New global indicator for workers' health: mortality rate from diseases attributable to selected occupational risk factors.

Through sustainable development goals 3 and 8 and other policies, countries have committed to protect and promote workers' health by reducing the work-related burden of disease. To monitor progress on these commitments, indicators that capture the work-related burden of disease should be available for monitoring workers' health and sustainable development. The World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization estimate that only 363 283 (19%) of 1 879 890 work-related deaths globally in 2016 were due to injuries, whereas 1 516 607 (81%) deaths were due to diseases. Most monitoring systems focusing on workers' health or sustainable development, such as the global indicator framework for the sustainable development goals, include an indicator on the burden of occupational injuries. Few such systems, however, have an indicator on the burden of work-related diseases. To address this gap, we present a new global indicator: mortality rate from diseases attributable to selected occupational risk factors, by disease, risk factor, sex and age group. We outline the policy rationale of the indicator, describe its data sources and methods of calculation, and report and analyse the official indicator for 183 countries. We also provide examples of the use of the indicator in national workers' health monitoring systems and highlight the indicator's strengths and limitations. We conclude that integrating the new indicator into monitoring systems will provide more comprehensive and accurate surveillance of workers' health, and allow harmonization across global, regional and national monitoring systems. Inequalities in workers' health can be analysed and the evidence base can be improved towards more effective policy and systems on workers' health.

Par le biais des objectifs de développement durable 3 et 8 ainsi que d'autres mesures, plusieurs pays se sont engagés à protéger et promouvoir la santé des travailleurs en réduisant l'impact des maladies liées au travail. Mais pour évaluer leurs progrès en la matière, il convient de mettre en place des indicateurs estimant l'impact des maladies liées au travail afin de placer le développement durable et la santé des travailleurs sous surveillance. D'après l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé et l'Organisation internationale du Travail, seulement 363 283 (19%) des 1 879 890 décès liés au travail dans le monde en 2016 découlaient de blessures, tandis que 1 516 607 (81%) d'entre eux étaient causés par des maladies. La plupart des systèmes de surveillance qui s'intéressent à la santé des travailleurs ou au développement durable, comme le cadre mondial d'indicateurs pour les objectifs de développement durable, comportent un indicateur relatif à l'impact des accidents de travail. Cependant, rares sont ceux qui possèdent un indicateur concernant l'impact des maladies professionnelles. Pour combler cette lacune, nous dévoilons un nouvel indicateur mondial: le taux de mortalité dû aux maladies attribuables à certains facteurs de risque professionnels classé par maladie, facteur de risque, sexe et catégorie d'âge. Nous exposons le motif politique de l'indicateur, décrivons l'origine des données et les méthodes de calcul, et communiquons et analysons l'indicateur officiel pour 183 pays. Nous fournissons également des exemples de la façon dont l'indicateur peut être utilisé dans des systèmes nationaux de surveillance de la santé des travailleurs et soulignons ses forces et faiblesses. Nous concluons en affirmant que l'intégration de ce nouvel indicateur dans les systèmes de surveillance offrira un suivi plus complet et précis de la santé des travailleurs et ouvrira la voie à une harmonisation des systèmes mondiaux, nationaux et régionaux. Il est possible d'analyser les inégalités en matière de santé des travailleurs et d'en améliorer les bases factuelles afin d'établir des politiques et systèmes plus efficaces dans ce domaine.

A través de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible 3 y 8 y de otras políticas, los países se han comprometido a proteger y promover la salud de los trabajadores reduciendo la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo. Para supervisar los avances en el cumplimiento de estos compromisos, debería disponerse de indicadores que reflejen la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo, a fin de controlar la salud de los trabajadores y el desarrollo sostenible. La Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Organización Internacional del Trabajo estiman que solo 363 283 (19%) de las 1 879 890 muertes relacionadas con el trabajo a nivel mundial en 2016 se debieron a lesiones, mientras que 1 516 607 (81%) muertes se debieron a enfermedades. La mayoría de los sistemas de vigilancia centrados en la salud de los trabajadores o el desarrollo sostenible, como el marco de indicadores mundiales para los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, incluyen un indicador sobre la carga de las lesiones laborales. No obstante, pocos de estos sistemas cuentan con un indicador sobre la carga de las enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo. Para subsanar esta carencia, presentamos un nuevo indicador mundial: la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedades atribuibles a factores de riesgo laborales seleccionados, por enfermedad, factor de riesgo, sexo y grupo de edad. Describimos la justificación política del indicador, describimos sus fuentes de datos y métodos de cálculo, e informamos y analizamos el indicador oficial para 183 países. También proporcionamos ejemplos del uso del indicador en los sistemas nacionales de vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores y destacamos las ventajas y las limitaciones del indicador. Concluimos que la integración del nuevo indicador en los sistemas de vigilancia proporcionará una vigilancia más exhaustiva y precisa de la salud de los trabajadores, y permitirá la armonización entre los sistemas de vigilancia mundiales, regionales y nacionales. Se podrán analizar las desigualdades en la salud de los trabajadores y se podrá mejorar la base de evidencias para lograr políticas y sistemas más eficaces en materia de salud de los trabajadores.

Wheezing in tobacco farm workers in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco workers are exposed to several respiratory occupational sensitizers. METHODS: A representative cross-sectional study was carried out on 2469 tobacco family farming growers. Gender-stratified multivariate analyses evaluated the association between wheezing and socio-demographic, behavioral, and occupational variables. RESULTS: Wheezing prevalence was 11.0% with no difference between genders. Among men, age, smoking, strenuous work, pesticide use, contact with vegetable dust and dried tobacco dust, lifting sticks with tobacco leaves to the curing barns, and green tobacco sickness (GTS) were risk factors for wheezing. Among women, family history of asthma, tying hands of tobacco, strenuous work, contact with chemical disinfectants, and GTS were positively associated with wheezing. Harvesting lower tobacco leaves was a protective factor for the outcome in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Pesticides, dusts exposure, and GTS were risk factors for wheezing. The synergic effect of these factors needs to be better evaluated to improve prevention.

Hyperopia: a meta-analysis of prevalence and a review of associated factors among school-aged children.

BACKGROUND: Studies show great variability in the prevalence of hyperopia among children. This study aimed to synthesize the existing knowledge about hyperopia prevalence and its associated factors in school children and to explore the reasons for this variability. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Searching several international databases, the review included population- or school-based studies assessing hyperopia through cycloplegic autorefraction or cycloplegic retinoscopy. Meta-analysis of hyperopia prevalence was performed following MOOSE guidelines and using the random effects model. RESULTS: The review included 40 cross-sectional studies. The prevalence of hyperopia ranged from 8.4% at age six, 2-3% from 9 to 14 years and approximately 1% at 15 years. With regard to associated factors, age has an inverse association with hyperopia. The frequency of hyperopia is higher among White children and those who live in rural areas. There is no consensus about the association between hyperopia and gender, family income and parental schooling. CONCLUSION: Future studies should use standardized methods to classify hyperopia and sufficient sample size when evaluating age-specific prevalence. Furthermore, it is necessary to deepen the understanding about the interactions among hyperopic refractive error and accommodative and binocular functions as a way of identifying groups of hyperopic children at risk of developing visual, academic and even cognitive function sequelae.

[Adherence to antiretroviral therapy by people living with HIV/AIDS in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil]. / Adesão à terapia antirretroviral de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to control HIV infections and avoid clinical complications and the development of resistant HIV strains. Several Brazilian municipalities have committed themselves to the 90-90-90 target, which aims at diagnosing 90% of HIV/AIDS cases, treating 90% of them, and virally suppressing 90% of them. However, only three Brazilian studies have assessed adherence to ART from secondary dispensing data. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of adherence to treatment in the Municipality of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, examining its association with demographic, health access, and clinical characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary national data from electronic medical records and Medication Logistic Control System (SICLOM) and Laboratory Test Control System (SISCEL) regarding people living with HIV/AIDS in the municipality from April 2020 to March 2021. We found an about 85% prevalence of adherence to ART. White men with follow-ups both in primary and secondary care showed greater adherence to treatment. Age and number of consultations directly related to adherence. Decentralizing care for users living with HIV/AIDS is the way to more comprehensive care but technical and ethical challenges still require solutions. Professional training, correct network referrals, and attention to confidentiality issues must be reinforced to expand treatment adherence.

A adesão à terapia antirretroviral (TARV) é fundamental para obter o controle da infecção por HIV, evitando complicações clínicas e o desenvolvimento de cepas de HIV resistentes. Vários municípios brasileiros estão comprometidos com a meta 90-90-90, que prevê que 90% dos casos de HIV/aids sejam diagnosticados, que 90% destes estejam em tratamento e, destes, 90% alcancem a supressão viral. Entretanto, existem apenas três estudos brasileiros que avaliam a adesão à TARV a partir de dados secundários de dispensação. Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de adesão ao tratamento no Município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, examinando sua associação com aspectos demográficos, de utilização de saúde e características clínicas. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com o uso de dados secundários do prontuário eletrônico e dados nacionais, dos Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos (SICLOM) e Sistema de Controle de Exames Laboratoriais (SISCEL), de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids no município de abril de 2020 a março de 2021. A prevalência de adesão à TARV foi de cerca de 85%. Pessoas brancas, do sexo masculino, que tinham acompanhamento tanto na atenção primária à saúde (APS) quanto na atenção secundária tinham maior adesão ao tratamento. A idade e o número de consultas apresentaram associação direta com adesão à TARV. O processo de descentralização do cuidado ao usuário vivendo com HIV/aids é o caminho para uma assistência mais integral, porém desafios técnicos e éticos ainda precisam ser enfrentados. A qualificação profissional, o correto referenciamento com articulação em rede e a atenção às questões de sigilo e confidencialidade precisam ser reforçadas de forma a ampliar a adesão ao tratamento.

La adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral (TARV) es fundamental para controlar la infección por VIH, evitando complicaciones clínicas y el desarrollo de cepas de VIH resistentes. Varios municipios brasileños están comprometidos con la meta 90-90-90, que estima el diagnóstico del 90% de los casos de VIH/SIDA, que el 90% de estos reciban tratamiento y, de estos, el 90% logran llegar a la supresión viral. Sin embargo, solo hay tres estudios brasileños que evalúan la adherencia al TARV con base en datos secundarios sobre la dispensación. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo estimar la prevalencia de adherencia al tratamiento en la ciudad de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil y su asociación con aspectos demográficos, uso de la salud y características clínicas. Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos secundarios de la historia clínica electrónica y los datos nacionales del Sistema de Control Logístico de Medicamentos (SICLOM) y Sistema de Control de Pruebas de Laboratorio (SISCEL) de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA en ese municipio en el período de abril de 2020 a marzo de 2021. La prevalencia de adherencia al TARV fue casi del 85%. Las personas de raza blanca, del sexo masculino, que recibían seguimiento en la atención primaria o en la atención secundaria tuvieron mayor adherencia al tratamiento. La edad y el número de consultas se asociaron directamente con la adherencia al TARV. El proceso de descentralización de la atención a los usuarios que viven con VIH/SIDA y sida es la forma de brindar una atención más integral, pero aún se deben enfrentar desafíos técnicos y éticos. Es necesario mejorar la calificación profesional, la correcta derivación con articulación en red y tener cuidado al secreto y la confidencialidad para que se intensifique aún más la adherencia al tratamiento.

Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Tobacco Farming, According to Different Criteria.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of the world's largest pesticide consumers, but information on pesticide poisoning among workers is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate acute pesticide poisoning among tobacco growers, according to different criteria. METHODS: This was a two-step cross-sectional study with 492 pesticide applicators. It used a 25 question pesticide-related symptoms (PRS) questionnaire and medical diagnosis for comparison with toxicological assessment. Associations were evaluated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: 10.6% reported two or more PRS, while 8.1% reported three or more. Furthermore, 12.2% received a medical diagnosis of poisoning. According to toxicologists, possible cases accounted for 14.2% and probable cases for 4.3%. PRS increased during the period of greater exposure. Those exposed to dithiocarbamates, sulfentrazone, pyrethroids, fipronil and iprodione exhibited more PRS. The number of exposure types, multi-chemical exposure, clothes wet with pesticides and spillage on the body/clothes were associated with acute poisonings. All criteria showed sensitivity greater than 79% for probable cases but only greater than 70% for medical diagnosis when compared to possible cases, presenting substantial Kappa agreement. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acute pesticide poisoning is much higher than officially recorded. Trained physicians can screen for pesticide poisoning. It is necessary to improve workers' education to reduce pesticide use and exposure to them.

Major depressive episode in hospital workers during the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence and factors associated with major depressive episode (MDE), emphasizing occupational aspects, in workers of a public teaching hospital that is a reference for Covid-19 treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between October and December 2020, after the first peak of the pandemic, interviewing 1,155 workers. The prevalence of MDE was estimated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) algorithm. Multivariate hierarchical analysis was conducted using Poisson regression to assess associated factors. RESULTS: MDE prevalence was 15.3% (95%CI: 13.3-17.5) and was higher among young, white and female workers, those with a family history of depression, resident professionals, nursing professionals, workers who were exposed to three or more situations of moral dilemma, and those who had to put off a physiological need until later. Having a risk factor for Covid-19, being a smoker and being physically inactive were also positively associated with MDE. CONCLUSIONS: The study points to the considerable prevalence of MDE among tertiary health care workers; reviewing work processes is essential to reduce occupational stress and minimize the effects of the pandemic on mental health, preventing those problems from becoming chronic.

[Evaluation of the implementation of the School Health Program from the Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care: 2012, 2014, and 2018]. / Avaliação da implementação do Programa Saúde na Escola do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica: 2012, 2014 e 2018.

This study aims to evaluate the implementation and describe the actions developed in the School Health Program (PSE) by primary care health teams that joined the Brazilian National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ-AB), in 2012, 2014, and 2018. The participation of the teams in school health activities increased throughout the three evaluation cycles, with the expansion of clinical evaluation, health promotion, and disease prevention actions. In cycle II, 24% of the teams performed the seven clinical evaluation actions, 18% performed the six promotion and prevention actions. However, 6.3% of the teams did not perform any clinical evaluation action and 8.8% did not perform health actions of promotion or prevention. In cycle III, more than 90% of the teams participated in the PSE, 84% of the health teams reported a combined planning for actions in schools, and more than 60% of the teams held joint meetings with the schools. PSE was institutionalized in all regions of the country, being more developed in municipalities with 10,000 to 30,000 inhabitants, lower Municipal Human Development Index (HDI-M) level, and greater coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS). Despite the positive evolution, the predominance of clinical evaluation actions in relation to health promotion actions and the proportion of teams that still have limitations in the combined efforts between health and education suggest a certain distancing from the PSE guidelines. To advance the implementation of the PSE, it is necessary to train health and education professionals; deepen intersectoral connection; expand the implementation of information and communication technologies; and maintain policies that allow the evaluation of the PSE, in order to support its development.

Este estudo avalia a implementação e descreve as ações desenvolvidas no Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE) pelas equipes de saúde da atenção básica que aderiram ao Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB) em 2012, 2014 e 2018. A participação das equipes em atividades de saúde escolar aumentou ao longo dos três ciclos de avaliação, com ampliação das ações de avaliação clínica, de promoção da saúde e prevenção de agravos. No ciclo II, 24% das equipes realizaram as sete ações de avaliação clínica, 18% realizaram as seis ações de promoção e prevenção. Entretanto, 6,3% das equipes não realizaram nenhuma ação de avaliação clínica e 8,8%, nenhuma de promoção e prevenção da saúde. No ciclo III, mais de 90% das equipes participaram do PSE, o planejamento conjunto para as ações nas escolas foi relatado por 84% das equipes de saúde e mais de 60%, das equipes realizavam reuniões conjuntas com as escolas. Houve institucionalização do PSE em todas as regiões do país, sendo mais desenvolvida nos municípios com 10 a 30 mil habitantes, menor nível de Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M) e maior cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Apesar da evolução positiva, o predomínio das ações de avaliação clínica em relação às de promoção da saúde e a proporção de equipes que ainda apresentam limitações no trabalho conjunto entre saúde e educação sugerem certo distanciamento das diretrizes do PSE. Para avançar na implementação do PSE, é preciso realizar formação dos profissionais de saúde e educação; aprofundar a conexão intersetorial; ampliar a implementação de tecnologias de informação e comunicação e manter políticas que permitam realizar a avaliação do PSE, de forma a subsidiar seu desenvolvimento.

Este estudio tiene por objetivo evaluar y describir la ejecución de las acciones desarrolladas en el Programa Salud en la Escuela (PSE) por los equipos de salud de atención primaria que se adhirieron al Programa Nacional de Mejoría de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PMAQ-AB) en 2012, 2014 y 2018. La participación de los equipos en las actividades de salud escolar se incrementó en los tres ciclos de evaluación, con una ampliación de las acciones de evaluación clínica, promoción de la salud y prevención de enfermedades. En el ciclo II, el 24% de los equipos realizaron las siete acciones de evaluación clínica, y el 18% realizaron las seis acciones de promoción y prevención. Sin embargo, el 6,3% de los equipos no llevaron a cabo acciones de evaluación clínica y el 8,8% no realizaron acciones de promoción y prevención de la salud. En el ciclo III, más del 90% de los equipos participaron del PSE, el 84% reportaron haber realizado la planificación conjunta de acciones en las escuelas y más del 60% realizaron reuniones conjuntas con las escuelas. El PSE se institucionalizó en todas las regiones del país, además el plan fue más desarrollado en los municipios de 10.000 a 30.000 habitantes, con menor nivel de Índice de Desarollo Humano Municipal (IDH-M) y mayor cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar (ESF). A pesar de la evolución positiva, el predominio de las acciones de evaluación clínica con relación a la promoción de la salud y la proporción de equipos que todavía tienen limitaciones en el trabajo conjunto entre salud y educación sugieren cierta distancia de los lineamientos del PSE. Para avanzar en la ejecución del PSE, es necesario formar profesionales de la salud y la educación; profundizar las relaciones intersectoriales; ampliar la ejecución de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación; y mantener políticas que posibilitan la evaluación del PSE, con el fin de subsidiar su desarrollo.

Association between workplace bullying and common mental disorders in civil servants from a middle-income country.

Workplace bullying (WB) is associated with Common mental disorders (CMD) in high-income countries, but there is a lack of evidence relating to this subject in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between bullying and CMD in Brazil. A cross-sectional study with 907 judicial civil servants from Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, was carried out. WB was measured by the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-r) and CMD by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Logistic regression was used to analyse data and test hypotheses. The overall prevalence of CMD was 32.8%, while the overall prevalence of bullying was 18.3%. WB was strongly associated with CMD, even after controlling for confounders. After adjustment for sociodemographic, personality and occupational confounders, weekly and daily exposures to negative acts increased 4.32 (95% CI: 2.00-9.33) and 6.80 (95% CI: 3.42-13.51) times the risk of CMD, respectively. Considering the operational definition, bullied workers had a 3.45 (95% CI: 2.26-5.25) higher risk of CMD. The results are consistent with studies from high-income countries. Different ways of categorising exposure to WB and testing association with CMD are suggested. Interventions to prevent bullying, focusing on work processes and psychosocial factors at work, could reduce the risk of mental health problems.

The Role of Workplace Bullying in Low Back Pain: A Study With Civil Servants From a Middle-Income Country.

This is a cross-sectional study that analysed the association between workplace bullying and LBP. The participants were 894 judicial civil servants from Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Workplace Bullying was measured by the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-r) and Low Back Pain by the Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptoms (NQMS). Logistic Regression was used to analyse data and test hypotheses. The prevalence of LBP in the last 7 days was 50.1%, while the overall prevalence of Chronic LBP was 19.3%. Some psychosocial factors at work were strongly associated with both outcomes. Workplace bullying was strongly associated with LBP, even after adjustment for several covariates. The odds of LBP in the last 7 days among bullied workers was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.31-2.71) times higher, compared to non-bullied. Workplace bullying was also associated with chronic LBP after adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioural and some occupational factors (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.05-2.44). Psychosocial factors at work, and particularly workplace bullying, were strong risk factors for LBP, in contrast to most individual factors, and dose-response patterns were showed. Positive associations between bullying and LBP raise hypotheses on causation, and the role of psychosocial factors at work are discussed. Further longitudinal studies should address these hypotheses, investigating causal paths, mechanisms and possible mediation. PERSPECTIVES: As a psychosocial risk, workplace bullying may play a role in low back pain and can be focus of interventions to prevent LBP. Dose-response patterns on the association between workplace bullying and low back pain are discussed and hypotheses are raised. The paper addresses different ways of measuring and categorising bullying at work, in order to study the relationship between bullying and pain.

[Availability of inputs for reproductive planning in three cycles of the Program for Improvement of Access and Quality in Basic Healthcare: 2012, 2014, and 2018]. / Disponibilidade de insumos para o planejamento reprodutivo nos três ciclos do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica: 2012, 2014 e 2018.

The objective was to assess the availability of inputs for reproductive planning in basic healthcare units (UBS in Portuguese) that participated in the National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ-AB) and their distribution according to contextual factors. A comparative study was conducted of the three cycles of the PMAQ-AB (2012, 2014, and 2018). The study assessed the availability in the UBS of ethynyl-estradiol + levonorgestrel, norethisterone, norethisterone + estradiol, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, male and female condoms, IUDs, and rapid pregnancy tests. The study considered the availability and presence of all the inputs. Availability was assessed according to contextual factors in the city where the UBS was located. Availability of total inputs increased from 1.5% to 10.9%. In all the cycles, ethynyl-estradiol + levonorgestrel and male condoms showed the highest availability, and IUDs the lowest. Individual input´s availability also increased, with the highest increase of 36p.p. for female condoms, rapid pregnancy tests, and norethisterone + estradiol and the lowest of 15p.p. for ethynyl-estradiol + levonorgestrel, norethisterone, and IUDs. The North of Brazil showed the worst results. The largest increases were in the UBS in the municipalities with the lowest HDI and in those that participated in all the cycles of the PMAQ. Condoms are the only widely available inputs, and it is important to expand the availability of the other inputs, mainly IUDs and rapid pregnancy tests. The period under study experienced the promotion of equity, but regional inequalities need to be overcome. It is essential to monitor the inputs´ availability in order to improve reproductive planning.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de insumos para o planejamento reprodutivo em unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) que aderiram ao Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), e sua distribuição segundo fatores contextuais. Estudo de comparação dos três ciclos do PMAQ-AB (2012, 2014 e 2018). Foi avaliada a disponibilidade física na UBS de etinilestradiol + levonorgestrel, noretisterona, noretisterona + estradiol, levonorgestrel, medroxiprogesterona, preservativos masculino e feminino, DIU e teste rápido de gravidez. Considerou-se disponibilidade adequada a presença de todos os insumos. A disponibilidade foi avaliada segundo fatores contextuais do município sede da UBS. A disponibilidade de todos os insumos aumentou de 1,5% para 10,9%. Em todos os ciclos avaliados, etinilestradiol + levonorgestrel e preservativo masculino apresentaram a maior disponibilidade e DIU a menor. A disponibilidade de cada insumo também aumentou, sendo o maior aumento de 36p.p. para preservativo feminino, teste rápido de gravidez e noretisterona + estradiol, e o menor de 15p.p. para etinilestradiol + levonorgestrel, noretisterona e DIU. A Região Norte apresentou os piores resultados. Os maiores incrementos foram nas UBS de municípios com o menor IDH e nas que aderiram a todos os ciclos do PMAQ. Somente os preservativos estão amplamente disponíveis, é importante ampliar a disponibilidade dos demais insumos, principalmente de DIU e teste rápido de gravidez. Houve promoção de equidade no período, mas é preciso superar as desigualdades regionais. É fundamental monitorar a disponibilidade dos insumos para qualificar o planejamento reprodutivo.

El objetivo fue evaluar la disponibilidad de métodos contraceptivos para la planificación reproductiva en unidades básicas de salud (UBS), que se adhirieron al Programa Nacional de Mejoría de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PMAQ-AB), así como a su distribución según factores contextuales. Se realizó un estudio comparativo de los tres ciclos del PMAQ-AB (2012, 2014 y 2018). Se evaluó la disponibilidad física en la UBS de etinilestradiol+levonorgestrel, noretisterona, noretisterona+estradiol, levonorgestrel, medroxiprogesterona, preservativo masculino y femenino, DIU y test rápido de embarazo. Se consideró la disponibilidad adecuada, así como la presencia de todos los métodos contraceptivos. La disponibilidad se evaluó según factores contextuales del municipio sede de la UBS. La disponibilidad de todos los métodos aumentó de 1,5% a 10,9%. En todos los ciclos evaluados etinilestradiol + levonorgestrel, así como el preservativo masculino, presentaron la mayor disponibilidad y DIU la menor. La disponibilidad de cada uno de ellos también aumentó, siendo que el mayor aumento de 36p.p. se produjo en el preservativo femenino, test rápido de embarazo y noretisterona + estradiol y el menor de 15p.p. en el etinilestradiol + levonorgestrel, noretisterona y DIU. La región Norte presentó los peores resultados. Los mayores incrementos fueron en las UBS de municipios con menor IDH y en las que se adhirieron a todos los ciclos del PMAQ. Solamente los preservativos están ampliamente disponibles, es importante ampliar la disponibilidad de los demás métodos contraceptivos, principalmente DIU y test rápido de embarazo. Existió promoción de la equidad durante el período, pero es necesario superar desigualdades regionales. Es fundamental supervisar la disponibilidad de los métodos contraceptivos para mejorar la planificación reproductiva.

Child Labor in Family Tobacco Farms in Southern Brazil: Occupational Exposure and Related Health Problems.

Tobacco farming is considered Hazardous Child Labor in Brazil. This study examined the work of children and adolescents in tobacco farming, characterizing the level of urinary cotinine and the occurrence of Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), pesticide poisoning, respiratory symptoms, and musculoskeletal disorders. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a random sample of tobacco growers under 18 years old in Southern Brazil. Ninety-nine young people were interviewed at 79 family farms. The majority began working in agriculture before they were 14 and worked harvesting and tying hands of tobacco; 60% were 16 or 17 years old, and 51.5% were male. During their lifetime, 24.5% reported GTS, and 3% reported pesticide poisoning. In the previous year, 29.3% reported low back pain, 6.1% wheezing, and 16.2% coughing without having a cold. Half of the 12 young people evaluated had over 100 ng/mL of urinary cotinine. The study indicates that child laborers do various activities and present a high prevalence of health problems. Health workers should be trained to identify child laborers and their impacts on health. Full-time farm schools could provide knowledge about sustainable agricultural production, reducing the rates of age-grade mismatch, without taking young people away from rural areas.

Suicidality among South Brazilian tobacco growers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among South Brazilian tobacco growers and to analyze the associated factors related to the suicidal ideation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 with a random sample of 2469 tobacco growers in São Lourenço do Sul/RS. Suicidal ideation was characterized by the question "Has the thought of ending your life been on your mind?". Suicide attempt was assessed by the question "Have you ever tried to kill yourself?". Investigation of factors associated with suicidal ideation was done by means of Poisson regression. RESULTS: Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt was 2.5 % and 1.2 % respectively. In the adjusted analysis, suicidal ideation was associated with being female, older age, moderate participation in religious activities and difficulty in paying debts. Those who worked in activities that required inadequate postures (hunched over or other forced positions), as well as farmers who performed 6-9 pesticide-related tasks demonstrated greater risk of suicidal ideation. Regarding health conditions, medical diagnosis of asthma, chronic low back pain, number of lifetime green tobacco sickness episodes and lifetime pesticide poisoning were positively associated with suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Suicidal thoughts and attempts are relevant mental health problems among tobacco growers. Reducing pesticide use, as well as exposure to nicotine and improving socio-economic conditions, can reduce suicidal ideation and improve the mental health of exposed workers.

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors in undergraduate students in a city in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sexual behavior of freshmen undergraduate students according to demographic, economic, psychosocial and behavioral characteristics, and evaluate the prevalence of risky sexual behavior and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of the census type with undergraduate students over 18 years old of 80 undergraduate courses of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), who entered in the first semester of 2017 and remained enrolled in the second semester. Undergraduate students who reported having had sex were evaluated. We considered as risky sexual behavior having more than one sexual partner within the last three months and not having used condoms in the last sexual intercourse. RESULTS: The prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 9% (95%CI 7.6-10.5). Men presented more risky behavior than women, with a prevalence of 10.8% and 7.5%, respectively. Of the undergraduate students, 45% did not use condoms in the last sexual intercourse, and 24% had two partners or more within three months before the survey. Smartphone applications for sexual purposes were used by 23% of students within three months before the survey. Risky sexual behavior was associated with gender, age at first sexual intercourse, frequency of alcohol consumption, consumption of psychoactive substances before the last sexual intercourse and use of smartphone applications for sexual purposes. CONCLUSION: Although undergraduate students are expected to be an informed population, the prevalence of risky sexual behavior was important, indicating the need to expand public investment in sexual education and awareness actions.

Major depressive episode among university students in Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is the leading cause of disability around the world, and it has been increasingly affecting young people. This study evaluates the prevalence and factors associated with major depression in university students, with emphasis on the influence of the academic field, chosen study area and the environment they are inserted. METHODS: A census of students who entered the university in the first semester of 2017 was held at a university in Southern Brazil. The outcome of major depressive episode was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, considered when the individual had five or more depressive symptoms for at least one week. Its prevalence was estimated, and the associated factors were examined by the hierarchical multivariable analysis using the Poisson regression model. RESULTS: A total of 32% (95% confidence interval 29.9-34.2) of university students presented a major depressive episode, and the problem was more frequent among women (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.59); people aged 21 to 23 years (PR = 1.24); those with a family history of depression (PR = 1.27); minorities' sexual orientation (homosexuals, PR = 1.64, and bisexuals, PR = 1.69); who lived with friends or colleagues (PR = 1.36); students in the area of applied social and human sciences (PR = 1.28), and linguistics, language and literature, and art (PR = 1.25). The worst academic performance (PR = 2.61), alcohol abuse (PR = 1.25), and illicit drug use (PR = 1.30) were also positively associated with major depressive episode. CONCLUSION: In addition to individual, family, and behavioral aspects, already described as risk factors for major depressive episodes in the general population, academic aspects also influence the occurrence of depression among university students. Considering the high prevalence of major depressive episode and its negative impact on health, public and institutional policies are necessary to focus on students' mental health promotion and care.

[Neck pain among tobacco farm workers in Southern Brazil]. / Dolor cervical entre agricultores que producen tabaco en el sur de Brasil.

This study aims to assess neck pain prevalence and associated factors among tobacco farm workers. This is a cross-sectional study of 2,469 tobacco farm workers in southern Brazil. An adapted version of the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms was used to characterize neck pain. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression, following a hierarchical theoretical model. Neck pain prevalence in the last year among the population studied was 7.4%. Worker age, tobacco smoking, tobacco bundling, use of heavy chainsaws, working at an intense or accelerated pace and green tobacco sickness were variables associated with neck pain in females. Among males, age, use of heavy chainsaws, working in a sitting position on the ground, pesticide poisoning, and green tobacco sickness were associated with the outcome. The study reinforces the importance of ergonomic and physiological workloads in the determination of neck pain. Future studies are needed to understand the role of pesticides and nicotine exposures on musculoskeletal problems. The mechanization of tobacco harvesting could reduce ergonomic and chemical exposure, thereby improving farmers' health.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia del dolor cervical y los factores asociados entre agricultores que producen tabaco. Se realizó un estudio transversal en el que participaron 2.469 agricultores que producen tabaco en el sur de Brasil. Para la caracterización del dolor cervical se utilizó una adaptación del cuestionario nórdico para síntomas musculoesqueléticos. El análisis multivariante se realizó mediante la regresión de Poisson, siguiendo un modelo teórico jerárquico. La prevalencia del dolor cervical en el año previo entre la población estudiada fue del 7,4%. Las variables que se asociaron con el dolor cervical entre las mujeres trabajadoras fueron la edad, el consumo de tabaco, el enfardado del tabaco, el uso de motosierras pesadas, trabajar en un ritmo intenso o acelerado y la enfermedad del tabaco verde, mientras que, entre los varones, fueron la edad, el uso de motosierras pesadas, el trabajo sentado en el suelo, la intoxicación por plaguicidas y la enfermedad del tabaco verde. El estudio refuerza la importancia de las cargas de trabajo ergonómicas y fisiológicas en la determinación del dolor cervical. Se necesitan estudios futuros para comprender el papel de la exposición a los plaguicidas y a la nicotina en los problemas musculoesqueléticos. La mecanización de la cosecha del tabaco podría reducir la exposición ergonómica y química, mejorando así la salud de los agricultores.

Prenatal care in Brazil: a cross-sectional study of the Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality, 2014. / Pré-natal no Brasil: estudo transversal do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, 2014.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the adequacy of primary health care center structure, requests for tests and prenatal care reported by female health service users within the scope of the Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) in Brazil. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study using PMAQ Cycle II (2014) data. RESULTS: data from 9,909 health centers, 9,905 teams, and 9,945 female health service users were included; 70.1% (95%CI 69.2;71.0) of health centers had adequate structure; 88.0% (95%CI 87.4;88.7) of the teams requested all tests; 59.8% (95%CI 58.8;60.8) of female health service users reported receiving total guidance, and 23.4% of them (95%CI 22.5;24.2) underwent all physical examination procedures; teams that participated in both Cycle I and Cycle II presented better results. CONCLUSION: in spite of shortcomings in Primary Care structure and work process in Brazil, PMAQ appears to positively affect prenatal care.

Frailty prevalence and associated factors in the elderly in Southern Brazil, 2014. / Prevalência e fatores associados à fragilidade em população idosa do Sul do Brasil, 2014.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze frailty prevalence and associated factors in the elderly in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil, in 2014. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional, population-based study of a sample of individuals aged 60 years old or older; a modified version of the Edmonton Frail Scale was used to assess frailty; prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: frailty prevalence was 13.8% and was higher among individuals aged 75 years or older (PR 4.33 - 95%CI 2.94;6.39), those of the female gender (PR 1.46 - 95%CI 1.06;2.03) and those living without a partner (PR 1.54 - 95%CI 1.16;2.04); epilepsy (PR 3.58 - 95%CI 2.19;5.85), ischemia (PR 2.56 - 95%CI 2.00;3.28), and heart failure (PR 2.48 - 95%CI 1.92;3.19) were the morbidities most highly associated with frailty. CONCLUSION: frailty was associated with older individuals, the female gender, those living without a partner and those affected by multiple morbidities.

[Factors associated with interpersonal continuity of care: a population-based study]. / Fatores associados à continuidade interpessoal na atenção à saúde: estudo de base populacional.

This study focused on the prevalence of interpersonal continuity of care and its determinants. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 3,133 individuals 20 years or older in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Multivariate analysis used Poisson regression, with the first level representing socioeconomic and demographic variables and the proximal level including health care and health needs variables. Prevalence of interpersonal continuity of care was 43.7% (95%CI: 42.0-45.5). Female gender, higher age, higher income, consultation during the previous year, report of chronic disease, and consultation outside the public health system showed higher interpersonal continuity of care. Among individuals that consulted in public primary health care services, female gender, age, and the Family Health Program were associated with interpersonal continuity of care. Some vulnerable groups (low-income and users of the public health system) showed low prevalence of the outcome.

[Access to continuous-use medication among adults and the elderly in South and Northeast Brazil]. / Acesso a medicamentos de uso contínuo em adultos e idosos nas regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of access to continuous-use medicines for treatment of systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and/or mental health problems, and the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was developed under the Project for the Expansion and Consolidation of the Family Health Program in 41 cities in South and Northeast Brazil. The sample included 4,060 adults and 4,003 elderly living in the coverage areas for primary health care clinics. Prevalence of access to continuous-use medicines was 81% in non-elderly adults and 87% in the elderly. Greater access was associated with the following factors: adults in South Brazil - older age, higher socioeconomic status, type of chronic disease, and participation in support groups in the primary health clinic area; adults in the Northeast - systemic arterial hypertension with or without diabetes mellitus; elderly in the South - more schooling; and elderly in the Northeast - older age, more schooling, non-smoking, enrollment in the primary health care clinic coverage area, and the family health care model. The results show important inequity in health, reinforcing the need for policies to expand access, mainly for lower-income population groups.

Factors associated with the quality of the diet of residents of a rural area in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with a better quality of the diet of residents of a rural area in Southern Brazil. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study with individuals aged 18 years or over living in the rural area of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Food consumption was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire of thirteen items, related to the consumption in the last week. We evaluated quality of the diet using the Adult Diet Quality Index (IQD-A). Healthy food received increasing scores while unhealthy food received decreasing scores, according to consumption frequency, amounting to scores from zero to 30. The total score was divided into tertiles. Individuals of the third tertile were classified with better quality of the diet. We investigated the association between quality of the diet and independent variables using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: We interviewed 1,519 individuals with mean IQD-A of 17.1 points (SD = 3.3) and a median of 17.0 (range of 10 to 25 points). Although the population studied kept the consumption of staple foods, the intake of industrialized food such as soft drinks, artificial juices, and unhealthy foods such as sweets was high. Older individuals presented seven times (95%CI 4.20-12.48) more chance of having a better quality of the diet. Women, individuals with higher economic status, those who worked in the sale of animals, or those who had diabetes were approximately twice as likely to be in the group with the best quality of the diet. Individuals whose families worked with fishing presented a 70% lower chance of being in the group of better quality of the diet. CONCLUSIONS: We identified that men, younger adults, individuals of lower socioeconomic level, and fishing families were in the group of higher vulnerability for the consumption of a diet with worse quality. Thus, public policies, especially educational policies, are needed to promote healthy eating in this group.