Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 over four epidemic waves in a low-resource community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections in low-resource communities can inform vaccination strategies and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Our objective was to estimate incidence over four epidemic waves in a slum in Rio de Janeiro, a proxy for economically deprived areas in the Global South. Methods: Prospective cohort of children and household contacts screened for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR and serology (IgG). The incidence density of PCR positive infections estimated for each wave - the first wave, Zeta, Gamma and Delta - was compared to an index combining NPIs and vaccination coverage. Findings: 718 families and 2501 individuals were enrolled, from May 2020 to November 2021. The incidence density of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the first wave was 2, 3 times that of the other waves. The incidence among children was lower than that of older participants, except in later waves, when vaccination of the elderly reached 90%. Household agglomeration was significantly associated with incidence only during the first wave. Interpretation: The incidence of infection greatly exceeded rates reported in similar cohorts. The observed reduction in incidence in the elderly during the Delta variant wave, in spite of the rollback of NPIs, can be attributed to increased vaccine coverage. The high incidence in young people reinforces the importance of vaccination in this age group, a policy that has yet to receive the full support of some sectors of society. Funding: UK Medical Research Council, Foundation for the Advancement of Science of the State of Rio de Janeiro, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.

Spatio-temporal modelling of the first Chikungunya epidemic in an intra-urban setting: The role of socioeconomic status, environment and temperature.

Three key elements are the drivers of Aedes-borne disease: mosquito infestation, virus circulating, and susceptible human population. However, information on these aspects is not easily available in low- and middle-income countries. We analysed data on factors that influence one or more of those elements to study the first chikungunya epidemic in Rio de Janeiro city in 2016. Using spatio-temporal models, under the Bayesian framework, we estimated the association of those factors with chikungunya reported cases by neighbourhood and week. To estimate the minimum temperature effect in a non-linear fashion, we used a transfer function considering an instantaneous effect and propagation of a proportion of such effect to future times. The sociodevelopment index and the proportion of green areas (areas with agriculture, swamps and shoals, tree and shrub cover, and woody-grass cover) were included in the model with time-varying coefficients, allowing us to explore how their associations with the number of cases change throughout the epidemic. There were 13627 chikungunya cases in the study period. The sociodevelopment index presented the strongest association, inversely related to the risk of cases. Such association was more pronounced in the first weeks, indicating that socioeconomically vulnerable neighbourhoods were affected first and hardest by the epidemic. The proportion of green areas effect was null for most weeks. The temperature was directly associated with the risk of chikungunya for most neighbourhoods, with different decaying patterns. The temperature effect persisted longer where the epidemic was concentrated. In such locations, interventions should be designed to be continuous and to work in the long term. We observed that the role of the covariates changes over time. Therefore, time-varying coefficients should be widely incorporated when modelling Aedes-borne diseases. Our model contributed to the understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of an urban Aedes-borne disease introduction in a tropical metropolitan city.

Regional governance arrangements of the Brazilian Unified National Health System: provider diversity and spacial inequality in service provision. / Arranjos regionais de governança do Sistema Único de Saúde: diversidade de prestadores e desigualdade espacial na provisão de serviços.

The study analyzes regional Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS, in Portuguese) governance arrangements according to providers' legal sphere and the spacial provision of middle and high-complexity services. These arrangements express the way in which State and health system reforms promoted the redistribution of functions between governmental and private entities in the territory. We carried out an exploratory study based on national-scope secondary data from 2015-2016. Using cluster analysis based on the composition of the provision percentages of the main providers, we classified 438 health regions. In middle-complexity health care, municipal public providers (outpatient) and private philanthropic providers (hospital) predominate. In high complexity provision, philanthropic and for-profit providers (outpatient and hospital) predominate. Middle-complexity provision was recorded in all health regions. However, in 12 states, more than half of the provision is concentrated in only one health region. High-complexity provision is concentrated in state capital regions. Governance arrangements may be more or less diverse and unequal, if different segments and regional concentration levels of middle and high-complexity provision are considered. The study suggests that the convergence between decentralization and mercantilization favored re-scaling of service provision, with increase in the scale of participation of private providers and strengthening of reference municipalities. Governance arrangement characteristics challenge SUS regionalization guided by the collective needs of the population.

O estudo analisa os arranjos regionais de governança do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), segundo esfera jurídica dos prestadores e distribuição espacial da produção de serviços de média e alta complexidade no Brasil. Tais arranjos expressam o modo como a reforma do Estado e do sistema de saúde promoveram a redistribuição de funções entre entes governamentais e privados no território. Realizou-se estudo exploratório com base em dados secundários de abrangência nacional, do biênio 2015-2016. Por meio da análise de agrupamentos baseada na composição dos percentuais da produção dos principais prestadores, foram classificadas 438 regiões de saúde. Na assistência de média complexidade, predominou o prestador público municipal (ambulatorial) e o prestador privado filantrópico (hospitalar). Na alta complexidade, predominou o prestador filantrópico e lucrativo (ambulatorial e hospitalar). A produção de média complexidade foi registrada em todas as regiões de saúde, porém, em 12 estados, mais da metade dela está concentrada em apenas uma região de saúde. A produção de alta complexidade é concentrada nas regiões das capitais estaduais. Os arranjos de governança podem ser mais ou menos diversos e desiguais, se considerados os diferentes segmentos e níveis de concentração regional da produção de média e alta complexidade. O estudo sugere que a convergência entre descentralização e mercantilização favoreceu o reescalonamento da função de prestação de serviços, com ampliação da escala de atuação de prestadores privados e fortalecimento dos municípios polos. As características dos arranjos de governança desafiam a regionalização do SUS orientada pelas necessidades coletivas das populações.

El estudio analiza las modalidades regionales de gestión en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), según la categoría jurídica de los prestadores y la distribución espacial para la provisión de servicios de media y alta complejidad en Brasil. Tales modalidades expresan el modo mediante el cual la reforma del Estado y del sistema de salud promovieron la redistribución de funciones entre entes gubernamentales y privados en el territorio nacional. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, basado en datos secundarios de alcance nacional, durante el bienio 2015-2016. Mediante un análisis de agrupamientos, basado en la composición de porcentajes relacionados con la provisión de servicios de los principales prestadores, se clasificaron 438 regiones de salud. En la asistencia de media complejidad, predominó el prestador público municipal (ambulatorio) y el prestador privado filantrópico (hospitalario). En la alta complejidad, predominó el prestador filantrópico y lucrativo (ambulatorio y hospitalario). La provisión de media complejidad se registró en todas las regiones de salud, sin embargo, en 12 estados, más de la mitad de la misma está concentrada en sólo una región de salud. La producción de alta complejidad está concentrada en las regiones de las capitales de los estados. Las modalidades de gestión pueden ser más o menos diversas y desiguales, si se consideran los diferentes segmentos y niveles de concentración regional en la provisión de servicios de media y alta complejidad. El estudio sugiere que la convergencia entre descentralización y mercantilización favoreció el reescalonamiento de la función de prestación de servicios, con una ampliación de la escala de actuación de prestadores privados y el fortalecimiento de los municipios más importantes. Las características de las modalidades de gestión desafían la regionalización del SUS, orientada por las necesidades colectivas de las poblaciones.

Arranjos regionais de governança do Sistema Único de Saúde: diversidade de prestadores e desigualdade espacial na provisão de serviços / Modalidades regionales de gestión en el Sistema Único de Salud: diversidad de prestadores y desigualdad espacial en la provisión de servicios / Regional governance arrangements of the Brazilian Unified National Health System: provider diversity and spacial inequality in service provision

O estudo analisa os arranjos regionais de governança do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), segundo esfera jurídica dos prestadores e distribuição espacial da produção de serviços de média e alta complexidade no Brasil. Tais arranjos expressam o modo como a reforma do Estado e do sistema de saúde promoveram a redistribuição de funções entre entes governamentais e privados no território. Realizou-se estudo exploratório com base em dados secundários de abrangência nacional, do biênio 2015-2016. Por meio da análise de agrupamentos baseada na composição dos percentuais da produção dos principais prestadores, foram classificadas 438 regiões de saúde. Na assistência de média complexidade, predominou o prestador público municipal (ambulatorial) e o prestador privado filantrópico (hospitalar). Na alta complexidade, predominou o prestador filantrópico e lucrativo (ambulatorial e hospitalar). A produção de média complexidade foi registrada em todas as regiões de saúde, porém, em 12 estados, mais da metade dela está concentrada em apenas uma região de saúde. A produção de alta complexidade é concentrada nas regiões das capitais estaduais. Os arranjos de governança podem ser mais ou menos diversos e desiguais, se considerados os diferentes segmentos e níveis de concentração regional da produção de média e alta complexidade. O estudo sugere que a convergência entre descentralização e mercantilização favoreceu o reescalonamento da função de prestação de serviços, com ampliação da escala de atuação de prestadores privados e fortalecimento dos municípios polos. As características dos arranjos de governança desafiam a regionalização do SUS orientada pelas necessidades coletivas das populações.

El estudio analiza las modalidades regionales de gestión en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), según la categoría jurídica de los prestadores y la distribución espacial para la provisión de servicios de media y alta complejidad en Brasil. Tales modalidades expresan el modo mediante el cual la reforma del Estado y del sistema de salud promovieron la redistribución de funciones entre entes gubernamentales y privados en el territorio nacional. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, basado en datos secundarios de alcance nacional, durante el bienio 2015-2016. Mediante un análisis de agrupamientos, basado en la composición de porcentajes relacionados con la provisión de servicios de los principales prestadores, se clasificaron 438 regiones de salud. En la asistencia de media complejidad, predominó el prestador público municipal (ambulatorio) y el prestador privado filantrópico (hospitalario). En la alta complejidad, predominó el prestador filantrópico y lucrativo (ambulatorio y hospitalario). La provisión de media complejidad se registró en todas las regiones de salud, sin embargo, en 12 estados, más de la mitad de la misma está concentrada en sólo una región de salud. La producción de alta complejidad está concentrada en las regiones de las capitales de los estados. Las modalidades de gestión pueden ser más o menos diversas y desiguales, si se consideran los diferentes segmentos y niveles de concentración regional en la provisión de servicios de media y alta complejidad. El estudio sugiere que la convergencia entre descentralización y mercantilización favoreció el reescalonamiento de la función de prestación de servicios, con una ampliación de la escala de actuación de prestadores privados y el fortalecimiento de los municipios más importantes. Las características de las modalidades de gestión desafían la regionalización del SUS, orientada por las necesidades colectivas de las poblaciones.

The study analyzes regional Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS, in Portuguese) governance arrangements according to providers' legal sphere and the spacial provision of middle and high-complexity services. These arrangements express the way in which State and health system reforms promoted the redistribution of functions between governmental and private entities in the territory. We carried out an exploratory study based on national-scope secondary data from 2015-2016. Using cluster analysis based on the composition of the provision percentages of the main providers, we classified 438 health regions. In middle-complexity health care, municipal public providers (outpatient) and private philanthropic providers (hospital) predominate. In high complexity provision, philanthropic and for-profit providers (outpatient and hospital) predominate. Middle-complexity provision was recorded in all health regions. However, in 12 states, more than half of the provision is concentrated in only one health region. High-complexity provision is concentrated in state capital regions. Governance arrangements may be more or less diverse and unequal, if different segments and regional concentration levels of middle and high-complexity provision are considered. The study suggests that the convergence between decentralization and mercantilization favored re-scaling of service provision, with increase in the scale of participation of private providers and strengthening of reference municipalities. Governance arrangement characteristics challenge SUS regionalization guided by the collective needs of the population.

Does community deprivation determine longevity after the age of 75? A cross-national analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Analyze the association between socioeconomic deprivation and old-age survival in Europe, and investigate whether it varies by country and gender. METHODS: Our study incorporated five countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and England). A 10-year survival rate expressing the proportion of population aged 75-84 years who reached 85-94 years old was calculated at area-level for 2001-11. To estimate associations, we used Bayesian spatial models and a transnational measure of deprivation. Attributable/prevention fractions were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, there was a significant association between deprivation and survival in both genders. In England that association was stronger, following a dose-response relation. Although lesser in magnitude, significant associations were observed in Spain and Italy, whereas in France and Portugal these were even weaker. The elimination of socioeconomic differences between areas would increase survival by 7.1%, and even a small reduction in socioeconomic differences would lead to a 1.6% increase. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic deprivation was associated with survival among older adults at ecological-level, although with varying magnitude across countries. Reasons for such cross-country differences should be sought. Our results emphasize the importance of reducing socioeconomic differences between areas.

The influence of socioeconomic deprivation, access to healthcare and physical environment on old-age survival in Portugal.

Spatial inequalities in old-age survival exist in Portugal and might be associated with factors pertaining to three distinct domains: socioeconomic, physical environmental and healthcare. We evaluated the contribution of these factors on the old-age survival across Portuguese municipalities deriving a surrogate measure of life expectancy, a 10-year survival rate that expresses the proportion of the population aged 75-84 years old who reached 85-94. As covariates we used two internationally comparable multivariate indexes: the European deprivation index and the multiple physical environmental deprivation index. A national index was developed to evaluate the access to healthcare. Smoothed rates and odds ratios (OR) were estimated using Bayesian spatial models. Socioeconomic deprivation was found to be the most relevant factor influencing old-age survival in Portugal [women: least deprived areas OR=1.132(1.064-1.207); men OR=1.044(1.001- 1.094)] and explained a sizable amount of the spatial variance in survival, especially among women. Access to healthcare was associated with old-age survival in the univariable model only; results lost significance after adjustment for socioeconomic circumstances [women: higher access to healthcare OR=1.020(0.973- 1.072); men OR=1.021(0.989-1.060)]. Physical environmental deprivation was unrelated with old-age survival. In conclusion, socioeconomic deprivation was the most important determinant in explaining spatial disparities in old-age survival in Portugal, which indicates that policy makers should direct their efforts to tackle socioeconomic differentials between regions.

Multinomial model and zero-inflated gamma model to study time spent on leisure time physical activity: an example of ELSA-Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two methodological approaches: the multinomial model and the zero-inflated gamma model, evaluating the factors associated with the practice and amount of time spent on leisure time physical activity. METHODS: Data collected from 14,823 baseline participants in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil - Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto ) have been analysed. Regular leisure time physical activity has been measured using the leisure time physical activity module of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The explanatory variables considered were gender, age, education level, and annual per capita family income. RESULTS: The main advantage of the zero-inflated gamma model over the multinomial model is that it estimates mean time (minutes per week) spent on leisure time physical activity. For example, on average, men spent 28 minutes/week longer on leisure time physical activity than women did. The most sedentary groups were young women with low education level and income. CONCLUSIONS: The zero-inflated gamma model, which is rarely used in epidemiological studies, can give more appropriate answers in several situations. In our case, we have obtained important information on the main determinants of the duration of leisure time physical activity. This information can help guide efforts towards the most vulnerable groups since physical inactivity is associated with different diseases and even premature death.

[Food consumption and anthropometry related to the frailty syndrome in low-income community-living elderly in a large city]. / Consumo alimentar e antropometria relacionados à síndrome de fragilidade em idosos residentes em comunidade de baixa renda de um grande centro urbano.

The aim of this study was to describe anthropometric and food intake data related to the frailty syndrome in the elderly. This was a cross-sectional study in individuals ≥ 60 years of age in a household survey in the Manguinhos neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (n = 137). Frailty syndrome was diagnosed according to Fried et al., anthropometric measures were taken, and a food frequency questionnaire was applied and the results compared to Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines. In the pre-frail and frail groups, body mass index and measures of central adiposity showed higher levels, while lean muscle parameters showed lower values, proportional to the syndrome's gradation. Frail elderly consumed higher amounts of grains and lower amounts of beans and fruit; pre-frail elderly consumed more vegetables, dairy products, and high-sugar and high-fat foods; the two groups consumed similar amounts of meat. Thus, diagnosis of the syndrome, anthropometric evaluation, and dietary assessment should be included in health policies for the elderly, since they assist in early identification of risk and favor interventions for disease prevention and health and nutritional promotion.

Consumo alimentar e antropometria relacionados à síndrome de fragilidade em idosos residentes em comunidade de baixa renda de um grande centro urbano / Food consumption and anthropometry related to the frailty syndrome in low-income community-living elderly in a large city / Consumo alimentario y antropometría, relacionados con el síndrome de fragilidad en ancianos, residentes en una comunidad de renta baja de un gran centro urbano

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever dados antropométricos e de alimentação relacionados à síndrome de fragilidade em idosos. O desenho foi transversal, com indivíduos ≥ 60 anos de inquérito domiciliar realizado em Manguinhos, Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (n = 137). Foram obtidos o diagnóstico de síndrome de fragilidade segundo Fried et al., medidas antropométricas e aplicado questionário de frequência de consumo alimentar, comparando-se às recomendações do Ministério da Saúde. Nos grupos pré-frágeis e frágeis, o índice de massa corporal e medidas de centralização de gordura apresentaram valores mais elevados e os parâmetros musculares, valores menores, com a gradação da síndrome. O consumo de cereais foi maior nos frágeis e o de feijão e frutas menor; o de vegetais, laticínios e alimentos ricos em açúcar e gordura foi maior nos pré-frágeis; o de carne foi semelhante nos grupos. Assim, o diagnóstico da síndrome, a avaliação antropométrica e da alimentação são ações a serem incluídas às políticas de saúde do idoso por identificar precocemente o risco e beneficiar intervenções de prevenção e promoção à saúde e nutrição.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe anthropometric and food intake data related to the frailty syndrome in the elderly. This was a cross-sectional study in individuals ≥ 60 years of age in a household survey in the Manguinhos neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (n = 137). Frailty syndrome was diagnosed according to Fried et al., anthropometric measures were taken, and a food frequency questionnaire was applied and the results compared to Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines. In the pre-frail and frail groups, body mass index and measures of central adiposity showed higher levels, while lean muscle parameters showed lower values, proportional to the syndrome's gradation. Frail elderly consumed higher amounts of grains and lower amounts of beans and fruit; pre-frail elderly consumed more vegetables, dairy products, and high-sugar and high-fat foods; the two groups consumed similar amounts of meat. Thus, diagnosis of the syndrome, anthropometric evaluation, and dietary assessment should be included in health policies for the elderly, since they assist in early identification of risk and favor interventions for disease prevention and health and nutritional promotion.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir datos antropométricos y de alimentación, relacionados con el síndrome de fragilidad en ancianos. El diseño fue transversal, con individuos ≥ 60 años de una encuesta domiciliaria realizada en Manguinhos, Municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil (n = 137). Se obtuvo el diagnóstico de síndrome de fragilidad según Fried et al., y las medidas antropométricas, además se administró un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo alimentario, comparándose con las recomendaciones del Ministerio de Salud. En los grupos pre-frágiles y frágiles, el índice masa corporal y medidas de centralización de grasa presentaron valores más elevados, y los parámetros musculares, valores menores con la gradación del síndrome. El consumo de cereales fue mayor en los frágiles y el de frijoles y frutas menor; el de vegetales, lácteos y alimentos ricos en azúcar y grasa fue mayor en los pre-frágiles; el de carne fue semejante en los grupos. De esta forma, el diagnóstico del síndrome, la evaluación antropométrica y de la alimentación son acciones que deben ser incluidas en las políticas de salud del anciano para identificar precozmente el riesgo y beneficiar intervenciones de prevención y promoción a la salud y nutrición.

Multinomial model and zero-inflated gamma model to study time spent on leisure time physical activity: an example of ELSA-Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare two methodological approaches: the multinomial model and the zero-inflated gamma model, evaluating the factors associated with the practice and amount of time spent on leisure time physical activity. METHODS Data collected from 14,823 baseline participants in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil - Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto ) have been analysed. Regular leisure time physical activity has been measured using the leisure time physical activity module of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The explanatory variables considered were gender, age, education level, and annual per capita family income. RESULTS The main advantage of the zero-inflated gamma model over the multinomial model is that it estimates mean time (minutes per week) spent on leisure time physical activity. For example, on average, men spent 28 minutes/week longer on leisure time physical activity than women did. The most sedentary groups were young women with low education level and income CONCLUSIONS The zero-inflated gamma model, which is rarely used in epidemiological studies, can give more appropriate answers in several situations. In our case, we have obtained important information on the main determinants of the duration of leisure time physical activity. This information can help guide efforts towards the most vulnerable groups since physical inactivity is associated with different diseases and even premature death.

Inequalities in socioeconomic status and race and the odds of undergoing a mammogram in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Access to mammograms, in common with other diagnostic procedures, is strongly conditioned by socioeconomic disparities. Which aspects of inequality affect the odds of undergoing a mammogram, and whether they are the same in different localities, are relevant issues related to the success of health policies. METHODS: This study analyzed data from the 2008 PNAD - Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (11.607 million women 40 years of age or older), on having had at least one mammogram over life for women 40 years of age or older in each of Brazil's nine Metropolitan Regions (MR), according to socioeconomic position. The effects of income, schooling, health insurance and race in the different regions were investigated using multivariate logistical regression for each region individually, and for all MRs combined. The age-adjusted odds of a woman having had a mammogram according to race and stratified by two income strata (and two schooling strata) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Having a higher income increases four to seven times a woman's odds of having had at least one mammogram in all MRs except Curitiba. For schooling, the gradient, though less steep, is favorable to women with more years of study. Having health insurance increases two to three times the odds in all MRs. Multivariate analysis did not show differences due to race (except for the Fortaleza MR), but the stratified analysis by income and schooling shows effects of race in most MRs, with greater differences for women with higher socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that income and schooling, as well as having health insurance, are still important determinants of inequality in health service use in Brazil. Additionally, race also contributes to the odds of having had a mammogram. The point is not to isolate the effect of each factor, but to evaluate how their interrelations may exacerbate differences, generating patterns of cumulative adversity, a theme that is still little explored in Brazil. This is much more important when we consider that race has only recently started be included in analyses of health outcomes in Brazil.

The influence of socioeconomic, biogeophysical and built environment on old-age survival in a Southern European city.

Old-age survival is a good indicator of population health and regional development. We evaluated the spatial distribution of old-age survival across Porto neighbourhoods and its relation with physical (biogeophysical and built) and socioeconomic factors (deprivation). Smoothed survival rates and odds ratio (OR) were estimated using Bayesian spatial models. There were important geographical differentials in the chances of survival after 75 years of age. Socioeconomic deprivation strongly impacted old-age survival (Men: least deprived areas OR=1.31(1.05-1.63); Women OR=1.53(1.24-1.89)), explaining over 40% of the spatial variance. Walkability and biogeophysical environment were unrelated to old-age survival and also unrelated to socioeconomic deprivation, being fairly evenly distributed through the city.

Eating patterns in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil): an exploratory analysis.

The food consumption of 15,071 public employees was analyzed in six Brazilian cities participating in the baseline for Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010) with the aim of identifying eating patterns and their relationship to socio-demographic variables. Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were applied. Four patterns were identified, with their respective frequencies: "traditional" (48%); "fruits and vegetables" (25%); "pastry shop" (24%); and "diet/light" (5%) The "traditional" and "pastry shop" patterns were more frequent among men, younger individuals, and those with less schooling. "Fruits and vegetables" and "diet/light" were more frequent in women, older individuals, and those with more schooling. Our findings show the inclusion of new items in the "traditional" pattern and the appearance of the "low sugar/low fat" pattern among the eating habits of Brazilian workers, and signal socio-demographic and regional differences.

Where do people live longer and shorter lives? An ecological study of old-age survival across 4404 small areas from 18 European countries.

BACKGROUND: Further increases in life expectancy in high-income countries depend to a large extent on advances in old-age survival. We aimed to characterise the spatial distribution of old-age survival across small areas of Europe, and to identify areas with significantly high or low survivorship. METHODS: This study incorporated 4404 small areas from 18 European countries. We used a 10-year survival rate to express the proportion of population aged 75-84 years who reached 85-94 years of age (beyond average life expectancy). This metric was calculated for each gender using decennial census data (1991, 2001 and 2011) at small geographical areas. To address problems associated with small areas, rates were smoothed using a Bayesian spatial model. Excursion sets were defined to identify areas with significantly high (>95th centile) and low (<5th) survival. RESULTS: In 2011, on average, 47.1% (range: 22.5-71.5) of the female population aged 75-84 years had reached 85-94 years of age, compared to 34.2% (16.4-49.6) of the males. These figures, however, hide important and time-persistent spatial inequalities. Higher survival rates were concentrated in northern Spain, Andorra and northeastern Italy, and in the south and west of France. Lower survival was found in parts of the UK, Scandinavia and the Netherlands, and in some areas of southern Europe. Within these regions, we detected areas with significantly high and low old-age survival. CONCLUSIONS: Clear and persistent spatial inequalities in old-age survival exist, suggesting that European social unity is still to be accomplished. These inequalities could arise from a myriad of population health determinants (eg, poverty, unhealthy lifestyles), which merit further study.

Eating patterns in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil): an exploratory analysis / Padrões alimentares no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil): uma análise exploratória / Patrones alimenticios en el Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil): un análisis exploratorio

Abstract: The food consumption of 15,071 public employees was analyzed in six Brazilian cities participating in the baseline for Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010) with the aim of identifying eating patterns and their relationship to socio-demographic variables. Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were applied. Four patterns were identified, with their respective frequencies: "traditional" (48%); "fruits and vegetables" (25%); "pastry shop" (24%); and "diet/light" (5%) The "traditional" and "pastry shop" patterns were more frequent among men, younger individuals, and those with less schooling. "Fruits and vegetables" and "diet/light" were more frequent in women, older individuals, and those with more schooling. Our findings show the inclusion of new items in the "traditional" pattern and the appearance of the "low sugar/low fat" pattern among the eating habits of Brazilian workers, and signal socio-demographic and regional differences.

Resumo: Foi analisado o consumo alimentar de 15.071 servidores públicos de seis cidades brasileiras participantes da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010), com o objetivo de identificar os padrões alimentares e sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas. Foram aplicadas análise de correspondência múltipla e cluster. Os quatro padrões identificados e suas respectivas frequências foram: "tradicional" (48%); "frutas e hortaliças" (25%); "pastelaria" (24%); e "diet/light" (5%) Os padrões "tradicional" e "pastelaria" foram mais frequentes entre homens, indivíduos mais jovens e de menor escolaridade. Por outro lado, os padrões "frutas e hortaliças" e "diet/light" foram mais frequente entre mulheres, indivíduos mais velhos e de maior escolaridade. Nossos achados mostram a inclusão de novos itens no padrão "tradicional" e o aparecimento do padrão "low sugar/low fat" entre os hábitos alimentares de trabalhadores brasileiros, e sinalizam diferenças sociodemográficas e regionais.

Resumen Se analizó el consumo alimenticio de 15.071 empleados públicos de seis ciudades brasileñas, participantes de la línea de base del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010), con el objetivo de identificar los patrones alimenticios y su relación con variables sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un análisis de correspondencia múltiple y clúster. Los cuatro patrones identificados y sus respectivas frecuencias fueron: "tradicional" (48%); "frutas y hortalizas" (25%); "pastelería" (24%); y "diet/light" (5%). Los patrones "tradicional" y "pastelería" fueron más frecuentes entre hombres, individuos más jóvenes y de menor escolaridad. Por otro lado, los patrones "frutas y hortalizas" y "diet/light" fueron más frecuentes entre mujeres, individuos más viejos y de mayor escolaridad. Nuestros hallazgos muestran la inclusión de nuevos ítems en el patrón "tradicional" y la aparición del padrón "low sugar/low fat" entre los hábitos alimenticios de trabajadores brasileños, y señalan diferencias sociodemográficas y regionales.

Feeding children in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: how much is spent and what would be the cost of a healthy diet? / Alimentação de crianças em uma favela no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: quanto se gasta e qual seria o custo de uma dieta saudável

To measure food expenditure for children living in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, and compare this expenditure to the cost of a healthy diet, based on local prices. Methods: panel study, with three collection dates – 2004, 2008 and 2012 – conducted in children (5 to 9 years old) in Manguinhos. Food prices were collected by way of a sample of local food stores in 2013 and deflated using indicators specific to food prices. Twenty-four hour diet recall, qualitative food frequency and the Brazilian food pyramid adequate for the age group were used to estimate the observed expenditure and the cost of a healthy diet. Results: in 2004, 49.2 percent of the families interviewed lived on less than US$1 per person/day and 9.7 percent in 2012.In the same period, the percentage of students eating free school meals dropped from 73 percent to 49 percent. Money spent on food was concentrated on sugary products (32.4 percent) and snacks (12.5 percent). The estimated monthly cost of a healthy diet (US$142) was lower than the observed expenditure (US$176). Conclusions: increased purchasing power has not led to healthier food choices. The common belief that poor people choose food based on prices was rejected by the present study. Other factors certainly play an important role in food purchasing decisions...

Mensurar os gastos com a alimentação de crianças moradoras de uma favela no Rio de Janeiro e comparar com os custos de uma dieta saudável, com base em preços praticados localmente. Métodos: estudo de painel, realizado em crianças, (5-9 anos), residentes em Manguinhos, com coletas em 2004, 2008, 2012. Os preços foram coletados em amostra de mercados locais em 2013, e deflacionados usando indicadores específicos de alimentos. Recordatório de 24 horas, frequência alimentar e pirâmide alimentar foram utilizadas na estimativa do gasto observado e custo da dieta saudável. Resultados: em 2004, 49,2 por cento das famílias entrevistadas vivia com menos de um US$1 por pessoa/dia, 9,7 por cento em 2012. A merenda escolar era consumida por 73 por cento e passou a 49 por cento. O gasto com alimentos concentrou- se em produtos açucarados (32,4 por cento) e lanches (12,5 por cento). O custo mensal estimado da dieta saudável (US$142) foi menor do que a despesa efetivamente observada (US$176). Conclusões: o aumento do poder de compra não levou a escolhas alimentares mais saudáveis. A crença comum de que as pessoas pobres escolhem alimentos com base nos preços foi rejeitada nesse estudo. Certamente outros fatores desempenham um papel importante nas decisões de compra de alimentos...

Assessment of participation bias in cohort studies: systematic review and meta-regression analysis / Avaliação do viés de participação em estudos de coorte: uma revisão sistemática e metarregressão / Evaluación del sesgo de participación en estudiosde cohortes: una revisión sistemática y metarregresión

Abstract The proportion of non-participation in cohort studies, if associated with both the exposure and the probability of occurrence of the event, can introduce bias in the estimates of interest. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of participation and its characteristics in longitudinal studies. A systematic review (MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) for articles describing the proportion of participation in the baseline of cohort studies was performed. Among the 2,964 initially identified, 50 were selected. The average proportion of participation was 64.7%. Using a meta-regression model with mixed effects, only age, year of baseline contact and study region (borderline) were associated with participation. Considering the decrease in participation in recent years, and the cost of cohort studies, it is essential to gather information to assess the potential for non-participation, before committing resources. Finally, journals should require the presentation of this information in the papers.

Resumo A proporção de não-participação em estudos de coorte está associada também à exposição e à probabilidade de ocorrência do evento poder gerar viés nas estimativas de interesse. O objetivo do presente trabalho é realizar uma revisão sistemática e metanálise de artigos que descrevem a participação em estudos de coorte e avaliar as características associadas à participação. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática (MEDLINE, Scopus e Web of Science), buscando-se artigos que descrevessem a proporção de participação na linha de base de estudos de coorte. De 2.964 artigos inicialmente identificados, foram selecionados 50. Entre esses, a proporção média de participação foi de 64,7%. Utilizando-se o modelo de metarregressão com efeitos mistos, somente a idade, ano da linha de base e a região do estudo (limítrofe) estiveram associados à participação. Considerando a diminuição na participação em anos mais recentes e o custo dos estudos de coorte, é essencial buscar informações que permitam avaliar o potencial de não-participação antes de comprometer os recursos.

Resumen La proporción de no participación en estudios de cohorte se asocia también con la exposición y probabilidad de ocurrencia de hechos que pueden generar sesgos en las estimaciones de interés. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis de artículos que describen la participación en estudios de cohortes y evaluar las características asociadas con la participación. Una revisión sistemática fue realizada (MEDLINE, Scopus y Web of Science), en busca de artículos que describen la relación de participación basada en estudios de cohortes. Se seleccionaron 2964 artículos, de los cuales se identificaron preliminarmente 50. Entre estos, la proporción promedio de participación fue de un 64,7%. Utilizando la metarregresión, sólo la edad, años de referencia y la región de estudio (borderline) se asociaron con la participación. Teniendo en cuenta la disminución de la participación en los últimos años, y el coste de los estudios de cohortes, es esencial buscar información para evaluar el potencial de la no participación antes de comprometer recursos.