1.
A behavioral economics analysis of the participation in early childhood development social programs promoted by civil societies in Mexico.
Serván-Mori, E, Pineda-Antúnez, C, Bravo-Ruiz, ML, Molina, M, Ramírez-Baca, MI, García-Martínez, A, Quezada-Sánchez, AD, Orozco-Núñez, E
PloS one. 2022;(3):e0265389
Abstract
Based on a behavioral economics (BE) approach, we analyzed the decision to participate in an early childhood development (ECD) program implemented in Mexico by a non-governmental organization. We conducted a literature review and a qualitative study of four localities participating in the ECD program. Situated in the state of Oaxaca, these communities are characterized by high and very high levels of social marginalization. From May 20 to 30, 2019, we collected primary data through semi-structured interviews (n = 30) and focus groups (n = 7) with a total of 61 informants (51 women and 10 men). We then performed an inductive systematic analysis of the data to identify documented cognitive bias associated with the decisions of individuals to participate and remain in or abandon social programs. The interviewees were living in conditions of poverty, facing difficulties in meeting even their most basic needs including food. Program participants attached far greater weight to incentives such as the basic food basket than to the other benefits offered by the program. The four localities visited maintained traditional views of domestic roles and practices, particularly regarding child-rearing, where women were in charge of childcare, home care and food preparation. Problems linked to child malnutrition were a decisive factor in the decision of residents to participate and remain in the program. Testimonials gathered during the study demonstrated that the longer the mothers remained in the program, the more they understood and adopted the concepts promoted by the interventions. In contexts marked by economic vulnerability, it is essential that ECD programs create the necessary conditions for maximizing the benefits they offer. Our analysis suggests that cognitive load and present bias were the biases that most severely affected the decision-making capacity of beneficiaries. Therefore, considering loss aversion and improving the management of incentives can help policymakers design actions that "nudge" people into making the kinds of decisions that contribute to their well-being.
2.
Stakeholder analysis of the deliberation of an increase to the excise tax on sweetened beverages in Mexico.
Gómez-Dantés, O, Orozco-Núñez, E, Torres-de la Rosa, CP, López-Santiago, M
Salud publica de Mexico. 2021;(3 May-Jun):436-443
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present the results of a stakeholder analysis used to construct a map of the actors involved in the delib-eration of a proposal to increase the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in Mexico from 10 to 20 percent per liter. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review and in-terviews to key actors were implemented. The analysis of the actors' power and position was made using Policymaker. RESULTS There was concern for the obesity epidemic among all stakeholders, but little consensus on the way to solve it. Researchers and non-governmental organizations (NGO) support an increase in the tax on SSB, while government officials and industry representatives oppose this measure. CONCLUSION Supporters of an increase to the tax on SSB need to build a coalition in order to force government officials to support this policy and successfully confront the soda industry, which has a solid opposing strategy and enormous financial resources to influence public opinion and congressmen.
3.
The complex scenario of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the area of influence of primary healthcare facilities in Mexico.
Alcalde-Rabanal, JE, Orozco-Núñez, E, Espinosa-Henao, OE, Arredondo-López, A, Alcayde-Barranco, L
PloS one. 2018;13(1):e0187028
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According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey, 73% of adult population in Mexico lived with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart diseases. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for developing these chronic diseases. The target of this study was to characterise the status of obesity, hypertension and diabetes and factors associated to the prevalence of these chronic conditions in the adult population in Mexico. This study used cross-sectional observational method and explored the various risk markers through a survey that included analysis of body composition, food consumption and physical activity. The survey result showed that amongst the studied population, people with higher education have 90% less probability of living with diabetes than those with no education. The authors concluded that change in diet patterns and imparting knowledge in planning meals can play an important role in the aetiology of the prevalent chronic diseases.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCD), diabetes and hypertension are the main cause of adult mortality worldwide. Among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mexico is first in prevalence of diabetes and second in obesity. To face this problematic situation of NCCDs the Ministry of Health declared a national epidemiological alert against the overweight, obesity and diabetes. The target of this study is to characterize the status of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the adult population in the area of influence of primary health facilities located in high social marginality areas. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional observational study and used a convenience sample. A survey was conducted on a population of 18 years old and above in four primary health facilities in four Mexican States. The survey explored sociodemographic characteristics, the presence of chronic diseases, the access to healthcare services, risk factors and life styles. We also applied a complementary questionnaire to 20% of the participants, in order to explore food consumption during the last week and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). We based our analysis on descriptive statistics and logistic multivariate regression to analyze factors associated with diabetes and hypertension. RESULTS 73% (n = 7531, CI 0.72-0.74) percent of the population reported being diabetic, hypertensive and/or overweight. The majority of them receive healthcare in public health services. People over 40 years old, are 11 times more probable of living with diabetes and 8.7 times more probable of living with hypertension. Both conditions affect mostly women, whose main activity is to be a housewife. People who have lunch and dinner out of home are more likely to develop diabetes. People who perform intense physical activity are less likely to live with hypertension. CONCLUSION According to the self-report, more than 70% of adult population living in areas with high social marginality suffer diabetes, hypertension and obesity. However, the percentage of people who live with these chronic conditions and are not aware of them, is unknown. The Mexican health system needs a primary healthcare that emphasizes on health promotion, timely detection of risk factors of Non Communicable Diseases and prevention of their complications.