Analysis of quality of information about deaths from neoplasms in Brazil between 2009 and 2019. / Análise da qualidade da informação sobre óbitos por neoplasias no Brasil, entre 2009 e 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of information about mortality from neoplasm within the Mortality Information System. METHODS: Descriptive observational study evaluating the quality of the Mortality Information System, with an outcome referring to data on deaths from neoplasm between 2009 and 2019 in the Brazilian population (≥15 years). Information Quality (IQ) was measured through coverage, specificity and completeness of data, at national and state level. RESULTS: The quality of the coverage dimension ranged from "good" to "excellent" in the national and state coverages. Specificity was classified as inadequate mainly in the states of the North and Northeast regions. The proportion of ill-defined causes was classified as "poor" quality in most units of analysis throughout the series. Data completeness varied according to indicator. Gender and age indicators were proven "excellent" for the entire period and units of analysis, while educational level varied in quality across units and periods, marital status had its quality improved over the period, as well as ethnicity/skin color. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of data on mortality from neoplasm in the Brazilian population (≥15 years) is mostly adequate, but there are important gaps to be filled, as the expansion of IQ seeks to give visibility to the health condition of the Brazilian population and to propose public actions for its improvement.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade das informações sobre mortalidade por neoplasias no âmbito do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo observacional com avaliação da qualidade do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, com desfecho referente aos dados de óbitos por neoplasias ocorridos entre os anos de 2009 e 2019 na população brasileira (≥15 anos). A qualidade da informação (QI) foi mensurada para o Brasil e para as Unidades Federativas por meio das dimensões: cobertura, especificidade e completude dos dados. RESULTADOS: A qualidade da dimensão cobertura variou entre "boa" e "excelente" nas abrangências nacional e estadual. A dimensão especificidade foi classificada como inadequada predominantemente nos Estados das Regiões Norte e Nordeste. A proporção de causas mal definidas foi classificada como de "baixa" qualidade na maioria das unidades de análise ao longo da série. A completude dos dados variou de acordo com o indicador utilizado, os indicadores sexo e idade mostraram-se "excelentes" para todo o período e unidades de análise, a escolaridade apresentou variação de qualidade tanto nas unidades como nos períodos e o estado civil apresentou melhoria da qualidade de seu registro ao longo do período, assim como o indicador raça/cor. CONCLUSÕES: A qualidade dos dados de mortalidade por neoplasias na população brasileira (≥15 anos) é, em sua maioria, adequada, mas há lacunas importantes que merecem ser preenchidas, pois a ampliação da QI busca dar visibilidade à condição de saúde da população brasileira, bem como propor ações públicas para sua melhoria.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Brazil: Is the WHO End TB Strategy at Risk?

Background: In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the "post-2015 End TB strategy", that aims to end the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted global public health and the strict measures to control the coronavirus spread can affect the management of other diseases, such as TB. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of TB in Brazil, during 2020. Methods: We carried out an ecological and population-based study, using spatial analysis techniques. The variables used were the new cases of TB, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and also baciloscopy-positive (BP) cases in Brazil between 2015 and 2020. The percentage of changes (% change) was calculated to verify if there was an increase or decrease of TB cases in 2020, along with time trend analyses given by Joinpoint regression model. Also, interrupted time series analyses were used to assess the trend of TB diagnosis before and after the onset of the COVID-19 in Brazil. Spatial distribution maps were elaborated, considering the % change of each Brazilian state. Findings: Data analyses showed a reduction in the diagnosis of TB (-8.3%) and PTB (-8.1%) in Brazil after the irruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, 22 states depicted a reduction in TB diagnosis. An expressive reduction of BP cases (-17.1%) was also observed. Interestingly, interrupted time series analysis showed decline in TB and PTB diagnoses from March 2020. Spatial analyses revealed that all states had a progressive reduction of TB, PTB and PB cases, from March on, with the highest percentages of reduction in December (-100% to -75%). Interpretation: Taken together, our analyses demonstrated a reduction in TB diagnosis after the irruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and its regions, signaling a serious impact on the WHO "End TB Strategy" global plan.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of leprosy in Brazil: An ecological and population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has seriously affected global health, resulting in the suspension of many regular health services, making the diagnosis of other infections difficult. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of leprosy in Brazil during the year 2020. METHODS: We evaluated the monthly incidence of leprosy and calculated the percentage change to verify whether there was an increase or decrease in the number of leprosy cases in 2020, considering the monthly average of cases over the previous 5 years. We used interrupted time series analysis to assess the trend in the diagnosis of leprosy before and after the start of COVID-19 in Brazil and prepared spatial distribution maps, considering the percentage variation in each state. FINDINGS: We verified a reduction of 41.4% of leprosy cases in Brazil in 2020. Likewise, there was a reduction of leprosy notifications in children under 15 years-old (-56.82%). Conversely, the diagnosis of multibacillary leprosy increased (8.1%). There was a decreasing trend in the leprosy incidence in the general population between 2015 and 2020 in Brazil. Spatial distribution maps depicted a reduction of up to 100% in new cases of leprosy in some states. INTERPRETATION: Along with COVID-19 spread there was a reduction in leprosy diagnosis in the general population and children under 15 years-old, and also an increase in multibacillary cases diagnosed, signalling a serious impact of the pandemic on leprosy control strategies in Brazil. FUNDING: This research received no specific grants.

Risk clusters of Schistosoma mansoni infection in an endemic state of Brazil: space-time modelling and association with socio-economic and environmental factors.

BACKGROUND: We analysed the spatial distribution and the socio-economic and environmental factors (SEFs) associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in the state of Alagoas, an important tourist area in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an ecological time-series study (2007-2016) on schistosomiasis cases and SEFs. We evaluated the temporal trends of schistosomiasis cases (annual percentage change [APC]) and their correlation with SEFs. Spatial analysis maps were built using QGIS and TerraView software. RESULTS: We observed that 4.9% of the municipalities had a high prevalence of S. mansoni infection and were located mainly in the coastal strip of Alagoas state. The positivity rate for schistosomiasis decreased during the period (8.1% in 2007 to 4.9% in 2016; APC=-5.71). There was a reduction in the number of tests performed (APC=-5.05). There was a negative correlation between S. mansoni infection and the municipal human development index (ρ=-0.34) and schooling rate (ρ=-0.24). The main species of snail was Biomphalaria glabrata (94.79%), but Biomphalaria straminea showed a higher percentage of S. mansoni detection (10.11%). Lastly, Biomphalaria tenagophila specimens were identified for the first time in Alagoas (n=28). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a reduction in the number of cases, intestinal schistosomiasis still represents a serious public health concern in Alagoas. It urgently requires planning and improvements in diagnosis, prevention programs and the state's socio-economic indicators.

Análise da qualidade da informação sobre óbitos por neoplasias no Brasil, entre 2009 e 2019 / Analysis of quality of information about deaths from neoplasms in Brazil between 2009 and 2019

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade das informações sobre mortalidade por neoplasias no âmbito do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo descritivo observacional com avaliação da qualidade do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, com desfecho referente aos dados de óbitos por neoplasias ocorridos entre os anos de 2009 e 2019 na população brasileira (≥15 anos). A qualidade da informação (QI) foi mensurada para o Brasil e para as Unidades Federativas por meio das dimensões: cobertura, especificidade e completude dos dados. Resultados: A qualidade da dimensão cobertura variou entre "boa" e "excelente" nas abrangências nacional e estadual. A dimensão especificidade foi classificada como inadequada predominantemente nos Estados das Regiões Norte e Nordeste. A proporção de causas mal definidas foi classificada como de "baixa" qualidade na maioria das unidades de análise ao longo da série. A completude dos dados variou de acordo com o indicador utilizado, os indicadores sexo e idade mostraram-se "excelentes" para todo o período e unidades de análise, a escolaridade apresentou variação de qualidade tanto nas unidades como nos períodos e o estado civil apresentou melhoria da qualidade de seu registro ao longo do período, assim como o indicador raça/cor. Conclusões: A qualidade dos dados de mortalidade por neoplasias na população brasileira (≥15 anos) é, em sua maioria, adequada, mas há lacunas importantes que merecem ser preenchidas, pois a ampliação da QI busca dar visibilidade à condição de saúde da população brasileira, bem como propor ações públicas para sua melhoria.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the quality of information about mortality from neoplasm within the Mortality Information System. Methods: Descriptive observational study evaluating the quality of the Mortality Information System, with an outcome referring to data on deaths from neoplasm between 2009 and 2019 in the Brazilian population (≥15 years). Information Quality (IQ) was measured through coverage, specificity and completeness of data, at national and state level. Results: The quality of the coverage dimension ranged from "good" to "excellent" in the national and state coverages. Specificity was classified as inadequate mainly in the states of the North and Northeast regions. The proportion of ill-defined causes was classified as "poor" quality in most units of analysis throughout the series. Data completeness varied according to indicator. Gender and age indicators were proven "excellent" for the entire period and units of analysis, while educational level varied in quality across units and periods, marital status had its quality improved over the period, as well as ethnicity/skin color. Conclusions: The quality of data on mortality from neoplasm in the Brazilian population (≥15 years) is mostly adequate, but there are important gaps to be filled, as the expansion of IQ seeks to give visibility to the health condition of the Brazilian population and to propose public actions for its improvement.

Evaluation of the schistosomiasis control program (PCE) in an endemic area, northeastern Brazil: a population-based and 10-year time series study

Schistosomiasis is an endemic disease in Brazil and the State with the highest positive rate in the country is Sergipe. Herein, we assessed data from the Brazilian Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) in the State of Sergipe between the period 2008 and 2017. We evaluated data about schistosomiasis and snails of the genus Biomphalaria. We used the log-linear regression model (joinpoint) to assess temporal trends and the Kernel estimator for spatial statistics analysis. According to the PCE, Sergipe has 51 endemic municipalities for schistosomiasis. Nevertheless, information about the disease and that collected by the PCE has not been recorded regularly in all endemic municipalities. Additionally, only nine municipalities (17.6%) carried out the malacological survey. The average of positive rate from schistosomiasis in Sergipe was 8.4%. However, our data suggest that it may be underestimated. The spatial analysis maps (Kernel maps) showed areas of high transmission of the disease in municipalities close to the São Francisco River and in the metropolitan region of the State. Altogether, our findings suggest that schistosomiasis has been underreported and it is still a serious public health concern in Sergipe. In addition, there are significant failures in the conduction of PCE's activities by the municipalities.

Spatial clusters, social determinants of health and risk of maternal mortality by COVID-19 in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study.

BACKGROUND: Detailed information on how socio-economic characteristics are related to COVID-19 incident cases and maternal deaths is needed. We investigated the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths in Brazil and their association with social determinants of health. METHODS: This was a population-based ecological study with a spatial analysis of all cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the obstetric population. Data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in the obstetric population, social vulnerability, health inequities, and health system capacity at the municipal level were obtained from several publicly sources in Brazil. A Bayesian empirical local model was used to identify fluctuations of the indicators. Spatial statistic tests were used to identity the spatial clusters and measure the municipalities' risk of COVID-19 in the obstetric population. Beta regression was used to characterise the association between socio-economic indicators and the burden of COVID-19. FINDINGS: A total of 13,858 cases and 1,396 deaths due to COVID-19 were recorded in Brazil from March 2020 to June 2021. There was a variation in the number of cases per municipality, with 105 municipalities with rates from 2,210 to 3,884 cases and 45 municipalities with rates from 3,884 to 7,418 cases per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality ratio also varied widely across municipalities. There was a spatial dependence on smoothed maternal mortality rates (I Moran 0•10; P = 0•010), and 15 municipalities had higher risk of maternal deaths. Municipalities characterized by lower health resources and higher socioeconomic inequalities presented the highest rates of incidence and maternal mortality by COVID-19. INTERPRETATION: In Brazil, COVID-19 cases and deaths in the obstetric population had a heterogeneous geographical distribution, with well-defined spatial clusters mostly located in the countryside. Municipalities with a high degree of socioeconomic dissimilarities showed higher maternal mortality rates than areas with better social and infrastructure indicators. FUNDING: None.

Primary school educational intervention r egarding schistosomiasis in a riverside community, northeastern Brazil

Schistosomiasis is still a serious public health concern in Brazil and Sergipe State presents the highest prevalence rate of the disease. Brazil implemented the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) with several strategies to control the disease, including health education actions in endemic areas. Herein, we assessed the impact of an educational intervention on knowledge concerning schistosomiasis in students from a riverside village of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. The study was carried out in 3 phases. 1) A questionnaire was applied to assess the students' knowledge about the biological, clinical, and epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis mansoni (pre-test). 2) Next, an educational intervention was conducted. Pamphlets about schistosomiasis were distributed to the entire school community, who were then invited to a lecture. 3) A post-test was performed using the questionnaire to assess acquired knowledge. 151 elementary school students were interviewed. 2.6% of the pre-test students and 4.3% of the post-test group had already been diagnosed with schistosomiasis. In the pre-test, only 24.5% knew the cause of the disease and 48.3% the transmission sites. In the post-test, 74.3% (OR= 8.9; p-value<0.0001) knew the etiology and 77.1% the possible transmission sites (OR= 3.6; p-value<0.0001). There was also significant improvement in knowledge regarding signs, symptoms and prophylactic measures. Most students were unaware of the risk of reinfection by Schistosoma mansoni after treatment. The educational intervention proved quite effective in increasing information on schistosomiasis. These results reinforce the importance of health education as an auxiliary tool in the control of schistosomiasis.

Clinical and epidemiological indicators and spatial analysis of leprosy cases in patients under 15 years old in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil: an ecological and time series study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse the clinical and epidemiological indicators, temporal trends and the spatial distribution of leprosy in patients under 15 years old in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil. DESIGN: Regional surveillance study of all reported cases. SETTING: State of Sergipe, endemic area of Northeast Brazil. METHODS: An ecological and time series study was conducted, based on secondary data reported by the Brazilian Information System on Notifiable Diseases for leprosy cases diagnosed in Sergipe state (2002-2015). The analysis of temporal trends was performed using the Joinpoint Regression Programme through Poisson regression. We performed spatial analysis by Kernel estimator and Moran index. RESULTS: The incidence rate was reduced from 6.29 to 3.78 cases per 100 000 inhabitants in 2002 and 2015, respectively. However, Sergipe was still classified as highly endemicity in 2015. The mean number of household contacts (HHC) examined was significantly lower than those registered. Clinical data indicated that 21.4% of the patients developed leprosy reactions, and 31.3% presented with some physical disability in the multibacillary groups. Patients diagnosed by examination within the HHC presented better indicators, such as lower percentage of leprosy reaction and physical disability. Spatial analysis showed the most risk areas distributed on the northeast and cities around the capital, Aracaju. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that there is a persistence of active Myobacterium leprae transmission and a delay in disease detection, following a pattern of high endemicity in many municipalities. The early detection by HHC examination is important to stop transmission and also to detect the cases in a less severe state.