Region of the Americas (AMR)
To raise awareness among policymakers and health practitioners about unhealthy diets, this document examines dietary patterns in selected Latin American countries using household surveys. The analysis shows that a large percentage of households in the countries examined have inadequate diets. Not only are calorie intakes higher than recommended to maintain a healthy weight, but the diets are also rich in fats, particularly saturated fats, sugars and sodium, and poor in fruits and vegetables. These unhealthy diets are present in both rural and urban areas and in households at different income levels. These dietary patterns are likely to increase the risks for developing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and diabetes mellitus. These diseases are increasingly representing the main causes of death and disability in Latin America, and thus there is an urgent need to increase efforts to promote healthy diets. There are cost-effective interventions that have proven to improve diets, particularly to reduce sodium and trans fat intake, and there are promising examples in the region of the implementation of some of these cost-effective interventions. In addition, given the harmful effects of these dietary patterns, it is important to monitor the prevalence of unhealthy diets across different population groups as well as the intermediate risks factors linked to these diets, such as overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose in the blood. This will require better information than what is currently available and information that is comparable across time.
Citation
“Bonilla-Chacín, María Eugenia; Marcano Vázquez, Luis T.; Sierra, Ricardo; Aldana, Úrsula. 2013. Dietary Patterns and Non-communicable Diseases in Selected Latin American Countries. World Bank, Washington, DC. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/16103 License: CC BY 3.0 Unported.”
URI
This report examines the health and economic impact of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in Latin America and the Caribbean and the governance, design, and implementation of multisectoral policies to prevent these conditions. These include polices to improve diets, increase physical activity, and reduce tobacco use and alcohol abuse. The report focuses on how policy decisions involving multi-sectoral interventions to prevent health risk factors are taken, which stakeholders directly or indirectly participate in these decisions, which incentives they face, and what strategies they use in these processes.
Citation
“Bonilla-Chacín, María Eugenia. 2014. Promoting Healthy Living in Latin America and the Caribbean : Governance of Multisectoral Activities to Prevent Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases. Washington, DC: World Bank. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/16376 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
URI
Abstract
CONTEXT:
Rigorous outcome evaluation is essential to monitor progress toward achieving goals and objectives in comprehensive cancer control plans (CCCPs).
OBJECTIVE:
This report describes a systematic approach for an initial outcome evaluation of a CCCP.
DESIGN:
Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evaluation framework, the evaluation focused on (1) organizing cancer plan objectives by anatomic site and risk factors, (2) rating each according to clarity and data availability, (3) the subsequent evaluation of clearly stated objectives with available outcome data, and (4) mapping allocation of implementation grants for local cancer control back to the CCCP objectives.
SETTING:
South Carolina.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Evaluation outcomes included (1) a detailed account of CCCP objectives by topic area, (2) a systematic rating of level of clarity and availability of data to measure CCCP objectives, (3) a systematic assessment of attainment of measurable objectives, and (4) a summary of how cancer control grant funds were allocated and mapped to CCCP objectives.
RESULTS:
A system was developed to evaluate the extent to which cancer plan objectives were measurable as written with data available for monitoring. Twenty-one of 64 objectives (33%) in the South Carolina's CCCP were measurable as written with data available. Of the 21 clear and measurable objectives, 38% were not met, 38% were partially met, and 24% were met. Grant allocations were summarized across CCCP chapters, revealing that prevention and early detection were the most heavily funded CCCP areas.
CONCLUSIONS:
This evaluation highlights a practical, rigorous approach for generating evidence required to monitor progress, enhance planning efforts, and recommend improvements to a CCCP.