Evaluation of the properties of WHODAS-12 measurements in individuals with Chagas disease in Brazil

ABSTRACT Numerous tests employed to predict cardiac and functional status are expensive and not widely accessible for a considerable number of patients, particularly those diagnosed with Chagas disease (CD) residing in remote and endemic regions. To date, there is no knowledge of studies that have validated instruments that address functionality in an expanded way, including the biopsychosocial factors in patients with CD. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), in its 12-item shortened version (WHODAS-12) when applied to patients with CD. This is a cross-sectional study of a prospective cohort that follows individuals with CD (SaMi-Trop). Data collection took place between October 2019 and March 2020. In the interviews, sociodemographic information, life habits, clinical information, and indicators of disability measured by WHODAS-12 were collected. Descriptive analysis, internal consistency and construct validity of the instrument were performed. A total of 628 patients with CD were interviewed, most were women (69.5%), their mean age was of 57 years, and most declared an average self-perception of health (43.4%). The 12 items of WHODAS-12 were distributed into three factors, which together account for 61% of the variance. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) index was 0.90, indicating adequacy of the sample for factor analysis. The internal consistency of the global scale showed alpha = 0.87. The percentage of incapacity was 16.05%, indicating mild incapacity for the evaluated patients. WHODAS-12 is a valid and reliable measure to assess the disability of the Brazilian population with CD.

Chagas disease and perceived quality of life: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease (ChD) is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess and compare QoL between individuals with and without ChD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed within a concurrent cohort study (REDS). The participants were derived from two blood donation centers: São Paulo capital and Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants with ChD were identified in blood donations by serological diagnosis between 2008 and 2010, and those without ChD were donors with negative serology identified during the same period. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between the groups, and mean, standard deviation, and beta regression were used to compare QoL. Results: In total, 611 individuals participated in the study (328 with ChD and 283 without ChD). Participants with ChD had lower QoL in the physical (p=0.02) and psychological (p<0.01) domains than did individuals without CD. Conclusions: Individuals with ChD had worse QoL perceptions. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of ChD on individuals' QoL, while also highlighting potential opportunities for improving the care and treatment of those affected.

Avaliação do Programa de Promoção da Alimentação Adequada e Saudável na Atenção Primária: pesquisa de métodos mistos / Evaluating the Adequate and Healthy Food Promotion Program in Primary Care: a mixed methods research

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a implantação do Programa de Promoção da Alimentação Adequada e Saudável na Atenção Primária à Saúde em municípios de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa de Métodos Mistos com Estratégia Incorporada Concomitante de dados. Na abordagem quantitativa utilizou-se pesquisa avaliativa na perspectiva da análise de implantação. Na abordagem qualitativa realizou-se estudo exploratório-descritivo utilizando a análise de conteúdo. Os dados qualitativos e quantitativos foram incorporados para análise a partir de sua imbricação. O Grau de Implantação do programa foi 92,5% representando uma implantação adequada. Na imbricação dos dados, a metodologia das ações propostas no programa e a realização da atividade de Educação Permanente foram pontos fortes convergentes que emergiram. Recursos Humanos insuficientes para planejamento e execução do programa e falta de cozinha para oficina culinária foram apontados como desafios. A implantação do programa foi adequada e poderá ser estendida para outros municípios brasileiros, de forma a apoiar os profissionais a estruturar intervenções de promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável na rotina de trabalho na Atenção Primária.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the implementation of an Adequate and Healthy Food Promotion Program in Primary Health Care in the municipalities of Minas Gerais. Mixed Methods Research with Data Concomitant Embedded Strategy. Evaluative research from the perspective of the implementation analysis was employed in the quantitative approach. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using content analysis in the qualitative approach. Qualitative and quantitative data were incorporated for analysis from their imbrication. The Program Implementation Level (IL) was 92.5%, representing an adequate implementation. The methodology of the actions proposed in the program and the implementation of Continuing Education were convergent strengths that emerged from data imbrication. The need for more human resources for planning and implementing the program and the lack of a kitchen for cooking workshops were identified as challenges. The Program's implementation was adequate and can be extended to other Brazilian municipalities to help professionals structure interventions to promote adequate and healthy food in the Primary Care work routine.

Is Severity Score Associated With Indication for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Individuals With Sickle Cell Anemia?

Manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) begin early in childhood and cause morbidity and decreased life expectancy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is curative but associated with risk of mortality attributable to the transplant. This risk should be counterbalanced with SCD morbidity and mortality. A severity score using a Bayesian network model was previously validated to predict the risk of death in adult individuals with SCD. The objective of this study is to calculate the severity scores of participants in a multicenter cohort of Brazilians with SCD, using a previously published Bayesian network-derived score, associated with risk of death and then compare the severity scores between participants with and without an indication for HSCT as defined by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) criteria. This is an observational, retrospective study. We analyzed 2063 individuals with sickle cell anemia from the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-III Brazil SCD cohort and applied a Bayesian network-derived score to compare candidates and non-candidates for HSCT according to the Brazilian MoH transplant criteria. Classical statistical methods were used to analyze data and make comparisons. We compared severity scores between cohort members with (n = 431) and without (n = 1632) HSCT indications according to Brazilian MoH. Scores were not different in adult participants with ≥1 HSCT indication when compared to those with no indication (mean 0.342 versus 0.292; median 0.194 versus 0.183, P = .354) and receiver operating characteristic curves did not demonstrate an obvious threshold to differentiate participants with or without HSCT indications. Severity score may predict risk of death but does not differentiate HSCT candidates. Current indications should be evaluated to ensure that patients with more severe disease who might benefit from HSCT are appropriately identified.

Population pharmacokinetic modeling of benznidazole in Brazilian patients with chronic Chagas disease

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling of benznidazole (BZD) in Brazilian patients with chronic Chagas disease. This was part of a Brazilian prospective cohort study with eight patients diagnosed with Chagas disease during the beginning of BZD treatment up to the 60th day. On the 15th day of treatment, a blood sampling was collected and analyzed. A one-compartment PK model was developed using Pmetrics. Patients with an average age of 50.3 (SD: 6.2) years old, 6 female patients and 2 males, 70.2 kg (14.2), receiving a 5 mg/Kg/day dose were included. PK parameters estimated for CL, V and Ka were 6.27 L/h, 38.97 L and 1.66 h-1, respectively. This is the first study to establish a population pharmacokinetic modeling of BZD in Brazilian patients with chronic Chagas disease. Therefore, further studies are needed to obtain the complete characterization of BZD pharmacokinetics.

Contextual influence on poor self-rated health in patients with Chagas disease: multilevel study / Influência contextual na pior autopercepção em saúde de portadores de Doença de Chagas: estudo multinível

Abstract Chagas disease (CD) is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the thirteen most neglected tropical diseases in the world. Self-perceived health is considered a better predictor of mortality than objective measures of health status, and the context in which one lives influences this predictor. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and individual and contextual factors associated with poor self-rated health among CD patients from an endemic region in Brazil. It is a multilevel cross-sectional study. The individual data come from a cross-section of a cohort study named SaMi-Trop. Contextual data was collected from publicly accessible institutional information systems and platforms. The dependent variable was self-perceived health. The analysis was performed using multilevel binary logistic regression. The study included 1,513 patients with CD, where 335 (22.1%) had Poor self-rated health. This study revealed the influence of the organization/offer of the Brazilian public health service and of individual characteristics on the self-perceived health of patients with CD.

Resumo A Doença de Chagas (DC) é reconhecida pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como uma das treze doenças tropicais mais negligenciadas do mundo. A autopercepção de saúde é considerada um melhor preditor de mortalidade do que medidas objetivas do estado de saúde, e o contexto em que se vive influencia esse preditor. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e os fatores individuais e contextuais associados à pior autopercepção em saúde de pacientes com DC de uma região endêmica do Brasil. É um estudo transversal multinível. Os dados individuais vêm de um corte transversal de um estudo de coorte denominado SaMi-Trop. Os dados contextuais foram coletados a partir de plataformas e sistemas de informações institucionais acessíveis ao público. A variável dependente foi a autopercepção de saúde. A análise foi realizada por meio de regressão logística binária multinível. Participaram do estudo 1.513 pacientes com DC, sendo 335 (22,1%) com pior autopercepção de saúde. Este estudo revelou a influência da organização/oferta do serviço público de saúde brasileiro e de características individuais na autopercepção de saúde de pacientes com DC.

Deriving a parsimonious cardiac endpoint for use in epidemiological studies of Chagas disease: results from the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study-II (REDS-II) cohort.

Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM) is a severe consequence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and has a range of electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic (ECHO) manifestations. There is a need for a standard and parsimonious research cardiac end point that does not rely on expert panel adjudication, and it is not intended to change the ChCM definition. We use data from the REDS-II cohort to propose a simplified cardiac endpoint. A total of 499 T. cruzi-seropositive blood donors were included. All participants underwent a 12-lead ECG, echocardiogram and clinical examination, and those with abnormal findings were reviewed by a panel of cardiologists who classified cases as having Chagas cardiomyopathy or not. We created an exhaustive set of ECG and ECHO finding combinations and compared these with the panel's classification. We selected the simplest combination that most accurately reproduced the panel's results. Individual ECG and ECHO variables had low sensitivity for panel-defined cardiomyopathy. The best performing combination was right bundle branch block and/or ECHO evidence of left ventricular hypocontractility. This combination had 98% specificity and 85% sensitivity for panel-defined ChCM. It was not possible to improve the overall accuracy by addition of any other ECG or ECHO variable. Substituting right bundle branch block for the more inclusive finding of QRS interval > 120 ms produced similar results. The combination of prolonged QRS interval and/or left ventricular hypocontractility closely reproduced the REDS-II expert panel classification of Chagas ChCM. In conclusion, the simple and reproducible research endpoint proposed here captures most of the spectrum of cardiac abnormalities in Chagas disease.

Análise da concordância entre as informações reportadas pelas mães e dos cartões de vacina das crianças no Brasil (2013 e 2015) / Analysis of the agreement between information on child vaccination reported by mothers and that on the children's vaccination cards in Brazil (2013-2015)

Resumo Introdução Este trabalho discute a possibilidade de utilização de informações sobre a vacinação infantil reportada pelas mães em inquéritos domiciliares para a construção de indicadores de cobertura vacinal no Brasil. Objetivo Avaliar o potencial das informações declaradas pelas mães sobre a imunização das crianças em inquéritos domiciliares como uma fonte para o cálculo do indicador de cobertura vacinal. Método Analisaram-se os indicadores de confiabilidade (precisão) e validade (concordância) entre as informações disponíveis nos cartões de vacina das crianças menores de 2 anos e as informações reportadas pelas mães em pesquisas domiciliares realizadas nos anos de 2013 e 2015 no município de Santo Antônio do Monte, Minas Gerais. Resultados O principal resultado mostra que, em um contexto de alta cobertura, as mães tendiam a informar sobre a vacinação de seus filhos de forma aleatória, ou seja, informações reportadas pelas mães apresentavam baixa validade. Conclusão Embora a coleta de informações dos cartões de vacina das crianças seja um procedimento mais custoso, essa é a forma mais adequada e confiável de se mensurar a cobertura vacinal no contexto brasileiro.

Abstract Background This study discusses the possibility of using information on child vaccination reported by mothers through household surveys to construct indicators of immunization coverage in Brazil. Objective Evaluate the potential of information reported by mothers on the immunization of children in household surveys as a source to calculate a vaccination coverage indicator. Method The indicators of reliability (accuracy) and validity (concordance) between the information available on the vaccination cards of children under two years of age and that reported by mothers in two household surveys conducted in 2013 and 2015 in the municipality of Santo Antônio do Monte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results The main result shows that, in a context of high coverage, the mothers tended to inform randomly about the vaccination of their children, that is, the information reported by mothers presented low validity. Conclusion Although collecting information from children's vaccination cards is a more costly procedure, it is the most adequate and reliable way to measure vaccination coverage in the Brazilian context.

Quality of life in pre-adolescent children with sickle cell disease in Brazil.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects more than 13 million people and can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of those persons. We performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the QoL in SCD children 8-12 years old enrolled from November 2014 to March 2016 in a large multicenter cohort study in Brazil. The PedsQL™ SCD Module was used to evaluate QoL in 412 children from six Brazilian health centers. The mean age of participants was 10.5 years and 193(46.7%) were women. The mean global score was 60.7, with a Cronbach´s alpha of 0.92. There were significant differences in socioeconomic demographics and treatments among participants at the six centers, but age, income, SCD genotype, and use of hydroxyurea did not significantly affect the QoL scores. After adjustment for all of these variables in a linear regression model, a significant difference was observed by site in global QoL score and the dimensions 'worry II'(ß0 = 20.7, p < .00), 'treatment´(ß0 = 66.8, p < .00) and communication II'(ß0 = 45.8, p < .00). These dimensions are affected by the capacity of health professionals to provide clinical and psychological support to patients. Our results suggest that QoL of this patient population varied according the health center even adjusted by sociodemographics characteristics. Additional training of health professionals in psychological and clinical support could directly reduce patient apprehension about the disease its clinical complications.

Lack of evidence of seronegative infection in an endemic area of Chagas disease.

The diagnosis of Chagas disease is based on the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi)-specific antibodies. Nonetheless, there is concern about the sensitivity of current serological assays due to reports of T. cruzi PCR positivity among seronegative individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate if T. cruzi seronegative infections occur in endemic areas. We recruited 2,157 individuals that were identified as having Chagas disease in a public health system database of an endemic region in Brazil. All participants were interviewed and 2,091 had a sample collected for serological and PCR testing. From these, 149 (7.1%) had negative serological results. PCR was positive in 610 samples (31.4%) of the 1,942 seropositive samples but in none of the 149 samples from seronegative participants. True T. cruzi seronegative infections seem to be rare (95% CI 0-3.7) and should not be a concern for blood supply, which relies on antibody screening.

Análise da linha de cuidado para pacientes com diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial: a experiência de um município de pequeno porte no Brasil / Analysis of the care of patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: the experience of a small municipality in Brazil / Análisis de la línea de cuidado para pacientes con diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial: la experiencia de un municipio pequeño en Brasil

O artigo avalia a linha de cuidado de uma coorte de 260 indivíduos com diabetes mellitus e 295 indivíduos com hipertensão arterial sistêmica antes, durante e após a implantação do Laboratório de Inovações na Atenção às Condições Crônicas (LIACC). Essa intervenção buscou fortalecer a atenção primária à saúde, implantando o modelo de atenção às condições crônicas no município de Santo Antônio do Monte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2013 e 2014. Trata-se de um estudo observacional longitudinal que utiliza informações clínicas e laboratoriais dos prontuários dos pacientes dessas duas condições crônicas entre 2012 e 2017. Os desfechos avaliados foram baseados nas linhas guias da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais. Os resultados evidenciam o LIACC associado à universalização de macroprocessos da atenção primária, como o cadastramento e a classificação do risco familiar. Para pacientes com diabetes houve melhora em diversos marcadores no período, como o aumento da realização de consulta (de 90% em 2012 para 92% em 2017) e diminuição dos pacientes com exames fora das faixas de normalidade. Já para indivíduos com hipertensão, mesmo sendo observado um crescimento acentuado da realização de consultas (de 80% em 2012 para 84% em 2017), as melhorias clínicas foram menos evidentes. Conclui-se que o LIACC se configura como uma promissora intervenção para a melhoria do manejo de pacientes com doenças crônicas na atenção primária à saúde.

This article evaluates the care of a cohort of 260 individuals with diabetes and 295 individuals with hypertension before, during and after the implementation of the Innovative Care Laboratory for Chronic Conditions (LIACC). This intervention sought to strengthen Primary Health Care by implementing the Chronic Care Model in Santo Antônio do Monte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2013 and 2014. This is a longitudinal observational study that uses clinical and laboratory information from medical records of patients with these two chronic conditions between 2012 and 2017. The outcomes evaluated were based on the guidelines of the Department of Health of Minas Gerais State. The results show the LIACC associated with the universalization of primary care macro-processes such as registration and classification of family risk. For patients with diabetes, there was an improvement in several markers in the period, such as increased consultation (from 90% in 2012 to 92% in 2017) and a decrease in patients with examinations outside the normal range. For individuals with hypertension, although there is a marked increase in medical appointments (from 80% in 2012 to 84% in 2017), clinical improvements were less evident. It can be concluded that LIACC is a promising intervention to improve the management of patients with chronic diseases in Primary Health Care.

El artículo evalúa la línea de cuidado de una cohorte de 260 individuos con diabetes mellitus y de 295 individuos con hipertensión arterial sistémica antes, durante y después de la implantación del Laboratorio de Innovación en Atención a las Condiciones Crónicas (LIACC). Esta intervención buscó fortalecer la Atención Primaria en Salud implantando el Modelo de Atención a las Condiciones Crónicas en el municipio de Santo Antônio do Monte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2013 y 2014. Se trata de un estudio observacional longitudinal con informaciones clínicas y de laboratorio de registros médicos de los pacientes con las dos condiciones crónicas entre 2012 y 2017. Los desenlaces evaluados se basaron en las líneas guía de la Secretaría de Salud del estado de Minas Gerais. Los resultados evidencian el LIACC asociado con la universalización de los macroprocesos de atención primaria como el registro y la clasificación del riesgo familiar. Para los pacientes con diabetes se observó una mejora en muchos marcadores en el período, como el aumento de las consultas (de 90 % en 2012 a 92 % en 2017) y la disminución de los pacientes con exámenes fuera de los rangos normales. Aunque para las personas con hipertensión se ha observado un notable aumento en la concreción de las consultas (de 80 % en 2012 a 84 % en 2017), las mejorías clínicas fueron menos pronunciadas. Se concluye que el LIACC es una prometedora intervención para la mejora del manejo de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas en la atención primaria.

Avaliação do conhecimento acerca do manejo clínico de portadores da doença de Chagas em região endêmica no Brasil / Assessment of knowledge about the clinical management of patients with Chagas disease in an endemic region in Brazil

Objetivo: conhecer o manejo de pacientes com Doença de Chagas (DC) por médicos da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) de regiões endêmicas. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 104 médicos da APS de 39 municípios das regiões norte de Minas Gerais e Vale do Jequitinhonha. Foram abordados perfil sociodemográfico, formação acadêmica e prática clínica, por meio de questionário autoaplicado. Resultados: os médicos apresentaram idade média de 33(±9,88) anos, 4(±7,26) anos de atuação na APS, 49% relataram que a graduação não ofereceu formação suficiente em DC. Embora quase 90% tivessem experiência com atendimento de pacientes com DC crônica e 57% com DC aguda, apenas 9% relataram sentir-se totalmente seguros para esses atendimentos e 33% relataram não conhecer o Benzonidazol, único antitripanossômico disponível. Contribuindo para esse quadro, após a graduação, somente 13,3% receberam alguma informação ou treinamento relativo à DC e quase metade recebeu esse treinamento há mais de 4 anos. Há insegurança, desconhecimento e carência de capacitações sobre DC entre profissionais médicos da APS de localidades endêmicas.

Objective: to understand the management of patients with Chagas Disease (CD) by Primary Health Care (PHC) doctors in endemic regions. Methods: cross-sectional study with 104 PHC doctors in 39 municipalities in the northern regions of Minas Gerais and Jequitinhonha Valley. Socio-demographic profile, academic training, and clinical practice were covered through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: the physicians had a mean age of 33 (± 9.88) years, 4 (± 7.26) years experience in the PHC system, and 49% reported that their undergraduate studies did not offer enough training on CD. Although almost 90% had experience with the care of patients with chronic CD and 57% with acute CD, only 9% reported feeling completely secure about these services and 33% reported not knowing about benznidazole, the only antitrypanosomal available. Contributing to this situation, after graduation, only 13.3% received any information or training on CD and almost half received this training more than four years ago. There is insecurity, ignorance, and lack of training on CD among PHC medical professionals in endemic locations.

Bayesian model and spatial analysis of oral and oropharynx cancer mortality in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Modelo Bayesiano e análise espacial da mortalidade por câncer de boca e orofaringe em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine of oral and oropharynx cancer mortality rate and the results were analyzed by applying the Spatial Analysis of Empirical Bayesian Model. To this end, we used the information contained in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), Chapter II, Category C00 to C14 and Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM) of Minas Gerais State. Descriptive statistics were observed and the gross rate of mortality was calculated for each municipality. Then Empirical Bayesian estimators were applied. The results showed that, in 2012, in the state of Minas Gerais, were registered 769 deaths of patients with cancer of oral and oropharynx, with 607 (78.96%) men and 162 (21.04%) women. There was a wide variation in spatial distribution of crude mortality rate and were identified agglomeration in the South, Central and North more accurately by Bayesian Estimator Global and Local Model. Through Bayesian models was possible to map the spatial clustering of deaths from oral cancer more accurately, and with the application of the method of spatial epidemiology, it was possible to obtain more accurate results and provide subsidies to reduce the number of deaths from this type of cancer.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a taxa de mortalidade por câncer de boca e aplicar o Modelo Bayesiano Empírico e a Análise Espacial para suavizar a taxa bruta de mortalidade por câncer de boca e orofaringe. Foi usado o Capítulo II da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID-10) para Categorias C00 a C14. Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Brasil (SIM) do Estado de Minas Gerais. As estatísticas descritivas e as taxas brutas de mortalidade foram calculadas para cada município. Posteriormente, foram aplicados os estimadores Bayesianos Empíricos. Em 2012, em Minas Gerais, foram registradas 769 mortes para o câncer de boca e orofaringe, dos quais 607 (78,96%) eram homens e 162 (21,04%) mulheres. Houve uma grande variação na distribuição espacial da taxa de mortalidade bruta. Foi possível identificar aglomeração nas regiões Sul, Central e Norte com maior precisão pelo Estimador Bayesiano Modelo Global e Local. Através dos Modelos Bayesian foi possível mapear aglomeração espacial de mortes por câncer de boca e orofaringe com maior precisão. Assim, pela epidemiologia espacial foi possível obter resultados mais precisos e fornecer subsídios para ações para reduzir a mortalidade por este tipo de câncer.

Bayesian model and spatial analysis of oral and oropharynx cancer mortality in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to determine of oral and oropharynx cancer mortality rate and the results were analyzed by applying the Spatial Analysis of Empirical Bayesian Model. To this end, we used the information contained in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), Chapter II, Category C00 to C14 and Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM) of Minas Gerais State. Descriptive statistics were observed and the gross rate of mortality was calculated for each municipality. Then Empirical Bayesian estimators were applied. The results showed that, in 2012, in the state of Minas Gerais, were registered 769 deaths of patients with cancer of oral and oropharynx, with 607 (78.96%) men and 162 (21.04%) women. There was a wide variation in spatial distribution of crude mortality rate and were identified agglomeration in the South, Central and North more accurately by Bayesian Estimator Global and Local Model. Through Bayesian models was possible to map the spatial clustering of deaths from oral cancer more accurately, and with the application of the method of spatial epidemiology, it was possible to obtain more accurate results and provide subsidies to reduce the number of deaths from this type of cancer.

Primary health care as assessed by health professionals: comparison of the traditional model versus the Family Health Strategy / Avaliação da atenção primária à saúde por profissionais de saúde: comparação entre modelo tradicional versus Estratégia Saúde da Família

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The Family Health Strategy (FHS) should be first-contact care in the Brazilian Health System. However, Primary Health Care (PHC) still encompasses two models: the FHS and the traditional health care facilities. The expansion of the FHS has been slow and heterogeneous in many cities, rendering a comparative evaluation of key quality-related elements of PHC models crucial. Objective: To compare the performance of PHC models as perceived by health professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving managers and health professionals from PHC of a medium-size city in South-eastern Brazil. Data were collected by applying the Primary Care Assessment Tool. The performance was estimated through primary health care indexes (general and partial PHCI by attributes). Univariate polytomous logistic regression was performed to compare care model performances according to their attributes. Strength of association was estimated by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: Three managers and 81 health professionals participated in the study. The FHS had a better index rating than the traditional care model for general PHCI and for the attributes longitudinality, comprehensiveness, family focus and professional level. Conclusion: Although the FHS attained higher scores compared to the traditional model, it has not yet achieved the performance expected. This scenario points to the need for increased FHS cover and quality improvements at the existing units.

RESUMO: Introdução: A Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) deve ser o primeiro contato do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Contudo dois modelos de atenção operam concomitantemente no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS): a ESF e o modelo tradicional. A expansão da ESF tem sido lenta e heterogênea em muitos municípios, tornando fundamental a condução de avaliações comparativas de atributos relacionados à qualidade dos modelos da APS. Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho dos modelos de atenção da APS de acordo com a percepção dos profissionais de saúde. Métodos: Estudo transversal com gestores e profissionais de saúde da APS do município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Dados foram coletados por meio do Primary Care Assessment Tool. O desempenho dos modelos foi estimado por meio do Índice de Atenção Primária à Saúde (IAPS geral e específico). Regressão logística politômica univariada foi conduzida para comparação do desempenho dos modelos da APS de acordo com os atributos. A força da associação foi estimada por meio do odds ratio com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Três gestores e 81 profissionais de saúde participaram do estudo. A ESF obteve melhor avaliação do que o modelo tradicional com relação ao IAPS geral e aos atributos vínculo, elenco de serviços, enfoque familiar e formação profissional. Conclusão: A ESF obteve escores superiores aos do modelo tradicional, entretanto ainda não atingiu o seu desempenho esperado. Esse cenário aponta para a necessidade de ampliação da cobertura da ESF e para a melhoria da qualidade das unidades de ESF existentes no Brasil.

Benznidazole therapy for Chagas disease in asymptomatic Trypanosoma cruzi -seropositive former blood donors: evaluation of the efficacy of different treatment regimens

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease currently affects 5.7 million people in Latin America and is emerging in non-endemic countries. There is no consensus concerning the efficacy of trypanocidal therapy for patients with the chronic form of the disease. We evaluated cardiac function and sociodemographic, clinical, and serologic characteristics of a group of asymptomatic Trypanosoma cruzi-seropositive former blood donors, and compared the effects of benznidazole treatment applied for different lengths of time. METHODS: Blood donors who screened positive for T. cruzi between 1998 and 2002 were recruited 10 years later for follow-up (n = 244); 46 individuals had received treatment. Three subjects had terminated treatment prematurely. The remaining 43 individuals were divided into two groups: individuals who had received benznidazole therapy for 50-60 days (n = 28; BT ≤60 group) or more than 60 days (n = 15; BT >60). Serologic assays, biochemical tests, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and clinical examinations were performed on all participants. Parasite loads were determined by qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Parasitemia was significantly reduced in the BT ≤60 and BT >60 groups compared with the untreated group. There were no differences in epidemiologic profiles or clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, or echocardiographic data between any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite elimination or significant reduction in parasitemia in patients with chronic Chagas disease who received benznidazole, there was no clinical difference between those who were treated for >60 days and those treated for a shorter duration. Furthermore, the adverse effects of benznidazole appear to be less severe than previous reports would suggest.

Educational booklet on diabetes: construction and content validation / Cartilha educativa sobre diabetes: elaboração e validação de conteúdo

Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) require support for self-management education and care. This study aimed to present the results of the construction and content validation of the educational bookletto be used in an educational program for empowerment of patients with DM. The educational booklet was developed containing the standards needed for self-care in diabetes proposed by the American Association of Diabetes Educators and subjected to evaluation by specialists using the Delphi Technique. The specialists valuation was performed in three stages, an online questionnaire with eight questions was used to get a consensus higher than 80% of all the items that makes up the final material. Later,the educational booklet was subjected to assessment of patients in a pilot study. Twelve specialists in DM participated in the first stage and three items initially did not reach 80% consensus. The booklet was reformulated and six specialists attended the second stage, in which he consensus higher than 80% was obtained. In a third stage, five patients contributed to the assessment of the final version. The educational booklet presents good characteristics of content validate to be used in educational programto empower DM patients in self-management and health care.

Pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus (DM) necessitam de suporte para educação e cuidados para autogestão da doença. Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar os resultados da construção e validação de conteúdo de uma cartilha educativa para ser utilizada em um programa de educação baseado em empoderamento dos pacientes com DM. A cartilha foi elaborada contendo os padrões necessários para autocuidado em Diabetes propostos pela Associação Americana de Educadores em Diabetes e submetida a avaliação de especialistas utilizando a técnica Delphi. Para avaliação dos especialistas, que ocorreu em duas etapas, foi utilizado um questionário online contendo 8 questões para obter um consenso superior a80% de todos os itens que compõem o material final. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma terceira etapa em que a cartilha foi submetida a avaliação de pacientes em um estudo piloto. Participaram da primeira etapa 12 especialistas em DM e três itens não atingiram inicialmente o consenso de 80%. A cartilha foi reformulada e seis especialistas participaram da segunda etapa, em que foi obtido o consenso de 80%. Na terceira etapa, cinco pacientes contribuíram para a avaliação da versão final. A cartilha educativa apresenta boas características de validação de conteúdo para ser utilizada em um programa de educação para empoderamento de pacientes com DM e na autogestão e em cuidados da saúde.

Food environment of fruits and vegetables in the territory of the Health Academy Program.

This study provides a spatial analysis of distribution and access to commercial fruit and vegetable establishments within the territory of a representative sample of public fitness facilities known as the Health Academy Program (HAP) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study evaluated commercial food establishments within a buffer area based on a radius of 1,600 meters around each of 18 randomly selected fitness facilities. Quality of access to fruits and vegetables was assessed by the Healthy Food Store Index (HFSI), consisting of the variables availability, variety, and advertising of fruits, vegetables and ultra-processed foods. The analysis was based on calculation of the Kernel intensity estimator, nearest neighbor method, and Ripley K-function. Of the 336 food establishments, 61.3% were green grocers and open-air markets, with a median HFSI of 11 (5 to 16). In only 17% of the territories, the majority of the "hot area" establishments displayed better access to healthy foods, and only three areas showed a clustering pattern. The study showed limited access to commercial establishments supplying healthy fruits and vegetables within the territory of the public fitness program.

Food environment of fruits and vegetables in the territory of the Health Academy Program / Ambiente alimentar de frutas y verduras en el territorio del Programa Academia de la Salud / Ambiente alimentar de frutas e hortaliças no território do Programa da Academia da Saúde

Abstract This study provides a spatial analysis of distribution and access to commercial fruit and vegetable establishments within the territory of a representative sample of public fitness facilities known as the Health Academy Program (HAP) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study evaluated commercial food establishments within a buffer area based on a radius of 1,600 meters around each of 18 randomly selected fitness facilities. Quality of access to fruits and vegetables was assessed by the Healthy Food Store Index (HFSI), consisting of the variables availability, variety, and advertising of fruits, vegetables and ultra-processed foods. The analysis was based on calculation of the Kernel intensity estimator, nearest neighbor method, and Ripley K-function. Of the 336 food establishments, 61.3% were green grocers and open-air markets, with a median HFSI of 11 (5 to 16). In only 17% of the territories, the majority of the “hot area” establishments displayed better access to healthy foods, and only three areas showed a clustering pattern. The study showed limited access to commercial establishments supplying healthy fruits and vegetables within the territory of the public fitness program.

Resumen Analizamos espacialmente la distribución y el acceso a tiendas de frutas y verduras en el territorio de una muestra representativa de lugares donde se realiza el Programa Academia de la Salud (PAS por sus siglas en portugués) de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Evaluamos los establecimientos que aparecen en zonas acotadas con un radio de 1.600 metros, con respecto a 18 zonas procedentes de muestras al azar. La calidad de acceso a frutas y hortalizas se evaluó mediante el Índice de Acceso a los Establecimientos de Alimentación (IAA), integrado por variables de disponibilidad, variedad, anuncios de frutas y hortalizas, así como alimentos ultraprocesados. Se usó en este análisis el estimador de intensidad Kernel, el barrio más cercano y la función K de Ripley. De los 336 establecimientos encuestados, un 61,3% eran tiendas y mercados al aire libre, con una media de 11 IAA (5-16). Tan sólo en un 17% del territorio analizado la mayoría de los establecimientos estaban situados en la zona más significativa, donde había un mejor acceso a alimentos sanos, e incluso tres áreas mostraron un patrón de aglomeración. Verificamos, asimismo, un acceso limitado a los establecimientos comerciales que ofrecen frutas y verduras en otras áreas del HAP, sobre todo en cuanto a la calidad.

Resumo Analisar espacialmente a distribuição e o acesso a estabelecimentos comerciais de frutas e hortaliças no território de uma amostra representativa de polos do Programa Academia da Saúde (PAS) de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Avaliaram-se estabelecimentos contidos dentro de buffers com raios de 1.600 metros a partir de 18 polos amostrados aleatoriamente. A qualidade do acesso às frutas e hortaliças foi avaliada pelo Índice de Acesso a Alimentos em Estabelecimentos (HFSI), composto por variáveis de disponibilidade, variedade e propaganda de frutas e hortaliças e alimentos ultraprocessados. A análise constou do cálculo do estimador de intensidade kernel, método do vizinho mais próximo e função K de Ripley. Dos 336 estabelecimentos, 61,3% eram sacolões e feiras-livres, com mediana de HFSI 11 (5 a 16). Em apenas 17% dos territórios analisados, a maioria dos estabelecimentos da área quente apresentava melhor acesso a alimentos saudáveis, sendo que apenas três áreas apresentaram padrão de aglomeração. Verificou-se acesso limitado a estabelecimentos comerciais que ofertam frutas e hortaliças com qualidade no território do PAS.

Complicações clínicas mais prevalentes em pacientes portadores de doença falciforme de uma cidade de médio porte de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Most prevalent clinical complications in patients with sickle cell disease from a medium-sized town in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Introdução: o paciente portador de anemia falciforme apresenta durante sua vida diversas complicações clínicas que afetam muito sua qualidade de vida. Objetivo: conhecer o perfil do paciente com drepanocitose e de suas complicações clínicas mais frequentes e estimar a prevalência de úlceras crônica nesses pacientes. Métodos: trata-se de estudo transversal incluindo todos os portadores de anemia falciforme cadastrados na Fundação Hemominas de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Resultados: as infecções de repetição, complicações pulmonares e hepatobiliares foram as mais frequentes e 5% dos pacientes apresentavam úlcera de perna ativa no momento da pesquisa. Conclusão: há grande variedade na apresentação da doença entre seus portadores, sendo necessária padronização de protocolos pelos serviços, melhor capacitação da rede de saúde, bem como do preparo das famílias para que haja melhor acompanhamento dos doentes.

Introduction: the patient with sickle cell anemia presents many clinical complications during his lifetime, which affect his quality of life. Objective: to learn about the profile of the patient with drepanocytosis and its most frequent clinical complications and estimate the prevalence of chronic ulcers in these patients. Methods: this was a cross-sectional studyincluding all patients with sickle cell anemia registered at the Hemominas Foundation in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Results: repeated infections and pulmonary and hepatobiliary complications were the most frequent complications and 5% of the patients presented active leg ulcers at the time of the study. Conclusion: there is a great variety in the presentationof the disease among patients, which requires a standardization of protocols for services, improved training of health network professionals, and training of families for better monitoring their patients.