Local Food Environment and Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Cross-Sectional Data from the Nutritionists' Health Study-NutriHS.

This study aimed to analyze whether community food environments are associated with individual food consumption among nutrition students and newly graduated nutritionists. This cross-sectional study used data from the Nutritionists' Health Study cohort, which included 357 undergraduate nutrition students from the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Exposure to the food environment was defined as the proximity and availability of food outlets within a 500 m buffer from the participants' homes. Food consumption was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and analyzed according to the NOVA classification. Multi-level linear regression models with fixed effects were used to estimate the presence of food outlets within the buffer and their association with food consumption. The presence of mini-markets in the buffer in the fourth quartile was associated with lower consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) when observing socioeconomic and lifestyle conditions (ß = -3.29; 95% CI = -6.39 to -0.19). The presence of bakeries and coffee shops was related to lower consumption of ultra-processed foods among participants when observing socioeconomic conditions (ß = -3.10; 95% CI = -6.18 to -0.02). There was no clear evidence of an association between the type of food outlet and UPF consumption. The community food environment seemed to influence food consumption among study participants, although clearer and more consistent evidence on this subject is needed.

Covid-19 hospital mortality using spatial hierarchical models: cohort design with 74,994 registers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between covid-19 hospital mortality and risk factors, innovating by considering contextual and individual factors and spatial dependency and using data from the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The study was performed with a spatial hierarchical retrospective cohort design using secondary data (individuals and contextual data) from hospitalized patients and their geographic unit residences. The study period corresponded to the first year of the pandemic, from February 25, 2020 to February 24, 2021. Mortality was modeled with the Bayesian context, Bernoulli probability distribution, and the integrated nested Laplace approximations. The demographic, distal, medial, and proximal covariates were considered. RESULTS: We found that per capita income, a contextual covariate, was a protective factor (odds ratio: 0.76 [95% credible interval: 0.74-0.78]). After adjusting for income, the other adjustments revealed no differences in spatial dependence. Without income inequality in São Paulo, the spatial risk of death would be close to one in the city. Other factors associated with high covid-19 hospital mortality were male sex, advanced age, comorbidities, ventilation, treatment in public healthcare settings, and experiencing the first covid-19 symptoms between January 24 and February 24, 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Other than sex and age differences, geographic income inequality was the main factor responsible for the spatial differences in the risk of covid-19 hospital mortality. Investing in public policies to reduce socioeconomic inequities, infection prevention, and other intersectoral measures should focus on lower per capita income, to control covid-19 hospital mortality.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS: A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4-17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6-20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4-18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0-13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8-20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9-20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.

Intra-urban spatial variability of breast and cervical cancer mortality in the city of São Paulo: analysis of associated factors. / Variabilidade espacial intraurbana da mortalidade por câncer de mama e do colo do útero no município de São Paulo: análise dos fatores associados.

OBJECTIVE: To identify spatial variability of mortality from breast and cervical cancer and to assess factors associated in the city of São Paulo. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2016, 10,124 deaths from breast cancer and 2,116 deaths from cervical cancer were recorded in the Mortality Information System among women aged 20 years and over. The records were geocoded by address of residence and grouped according to Primary Health Care coverage areas. A spatial regression modeling was put together using the Bayesian approach with a Besag-York-Mollié structure to verify the association of deaths with selected indicators. RESULTS: Mortality rates from these types of cancer showed inverse spatial patterns. These variables were associated with breast cancer mortality: travel time between one and two hours to work (RR - relative risk: 0.97; 95%CI - credible interval: 0.93-1.00); women being the head of the household (RR 0.97; 95%CI 0.94-0.99) and deaths from breast cancer in private health institutions (RR 1.04; 95%CI 1.00-1.07). The following variables were associated with mortality from cervical cancer: travel time to work between half an hour and one hour (RR 0.92; 95%CI 0.87-0.98); per capita household income of up to 3 minimum wages (RR 1.27; 95%CI 1.18-1.37) and ratio of children under one year of age related to the female population aged 15 to 49 years (RR 1.09; 95%CI 1.01-1.18). CONCLUSION: The predicted RR for mortality from these cancers were calculated and associated with the socioeconomic conditions of the areas covered.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a variabilidade espacial da mortalidade por câncer de mama e colo do útero e avaliar fatores associados à mortalidade por esses cânceres no município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Entre 2009 e 2016 foram registrados, no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade, 10.124 óbitos por câncer de mama e 2.116 óbitos por câncer do colo do útero em mulheres com 20 anos e mais. Os registros foram geocodificados por endereço de residência e agregados segundo território adstrito. Foram realizadas modelagens de regressão espacial utilizando-se a abordagem bayesiana com estrutura de Besag-York-Mollié para verificar a associação dos óbitos com indicadores selecionados. RESULTADOS: As taxas de mortalidade por esses cânceres apresentaram padrões espaciais inversos. As variáveis associadas à mortalidade por câncer de mama foram: tempo de deslocamento para o trabalho entre uma e duas horas (risco relativo ­ RR 0,97; intervalo de credibilidade ­ IC95% 0,93­1,00); mulheres responsáveis pelo domicílio (RR 0,97; IC95% 0,94­0,99) e óbitos por câncer de mama ocorridos em estabelecimentos privados (RR 1,04; IC95% 1,00­1,07). À mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero, estiveram associados: tempo de deslocamento para o trabalho entre meia e uma hora (RR 0,92; IC95% 0,87­0,98); rendimento domiciliar até três salários-mínimos (RR 1,27; IC95% 1,18­1,37); e razão de menores de um ano em relação à população feminina de 15 a 49 anos (RR 1,09; IC95% 1,01­1,18). CONCLUSÃO: Foram calculados os RR preditos para a mortalidade por esses cânceres, que estiveram associados às condições socioeconômicas das áreas de abrangência.

Covid-19 hospital mortality using spatial hierarchical models: cohort design with 74, 994 registers

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between covid-19 hospital mortality and risk factors, innovating by considering contextual and individual factors and spatial dependency and using data from the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS The study was performed with a spatial hierarchical retrospective cohort design using secondary data (individuals and contextual data) from hospitalized patients and their geographic unit residences. The study period corresponded to the first year of the pandemic, from February 25, 2020 to February 24, 2021. Mortality was modeled with the Bayesian context, Bernoulli probability distribution, and the integrated nested Laplace approximations. The demographic, distal, medial, and proximal covariates were considered. RESULTS We found that per capita income, a contextual covariate, was a protective factor (odds ratio: 0.76 [95% credible interval: 0.74-0.78]). After adjusting for income, the other adjustments revealed no differences in spatial dependence. Without income inequality in São Paulo, the spatial risk of death would be close to one in the city. Other factors associated with high covid-19 hospital mortality were male sex, advanced age, comorbidities, ventilation, treatment in public healthcare settings, and experiencing the first covid-19 symptoms between January 24 and February 24, 2021. CONCLUSIONS Other than sex and age differences, geographic income inequality was the main factor responsible for the spatial differences in the risk of covid-19 hospital mortality. Investing in public policies to reduce socioeconomic inequities, infection prevention, and other intersectoral measures should focus on lower per capita income, to control covid-19 hospital mortality.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020 / Soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares no município de São Paulo, 2020

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4-17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6-20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4-18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0-13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8-20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9-20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares de quatro a 14 anos de idade residentes no município de São Paulo, segundo variáveis clínicas, demográficas, epidemiológicas e sociais, durante o período de fechamento das escolas como medida de controle da covid-19. MÉTODOS Realizou-se um inquérito sorológico em setembro de 2020 com amostra aleatória estratificada por tipo de rede de ensino (pública municipal, pública estadual e privada). Foi coletada amostra de sangue venoso utilizando-se o teste de imunoensaio de fluxo lateral da fabricante Wondfo para detecção de anticorpos totais contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2. Aplicaram-se questionários semiestruturados para o levantamento de dados clínicos, demográficos, sociais e epidemiológicos. RESULTADOS A soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares foi de 16,6% (IC95% 15,4-17,8). O estudo encontrou soroprevalências mais elevadas na rede pública municipal (18,5%; IC95% 16,6-20,6) e estadual (16,2%; IC95% 14,4-18,2) em relação à rede privada (11,7; IC95% 10,0-13,7) e entre escolares da raça/cor preta e parda (18,4%; IC95% 16,8-20,2) e no estrato social mais vulnerável (18,5%; IC95% 16,9-20,2). A pesquisa identificou menores soroprevalências nos escolares que relataram seguir as medidas recomendadas de proteção contra a covid-19. CONCLUSÃO A soroprevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 atinge principalmente os escolares socialmente mais vulneráveis. Este estudo pode contribuir para embasar políticas públicas que reforcem a importância da suspensão das aulas presenciais e da necessidade de estratégias de medidas de proteção e acompanhamento do status sorológico daqueles que ainda não foram contemplados no calendário vacinal.

Variabilidade espacial intraurbana da mortalidade por câncer de mama e do colo do útero no município de São Paulo: análise dos fatores associados / Intra-urban spatial variability of breast and cervical cancer mortality in the city of São Paulo: analysis of associated factors

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a variabilidade espacial da mortalidade por câncer de mama e colo do útero e avaliar fatores associados à mortalidade por esses cânceres no município de São Paulo. Métodos: Entre 2009 e 2016 foram registrados, no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade, 10.124 óbitos por câncer de mama e 2.116 óbitos por câncer do colo do útero em mulheres com 20 anos e mais. Os registros foram geocodificados por endereço de residência e agregados segundo território adstrito. Foram realizadas modelagens de regressão espacial utilizando-se a abordagem bayesiana com estrutura de Besag-York-Mollié para verificar a associação dos óbitos com indicadores selecionados. Resultados: As taxas de mortalidade por esses cânceres apresentaram padrões espaciais inversos. As variáveis associadas à mortalidade por câncer de mama foram: tempo de deslocamento para o trabalho entre uma e duas horas (risco relativo — RR 0,97; intervalo de credibilidade — IC95% 0,93-1,00); mulheres responsáveis pelo domicílio (RR 0,97; IC95% 0,94-0,99) e óbitos por câncer de mama ocorridos em estabelecimentos privados (RR 1,04; IC95% 1,00-1,07). À mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero, estiveram associados: tempo de deslocamento para o trabalho entre meia e uma hora (RR 0,92; IC95% 0,87-0,98); rendimento domiciliar até três salários-mínimos (RR 1,27; IC95% 1,18-1,37); e razão de menores de um ano em relação à população feminina de 15 a 49 anos (RR 1,09; IC95% 1,01-1,18). Conclusão: Foram calculados os RR preditos para a mortalidade por esses cânceres, que estiveram associados às condições socioeconômicas das áreas de abrangência.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify spatial variability of mortality from breast and cervical cancer and to assess factors associated in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Between 2009 and 2016, 10,124 deaths from breast cancer and 2,116 deaths from cervical cancer were recorded in the Mortality Information System among women aged 20 years and over. The records were geocoded by address of residence and grouped according to Primary Health Care coverage areas. A spatial regression modeling was put together using the Bayesian approach with a Besag-York-Mollié structure to verify the association of deaths with selected indicators. Results: Mortality rates from these types of cancer showed inverse spatial patterns. These variables were associated with breast cancer mortality: travel time between one and two hours to work (RR - relative risk: 0.97; 95%CI - credible interval: 0.93-1.00); women being the head of the household (RR 0.97; 95%CI 0.94-0.99) and deaths from breast cancer in private health institutions (RR 1.04; 95%CI 1.00-1.07). The following variables were associated with mortality from cervical cancer: travel time to work between half an hour and one hour (RR 0.92; 95%CI 0.87-0.98); per capita household income of up to 3 minimum wages (RR 1.27; 95%CI 1.18-1.37) and ratio of children under one year of age related to the female population aged 15 to 49 years (RR 1.09; 95%CI 1.01-1.18). Conclusion: The predicted RR for mortality from these cancers were calculated and associated with the socioeconomic conditions of the areas covered.

Pink October and mammograms: when health communication misses the target. / Outubro Rosa e mamografias: quando a comunicação em saúde erra o alvo.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer and is the leading cause of death from cancer in the female population. Screening mammograms and early treatment are the most frequently used means to attempt to reduce this mortality and are promoted during Pink October, an annual awareness-raising campaign. However, recent studies have correlated the increase in screening with higher morbidity and mortality, due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The current study assessed searches related to breast cancer and mammogram in Google Trends from 2004 to 2019 in terms of trend, seasonality, and distribution in Brazilian states. The study also evaluatedH the correlation between the number of searches in Google Trends and the number of screening mammograms. The two series showed a seasonal pattern with peaks in October, and there was an excess in tests performed outside the recommended age bracket. Pink October transmitted and popularized health information and induced behaviors related to this information, which are three desirable aspects in health communication and education. However, the campaign also generated an excess in screening mammograms and did not encourage autonomy and free and informed consent. Pink October revealed both the potential of mass communication in health and the need for messages to be aligned with the best available scientific evidence.

O câncer de mama é o tipo de câncer mais diagnosticado e a principal causa de morte por câncer na população feminina. As mamografias de rastreamento e o tratamento precoce são geralmente os meios mais utilizados na tentativa de reduzir essa mortalidade e são incentivados no Outubro Rosa, uma campanha de divulgação anual. Contudo, estudos recentes têm relacionado o aumento do rastreamento com uma maior morbimortalidade em razão do sobrediagnóstico e do sobretratamento. No presente estudo, avaliaram-se as buscas relativas ao câncer de mama e à mamografia no Google Trends, entre 2004 e 2019, em termos da tendência, da sazonalidade e da distribuição nas Unidades Federativas brasileiras. Avaliou-se também a correlação entre a quantidade de buscas no Google Trends e a quantidade de exames de rastreamento mamográfico. As duas séries tiveram um padrão sazonal com picos em outubro, e houve excesso de exames realizados fora da faixa etária recomendada. O Outubro Rosa transmitiu informações de saúde, as popularizou e induziu comportamentos relativos a informações transmitidas; três aspectos desejáveis na comunicação e na educação em saúde. Porém, gerou um excesso de mamografias de rastreamento e não incentivou a autonomia e o consentimento livre e esclarecido. O Outubro Rosa mostrou o potencial da comunicação em saúde para massas e a necessidade de que as mensagens sejam alinhadas com as melhores evidências científicas.

El cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer más diagnosticado y la principal causa de muerte por cáncer en la población femenina. Las mamografías de rastreo y el tratamiento precoz son generalmente los medios más utilizados en la tentativa de reducir esa mortalidad, y son incentivados en el Octubre Rosa, una campaña de divulgación anual. No obstante, estudios recientes han relacionado el aumento del rastreo con una mayor morbimortalidad, debido al sobrediagnóstico y al sobretratamiento. En el presente estudio se evaluaron las búsquedas relativas al cáncer de mama, y a la mamografía en Google Trends entre 2004 y 2019, en términos de tendencia, de estacionalidad y de su distribución en las Unidades Federativas brasileñas. Se evaluó también la correlación entre la cantidad de búsquedas en Google Trends y la cantidad de exámenes de rastreo mamográfico. Las dos series tuvieron un patrón estacional con picos en octubre, y hubo un exceso de exámenes realizados fuera de la franja etaria recomendada. Octubre Rosa transmitió información de salud, la popularizó e indujo a comportamientos relacionados con la información transmitida; tres aspectos deseables en la comunicación y educación en salud. Sin embargo, generó un exceso de mamografías de rastreo y no incentivó la autonomía y el consentimiento libre e informado. Octubre Rosa mostró el potencial de la comunicación en salud para las masas y la necesidad de que los mensajes estén alineados con mejores evidencias científicas.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS: This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9-11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7-28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Examining socio-economic factors to understand the hospital case fatality rates of COVID-19 in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Understanding differences in hospital case fatality rates (HCFRs) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may help evaluate its severity and the capacity of the healthcare system to reduce mortality. METHODS: We examined the variability in HCFRs of COVID-19 in relation to spatial inequalities in socio-economic factors, hospital health sector and patient medical condition across the city of São Paulo, Brazil. We obtained the standardized hospital case fatality ratio adjusted indirectly by age and sex, which is the ratio between the HCFR of a specific spatial unit and the HCFR for the entire study area. We modelled it using a generalized linear mixed model with spatial random effects in a Bayesian context. RESULTS: We found that HCFRs were higher for men and for individuals ≥60 y of age. Our models identified per capita income as a significant factor that is negatively associated with the HCFRs of COVID-19, even after adjusting for age, sex and presence of risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analyses of the implementation of these methods and of disparities in COVID-19 outcomes may help in the development of policies for at-risk populations in geographically defined areas.

Risk of cardiovascular mortality, stroke and coronary heart mortality associated with aircraft noise around Congonhas airport, São Paulo, Brazil: a small-area study.

BACKGROUND: Noise pollution is increasingly recognised as a public health hazard, yet limited evidence is available from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly for specific sources. Here, we investigated the association between day-night average (Ldn) aircraft noise and the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) at small-area level around São Paulo's Congonhas airport, Brazil during the period 2011-2016. METHODS: We selected 3259 census tracts across 16 districts partially or entirely exposed to ≥50 dB aircraft noise levels around the Congonhas airport, using pre-modelled 5 dB Ldn noise  bands (≤50 dB to > 65 dB). We estimated the average noise exposure per census tract using area-weighting. Age, sex and calendar year-specific death counts for CVD, stroke and CHD were calculated by census tract, according to the residential address at time of death. We fitted Poisson regression models to quantify the risk associated with aircraft noise exposure, adjusting for age, sex, calendar year and area-level covariates including socioeconomic development, ethnicity, smoking and road traffic related noise and air pollution. RESULTS: After accounting for all covariates, areas exposed to the highest levels of noise (> 65 dB) showed a relative risk (RR) for CVD and CHD of 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94; 1.20) and 1.11 (95%CI: 0.96; 1.27), respectively, compared to those exposed to reference noise levels (≤50 dB). The RR for stroke ranged between 1.05 (95%CI: 0.95;1.16) and 0.91 (95%CI: 0.78;1.11) for all the noise levels assessed. We found a statistically significant positive trend for CVD and CHD mortality risk with increasing levels of noise (p = 0.043 and p = 0.005, respectively). No significant linear trend was found for stroke. Risk estimates were generally higher after excluding road traffic density, suggesting that road traffic air and noise pollution are potentially important confounders. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides some evidence that aircraft noise is associated with increased risk of CVD and CHD mortality in a middle-income setting. More research is needed to validate these results in other LMIC settings and to further explore the influence of residual confounding and ecological bias. Remarkably, 60% of the study population living near the Congonhas airport (~ 1.5 million) were exposed to aircraft noise levels > 50 dB, well above those recommended by the WHO (45 dB), highlighting the need for public health interventions.

Mix of destinations and sedentary behavior among Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is influenced by contextual, social, and individual factors, including the built environment. However, associations between the built environment and sitting time have not been extensively investigated in countries with economies in transition such as Brazil. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between sitting-time and access to a mix of destinations for adults from Sao Paulo city, Brazil. METHODS: This study uses data from the Health Survey of Sao Paulo. Sedentary behavior was assessed by a questionnaire using two questions: total sitting time in minutes on a usual weekday; and on a usual weekend day. The mix of destinations was measured by summing the number of facilities (comprising bus stops, train/subway stations, parks, squares, public recreation centres, bike paths, primary health care units, supermarkets, food stores, bakeries, and coffee-shops) within 500 m of each participant's residence. Minutes of sitting time in a typical weekday and weekend day were the outcomes and the mix of destinations score in 500 m buffers was the exposure variable. Associations between the mix of destinations and sitting time were examined using multilevel linear regression: these models accounted for clustering within census tracts and households and adjusted for environmental, sociodemographic, and health-related factors. RESULTS: After adjustment for covariates, the mix of destinations was inversely associated with minutes of sitting time on a weekday (ß=- 8.8, p=0.001) and weekend day (ß=- 6.1, p=0.022). People who lived in areas with a greater mix of destinations had shorter average sitting times. CONCLUSION: Greater mix of destinations within 500 m of peoples' residences was inversely associated with sitting time on a typical weekday and weekend day. In Latin American cities like Sao Paulo built environments more favorable for walking may contribute to reducing sedentary behavior and prevent associated chronic disease.

Spatiotemporal ecological study of COVID-19 mortality in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: Shifting of the high mortality risk from areas with the best to those with the worst socio-economic conditions.

BACKGROUND: Currently, Brazil is experiencing one of the fastest increasing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mortality rates worldwide, with a minimum of 158,000 confirmed deaths presently. The city of São Paulo is particularly vulnerable because it is the most populated city in Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to analyse COVID-19 mortality in a spatiotemporal context in São Paulo, with respect to socio-economic levels. METHOD: We modelled the deaths using spatiotemporal architectures and Poisson probability distributions using a latent Gaussian Bayesian model approach. RESULTS: Both total deaths and confirmed deaths showed similar spatial patterns. Mortality was higher in men and increased with age. The most critical period regarding mortality occurred between the 20th and 23rd epidemiological weeks, followed by an apparent stabilisation of the epidemiological trend. The risk of death was greater in areas with the worst social conditions during the study period. However, this pattern was not uniform over time, since we identified a shift of high risk from the areas with the best socio-economic conditions to those with the worst conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study corroborated the relationship between COVID-19 mortality and socio-economic conditions, revealing the importance of geographic screening in the integration of better actions to face the pandemic.

Outubro Rosa e mamografias: quando a comunicação em saúde erra o alvo / Octubre Rosa y mamografías: cuando la comunicación en salud confunde el objetivo / Pink October and mammograms: when health communication misses the target

O câncer de mama é o tipo de câncer mais diagnosticado e a principal causa de morte por câncer na população feminina. As mamografias de rastreamento e o tratamento precoce são geralmente os meios mais utilizados na tentativa de reduzir essa mortalidade e são incentivados no Outubro Rosa, uma campanha de divulgação anual. Contudo, estudos recentes têm relacionado o aumento do rastreamento com uma maior morbimortalidade em razão do sobrediagnóstico e do sobretratamento. No presente estudo, avaliaram-se as buscas relativas ao câncer de mama e à mamografia no Google Trends, entre 2004 e 2019, em termos da tendência, da sazonalidade e da distribuição nas Unidades Federativas brasileiras. Avaliou-se também a correlação entre a quantidade de buscas no Google Trends e a quantidade de exames de rastreamento mamográfico. As duas séries tiveram um padrão sazonal com picos em outubro, e houve excesso de exames realizados fora da faixa etária recomendada. O Outubro Rosa transmitiu informações de saúde, as popularizou e induziu comportamentos relativos a informações transmitidas; três aspectos desejáveis na comunicação e na educação em saúde. Porém, gerou um excesso de mamografias de rastreamento e não incentivou a autonomia e o consentimento livre e esclarecido. O Outubro Rosa mostrou o potencial da comunicação em saúde para massas e a necessidade de que as mensagens sejam alinhadas com as melhores evidências científicas.

El cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer más diagnosticado y la principal causa de muerte por cáncer en la población femenina. Las mamografías de rastreo y el tratamiento precoz son generalmente los medios más utilizados en la tentativa de reducir esa mortalidad, y son incentivados en el Octubre Rosa, una campaña de divulgación anual. No obstante, estudios recientes han relacionado el aumento del rastreo con una mayor morbimortalidad, debido al sobrediagnóstico y al sobretratamiento. En el presente estudio se evaluaron las búsquedas relativas al cáncer de mama, y a la mamografía en Google Trends entre 2004 y 2019, en términos de tendencia, de estacionalidad y de su distribución en las Unidades Federativas brasileñas. Se evaluó también la correlación entre la cantidad de búsquedas en Google Trends y la cantidad de exámenes de rastreo mamográfico. Las dos series tuvieron un patrón estacional con picos en octubre, y hubo un exceso de exámenes realizados fuera de la franja etaria recomendada. Octubre Rosa transmitió información de salud, la popularizó e indujo a comportamientos relacionados con la información transmitida; tres aspectos deseables en la comunicación y educación en salud. Sin embargo, generó un exceso de mamografías de rastreo y no incentivó la autonomía y el consentimiento libre e informado. Octubre Rosa mostró el potencial de la comunicación en salud para las masas y la necesidad de que los mensajes estén alineados con mejores evidencias científicas.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer and is the leading cause of death from cancer in the female population. Screening mammograms and early treatment are the most frequently used means to attempt to reduce this mortality and are promoted during Pink October, an annual awareness-raising campaign. However, recent studies have correlated the increase in screening with higher morbidity and mortality, due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The current study assessed searches related to breast cancer and mammogram in Google Trends from 2004 to 2019 in terms of trend, seasonality, and distribution in Brazilian states. The study also evaluatedH the correlation between the number of searches in Google Trends and the number of screening mammograms. The two series showed a seasonal pattern with peaks in October, and there was an excess in tests performed outside the recommended age bracket. Pink October transmitted and popularized health information and induced behaviors related to this information, which are three desirable aspects in health communication and education. However, the campaign also generated an excess in screening mammograms and did not encourage autonomy and free and informed consent. Pink October revealed both the potential of mass communication in health and the need for messages to be aligned with the best available scientific evidence.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9-11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7-28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Spatial pattern of mortality from breast and cervical cancer in the city of São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the spatial pattern of mortality from breast and cervical cancer in areas of primary health care, considering socioeconomic conditions. METHODS: This is an ecological study, from January 2000 to December 2016. The study area is the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, and its 456 coverage areas of primary health units. Information on deaths of women aged 20 years or over were geocoded according to residence address. We calculated mortality rates, standardized by age, and smoothed by the local empirical Bayesian method, and grouped into three or two years to reduce the random fluctuation of the data. In addition, bivariate global and local Moran indexes were calculated to verify the existence of spatial agglomeration of standardized mortality rates with a domain of socioeconomic condition, elaborated based on the Índice Paulista de Vulnerabilidade Social (IPVS - São Paulo Index of Social Vulnerability). RESULTS: The success rate of geocoding was 98.9%. Mortality from breast cancer, without stratification by time, showed a pattern with higher rates located in central regions with better socioeconomic conditions. It showed a decrease at the end of the period and a change in spatial pattern, with increased mortality in peripheral regions. On the other hand, mortality from cervical cancer remained with the highest rates in peripheral regions with worse socioeconomic conditions, despite being reduced over time. CONCLUSION: The spatial pattern of mortality from the studied cancers, over time, suggests association with the best socioeconomic conditions of the municipality, either as protection (cervical) or risk (breast). This knowledge may direct resources to prevent and promote health in the territories.

Is the local food environment associated with excess body weight in adolescents in São Paulo, Brazil?

The obesogenic environment stimulates an inadequate diet by hampering healthy choices. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between the local food environment and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a representative sample population of adolescents living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, using multilevel logistic regression models. Among the adolescents, 29.6% were overweight/obese. There were no significant differences between food environment and adolescents' weight status. However, the presence of fast food restaurants near their home increased the chances of being overweight or obese (OR = 2.53; 95%CI: 1.02-6.27). Results suggest the need to intensify food and nutrition policies, development of culinary skills, and the reduction in prices of healthy foods to facilitate access to these foods, so that adolescents have options in locations to socialize with friends and family.

Is the local food environment associated with excess body weight in adolescents in São Paulo, Brazil? / O ambiente alimentar local está associado ao excesso de peso em adolescentes em São Paulo, Brasil? / ¿El ambiente alimentario local está asociado al exceso de peso en adolescentes en São Paulo, Brasil?

The obesogenic environment stimulates an inadequate diet by hampering healthy choices. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between the local food environment and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a representative sample population of adolescents living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, using multilevel logistic regression models. Among the adolescents, 29.6% were overweight/obese. There were no significant differences between food environment and adolescents' weight status. However, the presence of fast food restaurants near their home increased the chances of being overweight or obese (OR = 2.53; 95%CI: 1.02-6.27). Results suggest the need to intensify food and nutrition policies, development of culinary skills, and the reduction in prices of healthy foods to facilitate access to these foods, so that adolescents have options in locations to socialize with friends and family.

O ambiente obesogênico estimula uma dieta inadequada, ao dificultar escolhas alimentares saudáveis. Este estudo transversal avaliou a associação entre o ambiente alimentar local e a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em uma amostra representativa da população de adolescentes residentes na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, usando modelos de regressão logística multinível. Entre os adolescentes, 29,6% apresentavam sobrepeso ou obesidade. Não houve diferenças significativas entre o ambiente alimentar e o status de peso dos adolescentes. Entretanto, a presença de restaurantes de fast food próximos ao domicílio aumentava a probabilidade de apresentarem sobrepeso ou obesidade (OR = 2,53; IC95%: 1,02-6,27). Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de intensificar as políticas de alimentação e nutrição, o desenvolvimento de habilidades culinárias e a redução nos preços dos alimentos para facilitar o acesso a eles, de maneira que os adolescentes disponham de opções saudáveis em locais para socializar com amigos e familiares.

El ambiente obesogénico estimula una dieta inadecuada, al dificultar elecciones alimentarias saludables. Este estudio transversal evaluó la asociación entre el ambiente alimentario local y la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en una muestra representativa de la población de adolescentes residentes en la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil, usando modelos de regresión logística multinivel. Entre los adolescentes, un 29,6% presentaban sobrepeso u obesidad. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el ambiente alimentario y el estado de peso de los adolescentes. No obstante, la presencia de restaurantes de fast food cercanos al domicilio aumentaba la probabilidad de presentar sobrepeso u obesidad (OR = 2,53; IC95%: 1,02-6,27). Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de intensificar las políticas de alimentación y nutrición, el desarrollo de habilidades culinarias y la reducción de los precios de los alimentos para facilitar el acceso a ellos, de forma que los adolescentes dispongan de opciones saludables en lugares para socializar con amigos y familiares.

Small-Scale Variations in Urban Air Pollution Levels Are Significantly Associated with Premature Births: A Case Study in São Paulo, Brazil.

Premature birth is the result of a complex interaction among genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. We evaluated the possible associations between air pollution and the incidence of prematurity in spatial clusters of high and low prevalence in the municipality of São Paulo. It is a spatial case-control study. The residential addresses of mothers with live births that occurred in 2012 and 2013 were geo-coded. A spatial scan statistical test performed to identify possible low-prevalence and high-prevalence clusters of premature births. After identifying, the spatial clusters were drawn samples of cases and controls in each cluster. Mothers were interviewed face-to-face using questionnaires. Air pollution exposure was assessed by passive tubes (NO2 and O3) as well as by the determination of trace elements' concentration in tree bark. Binary logistic regression models were applied to determine the significance of the risk of premature birth. Later prenatal care, urinary infection, and hypertension were individual risk factors for prematurity. Particles produced by traffic emissions (estimated by tree bark accumulation) and photochemical pollutants involved in the photochemical cycle (estimated by O3 and NO2 passive tubes) also exhibited significant and robust risks for premature births. The results indicate that air pollution is an independent risk factor for prematurity.

Access to Street Markets and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables by Adolescents Living in São Paulo, Brazil.

Food environment and income act as determinants of diet, and consequently, of the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption, income, and street market density in adolescents living in São Paulo, Brazil. Data from 521 adolescents (12 to 19 years) participating in the 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo were used. Buffers (500, 1000, and 1500 m) were drawn around the households and the street markets were counted in each zone. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption, income, and street market density. The main results showed that the presence of a street market in the zone closest to the households (500 m) was associated with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR: 1.73; CI 95% 1.01-3.00). Higher family income was associated with a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables for models of 500 m buffer (OR: 2.56; CI 95% 1.47-4.45), 1000 m (OR: 2.30; CI 95% 1.33-3.96), and 1500 m (OR: 2.32; CI 95% 1.35-4.00). These results support the implementation of public policies that jointly consider income and the availability of street markets or healthy food environments.