[Use of telehealth as a tool to support continuing health educationUtilización del Programa de Telesalud en el estado de Maranhão como herramienta para apoyar la educación permanente sobre la salud]. / Utilização do Programa Telessaúde no Maranhão como ferramenta para apoiar a Educação Permanente em Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usage of services provided by the State of Maranhão Telehealth Program, Brazil, as a tool to support continuing health education for primary care workers. METHOD: This quantitative, descriptive study used data from the Brazilian National Telehealth Platform for the years 2015 and 2016. To assess teleconsultations requested by municipalities and health care units in the state of Maranhão, the monthly system usage rate and the mean monthly request rate per municipality and primary health care unit were calculated. Teleconsultations were described regarding the requester's profession, most frequent topics, satisfaction with the response provided, and resolvability of responses. Tele-education activities were classified according to the number of computers and users logged into the activity. RESULTS: From January 2015 to December 2016, 13 976 teleconsultations were provided, requested by 47 municipalities. Most municipalities were small (up to 40 thousand residents) and had low municipal human development index (0.512 to 0.768). The mean overall usage rate and the monthly usage rate by municipality and unit were higher than those reported in the literature. Nurses and community health agents were the most active requesters. Of the users who completed the optional evaluation, over 80% stated that their question was answered. CONCLUSIONS: The usage indicators for the state of Maranhão Telehealth Program were more positive than those reported by other telehealth services in Brazil and abroad. This indicates that the Program is sustainable, with good potential to support primary care and be used as a tool for continuing health education.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilización de los servicios ofrecidos por el Núcleo Estatal de Telesalud de Maranhão como herramienta para apoyar la educación permanente sobre la salud de los profesionales que prestan atención primaria. MÉTODOS: En esta investigación descriptiva con enfoque cuantitativo se utilizaron datos de la Plataforma Nacional de Telesalud referentes a los años 2015 y 2016. Con el fin de evaluar la utilización de las teleconsultas en los municipios y unidades de atención primaria de dicho estado, se calcularon la tasa de utilización mensual del sistema y el promedio mensual de solicitudes por municipio y por unidad de atención primaria. Las teleconsultas se describieron según el profesional solicitante, los temas más frecuentes, la satisfacción con las respuestas y el carácter resolutivo de estas últimas. Las actividades de teleducación se clasificaron según el número de puntos y de participantes conectados. RESULTADOS: Entre enero del 2015 y diciembre del 2016 se realizaron 13 976 teleconsultas provenientes de 47 municipios, en su mayoría de tamaño pequeño (con una población máxima de 40 000 habitantes) y con índice bajo de desarrollo humano (de 0,512 a 0,768). El promedio de utilización general de las teleconsultas y la tasa de utilización mensual por municipio y por unidad de atención primaria fueron superiores a los citados en las publicaciones pertinentes. Los miembros del personal de enfermería y los agentes de salud comunitarios fueron los profesionales más activos. Se aclararon las dudas, según lo expresado por más de 80% de quienes hicieron la evaluación (opcional) del servicio. CONCLUSIONES: Los indicadores de utilización del Núcleo de Telesalud de Maranhão son más positivos que los de otros servicios de telesalud en Brasil y otros países. Eso demuestra que el servicio es sostenible y tiene potencial para apoyar la atención primaria de salud, así como para servir de herramienta de educación permanente sobre la salud.

Inadequate prenatal care utilization and associated factors in São Luís, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decades there has been a reduction of social inequalities in Brazil, as well as a strong expansion of health services, including prenatal care. The objective of the present study was to estimate the rate of inadequate prenatal care utilization and its associated factors in São Luís, Brazil, in 2010 and to determine whether there was a reduction of inequity in prenatal care use by comparing the present data to those obtained from a previous cohort started in 1997/98. METHODS: Data from the BRISA (Brazilian birth cohort studies of Ribeirão Preto and São Luís) population-based cohort, which started in 2010 (5067 women), were used. The outcome variable was the inadequate utilization of prenatal care, classified according to the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The explanatory variables were organized into three hierarchical levels based on the Andersen's behavioral model of the use of health services: predisposing, enabling and need factors. RESULTS: Only 2.0% of the women did not attend at least one prenatal care visit. The rate of inadequate prenatal care utilization was 36.7%. Despite an improved adequacy of prenatal care use from 47.3% in 1997/98 to 58.2% in 2010, social inequality persisted: both low maternal schooling (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.23-3.47 for 0 to 4 years of study) and low family income, less than 0.5 monthly minimum wage per capita (PR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.22-1. 54), continued to be associated with higher rates of inadequate prenatal care utilization. Racial disparity regarding adequate utilization of prenatal services was detected, with black (PR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.04-1.36) and mulatto (PR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.26) women showing higher rates of inadequate use. On the other hand, women covered by the FHP - Family Health Program (PR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.85-0.98) showed a lower rate of inadequate prenatal care utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Despite strong expansion of health services and expressive improvements in adequate prenatal care use and social indicators, inequalities in prenatal care use still persist. The FHP seems to be effective in reducing inadequate prenatal care utilization.

Delays in access to care for abortion-related complications: the experience of women in Northeast Brazil.

Around 18 million unsafe abortions occur in low and middle-income countries and are associated with numerous adverse consequences to women's health. The time taken by women with complications to reach facilities where they can receive appropriate post-abortion care can influence the risk of death and the extent of further complications. All women aged 18+ admitted for abortion complications to public-sector hospitals in three capital cities in the Northeastern Brazil between August-December 2010 were interviewed; medical records were extracted (N = 2,804). Nearly all women (94%) went straight to a health facility, mainly to a hospital (76.6%); the rest had various care-seeking paths, with a quarter visiting 3+ hospitals. Women waited 10 hours on average before deciding to seek care. 29% reported difficulties in starting to seek care, including facing challenges in organizing childcare, a companion or transport (17%) and fear/stigma (11%); a few did not initially recognize they needed care (0.4%). The median time taken to arrive at the ultimate facility was 36 hours. Over a quarter of women reported experiencing difficulties being admitted to a hospital, including long waits (15%), only being attended after pregnant women (8.9%) and waiting for a bed (7.4%). Almost all women (90%) arrived in good condition, but those with longer delays were more likely to have (mild or severe) complications. In Brazil, where access to induced abortion is restricted, women face numerous difficulties receiving post-abortion care, which contribute to delay and influence the severity of post-abortion complications.

[Evaluating productivity targets achievement in Dental Specialty Centers from Maranhão State, Brazil, 2011]. / Avaliação do cumprimento das metas de produtividade em Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas no Maranhão, 2011.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate productivity targets achievement (PTA) in Dental Specialty Centers (DSCs) from Maranhão State, Brazil. METHODS: this was an ecologic study using secondary data; an indicator for PTA was created for each subgroup of procedures. RESULTS: 25 DSCs were evaluated; the PTA was higher for basic procedures (n=19), followed by endodontics (n=11), oral surgery (n=9) and periodontics (n=8); the best results were obtained at DSCs type II; higher PTA was associated with financial anticipation (basic procedures) and higher Human Development Index, life expectancy and social exclusion rate (endodontics); lower PTA was associated with larger population (endodontics/oral surgery), adherence to the Pact for Health (periodontics/endodontics), larger number of specialties (periodontics) and bigger DSC (oral surgery). CONCLUSION: most DSCs did not achieve productivity targets, except for basic procedures; socioeconomic and health management characteristics of the municipalities were associated with the PTA; the DSCs characteristics explained little about the PTA.

[Inadequacy of the content of prenatal care and associated factors in a cohort in the northeast of Brazil]. / Inadequação do conteúdo da assistência pré-natal e fatores associados em uma coorte no nordeste brasileiro.

The scope of this study was to analyze the content of prenatal care in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, and the factors associated with its inadequacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from the birth cohort of São Luís in 2010. The content of prenatal care was defined as inadequate when it did not meet the criteria of the Program for Humanization of Prenatal and Delivery Care, which establishes early initiation of prenatal care, minimum number of medical consultations, basic laboratory tests, tetanus vaccination and obstetric procedures. Poisson regression was used to observe associations of the variables with the outcome. The inadequacy rate was high (60.2%). The variables associated with inadequacy were: class C socioeconomic status (PR = 1.39; CI = 1.26-1.55); class D/E socioeconomic status (PR = 1.60; CI = 1.43-1.79); unqualified/unemployed mother (PR = 1.24; CI = 1.11-1.37); 5-8 years of schooling (PR = 1.12; CI = 1.06-1.19); 0-4 years of schooling (PR = 1.13; CI = 1.01-1.26); not being religious (PR = 1.10; CI = 1.04-1.17); alcohol use during pregnancy (PR = 1.13; CI = 1.06-1.20), and being attended by the public service (PR = 1.75; CI = 1.54-2.00). The results showed inadequacy and inequality of prenatal care, revealing that women of lower socioeconomic status received lower quality care.

Risk factors for preterm births in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.

Preterm birth continues to be one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of the present study was to identify risk factors for preterm birth in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. The sample consisted of hospital births at 10 public and private hospitals from March 1, 1997 to February 28, 1998. A total of 2,443 live births were randomly selected, excluding multiple deliveries and stillbirths. Preterm birth rate in São Luís was 12.7%. Risk factors for preterm delivery were maternal age below 18 years, family income equal to or less than one minimum wage/ month, primiparity, vaginal delivery at a public hospital, single mothers (or living without a partner), and absence of prenatal care. The following factors remained associated with preterm birth after multivariate analysis to control for confounding: maternal age below 18 years (OR=1.9), primiparity (OR=1.5), and failure to appear for scheduled prenatal care visits (OR=1.5).

[Factors associated with inadequacy of prenatal care utilization]. / Fatores associados à inadequação do uso da assistência pré-natal.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with inadequacy of prenatal care utilization in urban community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a systematic sample stratified by maternity hospital, consisting of hospital births in the municipality of São Luís, Brazil, was carried out from March 1997 to February 1998. Socioeconomic and demographic factors, reproductive health, morbidity during pregnancy, and utilization of prenatal care services were studied. Mothers answered a standardized questionnaire before hospital discharge. The adequacy of prenatal care utilization was analyzed by means of two indexes: APNCU (Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization) and a new index based on the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: There were interviewed 2,831 women who delivered at 10 public and private maternity hospitals. The inadequacy of prenatal care utilization was 49.2% according to the APNCU index and 24.5% when determined by the Brazilian index. Prenatal care at public services, low maternal schooling, low income, having no partner, and absence of maternal diseases during pregnancy were associated with inadequacy of prenatal care use according to both indexes. High parity and maternal age of 35 years or more were also associated with inadequacy, whereas primiparity, morbidity, and young maternal age (<20 years) seemed to protect from inadequacy when the Brazilian index was used. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal care showed low coverage in the municipality of São Luís. The inadequacy of prenatal care utilization was associated with several factors linked to social inequality.

Infant mortality: comparison between two birth cohorts from Southeast and Northeast, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain population estimates and profile risk factors for infant mortality in two birth cohorts and compare them among cities of different regions in Brazil. METHODS: In Ribeirão Preto, southeast Brazil, infant mortality was determined in a third of hospital live births (2,846 singleton deliveries) in 1994. In São Luís, northeast Brazil, data were obtained using systematic sampling of births stratified by maternity unit (2,443 singleton deliveries) in 1997-1998. Mothers answered standardized questionnaires shortly after delivery and information on infant deaths was retrieved from hospitals, registries and the States Health Secretarys' Office. The relative risk (RR) was estimated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: In São Luís, the infant mortality rate was 26.6/1,000 live births, the neonatal mortality rate was 18.4/1,000 and the post-neonatal mortality rate was 8.2/1,000, all higher than those observed in Ribeirão Preto (16.9, 10.9 and 6.0 per 1,000, respectively). Adjusted analysis revealed that previous stillbirths (RR=3.67 vs 4.13) and maternal age <18 years (RR=2.62 vs 2.59) were risk factors for infant mortality in the two cities. Inadequate prenatal care (RR=2.00) and male sex (RR=1.79) were risk factors in São Luís only, and a dwelling with 5 or more residents was a protective factor (RR=0.53). In Ribeirão Preto, maternal smoking was associated with infant mortality (RR=2.64). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to socioeconomic inequalities, differences in access to and quality of medical care between cities had an impact on infant mortality rates.

[Evaluation of the family focus and community orientation in the Family Health Strategy]. / Avaliação do enfoque familiar e orientação para a comunidade na Estratégia Saúde da Família.

The Family Health Strategy should be focused on the family unit and constructed operationally within the community sphere. The research assessed the family focus and community orientation as attributes of Primary Health Care, comparing if the responses differed among users, professionals and managers. It is an evaluative study of a population-based quantitative approach conducted between January 2010 and March 2011 in São Luís in the state of Maranhão. The study involved a population of 32 managers and 80 professionals with more than six months experience in the Family Health Strategy, and 883 users were selected by means of cluster sampling. Questionnaires validated in Brazil were used based on the components of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool). The composite index of the family focus was 2.7 for users, 4.9 for professionals and 5.3 for managers. In the posttest phase, differences were detected between users and professionals, and users and managers. The composite index of community orientation was 2.9 for users, 3.9 for professionals and 4.8 for managers (p < 0.001). Managers attributed higher percentages in all indicators, followed by professionals and lastly users. Both attributes were rated as being unsatisfactory in the perception of the users.

Perfil dos pacientes acompanhados pelo SIS-HiperDia em um estado do nordeste brasileiro / Profile of patients followed by the SIS-HiperDia in a brazilian northeast state

Introdução: Atualmente a hipertensão (HAS) e o diabetes (DM) configuram-se como um importante problema de saúde pública internacional, com elevadas morbidade e mortalidade em diversas nações. O maior ônus aos sistemas de saúde do mundo relaciona-se ao conjunto de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, no qual se insere a hipertensão e o diabetes melittus, implicando em prejuízos para os doentes, suas famílias e para a sociedade. É, portanto, imperioso conhecer as características dos acometidos por essas enfermidades. Objetivo: Caracterizar indivíduos com hipertensão e diabetes mellitus cadastradas no SIS-HiperDia no estado do Maranhão. Material e Métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, quantitativo, utilizando dados do SIS-HiperDia de 2002 a 2012. Resultados: As mulheres foram o grupo de maior representatividade dentre os cadastrados, bem como aqueles pertencentes à faixa etária de 60 a 79 anos. Na análise das complicações e fatores de risco, o AVC e o sedentarismo foram, respectivamente, os mais referidos. Conclusão: observou-se maior prevalência de hipertensão e diabetes mellitus entre as mulheres, em idades avançadas. Faz-se necessário implementar ações de saúde que visem assistir essa população alvo, bem como estratégias que auxiliem na redução das complicações e fatores de risco associados a essas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis.

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes (DM) are now an important public health problem. Both pose a high morbidity and mortality in several worldwide nations. The greatest burden on the world's health systems is related to chronic noncommunicable diseases, in which both hypertension and diabetes mellitus are inserted. Both disease cause harm to patients, to their families, and to society. Therefore, it is imperative to know the characteristics of those affected by these diseases. Objective: To characterize individuals with hypertension and diabetes mellitus enrolled in SIS-Hiperdia in the State of Maranhão. Patients and Methods: We carried out an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study using SIS-HiperDia data from 2002 to 2012. Results: Women were the most representative group among those enrolled, as well as those with ages ranging from 60 to 79 years. In the analysis of complications and risk factors, the most frequently mentioned events were stroke and sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: We observed a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among women at an advanced age. It is necessary to implement health actions aimed at assisting this target population, as well as strategies that help reducing the complications and risk factors associated with these noncommunicable diseases.

[Quality assessment of treatment associated with abortion: a prototype questionnaire for health services users]. / Avaliação da qualidade da atenção ao aborto: protótipo de questionário para usuárias de serviços de saúde.

Little research in Brazil has focused on the quality of care following unsafe abortion. This article presents the first step in the development of an instrument to assess hospital care provided by the Brazilian Unified National Health System in three cities of Brazil. Along with related criteria, four key dimensions of care were defined: wellcome and guidance, technical quality of care, continuity of care, and supplies and physical environment. The authors performed a cross-cultural adaptation of a set of items proposed by the World Health Organization. Following an assessment of the dimensions and criteria not captured by this set, the researchers decided to adapt questions from related studies and to add others developed by the research team itself. The questionnaire was pretested in 52 patients from three cities to assess the acceptance, understanding, and time of application and to make final adjustments. The instrument totaled 55 items organized according to different stages of care. Its expanded use depends on subsequent psychometric assessments, currently underway.

Utilização do Programa Telessaúde no Maranhão como ferramenta para apoiar a Educação Permanente em Saúde

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Avaliar a utilização dos serviços ofertados pelo Núcleo Estadual de Telessaúde do Maranhão como ferramenta para apoiar a Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS) para os profissionais de saúde da atenção básica. Métodos. Esta pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa utilizou dados da Plataforma Nacional de Telessaúde referentes aos anos de 2015 e 2016. Para avaliar a utilização das teleconsultorias nos municípios e unidades de saúde maranhenses, foram calculadas a taxa de utilização mensal do sistema e a média mensal de solicitações por município e unidade básica de saúde. As teleconsultorias foram descritas quanto ao profissional solicitante, assuntos mais solicitados, satisfação e resolutividade das respostas. As atividades de teleducação foram classificadas pelo número de pontos e participantes conectados. Resultados. No período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2016 foram realizadas 13 976 teleconsultorias oriundas de 47 municípios, a maioria de pequeno porte (até 40 mil habitantes) e com baixo índice de desenvolvimento humano municipal (de 0,512 a 0,768). A média de utilização geral das teleconsultorias e a taxa de utilização mensal por município e unidade de saúde foram superiores às encontradas na literatura. Os enfermeiros e os agentes comunitários de saúde foram os profissionais mais ativos. Dos profissionais que fizeram a avaliação do serviço (opcional), mais de 80% informaram ter suas dúvidas atendidas. Conclusões. Os indicadores de utilização do Núcleo de Telessaúde do Maranhão são mais positivos do que os de outros serviços de telessaúde no Brasil e em outros países. Isso demonstra que o serviço é sustentável, com potencial para apoiar a atenção básica e ser utilizado como ferramenta de EPS.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To assess the usage of services provided by the State of Maranhão Telehealth Program, Brazil, as a tool to support continuing health education for primary care workers. Method. This quantitative, descriptive study used data from the Brazilian National Telehealth Platform for the years 2015 and 2016. To assess teleconsultations requested by municipalities and health care units in the state of Maranhão, the monthly system usage rate and the mean monthly request rate per municipality and primary health care unit were calculated. Teleconsultations were described regarding the requester’s profession, most frequent topics, satisfaction with the response provided, and resolvability of responses. Tele-education activities were classified according to the number of computers and users logged into the activity. Results. From January 2015 to December 2016, 13 976 teleconsultations were provided, requested by 47 municipalities. Most municipalities were small (up to 40 thousand residents) and had low municipal human development index (0.512 to 0.768). The mean overall usage rate and the monthly usage rate by municipality and unit were higher than those reported in the literature. Nurses and community health agents were the most active requesters. Of the users who completed the optional evaluation, over 80% stated that their question was answered. Conclusions. The usage indicators for the state of Maranhão Telehealth Program were more positive than those reported by other telehealth services in Brazil and abroad. This indicates that the Program is sustainable, with good potential to support primary care and be used as a tool for continuing health education.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar la utilización de los servicios ofrecidos por el Núcleo Estatal de Telesalud de Maranhão como herramienta para apoyar la educación permanente sobre la salud de los profesionales que prestan atención primaria. Métodos. En esta investigación descriptiva con enfoque cuantitativo se utilizaron datos de la Plataforma Nacional de Telesalud referentes a los años 2015 y 2016. Con el fin de evaluar la utilización de las teleconsultas en los municipios y unidades de atención primaria de dicho estado, se calcularon la tasa de utilización mensual del sistema y el promedio mensual de solicitudes por municipio y por unidad de atención primaria. Las teleconsultas se describieron según el profesional solicitante, los temas más frecuentes, la satisfacción con las respuestas y el carácter resolutivo de estas últimas. Las actividades de teleducación se clasificaron según el número de puntos y de participantes conectados. Resultados. Entre enero del 2015 y diciembre del 2016 se realizaron 13 976 teleconsultas provenientes de 47 municipios, en su mayoría de tamaño pequeño (con una población máxima de 40 000 habitantes) y con índice bajo de desarrollo humano (de 0,512 a 0,768). El promedio de utilización general de las teleconsultas y la tasa de utilización mensual por municipio y por unidad de atención primaria fueron superiores a los citados en las publicaciones pertinentes. Los miembros del personal de enfermería y los agentes de salud comunitarios fueron los profesionales más activos. Se aclararon las dudas, según lo expresado por más de 80% de quienes hicieron la evaluación (opcional) del servicio. Conclusiones. Los indicadores de utilización del Núcleo de Telesalud de Maranhão son más positivos que los de otros servicios de telesalud en Brasil y otros países. Eso demuestra que el servicio es sostenible y tiene potencial para apoyar la atención primaria de salud, así como para servir de herramienta de educación permanente sobre la salud.

Utilização do Programa Telessaúde no Maranhão como ferramenta para apoiar a Educação Permanente em Saúde / Use of telehealth as a tool to support continuing health education / Utilización del Programa de Telesalud en el estado de Maranhão como herramienta para apoyar la educación permanente sobre la salud

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a utilização dos serviços ofertados pelo Núcleo Estadual de Telessaúde do Maranhão como ferramenta para apoiar a Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS) para os profissionais de saúde da atenção básica. Métodos Esta pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa utilizou dados da Plataforma Nacional de Telessaúde referentes aos anos de 2015 e 2016. Para avaliar a utilização das teleconsultorias nos municípios e unidades de saúde maranhenses, foram calculadas a taxa de utilização mensal do sistema e a média mensal de solicitações por município e unidade básica de saúde. As teleconsultorias foram descritas quanto ao profissional solicitante, assuntos mais solicitados, satisfação e resolutividade das respostas. As atividades de teleducação foram classificadas pelo número de pontos e participantes conectados. Resultados No período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2016 foram realizadas 13 976 teleconsultorias oriundas de 47 municípios, a maioria de pequeno porte (até 40 mil habitantes) e com baixo índice de desenvolvimento humano municipal (de 0,512 a 0,768). A média de utilização geral das teleconsultorias e a taxa de utilização mensal por município e unidade de saúde foram superiores às encontradas na literatura. Os enfermeiros e os agentes comunitários de saúde foram os profissionais mais ativos. Dos profissionais que fizeram a avaliação do serviço (opcional), mais de 80% informaram ter suas dúvidas atendidas. Conclusões Os indicadores de utilização do Núcleo de Telessaúde do Maranhão são mais positivos do que os de outros serviços de telessaúde no Brasil e em outros países. Isso demonstra que o serviço é sustentável, com potencial para apoiar a atenção básica e ser utilizado como ferramenta de EPS.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the usage of services provided by the State of Maranhão Telehealth Program, Brazil, as a tool to support continuing health education for primary care workers. Method This quantitative, descriptive study used data from the Brazilian National Telehealth Platform for the years 2015 and 2016. To assess teleconsultations requested by municipalities and health care units in the state of Maranhão, the monthly system usage rate and the mean monthly request rate per municipality and primary health care unit were calculated. Teleconsultations were described regarding the requester's profession, most frequent topics, satisfaction with the response provided, and resolvability of responses. Tele-education activities were classified according to the number of computers and users logged into the activity. Results From January 2015 to December 2016, 13 976 teleconsultations were provided, requested by 47 municipalities. Most municipalities were small (up to 40 thousand residents) and had low municipal human development index (0.512 to 0.768). The mean overall usage rate and the monthly usage rate by municipality and unit were higher than those reported in the literature. Nurses and community health agents were the most active requesters. Of the users who completed the optional evaluation, over 80% stated that their question was answered. Conclusions The usage indicators for the state of Maranhão Telehealth Program were more positive than those reported by other telehealth services in Brazil and abroad. This indicates that the Program is sustainable, with good potential to support primary care and be used as a tool for continuing health education.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la utilización de los servicios ofrecidos por el Núcleo Estatal de Telesalud de Maranhão como herramienta para apoyar la educación permanente sobre la salud de los profesionales que prestan atención primaria. Métodos En esta investigación descriptiva con enfoque cuantitativo se utilizaron datos de la Plataforma Nacional de Telesalud referentes a los años 2015 y 2016. Con el fin de evaluar la utilización de las teleconsultas en los municipios y unidades de atención primaria de dicho estado, se calcularon la tasa de utilización mensual del sistema y el promedio mensual de solicitudes por municipio y por unidad de atención primaria. Las teleconsultas se describieron según el profesional solicitante, los temas más frecuentes, la satisfacción con las respuestas y el carácter resolutivo de estas últimas. Las actividades de teleducación se clasificaron según el número de puntos y de participantes conectados. Resultados Entre enero del 2015 y diciembre del 2016 se realizaron 13 976 teleconsultas provenientes de 47 municipios, en su mayoría de tamaño pequeño (con una población máxima de 40 000 habitantes) y con índice bajo de desarrollo humano (de 0,512 a 0,768). El promedio de utilización general de las teleconsultas y la tasa de utilización mensual por municipio y por unidad de atención primaria fueron superiores a los citados en las publicaciones pertinentes. Los miembros del personal de enfermería y los agentes de salud comunitarios fueron los profesionales más activos. Se aclararon las dudas, según lo expresado por más de 80% de quienes hicieron la evaluación (opcional) del servicio. Conclusiones Los indicadores de utilización del Núcleo de Telesalud de Maranhão son más positivos que los de otros servicios de telesalud en Brasil y otros países. Eso demuestra que el servicio es sostenible y tiene potencial para apoyar la atención primaria de salud, así como para servir de herramienta de educación permanente sobre la salud.

[Prevalence and factors associated to malnutrition and excess weight among under five year-olds in the six largest cities of Maranhão]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à desnutrição e ao excesso de peso em menores de cinco anos nos seis maiores municípios do Maranhão.

Prevalences of malnutrition and overweight among children under five years and its association with socioeconomic, demographic and health indicators were estimated for the six largest municipalities of Maranhão, in 2006/2007. By means of a household survey, a sample of 1214 children under five years of age was randomly selected. Two-stage cluster sampling was used, representing the six municipalities of Maranhão with over one hundred thousand inhabitants. Standardized questionnaire was administered to mothers or guardians and trained personnel measured weight and height or length. For classification of malnutrition cutoff points of <-2z scores for weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and length/height-for-age were used. Overweight was considered when weight for height was > +2 z score, following World Health Organization guidelines. By weight-for-age malnutrition prevalence was 4.5, by length/height-for-age 8.5% were stunted and by the weight-for-length/height 3.9% were malnourished (wasting), while 6.7% were overweight. Children of families headed by women had lower prevalence of malnutrition (prevalence ratio=0.4). Socioeconomic variables were not associated with malnutrition or overweight. Participation in money transfer programs from the government was not associated with malnutrition or overweight. The prevalence of malnutrition was low, but being overweight was more prevalent than malnutrition. Social inequality was not detected in relation to malnutrition in children under five years of age, suggesting a favorable trend towards greater equity.

[Access to and use of the services of the family health strategy from the perspective of managers, professionals and users]. / Acesso e utilização dos serviços na Estratégia Saúde da Família na perspectiva dos gestores, profissionais e usuários.

Questionnaires adapted to the Brazilian reality (Primary Care Assessment Tool) to evaluate access to and use of services were distributed to 30 managers, 80 professionals and a random sample of 882 Family Health Strategy (FHS) users in São Luís in the state of Maranhão. The differences between the evaluations of managers, professionals and users were identified by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post test. Users faced difficulties in access to and use of the services, which were also considered unsatisfactory by managers and professionals. Access was the dimension with the worst evaluation, and non-functioning of units after 6 p.m. and at weekends were the main difficulties. The evaluations of the managers and professionals were almost always divergent from those of the users, with the evaluation of the managers being more favorable. The fact that the service was free of charge, the use of preventive services and the FHS services before the specialized care were well evaluated. The operation of units should attend users' needs, especially that of the working population. Strengthening social participation in local management of the FHS may assist in identifying these needs, thereby reducing the divergent opinions of the players involved.

Delays in access to care for abortion-related complications: the experience of women in Northeast Brazil / Atrasos no acesso ao tratamento das complicações relacionadas ao aborto: a experiência das mulheres no Nordeste brasileiro / Retrasos en el acceso a cuidados médicos para complicaciones relacionadas con el aborto: la experiencia de mujeres en el nordeste brasileño

Abstract: Around 18 million unsafe abortions occur in low and middle-income countries and are associated with numerous adverse consequences to women's health. The time taken by women with complications to reach facilities where they can receive appropriate post-abortion care can influence the risk of death and the extent of further complications. All women aged 18+ admitted for abortion complications to public-sector hospitals in three capital cities in the Northeastern Brazil between August-December 2010 were interviewed; medical records were extracted (N = 2,804). Nearly all women (94%) went straight to a health facility, mainly to a hospital (76.6%); the rest had various care-seeking paths, with a quarter visiting 3+ hospitals. Women waited 10 hours on average before deciding to seek care. 29% reported difficulties in starting to seek care, including facing challenges in organizing childcare, a companion or transport (17%) and fear/stigma (11%); a few did not initially recognize they needed care (0.4%). The median time taken to arrive at the ultimate facility was 36 hours. Over a quarter of women reported experiencing difficulties being admitted to a hospital, including long waits (15%), only being attended after pregnant women (8.9%) and waiting for a bed (7.4%). Almost all women (90%) arrived in good condition, but those with longer delays were more likely to have (mild or severe) complications. In Brazil, where access to induced abortion is restricted, women face numerous difficulties receiving post-abortion care, which contribute to delay and influence the severity of post-abortion complications.

Resumo: Cerca de 18 milhões de abortos são realizados por ano em condições inseguras nos países de renda baixa e média, associados a numerosas consequências negativas para a saúde das mulheres. O tempo despendido pelas mulheres com complicações até chegar aos serviços onde possam receber os cuidados adequados no período pós-aborto podem influenciar o risco de morte e o grau das complicações posteriores. Foram entrevistadas todas as mulheres com 18 anos ou mais internadas devido a complicações do aborto em hospitais públicos em capitais estaduais do Nordeste brasileiro entre agosto e dezembro de 2010, e os prontuários foram analisados (N = 2.804). Quase todas as mulheres (94%) se dirigiram diretamente a um serviço de saúde, principalmente hospitais (76,6%), enquanto as outras seguiram diversos itinerários em busca de atendimento. Uma em cada quatro mulheres percorreu três ou mais hospitais. As mulheres esperavam uma média de dez horas antes de decidir buscar atendimento. 29% relatavam dificuldades no início da busca, inclusive desafios na organização dos cuidados dos filhos, com acompanhantes ou transporte (17%) e medo/estigma (11%). Uma pequena minoria (0,4%) não se deu conta inicialmente da necessidade de cuidados médicos. O tempo mediano para chegar até o serviço de saúde finalmente utilizado foi 36 horas. Mais de uma em cada quatro mulheres relatava dificuldades em conseguir internação hospitalar, inclusive tempo de espera prolongado (15%), atendimento apenas depois que todas as mulheres grávidas estivessem sido atendidas (8,9%) e espera por um leito (7,4%). Quase todas as mulheres (90%) chegavam em boas condições, mas aquelas sujeitas a esperas mais prolongadas mostraram maior probabilidade de complicações (tanto leves quanto graves). No Brasil, onde o acesso ao aborto induzido é restrito, as mulheres enfrentam muitas dificuldades para receber cuidados pós-aborto, o que contribui aos atrasos e impacta a gravidade das complicações pós-aborto.

Resumen: Cerca de 18 millones de abortos inseguros se producen en países de renta media o baja y están asociados con numerosas consecuencias adversas para la salud de la mujer. El tiempo que tardan las mujeres con complicaciones en llegar a los servicios médicos, donde puedan recibir cuidados apropiados tras un aborto, puede tener influencia en el riesgo de muerte y existencia de futuras complicaciones de salud. Todas las mujeres con 18+ años, admitidas por complicaciones durante un aborto en hospitales del sector público de tres capitales del Nordeste brasileño, entre agosto y diciembre de 2010, fueron entrevistadas; y sus historiales médicos resumidos (N = 2.804). Casi todas las mujeres (94%) fueron directamente a una institución sanitaria, en su mayoría un hospital (76,6%); el resto buscaron diferentes vías de cuidados, con una cuarta parte visitando 3+ hospitales. Las mujeres esperaron 10 horas de media antes de decidir buscar cuidados. Un 29% informó de dificultades al empezar a buscar cuidados, incluyendo el hacer frente a los desafíos para organizar el cuidado infantil, un acompañante o transporte (17%) y miedo/estigma (11%); otras en un principio no reconocieron la necesidad de cuidados (0,4%). La media de tiempo que les llevaba llegar al servicio de salud definitivo era 36 horas. Más de un cuarto de las mujeres informaron vivir dificultades estando admitidas en un hospital, incluyendo largas esperas (15%), sólo siendo atendidas tras las mujeres embarazadas (8,9%) y esperando una cama (7,4%). Casi todas las mujeres (90%) llegaron en buenas condiciones, pero aquellas con retrasos más largos eran las que estaban más expuestas a tener complicaciones (leves o graves). En Brasil, donde el acceso al aborto inducido está limitado, las mujeres se enfrentan a numerosas dificultades para recibir cuidado tras un aborto, lo que contribuye a retrasos e influye en la gravedad de las complicaciones post aborto.

[Quality of abortion care in the Unified Health System of Northeastern Brazil: what do women say?]. / Qualidade da atenção ao aborto no Sistema Único de Saúde do Nordeste brasileiro: o que dizem as mulheres?

Abortion is a serious health problem in Brazil and complications can be avoided by adequate and timely care. The article evaluates the quality of care given to women admitted for abortion in hospitals operated by the Unified Health System, in Salvador, Recife and São Luis, the benchmarks being Ministry of Health norms and user satisfaction. The article analyzes 2804 women admitted to hospital for abortion complications in 19 hospitals, between August and December 2010. Four dimensions were defined: reception and guidance; inputs and physical environment; technical quality and continuity of care. There was a closer fit to norms on reception and guidance. Social support and the right to information were not well rated in all three cities. The technical quality of care was rated poor. With respect to inputs and physical environment, cleanliness was the least adequate criterion. Continuity of care was the most critical situation in all three cities, due to the lack of scheduled follow-up appointments, information about care available after hospital discharge, the risk of further pregnancy and family planning. Abortion care falls short of that advocated under Brazilian norms and by international agencies.

Avaliação do cumprimento das metas de produtividade em Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas no Maranhão, 2011 / Evaluating productivity targets achievement in Dental Specialty Centers from Maranhão State, Brazil, 2011 / Evaluación del cumplimiento de los objetivos de productividad en clínicas dentales especializadas en Maranhão, Brasil 2011

OBJETIVO: avaliar o cumprimento das metas de produtividade (CMP) em Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) no Maranhão, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo ecológico utilizando dados secundários; construiu-se um indicador de CMP por subgrupo de procedimentos. RESULTADOS: avaliaram-se 25 CEO; o CMP foi maior para procedimentos básicos (n=19), seguidos de endodontia (n=11), cirurgia oral (n=9) e periodontia (n=8); os melhores resultados foram obtidos nos CEO tipo II; associaram-se ao maior CMP o recebimento de antecipação financeira (procedimentos básicos) e maior IDH, esperança de vida e taxa de exclusão social (endodontia); associaram-se ao menor CMP o maior porte populacional (endodontia/cirurgia oral), adesão ao Pacto pela Saúde (periodontia/endodontia), maior número de especialidades (periodontia) e maior porte do CEO (cirurgia oral). CONCLUSÃO: a maioria dos CEO não cumpria as metas de produtividade, exceto para procedimentos básicos; características socioeconômicas e da gestão da saúde dos municípios associaram-se ao CMP; características dos CEO pouco explicaram o CMP.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate productivity targets achievement (PTA) in Dental Specialty Centers (DSCs) from Maranhão State, Brazil. METHODS: this was an ecologic study using secondary data; an indicator for PTA was created for each subgroup of procedures. RESULTS: 25 DSCs were evaluated; the PTA was higher for basic procedures (n=19), followed by endodontics (n=11), oral surgery (n=9) and periodontics (n=8); the best results were obtained at DSCs type II; higher PTA was associated with financial anticipation (basic procedures) and higher Human Development Index, life expectancy and social exclusion rate (endodontics); lower PTA was associated with larger population (endodontics/oral surgery), adherence to the Pact for Health (periodontics/endodontics), larger number of specialties (periodontics) and bigger DSC (oral surgery). CONCLUSION: most DSCs did not achieve productivity targets, except for basic procedures; socioeconomic and health management characteristics of the municipalities were associated with the PTA; the DSCs characteristics explained little about the PTA.

OBJETIVO: evaluar el cumplimiento de las metas de productividad (COP) en los Centros Dentales Especializadas (CDE) de MA. MÉTODOS: estudio ecológico basado en datos secundarios; fue construido un indicador por subgrupo de procedimientos. RESULTADOS: fueron analizados 25 CDE; el COP fue mayor para procedimientos básicos (n=19), seguidos de endodoncia (n=11), cirugía oral (n=9) y periodoncia (n=8); los mejores resultados fueron obtenidos para los CEO tipo II; la anticipación financiera (procedimientos básicos), un mayor IDH, la esperanza de vida y la exclusión social (endodoncia) estuvieron asociados con un mayor COP; el mayor porte poblacional (endodoncia/cirugía oral), adhesión al pacto por la salud (periodoncia/endodoncia), mayor número de especialidades (periodoncia) y mayor porte de CDE (cirugía oral) estuvieron asociados con un menor COP. CONCLUSIÓN: la mayoría de los CDE de MA no cumple con los objetivos de productividad, excepto para procedimientos básicos; características socioeconómicas de los municipios y de gestión en salud están asociados con el COP; las características de los CDE explicaron poco del COP.

Inadequação do conteúdo da assistência pré-natal e fatores associados em uma coorte no nordeste brasileiro / Inadequacy of the content of prenatal care and associated factors in a cohort in the northeast of Brazil

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o conteúdo da assistência pré-natal em São Luís e os fatores associados com sua inadequação. Realizou-se estudo transversal baseado em dados da coorte de nascimento de São Luís em 2010. O conteúdo da assistência pré-natal foi classificado como inadequado quando não atendeu aos critérios do Programa de Humanização no Pré-Natal e Nascimento (PHPN) que estabelece o início precoce, o número mínimo de consultas, os exames laboratoriais básicos, a vacinação antitetânica e os procedimentos obstétricos. Regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para observar associações das variáveis com o desfecho. A taxa de inadequação foi de 60,2%. O pré-natal inadequado foi associado à classe econômica C (RP = 1,39; IC = 1,26-1,55), à D/E (RP = 1,60; IC = 1,43-1,79), à ocupação da mãe não qualificada/desempregada (RP = 1,24; IC = 1,11-1,37), à escolaridade de 5-8 anos (RP = 1,12; IC = 1,06-1,19) e de 0-4 anos (RP = 1,13; IC = 1,01-1,26), a não ter religião (RP = 1,10; IC = 1,04-1,17), ao uso de álcool durante a gestação (RP = 1,13; IC = 1,06-1,20) e ao atendimento no serviço público (RP = 1,75; IC = 1,54-2,00). Os resultados demonstraram inadequação e iniquidade da assistência pré-natal, evidenciando que mulheres de pior condição socioeconômica foram as que receberam assistência de menor qualidade.

Abstract The scope of this study was to analyze the content of prenatal care in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, and the factors associated with its inadequacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from the birth cohort of São Luís in 2010. The content of prenatal care was defined as inadequate when it did not meet the criteria of the Program for Humanization of Prenatal and Delivery Care, which establishes early initiation of prenatal care, minimum number of medical consultations, basic laboratory tests, tetanus vaccination and obstetric procedures. Poisson regression was used to observe associations of the variables with the outcome. The inadequacy rate was high (60.2%). The variables associated with inadequacy were: class C socioeconomic status (PR = 1.39; CI = 1.26-1.55); class D/E socioeconomic status (PR = 1.60; CI = 1.43-1.79); unqualified/unemployed mother (PR = 1.24; CI = 1.11-1.37); 5-8 years of schooling (PR = 1.12; CI = 1.06-1.19); 0-4 years of schooling (PR = 1.13; CI = 1.01-1.26); not being religious (PR = 1.10; CI = 1.04-1.17); alcohol use during pregnancy (PR = 1.13; CI = 1.06-1.20), and being attended by the public service (PR = 1.75; CI = 1.54-2.00). The results showed inadequacy and inequality of prenatal care, revealing that women of lower socioeconomic status received lower quality care.

Portfólio como estratégia de avaliação de estudantes de odontologia / Portfolio as a strategy to evaluate dentistry students / Portafolio como estrategia de evaluación de estudiantes de odontología

Resumo O estudo teve por objetivo compreender a percepção de estudantes do curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba sobre a utilização do portfólio como um dos métodos de avaliação. Os dados referentes a 16 estudantes foram coletados em 2011 por meio da técnica do grupo focal e submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Definiram-se, então, as categorias temáticas: conceituação, papel do discente-docente, metodologias ativas, dificuldades na elaboração do portfólio e sugestões. Os estudantes compreendem o portfólio como instrumento de diálogo entre docentes e discentes, por meio dos relatos das vivências em grupo nos equipamentos sociais e reflexões individuais na construção de conceitos e aprofundamento teórico. Conclui-se que os estudantes percebem o portfólio como ferramenta potente e inovadora para a formação profissional, constituindo-se instrumento de acompanhamento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, por ser dialógico, interativo, oportunizando uma aprendizagem ativa.

Abstract The study aimed to understand the perception Dentistry students at the Federal University of Paraíba have of the use of portfolios as one of the evaluation methods. Data were collected from 16 students in 2011 by means of the focus group technique and were analyzed based on content analysis. The themes were then defined: conceptualization, student-professor role, active methods, difficulties in preparing portfolios and suggestions. Students see portfolios as an instrument of dialog between professors and students through accounts of group experiences in the social equipment and individual reflections in the construction of concepts and theoretical deepening. It was concluded that students perceive the portfolio as a powerful, innovative tool for vocational training, serving to monitor the teaching-learning process for being dialogical, interactive, and providing opportunities for active learning.

Resumen Resumen El estudio tuvo por objetivo comprender la percepción de estudiantes del curso de Odontología de la Universidad Federal de Paraíba sobre la utilización del portafolio como uno de los métodos de evaluación. Los datos referentes a 16 estudiantes fueron recolectados en 2011 mediante la técnica del grupo focal y se estudiaron por análisis de contenido. Se delimitaron entonces las categorías temáticas: definición, papel del discente-docente, metodologías activas, dificultades en la preparación del portafolio y sugerencias. Los estudiantes entienden al portafolio como un instrumento de diálogo entre docentes y discentes, por medio de los relatos de las vivencias en grupo en los equipos sociales y reflexiones individuales, en la construcción de conceptos y profundización teórica. Se concluye que los estudiantes observan al portafolio como una herramienta potente e innovadora para la formación profesional, siendo un instrumento de seguimiento del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, por ser dialógico, interactivo, y brindar una oportunidad de aprendizaje activo.