Prevalence of common mental disorders in southern Brazilian women: a comparison of two population-based studies (2003 vs. 2015).

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders (CMD) in women, and comparing them in two periods, 2003 and 2015. METHODS: A comparative study was conducted between two surveys with representative samples of women aged 20-60 years residing in southern Brazil. The final sample included 988 and 987 women from the 2003 and 2015 surveys, respectively. The presence of CMD was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20 ≥ 8) in both surveys. Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between the outcome (CMD) and variables of interest. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 38.5 ± 11.1 years (2003) and 40.3 ± 11.4 years (2015). In 2003, the prevalence of CMD was 33.4% (95%CI: 30.5-36.3) and in 2015, it was 33.7% (95%CI: 30.8-36.7). Over 12 years, no significant differences were observed in the prevalence of CMD, except for a reduction in the prevalence in women of color and physically active. After adjusting, the prevalence ratios of CMD in 2003 and 2015 remained associated with low family income, a higher number of pregnancies, and tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a trend toward stability in the high prevalence of CMD among women.

Association between obesity and common mental disorders in women: a population-based study in Southern Brazil.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and common mental disorders (CMD) among women. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of 981 adult women (20-60 years of age) living in the urban area of the municipality of São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil, in 2015. The presence of CMD was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20 ≥ 8). Obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). Prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association between obesity and CMD were measured by Poisson regression with robust variance, including their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 40.3 years (standard deviation = 11.4 years). The prevalence of CMD was 33.7% (95% CI 30.8-36.7), while obesity was 31.2% (95% CI 28.3-34.1). The occurrence of CMD was higher in women with low levels of education and belonging to lower economic class, as well as smokers and those who were insufficiently active. Obesity was more prevalent in older women (50-60 years old) with less schooling, who did not consume alcohol, and those who were insufficiently active. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, women with obesity were 22% more likely to have CMD when compared to those without obesity (PR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.02-1.45; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a significant association between obesity and the presence of CMD among women. Additionally, the prevalence of obesity and CMD were high in this population group.

Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity and Associated Factors in Urban Brazilian Women: A Comparison Between Two Population-Based Cross-Sectional Studies in 2003 and 2015.

Background: Abdominal fat accumulation is a known risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and mortality, particularly in women. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of abdominal obesity and its associated factors in 2003 and 2015. Methods: Two cross-sectional, population-based surveys were conducted, including representative and independent samples of adult women 20-60 years of age residing in the urban area of São Leopoldo/RS municipality in 2003 (n = 981) and 2015 (n = 984). Abdominal obesity was assessed using waist circumference, with a measurement of ≥88 cm indicating its presence. Factors, such as demographics, socioeconomic status, reproductive health, family history, morbidity, and behavioral characteristics, were studied. Poisson regression was used to assess the associations. Results: The mean age of individuals in the samples was 38.5 years (±11.1 years) and 40.3 years (±11.4 years) in 2003 and 2015, respectively. The prevalence of abdominal obesity doubled from 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.7-26.0) in 2003 to 46.9% (95% CI: 43.7-50.0) in 2015. After adjustment, the prevalence of abdominal obesity remained higher in both 2003 and 2015 with increasing age, low family income, higher number of pregnancies, earlier age at menarche, and presence of a family history of obesity in the father and mother and in women with a history of hypertension. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an increase in the prevalence of abdominal obesity in women between 2003 and 2015 and highlights the sociodemographic, reproductive, family history, and comorbidity aspects associated with its occurrence.

Multimorbidity patterns: obesity as the main modifiable risk factor in adult women in Southern Brazil.

Objective: To identify multimorbidity patterns in women in southern Brazil, and its relationship with sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, and nutritional status, as well as to explore the main independent risk factor for the identified patterns. Subjects and methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with 1,128 women (20-69 years), southern Brazil. Chronic conditions were identified using the therapeutic and chemical anatomical classification of continuous use of medications. Multimorbidity was assessed as ≥2 or ≥3 chronic conditions to identify dyads and triads. Poisson regression was used to explore risk factors in the different adjustment models. As independent variables evaluated, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle variables were included: consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and nutritional status. Results: Eleven dyads (frequencies between 2.0% and 6.4%) and three triads (frequencies between 1.9% and 2.1%) of morbidities were identified in the study. Aging was related to a higher prevalence of all patterns, and obesity was a risk factor for multimorbidity patterns that contained conditions related to the cardiovascular and metabolic system and mental health. After adjustment, obesity increased the probability of "hypertension + common mental disorders (CMD)" (PR 3.63; 95% CI 1.94-6.78) and "dyslipidemia + CMD" (PR 3.69; 95% CI 1.08-12.65) by more than three times. Conclusion: This study identified common and important diseases in the patterns, associated with a common risk factor, obesity, that must be addressed by public health policies to prevent multimorbidity.

Lifestyle, high Body Mass Index, and markers of socioeconomic conditions associated with multimorbidity in women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of multimorbidity and its associated factors in women in southern Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study with a sample of 1,128 women (age 20-69 years), living in São Leopoldo, southern Brazil. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more chronic conditions measured using the therapeutic and chemical anatomical classification of continuous use medications prescribed by a physician. Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to assess the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle variables and multimorbidity. RESULTS: The prevalence of multimorbidity was 21.7% (95%CI 19.3-24.2), and 26 chronic conditions were identified. A direct linear association was observed with age and income and an inverse association with education. Being unemployed was a risk factor for multimorbidity (PR 1.95; 95%CI 1.51-2.52). Alcohol consumption (moderate or excessive) had a protective effect. Overweight and obese women were 53% (PR 1.53; 95%CI 1.09-2.15) and 76% (PR 1.76; 95%CI 1.27-2.45) more likely to have multimorbidity than eutrophic women. CONCLUSION: Over 20% of the adult women had multimorbidity, and its occurrence was strongly associated with socioeconomic characteristics, such as fewer years of schooling, higher income, and not having an occupation. The results regarding alcohol consumption are still insufficient to propose a public policy for the prevention of multimorbidity. Excess weight was an independent risk factor and should be addressed in public health policies for the prevention and management of multimorbidity.

Does sleep quality modify the relationship between common mental disorders and chronic low back pain in adult women?

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the association between common mental disorders (CMD) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) in women, while considering poor sleep quality as a potential effect modifier of this relationship. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with a representative sample of 1068 women (age 20-69 years) living in the urban area of São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil. CLBP was defined as pain lasting for ≥3 months; CMD was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20; score ≥8); poor sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; score ≥5). Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of CLBP, CMD, and poor sleep quality was 46.8% (95% CI: 43.8-49.8), 33.5% (95% CI: 30.3-36.3), and 42.3% (95% CI: 39.3-45.2), respectively. Poor sleep quality was a significant modifier of the association between CMD and CLBP. Among women with poor sleep quality, women with CMD had a 48% higher probability of having CLBP compared to women without CMD and after adjustment for confounders (PR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.23-1.77; p < 0.001). The relationship between CMD and CLBP was not statistically significant in women with good sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a significant relationship between CMD and CLBP, wherein poor sleep quality acted as an effect modifier. Women with CMD and poor sleep quality were more vulnerable to CLBP.

Dietary pattern as a predictor of multimorbidity patterns: A population-based cross-sectional study with women.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Multimorbidity is a common health condition, and the relationship between different patterns of multimorbidity and food consumption through dietary patterns needs to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and multimorbidity patterns in women. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study included 1128 women (aged 20-69 years) living in southern Brazil. We identified multimorbidity patterns using principal component analysis, and the main exposure of the study was three dietary patterns, as derived in a previous study: healthy, risk, and Brazilian patterns. Using Poisson regression with robust variance, the scores of multimorbidity patterns (high/low) were evaluated using different adjustment models. RESULTS: Three patterns of multimorbidity were derived: cardiometabolic (dyslipidemia, circulatory disorders, hypertension, diabetes), endocrine-articular (thyroid diseases, osteoporosis/osteopenia, rheumatic diseases), and psychosomatic (chronic pain, common mental disorders, acid-related digestive disorders). In the relationship between the dietary patterns and multimorbidity patterns, after adjustment, it was observed that a greater adherence to the Brazilian dietary pattern was associated with a lower probability of a high score for the cardiometabolic pattern (PR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.51-0.89) and psychosomatic pattern (PR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47-0.84). Greater adherence to the healthy dietary pattern was associated with a higher probability of a high score for the cardiometabolic pattern (PR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.27-2.25) and endocrine-articular pattern (PR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.39-3.02). The risk dietary pattern did not demonstrate an association after adjustment was implemented. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence of an association between dietary patterns and multimorbidity patterns. Greater adherence to the Brazilian dietary pattern was a protective factor for a high score for the cardiometabolic and psychosomatic pattern in women. Dietary orientation should be considered in guidelines related to multimorbidity, constituting part of the prevention and management strategies for this condition.

Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Associated Factors Among Academics of a University in Midwest Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in university students, the factors associated with PMS, the most prevalent symptoms, and the interference of symptoms in academic, family, social, and work activities. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,115 university students aged ≥ 18 years from the University of Rio Verde, Goiás. Premenstrual syndrome and PMDD were identified using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. Associations with sociodemographic, behavioral, reproductive, nutritional, and health factors were investigated using the Poisson regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of PMS was 46.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44.0-49.8), and of PMDD, 11.1% (95% CI 9.3-13.0). The most prevalent symptoms were physical, such as breast tenderness, bloating, e weight gain (73%); followed by psychological ones such as overeating/food cravings, tearful/more sensitive to rejection (> 60%). More than 30% of the patients reported that the symptoms interfered in a moderate-to-severe way in their social and academic activities. After adjusted analysis, PMS was more prevalent in those who were attending the 1st/2nd semester of college (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.44; 95% CI 1.14-1.80), those who consumed alcohol in the last 30 days (PR 1.23; 95% CI 1.04-1.47), and those who had depression (PR 1.49; 95% CI 1.30-1.71). CONCLUSION: Almost half of the university students had PMS and ∼ 11%, PMDD. Physical symptoms were the most common and interfered in a moderate-to-severe way in various aspects of life. Attending the first semesters, consuming alcohol, and having depression were risk factors for PMS. The identification of risk factors for PMS is essential to prevent symptoms and reduce the impact of the syndrome.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a prevalência de síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) e do transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM) em alunas universitárias, os fatores associados à SPM, os sintomas mais prevalentes e a interferência dos sintomas nas atividades acadêmicas, familiares, sociais e de trabalho. MéTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 1.115 estudantes universitárias ≥ 18 anos da Universidade de Rio Verde, Goiás. Síndrome pré-menstrual e TDPM foram identificados por meio do Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. As associações com fatores sociodemográficos, comportamentais, reprodutivos, nutricionais e de saúde foram investigadas utilizando-se a regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de SPM foi de 46,9% (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95% 44,0­49,8) e de TDPM, 11,1% (IC 95% 9,3­13,0). Os sintomas mais prevalentes foram físicos, como sensibilidade mamária, distensão abdominal e ganho de peso (73%); seguidos por psicológicos, como comer demais/desejos por comida, chorar/mais sensível à rejeição (> 60%). Mais de 30% relataram que os sintomas interferiam de forma moderada a grave em suas atividades sociais e acadêmicas. Após análise ajustada, a SPM foi mais prevalente naquelas que estava cursando o 1°/2° semestre da faculdade (razão de prevalência [RP] 1,44; IC 95% 1,14­1,80), as que haviam consumido álcool nos últimos 30 dias (RP 1,23; IC 95% 1,04­1,47), e as que tinha depressão (RP 1,49; IC 95% 1,30­1,71). CONCLUSãO: Quase metade das universitárias tinha SPM e cerca de 11%, TDPM. Os sintomas físicos foram os mais comuns e interferiram de forma moderada a grave em vários aspectos da vida. Frequentar os primeiros semestres, consumir álcool e ter depressão foram fatores de risco para SPM. A identificação dos fatores de risco para a SPM é essencial para prevenir os sintomas e reduzir o impacto da síndrome.

Prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus in women and associated factors: a population-based study in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015. / Prevalência de diabetes mellitus autorreferido em mulheres e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, 2015.

Objective to analyze the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and associated factors in women aged 20 to 69 years in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil. Method this was a population-based cross-sectional study, the outcome of which was self-reported medical diagnosis of DM. Poisson regression was used. Results 1,128 women took part, 8.16% (95%CI2.56;13.74) reported DM diagnosis; in the adjusted analysis association was found between the outcome and the 50-59 years age group (PR=15.73 - 95%CI4.84;71.00) and the over 60s (PR=8.95 - 95%CI1.98;40.49), economic classes D/E (PR=2.37 - 95%CI1.17;4.83), obesity (PR=1.41 - 95%CI0.85;2.32), arterial hypertension (PR=2.78 - 95%CI1.73;4.46), common mental disorders (PR=1.47 - 95%CI1.04;2.05), dyslipidemia (PR=2.16 - 95%CI1.45;3.23), regular/poor self-perception of health (PR=2.80 - 95%CI1.20;6.56), and not working (PR=1.98 - 95%CI1.11;3.53). Conclusion DM was associated with situations of economic and social vulnerability, such as poverty and being outside the labor market, as well as with the presence of other diseases.

[Evaluation of the frequency of accomplishment of the breast examination and of oncotic cervical cytology and the obstetrical ultrasound during the prenatal period. An inversion of values]. / Avaliação da frequência de realização do exame físico das mamas, da colpocitologia cervical e da ultrassonografia obstétrica durante a assistência pré-natal: uma inversão de valores.

UNLABELLED: Although ultrasound examination is a frequent procedure during pregnancy, routine use has not been effective to reduce maternal or perinatal morbidity-mortality. OBJECTIVE: Assess frequency of breast examination and of oncotic cervical cytology among prenatal exams and compare it to frequency of obstetrical ultrasound. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional evaluation conducted in the city of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil between May and July 2007. Data obtained with a structured questionnaire were entered into the Epi-Info 6.04 program and analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Among the 230 puerperae interviewed, 99.1% had undergone an ultrasound during pregnancy, while 37.5% and 33.6% had been submitted to clinical examination of the breasts and cervical cytology, respectively. It was noted that a larger number of obstetrical echographies increased the probability that a patient would be submitted to clinical examination of the breasts. On the other hand, the number of cytopathological evaluations of the uterine cervix was not influenced by the number of ultrasound examinations. CONCLUSION: Obstetrical echography was given priority and performed as a routine exam, whereas clinical examination of the breasts and cervical cytopathological examination were not, although considered obligatory during the prenatal period. These data confirm the tendency documented in literature indicating an inversion of priorities, favoring ultrasonography over breast examination and cervical pathological exams. For this reason, further studies and evaluations of health programs, also of the real impact of this inversion on the population health indices are recommended.

Food environment, income and obesity: a multilevel analysis of a reality of women in Southern Brazil.

The objective of this study was to explore relationships between the neighborhood food environment and obesity in urban women living in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out. This study was conducted with 1,096 women. Structured interviews were conducted using a standard pre-tested questionnaire. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2. Circular buffers of 400m in radius were created based on the centroid of the women's houses who participated, in the 45 census tracts inhabited by them. Neighborhood food establishments were identified through systematic survey of all streets in the study areas and geographical coordinates of shops were collected. Establishments were evaluated using the NEMS tool. The prevalence of obesity was 33% among the women participants. After adjusting for individual variables, supermarkets and healthy food establishments were positively associated with obesity, PR = 1.05 (95%CI: 1.01-1.10), PR = 1.02 (95%CI: 1.00-1.04), respectively, while mean buffer income was negatively associated, PR = 0.64 (95%CI: 0.49-0.83). Neighborhood food environment factors were associated with obesity even after controlled for individual variables, as socioeconomic variables, behavioral and food purchase.

Factors associated with not having Pap Smears in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015: a cross-sectional population-based study. / Fatores associados a não realização de exame citopatológico em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, 2015: estudo transversal de base populacional.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence of Pap tests not performed in the last three years and never performed in women and to analyze factors. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study with women aged 20 to 69 years living in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil, in 2015; prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: among 919 women, prevalence of delayed testing was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]15.4;20.3) and never tested prevalence was 8.1% (95%CI6.3%;9.8%); in the adjusted analysis, the increase in the prevalence of delayed testing was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.1 - 95%CI1.3;3.5), being aged 20-29 years (PR=3.2 - 95%CI2.1;4.9) and not having had a medical appointment (PR=3.0 - 95%CI2.1;4.1); never having tested was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.6 - 95%CI1.4;5.0), being aged 20-29 years (PR=24.1 - 95%CI6.4;90.9), and not having had a medical appointment (PR=2.9 - 95%CI1.7;4.8). CONCLUSION: coverage of the test was high but characterized by social inequality.

[Quality of primary care as measured by preventable hospitalizations in the South of Brazil]. / Qualidade da atenção básica mediante internações evitáveis no Sul do Brasil.

This study assessed the quality of primary care in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, through preventable hospitalization rates (1995-2004). Preventable hospitalizations were defined as those related to the following diseases: diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and vaccine-preventable diseases (polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and measles). Men and women from 20 to 59 years of age were included in the study. The proportion of preventable causes among hospital admissions was higher for women than for men. From 1995 to 2004 there was a decrease in preventable hospitalization rates. Even after direct standardization, analysis showed that admission rates in Pelotas were lower than for the State of Rio Grande do Sul as a whole. Preventable hospitalization costs decreased in parallel with the drop in hospital admission rates. The decrease in hospitalizations is consistent with improvement in primary health care. However, the findings may result from the system's financial model. Reimbursement for hospital procedures is low, which could induce the hospitals to curtail admissions.

[Use of outpatient services in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: factors related to above-average number of physician visits]. / Utilização de serviços ambulatoriais de saúde em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: alguns fatores relacionados com as consultas médicas acima da média.

This cross-sectional, population-based study including males and females 20 to 69 years of age from the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, aimed to verify characteristics associated with above-average number of medical consultations. The mean number of physician consultations in the previous year was 3.2, with a standard deviation of 5.5. The analysis considered two outcomes: individuals with more than eight physician visits per year (one SD above the mean) and more than 14 consultations (two SD above the mean). In the sample of 1,962 individuals, 183 (9.3%) reported more than eight physician consultations in the previous year. Logistic regression compared the outcomes with the following variables: sex, age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic bronchitis, minor psychiatric disorders, and hospitalization in the previous year. There were 57 individuals (2.9%) with more than 14 consultations during the year. Logistic regression showed significant differences for sex, hypertension, minor psychiatric disorders, and hospitalization in the previous year. The high demand does not always mean inadequate health services, and restricting the demand could result in policies that limit access to care, causing suffering to patients with serious conditions.

Characteristics of women who do not consult a doctor: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of not consulting a doctor within a year. METHODS Cross-sectional population-based study, including women aged 20-60 years, living in the urban area of São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. The association between variables and outcome was assessed using prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The adjusted analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS Among the 1,127 women participating in the study, 954 (84.6%, 95%CI 82.5-86.7) reported having consulted a physician in the year prior to the interview, 173 (15.4%, 95%CI 13.2-17.5) did not. Women belonging to lower income classes D and E, younger, and smokers had higher prevalences of no medical visits. The participants with hypertension had a higher prevalence of consultations. CONCLUSIONS There was no expected evolution in the local health system, despite the emergence of the policies implemented in this period. It is necessary to provide care for those in less favored socioeconomic conditions and for younger women.

Multimorbidity patterns: obesity as the main modifiable risk factor in adult women in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify multimorbidity patterns in women in southern Brazil, and its relationship with sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, and nutritional status, as well as to explore the main independent risk factor for the identified patterns. Subjects and methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with 1,128 women (20-69 years), southern Brazil. Chronic conditions were identified using the therapeutic and chemical anatomical classification of continuous use of medications. Multimorbidity was assessed as ≥2 or ≥3 chronic conditions to identify dyads and triads. Poisson regression was used to explore risk factors in the different adjustment models. As independent variables evaluated, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle variables were included: consumption of fruits and vegetables, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and nutritional status. Results: Eleven dyads (frequencies between 2.0% and 6.4%) and three triads (frequencies between 1.9% and 2.1%) of morbidities were identified in the study. Aging was related to a higher prevalence of all patterns, and obesity was a risk factor for multimorbidity patterns that contained conditions related to the cardiovascular and metabolic system and mental health. After adjustment, obesity increased the probability of "hypertension + common mental disorders (CMD)" (PR 3.63; 95% CI 1.94-6.78) and "dyslipidemia + CMD" (PR 3.69; 95% CI 1.08-12.65) by more than three times. Conclusion: This study identified common and important diseases in the patterns, associated with a common risk factor, obesity, that must be addressed by public health policies to prevent multimorbidity.

[Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors among schoolchildren in a southern Brazilian city]. / Prevalência e fatores associados para sobrepeso e obesidade em escolares de uma cidade no Sul do Brasil.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a group of 11-13-year-old schoolchildren in Capão da Canoa, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and to investigate the association with possible risk factors for excess body weight. The sample was stratified, proportional to the number of pupils in each school. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) cutoffs according to age and gender as proposed by Cole et al. (2000). Socioeconomic, demographic, genetic, and behavior variables were analyzed. 719 children from 11 schools were interviewed, of whom there were 541 (75.2%) with normal BMI, 153 (21.3%) with overweight, and 25 (3.5%) with obesity. Statistically significant associations were found with type of school, parents' nutritional status, level of physical activity, and time of sedentary behavior. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in these schoolchildren was high (24.8%), in keeping with the literature, confirming the problem's magnitude and severity in Brazil.

[Prevalence of systemic hypertension and associated factors: a population-based study among women in the South of Brazil]. / Prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e fatores associados: um estudo de base populacional em mulheres no Sul do Brasil.

A cross-sectional study was carried out among women 20 to 60 years of age living in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, to determine the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors. Census tract sampling was used, and the outcome was defined by the presence of arterial pressure >or= 140/90mmHg and/or use of anti-hypertensive drugs. Among 1,020 interviewed people, 267 (26.2%; 95%CI: 23.5-28.9) presented hypertension. Poisson regression showed a statistically significant association with age, skin color, marital status, family history, educational background, and nutritional status. The highest attributable fractions were observed among women with schooling

[Anemia prevalence and associated factors among adult women in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Prevalência de anemia e fatores associados em mulheres adultas residentes em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in adult women. A representative sample was selected with 312 women aged 20 to 60 in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The bivariate analyses included the chi-squared test, prevalence ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. Poisson regression was used to adjust effects in the multivariate analyses. Anemia prevalence was 19.2% (95%CI: 14.8-23.6) for all women in the sample. The highest prevalence was in black women (54%). After controlling for confounding factors, the risk of anemia in black women was three times that of whites (PR = 3.17; 95%CI: 1.85-5.41; p < 0.001). A protective effect against anemia (PR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.19-1.07; p = 0.07) was found in women over 50 as compared to younger women (20-29 years). These findings suggest the need for public health policies for anemia prevention in black women.

[Factors associated with functional incapacity among the elderly in Guatambu, Santa Catarina State, Brazil]. / Fatores associados com a incapacidade funcional em idosos do Município de Guatambu, Santa Catarina, Brasil.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of functional incapacity and associated factors. A cross-sectional population-based study included 352 elderly subjects (> or =60 years) in a small Brazilian town. Community-based health workers conducted structured interviews. Functional incapacity was measured by the Barthel index. Data analysis used Poisson regression to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Prevalence of any kind of functional incapacity (mild, moderate, severe, or total) was 30.5% (95%CI: 25.6-35.2). Functional incapacity was higher (p < 0.05) in illiterates compared to those with > 5 years of schooling (PR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.02-4.79); in people with low versus high quality of life (PR = 1.83; 95%CI: 1.13-2.97); in those with poor versus good self-rated health (PR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.11-2.69); and in retired individuals compared to those working regularly (PR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.19-3.78). Our results suggest that functional capacity involves interaction among multidimensional factors including self-reported health, independent daily life, and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors.