Are research priorities in Latin America in line with the nutritional problems of the population?
OBJECTIVE
Concordance of nutritional research priorities with the related burden of disease is essential to develop cost-effective interventions to address the nutritional problems of populations. The present study aimed to evaluate whether nutrition research priorities are in agreement with the population's nutritional problems in Latin America.


METHODS
The epidemiological profile was contrasted with the research priorities and research produced by academic institutions for each country. Qualitative analysis of research production by type of contribution to problem solving was also conducted.


METHODS
Nine Latin American countries.


RESULTS
Obesity (high body mass index (BMI)) and micronutrient deficiencies (anaemia) emerged as key problems, followed by stunting, breast-feeding/lactation and low birth weight. Wasting in children and women (low BMI) was uncommon. Concordance of ranked research priorities with the epidemiological profile of the country was generally good for nutrition-related chronic diseases, micronutrients and low birth weight, but not for undernutrition, stunting and breast-feeding. Studies on the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions were uncommon.


CONCLUSIONS
The present research agenda insufficiently supports the goal of public health nutrition, which is to ensure the implementation of cost-effective nutrition programmes and policies. A more rational approach to define research priorities is needed.
Llanos
Adolfo
A
Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), Santiago, Chile. adolfo_llanos@pediatrix.com
Oyarzún
María Teresa
MT
Bonvecchio
Anabelle
A
Rivera
Juan A
JA
Uauy
Ricardo
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology; D001724:Birth Weight; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006292:Health Priorities; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D016730:Program Development; D011634:Public Health; D012106:Research