ABSTRACT Introduction: Overweight and obesity are public health problems worldwide. Alcoholic beverages could increase total energy intake causing an increase in body weight. However, few authors have pointed out the association between this habit and excess weight in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the association between alcohol consumption and excess weight in university students from 10 Latin American countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A cross-sectional and multicenter study was carried out with 4,539 university students enrolled in ten Latin American countries. To assess alcohol consumption, the question Do you consume alcoholic beverages? (1 portion 1 glass of 200 ml). Body mass index (BMI) kg/m2 was determined from self-reported weight and height. To determine if excess weight was associated with alcohol consumption, a logistic regression analysis was used, adjusted for age, sex, year of study, socioeconomic level, physical activity, and smoking. Results: Among students with normal nutritional status, 59.6% did not consume alcohol, while among those with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 it was 55.1%. Students who consumed 2 or more servings of alcohol per day had a 2.18 times greater risk of being overweight (OR: 2.18 [95% CI: 1.26 to 3.77]), compared with those who did not consume alcohol. Conclusion: It was observed that those students who consumed more alcohol were more likely to be overweight.

RESUMEN Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad son problemas de salud pública de nivel mundial. Si bien existe información respecto al consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia, pocos autores han señalado la asociación entre este hábito y el exceso de peso en esta población. El objetivo fue determinar la asociación entre el consumo de alcohol y el exceso de peso en estudiantes universitarios de 10 países de Latinoamérica durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio transversal y multicéntrico con 4.539 estudiantes universitarios matriculados en diez países de América Latina. Para la valoración del consumo de alcohol se utilizó la pregunta ¿Consumes bebidas alcohólicas? (1 porción 1 vaso de 200 ml). El índice de masa corporal (IMC) se determinó a partir del peso y la altura auto informado. Para determinar si el exceso de peso (IMC ≥25 kg/m2) estaba asociado con el consumo de alcohol, se utilizó un análisis de regresión logística, ajustado por edad, sexo, año de estudio, nivel socioeconómico, actividad física y tabaquismo. Resultados: Entre los estudiantes con estado nutricional normal, un 59,6% no consumía alcohol, mientras entre los que presentaban un exceso de peso era un 55,1%. Los estudiantes que consumían 2 o más porciones de alcohol al día tenían 2,18 veces más riesgo de tener exceso de peso (OR: 2.18 [95% IC: 1,26 a 3,77]), comparado con aquellos que no consumían alcohol. Conclusión: Se observó que aquellos estudiantes que consumieron más alcohol tuvieron más probabilidades de tener exceso de peso.

ABSTRACT Background: in the fight against COVID-19, the identification of laboratory predictors in the progression of severe and fatal forms is urgently needed. Aims: to describe the alterations of laboratory parameters of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at admission to Tesãi Foundation Hospital in Ciudad del Este-Paraguay between July 2020 to October 2021.Methods: A retrospective study using the medical charts of 103 patients admitted to the hospital due to a diagnosis of COVID-19 was carried out. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at hospital admission. Results: 53.4% of the patients were male, mean age of 62.3±15.4 years, and 43.6% were admitted due to pneumonia. According to the complete blood count, 54.3% had lymphopenia, 26% thrombocytopenia, and 27% anemia. In the liver and kidney profiles, 37.9% had elevated urea levels, 56.3% elevated GOT levels, 26% elevated GPT, and 61% GGT levels. Regarding biomarkers, 80% had elevated LDH levels, 34% elevated D-dimer levels, 100% elevated C-reactive protein, 43.7% elevated procalcitonin, and 89.3% elevated ferritin. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found according to sex for the parameters of hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, and the LMR ratio. Conclusion: patients presented several alterations in hematological, renal, hepatic, and inflammatory marker parameters, which offer a general overview of the state of health with which the patient with COVID-19 is admitted to the hospital.

RESUMEN Introducción: en la lucha contra el COVID-19 es urgente la identificación de predictores de laboratorio en la progresión de formas graves y fatales. Objetivo: describir las alteraciones de los parámetros de laboratorio de pacientes con COVID 19 ingresados al Hospital Fundación Tesãi de Ciudad del Este-Paraguay en el período de julio de 2020 a octubre de 2021. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo, utilizando los registros de 103 pacientes ingresados al hospital por diagnóstico de COVID 19. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio al ingreso hospitalario. Resultados: el 53,4% de los pacientes era del sexo masculino, edad media de 62,3±15,4 años y el 43,6% ingresó por neumonía. El 54,3% presentaba linfopenia, el 26% trombocitopenia y el 27% anemia. En el perfil hepático y renal, el 37,9% tenían niveles elevados de urea, el 56,3% niveles elevados de GOT, 26% y 61% niveles elevados de GPT y GGT, respectivamente. En cuanto a los biomarcadores, el 80 % tenía niveles elevados de LDH, el 34 % niveles elevados de dímero D, el 100 % proteína C reactiva elevada, el 43,7 % procalcitonina elevada y el 89,3 % ferritina elevada. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) según el sexo en los parámetros de hemoglobina, hematocrito, creatinina y el índice LMR. Conclusión: los pacientes presentaron diversas alteraciones en casi todos los parámetros evaluados, resultados que ofrecen un panorama general del estado de salud con el que ingresa el paciente con COVID 19 al hospital.

RESUMEN Los consumidores a menudo informan dificultades para interpretar la información cuantitativa contenida en las etiquetas nutricionales de los alimentos. El objetivo fue estudiar los principales conocimientos sobre etiquetado de alimentos que la población adulta del Paraguay tiene incorporado en el periodo de agosto de 2021. Este es un estudio descriptivo observacional de corte trasversal en el cual se evaluaron a adultos de ambos sexos de 18 a 60 años consumidores de alimentos con etiquetado nutricional. Se recabarón datos sociodemográficos y de conocimientos sobre etiquetado nutricional de alimentos a través de una encuesta tipo on-line con la herramienta de Google forms. El 73% fueron del sexo femenino, la edad promedio fue de 36,9 años, 57,1% residía en Gran Asunción, 49,1% tenía nivel educativo universitario y 37,5%eran profesionales de la salud. Los aspectos generales sobre etiquetado nutricional revelaron que 88,3% sabía su concepto, 55,3% refirió que lo lee casi siempre, 84% sabía que es obligatorio y 44% se fijaba más en las calorías. Al evaluar los conocimientos generales, 91% sabía la diferencia entre caducidad y consumo preferente, 71,4% conocía el concepto de cantidades orientativas, 62,5% supo cuáles son las grasas menos saludables, y 71,4% respondió correctamente el concepto de alimento light. Los encuestados tuvieron un conocimiento general adecuado sobre etiquetado nutricional, no obstante, hubo un porcentaje considerable de individuos que no supieron los conceptos básicos, por lo que se debe realizar intervenciones de educación nutricional enfocadas al consumidor.

ABSTRACT Consumers often report difficulties in interpreting the quantitative information contained in the nutritional labels of foods. The objective was to study the main knowledge about food labeling that the adult population of Paraguay has incorporated in the period of August 2021. This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study in which male and female adults between 18 and 60 years old consumers of foods with nutrition labelling were evaluated. Sociodemographic data and knowledge about nutritional labeling of food was collected through an online survey with the Google forms tool. Seventy three percent was female, the average age was 36.9 years, 57.1% lived in Greater Asunción, 49.1% had a university education level, and 37.5% were health professionals. The general aspects about nutritional labeling revealed that 88.3% knew the concept, 55.3% said that they read it almost always, 84% knew that it was mandatory and 44% paid more attention to calories. When evaluating general knowledge, 91% knew the difference between expiration and preferential consumption, 71.4% knew the concept of indicative quantities, 62.5% knew which are the less healthy fats, and 71.4% correctly answered the concept of light food. The survey respondents had an adequate general knowledge about nutrition labeling, however, there was a considerable percentage of individuals who did not know the basic concepts, for which consumer-focused nutrition education interventions should be carried out.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados em adultos paraguaios e sua relação com a qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo transversal em adultos paraguaios em maio de 2022. Foi aplicado um questionário online onde foram questionados datos sociodemográficos, frequência de consumo alimentar pela classificação NOVA e critérios da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, qualidade de vida avaliada pelo Qualidade de Vida Europeia-5 Dimensões - foram coletados e relato de horas de sono. Resultados: Foram incluídas no estudo 273 paraguaios, das quais 71,1% eram do sexo feminino, 51,6% residiam na capital, 53,1% eram solteiras, 66,0% tinham nível universitário e a média de idade foi de 36,48±13,2 anos. Em relação ao consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados, os nutrientes críticos mais consumidos diariamente foram os açúcares livres por 34.0% e as gorduras por 23,4% da população. O índice global de qualidade de vida foi baixo (0,58±0,05) e 69.0% relataram horas insuficientes de sono. Foram encontradas relações estatisticamente significativas entre o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados com qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono (p<0,05 para ambos). Conclusão: Os nutrientes críticos mais consumidos na população adulta paraguaia são os açúcares e gorduras livres, encontrando uma relação significativa entre o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados com a qualidade de vida e qualidade do sono.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods in Paraguayan adults and its relationship with quality of life and sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out on Paraguayan adults in May 2022. An online survey was applied in which sociodemographic data, frequency of food consumption using the NOVA classification and Pan American Health Organization criteria, quality of life evaluated by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions and report of hours of sleep were collected. Results: A total of 273 Paraguayan adults were included in the study, of which 71.1% were female, 51.6% lived in the capital, 53.1% were single, 66% had a university educational level and the average age was 36.48±13.2. Regarding the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, the critical nutrients most consumed daily were free sugars by 34.0%, and fats by 23.4% of the population. The global quality of life index was low (0,58±0,05) and 69.0% reported insufficient hours of sleep. Statistically significant relationships were found between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods with quality of life and quality of sleep (p<0.05 for both). Conclusion: The most consumed critical nutrients in the Paraguayan adult population are free sugars and fats, finding a significant relationship between the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods with quality of life and quality of sleep.

Abstract Introduction Food modernization has led to a greater availability of industrialized foods for children, rich in sugars, saturated fats and high in sodium. The aim was to determine the adequacy of the nutritional composition of processed and ultra-processed foods intended for children from 2 to 12 years of age according to the PAHO Food Profile regarding critical nutrients as stated in the nutritional labeling. Material and Methods Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study in which 113 products were analyzed: 11 processed and 102 ultra-processed according to the NOVA classification, from two supermarkets in Asuncion - Paraguay. Results The sodium / kcal ratio was elevated in 1 category of processed foods and in 4 categories of ultra-processed foods. The amount of sugars was high in processed foods and in 6 of the ultra-processed. Total fat and saturated fat were high in 3 of the ultra-processed foods, with the exception of snacks that only exceeded the maximum allowed for total fat. Conclusions Processed and ultra-processed foods for the child population analyzed in this study have at least one critical nutrient that exceeds what is established by PAHO, which is why it is suggested to avoid its consumption by children as much as possible.

Resumen Introducción La modernización alimentaria ha llevado a una mayor disponibilidad de alimentos industrializados destinados a la población infantil, ricos en azúcares, grasas saturadas y altos en sodio. El objetivo fue determinar la adecuación de la composición nutricional de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados destinados a niños de 2 a 12 años de edad de acuerdo al Perfil de Alimentos de la OPS respecto a los nutrientes críticos según lo declarado en el etiquetado nutricional. Material y Métodos Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo en el que se analizaron 113 productos: 11 procesados y 102 ultraprocesados según la clasificación NOVA, de dos supermercados de Asunción - Paraguay. Resultados La relación sodio/kcal fue elevada en 1 categoría de alimentos procesados y en 4 categorías de ultraprocesados. La cantidad de azúcares fue elevada en los alimentos procesados y en 6 de los ultraprocesados. El total de grasas y grasas saturadas fue elevado en 3 de los ultraprocesados a excepción de los snacks que sólo sobrepasaron el máximo permitido de grasas totales. Conclusiones Los alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados destinados a la población infantil analizados en este estudio, tienen al menos un nutriente crítico que sobrepasa lo establecido por la OPS, con lo cual se sugiere evitar al máximo su consumo por parte de los niños.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The problem of the high rate of malnutrition worldwide is related to common causal factors related to maternal education, along with socioeconomic status, they could influence the nutrition of children, especially those who are in preschool. Objective: To evaluate maternal education and socioeconomic status as the nutritional status of preschool children. Materials and Methods: An analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted. 82 children were evaluated by anthropometry, according to WHO criteria and surveys were applied to their respective mothers. Results: According to the indicator Weight/Height, 57.31% of preschool children presented adequate nutritional status (between -1 y+1 SD), 29.3% overweight (between +1 y+2 SD) and 7.31% obesity (above +2SD). Moreover, 6.1% presented risk of malnutrition (between -1 DE y -2 SD). For the indicator Height/Age, 87.8% had adequate size (above - 1 SD), 11% risk of low height (between -1 DE y -2 SD) and 1.22% presented low height (under -2 SD). When comparing the medians of the years of maternal schooling according to the nutritional status of (18, 15, 14 and 13.5), no significant differences between groups were found (p=0.247 Kruskal Wallis) and comparing medians of the socioeconomic stratification scores according to the nutritional status of preschool children (7, 15 and 10.5), significant differences between groups were found (p=0.023 Kruskal Wallis). Conclusions: More than half of preschool children presented adequate nutritional status and adequate height. No differences between maternal schooling were found according to the nutritional status of preschoolers but it did among economic stratification scores.

RESUMEN Introducción: La problemática del elevado índice de malnutrición a nivel mundial se relaciona con factores causales comunes relacionados con la escolaridad materna, que junto con el estrato socioeconómico, podrían influir en la nutrición de los niños/as sobre todo aquellos que se encuentran en edad preescolar. Objetivo: Evaluar la escolaridad y el estrato socioeconómico maternos según el estado nutricional de preescolares. Materiales y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal. Fueron evaluados por antropometría, según criterios de la OMS, 82 niños/as en edad preescolar y se aplicaron encuestas a sus respectivas madres. Resultados: Según el indicador de Peso/Talla, 57,31% de los preescolares presentó estado nutricional adecuado (entre -1 y+1 DE), 29,3% sobrepeso (entre +1 y+2 DE) y 7,31% obesidad (por encima de +2 DE). El 6,1% presentó riesgo de desnutrición (entre -1 DE y -2 DE). En cuanto al indicador Talla/Edad, el 87,8% presentó talla adecuada (por encima de -1 DE), 11% riesgo de talla baja (entre -1 DE y -2 DE) y 1,22% talla baja (por debajo de -2 DE). Al comparar las medianas de los años de escolaridad materna según el estado nutricional de los hijos/as (18, 15, 14 y 13,5), no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos (p=0,247 Kruskal Wallis) y al comparar las medianas de los puntajes de la estratificación socioeconómica según el estado nutricional de los preescolares (7, 15 y 10,5), se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos (p=0,023 Kruskal Wallis). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los preescolares presentó estado nutricional adecuado y talla adecuada. No se encontraron diferencias entre los años de escolaridad materna según el estado nutricional de los preescolares pero sí entre los puntajes de estratificación económica.