Trend and Inequality in Episiotomy in Southern Brazil, 2007-2016: Evidence of Reduced Abusive Practice.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to measure the prevalence, to describe the trend over time, and to evaluate socioeconomic inequalities in the occurrence of episiotomies in 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016 in the municipality of Rio Grande, in Southern Brazil. METHODS: We included all women who had vaginal delivery in each of the studied years. All the information was obtained through a questionnaire applied at maternity wards within 48 h after delivery. The outcome consisted of episiotomy. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the linear trend. Absolute and relative inequalities were assessed from household income and schooling of the women through the Slope Index of Inequality and Relative Index of Inequality, respectively. RESULTS: This study included 4,521 parturients. The episiotomy rate in the period fell from 71.0% (95%CI: 68.4-73.5) in 2007 to 40.1% (95%CI: 37.3-42.8) in 2016, and it was more frequent among women with higher income and higher schooling. We observed a reduction in the rate of episiotomy in all income and schooling levels, and this was more evident among women in the lowest socioeconomic levels. Absolute inequality declined, while relative inequality remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Despite the significant reduction in the rate of episiotomy, its occurrence remains high. Women with higher income and education, therefore with lower risk for complications during childbirth, were the most frequently submitted to this procedure. Routine use of episiotomy must be reevaluated, especially among pregnant women with better socioeconomic status.

Antenatal care in Southern Brazil: Coverage, trends and inequalities.

We described prenatal care quality for four indicators over a 12-years period among puerperae living in Southern Brazil. Five surveys including all women giving birth between 01/01 to 31/12 in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 were conducted in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. A single standardized questionnaire was applied within 48 h after delivery in all the city's maternity hospitals. Outcomes included the followings proportion of pregnant women who started prenatal care in the first trimester and performed at least six medical visits, completed at least two HIV, two syphilis and two qualitative urine tests. These indicators were stratified according to quartiles of household income. Absolute and relative measures of inequalities were calculated. A total of 12,645 (98% of the total) of the 12,914 mothers eligible in the five surveys were successfully interviewed. Coverage for all indicators increased substantially, especially in the poorest quartile for six prenatal care visits starting in the first trimester, and for HIV and qualitative urine tests. The slope index (SII) and the concentration index (CIX) of inequality showed clear disadvantage among the poorest for prenatal visits starting in the first trimester and performing two or more urine tests. There was a substantial increase in coverage for all variables studied in the period. The reduced inequity, mainly for the beginning of the first trimester and for visits and urine tests, was due to the higher coverage achieved in the poorest quartile.

Maternal Knowledge and Unsafe Baby Sleep Position: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Southern Brazil.

Objective to evaluate women's knowledge about the best baby sleeping position and to identify factors associated with a greater probability of putting infants to sleep in an unsafe position, in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. Method This is a cross-sectional population-based study that included all women who bore children in 2013 in this municipality. A single, standardized questionnaire was given within 48 h after delivery in the only two local maternity hospitals. The outcome was that women reported the lateral and the ventral decubitus as the best sleeping positions for babies. A Chi square test was used for proportions and Poisson regression was used with robust variance adjustment in the multivariate analysis. The prevalence ratio was the measure of effect used. Results We included 2624 women in this study. Of these, 82.1% (95% CI 80.6-83.6) stated that the baby should sleep in the lateral or ventral decubitus positions. 76.4% reported having acquired this knowledge from their mothers and 34.7% were willing to adopt the correct (supine) sleeping position for their child if recommended by doctors. The adjusted analysis showed that the lower the schooling of the mothers and the greater the number of people per bedroom and number of children, the greater the probability of women choosing an unsafe baby sleeping position. Conclusions for Practice This study showed that the percentage of women who are unaware of the correct baby sleeping position is very high, that doctors should be convinced to recommend the supine baby sleeping position, and that campaigns on this subject should also include grandparents as a priority intervention group.

Non-performance of urinalysis among pregnant women in Brazil.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to measure the prevalence, evaluate the trend and identify the factors associated with the non-performance of qualitative urine test (QUT) among pregnant women living in the extreme south of Brazil between 2007 and 2016. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: All births occurred in the local maternity wards from January 1 to December 31 of 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. Mothers were interviewed within 48h after delivery. The outcome was the non-performance of QUT during pregnancy. χ2 test was used to compare proportions and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment for the multivariate analysis. The effect measure used was the prevalence ratio. FINDINGS: Of the 10,331 new mothers identified, 10,004 (96.8 percent) performed at least one prenatal visit. The prevalence of non-performance of QUT was 3.3 percent (95% CI 2.9-3.7 percent), ranging from 1.5 percent in 2007 to 5.3 percent in 2016 ( p<0.001). The analysis showed that not living with a companion, having under four years of schooling, living with seven or more people in the household, having five or more children, having had one to three prenatal visits and not having been supplemented with ferrous sulfate during pregnancy showed a significantly higher prevalence rate to the non-performance of QUT. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The rate of non-performance of this test among pregnant women has clearly increased. Mothers at higher risk of unfavorable outcomes in pregnancy were the ones with the highest probability of not performing QUT. Increasing the number of prenatal visits is a high-impact measure toward the performance of this test.

[Ferrous sulfate supplementation in pregnant women: a time series study in the far South of Brazil]. / Suplementação de sulfato ferroso entre gestantes: um estudo de série temporal no extremo Sul do Brasil.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of some maternal characteristics on the use of ferrous sulfate among postpartum women from five perinatal studies in the Municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. From January 1 to December 31 in the years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019, previously trained interviewers applied a standardized interview within 48 hours after childbirth to all postpartum women, while still in hospital, residing in the municipality and who had given birth in the only two local hospitals. The questionnaire included demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare data during pregnancy and childbirth. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and Poisson regression with robust variance was used in the multivariate analysis. The measure of effect was prevalence ratio. Among the 12,645 participants (98.1% of the total), 74.5% (95%CI: 74.7-76.0) had taken ferrous sulfate during the pregnancy. Prevalence varied from 61.7% (95%CI: 59.7-63.6) in 2007 to 81.1% (95%CI: 79.5-82.7) in 2019 (p-value for trend < 0.001). After adjustment, iron supplementation was significantly higher among adolescent pregnant women and those with less schooling (0-8 year), in the lowest income quartile, and who had received adequate prenatal care and care in the public healthcare sector (p < 0.05). There was a major improvement in the prevalence of ferrous sulfate supplementation during the period analyzed, but without achieving equity. To address this issue, healthcare professionals should prioritize older pregnant women, those with higher socioeconomic status, and those using the private healthcare sector for prenatal care.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de algumas características maternas sobre o uso do sulfato ferroso entre puérperas pertencentes a cinco estudos perinatais do Município de Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro dos anos 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019, entrevistadoras previamente treinadas aplicaram, em até 48 horas após o parto, ainda no hospital, questionário padronizado a todas as puérperas residentes nesse município e que tiveram parto nos dois únicos hospitais locais. Foram investigadas características demográficas, socioeconômicas e cuidados recebidos durante a gestação e o parto. Teste qui-quadrado foi utilizado para comparar proporções e regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância na análise multivariável. A medida de efeito utilizada foi razão de prevalências. Dentre as 12.645 participantes (98,1% do total), 74,5% (IC95%: 74,7-76,2) utilizaram o sulfato ferroso durante a gestação. Essa prevalência variou de 61,7% (IC95%: 59,7-63,6) em 2007 a 81,1% (IC95%: 79,5-82,7) em 2019 (valor de p para tendência < 0,001). Após ajuste, verificou-se que a suplementação de sulfato ferroso foi significativamente maior entre gestantes adolescentes, de menor escolaridade (0-8 anos), pertencentes ao menor quartil de renda, que realizaram pré-natal considerado adequado e no setor público de saúde (p < 0,05). Houve grande melhora na prevalência de uso de sulfato ferroso no período estudado, no entanto ainda falta atingir a equidade. Recomenda-se que os profissionais de saúde priorizem as mulheres com mais idade, com melhor nível socioeconômico e que utilizam o setor privado de saúde durante o pré-natal.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la utilización y el efecto de algunas características maternas sobre el uso del sulfato ferroso entre puérperas, pertenecientes a cinco estudios perinatales del Municipio de Río Grande, estado de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Entre el 1er de enero al 31 de diciembre de los años 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 y 2019, entrevistadoras previamente entrenadas aplicaron, tras hasta 48 horas después del parto, estando todavía en el hospital, un cuestionario estandarizado a todas las puérperas residentes en este municipio, que dieron a luz en los dos únicos hospitales locales. Se investigaron características demográficas, socioeconómicas y cuidados recibidos durante la gestación y el parto. Se utilizó un test chi-cuadrado para comparar proporciones y regresión de Poisson con ajuste robusto de la varianza en el análisis multivariable. La medida de efecto utilizada fue la razón de prevalencias. Entre las 12.645 participantes (98,1% del total), 74,5% (IC95%: 74,7-76,2) utilizaron el sulfato ferroso durante la gestación. Esta prevalencia varió de un 61,7% (IC95%: 59,7-63,6) en 2007 a un 81,1% (IC95%: 79,5-82,7) en 2019 (valor de p para tendencia < 0,001). Tras el ajuste, se verificó que la suplementación con sulfato ferroso fue significativamente mayor entre gestantes adolescentes, de menor escolaridad (0-8 años), pertenecientes al menor cuartil de renta y, que realizaron un proceso prenatal considerado adecuado y lo hicieron en el sector público de salud (p < 0,05). Hubo una gran mejora en la prevalencia de uso de sulfato ferroso durante el período estudiado, no obstante, todavía falta alcanzar la equidad. Se recomienda que los profesionales de salud prioricen a las mujeres con más edad, con mejor nivel socioeconómico y las que utilizan el sector privado de salud durante el período prenatal.

Episiotomy in Southern Brazil: prevalence, trend, and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze the prevalence, trend, and factors associated with episiotomy in Rio Grande, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. METHODS: A single, standardized questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women, residents in the municipality of Rio Grande, who had children in local hospitals between January 1 and December 12 of the years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were investigated, as well as the assistance received during pregnancy and delivery. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used for multivariable analysis. Prevalence ratio (PR) was used as effect measure. RESULTS: Among the 12,645 births that occurred in the five years, 5,714 (45.2%) were vaginal delivery. Of these mothers, 2,930 (51.3%; 95%CI: 50.0%-52.6%) underwent episiotomy. Over this period, the episiotomy rate decreased from 70.9% (68.4-73.5) in 2007 to 19.4% (17.1-21.7) in 2019. Adjusted analysis showed a high PR of episiotomy occurrence among women who were young (PR = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.89-2.63), had higher education (PR = 1.21; 95%Cl: 1.03-1.42), had a higher family income (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.10-1.41), were primiparous (PR = 3.41; 95%CI: 2.95-3.95), had prenatal care in the private sector (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.07-1.46), had oxytocin-induced labor (PR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.09-1.27), underwent forceps (PR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.16-1.50), and whose newborn weighed 4,000 g or more (PR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.14-1.80). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of episiotomy fell sharply within the studied period, its occurrence is more likely among women at lower risk of birth complications.

Evolution of care during pregnancy and childbirth in the extreme south of Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the evolution of care during pregnancy and childbirth among postpartum women living in the municipality of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, using data from surveys carried out every three years between 2007 and 2019. METHODS: Within 48 hours after delivery, a single, standardized questionnaire was applied to all mothers who had children in local hospitals and met the inclusion criteria. Demographic and reproductive characteristics, lifestyle habits, socioeconomic level of the family, and care received during pregnancy and childbirth were investigated. In the analysis, the chi-square test for linear trend was used to assess the distribution of indicators per survey. RESULTS: A total of 12,645 parturients were interviewed (98% of the women eligible to participate in the surveys). In the period evaluated, the proportion of births fell 35% among adolescents and increased 25% among women aged 35 years and over. Mothers gained, on average, two years of schooling, and their families experienced an important economic improvement, followed by loss of income in the last survey. Maternal smoking, before and during pregnancy, fell by half. The rate of mothers who started prenatal care in the first trimester and the number of consultations and laboratory tests increased. Almost 60% of prenatal consultations and 80% of births took place in the Brazilian Unified Health System. In 2019, vaginal delivery was once again the most common. The rates of low birth weight (9%) and prematurity (17%) virtually remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: We found an important change in the reproductive profile and increased coverage of various prenatal care and delivery services. Children continue to be born well, but low birth weight and prematurity remain endemic.

Maternal mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2019 Rio Grande birth cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare measures of maternal depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a Brazilian birth cohort. METHODS: All hospital births occurring in the municipality of Rio Grande (southern Brazil) during 2019 were identified. Mothers were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Between May and July 2020, we tried to contact all cohort mothers of singletons, living in urban areas, to answer a standardized web-based questionnaire. They completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) in both follow-ups, and the Impact of Event Scale (IES) in the online follow-up. RESULTS: We located 1,136 eligible mothers (n=2,051). Of those, 40.5% had moderate to severe stress due to the current pandemic, 29.3% had depression, and 25.9% had GAD. Mothers reporting loss of income during the pandemic (57.2%) had the highest proportions of mental health problems. Compared to baseline, the prevalence of depression increased 5.7 fold and that of anxiety increased 2.4-fold during the pandemic (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of personal distress due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and a clear rise in both maternal depression and anxiety.

Urinary incontinence among pregnant women in Southern Brazil: A population-based cross-sectional survey.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition that causes significant harm to the well-being and quality of life of pregnant women. This cross-sectional population-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with the occurrence of UI during pregnancy in women living in the municipality of Rio Grande (RS), Southern Brazil, between January 1 and December 31 of 2016, and included all puerperae living in this municipality that had a child in one of the two local maternity hospitals. The previously trained interviewers used a single standardized questionnaire, within 48 hours after delivery to retrieve information on maternal demographic, behavioral and reproductive/obstetric history, as well as socioeconomic status of the household and care received during pregnancy and childbirth. The multivariate analysis followed a previously defined hierarchical model using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment and prevalence ratio (PR) as a measure of effect. As a result, 2,716 puerperae were identified, of which 2,694 (99.2%) participated in this study. The prevalence of urinary incontinence in the gestational period was 14.7% (95%CI: 13.4%-16.1%). After adjusted analysis, the likelihood of UI occurring varied significantly as per women's characteristics. For example, the PR for the occurrence of UI among women over 30 years of age was 2.05 (95% CI: 1.39-3.01) compared to adolescents. In two other groups of women who had their first pregnancy before the age of 20 or after the age of 30, the PR for UI was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.04-1.76) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.01-2.51), respectively, when compared to those who became pregnant for the first time between 20 and 29 years of age. Finally, in two other groups of women, namely, those who reached 90 kg and over at the end of pregnancy and those who performed regular physical exercise and reported frequent urinary urgency, the PR was 2.49 (95% CI: 1.74-3.57), and 2.90 (95% CI: 2.10-4.00) compared to those who did not exercise and did not report urinary urgency, respectively. The authors concluded that UI showed a high prevalence in the study population. The identified risk factors can be well administered at primary health care level. The recommendation of regular physical exercise in pregnancy must be reviewed and better investigated with more robust designs because of possible facilitators for the occurrence of UI in this period.

Using nasal steroids to treat nasal obstruction caused by adenoid hypertrophy: does it work?

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence for the usage of nasal steroids to improve symptoms of nasal airway obstruction in children with adenoidal hypertrophy. DATA SOURCES: Published studies indexed in the MEDLINE (1951 to 2008), EMBASE (1974 to 2008), and the Cochrane databases (Issue 3, 2008). REVIEW METHODS: Data from the included trials were extracted and trial quality was assessed. Meta-analysis was not applicable and data were summarized in a narrative format. Evidence from excluded studies was also discussed. RESULTS: Seven studies (six randomized controlled trials and one cohort study) met the inclusion criteria of the review, including a total of 493 patients. Six of these studies demonstrated significant efficacy of various nasal steroids (mometasone, beclomethasone, flunisolide) in improving nasal obstruction symptoms and in reducing adenoid size, as measured with symptom scores and fiber-optic nasopharyngeal endoscopy, respectively. The response appeared to be a group effect and may be maintained longer-term by continuing nasal steroids at a lower maintenance dose. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated with few minor adverse events. CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests that nasal steroids may significantly improve nasal obstruction symptoms in children with adenoid hypertrophy. This improvement appears to be associated with a reduction of adenoid size. Evidence of long-term efficacy is limited but suggests that in many children maintenance therapy is needed if symptom-relief is to persist. Further studies are required to support the use of nasal steroids as a first-line approach in these children.

Prenatal care in Southern Brazil: coverage, trend and disparities.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate coverage, examine trend and assess the disparity reduction regarding household income during prenatal care between mothers living in Rio Grande, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. METHODS: This study included all recent mothers living in this municipality, between 1/1 and 12/31 of those years, who had a child weighing more than 500 grams or 20 weeks of gestational age in one of the only two local maternity hospitals. Trained interviewers applied, still in the hospital and up to 48 hours after delivery, a unique and standardized questionnaire, seeking to investigate maternal demographic and reproductive characteristics, the socioeconomic conditions of the family and the assistance received during pregnancy and childbirth. To assess the adequacy of prenatal care, the criteria proposed by Takeda were used, which considers only the number of prenatal appointments and gestational age at initiation, and by Silveira et al., who in addition to these two variables, considers the achievement of some laboratory tests. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions and assess the linear trend. RESULTS: The total of 10,669 recent mothers were included in this survey (96.8% of the total). Prenatal coverage substantially increased between 2007 and 2016. According to Takeda, it rose from 69% to 80%, while for Silveira et al., it increased from 21% to 55%. This improvement occurred for all income groups (p < 0.01). The disparity between the extreme categories of income reduced, according to Takeda, and increased according to Silveira et al. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of prenatal care, considering only the number of appointments and the early start, occurred in greater proportion among the poorest. However, only the richest recent mothers were contemplated with more elaborate care, such as laboratory tests, which increased the disparities in the provision of prenatal care.

Intranasal corticosteroids for nasal airway obstruction in children with moderate to severe adenoidal hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Adenoidal hypertrophy is generally considered a common condition of childhood. When obstructive sleep apnoea or cardio-respiratory syndrome occurs, adenoidectomy is generally indicated. In less severe cases, non-surgical interventions may be considered, however few medical alternatives are currently available. Intranasal steroids may be used to reduce nasal airway obstruction. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of intranasal corticosteroids for improving nasal airway obstruction in children with moderate to severe adenoidal hypertrophy. SEARCH STRATEGY: Our search included the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2007), MEDLINE (1951 to 2007) and EMBASE (1974 to 2007). All searches were initially performed in May 2007 and updated in April 2008. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing intranasal corticosteroids with placebo or no intervention or other treatment in children aged 0-12 years with moderate to severe adenoidal hypertrophy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data from the included trials were extracted and trial quality was assessed by two authors independently. Meta-analysis was not applicable and data were summarised in a narrative format. MAIN RESULTS: Five randomised trials, including a total of 349 patients, met the inclusion criteria of the review. All trials except one showed significant efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids in improving nasal obstruction symptoms and in reducing adenoid size. The first eight-week cross-over study showed that treatment with beclomethasone (336 micrograms/day) yielded a greater improvement in mean symptom scores than placebo (-18.5 vs. -8.5, P < 0.05) and a larger reduction in mean adenoid/choana ratio than placebo (right, -14% vs. +0.4%, p=0.002; left, -15% vs. -2.0%, p=0.0006) between week 0 and week 4. The second four-week cross-over study demonstrated that the nasal obstruction index decreased by at least 50% from baseline in 38% of patients treated with beclomethasone (400 micrograms/day) between week 0 and week 2, whereas none of the patients treated with placebo had such improvement (p<0.01). The third randomized, parallel-group trial showed that 77.7% of patients treated with mometasone (100 micrograms/day) for 40 days demonstrated an improvement in nasal obstruction symptoms and a decrease in adenoid size, such that adenoidectomy could be avoided, whereas no significant improvement was observed in the placebo group. The fourth randomized, parallel-group trial showed that eight-weeks of treatment with flunisolide (500 micrograms/day) was associated with a lager reduction in adenoid size than isotonic saline solution (p<0.05). In contrast, one randomised, parallel-group trial did not find significant improvement in nasal obstruction symptoms and adenoid size after eight weeks of treatment with beclomethasone (200 micrograms/day). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence suggests that intranasal corticosteroids may significantly improve nasal obstruction symptoms in children with moderate to severe adenoidal hypertrophy, and this improvement may be associated with a reduction of adenoid size. The long-term effect of intranasal corticosteroids in these patients remains to be defined.

[Self-reported vaginal discharge among pregnant women in an urban area in Southern Brazil: prevalence and associated factors]. / Corrimento vaginal referido entre gestantes em localidade urbana no Sul do Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with self-reported vaginal discharge among pregnant women in the city of Rio Grande, South Brazil. Using a cross-sectional design, a standard interview was applied to pregnant women at home by previously trained interviewers, covering the following: demographic, reproductive, and socioeconomic data, household conditions, health care, and illnesses during pregnancy, including vaginal discharge. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and Poisson regression was used in the multivariate analysis. Among the 339 pregnant women interviewed, 52% reported vaginal discharge. The following variables were significantly associated with the outcome: age (prevalence rate, PR = 1.49), marital status (PR = 1.31), urinary tract infection (PR = 1.56), hyperglycemia (PR = 1.48), use of an intrauterine device (PR = 2.35), and history of preterm delivery (PR = 1.37), with oral contraception showing a protective effect (PR = 0.79). Prevalence of self-reported discharge was high among this group of pregnant women. Several risk factors were also identified for the disease under study. These findings can contribute to the implementation of preventive interventions.

[Health care during pregnancy and childbirth: results of two cross-sectional surveys in poor areas of North and Northeast Brazil]. / Assistência à gestação e ao parto: resultados de dois estudos transversais em áreas pobres das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil.

In 2002 and 2005, two surveys were conducted in poor areas of North and Northeast Brazil to evaluate prenatal care received by mothers of children under five years old. The study covered 1,528 and 1,529 children in 2002 and 2005, respectively. In this three-year period, maternal schooling and monthly family income increased by 1.5 years and US$ 50.00, respectively, availability of safe drinking water increased from 23% to 41%, the proportion of pregnant woman with six or more prenatal visits increased from 42% to 52%, and immunization against neonatal tetanus increased from 54% to 77%. Coverage of uterine height evaluation increased from 54% to 77%. Testing for HIV and syphilis virtually doubled, from 8% to 16%. Meanwhile, gynecological examinations dropped from 41% to 31% and counseling for breastfeeding decreased from 66% to 55%. Despite improvements, the study's results show that the target indicators in these areas fall short of those in more developed regions of Brazil. Efforts should be made to reduce this gap.

Acute lower respiratory illness in under-five children in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: prevalence and risk factors.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acute lower respiratory illness and to identify associated factors among children less than five years of age in the city of Rio Grande, southern Brazil. Using a cross-sectional survey, a standardized household questionnaire was applied to mothers or guardians. Information was collected on household conditions, socioeconomic status, and parental smoking. Prenatal care attendance, nutritional status, breastfeeding pattern, and use of health services for the children were also investigated. Data analysis was based on prevalence ratios and logistic regression, using a conceptual framework. Among 771 children studied, 23.9% presented acute lower respiratory illness. The main risk factors were previous episodes of acute lower respiratory infection or wheezing, crowding, maternal schooling less than five years, monthly family income less than US$ 200, four or more people per room, asthma in family members, and maternal smoking. Mothers 30 years or older were identified as a protective factor. These results can help define specific measures to reduce morbidity and mortality due to acute lower respiratory illness in this setting.

Inequalities in multimorbidity among elderly: a population-based study in a city in Southern Brazil.

Lower socioeconomic level is positively related to multimorbidity and it is possible that the clustering of health conditions carries the same association. The aim of this study was to identify prevalence of multimorbidity and clusters of health conditions among elderly, as well the underlying socioeconomic inequalities. This was a cross-sectional population-based study carried out with 60-year-old individuals. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of 2+, 3+, 4+ or 5+ health conditions in the same individual. Schooling levels and the National Economic Index were used to investigate inequalities in the prevalence of multimorbidities among elderly. Slope and concentration indexes of inequality were used to evaluate absolute and relative differences. A factorial analysis was performed to identify disease clusters. In every ten older adults, about nine, eight, seven and six presented, respectvely, 2+, 3+, 4+ and 5+ health conditions. Three clusters of health conditions were found, involving musculoskeletal/mental/functional disorders, cardiometabolic, and respiratory factors. Higher inequalities were found the higher amount of health conditions (5+), when considering economic level, and for 3+, 4+ and 5+, when considering educational level. These findings show high multimorbidity prevalence among elderly, highlighting the persistence of health inequalities in Southern Brazil. Strategies by the health services need to focus on elderly at lower socioeconomic levels.

[Evaluation of knowledge on prenatal care and pregnancy risk among women living in a peripheral area of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Avaliando o conhecimento sobre pré-natal e situações de risco à gravidez entre gestantes residentes na periferia da cidade de Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

The aim of this study was to assess knowledge on prenatal care and pregnancy risk among women in poor neighborhoods in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data were collected using a cross-sectional design. A standard questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women from poor neighborhoods. Trained interviewers visited these women at home, covering demographic, socioeconomic, and reproductive data and knowledge concerning prenatal care and pregnancy risk factors. A total of 367 pregnant women were interviewed using non-random sampling. Except for urine tests and HIV testing, spontaneously reported as necessary, other procedures were reported by no more than 30% of the women. Digital vaginal examination, clinical breast examination, and Pap smear were reported by a maximum of 7% of the women. Only two-thirds felt that vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain were serious signs during gestation. Other signs and symptoms were reported by a maximum of one-third of the women. In conclusion, knowledge of prenatal tests and situations indicating serious risk fell far short of the desired levels. Improving this level of information in pregnant women could help reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

Episiotomy in Southern Brazil: prevalence, trend, and associated factors

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify and analyze the prevalence, trend, and factors associated with episiotomy in Rio Grande, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. METHODS A single, standardized questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women, residents in the municipality of Rio Grande, who had children in local hospitals between January 1 and December 12 of the years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were investigated, as well as the assistance received during pregnancy and delivery. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used for multivariable analysis. Prevalence ratio (PR) was used as effect measure. RESULTS Among the 12,645 births that occurred in the five years, 5,714 (45.2%) were vaginal delivery. Of these mothers, 2,930 (51.3%; 95%CI: 50.0%-52.6%) underwent episiotomy. Over this period, the episiotomy rate decreased from 70.9% (68.4-73.5) in 2007 to 19.4% (17.1-21.7) in 2019. Adjusted analysis showed a high PR of episiotomy occurrence among women who were young (PR = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.89-2.63), had higher education (PR = 1.21; 95%Cl: 1.03-1.42), had a higher family income (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.10-1.41), were primiparous (PR = 3.41; 95%CI: 2.95-3.95), had prenatal care in the private sector (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.07-1.46), had oxytocin-induced labor (PR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.09-1.27), underwent forceps (PR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.16-1.50), and whose newborn weighed 4,000 g or more (PR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.14-1.80). CONCLUSION Although the prevalence of episiotomy fell sharply within the studied period, its occurrence is more likely among women at lower risk of birth complications.

Basic indicators of child health in an urban area in southern Brazil: estimating prevalence rates and evaluating differentials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare basic indicators of the health of children under 5 years old in the urban area of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil, for 1995 and 2004. METHODS: Two cross-sectional population studies were carried out in the city. Interviewers were previously trained and applied standardized questionnaires during visits to families with children under 5 years old. The following variables were investigated: family income, maternal education, type of construction of home (wooden/masonry etc.), availability of toilet, running water, sewage system and domestic appliances. Data collected on the children themselves included number of antenatal consultations and age at first antenatal, type of delivery and medical care received during delivery, breastfeeding and dietary patterns, morbidity and health services utilization. Children were weighed and measured for height/length. Comparisons of frequencies between the two datasets were made using the chi-square test. RESULTS: In 1995, 395 children were studied and in 2004 there were 384. During the intervening period improvements had taken place in type of construction, number of homes with flush toilet, the availability of running water and in breastfeeding pattern and duration. The frequency of diarrhea reduced, while rates of basic vaccination coverage, growth monitoring, patients in possession of their own medical cards and reporting of birth weights all increased. There was a deterioration in families' purchasing power and in the mean number of antenatal consultations. The prevalence of childhood obesity increased by 92%, while the incidence of malnutrition remained practically unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing health indicators from the two periods revealed that, in addition to improvements in the majority of the indicators assessed, there had been a substantial increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Evolution of care during pregnancy and childbirth in the extreme south of Brazil / Evolução da assistência à gestação e ao parto no extremo sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To describe the evolution of care during pregnancy and childbirth among postpartum women living in the municipality of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, using data from surveys carried out every three years between 2007 and 2019. METHODS Within 48 hours after delivery, a single, standardized questionnaire was applied to all mothers who had children in local hospitals and met the inclusion criteria. Demographic and reproductive characteristics, lifestyle habits, socioeconomic level of the family, and care received during pregnancy and childbirth were investigated. In the analysis, the chi-square test for linear trend was used to assess the distribution of indicators per survey. RESULTS A total of 12,645 parturients were interviewed (98% of the women eligible to participate in the surveys). In the period evaluated, the proportion of births fell 35% among adolescents and increased 25% among women aged 35 years and over. Mothers gained, on average, two years of schooling, and their families experienced an important economic improvement, followed by loss of income in the last survey. Maternal smoking, before and during pregnancy, fell by half. The rate of mothers who started prenatal care in the first trimester and the number of consultations and laboratory tests increased. Almost 60% of prenatal consultations and 80% of births took place in the Brazilian Unified Health System. In 2019, vaginal delivery was once again the most common. The rates of low birth weight (9%) and prematurity (17%) virtually remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS We found an important change in the reproductive profile and increased coverage of various prenatal care and delivery services. Children continue to be born well, but low birth weight and prematurity remain endemic.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever a evolução da assistência à gestação e ao parto entre puérperas residentes no município de Rio Grande (RS) utilizando dados de inquéritos realizados a cada três anos, entre 2007 e 2019. MÉTODOS Em até 48 horas após o parto foi aplicado questionário único, padronizado, a todas as mães que tiveram filhos nos hospitais locais e cumpriram os critérios de inclusão. Foram investigadas características demográficas e reprodutivas, hábitos de vida, nível socioeconômico da família e cuidados recebidos durante a gestação e o parto. Na análise, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado de tendência linear para avaliar a distribuição dos indicadores por inquérito. RESULTADOS Ao todo, 12.645 parturientes foram entrevistadas (98% do total de mulheres aptas a participar da pesquisa). No período avaliado, a proporção de partos caiu 35% entre adolescentes e aumentou 25% entre mulheres com 35 anos ou mais. As mães ganharam, em média, dois anos de escolaridade, e suas famílias tiveram importante melhora econômica, seguida, porém, de perda de renda no último inquérito. O tabagismo materno, antes e durante a gravidez, caiu à metade. Houve aumento na taxa de mães que iniciaram o pré-natal no primeiro trimestre, e aumentou também o número de consultas e de testes laboratoriais. Quase 60% das consultas de pré-natal e 80% dos partos ocorreram no Sistema Único de Saúde. Em 2019, o parto vaginal voltou a ser o mais comum. As taxas de baixo peso ao nascer (9%) e prematuridade (17%) praticamente não se modificaram. CONCLUSÕES Houve mudança importante no perfil reprodutivo e aumento da cobertura de diversos serviços de assistência pré-natal e parto. As crianças seguem nascendo bem, mas o baixo peso ao nascer e a prematuridade continuam endêmicos.