Incidence and mortality from thyroid cancer in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in Latin America. METHODS: Ecological study of time series, with incidence data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer for the 1990-2012 period and mortality data of 16 countries obtained from WHO for the 1995-2013 period. The trends of incidence rates were analysed by the Joinpoint regression. Average annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for incidence and mortality. RESULTS: Incidence and mortality from thyroid cancer in Latin America were higher in women, with the highest incidence rate in women in Quito (Ecuador) aged 40-59 years: 42.2 new cases per 100 000 inhabitants, and mortality of 4.8/100 000 in women over 60. Thyroid cancer incidence increased in women of all age groups in Cali (Colombia), Costa Rica and Quito (Ecuador); and in men in Costa Rica. Incidence rates were stable above the age of 60 years in Cali, in Goiania (Brazil), Quito (Ecuador) and Valdivia (Chile) in men, and in women in Goiania (Brazil) and Valdivia (Chile). Mortality among women increased in Ecuador (AAPC = 3.28 CI 95% 1.36; 5.24), Guatemala (AAPC = 6.14 CI 95% 2.81; 9.58) and Mexico (AAPC = 0.67 CI 95% 0.16; 1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid cancer incidence in Latin America is high and rising in women. Mortality remains stable in most countries of Latin America.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus oviposition in an urban area of northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyse abundance and spatial distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus oviposition in the city of Natal-RN, 2016 to 2018. METHODS: Three hundred and seven oviposition traps were installed covered the whole city and were monitored weekly from January 2016 to December 2018. To verify the abundance of the vector based on its location, the formation of oviposition clusters was studied using the Kernel statistics. Egg Density Index (EDI) and Oviposition Positivity Index (OPI) values were calculated. RESULTS: Temperature and humidity presented weak and very weak correlation, respectively, with the oviposition indicators. The median of oviposition positivity index (OPI) was 60.5%, and the egg density index (EDI) was 45.4 eggs/trap. The OPI (71.1%) was higher in the second quarter of the year. The areas with the most persistent oviposition are located in a continuous strip that extends from the extreme of the northern district and extends along the western district of the city. Also noteworthy is the proximity to the strategic points. CONCLUSION: The spatio-temporal distribution of oviposition revealed that there is spatial segregation and marked seasonality. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of maintaining surveillance targeting and control strategies focused on these areas, especially during the most important period of the year.

OBJECTIF: L'objectif de cette étude était d'analyser l'abondance et la distribution spatiale de la ponte d'Aedes aegypti et d'Aedes albopictus dans la ville de Natal-RN, de 2016 à 2018. MÉTHODES: 307 pièges de ponte ont été installés dans toute la ville et surveillés chaque semaine de janvier 2016 à décembre 2018. Pour vérifier l'abondance du vecteur en fonction de sa localisation, la formation de grappes de ponte a été étudiée à l'aide des statistiques de Kernel. Les valeurs de l'indice de densité des œufs (IDO) et de l'indice de positivité de la ponte(IPP) ont été calculées. RÉSULTATS: La température et l'humidité ont présenté une corrélation faible et très faible, respectivement, avec les indicateurs de ponte. L'indice médian de positivité de ponte (IPP) était de 60,5% et l'indice de densité des œufs (IDO) était de 45,4 œufs/piège. L'IPP (71,1%) était plus élevé au deuxième trimestre de l'année. Les zones avec la ponte la plus persistante sont situées dans une bande continue qui s'étend de l'extrémité du district nord et s'étend le long du district ouest de la ville. A noter également la proximité des points stratégiques. CONCLUSIONS: La distribution spatiotemporelle de la ponte a révélé une ségrégation spatiale et une saisonnalité marquée. Par conséquent, cette étude met en évidence l'importance de maintenir des stratégies de surveillance ciblée et de contrôle axés sur ces zones, en particulier pendant la période la plus importante de l'année.

Leukemia mortality in children from Latin America: trends and predictions to 2030.

BACKGROUND: Reports suggest that Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries have not reduced leukemia mortality compared to high-income countries. However, updated trends remain largely unknown in the region. Given that leukemia is the leading cause of cancer-related death in LAC children, we evaluated mortality trends in children (0-14y) from 15 LAC countries for the period 2000-2017 and predicted mortality to 2030. METHODS: We retrieved cancer mortality data using the World Health Organization Mortality Database. Mortality rates (standardized to the world standard SEGI population) were analyzed for 15 LAC countries. We evaluated the average mortality rates for the last 5 years (2013-2017). Joinpoint regression analysis was used to evaluate leukemia mortality trends and provide an estimated annual percent change (EAPC). Nordpred was utilized for the calculation of predictions until 2030. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2017, the highest mortality rates were reported in Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Peru. Upward mortality trends were reported in Nicaragua (EAPC by 2.9% in boys, and EAPC by 2.0% in girls), and Peru (EAPC by 1.4% in both sexes). Puerto Rico experienced large declines in mortality among both boys (EAPC by - 9.7%), and girls (EAPC by - 6.0%). Leukemia mortality will increase in Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay by 2030. CONCLUSION: Leukemia mortality is predicted to increase in some LAC countries by 2030. Interventions to prevent this outcome should be tailor to reduce the socioeconomic inequalities and ensure universal healthcare coverage.

Testicular Cancer mortality in Brazil: trends and predictions until 2030.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that testicular cancer presents good prognosis, wide variations in mortality rates have been reported internationally. In Brazil, mortality trends and estimates have not been fully assessed. The objective of the study presented herein is to analyze the mortality trends for testicular cancer in Brazil in the period 2001-2015 and calculate mortality predictions for the period 2016-2030. METHODS: This is a population-based ecological study that utilized information of the Mortality Information System, on testicular cancer-related deaths in Brazil. Mortality trends were analyzed by Joinpoint regression, and Nordpred was utilized for the calculation of predictions. RESULTS: The mortality rate for men, standardized to the world population, varied between 0.36/100,000 for the year 2001, to 0.41/100,000 for the year 2015. There was an increasing trend for Brazil (APC = 1.3% CI95% 0.6; 2.0) and the Southeast region (APC = 1.5% CI95%0.2; 2.7). When analyzing Brazilian data for the period 2016-2030, predictions indicate 2888 deaths due to testicular cancer, which corresponds to a 26.6% change when compared to the 2011-2015 period. This change is mostly explained by an increase in the risk of death (14.2%) when compared with modifications in the demographic structure (12.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Testicular cancer mortality in Brazil presents increasing trends, and until 2030 these rates continue to increase.

Poor access to health services for depression treatment in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with poor access to health services for the depression treatment in Brazil. METHODS: This study used data from the Brazilian National Survey of Health, conducted in the years 2019 and 2020. The sample consisted of 8,332 individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of depression, and poor access to healthcare was identified from the question "what is the main reason for you to not visit the physician/health service regularly for your depression?" From which poor access was identified by the affirmative answer reporting distance of health services or difficulties with transportation; waiting time at the health service; financial difficulties; opening hours of the health service; Not being able to schedule a consultation via health insurance; does not know who to look for or where to go, among others. Sociodemographic aspects and health conditions were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson Regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor access to health services for depression treatment was 14.9% (95%CI: 13.6-16.2), relating to individuals aged 15-29 years (PR = 1.52) and 30-59 years old (PR = 1.22), without education (PR = 1.43), who rate their health as regular/poor/very poor (PR = 1.26), who have some limitation in their usual activities (PR = 2.71), who had the last consultation within 6 months of less than 2 years (PR = 2.63) and for more than 2 years (PR = 2.25) and who do not undergo psychotherapy (PR = 4.28). CONCLUSION: Poor access to health services for depression treatment was associated with individual factors and health conditions.

Pneumonia in Children under 5 Years: Temporal Trends and Spatial Patterns of Hospitalizations in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify temporal and spatial patterns in the distribution of hospitalization rates for pneumonia in children under 5 years in Brazil. An ecological study was developed using data from the Unified Health System of hospitalizations for pneumonia in children under 5 years in Brazil from 2000 to 2019. Hospitalization rates per 1,000 children were calculated and Joinpoint Regression analyzed the temporal trends. Different spatial analysis techniques were performed. Annual rates of 25 hospitalizations per 1,000 children were observed in 2000 and of 13.83 per 1,000 children in 2019, with a significant downward trend for the country (annual percentage change = -3.4%; 95% confidence interval: -3.8 to -3.0) and for the regions. There was weak spatial autocorrelation; however, there were regions with high rates of hospitalization in the south region and clusters of low rates in the northeast and southeast. Clusters of areas with high hospitalization rates were observed in areas of favorable socioeconomic conditions and provision of health services in the interior of southern Brazil. There is a decreasing trend in hospitalizations for pneumonia in general; however, there are clusters of high rates in the south of Brazil.

Wind instrumentalists' work-related vocal tract discomfort.

BACKGROUND: Wind instrumentalist use the vocal tract intensively in their professional activities, which can lead to the development work-related voice disorders. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of vocal tract discomfort (VTD) by wind instrumentalists from Natal, Brazil. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 117 professional musicians and music students from six official bands/orchestras in the city of Natal. Both the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale and a sample characterization questionnaire were applied. The Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were applied in the statistical analysis of the variables. RESULTS: The most frequent and intense symptoms of VTD were sensitive throat and sore throat. There was a significant difference between the values of frequency and intensity of all symptoms both before and after playing the instrument. Dryness was the most intense symptom felt after playing the instrument. Musicians who report muscle pain and gastroesophageal reflux showed more VTD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of VTD are experienced by wind instrumentalists and can be work-related since there was a difference in their perception after playing their instruments. There was also a relationship with gastroesophageal reflux and muscle pain, indicating that, in addition to collective issues, the individual musicians' health should be taken into account.

Dietary Intake of Micronutrients and Disease Severity in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Vitamins and essential metals have been studied as potential risk and prognostic factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake in ALS patients, comparing subgroups according to the disease severity. Data were obtained from the medical records of 69 individuals. Assessment of disease severity was determined by the revised ALS Functional Scale (ALSFRS-R), using the median as the cutoff. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake was estimated using the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) cut-point method. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D, E, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, calcium, zinc, and magnesium intake was considered severe. Patients with lower ALSFRS-R scores had lower intakes of vitamin E (p < 0.001), niacin (p = 0.033), pantothenic acid (p = 0.037), pyridoxin (p = 0.008), folate (p = 0.009) and selenium (p = 0.001). Therefore, ALS patients should be monitored regarding dietary intake of micronutrients essential in neurological processes.

Factors associated with common mental disorders among farmers in a medium-sized municipality in Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders among farmers living in a medium-sized municipality in Northeastern Brazil between 2019 and 2020. METHODS: Trained interviewers applied the standardized questionnaire in 450 participants. Sociodemographic, health, income and working characteristics were assessed. The screening of common mental disorders was performed using the Self-Reporting Questionaire, with the cutoff point ≥ 7 for women and ≥ 5 for men. Poisson regression with robust estimation was applied to verify the prevalence ratios in the bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of common mental disorders among farmers was 55.1% (95%CI: 50.4-59.6). The variables that remained significant and associated with common mental disorders were: men (PR = 1.7), > 60 years old (PR = 0.5), poor or very poor self-assessment of health (PR = 1.4), previous mental health treatment (PR = 1.2), alcohol abuse (PR = 1.2) and loss of production (PR = 1.3). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that common mental disorders are associated with individual factors and with the farmers' context of life and work, which shows the importance of social, economic and health services support to this group of workers.

Mental health services accessibility for women and men: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mental and behavioral disorders constitute a serious public health problem and require adequate access among women and men for promotion, prevention and treatment of mental illness. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: For the writing of this protocol we will use the guidelines of the PRISMA-P Checklist (Main Items for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes). This protocol was registered under the number: CRD42021243263. To this end, research will be conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and ScienceDirect databases in search of cross-sectional studies that assess the prevalence of access to mental health services among women and men. All cross-sectional studies that examined the prevalence of mental health services accessibility among women and men will be included. The search will be conducted by two independent researchers who will identify the articles; they will exclude duplicate studies. Through a blinded assessment, they will select articles using the Rayyan QCRI application. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analyses will be performed according to the conditions of the included data. ETHICS AND DISCLOSURE: For the development of this study, there is no need for ethical review, as this is a systematic review that will use secondary studies. The conclusions of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and condensed abstracts to key stakeholders and partners in the field. The database search is scheduled to start on May 10th, 2021. The entire review process is expected to be completed by August 30th, 2021.

Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation among farmers.

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation among farmers. Cross-sectional study carried out between 2019 and 2020 with 450 farmers in Rio Grande do Norte. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was evaluated using the Beck Suicidal Ideation Inventory, and sociodemographic, health, income, work and alcohol abuse variables were analyzed. The Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions of the outcome between the categories of each variable. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to analyze associated factors and estimate prevalence ratios [PR]. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 12.4% [95%CI 9.69-15.84] and, in the bivariate analysis, it was associated with sociodemographic, health, income and work variables. In the final multivariate model, the variables that remained significant and were associated with a higher prevalence of SI were: female gender [PR = 3.28], diagnosis of mental disorder in the family [PR = 2.37], presence of common mental disorder [PR = 2.50], alcohol abuse [PR = 2.22] and employment relationship-salaried or temporary [R = 1.91]. Thus, suicidal ideation among farmers is mainly associated with health aspects, especially mental health, work and the female sex, and signals the need to strengthen public policies for suicide prevention with the targeting of effective strategies for the farmers.

Factors associated with sleep problems and sleeping pill use in Brazilians.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of sleep problems and sleeping pill use and associated factors in the Brazilian population. METHODS: This study was conducted with data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Our sample consisted of 94,114 participants and the outcomes analyzed were sleep problems and sleeping pill use. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics were explored in a descriptive and multivariate analysis with Poisson regression, robust variance, and 5% significance. RESULTS: We found a 35.1% (95%CI: 34.5-35.7) and 8.5% (95%CI: 8.2-8.9) prevalence of sleep problems and sleeping pill use, respectively. Sleep problems were associated with women (PR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.36-1.46), individuals who self-assess their health as regular/poor/very poor (PR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.51-1.62), those with chronic diseases (PR = 1.70; 95%CI: 1.64-1.78), those who use alcohol excessively (PR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.09-1.20), and smokers (PR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.10-1.22). Sleeping pill use was associated with women (PR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.43-1.73), divorcees (PR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.30-1.65), urban denizens (PR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.21-1.45) those who self-assess their health as regular/poor/very poor (PR = 1.79; 95%CI: 1.64-1.95), those with chronic diseases (PR = 4.07; 95%CI: 3.48-4.77), and smokers (PR = 1.49; IC95%: 1.33-1.67). CONCLUSION: This study found that the prevalence of sleep problems and sleeping pill use in Brazilians indicates the need for attention and sleep care for this population, especially in women and those with lifestyle and health conditions associated with the analyzed outcomes.

Gender and race inequalities in adolescent and young adult homicide mortality rates: a multilevel ecological analysis of Brazilian municipalities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between adolescent and young adult homicide mortality rates in Brazilian municipalities according to gender, race, and contextual characteristics at the municipal and federation unit levels. METHODS: This is an ecological study that used secondary data available from the death records of the Mortality Information System and socioeconomic data from the Brazilian Census. The dependent variables were homicide mortality rates among people aged 15-29 years by sex and race from 2015 to 2017. The contextual variables were related to education, income, schooling, and vulnerability. Multilevel linear regression was applied in an ecological model to verify the first- and second-level variables' effect. Each variable's effect was estimated using ß and its respective confidence intervals (95%CI) and statistical significance. RESULTS: There was a direct and significant relationship between the adolescent and young adult mortality rates and the homicide mortality rates among adults, regardless of sex and race/skin color. However, this relationship was more pronounced among black adolescents and young adults. At the federative unit level, the human development index was significantly related to the mortality rates of black men, white men, and white women. CONCLUSION: There is racial inequality in adolescent and young adult mortality from violence in Brazil; the rates are related to municipal characteristics, such as violence in the adult population and inequalities in education and social protection.

Frequency of Vitamin a Deficiency in Children Hospitalized for Pneumonia: An Integrative Review.

Objective: To identify the frequency of vitamin A deficiency in children aged 6 months to 5 years hospitalized for pneumonia. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, where searches were made by two independent researchers, with no language limits or publication time in the databases PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL, and in the gray literature-OpenGrey, Proquest and Google Scholar. In the eligibility phase, the screened studies were read in full and those that did not answer the research question were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the Downs & Black (1998) checklist. Results: 1642 articles were identified, after all stages of screening and selection, 10 studies were included, of which 5 were longitudinal, 4 were intervention and 1 transversal. All studies identified subclinical vitamin A deficiency in children hospitalized with pneumonia; the highest frequency of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was 93.2%. All studies evaluated showed frequencies of subclinical vitamin A deficiency >20%. Conclusion: There is a high frequency of subclinical vitamin A deficiency in children with pneumonia; these data need to be further explored in terms of their associations. For this reason, new studies that evaluate this topic are of fundamental importance.

Prevalence of Access to Prenatal Care in the First Trimester of Pregnancy Among Black Women Compared to Other Races/Ethnicities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of access to prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy among black women compared to other races/ethnicities through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Searches were carried out at PUBMED, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and in the grey literature. The quality of the studies and the risk of bias were analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies instrument. The extracted data were tabulatesd and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively through meta-analysis. Results: Black women had the lowest prevalence of access to prenatal services in the first trimester, with prevalence ranging from 8.1% to 74.81%, while among white women it varied from 44.9 to 94.0%; 60.7% of black women started prenatal care in the first trimester, while 72.9% of white women did so. Conclusion: Black women compared to other racial groups had lower prevalence of access to prenatal care, with less chance of access in the first trimester, and it can be inferred that the issue of race/skin color is an important determinant in obtaining obstetric care. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020159968_, PROSPERO CRD42020159968.

Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and associated factors in adult women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea in a sample of adult women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with women aged between 19 and 49 years from a city of northeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric variables were assessed by questionnaires and interviews. Dysmenorrhea was measured by self-report, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale measured the intensity of pain. Statistical analyses included χ2 test, ANOVA, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The average age was 33.2±9.1 years and the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 56% for the whole sample. The average duration of symptoms was 2.7±1.8 days and the mean intensity was 6.1±2.6. The previous cesarean section was associated with a higher rate of primary dysmenorrhea (PR=2.33; 95%CI 1.11-4.90) when considering the whole sample. Women who aged 25-39 years and are insufficiently active had higher rates of primary dysmenorrhea (PR=5.24; 95%CI 1.08-27.31). CONCLUSION: Primary dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence in young adults, adults, and middle-aged women. Cesarean section and being physically inactive was associated with increased rates of dysmenorrhea among adult women.

Abuse of alcohol among farmers: Prevalence and associated factors.

We sought to identify the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol abuse among farmers living in a medium-sized municipality in northeastern Brazil during 2019 and 2020. Trained interviewers applied the standardized questionnaire to 450 participants. Sociodemographic, health, income and work characteristics were investigated. The tracking of alcohol misuse was done using the CAGE questionnaire (Cut down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty and Eye-opener), being the cut-off point ≥ 2. Poisson Regression was applied with robust estimation to verify the reasons of prevalence (RP) in bivariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of alcohol abuse among farmers was 32% (95% CI 27.8-36.4). Factors such as being male, having a diagnosis of mental disorder in the family, being a smoker, and using drugs were associated with the higher prevalence of the outcome. Being 60 years old or older was associated with a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse. These results indicate the need for social support to this group of workers in the context of occupational health.

Prevalence of occupational accidents and associated variables in the Brazilian workforce.

INTRODUCTION: Current estimates suggest that 317 million occupational accidents occur annually worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of occupational accidents and associated variables in the Brazilian workforce. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using data from adults aged 18 or older who participated in the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) (2013). This study was based on participants' responses to questions regarding their history of occupational accidents in the previous 12 months. Socioeconomic, lifestyle and health-related variables were also examined. Prevalence rates and ratios were calculated using Poisson multivariate regression models (with 95% confidence intervals), followed by Wald's tests for robust variance estimation. RESULTS: The prevalence of occupational accidents was 2.79% (95% confidence interval, 2.53-3.08%). These incidents were associated with male gender (prevalence ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.77), living in rural areas (prevalence ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.62), age 18 to 24 (prevalence ratio = 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.40), illiteracy (prevalence ratio = 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-4.96) and having two or more chronic illnesses (prevalence ratio = 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.47). CONCLUSIONS: Though the prevalence of occupational accidents in the Brazilian workforce was low, these incidents were associated with multimorbidity, socioeconomic status and lifestyle variables.

Prevalence of multimorbidity and associated factors in the Brazilian working population.

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization (2018), recent changes in the epidemiological profile of working populations point to an increase in non-communicable chronic illnesses and a decrease in communicable chronic illnesses. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in the Brazilian working population (≥18 years) and identify associated factors based on data from the 2013 national health survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde). METHODS: This was a cross sectional study based on data from the 2013 national health survey, which included n = 47,629 people aged 18 years or older. As part of the survey, participants were asked whether they had ever been diagnosed with any of several chronic diseases. The prevalence of multimorbidity in this population and its association with socioeconomic, lifestyle and occupational characteristics were examined. Bivariate analyses were used to calculate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Multivariate analyses were conducted using Poisson regression and Wald's tests to estimate the coefficients of significant variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of multimorbidity was 19.98% (95% confidence interval: 19.29%-20.70%). Higher rates of multimorbidity were associated with female gender, age 60 years or older, living with a spouse, past history of smoking, low education levels (illiterate/primary), living in urban areas, having medical or dental insurance and a history of work accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of multimorbidity in the Brazilian population is low. When present, multimorbidity is associated with specific occupational, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics.

Factors Associated with Suicidal Behavior in Farmers: A Systematic Review.

This review aimed to investigate the factors associated with suicidal behavior in farmers in the scientific literature. Two researchers participated independently in searching databases, specifically PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and SciELO. Only observational studies were included. The quality of the selected studies was assessed with a critical assessment checklist for cross-sectional analytical and case-control studies, prepared by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data related to the publication were collected (author and year; city/country); methodological design; sample/population (gender; average age), outcome, measuring instrument and factors associated with suicidal behavior. A total of 14 studies were included in the systematic review, and factors associated with farmers' behavior in mental health (depression), seasonal impacts (drought), and work exposures (herbicides and insecticides) were identified. However, heterogeneity was found in terms of the method, measurement of suicidal behavior, and associated factors, which indicates the need for further studies.