How do the year's seasons and specific weather indices affect physical activity and the patterns of use of public open spaces in the Brazilian context?

BACKGROUND: Public open spaces (POS) can offer various resources to promote visitation and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, the influence of seasonal variations and specific meteorological conditions on this relationship remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of seasonal variations and specific meteorological elements on different days of the week and times of day on POS use and POS-based MVPA in the Brazilian context. METHODS: In 2018, repeated measurements carried out in Southern Brazil used a systematic observation to identify the presence of users in the POS and their engagement in MVPA. The meteorological elements (temperature, thermal sensation, and relative humidity), as well as seasonality (summer, autumn, winter, and spring), were aggregated into the observations. RESULTS: A total of 19,712 systematic observations were conducted across nine POS. During these observations, a total of 59,354 users were identified. Out of theses, 39,153 (66.0%) were engaged in POS-based MVPA. The presence of users was found to be more frequent during the spring season (38.7%) and on weekends (ranging from 37.6 to 50.1% across seasons). Additionally, user presence was higher in the late afternoon (ranging from 36.4 to 58.2% across seasons) and at higher temperatures with lower relative humidity (p-value < 0.001). Regarding POS-based MVPA, it was more frequent during the winter season (36.4%) and on weekdays (ranging from 73.2 to 79.9% across seasons). Similarly, MVPA was higher in the late afternoon (ranging from 58.3 to 67.5% across seasons) and at lower temperatures and thermal sensations (p-value < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Higher presence of users in POS, as well as their visiting, to practice POS-based MVPA, depending on the seasons and specific meteorological elements. By creating infrastructure and conducive conditions, cities can encourage individuals to adopt more active and healthy behaviors. These findings emphasize the importance of designing urban spaces that promote physical activity and contribute to overall well-being.

Validity and reliability of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) for use in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) translated and adapted for use in Brazil. DESIGN: Validation of the NEMS-P questionnaire. The questionnaires were applied to assess validity and reliability, based on exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's α coefficient and intra-class correlation, with a significance level of 95 %. SETTING: Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Adults over 20 years of age diagnosed with hypertension were included in the internal validity and reliability test (n 176) and intra-rater reliability (subsample n 35). RESULTS: Factor analysis obtained satisfactory results. Internal consistency was acceptable for most items, with Cronbach's α ranging from 0·6 to 0·9. The intra-rater reliability of the subsample was also valid, with intra-class correlation coefficient values ranging from 0·5 to 0·9. CONCLUSION: This work reveals the usefulness of the instrument to assess the perceived food environment in the Brazilian context, being able to measure what is proposed according to its theoretical model, and reproduces the values when applied to a sample different from its original validation. However, refinement of some questions is suggested. Finally, it demonstrates the possibility of using the entire instrument or each section independently, according to the food environments to be investigated.

International evaluation of the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS) Global instrument: comparative assessment between local and remote online observers.

OBJECTIVES: The use of online imagery by non-local observers to conduct remote, centralized collection of streetscape audit data in international studies has the potential to enhance efficiency of collection and comparability of such data for research on built environments and health. The objectives of the study were to measure (1) the consistency in responses between local in-field observers and non-local remote online observers and (2) the reliability between in-country online observers and non-local remote online observers using the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes Global tool to characterize pedestrian-related features along streets in five countries. METHODS: Consistency and inter-rater reliability were analyzed between local and non-local observers on a pooled database of 200 routes in five study regions (Melbourne, Australia; Ghent, Belgium; Curitiba, Brazil; Hong Kong, China; and Valencia, Spain) for microscale environmental feature subscales and item-level variables using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: A local in-field versus remote online comparison had an ICC of 0.75 (95 % CI: 0.68-0.80) for the grand total score. An ICC of 0.91 (95 % CI: 0.88-0.93) was found for the local online versus remote online comparison. Positive subscales yielded stronger results in comparison to negative subscales, except for the similarly poor-performing positive aesthetics/social characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated remote audits of microscale built environments using online imagery had good reliability with local in-field audits and excellent reliability with local online audits. Results generally supported remote online environmental audits as comparable to local online audits. This identification of low-cost and efficient data acquisition methods is important for expanding research on microscale built environments and physical activity globally.

International variation in neighborhood walkability, transit, and recreation environments using geographic information systems: the IPEN adult study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends strategies to improve urban design, public transportation, and recreation facilities to facilitate physical activity for non-communicable disease prevention for an increasingly urbanized global population. Most evidence supporting environmental associations with physical activity comes from single countries or regions with limited variation in urban form. This paper documents variation in comparable built environment features across countries from diverse regions. METHODS: The International Physical Activity and the Environment Network (IPEN) study of adults aimed to measure the full range of variation in the built environment using geographic information systems (GIS) across 12 countries on 5 continents. Investigators in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States followed a common research protocol to develop internationally comparable measures. Using detailed instructions, GIS-based measures included features such as walkability (i.e., residential density, street connectivity, mix of land uses), and access to public transit, parks, and private recreation facilities around each participant's residential address using 1-km and 500-m street network buffers. RESULTS: Eleven of 12 countries and 15 cities had objective GIS data on built environment features. We observed a 38-fold difference in median residential densities, a 5-fold difference in median intersection densities and an 18-fold difference in median park densities. Hong Kong had the highest and North Shore, New Zealand had the lowest median walkability index values, representing a difference of 9 standard deviations in GIS-measured walkability. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that comparable measures can be created across a range of cultural settings revealing profound global differences in urban form relevant to physical activity. These measures allow cities to be ranked more precisely than previously possible. The highly variable measures of urban form will be used to explain individuals' physical activity, sedentary behaviors, body mass index, and other health outcomes on an international basis. Present measures provide the ability to estimate dose-response relationships from projected changes to the built environment that would otherwise be impossible.

First year of COVID-19 in Brazil: Factors associated with the spread of COVID-19 in small and large cities.

AIM: To test the association between sociodemographic and social characteristics with COVID-19 cases and deaths in small and large Brazilian cities. METHODS: This ecological study included COVID-19 data available in State Health Secretaries (managed by brasil.io API) and three national databases (IBGE, DATASUS and Embrapa). Temporal spread of COVID-19 in Brazil during the first year considered as outcome: a) days until 1st case in each city since 1st in the country; b) days until 1,000 cases/100,000 inhabitants since 1st case in each city; c) days until 1st death until 50 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. Covariates included geographic region, city social and environmental characteristics, housing conditions, job characteristics, socioeconomic and inequalities characteristics, and health services and coverage. The analysis were stratified by city size into small (<100,000 inhabitants) and large cities (≥100,00 inhabitants). Multiple linear regressions were performed to test associations of all covariates to adjust to potential confounders. RESULTS: In small cities, the first cases were reported after 82.2 days and 1,000 cases/100,000 were reported after 117.8 days, whereas in large cities these milestones were reported after 32.1 and 127.7 days, respectively. For first death, small and large cities took 121.6 and 36.0 days, respectively. However, small cities were associated with more vulnerability factors to first case arrival in 1,000 cases/100,000 inhabitants, first death and 50 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. North and Northeast regions positively associated with faster COVID-19 incidence, whereas South and Southeast were least. CONCLUSION: Social and built environment characteristics and inequalities were associated with COVID-19 cases spread and mortality incidence in Brazilian cities.

Increasing community prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in urine is associated with increasing district-level antibiotic consumption.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze ESBL-producing Escherichia coli prevalence in urine samples collected between 2011-2019 in Curitiba, a large city in Brazil, and relating it to antibiotic consumption and sanitary conditions. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study correlating prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from urine samples with district-level antibiotic consumption and sociodemographic data during 2011-2019. E. coli isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility and ESBL by an automated method. Statistical analysis applied linear regressions, pooled ordinary least squares, and fixed effects models for districts or years. The Chow and Hausman tests indicated that the fixed effects model for individual districts fitted best. Chi-square test was used for qualitative variables (statistical significance was set when p<0.05). RESULTS: Among the 886,535 urine sample cultures, 9.9% of isolates were ESBL-producing E. coli. Their prevalence increased from 4.7% in 2011 to 19.3% in 2019 (p<0.0001; R2=0.922). This progressive increase correlated with age (p=0.007; R2=0.8725) and male gender (p<0.001) and increased antibiotic consumption (p=0.0386; R2=0.47). The fixed effects model showed that district influences ESBL prevalence and that antibiotic consumption explains 20-30% of this variation, with an increase of one defined daily dose accounting for an increase of 0.02084 percentage points of ESBL. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli can, to a considerable extent, be explained by increasing antibiotic consumption.

Self-perception of mental health, COVID-19 and associated sociodemographic-contextual factors in Latin America.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alterations in self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associated factors in four Latin American countries. This is a cross-sectional study based on data collected from adults in 2021 through the Collaborative Response COVID-19 Survey by the MacDonnell Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (United States). The sample was composed of 8,125 individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. A generalized linear model for a binary outcome variable with a logistic link and fixed country effects was used. There were 2,336 (28.75%) individuals who considered having suffered alterations in self-perceived mental health. Unemployed individuals (OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.24-1.58), those with bad/regular quality of life (OR = 5.03; 95%CI: 4.01-6.31), and those with high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.41-1.96) had a higher risk of self-perceived mental health alterations than those with full-time employment, excellent quality, and low socioeconomic status. According to the fixed-effects model, Brazilians living in the country during the pandemic, who disagreed with their government's decisions (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) and lacked trust in their government (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) had a higher risk of having self-perceived mental health alterations. Nearly 30% of respondents indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic altered their self-perceived mental health. This outcome was associated with political, sociodemographic, and health risk factors. These findings should help policymakers develop post-pandemic community interventions.

Evening chronotype predicts dropout of physical exercise: a prospective analysis.

Purpose: Eveningness preference to sleep/wake and perform physical/cognitive activities has been associated with worse health outcomes, when compared to morningness preference. Physical activity is one potential mediator that could explain this relationship; however, most of these evidences come from cross-sectional design studies. Our goal was to assess whether chronotype could predict the risk of dropout of physical exercise programs. Methods: We followed 153 newly enrolled volunteers at three different gyms, from both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years, during 12 weeks. The daily frequency of exercises in the programs was objectively measured (gym's electronic turnstiles). Using questionnaires, we collected data of variables related to demographic characteristics, health, physical activity, sleep, anthropometric and chronobiological parameters (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire-MEQ). Two multivariate models were created using Cox regression analysis to test the risk of dropout of physical exercise practice. Both models accounted for age, educational level, civil status, membership plan duration, physical exercise practice frequency during week 1 and chronotype (MEQ score and chronotypes). Results: Model 1 results showed that higher MEQ score was associated with a lower chance of quitting the program (HR = 0.98; CI95% 0.95-1.00; p = 0.046). Considering the chronotypes, E-types showed the highest dropout risk compared to that of M-types (HR = 2.22; CI95% 1.09-4.52; p = 0.027). Conclusion: Our results suggest that chronotype is another variable to be considered in future studies on promoting PAs in formal environments. Likewise, the practice frequency during week 1 and duration of membership plan also deserve more attention in additional studies.

Association of Income Level and Ischemic Heart Disease: Potential Role of Walkability. / Associação de Nível de Renda e Doença Isquêmica do Coração: Papel Potencial da Caminhabilidade.

BACKGROUND: Association of Income Level and Ischemic Heart Disease: Potential Role of Walkability Association of ischemic heart disease (adjusted for traditional risk factors and socioeconomics variables) and income level (A), and walkability z-score (B), and association of walkability z-score and income level (C). BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status has been linked to ischemic heart disease (IHD). High-income neighborhoods may expose individuals to a walking-promoting built environment for daily activities (walkability). Data from the association between income and IHD is lacking in middle-income countries. It is also uncertain whether walkability mediates this association. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether income is associated with IHD in a middle-income country and whether neighborhood walkability mediates the income-IHD association. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 44,589 patients referred for myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI). Income and walkability were derived from participants' residential census tract. Walkability quantitative score combined 4 variables: street connectivity, residential density, commercial density, and mixed land use. IHD was defined by abnormal myocardial perfusion during a SPECT-MPI study. We used adjusted mixed effects models to evaluate the association between income level and IHD, and we performed a mediation analysis to measure the percentage of the income-IHD association mediated by walkability. We considered p values below 0.01 as statistically significant. RESULTS: From 26,415 participants, those living in the lowest-income tertile census tract were more physically inactive (79.1% versus 75.8% versus 72.7%) when compared to higher-income tertile census tracts (p < 0.001). Income was associated with IHD (odds ratio: 0.91 [95% confidence interval: 0.87 to 0.96] for each 1,000.00 international dollars increase in income) for both men and women equally (p for interaction = 0.47). Census tracts with a higher income were associated with better walkability (p < 0.001); however, walkability did not mediate the income-IHD association (percent mediated = -0.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Income was independently associated with higher prevalence of IHD in a middle-income country irrespective of gender. Although walkability was associated with census tract income, it did not mediate the income-IHD association.

Neighborhood safety and physical inactivity in adults from Curitiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood safety is one of the environmental aspects that can influence physical activity. We analyzed the association between perceived neighborhood safety and physical inactivity (PI) in adults and examined effect modification according to sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,261 adults (62% women), age 18-69 years from Curitiba, Brazil. RESULTS: The perception of unsafe neighborhood was higher among women, older participants, those classified in the high socioeconomic (SES) group, overweighed and also among those reporting to have PA equipments and children. The association between perception safety of walking during the day and walking for leisure (women PR=1.12 CI95%=1.02-1.22; men PR=0.82 CI95%=0.64-1.05; interaction term PR=1.38 CI95%=1.03-1.83) and safe perception was associated with PI, just in the highest SES group (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.00-1.19; p trend=0.032) when compared with their counterparts (low SES PR=0.99; CI95%=0.90-1.04; p trend=0.785; interaction term PR=1.09; CI95%=1.03-1.15; p trend=0.007). CONCLUSION: The perception of safety in the neighborhood was associated with PI in transport, but this association varies across of sociodemographic variables.

[Projeto ESPAÇOS de Curitiba, Brazil: applicability of mixed research methods and geo-referenced information in studies about physical activity and built environments]. / Projeto ESPAÇOS de Curitiba, Brasil: aplicabilidade de métodos mistos de pesquisa e informações georreferenciadas em estudos sobre atividade física e ambiente construído.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methods employed to assess the built environment and physical activity (PA) as part of a multicenter international study, and to discuss the challenges faced to obtain the necessary data in the Brazilian context. METHODS: In 2010 a household survey was conducted with adults aged from 20 to 65 years in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. The study involved the used of geo-referenced information to measure walkability in all 2 125 census sectors in Curitiba. Census sectors were categorized by walkability and income, taking into consideration the average income of heads of the family in each sector. Physical activity was assessed by self- report and using an objective measure (accelerometers). RESULTS: Sixteen high walkability and 16 low walkability sectors were studied, with eight high-income and eight low-income sectors in each category. A total of 699 subjects were interviewed and 381 wore accelerometers. The response rate was 66.4% for the interviews and the compliance with accelerometer use was 85.8% (n = 327). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that it is feasible to conduct high-quality studies on physical activity and built environment in the Brazilian context in accordance with international standards.

Worse sleep quality predicts early drop out from physical exercise programs.

Introduction and Objective: Sleep quality (SQ) benefits from regular physical exercise (PE) practice, but the effect of SQ over behavioral aspects of PE is not well known. In this study, we tested whether sleep variables can predict the drop out risk for PE programs during a six-week critical period for habit formation at gyms. Material and Methods: We assessed 153 volunteers, freshly enrolled at three different gyms and from both sexes, with average age of 33.6 (±11.9) years. Questionnaires provided sociodemographic, health, sleep, physical activity and circadian rhythmicity information. Daily PE practice frequency was monitored using the gym's turnstiles electronic records. We created a multivariate model using Cox regression in order to test the risk of PE program drop out during the first six weeks. Results: Worse SQ predicted a higher drop out risk (HR=1.11; 95%CI = 1.02-1.21; p<0.05), even when adjusted for other potential confounding variables. Conclusion: We found that worse SQ predicted a higher early drop out from PE programs in the formal context of gyms during the first six weeks, along with other variables related to PE practice.

Risk stratification and geographical mapping of Brazilian inflammatory bowel disease patients during the COVID-19 outbreak: Results from a nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still evolving globally, and Brazil is currently one of the most affected countries. It is still debated whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk for developing COVID-19 or its complications. AIM: To assess geographical distribution of IBD patients at the highest risk and correlate these data with COVID-19 mortality rates in Brazil. METHODS: The Brazilian IBD Study Group (Grupo de Estudos da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal do Brasil) developed a web-based survey adapted from the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines. The included categories were demographic data and inquiries related to risk factors for complications from COVID-19. Patients were categorized as highest, moderate or lowest individual risk. The Spearman correlation test was used to identify any association between highest risk and mortality rates for each state of the country. RESULTS: A total of 3568 patients (65.3% females) were included. Most participants were from the southeastern and southern regions of Brazil, and 84.1% were using immunomodulators and/or biologics. Most patients (55.1%) were at moderate risk, 23.4% were at highest risk and 21.5% were at lowest risk of COVID-19 complications. No association between the proportion of IBD patients at highest risk for COVID-19 complications and higher mortality rates was identified in different Brazilian states (r = 0.146, P = 0.467). CONCLUSION: This study indicates a distinct geographical distribution of IBD patients at highest risk for COVID-19 complications in different states of the country, which may reflect contrasting socioeconomic, educational and healthcare aspects. No association between high risk of IBD and COVID-related mortality rates was identified.

Comparison of the Results of Manual and Automated Processes of Cross-Mapping Between Nursing Terms: Quantitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Cross-mapping establishes equivalence between terms from different terminology systems, which is useful for interoperability, updated terminological versions, and reuse of terms. Due to the number of terms to be mapped, this work can be extensive, tedious, and thorough, and it is susceptible to errors; this can be minimized by automated processes, which use computational tools. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of manual and automated term mapping processes. METHODS: In this descriptive, quantitative study, we used the results of two mapping processes as an empirical basis: manual, which used 2638 terms of nurses' records from a university hospital in southern Brazil and the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP); and automated, which used the same university hospital terms and the primitive terms of the ICNP through MappICNP, an algorithm based on rules of natural language processing. The two processes were compared via equality and exclusivity assessments of new terms of the automated process and of candidate terms. RESULTS: The automated process mapped 569/2638 (21.56%) of the source bank's terms as identical, and the manual process mapped 650/2638 (24.63%) as identical. Regarding new terms, the automated process mapped 1031/2638 (39.08%) of the source bank's terms as new, while the manual process mapped 1251 (47.42%). In particular, manual mapping identified 101/2638 (3.82%) terms as identical and 429 (16.26%) as new, whereas the automated process identified 20 (0.75%) terms as identical and 209 (7.92%) as new. Of the 209 terms mapped as new by the automated process, it was possible to establish an equivalence with ICNP terms in 48 (23.0%) cases. An analysis of the candidate terms offered by the automated process to the 429 new terms mapped exclusively by the manual process resulted in 100 (23.3%) candidates that had a semantic relationship with the source term. CONCLUSIONS: The automated and manual processes map identical and new terms in similar ways and can be considered complementary. Direct identification of identical terms and the offering of candidate terms through the automated process facilitate and enhance the results of the mapping; confirmation of the precision of the automated mapping requires further analysis by researchers.

[Accessibility to public spaces for leisure and physical activity in adults in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil]. / Acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer e atividade física em adultos de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil.

The study aimed to analyze the association between accessibility to public spaces for leisure activities, availability of equipment for physical exercise in these spaces, and leisure-time physical activity (PA) in adults. A household survey was conducted with 699 adults from 32 census tracts selected according to income and "walkability". Accessibility to public spaces for leisure activities was determined by geoprocessing according to proximity to public spaces for leisure activities and the amount of such spaces within radiuses of 500 and 1,000 meters around the participants' homes. Presence of equipment for physical exercise in these public spaces was assessed by the observation method and classified as: (a) without equipment for physical exercise; (b) with equipment for physical exercise; (c) equipment for physical exercise for adults; and (d) with three or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise. PA was self-reported, and walking was analyzed separately from moderate-vigorous PA, classified in two levels (≥ 10 minutes/week and ≥ 150 minutes/week). The amount of public spaces for leisure activities in a 500-meter radius with one or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise was negatively associated with walking (OR = 0.84, based on ≥ 150 minutes/week). The amount of public spaces for leisure activities in a 1,000-meter radius was positively associated with moderate-vigorous PA (OR = 1.03). The distance to a public space for leisure activities with three or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise (OR = 0.95) was inversely associated with moderate-vigorous PA. Proximity and amount of public spaces for leisure activities are associated with higher levels of moderate-vigorous PA in adults. The combination of methods can help reveal the contribution that access to (and quality of) public spaces for leisure activities can make to PA.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a associação entre acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer, disponibilidade de equipamentos para atividade física (AF) nestes locais e a prática de atividade física no lazer em adultos. Foi conduzido um inquérito domiciliar com 699 adultos de 32 setores censitários selecionados segundo a renda e "walkability". A acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer foi determinada por geoprocessamento segundo a proximidade até os espaços e a quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer contidos nos raios de 500 e 1.000 metros no entorno dos domicílios dos participantes. A presença de equipamentos para AF nos espaços públicos de lazer foi avaliada por método observacional e classificada em: (a) sem equipamento para AF; (b) com equipamento para AF; (c) equipamento para atividade física de adultos; e (d) com três ou mais equipamentos para AF. Essa atividade foi autorreportada e a caminhada analisada separadamente das atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa sendo classificada em dois níveis (≥ 10 minutos/semana e ≥ 150 minutos/semana). A quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer, em um raio de 500 metros, com um ou mais equipamentos para AF foi negativamente associada com a prática da caminhada (OR = 0,84, considerando ≥ 150 minutos/semana). A quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer em um raio de 1.000 metros foi positivamente associada com atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa (OR = 1,03). A distância até espaços públicos de lazer com três ou mais equipamentos para AF (OR = 0,95) foi inversamente relacionada com atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa. A proximidade e a quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer estão associadas com maiores níveis de AF de intensidade moderada a vigorosa de adultos. A combinação de métodos de avaliação pode ajudar a revelar a contribuição que o acesso e a qualidade dos espaços públicos de lazer podem ter para a AF.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la asociación entre accesibilidad a espacios públicos de ocio, disponibilidad de equipamientos para actividad física (AF) en estos lugares, y la práctica de actividad física durante el ocio en adultos. Se realizó una encuesta domiciliaria con 699 adultos de 32 sectores censitarios, seleccionados según su renta y "walkability" (transitabilidad). La accesibilidad a los espacios públicos de ocio se determinó mediante geoprocesamiento, conforme la proximidad hasta los espacios públicos de ocio y la cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio contenidos en un radio de 500 y 1.000 metros alrededor de los domicilios de los participantes. La presencia de equipamientos para AF en los espacios públicos de ocio se evaluó mediante el método observacional, y fue clasificado en: (a) sin equipamiento para AF; (b) con equipamiento para AF; (c) equipamiento para AF para adultos; e incluso (d) con tres o más equipamientos para AF. La AF fue autoinformada y las caminatas fueron analizadas separadamente de las AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa, estando clasificadas en dos niveles (≥ 10 minutos/semana y ≥ 150 minutos/semana). La cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio, en un radio de 500 metros, con uno o más equipamientos para AF estuvo negativamente asociada con la realización de caminatas (OR = 0,84, considerando ≥ 150 minutos/semana). La cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio en un radio de 1000 metros estuvo positivamente asociada con AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa (OR = 1,03). La distancia hasta espacios públicos de ocio con tres o más equipamientos para actividad física (OR = 0,95) estuvo inversamente relacionada con actividades físicas de intensidad moderada a vigorosa. La proximidad y la cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio están asociadas con mayores niveles de AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de adultos. La combinación de métodos de evaluación puede ayudar a revelar la contribución que el acceso y la calidad de los espacios públicos de ocio pueden tener para la AF.

Iniquities in the built environment related to physical activity in public school neighborhoods in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. / Iniquidades do ambiente construído relacionado à atividade física no entorno de escolas públicas de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the characteristics of the environment related to physical activity and income in areas around schools in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 888 street segments were audited with a systematic observation instrument in three sections (Routes, Segments, and Crossings) in a radius of 500 meters around 30 public schools. The total score was the sum of the sections. Data on income in the school neighborhood were obtained from the 2010 Population Census, and the linear distance from each school to the city center was calculated. Multilevel models (level one = segment; level two = school) were applied to the analysis, with estimates of weighted means and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In the crude analysis, the highest variability between schools was observed in the Segments section (ICC = 0.41) and the lowest in the Routes section (ICC = 0.19). The street segments located around schools in the lowest income tertile reach an adjusted mean total score of 15.6 (95%CI: 13.0-18.3), nearly half of that in those with the highest income, which reached 30.7 points (95%CI; 28.0-33.5), with a significant difference between the tertiles (p < 0.001). The score for the more central areas of the city was 30.1 (95%CI: 26.9-33.4), significantly higher (p < 0.001) than for the more peripheral areas, where the score was 16.3 (95%CI: 12.8-19.8). The characteristics of the environment assessed by the Routes and Segments sections, in addition to the total score, were associated with the lowest income. An environment with worse quality in lower income areas is one of the iniquities that needs to be faced in Brazil's metropolises in order to help improve the people's health.

EXERGAMES IN ADOLESCENTS: ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN SEDENTARY TIME.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of exergames, associated factors and to quantify the time attributed to the use of exergames within the time spent on video games in a sample of adolescents from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated frequency and weekly volume of physical activities using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Weekly frequency and daily time of use of exergames and videogames were self-reported. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the time spent playing exergames, and Poisson regression was used to test the associations (p<0.05). RESULTS: 495 adolescents were interviewed (51.3% girls), predominantly aged between 12 and 13 years (41.3%), under/normal weight (60.4%), medium socioeconomic status (39.8 %) and from public schools (69.3%). Most of the participants did not have video games in their bedroom (74.3%) and did not reach recommended levels of physical activity (55.5%). One in five adolescents used exergames (16.4%). Age (RP: 0.54; 95%CI 0.30-0.97, p=0.039) and having a console in the bedroom (RP: 1.89; 95%CI 1.27- 2.81, p=0.002) were associated with exergame use. Male sex (X_: 195.0; AIQ: 486.3; p=0.024) practice of leisure time physical activity (X_: 160.0; AIQ: 350.0; p=0.048) were associated with weekly volume of exergame use. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, less than two out of ten adolescents used exergames, and the use was higher among young adolescents and those who had a console in their bedrooms. Volume of use was higher among boys and those performing more than five hours of leisure time physical activity per week. In addition, a considerable part of the time devoted to the use of video games, was in fact, destined to the use of exergames.

Self-perception of mental health, COVID-19 and associated sociodemographic-contextual factors in Latin America / Autopercepción de la salud mental, COVID-19 y factores sociodemográficos y contextuales asociados en Latinoamérica / Autopercepção da saúde mental, COVID-19 e fatores sociodemográficos e contextuais associados na América Latina

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alterations in self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associated factors in four Latin American countries. This is a cross-sectional study based on data collected from adults in 2021 through the Collaborative Response COVID-19 Survey by the MacDonnell Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (United States). The sample was composed of 8,125 individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. A generalized linear model for a binary outcome variable with a logistic link and fixed country effects was used. There were 2,336 (28.75%) individuals who considered having suffered alterations in self-perceived mental health. Unemployed individuals (OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.24-1.58), those with bad/regular quality of life (OR = 5.03; 95%CI: 4.01-6.31), and those with high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.41-1.96) had a higher risk of self-perceived mental health alterations than those with full-time employment, excellent quality, and low socioeconomic status. According to the fixed-effects model, Brazilians living in the country during the pandemic, who disagreed with their government's decisions (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) and lacked trust in their government (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) had a higher risk of having self-perceived mental health alterations. Nearly 30% of respondents indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic altered their self-perceived mental health. This outcome was associated with political, sociodemographic, and health risk factors. These findings should help policymakers develop post-pandemic community interventions.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la prevalencia de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y sus factores asociados en cuatro países de América Latina. Este es un estudio transversal de datos recopilados de adultos en el 2021 por medio de la investigación Respuesta Colaborativa a COVID-19 de la Academia McDonnell en la Universidad Washington en St. Louis (Estados Unidos). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 8.125 personas de Brasil, Colombia, México y Chile. El estudio utilizó un modelo lineal generalizado para una variable de desenlace binario con un enlace logístico y efectos fijos por país. En total, 2.336 (28,75%) personas consideraron que habían sufrido alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental. Los desempleados (OR = 1,40; IC95%: 1,24-1,58), aquellos con calidad de vida mala/regular (OR = 5,03; IC95%: 4,01-6,31) y aquellos con alto nivel socioeconómico (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,41-1,96) presentaron mayor riesgo de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental que aquellos con empleo a tiempo completo, excelente calidad y bajo nivel socioeconómico. Según el modelo de efectos fijos, los brasileños que vivían en el país durante la pandemia y que no estuvieron de acuerdo con las decisiones del gobierno (OR = 2,05; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) y no confiaban en su gobierno (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) presentaron mayor riesgo de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental. Casi el 30% de los encuestados indicaron que la pandemia de COVID-19 alteró su autopercepción de la salud mental. Este desenlace se asoció con factores políticos, sociodemográficos y de riesgo a la salud. Estos hallazgos deben ayudar a los formuladores de políticas a desarrollar intervenciones comunitarias pospandémicas.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e seus fatores associados em quatro países da América Latina. Este é um estudo transversal de dados coletados de adultos em 2021 por meio da pesquisa Resposta Colaborativa à COVID-19 da Academia McDonnell na Universidade Washington em St. Louis (Estados Unidos). A amostra foi composta por 8.125 pessoas do Brasil, Colômbia, México e Chile. O estudo utilizou um modelo linear generalizado para uma variável de desfecho binário com uma conexão logística e efeitos fixos do país. No total, 2.336 (28,75%) pessoas consideraram ter sofrido alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental. Os desempregados (OR = 1,40; IC95%: 1,24-1,58), aqueles com qualidade de vida ruim/regular (OR = 5,03; IC95%: 4,01-6,31) e aqueles com alto nível socioeconômico (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,41-1,96) apresentaram maior risco de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental do que aqueles com emprego em tempo integral, excelente qualidade e baixo nível socioeconômico. De acordo com o modelo de efeitos fixos, os brasileiros que viviam no país durante a pandemia, que discordavam das decisões do governo (OR = 2,05; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) e não confiavam em seu governo (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) apresentaram maior risco de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental. Quase 30% dos entrevistados indicaram que a pandemia da COVID-19 alterou sua autopercepção de saúde mental. Esse desfecho estava associado a fatores políticos, sociodemográficos e de risco à saúde. Estes achados devem ajudar os formuladores de políticas a desenvolver intervenções comunitárias pós-pandemia.

Evidence-based decision making and promotion of physical activity among directors of local health departments.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the steps involved in evidence-based decision making for the implementation of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity. METHODS: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with quali-quantitative approach, held with municipal health secretaries chosen deliberately by regional health representatives of the state of Paraná. A total of 27 secretaries participated in a telephone interview consisting of 17 open questions. Content analysis was conducted according to the categories of an evidence-based decision-making model consisting of seven steps. RESULTS: None of the participants employed every step of the evidence-based decision-making model. The steps that were most often mentioned included: evaluation of the program (33.3%), use of evidence from the literature (22.2%) and identification of the problem (22.2%). The steps that were reported the least included: quantification of the problem (14.8%), development and prioritization of actions (14.8%), development of the plan of action (14.8%) and evaluation of the community (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of evidence-based decision making in the context of the promotion of physical activity was shown to be incipient among the health secretaries of the state of Paraná. We suggest widening dissemination and training on the use of evidence-based decision making among municipal administrators to increase the effectiveness of actions for promotion of physical activity.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey / Adaptação transcultural da versão brasileira do Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for use in the Brazilian context. Methods Independent translations into Portuguese of the original version and respective back-translations into English were performed. The steps were evaluated by an expert committee and the translated version was applied in a group of both genders, of different ages and education. Results After suggested modifications in the translation processes, the expert committee considered that the translated and adapted version presented conceptual and semantic equivalence. The translated version was applied to a sample of twenty people and only one question related to the amount of fat in the food required a new round to obtain understanding and clarity. Conclusion We present an adapted version of Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for the Brazilian context, which has adequate conceptual, cultural, and semantic equivalence, being objective and comparable to the original version. Future studies should confirm clarity, reliability, and validity.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar transculturalmente o Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey para uso no contexto brasileiro. Métodos Foram realizadas traduções independentes da versão original para o português e respectivas retrotraduções para o inglês. As etapas foram avaliadas por um comitê de especialistas e a versão traduzida foi aplicada em um grupo com pacientes de ambos os sexos, de diferentes idades e níveis de escolaridade. Resultados Após modificações sugeridas nos processos de tradução, o comitê de especialistas considerou que a versão traduzida e adaptada apresentou equivalência conceitual e semântica. A versão traduzida foi aplicada a uma amostra de 20 pessoas e apenas uma questão, relacionada à quantidade de gordura no alimento, requereu nova rodada para obter compreensão e clareza. Conclusão Uma versão do Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey adaptada ao contexto brasileiro, a qual possui equivalências conceitual, cultural e semântica adequadas, sendo objetiva e comparável à versão original, é apresentada. Futuros estudos devem confirmar a clareza, confiabilidade e validade.