Communities In Ecuador Research Articles

Towards an Anticolonial Photovoice: A Research Practice Guide to Theoretical and Methodological Considerations

Photovoice researchers must avoid an ahistorical application of the method by critically examining the implementation and dissemination of photovoice projects. Recognizing that photovoice is not automatically empowering and that dismantling power dynamics is an ongoing struggle requiring constant vigilance to ethical, methodological, and representational issues, I propose an anticolonial framework for photovoice, drawing on the work of anticolonial scholars. This approach acknowledges the legacies of colonialism and racism within health and research systems, an imperative for researchers working with Indigenous and marginalized communities. I address multiple phases of a photovoice project, problematizing power relations in each phase and suggesting how to anticolonially adapt theoretical orientations and methodological processes. Areas under-addressed in the photovoice literature, such as epistemic justice, recruitment power relations, decolonized concepts of rigor, problematization of pseudonyms/anonymizing, and cross-language research and writing, are discussed, interweaving analyses with practical guidance from and outcomes of my photovoice research with Indigenous and mestizo communities in Ecuador.

Análise econômica de dano-custo causado por saneamento insuficiente no Equador rural

ABSTRACT Sanitation is an unmet basic need in rural areas. Conventional technology to cover the population without access to this human right does not respond to the reality of the segment of the users who are excluded from this service with the corresponding economic damages. This research based its findings on the Economics Sanitation Initiative methodology, running the model to develop a damage-cost analysis due to the lack of any type of sanitation access in rural Ecuador. The inputs considered are enlisted within the toolkit manual and are at the discretion of the analyst which ones can be included in the study. The most relevant outcomes of the research reveal that sanitation has an impact on health of 1.88%, water resources for human consumption of 0.9%, and overall damage of 2.77% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For this reason, ecosanitation is positioned as a simple and inexpensive alternative for rural communities in Ecuador, capable to avert damages and transforming them into economic benefits for users.

Cardiovascular risk among 6-8-year-old children living in urban and rural communities in Ecuador: A cross-sectional analysis.

Cardiovascular diseases have their origins in childhood. At least 20% of children and adolescents in Latin America are overweight or obese. However, little is known regarding the cardiovascular risk of young children living in the region. This paper aims to identify associations between socio-demographics, adiposity, and dietary intake with cardiometabolic risk among children between 6- and 8-years old living in urban and rural Andean regions of Ecuador. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 children attending elementary schools between February and August 2018. Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured interview. Bodyweight, height, and waist circumference were measured in duplicate; blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to determine blood lipids, hepatic enzymes, and adipokines; food intake data was assessed by two 24-h recalls administered to the guardians. Associations between cardiometabolic risk (i.e., blood lipids, hepatic enzymes, and adipokines) with sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, and waist circumference were tested using multiple hierarchical regression models. Twenty-nine percent of the children were overweight or obese, 12% had low HDL levels, and over 18% had high levels of LDL and triglycerides. Children living in the urban region had lower levels of HDL (β−4.07 mg/dL; 95% CI: −7.00; −1.15; P = 0.007) but higher levels of LDL cholesterol (β 8.52 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.38; 15.66; P = 0.019). Hepatic enzymes were also higher among urban children (SGOT: β% 22.13; 95% CI: 17.33; 26.93; P < 0.001; SGPT: β 0.84 U/L; 95% CI: 0.09; 1.59; P = 0.028). Leptin blood levels were higher (β% 29.27; 95% CI: 3.57; 54.97; P = 0.026), meanwhile adiponectin plasma concentrations were lower among urban children (β%−103.24; 95% CI: −58.9; −147.58; P = < 0.001). Fiber intake was inversely associated with total cholesterol (β−9.27 mg/dL; 95% CI –18.09; −0.45; P = 0.040) and LDL cholesterol blood levels (β−9.99 mg/dL; 95% CI: −18.22; −1.75; P = 0.018). Our findings demonstrate that young children are at high cardiovascular risk; if no actions are taken, the burden of non-communicable diseases will be substantial. The differences in risk between rural and urban areas are evident; urbanization might predispose children to a different reality and, in most cases, result in poor habits.

Terraces and ancestral knowledge in an Andean agroecosystem: a call for inclusiveness in planetary health action

ABSTRACT Ancestral knowledge, centered in Mother Nature, is in the indigenous discourse and international forums. Caliata, a resilient community in Ecuador’s central highlands faces internal structural problems and external pressures. Nevertheless, it has retained an ancestral knowledge deeply integrated into a pre-Columbian system of cultivation terraces, agrodiversity, native crops, and natural cycles’ management, which combine to shape a viable agroecosystem. We describe Caliata’s agroecological landscape and community views to explore the sustainability cues that have assured food sovereignty, seemingly from ancient times. Our research provides insights that can be scaled-up from local to programs and policy aligned to planetary health.

Child Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in a Mixed Indigenous Rural Community in Ecuador: Associations with Linear Growth, Weight Status, and Bone Maturation

ObjectivesFrequent ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is associated with poor health and nutrition outcomes throughout the lifespan. This study examines the relationship between child UPF consumption and growth indicators—linear growth, weight status, and bone maturation—in children from rural Ecuador.MethodsThis study analyzed data from the Lulun II study, a follow-up to a randomized controlled trial testing the effect of egg feeding on growth. Bone age was assessed using tablet-based ultrasound methods and subsequently adjusted for age and sex and converted to bone age z-scores (BAZ) using Greulich and Pyle's standards. Child heights and weights were converted to height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores according to WHO Growth Standards. UPF consumption was determined by a 24-hour food frequency recall of different product categories (sugar-sweetened beverages, sugary foods, savory snacks) meeting the NOVA classification of UPFs. Regression models assessed the relationships between UPF consumption and indicators of bone maturation and anthropometry.ResultsIn this sample (N = 125; mean age = 33.92 ± 1.75 month), the median frequency of UPF consumption was 3 servings per day. After adjusting for confounders, the analysis showed that children who consumed 4—12 UPF servings per day (highest tertile) had significantly higher BAZ scores on average compared to those in the lowest tertile (0—1 serving of UPF per day) [β = 0.58, P = 0.03]. Savory snack consumption was also positively correlated with BAZ [β = 0.77, < 0.001]. On average, HAZ scores were lowest for the highest tertile of UPF consumption, trending towards significance [β = −0.36, P = 0.06]. The odds of stunting were significantly higher for children in the highest tertile of UPF consumption, relative to those in the lowest tertile [OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.11—9.09]. No statistical significance was detected for weight-related outcomes.ConclusionsUPF intake is often associated with overnutrition outcomes. However, evidence from this analysis suggests that frequent UPF consumption in children may also drive stunted growth, despite positive associations with bone maturation. Further research is needed to better understand this paradoxical relationship.Funding SourcesThe Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation & The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition.

Using narratives to reduce HIV stigma in rural Ecuador: A health education intervention

Objective: To determine the efficacy of using a narrative-based intervention to reduce HIV stigma among members of the general public in a rural community in Ecuador. Design: This cross-sectional intervention study involved a convenience sample of 133 participants from Cariamanga, Ecuador. We used a post-test only comparison group design. Setting: The number of adults living with HIV in Ecuador is increasing. Stigma and discrimination are among the greatest barriers to HIV prevention, access to treatment, care and support. Stigma is also associated with negative health outcomes. The study took place in the rural community of Cariamanga, Loja, Ecuador. Method: The intervention included (1) a fact-based presentation, (2) video stories from two individuals living with HIV and (3) a structured group discussion. Data were collected using an HIV Stigma Scale and an HIV Knowledge Assessment. Data were analysed using independent t-test and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: Participants who received the intervention had higher HIV knowledge scores ( p &lt; .001; d = 2.06) and lower stigma scores (0.59) subsequent to the intervention than the comparison group (1.02, p &lt; .001; d = 1.05). Conclusion: This narrative-based educational intervention was effective in reducing HIV-related stigma. Public health practitioners should consider including narratives as a component of future health education interventions aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma.

Feasibility Study for Off-Grid Hybrid Power Systems Considering an Energy Efficiency Initiative for an Island in Ecuador

This paper shows the technical–economic, operational and environmental feasibility of four off-grid hybrid power systems to supply energy to the Cerrito de los Morreños community in Ecuador. These configurations consist of combinations of diesel generators, solar photovoltaic systems, and battery energy storage systems. Each configuration was simulated and the results were analyzed for two different load conditions: (1) the existing load profile and (2) a reduced load profile by incorporating an energy efficiency initiative. Homer Pro software was used to perform the simulations. The planning horizon for the simulations was selected to be 15 years. The results showed the diesel/photovoltaic/battery configuration with energy efficiency showed the best performance, which was achieved with a photovoltaic system of 160 kWp, the existing generator of 165 kW and a storage system of 283 kWh. The stand-alone diesel generator and photovoltaic/diesel configurations showed higher Net Present Costs, instability problems and higher CO2 emissions. Additionally, the configurations without energy efficiency had increases of between 15% and 40% higher costs compared to their respective energy-efficient scenarios. The information in this work could be useful for some organizations in Ecuador who are interested in investing in rural electrification projects with renewable energy to reduce and/or compensate their CO2 emissions.

A sex- and gender-based analysis of factors associated with linear growth in infants in Ecuadorian Andes

Although female infants may have an early life biological advantage over males, gendered treatment can alter health outcomes. Ecuador has an unusually high ratio of male to female infant mortality, but gender norms have been reported to favor boys. This analysis of baseline data from the Lulun Project, a randomized controlled trial conducted in rural Andean communities of Ecuador, investigates the roles of sex and gender in undernutrition among infants 6 to 9 months of age. Twenty-four-hour recall frequencies were used to assess dietary intake. Food outcome models were analyzed as prevalence ratios calculated using a binomial distribution with a log link or robust Poisson regression. Linear regression was used to analyze the continuous growth outcome length-for-age z score. Socioeconomic and health history variables were comparable between male and female infants. Boys were more often fed liquids other than breastmilk within their first 3 days of life (17.1% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.026). Compared with girls, boys were less likely to be fed eggs by 33% (95% CI 0.46, 0.96), cheese, yogurt, or other milk products by 40% (95% CI 0.39, 0.92), yellow fruit by 44% (95% CI 0.33, 0.97), water by 37% (95% CI 0.45, 0.88), thin porridge by 29% (95% CI 0.56, 0.92), and tea without milk by 67% (95% CI 0.11, 0.99). Prevalence of boys with an adequate dietary diversity score (≥ 4) was reduced by 27% relative to girls (95% CI 0.54, 0.99). Males fared worse in length-for-age z scores (− 2.16 vs. − 1.56, P = 0.000), weight-for-age z scores (− 0.86 vs. − 0.33, P = 0.002), prevalence of stunting (50.6% vs. 23.4%, P = 0.000), and plasma concentrations of dimethylglycine (1.25 vs. 1.65 µg/mL, P = 0.021). After adjusting for demographic, caregiver perceptions of appetite, and biological factors, length-for-age z score for a male child was 0.62 units lower than for a female (95% CI − 0.98, − 0.26). Male infants were shown to receive lower quality complementary foods and have worse anthropometric measures than female infants.Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02446873. Registered February 28, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02446873.

The Paradox of Poverty and Citizen Participation: A Multimethod Approach to Absenteeism in an Andean Community in Ecuador

The Paradox of Poverty and Citizen Participation: A Multimethod Approach to Absenteeism in an Andean Community in Ecuador

Rehabilitation of an Internet network in 40 schools in Nabón, Ecuador

Internet access is necessary to ensure respect for the right to education, however, worldwide about 75% of school-age children in rural areas do not have access to the Internet at home, which makes it imperative the need for actions to reduce the digital gap to improve the quality of education in rural communities in Ecuador. This article describes the rehabilitation of an Internet network of 40 schools in the Nabón community, Ecuador. An earlier initiative implemented the Internet network, but lack of maintenance left it non-functional. With the support of the Municipality of Nabón, Motorola Foundation and IEEE SIGHT, a group of volunteers from IEEE Ecuador evaluated the state of the network to identify opportunities using the existing infrastructure. The commitment to the community, as well as the development of capacities, are at the center of the intervention to guarantee the sustainable development of the project. This document reports on the design, implementation, achievements and lessons learned from the rehabilitation of the Internet network.

Techno‐Economic Assessment of Renewable Energy‐based Microgrids in the Amazon Remote Communities in Ecuador

Several remote communities have limited electricity access and are mainly dependent on environmentally damaging fossil fuels. The installation of microgrid networks and green energy initiatives are currently addressing this issue. Thus, the techno‐economic assessment of a microgrid that comprises photovoltaic arrays, a micro‐hydro turbine, and diesel generation is proposed herein. Two scenarios are evaluated considering the inclusion or not of diesel generation. This model is performed in HOMER. The results demonstrate that the best option in economics is to invest in a PV/hydro/diesel microgrid, resulting in an net present cost of 2.33 M$, and a cost of energy of 0.194 $ kWh−1. Furthermore, to address diesel price uncertainties, a sensitivity analysis is carried out based on three different projected diesel prices.

Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants: An Update and Perspectives.

The use of plants as therapeutic agents is part of the traditional medicine that is practiced by many indigenous communities in Ecuador. The aim of this study was to update a review published in 2016 by including the studies that were carried out in the period 2016–July 2021 on about 120 Ecuadorian medicinal plants. Relevant data on raw extracts and isolated secondary metabolites were retrieved from different databases, resulting in 104 references. They included phytochemical and pharmacological studies on several non-volatile compounds, as well as the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs). The tested biological activities are also reported. The potential of Ecuadorian plants as sources of products for practical applications in different fields, as well the perspectives of future investigations, are discussed in the last part of the review.

Time after a peak-pesticide use period and neurobehavior among ecuadorian children and adolescents: The ESPINA study

BackgroundLimited evidence exists regarding transient neurobehavioral alterations associated with episodic pesticide exposures or agricultural pesticide spray periods. We previously observed that children examined soon after a pesticide spray period (the Mother's Day flower harvest [MDH]) had lower neurobehavioral performance than children examined later. The present study builds on our previous work by incorporating longitudinal analyses from childhood through adolescence. MethodsWe examined participants in agricultural communities in Ecuador (ESPINA study) during three periods: July–August 2008 (N = 313, 4-9-year-olds); April 2016 (N = 330, 11–17-year-olds); July–October 2016 (N = 535, 11–17-year-olds). Participants were examined primarily during a period of low floricultural production. Neurobehavior was assessed using the NEPSY-II (domains: Attention/Inhibitory Control, Language, Memory/Learning, Visuospatial Processing, and Social Perception). Linear regression and generalized linear mixed models were used to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between examination date (days) after the MDH and neurobehavioral outcomes, adjusting for demographic, anthropometric, and socio-economic variables. ResultsParticipants were examined between 63 and 171 days after the MDH. Mean neurobehavioral domain scores ranged from 1.0 to 17.0 (SDrange = 2.1–3.1) in 2008 and 1.0 to 15.5 (SDrange = 2.0–2.3) in 2016. In cross-sectional analyses (2016 only; N = 523), we found significant or borderline positive associations between time after the MDH and Attention/Inhibitory Control (difference/10 days [β] = 0.22 points [95% CI = 0.03, 0.41]) and Language (β = 0.16 points [95% CI = −0.03, 0.34]). We also observed positive, longitudinal associations (2008–2016) with Attention/Inhibitory Control (β = 0.19 points [95% CI = 0.04, 0.34]) through 112 days after the harvest and Visuospatial Processing (β = 3.56, β-quadratic = −0.19 [95% CI: −0.29, −0.09]) through 92 days. ConclusionsChildren examined sooner after the harvest had lower neurobehavioral performance compared to children examined later, suggesting that peak pesticide spray seasons may transiently affect neurobehavior followed by recovery during low pesticide-use periods. Reduction of pesticide exposure potential for children during peak pesticide-use periods is advised.

Optimal load dispatch strategies for a hybrid system using renewable energy sources

Recently, the idea of hybrid power systems (HES) has attracted interest for the electrification of isolated or energy efficient areas. This document examines the modelling and optimal dimensions of a hybrid microgrid using different dispatch strategies. The sizing of the HES components such as Photovoltaic panels, Batteries, Inverter, a Diesel generator has been optimized by three strategies: (i) load tracking, (ii) cycle load, and (iii) combined dispatch. The location of the case study is in a rural community in Ecuador whose load profile is 17 kW. By utilizing HOMER software, optimization for the HES was achieved with the Combined Dispatch strategy (CD) which presented the minimum levels in the net annual cost (NPC), initial capital, levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $ 90,073.10, $ 21,208 and $ 0.2016 / kWh, respectively. The conclusions offer a guide to consider the resources and generation combination essential for the optimal operation of an island microgrid with different dispatch scenarios.

Concurrent urinary organophosphate metabolites and acetylcholinesterase activity in Ecuadorian adolescents

BackgroundOrganophosphates are insecticides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Because of this, AChE is considered a physiological marker of organophosphate exposure in agricultural settings. However, limited research exists on the associations between urinary organophosphate metabolites and AChE activity in children. MethodsThis study included 526 participants from 2 exams (April and July–October 2016) of ages 12–17 years living in agricultural communities in Ecuador. AChE activity was measured at both examinations, and organophosphate metabolites, including para-nitrophenol (PNP), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), and malathion dicarboxylic acid (MDA) were measured in urine collected in July–October. We used generalized estimating equation generalized linear model (GEEGLM), adjusting for hemoglobin, creatinine, and other demographic and anthropometric covariates, to estimate associations of urinary metabolite concentrations with AChE activity (July–October) and AChE% change between April and July–October. ResultsThe mean (SD) of AChE and AChE% change (April vs July–October) were 3.67 U/mL (0.54) and −2.5% (15.4%), respectively. AChE activity was inversely associated with PNP concentration, whereas AChE% change was inversely associated with PNP and MDA. There was evidence of a threshold: difference was only significant above the 80th percentile of PNP concentration (AChE difference per SD increase of metabolite = −0.12 U/mL [95%CI: 0.20, −0.04]). Likewise, associations with AChE% change were significant only above the 80th percentile of TCPy (AChE % change per SD increase of metabolite = −1.38% [95%CI: 2.43%, −0.32%]) and PNP -2.47% [95%CI: 4.45%, −0.50%]). PNP concentration at ≥80th percentile was associated with elevated ORs for low AChE activity of 2.9 (95% CI: 1.5, 5.7) and for AChE inhibition of ≤ -10% of 3.7 (95% CI: 1.4, 9.8). ConclusionsUrinary organophosphate metabolites, including PNP, TCPy and MDA, particularly at concentrations above the 80th percentile, were associated with lower AChE activity among adolescents. These findings bring attention to the value of using multiple constructs of pesticide exposure in epidemiologic studies.

Convergent flight morphology among Müllerian mimic mutualists.

Müllerian mimicry involves a signal mutualism between prey species, shaped by visually hunting predators, and recent work has emphasized the importance of color pattern. Predators respond to more than color pattern, however, and other traits are much less studied. This article examines the hypothesis of convergent evolution in flight-related morphology among eight mimicry complexes composed of 51 butterfly species (Nymphalidae, Danainae, Ithomiini) from a single community in Ecuador. Phylogenetic comparative analyses of 14 variables indicated strong morphological differences between mimicry complexes belonging to three clusters of morphological space ("large yellow transparent," "tiger," and "transparent"), not the eight predicted based on color pattern alone. Analyses found convergence within mimicry complexes, convergence between mimicry complexes within morphospace clusters, and divergence between mimicry complexes from different morphospace clusters. These three clusters differed in size, and body and wing shape, predicting that flight biomechanics also converge (i.e., locomotor mimicry). Potential constraints on evolution of morphological mimicry related to predator discrimination, and evolutionary rates, likely e xplain why flight-related morphology differences were limited to three clusters of morphological space. Finally, the added complexity that flight-related morphology brings to signals between predator and prey indicates that evolutionary switches in color pattern are not all equally likely, potentially limiting the evolution of color patterns if they do not match morphology.

Associations of herbicides and DEET repellent metabolites with neurobehavioral performance in adolescents

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Herbicides are the most used class of pesticides worldwide, and insect repellents are widely used in most countries worldwide. Yet, there is a dearth of studies characterizing the associations between these chemical groups and neurobehavioral performance. Some data in rodents and poultry suggests that herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) can affect neurobehavior and cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways in the brain. METHODS: Among 519 participants of ages 11-17 years living in agricultural communities in Ecuador (The ESPINA study), we measured urinary concentrations of glyphosate, 2,4-D, and two N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) insect repellent metabolites (3-[diethylcarbamoyl]benzoic acid, 3[ethylcarbamoyl]benzoic acid). We assessed neurobehavioral performance using 11 subtests across 5 domains (Attention/Inhibitory Control, Memory/Learning, Language, Visuospatial Processing and Social Perception). We characterized the associations using generalized estimating equations and multiple imputation for metabolites below detection limits. Models adjusted for demographic, anthropometric, creatinine and sexual maturation. Mediation analyses by salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol and testosterone were assessed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS:The mean neurobehavioral domain scores ranged from 7.0 - 8.7 (SD range: 2.0 - 2.3). The detectability of metabolites were: glyphosate: 98%, 2,4-D: 66%, 3-[diethylcarbamoyl]benzoic acid: 62%, 3[ethylcarbamoyl]benzoic acid: 34%. 2,4-D was negatively associated with all neurobehavioral domains, but the strongest and significant associations were observed with Attention/Inhibition (score difference per 50% increase in metabolite concentration [β]=-0.19, p=0.002), Language (β=-0.14, p=0.015) and Memory/Learning (β=-0.11, p=0.065). Glyphosate had significant negative associations only with Social Perception (β=-0.08, p0.001). DEET metabolites were not associated with neurobehavior. Sex and adrenal hormones did not mediate these associations. CONCLUSIONS:These are among the first population-based human studies to describe neurobehavioral performance decreases associated with herbicide exposures. Replication of our findings among other pediatric and adult populations is needed. Caution is advised with the use of these pesticides. KEYWORDS: Herbicides, Insect repellents, neurodevelopment, Environmental epidemiology, adolescents, agriculture

Conservation threats and future prospects for the freshwater fishes of Ecuador: A hotspot of Neotropical fish diversity.

ABSTRACTFreshwater fish communities in Ecuador exhibit some of the highest levels of diversity and endemism in the Neotropics. Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems in the country are under serious threat and conditions are deteriorating. In 2018–19, the government of Ecuador sponsored a series of workshops to examine the conservation status of Ecuador's freshwater fishes. Concerns were identified for 35 species, most of which are native to the Amazon region, and overfishing of Amazonian pimelodid catfishes emerged as a major issue. However, much of the information needed to make decisions across fish groups and regions was not available, hindering the process and highlighting the need for a review of the conservation threats to Ecuador's freshwater fishes. Here, we review how the physical alteration of rivers, deforestation, wetland and floodplain degradation, agricultural and urban water pollution, mining, oil extraction, dams, overfishing, introduced species and climate change are affecting freshwater fishes in Ecuador. Although many of these factors affect fishes throughout the Neotropics, the lack of data on Ecuadorian fish communities is staggering and highlights the urgent need for more research. We also make recommendations, including the need for proper enforcement of existing environmental laws, restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystems, establishment of a national monitoring system for freshwater ecosystems, investment in research to fill gaps in knowledge, and encouragement of public engagement in citizen science and conservation efforts. Freshwater fishes are an important component of the cultural and biological legacy of the Ecuadorian people. Conserving them for future generations is critical.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type-2 and their association with intake of dairy and legume in Andean communities of Ecuador.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are metabolic alterations associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Diet has a significant impact on the risk to develop MetS and T2D; in this regard, consumption of fruits, vegetables, and protein rich foods (from plant and animals) are important to prevent and manage these pathologies. There are limited studies regarding the potential association between Andean foods rich in proteins and the presence of cardio-metabolic conditions in Ecuador. It is necessary to develop new low-cost, local-culturally acceptable strategies to reduce the burden of cardio-metabolic diseases. We describe the prevalence (baseline data) of MetS and T2D in the Ecuadorian cohort of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study and their potential association with the consumption of protein rich foods, including beef, white meat, dairy and legumes. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 1,997 individuals aged 35–70 years (mean age 51 years, 72% women), included in the Ecuadorian cohort of the PURE study, from February to December 2018. The prevalence of MetS was 42% for male and 44% for female participants; the prevalence of T2D was 9% for male and 10% for female. Metabolic syndrome and T2D were more common in women older than 50 years of age with primary education or less, low economic income, and with obesity; MetS was more frequent in the rural area while T2D was more frequent in the urban area. Using logistic regression analysis, we observed a significant protective effect of higher consumption of dairy and legumes in the prevalence of MetS and T2D compared with low consumption. It will be important to develop policies for ample production and consumption of protein rich foods such as legumes and dairy, part of traditional diets, to reduce the burden of cardio-metabolic diseases.

Charitable Giving in the Context of Unfamiliar Organizations: The Effectiveness of Construal Level Theory in Predicting Donating Intentions and Antecedents

ABSTRACT Charitable organizations continue to increase in the United States. Procuring charitable donations and meeting fundraising goals can be challenging for new organizations. Mental representations, or construals of phenomena, often drive charitable behaviors, preferences, and choices. Healthy Homes for Healthy Living (HHHL) focuses on reconstructing houses to prevent vectors that spread Chagas disease in rural communities in Ecuador. Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT), we explored charitable giving behaviors of potential donors. Our findings revealed: (a) smaller psychological distances did not influence charitable giving, and (b) message recipients showed favorable attitudes toward unfamiliar charities dealing with unfamiliar issues. We offer implications for CLT application in the context of charitable giving and fundraising by new charitable organizations and intention to share messages.