Relationship between childhood maltreatment and geriatric depression: the mediator effect of personality traits.

BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment is an important factor associated with adverse mental health outcomes including geriatric depression and the "big five" personality characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate a model where personality characteristics mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and geriatric depression. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, elderly subjects from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Porto Alegre, Brazil (n = 260) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI plus). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the mediation hypothesis. RESULTS: The five personality factors (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness) were related to childhood maltreatment and depression. Mediation analysis revealed that neuroticism and extraversion are complete mediators, agreeableness and conscientiousness are partial mediators, and openness is not a mediator. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis in which childhood maltreatment is associated with geriatric depression and mediated by personality factors. These results suggest that reducing the maladaptive personality trait in elderly people who suffered childhood maltreatment could prevent geriatric depression.

Mental health help-seeking among Brazilian medical students: Who suffers unassisted?

INTRODUCTION: Several barriers for mental health help-seeking were identified among medical students, including minimizing mental illness. Studies examining aspects particular to those who perceive psychological impairment but do not access treatment are necessary for planning interventions. AIMS: To identify help-seeking barriers based on the students' perception about their need for treatment and psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing 436 Brazilian medical students (833 attending the medical school = 52.3% response rate). Data collection covered sociodemographic data, mental health, academic environment, and Beck Inventories of Depression (BDI) and Anxiety (BAI). Non-parametric tests and hierarchical logistic regression were used to compare students undergoing treatment, those willing to access treatment, and the ones reporting no need for treatment. RESULTS: Among the 382 students who completed the survey (87.6% completion rate), 38.5% (n = 147) were in treatment, and 33% (n = 126) were in need. Moderate to severe risk of alcohol abuse was observed in 45.9% (n = 50) of students reporting no need for treatment. Regression models suggested that perceiving need for treatment - whether already undergoing it or not - was associated with the severity of depressive symptoms (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.07-1.21]), female assigned sex (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.23-3.88]), LGBTQ+ (OR 2.47 [95% CI 1.09-5.60]) and reporting good relationship with the family (OR 0.26 [95% CI 0.08-0.83]). Models comparing students in treatment and those in need, pointed that the factors associated with lacking mental health care were age (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.82-0.99]), perception of a heavy workload (OR 2.43 [95% CI 1.35-4.38]) and good relationship with colleagues (OR 3.51 [95% CI 1.81-6.81]). DISCUSSION: Social variables and the severity of depressive symptoms are positively associated with perceived need for treatment. Age and academic environment factors were related to help-seeking behavior among students with appropriate self-awareness. We discuss these findings' implications for planning interventions.

Age of Sexual Initiation, Psychiatric Symptoms, and Sexual Risk Behavior among Ecstasy and LSD Users in Porto Alegre, Brazil: A Preliminary Analysis.

Ecstasy and LSD use is widespread in large Brazilian cities, but there is limited information on their use among young, middle-class, club goers in Brazil. We conducted standardized face-to-face interviews with 200 male and female ecstasy and/or LSD users, focusing on drug use and sexual history, current risk behaviors, and psychiatric symptomatology. Participants with early sexual debut (before 14) were more likely to report lifetime use of marijuana and powder and crack cocaine than those with later sexual initiation. Early sexual debut was associated with past year sexual risk behaviors, including having sex while high (Prevalence Ratio (PR)=1.3), having two or more sex partners (PR=1.3), as well as history of sexual abuse (PR=13.6). Depression and anxiety scores were similar by age of sexual initiation. The implications of these findings are discussed.

The Use of Mobile Educational Tools to Improve Antimicrobial Prescription for the Treatment of Acute Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prescription of antimicrobial agents for pregnant women admitted into the obstetrics service who presented with acute pyelonephritis. METHODS: Three cross-sectional studies were performed comparing the prescription of antimicrobials for pyelonephritis in pregnant women in the time periods evaluated (2010-2011: 99 patients evaluated; 2013: 116 patients evaluated; 2015: 107 patients evaluated), at the Hospital Fêmina, Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The analysis was performed before and after the promotion of an institutional protocol for the treatment of pyelonephritis during pregnancy, and on a third occasion after the introduction of a smartphone-based mobile educational tool. RESULTS: The evaluation of the prescribing physicians and the adequacy of the prescriptions between the different periods studied revealed a significant increase in appropriate conduct for the choice of antimicrobial (2010: 83.8%; 2013: 95.7%; and 2015: 100%), route of administration (2010: 97%; 2013: 100%; and 2015: 100%), and interval (2010: 91.9%; 2013: 95.7%; and 2015: 100%), following the introduction of the protocol, and again after the implementation of the software application with orientations on the antimicrobial treatment. CONCLUSION: The use of specific mobile applications should be encouraged to attain a better quality and accuracy in prescriptions and to include strategies that not only reduce the risk of negative outcomes, but also improve the quality of care and treatment for maintaining the health both of the mother and of the baby.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a prescrição de antimicrobianos para gestantes admitidas no serviço de obstetrícia que apresentaram pielonefrite aguda. MéTODOS: Foram realizados três estudos transversais comparando a prescrição de antimicrobianos para pielonefrite em gestantes nos períodos avaliados (2010­2011: 99 indivíduos avaliados; 2013: 116 indivíduos avaliados; 2015: 107 indivíduos avaliados), no Hospital Fêmina, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. A análise foi realizada antes e após a promoção de um protocolo institucional para o tratamento da pielonefrite durante a gravidez e, em uma terceira ocasião, após a introdução de uma ferramenta educacional móvel para uso por smartphone. RESULTADOS: A avaliação das prescrições médicas e a adequação das prescrições entre os diferentes períodos estudados revelaram um aumento significativo na conduta adequada para a escolha do antimicrobiano (2010: 83,8%; 2013: 95,7%; e 2015: 100%), via de administração (2010: 97%; 2013: 100%; e 2015: 100%) e intervalo (2010: 91,9%; 2013: 95,7%; e 2015: 100%), após a introdução do protocolo, e novamente após a implementação do aplicativo com orientações sobre tratamento antimicrobiano. CONCLUSãO: O uso de aplicativos móveis específicos deve ser incentivado para obter melhor qualidade e precisão nas prescrições e incluir estratégias que não apenas reduzam o risco de resultados negativos, mas que também melhorem a qualidade dos cuidados e do tratamento para manter a saúde conjunta da mãe e do bebê.

Brazilian female crack users show elevated serum aluminum levels.

OBJECTIVE: There is no information in the literature on the impact of crack smoking using crushed aluminum cans as makeshift pipes, a common form of crack use in Brazil. Since aluminum intake is associated with neurological damage, we measured serum aluminum levels in crack smokers. The objective of this study was to ascertain the levels of aluminum in crack users who smoke on makeshift aluminum pipes. METHOD: 71 female crack smokers, their mean age being 28.0 (+/- 7.7), provided information about their drug use, and had blood samples tested for serum aluminum level. RESULTS: 56 (79%) subjects smoked crack from crushed can pipes, while 15 (21%) smoked from other containers. Fifty-two (73.2%) out of the 71 subjects presented a serum aluminum level of 2 microg/l and 13 (18.3%) had a serum aluminum level of 6 microg/l cut-off point, which is above the reference value. When compared to non-drug users matched by their mean age and gender, they had similar median values and interquartile ranges for serum aluminum level [3 (2-4.6) for crack smokers; 2.9 (1.6-4.1) for controls], but with different means and standard deviations (4.7 +/- 4.9 and 2.9 +/- 1.7, respectively). DISCUSSION: Crack smokers have high serum aluminum level, but we are unsure of its complete association with aluminum cans. Further studies are needed. If such association is proven true in future research, further issues will be raised in dealing with this important disorder, including proper planning and evaluation of public health policies in this area.

HIV seroprevalence among drug users: an analysis of selected variables based on 10 years of data collection in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Data from five studies were pooled to describe associations between drug use and HIV. The Risk Assessment. Battery in Porto Alegre, Brazil, was used to collect data from 1449 subjects in 5 separate studies conducted between 1995 and 2004. The subjects were divided into categories based on their pattern of drug use: (1) injection drug users (IDUs), (2) crack smokers, (3) frequent drug users, and (4) infrequent cocaine/alcohol/marijuana users. The sample consisted primarily of young males with low education and income levels. Half of the subjects reported frequent condom use, and exchanges involving drugs, sex, and money were infrequent (although more common in groups 1 and 2). The overall seroprevalence was 20.6%, and the prevalence was different across the four groups, showing a linear decrease from group 1 (57.1%) to group 4 (11.7%). The IDU and crack-smoking groups showed similarities in their risk levels when compared with the other two groups, and individuals in group 1, 2, and 3 were more likely to report having had four or more sex partners. After controlling for all other risk factors, IDU, males having sex with males, and crack use were highly associated with HIV (OR 7.30, 95% CI: 5.10.10.40; OR 3.04, 95%CI: 1.89,4.80; OR 2.03, 95%CI: 1.40, 2.92, respectively). The findings confirm that poverty, low education, and IDU remain risk factors for HIV in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and the study identities crack smoking as a new risk factor.

The use of mobile educational tools to improve antimicrobial prescription for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis in pregnancy: A retrospective cross-sectional study / O uso de ferramentas educacionais móveis para o aperfeiçoamento da prescrição médica do tratamento de pielonefrite aguda na gestação: estudo transversal retrospectivo

Abstract Objective To analyze the prescription of antimicrobial agents for pregnant women admitted into the obstetrics service who presented with acute pyelonephritis. Methods Three cross-sectional studies were performed comparing the prescription of antimicrobials for pyelonephritis in pregnant women in the time periods evaluated (2010-2011: 99 patients evaluated; 2013: 116 patients evaluated; 2015: 107 patients evaluated), at the Hospital Fêmina, Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The analysis was performed before and after the promotion of an institutional protocol for the treatment of pyelonephritis during pregnancy, and on a third occasion after the introduction of a smartphone-based mobile educational tool. Results The evaluation of the prescribing physicians and the adequacy of the prescriptions between the different periods studied revealed a significant increase in appropriate conduct for the choice of antimicrobial (2010: 83.8%; 2013: 95.7%; and 2015: 100%), route of administration (2010: 97%; 2013: 100%; and 2015: 100%), and interval (2010: 91.9%; 2013: 95.7%; and 2015: 100%), following the introduction of the protocol, and again after the implementation of the softwareapplicationwithorientationsontheantimicrobial treatment. Conclusion The use of specific mobile applications should be encouraged to attain a better quality and accuracy in prescriptions and to include strategies that not only reduce the risk of negative outcomes, but also improve the quality of care and treatment for maintaining the health both of the mother and of the baby.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a prescrição de antimicrobianos para gestantes admitidas no serviço de obstetrícia que apresentaram pielonefrite aguda. Métodos Foram realizados três estudos transversais comparando a prescrição de antimicrobianos para pielonefrite em gestantes nos períodos avaliados (2010-2011: 99 indivíduos avaliados; 2013: 116 indivíduos avaliados; 2015: 107 indivíduos avaliados), no Hospital Fêmina, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. A análise foi realizada antes e após a promoção de um protocolo institucional para o tratamento da pielonefrite durante a gravidez e, em uma terceira ocasião, após a introdução de uma ferramenta educacional móvel para uso por smartphone. Resultados A avaliação das prescrições médicas e a adequação das prescrições entre os diferentes períodos estudados revelaram um aumento significativo na conduta adequada para a escolha do antimicrobiano (2010: 83,8%; 2013: 95,7%; e 2015: 100%), via de administração (2010: 97%; 2013: 100%; e 2015: 100%) e intervalo (2010: 91,9%; 2013: 95,7%; e 2015: 100%), após a introdução do protocolo, e novamente após a implementação do aplicativo com orientações sobre tratamento antimicrobiano. Conclusão O uso de aplicativos móveis específicos deve ser incentivado para obter melhor qualidade e precisão nas prescrições e incluir estratégias que não apenas reduzam o risco de resultados negativos, mas que também melhorem a qualidade dos cuidados e do tratamento para manter a saúde conjunta da mãe e do bebê.

Psychiatric disorders among individuals who drive after the recent use of alcohol and drugs.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among drivers , as well as the association between recent alcohol and drug use and psychiatric diagnoses using telephone interviews. METHODS: Drivers (n = 1,134) included in a roadside survey from 25 Brazilian state capitals were given a breathalyzer test, and their saliva was tested for psychoactive drugs. A telephone interview was conducted to perform psychiatric disorder evaluations using the MINI. This association was analyzed with a Poisson regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder was 40.5% among drivers with recent alcohol or drug use, compared with 12.9% among the other drivers. Alcohol/drug-positive drivers reported a higher prevalence of depression (19.4%), mania (6.5%), hypomania (5.4%), post-traumatic stress disorder (8.6%), antisocial personality (7.8%), and substance/alcohol abuse or dependence (48.1%) compared with other drivers (3.5, 2.5, 2.1, 0.5, 1.3 and 18.3% [p < 0.001], respectively). Drivers with recent alcohol or drug use were 2.5 times more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis (CI: 1.8-3.6, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: This is the first study in a low-/middle-income country to evaluate psychiatric disorders in drivers with recent alcohol or drug using telephone interviews. Psychiatric disorders were found to be associated with drug and alcohol use. This type of epidemiological information for curtailing related driving problems, as these psychiatric conditions are diagnosable. FINAL REMARKS: The results of this study can aid in the design of interventions, treatment programs and focused psychiatric evaluations, both in Brazil and abroad.

Regional differences associated with drinking and driving in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate regional differences and similarities associated with drinking and driving (DUI) in the five Brazilian macro-regions. METHOD: A roadside survey was conducted in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. A total of 3,398 drivers were randomly selected and given a structured interview and a breathalyzer test. To determine the predictors of positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in each region, a MANOVA was performed, and 3 groups were used as follows: 1) North and Northeast, 2) South and Midwest, and 3) Southeast. A Poisson robust regression model was performed to assess the variables associated with positive BAC in each group. RESULTS: Of all surveyed drivers, 2,410 had consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months. Most were male, with a median age of 36. Leisure as the reason for travel was associated with positive BAC in all 3 groups. Low schooling, being older than 30, driving cars or motorcycles and having been given a breathalyzer test at least once in their lives predicted DUI in at least two different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Factors , especially low schooling and leisure as a reason for travel, associated with drinking and driving were similar among regions, although certain region-specific features were observed. This information is important for aiming to reduce DUI in the country.

Predictors of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in a sample of Brazilian drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the frequency of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) among drivers and to examine associated factors in a cross-sectional study of Brazilian state capitals. METHODS: 3,398 drivers were approached on highways crossing all 27 Brazilian capitals from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Fridays and Saturdays). They were breathalyzed and data on their driving characteristics and alcohol consumption were collected. Multivariate logistic regression following a hierarchical conceptual framework was used to evaluate associated factors. RESULTS: The overall weighted prevalence of positive BAC (> 0.1 mg/L) was 4.2%. The multivariate analysis showed that education up to 8 years (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.4-3.0), age > 30 years (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.8), type of vehicle (cars: OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.7-5.1; motorcycles: OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.1-6.4), binge drinking (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), having been breathalyzed before (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.7), and purpose of the trip (coming from a party: OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-3.0; leisure trip: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.32.4; driving after 8 p.m.: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.3) were independently associated with DUI. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that selected external environmental factors, such as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as personal characteristics like alcohol consumption and the relationship between drinking and driving were associated with positive BAC among Brazilian drivers. Results can help to inform drinking and driving policy and preventive approaches.

Psychiatric disorders among individuals who drive after the recent use of alcohol and drugs / Transtornos psiquiátricos entre indivíduos que dirigem sob uso recente de álcool e drogas

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among drivers , as well as the association between recent alcohol and drug use and psychiatric diagnoses using telephone interviews. METHODS: Drivers (n = 1,134) included in a roadside survey from 25 Brazilian state capitals were given a breathalyzer test, and their saliva was tested for psychoactive drugs. A telephone interview was conducted to perform psychiatric disorder evaluations using the MINI. This association was analyzed with a Poisson regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder was 40.5% among drivers with recent alcohol or drug use, compared with 12.9% among the other drivers. Alcohol/drug-positive drivers reported a higher prevalence of depression (19.4%), mania (6.5%), hypomania (5.4%), post-traumatic stress disorder (8.6%), antisocial personality (7.8%), and substance/alcohol abuse or dependence (48.1%) compared with other drivers (3.5, 2.5, 2.1, 0.5, 1.3 and 18.3% [p < 0.001], respectively). Drivers with recent alcohol or drug use were 2.5 times more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis (CI: 1.8-3.6, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: This is the first study in a low-/middle-income country to evaluate psychiatric disorders in drivers with recent alcohol or drug using telephone interviews. Psychiatric disorders were found to be associated with drug and alcohol use. This type of epidemiological information for curtailing related driving problems, as these psychiatric conditions are diagnosable. FINAL REMARKS: The results of this study can aid in the design of interventions, treatment programs and focused psychiatric evaluations, both in Brazil and abroad.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo transversal avaliou a prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos e a associação entre dirigir alcoolizado e transtornos psiquiátricos entre motoristas por meio de entrevistas telefônicas. MÉTODO: Motoristas (n = 1.134) selecionados a partir de um estudo realizado nas rodovias de 25 capitais brasileiras foram etilometrizados e tiveram sua saliva testada para substâncias psicoativas. Uma entrevista por telefone foi realizada para obter dados sobre transtornos psiquiátricos através do MINI. A associação entre transtornos psiquiátricos e dirigir com uso recente de substâncias foi analisada com um modelo de regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos foi de 40,5% entre os motoristas que beberam/usaram drogas, em comparação com 12,9% nos demais motoristas. Motoristas que dirigiram com uso recente de substâncias relataram uma maior prevalência de depressão (19,4%), mania (6,5%), hipomania (5,4%), transtorno de estresse póstraumático (8,6%), personalidade antissocial (7,8%), e abuso ou dependência de álcool/drogas (48,1%) quando comparados com os outros motoristas (3,5%, 2,5%, 2,1%, 0,5%, 1,3% e 18,3%, p < 0,001), respectivamente). Motoristas com uso recente de substâncias apresentaram 2,5 mais chance de ter qualquer diagnóstico psiquiátrico (IC: 1,8-3,6, p < 0,001). DISCUSSÃO: Este é o primeiro estudo em países de baixa e média renda cujo objetivo é avaliar transtornos psiquiátricos em motoristas com uso recente de substâncias por meio de entrevistas telefônicas. Transtornos psiquiátricos foram associados com o comportamento de dirigir com uso recente de substâncias. Este tipo de informação epidemiológica é fundamental para estratégias de planejamento que visam enfrentar problemas relacionados com o beber e dirigir, uma vez que estas condições psiquiátricas são diagnosticáveis. OBSERVAÇÕES FINAIS: Os resultados deste estudo podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de intervenÇÕes, programas de tratamento e avaliação psiquiátrica, tanto no Brasil quanto no exterior.

Regional differences associated with drinking and driving in Brazil / Diferenças regionais entre os fatores associados ao beber e dirigir no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate regional differences and similarities associated with drinking and driving (DUI) in the five Brazilian macro-regions. METHOD: A roadside survey was conducted in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. A total of 3,398 drivers were randomly selected and given a structured interview and a breathalyzer test. To determine the predictors of positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in each region, a MANOVA was performed, and 3 groups were used as follows: 1) North and Northeast, 2) South and Midwest, and 3) Southeast. A Poisson robust regression model was performed to assess the variables associated with positive BAC in each group. RESULTS: Of all surveyed drivers, 2,410 had consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months. Most were male, with a median age of 36. Leisure as the reason for travel was associated with positive BAC in all 3 groups. Low schooling, being older than 30, driving cars or motorcycles and having been given a breathalyzer test at least once in their lives predicted DUI in at least two different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Factors , especially low schooling and leisure as a reason for travel, associated with drinking and driving were similar among regions, although certain region-specific features were observed. This information is important for aiming to reduce DUI in the country.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar diferenças e similaridades em relação a beber e dirigir (DUI) nas cinco macroregiões brasileiras. MÉTODO: Um roadside survey foi realizado nas 27 capitais brasileiras. Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 3.398 condutores que responderam a uma entrevista estruturada e foram testados com uso de etilômetro. Para a construção de modelos preditivos de alcoolemia positiva (BAC), as regiões foram agrupadas de acordo com sua similaridade, obtida por MANOVA, em: 1) Norte e Nordeste; 2) Sul e Centro-Oeste; 3) Sudeste. Em cada grupo foi realizado um modelo de regressão robusta para estimar as variáveis associadas a BAC. RESULTADOS: Dentre os condutores, 2.410 ingeriram bebidas alcoólicas nos 12 meses anteriores, sendo a maioria composta por homens com idade mediana de 36 anos. A única variável associada a BAC em todos os grupos foi ter lazer como motivo da viagem. Baixa escolaridade, idade > 30 anos, dirigir carros/motos e ter realizado teste de bafômetro previamente foram associadas a BAC em ao menos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores associados a DUI foram semelhantes nas regiões, especialmente o motivo da viagem e a escolaridade, embora algumas especificidades regionais tenham sido observadas. Estas informações são estratégicas para políticas públicas destinadas a redução do DUI.

Predictors of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in a sample of Brazilian drivers / Preditores de alcoolemia positiva em uma amostra de motoristas brasileiros

OBJECTIVE: To verify the frequency of positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) among drivers and to examine associated factors in a cross-sectional study of Brazilian state capitals. METHODS: 3,398 drivers were approached on highways crossing all 27 Brazilian capitals from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Fridays and Saturdays). They were breathalyzed and data on their driving characteristics and alcohol consumption were collected. Multivariate logistic regression following a hierarchical conceptual framework was used to evaluate associated factors. RESULTS: The overall weighted prevalence of positive BAC (> 0.1 mg/L) was 4.2%. The multivariate analysis showed that education up to 8 years (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.4-3.0), age > 30 years (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.8), type of vehicle (cars: OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.7-5.1; motorcycles: OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.1-6.4), binge drinking (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), having been breathalyzed before (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.8-3.7), and purpose of the trip (coming from a party: OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-3.0; leisure trip: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.32.4; driving after 8 p.m.: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.3) were independently associated with DUI. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that selected external environmental factors, such as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as personal characteristics like alcohol consumption and the relationship between drinking and driving were associated with positive BAC among Brazilian drivers. Results can help to inform drinking and driving policy and preventive approaches.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência de alcoolemia positiva entre os motoristas e examinar fatores associados em um estudo transversal nas capitais brasileiras. MÉTODOS: 3.398 motoristas foram abordados em rodovias que atravessam todas as 27 capitais brasileiras nos horários entre 12:00 e 00:00 (sextas e sábados). Eles realizaram o teste do etilômetro e foram coletados dados sobre suas características de condução e consumo de álcool. Para avaliar os fatores associados, foi realizada uma regressão logística multivariável seguindo um quadro conceitual hierárquico. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de alcoolemia positiva (> 0,1 mg/L) foi de 4,2%. A regressão logística múltipla mostrou que educação (até 8 anos de estudo: OR = 2,0; IC 95%: 1,4-3,0), idade (> 30 anos: OR = 2,6; IC 95%: 1,8-3,8), tipo de veículo (dirigir um carro: OR = 3,0; IC 95%: 1,7-5,1; conduzir uma motocicleta: OR = 3,7; IC 95%: 2,1-6,4), consumo excessivo de álcool (OR = 1,7; IC 95%: 1,3-2,4), ter realizado o teste do etilômetro anteriormente (OR = 2,6; IC 95%: 1,8-3,7), e a finalidade da viagem (retorno de uma festa: OR = 1,9; IC 95%:1,3-3,0; viagem de lazer: OR = 1,7; IC 95%: 1,3-2,4; e estar dirigindo após as 20 horas: OR = 1,7; IC 95%: 1,3-2,3) foram independentemente associados com o dirigir sob influência de álcool. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que fatores ambientais externos selecionados, tais como características socioeconômicas e demográficas, bem como características pessoais, como o consumo de álcool e comportamento em relação a beber e dirigir, foram associados com alcoolemia positiva entre os motoristas brasileiros. Os resultados podem ajudar a orientar políticas em relação a beber e dirigir e abordagens preventivas.

Brazilian female crack users show elevated serum aluminum levels

OBJECTIVE: There is no information in the literature on the impact of crack smoking using crushed aluminum cans as makeshift pipes, a common form of crack use in Brazil. Since aluminum intake is associated with neurological damage, we measured serum aluminum levels in crack smokers. The objective of this study was to ascertain the levels of aluminum in crack users who smoke on makeshift aluminum pipes. METHOD: 71 female crack smokers, their mean age being 28.0 (± 7.7), provided information about their drug use, and had blood samples tested for serum aluminum level. RESULTS: 56 (79 percent) subjects smoked crack from crushed can pipes, while 15 (21 percent) smoked from other containers. Fifty-two (73.2 percent) out of the 71 subjects presented a serum aluminum level of 2 æg/l and 13 (18.3 percent) had a serum aluminum level of 6 æg/l cut-off point, which is above the reference value. When compared to non-drug users matched by their mean age and gender, they had similar median values and interquartile ranges for serum aluminum level [3 (2-4.6) for crack smokers; 2.9 (1.6-4.1) for controls], but with different means and standard deviations (4.7 ± 4.9 and 2.9 ± 1.7, respectively). DISCUSSION: Crack smokers have high serum aluminum level, but we are unsure of its complete association with aluminum cans. Further studies are needed. If such association is proven true in future research, further issues will be raised in dealing with this important disorder, including proper planning and evaluation of public health policies in this area.

OBJETIVO: Não há informação na literatura sobre o impacto do uso de crack fumado em latas de alumínio utilizadas como cachimbos improvisados, uma forma comum de uso de crack no Brasil. Uma vez que a ingestão de alumínio está associada a dano neurológico, nós medimos alumínio sérico em usuários de crack. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis de alumínio em usuários de crack que fumam em cachimbos improvisados de lata de alumínio. MÉTODO: Setententa e uma usuárias de crack, com média de idade de 28,0 anos (± 7,7), forneceram informação sobre seu uso de drogas e tiveram amostras de seu sangue testadas para níveis séricos de alumínio. RESULTADOS: Cinqüenta e seis (79 por cento) sujeitos fumaram crack usando cachimbos de lata e 15 (21 por cento) fumaram em outros formatos. Cinqüenta e dois (73,2 por cento) dos 71 sujeitos apresentaram níveis de alumínio sérico de 2 æg/l e 13 (18,3 por cento) tinham níveis no ponto de corte 6 æg/l, o que está acima dos valores de referência. Quando comparados com não-usuários pareados por média de idade e do mesmo gênero, os sujeitos tiveram valores medianos e intervalos inter-quartil para níveis séricos similares [3 (2-4,6) para usuários de crack; 2,9 (1,6-4,1) para os controles], porém com médias e desvios-padrão diferentes (4,7 ± 4,9 e 2,9 ± 1,7, respectivamente). DISCUSSÃO: Usuários de crack apresentam altos níveis de alumínio sérico, mas não temos certeza disto estar associado completamente com as latas de alumínio. Mais estudos são necessários. Se tal associação se mostrar verdadeira em pesquisa no futuro, questões terão que ser debatidas a respeito deste problema, incluindo planejamento apropriado e avaliação das políticas públicas nesta área.