Multilevel analysis of social determinants of advanced stage colorectal cancer diagnosis.

The advanced stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) may be related to individual factors, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare service availability. The objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence of advanced stage CRC at the time of diagnosis and its association with individual, contextual, socioeconomic, and healthcare service indicators. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing cases of malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum in individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 99 years, diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 in Brazil (n = 69,047). Data were collected from the Hospital Cancer Registry (HCR), Atlas of Human Development in Brazil, and from the National Registry of Health Institutions (NRHI). A Multilevel Poisson Regression model with random intercept was used. The prevalence of advanced stage CRC at diagnosis was 65.6%. Advanced stage was associated with older age groups prevalence ratio (PR) 4.40 and younger age groups (PR 1.84), low Human Development Index (HDI) (PR 1.22), and low density of family health strategy teams (PR 1.10). The study highlights the unequal distribution of social determinants of health in the diagnosis CRC in Brazil, revealing the need to evaluate and redirect public policies aimed at improving early detection and prevention of CRC in the country.

Prevalence of multimorbidity in Brazilian individuals: A population-based study.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in Brazilian individuals and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health Survey conducted in 2019 with 88,531 Brazilian adults Multimorbidity is the presence of two or more non-communicable chronic diseases. Associated factors were assessed by calculating the prevalence ratio (PR) obtained using Poisson regression with robust variance. Multimorbidity was estimated in 29.9% (95%CI: 29.33% to 30.48%) of Brazilian individuals. In the multiple models, the prevalence was high in women (PR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.32 to 1.42), individuals over 60 years (PR: 4.26; 95%CI: 3.87 to 4.69), non-employed (PR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.15 to 1.26), individuals with obesity (PR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.43 to 1.56), and smokers (PR: 1.24; 95%CI: 1.19 to 1.29). This study identified a high prevalence of multimorbidity and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The monitoring of these outcomes may support the development of policies and services.

Incidence of depression among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review.

We aimed to synthesise information related to the incidence of depression and depressive symptoms (DDS) in a community-dwelling older adult population at a global level. In this systematic review, we included articles with a cohort study design that evaluated the incidence of depression or depressive symptoms in older adults aged 60 years or more in a community-dwelling environment. Six databases were used: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, and Cochrane, and the entire selection process was independently performed by peers. We divided the included articles into subgroups according to the DDS assessment instrument: (i) Geriatric Depression Scale; (ii) Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; (iii) miscellaneous scales; and (iv) diagnostic interviews. Each cumulative incidence value obtained per item was adjusted for a 1-year follow-up period, which generated an annual cumulative incidence (AcI). From 46 articles, 42 used scales to evaluate the depressive variable, with an AcI estimate of around 4.5%. The articles that assessed depression categorically observed a variation in AcI between 0.2% and 7.0%. Among all the materials included, the group that used the Geriatric Depression Scale observed the lowest and the highest AcI, 1.3% and 26.6% respectively. Most of the productions were from countries in the Asian continent (52.2%), followed by Europe (30.4%), the Americas (13%), and Oceania (4.4%). Despite the variation of AcI, we found a frequent occurrence of DDS in older adults in the community-dwelling environment, which highlights the need for preventive actions and better-targeted early care, especially in terms of primary health care.

Risk factors for developing symptomatic COVID-19 in older residents of nursing homes: A hypothesis-generating observational study.

Objectives: To identify which risk factors were associated with developing Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) infection, with symptoms, in institutionalized older people. Methods: A 1-year longitudinal multi-center study was conducted in 5 nursing homes (NHs) over the period December 2019 to March 2021. Inclusion criteria included being a permanent resident in the NH, aged 65 years or older, and a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 objectively confirmed by a diagnostic test. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, calculating relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance at p<0.05. Results: Of the total sample of 78 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, the mean age was 84.6 years (SD=±7.8), 62 (79.5%) were female; 40 (51.3%) participants presented with COVID-19 symptoms. Living in a private NH (RR=3.6, 95% CI [1.2-11.0], p=0.023) and having suffered a stroke (RR=4.1, 95% CI [1.1-14.7], p=0.033) were positively associated with developing COVID-19 infection with symptoms. Conclusions: Having suffered a stroke and living permanently in a private NH were positively associated with symptomatic COVID-19 in this sample of institutionalized older people.Clinical Trials ID: NCT04297904.

[COVID-19 in Brazil: trends, challenges, and perspectives after 18 months of the pandemicCOVID-19 en Brasil: tendencias, desafíos y perspectivas después de 18 meses de pandemia]. / COVID-19 no Brasil: tendências, desafios e perspectivas após 18 meses de pandemia.

Objective: To analyze the incidence and mortality trends from COVID-19 in Brazil as well as in federation units and their capitals. Method: An ecological study was performed using COVID-19 incidence and mortality data covering the period from 25 February 2020 (first case recorded in Brazil) to 31 July 2021. Data were grouped by month for calculation of crude rates (by 100 000 population) and assessment of time trends in federation units and capitals. Significant changes in time trends were analyzed by joinpoint regression. Results: Two waves of new cases and deaths were identified. The highest incidence rates were recorded in the states of Amapá, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia, and Roraima. The states of Amazonas and Rondônia had the highest mortality rates. In general, incidence and mortality rates were worse in the second wave. In the first wave, the mean number of months until the onset of reduction in new cases was higher in capitals, whereas in the second wave the onset of reduction in new cases took longer in the federation units. The decline in mortality began earlier in capital cities in both waves. Conclusion: The regional differences detected underscore the notion that COVID-19 incidence and mortality are associated with political, geographic, cultural, social, and economic factors.

Objetivo: Analizar las tendencias de la incidencia de COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad en Brasil (unidades federativas y capitales). Método: Se realizó un estudio ecológico con datos sobre incidencia de COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad en el período comprendido entre el 25 de febrero del 2020 (fecha del primer caso notificado en Brasil) y el 31 de julio del 2021. Los datos se agruparon por mes para calcular las tasas brutas (por 100 000 habitantes) y evaluar las tendencias temporales observadas en las unidades federativas y sus capitales. Las modificaciones significativas en las tendencias temporales se analizaron con el método de regresión de punto de inflexión (joinpoint). Resultados: Se identificaron dos olas de casos nuevos y muertes. Las unidades federativas con las mayores tasas de incidencia fueron Amapá, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia y Roraima; Amazonas y Rondônia tuvieron las mayores tasas de mortalidad. En general, la incidencia y la mortalidad fueron peores en la segunda ola. En la primera ola, el promedio de meses transcurridos hasta que empezó a reducirse el número de casos nuevos fue mayor en las capitales, mientras que, en la segunda ola, fue mayor en los estados. En ambas olas, el número de muertes se redujo en menos tiempo en las capitales. Conclusión: La heterogeneidad regional detectada refuerza la idea de que la incidencia de la COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad guardan relación con factores políticos, geográficos, culturales, sociales y económicos.

Inequalities in Temporal Effects on Cervical Cancer Mortality in States in Different Geographic Regions of Brazil: An Ecological Study.

Cervical cancer is a public health issue with high disease burden and mortality in Brazil. The objectives of the present study were, firstly, to analyze age, period, and cohort effects on cervical cancer mortality in women 20 years old or older from 1980 to 2019 in the North, South, and Southeast Regions of Brazil; and secondly, to evaluate whether the implementation of a national screening program and the expansion of access to public health services impacted the examined period and reduced the risk of death compared with previous years and among younger cohorts. The effects were estimated by applying Poisson regression models with estimable functions. The highest mortality rate per 100,000 women was found in Amazonas (24.13), and the lowest in São Paulo (10.56). A positive gradient was obtained for death rates as women's age increased. The states in the most developed regions (South and Southeast) showed a reduction in the risk of death in the period that followed the implementation of the screening program and in the cohort from the 1960s onwards. The North Region showed a decreased risk of death only in Amapá (2000-2004) and Tocantins (1995-2004; 2010-2019). The findings indicate that health inequities remain in Brazil and suggest that the health system has limitations in terms of decreasing mortality associated with this type of cancer in regions of lower socioeconomic development.

Completeness of cervical cancer staging information in Brazil: A national hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer staging information in Hospital Cancer Registries (HCR) is essential for cancer care quality evaluations. This study aimed to analyze the completeness of cervical cancer staging in Brazilian HCR and identify individual and contextual factors associated with unknown staging. METHODS: The outcome analyzed was missing or unknown staging (Malignant Tumor Classification System and/or International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) in 2006-2015. Individual data on cancer cases were collected from the HCR Integrator. Contextual variables were collected from the Atlas of Human Development in Brazil, the National Registry of Health Facilities, and the Outpatient Information System. The random intercept multilevel Poisson regression model was performed to identify the factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS: The prevalence of unknown staging data was 32.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.1-32.7). Women aged 18-29 years (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.48; 95% CI, 1.42-1.54), referred by the public health system (PR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11-1.21), living in states with a low density of oncologists (PR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.62-1.79), and with a low cytopathological testing rate (PR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.57-1.82) showed a higher prevalence of unknown tumor staging data. A lower level of education (PR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98) was associated with complete staging data. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and contextual factors were associated with missing staging data. It is necessary to improve information on cancer in the HCRs by improving the awareness and training of Brazilian cancer care professionals.

Sarcopenia and associated factors according to the EWGSOP2 criteria in older people living in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In 2018, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) updated the original definition of sarcopenia, establishing new criteria to be used globally. Early diagnosis of sarcopenia in nursing home residents and the identification of contributing factors would target interventions to reduce the incidence of malnutrition, social isolation, functional decline, hospitalization and mortality. AIM: Verify the prevalence and the degree of severity of sarcopenia according to the new EWSGOP2 criteria and to analyse its associated factors in residents living in nursing homes in Central Catalonia (Spain). DESIGN: A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in 4 nursing homes. SARC-F test was applied as the initial screening, muscle strength was measured by a dynamometer, skeletal muscle mass by bioimpedance analysis and physical performance by Gait Speed. Four categories were used: total probable sarcopenia, probable sarcopenia, confirmed sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia. RESULTS: Among the total sample of 104 nursing home residents (mean age 84.6, ± 7.8; median 86, IQR 110), 84.6% were women and 85 (81.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.0-88.0) had total probable sarcopenia, 63 (60.5%) had probable sarcopenia, 19 (18.3%) had confirmed sarcopenia and 7 (6.7%) had severe sarcopenia. In the bivariate analysis, obesity was negatively associated and total time in sedentary behavior positively associated with all sarcopenia categories. In addition, malnutrition and urinary continence were positively associated with total and probable sarcopenia. Urinary incontinence was a positive associated factor of total and probable sarcopenia. In the multivariate analysis, obesity represented a negative associated factor: OR = 0.13 (0.03 - 0.57), p = 0.007 and OR = 0.14 (0.03 - 0.60), p = 0.008 with total and probable sarcopenia, respectively, adjusted by urinary incontinence status. For confirmed sarcopenia, obesity also represented a negative associated factor OR = 0.06 (0.01 - 0.99), p = 0.049 and the total time in sedentary behavior a positive associated factor OR = 1.10 (1.00- 1.20), p = 0.040. CONCLUSIONS: According the EWGSOP2 criteria, high prevalence of sarcopenia was found in institutionalized older people, ranging from 6.7 to 81.7% depending on the category. Malnutrition, urinary incontinence and total time in sedentary behavior were associated with sarcopenia, whilst obesity represented a protective factor in this population.

Spatial assessment of advanced-stage diagnosis and lung cancer mortality in Brazil.

The high incidence and mortality rates make lung cancer a global public health issue. Socioeconomic conditions and the provision of health services may be associated with this reality. This study investigates the spatial distribution of advanced-stage diagnosis and mortality due to lung cancer and its association with the healthcare services supply and demographic and socioeconomic indicators in Brazil. This is an ecological study with 161 Intermediate Regions of Urban Articulation. Mortality data were extracted from the Mortality Information System, and the cases of lung cancer were obtained from the Integrator of Hospital-Based Cancer Registries from 2011 to 2015. Analyses employed Moran's I, local indicators of spatial association, and the multivariable model. The proportion of advanced-stage diagnosis was 85.28% (95% CI 83.31-87.10) and was positively associated with the aging rate (Moran's I 0.11; p = 0.02), per capita income (Moran's I 0.05; p = 0.01) and negatively associated with Gini Index (Moran's I -0.16; p = 0.01). The mean age-adjusted mortality rates was 12.82 deaths/100,000 inhabitants (SD 5.12). The age-adjusted mortality rates for lung cancer presented a positive and statistically significant spatial association with all demographic, socioeconomic and healthcare services supply indicators, except for the "density of family health teams" (Moran's I -0.02 p = 0.28). The multivariable model for the mortality rates was constituted by the variables "Density of facilities licensed in oncology", "Per capita income", and "Health plan coverage". The per capita income presented positive association and health plan coverage negative association with age-adjusted mortality rates. Both associations were statistically significant. The variable density of facilities licensed in oncology showed no significant association with age-adjusted mortality rates. There is a high proportion of advanced-stage diagnosis across the Brazilian territory and inequalities in lung cancer mortality, which are correlated with the most developed areas of the country.

Sex and age differences in mortality trends of gastric cancer among Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Background: An up-to-date analysis of gastric cancer mortality among Hispanic/Latino populations is required for estimating disease burden and assessing the effectiveness of clinical and preventive strategies. Methods: We retrieved gastric cancer deaths between 1997 and 2017 (as available) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (United States Hispanics) and the World Health Organization databases (Puerto Rico, 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries). Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine trends in age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR; per 100 000 person-years) and calculate average annual percent changes (AAPCs) by country (or territory), age group (25-49 and ≥50 years), and sex. Trends were compared to assess slope parallelism. Findings: In 2017, Chile (31·8), Colombia (24·3) and Costa Rica (24·3) had the highest ASMR of gastric cancer for men, while Guatemala (17·2), Peru (13·5), and Costa Rica (13·3) had the highest ASMR for women. Small-to-moderate mortality declines (AAPCs ranged -4 to -0.5%) were observed between 1997 and 2017. In almost all countries, trends decreased among individuals aged ≥50 years. However, age-specific trends were not parallel (p-values <0.05) in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela for both men and women, and in five additional countries for only women; with a few countries showing stable or slightly increasing trends for individuals aged 25-49 years. Interpretation: Overall gastric cancer mortality rates in Hispanics/Latinos declined in the last two decades. However, there was a notable variation in trends by country, sex, and age group. Continued and targeted prevention efforts are needed to reduce the disease burden in these vulnerable populations. Funding: Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Peru, and National Cancer Institute, United States.

COVID-19 no Brasil: tendências, desafios e perspectivas após 18 meses de pandemia / COVID-19 in Brazil: trends, challenges, and perspectives after 18 months of the pandemic / COVID-19 en Brasil: tendencias, desafíos y perspectivas después de 18 meses de pandemia

RESUMO Objetivo. Analisar as tendências de incidência e mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil, nas unidades da federação e nas capitais. Método. Realizou-se um estudo ecológico com dados de incidência e de mortalidade por COVID-19 referentes ao período de 25 de fevereiro de 2020 (primeiro caso notificado no Brasil) a 31 de julho de 2021. Os dados foram agrupados por mês para cálculo das taxas brutas (por 100 000 habitantes) e avaliação das tendências temporais das unidades da federação e de suas capitais. As modificações significativas nas tendências temporais foram analisadas pelo método de regressão por joinpoint. Resultados. Foram identificadas duas ondas de novos casos e óbitos. As unidades da federação com as maiores taxas de incidência foram Amapá, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia e Roraima; Amazonas e Rondônia tiveram as maiores taxas de mortalidade. Em geral, as taxas de incidência e mortalidade foram piores na segunda onda. Na primeira onda, a média de meses até o início de uma redução de casos novos foi maior nas capitais, enquanto na segunda onda, o início da redução demorou mais nos estados. Quanto aos óbitos, as capitais necessitaram de menos tempo para apresentar redução tanto na primeira quanto na segunda onda. Conclusão. A heterogeneidade regional detectada reforça a ideia de que a incidência e a mortalidade por COVID-19 estão associadas a fatores políticos, geográficos, culturais, sociais e econômicos.

ABSTRACT Objective. To analyze the incidence and mortality trends from COVID-19 in Brazil as well as in federation units and their capitals. Method. An ecological study was performed using COVID-19 incidence and mortality data covering the period from 25 February 2020 (first case recorded in Brazil) to 31 July 2021. Data were grouped by month for calculation of crude rates (by 100 000 population) and assessment of time trends in federation units and capitals. Significant changes in time trends were analyzed by joinpoint regression. Results. Two waves of new cases and deaths were identified. The highest incidence rates were recorded in the states of Amapá, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia, and Roraima. The states of Amazonas and Rondônia had the highest mortality rates. In general, incidence and mortality rates were worse in the second wave. In the first wave, the mean number of months until the onset of reduction in new cases was higher in capitals, whereas in the second wave the onset of reduction in new cases took longer in the federation units. The decline in mortality began earlier in capital cities in both waves. Conclusion. The regional differences detected underscore the notion that COVID-19 incidence and mortality are associated with political, geographic, cultural, social, and economic factors.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Analizar las tendencias de la incidencia de COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad en Brasil (unidades federativas y capitales). Método. Se realizó un estudio ecológico con datos sobre incidencia de COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad en el período comprendido entre el 25 de febrero del 2020 (fecha del primer caso notificado en Brasil) y el 31 de julio del 2021. Los datos se agruparon por mes para calcular las tasas brutas (por 100 000 habitantes) y evaluar las tendencias temporales observadas en las unidades federativas y sus capitales. Las modificaciones significativas en las tendencias temporales se analizaron con el método de regresión de punto de inflexión (joinpoint). Resultados. Se identificaron dos olas de casos nuevos y muertes. Las unidades federativas con las mayores tasas de incidencia fueron Amapá, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia y Roraima; Amazonas y Rondônia tuvieron las mayores tasas de mortalidad. En general, la incidencia y la mortalidad fueron peores en la segunda ola. En la primera ola, el promedio de meses transcurridos hasta que empezó a reducirse el número de casos nuevos fue mayor en las capitales, mientras que, en la segunda ola, fue mayor en los estados. En ambas olas, el número de muertes se redujo en menos tiempo en las capitales. Conclusión. La heterogeneidad regional detectada refuerza la idea de que la incidencia de la COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad guardan relación con factores políticos, geográficos, culturales, sociales y económicos.

Incidence of depression and depressive symptoms and their predictive factors in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Faced with the continuous growth in the number of older people at a global level, some concerns are raised about the way people age. Health conditions such as depressive symptoms and depression have a direct or indirect impact on the quality of life of this population segment. The objective of this study is to verify the incidence of the various presentations of the depressive spectrum in the community-dwelling older population, as well as to analyse the predictive factors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol follows the recommendation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Latin-American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Cochrane databases, as well as grey literature. The search strategy involves terms related to ageing and the depressive spectrum found in observational studies. There will be no language restriction and the material included will be the ones whose publications took place until December 2020. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval is not required on this research, since it only aims secondary data. After publishing the results in a scientifically supported journal, our findings may be disseminated to fill in the gaps and guide the production of more effective public policies directed at a more adequate care to the older population at a global level. The search process began in January 2021 and it is expected that all stages of the review will be completed by 30 November 2021. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019121616.

Urinary Incontinence in Physically Active Older Women of Northeast Brazil.

Low- and moderate-impact physical activity (PA) is associated with the prevention of urinary incontinence (UI). The objective of the cross-sectional study presented herein is to analyze the factors associated with UI in physically older active women who participate in senior community groups. The variable UI was measured by the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Socioeconomic variables were also collected, along with data on life habits and clinical history. The multivariate analysis employed Poisson's Regression with robust variance for factors associated with UI. Of the 106 participants evaluated, 54.7% presented UI, of which stress incontinence was more frequent, with 40.6%. UI presented a statistically significant association with dizziness/loss of balance during Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (prevalence ratio-PR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.07) and nocturia (PR 1.63; 95% CI 1.05-2.55). Despite PA being a protection factor, UI presented an elevated prevalence in the older population, and therefore, other biological, social, and cultural aspects could also contribute to the occurrence of UI in this age group. Moreover, physically active older women with UI presented nocturia and dizziness/loss of balance during ADL, regardless of education levels and the number of births. These findings can help improve multi-professional programs aimed at promoting, preventing, and managing UI in the public.

Improving the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease through Virtual Communities of Practice: A Quasiexperimental Study.

Caring for a person with dementia burdens family caregivers, and there is a close negative relationship between this burden and their quality of life (QoL). Research suggests that caregivers' main needs are information and training about the disease and support from others experiencing the same situation, and Internet interventions hold considerable promise for meeting these needs. Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) are Internet frameworks to share knowledge where members collaborate and achieve a sense of trust in the community. This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of participating in a VCoP (developed through an App) on the QoL of caregivers to people with Alzheimer's. Results show QoL before and after the intervention changed significantly. The impact of VCoP on caregivers' overall QoL is moderated by age and relation with the person with Alzheimer's, specifically those over 65, and spouses. VCoPs allow interaction and knowledge sharing among caregivers which provide them mainly with information and support from peers helping them to meet their needs. Furthermore, caregivers' QoL did not decrease when their relative deteriorated functionally, which could be due to the participation in VCoP. Although we found significant pre- and post differences in caregivers' health literacy, we must report the ambiguous result that this variable only impacts on QoL's physical domain. Participants also reported that they had a positive experience because the App was perceived to be a useful tool, because they could manage their own participation and they met peers and felt less lonely. Results suggest that participation in a VCoP impacts positively on caregivers' QoL.

Incidence and mortality from thyroid cancer in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in Latin America. METHODS: Ecological study of time series, with incidence data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer for the 1990-2012 period and mortality data of 16 countries obtained from WHO for the 1995-2013 period. The trends of incidence rates were analysed by the Joinpoint regression. Average annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for incidence and mortality. RESULTS: Incidence and mortality from thyroid cancer in Latin America were higher in women, with the highest incidence rate in women in Quito (Ecuador) aged 40-59 years: 42.2 new cases per 100 000 inhabitants, and mortality of 4.8/100 000 in women over 60. Thyroid cancer incidence increased in women of all age groups in Cali (Colombia), Costa Rica and Quito (Ecuador); and in men in Costa Rica. Incidence rates were stable above the age of 60 years in Cali, in Goiania (Brazil), Quito (Ecuador) and Valdivia (Chile) in men, and in women in Goiania (Brazil) and Valdivia (Chile). Mortality among women increased in Ecuador (AAPC = 3.28 CI 95% 1.36; 5.24), Guatemala (AAPC = 6.14 CI 95% 2.81; 9.58) and Mexico (AAPC = 0.67 CI 95% 0.16; 1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid cancer incidence in Latin America is high and rising in women. Mortality remains stable in most countries of Latin America.

Prevalence of occupational accidents and associated variables in the Brazilian workforce.

INTRODUCTION: Current estimates suggest that 317 million occupational accidents occur annually worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of occupational accidents and associated variables in the Brazilian workforce. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using data from adults aged 18 or older who participated in the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) (2013). This study was based on participants' responses to questions regarding their history of occupational accidents in the previous 12 months. Socioeconomic, lifestyle and health-related variables were also examined. Prevalence rates and ratios were calculated using Poisson multivariate regression models (with 95% confidence intervals), followed by Wald's tests for robust variance estimation. RESULTS: The prevalence of occupational accidents was 2.79% (95% confidence interval, 2.53-3.08%). These incidents were associated with male gender (prevalence ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.77), living in rural areas (prevalence ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.62), age 18 to 24 (prevalence ratio = 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.40), illiteracy (prevalence ratio = 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-4.96) and having two or more chronic illnesses (prevalence ratio = 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.47). CONCLUSIONS: Though the prevalence of occupational accidents in the Brazilian workforce was low, these incidents were associated with multimorbidity, socioeconomic status and lifestyle variables.

Spatial distribution of advanced stage diagnosis and mortality of breast cancer: Socioeconomic and health service offer inequalities in Brazil.

Breast cancer presents high incidence and mortality rates, being considered an important public health issue. Analyze the spatial distribution pattern of late stage diagnosis and mortality for breast cancer and its correlation with socioeconomic and health service offer-related population indicators. Ecological study, developed with 161 Intermediate Region of Urban Articulation (IRUA). Mortality data were collected from the Mortality Information System (MIS). Tumor staging data were extracted from the Hospital Cancer Registry (HCR). Socioeconomic variables were obtained from the Atlas of Human Development in Brazil; data on medical density and health services were collected from the National Registry of Health Institutions (NRHI) and Supplementary National Health Agency. Global Moran's Index and Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA) were utilized to verify the existence of territorial clusters. Multivariate analysis used models with global spatial effects. The proportion of late stage diagnosis of breast cancer was 39.7% (IC 39.4-40.0). The mean mortality rate for breast cancer, adjusted by the standard world population was 10.65 per 100,000 women (± 3.12). The proportion of late stage diagnosis presented positive spatial correlation with Gini's Index (p = 0.001) and negative with the density of gynecologist doctors (p = 0.009). The adjusted mortality rates presented a positive spatial correlation with the Human Development Index (p<0.001) and density of gynecologist doctors (p<0.001). Socioeconomic and health service offer-related inequalities of the Brazilian territory are determinants of the spatial pattern of breast cancer morbimortality in Brazil.

Prevalence of multimorbidity and associated factors in the Brazilian working population.

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization (2018), recent changes in the epidemiological profile of working populations point to an increase in non-communicable chronic illnesses and a decrease in communicable chronic illnesses. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in the Brazilian working population (≥18 years) and identify associated factors based on data from the 2013 national health survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde). METHODS: This was a cross sectional study based on data from the 2013 national health survey, which included n = 47,629 people aged 18 years or older. As part of the survey, participants were asked whether they had ever been diagnosed with any of several chronic diseases. The prevalence of multimorbidity in this population and its association with socioeconomic, lifestyle and occupational characteristics were examined. Bivariate analyses were used to calculate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Multivariate analyses were conducted using Poisson regression and Wald's tests to estimate the coefficients of significant variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of multimorbidity was 19.98% (95% confidence interval: 19.29%-20.70%). Higher rates of multimorbidity were associated with female gender, age 60 years or older, living with a spouse, past history of smoking, low education levels (illiterate/primary), living in urban areas, having medical or dental insurance and a history of work accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of multimorbidity in the Brazilian population is low. When present, multimorbidity is associated with specific occupational, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics.

A multilevel assessment of the social determinants associated with the late stage diagnosis of breast cancer.

The advanced-stage diagnosis of breast cancer reveals the inequalities associated with socioeconomic conditions and the offer of health services. This study analyzes the prevalence of advanced breast cancer and its relationship with individual and contextual socioeconomic indicators and offer of health service. A cross-sectional study is presented herein, on the assessment of malignant breast neoplasms in women diagnosed between 2006 and 2015 (n = 195,201). Data were collected from the Hospital Cancer Registry (HCR), Atlas of Human Development in Brazil, and from the National Registry of Health Institutions (NRHI). A multilevel Poisson Regression was carried out with random intercept. The prevalence of advanced breast cancer diagnosis was 40.0%. Advanced staging was associated with younger age groups (PR 1.41), race/nonwhite (PR 1.13), lower education levels (PR 1.38), and public access to health services (PR 1.25). There was also an association with a low density of mammographic equipment (PR 1.08), and with low indices of local social inequality (PR 1.33) and human development (PR 0.80). This study maps and highlights the causes related to inequalities in the diagnosis of advanced breast cancer in Brazil, and presents essential data to reorient public policies and health-related actions to strengthen the control of breast cancer in Brazil.

Effectiveness of specific stabilization exercise compared with traditional trunk exercise in women with non-specific low back pain: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The primary physiotherapeutic treatment for LBP is physical exercise, but evidence suggesting a specific exercise as most appropriate for any given case is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine if specific stabilization exercise (SSE) is more effective than traditional trunk exercise (TTE) in reducing levels of pain, disability and inflammation in women with non-specific low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in Rovira i Virgili University, Catalonia. METHODS: Thirty-nine females experiencing non-specific LBP were included in two groups: the TTE program and SSE program, both were conducted by a physiotherapist during twenty sessions. The primary outcome was pain intensity (10-cm Visual Analogue Scale). Secondary outcomes were disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), and inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α plasma levels). Measurements were taken at baseline, at half intervention, at post-intervention, and a month later. RESULTS: Mean group differences in change from baseline to post-intervention for TTE were: -4.5 points (CI 3.3 to 5.6) for pain, -5.1 points (CI 3.0 to 7.3) for disability, 0.19 pg/mL (95% CI [-1.6-1.2]) for IL-6 levels, and 46.2 pg/mL (CI 13.0 to 85.3) for TNF-α levels. For SSE, differences were: -4.3 points (CI 3.1 to 5.6) for pain, -6.1 points (CI 3.7 to 8.6) for disability, 1.1 pg/mL (CI 0.0 to 2.1) for IL-6 levels , and 12.8 pg/mL (95% CI [-42.3-16.7]) for TNF-α levels. There were an insignificant effect size and no statistically significant overall mean differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both interventions (traditional trunk and specific stabilization exercises) are effective in reducing pain and disability in non-specific LBP patients, but the two programs produce different degrees of inflammation change. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02103036.