Sleep Bruxism in Puerperal Women: Data from a Population-Based Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the self-reported SB prevalence and explore associated risk factors in puerperal women who had given birth in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. METHODS: A single, standardized questionnaire was given within the 48 h postpartum period. Self-reported SB was the main outcome investigated. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2225 women were included. Only 79 (3.6%) of these reported clenching or grinding their teeth during sleep. Adjusted analysis showed that the higher education level of the mothers (PR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.49-6.28; P = 0.006); living with three or more persons in the household (PR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.34-0.84; P = 0.007); medication intake during pregnancy (PR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.09-2.58; P = 0.017); smoking (PR = 1.93; 1.16-3.23; P = 0.024), or ever smoked (PR = 1.82; 95% CI 0.85-3.90; P = 0.024); severe anxiety (PR = 1.36; 95% CI 0.61-3.02; P = 0.005); and headache upon waking (PR = 4.19; 95% CI 1.95-9.00; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with self-reported SB. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Our data pointed towards new factors in a specific group of women that may be relevant for preventing sleep-related behaviors in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle. The higher levels of education, medication intake, smoking or even smoked, severe anxiety, the higher the probability of puerperal woman to self-report SB. The nighttime tooth clenching strongly increased headache upon waking.

Predictive Factors of Extubation Failure in COVID-19 Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Purpose: We investigated whether COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) had a different extubation outcome compared to non-COVID-19 patients while identifying predictive factors of extubation failure in the former. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, and observational study was done on 216 COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) between March 2020 and March 2021, aged ≥ 18 years, in use of invasive MV for more than 24 h, which progressed to weaning. The primary outcome that was evaluated was extubation failure during ICU stay. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association of patient characteristics with extubation outcome, and a Poisson regression model determined the predictive value. Results: Seventy-seven patients were extubated; the mean age was 57.2 years, 52.5% were male, and their mean APACHE II score at admission was 17.8. On average, MV duration until extubation was 8.7 ± 3.7 days, with 14.9 ± 10.1 days of ICU stay and 24.6 ± 14.0 days with COVID-19 symptoms. The rate of extubation failure (ie, the patient had to be reintubated during their ICU stay) was 22.1% (n = 17), while extubation was successful in 77.9% (n = 60) of cases. Failure was observed in only 7.8% of cases when evaluated 48 hours after extubation. The mean reintubation time was 4.28 days. After adjusting the analysis for age, sex, during of symptoms, days under MV, dialysis, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio, some parameters independently predicted extubation failure: age ≥ 66 years (APR = 5.12 [1.35-19.46]; p = 0.016), ≥ 31 days of symptoms (APR = 5.45 [0.48-62.19]; p = 0.016), and need for dialysis (APR = 5.10 [2.00-13.00]; p = 0.001), while a PaO2/FiO2 ratio >300 decreased the probability of extubation failure (APR = 0.14 [0.04-0.55]; p = 0.005). The presence of three predictors (ie, age ≥ 66 years, time of symptoms ≥ 31 days, need of dialysis, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 200) increased the risk of extubation failure by a factor of 23.0 (95% CI, 3.34-158.5). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients had an extubation failure risk that was almost three times higher than non-COVID-19 patients, with the extubation of the former being delayed compared to the latter. Furthermore, an age ≥ 66 years, time of symptoms ≥ 31 days, need of dialysis, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio > 200 were independent predictors for extubation failure, and the presence of three of these characteristics increased the risk of failure by a factor of 23.0.

Functional dependence among older adults: a cross-sectional study with a rural population of southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil has a rapidly aging population, yet little is known about the occurrence of functional dependence in the rural older adult population. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of functional dependence and its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults in the rural area of the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. A systematic random sampling of households was used. Eighty percent of households in the rural area were selected, which included 1131 older adults. The outcome analyzed in this study was functional dependence. This was measured by and data were collected using the Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton and Brody's Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Descriptive analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of functional dependence in ADL and IADL and to describe the sample. Crude and adjusted analysis was performed by Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were reported. RESULTS: A total of 1029 older adults took part in this study, corresponding to an 8.9% rate of losses and refusals. Prevalence of functional dependence in ADL was 8.1% (95%CI 6.4-9.7), while prevalence of functional dependence in IADL was 32.4% (95%CI 29.5-35.2). The occurrence of functional dependence in one or more of ADL or IADL was 6.7% (95%CI 5.2-8.2). The following categories were associated with functional dependence in ADL: female sex (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.10-2.62), age group 80 years or more (PR=3.68; 95%CI 2.20-6.16), no schooling (PR=2.61; 95%CI 1.26-5.37) and 1-4 years of schooling (PR=2.49; 95%CI 1.28-4.84), having diabetes (PR=1.85; 95%CI 1.21-2.83), depression in the previous year (PR=1.90; 95%CI 1.09-3.31), urinary incontinence (PR=3.26; 95%CI 2.06-5.16), history of stroke (PR=2.26; 95%CI 1.35-3.76) and poor/very poor self-rated health (PR=2.36; 95%CI 1.29-4.32). The following categories were associated with functional dependence in IADL: female sex (PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.19-1.65), age groups of 70-79 years (PR=1.92; 95%CI 1.51-2.43) and 80 years or more (PR=3.80; 95%CI 3.07-4.72), no schooling (PR=1.87; 95%CI 1.46-2.41) and 1-4 years of schooling (PR=1.55; 95%CI 1.22-1.96), medical diagnosis of diabetes (PR=1.33; 95%CI 1.10-1.60), urinary incontinence (PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.17-1.68), history of stroke (PR=1.41; 95%CI 1.10-1.81) and regular self-rated health (PR=1.27; 95%CI 1.06-1.52) or poor/very poor self-rated health (PR=1.80; 95%CI 1.41-2.30). CONCLUSION: Older adults in rural areas have a high prevalence of functional dependence. Knowledge of functional dependence and associated factors in rural populations is necessary for the planning and developing actions, especially in the routine of primary care, which promote health and prevent or postpone the decline in functional capacity.

Knowledge about sudden infant death syndrome prevention among postpartum women in Southern Brazil, 2019: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention among postpartum women who received prenatal care in public and private services in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2019. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with postpartum women who gave birth in that municipality in 2019; the outcome was the indication of incorrect sleeping position (side/supine position) to prevent SIDS; the chi-square test was used to compare proportions between those who underwent prenatal care in public and private services. RESULTS: Among all 2,195 postpartum women, 67.7% (95%CI 65.7;69.6) were unaware of the position that prevents SIDS, 71.6% were public care service users; 77.8% of them feared choking/suffocation; 1.9% were informed about SIDS during prenatal care; doctors/nurses (70.5%) and grandmothers (65.1%) were influential regarding the baby's sleeping position. CONCLUSION: Most postpartum women were unaware of the sleeping position that prevents SIDS, especially those receiving care in the public sector; in general, this subject is not discussed in prenatal care. MAIN RESULTS: Two out of three mothers believed the newborn should sleep in the side or prone position, which does not prevent but rather facilitates sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); lack of knowledge was significantly greater when prenatal care took place in public services. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: SIDS should be addressed in prenatal care. Guidance from a doctor/nurse during consultations can be essential for mothers to change their mind and adopt a safe sleeping position (supine position) for their child. PERSPECTIVES: SIDS prevention campaigns are relevant in the context of prenatal care, as is conducting research that aims to evaluate potential impacts of interventions on the correct sleeping position for babies.

The association between maternal fears about their infant/ toddler during the COVID-19 pandemic and depression and anxiety: a birth cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between maternal fears about their infant/toddler and depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In 2019, all mothers who gave birth in hospitals in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil were asked to respond to a standardized questionnaire (baseline). We followed them between May-June 2020 (first follow-up point), August-December 2020 (second follow-up point), and from October 2021 to March 2022 (third follow-up point), and asked them if they were: (1) afraid that their infant/toddler would become infected with COVID or get sick (yes/no), (2) afraid that they would contaminate their own child with COVID, and/or (3) worried about the pandemic's effects on their child's future. At baseline and at all follow-up points, we assessed depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and anxiety symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, creating symptom trajectories using group-based trajectory modelling. We used multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted relative risk ratios (RRR). RESULTS: A total of 1,296 mothers participated. Worrying about the pandemic's effects on their child's future and the fear of contaminating their own child with COVID-19 increased the risk of raising depressive symptoms to a clinical level (RRR = 4.97, 95%CI 2.32-10.64 and RRR = 3.87, 95%CI 1.58-9.47, respectively) and anxiety to a moderate level (RRR = 2.91, 95%CI 1.69-5.01 and RRR = 1.86, 95%CI 1.03-3.35, respectively). CONCLUSION: Fear for their children increased maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic.

Blessing as a health resource: cross-sectional study with elderly residents of rural areas.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the search for folk healers for the treatment of health problems among elderly living in the rural area of the city of Rio Grande-RS. METHODS: Cross-sectional, p opulation-based study with random sampling, carried out in 2017. The outcome was analyzed in three categories (never used/used in the last 12 months/used for more than 12 months). Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze theassociated factors. RESULTS: A total of 1,030 elderly individuals were interviewed. The prevalence of demand for folk healers in the last 12 months and for more than 12 months was 9.5% and 15.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the characteristics associated with the use of a folk healer for more than 12 months were: being in the age group of 80 years or more and having back problems and arthrosis. Following the evangelical religion was identified as a protective factor for using this resource. On the other hand, the demand for blessing in the last year was related to the age group of 70-79 years, following spiritual religions, presence of disease in the last 12 months, back problems and arthrosis, and preference for the use of urgency and emergency services. Being female was associated only with the use for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION: This study brings an original contribution to a topic poorly evaluated in epidemiological studies, because the knowledge of the frequency and determinants of the search for this type of popular therapy can be used to improve the quality and access to health services offered to the elderly population in rural areas.

Recent trends in cesarean section reduction in extreme south of Brazil: a reality only in the public sector?

This study aimed to describe changes in cesarean section (C-section) prevalence from 2007 to 2019, in public and private sectors, according to maternal characteristics. We included all puerperal women who gave birth in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, at years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. A questionnaire was applied up to 48 hours after delivery. We assessed C-section rates over time and described the prevalence according to independent variables. Poisson regression was used. A total of 12.415 puerperal women were included. The prevalence of C-section increased between 2007-2013 (from 51.2% to 61.2%) and decreased between 2013-2019 (48.9% in 2019). This decrease was observed only in the public sector and was higher among the youngest (-10.0 percentual points) and high educated women (-10.3 percentual points). While in the private sector C-section occurrence increased even more (95.7% in 2019). In the public sector, women that were older, with a partner, primiparous, who performed prenatal care in the private system and with adequate prenatal assistance presented higher prevalence of C-section. In the private sector the prevalence was high independently of the maternal characteristics. In order to reduce C-section rates, efficient delivery care policies mainly focused on the private sector are necessary.

Socioeconomic inequalities in the access to health services: a population-based study in Southern Brazil.

This article aims to measure socioeconomic inequalities regarding access to health services, contact with health professionals, and specific health interventions. This was a cross-sectional population-based study with individuals aged 18 years or older, living in the city of Rio Grande. The outcomes were the following: Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage; having a health insurance plan; receiving a visit of a community health worker; medical consultation; dental consultation; dietary counseling; having a class with a physical education professional; flu vaccination; mammography, cytopathological and prostate exams. Relative and absolute measures were used to assess inequalities in the distribution of the outcomes. There was a response rate of 91% (1,300 adults were interviewed). Coverage indicators ranged from 16.1%, for having a class with a physical education professional, to 80.0% for medical consultation. FHS coverage and visit of a community health agent presented higher proportions among the poorest while outcomes regarding contact with health professionals, screening exams and flu vaccine were more prevalent among richest group. We observed low coverage levels of access to health services and professionals in addition to marked socioeconomic inequalities.

On-demand cesarean section: assessing trends and socioeconomic disparities.

OBJECTIVE: to measure prevalence, evaluate trends and identify socioeconomic differences of on-demand cesarean section in the municipality of Rio Grande (RS), extreme south of Brazil, in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. METHODS: all the puerperae residing in this municipality who had cesarean deliveries in one of the only two local maternity hospitals in the period 01/01-31/12 of the aforementioned years were part of this transversal study. Puerperae were interviewed using a single, standardized questionnaire at the hospital within 48 hours after delivery. The outcome was assessed based on the mothers' report that the cesarean section was performed according to their request. The analysis consisted of the observation of the outcome's frequency in each year and the evaluation of its prevalence throughout this period through the chi-square linear trend test. Socioeconomic inequalities were assessed based on household income and women's schooling using the Slope Index of Inequality and the Relative Index of Inequality. RESULTS: In these four years, 5,721 cesarean deliveries were recorded among mothers living in this municipality (1,309 in 2007, 1,341 in 2010, 1,626 in 2013 and 1,445 in 2016). In this period, the rate of on-demand cesarean sections increased by 107%, from 10.5% (95%CI: 8.9% -12.2%) of the deliveries in 2007 to 21.7% (95%CI: 19.5% -23.8%) in 2016. This increase was more evident among those with lower household income and schooling level. Absolute inequality also increased, especially regarding schooling, while relative inequality sharply declined when assessed by household income. CONCLUSIONS: The increased on-demand cesarean sections in the study location is unsettling, despite the decreasing gap between extreme categories as a consequence of higher levels of this procedure among women of lower income and worse schooling.

Occurrence of combined pain in the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle and pubic symphysis among pregnant women in the extreme south of Brazil. / Ocorrência de dor combinada na coluna lombar, cintura pélvica e sínfise púbica entre gestantes do extremo sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and characterize the occurrence of low back pain (LBP), posterior pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) and pubic symphysis pain (PSP) among pregnant women resident in Rio Grande, RS. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of all postpartum women who gave birth in 2016. Two pictures were used to investigate the presence of LBP, PPGP and PSP, both isolated and combined. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with each symptom. RESULTS: LBP was reported by 42.2%, PSP by 4.9%, and PPGP by 2%, while LBP + PSP was reported by 9%, LBP and PPGP by 2.8% and PPGP + PSP by 1.1%, and pain in all three regions was reported by 3.9% of the sample. The more advanced the age of the pregnant women, the risk for LBP and of LBP combined with one of the pelvic girdle regions was reduced, while the risk for PPGP + PSP was increased. Depression during pregnancy increased the risk for all symptom combinations. CONCLUSION: This study provided a detailed description of the occurrence of the evaluated outcomes and its associated factors. Studies like this are rare in Brazil, especially a census with low rates of losses and refusals. The high prevalence of the evaluated symptoms suggests that it should be investigated routinely in prenatal care, taking into account the age of the pregnant women, depressive symptoms and those experiencing combined or intense pain.

[Non-performance of dental consultation among pregnant women in southern Brazil: a population-based study]. / Não realização de consulta odontológica entre gestantes no extremo sul do Brasil: um estudo de base populacional.

The scope of this study was to measure the prevalence and identify factors associated with the non-use of dental care among pregnant women living in the municipality of Rio Grande, RS. In 2013, previously trained interviewers applied a single, standardized questionnaire within 48 hours after childbirth to all puerperal women living in this city. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions and, for multivariate analysis, Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used to obtain the prevalence ratio. Among the 2.653 puerperal women included in this study, 60.1% (95% CI: 58.2% - 61.9%) did not use any type of dental service during gestation. After adjustment, the probability of not using these services was significantly higher among pregnant women of lower age, income and schooling, who lived with more people at home, who performed a smaller number of prenatal consultations, who had prenatal care in the public service, and who were not attended under the Family Health Strategy (FHS). Encouraging pregnant women with this epidemiological profile to look for dental services during prenatal consultations and to expand the FHS on offer are measures with great potential to increase coverage for this type of service in the location studied.

Este estudo teve por objetivo medir a prevalência e identificar fatores associados à não utilização de assistência odontológica entre gestantes residentes no município de Rio Grande, RS. Em 2013, entrevistadores previamente treinados aplicaram questionário único, padronizado em até 48 horas após o parto à todas puérperas residentes neste município. Utilizou-se teste do qui-quadrado para comparar proporções e, da análise multivariável, regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância para a obtenção da razão de prevalências. Dentre 2.653 puérperas incluídas neste estudo, 60,1% (IC95%: 58,2% ­ 61,9%) não utilizaram qualquer tipo de serviço odontológico durante a gestação. Após ajuste, a probabilidade de não uso destes serviços foi significativamente maior entre gestantes de menor idade, renda e escolaridade, que viviam com maior número de pessoas no domicílio, que realizaram um menor número de consultas de pré-natal, que fizeram pré-natal no serviço público, e que não foram atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Incentivar gestantes com este perfil epidemiológico a procurar por serviços odontológicos durante as consultas de pré-natal e ampliar a oferta da ESF são medidas com grande potencial de elevar a cobertura para este tipo de serviço na localidade estudada.

Knowledge about sudden infant death syndrome prevention among postpartum women in Southern Brazil, 2019: a cross-sectional survey / Conocimiento sobre la prevención del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante en puérperas del Sur de Brasil, 2019: un estudio transversal / Conhecimento sobre prevenção da síndrome da morte súbita do lactente entre puérperas no Sul do Brasil, 2019: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective To assess knowledge on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention among postpartum women who received prenatal care in public and private services in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2019. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with postpartum women who gave birth in that municipality in 2019; the outcome was the indication of incorrect sleeping position (side/supine position) to prevent SIDS; the chi-square test was used to compare proportions between those who underwent prenatal care in public and private services. Results Among all 2,195 postpartum women, 67.7% (95%CI 65.7;69.6) were unaware of the position that prevents SIDS, 71.6% were public care service users; 77.8% of them feared choking/suffocation; 1.9% were informed about SIDS during prenatal care; doctors/nurses (70.5%) and grandmothers (65.1%) were influential regarding the baby's sleeping position. Conclusion Most postpartum women were unaware of the sleeping position that prevents SIDS, especially those receiving care in the public sector; in general, this subject is not discussed in prenatal care.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar el conocimiento sobre la prevención del síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante (SMSL) entre puérperas que realizaron prenatal en servicios públicos y privados en Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2019. Métodos Estudio transversal, con puérperas que dieron a luz en Rio Grande, en 2019; el resultado consistió en la indicación de posición incorrecta para dormir (lado/supino) para prevenir el SMSL; utilizando chi-cuadrado, se compararon las proporciones entre mujeres que recibieron atención prenatal en servicios públicos y privados. Resultados Entre las 2.195 puérperas, 67,7% (IC95% 65,7;69,6) desconocían como se previene el SMSL, estando el 71,6%, en la red pública; 77,8% temía asfixiarse/ahogarse; el 1,9% fue informado sobre el SMSL durante el prenatal; los médicos(as)/enfermeros(as) (70,5%) y los abuelos (65,1%) influyeron en la posición para dormir del bebé. Conclusión La mayoría de las puérperas desconocían la posición que previene el SMSL, especialmente en la red pública; en general, este tema no está cubierto en la atención prenatal.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento sobre prevenção da síndrome da morte súbita do lactente (SMSL) entre puérperas com pré-natal realizado nos serviços público e privado de Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2019. Métodos Estudo transversal, com puérperas do município; seu desfecho constituiuse da indicação de posição incorreta para dormir (decúbito lateral ou dorsal), visando prevenir a SMSL; utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado para comparar proporções do desfecho e de exposição entre puérperas que realizaram pré-natal nos serviços público e privado. Resultados De 2.195 puérperas, 67,7% (IC95% 65,7;69,6), majoritariamente atendidas na rede pública (71,6%), desconheciam a posição preventiva da SMSL; 77,8% temiam engasgo/afogamento; 1,9% foram informadas sobre SMSL no pré-natal; médicos(as)/enfermeiros(as) (70,5%) e avós (65,1%) mostraram-se influentes na decisão sobre como posicionar o bebê adormecido. Conclusão A maioria das puérperas, especialmente as atendidas na rede pública, desconhecia a posição que previne SMSL; geralmente, o tema não é abordado no pré-natal.

Subcutaneous injection of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells admixed with melanoma cells in mice favors tumor incidence and growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have strong tropism towards cancer cells, thus being tested as tools for the targeted delivery of therapeutic substances for the treatment of melanoma. However, different experimental approaches for melanoma induction and MSC treatment can have a direct impact on the outcomes. Systematic search was carried out in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to include all studies, where stem cells were used as intervention for animal models for melanoma. Selected articles were classified according to SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animals' studies. Experimental variables and published data for tumor incidence and growth were extracted from the eligible articles and standardized using Hedge's G for random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. From 627 entries, 11 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. All studies tested the effects of a single injection of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) (from bone marrow or adipose tissue) admixed with B16 mouse melanoma cells (B16-F0 or B16-F10) or with human melanoma cells (A375 or M4Beu) in mice. Mean SYRCLE score was 3.09 out of 10. Results from random effects meta-analysis indicate that MSCs favored both tumor incidence and tumor growth (p = 0.001) in melanoma. Our results show that MSCs are protumorigenic in co-injection mice models for melanoma, increasing both tumor incidence and growth.

Prenatal care among adolescent women in the extreme South of Brazil: coverage and associated factors / Assistência pré-natal entre adolescentes no extremo sul do Brasil: adequação e fatores associados

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate coverage and identify factors associated with adequate prenatal care for adolescent mothers in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, in a period of 13 years. Methods: over the years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019, a single standardized questionnaire was applied to all mothers at hospital level in this municipality. The outcome consisted of the proportion of puerperae women who started prenatal care in the first trimester and performed 6+ medical visits, completed 2+ HIV, syphilis, and urine tests. Chi-square test was used for proportions, Poisson regression in the multivariate analysis and the prevalence ratio (PR) as measure of effect. Results: among the 12,645 identified mothers, 2,184 (17.3%) were adolescents. Of this total, 35.2% (CI95%= 33.2%-37.2%) had received adequate prenatal care, ranging from 13.8% (10.8%-16.7%) in 2007 to 52,5% (46.8%-58.1%) in 2019. The adjusted analysis showed a higher PR for adequate prenatal care among those of older age and better schooling level, white/brown skin color, with a partner, never had an abortion, were primiparous and non-smokers. Conclusion: there was substantial improvement in coverage of adequate prenatal care over the period studied, but there is still a long way to go. The increase in this coverage depends on reaching adolescents who are younger, less educated, black skin color, living without a partner, multiparous and smokers.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a realização de pré-natal adequado entre adolescentes no extremo sul do Brasil e identificar fatores associados à sua ocorrência ao longo de 13 anos. Métodos: em 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019, entrevistadoras previamente treinadas aplicaram na maternidade questionário único, padronizado à todas as parturientes residentes no município de Rio Grande, RS. Considerou-se como tendo realizado pré-natal adequado a puérpera que iniciou consultas no primeiro trimestre da gravidez, realizou 6+ consultas e 2+ exames para HIV, sífilis e qualitativo de urina. Utilizou-se teste qui-quadrado para comparar proporções, regressão de Poisson na análise multivariável e razão de prevalências (RP) como medida de efeito. Resultados: dentre as 12.645 parturientes identificadas, 2.184 (17,3%) eram adolescentes. Destas, 35,2% (IC95%=33,2%-37,2%) realizaram pré-natal considerado adequado, variando de 13,8% (10,8%-16,7%) em 2007 a 52,5% (46,8%-58,1%) em 2019. A análise ajustada mostrou maior RP à realização de pré-natal adequado entre aquelas de maior idade (18-19 anos), de cor da pele branca e parda, vivendo com companheiro, com 9+ anos de escolaridade, que sofreram aborto, primíparas e não fumantes. Conclusões: houve substancial melhora na cobertura de pré-natal adequado no período estudado, mas ainda muito aquém do desejado. A melhoria destes índices depende de alcançar adolescentes de menor idade, pior escolaridade, cor da pele preta, vivendo sem companheiro, multíparas e fumantes.

Caracterização dos pacientes internados em uti- covid com evolução a óbito / Characterization of patients admitted to uti-covid and evolution to death / Caracterización de pacientes ingresados en uti-covid y evolución a muerte

A infecção humana pelo SARS-CoV-2 desencadeia alterações respiratórias altamente patogênicas e contagiosas e já culminou em mais de 15 milhões de mortes no mundo. Mesmo com o desenvolvimento de vacinas específicas, o COVID-19 persiste até o momento, devido fatores como o surgimento de variantes virais e o declínio da imunidade. O objetivo foi determinar as caraterísticas clínicas, laboratoriais e de imagem dos pacientes que foram a óbito por COVID-19 hospitalizados em um hospital do Meio Oeste de Santa Catarina, entre 2020 e 2022. Trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo, com coleta de dados secundários e abordagem quantitativa, no período de 2022 a 20223. Foram incluídos prontuários de pacientes da população alvo registrados nos sistemas de informação do hospital. Com isso, foram incluídos na pesquisa 62 pacientes com média de idade de 79 anos, do sexo feminino (55%), branco (80%), com baixa escolaridade (61%), com comorbidades (84%) sendo a principal comorbidade hipertensão, seguido por dislipidemia e cardiopatia. A causa da morte mais frequente foi insuficiência respiratória aguda (27,9%), após uma média de 5 dias de internação, sendo que antes disso, a média de dias desde o surgimento dos sintomas até a internação foram de 6 dias. A ocorrência de vidro fosco na avaliação tomográfica inicial foi de 67%. Laboratorialmente, os exames; d-dímero, creatinina, ureia e leucócitos apresentaram elevação com a progressão da doença, enquanto os valores médios das hemácias, hemoglobina, linfócitos e de albumina tiveram valores reduzidos. Concluindo, é importante conhecer o perfil do paciente e estudar os preditores que apresentam possíveis mecanismos de progressão da doença, para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção e de tratamento do COVID-19 com foco nos grupos com maior risco de evolução desfavorável, nesse estudo representado pelo sexo feminino, com idade elevada, com doenças crônicas e que usam medicamentos para estas comorbidades e que apresentaram acometimento tomográfico e laboratorial precoce.

Human infection by SARS-CoV-2 triggers highly pathogenic and contagious respiratory changes and has already led to over 15 million deaths worldwide. Even with the development of specific vaccines, COVID-19 persists to date, due to factors such as the emergence of viral variants and declining immunity. The aim was to determine the clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of patients who died from COVID-19 hospitalized in a hospital in the Midwest of Santa Catarina between 2020 and 2022. This is a descriptive observational study, with secondary data collection and quantitative approach, in the period from 2022 to 20223. Patient charts of the target population recorded in the hospital's information systems were included. With this, 62 patients were included in the research with a mean age of 79 years, female (55%), white (80%), with low education (61%), with comorbidities (84%) being the main comorbidity hypertension, followed by dyslipidemia and heart disease. The most frequent cause of death was acute respiratory failure (27.9%), after a mean of 5 days of hospitalization, and before that, the mean number of days from onset of symptoms to hospitalization was 6 days. The occurrence of ground glass on initial CT evaluation was 67%. Laboratory tests; d-dimer, creatinine, urea and leukocytes showed elevation with disease progression, while mean values of RBCs, hemoglobin, lymphocytes and albumin had reduced values. In conclusion, it is important to know the patient's profile and study the predictors that present possible mechanisms of disease progression, for the development of prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19 focusing on groups at higher risk of unfavorable evolution, in this study represented by female, aged, with chronic diseases and who use medications for these comorbidities and who presented early tomographic and laboratory involvement.

La infección humana por SARS-CoV-2 desencadena alteraciones respiratorias altamente patógenas y contagiosas y ya ha provocado más de 15 millones de muertes en todo el mundo. Incluso con el desarrollo de vacunas específicas, el COVID- 19 persiste hasta la fecha, debido a factores como la aparición de variantes virales y la disminución de la inmunidad. El objetivo fue determinar las características clínicas, de laboratorio y de imagen de los pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 hospitalizados en un hospital del Centro-Oeste de Santa Catarina entre 2020 y 2022. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, con recolección de datos secundarios y abordaje cuantitativo, en el período de 2022 a 20223. Fueron incluidas las historias clínicas de los pacientes de la población objetivo registradas en los sistemas de información del hospital. Con esto, 62 pacientes fueron incluidos en la investigación con edad media de 79 años, sexo femenino (55%), raza blanca (80%), con baja escolaridad (61%), con comorbilidades (84%) siendo la principal comorbilidad la hipertensión, seguida de dislipidemia y cardiopatía. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (27,9%), tras una media de 5 días de hospitalización, y antes de eso, la media de días desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la hospitalización fue de 6 días. La aparición de vidrio deslustrado en la evaluación inicial por TC fue del 67%. Las pruebas de laboratorio; d-dímero, creatinina, urea y leucocitos mostraron elevación con la progresión de la enfermedad, mientras que los valores medios de GR, hemoglobina, linfocitos y albúmina presentaron valores reducidos. En conclusión, es importante conocer el perfil del paciente y estudiar los predictores que presentan posibles mecanismos de progresión de la enfermedad, para el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención y tratamiento de la COVID- 19 con enfoque en los grupos de mayor riesgo de evolución desfavorable, en este estudio representados por el sexo femenino, de edad avanzada, con enfermedades crónicas y que utilizan medicamentos para estas comorbilidades y que presentaron compromiso tomográfico y laboratorial precoz.

The association between maternal fears about their infant/toddler during the COVID-19 pandemic and depression and anxiety: a birth cohort study

Objective: To assess the association between maternal fears about their infant/toddler and depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In 2019, all mothers who gave birth in hospitals in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil were asked to respond to a standardized questionnaire (baseline). We followed them between May-June 2020 (first follow-up point), August-December 2020 (second follow-up point), and from October 2021 to March 2022 (third follow-up point), and asked them if they were: (1) afraid that their infant/toddler would become infected with COVID or get sick (yes/no), (2) afraid that they would contaminate their own child with COVID, and/or (3) worried about the pandemic's effects on their child's future. At baseline and at all follow-up points, we assessed depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and anxiety symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, creating symptom trajectories using group-based trajectory modelling. We used multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted relative risk ratios (RRR). Results: A total of 1,296 mothers participated. Worrying about the pandemic's effects on their child's future and the fear of contaminating their own child with COVID-19 increased the risk of raising depressive symptoms to a clinical level (RRR = 4.97, 95%CI 2.32-10.64 and RRR = 3.87, 95%CI 1.58-9.47, respectively) and anxiety to a moderate level (RRR = 2.91, 95%CI 1.69-5.01 and RRR = 1.86, 95%CI 1.03-3.35, respectively). Conclusion: Fear for their children increased maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic.

Blessing as a health resource: cross-sectional study with elderly residents of rural areas / Benzeção como recurso em saúde: estudo transversal com idosos moradores de área rural

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the search for folk healers for the treatment of health problems among elderly living in the rural area of the city of Rio Grande-RS. METHODS Cross-sectional, p opulation-based study with random sampling, carried out in 2017. The outcome was analyzed in three categories (never used/used in the last 12 months/used for more than 12 months). Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze theassociated factors. RESULTS A total of 1,030 elderly individuals were interviewed. The prevalence of demand for folk healers in the last 12 months and for more than 12 months was 9.5% and 15.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the characteristics associated with the use of a folk healer for more than 12 months were: being in the age group of 80 years or more and having back problems and arthrosis. Following the evangelical religion was identified as a protective factor for using this resource. On the other hand, the demand for blessing in the last year was related to the age group of 70-79 years, following spiritual religions, presence of disease in the last 12 months, back problems and arthrosis, and preference for the use of urgency and emergency services. Being female was associated only with the use for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION This study brings an original contribution to a topic poorly evaluated in epidemiological studies, because the knowledge of the frequency and determinants of the search for this type of popular therapy can be used to improve the quality and access to health services offered to the elderly population in rural areas.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à procura de benzedeiras para tratamento de problemas de saúde entre idosos residentes na área rural do município do Rio Grande-RS. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal, de base populacional com amostragem aleatória, realizado no ano de 2017. O desfecho foi analisado em três categorias (nunca usou/usou nos últimos 12 meses/usou há mais de 12 meses). Para análise dos fatores associados foi utilizada regressão logística multinomial. RESULTADOS Foram entrevistados 1.030 idosos. As prevalências da procura por benzedeira nos últimos 12 meses e há mais de 12 meses foram de 9,5% e 15,8%, respectivamente. Na análise ajustada, as características associadas à utilização de benzedeira há mais de 12 meses foram: estar na faixa etária de 80 anos ou mais e ter problemas de coluna e artrose. Seguir a religião evangélica foi identificado como fator de proteção para a utilização desse recurso. Já a procura por benzedeira no último ano esteve relacionada com a faixa etária dos 70-79 anos, seguir religiões espiritualistas, presença de doença nos últimos 12 meses, problemas na coluna e artrose e preferência por utilização de serviços de urgência e emergência. Sexo feminino permaneceu associado apenas à utilização há mais de 12 meses. CONCLUSÃO Este estudo traz uma contribuição original a um tema pouco avaliado em estudos epidemiológicos, pois o conhecimento da frequência e dos determinantes da busca por esse tipo de terapia popular, pode ser utilizado para melhorar a qualidade e o acesso aos serviços de saúde oferecidos à população idosa de áreas rurais.

Recent trends in cesarean section reduction in extreme south of Brazil: a reality only in the public sector? / Tendências recentes de redução das cesarianas no extremo sul do Brasil: uma realidade apenas no setor público?

Abstract This study aimed to describe changes in cesarean section (C-section) prevalence from 2007 to 2019, in public and private sectors, according to maternal characteristics. We included all puerperal women who gave birth in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, at years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. A questionnaire was applied up to 48 hours after delivery. We assessed C-section rates over time and described the prevalence according to independent variables. Poisson regression was used. A total of 12.415 puerperal women were included. The prevalence of C-section increased between 2007-2013 (from 51.2% to 61.2%) and decreased between 2013-2019 (48.9% in 2019). This decrease was observed only in the public sector and was higher among the youngest (-10.0 percentual points) and high educated women (-10.3 percentual points). While in the private sector C-section occurrence increased even more (95.7% in 2019). In the public sector, women that were older, with a partner, primiparous, who performed prenatal care in the private system and with adequate prenatal assistance presented higher prevalence of C-section. In the private sector the prevalence was high independently of the maternal characteristics. In order to reduce C-section rates, efficient delivery care policies mainly focused on the private sector are necessary.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever tendências na ocorrência de cesariana entre 2007 a 2019, nos setores público e privado, segundo características maternas. Foram incluídas todas as puérperas de Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com parto nos anos de 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019. Um questionário foi aplicado em até 48 horas após o parto. Foram descritas as taxas de cesariana ao longo do tempo de acordo com variáveis independentes. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson. Foram incluídas 12.415 puérperas. A prevalência de cesariana aumentou entre 2007-2013 (de 51,2% para 61,2%) e diminuiu entre 2013-2019 (48,9% em 2019). Essa diminuição foi observada apenas no setor público, sendo maior entre mulheres mais jovens (-10,0 pontos percentuais) e com maior escolaridade (-10,3 pontos percentuais). Enquanto no setor privado a prevalência de cesariana aumentou ainda mais (95,7% em 2019). No setor público, mulheres mais velhas, com companheiro, primíparas, que realizavam pré-natal na rede privada e com assistência pré-natal adequada apresentaram maiores prevalências de cesariana. No setor privado, a prevalência foi elevada independentemente das características maternas. Para reduzir as taxas de cesariana são necessárias políticas eficientes de assistência ao parto com foco principalmente no setor privado.

Socioeconomic inequalities in the access to health services: a population-based study in Southern Brazil / Desigualdades socioeconômicas no acesso aos serviços de saúde: um estudo de base populacional no sul do Brasil

Abstract This article aims to measure socioeconomic inequalities regarding access to health services, contact with health professionals, and specific health interventions. This was a cross-sectional population-based study with individuals aged 18 years or older, living in the city of Rio Grande. The outcomes were the following: Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage; having a health insurance plan; receiving a visit of a community health worker; medical consultation; dental consultation; dietary counseling; having a class with a physical education professional; flu vaccination; mammography, cytopathological and prostate exams. Relative and absolute measures were used to assess inequalities in the distribution of the outcomes. There was a response rate of 91% (1,300 adults were interviewed). Coverage indicators ranged from 16.1%, for having a class with a physical education professional, to 80.0% for medical consultation. FHS coverage and visit of a community health agent presented higher proportions among the poorest while outcomes regarding contact with health professionals, screening exams and flu vaccine were more prevalent among richest group. We observed low coverage levels of access to health services and professionals in addition to marked socioeconomic inequalities.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é mensurar desigualdades socioeconômicas no acesso a serviços de saúde, no contato com profissionais e em intervenções específicas. Estudo transversal de base populacional com indivíduos (18 anos ou mais) vivendo em Rio Grande. Os desfechos mensurados foram: cobertura da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF), plano de saúde, visita do agente comunitário de saúde, consulta médica, consulta com dentista, aconselhamento nutricional, aula com professor de educação física, vacina da gripe, mamografia, exames citopatológico e de próstata. Medidas de desigualdade absolutas e relativas foram utilizadas para avaliar a distribuição dos desfechos. A taxa de resposta foi de 91% (1.300 adultos entrevistados). A cobertura dos indicadores variou de 16,1%, para ter aula com professor de educação física, a 80,0%, para consulta médica. Cobertura de ESF e visita do agente comunitário de saúde apresentaram maior proporções entre os mais pobres, enquanto desfechos de contato com profissionais de saúde, exames de rastreamento e vacina da gripe foram mais prevalentes entre os mais ricos. Foram observadas baixas coberturas de acesso aos serviços e contato com profissionais, bem como desigualdades sociodemográficas importantes.

On-demand cesarean section: assessing trends and socioeconomic disparities

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: to measure prevalence, evaluate trends and identify socioeconomic differences of on-demand cesarean section in the municipality of Rio Grande (RS), extreme south of Brazil, in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. METHODS: all the puerperae residing in this municipality who had cesarean deliveries in one of the only two local maternity hospitals in the period 01/01-31/12 of the aforementioned years were part of this transversal study. Puerperae were interviewed using a single, standardized questionnaire at the hospital within 48 hours after delivery. The outcome was assessed based on the mothers' report that the cesarean section was performed according to their request. The analysis consisted of the observation of the outcome's frequency in each year and the evaluation of its prevalence throughout this period through the chi-square linear trend test. Socioeconomic inequalities were assessed based on household income and women's schooling using the Slope Index of Inequality and the Relative Index of Inequality. RESULTS: In these four years, 5,721 cesarean deliveries were recorded among mothers living in this municipality (1,309 in 2007, 1,341 in 2010, 1,626 in 2013 and 1,445 in 2016). In this period, the rate of on-demand cesarean sections increased by 107%, from 10.5% (95%CI: 8.9% -12.2%) of the deliveries in 2007 to 21.7% (95%CI: 19.5% -23.8%) in 2016. This increase was more evident among those with lower household income and schooling level. Absolute inequality also increased, especially regarding schooling, while relative inequality sharply declined when assessed by household income. CONCLUSIONS: The increased on-demand cesarean sections in the study location is unsettling, despite the decreasing gap between extreme categories as a consequence of higher levels of this procedure among women of lower income and worse schooling.