Background: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. Aim: To determine the association between educational attainment and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in older Chilean population. Material and Methods: Data from 2,005 adults aged ≥ 60 years assessed during 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ≤ 8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: > 12 years. suspicion of cognitive imparirment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. Results: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24; 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (≤ 8 years) were more likely to be at risk of suspicion of cognitive imparirment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of suspicion of cognitive imparirment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ≤ 8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42; 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. Conclusions: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing suspicion of cognitive imparirment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases and adiposity markers. Aim: To assess the association of CRF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity in a representative sample of the Chilean population. Material and Methods: Data from 5,958 participants in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-1027 aged 15 years or above were analyzed. CRF was estimated by an equation that included sociodemographic, anthropometric and health-related data and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs). The association between CRF and adiposity was assessed using linear and Poisson regression models and the results were presented as Prevalence Ratio (PR). Results: One MET increment in CRF was associated with a 3.27 kg/m2 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.35; -3.2) and 4.56 kg/m2 (95% CI: -4.67; -4.46) lower BMI in men and women, respectively. Waist circumference was 6.7 cm [95% CI: -6.98; -6.42] and 9 cm [95% CI: -9.33; -8.67] lower per 1-MET increment in CRF. With one MET increment, the probability of being obese was 34% (PR = 0.66 [95%CI: 0.63; 0.69]) and 36% (PR = 0.64 [95%CI: 0.61; 0.67]) lower in men and women, respectively. The probability of having a central obesity was 26% (PR = 0.74 [95%CI: 0.71; 0.77]) and 30% (PR = 0.70 [95%CI: 0.68; 0.73]) lower in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: A higher estimated CRF was associated with lower adiposity levels and a lower risk of being obese in both men and women. Public health policies aiming to increase physical activity are needed to increase the CRF of the Chilean population.

ABSTRACT Background: Older adults are a vulnerable group in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to confinement their mental and physical health deteriorates; hence, the importance of the use of Information and Communication Technologies that contribute to their emotional well-being, by favoring social relationships. Objective: Identify the relationship that Information and Communication Technologies have on the emotional well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Development: Searches were made in PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS using the terms pandemic, COVID-19, mental health, emotional well-being, loneliness, social media, social connections, digital platforms, older people, elderly people, ICT and social networking sites. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken into account. In cross-sectional studies, an association was found between emotional well-being and the use of Information and Communication Technologies, however, a significant number of empirical studies identified the digital divide as an obstacle for older adults to be able to use technologies as a medium for interaction. Searches were made in PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS using the terms pandemic, COVID-19, mental health, emotional well-being, loneliness, social media, social connections, digital platforms, older people, elderly people, ICT and social networking sites. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken into account. In cross-sectional studies, an association was found between emotional well-being and the use of Information and Communication Technologies, however, a significant number of empirical studies identified the digital divide as an obstacle for older adults to be able to use technologies as a medium for interaction. Conclusions: The results of the review show a positive relationship between emotional well-being and the use of ICT; it is considered relevant to continue with research in older adults subjected to confinement.

RESUMEN Fundamento: Los adultos mayores son un grupo vulnerable en el contexto actual de pandemia por COVID-19, debido al confinamiento su salud mental y física se deteriora; de ahí, la importancia del uso de Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación que contribuyen a su bienestar emocional, al favorecer las relaciones sociales. Objetivo: Identificar la relación que tienen las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en el bienestar emocional de los adultos mayores durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Desarrollo: Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO y LILACS con la utilización de los términos pandemic, COVID-19, mental health, emotional well-being, loneliness, social media, social connections, digital platforms, older people, elderly people, ICT y social networking sites. Se tuvieron en cuenta criterios de inclusión y exclusión. En estudios transversales se encontró una asociación entre el bienestar emocional y el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, sin embargo, un número importante de estudios empíricos identificaron la brecha digital como un obstáculo para que los adultos mayores pudieran usar las tecnologías como un medio para la interacción. Conclusiones: Los resultados de la revisión muestran una relación positiva entre el bienestar emocional y el uso de las TIC; se considera relevante continuar con la investigación en adultos mayores sometidos a confinamiento.

Abstract Peasant communities in Chile produce and process local varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum spp.). This crop is of pre-Hispanic origin, being an essential spice for the local gastronomy. Despite the expansion of industrial agriculture, these communities preserve traditional systems of production and processing. In addition, the communities have intuitively added value to their produce highlighting its ancestral origin, local varieties, traditions and identities associated with its production and consumption. We propose that chili pepper production by peasant communities can be recognized as a cultural heritage and be safeguarded. The objective was to explore cultural heritage elements of the production, processing, and uses of chili pepper in peasant communities, as a contribution to safeguard this heritage. The method was a participatory exploration of the chili pepper production systems in two peasant communities from different conceptual frameworks of cultural heritage. The results show that the heritage linked to chili pepper is a living, dynamic and indivisible intergenerational web of culture, knowledge, technologies and local genetic resources. The empowerment and mobilization of the communities are key aspects for the conservation of cultural heritage, although attention must be paid to economic functions supporting chili pepper production.

Resumen Comunidades campesinas en Chile producen y procesan artesanalmente variedades locales de ají (Capsicum spp.), cultivo de origen prehispánico, cuyo fruto es utilizado como condimento en la gastronomía típica. A pesar de la expansión de la agricultura industrial, estas comunidades conservan sistemas tradicionales de cultivo y procesamiento. Además, han iniciado acciones para la puesta en valor del ají, destacando su origen ancestral, las variedades locales y las tradiciones e identidades asociadas a su producción y consumo. Al respecto proponemos que la producción campesina de ají puede ser reconocida como un patrimonio cultural susceptible de ser resguardado. El objetivo fue explorar los sistemas de producción, procesamiento y usos del ají en comunidades campesinas, para identificar elementos patrimoniales y contribuir al desarrollo de caminos de resguardo, mediante el uso del método de exploración participativa, desde diferentes enfoques conceptuales del patrimonio, de los sistemas de producción de ají en dos comunidades campesinas. Los resultados muestran que el patrimonio relativo al ají es una trama intergeneracional viva, dinámica e indivisible de cultura, conocimientos, tecnologías y recursos genéticos locales; el empoderamiento y la movilización de las comunidades son clave en el resguardo del patrimonio, pero se debe poner atención a las funciones económicas que otorgan soporte al cultivo.

Background: Telehealth is a novel therapeutic alternative. Aim: To determine the effects of a remote therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP), based on telehealth, on functional physical capacity in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Patients and Methods: An eight-week TPEP was undertaken by 36 participants with a mean age of 68 years. The control group received printed exercise instructions, while the experimental group received the same instructions plus TPEP using tutorial videos and voice messaging via WhatsApp. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Barthel index (BI), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), senior fitness test and with the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS). Results: The experimental group decreased the VAS score and improved tandem balance, three-meter walk, sit and stand 5 times, sit and stand in 30 seconds, push-ups in 30 seconds, two minutes’ walk, join the right hand behind the back and SPPB general score. The control group increased the BI score and improved the three meters walking test, sitting, and standing 5 times, sit and stand 30 seconds chair test, 2 minutes walking test and the SPPB general score. No differences between groups were observed for the LEFS scale, BI, VAS and functional capacity. Conclusions: A TPEP based on telehealth has similar effectiveness than a TPEP based on traditional paper-based intervention to improve functional physical capacity in patients with OA. (Rev Med Chile 2022; 150: 33-45)

Background: The Araucania region in Chile had the greatest COVID-19 incidence and lethality in Chile Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and evolution of patients admitted for COVID-19 in a high complexity Hospital in the region of La Araucanía-Chile. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of the first 169 patients aged 55 ± 17 years (50% women) admitted for COVID-19 between march and may, 2020 at a regional hospital in Temuco Chile. Results: The most common comorbidities of these patients were hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The symptom triad of cough, dyspnea and fever was present in 85%. Less frequent symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. Biomarkers at admission such as ferritin, D-dimer, among others, were significantly higher among patients who required admission to the Intensive Care Unit. The presence of cough, dyspnea and fever were significantly associated with longer hospitalization time and requirement for mechanical ventilation. Hypertension and obesity were significantly associated with longer hospitalization stay. Eight percent of patients died. Conclusions: Symptoms such as cough, dyspnea and fever and specific biomarkers on admission were associated with a worse evolution of adult inpatients with COVID-19.

Background: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. Aim: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. Results: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.

ABSTRACT Introduction: During aging, involution of some body systems is observed. Among these changes, those that affect the musculoskeletal system such as sarcopenia and muscle weakness can alter the development of activities of daily life, and therefore affect health-related quality of life. Objective: to determine the relationship between hand grip strength and quality of life in elderly. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 79 elderly (63 women and 13 men) between 65 and 78 years of age from three social organizations of Talca, Chile was included. A non-probabilistic convenience sample was used. To measure manual grip strength and the SF-36 questionnaire was used. Results: Significant relationships between hand grip strength and dimensions of quality of life, physical function (p = 0,03; r = 0,76), body pain (p = 0,01; r = 0,44) and general health (p = 0,05; r = 0,48) were observed. Conclusions: There is a relationship between hand grip strength and three measurements of quality of life in elderly. These findings corroborate the relevance of evaluating muscle strength in older people as a marker of health and quality of life in elderly.

RESUMEN Introducción: Durante el envejecimiento se observa involución de algunos sistemas corporales. Entre estos cambios, los que afectan al sistema osteomuscular como la sarcopenia y la debilidad muscular, pueden alterar el desarrollo de actividades de la vida diaria, y por lo tanto, afectar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la fuerza de prensión manual y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en personas mayores. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, correlacional. Evaluó 79 personas mayores (63 mujeres y 16 hombres) entre 65 y 78 años, de tres organizaciones sociales de la ciudad de Talca, Chile, seleccionados a través de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Para medir la fuerza de prensión manual se utilizó un dinamómetro de mano y el cuestionario SF-36 fue usado para valorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Resultados: Se observaron relaciones significativas entre la fuerza de prensión manual y las dimensiones de la calidad de vida función física (p = 0,03; r = 0,76), dolor corporal (p = 0,01; r = 0,44) y salud general (p = 0,05; r = 0,48). Conclusiones: Existe relación entre la fuerza de prensión manual y tres dimensiones de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de personas mayores. Estos hallazgos corroboran la relevancia de evaluar la fuerza muscular en personas mayores como un marcador de salud y calidad de vida en estas.

ABSTRACT Background: Falls among older adults are associated with important changes in lifestyle. However, there is no evidence about the physical activity levels of older adults who have experienced falls. The aim of this study, therefore, was to describe physical activity levels in older adults who have experienced falls in the last 12 months. Methods: 1,254 older adults (aged ≥60 years) from the National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. Number of falls during the last 12 months was self-reported and physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The association between falls and physical activity was investigated using regression analyses. Results: 70.5% [95% CI: 68.0; 72.8] of the older adults included in this study did not report any falls during the last 12 months. However, 19.4% [95% CI: 17.4; 21.5] reported 1-2 falls and 10% [95% CI: 8.4; 11.8] reported ≥3 falls in the last 12 months. In comparison to those who reported no falls, those who experienced ≥3 falls in the last 12 months did 79.2 fewer minutes/day of physical activity. Similar results were found for moderate and transport-related physical activity, but no associations were found for vigorous or sedentary behaviours. Conclusion: Older adults who suffered falls in the last 12 months reported doing less physical activity than their counterparts who did not experience any falls. In the middle and long term, these changes in physical activity could contribute to adverse health outcomes in an already frail population.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Las caídas limitan las actividades de la vida diaria. Actualmente se desconoce cómo los niveles de actividad física (AF) varían luego de sufrir una caída. Objetivo: investigar los niveles de práctica de actividad física de personas mayores que han reportado caídas en los últimos 12 meses. Métodos: Se incluyeron 1.254 participantes ≥ 60 años de Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2009-2010. La prevalencia de caídas en los últimos 12 meses se determinó mediante auto reporte. Los niveles de AF y el tiempo sedente se determinaron a través del cuestionario Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). La asociación entre caídas y AF fue investigada mediante regresión lineal. Resultados: El 70,5% [95% IC: 68,0; 72,8] de las personas mayores no reportaron caídas, mientras que un 19,4% [95% IC: 17,4; 21,5] reportó haber sufrido entre 1-2 caídas y un 10% [95% IC: 8,4; 11,8] ≥3 caídas en los últimos 12 meses. En comparación al grupo que reportó no sufrir caídas, aquellos que sufrieron ≥3 caídas realizaban 79,2 minutos menos de AF total/día. Resultados similares fueron observados para AF de transporte y AF moderada. No se encontraron diferencias para tiempo sedente o AF vigorosa. Conclusión: Personas mayores que sufrieron caídas en los últimos 12 meses reportaron realizar menos actividad física que sus contrapartes que no experimentaron caídas. A mediano y largo plazo, estos cambios en la actividad física podrían contribuir a resultados de salud adversos en una población.

ABSTRACT Regular physical activity (PA) has been associated with important metabolic benefits, as well as a decreased risk of developing some types of cancer. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the existing scientific evidence on the association of PA levels and the risk of developing cancer. This will allow a better orientation to future public policies aimed at increasing PA levels in the Chilean population. We searched for the latest global and national reports on PA and cancer as well as scientific databases (Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Medline, Scielo and Google Scholar) using the following keywords: “exercise”, “neoplasms”, “cancer”, “colorectal”, “breast”, “endometrium”, “physical activity”, “exercise”, “sedentary lifestyle” and “sports”. Our review supports the protective association between PA and a lower risk of several cancers including colorectal, breast and endometrial cancer. However, more research is still needed to elucidate the role of PA on the risk for other common cancers.

RESUMEN La práctica regular de actividad física (AF) ha sido asociada a importantes beneficios metabólicos, como también a la disminución del riesgo de desarrollar algunos tipos de cáncer. El objetivo de esta revisión especial es sintetizar la evidencia científica existente sobre la asociación de los niveles de AF y el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer. Esto permitirá una mejor orientación a futuras políticas públicas destinada a aumentar los niveles de AF en la población chilena. Se buscaron los últimos reportes mundiales y nacionales sobre AF y cáncer en conjunto con una búsqueda de artículos científicos en las bases de datos de Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Medline, Scielo y Google Scholar utilizando las siguientes palabras claves: “Exercise», «Neoplasms», “Cancer”, “Colorectal”, “Breast”, “Endometrium”, “Physical activity”, “Exercise”, “Sedentary” and “Sports”. Esta revisión entrega evidencia sobre la asociación de la AF con un menor riesgo de múltiples tipos de cáncer, incluyendo cáncer colorrectal, mama y endometrio, pero aún se necesita más investigación con relación a la asociación entre AF y otros tipos de cáncer.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to validate the Parental Style Scale and to assess a possible association between parenting styles and sociodemographic factors with childhood overweight and obesity in students of municipal educational establishments. The sample was composed of 217 children between 4 and 7 years old in schools in Chillán, Chile, and their caregivers. The instruments included the Parental Style Scale and a demographic questionnaire. The Parental Style Scale was validated and constructs used in a linear model to determine the relationship between the parental style and child BMI z-score. A logistic model was used to determine the relationship between parenting style and the probability of going from a normal nutritional state to one with overweight. It was found that high levels of parental affection were associated with overweight and obesity in children. From the sociodemographic variables evaluated, only the primary education level of parents was associated with overweight and obesity in the child. The implications for professional intervention with families are discussed.

RESUMEN El propósito de este estudio fue validar tanto la Escala de Estilos Educativos Parentales como evaluar la posible asociación entre los estilos parentales y factores sociodemográficos con el sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en escolares adscritos a establecimientos educativos municipales. La muestra estuvo formada por 217 niños/as escolarizados/as entre 4 y 7 años en establecimientos educativos de la ciudad de Chillán, Chile y sus adultos responsables (madre, padre o cuidador). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron la escala de Estilos Parentales (EP) y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. La escala de EP fue validada, y sus constructos fueron utilizados en un modelo lineal para determinar la relación entre el estilo parental con el Z-score del niño/a, y un modelo logístico para determinar la relación entre un estilo parental y la probabilidad de pasar de un estado nutricional normal a uno con sobrepeso. Se encontró que un estilo parental afectivo se asocia con el sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil. De las variables sociodemográficas evaluadas, solo el nivel educativo básico de los padres se asocia con sobrepeso y obesidad en el/la niño/a. Se discuten las implicaciones para la intervención profesional con familias.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies. Aim: To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency). Results: Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals. Conclusions: This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.

Background: Handgrip strength is an indicator of frailty in older people. Aim: To determine the prevalence of low handgrip strength in older Chilean adults. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals aged 60 years or more, participating in the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey, was carried out. Handgrip strength was evaluated by a hand dynamometer and low grip strength was determined as a grip strength ≤ 15 kg and ≤ 27 kg for women and men, respectively. Results: Twenty nine percent of participants had low grip strength. The average grip strength among 60-year-old men and women was 34.7 and 22.1 kg, respectively. These figures decreased to 28.8 kg and 17.2 kg among 90-year-old men and women, respectively. The prevalence of low grip strength in men and women aged 60 years was 18%. In 90-year-old men and women, these figures increased to 79% and 56.3%, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of low grip strength increased substantially with age.

ABSTRACT In Latin America, various experiences that promote active aging are recognized, and can be replicated in various communities, as strategies aimed at a better quality of life. The objective of this review is to identify interventions or recommendations aimed at promoting active aging in Ibero-American countries. The search for evidence was carried out in publications of articles available between 2010 and 2019, using the Medline, Scopus, Scielo, Science-Direct, Virtual Health Library, MEDES and Dialnet databases. Recommendations and experiences carried out for this age group include classic activities such as physical activity or health education workshops, but also cultural, tourist, intergenerational, cognitive strengthening actions, intersectoral activities, life stories, place of residence or use of information technologies. Future promotional experiences for this age group should be planned with an integrating perspective of activities that promote healthy living through creation, culture and healthy living.

RESUMEN En Iberoamérica se reconocen variadas experiencias que favorecen un envejecimiento activo, y que pueden ser replicadas en diversas comunidades, como estrategias orientadas a una mejor calidad de vida. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo identificar intervenciones o recomendaciones orientadas al fomento de un envejecimiento activo en países de Iberoamérica. La búsqueda de evidencias se efectuó en publicaciones de artículos disponibles entre los años 2010 y 2019, utilizando las bases de datos Medline, Scopus, Scielo, Science-Direct, Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, MEDES y Dialnet. Las recomendaciones y experiencias realizadas para este grupo etario incluyen actividades clásicas como la realización de actividad física o talleres de educación en salud, pero también acciones culturales, turísticas, intergeneracionales, de fortaleciendo cognitivo, actividades intersectoriales, historias de vida, lugar de residencia o el uso de tecnologías de información. Futuras experiencias de promoción destinadas a este grupo etario deben planificarse con una mirada integradora de actividades que favorezcan la vida sana a través de la creación, la cultura y la vida saludable.

Background: The assessment of frailty among older people could help to reduce its social and health burden. Aim: To determine and characterize the prevalence of frailty in Chilean older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 233 participants, aged > 60 years, participating in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Frailty was assessed using modified Fried criteria. Thus, people classified as frail should meet at least 3 out of the 5 criteria (low strength, low physical activity, low body mass index, slow walking pace and tiredness). Results: The prevalence of frailty was 10.9% (7.7% for men and 14.1% for women). The prevalence of pre-frailty was 59.0% whereas 30.1% of participants were classified as robust. At the age of 80 years 58 and 62% of men and women were frail, respectively. These figures increased to 90 and 87% at the age of 90 years. The prevalence of pre-frailty increased from 43 to 92.1% among men and from 76% and 78% among women from the ages of 60 to 90 years, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty increased markedly with age. It is important to implement prevention strategies to allow an early identification of high-risk individuals.