Self-Care in Patients with Non-Optimal Diabetes Management in Brazilian Rural Areas: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Purpose: This study aims to assess self-care in patients with non-optimal diabetes management (HbA1c >7.0% for adults and >8.0 for those aged 60 or over) and the positive and negative experiences associated with it in the rural communities of a Brazilian municipality. Patient and Methods: This is a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. The data were collected from participants with high HbA1c through focus group discussions, subsequently performing thematic analysis, and through structured questionnaires (socioeconomic characteristics and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA)). Results: The mean HbA1c of the 156 study participants was 9.94% (95% confidence interval: 9.70-10.19%) and most participants (86.54%) had negative self-care behaviors, with an overall SDSCA mean score of 3.55. This mean was not positive for any of the socioeconomic characteristics. The self-care activities with the most satisfactory performance concerned non-smoking and the use of prescribed medications, and the poorest results were observed for the practice of specific physical activities. The qualitative data indicated that the study participants face many difficulties regarding self-care practices, especially those related to an adequate diet. Conclusion: The self-care assessment revealed unsatisfactory self-care behaviors as well as high HbA1c levels among the study participants and highlighted the various difficulties they encounter. This indicates the need for more attentive health teams to monitor patients, especially regarding actions focused on the non-pharmacological elements of self-care, such as lifestyle changes, which were found to be the dimensions with the most unsatisfactory results.

Evaluation of blood pressure through home monitoring in brazilian primary care: a feasibility study.

Blood pressure measurements taken in a clinical setting are subject to errors, therefore there are advantages to monitoring blood pressure at home, especially in in patients diagnosed with hypertension. The study describes the feasibility of home monitoring to assess blood pressure in primary care and compares blood pressure measured at home and during a medical consultation. This cross-sectional study was carried out with patients whose used home blood pressure in the morning and evening, thrice for seven consecutive day sat home. Participants included patients older than 18 years with suspected whitecoat hypertension, taking antihypertensives, or those intolerant of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and excluded patients who did not follow the protocol, suffered from an irregular heart rate, and pregnant women. Of the 134 patients who participated in the study, 63.3% had altered blood pressure when measured at health facilities and 48% had higher blood pressure at home. The mean difference between the methods was 10.1 mmHg for systolic and 4.3 mmHg for diastolic. The prevalence of whitecoat hypertension was 19.4%. Blood pressure monitoring at home is a practicable strategy in the Brazilian healthcare system.

Community-Based Interventions to Improve the Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Underserved Rural Areas in Brazil: A Before-and-After Study.

Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the second and third highest leading causes of disability-adjusted life-years (DALY), respectively, in Brazil. The clinical outcomes of chronic diseases are influenced by various factors. Therefore, there is a need for multifaceted interventions to achieve a decrease in the rate of DALY, with a better control of these diseases. Objective: To verify whether sustainable long-term interventions, such as health worker training and provision of health education to the patients, contribute to health improvements in patients with hypertension and diabetes from rural communities. Methods: Over a 6 month period, educational and medical interventions were provided to optimize the treatment of hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were taken at baseline and after the interventions. Results: The monitored hypertensive patients (n = 276) had a reduction of 13.4 mmHg (p = 0.021) and 5.8 mmHg (p < 0.001) in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Diabetic patients who were followed-up (n = 71) achieved a 0.55% (p = 0.185) reduction in HbA1c level. The desired blood pressure level (<140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 38.8% of patients with hypertension, whereas the desired level of HbA1c (<7.0% for adults and <8.0% for the elderly) was achieved in 16.9% of patients with diabetes; in addition, 38.0% had a reduction of HbA1c of at least 1%. Conclusion: The results showed that the interventions improved the blood pressure and HbA1c levels in patients with hypertension and diabetes from rural communities in a municipality in Northeast Brazil.

Improving Access to the Glycated Hemoglobin Test in Rural Communities With Point-of-Care Devices: An Application Study.

Background: Living in a rural or remote area is frequently associated with impaired access to health services, which directly affects the possibility of early diagnosis and appropriate monitoring of diseases, mainly non-communicable ones, because of their asymptomatic onset and evolution. Point-of-care devices have emerged as useful technologies for improving access to several laboratory tests closely patients' beds or homes, which makes it possible to eliminate the distance barrier. Objective: To evaluate the application of point-of-care technology for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) estimation in the assessment of glycemic control and identification of new diagnoses of diabetes in primary care among rural communities in a Brazilian municipality. Materials and Methods: We included individuals aged 18 years or older among rural communities in a Brazilian municipality. From September 2019 to February 2020, participants were assessed for anthropometrics, blood pressure, and capillary glycemia during routine primary care team activities at health fairs and in patient groups. Participants previously diagnosed with diabetes but without recent HbA1c test results or those without a previous diagnosis but with random capillary glycemia higher than 140 mg/dL were considered positive and were tested for HbA1c by using a point-of-care device. Results: At the end of the study, 913 individuals were accessed. Of these, 600 (65.7%) had no previous diagnosis of diabetes, 58/600 (9.7%) refused capillary glycemia screening and 542/600 (90.7%) were tested. Among tested individuals, 73/542 (13.5%) cases without a previous diagnosis of diabetes, were positive for capillary glycemia. Among positives, 31/73 (42.5%) had HbA1c levels that were considered indicative of prediabetes and 16/73 (21.9%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes. Among the participants, 313/913 (34.3%) were previously diagnosed with diabetes. Recent HbA1c results were unavailable for 210/313 (67.1%). These individuals were tested using point-of-care devices. Among them, 143/210 (68.1%) had HbA1c levels higher than target levels (>7% and >8% for adults and elderly individuals, respectively. Conclusion: The application of point-of-care devices for HbA1c level measurement improved the access to this test for people living in rural or remote areas. Thus, it was possible to include this technology in the routine activities of primary health care teams, which increased the rates of new diagnoses and identification of patients with uncontrolled glycemia.

Comparison of cardiovascular risk calculators in patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk stratification is an important clinical practice to estimate the severity of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to compare the stratification of global cardiovascular risk with the specific risk stratification for patients with type 2 diabetes, seen at specialized outpatient clinics, and to evaluate possible differences in diagnoses and treatments. METHODS: A total of 122 patients with type 2 diabetes treated at two specialized outpatient clinics, from 2017 to 2019, were studied. The cardiovascular risk stratification calculators, global risk score, Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator, and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine, were used to calculate the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The agreement between these calculators was analyzed using the kappa index. The indications for the use of statins and acetylsalicylic acid for the group studied were evaluated according to the Brazilian Diabetes Society Guideline. RESULTS: There was a low degree of agreement among the three risk calculators. The global risk score calculator showed insignificant agreement with the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator (kappa=0.0816; p=0.0671). There was no agreement between the global risk score calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine (kappa=-0.099), or between the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine (kappa=-0.0095). CONCLUSION: The substantial disagreements among the cardiovascular risk calculators may lead to different diagnoses and may consequently influence therapeutic strategies. The findings herein highlight the need for specific validated cardiovascular risk calculators for patients with DM2 that can reliably estimate risk in these individuals.

[Periodic occupational examination: an opportunity for diagnosis and monitoring of chronic noncommunicable diseases in men]. / Exame ocupacional periódico: oportunidade de diagnóstico e monitoramento de doença crônica não transmissível em homens.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension as the principal marker of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and to identify associated modifiable factors in male workers. Baseline data were used from a longitudinal study with a sample of 1,024 male workers 18 years or older in a municipality in Northeast Brazil. The marker for NCDs was arterial hypertension, defined as systolic pressure ≥ 140mmHg and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90mmHg and/or prior diagnosis of arterial hypertension and/or use of antihypertensive medication. Poisson regression with robust variance was used, adopting hierarchical entry of variables. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated for the lifestyle variables to measure the impact of modifiable factors on workers' health. Prevalence of hypertension was 28.6% (95%CI: 25.9-31.5). Distal factors associated with hypertension were age > 40 years, black skin color, and family income ≥ 3 times the monthly minimum wage. Intermediate factors were alcohol abuse, smoking, high self-rated salt intake, and physical inactivity. Proximal factors were overweight and obesity. Calculation of PAFs showed that a reduction or elimination of unhealthy lifestyle habits and behaviors in this population group would reduce the prevalence of the target NCD, hypertension, by 56.1%. The identification of modifiable factors and the ways they can negatively impact male workers' health allows planning interventions in the workplace itself to reach the largest number of individuals, aimed at reducing the harmful effects of NCDs.

Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial, como principal marcador de doença crônica não transmissível (DCNT), e identificar os fatores modificáveis associados, em trabalhadores homens. Foram utilizados dados da linha de base de um estudo longitudinal com uma amostra de 1.024 trabalhadores homens com 18 anos ou mais de um município do Nordeste do Brasil. O marcador de DCNT foi a hipertensão arterial, definida por pressão arterial sistólica ≥ 140mmHg e/ou pressão arterial diastólica ≥ 90mmHg e/ou diagnóstico prévio de hipertensão arterial e/ou uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Empregou-se a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, adotando a entrada hierárquica de variáveis. Foram calculadas frações atribuíveis populacionais (FAP) para as variáveis de estilo de vida, a fim de dimensionar o impacto dos fatores modificáveis na saúde dos trabalhadores. A prevalência da hipertensão arterial nesta população foi de 28,6% (IC95%: 25,9-31,5), os fatores distais: idade > 40 anos, cor da pele preta e renda familiar ≥ 3 salários mínimos; fatores intermediários: consumo abusivo de álcool, consumo de tabaco, percepção de um consumo elevado de sal e inatividade física e o fator proximal: sobrepeso e obesidade associaram-se positivamente com a hipertensão arterial. O cálculo da FAP permitiu observar que se ocorresse a redução ou eliminação de hábitos e comportamentos relacionados ao estilo de vida deste público, reduziria em 56,1% a prevalência da DCNT estudada. A identificação de fatores modificáveis e como estes podem interferir negativamente na saúde de trabalhadores homens possibilita o planejamento de intervenções no próprio local de trabalho, a fim de alcançar o maior número de indivíduos, visando reduzir os efeitos deletérios das DCNT.

El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de hipertensão arterial, como principal marcador de enfermedad crónica no transmisible (ECNT), así como identificar factores modificables asociados, en hombres trabajadores. Se utilizaron datos de la línea de base, procedentes de un estudio longitudinal, con una muestra de 1.024 hombres trabajadores con 18 años o más de un municipio del Nordeste de Brasil. El marcador de ECNT fue la hipertensão arterial, definida por presión arterial sistólica ≥ 140mmHg y/o presión arterial diastólica ≥ 90mmHg y/o diagnóstico previo de hipertensão arterial y/o uso de medicamentos antihipertensivos. Se empleó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, adoptando la entrada jerárquica de variables. Se calcularon fracciones atribuibles poblacionales (FAP) en las variables de estilo de vida, a fin de dimensionar el impacto de los factores modificables en la salud de los trabajadores. La prevalencia de la hipertensão arterial en esta población fue de 28,6% (IC95%: 25,9-31,5), los factores distales: edad > 40 años, color de piel negra y renta familiar ≥ 3 salarios mínimos; factores intermedios: consumo abusivo de alcohol, consumo de tabaco, percepción de un consumo elevado de sal e inactividad física y el factor proximal: sobrepeso y obesidad se asociaron positivamente con la hipertensão arterial. El cálculo de la FAP permitió observar que, si se produjese una reducción o eliminación de hábitos y comportamientos relacionados con el estilo de vida de este público, se reduciría en un 56,1% la prevalencia de la ECNT estudiada. La identificación de factores modificables y cómo pueden interferir negativamente en la salud de hombres trabajadores posibilita la planificación de intervenciones en el propio lugar de trabajo, con el fin de alcanzar al mayor número de individuos para reducir los efectos mortíferos de las ECNT.

Cost-Effectiveness of Point-of-Care A1C Tests in a Primary Care Setting.

Objective: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the point-of-care A1c (POC-A1c) test device vs. the traditional laboratory dosage in a primary care setting for people living with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The Markov model with a 10-year time horizon was based on data from the HealthRise project, in which a group of interventions was implemented to improve diabetes and hypertension control in the primary care network of the urban area of a Brazilian municipality. A POC-A1c device was provided to be used directly in a primary care unit, and for a period of 18 months, 288 patients were included in the point-of-care group, and 1,102 were included in the comparison group. Sensitivity analysis was performed via Monte Carlo simulation and tornado diagram. Results: The results indicated that the POC-A1c device used in the primary care unit was a cost-effective alternative, which improved access to A1c tests and resulted in an increased rate of early control of blood glucose. In the 10-year period, POC-A1c group presented a mean cost of US$10,503.48 per patient and an effectiveness of 0.35 vs. US$9,992.35 and 0.09 for the traditional laboratory test, respectively. The incremental cost was US$511.13 and the incremental effectiveness was 0.26, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 1,947.10. In Monte Carlo simulation, costs and effectiveness ranged between $9,663.20-$10,683.53 and 0.33-0.37 for POC-A1c test group, and $9,288.28-$10,413.99 and 0.08-0.10 for traditional laboratory test group, at 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. The costs for nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease and the probability of being hospitalized due to diabetes presented the greatest impact on the model's result. Conclusion: This study showed that using POC-A1c devices in primary care settings is a cost-effective alternative for monitoring glycated hemoglobin A1c as a marker of blood glucose control in people living with type 2 diabetes. According to our model, the use of POC-A1c device in a healthcare unit increased the early control of type 2 diabetes and, consequently, reduced the costs of diabetes-related outcomes, in comparison with a centralized laboratory test.

Covid-19 telescreening in SUS users with risk conditions: case report.

This case report aims to describe the conception and preliminary data of the implementation of a telescreening and telemonitoring program of covid-19 for users of the Unified Health System with risk conditions. A system of telerscreening was implemented through which undergraduate students in the health area contact patients by telephone, according to periodicity and predefined criteria, to monitor the evolution of the condition. In eight weeks, 2,190 attempts at remote contact were made with individuals from five health units. The effective number of individuals monitored at the time this writing is 802.

Community-based interventions for detection and management of diabetes and hypertension in underserved communities: a mixed-methods evaluation in Brazil, India, South Africa and the USA.

INTRODUCTION: As non-communicable disease (NCD) burden rises worldwide, community-based programmes are a promising strategy to bridge gaps in NCD care. The HealthRise programme sought to improve hypertension and diabetes management for underserved communities in nine sites across Brazil, India, South Africa and the USA between 2016 and 2018. This study presents findings from the programme's endline evaluation. METHODS: The evaluation utilises a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design. Process indicators assess programme implementation; quantitative data examine patients' biometric measures and qualitative data characterise programme successes and challenges. Programme impact was assessed using the percentage of patients meeting blood pressure and A1c treatment targets and tracking changes in these measures over time. RESULTS: Almost 60 000 screenings, most of them in India, resulted in 1464 new hypertension and 295 new diabetes cases across sites. In Brazil, patients exhibited statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and A1c. In Shimla, India, and in South Africa, country with the shortest implementation period, there were no differences between patients served by facilities in HealthRise areas relative to comparison areas. Among participating patients with diabetes in Hennepin and Ramsey counties and hypertension patients in Hennepin County, the percentage of HealthRise patients meeting treatment targets at endline was significantly higher relative to comparison group patients. Qualitative analysis identified linking different providers, services, communities and information systems as positive HealthRise attributes. Gaps in health system capacities and sociodemographic factors, including poverty, low levels of health education and limited access to nutritious food, are remaining challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from Brazil and the USA indicate that the HealthRise model has the potential to improve patient outcomes. Short implementation periods and strong emphasis on screening may have contributed to the lack of detectable differences in other sites. Community-based care cannot deliver its full potential if sociodemographic and health system barriers are not addressed in tandem.

Atenção Primária à Saúde abrangente: análise a partir do trabalho das equipes de Saúde da Família frente às doenças crônicas / Comprehensive Primary Health Care: analysis based on the work of Family Health teams in dealing with chronic diseases

Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os atributos da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) abrangente a partir da atuação das equipes de Saúde da Família com foco nas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Pesquisa qualitativa realizada entre agosto de 2018 a julho de 2019, na APS de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, com 40 profissionais de saúde, por meio de grupos focais e entrevistas. A partir da análise temática, os temas centrais corresponderam aos sete atributos da APS abrangente. Como resultados, as potencialidades do trabalho das equipes relacionaram-se com a priorização do acesso, ao amplo leque de serviços oferecidos e o reconhecimento da realidade comunitária/familiar. Destacaram-se obstáculos relacionados a oferta, acessibilidade e cobertura dos serviços, fragmentação na coordenação assistencial e informacional, dificuldades de desenvolvimento de práticas inclusivas com a família e etnicamente situadas, bem como na continuidade da assistência, notadamente para o contexto rural. Espera-se que os resultados apresentados possam confirmar a necessidade de investimentos e a instituição de processos sistemáticos de avaliação do trabalho das equipes de saúde da família, a fim de acompanhar a trajetória de consolidação da APS no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the attributes of comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC) based on the work of the family health teams focused on non-communicable chronic diseases. Qualitative research conducted from August 2018 to July 2019, in primary health care in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil, with 40 health professionals, through interviews and focus groups. From the thematic analysis, the central themes were defined, corresponding to the seven attributes of comprehensive PHC. As a result, the potentials work of the family health teams was related to prioritizing access, the wide range of services offered and the recognition of the community and family reality. The study highlighted obstacles related to service provision, accessibility, coverage, care fragmentation and in information coordination, challenges in developing practices with the family, in practices ethnically situated, and continuity of care, notably for the rural context. It is expected that the results presented may confirm the need for investments and the institution of systematic evaluation processes regarding the work of family health teams, in order to follow the trajectory of PHC consolidation in the context of the Brazilian Unified Health System.Resumo: Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os atributos da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) abrangente a partir da atuação das equipes de Saúde da Família com foco nas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Pesquisa qualitativa realizada entre agosto de 2018 a julho de 2019, na APS de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, com 40 profissionais de saúde, por meio de grupos focais e entrevistas. A partir da análise temática, os temas centrais corresponderam aos sete atributos da APS abrangente. Como resultados, as potencialidades do trabalho das equipes relacionaram-se com a priorização do acesso, ao amplo leque de serviços oferecidos e o reconhecimento da realidade comunitária/familiar. Destacaram-se obstáculos relacionados a oferta, acessibilidade e cobertura dos serviços, fragmentação na coordenação assistencial e informacional, dificuldades de desenvolvimento de práticas inclusivas com a família e etnicamente situadas, bem como na continuidade da assistência, notadamente para o contexto rural. Espera-se que os resultados apresentados possam confirmar a necessidade de investimentos e a instituição de processos sistemáticos de avaliação do trabalho das equipes de saúde da família, a fim de acompanhar a trajetória de consolidação da APS no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro.

Enfermeiras da atenção primária à saúde: olhares para aspectos trabalhistas em municípios urbanos / Nurses in primary health care: looks at labor aspects in urban municipalities / Enfermeras de atención primaria de salud: mira a aspectos laborales en los municipios urbanos

Objetivo: Caracterizar os aspectos trabalhistas das enfermeiras da Atenção Primária à Saúde nos municípios de tipologia urbana do estado da Bahia. Métodos: Estudo descritivo através de abordagem quantitativa a partir de informações obtidas com 32 enfermeiras, no período entre novembro de 2020 a maio de 2021, nos três maiores municípios do estado da Bahia. Resultados: Enfermeiras em sua maioria possuem vínculo trabalhista do tipo estatutário, com carga horária de 40 horas, atua há mais de um ano em unidades de saúde de modelo da Estratégia Saúde da Família, com diferenças salariais entre os municípios. Conclusão: Identificar aspectos trabalhistas das enfermeiras é de suma relevância, pois trazem implicações para melhoria das políticas de pessoal na Atenção Primária à Saúde. (AU)

Objective: To characterize the labor aspects of Primary Health Care nurses in urban municipalities of the state of Bahia. Methods: A descriptive study through a quantitative approach based on information obtained from 32 nurses, in the period between November 2020 and May 2021, in the 3 largest municipalities of the state of Bahia. Results: Most of the nurses have a statutory employment contract, work 40-hour shifts, and have been working for more than 1 year in health care units that follow the Family Health Strategy model, with wage differences among the municipalities. Conclusion: Identifying labor aspects of nurses is of utmost relevance, since they bring implications for improving personnel policies in Primary Health Care. (AU)

Objetivo: Caracterizar los aspectos laborales de las enfermeras de Atención Primaria de Salud en los municipios urbanos del estado de Bahia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo a través de un enfoque cuantitativo basado en la información obtenida de 32 enfermeras, en el período comprendido entre noviembre de 2020 y mayo de 2021, en los tres mayores municipios del estado de Bahia. Resultados: La mayoría de las enfermeras tienen un contrato de trabajo legal, trabajan 40 horas y llevan más de 1 año en unidades sanitarias del modelo de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar, con diferencias salariales entre municipios. Conclusión: La identificación de los aspectos laborales de las enfermeras es de máxima relevancia, ya que aportan implicaciones para la mejora de las políticas de personal en Atención Primaria. (AU)

Industry workers with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of self-reported adherence, and disease control

Abstract To evaluate the prevalence of self-reported drug adherence and factors associated, as well as clinical health outcomes, for industry workers with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). This was a cross-sectional study of 137 Brazilian industry workers with HTN and/ or DM. Self-reported adherence was assessed, and the disease control was defined through blood pressure and capillary glycemia values. Data were descriptively analyzed and the factors associated with adherence were evaluated using the Poisson model with robust variance to calculate prevalence ratios. The prevalence of self-reported drug adherence was 79.6% and the prevalence of disease control was 53.8%. There was no statistically significant association between the two variables. In the controlled disease group, non-adherence was associated with being under 40 years of age, not having a partner, and having a risky alcohol consumption habit. In the uncontrolled disease group, adherence was highest for participants aged 40 years and older. The prevalence of self-reported drug adherence was high, but the prevalence of disease control was low and not associated with adherence, indicating that the self-reported adherence measure may be inaccurate. Our findings identify some factors that explain non-adherent behavior in the workforce.

Evaluation of blood pressure through home monitoring in brazilian primary care: a feasibility study / Avaliação da pressão arterial através da monitorização residencial na atenção básica brasileira: um estudo de viabilidade

Abstract Blood pressure measurements taken in a clinical setting are subject to errors, therefore there are advantages to monitoring blood pressure at home, especially in in patients diagnosed with hypertension. The study describes the feasibility of home monitoring to assess blood pressure in primary care and compares blood pressure measured at home and during a medical consultation. This cross-sectional study was carried out with patients whose used home blood pressure in the morning and evening, thrice for seven consecutive day sat home. Participants included patients older than 18 years with suspected whitecoat hypertension, taking antihypertensives, or those intolerant of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and excluded patients who did not follow the protocol, suffered from an irregular heart rate, and pregnant women. Of the 134 patients who participated in the study, 63.3% had altered blood pressure when measured at health facilities and 48% had higher blood pressure at home. The mean difference between the methods was 10.1 mmHg for systolic and 4.3 mmHg for diastolic. The prevalence of whitecoat hypertension was 19.4%. Blood pressure monitoring at home is a practicable strategy in the Brazilian healthcare system.

Resumo A medição da pressão arterial no consultório está sujeita a erros; assim, a monitorização residencial da pressão arterial é utilizada para o monitoramento e diagnóstico da hipertensão. Descrever a viabilidade da monitorização residencial para avaliar a pressão arterial na atenção primária e comparar os valores da pressão arterial através da monitorização residencial e medida de consultório. Estudo transversal realizado com pacientes que utilizaram a monitorização residencial pela manhã e pela noite, em triplicata por sete dias consecutivos em domicílio. Foram incluídos pacientes maiores de 18 anos, com suspeita de hipertensão do avental branco, utilizando anti-hipertensivos ou intolerantes a monitorização ambulatorial. Foram excluídos pacientes que não seguiram o protocolo, aqueles que apresentavam ritmo cardíaco irregular ou mulheres grávidas. 134 pacientes participaram do estudo, 63,3% apresentaram pressão arterial alteradas em consultório e 48% pela monitorização residencial. A diferença média dos métodos foi de 10,1 mmHg para sistólica e 4,3 mmHg para diastólica. A prevalência de hipertensão do avental branco foi 19,4%. A monitorização residencial da pressão arterial no sistema de saúde brasileiro provou ser uma estratégia viável.

Comparison of cardiovascular risk calculators in patients with diabetes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk stratification is an important clinical practice to estimate the severity of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to compare the stratification of global cardiovascular risk with the specific risk stratification for patients with type 2 diabetes, seen at specialized outpatient clinics, and to evaluate possible differences in diagnoses and treatments. METHODS: A total of 122 patients with type 2 diabetes treated at two specialized outpatient clinics, from 2017 to 2019, were studied. The cardiovascular risk stratification calculators, global risk score, Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator, and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine, were used to calculate the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The agreement between these calculators was analyzed using the kappa index. The indications for the use of statins and acetylsalicylic acid for the group studied were evaluated according to the Brazilian Diabetes Society Guideline. RESULTS: There was a low degree of agreement among the three risk calculators. The global risk score calculator showed insignificant agreement with the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator (kappa=0.0816; p=0.0671). There was no agreement between the global risk score calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine (kappa=-0.099), or between the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine (kappa=-0.0095). CONCLUSION: The substantial disagreements among the cardiovascular risk calculators may lead to different diagnoses and may consequently influence therapeutic strategies. The findings herein highlight the need for specific validated cardiovascular risk calculators for patients with DM2 that can reliably estimate risk in these individuals.

Exame ocupacional periódico: oportunidade de diagnóstico e monitoramento de doença crônica não transmissível em homens / Periodic occupational examination: an opportunity for diagnosis and monitoring of chronic noncommunicable diseases in men / Examen ocupacional periódico: oportunidad de diagnóstico y supervisión de enfermedad crónica no transmisible en hombres

Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial, como principal marcador de doença crônica não transmissível (DCNT), e identificar os fatores modificáveis associados, em trabalhadores homens. Foram utilizados dados da linha de base de um estudo longitudinal com uma amostra de 1.024 trabalhadores homens com 18 anos ou mais de um município do Nordeste do Brasil. O marcador de DCNT foi a hipertensão arterial, definida por pressão arterial sistólica ≥ 140mmHg e/ou pressão arterial diastólica ≥ 90mmHg e/ou diagnóstico prévio de hipertensão arterial e/ou uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Empregou-se a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, adotando a entrada hierárquica de variáveis. Foram calculadas frações atribuíveis populacionais (FAP) para as variáveis de estilo de vida, a fim de dimensionar o impacto dos fatores modificáveis na saúde dos trabalhadores. A prevalência da hipertensão arterial nesta população foi de 28,6% (IC95%: 25,9-31,5), os fatores distais: idade > 40 anos, cor da pele preta e renda familiar ≥ 3 salários mínimos; fatores intermediários: consumo abusivo de álcool, consumo de tabaco, percepção de um consumo elevado de sal e inatividade física e o fator proximal: sobrepeso e obesidade associaram-se positivamente com a hipertensão arterial. O cálculo da FAP permitiu observar que se ocorresse a redução ou eliminação de hábitos e comportamentos relacionados ao estilo de vida deste público, reduziria em 56,1% a prevalência da DCNT estudada. A identificação de fatores modificáveis e como estes podem interferir negativamente na saúde de trabalhadores homens possibilita o planejamento de intervenções no próprio local de trabalho, a fim de alcançar o maior número de indivíduos, visando reduzir os efeitos deletérios das DCNT.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension as the principal marker of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and to identify associated modifiable factors in male workers. Baseline data were used from a longitudinal study with a sample of 1,024 male workers 18 years or older in a municipality in Northeast Brazil. The marker for NCDs was arterial hypertension, defined as systolic pressure ≥ 140mmHg and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90mmHg and/or prior diagnosis of arterial hypertension and/or use of antihypertensive medication. Poisson regression with robust variance was used, adopting hierarchical entry of variables. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated for the lifestyle variables to measure the impact of modifiable factors on workers' health. Prevalence of hypertension was 28.6% (95%CI: 25.9-31.5). Distal factors associated with hypertension were age > 40 years, black skin color, and family income ≥ 3 times the monthly minimum wage. Intermediate factors were alcohol abuse, smoking, high self-rated salt intake, and physical inactivity. Proximal factors were overweight and obesity. Calculation of PAFs showed that a reduction or elimination of unhealthy lifestyle habits and behaviors in this population group would reduce the prevalence of the target NCD, hypertension, by 56.1%. The identification of modifiable factors and the ways they can negatively impact male workers' health allows planning interventions in the workplace itself to reach the largest number of individuals, aimed at reducing the harmful effects of NCDs.

El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de hipertensão arterial, como principal marcador de enfermedad crónica no transmisible (ECNT), así como identificar factores modificables asociados, en hombres trabajadores. Se utilizaron datos de la línea de base, procedentes de un estudio longitudinal, con una muestra de 1.024 hombres trabajadores con 18 años o más de un municipio del Nordeste de Brasil. El marcador de ECNT fue la hipertensão arterial, definida por presión arterial sistólica ≥ 140mmHg y/o presión arterial diastólica ≥ 90mmHg y/o diagnóstico previo de hipertensão arterial y/o uso de medicamentos antihipertensivos. Se empleó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta, adoptando la entrada jerárquica de variables. Se calcularon fracciones atribuibles poblacionales (FAP) en las variables de estilo de vida, a fin de dimensionar el impacto de los factores modificables en la salud de los trabajadores. La prevalencia de la hipertensão arterial en esta población fue de 28,6% (IC95%: 25,9-31,5), los factores distales: edad > 40 años, color de piel negra y renta familiar ≥ 3 salarios mínimos; factores intermedios: consumo abusivo de alcohol, consumo de tabaco, percepción de un consumo elevado de sal e inactividad física y el factor proximal: sobrepeso y obesidad se asociaron positivamente con la hipertensão arterial. El cálculo de la FAP permitió observar que, si se produjese una reducción o eliminación de hábitos y comportamientos relacionados con el estilo de vida de este público, se reduciría en un 56,1% la prevalencia de la ECNT estudiada. La identificación de factores modificables y cómo pueden interferir negativamente en la salud de hombres trabajadores posibilita la planificación de intervenciones en el propio lugar de trabajo, con el fin de alcanzar al mayor número de individuos para reducir los efectos mortíferos de las ECNT.

[Combined nutritional indicators and associated factors in the Quilombo population (hinterland settlements founded by people of African origin) in southwestern Bahia, Brazil]. / Indicadores nutricionais combinados e fatores associados em população Quilombola no Sudoeste da Bahia, Brasil.

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of the combination of Body Mass Index (BMI) plus Waist Circumference (WC) and of BMI plus Waist to Height Ratio (WHR) and to investigate associated factors. A two-stage random sample of adults (>20 years) living in former African slaves communities (Quilombos) was taken in Vitória da Conquista in the State of Bahia in 2011. Combined BMI+WHR nutritional risk was defined by the simultaneous presence of BMI > 25.0Kg/m2 or > 27.0Kg/m2, if aged > 60 years and WHR > 0.5. BMI + WC nutritional risk was defined by elevated BMI in addition to WC > 80cm for women, or > 94cm for men. Among the 739 participants, the prevalence of combined nutritional indicators were 35.3% (BMI + WHR) and 26.8% (BMI + WC). Female sex and hypertension increased the chances of a combination of both indicators, while being unmarried decreased the chances. The prevalence of BMI + WHR was higher in the 40-59 year age range and the prevalence of BMI + WC was higher in the 40-49 year age range. Less schooling increased the chances of the combined BMI + WHR indicator and watching television for more than two hours/day increased the chances of the BMI + WC indicator. The high prevalence of combined nutritional indicators indicate the need of diet promotion actions to prevent obesity.

Acesso ao cuidado do câncer de mama em um município baiano: perspectiva de usuárias, trabalhadores e gestores / Access to breast cancer care in a municipality in Bahia: the perspective of users, workers and managers

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o acesso de mulheres com câncer de mama aos serviços de atenção à saúde em um município de médio porte no interior da Bahia, na perspectiva de usuárias, trabalhadores e gestores. Trata-se de um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama, tanto da zona urbana quanto da rural. Além disso, participaram trabalhadores da atenção primária em saúde, da média e alta complexidade e gestores municipais. Os resultados foram apresentados em duas categorias: Organização da rede de atenção ao câncer de mama e Acesso à atenção ao câncer de mama na rede de atenção à saúde. Na primeira, destaca-se a inexistência da linha de cuidado ao câncer de mama, financiamento insuficiente da saúde e fragilidade nos mecanismos de integração da rede de atenção. Na segunda, rastreamento mamográfico ineficaz, focalização da atenção ao câncer de mama no Outubro Rosa e dificuldade de acesso aos exames e procedimentos especializados, como consulta com mastologista e punção/biópsia mamária. A pluralidade de perspectivas avaliadas proporcionou observar lacunas importantes na constituição da rede de atenção às mulheres com câncer de mama, em que problemas organizacionais se retroalimentam com aqueles relativos à atenção prestada.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the access of women with breast cancer to health care services in a medium-sized municipality in the interior of Bahia, from the perspective of users, workers and managers. This is a case study with a qualitative approach, carried out with women diagnosed with breast cancer, both in urban and rural areas. In addition, primary health care workers of medium and high complexity and municipal managers participated. The results were presented in two categories: Organization of the breast cancer care network and Access to breast cancer care in the health care network. In the first, the lack of a line of care for breast cancer stands out, insufficient health financing and fragility in the mechanisms of integration of the care network. In the second, ineffective mammographic screening, focusing on breast cancer care in the Pink October and difficulty accessing the exams and specialized procedures, such as consultation with a mastologist and breast puncture/biopsy. The plurality of evaluated perspectives allowed observing important gaps in the constitution of the care network for women with breast cancer, in which organizational problems feedback with those related to the care provided.

Covid-19 telescreening in SUS users with risk conditions: case report / Telerrastreio da covid-19 em usuários do SUS com condições de risco: relato de experiência

ABSTRACT This case report aims to describe the conception and preliminary data of the implementation of a telescreening and telemonitoring program of covid-19 for users of the Unified Health System with risk conditions. A system of telerscreening was implemented through which undergraduate students in the health area contact patients by telephone, according to periodicity and predefined criteria, to monitor the evolution of the condition. In eight weeks, 2,190 attempts at remote contact were made with individuals from five health units. The effective number of individuals monitored at the time this writing is 802.

RESUMO O presente relato de experiência tem como objetivo descrever a concepção e os dados preliminares da implementação de um programa de telerrastreio e telemonitoramento da covid-19 para usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde com condições de risco para agravamento. Foi implantado um sistema de telerrastreio por meio do qual estudantes de graduação na área da saúde contactam os pacientes via telefone, conforme periodicidade e critérios predefinidos, para monitorar a evolução do quadro. Em oito semanas, foram realizadas 2.190 tentativas de contato remoto com indivíduos de cinco unidades de saúde. O número efetivo de indivíduos monitorados no momento da escrita deste artigo é de 802.

[Overweight and abdominal obesity in adults in aquilombocommunity in Bahia State, Brazil]. / Sobrepeso e obesidade abdominal em adultos quilombolas, Bahia, Brasil.

This study analyzes nutritional status, estimates the prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity, and investigates factors associated with these outcomes in a two-stage random sample of adults (> 20 years) in quilombos (communities that descend from African slaves) in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil, in 2011. Among 739 participants, prevalence rates were 31.8% and 10.2% for overweight and obesity, respectively, and 55.7% for increased waist-to-height ratio (> 0.50). Prevalence of overweight was higher among 30-39-year-olds, while abdominal obesity was more frequent among older individuals. Female sex, eating chicken or beef with untrimmed fat, and hypertension were associated with higher odds of overweight and abdominal obesity, while smoking and single marital status were associated with lower odds. The results show high prevalence rates for overweight and abdominal obesity in these very poor and socially isolated communities. Specific preventive and control measures are urgently needed.

Atuação do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família no fortalecimento da atenção primária: experiências dos agentes comunitários / Family Health Support Center's work to strengthening of primary care: experiences of community workers

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o trabalho dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF) e a metodologia do apoio matricial como elementos de fortalecimento da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), a partir das perspectivas e vivências dos agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS). Estudo qualitativo, realizado em seis municípios da Bahia. Os dados foram obtidos por entrevistas semiestruturadas com 43 ACS e observações de campo. Utilizou-se matriz analítica fundamentada nos atributos da APS abrangente: acesso, longitudinalidade do cuidado, resolutividade e orientação para a comunidade. Os resultados evidenciaram barreiras no acesso e limitações na aceitabilidade das ações coletivas. Evidenciaram-se atuação restrita na longitudinalidade e comprometimento no vínculo entre apoiadores e usuários. Destacou-se o incremento de atividades na saúde da família, embora tais ações contribuam timidamente para a resolutividade dos casos. As especificidades do território foram pouco consideradas e a participação comunitária não é devidamente estimulada. Por sua vez, o trabalho dos núcleos fortalece a intersetorialidade. As vivências dos agentes comunitários revelaram potencialidades e novos desafios na atuação do NASF.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the work of the Family Health Support Centers (NASF) and the matrix support methodology, as elements for strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC), from the perspectives and experiences of community health workers (CHW). Qualitative study, performed in six towns in Bahia. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 43 CHW and field observations. We used the matrix analytic method based on the attributes of the comprehensive PHC: access, longitudinality of care, solvability and community guidance. The results highlighted barriers in access and limitations in the acceptability of collective actions. We found a limited operation in the longitudinality and in the commitment towards the link between supporters and users. The increase in family health activities was highlighted, although such actions developed contribute to the solvability of the cases bashfully. The particularities of the territory have been little considered and the community participation is not properly encouraged. In turn, we noted that the work of these centers strengthens intersectoriality. The experiences of the CHW revealed potentialities and new challenges in the operation of the NASF.