Analysis of the Main Groups Victimized by Familiar Violence and by Violence by a Known Person in Brazil.

ABSTRACT: This study aims to evaluate the ratio of the number of cases of family violence and violence by a known person, over the four surveys that took place in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011, within the population treated in the Brazilian health services, according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Data from the Vigilância de Violências e Acidentes survey was used. The variables age, victim sex, aggressor sex, race, and schooling level were considered in the analysis. This study pointed out decreasing trend in the number of violence-related care within the older age group. The number of familial violence-related care per victim sex was higher for male victims when the aggressor was female, and conversely, it was higher for female victims when the aggressor was male. The number of violence-related care was mostly higher in non-White people than in White. People with low schooling levels showed the highest ratio of the number of violence-related care.

Mortality risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome cases classified as COVID-19: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with diverse factors influencing the risk of death among reported cases. This study mainly analyzes the main characteristics that have contributed to the increase or decrease in the risk of death among Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases classified as COVID-19 reported in southeast Brazil from 2020 to 2023. METHODS: This cohort study utilized COVID-19 notification data from the Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica (SIVEP) information system in the southeast region of Brazil from 2020 to 2023. Data included demographics, comorbidities, vaccination status, residence area, and survival outcomes. Classical Cox, Cox mixed effects, Prentice, Williams & Peterson (PWP), and PWP fragility models were used to assess the risk of dying over time. RESULTS: Across 987,534 cases, 956,961 hospitalizations, and 330,343 deaths were recorded over the period. Mortality peaked in 2021. The elderly, males, black individuals, lower-educated, and urban residents faced elevated risks. Vaccination reduced death risk by around 20% and 13% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Hospitalized individuals had lower death risks, while comorbidities increased risks by 20-26%. CONCLUSION: The study identified demographic and comorbidity factors influencing COVID-19 mortality. Rio de Janeiro exhibited the highest risk, while São Paulo had the lowest. Vaccination significantly reduces death risk. Findings contribute to understanding regional mortality variations and guide public health policies, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.

Mortality by colon, lung, esophagus, prostate, cervix and breast cancers in Brazilian capitals, 2000-2015: a multilevel analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the role of period, geographic and socio demographic factors in cancer-related mortality by prostate, breast, cervix, colon, lung and esophagus cancer in Brazilians capitals (2000-2015). Ecological study using data of Brazilian Mortality Information. Multilevel Poisson models were used to estimate the adjusted risk of cancer mortality. Mortality rate levels were higher in males for colon, lung and esophageal cancers. Mortality rates were highest in the older. Our results showed an increased risk of colon cancer mortality in both sexes from 2000 to 2015, which was also evidenced for breast and lung cancers in women. In both genders, the highest mortality risk for lung and esophageal cancers was observed in Southern capitals. Midwestern, Southern and Southeastern capitals showed the highest mortality risk for colon cancer both for males and females. Colon cancer mortality rate increased for both genders, while breast and lung cancers mortality increased only for women. The North region showed the lowest mortality rate for breast, cervical, colon and esophageal cancers. The Midwest and Northeast regions showed the highest mortality rates for prostate cancer.

Clinical Impact of the Line Probe Assay and Xpert® MTB/RIF Assay in the Presumptive Diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Brazil: A Pragmatic Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Rapid molecular methods such as the line probe assay (LPA) and Xpert® MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) have been recommended by the World Health Organization for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) diagnosis. We conducted an interventional trial in DR-TB reference centers in Brazil to evaluate the impact of the use of LPA and Xpert. METHODS: Patients with DR-TB were eligible if their drug susceptibility testing results were available to the treating physician at the time of consultation. The standard reference MGITTM 960 was compared with Xpert (arm 1) and LPA (arm 2). Effectiveness was considered as the start of the appropriate TB regimen that matched drug susceptibility testing (DST) and the proportions of culture conversion and favorable treatment outcomes after 6 months. RESULTS: A higher rate of empirical treatment was observed with MGIT alone than with the Xpert assay (97.0% vs. 45.0%) and LPA (98.2% vs. 67.5%). Patients started appropriate TB treatment more quickly than those in the MGIT group (median 15.0 vs. 40.5 days; p<0.01) in arm 1. Compared to the MGIT group, culture conversion after 6 months was higher for Xpert in arm 1 (90.9% vs. 79.3%, p=0.39) and LPA in arm 2 (80.0% vs. 83.0%, p=0.81). CONCLUSIONS: In the Xpert arm, there was a significant reduction in days to the start of appropriate anti-TB treatment and a trend towards greater culture conversion in the sixth month.

Association between visual problems, insufficient emotional support and urinary incontinence with disability in elderly people living in a poor district in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A six-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Disability follows the rapid rate of population ageing, imposing a huge burden on society. Functional assessment in older people can identify predictors of disability. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the incidence and the risk factors for disability in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults over six years. METHODS: Six year-follow up study initiated in 2010. The baseline non-probabilistic sample consisted of 180 independent community dwelling individuals aged 60 and over. The procedures comprised an interview with sociodemographic data, questions about falls, urinary incontinence, self-rated health, and assessment of ADL, IADL, mobility, depression, vision, hearing, cognition, nutrition, grip strength and social support. The second research was carried out by telephone and assessed ADL and IADL. Logistic regression models calculated the odds of disability in ADL and IADL according to the age, sex and all other variables. RESULTS: At six-year follow-up, 118 participants were still alive (65.6%), 31 died (17%) and other 31 were missed (17%). The incidence of disability to performADL and IADL were 25.4% and 32.3%, respectively. The regression logistic models revealed thaturinary incontinence (OR = 3.2; P = 0.03) and insufficient emotional support (OR = 3.8; P = 0.04) were associated with ADL disability, while visual problems (OR: 2.9; P = 0.03) and insufficient emotional support (OR: 5.6; P = 0.01) were associated with IADL disability. CONCLUSION: The current study has identified that insufficient emotional support, visual problems and urinary incontinence are associated with disability in older adults. The routine assessment of these problems in the primary care clinics enable the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing or postponing disability. Educating patients and families will also enable better choices to reduce the risk of functional decline.

Spatial and temporal patterns of infant mortality and its components in Rio de Janeiro / Padrões espaciais e temporais da mortalidade infantil e seus componentes no Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Objectives. The study aims to assess the trend of neonatal, post-neonatal, and infant mortality from 1996 to 2020 within the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro and other regions. Methods. Ecological study using the region as analysis unity. Data were accessed from the Mortality Information System and Live Birth Information System in the capital Rio de Janeiro, in the neighboring areas of Niterói, São Gonçalo, Baixada Fluminense, and the remaining regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro State. We applied Poisson multilevel modeling, where the models' response variables were infant mortality and its neonatal and post neonatal components. Fixed effects of the adjusted models were region and death year variables. Results. During the 1996-2020 period, the Baixada Fluminense showed the highest infant mortality rate as to its neonatal and post neonatal components. All adjusted models showed that the more recent the year the lower the mortality risk. Niterói showed the lowest adjusted risk of infant mortality and its neonatal and post neonatal components. Conclusion. Baixada Fluminense showed the highest mortality risk for infant mortality and its neonatal and post-neonatal components in the metropolitan region. The stabilization in mortality rates in recent years was identified by the research.

RESUMO Objetivos. Avaliar a tendência da mortalidade neonatal, pós-neonatal e infantil de 1996 a 2020, na região metropolitana do estado do Rio de Janeiro e nas outras regiões. Métodos. Estudo ecológico utilizando regiões como unidade de análise. Os dados foram acessados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos da Capital (Rio de Janeiro), dos territórios vizinhos (Niterói, São Gonçalo e Baixada Fluminense) e das outras regiões do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Utilizamos a modelagem multinível de Poisson, onde as variáveis de resposta dos modelos foram mortalidade infantil e seus componentes neonatal e pós-neonatal. Os efeitos fixos dos modelos ajustados foram região e ano da morte. Resultados. No período 1996-2020, a Baixada Fluminense apresentou a maior taxa de mortalidade infantil de seus componentes neonatal e pós-natal na região metropolitana. Todos os modelos ajustados mostraram que quanto mais recente o ano, menor o risco de mortalidade. O risco ajustado da mortalidade infantil e seus componentes neonatal e pós-neonatal foi menor em Niterói. Conclusão. A Baixada Fluminense apresentou o maior risco de mortalidade infantil e de seus componentes neonatal e pós-neonatal na região metropolitana. Detectamos estabilização das taxas de mortalidade nos últimos anos.

Characterization of COVID-19 cases in a poor community in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil focusing on the agglomeration-poverty dichotomy / Caracterização dos casos de COVID-19 em uma comunidade carente no Rio de Janeiro/Brasil com foco na dicotomia aglomeração-pobreza

Abstract This study aims to characterize the morbidity of COVID-19 in the year 2020 by identifying the most vulnerable areas and areas of clustering of cases in a favela from Rio de Janeiro/Brazil known as Manguinhos. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study performed from March 16, 2020, to August 12, 2020. We described the sociodemographic profile of the cases and performed spatial analysis using point and Kernel maps. Incidence rates were calculated by sex, age, and sub-regions. The incidence rate was 202/10,000. We detected clusters of cases west, central-north, and central-south of Manguinhos. High incidence rates were observed also in sub-regions of central-north, central-south, and southwest. In the sub-regions with high incidence, the percentage of people depending on financial governmental aid ranged between 13% and 21%. The sub-regions with the highest agglomeration of cases in the territory of Manguinhos coincide with the regions with the highest incidence rates, but not with the poorest regions of the territory.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar a morbidade da COVID-19 no ano de 2020, identificando as áreas mais vulneráveis e áreas de aglomeração de casos em uma favela do Rio de Janeiro/Brasil conhecida como Manguinhos. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal realizado de 16 de março a 12 de agosto de 2020. Descrevemos o perfil sociodemográfico dos casos e fizemos análise espacial por meio de mapas de pontos e Kernel. As taxas de incidência foram calculadas por sexo, idade e sub-regiões. A taxa de incidência foi de 202/10.000 habitantes. Detectamos aglomerados de casos a oeste, centro-norte e centro-sul de Manguinhos. Altas taxas de incidência foram observadas também nas sub-regiões centro-norte, centro-sul e sudoeste. Nas sub-regiões com alta incidência, o percentual de pessoas dependentes de ajuda financeira governamental variou entre 13% e 21%. As sub-regiões com maior aglomeração de casos no território de Manguinhos coincidem com as regiões com as maiores taxas de incidência, mas não com as regiões mais pobres do território.

Risk factors for the ill-defined causes of death in the Brazilian states: a multilevel analysis.

This study describes the spatial-temporal changes of the proportion of ill-defined causes of death in Brazil (1998-2012) and investigates which demographic and socioeconomic factors affect this proportion. We collected information of the proportion of ill-defined causes of death by age (15-59 years), sex, period, locality, and socioeconomic data. We used a multilevel Poisson model to investigate which factors affect the risk of ill-defined causes of death. Unlike states located in the South and Midwest, we detected clusters with high proportional levels of these deaths in states in the North and Northeast regions. A greater proportion occurred in 1998-2002 (0.09), in the North and Northeast (0.14 and 0.12, respectively), in older age groups (0.09), and in places with poor socioeconomic conditions. The adjusted analysis showed differences in proportion according to the region, age, period, schooling, social inequality, and income. The results indicate that the lower the age group and the better the socioeconomic situation, the lower the risk to register the cause of death as ill-defined. Although over the past years, the quality of Brazil's mortality data has gradually increased, investments towards improving mortality registries cannot be discontinued.

[Multiresistant tuberculosis in Brazil: history and control]. / Tuberculose multirresistente no Brasil: histórico e medidas de controle.

The article aimed at assessing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis control in Brazil, based on the experiences of reference institutions, and the most relevant studies carried out to determine local and national resistance rates. Control measures and the current situation of treatment and diagnoses after the implementation of the national guidelines, which were revised in 2004, are considered. The first national survey on resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs was performed in the middle of last decade. From its outcomes, a regimen to treat all cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was validated and adopted. Government measures enabled the implementation of a surveillance system, whose outcomes are also commented.

Distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): a spatial analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of the tuberculosis endemic in Rio de Janeiro State from 2002 to 2011. A retrospective study was conducted in the state of Rio de Janeiro from 2002 to 2011. Spatial analysis techniques were used to describe the distribution of tuberculosis incidence in the state. Multilevel Poisson regression model was used to access the relationship of tuberculosis and the following factors: "sex", "age-group" and "diagnostic year" (individual-level factors). Demographic density and municipality were also included in the model as contextual-level factors. A reduction in endemic tuberculosis was observed over the years. The highest incidence rates were concentrated on the south coast of the state, covering Rio de Janeiro City (capital) and neighboring cities. We detected a significant clustering of high TB incidence rates on the south coast of the state and a cluster of low incidence in the northeastern region of state. The risk of tuberculosis was higher in early 2000s, in males and in 40-59 age group. Metropolitan regions are important risk areas for the spread of tuberculosis. These findings could be used to plan control measures according to the characteristics of each region.

The increase in domestic violence in Brazil from 2009-2014.

In recent decades, the rise violent phenomena in Brazil has reached epidemic proportions. However, the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) across different states in the country is not well established. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of DV across Brazilian states from 2009 to 2014. An ecological study based on spatial analysis techniques was performed using Brazilian states as geographical units of analysis. A multilevel Poisson model was used to explain the risk of DV in Brazil according to age, sex, period (fixed effects), the Human Developing Index, and the victim's residence state (random effects). The overall average rate of DV almost tripled from 2009-2010 to 2013-2014. The rate of DV in Brazil in the 2013-2014 period was 3.52 times greater than the 2009-2010 period. The risk of DV in men was 74% lower than in women. The increase of DV against women during period under study occurred mainly in the Southeast, South, and Midwest. DV was more frequent in adolescence and adulthood. DV is gradually increasing in recent years in Brazil. More legislation and government programs are needed to combat the growth of violence in society.

Mortality by colon, lung, esophagus, prostate, cervix and breast cancers in Brazilian capitals, 2000-2015: a multilevel analysis / Mortalidade por câncer de cólon, pulmão, esôfago, próstata, colo do útero e mama nas capitais brasileiras, 2000-2015: uma análise multinível

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the role of period, geographic and socio demographic factors in cancer-related mortality by prostate, breast, cervix, colon, lung and esophagus cancer in Brazilians capitals (2000-2015). Ecological study using data of Brazilian Mortality Information. Multilevel Poisson models were used to estimate the adjusted risk of cancer mortality. Mortality rate levels were higher in males for colon, lung and esophageal cancers. Mortality rates were highest in the older. Our results showed an increased risk of colon cancer mortality in both sexes from 2000 to 2015, which was also evidenced for breast and lung cancers in women. In both genders, the highest mortality risk for lung and esophageal cancers was observed in Southern capitals. Midwestern, Southern and Southeastern capitals showed the highest mortality risk for colon cancer both for males and females. Colon cancer mortality rate increased for both genders, while breast and lung cancers mortality increased only for women. The North region showed the lowest mortality rate for breast, cervical, colon and esophageal cancers. The Midwest and Northeast regions showed the highest mortality rates for prostate cancer.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o papel de fatores temporais, geográficos e sociodemográficos na mortalidade por câncer de próstata, mama, colo do útero, cólon, pulmão e esôfago nas capitais brasileiras (2000-2015). Estudo ecológico utilizando informações brasileiras de mortalidade. Modelos de Poisson multinível foram usados ​​para estimar o risco ajustado de mortalidade por câncer. Os níveis de mortalidade foram maiores em homens para câncer de cólon, pulmão e esôfago. As taxas de mortalidade foram mais altas nos idosos. Nossos resultados mostraram risco aumentado de mortalidade por câncer de cólon em ambos os sexos de 2000 a 2015, o que também foi evidenciado para câncer de mama e de pulmão em mulheres. Em ambos os sexos, o maior risco de mortalidade para câncer de pulmão e esôfago foi observado nas capitais do Sul. As capitais do Centro-Oeste, Sul e Sudeste apresentaram o maior risco de mortalidade por câncer de cólon tanto para homens quanto para mulheres. A taxa de mortalidade por câncer de cólon aumentou para ambos os sexos, enquanto a mortalidade por câncer de mama e de pulmão aumentou apenas para as mulheres. A região Norte apresentou a menor taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama, colo do útero, cólon e esôfago. As regiões Centro-Oeste e Nordeste apresentaram as maiores taxas de mortalidade por câncer de próstata.

Clinical Impact of the Line Probe Assay and Xpert® MTB/RIF Assay in the Presumptive Diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Brazil: A Pragmatic Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Rapid molecular methods such as the line probe assay (LPA) and Xpert® MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) have been recommended by the World Health Organization for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) diagnosis. We conducted an interventional trial in DR-TB reference centers in Brazil to evaluate the impact of the use of LPA and Xpert. Methods: Patients with DR-TB were eligible if their drug susceptibility testing results were available to the treating physician at the time of consultation. The standard reference MGITTM 960 was compared with Xpert (arm 1) and LPA (arm 2). Effectiveness was considered as the start of the appropriate TB regimen that matched drug susceptibility testing (DST) and the proportions of culture conversion and favorable treatment outcomes after 6 months. Results: A higher rate of empirical treatment was observed with MGIT alone than with the Xpert assay (97.0% vs. 45.0%) and LPA (98.2% vs. 67.5%). Patients started appropriate TB treatment more quickly than those in the MGIT group (median 15.0 vs. 40.5 days; p<0.01) in arm 1. Compared to the MGIT group, culture conversion after 6 months was higher for Xpert in arm 1 (90.9% vs. 79.3%, p=0.39) and LPA in arm 2 (80.0% vs. 83.0%, p=0.81). Conclusions: In the Xpert arm, there was a significant reduction in days to the start of appropriate anti-TB treatment and a trend towards greater culture conversion in the sixth month.

[Primary care screening of problems in the elderly and a proposal for a screening protocol with a multidimensional approach]. / Rastreamento de problemas de idosos na atenção primária e proposta de roteiro de triagem com uma abordagem multidimensional.

The objectives were to examine psychometric properties of a screening test for the elderly and to propose a protocol for use in primary care. The method consisted of four stages: (1) inter-evaluator reliability for performance tests and self-assessment questions for eight functions; (2) sensitivity and specificity of questions on depression and social support; (3) meeting of experts to select instrumental activities of daily living (IADL); and (4) elaboration of the protocol. Screening lasted 16 minutes. Inter-evaluator reliability was excellent for performance tests but poor for questions. Depression and social support showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity (0.74/0.77 and 0.77/0.96). Four IADL were selected by more than 55% of the experts. Following the results, a screening protocol was elaborated that prioritized the use of performance tests, maintaining questions on mood, social support, and IADL. The study suggests better reproducibility of performance tests when compared to questions. For mood and social support, the questions may provide a first screening stage. The proposed protocol allows rapid screening of problems.

[Prevalence of overburden in caregivers of dependent elderly and associated factors in a poor area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Prevalência de sobrecarga e respectivos fatores associados em cuidadores de idosos dependentes, em uma região pobre do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Population aging has led to increased dependency and overburden of family caregivers of dependent elderly. The aim was to verify prevalence of family caregivers overburden and associated factors in a poor and violent area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 140 elderly and family caregivers, focusing on social support, abuse, cohabitation, and family caregivers overburden, in addition to dependency, cognitive decline, and depression in the elderly. Multiple logistic models were constructed to explain family caregivers overburden. The following characteristics of the elderly were associated with family caregivers overburden: age (OR = 0.94; p < 0.002), depression (OR = 2.59; p < 0.005), and cognitive decline (OR = 3.19; p < 0.03). As for family caregivers characteristics, only social support remained relevant (OR = 2.35; p < 0.005). In conclusion, investigating and treating depression and dementia in the elderly and promoting support for their caregivers can contribute to the effective management of family caregivers overburden and improve quality of care for both.

Handgrip Strength and Factors Associated in Poor Elderly Assisted at a Primary Care Unit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a condition diagnosed when the patient presents low muscle mass, plus low muscle strength or low physical performance. Muscle weakness in the oldest (dynapenia) is a major public health concern because it predicts future all-cause mortality and is associated with falls, disability, cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Grip strength is a simple method for assessment of muscle function in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the grip strength and identify factors associated with handgrip strength variation in elderly people with low socioeconomic status. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on a multidimensional assessment of primary care users that were 60 years or older. The sample size was calculated using an estimated prevalence of depression in older adults of 20%. A kappa coefficient of 0.6 with a 95% confidence interval was used to generate a conservative sample size of 180 individuals. Procedures: tests and scales to assess humor, cognition (MMSE), basic (ADL) and instrumental activities (IADL) of daily living, mobility (Timed Up and Go), strength, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and social support were applied. Questions about falls, chronic diseases and self-rated health (SRH) were also included. Statistical Analysis: Mean, standard deviation and statistical tests were used to compare grip strength means by demographic and health factors. A multivariate linear model was used to explain the relationship of the predictors with grip strength. RESULTS: The group was composed predominantly by women (73%) with a very low level of education (mean 3 years of schooling), mean age of 73.09 (± 7.05) years old, good mobility and without IADL impairment. Mean grip strength of male and female were 31.86Kg (SD 5.55) and 21.69Kg (SD 4.48) [p- 0.0001], respectively. Low grip strength was present in 27.7% of women and 39.6% of men. As expected, men and younger participants had higher grip strength than women and older individuals. In the adjusted model, age (p- 0.03), female sex (p- 0.0001), mobility (p- 0.05), height (p- 0.03) and depression (p- 0.03) were independently associated with low grip strength. For every second more in the mobility test, there was a mean decrease of 0.08 Kg in the grip strength. Elders with depression had a mean reduction of 1.74Kg in the grip strength in relation to those in the comparison groups. There was an average reduction of 8.36Kg in the grip strength of elderly females relative to males. For each year of age after 60 years, it was expected an average reduction of 0.11 Kg in the grip strength. CONCLUSION: our results suggest that low grip strength is associated with age, female sex, height, depression and mobility problems in poor elderly. Grip strength can be a simple, quick and inexpensive means of stratifying elders' risk of sarcopenia in the primary care setting. Efforts should be made to recognize weaker persons and the conditions associated to low grip strength in order to target early interventions to prevent frailty and disability.

Temporal and spatial evolution of maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Brazil, 1997-2012.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal and neonatal mortality are important public health issues in low-income countries. This study evaluated spatial and temporal maternal and neonatal mortality trends in Brazil between 1997 and 2012. METHODS: This study employed spatial analysis techniques using death records from the mortality information system. Maternal mortality rates per 100,000 and neonatal mortality rates (early and late) per 1000 live births were calculated by state, region, and period (1997-2000, 2001-2004, 2005-2008, and 2009-2012). Multivariate negative binomial models were used to explain the risk of death. RESULTS: The mean Brazilian maternal mortality rate was 55.63/100,000 for the entire 1997-2012 period. The rate fell 10% from 1997-2000 (58.92/100,000) to 2001-2004 (52.77/100,000), but later increased 11% during 2009-2012 (58.69/100,000). Early and late neonatal mortality rates fell 33% (to 7.36/1000) and 21% (to 2.29/1000), respectively, during the 1997-2012 period. Every Brazilian region witnessed a drop in neonatal mortality rates. However, maternal mortality increased in the Northeast, North, and Southeast regions. CONCLUSION: Brazil's neonatal mortality rate has improved in recent times, but maternal mortality rates have stagnated, failing to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Public policies and intersectoral efforts may contribute to improvements in these health indicators.

Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Dengue Incidence in Brazil, 2001-2012.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the incidence of dengue greatly increased in the last two decades and there are several factors impeding the control of the disease. The present study focused on describing the space-time evolution of dengue in Brazil from 2001 to 2012 and analyzing the relationship of the reported cases with socio-demographic and environmental factors. METHODS: The analytic units used in the preparation of thematic maps were municipalities. Statistical tests and multilevel regression models were used to evaluate the association between dengue incidence and the following factors: climate, diagnostic period, demographic density, percentage of people living in rural areas, Gross Domestic Product, Gini index, percentage of garbage collection and the rate of households with a sewage network. RESULTS: The largest accumulation of dengue cases in Brazil was concentrated on the Atlantic coast and in the interior part of São Paulo State. The risk of dengue in subtropical and tropical climates was 1.20-11 times lower than that observed in semi-arid climates. In 2009-2010 and 2011-2012, the risks were ten and six times higher than in 2003-2004, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dengue is a common infection in the Brazilian population, with the largest accumulation of dengue cases concentrated on the Atlantic coast and in the interior area of São Paulo State. The high dengue rates observed in the Brazilian coastal region suggest that the cases imported from neighboring countries contribute to the spread of the disease in the country. Our results suggest that several socio-demographic and environmental factors resulted in the increase of dengue in the country over time. This is likely applicable to the occurrence of other arboviruses like Zika and chikungunya. To reverse the situation, Brazil must implement effective public policies that offer basic services such as garbage collection and sanitation networks as well as reduce vector populations.

Spatial dynamics of AIDS incidence in the elderly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1997-2011.

The dynamics of the spread of the AIDS epidemic ranges according to the characteristics of each geographical region in different population groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate spatial and temporal trends of the AIDS epidemic among the elderly in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A retrospective study using spatial analysis techniques was conducted among AIDS cases (≥ 60 years) diagnosed from 1997-2011. The Poisson regression model was used to assess the relationship between year of diagnosis and incidence of AIDS, adjusted by sex. The AIDS epidemic began in the south coast of the state and gradually reached neighboring cities. The highest rates were found in regions around Rio de Janeiro and Niterói cities. The highest smoothed rates of the period were observed in Niterói in 2002-2006: 11.87/100,000 (men) and 8,5/100,000 (women). AIDS incidence rates among the elderly have stabilized in recent decades. To prevent HIV from spreading further among the general population, greater attention should be given to the older population.