Alejandra Girona
Biographic Data
| ID | 1163882 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Alejandra Girona |
| GIVEN NAMES | Alejandra |
| FAMILY NAME | Girona |
| SIGNATURE | GIRONA A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Universidad de la República de Uruguay |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 16 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 21 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2017 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Mothers’ perceptions of marketing elements on infant formula packages: A mixed-methods exploration in Uruguay
The marketing and commercialization of infant formula have been identified as major barriers to breastfeeding, influencing parental feeding choices through a wide range of strategies that include persuasive packaging elements. This work explores how mothers in Uruguay perceive infant formula packaging and examines the influence of marketing elements on their perceptions and behavioral intentions. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was…
A qualitative exploration of parental decision-making regarding ultra-processed products for children aged 2 to 5 years
How do households cope with food insecurity? Quantitative analysis of the coping strategies of households with children attending public childcare in Uruguay
Analyzing the cost of a healthy food basket in Uruguay: Methodological and policy implications
Monitoring economic access to food is fundamental to implement strategies to reduce food insecurity and enhance the affordability of healthy diets. The aims of the present study were to develop a healthy food basket (HFB) and analyze its cost from 2011 to 2024, in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country. The HFB was conceptualized as a set of foods that allows the achievement of the nutritional needs of a person at the lowest possible cost,…
Factors influencing parental decisions on food choices during complementary feeding: A qualitative study in Uruguay
Understanding parental decision-making during complementary feeding is essential for designing effective interventions that address deviations from nutritional recommendations and support optimal growth and development. However, there is no consensus on the key factors shaping the characteristics of complementary feeding, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In this context, the present work aimed to identify factors influencing paren…
A mixed-methods exploration of the food retail environment of a low-income area of Montevideo, Uruguay
Creating supportive food environments has been identified as one of the most effective strategies to promote healthy diets. In this context, the present work aimed to characterize the retail food environment in a low-income area of the city of Montevideo (Uruguay). The study relied on a mixed-methods approach. A survey of food retail outlets was conducted. All the outlets were geocoded, and service areas were created considering a 600 m threshold…
A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults using the social ecological model
Introduction: Fruit and vegetable consumption remains below public health recommendations worldwide. This study aimed to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption among adults living in urban areas outside the capital city of Uruguay, and to identify strategies to promote intake. Methods: The study relied on a generic qualitative study using focus group discussions. Five focus groups were conducted between Oct…
Understanding fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults
Although fruits and vegetables are an essential component of a healthy diet from sustainable food systems, their consumption remains below recommended levels worldwide. In this context, the aim of the present work was to explore factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults. A telephone survey with 505 adults, living in Montevideo and involved in food purchasing for the household, was conducted by a specialized compan…
A qualitative exploration of mothers' perspectives on infant formula use in Uruguay
Moderators of the Effect of Household Food Insecurity on Food Consumption Among Uruguayan Children and Adolescents
The aims of the present work were to examine the effect of food insecurity on food consumption among children/adolescents in Uruguay and to explore the moderating effect of socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The design consisted of an analysis of secondary data from a telephone survey ( n = 1,504), applied to parents or tutors of children and adolescents living in Uruguay (September–October, 2020). Data were analyzed using logistic r…
Coping strategies of food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country: A qualitative study through the lens of Bourdieu's theories of capitals an…
Parenthood as a Window of Opportunity for Dietary Changes: Perspectives From Uruguayan Parents
Research on behavioral and social science has demonstrated that transitions throughout a person’s life course, as the life event of becoming a parent, represent an opportunity for dietary changes. However, research in this area has been mostly restricted to developed European and North American countries and has shown ambiguous results. The present work aimed to gain an in-depth understanding on the changes in eating habits caused by the transiti…
The idealisation of bottle feeding: Content analysis of feeding bottles and teats packages in Uruguay
Objective: The information displayed on the packages of feeding bottles and teats commercialised in Montevideo (Uruguay) was analysed using content analysis with the goal of identifying key marketing practices that may discourage breast-feeding. Design: The study was conducted as part of the periodic assessment performed by the Uruguayan government to monitor the marketing of breast milk substitutes. All the feeding bottles and teats sold in fort…
The contributions of civil society to food security in the context of Covid-19: A qualitative exploration in Uruguay
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore and analyse the actions implemented by civil society to contribute to food security in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uruguay, a high-income country in South America. Design: An exploratory systematic approach was used to identify the contributions of civil society to food security through reports in news websites and Facebook posts. Data were analysed based on content analysis following a …
Are the recommendations of paediatricians about complementary feeding aligned with current guidelines in Uruguay
Objective: To explore Uruguayan paediatricians’ personal recommendations about complementary feeding and to assess if they are aligned with current guidelines and scientific evidence. Design: A questionnaire composed of open-ended questions was used to explore foods recommended to start complementary feeding, foods regarded as the most important during the first meals, recommendations for delayed introduction of foods and foods that should be avo…
Marketing of commercial foods for infant and young children in Uruguay: Sugary products, health cues on packages and fun social products on Facebook
Objective: To analyse the content of the marketing of commercial foods for infants and young children on packages and social media. Design: Commercial foods targeted at children, regarded as potential breast-milk substitutes according to the Uruguayan breast-feeding standard, were considered: dairy products; teas, juices and bottled waters; glucose solutions; cereals and mixtures of fruits and vegetables. All the products sold at forty-four retai…
The social representations of complementary feeding
Is Covid-19 a threat or an opportunity for healthy eating? An exploration of the factors that moderate the impact of the pandemic on eating habits in Uruguay
Social representations of breastfeeding and infant formula: An exploratory study with mothers and health professionals to inform policy making
Factors underlying compliance with a healthy snacking initiative in the school environment: Accounts of school principals in Montevideo (Uruguay)
Objective To evaluate the implementation of the Uruguayan healthy snacking initiative in primary and secondary schools in the capital, and to explore the factors underlying compliance from the perspective of school principals. Design A mixed-method approach was used, which included semi-structured interviews with school principals and a survey of the foods and beverages sold and advertised in the schools. Setting Primary and secondary schools in …
Comparison of motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among low medium income consumers in Uruguay
Interventions aimed at changing dietary patterns should be designed based on the main motives underlying the food choices of specific target populations. The aim of the present study was to identify motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among consumers in two socioeconomic levels in Uruguay. Eleven focus groups were carried out with a total of 76 participants. Six of the groups involved low income participants and the othe…
Comparison of motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among low medium income consumers in Uruguay
Interventions aimed at changing dietary patterns should be designed based on the main motives underlying the food choices of specific target populations. The aim of the present study was to identify motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among consumers in two socioeconomic levels in Uruguay. Eleven focus groups were carried out with a total of 76 participants. Six of the groups involved low income participants and the othe…
Coping strategies of food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country: A qualitative study through the lens of Bourdieu's theories of capitals an…
Is Covid-19 a threat or an opportunity for healthy eating? An exploration of the factors that moderate the impact of the pandemic on eating habits in Uruguay
Social representations of breastfeeding and infant formula: An exploratory study with mothers and health professionals to inform policy making
Understanding fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults
Although fruits and vegetables are an essential component of a healthy diet from sustainable food systems, their consumption remains below recommended levels worldwide. In this context, the aim of the present work was to explore factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults. A telephone survey with 505 adults, living in Montevideo and involved in food purchasing for the household, was conducted by a specialized compan…
A qualitative exploration of mothers' perspectives on infant formula use in Uruguay
Comparison of motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among low medium income consumers in Uruguay
Interventions aimed at changing dietary patterns should be designed based on the main motives underlying the food choices of specific target populations. The aim of the present study was to identify motives underlying food choice and barriers to healthy eating among consumers in two socioeconomic levels in Uruguay. Eleven focus groups were carried out with a total of 76 participants. Six of the groups involved low income participants and the othe…
Factors underlying compliance with a healthy snacking initiative in the school environment: Accounts of school principals in Montevideo (Uruguay)
Objective To evaluate the implementation of the Uruguayan healthy snacking initiative in primary and secondary schools in the capital, and to explore the factors underlying compliance from the perspective of school principals. Design A mixed-method approach was used, which included semi-structured interviews with school principals and a survey of the foods and beverages sold and advertised in the schools. Setting Primary and secondary schools in …
Social representations of breastfeeding and infant formula: An exploratory study with mothers and health professionals to inform policy making
The idealisation of bottle feeding: Content analysis of feeding bottles and teats packages in Uruguay
Objective: The information displayed on the packages of feeding bottles and teats commercialised in Montevideo (Uruguay) was analysed using content analysis with the goal of identifying key marketing practices that may discourage breast-feeding. Design: The study was conducted as part of the periodic assessment performed by the Uruguayan government to monitor the marketing of breast milk substitutes. All the feeding bottles and teats sold in fort…
The contributions of civil society to food security in the context of Covid-19: A qualitative exploration in Uruguay
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore and analyse the actions implemented by civil society to contribute to food security in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uruguay, a high-income country in South America. Design: An exploratory systematic approach was used to identify the contributions of civil society to food security through reports in news websites and Facebook posts. Data were analysed based on content analysis following a …
Are the recommendations of paediatricians about complementary feeding aligned with current guidelines in Uruguay
Objective: To explore Uruguayan paediatricians’ personal recommendations about complementary feeding and to assess if they are aligned with current guidelines and scientific evidence. Design: A questionnaire composed of open-ended questions was used to explore foods recommended to start complementary feeding, foods regarded as the most important during the first meals, recommendations for delayed introduction of foods and foods that should be avo…
Marketing of commercial foods for infant and young children in Uruguay: Sugary products, health cues on packages and fun social products on Facebook
Objective: To analyse the content of the marketing of commercial foods for infants and young children on packages and social media. Design: Commercial foods targeted at children, regarded as potential breast-milk substitutes according to the Uruguayan breast-feeding standard, were considered: dairy products; teas, juices and bottled waters; glucose solutions; cereals and mixtures of fruits and vegetables. All the products sold at forty-four retai…
The social representations of complementary feeding
Is Covid-19 a threat or an opportunity for healthy eating? An exploration of the factors that moderate the impact of the pandemic on eating habits in Uruguay
Parenthood as a Window of Opportunity for Dietary Changes: Perspectives From Uruguayan Parents
Research on behavioral and social science has demonstrated that transitions throughout a person’s life course, as the life event of becoming a parent, represent an opportunity for dietary changes. However, research in this area has been mostly restricted to developed European and North American countries and has shown ambiguous results. The present work aimed to gain an in-depth understanding on the changes in eating habits caused by the transiti…
Moderators of the Effect of Household Food Insecurity on Food Consumption Among Uruguayan Children and Adolescents
The aims of the present work were to examine the effect of food insecurity on food consumption among children/adolescents in Uruguay and to explore the moderating effect of socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The design consisted of an analysis of secondary data from a telephone survey ( n = 1,504), applied to parents or tutors of children and adolescents living in Uruguay (September–October, 2020). Data were analyzed using logistic r…
Coping strategies of food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country: A qualitative study through the lens of Bourdieu's theories of capitals an…
Analyzing the cost of a healthy food basket in Uruguay: Methodological and policy implications
Monitoring economic access to food is fundamental to implement strategies to reduce food insecurity and enhance the affordability of healthy diets. The aims of the present study were to develop a healthy food basket (HFB) and analyze its cost from 2011 to 2024, in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country. The HFB was conceptualized as a set of foods that allows the achievement of the nutritional needs of a person at the lowest possible cost,…
Factors influencing parental decisions on food choices during complementary feeding: A qualitative study in Uruguay
Understanding parental decision-making during complementary feeding is essential for designing effective interventions that address deviations from nutritional recommendations and support optimal growth and development. However, there is no consensus on the key factors shaping the characteristics of complementary feeding, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In this context, the present work aimed to identify factors influencing paren…
A mixed-methods exploration of the food retail environment of a low-income area of Montevideo, Uruguay
Creating supportive food environments has been identified as one of the most effective strategies to promote healthy diets. In this context, the present work aimed to characterize the retail food environment in a low-income area of the city of Montevideo (Uruguay). The study relied on a mixed-methods approach. A survey of food retail outlets was conducted. All the outlets were geocoded, and service areas were created considering a 600 m threshold…
A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults using the social ecological model
Introduction: Fruit and vegetable consumption remains below public health recommendations worldwide. This study aimed to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption among adults living in urban areas outside the capital city of Uruguay, and to identify strategies to promote intake. Methods: The study relied on a generic qualitative study using focus group discussions. Five focus groups were conducted between Oct…
Understanding fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults
Although fruits and vegetables are an essential component of a healthy diet from sustainable food systems, their consumption remains below recommended levels worldwide. In this context, the aim of the present work was to explore factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption among Uruguayan adults. A telephone survey with 505 adults, living in Montevideo and involved in food purchasing for the household, was conducted by a specialized compan…
A qualitative exploration of mothers' perspectives on infant formula use in Uruguay
Mothers’ perceptions of marketing elements on infant formula packages: A mixed-methods exploration in Uruguay
The marketing and commercialization of infant formula have been identified as major barriers to breastfeeding, influencing parental feeding choices through a wide range of strategies that include persuasive packaging elements. This work explores how mothers in Uruguay perceive infant formula packaging and examines the influence of marketing elements on their perceptions and behavioral intentions. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was…
A qualitative exploration of parental decision-making regarding ultra-processed products for children aged 2 to 5 years
How do households cope with food insecurity? Quantitative analysis of the coping strategies of households with children attending public childcare in Uruguay
Medicine (15 works) · Psychology (14 works) · Environmental health (13 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (12 works) · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations (8 works) · Geography (8 works) · Business (7 works) · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences (6 works) · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues (6 works) · Child Nutrition and Water Access (6 works)