Evaluation of the implementation of the directly observed treatment strategy for tuberculosis in a large city.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS for tuberculosis (TB) in a large city. METHOD: Assessment of the implementation of the logic model, whose new cases of infectious pulmonary TB were recruited from specialized clinics and followed-up in basic health units. The judgment matrix covering the five components of the DOTS strategy were used. RESULTS: The result of the logic model indicates DOTS was partially implemented. In external, organizational and implementation contexts, the DOTS strategy was partially implemented; and, the effectiveness was not implemented. CONCLUSION: The partial implementation of the DOTS strategy in the city of Manaus did not reflect in TB control compliance, leading to low effectiveness of the program. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de implantação da estratégia de tratamento diretamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) para tuberculose (TB) em um município de grande porte. MÉTODO: Avaliação de implantação por meio de modelo lógico, cujos casos novos de TB pulmonar bacilífera foram recrutados em ambulatórios especializados e acompanhados nas unidades básicas de saúde. Utilizou-se matriz de julgamento que abrange os cinco componentes da estratégia DOTS. RESULTADOS: O resultado do modelo lógico indica DOTS implantada parcialmente. Nos contextos externo, organizacional e de implantação, a estratégia DOTS está implantada parcialmente; e, na efetividade não está implantada. CONCLUSÃO: A implantação parcial da estratégia DOTS, na cidade de Manaus, reflete na não conformidade do controle da TB, levando à baixa efetividade do programa.

Histoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients in Amazonas, Northern Brazil.

Histoplasmosis is commonly observed in AIDS patients as a neglected opportunistic disease that has an important relationship with environmental factors. The present study described the clinical characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis in a tertiary healthcare facility in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, and evaluated the patients' homes and urban environmental samples as a source of exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum. A review of medical records from 2017 to 2019 of patients with HIV/AIDS associated with histoplasmosis was carried out, as well as the collection of environmental samples in the homes of these patients. These samples were subjected to DNA extraction and then subjected to qPCR. A total of 62 patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and histoplasmosis were identified, which corresponds to 4.5% (n = 62/1372) of the HIV/AIDS cases detected in the period. Of these, 68% (n = 42/62) were male, with a mean age of 36 years and low education. In 47% (n = 29/62) of the cases, the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and histoplasmosis occurred simultaneously. Mortality was 45% (n = 28/62), and 68% (n = 42/62) of these patients did not regularly use highly active antiretroviral therapy. The main symptoms found were respiratory, gastrointestinal, and weight loss, and in 81% (n = 50/62), the place of residence was in an urban area. A total of 57 environmental samples were analyzed, and the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum was not detected in any of the analyzed samples. There was a high mortality rate in the studied group of patients with AIDS and histoplasmosis. Most patients reported residing in urban areas of Manaus, with no history of travel to other areas previously known as being high risk for histoplasmosis.

[Care accessibility and availability for hypertensive patients in primary health care in a remote rural municipality in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, 2019]. / Acessibilidade e disponibilidade de oferta para o cuidado ao hipertenso na atenção primária à saúde em município rural remoto, Amazonas, Brasil, 2019.

This single-case study aimed to evaluate access the geographic accessibility and availability of primary health care (PHC) in a remote rural municipality in Amazonas Stater, Brazil, to control systemic arterial hypertension. A thematic analysis was conducted to interpret the content of 11 semi-structured interviews with municipal managers, PHC professionals, and hypertensive healthcare users. Geographical accessibility is associated with river mobility, transportation availability, users' financial travelling condition, and the presence of services near riverine communities, whereas availability to diagnose and monitor hypertensive patients depend on the presence of healthcare providers, medications, and equipment and the integration of PHC with the local health care network. Although access to health is more complex than our research goals, the evaluated dimensions show weaknesses which are exacerbated by a context marked by socio-spatial disparities and absent public policies, compromising the guarantee of individuals' right to health.

Estudo de caso único com objetivo de compreender o acesso à atenção primária à saúde (APS) em relação à acessibilidade geográfica e disponibilidade em um município rural remoto do Amazonas, Brasil, para o cuidado à saúde voltado ao controle da hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Realizou-se a análise temática como método de interpretação do conteúdo das 11 entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com gestores municipais, profissionais da APS e usuários hipertensos. A acessibilidade geográfica está condicionada à mobilidade fluvial, disponibilidade de transporte, condição financeira dos usuários para deslocamento e presença dos serviços nas comunidades ribeirinhas. Na disponibilidade, a existência de profissionais de saúde, medicamentos, equipamentos e a integração da APS com a Rede de Atenção à Saúde refletem na oportunidade de diagnóstico e acompanhamento dos hipertensos. Não obstante o acesso à saúde seja mais complexo, as dimensões avaliadas mostram fragilidades exacerbadas pelo contexto marcado por disparidades socioespaciais e ausência de políticas públicas, comprometendo a garantia do direito à saúde.

Este es un estudio de caso único con el objetivo de comprender el acceso a la atención primaria de salud (APS) en cuanto a la accesibilidad geográfica y la disponibilidad de asistencia en salud dirigida al control de la hipertensión arterial sistémica en un municipio rural lejano de Amazonas, Brasil. Se realizó un análisis temático para interpretar el contenido de 11 entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas con gestores municipales, profesionales de la APS y usuarios hipertensos. La accesibilidad geográfica estuvo condicionada por la movilidad fluvial, la disponibilidad de transporte, la condición económica de los usuarios para el desplazamiento y la presencia de servicios en las comunidades ribereñas. En términos de disponibilidad, la existencia de profesionales de salud, medicamentos, equipos y la integración de la APS con la Red de Atención de Salud reflejan la oportunidad para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes hipertensos. A pesar de ser complejo el acceso a la salud, las dimensiones evaluadas muestran graves debilidades en un contexto marcado por disparidades socioespaciales y la ausencia de políticas públicas, lo que compromete la garantía del derecho a la salud.

Malaria in indigenous and non-indigenous patients aged under 15 years between 2007-2018, Amazonas state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a serious problem in children because the immune system is less developed, thus, causing more severe symptoms. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malaria in indigenous and non-indigenous patients aged under 15 years in Amazonas, Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. METHODS: An epidemiological, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Cases included patients aged under 15 years, using data from health system notifications between 2007 and 2018 in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The variables included clinical-epidemiological, laboratory findings, and monitoring of cases. The outcome was ethnicity: indigenous, non-indigenous, and entries for which no ethnicity data were provided. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to compare the indigenous and non-indigenous populations. RESULTS: Among malaria cases in patients aged under 15 years, there was a greater chance of being indigenous and having the following associated factors: female sex, children aged 0-4 years, passive case surveillance, a high load of parasitemia and the lack of data regarding the level of parasitemia, Plasmodium falciparum infections were more frequent, and timeliness of treatment, i.e., the interval between the onset of symptoms and time of treatment was within 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with malaria are more frequent in indigenous populations and highlight differences according to ethnicity, suggesting that the severity of the disease is attributable to the increased number of malarial infections within this population. As a result, malaria has a greater impact on the health of indigenous people.

[Family health nurse in the Amazon: concepts and management of themes regarding alcohol use]. / Enfermeiro de Saúde da Família na Amazônia: conceitos e manejo na temática do uso de álcool.

The objective of this study is to identify the concept that nurses in the Amazon have on alcohol abuse and the forms used for management. Focal group and individual interviews were performed with all nurses of twelve family health teams from a city in the Amazon. It was observed there was a lack of university degrees, continuing education and of support/reference - counter - reference towards the dimension of alcohol use in the studied population. There is need to reform nursing courses and perform continuing education for family health team members, and provide them with the necessary support regarding this important theme and its consequences, for individuals and their families, as well as for the society as a whole.

Hematological Profile of Pregnant Women with Suspected Zika Virus Infection Followed Up at a Referral Service in Manaus, Brazil.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the hematological profile of pregnant women with suspected Zika virus (ZIKV) infection followed up at a reference service for infectious diseases in Manaus, Brazil, through a clinical, epidemiological, cross-sectional study of pregnant women with an exanthematic manifestation who looked for care between 2015 and 2017. The participants were 499 pregnant women, classified into four subgroups, according to laboratory confirmation of infections: ZIKV-positive; ZIKV-positive and positive for another infection; positive for another infection but not ZIKV-positive; and not positive for any of the infections investigated. Hematological parameters were analyzed descriptively. The association between maternal infection and the hematological profile, along with the association between the maternal hematological profile and the gestational outcome, were tested. Similar hematic and platelet parameters were observed among pregnant women. However, a significant association was observed between low maternal lymphocyte count and a positive diagnosis for ZIKV (p < 0.001). The increase in maternal platelet count and the occurrence of unfavorable gestational outcome were positively associated. A similar hematic and platelet profile was identified among pregnant women, differing only in the low lymphocyte count among ZIKV-positive pregnant women. Regarding gestational outcomes, in addition to the damage caused by ZIKV infection, altered maternal platelets may lead to unfavorable outcomes, with the need for adequate follow-up during prenatal care.

Factors associated with malaria in indigenous populations: A retrospective study from 2007 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil malaria is most frequent in the Amazon region, mainly in the Amazonas state, where it is found the most proportion of indigenous people of the whole country. It is remarkable publications about malaria in the Amazon, although information on malaria in indigenous populations is still poorly explored. OBJECTIVE: Identify factors associated with malaria in indigenous populations. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of positive cases of malaria in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2007 to 2016. Secondary data were obtained from the Epidemiological Surveillance Information System for Malaria and from the Mortality Information System, both from Brazil. To tackle with race missing data, cases with no race fulfilled were classified according to the probable location where infection occurred. This way, was imputed indigenous race for those which the probable infection location was indigenous village (aldeia). Variables tested with race were: sex, age, schooling, microscope surveillance slide type, parasitic infection species, parasitemia level, and timeliness of treatment. Multivariate logistic regression was used. RESULTS: A total of 1,055,852 cases of malaria were notified in the state of Amazonas. Among the factors that associate malaria and indigenous peoples, the most significant were sex, children and high levels of parasitemia. The magnitude of Plasmodium vivax infection is higher than Plasmodium falciparum, although this parasite was more frequent in indigenous than other races. In regards to mortality, 109 deaths were registered, most of them related to P. vivax. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the importance of look at indigenous people differently of other races. The associated factors highlight a profile of cases severity, because of highest parasitemia, many cases of P. falciparum although high frequency of P. vivax, and children. Furthermore, the mortality in indigenous, specially in older people is worrying.

Care coordination and longitudinality in primary health care in the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the attributes of primary health care, care coordination and longitudinality, from the perception of the professional and patients in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: quantitative evaluative study, in which was used an external evaluation instrument with 469 professionals and 1,888 patients from 367 primary health care facilities that adhered to the Program for Improving Access and Quality of primary health care (Portuguese acronym: PMAQ) standardized by the Ministry of Health. Data were grouped by multivariate cluster analysis in order to find a classification of primary health care from the perspective of professionals and patients. RESULTS: the attributes of coordination and longitudinality are still expressed in a weak and undeveloped way in the Brazilian Amazon scenario. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary to recognize the organizational barriers and what could promote conditions for the performance of health care teams in the perspective of a continuous, integral and coordinated care.

American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the Brazilian Amazon from 2010 to 2014.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is one of the most important but neglected infectious diseases, and can cause severe deformities. ATL incidence remains high in forest regions, such as in the Amazonas State, Brazil. However, differences within the State and over time have been observed, since infection patterns are not homogeneous, and these aspects need to be clarified. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological profile of ATL and its spatial and temporal distribution in the Brazilian Amazon, from 2010 to 2014. Data were extracted from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, which descriptively evaluates the incidence rate, as well as the temporal and spatial distribution of the disease. The highest prevalence of ATL was found in men and in the age group of 20-40 years. Approximately 95% of the cases were of cutaneous ATL and they were identified through direct examination. The spatial analysis has shown that ATL was widely distributed, both in rural and urban areas, and more concentrated in the Southern part of the State. Moreover, although there was an expansion in the spatial distribution and an increasing incidence of ATL in Amazonas, the epidemiological profile remained unchanged, suggesting that other factors must be responsible for its widespread distribution and increasing incidence.

[Visceral leishmaniasis and its relationship with climate and environmental factors in the State of Tocantins, Brazil, from 2007 to 2014]. / Leishmaniose visceral e sua relação com fatores climáticos e ambientais no Estado do Tocantins, Brasil, 2007 a 2014.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) may be influenced by climate and environmental factors. Tocantins is the state with the highest incidence in Brazil, contributing to the increase in the number of cases in the North macro-region. This study seeks to identify the correlation between VL incidence rates and climate and environmental factors in the municipalities of the State of Tocantins between 2007 and 2014. Correlations between crude VL incidence rates and the variables elevation, precipitation, Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and temperature were tested using the Global and Local Moran Indexes, while also identifying clusters of VL incidence. We tested a variance analysis for linear trend between variable means in each rate category. Results show an increase in incidence rates with an increase in values of annual precipitation, humidity, EVI and nighttime temperature; and an inverse relationship with elevation and daytime temperature. The clusters we identified show that climate and environmental variables are related to VL incidence. Other studies are needed that adjust for individual-related factors in order to gauge how much the environment, or human influence over it, impact the disease.

Organization of health services for tuberculosis case diagnosis and treatment in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, 2014. / Organização dos serviços de saúde para o diagnóstico e tratamento dos casos de tuberculose em Manaus, Amazonas, 2014.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the organization of health services for tuberculosis case diagnosis and treatment in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: this was a descriptive study of 156 new tuberculosis cases diagnosed and residing in Manaus in 2014, characterized according to socioeconomic, demographic, health-disease process aspects, relationship with health services and treatment outcome, by administering individual questionnaires in the 1st and 6st months of treatment. RESULTS: some 70% of cases were diagnosed at the tuberculosis reference center; most of the cases were unaware that there was a community health agent in their neighborhood; regarding treatment follow-up, 55.3% had to join an appointment waiting list; only 67.3% of cases were monitored by the same professional throughout entire treatment. CONCLUSION: the findings indicate presence of barriers to case diagnosis and treatment, both in the referral center and also in primary healthcare units.

Acessibilidade e disponibilidade de oferta para o cuidado ao hipertenso na atenção primária à saúde em município rural remoto, Amazonas, Brasil, 2019 / Care accessibility and availability for hypertensive patients in primary health care in a remote rural municipality in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, 2019 / Accesibilidad y disponibilidad de asistencia para pacientes hipertensos en la atención primaria de salud en un municipio rural lejano, Amazonas, Brasil, 2019

Estudo de caso único com objetivo de compreender o acesso à atenção primária à saúde (APS) em relação à acessibilidade geográfica e disponibilidade em um município rural remoto do Amazonas, Brasil, para o cuidado à saúde voltado ao controle da hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Realizou-se a análise temática como método de interpretação do conteúdo das 11 entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com gestores municipais, profissionais da APS e usuários hipertensos. A acessibilidade geográfica está condicionada à mobilidade fluvial, disponibilidade de transporte, condição financeira dos usuários para deslocamento e presença dos serviços nas comunidades ribeirinhas. Na disponibilidade, a existência de profissionais de saúde, medicamentos, equipamentos e a integração da APS com a Rede de Atenção à Saúde refletem na oportunidade de diagnóstico e acompanhamento dos hipertensos. Não obstante o acesso à saúde seja mais complexo, as dimensões avaliadas mostram fragilidades exacerbadas pelo contexto marcado por disparidades socioespaciais e ausência de políticas públicas, comprometendo a garantia do direito à saúde.

This single-case study aimed to evaluate access the geographic accessibility and availability of primary health care (PHC) in a remote rural municipality in Amazonas Stater, Brazil, to control systemic arterial hypertension. A thematic analysis was conducted to interpret the content of 11 semi-structured interviews with municipal managers, PHC professionals, and hypertensive healthcare users. Geographical accessibility is associated with river mobility, transportation availability, users' financial travelling condition, and the presence of services near riverine communities, whereas availability to diagnose and monitor hypertensive patients depend on the presence of healthcare providers, medications, and equipment and the integration of PHC with the local health care network. Although access to health is more complex than our research goals, the evaluated dimensions show weaknesses which are exacerbated by a context marked by socio-spatial disparities and absent public policies, compromising the guarantee of individuals' right to health.

Este es un estudio de caso único con el objetivo de comprender el acceso a la atención primaria de salud (APS) en cuanto a la accesibilidad geográfica y la disponibilidad de asistencia en salud dirigida al control de la hipertensión arterial sistémica en un municipio rural lejano de Amazonas, Brasil. Se realizó un análisis temático para interpretar el contenido de 11 entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas con gestores municipales, profesionales de la APS y usuarios hipertensos. La accesibilidad geográfica estuvo condicionada por la movilidad fluvial, la disponibilidad de transporte, la condición económica de los usuarios para el desplazamiento y la presencia de servicios en las comunidades ribereñas. En términos de disponibilidad, la existencia de profesionales de salud, medicamentos, equipos y la integración de la APS con la Red de Atención de Salud reflejan la oportunidad para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes hipertensos. A pesar de ser complejo el acceso a la salud, las dimensiones evaluadas muestran graves debilidades en un contexto marcado por disparidades socioespaciales y la ausencia de políticas públicas, lo que compromete la garantía del derecho a la salud.

[Tuberculosis morbidity and effectiveness of the control program in Brazilian municipalities, 2001-2003]. / Morbidade por tuberculose e desempenho do programa de controle em municípios brasileiros, 2001-2003.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze Brazilian municipalities according to morbidity and effectiveness of epidemiological inspection control of tuberculosis and AIDS. METHODS: Exploratory analysis of two non-hierarchical data clusters of epidemiological inspection data on tuberculosis and AIDS, and operational indicators of the Programa Nacional de Controle de Tuberculose (National Tuberculosis Control Program), from 2001 to 2003. The distribution was stratified in metropolitan areas and priority municipalities, according to the size of the population. The association between morbidity clusters and effectiveness was evaluated by the Chi-square test, with analysis of residues in order to identify significant associations. RESULTS: Out of the five morbidity clusters, the concerning epidemiological situation occurs in municipalities with high incidence of Aids, with high or low incidence of tuberculosis, prevailing in the Southeast and South of Brazil and larger cities. Out of the six program effectiveness clusters, moderate and average effectiveness are significantly associated to priority municipalities, in metropolitan areas with more than 80 thousand inhabitants. Clusters with average and poor effectiveness represent 10% of municipalities with elevated treatment drop out and low rates of cure. The "no data" cluster is associated with the very low incidence of tuberculosis and AIDS cluster. CONCLUSIONS: The findings reflect inadequacy of inspection concerning the epidemiological reality in Brazil: precarious social factors associated with tuberculosis and AIDS and insufficient effectiveness of the control program.

Implantação do protocolo de vigilância do óbito com menção de tuberculose e seus efeitos na vigilância de um município brasileiro de grande porte / Implementation of a protocol for surveillance of deaths with mention of tuberculosis and the effects on surveillance in a large Brazilian city / Implantación del protocolo de vigilancia de óbitos con mención de tuberculosis y sus efectos en la vigilancia de un municipio brasileño de gran tamaño

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de implantação e de impacto do protocolo de vigilância do óbito por tuberculose (TB) em um município de grande porte e com elevada carga de TB. Para esta pesquisa avaliativa, elaborou-se um modelo lógico e matriz de julgamento. Os dados primários foram coletados a partir de um questionário aplicado aos profissionais e os dados secundários foram obtidos na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. O impacto da adoção do protocolo foi analisado pelos indicadores de resultados e a evolução das taxas de incidência e mortalidade por TB, a partir da regressão linear simples e variação percentual. O grau de implantação da vigilância do óbito com menção de TB identificado foi parcial (51%). Quanto à evolução dos indicadores de incidência e mortalidade por TB, observou-se tendência significativa de aumento da taxa da incidência de TB no período de 2006 a 2019. A mortalidade por TB e a proporção dos óbitos com confirmação laboratorial para TB apresentaram incremento após a implantação do protocolo, indicando aumento da vigilância. A implantação parcial da vigilância do óbito de TB indica necessidades de mudanças no processo de trabalho da equipe que gerencia o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e o Programa de Controle da TB municipal. As mudanças observadas demonstram mais qualificação das informações do óbito por TB, assim como a vigilância no diagnóstico da TB contribuiu para a definição de casos com confirmação laboratorial para TB.

The study aimed to assess the degree of implementation and impact of the protocol for surveillance of deaths from tuberculosis (TB) in a large city with a high TB burden. For this evaluative study, a log frame model with a assessment matrix was elaborated. Primary data were collected with a questionnaire applied to healthcare workers, and secondary data were obtained from the Manaus Municipal Health Department, Amazonas State, Brazil. The impact of the protocol's adoption was analyzed according to the indicators of results and evolution of TB incidence and mortality rates based on simple linear regression and percent change. The degree of implementation of surveillance of deaths with mention of TB was partial (51%). Evolution of TB incidence and mortality showed a significant upward trend in TB incidence from 2006 to 2019. TB mortality and the proportion of deaths with laboratory confirmation of TB showed an increase in the protocol's implementation, indicating an increase in surveillance. Partial implementation of TB mortality surveillance suggests the need for changes in the work processes of the team managing the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Municipal TB Control Program. The changes demonstrate improvement of information on TB deaths and the contribution of surveillance of TB diagnosis to definition of cases with TB laboratory confirmation.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el grado de implantación y de impacto del Protocolo de vigilancia de óbitos por tuberculosis (TB) en un municipio de gran tamaño y con elevada carga de TB. Para esta investigación evaluativa se elaboró un modelo lógico, así como una matriz de juicio. Los datos primarios se recogieron a partir de un cuestionario aplicado a profesionales y los datos secundarios se obtuvieron de la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Manaos, Amazonas, Brasil. El impacto de la adopción del protocolo se analizó mediante indicadores de resultados, así como la evolución de las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad por TB, a partir de una regresión lineal simple y variación porcentual. El grado de implantación de la vigilancia del óbito con mención de TB identificado fue parcial (51%). En cuanto a la evolución de los indicadores de incidencia y mortalidad por TB, se observó una tendencia significativa de aumento de la tasa de la incidencia de TB en el período de 2006 a 2019. La mortalidad por TB, así como la proporción de los óbitos con confirmación de laboratorio para TB presentaron un incremento tras la implantación del protocolo, indicando un aumento de la vigilancia. La implantación parcial de la vigilancia de óbitos por TB indica que son necesarios cambios en el proceso de trabajo del equipo que gestiona el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad y el Programa de Control de la TB municipal. Los cambios observados demuestran más cualificación respecto a la información del óbito por TB, así como la conclusión de que vigilancia en el diagnóstico de la TB contribuyó a la definición de casos con confirmación de TB por parte de laboratorios.

Changes in the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil from 2001 to 2014.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease, with territorial expansion and regional differences in Brazil that require explanation. This study aimed to describe changes in the epidemiology of VL in Brazil from 2001 to 2014. METHODS: The incidence rates, sociodemographic and clinical data, and case evolution were subgrouped from 2001 to 2006 and from 2007 to 2014 and presented descriptively. Spatial distribution of disease incidence rates and changes in the spatial and temporal pattern were examined. RESULTS: In total, 47,859 VL cases were reported in Brazil between 2001 and 2014, with predominance in the Northeast macroregion (55%), though the incidence rate in this region declined between the two study periods. The State of Tocantins had the highest crude rate (26.2/100,000 inhabitants), which was responsible for VL increasing in the North macroregion. VL predominated in the urban zone (70%), in children under 4 years (34%); however, an increase in the incidence of VL in adults older than 40 years was identified, with 12.3% and 31% in the first and second period, respectively. The mapping of crude rates and autochthonous canine cases showed territorial expansion. The temporal distribution of VL was consistent in Brazil in general, with no pattern observed, but regional differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VL is increasing in Brazil. In addition to the State of Tocantins, which had the highest rate, new outbreaks of VL have occurred in the South macroregion of Brazil with small decreases identified in the incidence rate in the Northeast.

Malaria in indigenous and non-indigenous patients aged under 15 years between 2007-2018, Amazonas state, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria is a serious problem in children because the immune system is less developed, thus, causing more severe symptoms. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malaria in indigenous and non-indigenous patients aged under 15 years in Amazonas, Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. Methods: An epidemiological, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Cases included patients aged under 15 years, using data from health system notifications between 2007 and 2018 in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The variables included clinical-epidemiological, laboratory findings, and monitoring of cases. The outcome was ethnicity: indigenous, non-indigenous, and entries for which no ethnicity data were provided. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to compare the indigenous and non-indigenous populations. Results: Among malaria cases in patients aged under 15 years, there was a greater chance of being indigenous and having the following associated factors: female sex, children aged 0-4 years, passive case surveillance, a high load of parasitemia and the lack of data regarding the level of parasitemia, Plasmodium falciparum infections were more frequent, and timeliness of treatment, i.e., the interval between the onset of symptoms and time of treatment was within 48 hours. Conclusions: The factors associated with malaria are more frequent in indigenous populations and highlight differences according to ethnicity, suggesting that the severity of the disease is attributable to the increased number of malarial infections within this population. As a result, malaria has a greater impact on the health of indigenous people.

Ethnic and Racial Inequalities in Notified Cases of Tuberculosis in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study analysed clinical and sociodemographic aspects and follow-up for notified cases of tuberculosis (TB) and explored inequalities in incidence rates and outcome by colour or race and the geographic macro-regions of Brazil. METHODS: This paper reports the results of a population-based descriptive epidemiological study of all notified cases of TB in Brazil during the period from 01/01/2008 to 31/12/2011. We analysed sociodemographic and clinical variables according to colour or race (white, black, Asian, mixed, and indigenous) and geographic macro-regions of the country (North, Northeast, Central-West, South, and Southeast). RESULTS: During the study period, the average incidence of TB in Brazil was 36.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with the highest rates occurring in the North and Southeast regions. The analysis of TB notifications by colour or race revealed that the indigenous population presented the highest incidence rates in all macro-regions except the South, where higher rates were reported in black patients. 'Cured' was the most frequently reported treatment outcome for all skin colour categories. The highest cure rate occurred among the indigenous population (76.8%), while the lowest cure rate occurred among the black population (70.7%). Rates of treatment default were highest among blacks (10.5%) and lowest among the indigenous population (6.9%). However, the fatality rate was similar across race categories, varying between 2.8% and 3.8% for whites and the indigenous population, respectively. The lowest cure rates were observed when follow-up was inadequate (58.3%), and the highest was observed when the follow-up was classified as excellent (96.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that-apart from the heterogeneous distribution of TB among the Brazilian macro-regions-ethnic-racial inequalities exist in terms of clinical-epidemiological characteristics and incidence rates as well as follow-up for cases undergoing treatment. The highest rates of TB occurred among the indigenous people.

Representações sociais do hiv/aids para profissionais de saúde em contexto amazônico: diferentes escolaridades e seus consensos / Representaciones sociales delvih/sida para profesionales de salud en amazonia/brasil: diferentes escolaridades y sus consensos / Hiv/aids social representations for healthcare professionals in the amazon context: different schools andtheir consensus

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar os elementos centrais e periféricos da estrutura das representações sociais do HIV/AIDS entre profissionais de saúde de diferentes categorias de escolaridade. Método: estudo descritivo-exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, apoiado pela teoria das representações sociais na vertente estrutural. Pesquisa desenvolvida com 58 profissionais de saúde de diferentes escolaridades, nível superior e médio, em cinco serviços na cidade de Manaus, AM, por meio da aplicação da técnica de associação livre e hierarquização de palavras ao termo indutor "HIV/AIDS". Os dados obtidos foram processados no software EVOC e a análise estrutural das representações. Resultados: ao se comparar as estruturas representacionais dos dois grupos de profissionais, verificou-se nos dois o predomínio de uma dimensão negativa presente no núcleo central e em alguns elementos periféricos de traços igualmente negativos com a presença de elementos positivos, principalmente fora do núcleo central. Verificou-se, no entanto, que se trata de uma mesma representação social que não apresenta diferenças estruturais em função de se tratar do grupo com nível médio ou superior de escolaridade. Conclusão: os elementos negativos que permanecem no núcleo central suscitam percepções convergentes entre os profissionais, o que indica necessidade de fortalecer a educação permanente com vistas a ampliar a reflexão sobre HIV/AIDS nas unidades e serviços especializados.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar los elementos centrales y periféricos de la estructura de las representaciones sociales del VIH/sida entre profesionales de salud de diferentes categorías de escolaridad. Método: estudio descriptivo-exploratorio de abordaje cualitativo, apoyado por la teoría de las representaciones sociales en la vertiente estructural. Investigación desarrollada con 58 profesionales de salud de diferentes escolaridades, nivel superior y secundario, en cinco servicios en la ciudad de Manaus, AM-Brasil, por medio de la aplicación de la técnica de asociación libre y jerarquización de palabras al término inductor "VIH/sida". Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados en el software EVOC y el análisis estructural de las representaciones. Resultados: al compararselas estructuras representacionales de los dos grupos de profesionales, se verificó, en ambos, el predominio de una dimensión negativa presente en el núcleo central y en algunos elementos periféricos de características igualmente negativas conla presencia de elementos positivos, principalmente fuera del núcleo central. Se constató, no obstante, que se trata de una misma representación social que no presenta diferencias estructurales por tratarse del grupo con nivel secundario o superior de escolaridad. Conclusión: los elementos negativos que permanecenen el núcleo central suscitan percepciones convergentes entre los profesionales, lo que indica la necesidad de fortalecer la educación permanente a fin de ampliar la reflexión sobre VIH/sidaen las unidades y servicios especializados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the central and peripheral elements of the structure of social representations of HIV/AIDS in health professionals from different categories of education. Method: a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, supported by the theory of social representations in the structural aspect. It was developed with 58 health professionals from different education levels, higher and middle-level, in five services in the city of Manaus, AM, through the application of the technique of free association and hierarchization of words to the inductive term "HIV/AIDS". The data obtained were processed using the EVOC software and the structural analysis of the representations. Results: when comparing the representational structures of the two groups of professionals, there was a predominance of a negative dimension present in the central nucleus and some peripheral elements with equally negative features with the presence of positive elements, mainly outside the central nucleus. However, it is the same social representation that does not present structural differences because it is a group with a middle or higher level of education. Conclusion the negative elements that remain in the central nucleus raise converging perceptions among professionals, which indicates the need to strengthen permanent education, expanding the reflection on HIV/AIDS in specialized units and services.

Care coordination and longitudinality in primary health care in the Brazilian Amazon / Coordinación y longitudinalidad del cuidado en la atención primaria de salud en la Amazonia brasileña / Coordenação e longitudinalidade da atenção primária à saúde na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the attributes of primary health care, care coordination and longitudinality, from the perception of the professional and patients in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Methods: quantitative evaluative study, in which was used an external evaluation instrument with 469 professionals and 1,888 patients from 367 primary health care facilities that adhered to the Program for Improving Access and Quality of primary health care (Portuguese acronym: PMAQ) standardized by the Ministry of Health. Data were grouped by multivariate cluster analysis in order to find a classification of primary health care from the perspective of professionals and patients. Results: the attributes of coordination and longitudinality are still expressed in a weak and undeveloped way in the Brazilian Amazon scenario. Conclusions: it is necessary to recognize the organizational barriers and what could promote conditions for the performance of health care teams in the perspective of a continuous, integral and coordinated care.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar los atributos de atención primaria de salud, longitudinalidad y coordinación del cuidado, a partir de la percepción del profesional y los pacientes en el estado de Amazonas, Brasil. Métodos: investigación evaluativa cuantitativa en la que se utilizó un instrumento de evaluación externa con 469 profesionales y 1.888 pacientes de 367 centros de atención primaria de salud, que se adhirieron al Programa de Mejora del Acceso y Calidad de la atención primaria de salud estandarizado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Los datos se agruparon por análisis de grupos multivariados de cluster para encontrar una clasificación de la atención primaria de salud desde el punto de vista de profesionales y pacientes. Resultados: los atributos de coordinación y longitudinalidad todavía se expresan de manera débil y poco desarrollado en el escenario de la Amazonia brasileña. Conclusiones: es necesario reconocer las barreras organizativas y lo que puede promover las condiciones para que los equipos de atención primaria de salud actúen desde la perspectiva de una atención continua, integral y coordenada.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar os atributos da atenção básica, longitudinalidade e coordenação do cuidar, a partir da percepção do profissional e dos pacientes no estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Métodos: pesquisa avaliativa quantitativa em que foi utilizado um instrumento de avaliação externa com 469 profissionais e 1.888 pacientes de 367 unidades básicas de saúde, que aderiram ao Programa de Melhoria de Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Primária à Saúde padronizados pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Os dados foram agrupados por análise multivariada de cluster para encontrar uma classificação da atenção primária à saúde sob o ponto de vista de profissionais e pacientes. Resultados: os atributos de coordenação e longitudinalidade ainda são expressos de forma fraca e pouco desenvolvida no cenário da Amazônia brasileira. Conclusões: é necessário reconhecer as barreiras organizacionais e o que pode promover condições para que as equipes de atenção primária à saúde atuem sob a perspectiva de um cuidado contínuo, integral e coordenado.

[Health education: a transforming experience]. / Educação em saúde: uma experiência transformadora.

This article describes the positive and transforming experience of the 'health education' practice, highlighting the results produced on both educators and the people who participated in the education process. The work took place in 2003 in the city of Manacapuru-Amazonas, and it consisted of educational activities designed for teenagers from a public school of the city The educative activities were based on a methodology for nursing assistance to collective health, using its phases. The results showed, in fact, that health education is essential to the reflection and change of behavior in people's lives. Therefore, health education must be systematically planned and adopted as an important role of the nursing professional.