Primary health care coverage in Brazil: a dataset from 1998 to 2020.

OBJECTIVES: Primary health care builds the backbone of an effective healthcare system and can improve population health, reduce cost growth, and lessen inequality. We offer a machine-readable and open-access dataset on primary health care coverage in Brazil from 1998 to 2020. This dataset is interoperable with epidemiological data from two major studies and reusable by the research community worldwide for other purposes, such as monitoring progress toward universal health coverage and studying the association between primary health care and health outcomes. DATA DESCRIPTION: The dataset gathers official and public information from the "e-Gestor AB" platform of the Ministry of Health of Brazil and restricted data obtained by the Brazilian Access to Information Law. It includes 1,509,870 observations and 35 attributes aggregated by months/years and policy-relevant geographic units (country, macroregions, states, municipalities, and capitals) on primary health care team count and their absolute and relative population coverage estimates, information on the More Doctors Program implementation and physician counts, and spatial, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. We automated all data processing and curation in the free and open software R. The codes can be audited, replicated, and reused to produce alternative analyses.

Dataset on child vaccination in Brazil from 1996 to 2021.

We present a machine-readable and open-access dataset on vaccination results among children under five years old in Brazil from 1996 to 2021. This dataset is interoperable with epidemiological data from the VAX*SIM project and reusable by the research community worldwide for other purposes, such as monitoring vaccination coverage and studying its determinants and impacts on child morbidity and mortality. The dataset gathers official and public information from the Brazilian National Immunisation Program, the Institute of Geography and Statistics, the Institute for Applied Economic Research, and the Ministry of Health. It includes 2,442,863 observations and 35 attributes aggregated by years, policy-relevant geographic units (country, macroregions, states, municipalities, and capitals), and age groups on 1,344,480,329 doses of 28 vaccines aimed to prevent 15 diseases, estimates of their target-population coverage, indicators of the vaccination coverage's homogeneity, dropout rates, and spatial, demographic, and socioeconomic data. We automated all data processing and curation in the free and open software R. The codes can be audited, replicated, and reused to produce alternative analyses.

Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in Brazil: results of the National Health Survey, 2019.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, it has been possible to observe an increase in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) usage globally for both disease prevention and health promotion purposes. we aim to estimate the prevalence of CAM use and analyze associated factors in Brazil. METHODS: Observational study with data from the 2019 National Health Survey that evaluated a sample of Brazilian adults. The outcome was CAM use, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, medicinal plants and herbal medicines, meditation, and yoga in the last 12 months. A logistic regression model with a 99% confidence interval was used to assess factors associated with CAM use. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAM use in 2019 was 5.2% (CI99% = 4.8-5.6%), the most used modalities: medicinal plants and herbal medicines, with a prevalence of 3.0% (CI99% = 2.7-3.33) followed by: acupuncture 1.4% (CI99% = 1.3-1.6) homeopathy 0.9% (CI99% = 0.7-1.0), meditation 0.7% (CI99% = 0.6-0.8) and yoga 0.4% (CI99% = 0.4-0.5). We observed important geographical differences in CAM use in Brazil, with a higher prevalence in the North Region, 3.7% (CI99% = 2.81-4.75), where herbal medicines were more frequent the in the other regions. After estimating an adjusted model, women, older people, and people with a higher level of education and per capita income were the ones who used all types of CAM the most. The practice of yoga stands out among women 3.6% (CI99% = 2.49-5.28) and among individuals with higher per capita income 7.5% (CI99% = 2.97-18.93); meditation among individuals with higher educational level 13.4% (CI99% = 6.41-28.33) and acupuncture for those who declared regular or poor health 1.9% (CI99% = 1.51-2.39). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that the Ministry of Health expand CAM access to Unified Health System users and promote health professionals' conscious and guided use for the Brazilian population.

Database on the coverage of the "Bolsa-Família" conditioning cash-transfer program: Brazil, 2005 to 2021.

OBJECTIVES: The "Bolsa-Família" Program (PBF) is a Brazilian conditional cash-transfer program in which families should comply with health, education, and social assistance conditionalities. The program aims to fight poverty and hunger, promoting nutrition and health services for low-income populations. This paper presents a database on the coverage of monitoring and compliance with the PBF health conditionalities in Brazil from January 2005 to July 2021. DATA DESCRIPTION: Database on the PBF conditioning cash-transfer program coverage in Brazil from 2005 to 2021. It comprises information on the number of families benefited, health conditionalities, and the follow-up on vaccination and nutrition of children under seven years old. The cities and semesters are the minimal aggregation units.

Social protection and public policy for vulnerable populations: an assessment of the Continuous Cash Benefit Program of Welfare in Brazil. / Proteção social e política pública para populações vulneráveis: uma avaliação do Benefício de Prestação Continuada da Assistência Social - BPC no Brasil.

This paper describes the historical development and profile of Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) applicants, intended for poor elderly and people with disabilities, which, since 2009, uses eligibility criteria based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the WHO and is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The behavior of benefits was determined from the analysis the coefficients of the general and non-judicial grants between 1998 and 2014. The profile was established for the years 2010 and 2014 according to situation of acceptance, age, gender and ICF components. The average annual growth of the coefficient was higher from 2000 to 2010, prior to the adoption of the biopsychosocial eligibility model, and the coefficient of non-judicial grants increased until 2010, falling thereafter. The deferrals acceptance /rejections ratio was higher among children and among those facing severe or total environmental barriers, limitations, constraints and bodily changes. The implementation of the biopsychosocial evaluation model did not cause an increased rate of grants and results evidence the need for flexibility in the eligibility criteria.

O artigo descreve a evolução histórica e o perfil dos requerentes do Benefício de Prestação Continuada da Assistência Social (BPC), destinado a idosos e pessoas pobres com deficiência, que utiliza, desde 2009, critérios de elegibilidade construídos com base na CIF/OMS e em consonância com a Convenção sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com deficiência da ONU. O comportamento dos benefícios foi determinado a partir da análise dos coeficientes de concessões gerais e não judiciais, entre 1998 e 2014. O perfil, segundo situação de deferimento, idade, sexo e componentes da CIF, foi estabelecido para os anos de 2010 e 2014. O crescimento médio anual do coeficiente foi maior de 2000 a 2010, anterior à adoção do modelo de elegibilidade biopsicossocial, enquanto o de concessões não judiciais cresceu até 2010, decrescendo a seguir. A razão de deferimento foi maior entre as crianças e entre os que enfrentam barreiras ambientais, limitações e restrições e alterações corporais graves ou completas. A implantação do modelo de avaliação biopsicossocial não ocasionou aumento no ritmo de concessões e os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de flexibilização dos critérios de elegibilidade.

Social inequalities in limitations caused by chronic diseases and disabilities in Brazil: the 2013 National Health Survey. / Desigualdades sociais nas limitações causadas por doenças crônicas e deficiências no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde ­ 2013.

This paper aims to evaluate the association between social inequalities and self-reported limitations for the performance of daily activities caused by chronic diseases or disabilities. The 2013 National Health Survey evaluated a sample of Brazilians with 18+ years. The outcome was that individuals reported that their daily activities were moderately, severely or very severely limited (LIMIT) by one or more chronic diseases, or mental, physical, hearing or motor impairment. The main exposure was the economy class, classified into five categories, ranging from A (richest) to E (poorest). We estimated a logistic regression model adjusted for economy class and confounding variables, considering the complex sample design and alpha = 5%. Around 15.5% of individuals reported having Limit. Comparing social classes, 19.5%, 21.9%, 16.1%, 11.1%, and 7.7% individuals belonging to class E, D, C, B and A reported the outcome. The adjusted model showed greater odds of individuals in class D + E, and D, reporting LIMIT than individuals of class A + B (reference). Public policies for health care and social welfare for people with disabilities should focus on social classes E and D.

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a associação entre desigualdades sociais e autorrelato de limitações para a realização de atividades diárias, causadas por doenças crônicas ou deficiências. Inquérito nacional (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013) que avaliou amostra de brasileiros com 18+ anos. O desfecho foi o indivíduo relatar ter suas atividades habituais limitadas moderadamente ou intensamente ou muito intensamente (Limit) devido a uma ou mais doenças crônicas, ou ainda por deficiência mental, física, auditiva ou motora. A exposição principal foi a classe econômica, classificada em cinco categorias, indo de A (mais rica) até E (mais pobre). Foi estimado um modelo de regressão logística ajustado por classe econômica e variáveis de confundimento, considerando o desenho complexo da amostra e alfa = 5%. 15,5% dos indivíduos relataram ter Limit. Comparando as classes sociais, 19,5%, 21,9%, 16,1%, 11,1%, e 7,7% indivíduos pertencentes à classe E, D, C, B e A relataram o desfecho. O modelo ajustado evidenciou maior chance dos indivíduos da classe D+E, e D, relatarem Limit do que indivíduos da classe A+B (referência). Políticas públicas de assistência à saúde e assistência social para pessoas com deficiências devem focar nas classes sociais E e D.

Breastfeeding indicators trends in Brazil for three decades.

OBJECTIVE: Update breastfeeding indicators trend in Brazil for the last three decades, incorporating more up-to-date information from the National Health Survey. METHODS: We used secondary data from national surveys with information on breastfeeding (1986, 1996, 2006, and 2013) to construct the time series of prevalence for the following indicators: exclusive breastfeeding in children under six months of age (EBF6m), breastfeeding in toddlers under 2 years of age (BF), continued breastfeeding at one year of age (BF1year), and continued breastfeeding at two years of age (BF2years). RESULTS: The prevalence of EBF6m, BF, and BF1year increased until 2006 (rising from 4.7%, 37.4%, and 25.5% in 1986 to 37.1%, 56.3%, and 47.2% in 2006, respectively). For these three indicators, there was relative stabilization between 2006 and 2013 (36.6%, 52.1%, and 45.4%, respectively). The BF2years indicator had a distinct behavior - relatively stable prevalence, around 25% between 1986 and 2006, and a subsequent increase, reaching 31.8% in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: The time series of breastfeeding indicators in Brazil shows an upward trend until 2006, stabilizing from that date onwards on three of the four indicators evaluated. This result, which can be considered as a warning sign, requires evaluation and revision of policies and programs to promote, protect and support breastfeeding, strengthening existing ones and proposing new strategies so that the prevalence of breastfeeding indicators returns to an upwards trend.

Desigualdades sociais nas limitações causadas por doenças crônicas e deficiências no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - 2013 / Social inequalities in limitations caused by chronic diseases and disabilities in Brazil: the 2013 National Health Survey

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a associação entre desigualdades sociais e autorrelato de limitações para a realização de atividades diárias, causadas por doenças crônicas ou deficiências. Inquérito nacional (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013) que avaliou amostra de brasileiros com 18+ anos. O desfecho foi o indivíduo relatar ter suas atividades habituais limitadas moderadamente ou intensamente ou muito intensamente (Limit) devido a uma ou mais doenças crônicas, ou ainda por deficiência mental, física, auditiva ou motora. A exposição principal foi a classe econômica, classificada em cinco categorias, indo de A (mais rica) até E (mais pobre). Foi estimado um modelo de regressão logística ajustado por classe econômica e variáveis de confundimento, considerando o desenho complexo da amostra e alfa = 5%. 15,5% dos indivíduos relataram ter Limit. Comparando as classes sociais, 19,5%, 21,9%, 16,1%, 11,1%, e 7,7% indivíduos pertencentes à classe E, D, C, B e A relataram o desfecho. O modelo ajustado evidenciou maior chance dos indivíduos da classe D+E, e D, relatarem Limit do que indivíduos da classe A+B (referência). Políticas públicas de assistência à saúde e assistência social para pessoas com deficiências devem focar nas classes sociais E e D.

Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the association between social inequalities and self-reported limitations for the performance of daily activities caused by chronic diseases or disabilities. The 2013 National Health Survey evaluated a sample of Brazilians with 18+ years. The outcome was that individuals reported that their daily activities were moderately, severely or very severely limited (LIMIT) by one or more chronic diseases, or mental, physical, hearing or motor impairment. The main exposure was the economy class, classified into five categories, ranging from A (richest) to E (poorest). We estimated a logistic regression model adjusted for economy class and confounding variables, considering the complex sample design and alpha = 5%. Around 15.5% of individuals reported having Limit. Comparing social classes, 19.5%, 21.9%, 16.1%, 11.1%, and 7.7% individuals belonging to class E, D, C, B and A reported the outcome. The adjusted model showed greater odds of individuals in class D + E, and D, reporting LIMIT than individuals of class A + B (reference). Public policies for health care and social welfare for people with disabilities should focus on social classes E and D.

Proteção social e política pública para populações vulneráveis: uma avaliação do Benefício de Prestação Continuada da Assistência Social - BPC no Brasil / Social protection and public policy for vulnerable populations: an assessment of the Continuous Cash Benefit Program of Welfare in Brazil

Resumo O artigo descreve a evolução histórica e o perfil dos requerentes do Benefício de Prestação Continuada da Assistência Social (BPC), destinado a idosos e pessoas pobres com deficiência, que utiliza, desde 2009, critérios de elegibilidade construídos com base na CIF/OMS e em consonância com a Convenção sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com deficiência da ONU. O comportamento dos benefícios foi determinado a partir da análise dos coeficientes de concessões gerais e não judiciais, entre 1998 e 2014. O perfil, segundo situação de deferimento, idade, sexo e componentes da CIF, foi estabelecido para os anos de 2010 e 2014. O crescimento médio anual do coeficiente foi maior de 2000 a 2010, anterior à adoção do modelo de elegibilidade biopsicossocial, enquanto o de concessões não judiciais cresceu até 2010, decrescendo a seguir. A razão de deferimento foi maior entre as crianças e entre os que enfrentam barreiras ambientais, limitações e restrições e alterações corporais graves ou completas. A implantação do modelo de avaliação biopsicossocial não ocasionou aumento no ritmo de concessões e os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de flexibilização dos critérios de elegibilidade.

Abstract This paper describes the historical development and profile of Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) applicants, intended for poor elderly and people with disabilities, which, since 2009, uses eligibility criteria based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the WHO and is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The behavior of benefits was determined from the analysis the coefficients of the general and non-judicial grants between 1998 and 2014. The profile was established for the years 2010 and 2014 according to situation of acceptance, age, gender and ICF components. The average annual growth of the coefficient was higher from 2000 to 2010, prior to the adoption of the biopsychosocial eligibility model, and the coefficient of non-judicial grants increased until 2010, falling thereafter. The deferrals acceptance /rejections ratio was higher among children and among those facing severe or total environmental barriers, limitations, constraints and bodily changes. The implementation of the biopsychosocial evaluation model did not cause an increased rate of grants and results evidence the need for flexibility in the eligibility criteria.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma among Brazilian agricultural workers: A death certificate case-control study.

To estimate the non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) mortality risk among agricultural workers in Brazil's southern states, we used death certificates to identify cases of NHL between the ages of 20 and 69 years from residents of nonurban municipalities between 1996 and 2005 (n = 1,317). Controls were randomly selected from those whose underlying cause of death did not include neoplasm or hematological diseases and paired with cases by sex, age, year of death, and state of residence (n = 2,634). Odds of being an agricultural worker among cases and controls were estimated by conditional logistic regression, stratified and adjusted by sex, state, education, and race. An increased risk of death by NHL was observed among agricultural workers 20-39 years old (ORadj = 2.06; 95% CI 95%, 1.20-3.14). Our results suggest that the young agricultural workers from southern Brazil were more likely to die of NHL compared to nonagricultural workers.

Breastfeeding indicators trends in Brazil for three decades / Tendência de indicadores do aleitamento materno no Brasil em três décadas

OBJECTIVE: Update breastfeeding indicators trend in Brazil for the last three decades, incorporating more up-to-date information from the National Health Survey. METHODS: We used secondary data from national surveys with information on breastfeeding (1986, 1996, 2006, and 2013) to construct the time series of prevalence for the following indicators: exclusive breastfeeding in children under six months of age (EBF6m), breastfeeding in toddlers under 2 years of age (BF), continued breastfeeding at one year of age (BF1year), and continued breastfeeding at two years of age (BF2years). RESULTS: The prevalence of EBF6m, BF, and BF1year increased until 2006 (rising from 4.7%, 37.4%, and 25.5% in 1986 to 37.1%, 56.3%, and 47.2% in 2006, respectively). For these three indicators, there was relative stabilization between 2006 and 2013 (36.6%, 52.1%, and 45.4%, respectively). The BF2years indicator had a distinct behavior - relatively stable prevalence, around 25% between 1986 and 2006, and a subsequent increase, reaching 31.8% in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: The time series of breastfeeding indicators in Brazil shows an upward trend until 2006, stabilizing from that date onwards on three of the four indicators evaluated. This result, which can be considered as a warning sign, requires evaluation and revision of policies and programs to promote, protect and support breastfeeding, strengthening existing ones and proposing new strategies so that the prevalence of breastfeeding indicators returns to an upwards trend

OBJETIVO: Atualizar a tendência dos indicadores de aleitamento materno no Brasil nas últimas três décadas, incorporando informações mais recentes provenientes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos dados secundários dos inquéritos nacionais com informações sobre aleitamento materno (1986, 1996, 2006 e 2013) para a construção da série histórica das prevalências dos seguintes indicadores: aleitamento materno exclusivo em menores de seis meses de vida (AME6m), aleitamento materno em menores de dois anos (AM), aleitamento materno continuado com um ano de vida (AM1ano) e aleitamento materno continuado aos dois anos (AM2anos). RESULTADOS: As prevalências de AME6m, AM e AM1ano tiveram tendência ascendente até 2006 (aumentando de 4,7%, 37,4% e 25,5% em 1986 para 37,1%, 56,3% e 47,2% em 2006, respectivamente). Para esses três indicadores, houve relativa estabilização entre 2006 e 2013 (36,6%, 52,1% e 45,4%, respectivamente). O indicador AM2anos teve comportamento distinto - prevalência relativamente estável, em torno de 25% entre 1986 e 2006, e aumento subsequente, chegando a 31,8% em 2013. CONCLUSÕES: A série histórica dos indicadores de aleitamento materno no Brasil mostra tendência ascendente até 2006, com estabilização a partir dessa data em três dos quatro indicadores avaliados. Esse resultado, que pode ser considerado um sinal de alerta, impõe avaliação e revisão das políticas e programas de promoção, proteção e apoio ao aleitamento materno, fortalecendo as existentes e propondo novas estratégias para que as prevalências dos indicadores de aleitamento materno retomem a tendência ascendente

Factors associated with perceived discrimination in health services of Brazil: Results of the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013.

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with perceived discrimination in the health services of Brazil. It is a population-based epidemiological study using data from the 2013 National Health Survey, which had a complex sample design in three phases. For each domicile sampled, one individual aged 18 or over was selected (resulting in n = 62,202). The outcome analyzed was: Perception of discrimination by doctors or health professionals, suffered in the health services. A logistic regression model was estimated, adjusted for confounding factors. Discrimination was reported by 10.5% of the Brazilian population. The factors most frequently indicated were: lack of money (5.7%); and social class (5.6%). The adjusted model showed that the groups with the highest chance of feeling discriminated against were: women; individuals without complete primary education; non-whites; and those without a health insurance plan. The fact that one-tenth of the Brazilian population reported feeling discriminated against in the health services shows the need for regulation and wide debate in relation to the Brazilian laws that guarantee universal and equal access to the public and private health services.

Fatores associados à discriminação percebida nos serviços de saúde do Brasil: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Factors associated with perceived discrimination in health services of Brazil: Results of the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores associados à discriminação percebida nos serviços de saúde do Brasil. Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico de base populacional com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013, a qual teve desenho complexo de amostra em três estágios. Foi selecionado um indivíduo de cada domicílio amostrado com 18 anos ou mais de idade (n = 62.202). O desfecho foi a percepção de discriminação por médicos ou profissionais de saúde sofrida nos serviços de saúde. Foi estimado um modelo de regressão logística, ajustado por fatores de confundimento. A discriminação foi relatada por 10,5% da população brasileira, sendo a falta de dinheiro (5,7%) e classe social (5,6%) as mais frequentemente apontadas. O modelo ajustado evidenciou que mulheres, indivíduos com ensino fundamental incompleto, não brancos, e sem plano de saúde privado tiveram maior chance de se sentir discriminados. Enfim, um décimo da população brasileira relatou sentir-se discriminada nos serviços de saúde, evidenciando a necessidade de regulamentação e amplo debate sobre as leis brasileiras que garantem acesso universal e igualitário aos serviços públicos e privados de saúde.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with perceived discrimination in the health services of Brazil. It is a population-based epidemiological study using data from the 2013 National Health Survey, which had a complex sample design in three phases. For each domicile sampled, one individual aged 18 or over was selected (resulting in n = 62,202). The outcome analyzed was: Perception of discrimination by doctors or health professionals, suffered in the health services. A logistic regression model was estimated, adjusted for confounding factors. Discrimination was reported by 10.5% of the Brazilian population. The factors most frequently indicated were: lack of money (5.7%); and social class (5.6%). The adjusted model showed that the groups with the highest chance of feeling discriminated against were: women; individuals without complete primary education; non-whites; and those without a health insurance plan. The fact that one-tenth of the Brazilian population reported feeling discriminated against in the health services shows the need for regulation and wide debate in relation to the Brazilian laws that guarantee universal and equal access to the public and private health services.

Tendência de mortalidade por linfomas não Hodgkin no Brasil, 1980 a 2012 / Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Time Trends in Brazil, 1980 - 2012

ResumoObjetivoAnalisar a tendência de mortalidade por linfoma não Hodgkin (LNH) em adultos no Brasil.MetodologiaEstudo de série temporal, que utilizou informações sobre os óbitos por LNH obtidas do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade entre 1980 e 2012. As taxas de mortalidade padronizadas pelo método direto foram agrupadas por Estados, regiões brasileiras e Brasil. Utilizou-se regressão Possion (Joinpoint), obtendo-se a variação percentual anual (APC) das taxas de mortalidade por LNH.ResultadosNo Brasil e na região Sudeste, a taxa de mortalidade por LNH apresentou tendência crescente somente no período de 1989 a 1998 (APC=3,4% e p<0,05; APC=3,0%; p<0,05, respectivamente), enquanto nas regiões Centro-Oeste (APC=2,3%; p<0,05), Norte (APC=1,5%; p<0,05) e Nordeste (APC=3,1%; p<0,05) houve tendência estatisticamente significante de aumento em todo o período. A região Sul não apresentou tendência estatisticamente significativa no período.ConclusãoAs tendências das taxas de mortalidade por LNH não foram homogêneas no Brasil e regiões, o que pode sugerir diferentes fatores de risco, qualidade dos sistemas de informação e até mesmo mudanças no diagnóstico e no tratamento do LNH em cada Estado e regiões brasileiras.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to analyze the Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) mortality time trend in Brazil.MethodologyIt is an epidemiological temporal trend study with information on NHL deaths from 1980 to 2012 (obtained from the Mortality National System), standardized by age using the direct method. A Poisson (joinpoint) model was employed to estimate the Annual Percent Change (APC) of NHL mortality.ResultsIn Brazil and the southeastern region, there was a statistically significant increasing trend in the mortality ratio by NHL only from 1989 to 1998 (APC=3.4%; p<0.05 and APC=3.0%; p<0.05, respectively), while in the middle west (APC=2.3%; p<0.05), north (APC=1.5%; p<0.05) and northeast regions (APC=3.1%; p<0.05), the increasing trend was constant throughout the whole study period. In the south region, there was no statistically significant trend in NHL mortality during the study period.ConclusionsThe increasing trends in NHL mortality observed were not homogeneous; therefore, future studies should be conducted to understand its risk factors.

Inequities in milk-based prelacteal feedings in Latin America and the Caribbean: the role of cesarean section delivery.

BACKGROUND: Prelacteal feeds (ie, foods other than breast milk offered before the milk comes in) have been identified as a risk factor for shorter breastfeeding duration and neonatal mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test for socioeconomic inequities on the risk of milk-based prelacteal feeding associated with cesarean section delivery. METHODS: We conducted secondary cross-sectional data analyses of 7 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Latin American and Caribbean countries between 2005 and 2010 (N = 49 253 women with children younger than 3 years of age). Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association between cesarean section delivery and the risk of milk-based prelacteal feeding in the total samples as well as within the lowest and highest wealth quintile subsamples by country and in the pooled sample. RESULTS: Almost one-third of newborns received milk-based (22.9%) prelacteal feeds. Prelacteal feeding prevalence varied from 17.6% in Guiana to 55% in Dominican Republic. Cesarean section delivery was associated with significantly higher odds of introduction of milk-based prelacteals in all countries (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] range, 2.34 in Bolivia to 4.50 in Peru). The association between cesarean section delivery and risk of milk-based prelacteal feeds was stronger among the poorest than wealthiest women (AOR [95% confidence interval], 2.94 [2.58-3.67] vs 2.17 [1.85-2.54]). CONCLUSION: Women of lower socioeconomic status may need additional breastfeeding support after cesarean section delivery to prevent the introduction of milk-based prelacteals. Reducing the rates of cesarean section deliveries is likely to reduce the prevalence of prelacteal feeding.

Stomach cancer mortality among agricultural workers: results from a death certificate-based case-control study / Mortalidade por câncer de estômago em agricultores: resultados de estudo caso-controle baseado em certificado óbito

INTRODUCTION: Pesticide consumption is very high in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the stomach cancer mortality among Brazilian agricultural workers in Rio de Janeiro state. METHODS: In this case-control study, cases were individuals of both genders, aged ≥20 years, for whom cause of death was ascertained as stomach cancer. Controls were individuals with causes of death other than neoplasm and diseases of the digestive system. Crude and adjusted analyses were carried out. Stomach cancer mortality risk was then estimated for the agricultural workers according to the pesticide expenditures per municipality. RESULTS: Agricultural workers showed an elevated risk of stomach cancer mortality (adjusted OR=1.42; 95%CI: 1.33-1.78). This risk was higher among male workers, aged 50-69 years, white, and among workers with 1-7 years of education. Results also showed increasing stomach cancer mortality along with the increase of pesticide expenditure per agricultural worker. CONCLUSION: Stomach cancer risk among agricultural workers may be associated with pesticide exposure. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O consumo de agrotóxicos é muito alto no Brasil. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar o risco de morte por câncer de estômago em trabalhadores agrícolas residentes no estado do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo do tipo caso-controle, casos consistiram em indivíduos de ambos os sexos com 20 anos ou mais, cuja causa de morte foi câncer de estômago. Controles foram indivíduos cuja causa de morte não tenha consistido em qualquer neoplasia ou doenças do sistema digestivo. Análises brutas e ajustadas foram realizadas. O risco de morte por câncer de estômago foi, em seguida, estimado para trabalhadores agrícolas de acordo com a exposição a agrotóxicos e local de residência. RESULTADOS: Trabalhadores agrícolas apresentaram um aumento no risco de morte por câncer de estômago: OR ajustada=1,42 (IC95%: 1,33-1,78). Esse risco foi ainda maior entre homens brancos entre 50 a 69 anos e entre trabalhadores agrícolas com 1 a 7 anos de estudo. Os resultados também mostraram um aumento no risco de morte por câncer de estômago em trabalhadores agrícolas com o aumento da exposição a agrotóxicos. CONCLUSÃO: O risco de morte por câncer de estômago entre trabalhadores agrícolas pode estar associado com exposição a agrotóxicos. .

Pesticide exposure and low birth weight prevalence in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil is one of the major global consumers of pesticides and exposure to these substances can affect fetal growth. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the correlation between pesticide sales in 1996 and the prevalence of low birth weight during the period 1996-1998 in Brazil. METHOD: This ecological study employed secondary data aggregated at the level of Brazilian micro-regions (cluster of cities). Prevalence of low birth weight in 1996, 1997, and 1998 was obtained from the Brazilian health databases, and per capita pesticides sales in 1996 obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics were utilized as an indirect measure of population exposure to these chemicals. Spearman correlation coefficient and Prevalence Ratio by quartiles were estimated, considering per capita pesticide sales and the prevalence of low birth weight. RESULTS: A total of 552 micro-regions were analyzed (446 non-urban and 106 urban). In rural areas, the per capita pesticide sales were directly associated with higher prevalence of children born with low birth weight (r=0.403), with birth weights between 1500 and 2500 grams (r=0.366), and very low birth weight birth (r=0.476). All correlations were statistically significant (p<0.001). On the other hand, in urban areas there was no significant correlation. There was a gradual increase in the prevalence of low birth weight according to the quartiles of pesticide consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Pesticide per capita sales may affect the prevalence of newborns with low birth weight in non-urban micro-regions of Brazil, indicating the need to strengthen policies and actions to protect the health of populations exposed to pesticides.

[Exclusive breastfeeding and diarrhea hospitalization patterns between 1999 and 2008 in Brazilian State Capitals]. / Padrões de aleitamento materno exclusivo e internação por diarréia entre 1999 e 2008 em capitais brasileiras.

The prevalence of breastfeeding has increased over the past two decades in Brazil, as a result of public breastfeeding policies. The scope of this paper is to analyze the correlation between the increase in the prevalence of breastfeeding and hospitalization rates due to diarrhea. It is an epidemiological ecological study, based on secondary data from Brazilian Capital Cities and the Federal District. The prevalence of breastfeeding, the number of live births, and cases of hospitalization due to diarrhea were compared for the years 1999 and 2008 and the Spearman non-parametric test was used to correlate the variables. During the period, 1,329,618 children under one year of age in 1999 and 2008 were studied. The increase in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children under 4 months old had a negative correlation with hospitalization rates due to diarrhea (Rho=-0.483, p=0.014). This correlation was stronger for girls (Rho=-0.521, p=0.008) than for boys (Rho=-0.476, p=0.016). The increase in the prevalence of breastfeeding between 1999 and 2008 appears to be correlated to a reduction in hospitalization rates due to diarrhea over the same period, corroborating the importance of public policies to protect, support and promote breastfeeding.

Padrões de aleitamento materno exclusivo e internação por diarréia entre 1999 e 2008 em capitais brasileiras / Exclusive breastfeeding and diarrhea hospitalization patterns between 1999 and 2008 in Brazilian State Capitals

A prevalência do aleitamento materno tem aumentado nas duas últimas décadas como resultado das políticas públicas de incentivo a esta prática. Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico ecológico, com base em dados secundários das Capitais Brasileiras e Distrito Federal. As prevalências de aleitamento materno, a população de nascidos vivos e os casos de internação hospitalar por diarreias foram comparados entre os anos de 1999 e 2008. Foi utilizado o teste não-paramétrico de Spearman para correlacionar as variáveis. Foram estudados 1.329.618 nascidos vivos no período. O aumento da prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo em crianças com menos de 4 meses de vida teve correlação negativa com as taxas de internação por diarreias (r = -0,483, p = 0,014), sendo essa correlação mais forte para meninas (r = -0,521, p = 0,016) que para os meninos (r = -0,476, p = 0,008). O aumento da prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre 1999 e 2008 parece estar correlacionado com a diminuição das taxas de internação hospitalar por diarreias no mesmo período, corroborando a importância das políticas públicas de promoção, proteção e apoio do aleitamento materno.

The prevalence of breastfeeding has increased over the past two decades in Brazil, as a result of public breastfeeding policies. The scope of this paper is to analyze the correlation between the increase in the prevalence of breastfeeding and hospitalization rates due to diarrhea. It is an epidemiological ecological study, based on secondary data from Brazilian Capital Cities and the Federal District. The prevalence of breastfeeding, the number of live births, and cases of hospitalization due to diarrhea were compared for the years 1999 and 2008 and the Spearman non-parametric test was used to correlate the variables. During the period, 1,329,618 children under one year of age in 1999 and 2008 were studied. The increase in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children under 4 months old had a negative correlation with hospitalization rates due to diarrhea (Rho=-0.483, p=0.014). This correlation was stronger for girls (Rho=-0.521, p=0.008) than for boys (Rho=-0.476, p=0.016). The increase in the prevalence of breastfeeding between 1999 and 2008 appears to be correlated to a reduction in hospitalization rates due to diarrhea over the same period, corroborating the importance of public policies to protect, support and promote breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding can prevent hospitalization for pneumonia among children under 1 year old.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding and hospitalization for pneumonia among children under 1 year old. METHODS: Ecological study using secondary data of hospitalizations for pneumonia (outcome) and breastfeeding prevalence data (exposure) among children under 1 year old living in the Brazilian state capital cities and the Federal District in 2008. A negative binomial model of hospitalization was used to estimate the rate ratio (95% confidence interval), adjusted according to the Gini Index, and the prevalence rates of smokers in the general population and low birth weight individuals in the population investigated. RESULTS: Breastfeeding prevalence among children between 9 and 12 months old and exclusive breastfeeding prevalence among children under 6 months old were associated with a lower rate ratio of hospitalization for pneumonia (RR = 0.62; 95%CI 0.51-0.74 and RR = 0.52; 95%CI 0.39-0.69, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased prevalence rates of breastfeeding during the first year of life and exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life can reduce the number of hospitalizations for pneumonia.