Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among Bolivian immigrants in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

With the urbanisation of the population in developing countries and the process of globalisation, Chagas has become an emerging disease in the urban areas of endemic and non-endemic countries. In 2006, it was estimated that the prevalence of Chagas disease among the general Bolivian population was 6.8%. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among Bolivian immigrants living in São Paulo, Brazil. This study had a sample of 633 volunteers who were randomly selected from the clientele of primary care units located in the central districts of São Paulo, Brazil. Infection was detected by two different ELISA assays with epimastigote antigens, followed by an immunoblot with trypomastigote antigens as a confirmatory test. The prevalence of the infection was 4.4%. Risk factors independently associated with the infection were: a history of rural jobs in Bolivia, knowledge of the vector involved in transmission, and having relatives with Chagas disease. Brazil has successfully eliminated household vector transmission of T. cruzi, as well as its transmission by blood transfusion. The arrival of infected immigrants represents an additional challenge to primary care clinics to manage chronic Chagas disease, its vertical transmission, and the blood derivatives and organ transplant programs.

[The covid-19 pandemic and international mobility in Brazil: challenges for the health and social protection of international migrants in times of uncertainty]. / A pandemia de covid-19 e a mobilidade internacional no Brasil: desafios para a saúde e proteção social de migrantes internacionais em tempos de incertezas.

The relationship between health and migration was severely affected during the covid-19 pandemic. This article discusses the literature on health and migration, including the deteriorating levels of social and economic vulnerability of international migrants to Brazil in 2020 and 2021. The analysis was based on a review of articles published in the national and international press addressing the impacts of covid-19 on contemporary processes of human mobility and its consequences for stigmatized populations. The results point to the possibility of understanding the pandemic as a key moment for rethinking nationality and borders.

As relações entre saúde e migrações foram duramente afetadas durante a pandemia de covid-19. O presente artigo discute a produção sobre saúde e migrações e problematiza o agravamento da condição de vulnerabilidade social e econômica dos migrantes internacionais durante 2020 e 2021, no Brasil. A pesquisa vem sendo realizada por meio de revisão da literatura de matérias retiradas da imprensa nacional e internacional e busca abordar os impactos da covid-19 nos processos contemporâneos de mobilidade humana e quais suas consequências para as populações estigmatizadas. Os resultados apontam para a possibilidade de se compreender a pandemia como um momento-chave para repensar nacionalidade e fronteira.

Food Insecurity Among Haitian Migrants Living In Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the situation of food insecurity among Haitians living in Midwest of Brazil, based on questions of the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity (BSFI). METHODS: A survey was carried out with a probabilistic sampling proportional to sex of Haitians aged over 18 years who lived in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso. Haitian migrants were interviewed by bilingual (Haitian Creole/Portuguese) individuals, and for the analysis of the BSFI questions. Because the BSFI is not validated for Haitians, the first eight questions of the scale were assessed separately, according to sex, debts incurred for the migration project and time of residence in Brazil. Chi-square was calculated to test the differences between groups. RESULTS: A total of 404 Haitians were evaluated, 81.9% male individuals, 60.9% aged between 18 and 36 years. Among the respondents, 64.4% were worried about running out of food before having money to buy more food, and 62.6% answered that they ran out of food before having money to buy it. Higher proportions of positive answers were observed for women and those who reported having debts to finance the migration costs to Brazil. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of positive answers to the BSFS questions by Haitians seems to indicate a situation of social vulnerability and food insecurity, especially among Haitian women, as well as among those who had debts to migrate to Brazil and those who have lived in the country for more than a year.

Migration and refuge: necessary topics for Nursing teaching in COVID-19 times.

OBJECTIVES: to present an overview of migratory processes and access to health care for immigrants in Brazil and reflect on the importance of training in Nursing from an interdisciplinary perspective, focused on the care of this population in the context of a pandemic. METHODS: this is a theoretical-reflective study based on the authors' experiences and anchored in the literature. RESULTS: some particularities in the access to health services by migrants and refugees show how the pandemic's advancement and continuity impacted them in different ways. Interdisciplinary research and teaching are essential to study and better understand the health needs of the migrant population in Brazil, especially in the context of a pandemic. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the training of health professionals, especially in Nursing, must include these people's specificities so that future interventions are more sensitive and closer to their reality.

Therapeutic itineraries of Congolese refugees in the city of São Paulo.

São Paulo, the most populous Brazilian city, has been the main destination for refugees and it is home to the majority of Congolese, who are the second largest nationality to request refuge in Brazil. In the context of these migrations, previous experiences in displacement and in places of welcome can trigger illness and suffering. The purpose of this article was to analyse the therapeutic itineraries of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo who reside in the city of São Paulo. The research followed an ethnographic approach and included focus group, ethnographic observation and in-depth interviews with 15 Congolese men in refuge in São Paulo between 2015 and 2016. The difficulties faced in the dignified reconstruction of lives include housing, precarious work and racism. Different systems are actuated in healthcare, treatment in health centres and hospitals regarding acute and chronic physical problems, in addition to self-care, identified in the preparation of teas for gastrointestinal ailments. When confronted by suffering, religious social networks, and those of friends and family are activated, in addition to alcohol consumption. The family is sought when facing financial and, principally, emotional problems. The itineraries include multiple therapeutic systems and a dialectic relationship with free, universal services perceived as inequitable.

Use of health services by Haitian immigrants in Cuiabá-Mato Grosso, Brazil. / Utilização de serviços de saúde por imigrantes haitianos na grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil.

This paper aims to analyze the use of health services by Haitian immigrants in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 452 Haitian immigrants in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, interviewed between December 2014 and February 2015. Sociodemographic and health characteristics, lifestyle factors, and the use of health services were evaluated. Data analysis included Chi-square test and Poisson regression to investigate the factors associated with the use of health services. We found that 45.6% of respondents used some health service in Brazil, with a higher prevalence of use among women, those with higher income, longer residence time in Brazil, better understanding of the Portuguese language, and with poor self-reported health. The PHC Unit (UBS) and public urgent and emergency care were the primary services used. We conclude by saying that the SUS assisted the immigrants under the Brazilian constitutional principle of the right to health.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a utilização de serviços de saúde por imigrantes haitianos residentes na grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com uma amostra probabilística de 452 imigrantes haitianos residentes em Cuiabá e Várzea Grande, entrevistados entre dezembro de 2014 e fevereiro de 2015. Foram avaliadas as características sociodemográficas e de saúde, hábitos de vida e a utilização dos serviços de saúde. Na análise dos dados foram calculados o teste de Qui-quadrado e a Regressão de Poisson para investigar os fatores associados à utilização dos serviços de saúde. Verificou-se que 45,6% dos entrevistados utilizaram algum serviço de saúde no Brasil, sendo maior a prevalência entre as mulheres, aqueles com maior renda, maior tempo de residência no Brasil, melhor entendimento da língua portuguesa e que autoavaliaram sua saúde como ruim. Os principais serviços utilizados foram Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) e atendimento de urgência e emergência públicos. Conclui-se que os imigrantes foram assistidos pelo SUS em acordo com o princípio constitucional do direito à saúde no Brasil.

A pandemia de covid-19 e a mobilidade internacional no Brasil: desafios para a saúde e proteção social de migrantes internacionais em tempos de incertezas / The covid-19 pandemic and international mobility in Brazil: challenges for the health and social protection of international migrants in times of uncertainty

Resumo As relações entre saúde e migrações foram duramente afetadas durante a pandemia de covid-19. O presente artigo discute a produção sobre saúde e migrações e problematiza o agravamento da condição de vulnerabilidade social e econômica dos migrantes internacionais durante 2020 e 2021, no Brasil. A pesquisa vem sendo realizada por meio de revisão da literatura de matérias retiradas da imprensa nacional e internacional e busca abordar os impactos da covid-19 nos processos contemporâneos de mobilidade humana e quais suas consequências para as populações estigmatizadas. Os resultados apontam para a possibilidade de se compreender a pandemia como um momento-chave para repensar nacionalidade e fronteira.

Abstract The relationship between health and migration was severely affected during the covid-19 pandemic. This article discusses the literature on health and migration, including the deteriorating levels of social and economic vulnerability of international migrants to Brazil in 2020 and 2021. The analysis was based on a review of articles published in the national and international press addressing the impacts of covid-19 on contemporary processes of human mobility and its consequences for stigmatized populations. The results point to the possibility of understanding the pandemic as a key moment for rethinking nationality and borders.

Migration and refuge: necessary topics for Nursing teaching in COVID-19 times / Migración y refugio: cuestiones necesarias para la enseñanza de la enfermería en tiempos del COVID-19 / Migração e refúgio: temas necessários para o ensino na Enfermagem em tempos de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objectives: to present an overview of migratory processes and access to health care for immigrants in Brazil and reflect on the importance of training in Nursing from an interdisciplinary perspective, focused on the care of this population in the context of a pandemic. Methods: this is a theoretical-reflective study based on the authors' experiences and anchored in the literature. Results: some particularities in the access to health services by migrants and refugees show how the pandemic's advancement and continuity impacted them in different ways. Interdisciplinary research and teaching are essential to study and better understand the health needs of the migrant population in Brazil, especially in the context of a pandemic. Final Considerations: the training of health professionals, especially in Nursing, must include these people's specificities so that future interventions are more sensitive and closer to their reality.

RESUMEN Objetivos: presentar el panorama de los procesos migratorios junto al acceso a los cuidados de salud de los inmigrantes en Brasil y reflexionar sobre la importancia de la formación en Enfermería dirigida a la atención de esta población desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria en el contexto de la pandemia. Métodos: se trata de un estudio teórico-reflexivo, pautado en las experiencias de los autores y también basado en la literatura. Resultados: algunas particularidades en el acceso a los servicios de salud de los migrantes y las personas refugiadas evidencian que éstas han sido impactadas de diferentes maneras con el avance y la continuidad de la pandemia. La investigación y la enseñanza con un enfoque interdisciplinario son importantes para estudiar y comprender mejor las necesidades sanitarias de la población migrante en el país, especialmente en el contexto de la pandemia. Consideraciones Finales: la formación de los profesionales sanitarios, especialmente en Enfermería, debe comprender las especificidades de estas personas para que las futuras intervenciones sean más sensibles y cercanas a la realidad que viven.

RESUMO Objetivos: apresentar o panorama dos processos migratórios e de acesso à saúde de imigrante no Brasil e refletir sobre a importância da formação em Enfermagem, numa perspectiva interdisciplinar, voltada ao cuidado dessa população, no contexto de pandemia. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo teórico-reflexivo, pautado nas experiências dos autores e ancorado na literatura. Resultados: algumas particularidades no acesso a serviços de saúde de migrantes e pessoas refugiadas evidenciam como elas têm sido impactadas de diferentes maneiras com o avanço e continuidade da pandemia. A pesquisa e ensino de abordagem interdisciplinar são importantes para estudar e melhor compreender as necessidades de saúde da população migrante no país, especialmente no contexto de pandemia. Considerações Finais: a formação de profissionais de saúde, especialmente em Enfermagem, deve compreender as especificidades destas pessoas para que futuras intervenções sejam mais sensíveis e próximas da realidade que vivem.

Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in São Paulo municipality from 2006 to 2013. / Perfil epidemiológico da tuberculose no município de São Paulo de 2006 a 2013.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem that still persists in the world and in Brazil. The municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, is among the prioritized ones in the country for disease control. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of all new tuberculosis cases in São Paulo municipality reported between the years 2006 and 2013. METHODS: The variables selected for the study were: socioeconomic, demographic and clinical-epidemiologic obtained through the online information system TB-WEB. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed to undertake the comparison among the years. To study the historical series, linear trend analysis was held. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: There was an increase in the tuberculosis incidence rate in children under 15 years and in homeless people. The cure rate has improved as the proportion of completion of supervised treatment and the proportion of cases diagnosed by primary care clinics. The disease is unevenly distributed within the municipality of São Paulo and there are districts that were not able to improve the tuberculosis control. CONCLUSION: The municipal tuberculosis program control needs to target the vulnerable groups and the regions of the city where the incidence rates are higher.

INTRODUÇÃO: A tuberculose é um grave problema de saúde que ainda persiste no mundo e no Brasil. O município de São Paulo é considerado prioritário para o controle da doença. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico de todos os casos novos de tuberculose no município de São Paulo notificados entre os anos de 2006 e 2013. MÉTODOS: As variáveis selecionadas para o estudo foram as socioeconômicas, demográficas e as clínico-epidemiológicas obtidas através do sistema de informação online TB-WEB. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados e feita a comparação entre os anos. Para estudo da série histórica realizou-se análise de tendência linear. Um mapa temático foi confeccionado para visualizar a distribuição da doença no espaço urbano da cidade. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Houve um aumento da taxa de incidência-ano da tuberculose em menores de 15 anos e em moradores de rua. A taxa de cura melhorou, bem como a proporção de realização do tratamento supervisionado e a proporção dos diagnósticos feitos pela Atenção Básica. A doença está desigualmente distribuída no espaço do município, sendo que há distritos administrativos que não estão conseguindo progredir com relação ao seu controle. CONCLUSÃO: O programa municipal de controle da tuberculose necessita envidar esforços para os grupos vulneráveis para a tuberculose identificados e para as regiões da cidade com maior taxa de incidência-ano da doença.

[Introduction to a social cartography: the journal Revista de Saúde Pública, 1967 to 1977]. / Introdução a uma cartografia sociológica: a Revista de Saúde Pública, 1967 a 1977.

Through reliance on a social cartography method based on Karl Mannheim's sociology of knowledge, the article analyzes the first ten issues of Revista de Saúde Pública, published by the University of São Paulo. Articles and editorials are mapped in order to understand the period's transformations. In the realm of the journal's editorial line, tensions are noted between complying with the principles of the institution and international transformations, which demanded an openness to interdisciplinary topics. Special focus is placed on sub-fields, dominated by an epidemiology that was in flux as it absorbed new knowledge in the context of the formation of the field of public health.

[Health workers' place in studies on international migratory processes and health]. / O lugar dos trabalhadores de saúde nas pesquisas sobre processos migratórios internacionais e saúde.

Studies on the health-disease-healthcare process in immigrants settled in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, have revealed a complex web of relations in the demands by immigrants and the actions conceived and planned by health services. In this context, intermediation by health workers in the relationship between immigrants and researchers has constituted an important form of access by the latter to South American immigrants, especially Bolivians. During research, access to immigrants occurs within the context of health actions, facilitating the researchers' access to immigrants' homes, workplaces, and even associations. Understanding the processes of illness in immigrants within the complex web of relations among institutional health workers in organizational spaces shaped by models of thinking based on biomedicine led us to problematize the possibilities for an approach to subjects that comprise this universe.

[Primary health care organization in the context of social exclusion/inclusion processes]. / Organização das práticas de atenção primária em saúde no contexto dos processos de exclusão/inclusão social.

This article reports on a primary health care and training center in São Paulo, Brazil, and the organization of its activities based on equity and positive discrimination. Operating in the city center of São Paulo, the policy aims to provide health services access to certain target groups (homeless, sex workers, and slum-dwellers). It also raises discussion on the various forms of social life found in downtown areas, mainly those of vulnerable groups lacking access to public goods and services. The experience demonstrates the feasibility of implementing health policies based on universal access.

Utilização de serviços de saúde por imigrantes haitianos na grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil / Use of health services by Haitian immigrants in Cuiabá-Mato Grosso, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a utilização de serviços de saúde por imigrantes haitianos residentes na grande Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com uma amostra probabilística de 452 imigrantes haitianos residentes em Cuiabá e Várzea Grande, entrevistados entre dezembro de 2014 e fevereiro de 2015. Foram avaliadas as características sociodemográficas e de saúde, hábitos de vida e a utilização dos serviços de saúde. Na análise dos dados foram calculados o teste de Qui-quadrado e a Regressão de Poisson para investigar os fatores associados à utilização dos serviços de saúde. Verificou-se que 45,6% dos entrevistados utilizaram algum serviço de saúde no Brasil, sendo maior a prevalência entre as mulheres, aqueles com maior renda, maior tempo de residência no Brasil, melhor entendimento da língua portuguesa e que autoavaliaram sua saúde como ruim. Os principais serviços utilizados foram Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) e atendimento de urgência e emergência públicos. Conclui-se que os imigrantes foram assistidos pelo SUS em acordo com o princípio constitucional do direito à saúde no Brasil.

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the use of health services by Haitian immigrants in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 452 Haitian immigrants in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, interviewed between December 2014 and February 2015. Sociodemographic and health characteristics, lifestyle factors, and the use of health services were evaluated. Data analysis included Chi-square test and Poisson regression to investigate the factors associated with the use of health services. We found that 45.6% of respondents used some health service in Brazil, with a higher prevalence of use among women, those with higher income, longer residence time in Brazil, better understanding of the Portuguese language, and with poor self-reported health. The PHC Unit (UBS) and public urgent and emergency care were the primary services used. We conclude by saying that the SUS assisted the immigrants under the Brazilian constitutional principle of the right to health.

Imigração, refúgio e saúde: perspectivas de análise sociocultural / Immigration, refuge and health: sociocultural analysis in perspective

Resumo Os recentes processos migratórios internacionais ocorridos no Brasil se apresentam como um campo de estudo para as ciências sociais e humanas em saúde. Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre os processos de inclusão de imigrantes e refugiados pelas instituições de saúde, considerando o campo de debates das ciências sociais e humanas em Saúde e o comprometimento dessa área com os direitos humanos. Inicialmente, são apresentadas características contemporâneas das migrações internacionais, incluindo a situação brasileira. Em seguida, são descritas algumas pesquisas e práticas sobre concepções de saúde, doenças e cuidados com imigrantes e, por fim, propomos um debate acerca de alguns conceitos antropológicos que podem contribuir para uma abordagem menos estereotipada dos processos de inclusão nas instituições de saúde nacionais. Pretendemos apresentar uma perspectiva das ciências sociais e humanas em saúde em um horizonte teórico articulado com práticas em saúde que, de certa forma, podem contribuir para a formulação de conceitos, explicações e orientações no plano das políticas públicas com essas populações.

Abstract The international migratory processes that are recently occurring in Brazil are a field of study for Health Social and Human Sciences. This article aims to reflect on immigrants and refugees processes of inclusion by health institutions, considering the discussion possibilities of Health Social and Human Sciences and the commitment of this area to Human Rights. Initially, contemporary characteristics of international migrations are presented, including the Brazilian situation. Some researches and practices about conceptions of health, illness and care with immigrants are described below, and, finally, we propose a debate on some anthropological concepts that can contribute to create a less stereotyped approach in the processes of inclusion in national health institutions. We intend to present a perspective of Health Social and Human Sciences within a theoretical horizon that is articulated with health practices that can somehow contribute to the formulation of concepts, explanations and guidelines in public policies to these populations.

As contribuições das Ciências Sociais e Humanas no campo da Saúde Coletiva: vinte anos da revista Interface - Comunicação, Saúde, Educação / The contributions of the Social and Human Sciences in the field of Collective Health: twenty years of the journal Interface / Las contribuciones de las Ciencias Sociales y Humanas en el campo de la Salud Colectiva: veinte años de la revista Interface

Apresentamos uma discussão sobre a produção bibliográfica em Ciências Sociais e Humanas em Saúde (CSHS) publicada pela Revista Interface nos últimos vinte anos (1997-2017). Buscamos descrever o processo de legitimação das CSHS por meio da divulgação de saberes teórico-metodológicos e de temáticas específicas no conjunto da produção científica nacional. Foram consultadas todas as publicações do período e selecionados 216 artigos identificados com as CSHS. A análise resultou em categorias que evidenciaram os seguintes temas: saúde mental, envelhecimento, doenças infectocontagiosas, gênero, saúde reprodutiva e teórico-conceitual. A conjunção dos temas com problemas contemporâneos da sociedade brasileira revela autores como protagonistas de estudos de relevância social e comprometimento político com as transformações e mudanças ocorridas tanto no plano do cuidado em saúde quanto no das políticas públicas.(AU)

We present a discussion about the bibliographic production in Social and Human Sciences in Health (SHSH) published by the journal Interface in the last twenty years (1997-2017). We aim to describe the legitimation process of the SHSH by disseminating theoretical and methodological knowledge and specific themes within the Brazilian scientific production. All the publications of the period were consulted and 216 articles identified with the SHSH were selected. The analysis resulted in categories that highlighted the following themes: mental health, aging, infectious diseases, gender, reproductive health, and theoretical-conceptual. The combination of the themes with current problems of the Brazilian society reveals authors as protagonists of studies that have social relevance and political commitment to transformations and changes occurring both in health care and in public policies.(AU)

Presentamos una discusión sobre la producción bibliográfica en Ciencias Sociales y Humanas en Salud (CSHS) publicada por la revista Interface en los últimos veinte años (1997-2017). Buscamos describir el proceso de legitimización de las CSHS por medio de la divulgación de saberes teórico-metodológicos y de temáticas específicas en el conjunto de la producción científica nacional. Se consultaron todas las publicaciones del período y se seleccionaron 216 artículos identificados con las CSHS. El análisis resultó en categorías que dejaron en evidencia los siguientes temas: salud mental, envejecimiento, enfermedades infectocontagiosas, género, salud reproductiva y teórico-conceptual. La conjunción de los temas con problemas contemporáneos de la sociedad brasileña revela autores como protagonistas de estudios de relevancia social y compromiso político con las transformaciones y cambios habidos tanto en el plano del cuidado en salud como en el de las políticas públicas.(AU)

Migração boliviana e doença de Chagas: limites na atuação do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro (SUS) / La migración boliviana y la enfermedad de Chagas: límites en la actuación del Sistema de Salud Brasileño (SUS) / Bolivian migration and Chagas disease: boundaries for the action of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS)

Migrações acarretam mudanças nos perfis epidemiológicos, impactando sistemas de saúde dos países receptores. O Brasil atrai imigrantes que se inserem precariamente nas metrópoles. Na Bolívia, a doença de Chagas é endêmica, fato relevante para o SUS brasileiro.O texto analisa a atuação e os limites dos profissionais de saúde no atendimento aos bolivianos no SUS, enfocando a doença de Chagas, por meio de entrevistas aplicadas nos serviços primário, secundário e terciário na região central da cidade de São Paulo, principal destino dos imigrantes bolivianos. As precárias condições de vida dos bolivianos caracterizam iniquidades em saúde. Idioma e cultura limitam a compreensão sobre o cuidado. Constata-se desconhecimento da clínica e epidemiologia da doença de Chagas entre os profissionais que atendem esses imigrantes. Faz-se necessária a revisão de estratégias assistenciais e de controle da doença de Chagas.(AU)

Las migraciones traen consigo cambios en los perfiles epidemiológicos, impactando los sistemas de salud de los países receptores. Brasil atrae a inmigrantes que se insieren de forma precaria en las metrópolis. En Bolivia, la enfermedad de Chagas es endémica, hecho relevante para el SUS. El texto analiza la actuación y los límites de los profesionales de salud en la atención a los bolivianos en el SUS, enfocando la enfermedad de Chagas, por medio de entrevistas realizadas en los servicios primario, secundario y terciario en la región central de la ciudad de São Paulo, principal destino de los inmigrantes bolivianos. Las precarias condiciones de vida de los bolivianos caracterizan iniquidades en salud. El idioma y la cultura limitan la comprensión sobre el cuidado. Se constata el desconocimiento de la clínica y de la epidemiología de la enfermedad de Chagas entre los profesionales que atienden a esos inmigrantes. Es necesaria la revisión de estrategias asistenciales y de control de la enfermedad de Chagas.(AU)

Migration provoke changes in epidemiological profiles impinging on the health care systems of reception countries. Immigrants come to Brazil from neighbor countries usually having precarious insertion in metropolitan areas. Chagas disease is endemic in Bolivia, something that has to be taken into account by the SUS. This paper analyzes both action and limits regarding health professionals who provide services to Bolivians in SUS with a focus on Chagas disease. Interviews were applied to primary, secondary and tertiary health services in the central region of São Paulo, the main destination of Bolivian immigrants. The precarious living conditions of Bolivians are the cause of health inequities. Language and culture also hamper their understanding about care. There is a lack of knowledge about clinic and epidemiology aspects of Chagas disease among the professionals who attend these immigrants. It is necessary to rethink strategies of health care and control of Chagas disease.(AU)

Living conditions and access to health services by Bolivian immigrants in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Bolivian immigrants in Brazil experience serious social problems: precarious work conditions, lack of documents and insufficient access to health services. The study aimed to investigate inequalities in living conditions and access to health services among Bolivian immigrants living in the central area of São Paulo, Brazil, using a cross-sectional design and semi-structured interviews with 183 adults. According to the data, the immigrants tend to remain in Brazil, thus resulting in an aging process in the group. Per capita income increases the longer the immigrants stay in the country. The majority have secondary schooling. Work status does not vary according to time since arrival in Brazil. The immigrants work and live in garment sweatshops and speak their original languages. Social networks are based on ties with family and friends. Access to health services shows increasing inclusion in primary care. The authors conclude that the immigrants' social exclusion is decreasing due to greater access to documentation, work (although precarious), and the supply of health services from the public primary care system.

On the use of qualitative methods in Collective Health, or the lack of a theory.

The present study problematizes certain uses of qualitative in the field of collective health methods, which are characterized by a lack of theoretical references and gloss over the rationality involved in their use as a technique exclusively. The proliferation and acceptance of such studies probably occur due to the strength of the instrumental rationality with which they have been conducted. Although frequently observed in a careful way, the results are not always supported by a careful presentation of the theoretical framework that underlies the interpretation. The use of "validated" techniques, the discourses constructed, and narratives of the actions of the "subjects" studied do not commit the researcher to the process of investigation, as they are separated from the historical-spatial contextualization and the theoretical-methodological landmark that imprint a historical and social sense to studies.

Perfil epidemiológico da tuberculose no município de São Paulo de 2006 a 2013 / Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in São Paulo municipality from 2006 to 2013

RESUMO: Introdução: A tuberculose é um grave problema de saúde que ainda persiste no mundo e no Brasil. O município de São Paulo é considerado prioritário para o controle da doença. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico de todos os casos novos de tuberculose no município de São Paulo notificados entre os anos de 2006 e 2013. Métodos: As variáveis selecionadas para o estudo foram as socioeconômicas, demográficas e as clínico-epidemiológicas obtidas através do sistema de informação online TB-WEB. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados e feita a comparação entre os anos. Para estudo da série histórica realizou-se análise de tendência linear. Um mapa temático foi confeccionado para visualizar a distribuição da doença no espaço urbano da cidade. Resultados e discussão: Houve um aumento da taxa de incidência-ano da tuberculose em menores de 15 anos e em moradores de rua. A taxa de cura melhorou, bem como a proporção de realização do tratamento supervisionado e a proporção dos diagnósticos feitos pela Atenção Básica. A doença está desigualmente distribuída no espaço do município, sendo que há distritos administrativos que não estão conseguindo progredir com relação ao seu controle. Conclusão: O programa municipal de controle da tuberculose necessita envidar esforços para os grupos vulneráveis para a tuberculose identificados e para as regiões da cidade com maior taxa de incidência-ano da doença.

ABSTRACT: Background: Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem that still persists in the world and in Brazil. The municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, is among the prioritized ones in the country for disease control. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of all new tuberculosis cases in São Paulo municipality reported between the years 2006 and 2013. Methods: The variables selected for the study were: socioeconomic, demographic and clinical-epidemiologic obtained through the online information system TB-WEB. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed to undertake the comparison among the years. To study the historical series, linear trend analysis was held. Results and discussion: There was an increase in the tuberculosis incidence rate in children under 15 years and in homeless people. The cure rate has improved as the proportion of completion of supervised treatment and the proportion of cases diagnosed by primary care clinics. The disease is unevenly distributed within the municipality of São Paulo and there are districts that were not able to improve the tuberculosis control. Conclusion: The municipal tuberculosis program control needs to target the vulnerable groups and the regions of the city where the incidence rates are higher.

Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among Bolivian immigrants in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

With the urbanisation of the population in developing countries and the process of globalisation, Chagas has become an emerging disease in the urban areas of endemic and non-endemic countries. In 2006, it was estimated that the prevalence of Chagas disease among the general Bolivian population was 6.8%. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among Bolivian immigrants living in São Paulo, Brazil. This study had a sample of 633 volunteers who were randomly selected from the clientele of primary care units located in the central districts of São Paulo, Brazil. Infection was detected by two different ELISA assays with epimastigote antigens, followed by an immunoblot with trypomastigote antigens as a confirmatory test. The prevalence of the infection was 4.4%. Risk factors independently associated with the infection were: a history of rural jobs in Bolivia, knowledge of the vector involved in transmission, and having relatives with Chagas disease. Brazil has successfully eliminated household vector transmission of T. cruzi, as well as its transmission by blood transfusion. The arrival of infected immigrants represents an additional challenge to primary care clinics to manage chronic Chagas disease, its vertical transmission, and the blood derivatives and organ transplant programs.