Fiscal austerity and the health sector: the cost of adjustments / Austeridade fiscal e o setor saúde: o preço do ajuste

Abstract Fiscal austerity policies have been used as responses to economic crises and fiscal deficits in both developed and developing countries. While they vary in regard to their content, intensity and implementation, such models recommend reducing public expenses and social investments, retracting the public service and substituting the private sector in lieu of the State to provide certain services tied to social policies. The present article discusses the main effects of the recent economic crisis on public health based on an updated review with consideration for three dimensions: health risks, epidemiological profiles of different populations, and health policies. In Brazil, the combination of economic crisis and fiscal austerity policies is capable of producing a direr situation than those experienced in developed countries. The country is characterized by historically high levels of social inequality, an under-financed health sector, highly prevalent chronic degenerative diseases and persisting preventable infectious diseases. It is imperative to develop alternatives to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis taking into consideration not only the sustainability of public finance but also public well-being.

Resumo Políticas de austeridade fiscal têm sido utilizadas como respostas à crise econômica e deficit fiscal tanto em países desenvolvidos como em desenvolvimento. Embora variem quanto ao conteúdo, intensidade e cronograma de implementação, tais modelos preconizam a redução do gasto público, promovendo também a diminuição do investimento social, a retração da máquina pública e a substituição do Estado pelo setor privado na provisão de determinados serviços vinculados a políticas sociais. Este artigo debate os principais efeitos da crise econômica recente sobre a saúde da população, tendo sido baseado em uma revisão atualizada, considerando-se três dimensões: riscos à saúde, perfil epidemiológico das populações e políticas de saúde. A crise econômica no Brasil, combinada com a política de austeridade fiscal, pode produzir um contexto mais grave do que o vivenciado pelos países desenvolvidos. O país apresenta altos níveis históricos de desigualdade social, subfinanciamento do setor saúde, alta prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas e persistência de doenças infeciosas evitáveis. É imperativo que se construam alternativas para se mitigar os efeitos da crise econômica, levando-se em conta não apenas a sustentabilidade das finanças públicas, mas também o bem-estar da população.

Fiscal austerity and the health sector: the cost of adjustments.

Fiscal austerity policies have been used as responses to economic crises and fiscal deficits in both developed and developing countries. While they vary in regard to their content, intensity and implementation, such models recommend reducing public expenses and social investments, retracting the public service and substituting the private sector in lieu of the State to provide certain services tied to social policies. The present article discusses the main effects of the recent economic crisis on public health based on an updated review with consideration for three dimensions: health risks, epidemiological profiles of different populations, and health policies. In Brazil, the combination of economic crisis and fiscal austerity policies is capable of producing a direr situation than those experienced in developed countries. The country is characterized by historically high levels of social inequality, an under-financed health sector, highly prevalent chronic degenerative diseases and persisting preventable infectious diseases. It is imperative to develop alternatives to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis taking into consideration not only the sustainability of public finance but also public well-being.

The public production of medicines compared to the National Policy of Medicines and the burden of disease in Brazil.

: The public production of medicines in Brazil by Government Pharmaceutical Laboratories has once again become the object of incentives, and Industrial Development Partnerships are one of the mechanisms adopted for the production of strategic medicines for the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). Considering that burden-of-disease studies have been used as a tool to define priority and essential medicines, the article compares the product portfolios of the country's Official Pharmaceutical Laboratories (OPL) and the list of strategic medicines for the SUS and burden of disease in Brazil in 2008. Of the 205 strategic medicines for the SUS and 111 from the portfolios, 73% and 89%, respectively, are on the National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME 2014). Some strategic medicines for the SUS are already produced by OPL and feature the selection of cancer drugs and biologicals. The current study contributes to the discussion on the public production of medicines in light of the country's current industrial policy and highlights the need to define priority drugs and the role of OPL in guaranteeing access to them.

Equidade na atenção à saúde de mulheres no Haiti / Health equity for women in Haiti

Objetivo. Descrever a atenção básica em saúde prestada às mulheres no Haiti e avaliar a equidade da atenção. Métodos. Neste estudo transversal, 114 mulheres atendidas na atenção básica nos 10 departamentos de saúde do país foram entrevistadas. Para analisar a equidade, foram utilizados dois grupos de indicadores: acesso (tempo de caminhada para chegar aos serviços, tempo de espera na fila de consultas e necessidade de pagamento) e qualidade (conhecer o nome do prestador de serviços, tempo de consulta e discriminação). Pagamento e preconceito foram escolhidos como desfechos respectivamente para acesso e qualidade da atenção. Resultados. A maioria das mulheres tinha menos de 30 anos (59,0%), era negra (92,1%) e migrante (63,2%); apenas 21,3% souberam informar a renda familiar e 47,4% eram alfabetizadas. A maioria das consultas foi realizada em menos de 10 minutos (68,3%). O nome do profissional que prestou o serviço não era conhecido por 72,7% das mulheres. As consultas foram pagas por 63,4%, especialmente na região Sul (P = 0,016). Ainda, as mulheres no Sul levaram mais tempo para chegar aos serviços. Aquelas que não pagaram tiveram consultas com menor duração (P < 0,001). A discriminação nos serviços de saúde foi detectada em 28,9% das entrevistadas. Conclusões. Esta pesquisa mostrou dificuldades no acesso e discriminação na atenção primária em saúde prestada a mulheres no Haiti e indica o gênero como uma categoria de análise importante para avaliar a equidade nos serviços de saúde.

Objective. To describe primary health care provided to women in Haiti and evaluate equity in the care provided to this group. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 114 women receiving primary health care services in the country’s 10 health departments were interviewed. Two groups of indicators were used for analysis of equity: access indicators (walking time to reach services, waiting time, and need to pay for the service) and quality (knowing the name of the healthcare provider, length of the consultation, and discrimination). Payment and discrimination were used as outcomes for access and quality, respectively. Results. Most women were younger than 30 years of age (59.0%), black (92.1%), and migrants (63.2%). Family income was known by only 21.3%, and 47,4% were literate. Most consultations lasted less than 10 minutes (68.3%). The provider’s name was not known by 72.7% of the women interviewed. Consultations were paid by 63.4%, especially in the South (P = 0.016). Also, women in the South spent more time walking to reach health services. Those who did not pay had shorter consultations (P < 0.001). Finally, discrimination was detected in 28.9% of the women interviewed. Conclusions. This research revealed difficulties in the access to and discrimination in the care provided to women in Haiti, and suggests that gender is an important category of analysis to evaluate health equity.

[Health equity for women in Haiti]. / Equidade na atenção à saúde de mulheres no Haiti.

OBJECTIVE: To describe primary health care provided to women in Haiti and evaluate equity in the care provided to this group. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 114 women receiving primary health care services in the country's 10 health departments were interviewed. Two groups of indicators were used for analysis of equity: access indicators (walking time to reach services, waiting time, and need to pay for the service) and quality (knowing the name of the healthcare provider, length of the consultation, and discrimination). Payment and discrimination were used as outcomes for access and quality, respectively. RESULTS: Most women were younger than 30 years of age (59.0%), black (92.1%), and migrants (63.2%). Family income was known by only 21.3%, and 47,4% were literate. Most consultations lasted less than 10 minutes (68.3%). The provider's name was not known by 72.7% of the women interviewed. Consultations were paid by 63.4%, especially in the South (P = 0.016). Also, women in the South spent more time walking to reach health services. Those who did not pay had shorter consultations (P < 0.001). Finally, discrimination was detected in 28.9% of the women interviewed. CONCLUSIONS: This research revealed difficulties in the access to and discrimination in the care provided to women in Haiti, and suggests that gender is an important category of analysis to evaluate health equity.

Equidade na atenção à saúde de mulheres no Haiti / Health equity for women in Haiti

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a atenção básica em saúde prestada às mulheres no Haiti e avaliar a equidade da atenção. Métodos Neste estudo transversal, 114 mulheres atendidas na atenção básica nos 10 departamentos de saúde do país foram entrevistadas. Para analisar a equidade, foram utilizados dois grupos de indicadores: acesso (tempo de caminhada para chegar aos serviços, tempo de espera na fila de consultas e necessidade de pagamento) e qualidade (conhecer o nome do prestador de serviços, tempo de consulta e discriminação). Pagamento e preconceito foram escolhidos como desfechos respectivamente para acesso e qualidade da atenção. Resultados A maioria das mulheres tinha menos de 30 anos (59,0%), era negra (92,1%) e migrante (63,2%); apenas 21,3% souberam informar a renda familiar e 47,4% eram alfabetizadas. A maioria das consultas foi realizada em menos de 10 minutos (68,3%). O nome do profissional que prestou o serviço não era conhecido por 72,7% das mulheres. As consultas foram pagas por 63,4%, especialmente na região Sul (P = 0,016). Ainda, as mulheres no Sul levaram mais tempo para chegar aos serviços. Aquelas que não pagaram tiveram consultas com menor duração (P < 0,001). A discriminação nos serviços de saúde foi detectada em 28,9% das entrevistadas. Conclusões Esta pesquisa mostrou dificuldades no acesso e discriminação na atenção primária em saúde prestada a mulheres no Haiti e indica o gênero como uma categoria de análise importante para avaliar a equidade nos serviços de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe primary health care provided to women in Haiti and evaluate equity in the care provided to this group. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 114 women receiving primary health care services in the country's 10 health departments were interviewed. Two groups of indicators were used for analysis of equity: access indicators (walking time to reach services, waiting time, and need to pay for the service) and quality (knowing the name of the healthcare provider, length of the consultation, and discrimination). Payment and discrimination were used as outcomes for access and quality, respectively. Results Most women were younger than 30 years of age (59.0%), black (92.1%), and migrants (63.2%). Family income was known by only 21.3%, and 47,4% were literate. Most consultations lasted less than 10 minutes (68.3%). The provider's name was not known by 72.7% of the women interviewed. Consultations were paid by 63.4%, especially in the South (P = 0.016). Also, women in the South spent more time walking to reach health services. Those who did not pay had shorter consultations (P < 0.001). Finally, discrimination was detected in 28.9% of the women interviewed. Conclusions This research revealed difficulties in the access to and discrimination in the care provided to women in Haiti, and suggests that gender is an important category of analysis to evaluate health equity.

The public production of medicines compared to the National Policy of Medicines and the burden of disease in Brazil / A produção pública de medicamentos frente à Política Nacional de Medicamentos e à carga de doenças no Brasil / La producción pública de medicamentos frente a la Política Nacional de Medicamentos y a la carga de enfermedades en Brasil

Abstract: The public production of medicines in Brazil by Government Pharmaceutical Laboratories has once again become the object of incentives, and Industrial Development Partnerships are one of the mechanisms adopted for the production of strategic medicines for the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). Considering that burden-of-disease studies have been used as a tool to define priority and essential medicines, the article compares the product portfolios of the country's Official Pharmaceutical Laboratories (OPL) and the list of strategic medicines for the SUS and burden of disease in Brazil in 2008. Of the 205 strategic medicines for the SUS and 111 from the portfolios, 73% and 89%, respectively, are on the National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME 2014). Some strategic medicines for the SUS are already produced by OPL and feature the selection of cancer drugs and biologicals. The current study contributes to the discussion on the public production of medicines in light of the country's current industrial policy and highlights the need to define priority drugs and the role of OPL in guaranteeing access to them.

Resumo: A produção pública de medicamentos no Brasil pelos Laboratórios Farmacêuticos Oficiais (LFO) retornou a ser alvo de incentivo e as Parcerias de Desenvolvimento Produtivo são um dos instrumentos adotados para a produção de medicamentos estratégicos para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Tendo em vista que os estudos de carga de doença vêm sendo utilizados como ferramenta para definição de medicamentos prioritários e essenciais, este artigo relaciona os portfólios dos LFO e a lista de medicamentos estratégicos para o SUS com a carga de doença no Brasil 2008. Dos 205 medicamentos estratégicos para o SUS e 111 dos portfolios, 73% e 89% estão na RENAME 2014. Alguns medicamentos estratégicos para o SUS já são produzidos pelos LFO e destaca-se a seleção de medicamentos para câncer e oriundos de rota biológica. O presente estudo contribui para a discussão da produção pública de medicamentos frente a atual política industrial e destaca a necessária definição de medicamentos prioritários e o papel dos laboratórios farmacêuticos oficiais na garantia de seu acesso.

Resumen: La producción pública de medicamentos en Brasil por los Laboratorios Farmacéuticos Oficiales (LFO) volvió a ser objetivo de incentivos, así como las Colaboraciones de Desarrollo Productivo que son uno de los instrumentos adoptados para la producción de medicamentos estratégicos para el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Teniendo en vista que los estudios de carga de enfermedad está siendo utilizados como herramienta para la definición de medicamentos prioritarios y esenciales, este artículo relaciona los portafolios de los LFO y la lista de medicamentos estratégicos para el SUS con la carga de enfermedad en Brasil 2008. De los 205 medicamentos estratégicos para el SUS y 111 de los portafolios, 73% y 89% están en la RENAME 2014. Algunos medicamentos estratégicos para el SUS ya son producidos por los LFO y se destaca la selección de medicamentos para cáncer y los provenientes de ruta biológica. El presente estudio contribuye a la discusión de la producción pública de medicamentos, frente a la actual política industrial, y destaca la necesaria definición de medicamentos prioritarios y el papel de los laboratorios farmacéuticos oficiales en la garantía a su acceso.

Morbidity and mortality associated with injuries: results of the Global Burden of Disease study in Brazil, 2008.

The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden of disease from external causes in 2008 in Brazil, based on DALYs (disability-adjusted life years). YLLs (years of life lost) were estimated according to the method proposed by Murray & Lopez (1996). Meanwhile, the method for estimating YLDs (years lived with disability) included methodological adjustments taking the Brazilian reality into account. The study showed a total of 195 DALYs per 100 thousand inhabitants, of which 19 DALYs were related to external causes. Among YLLs, 48% were from unintentional causes and 52% from intentional causes. Among YLDs, unintentional causes predominated, with 95%. The share of YLLs in DALYs was 90%. The cause with the highest proportion of YLLs was "homicide and violence" (43%), followed by "road traffic accidents" (31%). Falls accounted for the highest share of YLDs (36%). The sex ratio (male-to-female) was 4.8 for DALYs, and the predominant age bracket was 15-29 years. Since external causes are avoidable, the study provides potentially useful information for policymakers in public security and health.

Disease burden in Brazil: an investigation into alcohol and non-viral cirrhosis.

Alcohol use/dependence are an important risk factor for cirrhosis of the liver. The article aims to describe and conduct a comparative analysis of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY), Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) of alcohol use disorders and non-viral cirrhosis in Brazil in 2008. DALY was calculated as the sum of YLL and YLD. For YLL estimates, the mean number of deaths from 2007- 2009 in the country was considered. After revision of epidemiological data, prevalence of each disease was modelled with the DisMod tool, which generated incidence data for YLD estimates. Alcohol and non-viral cirrhosis were responsible for 3% and 1% of total DALYs, respectively. In both diseases, men contributed to a greater proportion of DALYs. Among the first ten causes of DALYs, alcohol use disorders occupied the second, third and sixth positions at the ages of 15-29, 30-44 and 45- 59, respectively. Non-viral cirrhosis was the eighth cause of DALY in the 30-44 age group in men; the fifth, in the 45-59 group and the eighth, in the 60-69 group. Age distribution suggests that interventions directed against alcohol use/dependence would have effects on the burden of alcoholic cirrhosis in the country.

Morbidity and mortality associated with injuries: results of the Global Burden of Disease study in Brazil, 2008 / Diferenciais de morbimortalidade por causas externas: resultados do estudo Carga Global de Doenças no Brasil, 2008 / Diferenciais de morbimortalidade por causas externas: resultados do estudo Carga Global de Doenças no Brasil, 2008 / Morbimortalidad por las causas externas: resultados del estudio Carga Global de las Enfermedades en Brasil, 2008

The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden of disease from external causes in 2008 in Brazil, based on DALYs (disability-adjusted life years). YLLs (years of life lost) were estimated according to the method proposed by Murray & Lopez (1996). Meanwhile, the method for estimating YLDs (years lived with disability) included methodological adjustments taking the Brazilian reality into account. The study showed a total of 195 DALYs per 100 thousand inhabitants, of which 19 DALYs were related to external causes. Among YLLs, 48% were from unintentional causes and 52% from intentional causes. Among YLDs, unintentional causes predominated, with 95%. The share of YLLs in DALYs was 90%. The cause with the highest proportion of YLLs was "homicide and violence" (43%), followed by "road traffic accidents" (31%). Falls accounted for the highest share of YLDs (36%). The sex ratio (male-to-female) was 4.8 for DALYs, and the predominant age bracket was 15-29 years. Since external causes are avoidable, the study provides potentially useful information for policymakers in public security and health.

El objetivo de este artículo es estimar la carga global de las causas externas en el año 2008 en Brasil. La metodología calcula el indicador DALY (años de vida potencialmente perdidos). El YLL (años potenciales de vida perdidos) fue calculado siguiendo el método propuesto por Murray & López (1996). Sin embargo, para las YLD (años vividos con discapacidad) se han aplicado enfoques metodológicos teniendo en cuenta el contexto brasileño. El DALY fue de 195 por cada 100 mil habitantes, de ellos, 19 eran específicos de causas externas. El YLL estaba compuesto por un 48% de las lesiones intencionales y un 52% de las no intencionales. En el YLD, las lesiones no intencionales corresponden a 95%. El YLL contribuye al 90% del DALY. En el YLL, las causas más frecuentes fueron homicidios y la violencia (43%), seguida de accidentes de tráfico (31%). Las caídas son la mayor proporción del YLD (36%). Había una razón hombre, mujer de 4,8 en el DALY, y el grupo de edad predominante fue de 15 a 29 años. Las lesiones son prevenibles en general y estos resultados pueden contribuir a proporcionar información importante para los responsables políticos en los campos de la salud y la seguridad pública.

O objetivo do artigo é estimar a carga global de doença para causas externas em 2008, no Brasil. A metodologia empregada estimou o DALY (anos de vida perdidos ajustados por incapacidade). O método de estimação dos anos de vida perdidos (YLL) foi o proposto por Murray & Lopez (1996). Entretanto, para estimar os anos de vida vividos com incapacidade (YLD) foram aplicados refinamentos metodológicos considerando-se a realidade brasileira. Estimaram-se 195 DALY por 100 mil habitantes, sendo 19 DALY relacionados às causas externas. O YLL compôs-se de 48% de causas não intencionais e 52% intencionais. Já no YLD, as não intencionais predominaram com 95%. A participação do YLL no DALY foi de 90%. A causa com maior proporção de YLL foi "homicídio e violência" (43%), seguida por "acidentes de trânsito" (31%). As quedas representam a maior proporção de YLD (36%). Observou-se uma razão de masculinidade de 4,8 no DALY e a faixa etária predominante foi de 15-29 anos. Sendo as causas externas evitáveis, tem-se importantes subsídios para os formuladores de políticas de segurança pública e de saúde.

[A study of the overall burden of oral disease in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: 2004-2006]. / Estudo da carga de doença das condições orais em Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2004-2006.

Oral disease is a major public health problem due to its prevalence in practically all age groups. This is a study of the overall burden of dental caries, edentulism and periodontal disease. The Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) indicator was used as it simultaneously measures the impact of mortality and of health problems that affect the quality of life. The overall burden of oral diseases was analyzed in absolute terms and in rates per 1000 inhabitants. The number of Years Lived with Disability (YLD) due to dental caries was 4,489. An estimated 33,888 YLD were lost due to edentulism, with a rate of 1.8/1000 (2.2/1000 among women). An estimated 3217 YLD were lost due to periodontal disease, with a rate of 0.2/1000 for both sexes. Edentulism was the condition that contributed most to the overall burden of oral diseases and is more frequent among women. Higher rates of edentulism and periodontal disease were found in persons aged 45-69 years, while dental caries was more frequent from 15-49 years. The overall burden of oral disease studies represent an important aspect of health diagnosis, integrating both fatal and non-fatal outcomes. Furthermore, these studies provide highly relevant information for preventive and therapeutic policy making.

Estudo da carga de doença das condições orais em Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2004-2006 / A study of the overall burden of oral disease in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: 2004-2006

Os agravos orais são um problema de saúde pública devido à sua prevalência em praticamente todos os grupos etários. Estudo da Carga Global de Doença para cárie dentária, edentulismo e doença periodontal. Utilizou-se o DALY, que mede simultaneamente o impacto da mortalidade e dos problemas de saúde que afetam a qualidade de vida. A Carga de Doença para condições orais foi analisada em números absolutos e taxas/1.000 habitantes. O número de YLD para cárie foi de 4.489. Estimou-se 33.888 YLD para edentulismo, com taxa de 2,2/1.000 nas mulheres. Na doença periodontal estimou-se 3.217 YLD, resultando em uma taxa de 0,2/1.000 para ambos os sexos. O edentulismo contribuiu mais para a carga de doença orais, sendo mais frequente nas mulheres. Maiores taxas de edentulismo e doença periodontal foram de 45-69 anos, enquanto cárie de 15-49 anos. Os estudos de Carga Global de Doença representam um importante aspecto do diagnóstico de saúde, integrando desfechos fatais e não fatais. Além disso, disponibiliza informações de grande relevância na formulação de políticas de prevenção e tratamento.

Oral disease is a major public health problem due to its prevalence in practically all age groups. This is a study of the overall burden of dental caries, edentulism and periodontal disease. The Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) indicator was used as it simultaneously measures the impact of mortality and of health problems that affect the quality of life. The overall burden of oral diseases was analyzed in absolute terms and in rates per 1000 inhabitants. The number of Years Lived with Disability (YLD) due to dental caries was 4,489. An estimated 33,888 YLD were lost due to edentulism, with a rate of 1.8/1000 (2.2/1000 among women). An estimated 3217 YLD were lost due to periodontal disease, with a rate of 0.2/1000 for both sexes. Edentulism was the condition that contributed most to the overall burden of oral diseases and is more frequent among women. Higher rates of edentulism and periodontal disease were found in persons aged 45-69 years, while dental caries was more frequent from 15-49 years. The overall burden of oral disease studies represent an important aspect of health diagnosis, integrating both fatal and non-fatal outcomes. Furthermore, these studies provide highly relevant information for preventive and therapeutic policy making.

Diferenciais da carga de doença das condições maternas entre mulheres de 15 a 44 anos no Estado de Minas Gerais, 2004-2006 / Differences in disease burden related to condition of maternity among women ages 15-44 in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2004-2006 / Diferenciales de la carga de enfermedad de las condiciones maternas entre mujeres de 15 a 44 años en el Estado de Minas Gerais, 2004-2006

Embora seja um dos indicadores mais utilizados para avaliar a saúde da mulher, a mortalidade materna não é suficiente para descrever seu real estado de saúde, pois não leva em conta os anos vividos com incapacidade. Assim, para suprir essa deficiência, as condições maternas têm sido analisadas com base no DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Years), indicador utilizado em estudos sobre carga de doença. O DALY tem sido considerado um indicador mais completo do estado de saúde de uma população, uma vez que incorpora, simultaneamente, as dimensões da mortalidade e da morbidade. O objetivo do presente estudo é estimar e avaliar o diferencial do impacto da carga de doença relativa às condições maternas, no Estado de Minas Gerais e em suas 13 macrorregiões de saúde, no período 2004-2006, entre mulheres em idade reprodutiva, aqui definidas como aquelas com 15 a 44 anos. Entre os principais resultados encontrados, destaca-se a enorme desigualdade nas taxas de DALY nas macrorregiões de Minas Gerais. As três macrorregiões mais pobres do Estado (Jequitinhonha, Nordeste e Norte de Minas) apresentaram as maiores taxas de DALY, correspondendo a 44% de toda a carga de doença das condições maternas estimadas para Minas Gerais, mostrando o quanto a morbimortalidade materna é sensível às iniquidades de renda, que geram situação desigual no que se refere à distribuição dos serviços de saúde.

Although maternal mortality is one of the most commonly used indicators for evaluating women’s health, it is inefficient for describing actual health status since it fails to take into account years lived with a given incapacity. To make up for this deficiency, the present article analyzes maternal conditions based on the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) Indicator used in studies on disease burden. DALY has been considered a broad and accurate indicator of the health status of a population because it incorporates the dimensions of mortality and morbidity simultaneously. The aim of the present study was to estimate and assess the differential of the impact of the burden of maternal-condition-related diseases in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and in the state’s 13 macro health regions between 2004 and 2006, among women in child-bearing age, defined here as being women between ages 15 and. Among other findings, a very high disparity was seen in DALY rates among the different macro-regions of the state. The three poorest macro regions (Jequitinhonha, Northeast, and North of Minas) showed the highest DALY rates, corresponding to 44% of the entire estimated maternal-condition disease burden for Minas Gerais. This indicates how maternal morbidity and mortality are sensitive to income inequities, which, in turn, generate unequal status regarding the distribution of health services.

Aunque sea uno de los indicadores más utilizados para evaluar la salud de la mujer, la mortalidad materna no es suficiente para describir su real estado de salud, porque no tiene en cuenta los años vividos con incapacidad. De este modo, para suplir esta deficiencia, las condiciones maternas han sido analizadas en base al DALY (Disability-adjusted Life Years), indicador utilizado en estudios sobre carga de enfermedad. El DALY ha sido considerado como un indicador más completo del estado de salud de una población, una vez que incorpora, simultáneamente, las dimensiones de la mortalidad y de la morbilidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es estimar y evaluar el diferencial del impacto de la carga de enfermedad relativa a las condiciones maternas en el Estado de Minas Gerais y en sus 13 macroregiones de salud, en el periodo 2004-2006, entre mujeres en edad reproductiva, aquí definidas como aquellas que tienen de 15 a 44 años. Entre los principales resultados encontrados, se destaca la enorme desigualdad en las tasas de DALY en las macro-regiones de Minas Gerais. Las tres macro-regiones más pobres del Estado (Jequitinhonha, Nordeste y Norte de Minas) presentaron los mayores índices de DALY, lo que corresponde al 44% de toda la carga de enfermedad de las condiciones maternas estimadas para Minas Gerais, mostrando cómo la morbimortalidad materna es sensible a las iniquidades de renta, que generan una situación desigual en lo que se refiere a la distribución de los servicios de salud.

Global burden of disease attributable to diabetes mellitus in Brazil.

Type II diabetes mellitus accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes, and its inclusion in health evaluation has shown that its complications have a considerable impact on the population's quality of life. The current article presents the results of the Global Burden of Disease Study in Brazil for the year 1998, with an emphasis on diabetes mellitus and its complications. The indicator used was disability-adjusted life years (DALY), using a discount rate of 3%. In Brazil, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes accounted for 14.7% of total lost DALYs. Brazil showed a higher proportion of years lived with disability (YLDs) among total DALYs for diabetes as compared to other countries. Retinopathy and neuropathy were the complications that contributed most to YLDs. According to forecasts, diabetes mellitus will have an increasing impact on years of life lost due to premature death and disability in the world, shifting from the 11th to 7th cause of death by 2030. It is thus urgent to implement effective measures for prevention, early diagnosis, counseling, and adequate follow-up of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Global burden of disease attributable to diabetes mellitus in Brazil / Carga global de doença devida e atribuível ao diabetes mellitus no Brasil

Type II diabetes mellitus accounts for 90 percent of all cases of diabetes, and its inclusion in health evaluation has shown that its complications have a considerable impact on the population's quality of life. The current article presents the results of the Global Burden of Disease Study in Brazil for the year 1998, with an emphasis on diabetes mellitus and its complications. The indicator used was disability-adjusted life years (DALY), using a discount rate of 3 percent. In Brazil, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes accounted for 14.7 percent of total lost DALYs. Brazil showed a higher proportion of years lived with disability (YLDs) among total DALYs for diabetes as compared to other countries. Retinopathy and neuropathy were the complications that contributed most to YLDs. According to forecasts, diabetes mellitus will have an increasing impact on years of life lost due to premature death and disability in the world, shifting from the 11th to 7th cause of death by 2030. It is thus urgent to implement effective measures for prevention, early diagnosis, counseling, and adequate follow-up of patients with diabetes mellitus.

O diabetes mellitus tipo II é responsável por 90 por cento de todos os casos de diabetes, e sua inclusão na avaliação de saúde evidencia que as suas complicações têm um considerável impacto na qualidade de vida de uma população. O presente artigo apresenta os resultados do Estudo de Carga Global de Doença, realizado no Brasil para o ano de 1998, com ênfase no diabetes mellitus e suas complicações. O indicador utilizado foi o disability-adjusted life years (DALY), ao qual aplicou-se a taxa de desconto de 3 por cento. No Brasil, doenças isquêmicas do coração, doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes contribuíram com 14,7 por cento do total de DALY. Observou-se uma maior participação do years lived with disability (YLD) no total de DALY para o diabetes quando comparado a outros países. As complicações retinopatias e neuropatias foram as que mais contribuíram para o YLD. Projeções indicam que o diabetes mellitus terá crescente impacto sobre a perda de anos de vida por morte prematura e incapacidade no mundo, e que se deslocará de 11ª para 7ª causa de morte em 2030. Faz-se urgente a implantação e implementação de medidas efetivas para prevenção, diagnóstico precoce, aconselhamento e adequado acompanhamento dos pacientes com diabetes mellitus.

[Time to kidney transplantation in chronic renal failure patients in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1998-2002]. / Tempo até o transplante e sobrevida em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 1998-2002.

This study analyzes the characteristics of 14,419 chronic renal failure patients treated with hemodialysis and time to first kidney transplantation in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2002. Survival analysis methods were used, such as the Kaplan-Meier non-parametric method and the semi-parametric method with the Cox proportional hazards model. Besides the survival model for transplantation, time to death was analyzed to compare the two models' estimates. During the period studied, only 6.3% of patients received transplants, 32.4% were referred for transplantation, and 6.3% were included on the waiting list. Odds of transplantation were greater for those who had been referred, those on the waiting list, and younger patients. Diabetes mellitus reduced the probability of conducting transplantation by 35%. All the estimates showed directions opposite to those obtained for the mortality survival model.

Financiamento público em saúde e confiabilidade dos bancos de dados nacionais. Um estudo dos anos de 2001 e 2002 / Government funding for health and the reliability of national databases in Brazil, 2001-2002

Criado em 1999, o Sistema de Informações sobre Orçamentos Públicos em Saúde (SIOPS) coleta informações sobre receita e despesa com saúde das três esferas de governo. A inexistência de outros bancos de dados de abrangência nacional com informações detalhadas sobre gastos municipais faz com que seja a principal fonte de dados para estudos ou estimativas desta natureza. Este trabalho compara os valores de receita declarados pelos municípios ao SIOPS com os registros do Fundo Nacional de Saúde, no intuito de verificar a confiabilidade dos dois bancos de dados e identificar as variáveis com maior discrepância. Compara também os dados de despesa municipal com os registros da Secretaria do Tesouro Nacional. Foi obtido o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasses (CCIC) e, em complemento, analisou-se o gráfico de dispersão entre a média dos valores dos dois bancos de dados e a diferença entre estes. Os dados para o ano de 2002 apresentam melhor qualidade. A constatação de que o SIOPS fornece dados confiáveis deve servir de estímulo para que novos estudos considerem o vertente financiamento nas análises de situação de saúde.

[Government funding for health and the reliability of national databases in Brazil, 2001-2002]. / Financiamento público em saúde e confiabilidade dos bancos de dados nacionais. Um estudo dos anos de 2001 e 2002.

Created in 1999, the Information System on Government Health Budgets (SIOPS) provides information on health revenues and expenditures at the three government levels: Municipal, State, and Federal. The lack of other databases with nationwide coverage and detailed information on municipal expenditures makes SIOPS the main source of data for such studies or estimates. The current study aims to compare the revenues declared in SIOPS by the municipalities and the National Health Fund records in order to assess the reliability of the two databases and identify which variables are most discordant. It also compares the data on Municipal expenditures with those from National Treasury records. The Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (CCIC) was used for this analysis, complemented by a scatterplot of the mean values for the two databases and their differences. The 2002 data showed better quality. The recognition that SIOPS provides reliable data should stimulate new studies including financial aspects in the analysis of population health.

A natimortalidade, a mortalidade neonatal precoce e o sistema de informações hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde: uma abordagem metodológica / Stillbirth and early neonatal mortality of the Hospital information system in Brazil's Unifeld Health System

Analisa os componentes da mortalidade infantil, em particular, a natimortalidade e a mortalidade neonatal precoce, estimadas a partir do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde(SIH/SUS). Investiga o SIH/SUS como fonte para estimar a natimortalidade e a mortalidade neonatal para alguns estados da Federação. Analisa as variações das taxas de mortalidade neonatal precoce e de natimortalidade hospitalar da rede de hospitais que integram o Sistema Único de Saúde no estado do Rio de Janeiro, em relação a um conjunto de indicadores hospitalares que expressassem o perfil da demanda de gestantes atendidas e o desempenho do hospitais que prestaram algum tipo de assistência obstétrica no estado