Parenteral exposure to pesticides and occurence of congenital malformations: hospital-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Most fetal defects are associated with genetic and environmental causes, among them, exposure of pregnant women to intensive pesticide use. Agribusiness is the economic basis of the state of Mato Grosso, the largest consumer of pesticides of all Brazilian states. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between past parental exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of congenital malformations in children in Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso, from March to October 2011. Data was collected in all public, private, and health plan referral hospitals that provide care for pregnant women in the state of Mato Grosso and were situated in Cuiabá. Cases were children under 5 years of age with congenital malformations classified in Chapter XVIII of the International Classification of Diseases-10 and controls were children within the same age range, without congenital malformations, treated at the same hospitals. Malformation-related data was obtained from the patients' medical records. Socioeconomic data and information about parental exposure to pesticides were obtained in an interview with the mother using a standardized questionnaire. We conducted multivariate logistic regression to assess the relation between parent report of past pesticide use and congenital malformations. We also assessed effect modification to verify whether low maternal education level modified the association between exposure and our outcome. RESULTS: We observed positive effect modification of the association of paternal past exposure to pesticide and congenital malformation in the offspring by maternal education for mothers with low educational level (OR = 8.40, 95 % CI 2.17-32.52), father's work related to farming (OR = 4.65, 95 % CI 1.03-20.98) and paternal past exposure to pesticides (OR = 4.15, 95 % CI 1.24-13.66). CONCLUSION: These findings provide further evidence that paternal exposure to pesticides, especially when associated with a low maternal education level, may be related to higher rates of fetal malformation in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Quality of life as a predictor of overall survival after breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: To describe quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of surviving women 4 years after breast cancer treatment and to analyze its role as a predictor of mortality within 2 years. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of 544 women who have undergone surgical treatment, from 2001 to 2002 and who answered a questionnaire about QoL in 2006. After, we conducted a survival study to evaluate the association between QoL and mortality within 2 years with the same population. We conducted factor analysis between the variables of the scales of function and symptoms. Survival analysis was conducted by Kaplan-Meier, and differences in survival curves were assessed with the log-rank test, assuming significant statistical level of 5 %. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the relationship between QoL variables (functional scales) and prognostic value for survival. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 59.1 years (SD 11.66). The mean of overall QoL score was 75.16 (SD 20.93). Using factor analysis, we identified three conditions that made up the construct of QoL in this group of patients: social, psycho-emotional, and physical. Social condition was the most important factor. After assessment of QoL, the mean survival was 23 months (SD 3.90). Women who reported worse future perspective had higher chance of death compared with women better prospect of future (HR = 3.46; 95 % CI 1.36-8.79; p value = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Future perspectives were predictors of mortality, which reinforce the relevance of social support and psychological aspects for these women.

Low birth weight at term and the presence of fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the Brazilian Amazon: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have shown an association between air pollutants from anthropogenic sources and pregnancy outcomes, little is known regarding the association between low birth weight (LBW) and exposure to emissions of biomass burning. METHODS: This population-based retrospective cohort study assessed the effect of exposure to particulate matter and carbon monoxide (CO) from biomass burning in the Amazon and cerrado (Brazilian savanna) biomes on term LBW (<2500 g) in cities of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Data on births were obtained from the Information System on Live Births of the Ministry of Health. The exclusion criteria were a twin pregnancy, gestational age of less than 37 weeks, and congenital malformation diagnosed at birth. For exposure variables, we used a historical series of daily average concentrations of particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and CO provided by Coupled Aerosol and Trace Gases Transport Model for the Brazilian Development of the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System developed at the National Institute for Space National Center for Weather Forecasts and Climate Studies, National Institute for Space Research. Maternal exposure was estimated by the average amount of pollutants for each trimester and for the entire period of gestation. The association between air pollutants and LBW was analyzed by multiple logistic regression, adjusting for the newborn's sex, mother's age and education, and prenatal care. RESULTS: A total of 6147 full-term singleton live births were included in the study and 193 (3.1%) were LBW. In adjusted analysis, the number of prenatal visits and maternal education with 8 years or more were associated with LBW. The association between exposure to air pollutants and the risk of LBW was significant for the 4th quartile of PM2.5 concentrations in the 2nd trimester (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.17) and in the 3rd trimester, and for the 4th quartile of CO concentrations in the 2nd trimester only, in adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence of the effect of smoke from biomass burning on the occurrence of LBW in cities of the Brazilian Amazon.

Factors associated with functional incapacity in elders living in long stay institutions in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increase of the elderly population and the high prevalence of chronic diseases have contributed to the increasing importance of functional ability as a global public health problem. This study aimed to assess functional capacity in institutionalized elders, as well as undertake an exploratory analysis of its associated factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with institutionalized Brazilian elders. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Lawton Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The characteristics of dependent individuals were described and logistic regression models were developed for both scales. Multiple models that included all selected variables were developed using a hierarchical approach. We considered the results from the Wald test (p <0.05) as a rule for progressing to the next level. RESULTS: A population of 760 elders was considered. The prevalence of dependence was 50.3% for ADL and 81.2% for IADL. We observed associations between ADL dependence and the following factors: self-report of stroke, difficulty of walking 400 meters, lower total scores in questions related to the temporal orientation section of the cognition test, and self-reports of frequently feeling upset. IADL dependence was associated with educational level, self-report of cancer, difficulty of walking 400 meters, use of glasses, and self-reported memory problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic and health conditions were associated with functional incapacity in institutionalized elders. Based on these findings, we emphasize the importance of both prevention and treatment of chronic conditions as well as social support in the maintenance of individuals' autonomy.

Profile of cervical cancer screening in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: an evaluative study, 2006-2018. / Perfil do rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul: um estudo avaliativo do período 2006-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the coverage and quality of screening by the Cervical Cancer Control Program in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between 2006 and 2018. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of the cytology screening time series among women living in Campo Grande. A descriptive analysis of the demographic characteristics of these women and the quality of the tests performed in the last five years of the period was carried out. Temporal trends were analyzed using polynomial regression models. RESULTS: 578,417 cytology tests were recorded, of which 1.8% showed pre-malignant/malignant cytological changes. There was a 48.4% reduction in the number of tests performed in the Program's target age group. Test positivity varied between 2.2% and 3.3% and the percentage of unsatisfactory samples increased. CONCLUSION: The cervical cancer screening program has weaknesses that need to be overcome, such as low coverage of the target population, growth in the number of unsatisfactory samples and a low positivity rate.

Epidemiological characteristics related to treatment failure of preinvasive cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among Brazilian women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treatment failure among women with an altered Papanicolaou test and treated at a public cervical pathology center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: An exploratory study was carried out in a cohort of women treated for preinvasive cervical cancer, from 1998 to 2000. Epidemiological, clinical, and sociodemographic data were obtained from medical records. Information related to cytological and histological examinations, classified according to the Bethesda System, were cross-tabulated with reports from the main cervical pathology laboratory at the Brazilian Cancer Institute. Conditional probability for treatment failure (12 and 24 months) and hazard ratios were estimated through Kaplan-Meier (log-rank test, 95%) and Cox regression (entry, or=0.10). RESULTS: Mean (SD) follow-up period was 20.75 (20.53) months, and 449 women were treated for CIN-1 or CIN-2/3. There was an increased probability of treatment failure according to age group (37.19% and 57.44% in 12 and 24 months for women >50 years). Women who smoked for more than 10 years were more likely to present treatment failure compared with those who smoked for up to 10 years (33.56% and 22.01% in 12 months; 53.15% and 42.59% in 24 months, respectively). Women older than 50 years showed an independent risk for treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.41) compared with women aged between 10 and 29 years. CONCLUSIONS: Age (>50 years) was statistically associated with treatment failure. Duration of tobacco use (>10 years), CIN-2/3 cytology at treatment, glandular involvement, and having more than 4 sexual partners in a lifetime were also associated with failure, reducing statistical significance after adjustment.

A comparison between physical and biopsychosocial measures of frailty: Prevalence and associated factors in Brazilian older adults.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of frailty, according to Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and CHS index, to investigate the correlation between both instruments and to identify the factors associated with this condition in older users of primary health care. METHODS: This is a sectional study with 302 individuals aged 60 years or more of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. Sociodemographic, health, functional dependence and lifestyle variables were collected. Frailty was evaluated by the TFI (biopsychosocial frailty) and the CHS index (physical frailty). RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty estimated by the TFI was 35.8% and by the CHS index was 23.5%, while 19.2% were considered frail by both instruments. Significant correlations were observed between the two measures (r = 0.675, p < 0.001) and between the CHS index and the physical (r = 0.744, p < 0.001) and psychological domains (r = 0.322, p < 0.001) of the TFI. Considering the TFI, sex, age, healthy lifestyle, osteoarticular diseases, stroke/ischemia and functional dependence in IADL were associated with frailty. By the CHS index, marital status, satisfaction with housing environment, osteoarticular diseases, medication, functional dependence in ADL and IADL were associated with frailty. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the CHS index and the TFI identify different groups of frail older adults, and the factors associated with physical frailty and biopsychosocial frailty, also differ. Both instruments seem suitable to be used by primary health care professionals in Brazil. Nevertheless, we believe that a fully self-rated assessment is more practical to be applied routinely in this level of attention in the country.

Completeness and reliability of the National Mortality Information System for perinatal deaths in Brazil, 2011-2012: a descriptive study. / Completitude e confiabilidade do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade para óbitos perinatais no Brasil, 2011-2012: um estudo descritivo.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the completeness and reliability of data on perinatal deaths held on Brazil's Mortality Information System (SIM) in 2011-2012. METHODS: this was a study evaluating the quality of completeness of data on perinatal deaths reported on SIM compared to data from the 'Birth in Brazil' survey for the same period; to evaluate reliability, we used the Kappa coefficient, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot method. RESULTS: completeness was greater than 80%, and agreement was 0.61 for 10 of the 12 evaluated fields; aggregated gestation length (Kappa coefficient=0.542) and continuous gestation length (ICC=0.448) for early neonatal deaths and fetal deaths, respectively, had regular agreement; graphical evaluation of gestation length showed that the fetal death metric was underestimated and that early neonatal deaths were overestimated by between 25 and 35 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: the information analyzed available on SIM for perinatal deaths is complete and reliable for the period analyzed.

Vulnerability and associated factors among older people using the Family Health Strategy. / Vulnerabilidade e fatores associados em idosos atendidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família.

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of vulnerability and associated factors among older people using family health strategies in Várzea Grande, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed with 377 community-dwelling older people. The dependent variable, vulnerability, was assessed using the Vulnerable Elders Survey. The independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics and the health status of the study population assessed using the following validated instruments: the Mini-Mental State Examination; Katz ADL scale and Lawton and Brody IADL scale; Geriatric Depression Scale; and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test with prevalence ratios and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression. The data showed that 49% of the study population were vulnerable. The variables that showed the strongest association with vulnerability were dependence in IADLs (PR = 4.43), presence of depressive symptoms (PR = 1.34), and being aged 80 and over (PR = 1.34). The prevalence of vulnerability found by the present study was high when compared to other studies with community-dwelling older people. The VES-13 was shown to be easy to use in primary healthcare settings and particularly practical for screening vulnerability among older people.

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a prevalência de vulnerabilidade e fatores associados em idosos atendidos pelas Estratégias Saúde da Família do município de Várzea Grande (MT). Estudo transversal realizado com 377 idosos. A variável dependente, vulnerabilidade, foi investigada através do The Vulnerable Elders Survey. As variáveis independentes foram as sociodemográficas e as condições de saúde, avaliadas através dos instrumentos validados: Miniexame do Estado Mental, Escala de Katz, Escala de Lawton, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Miniavaliação Nutricional Reduzida. Foi realizada análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e numéricas, análise bivariada calculando-se as Razões de Prevalência, utilizando o teste do χ2 de Mantel Haenszel e a análise múltipla usando a regressão de Poisson. Dos idosos, 49% são vulneráveis, sendo que a maior prevalência de vulnerabilidade esteve associada com a dependência em AIVD (RP = 4,43), apresentar sintomas depressivos (RP = 1,34) e estar na faixa etária de 80 anos e mais (RP = 1,34). A prevalência de vulnerabilidade encontrada no presente estudo foi alta ao se comparar com outros estudos realizados com idosos da comunidade, enquanto que o VES-13 demonstrou-se um instrumento de fácil aplicação na atenção primária em saúde e bastante prático na triagem de idosos vulneráveis.

Predictive validity of the Brazilian version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator for adverse health outcomes in older adults.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the predictive value of the Brazilian Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) for adverse health outcomes (falls, hospitalization, disability and death), in a follow-up period of twelve months. METHODS: This longitudinal study was carried out with a sample of people using primary health care services in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At baseline the sample consisted of 963 people aged 60 years and older. A subset of all respondents participated again one year later (n = 640, 66.6% response rate). We used the TFI, the Katz's scale for assessing ADL disability and the Lawton Scale for assessing IADL disability. Falls, hospitalization and death were also assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was 44.2% and the mean score of the TFI was 4.4 (SD = 3.0). There was a higher risk of loss in functional capacity in ADL (OR = 3.03, CI95% 1.45-6.29) and in IADL (OR = 1.51, CI95% 1.05-2.17), falls (OR = 2.08, CI95% 1.21-3.58), hospitalization (OR = 1.83, CI95% 1.10-3.06), and death (HR = 2.73, CI95% 1.04-7.19) for frail when compared to non-frail elderly, in the bivariate analyses. Controlling for the sociodemographic variables, the frailty domains together improved the prediction of hospitalization, falls and loss in functional capacity in ADL, but not loss in functional capacity in IADL. CONCLUSION: The TFI is a good predictor of adverse health outcomes among elderly users of primary care services in Brazil and appears an adequate and easy to administer tool for monitoring their health conditions.

Self-rated health and associated factors in elderly patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Self-rated health is a useful indicator for understanding health issues in elderly populations and considered to be a predictor of adverse health outcomes in this group. This study aims to identify factors associated with self-rated health in elderly people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed at a cancer referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, included 162 patients, aged 60 or more years. All patients received a Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment, including seven health dimensions, and socio-demographic, epidemiological and it were collected clinical data. Descriptive analyses were performed and prevalence ratios were calculated to assess associations between self-rated health and the independent variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson's regression, to a ≤0.05 level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The study population mean age was 68.8 (SD=7.1) years; most were women, lived with a partner and had little education. Prevalence of fair/poor self-rated health was 33.6%. Being female, not living with a partner, functional dependence, depressive symptoms and nutritional risk/malnutrion showed associations with fair/poor self-rated health. In the multiple model, dependence in instrumental activities of daily living (PR 2.96; 95%CI 1.66-5.30) and presence of depressive symptoms (PR 1.78; 95%CI 1.15-2.75) remained associated with fair/poor health. CONCLUSION: Variation in perceived health status supports the hypothesis that self-rated health is related to multiple issues, regardless of disease status. The risk profile for poor self-rated health identified may be a useful tool in care for older cancer patients, as it points to those at higher risk of adverse health outcomes.

Cervical cancer screening in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil: evaluation study using data of the Cervical Cancer Information System, 2006-2013. / Rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em Teresina, Piauí: estudo avaliativo dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Câncer do Colo do Útero, 2006-2013.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the cervical cancer screening tests in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. METHODS: this is an evaluation study of Teresina Cervical Cancer Information System (Siscolo), for the period from 2006 to 2013, based on descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: 604,331 pap smear tests of women residents in Teresina were registered on the system; 1.8% presented premalignant or malignant cytological conditions (atypical cells, intraepithelial lesions and cancer); positive results were higher among women aged >64 years old; there was a reduction of 43.9% in the number of tests performed among women in the target age group of the screening program; there was an increment in the percentage of unsatisfactory samples, from 0.33 to 0.89%. CONCLUSION: Teresina cervical screening program presents some limitations that need to be overcome, especially concerning the insufficient tests offer, its low proportion of positive results and the growing number of unsatisfactory samples.

Perfil do rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul: um estudo avaliativo do período 2006-2018 / Perfil de seguimiento del cáncer de cuello uterino en Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: un estudio evaluativo del periodo 2006-2018 / Profile of cervical cancer screening in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: an evaluative study, 2006-2018

Objetivo: Avaliar a cobertura e a qualidade do rastreamento do Programa de Controle do Câncer do Colo do Útero (PCCCU) em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, 2006-2018. Métodos: Estudo descritivo da tendência da série histórica de exames citopatológicos para rastreamento do CCU em mulheres residentes em Campo Grande. Foram descritas características demográficas das mulheres avaliadas e a qualidade dos exames realizados nos cinco últimos anos do período. Analisou-se a tendência temporal por modelos de regressão polinomiais. Resultados: Foram registradas 578.417 citologias, das quais 1,8% apresentaram alterações citológicas pré-malignas/malignas. Na faixa etária-alvo do programa, verificou-se redução de 48,4% no número de exames realizados. A positividade dos exames variou entre 2,2% e 3,3% e aumentou o percentual de amostras insatisfatórias. Conclusão: O programa de rastreamento de CCU apresenta fragilidades que necessitam ser superadas, como baixa cobertura da população-alvo, crescimento do número de amostras insatisfatórias e baixo índice de positividade.

Objetivo: Evaluar la cobertura y calidad del tamizaje del programa de control de cáncer cervicouterino en Campo Grande, MS, Brasil, entre 2006-2018. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de la serie histórica de exámenes citopatológicos en mujeres de Campo Grande. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las características demográficas de las mujeres y la calidad de los exámenes realizados en los últimos cinco años del período. La tendencia temporal se analizó mediante modelos de regresión polinómica. Resultados: Se registraron 578.417 citologías, de las cuales el 1,8% mostró alteraciones citológicas. En la población objetivo del programa, hubo reducción del 48,4% en el número de pruebas realizadas. La positividad de las pruebas varió entre 2,2% y 3,3% y aumentó el porcentaje de muestras no satisfactorias. Conclusión: El programa de cribado tiene debilidades que es necesario superar, como baja cobertura de la población objetivo, crecimiento del número de muestras insatisfactorias y baja tasa de positividad.

Objective: To assess the coverage and quality of screening by the Cervical Cancer Control Program in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between 2006 and 2018. Methods: This was a descriptive study of the cytology screening time series among women living in Campo Grande. A descriptive analysis of the demographic characteristics of these women and the quality of the tests performed in the last five years of the period was carried out. Temporal trends were analyzed using polynomial regression models. Results: 578,417 cytology tests were recorded, of which 1.8% showed pre-malignant/malignant cytological changes. There was a 48.4% reduction in the number of tests performed in the Program's target age group. Test positivity varied between 2.2% and 3.3% and the percentage of unsatisfactory samples increased. Conclusion: The cervical cancer screening program has weaknesses that need to be overcome, such as low coverage of the target population, growth in the number of unsatisfactory samples and a low positivity rate.

Validity of self-reported weight, height, and BMI in mothers of the research Birth in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of information on pre-gestational weight, height, pre-gestational body mass index, and weight at the last prenatal appointment, according to maternal characteristics and sociodemographic and prenatal variables. METHODS: The study was developed using data from the face-to-face questionnaire and prenatal card (gold standard) of the study "Birth in Brazil, 2011-2012". To evaluate the differences between the measured and self-reported anthropometric variables, we used the the Kruskal-Wallis test for the variables divided into quartiles. For the continuous variables, we used the Wilcoxon test, Bland-Altman plot, and average difference between the information measured and reported by the women. We estimated sensitivity and the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: In the study, 17,093 women had the prenatal card. There was an underestimation of pre-gestational weight of 1.51 kg (SD = 3.44) and body mass index of 0.79 kg/m2 (SD = 1.72) and overestimation of height of 0.75 cm (SD = 3.03) and weight at the last appointment of 0.22 kg (SD = 2.09). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) obtained for the anthropometric variables were: height (ICC = 0.89), pre-gestational weight (ICC = 0.96), pre-gestational body mass index (ICC = 0.92), and weight at the last appointment (ICC = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the mentioned anthropometric variables were valid for the study population, and they may be used in studies of populations with similar characteristics.

[Gastric cancer mortality in the State of Pará, Brazil, 1980-1997]. / Mortalidade por câncer gástrico no estado do Pará, 1980-1997.

RATIONALE: Gastric cancer incidence and mortality have been declining in many countries, including Brazil. Nevertheless, it still constitutes an important public health problem in our country, particularly in the state of Pará where mortality rates present values over the Brazilian average rates. AIM: To analyze the patterns of gastric cancer mortality in Pará State and in the City of Belém, in the last two decades. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mortality data were obtained through Brazil's Mortality Information System and population data came from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Age standardized mortality rates were calculated for the whole population and by sex, for every triennium in the period 1980-97 for Pará State and City of Belém. Trends of the standardized mortality rates from stomach cancer were analyzed through linear regression models. RESULTS: In comparison with other state Capitals and countries, standardized mortality rates for stomach cancer in Belém were elevated (27.2 a 15.8/100,000) during all the study period. Rates in men were higher than for women with a sex ratio of 3.0 in Belém, in all study periods, except 1995-97. During the study period, it was observed a decreasing trend in the mortality rates for both sexes, although more prominent in men, in the State of Pará. In Belém, it was also seen a decline in rates for all age groups. CONCLUSION: In spite of the observed trend, gastric cancer mortality rates in Belém at the last period of the series (1995-97) were still higher than those exhibited by some of the other State Capitals in 1980-82.

Symptoms and factors associated with symptom clusters among older adults with oral and oropharyngeal cancers at diagnosis / Sintomas e fatores associados a clusters de sintomas entre idosos com câncer de cavidade oral e orofaringe no momento do diagnóstico

OBJECTIVE: Describe differences in pretreatment symptoms and the composition of symptom clusters in older patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, quality of life (QoL) assessments for cancer patients (EORCT QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H & N35) were applied to 161 cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer at the time of enrollment in an outpatient clinic. They were used to evaluate QoL-related symptoms reported by patients, according to their occurrence. To identify symptom clusters, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed, and the relationships between these clusters and independent variables were assessed with linear regression models. RESULTS: The most prevalent symptoms were pain (52%), worry (48%), and weight loss (44%). Five factors were extracted from the EFA, of which 3 were noteworthy. The dysphagia cluster was common to both cancer sites, although more frequent in oropharyngeal cancer patients, and included symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain, and weight loss. The psychological cluster included symptoms related to feeling worried, nervous, and depressed. The asthenia cluster, in addition to being age-related, may represent the advanced stage or progression of the disease. CONCLUSION: The dysphagia cluster loaded the most symptoms and was common to both cancers. In addition to pain (one of the main symptoms of the dysphagia cluster), psychological symptoms were also important in both groups of patients. Adequate and early control of these symptom clusters at diagnosis could favor better management of symptoms during treatment.

OBJETIVO: Descrever diferenças nos sintomas pré-tratamento e na composição de clusters de sintomas em pacientes idosos com câncer oral e orofaríngeo. METODOLOGIA: Neste estudo seccional, avaliações de qualidade de vida (QV) para pacientes com câncer (EORCT QLQ-C30 e QLQ-H & N35) foram aplicadas a 161 casos incidentes de câncer oral e orofaríngeo no momento da inscrição no ambulatório. Essas avaliações foram utilizadas para analisar os sintomas relatados pelos pacientes quanto à QV, de acordo com a ocorrência. Para identificar agrupamentos de sintomas, uma análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) foi realizada, e a relação entre esses agrupamentos de sintomas e variáveis independentes foi avaliada com modelos de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Os sintomas mais prevalentes foram dor (52%), preocupação (48%) e perda de peso (44%). Cinco fatores foram extraídos do AFE, três dignos de nota. Embora mais relatado por pacientes orofaríngeos, o agrupamento de disfagia foi comum a ambos os locais de câncer e incluiu sintomas como dificuldade para engolir, dor e perda de peso. O agrupamento psicológico incluiu sintomas relacionados a sentir-se preocupado, nervoso e deprimido. O agrupamento da astenia, além de relacionado à idade, pode representar o estágio avançado ou progressão da doença. CONCLUSÕES: O cluster de disfagia carregou a maioria dos sintomas e foi comum a ambos os tipos de câncer. Além da dor, que era um dos principais sintomas desse cluster, os sintomas psicológicos também foram importantes em ambos os grupos de pacientes. O controle adequado e precoce desses grupos de sintomas no diagnóstico pode favorecer o melhor manejo dos sintomas durante o tratamento.

Handgrip Strength and Factors Associated in Poor Elderly Assisted at a Primary Care Unit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a condition diagnosed when the patient presents low muscle mass, plus low muscle strength or low physical performance. Muscle weakness in the oldest (dynapenia) is a major public health concern because it predicts future all-cause mortality and is associated with falls, disability, cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Grip strength is a simple method for assessment of muscle function in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the grip strength and identify factors associated with handgrip strength variation in elderly people with low socioeconomic status. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on a multidimensional assessment of primary care users that were 60 years or older. The sample size was calculated using an estimated prevalence of depression in older adults of 20%. A kappa coefficient of 0.6 with a 95% confidence interval was used to generate a conservative sample size of 180 individuals. Procedures: tests and scales to assess humor, cognition (MMSE), basic (ADL) and instrumental activities (IADL) of daily living, mobility (Timed Up and Go), strength, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and social support were applied. Questions about falls, chronic diseases and self-rated health (SRH) were also included. Statistical Analysis: Mean, standard deviation and statistical tests were used to compare grip strength means by demographic and health factors. A multivariate linear model was used to explain the relationship of the predictors with grip strength. RESULTS: The group was composed predominantly by women (73%) with a very low level of education (mean 3 years of schooling), mean age of 73.09 (± 7.05) years old, good mobility and without IADL impairment. Mean grip strength of male and female were 31.86Kg (SD 5.55) and 21.69Kg (SD 4.48) [p- 0.0001], respectively. Low grip strength was present in 27.7% of women and 39.6% of men. As expected, men and younger participants had higher grip strength than women and older individuals. In the adjusted model, age (p- 0.03), female sex (p- 0.0001), mobility (p- 0.05), height (p- 0.03) and depression (p- 0.03) were independently associated with low grip strength. For every second more in the mobility test, there was a mean decrease of 0.08 Kg in the grip strength. Elders with depression had a mean reduction of 1.74Kg in the grip strength in relation to those in the comparison groups. There was an average reduction of 8.36Kg in the grip strength of elderly females relative to males. For each year of age after 60 years, it was expected an average reduction of 0.11 Kg in the grip strength. CONCLUSION: our results suggest that low grip strength is associated with age, female sex, height, depression and mobility problems in poor elderly. Grip strength can be a simple, quick and inexpensive means of stratifying elders' risk of sarcopenia in the primary care setting. Efforts should be made to recognize weaker persons and the conditions associated to low grip strength in order to target early interventions to prevent frailty and disability.

Vulnerabilidade e Declínio Funcional em pessoas idosas da Atenção Primária à Saúde: estudo longitudinal / Vulnerability and Functional Decline in older people in Primary Health Care: a longitudinal study

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a associação da vulnerabilidade e o declínio funcional para Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária (AIVD) em pessoas idosas atendidas em unidades da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no município de Várzea Grande (MT), Brasil. Método Estudo longitudinal realizado com 304 pessoas idosas, com acompanhamento de 24 meses. A variável de exposição principal, vulnerabilidade, foi mensurada na linha de base utilizando-se o Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13). A variável dependente foi "declínio funcional em AIVD", definido como a diminuição de pelo menos um ponto no score de capacidade funcional, avaliada pela Escala de Lawton e Brody, entre a coleta da linha de base e o follow-up. As associações entre declínio funcional em AIVD e vulnerabilidade, condições de saúde, fatores sociodemográficos, autoavaliação de saúde, estilo de vida e eventos adversos em saúde foram estimadas por meio do Odds Ratio (OR), utilizando regressão logística binária. Resultados 35,20% das pessoas idosas apresentaram declínio da capacidade funcional em AIVD. O declínio funcional se associou no modelo final com a interação entre vulnerabilidade e inatividade física (OR=3,12, IC95%, 1,42-6,86), insatisfação com a vida (OR=2,23, IC95%, 1,09-4,56) e hospitalização (OR=2,01, IC95%, 1,18-3,41). Conclusão O declínio funcional em AIVD foi maior nas pessoas idosas vulneráveis que estavam inativas fisicamente, naquelas insatisfeitas com a vida e que foram hospitalizadas durante o período de seguimento, sendo importante que essas condições sejam identificadas precocemente, para que ações de prevenção de declínio funcional sejam implementadas, além dos programas de incentivo à prática de atividade física pelas pessoas idosas.

Abstract Objective To assess the association between vulnerability and functional decline for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) in older people treated in Primary Health Care (PHC) units in the municipality of Várzea Grande (MT), Brazil. Method A longitudinal study was carried out with 304 older people with a 24-month follow-up. The main exposure variable vulnerability was measured at baseline using the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13). The dependent variable was "functional decline in IADL" defined as the decrease of at least one point in the score of functional capacity assessed by the Lawton and Brody Scale between baseline evaluation and the end of follow-up. The associations between the functional decline in IADL and vulnerability, health conditions, sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, lifestyle, and adverse health events were estimated using the Odds Ratio (OR) with binary logistic regression. Results A decline in functional capacity in IADL was observed in 35,20% of the cohort members. In the final model, functional decline was associated with the interaction between vulnerability and physical inactivity (OR = 3.12, 95%CI, 1.42-6.86), dissatisfaction with life (OR = 2.23, 95%CI, 1.09-4.56), and hospitalization (OR = 2.01, 95%CI, 1.18-3.41). Conclusion Functional decline in IADL was greater in vulnerable older people who were physically inactive, in those dissatisfied with life, and those who were hospitalized during the follow-up period. These conditions must be identified early so that actions to prevent functional decline could be implemented in addition to programs to encourage older people to exercise.

[Colon and rectal cancer mortality in Brazilian capitals, 1980-1997]. / Mortalidade por câncer de cólon e reto nas capitais brasileiras no período 1980-1997.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, colorectal tumors are among the five more important sites of neoplasms, for both sexes, in terms of mortality. The etiology of colon and rectal cancer is complex and some of the factors involved in its genesis are related to diet. Brazilian geographic regions present heterogeneous alimentary profiles, that could be influencing the distribution of the mortality rates for these tumors. OBJECTIVE: To describe the patterns of mortality from cancers of the colon and the rectum in Brazilian State capitals in the period 1980-1997. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mortality data for individuals of both sexes, residents in Brazilian State capitals (except Palmas, Tocantins) was obtained from the Ministry of Health Mortality System (SIM/MS). We considered as death from colon and rectum cancers those whose underlying cause of death was coded as 153.0 to 153.9, 154.0 and 154.1, according to ICD 9, in the period 1980-95; C18.0 to C18.9, C19 and C20,according to ICD 10, in the period 1996-97. The trends of the standardized mortality rates from colon and rectum cancer were analyzed through linear regression models. RESULTS: The highest standardized mortality rates for colorectal cancer were observed in the South and Southeastern regions and varied between 8,0 and 10,7/100000 inhabitants. Porto Alegre (11,9), São Paulo (10,8) and Rio de Janeiro (9,6) presented the greatest rates among the State capitals in the study period. In the South region, rates of mortality for Porto Alegre and Florianópolis presented an increasing trend in the study period and the same behavior was observed for São Paulo and Vitória in the Southeastern region. Brasilia and the other capitals of the Midwest, with the exception of Goiânia, showed a tendency of increment of the mortality rates. Among the capitals of the North and Northeast regions, an increasing trend of mortality was observed in Rio Branco and Fortaleza. The separate analysis of the mortality rates for tumors of the colon and for tumors of the rectum showed a similar pattern, with higher values being observed for colon neoplasia. DISCUSSION: Regional differences in the mortality rates for colon and rectum neoplasias have been discussed for different authors, who point to the contribution of cultural and alimentary habits, and differences of life style and socioeconomic status to this heterogeneity, besides other aspects related to access to health services and quality of hospital care and preventive services. These factors must be considered in the evaluation of the differences observed in Brazilian capitals. Although the State capitals situated in South and Southeastern regions presented higher rates than the others, mortality rates of Porto Alegre (9,8/100.000) and Rio de Janeiro (9,0/100.000), in period 1983- 85, were about three times lower than those observed in the United States, Canada and France, in 1985. The sex distribution pattern of the mortality rates in Brazilian capitals was not uniform, with higher rates in men. We observed a trend of increment of the mortality rates of colorectal cancer in all Brazilian regions, similar to that was observed in some countries of the world, although with different gradients. CONCLUSIONS: The standardized mortality rates for colon and rectum neoplasias presented important regional differences among Brazilian State capitals. The highest rates were observed in the South and Southeastern regions. A trend of increment of the standardized mortality rates for cancers of the colon and the rectum was observed in all Brazilian regions in the period 1980-1997.

[Trends in mortality due to breast cancer among women in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2011]. / Tendência da mortalidade por câncer de mama em mulheres no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 1996-2011.

A descriptive time series study was conducted in order to analyze the mortality rates for breast cancer in two age brackets (< 60 years and ≥ 60 years), in areas of the state of Rio de Janeiro (inland, metropolitan area, capital and state). The data source was the Mortality Information System. Mortality rates were analyzed for four-year periods, between 1996 and 2011, and the ratios between the incidences for the two age brackets in each area. The trend in annual mortality rates was analyzed with the Joinpoint program and polynomial regression models. The ratios between the incidences observed were 7-8 times higher in women aged 60 years or older. Joinpoint analyses indicated a linear decline in mortality rates in the state and the capital for the whole population and for women aged 60 and over in the same areas. The polynomial regression models allowed the observation of periods of increasing and decreasing rates and a tendency to stabilization at the end of the period. Despite the declining trend, the magnitude of mortality from breast cancer is still high among women aged 60 and older, and it is important to investigate associated factors in this population group.