Personal and Network-Related Factors Associated to Diagnosis Disclosure Reactions for Children and Adolescents Living with HIV.

The process of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis disclosure for vertically infected young people living with HIV has proven decisive for acceptance/adherence to treatment. Herein, we present a cross-sectional study aiming at evaluating how individual and network related variables are associated with reactions to HIV disclosure among them. We used the egocentric approach with a structured questionnaire applied to individuals aged 15-25 years in an HIV referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Outcome variable referred to adoption or not of risk behavior after diagnostic disclosure, was classified as "good"/"bad" reactions. Results showed that, of the 80 study participants, 25% reported a "bad reaction" to diagnostic disclosure, an outcome that was more common for patients with at least one friend in their social support network (OR 4.81; 95%CI [1.05-22.07]). In conclusion, a "bad reaction" to HIV serological disclosure may be associated with inadequate structure of the individual's social support network.

RESUMEN: El proceso de divulgación del diagnóstico del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es decisivo para la aceptación/adhesión a tratamiento de los jóvenes infectados verticalmente que viven con VIH. Presentamos un estudio transversal con el objetivo de evaluar cómo variables individuales y de red están asociadas con reacciones a la divulgación del VIH entre ellos. Utilizamos el enfoque egocéntrico por medio de un cuestionario estructurado aplicado a personas de 15-25 años en un Centro de Referencia para VIH en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. La variable de resultado se refiere a la adopción o no de comportamiento de riesgo después de la divulgación del diagnóstico, clasificadas como reacciones "buena"/"mala". Los resultados mostraron que, de los 80 participantes del estudio, el 25% reportó una "mala reacción" a la divulgación diagnóstica. Este resultado fue más común en pacientes con al menos un amigo en su red de apoyo social (OR:4.81; IC95% [1.05-22.07]). Como conclusión, una "mala reacción" a la divulgación serológica del VIH puede estar asociada con una estructura inadecuada de la red de apoyo social del individuo.

Noise exposure and hypertension: investigation of a silent relationship.

BACKGROUND: Noise is an important occupational hazard worldwide and hypertension a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is currently the greatest cause of disability retirement worldwide. The association between noise exposure and auditory effects is well documented in the biomedical literature, but the same is not true about exposure to different levels of noise and extra-auditory effects. It has been shown that noise exposure levels to be considered for non-auditory effects may not be the same as in the case of auditory effects. The frequent presence of noise in workplace environments, the high prevalence of hypertension worldwide, the biological plausibility of the association between noise exposure and high blood pressure and the need for more studies investigating the non-auditory effects of exposures to less than 85 dB(A), were the reasons that led us to develop this study. We aimed at investigating the hypothesis that exposure to different levels of noise is associated with hypertension. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional design to study the association between occupational noise exposure (≤75, 75-85, and ≥ 85 dB(A)) and hypertension (use of anti-hypertensive medication and/or blood pressure of ≥140/90 mmHg) in 1,729 petrochemical workers at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected from obligatory annual health evaluation records and from environmental measurements of noise and heat levels. We used logistical regression analysis to study the association while controlling for key confounding variables, such as smoking and body mass index. RESULTS: Using the ≤75 dB(A) as reference category, noise exposure was independently associated to hypertension both at the 75-85 dB(A) (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.13-2.17) and the ≥85 dB(A) levels (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.10-2.26). Age, gender and body mass index were also independently associated to high blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Herein, we were able to demonstrate that noise exposure is independently associated to hypertension. Our results are consistent with other studies that used similar methodology and enabled us to verify the occurrence of non-auditory effects in workers exposed to noise levels considered safe for auditory effects.

High-risk spatial clusters for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spatial distribution and identify high-risk spatial clusters of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya (ZDC), in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their socioeconomic status. METHODS: An ecological study based on data from a seroprevalence survey. Using a rapid diagnostic test to detect the arboviruses, 2,114 individuals were tested in 2018. The spatial distribution was analyzed using kernel estimation. To detect high-risk spatial clusters of arboviruses, we used multivariate scan statistics. The Social Development Index (SDI) was considered in the analysis of socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Among the 2,114 individuals, 1,714 (81.1%) were positive for at least one arbovirus investigated. The kernel estimation showed positive individuals for at least one arbovirus in all regions of the city, with hot spots in the North, coincident with regions with very low or low SDI. The scan statistic detected three significant (p<0.05) high-risk spatial clusters for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. These clusters correspond to 35.7% (n=613) of all positive individuals of the sample. The most likely cluster was in the North (cluster 1) and overlapped regions with very low and low SDI. Clusters 2 and 3 were in the West and overlapping regions with low and very low SDI, respectively. The highest values of relative risks were in cluster 1 for CHIKV (1.97), in cluster 2 for ZIKV (1.58), and in cluster 3 for CHIKV (1.44). Regarding outcomes in the clusters, the Flavivirus had the highest frequency in clusters 1, 2, and 3 (42.83%, 54.46%, and 52.08%, respectively). CONCLUSION: We found an over-risk for arboviruses in areas with the worst socioeconomic conditions in Rio de Janeiro. Moreover, the highest concentration of people negative for arboviruses occurred in areas considered to have better living conditions.

Health Impact Assessment in protected areas: a proposal for urban contexts in Brazil.

The use of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in the establishment of an urban protected area can enhance the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts resulting from its implementation. Brazil hosts some of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world and the HIA may benefit biodiversity and human health. These areas are commonly created without any preceding survey to assess their impacts on health. Protected areas located in urban zones are essential to maintain environmental balance and quality of life in cities. It promotes positive impacts on health, providing ecosystem services and salutogenic benefits. However, they can generate negative impacts such as the violation of human rights, property speculation, spread of vectorial diseases, and psychosocial stress. Based on the identification of the potential impacts of urban protected areas on health and best practices, this qualitative and exploratory study justifies the use of HIA in urban protected areas, especially in the Brazil, and indicates the main elements for the construction of a methodological approach to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and one of its alternatives, the Buen Vivir approach.

Risk assessment for HIV infection in men who have sex with men and the contribution of sexual partner networks. / Avaliação de risco para infecção HIV em homens que fazem sexo com homens e a contribuição das redes de parceiros sexuais.

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) by developing an index that considers sex partner networks. The index variables were age, ethnicity/skin color, schooling, relationship type, condom use in receptive and insertive relationships, self-perception of the possibility of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and rapid HIV testing results. We used data from a cross-sectional MSM egocentric network survey conducted in Rio de Janeiro between 2014 and 2015. The initial research volunteer is called ego, each partner is called alter, and each pair of people in a relationship is called the dyad. Multiple logistic regression was used to define the coefficients of the equations for the elaboration of the indices. The index ranged from 0 to 1; the closer to 1, the higher the risk of HIV infection. HIV prevalence was 13.9% among egos. The mean egos index with an HIV-reactive test was 57% higher than non-reactive, and the same profile was observed in the index values of dyads. The index allowed the incorporation of network data through the dyads and contributed to the identification of individuals with a higher likelihood of acquiring HIV.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o risco de infecção por HIV em homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) a partir do desenvolvimento de um índice que considere as redes de parceiros sexuais. As variáveis do índice foram faixa etária, raça/cor, escolaridade, tipo de relacionamento, uso de preservativo em relações receptivas e insertivas, autopercepção da chance de se infectar pelo HIV, história de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, além dos resultados dos testes rápidos para HIV. Foram utilizados dados de uma pesquisa de rede egocêntricas HSH, com desenho transversal, realizada no Rio de Janeiro entre 2014 e 2015. O voluntário inicial da pesquisa é denominado ego, cada parceiro é alter, e cada par de pessoas em um relacionamento é a díade. Utilizou-se regressão logística múltipla para definição dos coeficientes das equações para elaboração dos índices. O índice variou de 0 a 1, quanto mais próximo de 1, maior o risco de infecção por HIV. A prevalência de HIV dos egos foi de 13,9%. A média do índice dos egos com teste HIV reagente foi 57% maior do que aqueles não reagentes, o mesmo perfil foi observado nos valores dos índices das díades. O índice permitiu incorporar os dados das redes por meio das díades e contribuiu para a identificação de indivíduos com maior chance de aquisição do HIV.

Port and industrial compound of Pecém: an epidemiological survey. / Complexo industrial e portuário do Pecém: um inquérito epidemiológico.

This research aimed to analyze the dwellers' knowledge of the territories, Pecém Port and Industrial Compound (CIPP), the quality of life of the communities living in the vicinity of the enterprises, and the prevalence of hypertension and overweight. This is a home-based, epidemiological survey of four areas of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in São Gonçalo do Amarante and one area of the ESF in Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil. The study was carried out between 10/2017 and 03/2018. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed, and sociodemographic data and knowledge about community, the CIPP, and quality of life were collected. A total of 69.8% of the 503 adults interviewed were female, and the mean age was 44 years. Parada was the area reporting the highest percentage of problems related to air particles (51.1%), the worst concept regarding the CIPP (40.1% bad), the highest percentage of worse quality of life (29, 1%), and greater desire to move to another place (31.5%). Pecém had the highest percentage of community problems related to violence, consumption of illicit drugs, and prostitution. We concluded that there are signs of impact on local populations' health and quality of life without more significant direct work/income benefits.

Esta pesquisa busca analisar o conhecimento dos moradores sobre o território, Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP), qualidade de vida das comunidades que vivem no entorno dos empreendimentos, além da prevalência de hipertensão e excesso de peso. Trata-se de um inquérito epidemiológico, de base domiciliar, envolvendo quatro áreas da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) do Município de São Gonçalo do Amarante e uma de Caucaia, Ceará, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado entre 10/2017 e 03/2018, em que foram realizadas aferições antropométricas e pressão arterial e coletados dados sociodemográficos e o conhecimento sobre comunidade, CIPP e qualidade de vida. Dos 503 adultos entrevistados, 69,8% eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade foi 44 anos. Parada foi a área que relatou o maior percentual de problemas relacionados às partículas aéreas (51,1%), pior conceito em relação ao CIPP (40,1% ruim), maior percentual de piora da qualidade de vida (29,1%) e maior desejo de mudar (31,5%). Pecém apresentou maior percentual de problemas na comunidade relacionados à violência, consumo de drogas ilícitas e prostituição. Conclui-se que se apresenta indícios de impacto na saúde e qualidade de vida das populações locais sem maiores benefícios diretos no trabalho/renda.

An Assessment of Health Outcomes and Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Women of Childbearing Age and Their Children under 2 Years Old.

In line with the 1000-day initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, we present a cross-sectional analysis of maternal health, infant nutrition, and methylmercury exposure within hard-to-reach indigenous communities in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. We collected data from all women of childbearing age (i.e., 12-49) and their infants under two years old in three Munduruku communities (Sawré Muybu, Sawré Aboy, and Poxo Muybu) along the Tapajos River. We explored health outcomes through interviews, vaccine coverage and clinical assessment, and determined baseline hair methylmercury (H-Hg) levels. Hemoglobin, infant growth (Anthropometric Z scores) and neurodevelopment tests results were collected. We found that 62% of women of childbearing age exceeded the reference limit of 6.0 µg/g H-Hg (median = 7.115, IQR = 4.678), with the worst affected community (Sawré Aboy) registering an average H-Hg concentration of 12.67 µg/g. Half of infants aged under 24 months presented with anemia. Three of 16 (18.8%) infants presented H-Hg levels above 6.0 µg/g (median: 3.88; IQR = 3.05). Four of the 16 infants were found to be stunted and 38% of women overweight, evidencing possible nutritional transition. No infant presented with appropriate vaccination coverage for their age. These communities presented with an estimated Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 86.7/1000 live births. The highest H-Hg level (19.6 µg/g) was recorded in an 11-month-old girl who was found to have gross motor delay and anemia. This already vulnerable indigenous Munduruku community presents with undernutrition and a high prevalence of chronic methylmercury exposure in women of childbearing age. This dual public health crisis in the context of wider health inequalities has the potential to compromise the development, health and survival of the developing fetus and infant in the first two critical years of life. We encourage culturally sensitive intervention and further research to focus efforts.

Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Methodological Background and an Overview of the Principal Results.

The Amazonian indigenous peoples depend on natural resources to live, but human activities' growing impacts threaten their health and livelihoods. Our objectives were to present the principal results of an integrated and multidisciplinary analysis of the health parameters and assess the mercury (Hg) exposure levels in indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a census of three Munduruku indigenous villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy), located in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, between 29 October and 9 November 2019. The investigation included: (i) sociodemographic characterization of the participants; (ii) health assessment; (iii) genetic polymorphism analysis; (iv) hair mercury determination; and (v) fish mercury determination. We used the logistic regression model with conditional Prevalence Ratio (PR), with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) to explore factors associated with mercury exposure levels ≥6.0 µg/g. A total of 200 participants were interviewed. Mercury levels (197 hair samples) ranged from 1.4 to 23.9 µg/g, with significant differences between the villages (Kruskal-Wallis test: 19.9; p-value < 0.001). On average, the general prevalence of Hg exposure ≥ 6.0 µg/g was 57.9%. For participants ≥12 years old, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g showed associated with no regular income (PR: 1.3; CI95%: 1.0-1.8), high blood pressure (PR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.3-2.1) and was more prominent in Sawré Aboy village (PR: 1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.3). For women of childbearing age, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g was associated with high blood pressure (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.2-2.3), with pregnancy (PR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.0-2.1) and was more prominent among residents in Poxo Muybu (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.0-3.4) and Sawré Aboy (PR: 2.5; CI95%: 1.4-4.4) villages. Our findings suggest that chronic mercury exposure causes harmful effects to the studied indigenous communities, especially considering vulnerable groups of the population, such as women of childbearing age. Lastly, we propose to stop the illegal mining in these areas and develop a risk management plan that aims to ensure the health, livelihoods, and human rights of the indigenous people from Amazon Basin.

[Estimate of mean daily concentration of fine particulate matter in the Industrial and Port Complex area of Pecém, Ceará, Brazil]. / Estimativa da concentração média diária de material particulado fino na região do Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém, Ceará, Brasil.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with numerous negative health outcomes. Thus, monitoring the environmental concentration of PM2.5 is important, especially in heavily industrialized areas, since they harbor potential emitters of PM2.5 and substances with the potential to increase the toxicity of already suspended particles. This study aims to estimate daily concentrations of PM2.5 in three areas under the influence of the Industrial and Port Complex of Pecém (CIPP), Ceará State, Brazil. A nonlinear regression model was applied to estimate PM2.5, using satellite-monitored optical depth data. Estimates were performed in three areas of influence (Ai) of the CIPP (São Gonçalo do Amarante - AiI, Paracuru and Paraipaba - AiII, and Caucaia - AiIII), from 2006 to 2017. Estimated mean annual concentrations were lower than established by Brazil's national legislation in all three Ai (8µg m-³). In all the Ai, the months of the dry season (September to February) showed the highest concentrations and a predominance of east winds, while the months of the rainy season (March to August) showed the lowest concentrations and less defined winds Weather conditions can play an important role in the removal, dispersal, or maintenance of concentrations of particulate matter in the region. Even at low estimated concentrations, it is important to assess the composition of fine participles in this region and their possible association with adverse health outcomes in the local population.

Zika, dengue and chikungunya population prevalence in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, and the importance of seroprevalence studies to estimate the real number of infected individuals.

In the last 40 years, Latin America countries, including Brazil, have suffered from the emergence and reemergence of arboviruses, first Dengue (DENV) and recently Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV). All three arboviruses are currently endemic in Brazil and have caused major outbreaks in recent years. Rio de Janeiro city, host of the last Summer Olympic Games and the Football World Cup, has been specially affected by them. A surveillance system based on symptomatic reports is in place in Rio, but the true number of affected individuals is unknown due to the great number of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya asymptomatic cases. Seroprevalence studies are more suitable to evaluate the real number of cases in a given population. We performed a populational seroprevalence survey in Rio, with recruitment of a sample of volunteers of all ages and gender from July to October 2018, within randomly selected census tracts and household. A total of 2,120 volunteers were interviewed and tested with rapid immunochromatographic test for ZIKV, DENV and CHIKV. Individuals with positive results for IgG and/or IgM from only one virus were classified accordingly, while those with test results positive for both ZIKV and DENV were classified as flaviviruses. We corrected for sample design and non-response in data analysis, and calculated point estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for each virus. Arbovirus prevalence in the Rio's population (n = 6,688,927) was estimated at 48.6% [95% CI 44.8-52.4] (n = 3,254,121) for flaviviruses and at 18.0% [95% CI 14.8-21.2] (n = 1,204,765) for CHIKV. Approximately 17.0% [95% CI 14.1-20.1] (n = 1,145,674) of Rio´s population had no contact with any of the three arboviruses. The reported cases of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya by the current surveillance system in place is insufficient to estimate their real numbers, and our data indicate that Zika seroprevalence could be at least five times and Chikungunya 45 times bigger. The high number of individuals having never been infected by any of the three arboviruses, may indicate a proper scenario for future outbreaks.

High-risk spatial clusters for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the spatial distribution and identify high-risk spatial clusters of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya (ZDC), in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their socioeconomic status. METHODS An ecological study based on data from a seroprevalence survey. Using a rapid diagnostic test to detect the arboviruses, 2,114 individuals were tested in 2018. The spatial distribution was analyzed using kernel estimation. To detect high-risk spatial clusters of arboviruses, we used multivariate scan statistics. The Social Development Index (SDI) was considered in the analysis of socioeconomic status. RESULTS Among the 2,114 individuals, 1,714 (81.1%) were positive for at least one arbovirus investigated. The kernel estimation showed positive individuals for at least one arbovirus in all regions of the city, with hot spots in the North, coincident with regions with very low or low SDI. The scan statistic detected three significant (p<0.05) high-risk spatial clusters for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. These clusters correspond to 35.7% (n=613) of all positive individuals of the sample. The most likely cluster was in the North (cluster 1) and overlapped regions with very low and low SDI. Clusters 2 and 3 were in the West and overlapping regions with low and very low SDI, respectively. The highest values of relative risks were in cluster 1 for CHIKV (1.97), in cluster 2 for ZIKV (1.58), and in cluster 3 for CHIKV (1.44). Regarding outcomes in the clusters, the Flavivirus had the highest frequency in clusters 1, 2, and 3 (42.83%, 54.46%, and 52.08%, respectively). CONCLUSION We found an over-risk for arboviruses in areas with the worst socioeconomic conditions in Rio de Janeiro. Moreover, the highest concentration of people negative for arboviruses occurred in areas considered to have better living conditions.

Health Impact Assessment in protected areas: a proposal for urban contexts in Brazil / Avaliação de Impacto à Saúde em áreas protegidas: uma proposta para contextos urbanos no Brasil / Evaluación del Impacto en la Salud en áreas protegidas: una propuesta para contextos urbanos en Brasil

Abstract: The use of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in the establishment of an urban protected area can enhance the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts resulting from its implementation. Brazil hosts some of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world and the HIA may benefit biodiversity and human health. These areas are commonly created without any preceding survey to assess their impacts on health. Protected areas located in urban zones are essential to maintain environmental balance and quality of life in cities. It promotes positive impacts on health, providing ecosystem services and salutogenic benefits. However, they can generate negative impacts such as the violation of human rights, property speculation, spread of vectorial diseases, and psychosocial stress. Based on the identification of the potential impacts of urban protected areas on health and best practices, this qualitative and exploratory study justifies the use of HIA in urban protected areas, especially in the Brazil, and indicates the main elements for the construction of a methodological approach to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and one of its alternatives, the Buen Vivir approach.

Resumo: O uso da Avaliação de Impacto à Saúde (AIS) na criação de uma área protegida urbana pode potencializar os impactos positivos e mitigar os impactos negativos resultantes de sua implementação. O Brasil abriga alguns dos mais importantes hotspots de biodiversidade do mundo e a implementação da AIS pode beneficiar tanto estas áreas como a saúde humana. As áreas protegidas urbanas são comumente estabelecidas sem qualquer avaliação prévia de seus impactos na saúde e são essenciais para manter o equilíbrio ambiental e a qualidade de vida nas cidades. Além disso, as áreas protegidas impactam positivamente a saúde, fornecendo serviços ecossistêmicos e benefícios salutogênicos. Contudo, podem gerar impactos negativos, como violação de direitos humanos, especulação imobiliária, disseminação de doenças vetoriais e estresse psicossocial. Com base na identificação dos impactos potenciais das áreas protegidas urbanas na saúde e nas melhores práticas para aplicá-las, este estudo qualitativo e exploratório justifica o uso da AIS em áreas protegidas urbanas, especialmente no Brasil, e indica os principais elementos para a construção de uma abordagem metodológica que contribua com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e uma de suas alternativas, a abordagem Buen Vivir.

Resumen: Usar la Evaluación del Impacto en la Salud (EIS) para crear un área protegida urbana puede potenciar los impactos positivos y mitigar los impactos negativos resultantes de su implementación. En Brasil se pueden encontrar algunos de los hotspots de biodiversidad más importantes del mundo e implementar la EIS puede beneficiar tanto estas áreas como la salud humana. Las áreas protegidas urbanas, en general, se establecen sin cualquier evaluación previa de sus impactos en la salud y son esenciales para mantener el equilibrio ambiental y la calidad de vida en las ciudades. Además, las áreas protegidas tienen un impacto positivo en la salud, proporcionando servicios ecosistémicos y beneficios salutogénicos. Sin embargo, pueden generar impactos negativos, como la violación de los derechos humanos, la especulación inmobiliaria, la propagación de enfermedades vectoriales y el estrés psicosocial. Con base en la identificación de los posibles impactos de las áreas protegidas urbanas en la salud y en las mejores prácticas para aplicarlas, este estudio cualitativo y exploratorio justifica el uso de la EIS en áreas protegidas urbanas, sobre todo en Brasil, e indica los elementos principales para construir un enfoque metodológico que contribuya a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible y una de sus alternativas, el enfoque Buen Vivir.

Challenges and Prospects for Integrating the Assessment of Health Impacts in the Licensing Process of Large Capital Project in Brazil.

Brazil was one of the first countries in Latin America to institutionalize a National Environmental Policy in 1981, including the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process of economic activities with anticipated impacts on the environment. Today, EIA practice in Brazil comes with a number of limitations: it is constrained by its environmental advocacy role; application is strongly oriented towards large capital projects; and social responsibility considerations are only partially included. Consequently, EIA studies mainly address issues connected to localised and direct environmental impacts, largely ignoring any socio-economic and health impacts. This perspective paper highlights limitations of current EIA practice in Brazil with a focus on health considerations in impact assessment. While recognizing the positive impact to municipalities where large capital projects are being developed and operated, adverse impacts on health are a reality with measurable evidence in Brazil. Therefore, we argue that specificities on how to systematically assess and monitor potential health impacts cannot remain invisible in the Brazilian legislation, as currently seen in the reformulation of the licensing process in the country. The process of better integrating the assessment of health impacts in the licensing process of large capital project in Brazil must, however, not be based on the imposition of an external model but should be promoted by internal stakeholders from the environmental and health sector, incorporating the experiences gained in various case studies from all over the country.

Projeto de ação integrativa serviço-academia para testagem para IST/HIV em unidades móveis em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro / Service-academy integrative action project for STI/HIV testing in mobile units in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro

RESUMO O conhecimento precoce da sorologia do HIV/IST favorece a adoção de medidas preventivas. Estruturas móveis de atendimento conseguem ampliar as testagens, principalmente em populações de difícil acesso. Neste artigo, apresentamos informações básicas coletadas em uma ação de testagem móvel para HIV, sífilis e hepatites virais realizada entre 02/2016 e 06/2017 em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, descrevemos alguns desafios da implementação e discutimos a importância da interdisciplinaridade no enfrentamento das IST/HIV. A soroprevalência do HIV foi de 1,6%, variando com o mês e a localização da unidade móvel. A maior parte da população atendida era de homens (2.323/58,4%), de raça negra (2.375/60,1%) e com faixa etária entre 20-29 anos (1.706/42,9%). A prevalência total de sífilis foi de 12,8% (20,5% no Jardim São João). Cerca de 21% dos/as usuários/as já haviam testado para o HIV antes e quase 40% referia uma exposição para a testagem atual (97,5% sexual). IST prévia era referida por 9,6% das pessoas atendidas. Nossos dados parecem indicar que a ação atingiu uma população com maior risco para adquirir o HIV. A relação de horizontalidade entre as três esferas de governo que pautou a experiência permitiu a valorização dos diferentes saberes, ampliando as perspectivas para identificar e propor soluções.

ABSTRACT Early knowledge of HIV/STI serology favors the adoption of preventive measures. Mobile service structures are able to expand testing, especially in hard-to-reach populations. In this article, we present basic information collected in a mobile testing action for HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis carried out between 02/2016 and 06/2017 in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, we describe some implementation challenges and discuss the importance of interdisciplinarity in facing the challenges of STI/HIV. HIV seroprevalence was 1.6%, varying with the month and location of the mobile unit. Most of the included population was male (2,323/58.4%), black (2,375/60.1%) and aged between 20-29 years (1,706/42.9%). The total prevalence of syphilis was 12.8% (20.5% in Jardim São João). About 21% of users had tested for HIV before and almost 40% reported a current exposure for testing (97.5% sexual). Previous STI was reported by 9.6% of the people assisted. Our data seem to indicate that the action reached a population most at risk of acquiring HIV. The horizontal relationship between the three spheres of government that guided the experience allowed the appreciation of different knowledge, expanding perspectives to identify and propose solutions.

Incompletude da variável profissão/ocupação nos bancos de síndrome gripal, síndrome respiratória aguda grave e mortalidade, Brasil, 2020-2021 / Incompleteness of the profession/occupation variable in the flu-like syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome and mortality databases, Brazil, 2020-2021

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a incompletude da informação sobre profissão/ocupação nas bases de dados de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG), síndrome gripal (SG) e no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) no Brasil. Métodos: estudo descritivo utilizando os bancos de dados de SRAG, SG e SIM. Calcularam-se percentuais de incompletude na variável profissão/ocupação segundo sexo, macrorregiões e unidades da federação, em 2020-2021. Resultados: o percentual de incompletude foi de 94,7% no banco de SG; 97,7% no de SRAG; e 17,0% no SIM. Em todas as macrorregiões a incompletude foi superior a 91,0% nos bancos de SG e SRAG; e superior a 13,0% no SIM. Todas as unidades da federação apresentaram percentuais de incompletude acima de 90,0% para SG; de 74,0% para SRAG; e de 6,8% para óbitos. Amapá apresentou maior percentual de incompletude na base de dados de SG (98,1%); Rio Grande do Sul (99,4%) na de SRAG; e Alagoas (45,0%) no SIM. Conclusões: observaram-se elevados percentuais de incompletude da variável profissão/ocupação nos sistemas de informação estudados. Recomenda-se uma articulação intersetorial, envolvendo representantes dos governos e dos trabalhadores, para formulação de estratégias que contornem a falta de informação sobre ocupação/profissão nas bases de dados relevantes para a vigilância em saúde.

Abstract Objective: to describe the incomplete filling out of the profession/occupation variable in the flu-like syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome and mortality databases in Brazil. Methods: descriptive study with secondary data from flu-like syndrome (FLS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and mortality databases (SIM). We calculeted the absolute and relative filling frequencies of the profession/occupation variable according to State, gender, regions, and federative units, for 2020 and 2021. Results: we found a 94.7% incompleteness on the FLS database, 97.7% of missing profession/occupation data on the SARS, and 17.0% on the SIM database. Incompleteness frequency was above 91.0% in all Brazilian regions for FLS and SARS. Incompleteness on the mortality database was over 13.0%. All federative units presented incompleteness above 90.0% for FLS, 74.0% for SARS, and 6.8% for mortality in all genders. Higher levels of missing data were found in the states of Amapá for FLS (98.1%), Rio Grande do Sul for SARS and Alagoas (45.0%) for mortality (99.4%). Conclusions: all databases showed a high incompleteness of the profession/occupation variable. We recommend an articulation between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and workers' representations to solve this lack of data on occupation/profession in public databases.

The relevance of social network analysis on the epidemiology and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Historically, the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) has been based on individual attributes and behavior. However, STD constitute a good example of diseases that depend on personal contacts for dissemination. Social network analysis is a relatively new technique that studies the interactions among people. Since 1985 when it was first used for STD, some studies have been done using the technique, especially in the last 10 years. The two network-based designs, sociocentric or complete networks and egocentric or personal networks, are currently recognized as important tools for a better understanding of STD's dynamic. Here an overview is presented of social network analysis: the technique, its use, and its limitations. Ethical considerations regarding social network analyses are also briefly discussed.

High HIV infection prevalence in a group of men who have sex with men.

Brazil is characterized by a concentrated AIDS epidemic, it has a prevalence of less than 1% in the general population. However, there are higher rates in specific populations, especially in men who have sex with men. The study's aim was to analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics, sexual practices, sexual behaviors and the HIV infection in a group of men who have sex with men. Secondary data was collected between June 2014 and September 2015 in a research of cross-sectional design in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Volunteers answered an online computerized questionnaire and took HIV test. Chi-squared distribution and multiple logistic regression was used. There were 341 participants. Most of them were racially mixed, single, average age of 30.6 years and with a higher education level. The HIV prevalence was 13.9%. Two logistic models were fit (insertive or receptive anal intercourse). Both models showed an association with HIV among those who had a HIV positive sexual partner (Odds Ratio≈2.5) and a high self-perception of acquiring HIV (Model 1: Odds Ratio≈7/Model 2: Odds Ratio≈10). Low condom usage in receptive anal intercourse with casual partners had a direct association with HIV seropositivity, whereas insertive anal intercourse with casual partners with or without condoms were inversely related. The study identified a high prevalence of HIV infections among a group of men who sex with men with a high self-perception risk of acquiring HIV. The findings also showed a relation with sociodemographic and sexual behavior variables.

Monitoramento da Covid-19 nas favelas cariocas: vigilância de base territorial e produção compartilhada de conhecimento / Monitoring COVID-19 in Rio's favelas: territorial-based surveillance and shared production of knowledge

RESUMO Apresenta-se um ensaio crítico-reflexivo sobre a ocorrência da Covid-19 em espaços periféricos do município do Rio de Janeiro, tendo como metodologia principal a análise documental dos três boletins socioepidemiológicos Covid-19 nas favelas, publicados no âmbito do Observatório Covid-19 da Fiocruz. Os resultados dos referidos boletins foram apresentados e problematizados a partir do referencial teórico da epidemiologia crítica e da determinação social do processo saúde-doença, discutindo a magnitude da doença nas favelas. Ademais, compreendeu-se que este debate visibiliza e fortalece a reflexão sobre os impactos sanitários e sociais da Covid-19 nas áreas de periferia de todo o País. Foram descritos o processo de trabalho para a elaboração dos boletins, os desafios metodológicos enfrentados para monitorar processos epidêmicos em espaços periféricos, e problematizados os principais resultados à luz das desigualdades históricas que ficaram ainda mais evidentes com a atual pandemia.

ABSTRACT This is a critical reflection essay on COVID-19 in suburban areas in Rio de Janeiro through documental analysis of the three socio-epidemiological bulletins COVID-19 in the favelas, published in FIOCRUZ COVID-19 Observatory. The results of these bulletins were presented and discussed grounded on critical epidemiology and the social determination of the health-disease process, discussing the magnitude of the disease in the favelas. Furthermore, we understood that this debate elicits and strengthens the discussion about the health and social impacts of COVID-19 in the Brazilian suburbs. We described the work process to prepare the bulletins and the methodological challenges of monitoring diseases in the suburbs. Lastly, the main results were analyzed and discussed, considering the historical inequalities that became more evident with the current pandemic.

Complexo industrial e portuário do Pecém: um inquérito epidemiológico / Port and industrial compound of Pecém: an epidemiological survey

Resumo Esta pesquisa busca analisar o conhecimento dos moradores sobre o território, Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP), qualidade de vida das comunidades que vivem no entorno dos empreendimentos, além da prevalência de hipertensão e excesso de peso. Trata-se de um inquérito epidemiológico, de base domiciliar, envolvendo quatro áreas da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) do Município de São Gonçalo do Amarante e uma de Caucaia, Ceará, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado entre 10/2017 e 03/2018, em que foram realizadas aferições antropométricas e pressão arterial e coletados dados sociodemográficos e o conhecimento sobre comunidade, CIPP e qualidade de vida. Dos 503 adultos entrevistados, 69,8% eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade foi 44 anos. Parada foi a área que relatou o maior percentual de problemas relacionados às partículas aéreas (51,1%), pior conceito em relação ao CIPP (40,1% ruim), maior percentual de piora da qualidade de vida (29,1%) e maior desejo de mudar (31,5%). Pecém apresentou maior percentual de problemas na comunidade relacionados à violência, consumo de drogas ilícitas e prostituição. Conclui-se que se apresenta indícios de impacto na saúde e qualidade de vida das populações locais sem maiores benefícios diretos no trabalho/renda.

Abstract This research aimed to analyze the dwellers' knowledge of the territories, Pecém Port and Industrial Compound (CIPP), the quality of life of the communities living in the vicinity of the enterprises, and the prevalence of hypertension and overweight. This is a home-based, epidemiological survey of four areas of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in São Gonçalo do Amarante and one area of the ESF in Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil. The study was carried out between 10/2017 and 03/2018. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed, and sociodemographic data and knowledge about community, the CIPP, and quality of life were collected. A total of 69.8% of the 503 adults interviewed were female, and the mean age was 44 years. Parada was the area reporting the highest percentage of problems related to air particles (51.1%), the worst concept regarding the CIPP (40.1% bad), the highest percentage of worse quality of life (29, 1%), and greater desire to move to another place (31.5%). Pecém had the highest percentage of community problems related to violence, consumption of illicit drugs, and prostitution. We concluded that there are signs of impact on local populations' health and quality of life without more significant direct work/income benefits.