Assessment of neuropathic pain, functional activity limitation and quality of life of people affected by leprosy in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) among people affected by leprosy and its effects on functional limitation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 122 leprosy patients. Functional limitation and HRQoL were assessed using the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and WHO Quality-of-Life (WHOQoL-BREF) scales, respectively. Participants were assessed for the presence of pain and completed the Douleur Neuropathique 4 and the Brief Pain Inventory scales. RESULTS: The prevalence of NP was 59%. Participants with NP had higher SALSA scores than those without pain (median; IQR: 42; 32-49.5 vs 27.5; 24-34; p=0.002). Increasing SALSA scores were related to decreasing WHOQoL-BREF scores in the physical (r=-0.54; p<0.001), psychological (r=-0.33; p=0.002) and environmental (r=-0.22; p=0.01) domains, but not in the social domain (r=-0.14; p=0.10). Individuals with NP had the lowest scores in all domains compared with individuals without pain. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate tools and training of clinicians for diagnosing NP in leprosy patients are necessary for their appropriate management and better HRQoL outcomes.

Spatial clusters, social determinants of health and risk of COVID-19 mortality in Brazilian children and adolescents: A nationwide population-based ecological study.

Background: Data regarding the geographical distribution of cases and risk factors for COVID-19 death in children and adolescents are scarce. We describe the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and deaths in paediatric population and their association with social determinants of health in Brazil. Methods: This is a population-based ecological study with a spatial analysis of all cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in Brazil among children and adolescents aged 0-19 years from March 2020 to October 2021. The units of analysis were the 5570 municipalities. Data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, social vulnerability, health inequities, and health system capacity were obtained from publicly available databases. Municipalities were stratified from low to very high COVID-19 incidence and mortality using K-means clustering procedures, and spatial clusters and relative risks were estimated using spatial statistics with Poisson probability models. The relationship between COVID-19 estimates and social determinants of health was explored by using multivariate Beta regression techniques. Findings: A total of 33,991 COVID-19 cases and 2424 deaths among children and adolescents aged 0-19 years were recorded from March 2020 to October 2021. There was a spatial dependence for the crude mortality coefficient per 100,000 population in the paediatric population aged 0-19 years (I Moran 0·10; P < 0·001). Forty municipalities had higher mortality rates, of which 20 were in states from the Northeast region. Seven spatial clusters were identified for COVID-19 mortality, with four clusters in the Northeast region and three in the North region. Municipalities with higher social inequality and vulnerability had higher COVID-19 mortality in the paediatric population. Interpretation: The main clusters of risk for mortality among children and adolescents were identified in municipalities in the North and Northeast regions, which are the regions with the worst socioeconomic indicators and greatest health disparities in the country. Our findings confirmed the higher burden of COVID-19 for Brazilian paediatric population in municipalities with higher social inequality and vulnerability and worse socioeconomic indicators. To reduce the burden of COVID-19 on children, mass immunisation is necessary. Funding: None.

Spatial clusters, social determinants of health and risk of maternal mortality by COVID-19 in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study.

BACKGROUND: Detailed information on how socio-economic characteristics are related to COVID-19 incident cases and maternal deaths is needed. We investigated the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths in Brazil and their association with social determinants of health. METHODS: This was a population-based ecological study with a spatial analysis of all cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the obstetric population. Data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in the obstetric population, social vulnerability, health inequities, and health system capacity at the municipal level were obtained from several publicly sources in Brazil. A Bayesian empirical local model was used to identify fluctuations of the indicators. Spatial statistic tests were used to identity the spatial clusters and measure the municipalities' risk of COVID-19 in the obstetric population. Beta regression was used to characterise the association between socio-economic indicators and the burden of COVID-19. FINDINGS: A total of 13,858 cases and 1,396 deaths due to COVID-19 were recorded in Brazil from March 2020 to June 2021. There was a variation in the number of cases per municipality, with 105 municipalities with rates from 2,210 to 3,884 cases and 45 municipalities with rates from 3,884 to 7,418 cases per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality ratio also varied widely across municipalities. There was a spatial dependence on smoothed maternal mortality rates (I Moran 0•10; P = 0•010), and 15 municipalities had higher risk of maternal deaths. Municipalities characterized by lower health resources and higher socioeconomic inequalities presented the highest rates of incidence and maternal mortality by COVID-19. INTERPRETATION: In Brazil, COVID-19 cases and deaths in the obstetric population had a heterogeneous geographical distribution, with well-defined spatial clusters mostly located in the countryside. Municipalities with a high degree of socioeconomic dissimilarities showed higher maternal mortality rates than areas with better social and infrastructure indicators. FUNDING: None.

The need to strengthen Primary Health Care in Brazil in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its association with severe pneumonia and deaths has exposed gaps in the health systems of several countries worldwide. Although the necessary focus has been to care for hospitalized patients, the strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC) actions is necessary. PHC is the gateway to the health system in several countries, including Brazil and it plays a role in preventing, protecting, promoting, and treating individuals and communities. Brazil, like other countries, has faced the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As Brazil has a universal and decentralized health system, in which PHC has been the model of health re-organizing the health system; here we reflected the importance of strengthening PHC in Brazil in the times of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The need to strengthen Primary Health Care in Brazil in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: The emergence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its association with severe pneumonia and deaths has exposed gaps in the health systems of several countries worldwide. Although the necessary focus has been to care for hospitalized patients, the strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC) actions is necessary. PHC is the gateway to the health system in several countries, including Brazil and it plays a role in preventing, protecting, promoting, and treating individuals and communities. Brazil, like other countries, has faced the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As Brazil has a universal and decentralized health system, in which PHC has been the model of health re-organizing the health system; here we reflected the importance of strengthening PHC in Brazil in the times of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Pain assessment in critical patients using the Behavioral Pain Scale / Avaliação da dor em pacientes críticos por meio da Escala Comportamental de Dor

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The sensation of pain is essential for life, and its assessment in critical non-contacting patients can be performed using validated scales. The Behavioral Pain Scale is a highly accurate tool that has been widely used in this group of patients. This study aimed to describe and characterize pain and the use of analgesia in the emergency or intensive care service. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach with 67 critically ill patients unable to verbalize their pain perception, who were hospitalized in the emergency service or Intensive Care Units of a public hospital in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia from April to July 2017. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected using the medical record and then applied to the Behavioral Pain Scale for pain assessment. RESULTS: There was a predominance of male patients (47/70.1%). Three groups were identified based on the use of sedatives and analgesics: patients taking sedatives and analgesics combined, only analgesia, and those without any sedation or analgesia. We observed ascending Behavioral Pain Scale scores in all groups during tracheal suction, but the same did not occur with the physiological parameters. CONCLUSION: The study proposes the adoption of pain assessment scales in critical patients, such as the Behavioral Pain Scale, as well as the use of protocols for analgesia management, and consequently improve the quality of care and patient's recovery.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A sensação de dor é essencial para a vida. Sua avaliação em pacientes críticos não contatantes pode ser realizada por meio de escalas validadas. A Behavioral Pain Scale é um instrumento de aplicação, com elevada acurácia, e que tem sido amplamente utilizada neste grupo de pacientes. Este estudo objetivou descrever e caracterizar a dor e o uso de analgesia no serviço de urgência e cuidados intensivos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 67 pacientes críticos impossibilitados de verbalizar a percepção de dor, os quais estavam hospitalizados na área vermelha do pronto-socorro ou nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital público de referência em Vitória da Conquista, Bahia no período de abril a julho de 2017. Dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram coletados utilizando-se o prontuário e em seguida foi aplicada a Behavioral Pain Scale para avaliação da dor. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino (47/70,1%). Foram identificados três grupos com base no uso de sedativos e analgésicos: pacientes em uso de sedoanalgesia, uso apenas de analgesia, e os que estavam sem sedação ou analgesia. Visualizou-se ascensão dos escores da Behavioral Pain Scale em todos os grupos durante a aspiração traqueal, porém o mesmo não aconteceu com os parâmetros fisiológicos. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo apresentou como proposta a adoção de escalas de avaliação da dor no paciente crítico, como a Behavioral Pain Scale, bem como uso de protocolos de analgesia e manuseio, melhorando assim a qualidade da assistência prestada e a recuperação do paciente.

[Assessment of the adequacy of prenatal care according to family income in Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil, 2011]. / Avaliação da adequação do cuidado pré-natal segundo a renda familiar em Aracaju, 2011.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the adequacy of prenatal care offered to pregnant health service users in Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil, according to family income. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study with 322 women living in the city of Aracaju whose children were born in November and December 2011; data were collected using questionnaires, including number of consultations, technical and laboratory procedures recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH); adequacy of prenatal care was assessed according to MoH criteria; chi-square test was used to compare proportions between categorical variables. RESULTS: prenatal care was considered inadequate for 89.1% of women, with no statistical difference for inadequacy of prenatal care according to family income (p=0.323). CONCLUSION: low adequacy of prenatal care was found when applying MoH parameters, regardless of pregnant women's family income.

Avaliação da adequação do cuidado pré-natal segundo a renda familiar em Aracaju, 2011 / Assessment of the adequacy of prenatal care according to family income in Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil, 2011 / Evaluación de la adecuación del cuidado prenatal de acuerdo a los ingresos familiares en Aracaju-SE, Brasil, 2011

OBJETIVO: avaliar a adequação do cuidado pré-natal oferecido às gestantes usuárias de serviços de saúde em Aracaju, estado de Sergipe, Brasil, segundo a renda familiar. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com 322 mulheres residentes no município de Aracaju que tiveram filhos nascidos em novembro e dezembro de 2011; os dados foram coletados mediante aplicação de questionários, incluindo número de consultas, procedimentos técnicos e laboratoriais preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde; a adequação do pré-natal foi avaliada segundo os critérios do Ministério; utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado para comparar as proporções entre as variáveis categóricas. RESULTADOS: o cuidado pré-natal foi considerado inadequado para 89,1% das mulheres estudadas, sem diferença estatística para inadequação do pré-natal segundo a renda familiar (p=0,323). CONCLUSÃO: foi evidenciada baixa adequação do cuidado pré-natal, independentemente da renda familiar da gestante, quando utilizados os parâmetros do Ministério da Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the adequacy of prenatal care offered to pregnant health service users in Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil, according to family income. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study with 322 women living in the city of Aracaju whose children were born in November and December 2011; data were collected using questionnaires, including number of consultations, technical and laboratory procedures recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH); adequacy of prenatal care was assessed according to MoH criteria; chi-square test was used to compare proportions between categorical variables. RESULTS: prenatal care was considered inadequate for 89.1% of women, with no statistical difference for inadequacy of prenatal care according to family income (p=0.323). CONCLUSION: low adequacy of prenatal care was found when applying MoH parameters, regardless of pregnant women's family income.

OBJETIVO: evaluar la adecuación de la atención prenatal ofrecida por servicios de salud a mujeres embarazadas en Aracaju, Sergipe, Brasil, según el ingreso familiar. MÉTODOS: estudio transversal de 322 mujeres residentes de la ciudad de Aracaju que tuvieron un hijo entre noviembre y diciembre de 2011; los datos fueron colectados a través de cuestionarios, incluido el número de consultas, procedimientos técnicos y de laboratorio recomendados por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil (MS); la adecuación de la atención prenatal se evaluó de acuerdo a los criterios del MS; se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para comparar proporciones entre variables categóricas. RESULTADOS: la atención prenatal se consideró inadecuada en 89,1% de mujeres, sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la adecuación de la atención prenatal por ingreso familiar (p=0,323). CONCLUSIÓN: se evidenció baja adecuación de la atención prenatal, independientemente del ingreso familiar de las mujeres embarazadas, cuando se utilizan los parámetros del MS.

Inequalities in health: living conditions and infant mortality in Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the variation of infant mortality as per condition of life in the urban setting. METHODS Ecological study performed with data regarding registered deaths of children under the age of one who resided in Aracaju, SE, Northeastern Brazil, from 2001 to 2010. Infant mortality inequalities were assessed based on the spatial distribution of the Living Conditions Index for each neighborhood, classified into four strata. The average mortality rates of 2001-2005 and 2006-2010 were compared using the Student's t-test. RESULTS Average infant mortality rates decreased from 25.3 during 2001-2005 to 17.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006-2010. Despite the decrease in the rates in all the strata during that decade, inequality of infant mortality risks increased in neighborhoods with worse living conditions compared with that in areas with better living conditions. CONCLUSIONS Infant mortality rates in Aracaju showed a decline, but with important differences among neighborhoods. The assessment based on a living condition perspective can explain the differences in the risks of infant mortality rates in urban areas, highlighting health inequalities in infant mortality as a multidimensional issue.

Inequalities in health: living conditions and infant mortality in Northeastern Brazil / Desigualdades em saúde: condições de vida e mortalidade infantil em região do nordeste do Brasil

OBJECTIVE To analyze the variation of infant mortality as per condition of life in the urban setting. METHODS Ecological study performed with data regarding registered deaths of children under the age of one who resided in Aracaju, SE, Northeastern Brazil, from 2001 to 2010. Infant mortality inequalities were assessed based on the spatial distribution of the Living Conditions Index for each neighborhood, classified into four strata. The average mortality rates of 2001-2005 and 2006-2010 were compared using the Student’s t-test. RESULTS Average infant mortality rates decreased from 25.3 during 2001-2005 to 17.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006-2010. Despite the decrease in the rates in all the strata during that decade, inequality of infant mortality risks increased in neighborhoods with worse living conditions compared with that in areas with better living conditions. CONCLUSIONS Infant mortality rates in Aracaju showed a decline, but with important differences among neighborhoods. The assessment based on a living condition perspective can explain the differences in the risks of infant mortality rates in urban areas, highlighting health inequalities in infant mortality as a multidimensional issue. .

OBJETIVO Analisar a variação da mortalidade infantil por condição de vida no meio urbano. MÉTODOS Estudo ecológico realizado com dados de óbitos registrados de menores de um ano, residentes em Aracaju, SE, Nordeste do Brasil, de 2001 a 2010. As desigualdades na mortalidade infantil foram avaliadas pela distribuição espacial do Índice de Condições de Vida estabelecido para os bairros, classificados em quatro estratos. Foram comparadas as taxas de mortalidade infantil médias de 2001 a 2005 e 2006 a 2010 pelo teste t Student. RESULTADOS A taxa de mortalidade infantil média declinou de 25,3 de 2001 a 2005 para 17,7 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos, de 2006 a 2010. Apesar da queda nas taxas em todos os estratos na década, a desigualdade no risco de morte infantil aumentou nos bairros com piores condições de vida em relação àqueles de melhores condições. CONCLUSÕES A mortalidade infantil em Aracaju apresentou declínio, mas com importante assimetria entre os bairros. A averiguação sob a ótica das condições de vida pode justificar as diferenças no risco de óbito infantil no espaço urbano, destacando as desigualdades em saúde na mortalidade infantil como fenômeno multidimensional. .