Geographical disparities in obesity prevalence: small-area analysis of the Chilean National Health Surveys.

Background: Previous representative health surveys conducted in Chile evidenced a high obesity prevalence rate among adults, especially in female and urban areas. Nevertheless, these have limited utility for targeted interventions and local source allocation for prevention. This study analyzes the increments in obesity prevalence rates in populations ≥15 years of age and the geographic variation at the regional level.

[Cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units in Chilean hospitals].

Background: Patients with a cardiovascular (CV) history may be at greater risk of becoming ill and die due to SARS-CoV-2.

Aim: To assess the incidence of CV complications in COVID-19 patients, the type of complication, and their association with CV history.

Material And Methods: The clinical course of 1,314 patients with COVID-19 admitted consecutively to critical care units of 10 Chilean hospitals was registered between April and August of 2020.

Prevalence of Marijuana Use among University Students in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Young adults 18 to 25 years old show the highest prevalence of marijuana use in Latin America. This study analyzes the changes in prevalence of marijuana use among university students in the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) from two studies carried out in 2009 and in 2012. Data were collected through representative two-stage samples of universities and students in the Andean Community.

Exploring child maltreatment and its relationship to alcohol and cannabis use in selected Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Objectives: Research from developed countries shows that child maltreatment increases the risk for substance use and problems. However, little evidence on this relationship is available from developing countries, and recognition of this relationship may have important implications for substance demand reduction strategies, including efforts to prevent and treat substance use and related problems. Latin America and the Caribbean is a rich and diverse region of the world with a large range of social and cultural influences.