Dietary quality index and associated factors among adolescents of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dietary quality and associated factors in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in a sample of 1584 adolescents living in areas of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Dietary intake was measured with the 24-hour recall method, and dietary quality was assessed by means of the Health Eating Index (HEI), adapted to fit to the local requirements. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the HEI and demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: A total of 97.1% of the adolescents studied had an inadequate diet or a diet that needed improvement. The mean overall HEI score was 59.7. Lower mean HEI scores were found for fruits, dairy products, and vegetables. Male adolescents who were physically active and lived in a house or apartment had higher HEI scores. The multiple regression analyses showed that the quality of the diet improved as age decreased. Adolescents who lived in houses or apartments had higher HEI scores than adolescents living in shacks or slums, regardless of age and energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary quality is associated with income and age. A better understanding of the factors associated can provide input to the formulation of policies and development of nutritional actions.

[Factors associated with dietary quality among adults in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil, 2002]. / Fatores associados à qualidade da dieta de adultos residentes na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil, 2002.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors associated with quality of diet in adults residing in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in the district of Butantã and the municipalities of Itapecerica da Serra, Embu, and Taboão da Serra, based on data from a questionnaire and 24-hour recall from 1,840 adults, both males and females, included in a household health survey (ISA-SP). Dietary quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) adapted to the local reality. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between HEI and other variables. Most individuals (75%) ate diets that were rated as "need improvement". The mean HEI was low for fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. Number of durable goods, head-of-family's schooling, and age >or= 60 years were associated with HEI in men. For women, age was associated with HEI. Energy intake was considered an adjustment variable for both genders.

[Common mental disorders and the use of psychoactive drugs: the impact of socioeconomic conditions]. / Transtornos mentais comuns e uso de psicofármacos: impacto das condições socioeconômicas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of socioeconomic conditions on the association between common mental disorders and the use of health services and psychoactive drugs. METHODS: This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Botucatu, Southeastern Brazil. The sample was probabilistic, stratified and cluster-based. Interviews with 1,023 subjects aged 15 years or over were held in their homes between 2001 and 2002. Common mental disorders were evaluated using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The use of services was investigated in relation to the fortnight preceding the interview and the use of psychotropic drugs, over the preceding three days. Logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis, and the design effect was taken into consideration. RESULTS: Out of the whole sample, 13.4% (95% CI: 10.7;16.0) had sought health services over the fortnight preceding the interview. Seeking health services was associated with female gender (OR=2.0) and the presence of common mental disorders (OR=2.2). 13.3% of the sample (95% CI: 9.2;17.5) said they had used at least one psychotropic drug, especially antidepressives (5.0%) and benzodiazepines (3.1%). In the multivariable analysis, female gender and the presence of common mental disorders remained associated with the use of benzodiazepines. Per capita income presented a direct and independent association with the use of psychoactive drugs: the greater the income, the greater the use of these drugs was. CONCLUSIONS: Lower income was associated with the presence of common mental disorders, but not with the use of psychotropic drugs. The association of common mental disorders and the use of psychotropic drugs in relation to higher income strengthens the hypothesis that inequality of access to medical services exists among this population.

[Variables associated with sedentary leisure time in the elderly in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Fatores associados ao sedentarismo no lazer em idosos, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil.

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of sedentary leisure time (no type of leisure-time exercise once a week or more) among the elderly in the city of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil, according to demographic and socioeconomic factors, other health-related behaviors, and the presence of morbidity. This was a population-based cross-sectional study with multiple-stage sampling. Data analysis considered the sample design. Prevalence of sedentary leisure time was 70.9%, and the prevalence ratio was significantly higher than 1.0 for the elderly with lower socioeconomic status (1.31: 1.11-1.55), smokers (1.39: 1.23-1.57), those with common mental disorders (1.20: 1.04-1.39), and females (1.16: 1.00-1.35). Prevalence of walking was 23.5%, followed by fitness or bodybuilding programs (3.8%), and swimming or water aerobics (3.6%). The results show the need to develop global action for health-related behaviors in order for this approach to succeed. Attention should focus on the elderly with common mental disorders and those with lower socioeconomic status to ensure equity in health promotion practices.

Dietary quality and associated factors among adults living in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

This study sought to analyze dietary quality and associated factors among adults living in regions of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. It was a cross-sectional population-based study of a sample of 3,454 adults ages 20 years and over who were included in the Household Health Survey. Dietary intake was measured by means of the 24-hour recall method, and dietary quality was assessed by means of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), adapted to local realities. Probabilistic samples were obtained via multistage cluster samples from four regions in the State of São Paulo. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between the HEI and the demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle variables. Among the individuals assessed, 5% had a good diet, 74% a diet that needed some degree of improvement, and 21% a poor diet. The means for HEI components were lowest for vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. The highest HEI scores were obtained by individuals who were nonsmokers, practiced physical activity, were retired, lived in houses or apartments, and had adequate living conditions surrounding them. In the multiple regression analysis, the variables of numbers of consumer durable goods, schooling of the head of the family, energy intake, and age had a positive association with the HEI. However, the association was inverse for the variables of smoking and body mass index. Higher dietary quality is associated with higher income, higher schooling level, better nutritional status, and being a nonsmoker. Knowledge of these factors is important for implementing programs for preventive nutrition or intervention.

[Mother-child health and nutrition of Kaiowá and Guaraní indigenous children, Caarapó Reserve, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil]. / Saúde materno-infantil e nutrição de crianças Kaiowá e Guaraní, Area Indígena de Caarapó, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of indigenous children and to determine the conditions of mother-child health. A cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 137 children from 0 to 59 months of age from Kaiowá and Guarani indigenous communities, Caarapó Reserve, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Interviews were carried out using a questionnaire covering the conditions of mother-child health. Nutritional evaluation was performed using anthropometric measurements (weight and height). Results showed that 19.7% of mothers had not undergone prenatal examination and 53.3% had home births. Malnutrition in children was 18.2% and 34.1% for the weight/age and height/age indexes, respectively. The proportion of children with malnutrition, when separated by sex, age and education level of the mother, did not show a significant statistical difference for both indexes. This study documented a high occurrence of infant malnutrition and a worrisome mother-child health situation.

[Arterial hypertension in the elderly: prevalence, associated factors, and control practices in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil]. / Hipertensão arterial em idosos: prevalência, fatores associados e práticas de controle no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of reported hypertension among the elderly in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, identifying related factors, the use of healthcare services, and knowledge and practices related to treatment options. This was a cross-sectional population-based study, with stratified clustered multiple-stage sampling. Data analysis for the 426 individuals (60 years of age and older) considered the sampling design and outlining effect. Hypertension prevalence was 51.8% (46.4% in men and 55.9% in women) and was higher among the elderly with less education (55.9%), immigrants from other States (60.2%), and the overweight or obese (57.2%). The results indicate that healthcare services are ensuring access to medical care (71.6% have regular physician appointments) and medication (86.7% take their routine medication), without distinction as to socioeconomic status. However, social inequalities persist in knowledge and use of other measures to control blood pressure, like appropriate diet and exercise, which are also underused by more privileged socioeconomic strata.

[Factors associated with women's failure to submit to Pap smears: a population-based study in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil]. / Fatores associados à não realização do exame de Papanicolaou: um estudo de base populacional no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil.

This study analyzes the prevalence of non-submittal to Pap smears according to socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related behavioral variables in women 40 years or older in Campinas, São Paulo State. This was a cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 290 women. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with not having Pap smears were: age (40-59 years), race/ethnicity (black or mixed-race), and schooling (< 4 years). The following reasons were cited for not having Pap smears: considered unnecessary (43.5%), embarrassment (28.1%), and barriers related to health services (13.7%). The Unified National Health System performed 43.2% of the reported Pap smears. Health services should promote more equitable access to the health care system and improve the quality of care for women, since Pap smears are an effective tool against cervical cancer. The study confirmed that women's failure to obtain Pap smears is associated with social and racial inequality, placing these women at increased risk of cervical cancer.

[Factors associated with pulmonary disease among the elderly]. / Fatores associados à doença pulmonar em idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of reported pulmonary disease among elderly subjects, according to sociodemographic and economic characteristics, lifestyle, physical mobility, and health status. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study that included 1,957 elderly subjects (aged 60 and over). Information was collected by means of interviews. Subjects were selected using a two-stage probabilistic, stratified, cluster sampling strategy in six municipalities in the State of São Paulo between 2001 and 2002. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared association tests, prevalence ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were utilized. Adjusted analysis was carried out by Poisson regression. RESULTS: Among the interviewees, around 7% reported pulmonary disease. There was no association between pulmonary disease and influenza vaccination. Adjusted analysis identified the following factors that were independently associated with reported disease: smoking (PR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.39-2.97); medication use (PR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.11-3.79); health status self-assessed as poor or very poor (PR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.20-2.96); and depression, anxiety, or emotional problems (PR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.11-3.10). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study reinforce the importance of respiratory diseases among the elderly, particularly in more vulnerable groups. Preventive measures and specific care for such groups are therefore justified.

Factors associated with the prevalence of hypertension and control practices among elderly residents of São Paulo city, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hypertension and control practices among the elderly. The survey analyzed data from 872 elderly people in São Paulo, Brazil, through a cluster sampling, stratified according to education and income. A Poisson multiple regression model checked for the existence of factors associated with hypertension. The prevalence of self-reported hypertension among the elderly was 46.9%. Variables associated with hypertension were self-rated health, alcohol consumption, gender, and hospitalization in the last year, regardless of age. The three most common measures taken to control hypertension, but only rarely, are oral medication, routine salt-free diet and physical activity. Lifestyle and socioeconomic status did not affect the practice of control, but knowledge about the importance of physical activity was higher among those older people with higher education and greater income. The research suggests that health policies that focus on primary care to encourage lifestyle changes among the elderly are necessary.

[Physical disability and hospitalization in São Paulo, Brazil]. / Associação entre deficiências físicas e hospitalizações na população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil.

This study aimed to verify the association between physical disability and hospitalization in São Paulo, Brazil, based on a health survey conducted in 2008. The study used a probabilistic stratified sampling process (sex/age) with two-stage clustering (census tracts and households). Data were collected through structured interviews including thematic 21 sections, using mostly multiple-choice questions. The analysis used crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) with Poisson regression. The survey module of Stata 9.2 was used, with significance set at 5%. A total of 2,690 persons were interviewed, with a mean age of 38.75 years (95%CI: 37.54-39.96). Hospitalization was associated with disability (hearing, PR = 1.59; physical, PR = 3.77; multiple PR = 3.26). People with disabilities (hearing, physical - paralysis/amputation, and multiple) reported more hospitalizations than those without disabilities.

[Prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and associated factors: a population-based study in São Paulo, Brazil, 2008-2009]. / Prevalência de atividade física no lazer e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional em São Paulo, Brasil, 2008-2009.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of self-reported leisure-time physical activity and related factors in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, 2008-2009. A population- based cross-sectional study interviewed 2,691 individuals of both sexes, 12 years or older. A two-stage cluster (census tract, household) random sample provided data using home interviews in 2008 and 2009. Leisure-time physical activity was measured with IPAQ, long version. Complex sample-adjusted descriptive statistics provided prevalence estimates, chi-square tests screened associations, and prevalence ratios (PR) expressed effects. Multiple Poisson regression was used to ascertain adjusted effects, and design effects were calculated. Of the interviewees, 16.4% (95%CI: 14.3-18.7) reported leisure-time physical activity. The findings indicate the importance of encouraging leisure-time physical activity, which was associated with male sex, higher income, younger age (12 to 29 years), not smoking, and not reporting frequent fatigue.

[Comparison of prevalence estimates for health indicators in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil, in 2001-2002 (ISA-SP) and 2008-2009 (ISA-Camp)]. / Comparação das estimativas de prevalência de indicadores de saúde no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, nos anos de 2001/2002 (ISA-SP) e 2008/2009 (ISA-Camp).

The aim of the study was to compare prevalence estimates of health indicators for adults living in Campinas, São Paulo State, using data from two household surveys (ISA-SP 2001-2002 and ISA-Camp 2008-2009), analyzing data from 941 and 2,637 individuals 18 years and older, respectively. Socio-demographic variables were used to characterize the study population. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals were estimated, and comparisons were performed by prevalence ratios adjusted for sex, age, and education, obtained by Poisson regression with robust variance. Statistically significant differences were observed for prevalence of morbidity, medication, smoking, and lifetime Pap smear and mammogram. Surveillance of health indicators by repeated surveys in the same population can facilitate monitoring goals and objectives by providing support to plan public health interventions.

Diet quality among adolescents: a population-based study in Campinas, Brazil.

We assessed the overall diet quality and adequacy of diet consumption of each component of the diet of adolescents according to demographic, socioeconomic and body mass index (BMI) data. A cross-sectional population-based study analyzed a representative sample of 409 adolescents, aged 12-19 years, using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). We estimated the prevalence of diets classified in the first quartile of the HEI and the average scores of each component of the HEI. Linear and Poisson multiple regressions were used in the analysis. The mean score of HEI was 59.7. We observed a lower prevalence of inadequate diets in the segment with heads of household presenting higher schooling. The lower socioeconomic status segments, measured by income and schooling, showed a lower consumption of vegetables, fruits, dairy products and a less diversified diet, and a higher intake of cereals and legumes. Overweight/obese adolescents consume more meat and eggs and less fruit compared to low weight/normal weight adolescents. Girls had a higher intake of total fat and lower sodium intake. The results identified diet components that deserve more attention in the strategies to promote healthy eating, and the more vulnerable segments among adolescents.

[Prevalence of asthma and risk factors associated: population based study in São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, 2008-2009]. / Prevalência de asma e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional em São Paulo, SP, 2008-2009.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of asthma and risk factors associated in children and adolescents. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 1,185 female and male children and adolescents carried out in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, from 2008 to 2009. Data were collected through home interviews. Respondents were selected from two-stage (census tract, household) cluster random sampling stratified by gender and age. Multiple Poisson regression was used in the adjusted analysis between the outcome and socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle and health condition variables. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 9.1% (95%CI 7.0;11.7) reported asthma. After adjustment, the following variables were found independently associated with asthma: age (0 to 4 years vs. 15 to 19) (PR 3.18, 95%CI 1.20;8.42); age (5 to 9 years vs. 15 to 19) (PR 6.37, 95%CI 2.64;15.39); age (10 to 14 years vs. 15 to 19) (PR 4.51, 95%CI 1.95;10.40); allergy (yes vs. no) (PR 2.22, 95%CI 1.24;4.00); rhinitis (yes vs. no) (PR 2.13, 95%CI 1.22;3.73); health conditions in the 15 days preceding the interview (yes vs. no) (PR 1.96, 95%CI 1.23;3.11); number of rooms in the household (1 to 3 vs. 4 and more) (PR 1.67, 95%CI 1.05;2.66); and skin color (black and mixed vs. white) (PR 2.00, 95%CI 1.14;3.49). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the importance of factors associated with asthma including rhinitis and allergy; age between 5 to 9 years old; black and mixed skin color; and household with few rooms. Frequent health problems are seen as a common consequence of asthma.

Respiratory diseases and associated factors: population-based study in São Paulo, 2008-2009.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of acute bronchitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis among children and adolescents and identify associated factors. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study. A household survey was conducted with 1,185 children and adolescents from the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil), from 2008 to 2009. The participants were selected by means of probability sampling, stratified by sex and age, and by two-stage cluster sampling. For the adjusted analysis, multiple Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 7.3% reported acute bronchitis, 22.6% rhinitis and 15.3% sinusitis. After the adjusted analysis, the following characteristics were associated with self;reported acute bronchitis: age 0 to 4 years (PR=17.86; 95%CI: 3.65;90.91), 5 to 9 years (PR=37.04; 95%CI: 8.13;166.67), 10 to 14 years (PR=20,83; 95%CI: 4.93;90.91), allergy (PR=3.12; 95%CI: 1.70;5.73), black and mixed-ethnicity (black and white) skin color (PR=2.29; 95%CI: 1.21;4.35), and living in a household with 1 to 3 rooms (PR=1.85; 95%CI: 1.17;2.94). As to self-reported rhinitis, the following characteristics were associated: age 10 to 14 years (PR=2.77; 95%CI: 1.60;4.78), 15 to 19 years (PR=2.58; 95%CI: 1.52;4.39), allergy (PR=4.32; 95%CI: 2.79;6.70), asthma (PR=2.30; 95%CI: 1.30;4.10) and living in flats (PR=1.70; 95%CI: 1.06;2.73). Concerning self-reported sinusitis, the following characteristics were associated: age 5 to 9 years (PR=2.44; 95%CI: 1.09;5.43), 10 to 14 years (PR=2.99; 95%CI: 1.36;6.58), 15 to 19 years (PR=3.62; 95%CI: 1.68;7.81), allergy (PR=2.23 (95%CI: 1.41;3.52) and obesity (PR=4.42; 95%CI: 1.56;12.50). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory diseases were more prevalent in population groups with defined characteristics, such as age group, self-reported diseases, type of household and obesity.

[Factors associated with smoking in the elderly: a health survey in São Paulo (ISA-SP)]. / Fatores associados ao tabagismo em idosos: Inquérito de Saúde no Estado de São Paulo (ISA-SP).

This article reports on smoking prevalence and associated factors in the elderly, based on a population-based cross-sectional study with multi-stage sampling including 1,954 individuals 60 years or older living in four areas of São Paulo State, Brazil. Overall smoking prevalence was 12.2%, and higher rates were associated with male gender, age 60-69 years, not belonging to an Evangelical church, lower income, low body weight, lack of leisure-time physical activity, depression/anxiety, and hypertension. There was a high prevalence of smokers among individuals with a history of stroke, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The results point to the need for effective interventions in healthcare services to promote smoking cessation among the elderly, since many are unable to stop on their own, even when they have tobacco-related illnesses. Special attention should be paid to individuals that depend on the National Health System, since smoking prevalence is higher in underprivileged socioeconomic groups.

[Use of medication and associated factors: a population-based study in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Utilização de medicamentos e fatores associados: um estudo de base populacional no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil.

This article analyzes prevalence rates in the use of medication according to demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related behavioral variables through a population-based cross-sectional study of individuals 18 years and older (n=941) in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. The study used multistage sampling, both stratified and cluster. Chi-square test was performed, and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated by gender and age, both with 95% confidence intervals. A Poisson multiple regression model was developed, and the following factors were associated with use of medication: female gender, age 40 and over, reported illness in the previous two weeks, and number of chronic diseases. The most widely consumed drugs were for the cardiovascular and nervous systems, besides herbal remedies. Prevalence of medication in Campinas was lower than in most studies. Local health surveys could help identify drug use patterns and guarantee more appropriate interventions for pharmaceutical care policy.

Health-related behavior and quality of life among the elderly: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between health-related behaviors and quality of life among the elderly. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out including 1,958 elderly living in four areas in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, 2001/2002. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36-Item Short Form Health Survey instrument. This instrument's eight subscales and two components were the dependent variables. Independent variables were physical activity, weekly frequency of alcohol consumption and smoking. Multiple linear regression models were used to control for the effect of gender, age, schooling, work, area of residence and number of chronic conditions. RESULTS: Physical activity was positively associated with the eight SF-36 subscales. The stronger associations were found for role-physical (ß=11.9), physical functioning (ß=11.3) and physical component. Elderly individuals who consumed alcohol at least once a week showed a better quality of life than those did not consume alcohol. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had a poorer quality of life for the mental component (ß=-2.4). CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption and no smoking are positively associated with a better quality of life in the elderly.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil, 2008-2009.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related risk factors. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study with 1,441 individuals of both sexes aged 40 years or more was conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2008 and 2009. A two-stage (census tract, household) cluster random sampling stratified by sex and age was used and data was collected through home interviews. Multiple Poisson regression was used in the adjusted analysis. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 4.2% (95%CI: 3.1;5.4) reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After adjustment the following factors were found independently associated with self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: number of cigarettes smoked in their lifetime (>1,500 vs. none) (PR=3.85; 95%CI: 1.87;7.94); easily fatigued (yes vs. no) (PR=2.61; 95%CI: 1.39;4.90); age (60;69 vs. 50;59) (PR 3.27; 95%CI: 1.01;11.24); age (70 and over vs. 50;59) (PR 4.29; 95%CI: 1.30;11.29); health conditions in the last 15 days (yes vs. no) (PR=1.31; 95%CI: 1.02;1.77); leisure-time physical activity (yes vs. no) (PR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.26;0.97). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is high in the population studied and is associated with smoking and age over 60. Frequent health conditions and low leisure-time physical activity are a consequence of the disease.