[Temporal pattern, spatial distribution, and factors associated with the incidence of HIV/AIDS among young people in BrazilPatrón temporal, distribución espacial y factores asociados a la incidencia de la infección por el VIH/sida en jóvenes en Brasil]. / Padrão temporal, distribuição espacial e fatores associados a incidência de HIV/AIDS entre jovens no Brasil.

Objective: To describe temporal and spatial patterns and identify the factors associated with the incidence of HIV/AIDS among young people in Brazil. Method: Ecological study of young Brazilians aged 15-24 years with reported HIV/AIDS, from 2001 to 2021. The Joinpoint method was used for the temporal analysis. Spatial clusters were detected using Bayesian methods, spatial autocorrelation, Getis-Ord Gi*, and scan techniques. Four non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to identify factors associated with the result. All statistical analyses considered p < 0.05. Results: In Brazil, the average incidence was 12.29 per 100 000 inhabitants, with an annual increase of 7.3% in the period 2007-2014 and a subsequent 3.4% decrease in 2014-2021. A high-high pattern and hotspots were observed, mainly in municipalities in the South, Southeast, Central-West, and North regions. The primary cluster was located in 572 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, with the highest relative risks in Manaus (Amazonas) and Rondonópolis (Mato Grosso). The illiteracy rate (ß = -0.08), GINI Index (ß = -3.74) and Family Health Strategy coverage (ß = -0.70) were negatively associated with the result. In contrast, the Firjan Municipal Development Index (ß = 2.37), Social Vulnerability Index (ß = 6.30), percentage of Bolsa Família recipients (ß = 0.04), and per capita income (ß = 0.008) showed a positive association. Conclusion: There was an upward trend in the incidence of HIV/AIDS until 2014, followed by a decline until 2021. High-rate clusters were concentrated in municipalities in the North, South, Southeast and Central-West regions in particular. Indicators of socioeconomic vulnerability had positive or negative effects on the result, depending on the territory investigated.

Objetivo: Describir el patrón temporal y espacial, y determinar los factores asociados a la incidencia de infección por el VIH/sida en jóvenes en Brasil. Método: Estudio ecológico en jóvenes brasileños de 15 a 24 años con diagnóstico de infección por el VIH/sida en el período 2001-2021. Para el análisis temporal se utilizó el método de regresión de puntos de inflexión (joinpoint). Los conglomerados espaciales se detectaron con métodos Bayesianos y de autocorrelación espacial, Gi* de Getis-Ord y escaneo. Se utilizaron cuatro modelos de regresión espacial y no espacial para detectar los factores asociados al resultado. En todos los análisis estadísticos se estableció un valor de p < 0,05 como umbral de significación. Resultados: En Brasil, la incidencia media fue de 12,29 por 100 000 habitantes, con un aumento del 7,3% anual en el período 2007-2014 y una reducción posterior del 3,4% en el período 2014-2021. Se observó un patrón alto/alto y la presencia de puntos calientes, principalmente en municipios del Sur, Sudeste, Centro-Oeste y Norte. El principal conglomerado se localizó en 572 municipios de Rio Grande do Sul y Santa Catarina, y los riesgos relativos más altos se observaron en Manaus (Amazonas) y Rondonópolis (Mato Grosso). La tasa de analfabetismo (ß = -0,08), el índice de Gini (ß = -3,74) y la cobertura de la estrategia de salud familiar (ß = -0,70) mostraron una asociación negativa con el resultado. En cambio, el índice de Firjan de desarrollo municipal (ß = 2,37), el índice de vulnerabilidad social (ß = 6,30), el porcentaje de personas que reciben ayuda del programa de bienestar social Bolsa Família (ß = 0,04) y los ingresos per cápita (ß = 0,008) mostraron una asociación positiva. Conclusión: Hubo una tendencia al aumento de la incidencia de infección por el VIH/sida hasta el 2014, con una reducción posterior hasta el 2021. Los conglomerados de tasas elevadas se concentraron especialmente en los municipios de las regiones Norte, Sur, Sudeste y Centro-Oeste. Los indicadores de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica tienen una influencia positiva o negativa en el resultado, según el territorio investigado.

Irreversible colorimetric bio-based curcumin bilayer membranes for smart food packaging temperature control applications.

Research into innovative food safety technologies has led to the development of smart packaging with embedded chemical sensors that can monitor food quality throughout the supply chain. Thermochromic materials (TM), which are able to dynamically change colour in response to temperature fluctuations, have proven to be reliable indicators of food quality in certain environments. Natural colourants such as curcumin are becoming increasingly popular for smart packaging due to their low toxicity, environmental friendliness and ability to change colour. The innovation in this research lies in the production of a bio-based bilayer membrane specifically designed for irreversible temperature monitoring. Membrane A was prepared by dissolving cellulose acetate and curcumin in acetone at room temperature, with glycerol serving as a plasticiser. At the same time, membrane B was carefully formulated by dissolving cellulose acetate and triethanolamine in acetone, with sorbitol as plasticiser. The preparation of these different membranes revealed a remarkable event: a gradual and irreversible colour transition from an initial yellow to a brick-red hue after 24 hours of storage at 25 °C. The chemical structure and morphological analyses of the membranes were performed using several techniques, including FTIR, DSC and SEM. The membrane labels were adhered to aluminium cans and their colorimetric response was observed over a period of 10 days. Minimal colour variations were observed, confirming the reproducibility and stability of the curcumin-based membranes as temperature sensors.

Effectiveness of cinnamon in the reduction of lipid levels in people with diabetes: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cinnamon in reducing lipid levels in people with diabetes. METHOD: Randomized clinical trial of parallel groups, triple-blind, conducted in Basic Health Units in the state of Piauí in 2019. People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, between 18 and 80 years old, using oral antidiabetics, were included, and divided into two groups. The experimental group tested 3g of cinnamon for 90 days. RESULTS: 140 people participated in the study. From these, the experimental group (n= 71) showed a reduction in mean levels of total cholesterol (p= 0.316 | CI 95% -24.9-8.1), LDL (p= 0.024 | CI 95% -29.3 -2.1) and triglycerides (p= 0.969 | 95% CI -28.6-27.5), and increased HDL (p= 0.001 | 95% CI 4.2-10.2). CONCLUSION: The use of 3g of cinnamon per day, for 90 days, seems to help reduce LDL values and increase HDL levels in patients with diabetes.

Research for Cytomegalovirus Mutations Associated With Resistance to Antivirals in Kidney Transplant Receptors.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) mutations associated with antiviral resistance have become a major problem related to high mortality in kidney transplant patients. The aim of the study was to investigate mutations in the CMV genes UL97 and UL54 associated with antiviral resistance. A retrospective observational cohort study was carried out at Hospital Ophir Loyola (HOL), a reference in Kidney Transplantation. A total of 81 patients who underwent kidney transplantation were followed up between 2016 and 2018 were monitored for CMV viral load by performing qPCR. Sanger sequencing was performed on 66 patients. All CMV-positive kidney transplant recipients were included. Mutations were observed in 15 samples (22.72%) from patients. Most cases involved UL97 mutations. Mutation in UL54 without mutation in UL97 was detected in only 2 cases. Resistance mutations in UL97 were identified, such as M460V, L595S, H520Q, two co-mutations D465R + Del524 and A594P + D413A and a 3 codon deletion (del598-601). The search for mutations in the CMV genes identified mutations that confer resistance to conventional antivirals, such as ganciclovir and cidofovir, used in the treatment of these patients. Confirmation of the association with increased CMV viral load in transplanted patients, due to mutation in resistance genes, requires phenotypic analysis for confirmation purposes. These were the first findings in patients in northern Brazil that we know of.

The Association between Physical Activity and Anxiety in Aging: A Comparative Analysis.

(1) Background: As the worldwide aging population is growing, there is a need to embrace the role of physical activity in the anxiety of older people. Objectives: To analyze anxiety in older people practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity; (2) Methods: ample composed of 690 older people of both genders, unselected volunteers, residing in Brazil, present (as participants or observers) in selected street races in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 30 October 2019, and 12 March 2020. An instrument composed of the sociodemographic questionnaire and questions from the Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI, and the Physical Activity Inventory for older people, Baecke-Old. Design: Ex-post-facto observational analytical descriptive research; (3) Results: The average age of the sample was in the range of 65 to 69y, 74% female, 94% completed high school, 69% living with the family, 84% practicing physical activity. Anxiety levels were 26% (without), 35% (mild), 21% (moderate), and 18% (severe). The comparison of anxiety showed a difference between the groups of active and sedentary elderly. Logistic regression analysis considering anxiety (yes or no; dichotomous variable) and physical activity (yes or no; dichotomous variable) and Odds Ratio were performed to identify possible influences of the independent variables PA, gender, marital status, and education on anxiety. Only physical activity was associated with anxiety. (4) Conclusions: The sample data of this research point to the conclusion that physical activity influences anxiety levels with 98% certainty, and it is suggested that it be enriched in the future with different studies with different designs. The older people practitioners of physical activity with a high level of education presented as 26% without, 35% mild, 21% moderate, and 18% severe anxiety. More active individuals are less likely to develop anxiety.

Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva como estratégia de promoção de saúde no ambiente escolar

A abordagem da educação em saúde é de suma importância para a qualidade e efetividade da atenção em saúde sexual e saúde reprodutiva, especialmente no ambiente escolar. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do trabalho é verificar o conhecimento de estudantes do Ensino Médio e Ensino de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) quanto à sexualidade e planejamento reprodutivo. Trata-se de um relato da experiência, com abordagem qualitativa dos dados. As estudantes de graduação em Enfermagem realizaram junto ao público de jovens e adultos com faixa etária entre 16 e 50 anos em escolas públicas de Ensino Fundamental e Ensino Médio de Parnaíba-PI atividades de educação em saúde voltadas à prevenção de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis (IST's) no período de junho de 2022. Utilizou-se o diário de campo por meio da observação direta para o registro das informações e impressões sobre o território de atuação. Constatou-se a carência de educação sexual no ambiente escolar, devido ao desconhecimento das infecções sexuais, o uso errôneo de métodos contraceptivos na qual propicia o surgimento de inúmeras condições de saúde, como as IST's e a gravidez na adolescência. As ações de educação em saúde realizadas pelas discentes de enfermagem contribuem para a formação dos estudantes de graduação pois proporcionam o contato com a comunidade e as suas necessidades. Auxiliam também na diminuição das IST's, visto que a desinformação é um dos principais fatores para a sua disseminação.

Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Quality of Life of the Older People in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Population aging all over the world invites older people to be active, considering physical activity (PA) as associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress and a high quality of life (QOL) in older people. OBJECTIVE: To analyze anxiety, depression, stress and QOL as a function of PA in older people. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive analytical research. Six hundred and ninety older people answered the instrument composed of sociodemographic questions, followed by questions from the WHOQOL-Old, Baecke-Old, WHOQOL-SRPB, Stress Perception Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The beneficial effect of PA on the elderly is evident in this sample with such a high QoL (73%) and such a high level of physical activity (84%), and even with an advanced level of education (75%) and high spirituality (99.6%). The influence of PA on the anxiety and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 9.9, DF = 4, p = 0.04239, critical value = 9.5. The influence of PA on the anxiety, depression and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 6.8; DF = 5; p-value = 0.24; critical value = 11.1. CONCLUSION: In the elderly, PA has a significant relationship with anxiety, stress and QOL. In addition, the high level of QOL of the elderly in the sample demonstrates the capacity for PA, educational level and spirituality for personal satisfaction.

Effectiveness of cinnamon in the reduction of lipid levels in people with diabetes: a randomized clinical trial / Eficacia de la canela en la reducción de los niveles de lípidos en personas con diabetes: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Efetividade da canela na redução de níveis lipídicos em pessoas com diabetes: ensaio clínico aleatorizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cinnamon in reducing lipid levels in people with diabetes. Method: Randomized clinical trial of parallel groups, triple-blind, conducted in Basic Health Units in the state of Piauí in 2019. People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, between 18 and 80 years old, using oral antidiabetics, were included, and divided into two groups. The experimental group tested 3g of cinnamon for 90 days. Results: 140 people participated in the study. From these, the experimental group (n= 71) showed a reduction in mean levels of total cholesterol (p= 0.316 - CI 95% -24.9-8.1), LDL (p= 0.024 - CI 95% -29.3 -2.1) and triglycerides (p= 0.969 - 95% CI -28.6-27.5), and increased HDL (p= 0.001 - 95% CI 4.2-10.2). Conclusion: The use of 3g of cinnamon per day, for 90 days, seems to help reduce LDL values and increase HDL levels in patients with diabetes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la canela en la reducción de los niveles de lípidos en personas con diabetes. Método: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, triple ciego, de grupos paralelos, realizado en Unidades Básicas de Salud de Piauí en 2019. Personas con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, entre 18 y 80 años, usuarias de antidiabéticos orales, fueron divididas en dos grupos. El grupo experimental probó 3g de canela durante 90 días. Resultados: 140 personas participaron en el estudio. De estos, el grupo experimental (n= 71) mostró una reducción en los niveles medios de colesterol total (p= 0,316 - IC 95% -24,9-8,1), LDL (p= 0,024 - IC 95% -29,3 - 2,1) y triglicéridos (p= 0,969 - IC 95% -28,6-27,5) y HDL elevado (p= 0,001 - IC 95% 4,2-10,2). Conclusión: El uso de 3g de canela al día durante 90 días parece ayudar a reducir los valores de LDL y aumentar los niveles de HDL en pacientes con diabetes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade da canela na redução dos níveis lipídicos em pessoas com diabetes. Método: Ensaio clínico aleatorizado de grupos paralelos, triplo cego, realizado em Unidades Básicas de Saúde do estado do Piauí em 2019. Foram incluídas pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, entre 18 e 80 anos, em uso de antidiabéticos orais, e divididos em dois grupos. No grupo experimental testou-se 3g de canela por 90 dias. Resultados: 140 pessoas participaram do estudo. Destas, o grupo experimental (n= 71) apresentou redução na média dos níveis de colesterol total (p= 0,316 - IC 95% -24,9-8,1), LDL (p= 0,024 - IC 95% -29,3-2,1) e triglicerídeos (p= 0,969 - IC 95% -28,6-27,5), e aumento do HDL (p= 0,001 - IC95% 4,2-10,2). Conclusão: O uso de 3g de canela por dia, durante 90 dias, parece auxiliar na diminuição dos valores de LDL e aumento dos níveis de HDL em pacientes com diabetes.

The strengths and weaknesses of Live Fluorescently Labelled Algae (LFLA) to estimate herbivory in protozooplankton and mixoplankton.

The Live Fluorescently Labelled Algae (LFLA) technique has been used numerous times to estimate microzooplankton herbivory. Yet, it is unknown how mixoplankton (i.e., single-cell organisms that can combine phototrophy and phagotrophy) affect the outcome of this technique. Hence, we conducted a broad-spectrum assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the LFLA technique, using several mixoplanktonic and protozooplanktonic grazers. Species from different taxonomic groups and different feeding mechanisms were tested in short-term experiments (ca. 5 h) in the laboratory, at different prey concentrations and during light and dark periods of the day. Overall, our findings suggest that the LFLA technique, due to its short-term nature, is an effective tracker of diel ingestion and digestion rates, and can detect new mixoplanktonic predators. We recommend that, irrespective of the prey concentration, incubations to measure grazing rates with this technique should generally be concluded within 1 h (adaptable to the environmental temperature). Nevertheless, our results also call for caution whenever using LFLA in the field: feeding mechanisms other than direct engulfment (like peduncle feeding) may provide severely biased ingestion rates. Furthermore, size and species selectivity are very hard to circumvent. To reduce the effects of selectivity, we propose the combined use of two distinctly coloured fluorochromes (i.e., distinct emission spectra). With this modification, one could either label different size ranges of prey or account for species-specific interactions in the food web.

Sustainable Fully Printed UV Sensors on Cork Using Zinc Oxide/Ethylcellulose Inks.

Low-cost and large-scale production techniques for flexible electronics have evolved greatly in recent years, having great impact in applications such as wearable technology and the internet of things. In this work, we demonstrate fully screen-printed UV photodetectors, successfully fabricated at a low temperature on a cork substrate, using as the active layer a mixture of zinc oxide nanoparticles and ethylcellulose. The photoresponse under irradiation with a UV lamp with peak emission at 302 nm exhibited a quasi-quadratic behavior directly proportional to the applied voltage, with a photocurrent of about 5.5 and 20 µA when applying 1.5 V and 5 V, respectively. The dark current stayed below 150 nA, while the rise and falling times were, respectively, below 5 and 2 s for both applied voltages. The performance was stable over continuous operation and showed a degradation of only 9% after 100 bending cycles in a 45 mm radius test cylinder. These are promising results regarding the use of this type of sensor in wearable applications such as cork hats, bracelets, or bags.

Optimization of Cuprous Oxides Thin Films to be used as Thermoelectric Touch Detectors.

The electronic and optical properties of p-type copper oxides (CO) strongly depend on the production technique as it influences the obtained phases: cuprous oxide (Cu2O) or cupric oxide (CuO), the most common ones. Cu films deposited by thermal evaporation have been annealed in air atmosphere, with temperature between 225 and 375 °C and time between 1 and 4 h. The resultant CO films have been studied to understand the influence of processing parameters in the thermoelectric, electrical, optical, morphological, and structural properties. Films with a Cu2O single phase are formed when annealing at 225 °C, while CuO single phase films can be obtained at 375 °C. In between, both phases are obtained in proportions that depend on the film thickness and annealing time. The positive sign of the Seebeck coefficient (S), measured at room temperature (RT), confirms the p-type behavior of both oxides, showing values up to 1.2 mV·°C-1 and conductivity up to 2.9 (Ω·m)-1. A simple detector using Cu2O have been fabricated and tested with fast finger touch events.

Effects of a physical activity governmental health programme on the quality of life of elderly people.

BACKGROUND: The population ageing occurring worldwide resulted in multiple researches on sedentary ageing and quality of life. PURPOSE: To verify the effects of a physical activity programme on the quality of life (QOL) of elderly individuals served by a governmental health programme. DESIGN: Descriptive inquiry research. METHODS: Randomly distributing 70 elderly individuals in a control group (n=35; mean±SD 69.80±8.05 years) and an experimental group (n=35; 68.66±5.93 years) plus QOL evaluation via WHOQOL-Old. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant best results on the post-test by repeated-measures ANOVA on sensorial functioning (Δ%=0.022%, p=0. 0001), social participation (Δ%=0.012%, p=0.013), perceptions of death and dying (Δ%=0.04%, p=0.009), intimacy (Δ%=0.059%, p=0.05), and total score (Δ%=0.001, p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Sensorial functioning, social participation, perceptions of death and dying, and intimacy play an important role in the positive relationship between physical activity and QOL.

The multiple meanings of "wheezing": a questionnaire survey in Portuguese for parents and health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Most epidemiological studies on pediatric asthma rely on the report of "wheezing" in questionnaires. Our aim was to investigate the understanding of this term by parents and health professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in hospital and community settings within the south of Portugal. Parents or caregivers self-completed a written questionnaire with information on social characteristics and respiratory history. Multiple choice questions assessed their understanding of "wheezing". Health professionals (physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) were given an adapted version. We used bivariate analysis and multivariate models to study associations between definitions of "wheezing" and participants' characteristics. RESULTS: Questionnaires from 425 parents and 299 health professionals were included. The term "wheezing" was not recognized by 34% of parents, more frequently those who were younger (OR 0.4 per 10-year increment, 95% CI 0.3-0.7), had lower education (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.4), and whose children had no history of respiratory disease (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.5-8.7) (all ORs adjusted). 31% of parents familiar with "wheezing" either did not identify it as a sound, or did not locate it to the chest, while tactile (40%) and visual (34%) cues to identify "wheezing" were frequently used. Nurses reported using visual stimuli and overall assessments more often than physicians (p < 0.01). The geographical location was independently associated with how parents recognized and described "wheezing". CONCLUSIONS: Different meanings for "wheezing" are recognized in Portuguese language and may be influenced by education, respiratory history and regional terminology. These findings are likely applicable to other non-English languages, and suggest the need for more accurate questionnaires and additional objective measurement instruments to study the epidemiology of wheezing disorders.

Elderly quality of life impacted by traditional Chinese medicine techniques.

BACKGROUND: The shift in age structure is having a profound impact, suggesting that the aged should be consulted as reporters on the quality of their own lives. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to establish the possible impact of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques on the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly. SAMPLE: Two non-selected, volunteer groups of Rio de Janeiro municipality inhabitants: a control group (36 individuals), not using TCM, and an experimental group (28 individuals), using TCM at ABACO/Sohaku-in Institute, Brazil. METHODS: A questionnaire on elderly QOL devised by the World Health Organization, the WHOQOL-Old, was adopted and descriptive statistical techniques were used: mean and standard deviation. The Shapiro-Wilk test checked the normality of the distribution. Furthermore, based on its normality distribution for the intergroup comparison, the Student t test was applied to facets 2, 4, 5, 6, and total score, and the Mann-Whitney U rank test to facets 1 and 3, both tests aiming to analyze the P value between experimental and control groups. The significance level utilized was 95% (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The experimental group reported the highest QOL for every facet and the total score. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that TCM raises the level of QOL.

Quality of life (QOL) axiological profile of the elderly population served by the Family Health Program (FHP) in Brazil.

With the purpose of optimizing the satisfaction of the elderly subjects, either existential or not, presenting their unique preference, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of aging on QOL of the aged persons, served by the FHP. The basic intention was to establish parameters of QOL-impact on aging. Our sample was a non-selected population of aged volunteers from Perequê-Mirim-I Family Health Unity, in Caraguatatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. In this correlational descriptive research, the elderly subjects answered a questionnaire on QOL, specific to the aged persons (WHOQOL-OLD). These answers revealed the degree to which of the six facets of WHOQOL-OLD was given priority. The dimensional techniques of descriptive statistics (mean+/-S.D., median, coefficient of variation) normality evaluation (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), and inferential statistical techniques (Z-score test, chi2) were adopted, considering the level-II error=10% and accepting level-I error=5%. The main results revealed a correlation between the income and QOL. Death and dying appeared to be a substantial preoccupation, opposed to intimacy that raised the QOL level. It is suggested that any works directed to the elderly population should take in consideration the self-evaluation of aging effects on QOL.

[Pregnancy and physical exercise: myths, evidence and recommendations]. / Gravidez e exercício físico: mitos, evidências e recomendações.

In recent years there has been a great increase of scientific research regarding physical exercise during pregnancy. Nevertheless, many doubts persist leading to a decrease of its practice. We aimed to evaluate the main factors that influence the practice of physical activity during pregnancy and mothers' knowledge regarding its effects. Physical activity has decreased significantly, although it was higher in nulliparous mothers, with higher educational level, employment and between 25 and 34 years old. Mothers who practiced exercise during pregnancy breastfed longer. No correlation was found concerning birth weight, gestational age or obstetric pathology. Although most mothers understand the benefits of physical activity in pregnancy, that doesn't seem to translate in an increasing practice. We believe there should be an increased awareness of health professionals in order to promote controlled physical exercise in pregnant woman.

[Pregnancy and smoking: an opportunity to change behaviours]. / Gravidez e tabagismo: uma oportunidade para mudar comportamentos.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is related not only to perinatal adverse events but also to important postnatal problems. Smoking is very prevalent in women with several socio-demographic factors playing an important role. AIMS: To assess the frequency of smoking as well as mothers' change in behaviours during pregnancy. To identify socio-demographic factors associated to smoking and to assess women's knowledge and sources of information about adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy. METHODS: We started a cohort study between March and October 2003 at the Maternity, Hospital Santa Maria. After an informed consent the mothers in the post natal ward were asked to fill in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy five mothers responded to the questionnaire and among them 30% were smokers before pregnancy. Thirty five percent stopped smoking during pregnancy and those who continued significantly reduced the number of cigarettes per day. Smoking was less prevalent in married women, with higher educational level and with stable employment (statistically significant correlations). Forty five percent of the mothers were misinformed or had no information about the adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy. Their main source of information were the media. DISCUSSION: Smoking prevalence was high (30%) among the respondents but the pregnancy lowered the numbers of cigarettes per day. The percentage of misinformed mothers concerned about the adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy was high (45%), which also showed that doctors' role as a source of information was surpassed by the media. The study also brought to light the need for the health professionals to improve their competences in their role on prevention of smoking during pregnancy and the postnatal period.