Diabetes mellitus, associated factors and food environment in small areas of an urban setting in Argentina

Authors

  • M. Jimena Marro Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología “Dr. Juan H. Jara”
  • Christian Ballejo Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología “Dr. Juan H. Jara”
  • Marcio Alazraqui Universidad Nacional de Lanús. Instituto de Salud Colectiva (ISCO)

Abstract

Introduction: The objective was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, low le vel of physical activity, average daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the density of healthy food businesses according to small areas of the Mar del Plata-Batán urban setting, Argentina, in 2013. Materials and methods: Ecological design with data from the National Survey of Risk Factors, the National Population and Housing Census, and the active businesses dataset at the municipal level. Direct estimators, Fay-Herriot (FH), and their coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated using the small area estimation methodology for the following indicators: prevalence of low level of physical activity, obesity, DM, and an average of the daily consumption of servings of fruits and vegetable. The density of healthy food businesses was calculated. The small areas were ten urban areas and nine periurban areas. Choropleth maps were generated using Jenk natural breaks. Results: The median prevalence of DM was 13.05% (min.: 8.69, max.: 14.51%), and that of obesity was 20.54% (min.: 12.04, max.: 26.82%). The prevalence of DM showed an in verse relationship with a healthy food environment and a direct relationship with obesity. The FH estimator calculation improved the CV’s efficiency associated with the direct estimator. Discussion: In conclusion, unequal distribution of chronic diseases, related factors, and food environment was found in an urban setting in Argentina. The consolidated nucleus of the city showed a high concentration of healthy food businesses and a low prevalence of obesity and DM.

Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus, Prevalence, Small-Area, Analysis, Built Environment

Author Biography

Christian Ballejo, Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología “Dr. Juan H. Jara”

Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud  (ANLIS-Malbrán), Argentina.