Comparison of Three Deep Learning Models in Accurate Classification of 770 Dermoscopy Skin Lesion Images.

Accurately determining and classifying different types of skin cancers is critical for early diagnosis. In this work, we propose a novel use of deep learning for classification of benign and malignant skin lesions using dermoscopy images. We obtained 770 de-identified dermoscopy images from the University of Missouri (MU) Healthcare. We created three unique image datasets that contained the original images and images obtained after applying a hair removal algorithm. We trained three popular deep learning models, namely, ResNet50, DenseNet121, and Inception-V3. We evaluated the accuracy and the area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for each model and dataset. DenseNet121 achieved the best accuracy (80.52%) and AUC ROC score (0.81) on the third dataset. For this dataset, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 and 0.81, respectively. We also present the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values for the predictions made by different models to understand their interpretability.

Urinary levels of 30 metal/metalloids in the Brazilian southeast population: Findings from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

The assessment of risks associated with environmental exposure to metals/metalloids requires well-established reference values for each population since it varies considerably according to distinct local/regional characteristics. However, very few studies establish baseline values for these elements (essential and toxic) in large population groups, especially in Latin American countries. This study was aimed at establishing urinary reference levels of 30 metals/metalloids: aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cerium (Ce), cesium (Cs), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lanthanum (La), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl), thorium (Th), tungsten (W), uranium (U) and zinc (Zn) in a Brazilian southeast adult population. This pilot study is a cross-sectional analysis conducted with the first wave of the ELSA-Brasil cohort (baseline examination). A total of 996 adults (45.5% men, N = 453, mean age: 50.5, and 54.5% women, N = 543, mean age: 50.6) were included in the study. Sample analyses were performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Percentiles (2.5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 95 (CI95%), and 97.5) of each element (µg/g of creatinine) in the study are presented according to sex. Moreover, differences in the mean metal/metalloid urinary levels according to age, education, smoking, and alcohol intake are also presented. Finally, median found values were compared to established values of large human biomonitoring surveys previously conducted in North America and France. This is the first comprehensive and systematic human biomonitoring study that established population reference ranges for 30 (essential and/or toxic elements) in a Brazilian population group.

Relationship between physical activity and functional capacity change in aged cohort in São Paulo, Brazil / Relação entre atividade física e mudança na capacidade funcional numa coorte de idosos em São Paulo, Brasil / Relación entre ejercicio físico y cambio en la capacidad funcional en una cohorte de ancianos en São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and functional capacity change among aged people. Methods: we analyzed data of an aged cohort looking for determinants of functional capacity at follow-up. Baseline data were collected between 2007 and 2008 - average follow-up of 3,5 years. A full multivariate linear regression model was built to evaluate functional capacity at the end of the follow-up, controlling for functional capacity at baseline, sociodemographic, health and behavioral characteristics and amount of leisure-time physical activity in the period. Results: final model showed functional capacity independently correlated with age (p<0.001), body mass (p=0.013) and the number of activities of daily living compromised at baseline (p<0.001). Functional capacity improved with increased physical activity but loss statistical significance after adjustments (p=0.384). Conclusions: functional capacity decreases with increased age, increased loss of functional capacity at baseline and increased body mass. Albeit a non-significant association, leisure-time physical activity appears as an important modifiable factor.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a relação entre atividade física de lazer e mudança de capacidade funcional entre idosos. Métodos: analisamos dados de uma coorte de idosos em busca de determinantes da capacidade funcional no seguimento. Dados da linha de base foram coletados entre 2007 e 2008 - acompanhamento médio de 3,5 anos. Foi construído um modelo de regressão linear multivariado completo para avaliar a capacidade funcional ao final do seguimento, controlando pela capacidade funcional na linha de base, características sociodemográficas, de saúde e comportamentais e quantidade de atividade física no período. Resultados: o modelo final mostrou capacidade funcional independentemente correlacionada com a idade (p<0,001), massa corporal (p=0,013) e número de atividades de vida diária comprometidas na linha de base (p<0,001). Capacidade funcional melhorou com o aumento da atividade física, mas perdeu significância estatística após ajustes (p=0,384). Conclusões: capacidade funcional diminui com o aumento da idade, o aumento da perda da capacidade funcional na linha de base e o aumento da massa corporal. Embora não significativamente associada, a atividade física no lazer aparece como um importante fator modificável.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar la relación entre ejercicio físico de ocio y cambio de capacidad funcional entre ancianos. Métodos: analizamos datos de una cohorte de ancianos en búsqueda de determinantes de la capacidad funcional en el seguimiento. Datos de la línea de base fueron recolectados entre 2007 y 2008 - acompañamiento mediano de 3,5 años. Fue construido un modelo de regresión linear multivariado completo para evaluar la capacidad funcional al fin del seguimiento, controlando por la capacidad funcional en la línea de base, características sociodemográficas, de salud y conductas y cantidad de ejercicio físico en el período. Resultados: el modelo final mostró capacidad funcional independientemente correlacionada con la edad (p<0,001), masa corporal (p=0,013) y número de actividades cotidianas comprometidas en la línea de base (p<0,001). Capacidad funcional mejoró con el aumento del ejercicio físico, pero perdió significación estadística después de ajustes (p=0,384). Conclusiones: capacidad funcional disminuyó con el aumento de la edad, el aumento de la perdida de la capacidad funcional en la línea de base y el aumento de la masa corporal. Aunque no significativamente relacionado, el ejercicio físico en el ocio aparece como un importante factor cambiable.

The effect of metabolic risk factors on cancer mortality among blacks and whites.

BACKGROUND: Previous data showed that metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components are associated with cancer mortality. However, whether the association varies by race is unclear. To examine the association between metabolic risk factors and cancer death in non-Hispanic whites (whites) and non-Hispanic blacks (blacks) in the US. METHODS: We used data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) [1988-1994], a nationwide survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US. We included a total of 18,001 participants aged ≥20 years in the study. We ascertained cancer death from NHANES III mortality follow-up study, which linked with the National Death Index and provides follow-up from the date of baseline NHANES III [1988-1994] through December 2006. MS was defined as the presence of at least three of five risk factors [i.e., elevated triglycerides (TG) (≥150 mg/dL), impaired fasting blood glucose (≥100 mg/dL), increased waist circumference (≥88 cm for women and ≥102 cm for men), elevated blood pressure (BP) (≥130 mmHg systolic BP or ≥85 mmHg diastolic BP) and, reduced high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (<50 mg/dL)]. The interaction between race and MS and its components against total cancer mortality was first tested. Cox proportional hazards regression was then used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for total cancer mortality in relation to each MS individual component, and a MS composite score in whites and blacks, separately. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant interaction between MS and race as well as MS components and race in their effect on cancer death. In adjusted models, elevated BP was significantly associated with a 41% increased risk of total cancer death in blacks (HR 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10-1.80) while in whites, the risk of cancer death increased 29% with central obesity (HR 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.59), 26% with low HDL (HR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.52), and 45% with impaired fasting glucose (HR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19-1.76). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between metabolic risk factors and total cancer mortality differed by race in the US. In blacks, high BP was associated with an increased risk for cancer death while in whites, central obesity, low HDL, and especially impaired fasting glucose were positively associated with cancer death.

The Evidence Base for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program Constructs.

OBJECTIVES: The federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program requires grantees to demonstrate program improvement as a condition of funding. The MIECHV program monitors grantee progress in federally mandated conceptual areas (ie, benchmarks) that are further subcategorized into related sub-areas or constructs (eg, breastfeeding). Each construct has an associated performance measure that helps MIECHV collect data on program implementation and performance. In 2016, MIECHV modified the constructs and associated performance measures required of grantees. Our objective was to identify whether the constructs were supported by the home visiting literature. METHODS: We conducted an evaluation of one of the MIECHV program's benchmarks (Benchmark 1: Maternal and Newborn Health) for alignment of the Benchmark 1 constructs (preterm birth, breastfeeding, depression screening, well-child visit, postpartum care, and tobacco cessation referrals) with home visiting evidence. In March 2016, we searched the Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness database for all publicly available articles on studies conducted in the United States to determine how well the study findings aligned with the MIECHV program constructs. RESULTS: Of 59 articles reviewed, only 3 of the 6 MIECHV constructs-preterm birth, breastfeeding, and well-child visits-were supported by home visiting evidence. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation highlights a limited evidence base for the MIECHV Benchmark 1 constructs and a need to clarify other criteria, beyond evidence, used to choose constructs and associated performance measures. One implication of not having evidence-based performance measures is a lack of confidence that the program will drive positive outcomes. If performance measures are not evidence based, it is difficult to attribute positive outcomes to the home visiting services.

Breast cancer related perceptions and practices of health professionals working in Brazil's network of primary care units.

In 2004 the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) established breast cancer screening guidelines for women in Brazil: annual clinical breast exam for women age 40-49 and biennial mammogram for women age 50-69. Healthcare provider's adherence to these guidelines is currently unknown. The objective of this study is to describe the perceptions and practices related to breast cancer screening among physicians, nurses, and health unit coordinators working in the network of primary healthcare units (HCUs) in Brazil. In 2011, 1600 primary HCUs were randomly sampled from all regions in Brazil. At each HCU the coordinator and one health professional were asked to participate in a telephone survey to gathered information on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to breast cancer screening. Participation rates for coordinators, physicians, and nurses were 78%, 34%, and 65% respectively. Health unit coordinators identified numerous barriers that prevent patients from receiving appropriate screening, many (44%) were unaware of INCA cancer screening guidelines. Despite a high perceived impact of INCA guidelines, a majority of physicians and nurses did not follow them. Most physicians and nurses recommended mammograms on an annual basis (~75%) and 50.9% of nurses and 25.1% of physicians initiated routine breast cancer screening in women under age 40. Physicians and nurses in Brazil screen at younger ages and more frequently than recommended by INCA guidelines. Given that primary HCUs are the source of health care for many women, interventions that educate healthcare providers on the appropriate ages and intervals for breast cancer screening may prove useful.

Ovarian Cancer Survival in Missouri, 1996-2014.

We evaluated relative survival (RS) for ovarian cancer (OC) overall, by demographic and by clinicopathological characteristics in Missouri. Survival data from the Missouri Cancer Registry were obtained for cases diagnosed 1996-2014. An improved OC survival, especially in late stage, was observed in the study period. Our findings showed demographic, especially race-associated, and geographical variations of OC survival. OC survival also differed by first course treatment received and histology. These differences indicate disparities in OC care.

Trend analysis and survival of primary gallbladder cancer in the United States: a 1973-2009 population-based study.

Primary gallbladder cancer is an aggressive and uncommon cancer with poor outcomes. Our study examines epidemiology, trend, and survival of gallbladder cancer in the United States from 1973 to 2009. We utilized the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database (SEER). Frequency and rate analyses on demographics, stage, and survival were compared among non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. A total of 18,124 cases were reported in SEER from 1973 to 2009 comprising 1.4% of all reported gastrointestinal cancers. Gallbladder cancer was more common in females than males (71 vs. 29%, respectively). The age-adjusted incidence rate was 1.4 per 100,000, significantly higher in females than males (1.7 vs. 1.0). Trend analysis showed that the incidence rate has been decreasing over the last three decades for males. However, among females, the incidence rate had decreased from 1973 to mid-90s but has remained stable since then. Trend analysis for stage at diagnosis showed that the proportion of late-stage cases has been increasing significantly since 2001 after a decreasing pattern since 1973. Survival has improved considerably over time, and survival is better in females than males and in Asian/Pacific Islanders than other racial groups. The highest survival was in patients who received both surgery and radiation. Trend analysis revealed a recent increase of the incidence of late-stage gallbladder cancer. Highest survival was associated with receiving both surgery and radiation.

Health promoting practices and personal lifestyle behaviors of Brazilian health professionals.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to examine the lifestyle behaviors and health promoting practices of physicians, nurses, and community health workers in Brazil. METHODS: A random sample of primary health care units in Brazil was selected, and a pretested questionnaire was administered via phone interviews, in 2011, to 182 physicians, 347 nurses, and 269 community health workers, totaling 798 health professionals. The total initial sample included 1600 eligible health professionals. Variables measured included physical activity, alcohol intake, hours of sleep, diet, and perceived self-efficacy to provide preventive counseling on related lifestyle behaviors. RESULTS: More than 25 % of physicians, nurses, and community health workers reported eating 0-2 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. In terms of cervical and breast cancer, nurses reported to be 'very prepared' to advise patients on these topics more frequently than physicians. The prevalence of smoking ranged from 4.9 % among nurses to 7.4 % among community health workers. The proportion of physical inactivity ranged from 40.3 % among nurses to 52.1 % among community health workers. CONCLUSION: A reasonably high proportion of physicians, nurses, and community health workers report not engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors that impact chronic diseases, thus, they may be less likely to encourage such behaviors in their patients.

A Strategy for Addressing Population Health Management.

CONTEXT: Population health management in the era of the Affordable Care Act focuses on identifying needs of health care service areas for targeted strategies. The United States has a "health disadvantage" compared with peer countries, particularly regarding obesity and women's life expectancy, while having high rates of mammography screening. Emphasizing lifestyle factors is a strategy to reduce one's risk of obesity and heart disease, as well as some breast cancers. OBJECTIVE: We explored perceptions of the risk of female population-based breast cancer mortality compared with heart disease mortality; perceived likelihood of developing breast cancer; and recognition of the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and breast cancer risk. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. SETTING: Service area of one mid-Missouri health care system. PARTICIPANTS: Female US residents ages 35 to 49 years who did not have a personal history of any cancer. RESULTS: Minority women and women with a college education or less had greater odds of reporting that breast cancer, rather than heart disease, would cause more deaths in women this year. Women who had ever had a mammogram had greater odds of reporting a moderate/high compared with low likelihood of developing breast cancer. Women with less than a college education had greater odds of not knowing of any lifestyle behaviors or reporting only clinical behaviors related to reducing one's risk of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The present study illuminates areas of lagging information dissemination that may be used for targeted strategies for population health management in the era of the Affordable Care Act, that of bridging healthy lifestyle strategies for heart health with messages for breast health.

Providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to colorectal cancer control in Brazil.

In Brazil, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death among men, and the third most common among women. We aimed to examine CRC screening-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among physicians and nurses working in Brazil's network of health units, and to describe the capacity of these units for CRC screening. In 2011, 1600 health units were randomly selected from all 26 states and the Federal District. One coordinator and one health care provider were selected for the interview. Response rates were 78% for coordinators, 34% for physicians, and 65% for nurses. The Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) recommendations for CRC screening were not often used in the health units, but screening outreach and use of CRC exams were more common in units that were using them. Physicians and nurses differed in most characteristics, and in their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of CRC screening. Forty-seven percent of physicians reported not conducting CRC screening compared to 65% of nurses. Fecal occult blood test was most often used by physicians and nurses, but fewer physicians than nurses perceived this exam as very effective in reducing CRC mortality. Physicians' gender, years since graduation, and geographical region of practice in Brazil were associated to CRC screening practice. The findings may reflect the low influence of INCA CRC screening recommendations, physicians receiving their medical education when CRC burden in Brazil was of low concern, and the lack of CRC screening capacity in some regions of Brazil.

Increased risk for colorectal cancer under age 50 in racial and ethnic minorities living in the United States.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in USA. We analyzed CRC disparities in African Americans, Hispanics, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Current guidelines recommend screening for CRC beginning at age 50. Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database 1973-2009 and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) 1995-2009 dataset, we performed frequency and rate analysis on colorectal cancer demographics and incidence based on race/ethnicity. We also used the SEER database to analyze stage, grade, and survival based on race/ethnicity. Utilizing SEER database, the median age of CRC diagnosis is significantly less in Hispanics (66 years), Asians/Pacific Islanders (68 years), American Indians/Alaska Natives (64 years), and African Americans (64 years) compared to non-Hispanic whites (72 years). Twelve percent of Asians/Pacific Islanders, 15.4% Hispanics, 16.5% American Indians/Alaska Natives, and 11.9% African Americans with CRC are diagnosed at age <50 years compared to only 6.7% in non-Hispanic Whites (P < 0.0001). Minority groups have more advanced stages at diagnosis compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Trend analysis showed age-adjusted incidence rates of CRC diagnosed under the age of 50 years have significantly increased in all racial and ethnic groups but are stable in African Americans. These results were confirmed through analysis of NAACCR 1995-2009 dataset covering nearly the entire USA. A significantly higher proportion of minority groups in USA with CRC are diagnosed before age 50 compared to non-Hispanic Whites, documenting that these minority groups are at higher risk for early CRC. Further studies are needed to identify the causes and risk factors responsible for young onset CRC among minority groups and to develop intervention strategies including earlier CRC screening, among others.

A priority health index identifies the top six priority risk and related factors for non-communicable diseases in Brazilian cities.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, 72% of all deaths in 2007 were attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCD). We used a risk and related factor based index to prioritize NCD prevention programs in the combined 26 capital cities and the federal district (i.e., Brasilia) of Brazil. METHODS: We used 2006-2011 data (adults) from census and Brazil's surveillance of 12 NCD risk factors and 74 disease group mortality. The risk and related factors were: smoking, physical inactivity, overweight-obesity, low fruits and vegetables intake, binge drinking, insufficient Pap smear screening (women aged 25 to 59 years), insufficient mammography screening (women aged 50 to 69 years), insufficient blood pressure screening, insufficient blood glucose screening, diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia, diagnosis of hypertension and diagnosis of diabetes. We generated six indicators: intervention reduction of the risk factor prevalence, intervention cost per person, prevalence of risk factor, deaths attributable to risk factor, risk factor prevalence trend and ratio of risk factor prevalence between people with and without a high school education. We transformed risk and related factor indicators into priority scores to compute a priority health index (PHI). We implemented sensitivity analysis of PHI by computing it with slightly altered formulas and altering values of indicators under the assumption of bias in their estimation. We ranked risk factors based on PHI values. RESULTS: We found one intermediate (i.e., overweight-obesity) and six top risk and related factors priorities for NCD prevention in Brazil's large urban areas: diagnosed hypertension, physical inactivity, blood pressure screening, diagnosed hypercholesterolemia, smoking and binge drinking. CONCLUSION: Brazil has already prioritized the six top priorities (i.e., hypertension, physical inactivity, blood pressure screening, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and binge drinking) and one intermediate priority (i.e., overweight-obesity) for NCD prevention identified in this report. Because effective interventions to reduce disease burden associated with each of the six priority risk factors are available, strategies based on these interventions need to be sustained in order to reduce NCD burden in Brazil. PHI can be used to track NCD prevention and health promotion actions at the local and national level in Brazil and in countries with similar public health surveillance systems.

Association of knowledge, preventive counseling and personal health behaviors on physical activity and consumption of fruits or vegetables in community health workers.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that if a health professional is active and has a healthy diet, he/she is more likely to advise patients about the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the personal physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables behaviors and nutritional status of community health workers; (2) evaluate the association between knowledge, delivery of preventive counseling and personal behaviors among community health workers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a nationally sample of health professionals working in primary health care settings in Brazil in 2011. This survey was part of the second phase of the Guide for Useful Interventions for Activity in Brazil and Latin America project, and data were collected through telephone interviews of 269 community health workers from the Unified Health Care system of Brazil. We applied questionnaires about personal reported behaviors, knowledge and preventive counseling in physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables. We calculated the prevalence and associations between the variables with logistic regression. RESULTS: The proportion of community health workers that practiced 150 minutes per week of physical activity in leisure time or transportation was high (64.9%). Half of community health workers were overweight and only 26.2% reported consuming five portions/day of fruits or vegetables. Most community health workers reported counseling about physical activity for more than six months (59.7%), and most were not knowledgeable of the fruits and vegetables and physical activity recommendations. Meeting the fruits and vegetables recommendations was associated with correct knowledge (OR = 4.5; CI95% 1.03;19.7), with reporting 150 minutes or more of physical activity per week (OR = 2.0; CI95% 1.03;3.7) and with reporting physical activity in leisure time (OR = 2.0; CI95% 1.05;3.6). Regular physical activity counseling was associated with reporting 10-149 minutes per week (OR = 3.8; CI95% 1.1;13.3) and with more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week (OR = 4.9; CI95% 1.5;16.5). CONCLUSION: Actions to promote physical activity and healthy eating and to improve knowledge among community health workers within the health care system of Brazil could have a potential positive influence on delivery of preventive counseling to patients on this topic.

Prevalence of health promotion programs in primary health care units in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of prevalence of health promotion programs in primary health care units within Brazil's health system. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study based on telephone interviews with managers of primary care units. Of a total 42,486 primary health care units listed in the Brazilian Unified Health System directory, 1,600 were randomly selected. Care units from all five Brazilian macroregions were selected proportionally to the number of units in each region. We examined whether any of the following five different types of health promotion programs was available: physical activity; smoking cessation; cessation of alcohol and illicit drug use; healthy eating; and healthy environment. Information was collected on the kinds of activities offered and the status of implementation of the Family Health Strategy at the units. RESULTS: Most units (62.0%) reported having in place three health promotion programs or more and only 3.0% reported having none. Healthy environment (77.0%) and healthy eating (72.0%) programs were the most widely available; smoking and alcohol use cessation were reported in 54.0% and 42.0% of the units. Physical activity programs were offered in less than 40.0% of the units and their availability varied greatly nationwide, from 51.0% in the Southeast to as low as 21.0% in the North. The Family Health Strategy was implemented in most units (61.0%); however, they did not offer more health promotion programs than others did. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that most primary care units have in place health promotion programs. Public policies are needed to strengthen primary care services and improve training of health providers to meet the goals of the agenda for health promotion in Brazil.

Prevalence of health promotion programs in primary health care units in Brazil / Prevalência de programas de promoção da saúde em unidades básicas de saúde no Brasil

OBJECTIVE Assessment of prevalence of health promotion programs in primary health care units within Brazil’s health system. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study based on telephone interviews with managers of primary care units. Of a total 42,486 primary health care units listed in the Brazilian Unified Health System directory, 1,600 were randomly selected. Care units from all five Brazilian macroregions were selected proportionally to the number of units in each region. We examined whether any of the following five different types of health promotion programs was available: physical activity; smoking cessation; cessation of alcohol and illicit drug use; healthy eating; and healthy environment. Information was collected on the kinds of activities offered and the status of implementation of the Family Health Strategy at the units. RESULTS Most units (62.0%) reported having in place three health promotion programs or more and only 3.0% reported having none. Healthy environment (77.0%) and healthy eating (72.0%) programs were the most widely available; smoking and alcohol use cessation were reported in 54.0% and 42.0% of the units. Physical activity programs were offered in less than 40.0% of the units and their availability varied greatly nationwide, from 51.0% in the Southeast to as low as 21.0% in the North. The Family Health Strategy was implemented in most units (61.0%); however, they did not offer more health promotion programs than others did. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that most primary care units have in place health promotion programs. Public policies are needed to strengthen primary care services and improve training of health providers to meet the goals of the agenda for health promotion in Brazil. .

OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência de programas de promoção da saúde nas unidades básicas de saúde no Brasil. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal descritivo realizado por meio de entrevistas telefônicas com coordenadores de unidades básicas de saúde. Do total de 42.486 unidades básicas de saúde cadastradas pelo Ministério da Saúde, 1.600 foram aleatoriamente selecionadas. As unidades foram amostradas nas cinco regiões do País de acordo com a proporção de unidades em cada região. Foi analisada a presença ou não de cinco programas de promoção da saúde: promoção de atividade física, cessação de tabagismo, cessação de uso de álcool e drogas ilícitas, alimentação saudável e ambiente saudável. Foram coletados dados sobre o tipo de ações desenvolvidas nos programas e a presença ou não da Estratégia de Saúde da Família na unidade. RESULTADOS A maioria das unidades básicas de saúde (62,0%) referiu ter pelo menos três programas de promoção da saúde e apenas 3,0% não tinha nenhum. A promoção do ambiente saudável e da alimentação saudável foram os programas mais prevalentes (77,0% e 72,0%, respectivamente), enquanto o controle do tabaco e do álcool foram referidos em 54,0% e 42,0% das unidades de saúde, respectivamente. A promoção de atividade física foi referida em menos de 40,0% das unidades e teve grande variação regional, com prevalência de 51,0% nas unidades do Sudeste e apenas 21,0% nas do Norte. A maioria das unidades de saúde (61,0%) oferecia Estratégia de Saúde da Família, porém não foi verificada maior prevalência de programas de promoção da saúde nessas unidades em relação ...

Effects of Massachusetts health reform on the use of clinical preventive services.

BACKGROUND: Expansion of health insurance coverage, and hence clinical preventive services (CPS), provides an opportunity for improvements in the health of adults. The degree to which expansion of health insurance coverage affects the use of CPS is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether Massachusetts health reform was associated with changes in healthcare access and use of CPS. DESIGN: We used a difference-in-differences framework to examine change in healthcare access and use of CPS among working-aged adults pre-reform (2002-2005) and post-reform (2007-2010) in Massachusetts compared with change in other New England states (ONES). SETTING: Population-based, cross-sectional Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 208,831 survey participants aged 18 to 64 years. INTERVENTION: Massachusetts health reform enacted in 2006. MEASUREMENTS: Four healthcare access measures outcomes and five CPS. KEY RESULTS: The proportions of adults who had health insurance coverage, a healthcare provider, no cost barrier to healthcare, an annual routine checkup, and a colorectal cancer screening increased significantly more in Massachusetts than those in the ONES. In Massachusetts, the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in pre-reform and post-reform periods was about the same; however, the ONES had a decrease of -1.6 percentage points (95 % confidence interval [CI] -2.5, -0.7; p <0.001). As a result, the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in Massachusetts was increased relative to the ONES (1.7, 95 % CI 0.2, 3.2; p = 0.02). Cholesterol screening, influenza immunization, and breast cancer screening did not improve more in Massachusetts than in the ONES. LIMITATIONS: Data are self-reported. CONCLUSIONS: Health reform may increase healthcare access and improve use of CPS. However, the effects of health reform on CPS use may vary by type of service and by state.

Weight-related child behavioral interventions in Brazil: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Between 1974 and 1997, the prevalence of overweight increased 300% among Brazilian children and adolescents. A systematic review was conducted between January 2010 and December 2011 of obesity-related interventions targeting Brazilian children and adolescents. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Manuscripts from 1965 to December 2010 were evaluated based on inclusion criteria including evaluating obesity-related outcomes and at least 50% of participants living in Brazil. Methods were adapted from the CDC's Community Guide. Evidence was based on the number of available studies, study design, execution, quality, and effect size. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Sixteen articles were abstracted; five met final inclusion criteria. All intervention samples (range n=14-78; mean n=40.6) included overweight or obese children aged 8-17 years. The intervention duration range was 3-6 months, and dose frequency ranged from two to five times per week. Three of the five interventions included healthy eating and physical activity; two included only physical activity. Two interventions studies were rated as having greatest design suitability. Only one intervention had the greatest design suitability and a large effect size. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention approaches that combined physical activity and healthy eating had the strongest effects. However, small sample bias, 95% CIs of primary effects, and poor-to-moderate quality of research designs and implementation suggest the combined evidence is best rated as Insufficient. This prohibits the recommendation of specific strategies or settings. Findings suggest that more well-designed evidence-based childhood obesity interventions in Brazil are needed and that promising, but yet unproven, interventions should be evaluated rigorously.

To flourish or not: positive mental health and all-cause mortality.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether positive mental health predicts all-cause mortality. METHODS: Data were from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (n = 3032), which at baseline in 1995 measured positive mental health (flourishing and not) and past-year mental illness (major depressive episode, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorders), and linked respondents with National Death Index records in a 10-year follow-up ending in 2005. Covariates were age, gender, race, education, any past-year mental illness, smoking, physical inactivity, physical diseases, and physical disease risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 6.3% of participants died during the study period. The final and fully adjusted odds ratio of mortality was 1.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 2.62; P = .05) for adults who were not flourishing, relative to participants with flourishing mental health. Age, gender, race, education, smoking, physical inactivity, cardiovascular disease, and HIV/AIDS were significant predictors of death during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of positive mental health increased the probability of all-cause mortality for men and women at all ages after adjustment for known causes of death.

The Italian health surveillance (SiVeAS) prioritization approach to reduce chronic disease risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Because public health funds are limited, programs need to be prioritized. METHODS: We used data on 15 risk factors from Italy's public health surveillance to inform prioritization of programs. We ranked risk factors using a score based on the product of six criteria: deaths attributable to risk factors; prevalence of risk factors; risk factor prevalence trend; disparity based on the ratio of risk factor prevalence between low and high education attainment; level of intervention effectiveness; and cost of the intervention. RESULTS: We identified seven priorities: physical inactivity; cigarette smoking (current smoking); ever told had hypertension; not having blood pressure screening; ever told had high cholesterol; alcohol (heavy drinking); not eating five fruits and vegetables a day; and not having a fecal occult blood test. CONCLUSIONS: This prioritization method should be used as a tool for planning and decision making.