Substance use, self-rated health and HIV status in Brazil.

ABSTRACTWe compared the prevalence of of non-injecting drug use (NIDU) and Self-Rated Health (SRH) among individuals self-reporting as HIV-positive (PLWHA), HIV-negative and unknown at the III Brazilian Household Survey on Substance Use. Overall, 16,273 individuals, 12-65 years old, were interviewed in 2015. Prevalence and Standard Error (SE) were estimated considering the complex sample design and weight calibration. Chi-square tests with Rao-Scott adjustment were used to test independence between NIDU, SRH and HIV status. PLWHA presented higher frequencies of 12-month use for most substances than those reporting to be HIV-negative: alcohol use prevalence was 49.5% (SE 12.8) vs. 43.1% (SE 0.7), p = 0.34; tobacco 45.3% (SE 12.7) vs. 15.3% (SE 0.4), p < 0.01; amphetamines 1.7% (SE 1.7) vs. 0.3% (SE 0.1), p = 0.51; cannabis 10.5%(SE 6.7) vs. 2.5%(0.2), p = 0.06; powder cocaine 3.6% (SE 3.0) vs. 0.9% (SE 0.1), p = 0.45; crack-cocaine 5.3% (SE 3.2) vs. 0.3% (SE 0.1), p < 0.01; inhalants 3.6% (SE 3.0) vs. 0.2% (SE 0), p = 0.03; ketamine 1.7%(SE 1.7) vs. 0.1% (SE 0), p = 0.23; and opioids 1.7% (SE 1.7) vs. 1.4% (SE 0.2), p = 0.93. PLWHA also reported worse SRH. Our results and the scarcity of integrated substance use and HIV treatments call for innovative, cost-effective approaches to tackle these public health challenges.

Health care factors associated with survival among women with breast cancer on hormone therapy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2004 - 2010.

Objectives To better understand the role that health care plays in breast cancer survival by investigating the effects that hormone therapy adherence and other select health care variables, adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic factors, had among a population of women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods This was a longitudinal study based on secondary data of 5 861 women treated with hormone therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) at the National Cancer Institute of Brazil (INCA), from 1 January 2004 - 29 October 2010. Four different sources of data were integrated for analysis: INCA Pharmacy Sector Dispensation System; Hospital-based Cancer Registry; Integrated Hospital System and INCA Absolute System; and Mortality Information System. Analyses explored the effects of adherence to hormone therapy, disease care aspects, and sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables, on the time of survival, using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The general survival rate was 94% in the first year after initiation of hormone therapy, and 71% in the fifth year. The Cox model indicated a higher hazard of death among women smokers, with more hospitalizations, more exams, and, among those who used, who used only aromatase inhibitors, as hormone therapy modality. The hazard was lower among women with a partner (stable relationship), a high school or college education a family history of cancer, and those who were treated by a mastologist, oncologist, and/or psychotherapist, who underwent surgery, and who adhered to hormone therapy. Conclusions The study indicated more vulnerable sub-groups and the aspects of care that provide best results, bringing new knowledge to improve assistance to this group of women.

Health care factors associated with survival among women with breast cancer on hormone therapy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2004 – 2010 / Factores de la atención de salud asociados con la supervivencia de las mujeres con cáncer de mama que siguen hormonoterapia en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, 2004-2010

ABSTRACT Objectives To better understand the role that health care plays in breast cancer survival by investigating the effects that hormone therapy adherence and other select health care variables, adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic factors, had among a population of women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods This was a longitudinal study based on secondary data of 5 861 women treated with hormone therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) at the National Cancer Institute of Brazil (INCA), from 1 January 2004 – 29 October 2010. Four different sources of data were integrated for analysis: INCA Pharmacy Sector Dispensation System; Hospital-based Cancer Registry; Integrated Hospital System and INCA Absolute System; and Mortality Information System. Analyses explored the effects of adherence to hormone therapy, disease care aspects, and sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables, on the time of survival, using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The general survival rate was 94% in the first year after initiation of hormone therapy, and 71% in the fifth year. The Cox model indicated a higher hazard of death among women smokers, with more hospitalizations, more exams, and, among those who used, who used only aromatase inhibitors, as hormone therapy modality. The hazard was lower among women with a partner (stable relationship), a high school or college education a family history of cancer, and those who were treated by a mastologist, oncologist, and/or psychotherapist, who underwent surgery, and who adhered to hormone therapy. Conclusions The study indicated more vulnerable sub-groups and the aspects of care that provide best results, bringing new knowledge to improve assistance to this group of women.

RESUMEN Objetivo Conocer mejor la función que desempeña la atención de salud en la supervivencia del cáncer de mama, investigando los efectos que tienen el cumplimiento de la hormonoterapia y otras variables relativas a la atención de salud, ajustados según los factores clínicos y sociodemográficos, en una población de mujeres de la ciudad brasileña de Río de Janeiro. Métodos Estudio longitudinal realizado a partir de los datos secundarios de 5 861 mujeres tratadas con hormonoterapia (tamoxifeno o inhibidores de la aromatasa) en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer del Brasil (INCA), desde el 1 de enero del 2004 hasta el 29 de octubre del 2010. Se combinaron para el análisis cuatro fuentes de datos: el sistema de dispensación al sector farmacéutico del INCA; el registro oncológico hospitalario; el sistema integrado hospitalario y el sistema absoluto del INCA; y el sistema de información sobre mortalidad. Los análisis exploraron los efectos del cumplimiento terapéutico de la hormonoterapia, de determinados aspectos de la atención a la enfermedad y de las variables sociodemográficas, conductuales y clínicas sobre el tiempo de supervivencia, con la metodología de Kaplan-Meier y los modelos de riesgos instantáneos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados La tasa de supervivencia general fue del 94% al año de iniciar la hormonoterapia y del 71% a los cinco años. El modelo de Cox indica que el riesgo de muerte es mayor para las mujeres fumadoras, para las que fueron hospitalizadas más veces, para las que se sometieron a más exploraciones y para las que solo toman un inhibidor de la aromatasa como hormonoterapia. El riesgo es menor para las mujeres con pareja (relación estable), con estudios secundarios o universitarios y con antecedentes familiares de cáncer, así como para las atendidas por un mastólogo, oncólogo o psicoterapeuta, para las intervenidas quirúrgicamente y para las que cumplieron la hormonoterapia. Conclusiones El estudio señala los subgrupos más vulnerables y los aspectos de la atención de salud que se corresponden con resultados más favorables, aportando datos nuevos para mejorar la asistencia dispensada a este grupo de mujeres.

Adherence to hormone therapy among women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite the excellent results obtained with hormone therapy, the long treatment period and the side effects associated with its use make patient adherence difficult. Moreover, certain aspects of health care can mitigate or exacerbate non-adherence. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with adherence to hormone therapy for breast cancer, with the goal of contributing to the reformulation of the care process and to improvements in outcomes. METHOD: This was a retrospective longitudinal study based on secondary data. The study integrated and analyzed data from a cohort of 5,861 women with breast cancer who were identified in the databases of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute [Instituto Nacional de Câncer - INCA] and the Unified Health System [Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS]. All of the patients were treated at INCA, which dispenses free medication, and the follow-up period lasted from 01/01/2004 to 10/29/2010. The outcome of interest was hormone treatment adherence, which was defined as the possession of medication, and a logistic regression model was employed to identify the socio-demographic, behavioral, clinical, and health care variables that were independently associated with the variations in this outcome. RESULTS: The proportion of women who adhered to hormone therapy was 76.3%. The likelihood of adherence to hormone therapy increased with each additional year of age, as well as among women with a secondary or higher level education, those with a partner, those who underwent surgery, those who had more consultations with a breast specialist and clinical oncologist, and those who underwent psychotherapy; the effect for the latter increased with each additional consultation. Conversely, the likelihood of adherence was lower among patients at a non-curable stage, those who were alcohol drinkers, those who received chemotherapy, those who had undergone more tests and had more hospitalizations, and those who used tamoxifen and combined aromatase inhibitors. CONCLUSION: This study shows that approximately a quarter of the women with breast cancer did not adhere to hormone treatment, thus risking clinical responses below the expected standards. It also identifies the most vulnerable subgroups in the treatment process and the aspects of care that provide better results.

[Regulation of radiotherapy and chemotherapy services by health plan organizations in Brazil]. / Regulação dos serviços de radioterapia e quimioterapia pelas operadoras de planos de saúde no Brasil.

This paper characterizes regulatory procedures applied by private health plan operators on their outpatient radiotherapy and chemotherapy services, especially via contracts, and outlines the health care providers' perception on regulation. The study relied on primary data, taking into consideration 638 hospitals and outpatient health care units with the services in question. A stratified random sample was selected, resulting in the inclusion of 54 units that are representative of the population, excluding hospitals that only provide radiotherapy. Private chemotherapy services are largely funded by health insurance plans (75.0%), while radiotherapy services are predominantly covered by the public health system (49.0%). Contracts are not applied by third part payers, in their potential, as regulatory and health care coordination instruments. The mechanisms of regulation applied by third part payers are centered on services use control and administrative aspects. It is recognized the need of adjustments for a health care quality focus, and contracts may contribute in this sense.

[Energy expenditure of adults in the city of Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro: nutrition, Physical activity and Health Survey--PNAFS]. / Gasto energético em adultos do município de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro: resultados da Pesquisa de Nutrição, Atividade Física e Saúde--PNAFS.

The accurate assessment of energy expenditure (EE) and of the physical activity level (PAL) is important for establishing the energy requirements (ER) of populations. Little is known about these variables in the Brazilian population. The purpose of the present study was to assess EE and PAL in the adult population (> 20 years) of Niterói, RJ. An adapted version of the MOSPA time-budget questionnaire was used to assess the duration of the daily activities of the subjects. The energy cost of the activities was obtained from the table published by FAO in 2004, expressed as multiples of the basal metabolic rate (BMR) measured by indirect calorimetry. Total daily EE (TDEE) was calculated as the sum of EE of all activities of a typical daily routine. TDEE was higher in males than in females (2382.0 + 38.0 and 1987.1 + 22.9 kcal.day-1 respectively) but women showed higher PAL values (1.70 + 0.02 and 1.75 + 0.01 respectively). ER estimated using a PAL of 1.40 was the best predictor of EE of the population in all nutritional status categories, particularly for males. In conclusion, it seems prudent to use lower PAL values when estimating the ER of the adult population of Niterói. It is also evident that more data on the energy cost of activities must be generated for establishing the ER of the Brazilian population.

Low prevalence of hypothyroidism among black and Mulatto people in a population-based study of Brazilian women.

Objective African-Americans have been shown to have low prevalence of hypothyroidism. Brazil has a high ethnic admixture allowing further exploration into whether environmental factors can explain the ethnic differences. Design A survey, representative of the population of Rio de Janeiro, a large metropolitan city in Brazil. Factors studied included race, parity, income, schooling, and smoking. Population The survey was carried out in Rio de Janeiro whereby households (1500) were selected using three-stage probability sampling. A total of 1298 (86.5%) women participated in the survey (non-response: 13.5%). Measurements TSH from blood drawn at the households. Anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and free T4 were also measured. Results Overall prevalence of hypothyroidism (TSH > 4 mUI/ml or taking medication) was 12.3%. Prevalence was 6.9% in black people, 8.8% in Mulatto people, and 16.7% among white people. The mean serum TSH of the population was 2.65 (95% confidence interval 2.33-2.97). The TSH distribution of black and Mulatto people was shifted to the left compared to white people. After adjustment for age, income, smoking and presence of anti-TPO, Black and Mulatto people were still protected from hypothyroidism. The adjusted odds ratio for black compared to white people was 0.45 (95% CI 0.30-0.68) and for Mulatto people was 0.34 (95% CI 0.18-0.63). Serum TSH levels were significantly lower in smokers than in non-smokers, but there was no association between number of cigarettes smoked and serum TSH level. Conclusions This is the first time it has been demonstrated that Mulatto people have a prevalence of hypothyroidism which lies between that of white and black people, independent of the prevalence of anti-TPO and smoking.

[Clinical and demographic data concordance comparing authorizations for high-complexity oncological procedures and patient records of women treated under the Unified National Health System in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Avaliação da concordância de dados clínicos e demográficos entre Autorizações de Procedimento de Alta Complexidade Oncológica e prontuários de mulheres atendidas pelo Sistema Unico de Saúde no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

This study investigates the concordance of clinical and demographic data under the Unified National Health System (SUS) in Brazil, comparing authorizations for high-complexity oncological procedures in breast cancer with a random sample of 310 corresponding medical records in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Concordance was verified using kappa (K), prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK), weighted-kappa (KW), intra-class correlation (ICC), and relative frequency statistics. 95% confidence intervals were estimated, and Landis and Koch criteria were applied for concordance interpretation. Assuming PABAK as the most appropriate statistic for the variables analyzed, we observed a moderate concordance for cancer staging, PABAK = 0.63 (95%CI: 0.56-0.70), and for morphological diagnosis, PABAK = 0.84 (95%CI: 0.72-0.96). For date of birth and date of diagnosis, ICCs were 0.96 (95%CI: 0.95-0.96) and 0.92 (95%CI: 0.90-0.94), respectively. Concordance regarding municipality of residence was 52.9%. The study indicates that, except for municipality of residence, the data concordance comparing authorizations for procedures and patient medical records in Rio de Janeiro allows its application to epidemiological and health services research, as well as for health planning purposes.