Ulloa, Sandra Victoria
Ensure traceability and orchestration of the participants in the food supply chain can help improve the food production and reduce the distribution of unsafe or low-quality products. This article provides some insights about the design of a high-level architecture to support a semantic blockchain platform that ensures traceability and orchestration of the food systems. The design involves two layers that cover: (a) the decentralized orchestration of the participants, (b) the semantic modeling of the data and processes involved, and (c) the storage and integrity of the data. To deal with the platform design, it is analyzed the operation and attributes of the food supply chain management and it is discussed how the combination of Semantic and Blockchain technologies can address the platform features.