Association between firearms and mortality in Brazil, 1990 to 2017: a global burden of disease Brazil study.

BACKGROUND: Brazil leads the world in number of firearm deaths and ranks sixth by country in rate of firearm deaths per 100,000 people. This study aims to analyze trends in and burden of mortality by firearms, according to age and sex, for Brazil, and the association between these deaths and indicators of possession and carrying of weapons using data from the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors study (GBD) 2017. METHODS: We used GBD 2017 estimates of mortality due to physical violence and self-harm from firearms for Brazil to analyze the association between deaths by firearms and explanatory variables. RESULTS: Deaths from firearms increased in Brazil from 25,819 in 1990 to 48,493 in 2017. Firearm mortality rates were higher among men and in the 20-24 age group; the rate was 20 times higher than for women in the same age group. Homicide rates increased during the study period, while mortality rates for suicides and accidental deaths decreased. The group of Brazilian federation units with the highest firearm collection rate (median = 7.5) showed reductions in the rate of total violent deaths by firearms. In contrast, the group with the lowest firearm collection rate (median = 2.0) showed an increase in firearm deaths from 2000 to 2017. An increase in the rate of voluntary return of firearms was associated with a reduction in mortality rates of unintentional firearm deaths (r = -0.364, p < 0.001). An increase in socio-demographic index (SDI) was associated with a reduction in all firearm death rates (r = -0.266, p = 0.008). An increase in the composite index of firearms seized or collected was associated with a reduction in rates of deaths by firearm in the subgroup of females, children, and the elderly (r = -0.269, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: There was a change in the trend of firearms deaths after the beginning of the collection of weapons in 2004. Federation units that collected more guns have reduced rates of violent firearm deaths.

Cause-specific mortality for 249 causes in Brazil and states during 1990-2015: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2015.

BACKGROUND: Reliable data on cause of death (COD) are fundamental for planning and resource allocation priorities. We used GBD 2015 estimates to examine levels and trends for the leading causes of death in Brazil from 1990 to 2015. METHODS: We describe the main analytical approaches focused on both overall and specific causes of death for Brazil and Brazilian states. RESULTS: There was an overall improvement in life expectancy at birth from 1990 to 2015, but with important heterogeneity among states. Reduced mortality due to diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and other infectious diseases contributed the most for increasing life expectancy in most states from the North and Northeast regions. Reduced mortality due to cardiovascular diseases was the highest contributor in the South, Southeast, and Center West regions. However, among men, intentional injuries reduced life expectancy in 17 out of 27 states. Although age-standardized rates due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease declined over time, these remained the leading CODs in the country and states. In contrast, leading causes of premature mortality changed substantially - e.g., diarrheal diseases moved from 1st to 13th and then the 36th position in 1990, 2005, and 2015, respectively, while violence moved from 7th to 1st and to 2nd. Overall, the total age-standardized years of life lost (YLL) rate was reduced from 1990 to 2015, bringing the burden of premature deaths closer to expected rates given the country's Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In 1990, IHD, stroke, diarrhea, neonatal preterm birth complications, road injury, and violence had ratios higher than the expected, while in 2015 only violence was higher, overall and in all states, according to the SDI. CONCLUSIONS: A widespread reduction of mortality levels occurred in Brazil from 1990 to 2015, particularly among children under 5 years old. Major shifts in mortality rates took place among communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional disorders. The mortality profile has shifted to older ages with increases in non-communicable diseases as well as premature deaths due to violence. Policymakers should address health interventions accordingly.

Mortality and years of life lost by interpersonal violence and self-harm: in Brazil and Brazilian states: analysis of the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study, 1990 and 2015. / Mortalidade e anos de vida perdidos por violências interpessoais e autoprovocadas no Brasil e Estados: análise das estimativas do Estudo Carga Global de Doença, 1990 e 2015.

OBJECTIVE:: To analyze mortality and years of life lost due to death or disability (disability-adjusted life years - DALYs) for interpersonal violence and self-harm, comparing 1990 and 2015, in Brazil and Federated Units, using estimates produced by the Global Burden of Disease 2015 (GBD 2015). METHODS:: Secondary data analysis of estimates from the GBD 2015, producing standardized death rates and years of life lost due to death or disability. The main source of death data was the Mortality Information System, submitted to correction of underreporting of deaths and redistribution of garbage codes. RESULTS:: From 1990 to 2015, homicide mortality rates were stable, with a percentage variation of -0.9%, from 28.3/100 thousand inhabitants (95% UI 26.9-32.1) in 1990 to 27.8/100,000 (95% UI 24.3-29.8) in 2015. Homicide rates were higher in Alagoas and Pernambuco, and there was a reduction in São Paulo (-40.9%). Suicide rates decreased by 19%, from 8.1/100,000 (95% UI 7.5-8.6) in 1990 to 6.6/100,000 (95% UI 6.1-7,9) in 2015. Higher rates were found in Rio Grande do Sul. In the ranking of external causes for years of life lost due to death or disability (DALYs), firearm aggression predominated, followed by transportation accidents; self-inflicted injuries were in sixth place. CONCLUSIONS:: The study shows the importance of external causes among young people and men as a cause of premature death and disabilities, which is a priority problem in the country. The Global Burden of Disease study may support public policies for violence prevention.

Road traffic accidents: Global Burden of Disease study, Brazil and federated units, 1990 and 2015. / Acidentes de transporte terrestre: estudo Carga Global de Doenças, Brasil e unidades federadas, 1990 e 2015.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the global burden of disease due to road traffic accidents in Brazil and federated units in 1990 and 2015. METHODS:: This is an analysis of secondary data from the 2015 Global Burden of Disease study estimates. The following estimates were used: standardized mortality rates and years of life lost by death or disability, potential years of life lost due to premature death, and years of unhealthy living conditions. The Mortality Information System was the main source of death data. Underreporting and redistribution of ill-defined causes and nonspecific codes were corrected. RESULTS:: Around 52,326 deaths due to road traffic accidents were estimated in Brazil in 2015. From 1990 to 2015, mortality rates decreased from 36.9 to 24.8/100 thousand people, a reduction of 32.8%. Tocantins and Piauí have the highest mortality risks among the federated units (FU), with 41.7/100 and 33.1/100 thousand people, respectively. They both present the highest rates of potential years of life lost due to premature deaths. CONCLUSION:: Road traffic accidents are a public health problem. Using death- or disability-adjusted life years in studies of these causes is important because there are still no sources to know the magnitude of sequelae, as well as the weight of early deaths. Since its data are updated every year, the Global Burden of Disease study may provide evidence to formulate traffic security and health attention policies, which are guided to the needs of the federated units and of different groups of traffic users.

Mortalidade e anos de vida perdidos por violências interpessoais e autoprovocadas no Brasil e Estados: análise das estimativas do Estudo Carga Global de Doença, 1990 e 2015 / Mortality and years of life lost by interpersonal violence and self-harm: in Brazil and Brazilian states: analysis of the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study, 1990 and 2015

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar a mortalidade e os anos de vida perdidos por morte ou incapacidade (Disability-Adjusted Life Years - DALYs) por violências interpessoais e autoprovocadas, comparando 1990 e 2015, no Brasil e nas Unidades Federadas, utilizando estimativas produzidas pelo estudo Carga Global de Doença 2015 (GBD 2015). Métodos: Análise de dados secundários das estimativas do GBD 2015, com produção de taxas padronizadas de mortes e DALYs. A principal fonte de dados de óbitos foi o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade, submetido à correção do sub-registro de óbitos e redistribuição de códigos garbage. Resultados: De 1990 a 2015, observou-se estabilidade das taxas de mortalidade por homicídios, com variação percentual de -0,9%, passando de 28,3/100 mil habitantes (II 95% 26,9-32,1), em 1990, para 27,8/100 mil (II 95% 24,3-29,8), em 2015. As taxas de homicídio foram mais altas em Alagoas e Pernambuco, e ocorreu redução em São Paulo (-40,9%). As taxas de suicídio variaram em -19%, saindo de 8,1/100 mil (II 95% 7,5-8,6), em 1990, para 6,6/100 mil (II 95% 6,1-7,9), em 2015. Taxas mais elevadas ocorreram no Rio Grande do Sul. No ranking de causas externas por Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), predominaram as agressões por arma de fogo, seguidas de acidentes de transporte e em sexto lugar lesões autoprovocadas. Conclusões: O estudo aponta a importância das causas externas entre jovens e homens na morte prematura e em incapacidades, constituindo um problema prioritário no país. O estudo Carga Global de Doença poderá apoiar políticas públicas de prevenção de violência.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze mortality and years of life lost due to death or disability (disability-adjusted life years - DALYs) for interpersonal violence and self-harm, comparing 1990 and 2015, in Brazil and Federated Units, using estimates produced by the Global Burden of Disease 2015 (GBD 2015). Methods: Secondary data analysis of estimates from the GBD 2015, producing standardized death rates and years of life lost due to death or disability. The main source of death data was the Mortality Information System, submitted to correction of underreporting of deaths and redistribution of garbage codes. Results: From 1990 to 2015, homicide mortality rates were stable, with a percentage variation of -0.9%, from 28.3/100 thousand inhabitants (95% UI 26.9-32.1) in 1990 to 27.8/100,000 (95% UI 24.3-29.8) in 2015. Homicide rates were higher in Alagoas and Pernambuco, and there was a reduction in São Paulo (-40.9%). Suicide rates decreased by 19%, from 8.1/100,000 (95% UI 7.5-8.6) in 1990 to 6.6/100,000 (95% UI 6.1-7,9) in 2015. Higher rates were found in Rio Grande do Sul. In the ranking of external causes for years of life lost due to death or disability (DALYs), firearm aggression predominated, followed by transportation accidents; self-inflicted injuries were in sixth place. Conclusions: The study shows the importance of external causes among young people and men as a cause of premature death and disabilities, which is a priority problem in the country. The Global Burden of Disease study may support public policies for violence prevention.

Acidentes de transporte terrestre: estudo Carga Global de Doenças, Brasil e unidades federadas, 1990 e 2015 / Road traffic accidents: Global Burden of Disease study, Brazil and federated units, 1990 and 2015

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever a carga global dos acidentes de transporte terrestres no Brasil e Unidades Federadas, em 1990 e 2015. Métodos: Análise dos dados secundários das estimativas do estudo Carga Global de Doenças 2015. Utilizam-se as estimativas de taxas padronizadas de mortalidade e anos de vida perdidos por morte ou incapacidade, anos potenciais de vida perdidos por morte prematura, e anos de vida não saudáveis. O Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade foi a principal fonte de dados de óbitos. Houve a correção do sub-registro e ajustes por códigos garbage. Resultados: No ano de 2015 foram estimados 52.326 óbitos por acidentes de transportes terrestres no Brasil. De 1990 a 2015, as taxas de mortalidade diminuíram de 36,9 para 24,8/100 mil habitantes, redução de 32,8%. Tocantins e Piauí têm os maiores riscos de mortalidade entre as unidades federadas (UF), com 41,7 e 33,1/100 mil, respectivamente. Ambos também têm as maiores taxas de anos potenciais de vida perdidos por morte prematura. Conclusão: Os acidentes de transportes terrestres constituem um problema de saúde pública. Utilizar anos de vida perdidos ajustados por morte ou incapacidade nos estudos dessas causas é importante, pois não existem fontes para conhecer a magnitude da incapacidade nem o peso das mortes precoces. O estudo Carga Global de Doenças, ao atualizar os dados anualmente, poderá fornecer evidências para a formulação de políticas de segurança no trânsito e de atenção à saúde, orientadas para as necessidades das UF e de diferentes grupos de usuários do trânsito.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the global burden of disease due to road traffic accidents in Brazil and federated units in 1990 and 2015. Methods: This is an analysis of secondary data from the 2015 Global Burden of Disease study estimates. The following estimates were used: standardized mortality rates and years of life lost by death or disability, potential years of life lost due to premature death, and years of unhealthy living conditions. The Mortality Information System was the main source of death data. Underreporting and redistribution of ill-defined causes and nonspecific codes were corrected. Results: Around 52,326 deaths due to road traffic accidents were estimated in Brazil in 2015. From 1990 to 2015, mortality rates decreased from 36.9 to 24.8/100 thousand people, a reduction of 32.8%. Tocantins and Piauí have the highest mortality risks among the federated units (FU), with 41.7/100 and 33.1/100 thousand people, respectively. They both present the highest rates of potential years of life lost due to premature deaths. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents are a public health problem. Using death- or disability-adjusted life years in studies of these causes is important because there are still no sources to know the magnitude of sequelae, as well as the weight of early deaths. Since its data are updated every year, the Global Burden of Disease study may provide evidence to formulate traffic security and health attention policies, which are guided to the needs of the federated units and of different groups of traffic users.

Frequency of cholecystectomy and associated sociodemographic and clinical risk factors in the ELSA-Brasil study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There are few data in the literature on the frequency of cholecystectomy in Brazil. The frequency of cholecystectomy and associated risk factors were evaluated in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study using baseline data on 5061 participants in São Paulo. METHODS: The frequency of cholecystectomy and associated risk factors were evaluated over the first two years of follow-up of the study and over the course of life. A multivariate regression analysis was presented: odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 4716 individuals (93.2%) with information about cholecystectomy were included. After two years of follow-up, 56 had undergone surgery (1.2%: 1.7% of the women; 0.6% of the men). A total of 188 participants underwent cholecystectomy during their lifetime. The risk factors associated with surgery after the two-year follow-up period were female sex (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.53-5.32), indigenous ethnicity (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 2.28-15.85) and body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19 per 1 kg/m2 increase). The risk factors associated over the lifetime were age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05 per one year increase), diabetes (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.34-2.76) and previous bariatric surgery (OR, 5.37; 95% CI, 1.53-18.82). No association was found with parity or fertile age. CONCLUSION: Female sex and high BMI remained as associated risk factors while parity and fertile age lost significance. New factors such as bariatric surgery and indigenous ethnicity have gained importance in this country.

Frequency of cholecystectomy and associated sociodemographic and clinical risk factors in the ELSA-Brasil study / Frequência de colecistectomia e fatores de risco sociodemográficos e clínicos associados no estudo ELSA-Brasil

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There are few data in the literature on the frequency of cholecystectomy in Brazil. The frequency of cholecystectomy and associated risk factors were evaluated in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study using baseline data on 5061 participants in São Paulo. METHODS: The frequency of cholecystectomy and associated risk factors were evaluated over the first two years of follow-up of the study and over the course of life. A multivariate regression analysis was presented: odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 4716 individuals (93.2%) with information about cholecystectomy were included. After two years of follow-up, 56 had undergone surgery (1.2%: 1.7% of the women; 0.6% of the men). A total of 188 participants underwent cholecystectomy during their lifetime. The risk factors associated with surgery after the two-year follow-up period were female sex (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.53-5.32), indigenous ethnicity (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 2.28-15.85) and body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19 per 1 kg/m2 increase). The risk factors associated over the lifetime were age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05 per one year increase), diabetes (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.34-2.76) and previous bariatric surgery (OR, 5.37; 95% CI, 1.53-18.82). No association was found with parity or fertile age. CONCLUSION: Female sex and high BMI remained as associated risk factors while parity and fertile age lost significance. New factors such as bariatric surgery and indigenous ethnicity have gained importance in this country.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Há escassez de dados na literatura sobre a frequência de colecistectomia no Brasil. Avaliou-se a frequência de colecistectomia e os fatores de risco associados no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal com dados da linha de base de 5061 participantes em São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Avaliou-se a frequência de colecistectomia e fatores de risco associados nos dois primeiros anos de seguimento do estudo e ao longo da vida. Apresentou-se regressão logística [razão de chances (RC); intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%)] multivariada. RESULTADOS: Um total de 4716 (93,2%) indivíduos com informação sobre colecistectomia foi incluído. Após 2 anos de seguimento, 56 participantes tinham sido operados (1,2%: 1,7% nas mulheres; 0,6% nos homens), totalizando 188 participantes com colecistectomia durante a vida. Os fatores de risco associados à cirurgia após dois dois anos de seguimento foram sexo feminino (RC, 2,85; IC 95%, 1,53-5,32), etnia indígena (RC, 2,1; IC 95%, 2,28-15,85) e índice de massa corpórea, IMC (RC, 1,10; IC 95%, 1,01-1,19 por aumento de 1 kg/m2); e, ao longo da vida: idade (RC, 1,03; IC 95%, 1,02-1,05 por um ano de aumento), diabetes (RC, 2,10; IC 95%, 1,34-2,76) e cirurgia bariátrica prévia (RC, 5.37; IC 95%, 1,53-18,82). Não se observou associação com paridade ou idade fértil. CONCLUSÃO: Sexo feminino e IMC elevado permanecem sendo fatores de risco associados à colecistectomia, mas paridade e idade fértil perderam significância. Novos fatores de risco, como cirurgia bariátrica prévia e etnia indígena, ganharam relevância no país.

Experiencia de importacao de equipamentos para pesquisa no ELSA-Brasil / La experiencia de importacion de equipos para investigacion en el ELSA-Brasil / Experience of importation of equipment for research in the ELSA-Brasil

OBJETIVO: Políticas de fomento à pesquisa em saúde foram estabelecidas na última década, avançando a produção científica nacional. Tal movimento não foi acompanhado do aperfeiçoamento do arcabouço legal-institucional, dificultando o desenvolvimento dos projetos de pesquisa. Isso inclusive no que tange às atividades de importação de equipamentos. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar o processo de importação de equipamentos para o Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo de caso, com dados coletados em documentos internos do ELSA-Brasil em cinco Centros de Investigação e respectivas fundações de apoio. Foram analisados documentos de importação de: velocidade de onda de pulso, bioimagem e retinografia. Adicionalmente, foram realizadas entrevistas não estruturadas com pesquisadores e informantes chave nas fundações. Os dados foram tratados e organizados em três etapas: administrativa-operacional, cambial e fiscal. Foram calculados os intervalos de duração dessas etapas de modo comparativo entre os centros. RESULTADOS: A necessidade de padronização dos equipamentos em estudo multicêntrico exigiu atuação conjunta de instituições executoras e fundações. Dos equipamentos analisados, a primeira etapa, a administrativa-operacional, teve duração variada (mínimo 8 e máximo de 101, com média de 55 dias), sendo mais demorada quando incluía pareceres jurídicos. A segunda etapa, a cambial, mais longa que a primeira, não apresentou entraves ao processo (mínimo 11 e máximo 381, média de 196 dias). A terceira etapa, a fiscal, foi a mais longa (mínimo 43 e máximo 388 dias, média de 215,5 dias), ...

OBJECTIVE: Policies that promote research in health were established in the last decade, developing the Brazilian scientific production. This development has not been accompanied by an improvement in the legal-institutional framework, thus hindering the development of research projects, including equipment importation activities. The present study aimed to analyze the equipment importation process for the Brazilian Longitudinal Study for Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). METHODS: A case study was performed with data collected from internal ELSA-Brasil documents in five Investigation Centers and their respective supporting foundations. The following importation documents were analyzed: pulse wave velocity, bioimaging and retinography. Additionally, non-structured interviews with researchers and key informers were conducted in the foundations. Data were treated and organized into three stages: administrative-operational, exchange rate, and fiscal. Lengths of duration of these stages were calculated comparatively among centers. RESULTS: The need to standardize equipment in a multicenter study required a joint action of implementing institutions and foundations. Of all pieces of equipment analyzed, the first stage was administrative-operational, with a varying duration (minimum of eight, maximum of 101, and mean of 55 days) which was longer when legal opinions were included. The second stage was the exchange rate, which was longer than the former and did not pose any obstacles to the process (minimum of 11, maximum of 381, and mean of 196 days). The third stage was fiscal, which was the longest one (minimum of 43, maximum of 388, and mean of 215.5 days), due to the release of equipment without registration into the country. There were other factors that posed obstacles: inexperience of investigation centers and institutions in networking; inadequacy of the national legislation on scientific ...

Integração ensino, pesquisa e inovação tecnológica na FHEMIG / Integration of teaching, research and development at FHEMIG

Neste artigo são apresentadas informações sobre as ações indutoras da Diretoria de Gestão de Pessoas (DIGEPE) para integração das atividades de ensino e pesquisa na rede FHEMIG. Destacam-se o aumento progressivo da produção científica na Fundação, a realização do seu 3º Fórum Científico, a formação e o cadastro de Grupos de Pesquisa junto ao CNPq, o projeto residente pesquisador e a obtenção de recursos para realização de projetos científicos junto à FAPEMIG, CNPq e FINEP e a participação no sistema FINANCIAR.

This article presents information about the actions of Human Resources Department (Diretoria de Gestão de Pessoas ­ DIGEPE) to integrate teaching and research at Fhemig. It should be mentioned a steady increase in scientific production in the Foundation, the completion of its 3rd Scientific Forum, the formation and registration of Research Groups with CNPq, the project resident researcher and obtainment resources for realization of scientific projects from FAPEMIG, CNPq and FINEP and participation in FINANCIAR system.(AU)

O Núcleo de Apoio ao Pesquisador e o Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa: uma estratégia de fomento à pesquisa na Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais / Researcher Support Centre and the Research Ethics Committee: a strategy of research promotion in Hospital Foundation of Minas Gerais

Introdução: Como integrante do Sistema Único de Saúde, a Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais (Fhemig) considera estratégico o desenvolvimento da pesquisa para qualificação profissional e melhoria da assistência à saúde. O Núcleo de Apoio ao Pesquisador, já completamente implantado, e os Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa trabalham nessa perspectiva. Objetivos: Descrever os projetos de pesquisa cadastrados na Fhemig. Métodos: Realizou-se análise descritiva dos projetos submetidos ao Núcleo de Apoio ao Pesquisador e aos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa da Fhemig, em 2010-2011. Resultados: Dos 330 projetos de pesquisa avaliados, 243 foram considerados adequados para se desenvolver nas Unidades da Rede Fhemig. Desses, 164 (50%) foram aprovados após um único parecer favorável por parte dos profissionais do Núcleo de Apoio ao Pesquisador e 79 (24%) foram aprovados após atender as recomendações quanto às questões metodológicas, principalmente. O Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Fhemig avaliou 196 projetos de pesquisa e o do Hospital Eduardo de Menezes avaliou 41 sendo que nenhum projeto de pesquisa foi reprovado. No entanto, a maior deles apresentou inadequações quanto ao Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (54,3%). Conclusões: O grande número de projetos aprovados na primeira submissão ao Núcleo de Apoio ao Pesquisador indica uma maior qualidade desses projetos no biênio. O Núcleo de Apoio ao Pesquisador tem cumprido sua função de apoio aos pesquisadores em seus projetos de pesquisa.

Introduction: Hospital Foundation of Minas Gerais (Fhemig), member of Unified Health System, considers strategic the research development for qualifying professionals and improve health assistance. The Researcher Support Centre, now completely implanted, and the Research Ethics Committees work based in this perspective. Objectives: To describe research projects registered in Fhemig. Methods: Descriptive analysis of projects registered in the Researcher Support Centre and the Research Ethics Committees from Fhemig, were done in 2010-2011. Results: 243 out of 330 research projects analyzed were considered appropriate to develop in the Fhemig Network Units. Out of those, 164 (50%) were approved after only one favorable feedback from professionals of the Researcher Support Centre and 79 (24%) after complying with, mostly, of the methodological recommendations. Fhemig's Research Ethics Committee evaluated 196 projects and Eduardo de Menezes' Hospital Ethics Committee evaluated 41. None them was reproved. However, most of them presented inadequacies on their Term of Informed Consent (54,3%). Conclusions: The great number of approved projects in the first submission to the Research Support Centre indicates a higher quality of such projects in the couple of years. The Research Support Centre has reached its role in supporting researchers in their research projects.(AU)