Papers by Uriyoán Colon-Ramos
Nutrients, May 11, 2023
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Sep 27, 2021
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Nutrients, Dec 17, 2021
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jul 20, 2022
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Appetite, Nov 1, 2021
Little is known about how parenting styles can influence the adolescent's consumption of suga... more Little is known about how parenting styles can influence the adolescent's consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), fruits and vegetables (FV) and beans in Latin America. This study uses hierarchical moderated regression models to examine such association by area of residence, sex of the parent and of the adolescent in Costa Rica. Results showed that fathers´ authoritarian style was significantly associated with lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) among boys (b = -0.163, p = 0.050), but not girls (b = 0.097, p = 0.114) while mother´s authoritarian style was associated with lower SSB intake among girls (b = -0.138, p = 0.031), but not boys (b = 0.159, p = 0.059). Fathers' authoritative style was associated with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) among boys in rural areas (b=0.440, p= 0.017), but this association was not significant for girls (b=-0.033, p= 0.800) in rural areas or for either gender in urban areas. Parenting styles of the mothers' and fathers' were not significantly associated with Costa Rican adolescent bean consumption, in general or for any of the subgroups. Findings suggest an intersectionality in the effects of parentchild interactions by child and parent sex, cultural and geographic context, and the eating behaviors examined.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of The American Dietetic Association, Nov 1, 2009
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Obesity Reviews, Oct 1, 2021
ResumenLa obesidad infantil es un problema grave en Latinoamérica y entre la población latina de ... more ResumenLa obesidad infantil es un problema grave en Latinoamérica y entre la población latina de EE. UU. Para ser eficaces, las políticas de salud pública tienen que estar guiadas por evidencias contextuales pertinentes, lo cual exige una capacidad de investigación sostenida a través del tiempo. Los objetivos de este estudio son determinar la productividad de la investigación enfocada en las poblaciones latinas en Latinoamérica y Estados Unidos, y examinar los dominios de la capacidad de investigación (infraestructuras, programas de formación, mentoría, financiamiento y redes de contactos). Realizamos una revisión exploratoria de artículos indexados relacionados con la obesidad infantil publicados entre junio de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. Recabamos información sobre las percepciones de los investigadores latinoamericanos respecto a la capacidad de investigación en obesidad infantil a través de una encuesta en línea. Identificamos 612 artículos relacionados con la obesidad infantil (505 de Latinoamérica, 124 de EE. UU. y 17 de colaboraciones entre EE. UU. y Latinoamérica). Brasil, México, Chile, Colombia y Estados Unidos son los países con más publicaciones. Encontramos aproximadamente el mismo número de artículos sobre obesidad, nutrición y actividad física; sin embargo, observamos que la capacidad de investigación sobre actividad física está rezagada en otros dominios (formación en investigación, financiamiento y oportunidades para establecer contactos). Otras áreas de investigación complementarias, como el comportamiento sedentario, la ciencia de sistemas y los estudios de políticas, son poco frecuentes en Latinoamérica, pero más habituales en Estados Unidos, mientras que la investigación sobre el sueño es incipiente en ambas regiones. Para cumplir la promesa de crear un programa eficaz de colaboración transfronteriza para la prevención de la obesidad infantil será necesario invertir en todos los dominios de la capacidad de investigación y en todos los temas pertinentes.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Food and Nutrition Bulletin, Mar 1, 2022
Background: School feeding programs (SFPs) can play a crucial role in the emergency food and nutr... more Background: School feeding programs (SFPs) can play a crucial role in the emergency food and nutrition response, but there is a dearth of information on how SFPs operate during emergencies. Design and Methods: A rapid comparative assessment of 11 SFPs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from (1) systematic document search and (2) surveys with key informants (n = 23) about barriers/facilitators to modifications were systematically analyzed using a multiple case study approach. Results: During the pandemic, all SFPs continued (although continuation plans varied from a few days in Chile to > 1 month in Puerto Rico) via food kits, food vouchers, and/or grab n’ go meals. The SFP implementation was highly dependent on the programs’ autonomy and financial support, which impacted their logistics to acquire and distribute foods during the pandemic. The types of foods offered in some SFPs suggest that established nutritional guidelines were not always followed. Key informants expressed concerns about the deterioration of the nutritional quality of foods offered during the pandemic and lack of community engagement that impeded distribution to the neediest. Conclusions: Results underscore the urgency for clear implementation guidance on how to modify SFP during emergencies. Public health implications include (1) allocation of autonomous resources to an intersectoral working group to safeguard nutritional benefits during emergencies, (2) strengthening efforts of SFP community engagement before and during emergencies, and (3) establishing guidelines of the types of foods that can be distributed to meet the nutritional needs of beneficiaries during emergencies.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
PubMed, Oct 1, 2008
Introduction: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have regained popularity in recent years, but public ... more Introduction: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have regained popularity in recent years, but public awareness and perceived healthfulness of LCDs have not been explored. We describe population awareness, use, and perceptions of the healthfulness of LCDs and examine differences by sociodemographic and communication variables. Methods: Nationally representative data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 2005) were analyzed by using multivariate logistic regression to examine independent correlates of awareness, use, and perceptions of the healthfulness of LCDs. Results: Awareness of LCDs in the United States was high (86.6%). Independent correlates of awareness included being a college graduate, being non-Hispanic white, and having a high body mass index (BMI). Among respondents who were aware of LCDs, approximately 17% had tried LCDs during the last year. Independent correlates of LCD use included being a woman and having a high BMI. One-third of respondents who were aware of LCDs agreed that they are a healthy way to lose weight. Independent correlates of perceived LCD healthfulness included not being a high school graduate and being likely to change behavior in response to new nutrition recommendations. Conclusion: This study is among the first to explore correlates of awareness, use, and perceptions of LCDs in a nationally representative sample. Despite high levels of awareness of LCDs, these diets are not used frequently and are not perceived as being healthy.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Public Health Research, Apr 1, 2022
Americans spend the majority of their food dollars at restaurants and other prepared food sources... more Americans spend the majority of their food dollars at restaurants and other prepared food sources, including quick-service and fast-food restaurants (PFS); independent small restaurants make up 66% of all PFS in the US. In this feasibility study, 5 independent and Latino-owned PFS in the Washington DC metro area worked with academic partners to start offering healthy combo meals with bottled water and promote these using on-site, community, and social media advertising. The number of healthy combos sold was collected weekly, showing that the new combos sold, and customers in all 5 sites were surveyed as they exited the PFS (n=50): >85% had noticed the combo meals; 100% thought it was a good idea to offer it, 68% had ordered the combo (of these, >94% of customers responded that they liked it). Results suggest that it is feasible to work with independent Latino-owned restaurants to promote healthy combos and collect data. Significance for public health Consuming foods away from home once a week or more has been associated with risk for obesity, and targeting independent, ethnic restaurants (full service and fast casual) with health interventions can attract segments of populations that are more vulnerable to health disparities and are typically hard to reach. There is need to determine potential dietary health impacts on consumers, the potential for profitability at the restaurant level, and if these types of restaurant interventions can be a sustainable, all of which would likely improve community health. This report adds that it is feasible, based on operability, acceptability, and perceived sustainability, to work with independent-owned restaurants to promote healthier food and beverage alternatives.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Jun 1, 2022
It is recommended that children under 6 years old avoid sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), yet 25%... more It is recommended that children under 6 years old avoid sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), yet 25% of toddlers and 45% of preschool-aged children consume SSBs on a given day, with the highest intakes reported among Hispanic and African American children. To investigate characteristics that predominantly low-income Hispanic and African American parents perceive to reflect a healthy beverage, and examine the influence of these characteristics on parents' perceptions of the beverages they provide to their young children. This study consisted of two activities: a qualitative activity where parents (n=102) were asked to report what characteristics they perceive to reflect a healthy beverage and a quantitative activity where parents (n=96) indicated the extent to which each of the reported characteristics influence parents' perceptions of the beverages they provide to their young children. /setting: Hispanic and African American parents of young children (<6 years) were recruited from the District of Columbia metropolitan area. Beverage characteristics, influence scores. Characteristics were categorized by the research team based on their perceived meaning. Perceived influence scores for each characteristic and category were compared across Hispanic and African American parents using non-parametric, Mann-Whitney U tests, and false discovery rate adjustment was used to correct for multiple testing. The characteristics perceived to be most influential included those pertaining to perceived beverage sugar and sweetener content, being natural, and containing certain nutrients. Characteristics such as being homemade, made with fruit, and containing vitamins were reported to be more influential among Hispanic parents compared with African American parents. Findings emphasize the need to address misperceptions about the healthfulness of beverages among Hispanic and African American parents. Differences in the perceived influence of specific beverage characteristics across Hispanic and African American parents underscore the importance of developing culturally-relevant interventions to improve parents' beverage selection for their children.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2023
Background:Water is recommended as an alternative for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Low-income... more Background:Water is recommended as an alternative for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Low-income, minority groups in the US continue to exhibit high SSB and low water consumption, and are more likely to exceed 100% fruit juice recommendation.Objective:To test the effects of a home-based intervention designed to replace SSB with tap water and reduce excess juice consumption among parents and their infants/toddlers.Design:Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants:Parents (n=92) of infants/toddlers who participated in 3 Early Head Start (EHS) home-visiting programs that serve predominantly Hispanic, low-income communities 2019–2021.Intervention:The 12-week intervention (Water Up!@Home) simultaneously addressed: a) physical barriers to tap water consumption (via a water filter); b) sociocultural barriers to replacing SSB and juice with water (via a curriculum). Comparison group received a water filter only. Hypothesis: Intervention will lead to a reduction of 6 fl oz /day in SSB and juice consumption.Main outcomes:Parent-reported self and infant/toddler SSB; water (filtered, tap, bottled); 100% fruit juice consumption.Statistical analyses:ANCOVA to compare changes in consumption between experimental groups; t-tests to assess changes within groups.Results:Participants in both groups reported significant reductions in SSB from baseline (parents: intervention [−11.2 fl oz/day, p<0.01]; comparison [−8.0 fl oz/day, p<0.01]; children: intervention [−1.50 fl oz/day, p=0.03]; comparison [−1.56 fl oz/day, p=0.02]), increased water consumption (parents in both groups [+5.6 fl oz/day]; children: intervention [+3.61 fl oz/day, p=0.01], comparison [+2.24 fl oz/day, p=0.05]), mostly from filtered tap water. Differences between groups were not statistically significant. Intervention participants reported significant reductions in 100% fruit juice vs. comparison (parents: −3.6 fl oz/day vs. −1.0 fl oz/day, p<0.01; children: −0.73 fl oz/day vs. +0.48 fl oz/day, p=0.03).Conclusions:The intervention effectively reduced 100% fruit juice consumption. Water security should be examined as a contributor to SSB consumption in this population.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Public Health Nutrition, Feb 19, 2021
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Journal of Nutrition, Sep 1, 2020
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Current developments in nutrition, Jul 1, 2023
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Nutrients, Feb 24, 2022
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Introduction: Healthy food incentive programs at farmers’ markets offer an opportunity to improve... more Introduction: Healthy food incentive programs at farmers’ markets offer an opportunity to improve food access, promote healthy eating, and enhance economic viability of markets. The Produce Plus program offers low-income Washington, DC residents the opportunity to receive one $10 voucher/family/market/week for fruits and vegetable purchases at participating markets. We examined the effect of Produce Plus on participants’ frequency of attendance and use of additional money/benefits at markets. Methods: Program participants were surveyed at participating farmers’ markets across the District between June and September 2015. Survey questions included frequency with which the participants shopped at farmers’ markets and whether they used additional money/benefits beyond the program benefits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results: Of the 288 survey respondents, 58.0% reported having attended a farmers’ market \u3e3 times in the past month, 70.6% reported that they came to the market specifically because of Produce Plus, and 84.8% reported attending farmers’ markets more frequently because of Produce Plus. Only 33.6% of participants reported spending additional money at the market, of which 57.5% used their own money and 35% used SNAP benefits. Among participants reporting attending markets more frequently because of Produce Plus, the majority (59%) reported not spending additional funds at the market. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that healthy food incentive programs are a strategy for increasing attendance at farmers’ markets, but most program participants only spend incentive program benefits at the market
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Introduction: The Produce Plus program offered by the District of Columbia (DC) Department of Hea... more Introduction: The Produce Plus program offered by the District of Columbia (DC) Department of Health provides $10 per family/market/week to participants of federal financial and nutrition assistance programs to spend on fresh fruit and vegetables (F&V) at farmers’ markets. The objective of this study was to determine whether F&V intake among Produce Plus participants differs from that of the average DC population. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, program participants were interviewed at markets across DC between June and September 2015. Questions included the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) F&V module which assesses F&V intake over the previous month. Participants’ F&V intake was compared to 2013 DC BRFSS F&V data. Results: A total of 288 Produce Plus participants were surveyed; results are presented here as median (interquartile range). Compared to 2013 DC BRFSS data for individuals reporting annual household incomes of \u3c$35,000, Produce Plus participants reported higher fruit (2.0(1.0-3.0) vs. 1.0(0.4-2.0) times/day) and vegetable (2.0(1.3-3.5) vs. 1.4(0.8-2.3) times/day) intake compared to BRFSS respondents with similar household incomes. Produce Plus participants reported higher fruit intake as the season progressed and they were more likely to have previously received program benefits (June: 1.4(1.0-2.4) vs. August/September: 2.0(1.0-3.0) times/day). Vegetable intake stayed constant throughout the season (June: 2.1(1.5-3.2) vs. August/September: 2.1(1.3-3.8) times/day). Discussion: Participants in the Produce Plus program reported higher F&V intake compared to DC BRFSS respondents with similar incomes, but still below recommended levels. A prospective study is planned to more fully assess whether the Produce Plus program increases participants’ F&V intake
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Appetite, Feb 1, 2016
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Public Health Nutrition, Aug 25, 2020
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Uploads
Papers by Uriyoán Colon-Ramos