Nebulised hypertonic saline solution for acute bronchiolitis in infants.

BACKGROUND: Airway oedema (swelling) and mucus plugging are the principal pathological features in infants with acute viral bronchiolitis. Nebulised hypertonic saline solution (≥ 3%) may reduce these pathological changes and decrease airway obstruction. This is an update of a review first published in 2008, and updated in 2010, 2013, and 2017. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of nebulised hypertonic (≥ 3%) saline solution in infants with acute bronchiolitis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, and Web of Science on 13 January 2022. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov on 13 January 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs using nebulised hypertonic saline alone or in conjunction with bronchodilators as an active intervention and nebulised 0.9% saline or standard treatment as a comparator in children under 24 months with acute bronchiolitis. The primary outcome for inpatient trials was length of hospital stay, and the primary outcome for outpatients or emergency department (ED) trials was rate of hospitalisation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias in included studies. We conducted random-effects model meta-analyses using Review Manager 5. We used mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) as effect size metrics. MAIN RESULTS: We included six new trials (N = 1010) in this update, bringing the total number of included trials to 34, involving 5205 infants with acute bronchiolitis, of whom 2727 infants received hypertonic saline. Eleven trials await classification due to insufficient data for eligibility assessment. All included trials were randomised, parallel-group, controlled trials, of which 30 were double-blinded. Twelve trials were conducted in Asia, five in North America, one in South America, seven in Europe, and nine in Mediterranean and Middle East regions. The concentration of hypertonic saline was defined as 3% in all but six trials, in which 5% to 7% saline was used. Nine trials had no funding, and five trials were funded by sources from government or academic agencies. The remaining 20 trials did not provide funding sources. Hospitalised infants treated with nebulised hypertonic saline may have a shorter mean length of hospital stay compared to those treated with nebulised normal (0.9%) saline or standard care (mean difference (MD) -0.40 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.69 to -0.11; 21 trials, 2479 infants; low-certainty evidence). Infants who received hypertonic saline may also have lower postinhalation clinical scores than infants who received normal saline in the first three days of treatment (day 1: MD -0.64, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.21; 10 trials (1 outpatient, 1 ED, 8 inpatient trials), 893 infants; day 2: MD -1.07, 95% CI -1.60 to -0.53; 10 trials (1 outpatient, 1 ED, 8 inpatient trials), 907 infants; day 3: MD -0.89, 95% CI -1.44 to -0.34; 10 trials (1 outpatient, 9 inpatient trials), 785 infants; low-certainty evidence). Nebulised hypertonic saline may reduce the risk of hospitalisation by 13% compared with nebulised normal saline amongst infants who were outpatients and those treated in the ED (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97; 8 trials, 1760 infants; low-certainty evidence). However, hypertonic saline may not reduce the risk of readmission to hospital up to 28 days after discharge (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.25; 6 trials, 1084 infants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether infants who received hypertonic saline have a lower number of days to resolution of wheezing compared to those who received normal saline (MD -1.16 days, 95% CI -1.43 to -0.89; 2 trials, 205 infants; very low-certainty evidence), cough (MD -0.87 days, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.44; 3 trials, 363 infants; very low-certainty evidence), and pulmonary moist crackles (MD -1.30 days, 95% CI -2.28 to -0.32; 2 trials, 205 infants; very low-certainty evidence). Twenty-seven trials presented safety data: 14 trials (1624 infants; 767 treated with hypertonic saline, of which 735 (96%) co-administered with bronchodilators) did not report any adverse events, and 13 trials (2792 infants; 1479 treated with hypertonic saline, of which 416 (28%) co-administered with bronchodilators and 1063 (72%) hypertonic saline alone) reported at least one adverse event such as worsening cough, agitation, bronchospasm, bradycardia, desaturation, vomiting and diarrhoea, most of which were mild and resolved spontaneously (low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Nebulised hypertonic saline may modestly reduce length of stay amongst infants hospitalised with acute bronchiolitis and may slightly improve clinical severity score. Treatment with nebulised hypertonic saline may also reduce the risk of hospitalisation amongst outpatients and ED patients. Nebulised hypertonic saline seems to be a safe treatment in infants with bronchiolitis with only minor and spontaneously resolved adverse events, especially when administered in conjunction with a bronchodilator. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low for all outcomes, mainly due to inconsistency and risk of bias.

Alcohol use disorders among people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Brazil: prevalence, risk factors and biological markers outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol abuse is an important public health problem, frequently unrecognized among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and requires investigation and intervention. It is usually associated with lower adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). It can also produce adverse clinical outcomes, such as changes in certain HIV markers, particularly CD4 cell counts and HIV viral loads (VLs). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol abuse among PLWHA, its associated risk factors and effects on CD4 cell counts and HIV VLs in southern Brazil. METHODS: Between December 2012 and July 2013, 343 patients were interviewed at a reference hospital in southern Brazil. The instrument used was the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), and a cutoff of eight points or more was applied. Socioeconomic, demographic, clinical and laboratory data were also collected. The statistical analysis included a Poisson regression to evaluate the factors associated with alcohol use disorder, and a linear regression was performed to assess the relationship between AUDIT scores and CD4 cell counts and HIV VLs. RESULTS: Alcohol abuse was present in 28.6% of the respondents, and possible dependence was present in 5%. The risk factors identified included being male, mixed or black skin color, low education and the use of intravenous or inhaled drugs. A higher AUDIT score was associated with a lower CD4 cell count but was not associated with higher HIV VL values. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the importance of screening for alcohol abuse in this group. The prevalence of alcohol abuse was high, and it was associated with socioeconomic factors and the use of illicit drugs. Moreover, AUDIT score negatively affected CD4 cell counts as well.

INCIDENCE DENSITY, PROPORTIONATE MORTALITY, AND RISK FACTORS OF ASPERGILLOSIS IN MAGELLANIC PENGUINS IN A REHABILITATION CENTER FROM BRAZIL.

Aspergillosis, an opportunistic mycosis caused by the Aspergillus genus, affects mainly the respiratory system and is considered one of the most significant causes of mortality in captive penguins. This study aimed to examine a 6-yr period of cases of aspergillosis in penguins at the Centro de Recuperação de Animais Marinhos (CRAM-FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the institution's records of penguins received from January 2004 to December 2009. Animals were categorized according to the outcome "aspergillosis," and analyzed by age group, sex, oil fouling, origin, prophylactic administration of itraconazole, period in captivity, body mass, hematocrit, and total plasma proteins. A total of 327 Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) was studied, 66 of which died of aspergillosis. Proportionate mortality by aspergillosis was 48.5%, and incidence density was 7.3 lethal aspergillosis cases per 100 penguins/mo. Approximately 75% of the aspergillosis cases occurred in penguins that had been transferred from other rehabilitation centers, and this was considered a significant risk factor for the disease. Significant differences were also observed between the groups in regard to the period of time spent in captivity until death, hematocrit and total plasma proteins upon admission to the center, and body mass gain during the period in captivity. The findings demonstrate the negative impacts of aspergillosis on the rehabilitation of Magellanic penguins, with a high incidence density and substantial mortality.

Evidence of association between hepatitis C virus genotype 2b and nosocomial transmissions in hemodialysis centers from southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus infection is a serious public health problem. Hemodialysis is considered one of the main risk factors of HCV infection, due to several invasive medical procedures and potential nosocomial transmission that patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are continuously submitted. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of HCV and its genotypes in patients with CRF in hemodialysis units in southern Brazil. METHODS: Demographic data and risk factors for HCV transmission were collected and analyzed. These data were obtained from patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment from January 2009 to August 2010, on two dialysis units of Rio Grande, southern Brazil. Genotyping was carried out by sequencing analysis of HCV NS5b, core-E1 junction and 5'UTR genomic regions. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine patients under regular hemodialysis treatment were studied. HCV prevalence was 23.3%. HCV-infected patients had been on dialysis treatment for 91.9 months, a more prolonged period compared to HCV-negative patients (p = 0.001). While HCV genotypes 1b and 3a were identified as the most frequent strains, a surprisingly high proportion of genotype 2b was observed among patients in one of the dialysis centers compared to the general HCV-infected population of the same area. Hemodialysis treatment exposure time and healthcare working were associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the efforts to minimize nosocomial transmission of HCV, some events of transmission are still evidenced in dialysis units.

[Factors associated with the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in Brazilian hemodialysis patients]. / Respuesta inmunitaria a la vacuna de la hepatitis B en pacientes hemodializados en Brasil y sus factores asociados.

BACKGROUND: Patients on chronic hemodialysis have a lower immune response to vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) than the general population. AIM: To identify factors that may interfere with immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Brazilian hemodialysis patients and analyze the evolution of the level of antibodies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study, using records of patients on hemodialysis in the years 2000-2008. Non-responder patients, defined as a level of anti-HBs less than 10 IU/mL, were identified. The effect of social and demographic factors, clinical and laboratory data on the lack of response was evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of each factor. The difference between initial and final anti-HBs levels (24 months), was also analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty seven percent of patients responded adequately to vaccination. After adjustment with other variables, the only factor associated with immune response was serum ferritin. Responding patients of less than 40 years of age did not have a significant decrease in antibody titers over time. The initial anti-HBs title, influenced the final title. Fifty percent of non-responders achieved serum levels of protection after revaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that ferritin may be a marker of reduced immune response. Patients aged less than 40 years were the only ones who maintained over time their initial anti-HBs levels.

The effect of combined polymorphisms in chemokines and chemokine receptors on the clinical course of HIV-1 infection in a Brazilian population.

Polymorphisms in genes that encode chemokines or their receptors can modulate susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and disease progression. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of polymorphisms CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I, CCR5-59029A and SDF1-3'A and their role in the course of HIV infection in a Southern Brazilian population. Clinical data were obtained from 249 patients for an average period of 6.4 years and genotypes were determined by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Survival analyses were conducted for three outcomes: CD4+ T-cell counts below 200 cells/µL, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or death. The frequency of the polymorphisms CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I, CCR5-59029A and SDF1-3'A were 0.024, 0.113, 0.487 and 0.207, respectively. CCR5-Δ32 was associated with a reduction in the risk for CD4+ T-cell depletion and with an increased risk for death after AIDS diagnosis. CCR2-64I was associated with a reduction in the risk for developing AIDS. SDF1-3'A was also associated with decreased risk for AIDS, but its effect was only evident when CCR2-64I was present as well. These results highlight the possibility of using these markers as indicators for the prognosis of disease progression and provide evidence for the importance of analysing the effects of gene polymorphisms in a combined fashion.

Influenza vaccination coverage in elderly and high-risk adults: characterization of associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with non-vaccination against influenza in the risk group. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study, carried out in the city of Rio Grande (RS). The outcome was defined as belonging to risk groups and not having been vaccinated in the last 12 months. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral variables, and access for health services were analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, 680 individuals participated. The prevalence was 46.0% (95%CI: 41.8-50.3), ranging from 27.9% (elderly) to 81.8% (pregnant women). Young adults, single, intermediate socioeconomic bracket, smoker, with depressive symptoms, who did not perform physical activity and did not consult a physician in the last year, had a higher prevalence of non-vaccination. CONCLUSION: Half of the sample was not vaccinated in the period. Due to the similarity of influenza-like illness and the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), increasing vaccination would minimize mortality and use of hospital beds due to influenza, optimizing the response of hospital capacity.

Food insecurity in rural families in the extreme south of Brazil. / Insegurança Alimentar em famílias de área rural do extremo sul do Brasil.

This study aimed to track the prevalence of Food Insecurity (FI) and to study associated factors in households with children, women and older adults in the rural area of the city of Rio Grande, RS. This is a cross-sectional population-based study, with systematic sampling of 80% of permanently inhabited households. A short version of the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity (EBIA) was employed. The associated factors included data referring to the head of the household, as well as data referring to the household. The levels of prevalence and prevalence ratios and their respective confidence intervals were calculated for food insecurity through Poisson regression with robust variance. Of the 1,627 domiciles interviewed, 26% were in an FI situation, and households that included three populations were higher. The most affected domiciles were those in which the head of the household had less than four years of schooling, with more residents, without animal husbandry, belonging to the lowest income quartile and receiving family grants ("Bolsa Família" Program). This study showed the relevance and magnitude of the FI problem in the rural region of Rio Grande since knowledge about the actual FI prevalence of this region is unknown.

O estudo objetivou rastrear a prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar (IA) e estudar fatores associados em domicílios com crianças, mulheres e idosos na área rural do município de Rio Grande, RS, em 2017. Foi um estudo transversal com amostragem sistemática de 80% dos domicílios permanentemente habitados. Utilizou-se uma versão reduzida da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA). Os fatores associados contemplaram dados referentes ao chefe da família, além de dados referentes ao domicílio. Prevalências e Razões de Prevalências e seus respectivos Intervalos de Confiança foram calculadas para a IA por meio da Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Dos 1.627 domicílios entrevistados, 26% se encontraram em situação de IA, sendo maior naqueles domicílios que continham as três populações. Os domicílios mais atingidos foram os que o chefe da família tinha menor escolaridade, maior número de moradores, sem criação de animais, pertencentes ao menor quartil de renda e que recebiam Bolsa Família. Esse estudo mostrou a importância e a dimensão do problema da IA na região rural de Rio Grande, já que o conhecimento da real prevalência de IA nessa região é desconhecido.

Oral health condition and the use of dental services among the older adults living in the rural area in the south of Brazil. / Condição de saúde bucal e utilização de serviços odontológicos entre idosos em área rural no sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the oral health, the use of dental services and associated factors among individuals aged 60 years, or more, living in the rural area. METHOD: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study carried out in the rural area of a medium-sized municipality in the extreme south of Brazil. The outcome was to have used dental services in the 12 months before the date of the interview. The analysis included a description of the sample, prevalence of the use of dental services for each category of independent variables and multivariate analysis through Poisson Regression. RESULTS: In total, 1,030 older adults were interviewed, of which 49.9% were totally edentulous patients, and 13.9% had dental visits in the last year. The probability of visits was higher in females, with a partner, higher schooling, of the highest economic levels and that reported some oral health problem. On the other hand, elderly who reported being former smokers or were current smokers had fewer visits. CONCLUSIONS: Health planning should be reorganized to prioritize population groups with more significant difficulties in the use of dental services.

Este artigo objetiva avaliar a saúde bucal, a utilização de serviços odontológicos e os fatores associados entre indivíduos com 60 anos, ou mais, residentes em área rural. Estudo transversal, de base populacional, realizado na zona rural de um município de porte médio do extremo sul do Brasil. O desfecho foi ter utilizado serviços odontológicos nos 12 meses anteriores à data da entrevista. A análise abrangeu descrição da amostra, prevalência da utilização de serviços odontológicos para cada categoria das variáveis independentes e análise multivariada através da Regressão de Poisson. Foram entrevistados 1.030 idosos, sendo 49,9% edêntulos totais e tendo 13,9% consultado com dentista no último ano. A probabilidade de consultar foi maior em idosos do sexo feminino, com companheiros(as), com maior escolaridade, pertencentes aos melhores níveis econômicos e que referiram ter algum problema de saúde bucal. Por sua vez, idosos que relataram ser ex-fumantes ou fumantes consultaram menos. Planejamentos em saúde devem ser reorganizados com o intuito de priorizar grupos populacionais com maiores dificuldades na utilização dos serviços odontológicos.

Positive self-perception of diet: a population-based study in the far south of Brazil. / Autopercepção positiva da alimentação: um estudo de base populacional no extremo sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze prevalence of positive self-perception of diet and association with sociodemographic and behavioral factors, morbidity, self-perception of health and weight, and body weight care, in the city of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil, in 2016. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study conducted with adults and elderly people resident in the city of Rio Grande using 13 indicators of healthy eating and positive self-perception of diet (outcome); Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: the sample consisted of 1,243 individuals, 72.4% of whom reported positive self-perception of diet; indicators such as weekly consumption of greens or vegetables (PR=133 - 95%CI 1.22;1.45) and fruit (PR=1.35 - 95%CI 1.22;1.48) were positively associated with the outcome; no significant difference was found between sexes. CONCLUSION: positive self-perception of diet is associated with healthy eating indicators among adults and the elderly and can be useful in epidemiological surveys.

Self-perceived health among adult and elderly users of Primary Health Care. / Autopercepção da saúde entre adultos e idosos usuários da Atenção Básica de Saúde.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,246 adults and senior men and women in Pelotas (RS), Brasil to evaluate the negative self-perception of health among Primary Health Care users. The prevalence of negative self-perception of health was reported by 41.6% of respondents. Women, those who were unemployed, who reported a diagnosis of three or more chronic noncommunicable diseases, who were food insecure and did not engage in physical activity reported a higher proportion of negative self-perceived health. Users with at least higher education level and those whose households had four or more residents were less predisposed to the outcome. The high prevalence of negative self-perceived health in this population, as well as the associations found, indicate the need for a better understanding of the influence of these factors on the search for care and, consequently, on adherence to treatment.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a autopercepção negativa da saúde entre usuários da atenção básica de saúde, foi realizado um estudo transversal com 1246 adultos e idosos, de ambos os sexos, em Pelotas, RS. A prevalência da autopercepção negativa da saúde foi referida por 41,6% dos entrevistados. As mulheres, aqueles que não estavam trabalhando, que referiram diagnóstico de três ou mais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, que estavam em insegurança alimentar e não praticavam atividade física relataram em maior proporção, a autopercepção negativa da saúde. Enquanto que os usuários com no mínimo o ensino superior e aqueles cujos domicílios tinham quatro ou mais moradores foram menos predispostos ao desfecho. A elevada prevalência de autopercepção negativa da saúde nessa população, bem como as associações encontradas, indicam a necessidade de maior entendimento sobre a influência desses fatores na procura pelo atendimento e, consequentemente, na adesão ao tratamento.

[Psychometric Evaluation of the Brazilian Version of the "Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire"]. / Avaliação Psicométrica da versão brasileira do "Questionário sobre Conhecimento de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis".

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ). A convenience sample of 429 students of a Brazilian public university participated in the study. Exploratory Factor Analysis suggested one factor solution (variance explained = 61.1%, eigenvalue = 7.2), confirmed by the confirmatory analysis (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.04; Comparative Fit Index = 0.91; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.90; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.05). Five items feature charges less than 0.30 and wer eliminated. The instrument demonstrated internal consistency (Composite reliability = 0.97; Cronbach's alpha = 0.83) and temporal stability (Pearson correlation = 0.86; kappa = 0.16) over a brief period. The knowledge significantly varies by age, sex and course of study. In conclusion, this study highlights the satisfactory psychometric proprieties of the Brazilian version of STD-KQ in university students.

Este estudo analisou as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Questionário sobre Conhecimento de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (STD-KQ). Participou uma amostra de conveniência de 429 estudantes de uma universidade pública brasileira. A análise fatorial exploratória sugere uma estrutura com um fator (variância explicada = 61,1%; eigenvalue = 7,2), sendo corroborada pela análise confirmatória (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0,04; Comparative Fit Index = 0,91; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0,90; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0,05). Cinco itens apresentaram carga menor que 0,30 e por isso foram excluídos. O instrumento demonstrou consistência interna (confiabilidade composta = 0,97; alfa de Cronbach = 0,83) e estabilidade temporal (correlação de Pearson = 0, 86; kappa = 0,16) para um curto período. O conhecimento significativamente variou conforme a idade, o sexo e o curso. Concluindo, o presente estudo destaca as satisfatórias propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do STD-KQ em estudantes universitários.

Vaccination against influenza among pregnant women in southern Brazil and associated factors.

This article aims to identify the prevalence and factors associated with influenza vaccination in pregnant women. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a municipality in the southernmost region of Brazil, which included all women giving birth in 2016. The outcome was having received the vaccine against influenza during pregnancy. Sociodemographic, behavioral and prenatal care characteristics and morbidities were analyzed. The analysis included sample description, the prevalence of vaccination for each independent variable and a multivariate analysis. Two thousand six hundred ninety-four pregnant women were interviewed, of which 53.9% reported having been vaccinated. Factors associated with increased prevalence of vaccination were mother's higher schooling, prenatal care, tetanus vaccination and prenatal care performed in a public service. On the other hand, prenatal care onset after the first quarter reduced the prevalence of vaccination. The results point to the need to reinforce the importance of vaccination against influenza among pregnant women and among health professionals, regardless of the severity of the current epidemiological setting.

Detection and characterization of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in HIV-infected patients and blood donors from southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) infection usually causes self-limited acute hepatitis. In immunosuppressed patients, HEV-3 infection can rapidly progress to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. In southern Brazil, data on HEV seroprevalence are scarce. METHODS: Testing for HEV RNA and antibodies (anti-HEV) was performed for 320 HIV-infected patients followed at the HIV/AIDS Service of the Federal University of Rio Grande between 2012 and 2013, as well as 281 blood donor samples obtained in 2015. Variables associated with anti-HEV positivity were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: HIV and blood donor groups showed similar HEV seroprevalence (6.7% and 7.1%, respectively). Risk factors associated with anti-HEV detection were older age, marital status, a higher number of sexual partners, poor sanitation, and alcohol use (HIV group), and living in a rural area (blood donors). HEV RNA was detected in eight serum samples from HIV-infected patients and in one blood donor, who was also positive for anti-HEV IgM and IgG. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rates of HEV infection were comparable between HIV-seropositive patients who were not severely immunocompromised and blood donors. The blood donor's HEV isolate showed high similarity with swine HEV strains from Brazilian herds in the same region, thus indicating a potential risk of foodborne and parenteral transmission via blood transfusion.

[Temporary workers' perceptions of occupational risks in the port of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Percepção dos trabalhadores avulsos sobre os riscos ocupacionais no porto do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study in the port of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aimed at identifying occupational risk perceptions in a sample of 306 temporary dockworkers. Most temporary dockworkers (93.46%) acknowledged the existence of health risks on the job, independently of schooling (p = 0.44) and job activity (p = 0.47). Risks identified by temporary workers as a whole included falling of suspended objects (8.43 +/- 2.47), noise (8.06 +/- 2.32), and bad weather conditions (8.05 +/- 2.48). Risks that varied significantly between jobs were: noise (p = 0.00), lifting loads manually (p = 0.00), work tools (p = 0,00), insufficient number of work team members (p = 0.03), extra wages based on productivity (p = 0.00), work pace (p = 0.01), working on scaffolding and other high areas (p = 0.00), workers moving on top of cargo (p = 0.00), and ship's ladders and gangways (p = 0.00). The study corroborated that temporary dock work is unhealthy and hazardous, and that the risks affect workers according to the specific jobs they perform.

[Temporal trend and spatial distribution of congenital syphilis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul between 2001 and 2012]. / Tendência temporal e distribuição espacial da sífilis congênita no estado do Rio Grande do Sul entre 2001 e 2012.

The scope of the study was to evaluate the temporal trend and spatial distribution of congenital syphilis (CS) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. All cases reported by the SINASC/DATASUS between 2001 and 2012 were included. The number of live births was obtained from DATASUS. Incidence rates of CS were grouped according to micro-regions of IBGE and analyzed for the entire period and for triennia. The spatial correlation was analyzed by the global Moran index (I) and the local index. 3,613 cases were reported. Between 2007 and 2012 89 neonates (3.6%) died. Rates varied from to 1.03 in 2001 to 5.1 cases per 1000 live births in 2012, with an annual increase of 0.84 cases per 1000 live births (p < 0.01) and 93.88% of explained variance. The micro-regions were spatially independent (I = 0.06; p = 0.25), with Porto Alegre having the highest incidence (4.19 cases / 1000 live births) and Jaguarão the lowest (0.23 cases / 1000 live births). Micro-regions with significant local spatial dependence were observed. The increase in cases of CS highlights poor prenatal quality care. Identification of the micro-regions with the highest incidence is essential to focus public policy on this health problem.

Objetivou-se avaliar a tendência temporal e a distribuição espacial da Sífilis Congênita (SC) no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Todos os casos notificados pelo Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação entre 2001 e 2012 foram incluídos. Os números de nascidos vivos foram obtidos do SINASC/DATASUS. As taxas de incidência de SC foram agrupados conforme as microrregiões do IBGE e analisados para todo o período e em triênios. A correlação espacial foi analisada pelo índice de Moran global (I) e local. Foram notificados 3.613 casos. Entre 2007 e 2012 morreram 89 neonatos (3,6%). As taxas de SC variaram de 1,03 em 2001 a 5,1 casos por 1.000 nascidos vivos em 2012, com um incremento anual de 0,84 casos por 1.000 nascidos vivos (p < 0,01) e 93,88% da variação explicada. As microrregiões foram espacialmente independentes (I = 0,06; p = 0,25), tendo Porto Alegre a maior incidência (4,19 casos/1.000 nascidos vivos) e Jaguarão a menor (0,23 casos/1.000 nascidos vivos). Observaram-se microrregiões com dependência espacial local significativa. O aumento dos casos de SC salienta um déficit na qualidade do pré-natal. A identificação das microrregiões com maior incidência é essencial para focalizar as políticas públicas sobre esse tema.

Prenatal care among adolescent women in the extreme South of Brazil: coverage and associated factors / Assistência pré-natal entre adolescentes no extremo sul do Brasil: adequação e fatores associados

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate coverage and identify factors associated with adequate prenatal care for adolescent mothers in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, in a period of 13 years. Methods: over the years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019, a single standardized questionnaire was applied to all mothers at hospital level in this municipality. The outcome consisted of the proportion of puerperae women who started prenatal care in the first trimester and performed 6+ medical visits, completed 2+ HIV, syphilis, and urine tests. Chi-square test was used for proportions, Poisson regression in the multivariate analysis and the prevalence ratio (PR) as measure of effect. Results: among the 12,645 identified mothers, 2,184 (17.3%) were adolescents. Of this total, 35.2% (CI95%= 33.2%-37.2%) had received adequate prenatal care, ranging from 13.8% (10.8%-16.7%) in 2007 to 52,5% (46.8%-58.1%) in 2019. The adjusted analysis showed a higher PR for adequate prenatal care among those of older age and better schooling level, white/brown skin color, with a partner, never had an abortion, were primiparous and non-smokers. Conclusion: there was substantial improvement in coverage of adequate prenatal care over the period studied, but there is still a long way to go. The increase in this coverage depends on reaching adolescents who are younger, less educated, black skin color, living without a partner, multiparous and smokers.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a realização de pré-natal adequado entre adolescentes no extremo sul do Brasil e identificar fatores associados à sua ocorrência ao longo de 13 anos. Métodos: em 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019, entrevistadoras previamente treinadas aplicaram na maternidade questionário único, padronizado à todas as parturientes residentes no município de Rio Grande, RS. Considerou-se como tendo realizado pré-natal adequado a puérpera que iniciou consultas no primeiro trimestre da gravidez, realizou 6+ consultas e 2+ exames para HIV, sífilis e qualitativo de urina. Utilizou-se teste qui-quadrado para comparar proporções, regressão de Poisson na análise multivariável e razão de prevalências (RP) como medida de efeito. Resultados: dentre as 12.645 parturientes identificadas, 2.184 (17,3%) eram adolescentes. Destas, 35,2% (IC95%=33,2%-37,2%) realizaram pré-natal considerado adequado, variando de 13,8% (10,8%-16,7%) em 2007 a 52,5% (46,8%-58,1%) em 2019. A análise ajustada mostrou maior RP à realização de pré-natal adequado entre aquelas de maior idade (18-19 anos), de cor da pele branca e parda, vivendo com companheiro, com 9+ anos de escolaridade, que sofreram aborto, primíparas e não fumantes. Conclusões: houve substancial melhora na cobertura de pré-natal adequado no período estudado, mas ainda muito aquém do desejado. A melhoria destes índices depende de alcançar adolescentes de menor idade, pior escolaridade, cor da pele preta, vivendo sem companheiro, multíparas e fumantes.

[Postpartum depression: prevalence and associated factors]. / Depressão entre puérperas: prevalência e fatores associados.

The aim was to identify the prevalence of postpartum depression and associated factors in women in a medium-sized city in Southern Brazil during 2013. Trained female interviewers applied a standardized questionnaire to all participants in the city's two maternity hospitals. The study analyzed demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, social support, and disease characteristics. Screening for depression was done within the first 48 hours postpartum, using the Edinburgh Scale with a cutoff of ≥ 10. Multivariate analysis used Poisson regression with robust variance. Of the 2,687 women interviewed, 14% (95%CI: 12.9-15.6) were identified with depression. Factors such as previous depression, third-trimester sadness, and family history of depression were associated with increased risk of postpartum depression, as were younger maternal age and multiparity. Social support from the health team for the pregnant woman was an important protective factor, reducing the prevalence of postpartum depression by 23%. The results suggest the need for actions by health services for pregnant women in order to provide enhanced care during this delicate phase.

Resumo: Buscou-se identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à ocorrência de depressão entre puérperas residentes em um município de médio porte no extremo Sul do Brasil, durante todo o ano de 2013. Entrevistadoras treinadas aplicaram questionário padronizado em todas as participantes nas duas únicas maternidades do município. Investigaram-se características demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais, de suporte social e morbidades. O rastreamento da depressão foi realizado em até 48 horas do puerpério imediato, mediante a utilização da Escala de Edimburgo, sendo o ponto de corte ≥ 10. Na análise multivariada, utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Das 2.687 mulheres entrevistadas, 14% (IC95%: 12,9-15,6) foram identificadas com depressão. Fatores como depressão anterior, tristeza no último trimestre da gravidez e historia de depressão na família estiveram associados à maior risco para depressão, assim como ter menor idade e ser multípara. O suporte social fornecido à gestante pela equipe de saúde foi um importante fator de proteção, reduzindo em até 23% a razão de prevalência de a puérpera desenvolver depressão. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de incrementar ações por parte dos serviços de saúde em atenção à gestante, a fim de prover-lhe maior cuidado nesse momento tão delicado.

Resumen: Se buscó identificar la prevalencia, y factores asociados a la ocurrencia de depresión entre puérperas, residentes en un municipio de medio porte en el extremo Sur de Brasil, durante todo el año de 2013. Entrevistadoras entrenadas aplicaron un cuestionario estandarizado a todas las participantes en las dos únicas maternidades del municipio. Se investigaron las características demográficas, socioeconómicas, comportamentales, de apoyo social y morbilidades. El rastreo de la depresión se realizó hasta 48 horas del puerperio inmediato, mediante la utilización de la Escala de Edimburgo, siendo el punto de corte ≥ 10. En el análisis multivariado, se utilizó la regresión de Poisson con variancia robusta. Da las 2.687 mujeres entrevistadas, un 14% (IC95%: 12,9-15,6) se identificaron con depresión. Factores como depresión anterior, tristeza en el último trimestre del embarazo e historia de depresión en la familia estuvieron asociados a un mayor riesgo para la depresión, así como ser menor edad y ser multípara. El apoyo social proporcionado a la gestante por el equipo de salud fue un importante factor de protección, reduciendo en hasta un 23% la razón de prevalencia de que la puérpera desarrolle depresión. Esos resultados indican la necesidad de incrementar acciones por parte de los servicios de salud en atención a la gestante, con el fin de proveerle un mayor cuidado en ese momento tan delicado.

Women's knowledge of methods for secondary prevention of breast cancer. / O conhecimento de mulheres sobre os métodos para prevenção secundária do câncer de mama.

The objective of this study was to evaluate women's knowledge of methods for screening breast cancer. The study was done on a population of women aged 18 or over in the city of Rio Grande between April and November 2011. Interviewers used questionnaires on all of the women at selected households. Models were developed for every type of screening (self-examination of breasts, mammography, and clinical exams) that were analyzed through the use of Poisson regression. Out of the 1596 women interviewed, 1355 reported self-examination, 456, mammography, and only 191, clinical examination of the breast, performed by a health professional, as important for the prevention of breast cancer. White women with 11 years or more worth of schooling had a greater probability of having mammography exams and clinical examinations as methods for screening. We noted, linked to the aforementioned, that there was a linear tendency whereby there was a greater probability for those with high incomes to undergo one of the above interventions. The study noted that there was a need for more detailed information aimed at the population on prevention methods in order to avoid late diagnosis. We noted that non-white women with little education and on low incomes showed less knowledge of clinical examination methods and mammographies.

Objetivou-se avaliar o conhecimento das mulheres sobre métodos de rastreamento do câncer de mama. Estudo de base populacional com mulheres de 18 anos ou mais em Rio Grande, entre abril e novembro de 2011. Entrevistadoras aplicavam questionário pré-codificado em todas as mulheres do domicílio selecionado. Construiuse um modelo para cada forma de rastreamento (autoexame das mamas, mamografia e exame clínico), analisados por regressão de Poisson. Das 1596 mulheres entrevistadas, 1355 referiram o autoexame, 456, a mamografia e, apenas 191, o exame clínico da mama, realizado por um profissional de saúde, como importantes para a prevenção do câncer de mama. As mulheres brancas, e com 11 anos ou mais de escolaridade, tiveram maior probabilidade de referirem a mamografia e o exame clínico como métodos de rastreamento. Para esses dois desfechos, também se observou uma tendência linear, sendo que a probabilidade de referir uma dessas formas de rastreamento se incrementou na medida em que aumentaram os quartis de renda. O estudo aponta para a necessidade de maior esclarecimento da população sobre os métodos de prevenção, evitando, assim, o diagnóstico tardio. Evidenciou-se que as mulheres não brancas e as de baixa escolaridade e renda, demonstraram menos conhecimentos sobre os métodos de exame clínico e mamografia.

Pregnancy recurrence in adolescents in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pregnancy recurrence among adolescents and young people in a city located in the extreme south of Brazil and to identify associated factors. METHOD: One hundred and twelve (112) women participated, having delivered their children in 2010, while adolescents. The sample was stratified in two stages, being the first a census of the whole population of the city and the second a convenience sample. For statistical analysis, Pearson Chi-square test was used, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 53.6%, with an average of 28.6 months. At the time of delivery, in 2010, recurrence was significantly associated with level of education (p=0.044) as well as not being in school (p=0.036). In 2014, the factors associated were level of education (p<0.001), transcript of grades (p=0.030) and income (p=0.030). CONCLUSION: Recurrence of teenage pregnancy represents a lack of importance given to formal education, a fact that mitigates the opportunities and hinders insertion in the labor market, creating a cycle of social inequality. Multidisciplinary efforts involving schools, health services and the youth in educational activities are thus vital, aiming at critical thinking to transform reality.