Accuracy of an epidemiological oropharyngeal dysphagia screening for older adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of an epidemiological screening questionnaire for oropharyngeal dysphagia in older people. BACKGROUND: Determining the cut-off point and the accuracy of the self-reported epidemiological questionnaire for screening oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults is important for mass screening, which may estimate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional diagnostic study with a convenience sample of 70 older adults over 60 years of age of both sexes, aged between 60 and 90 years (mean age 69.2; SD, 7.6). It used a screening questionnaire with nine ordered items response options resulted in a score ranging from 0 to 18. The criterion test was the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, with analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia frequency by the criterion test was 73%, with no significant difference between age and sex. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.79-0.98) above the cut-off point 3. This screening questionnaire showed good parameters of sensitivity (80%), specificity (89%), positive predictive value (95%), negative predictive value (63%), positive likelihood ratio (7.64), negative likelihood ratio (0.22) and accuracy (83%). CONCLUSIONS: This questionnaire may be a satisfactory screening tool for estimating the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults.

Species distribution and virulence factors of Candida spp. isolated from the oral cavity of kidney transplant recipients in Brazil.

Although yeasts belonging to the genus Candida are frequently seen as commensals in the oral cavity, they possess virulence attributes that contribute for pathogenicity. The aims of the present study were to study the prevalence of Candida spp. isolated from the oral cavity of renal transplant recipients and to analyze strains virulence factors. We isolated a total of 70 Candida strains from 111 transplant recipients, and Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (82.86 %). Oral candidiasis was diagnosed in 14.4 % kidney transplant patients, while 11 isolates (15.7 %) corresponded to non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species. C. albicans adhered to a higher extension than NCAC strains. Some isolates of Candida tropicalis were markedly adherent to human buccal epithelial cells and highly biofilm-forming strains. Regarding proteinase activity, Candida orthopsilosis was more proteolytic than Candida metapsilosis. Candida glabrata and Candida dubliniensis showed very low ability to form biofilm on polystyrene microtiter plates. We have demonstrated here diverse peculiarities of different Candida species regarding the ability to express virulence factors. This study will contribute for the understanding of the natural history and pathogenesis of yeasts belonging to the genus Candida in the oral cavity of patients who were submitted to kidney transplant and are under immunosuppressive therapies.

Temporal trend and factors associated with spatial distribution of congenital syphilis in Brazil: An ecological study.

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of congenital syphilis in Brazil in the period from 2008 to 2018 and its spatial distribution in the Immediate Regions of Urban Articulation, and to identify spatial correlations with socioeconomic factors and prenatal care. Methods: Spatial correlations between the incidence of congenital syphilis and socioeconomic conditions and access to prenatal care were assessed. This ecological study conducted a time series analysis in Brazil and spatial analysis in 482 Immediate Regions of Urban Articulation. Cases of congenital syphilis reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System and the Live Birth Information System from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018 were included. Socioeconomic conditions (percentage of individuals with inadequate water supply and sanitation) were extracted from the 2010 census, whereas the Live Birth Information System provided data on access to prenatal care (percentage of live births with 1-3 prenatal care appointments). The Joinpoint Regression software performed the temporal trend analysis, while the GeoDa software assessed territorial clusters using the Moran's I and Local Spatial Association Indicator. Results: The incidence of congenital syphilis showed an upward trend (annual percent change 1 = 26.96; 95% CI: 18.2-36.3; annual percent change 2 = 10.25; 95% CI: 2.7-28.4) and was unevenly distributed across Immediate Regions of Urban Articulation in Brazil (Moran's I = 0.264, p ≤ 0.05). It also presented a direct spatial correlation with the percentage of individuals with inadequate water supply and sanitation (Moran's I = 0.02, p ≤ 0.05) and the percentage of live births with 1-3 prenatal care appointments (Moran's I = 0.03, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Agrowth trend of congenital syphilis in Brazil was observed between 2008 and 2018. Moreover, inequalities in socioeconomic conditions and access to prenatal care influenced the spatial distribution of this disease.

A 7-year survey of superficial and cutaneous mycoses in a public hospital in Natal, Northeast Brazil.

In the present study, we determined the frequency of superficial and cutaneous mycoses and their etiologic agents during a 7-year period (2002-2008) in Natal, Brazil. A total of 1,717 specimens of skin, nail, and hair were collected from 1,382 patients with suspected mycoses lesions and were then subjected to direct microscopy and culture.

Provision of the frequency modulation system for the hearing impaired.

INTRODUCTION: The personal frequency modulation system is an assisted technology resource used in the accessibility of individuals with hearing impairment, being very important in the school environment. Ordinance number 1274/2013 included this device into the Brazilian unified health system. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution the personal frequency modulation system concession in the national territory by the Brazilian unified health system from 2013 to 2017. METHODS: This is an ecological study that uses the 27 federation units and the five geographic regions as analysis units. The population involved students in the age range of 5-17 years who reported severe hearing impairment. The data sources were the ambulatory information system/Brazilian unified health system, the Brazilian institute of geography and statistics and the report no. 58 of the national commission for the incorporation of technologies into Brazilian unified health system, national commission of technologies incorporation of the ministry of health. The spatial analysis was carried out through the percentage of coverage of the frequency modulation system concession per federation unit; the data were then unified in the five geographic regions and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Between the first and second years, there was an increase of almost 50% in the quantity dispensed, however, there was a progressive decline in the following years. The average coverage of the frequency modulation system in Brazil was 33.4%. The spatial exploratory analysis showed there is a low and uneven distribution in the territory, as the South and Southeast regions had the highest coverage and the North and Northeast regions the lowest, except for the Rio Grande do Norte unit. CONCLUSION: The frequency modulation system concession was below that stipulated by the ministry of health and from 2014 to 2017, the dispensed quantity progressively decreased. There is an unequal distribution in the territory that can be explained by the geographic disposition of hearing health services.

Temporal analysis of hearing aids provision by the Brazilian Unified Health System. / Análise temporal da concessão de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual pelo Sistema Único de Saúde.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outpatient production of aspects of hearing aids (HA) provision by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) between 2005 and 2018. METHODS: This is an ecological time-series study, based on data from the Outpatient Information System of the SUS and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The HA provision rates were analyzed with Joinpoint software. Descriptive analyses were carried out for technological categories, funding, HA replacement and audiological monitoring. RESULTS: The South (9.96/10,000 inhabitants) and North (3.20/10,000 inhabitants) regions recorded the highest and lowest average rates, respectively. There were significant upward trends in HA provision in Brazil, in the North, Southeast and Midwest regions, with subsequent significant downward trends in the Southeast and Midwest. In the country, HA concession by technological categories was A (39.26%), B (36.93%) and C (23.81%), increasing funding. The Midwest (24.78%) and Northeast (14.22%) regions had the highest and lowest proportion of HA replacement, respectively. The audiological monitoring predominated in the Southeast (45.88%), with the lowest occurrence in the North (4.18%). CONCLUSION: Between 2005 and 2018, trends fluctuated and discrepancies between geographic regions were observed in HA provision by the SUS, in addition to mismatches in the provision of technological categories and funding, a considerable proportion of replacements and insufficient audiological monitoring for HA users.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a produção ambulatorial de aspectos da concessão de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) entre 2005 e 2018. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, de série temporal, baseado em dados do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do SUS e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. As taxas de concessão de AASI foram analisadas com o software Joinpoint. Realizaram-se análises descritivas para categorias tecnológicas, financiamento e reposição de AASI e acompanhamento audiológico. RESULTADOS: As regiões Sul (9,96/10.000 habitantes) e Norte (3,20/10.000 habitantes) registraram a maior e menor média das taxas, respectivamente. Houve tendências de aumento significativas da concessão de AASI no Brasil e nas regiões Norte, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste, com posteriores tendências de redução significativas nas regiões Sudeste e Centro-Oeste. No país, a concessão das categorias tecnológicas foi de A (39,26%), B (36,93%) e C (23,81%), elevando o financiamento. As regiões Centro-Oeste (24,78%) e Nordeste (14,22%) apresentaram a maior e menor proporção da reposição de AASI, respectivamente. O acompanhamento audiológico predominou na região Sudeste (45,88%), com menor ocorrência na região Norte (4,18%). CONCLUSÃO: Entre 2005 e 2018, há oscilações de tendências e discrepâncias entre as regiões geográficas quanto à concessão de AASI pelo SUS, além de descompassos no fornecimento das categorias tecnológicas e financiamento, considerável proporção de reposições e insuficiente quantitativo de acompanhamento audiológico para usuários de AASI.

[Judicialization of access to medicines: analysis of lawsuits in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil]. / Judicialização no acesso a medicamentos: análise das demandas judiciais no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

This study aimed to analyze the lawsuits demanding access to medicines in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, from 2013 to 2017, describing their sociodemographic, legal, and medical/health characteristics. This was a descriptive study in which the unit of analysis was the individual judicial process for requesting medicines in which the state was the defendant. The data were obtained by consulting the website of the Rio Grande do Norte Court of Justice. A total of 987 suits were analyzed, in which the majority of the plaintiffs were females (58.8%), with a mean age of 48.3 years, and residing in the state's interior (56.9%). The legal aid was predominantly public (52.8%), and 38.1% of the prescriptions originated in the private healthcare sector. Access to the medicines was obtained in 68% of the cases, and the plaintiff was responsible for the purchase in 56.1%, via attachment of public funds. Chronic noncommunicable diseases predominated, as did demands for medicines not supplied by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). A total of 1,517 medicines were requested, of which 936 (61.7%) were not on the National List of Essential Medicines (Rename). The most frequently demanded drug was insulin glargine (74 case). Of the 10 medicines with the most lawsuits, four were later incorporated by the SUS, featuring insulin analogues. The results showed that legal recourse has been consolidated as a form of access to medicines that have still not been incorporated by the SUS, which can contribute as a form of pressure for such incorporation. The attachment of public funds to comply with these rulings is worrisome for the administration of the SUS, since it jeopardizes the execution of regularly scheduled and budgeted policies in pharmaceutical assistance.

Este trabalho objetivou analisar os processos judiciais que solicitavam medicamentos ao Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, no período de 2013 a 2017, descrevendo suas características sociodemográficas, jurídicas e médico-sanitárias. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, cuja unidade de análise foi o processo judicial individual de solicitação de medicamentos, em que o estado é réu. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de consulta ao sítio eletrônico do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Foram analisados 987 processos em que a maioria dos autores é do sexo feminino (58,8%), com idade média de 48,3 anos e residentes no interior do estado (56,9%). Houve predomínio de assistência jurídica pública (52,8%) e origem da prescrição no setor privado (38,1%). Em 68% dos casos, houve acesso ao medicamento, sendo o autor responsável pela compra em 56,1% deles, via bloqueio de verbas públicas. As doenças crônicas predominaram, bem como a solicitação de medicamentos não disponibilizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Foram solicitados 1.517 medicamentos, dos quais 936 (61,7%) não estavam na Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais (Rename). O medicamento mais solicitado foi a insulina glargina (74 pedidos). Dos 10 medicamentos com maior número de ações judiciais, 4 foram posteriormente incorporados ao SUS, com destaque para as insulinas análogas. Os resultados mostraram que a via judicial tem se consolidado como forma de acesso a medicamentos ainda não incorporados ao SUS, o que pode contribuir como forma de pressão para a incorporação. O bloqueio de verbas públicas para o cumprimento das decisões é preocupante para o gestor do SUS, pois compromete a execução das políticas de assistência farmacêutica programadas.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los procesos judiciales que solicitaban medicamentos al estado de Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, durante el período de 2013 a 2017, describiendo sus características sociodemográficas, jurídicas y médico-sanitarias. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, cuya unidad de análisis fue el proceso judicial individual de solicitud de medicamentos, en el que el estado es el acusado. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de la consulta a la página web del Tribunal de Justicia del Rio Grande do Norte. Se analizaron 987 procesos judiciales en los que la mayoría de los autores son del sexo femenino (58,8%), con una edad media de 48,3 años y residentes en el interior del estado (56,9%). Hubo un predominio de asistencia jurídica pública (52,8%) y origen de la prescripción en el sector privado (38,1%). En el 68% de los casos, hubo acceso al medicamento, siendo el autor responsable de la compra en un 56,1% de ellos, vía bloqueo de fondos públicos. Las enfermedades crónicas predominaron, así como la solicitud de medicamentos no puestos a disposición de los pacientes por parte del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño (SUS). Se solicitaron 1517 medicamentos, de los cuales 936 (61,7%) no se encontraban en la Relación Nacional de Medicamentos Esenciales (Rename). El medicamento más solicitado fue la Insulina glargina (74 pedidos). De los 10 medicamentos con mayor número de acciones judiciales, 4 fueron posteriormente incorporados al SUS, destacándose las insulinas análogas. Los resultados mostraron que la vía judicial se ha consolidado como forma de acceso a medicamentos todavía no incorporados al SUS, lo que puede contribuir como forma de presión para su incorporación. El bloqueo de fondos públicos para el cumplimiento de las decisiones es preocupante para el gestor del SUS, puesto que compromete la ejecución de las políticas de asistencia farmacéutica programadas.

Judicialization of medicines: effectiveness of rights or break in public policies?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether lawsuits for medicines filed against the state of Rio Grande do Norte agree with medical-sanitary and pharmaceutical assistance management criteria established by the public policies of access to medicines in force in Brazil. METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective study of the individual lawsuits that claimed medicines in the state of Rio Grande do Norte between 2013 and 2017. Information was collected from the procedural documents on the requested medicines, the diagnoses referred and the origin of the medical prescription, in order to analyze medical-sanitary and pharmaceutical assistance management characteristics. RESULTS: We analyzed 987 lawsuits, which requested 1,517 medications. Of these, 60.7% were not part of the National List of Essential Medicines, and, in 75% of the cases, there was a therapeutic alternative in the Brazilian Unified Health System. In 13.6% of the actions, at least one drug was prescribed for off-label use. Prescribers of philanthropic and private services often request medicines not covered by the pharmaceutical care policy. Even judicialized drugs that are part of the national list are constantly requested for non-standard indications. CONCLUSIONS: Court decisions for the supply of medicines violate health rules and make it difficult to manage pharmaceutical assistance, which may weaken the implementation of these policies.

Food and nutritional insecurity in Brazil and its correlation with vulnerability markers. / Insegurança alimentar e nutricional no Brasil e sua correlação com indicadores de vulnerabilidade.

This study aimed to analyze space-time distribution of the prevalence of food and nutritional insecurity (FNI) in the Brazilian Federative Units and their correlation with vulnerability markers. This is an ecological study, with data from the National Household Sample Survey (2004, 2009 and 2013) and Atlas Brazil (2010). A time analysis of the spatial distribution of FNI prevalence was performed. Moran's Index was used in bivariate spatial analysis. The prevalence of FNI have decreased along the years studied and showed a negative and moderate spatial correlation with the Human Development Index; a positive and moderate correlation with the percentage of the extremely poor, child mortality, social vulnerability index, human capital social vulnerability index; and positive and strong correlation with income and work social vulnerability index. We can conclude that there was a lower prevalence of FNI in the analyzed years and that the Brazilian territory showed two distinct patterns: territories with higher FNI prevalence and worse conditions as regards income, work and child health in the North and Northeast; and territories with lower FNI prevalence and lower vulnerability in the Midwest, Southeast and South.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a distribuição espaço-temporal da prevalência de IAN nas Unidades de Federação (UF) do Brasil e sua correlação com indicadores de vulnerabilidade. Estudo ecológico, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional Amostra de Domicílios (2004, 2009 e 2013) e do Altas Brasil (2010). Realizou-se análise temporal da distribuição espacial das prevalências de IAN. Na análise espacial bivariada foi utilizado o Índice de Moran. As prevalências de IAN diminuíram nos anos analisados e apresentaram correlação espacial negativa e moderada com o IDH; positiva e moderada com porcentagem de extremamente pobres, mortalidade infantil, índice de vulnerabilidade social, índice de vulnerabilidade social capital humano; positiva e forte com índice de vulnerabilidade social renda e trabalho. Conclui-se que houve diminuição da prevalência de IAN nos anos analisados e que o território brasileiro apresentou dois padrões distintos: territórios com maiores prevalências de IAN e piores condições de renda, trabalho e saúde infantil nas regiões Norte e Nordeste; e territórios com menores prevalências de IAN e menor vulnerabilidade nas regiões Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul.

Millennium Development Goals: the impact of healthcare interventions and changes in socioeconomic factors and sanitation on under-five mortality in Brazil. / Objetivos de Desenvolvimento do Milênio: impacto de ações assistenciais e mudanças socioeconômicas e sanitárias na mortalidade de crianças.

The United Nations approved the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, including Target 4.A, or a two-thirds reduction in under-five mortality by 2015. Brazil reached this target in 2010. The current study aimed to analyze the trend in under-five mortality and the correlation with healthcare, socioeconomic, and sanitation indicators in Brazil's major geographic regions that helped the country meet the MDGs. This was an ecological study using secondary data for Brazil according to Intermediate Urban Linkage Regions (RIAU in Portuguese) from 2001 to 2017. Analyses of tendencies were performed with joinpoint and multiple linear regression models. The study showed a downward trend in the under-five mortality rate during the periods studied, with the largest statistically significant change from 2001 to 2010 (AAPC = -3.95; 95%CI: -4.3; -3.6), the lowest changes from 2011 to 2015 (AAPC = -2.35; 95%CI: -3.7; -1.0), and stabilized rates in 2016 and 2017 (AAPC = -0.07; ICC = -4.2; +4.3). Low income (extreme poverty) in the children's families and absence of maternal schooling were the variables most closely correlated with under-five mortality rate (r = 0.649, p < 0.001 and r = 0.640, p < 0.001, respectively). The fact that Brazil met the fourth target in the MDGs reflected the country's progress in reducing the under-five mortality rate, but the data suggest the rate's possible stabilization in recent years. Meanwhile, social and healthcare indicators revealed the importance of this reduction, challenging the country to maintain and further improve its public policies in this area.

No ano 2000, foram estabelecidos os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento do Milênio (ODM), que tiveram como quarta meta a redução da mortalidade na infância (em menores de 5 anos). Desde 2010, o Brasil alcançou a meta proposta. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o comportamento da mortalidade na infância e a correlação com os indicadores assistenciais, socioeconômicos e sanitários das regiões brasileiras que contribuíram para o país atingir os ODM. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, com o uso de dados secundários do Brasil, por Regiões Intermediárias de Articulação Urbana (RIAU), no período de 2001 a 2017. Foram realizadas análises de tendência por meio do joinpoint e modelos de regressão linear múltipla. Constatou-se uma tendência de redução da taxa de mortalidade em menores de 5 anos nos períodos estudados, com maior inflexão estatisticamente significativa entre os anos de 2001 a 2010 (AAPC = -3,95; IC95%: -4,3; -3,6), com menores valores de 2011 a 2015 (AAPC = -2,35; IC95%: -3,7; -1,0) e estabilização em 2016 e 2017 (AAPC = -0,07; ICC = -4,2; +4,3). A baixa renda (extrema pobreza) das famílias das crianças e a ausência de escolaridade feminina foram as variáveis que mais se correlacionaram com a taxa da mortalidade na infância (r = 0,649, p < 0,001 e r = 0,640, p < 0,001, respectivamente). O cumprimento da quarta meta dos ODM pelo Brasil fez com que o país alcançasse um evidente progresso na redução da taxa de mortalidade na infância, porém percebe-se uma possibilidade de estabilização nesta taxa nos últimos anos. Por outro lado, indicadores sociais e ações assistenciais de saúde foram de grande importância nessa redução, constituindo um desafio ao país a manutenção e evolução das políticas públicas.

En el año 2000 se establecieron los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio (ODM), cuya cuarta meta era la reducción de 2/3 de la mortalidad en la infancia (en menores de 5 años). Desde 2010, Brasil alcanzó la meta propuesta. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el comportamiento de la mortalidad en la infancia y la correlación con los indicadores asistenciales, socioeconómicos y sanitarios de las regiones brasileñas que contribuyeron a que país alcanzara los ODM. Se trata de un estudio ecológico, con la utilización de datos secundarios de Brasil, por Regiones Intermediarias de Coordinación Urbana (RIAU en Portugués), durante el período de 2001 a 2017. Se efectuaron análisis de tendencia a través de joinpoint y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. Se constató una tendencia de reducción de la tasa de mortalidad en menores de 5 años durante los períodos estudiados, con mayor inflexión estadísticamente significativa durante el periodo de 2001 a 2010 (AAPC = -3,95; IC95%: -4,3; -3,6), con menores valores en 2011 a 2015 (AAPC = -2,35; IC95%: -3,7; -1,0) y estabilización en 2016 y 2017 (AAPC = -0,07; ICC = -4,2; +4,3). La renda baja (extrema pobreza) de las familias de los niños y la ausencia de escolaridad femenina fueron las variables que más se correlacionaron con la tasa de la mortalidad en la infancia (r = 0,649, p < 0,001 y r = 0,640, p < 0,001, respectivamente). El cumplimiento de la cuarta meta de los ODM, por parte de Brasil, consiguió que el país alcanzase un evidente progreso en la reducción de la tasa de mortalidad en la infancia, pese a que se percibe una posibilidad de estabilización en esta tasa en los últimos años. Por otro lado, indicadores sociales y acciones asistenciales de salud se revelaron de gran importancia en esa reducción, al constituirse en un desafío para el país en cuanto al mantenimiento y evolución de las políticas públicas.

Validity Evidence of an Epidemiological Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Questionnaire for Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to identify evidence of validity of a self-reported Oropharyngeal Dysphagia screening questionnaire for older adults based on test content, response processes, internal structure, relations to other variables, and reliability. METHOD: This is a nonrandomized, cross-sectional study employing the concepts and principles of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Data were collected from 644 community-dwelling older adults (both genders, age: ≥60 years) who agreed to participate in some steps of the validation process. Statistical methods obtained the content representation of the construct, internal structure validation, discriminant and convergent evidence, and reliability, using a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The screening tool was re-specified in nine questions that provided the best fit and robust reliability, with proper discriminant and convergent evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The screening questionnaire presented valid and reliable results to identify oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in older adults, highlighting the importance of the validation process based on the standards to construct an epidemiological instrument.

FEEDING PRACTICES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE: CHALLENGES TO FOOD AND NUTRITION POLICIES.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feeding practices for infants under one year of age, according to food and nutrition policies. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Chamada Neonatal project (research on prenatal, childbirth, and infant care) in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The sample analyzed comprised 837 mother/child (under one year of age) pairs. We found a prevalence of data on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first hour of life - partial and total -, as well as on food consumed by children 24 hours prior to the interview. We estimated the probability of consumption according to the child's age in days using the probit analysis. RESULTS: Among the interviewed mothers, 64.8% (95%CI 62.4-70.8) declared breastfeeding in the first hour of life, and 60% (95%CI 56.41-63.07) of the children were still breastfed at the end of their first year of life. The median duration of EBF was 63 days (95%CI 60-67). Water or tea, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables were introduced early, with medians lower than 180 days. The probit analysis revealed that the consumption of breast milk tended to decrease and food intake to increase as the child gets older, with exponential growth in the "unhealthy food" group. CONCLUSIONS: Although most children were breastfed up to one year of life, few did so exclusively. Foods were introduced early, with increased consumption of unhealthy ones, resulting in inadequate dietary quality according to recommendations from food and nutrition public policies.

Use of potentially inappropriate medications in institutionalized elderly: prevalence and associated factors. / Uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos institucionalizados: prevalência e fatores associados.

This study aimed to verify the prevalence of the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) for elderly living in Long-Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (LTCIE), as well as the types of medications and their associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 10 LTCIEs in the city of Natal in the period October-December 2013. Potentially inappropriate medications were classified according to the 2015 American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults - 2015. Sociodemographic, LTCIE-related and health-related variables were considered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed between the primary variable (PIM use) and the independent variables using Poisson regression. The sample consisted of 321 older people, of whom 304 used medications. The prevalence of PIM use was 54.6% (95% CI: 48.9-60.2) and was associated with polypharmacy and dementia in the final model. The most common PIMs were antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. The study revealed a high prevalence of PIM use among the elderly of the LTCIEs, evidencing the need to adopt indicators on the use of these drugs and the implementation of strategies that make drug therapy safer and more adequate for older adults.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência do uso de medicamento potencialmente inapropriado (MPI) para idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), assim como os tipos de medicamentos e seus fatores associados. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em 10 ILPI da cidade do Natal, entre outubro e dezembro de 2013. Os medicamentos inapropriados foram classificados de acordo com os Critérios de Beers da American Geriatric Society 2015. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas, relacionadas à ILPI e às condições de saúde. Para as análises univariada e multivariada entre a variável principal (uso de MPI) e as demais foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson. A amostra foi composta por 321 idosos e, destes, 304 utilizavam medicamentos. A prevalência de uso de MPI foi de 54,6% (IC 95%: 48,9-60,2) e no modelo final esteve associada à polifarmácia e à demência. As classes terapêuticas de MPI mais identificadas foram antipsicóticos e benzodiazepínicos. O estudo revelou alta prevalência de MPI entre os idosos das ILPI, configurando a necessidade de adoção de indicadores do uso destes medicamentos e a implantação de estratégias que tornem a farmacoterapia mais segura e adequada aos idosos.

[Bibliometric analysis of the scientific evidence on violence perpetrated against the elderly]. / Análise bibliométrica das evidências científicas sobre violência contra a pessoa idosa.

The scope of this study is violence perpetrated against the elderly. It aims to analyze the international scientific production on violence against the elderly. It involved bibliometric research carried out in the ISI Web of Knowledge/Web of ScienceTM database, in which the search terms "elder,"violence" or "abuse" and "health care" were used, in the period between the years 1991 and 2016. The data were analyzed considering the evolution of the annual publications, the journals with the highest number of records, the authors with the highest number of publications, the number of articles distributed by authors' country of origin, and articles with the highest impact. A total of 267 published records in 174 different journals indexed to the database in question were identified and were written by 901 authors with links to 410 institutions located in 39 countries. In the descriptive analysis of the content of the top journals on the topic and of the most cited articles there was potential for the development of the topic, since there is a need for more data on interventions in cases of violence against the elderly, with a multidisciplinary approach, as well as conducting more research on clinical manifestations, quality of life and its economic impact on the use of health services.

O estudo tem como objeto as violências contra a pessoa idosa. Objetiva analisar a produção científica internacional sobre violência contra a pessoa idosa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliométrica realizada na base de dados "ISI Web of Knowledge/Web of Sciencetm", na qual foram usados os termos de busca: "elder*, violence* ou abuse* e health care", no recorte temporal entre os anos 1991 e 2016. Os dados foram analisados considerando a trajetória de evolução anual das publicações, os periódicos com maior quantidade de registros, os autores com maior quantidade de publicações, a quantidade de artigos distribuídos por país de origem dos autores e os artigos de maior impacto. Foram identificados 267 registros de publicação em 174 periódicos distintos indexados à base de dados em questão e foram escritos por 901 autores que possuem vínculos a 410 instituições, localizadas em 39 países. Na análise descritiva do conteúdo dos "top journals" da temática e dos artigos mais citados verificou-se potenciais para o desenvolvimento do tema visto que existe a necessidade de mais dados sobre intervenções em casos de violências contra a pessoa idosa, com abordagem multidisciplinar, bem como a realização de mais pesquisas sobre as manifestações clínicas, qualidade vida e seu impacto econômico na utilização dos serviços de saúde.

Spatial inequality of dental caries in the Brazilian territory.

The distribution of harms to health varies spatially determined by the socioeconomic conditions of the environment. This research aimed to assess the spatial distribution of dental caries in 12-year-old children and their correlation with socioeconomic indicators in Brazilian states. The sample of this ecological study comprised all the 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District. Thematic and correlation maps were constructed in order to assess the spatial dependency, as well as the correlation between dental caries and socioeconomic factors. The results showed that the states with the worst DMFT indexes were located in the north and northeast, showing spatial autocorrelation. These regions also had the worst results for the following variables: poverty, illiteracy, education, and income. The bivariate analysis showed that household income and education level had negative spatial correlation with the DMFT index, while illiteracy and poverty rates showed positive correlation. Despite advances in the decline of DMFT index in recent years, there is still an inequity in the distribution of the caries disease.

A health education program for Brazilian public schoolchildren: the effects on dental health practice and oral health awareness.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the impact of an oral health education program on oral hygiene and the awareness level of elementary schoolchildren. METHODS: A total sample of 247 schoolchildren between the ages of 7 and 15 years from the public school system of Parnamirim, Brazil, were selected and randomly allocated to a control (n=115) and experimental (n=132) group. Sociodemographic data were recorded and a clinical examination was given to establish the decayed, missing and filled surfaces index (DMFS) and the dmfs index. The visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were collected before and after the intervention. A closed-question questionnaire was applied to the schoolchildren before and after intervention to determine their knowledge of oral health. The experimental group took part in oral health education activities over a 4-month period. RESULTS: The VPI (P = 0.014; CI 0.24-0.86) and GBI (P = 0.013; CI 0.28-0.87) of the experimental group were significantly lower after educational activities. Similarly, the experimental group also obtained a higher number of correct answers on the questionnaire (P < 0.0001; CI 3.73-26.81). However, there was no association between oral hygiene indicators, VPI (P = 0.311; CI 0.23-1.60), and GBI (P = 0.927; CI 0.43-2.16), and the information level of the schoolchildren. CONCLUSIONS: Contextualized educational activities in the school routine had positive effects on oral hygiene and the level of information about oral health, although the more informed individuals did not always practice better oral hygiene.

Relationship between breast- and bottle-feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to assess the persistence of non-nutritive sucking habits and its relationship with breastfeeding, as well as to establish the influence of sociodemographic factors on these habits among children aged 3 to 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 1107 children from public and private daycare centres in Natal, Brazil: 450 in the case group (312 pacifier suckers and 138 thumb suckers) and 657 in the control group (habit-free). Data regarding sociodemographic conditions and duration of breastfeeding were obtained using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Breastfeeding for a duration of > 6 months (adjusted odds ratio = 0.311; 95% confidence interval = 0.226 to 0.428) was an independent protective factor against persistent pacifier sucking. The use of pacifiers was more frequent among 3-year-old children and among those from a higher income family and a higher level of schooling of parents. The relation between duration of breastfeeding and thumb sucking was not statistically significant (P = 0.087). There was an association between the thumb sucking habit with sex (female), low level of schooling of father and the child being born as the last male child in the birth order. No relation was found between breastfeeding and habit frequency (day/night and night) (P = 0.301). An association with habit frequency was found with the age of 3 years, female, the family income group that ranged between US $176 and US $875, and those attending private institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding for a duration of > 6 months was a protective factor against the persistence of pacifier sucking, but the subjectivity of the mother-child relationship must be investigated further.

Portfólio: percepção de estudantes de graduação da área da saúde / Portafolio: percepción de los estudiantes de pregrado en eláreade la salud / Portfolio: perception of undergraduate students in the healthcare field

Introdução:A formação em saúde norteia a prática profissional, incidindo diretamente na atenção e assistência à saúde ofertada à população. Nesse sentido, o uso de métodos ativos de aprendizagem e avaliação, como por exemplo, o portfólio, podem contribuir para a construção de conhecimentos crítico-reflexivos. Objetivo:Evidenciara percepção de estudantes dos cursos da área da saúde, que cursam a disciplina de Saúde e Cidadania na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte sobre o uso do portfólio enquanto instrumento de avaliação do ensino aprendizagem. Metodologia:Os dados foram obtidos por meio da formação de grupo focaleanalisados pela análise do conteúdo. Definiram-se, então, as categorias temáticas:percepção sobre o portfólio; a elaboração do portfólio e a sua contribuição para a formação; dificuldades para formulação doportfólio;o portfólio como instrumento de avaliação. Resultados:Os estudantes compreendem o portfólio como instrumento de diálogo entre docentes e discentes, através dos relatos das vivências em grupo nos equipamentos sociais e reflexões individuais na construção de conceitos e aprofundamento teórico. Ainda referem inseguranças e dúvidas acerca da estruturação e confecção do instrumento, no entanto, percebem o portfólio como potente e inovador no auxílio aconstrução do conhecimento uma vez que permite oacompanhamento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, possibilitando maior interação entre educador-educando, com produção de uma aprendizagem significativa.Conclusões:o portfólio estimula a reflexão e a crítica acerca das vivências nos cenários de práticas onde se desenvolve o componente curricular Saúde e Cidadaniacorroborando, sobremaneira, para a construção do conhecimento dos estudantes (AU).

Introduction:A degreein healthcare guides the professional practice, directly affecting the healthcare attention and assistance offered to the population. In this sense, the use of active learning and assessment methods, such as portfolios, can contribute to the construction of critical-reflective knowledge. Objective:To highlight the perception of students from health courses, who study the Health and Citizenship discipline at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, regarding the use of the portfolio as an instrument for evaluating teaching and learning.Methodology:Data were obtained through the formation of a focus group and analyzed using content analysis. Thematic categories were then defined: perception of the portfolio; the preparation of the portfolio and its contribution to training; difficulties in formulating the portfolio; the portfolio as an assessment tool. Results:Students understand the portfolio as an instrument of dialogue between teachers and students, through reports of group experiences in social facilities and individual reflections in the construction of concepts and theoretical deepening. They still report insecurities and doubts about the structuring and creation of the instrument, however, they perceive the portfolio as powerful and innovativein helping to build knowledge as it allows the monitoring of the teaching-learning process, enabling greater interaction between educator and student, with the production of significant learning. Conclusions:The portfolio encourages reflection and criticism about the experiences in the practical scenarios where the curricular component -SACI is developed, greatly supporting the construction of students' knowledge (AU).

Introducción:La formación en salud orienta la práctica profesional, incidiendo directamente en la atención y asistencia sanitaria que se ofrece a la población. En este sentido, el uso de métodos activos de aprendizaje y evaluación, como los portafolios, puedecontribuir a la construcción de conocimiento crítico-reflexivo. Objetivo:Resaltar la percepción de estudiantes de carreras de salud, que cursan la disciplina Salud y Ciudadanía de la Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Norte, sobre el uso del portafolios como instrumento de evaluación de la enseñanza y del aprendizaje. Metodología:Los datos se obtuvieron mediante la formación de un grupo focal y se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido. Luego se definieron categorías temáticas: percepción del portafolio; la elaboración del portafolio y su contribución a la formación; dificultades para formular el portafolio; el portafolio como herramienta de evaluación.Resultados:Los estudiantes entienden el portafolio como un instrumento de diálogo entre docentes y estudiantes, a través de relatos de experiencias grupales en establecimientos sociales y reflexiones individuales en la construcción de conceptos y profundización teórica. Aún reportan inseguridades y dudas sobre la estructuración y creación del instrumento, sin embargo, perciben el portafolio como poderoso e innovador para ayudar a la construcción de conocimiento ya que permite el seguimiento del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, posibilitando una mayor interacción entre educador y estudiante, con la producción de aprendizajes significativos.Conclusiones: El portafolio incentiva la reflexión y crítica sobre las experiencias en los escenarios prácticos donde se desarrolla el componente curricular -SACI, apoyando en gran medida la construcción del conocimiento de los estudiantes (AU).

Spatial correlation between excess weight, purchase of ultra-processed foods, and human development in Brazil. / Correlação espacial entre o excesso de peso, aquisição de alimentos ultraprocessados e o desenvolvimento humano no Brasil.

The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of excess weight in Brazil and its correlation with household food insecurity, purchase of foods by type of processing, and Human Development Index (HDI). An ecological study was undertaken using data from three surveys conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Spatial analysis techniques were used to perform univariate and bivariate analysis. The prevalence of excess weight was 34.2% (CI 95% 33.8-34.6%). Excess weight showed a moderate and significant spatial autocorrelation (0.581; p = 0.01), with higher prevalence in states in the South, Southeast and Center-West regions. A positive moderate spatial correlation was shown between the prevalence of excess weight and HDI (0.605; p < 0.05) and purchase of ultra-processed foods (0.559; p < 0.05), while a negative moderate spatial correlation was observed between prevalence of excess weight and household food insecurity (-0.561; p < 0.05). It can be concluded that there is an unequal distribution of excess weight across Brazil. The highest prevalence rates were found in states in the Southeast, South, and Center-West regions, associated with higher HDI values and higher ultra-processed food purchases as a proportion of overall household food purchases.

O objetivo foi analisar a distribuição espacial da prevalência de excesso de peso e sua correlação com insegurança alimentar, aquisição de alimentos por tipo de processamento e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH), no Brasil. Estudo ecológico, com dados de três inquéritos do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Utilizou-se técnicas de estatística espacial para análise univariada e bivariada. A prevalência de excesso de peso encontrada para o Brasil foi de 34,2% (IC95% 33,8-34,6%). O excesso de peso apresentou autocorrelação espacial moderada (0,581; p = 0,01) e maiores prevalências nos estados das regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste. As prevalências de excesso de peso apresentaram correlação espacial positiva e moderada com o IDH (0,605; p< 0,05), proporção de aquisição domiciliar de produtos alimentícios ultraprocessados (0,559; p< 0,05); e correlação negativa e moderada com a prevalência de domicílios em insegurança alimentar (-0,561; p< 0,05). Conclui-se que a ocorrência de excesso de peso encontrava-se desigualmente distribuída no território brasileiro. As prevalências mais elevadas foram encontradas nos estados do Sudeste, Sul e Centro-Oeste, associadas a maiores valores de IDH e proporções de aquisição de produtos alimentícios ultraprocessados.

Access to pediatric hearing healthcare in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Acesso ao serviço de saúde auditiva infantil no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Hearing impairment compromises the child's language development and learning process. Neonatal screening, diagnosis, and hearing intervention are actions that must be carried out for comprehensive hearing healthcare in childhood. OBJECTIVE: To assess access to children's hearing healthcare services and the factors that influence access. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 104 children who underwent neonatal hearing screening and were referred for diagnosis. The sources were the databases, where demographic, social, and variables related to the access and use of health services were collected. Percentage distribution of categorical variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion of continuous variables were performed. To assess the association of dependent and independent variables, the Chi-square test was used with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Only 56 (53.3%) of screened children attended hearing healthcare services. Of these, 41 went to the studied service, and 24 completed the diagnosis. Three children had hearing loss and were candidates for cochlear implants. The mean age at diagnosis was 211 days and the standard deviation was 155.9 days. The duration of diagnosis was 135 days and the standard deviation was 143.2 days. There was no statistical significance between access to health services and the distance of the service, age, and education of the mother. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of access to the service and completion of the diagnosis and children are not assisted at appropriate ages. The mother's age and education and distance to the service did not influence access to and use of the service.

INTRODUÇÃO: A deficiência auditiva compromete o desenvolvimento da linguagem e o processo de aprendizagem na criança. A triagem neonatal, o diagnóstico e a intervenção auditiva são ações que devem ser realizadas para a atenção integral à saúde auditiva na infância. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o acesso aos serviços de saúde auditiva infantil e os fatores que influenciam no acesso. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 104 crianças que realizaram a triagem auditiva neonatal e foram encaminhadas para diagnóstico. As fontes foram os bancos de dados, onde foram coletadas variáveis demográficas, sociais e relacionadas ao acesso e uso dos serviços de saúde. Foram realizadas a distribuição percentual das variáveis categóricas e medidas de tendência central e dispersão das variáveis contínuas. Para avaliar a associação das variáveis dependentes e independentes foi utilizado o teste Qui-quadrado com nível de 5% de significância. RESULTADOS: Apenas 56 (53,3%) crianças compareceram, dessas 41 foram para o serviço estudado, 24 concluíram o diagnóstico e 3 apresentaram deficiência auditiva. A média de idade no diagnóstico foi de 211 dias, com desvio padrão de 155,9 dias e a duração do diagnóstico foi de 135 dias, com desvio padrão de 143,2 dias. Não houve significância estatística entre o acesso ao serviço de saúde e a distância, idade e escolaridade da mãe. CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma evasão no acesso ao serviço e na conclusão do diagnóstico e as crianças não são assistidas em idades oportunas. A idade e escolaridade da mãe e a distância não influenciaram no acesso e uso ao serviço.