Consumption of ultra-processed foods and mental health of pregnant women from the South of Brazil.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and the mental health of pregnant women from the South of Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Criciúma, Brazil, through face-to-face interviews, from April to December 2022. Pregnant women aged 18 or older who underwent prenatal care in the forty-eight basic health care units of the municipality and who were in their third trimester of pregnancy were included. High consumption of UPF was considered as six or more items or subgroups of UPF consumed on the day before the interview, using the Nova-UPF screener. The mental health variables were depressive symptoms, stress, sadness and anxiety. Crude and adjusted analyses were conducted using the Fisher's exact test and the Poisson regression with robust variance. In total, 428 pregnant women were studied; most of them were aged between 20 and 25 years and were white. Pregnant women who presented high consumption of UPF were 1·42-fold (95 % CI 1·06, 1·92) more likely to experience anxiety and presented a prevalence 56 % (95 % CI 1·18, 2·07) higher of stress when compared with those who did not present high consumption of UPF. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and feelings of sadness was 1·31-fold (95 % CI 1·08, 1·60) and 3·41-fold (95 % CI 1·77, 6·58) higher among those with high consumption of UPF, respectively. The results suggest that diet quality is associated with the mental health of pregnant women. Promoting joint actions focused on food and nutritional education, and mental health, for pregnant women, is necessary.

Child maltreatment associates with violent victimization in young adulthood: a Brazilian birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Maltreatment in childhood may leave people vulnerable to further experiences of violence and more severe effects of stress later in life. Longitudinal studies of risk for violent victimisation after maltreatment are lacking in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to quantify the risk for violent victimization in the family and community in young adulthood following experiences of childhood maltreatment (experiences of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect) up to age 15 years in an urban Brazilian population. METHODS: 3246 participants in a prospective, population-based birth cohort study in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were assessed at birth, 15 and 22 years. Sociodemographic factors were reported by mothers at birth and adolescents at age 15 years. Maltreatment and violent victimisation were self-reported in confidential questionnaires at 15 and 22, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analyses estimated the association between having experienced any maltreatment and later experiences of family and community violence in young adulthood (no adult violence, violence only in the family context, only in the community, or both violence in the family and community), adjusting for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: 39% of females and 27% of males reported any maltreatment up to age 15 years. At 22 years, rates of past year violence in the family or community were 17.6% for females and 20.2% for males. Maltreatment was strongly associated with community violence (Females: OR = 2.96, CI = 1.83-4.80; Males: OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.01-4.00) and its co-occurrence with family violence (Females: OR = 2.33, 95%CI = 1.34-4.04; Males: OR = 3.20, 95%CI = 1.82-5.65) in young adulthood, after adjustment for background sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSION: Childhood maltreatment is an important risk factor for later violent victimisation in both the family and community context. The effects of repeated trauma through the life-course needs research and clinical attention.

"Inequalities in access to medicines for diabetes and hypertension across the capitals in different regions of Brazil: a population-based study".

BACKGROUND: To guarantee prevention and adequate treatment, as required for the population to have access to health services and technologies, including medicines. The purpose of this study is to analyse the economic and regional inequalities in access to medicines for diabetes and hypertension among the adult population in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with adults aged 18 and over from the VIGITEL study conducted in 2019 in all Brazilian regions. Non-access to antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs was assessed according to formal education and housing macro-region. The slope index of inequality (SII) was used to analyse absolute inequalities. RESULTS: The total number of individuals interviewed was 52,443. Approximately 10.0% of the people with diabetes and/or hypertension reported not having access to drug treatment. The major means for having access to antihypertensive drugs, in all regions, was private pharmacies; for antidiabetics, in the North region, people had greater access through private pharmacies, while in the Northeast, Southeast and South, they had greater access through the public sector. Inequalities were found in the lack of access to medicines according to the region of residence, especially in the North region. CONCLUSION: The lack of access to medicines showed regional disparities, particularly in the most economically vulnerable regions.

Associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the first year of life with neurodevelopment in early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Over-the-counter analgesic use during pregnancy, particularly acetaminophen, may be associated with negative developmental outcomes in children. OBJECTIVE: Estimate associations of prenatal and early-life exposure to acetaminophen in early childhood with cognitive, motor, and language skills in two birth cohorts. METHODS: The American Project Viva cohort (1217 mother-child pairs enrolled 1999-2002) assessed cognition at approximately 3 years using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the Wide Range Achievement of Visual Motor Abilities (WRAVMA). The Brazilian 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort (3818 mother-child pairs) assessed cognition at 2 years using the INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment. We used linear regression to estimate associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy (Project Viva and Pelotas) and infancy (Project Viva) with children's cognitive scores adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, education, parity, race/ethnicity, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy, depression during pregnancy, antibiotic and ibuprofen use during pregnancy, household income, and child's sex. RESULTS: In Project Viva, exposure to acetaminophen in both the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy was associated with lower WRAVMA drawing scores (ß -1.51, 95% CI -2.92, -0.10). However, in Pelotas, exposure to acetaminophen in both the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy was not associated with INTER-NDA motor scores (ß 0.02; 95% CI -0.05, 0.09) and was associated with higher INTER-NDA total scores (ß 0.08, 95% CI 0.01, 0.16). Other comparisons did not show evidence for any associations. CONCLUSIONS: Inconsistencies and lack of specificity of the findings did not clarify the research question considering that we still have a large variability and uncertainty to define the risk or safety in the use of acetaminophen related to cognition in early childhood. More studies using better exposure assessment and better confounding variables are needed to clarify these associations.

Psychostimulant Use for Neuroenhancement (Smart Drugs) among College Students in Brazil.

Background: College students are susceptible to using cognitive enhancement drugs, also known as smart drugs. Objectives: estimate the prevalence of smart drug use and investigate the factors related to access and use among undergraduate students. Methods: cross-sectional study performed among all students who entered the university in 2017 using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Smart drug usage was defined as taking methylphenidate, modafinil or piracetam at any point in life and in the preceding 12 months. We characterized the means of obtaining smart drugs, reasons for using and students' residential situation. We asked students who did not use any medication if they were interested in taking it and the reasons for not using. Results: Out of 1865 respondents, 4.2% had used smart drugs in the last 12 months, and the prevalence among law students reached 14.3%. The most commonly used smart drug was methylphenidate. Among the students who did not present ADD diagnosis, the drug was obtained mostly through a friend. More than 300 students reported a desire to use some smart drug, but they did not, mainly due to the fear of side effects. Conclusions: The current study has found a variety of frequency of smart drug use among college students and has also showed that many students are willing to take some kind of cognitive enhancement drug. Therefore, it is important to discuss this issue from a public health perspective.

The use of folic acid, iron salts and other vitamins by pregnant women in the 2015 Pelotas birth cohort: is there socioeconomic inequality?

BACKGROUND: Many low- and middle-income countries recommend micronutrient supplements for pregnant women to improve their nutritional status, prevent possible deficiencies and avoid fetal healgth consequences. This study evaluated the influence of socioeconomic status on the use of folic acid, iron salts and other vitamins and minerals among pregnant women in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. METHODS: This population-based birth cohort study was carried out with 4270 women. Participants were interviewed during pregnancy and at the maternity hospital about the antenatal period; including the use of iron salts, vitamins and other minerals. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize the sample. The analyses were adjusted according to socioeconomic variables (maternal education, ethnicity, household income). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of the use of folic acid, iron salts or other vitamins and minerals was 91.0% (95% CI: 90.1-91.8). Specifically, 70.9% (95% CI: 69.5-72.3) used folic acid, 72.9% (95% CI: 71.5-74.3) used iron compounds, and 31.8% (95% CI: 30.3-33.2) used other vitamins or minerals. In the adjusted analysis, the use of iron salts was associated with nonwhite mothers, with ≤4 years of education and whose family income was less than or equal to the monthly minimum wage. The use of folic acid and other vitamins and minerals was associated with white mothers who were more highly educated and had a higher family income. CONCLUSION: Although folic acid and other vitamins and minerals were more frequently used in white, richer and more educated mothers, which indicates inequality, iron supplements were more frequently used in the poorer, less educated nonwhite mothers, suggesting the opposite association for this supplement.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and quality of life in Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2022.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women receiving care in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Criciúma, Santa Catarina state, Brazil, in 2022; QOL was assessed in the physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental domains using WHOQOL-Bref instrument; IPVP was evaluated by means of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women; Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 389 pregnant women were evaluated; IPVP was observed in 13.6% of cases; in the adjusted analysis, IPVP remained associated with physical, psychological and social relationship domains; pregnant women who experienced IPVP had a reduction in their QOL score by 9.77, 11.07 and 8.95 points, respectively, when compared to those who did not experience IPVP. CONCLUSION: IPVP was associated with poorer QOL in the physical, psychological and social relationships domains. Health services equipped to address and prevent violence against pregnant women are essential. MAIN RESULTS: Intimate partner violence (IPV) was observed in 13.6% of pregnant women and was associated with poorer quality of life in the physical, psychological and social relationship domains. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: The results emphasize the need for an intersectoral approach in addressing the issue, with specialized healthcare centers for situations of violence integrated with social assistance and public security. PERSPECTIVES: Development of intersectoral policies and actions that strengthen existing ones and ensure social and healthcare assistance to pregnant women victims of violence and their children, given the negative impact of IPVP on quality of life.

[Inequalities in risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases: Vigitel, 2019]. / Desigualdades nos comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis: Vigitel, 2019.

This study analyzes the economic, racial, and geographic inequalities in risk behaviors for chronic non-communicable diseases of Brazilian adults. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with data from the 2019 Vigitel (Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance System for Chronic Noncomunicable Diseases Through Telephone Interview). The analyzed risk behaviors were smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, overweight, regular consumption of soft drinks or artificial juice drinks, and non-regular consumption of fruits, legumes, and vegetables. Inequalities in risk behaviors were assessed considering Brazilian's schooling level and their dwelling region, via the slope index of inequality (SII). Equiplots graphs were also built to better illustrate the inequalities. Stata svy command was used for all analyses due to the complexity of the sampling process. In total, 52,395 patients were evaluated. Significant inequalities in risk behaviors for chronic non-communicable diseases were observed: most risk behaviors were concentrated in those with low schooling. Smoking and soft drinks consumption were more observed in the Southern region of Brazil. Public policies are necessary to reduce the inequalities found, allowing for improvement in health indicators of the Brazilian population.

O objetivo foi analisar as desigualdades econômica, racial e geográfica nos comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis dos adultos brasileiros. Estudo transversal realizado com os dados do Vigitel (Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico) de 2019. Os comportamentos de risco analisados foram tabagismo, consumo abusivo de álcool, inatividade física, excesso de peso, consumo regular de refrigerante ou suco artificial e consumo não regular de frutas, legumes e verduras. As desigualdades nos comportamentos de risco foram avaliadas considerando escolaridade e macrorregião de moradia dos brasileiros, por meio do índice de desigualdade absoluta (slope index of inequality - SII). Gráficos equiplots também foram construídos para melhor ilustrar as desigualdades. Para todas as análises, foi utilizado o comando svy do Stata devido à complexidade do processo amostral. Foram avaliados 52.395 indivíduos. Desigualdades importantes nos comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis foram observadas: ter baixa escolaridade concentrou a grande maioria dos comportamentos de risco. Tabagismo e consumo de refrigerante foram mais observados na Macrorregião Sul do país. São necessárias políticas públicas que visem reduzir as desigualdades encontradas, permitindo a melhoria nos indicadores de saúde da população brasileira.

El objetivo fue analizar las desigualdades económicas, raciales y geográficas en los comportamientos de riesgo sobre las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles entre los adultos brasileños. Estudio transversal, realizado con los datos de Vigitel (Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección para Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles por Entrevista Telefónica) 2019. Los comportamientos de riesgo analizados fueron el tabaquismo, el abuso del alcohol, la inactividad física, el sobrepeso, el consumo habitual de refrescos o zumos artificiales y el consumo no habitual de frutas, verduras y legumbres. Las desigualdades en los comportamientos de riesgo se evaluaron teniendo en cuenta la educación y el macrorregión de residencia de los brasileños, mediante el índice de inequidad absoluto (slope index of inequality - SII). También se construyeron gráficos equiplot para ilustrar mejor las desigualdades. Para todos los análisis, se utilizó el comando svy de Stata debido a la complejidad del proceso de muestreo. Se evaluó a un total de 52.395 personas. Se observaron importantes desigualdades en los comportamientos de riesgo para las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles: tener un bajo nivel educativo concentró la gran mayoría de los comportamientos de riesgo. El tabaquismo y el consumo de refrescos se observaron más en la región Sur del país. Se necesitan políticas públicas para reducir las desigualdades encontradas, permitiendo la mejora de los indicadores de salud de la población brasileña.

Inequalities in alcohol consumption and cell phone use while driving motor vehicles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate social inequalities of Brazilians in alcohol consumption and cell phone use while driving motor vehicles. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with people who drive (n=23,474) in 2019. The outcomes adopted were cell phone use and alcohol consumption while driving, associated with the variables gender, age group, skin color, education and macro-region of housing and analyzed using the slope index of inequality using logistic regression. RESULTS: The inequalities related to alcohol consumption and driving were identified in adults with brown skin color (7.8) linked to the North region (6.8). As for cell phone use while driving, they were higher for the younger age group (19.4) and individuals with higher education (27.1). CONCLUSION: Cell phone use and alcohol consumption while driving motor vehicles have social inequalities regarding the age group and education, and skin color and macro-region respectively.

Iron Salts, High Levels of Hemoglobin and Ferritin in Pregnancy, and Development of Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review literature on the use of iron supplements (not including iron derived from diet), increased levels of hemoglobin and/or ferritin, and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). DATA SOURCE: The following databases were searched, from the study's inception to April 2021: PUBMED, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cinahl and Lilacs. SELECTION OF STUDIES: A total of 6,956 titles and abstracts were reviewed, 9 of which met the final inclusion criteria, with 7,560 women in total. DATA COLLECTION: Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers and disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. DATA SYNTHESIS: Methodological quality in controlled trials were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration tools (ROB-2 and ROBINS-1) and for the observational studies, the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) quality assessment tool was used. Among the 5 observational studies, women with a higher hemoglobin or ferritin level were more likely to develop GDM when compared with those with lower levels of these parameters. Among the 3 randomized clinical trials, none found a significant difference in the incidence of GDM among women in the intervention and control groups. However, we identified many risks of bias and great methodological differences among them. CONCLUSION: Based on the studies included in this review, and due to the important methodological problems pointed out, more studies of good methodological quality are needed to better establish the association between iron supplementation and GDM.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar sistematicamente a literatura sobre o uso de suplementos de ferro (não incluindo o ferro derivado da dieta), aumento dos níveis de hemoglobina e/ou ferritina e o risco de desenvolver diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG). FONTES DOS DADOS: as bases de dados PUBMED, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cinahl e Lilacs foram pesquisadas até abril de 2021. SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: Foram revisados 6.956 títulos e resumos, dos quais 9 preencheram os critérios finais de inclusão, totalizando 7.560 mulheres. COLETA DE DADOS: A extração de dados foi realizada por dois revisores independentes e as divergências foram resolvidas por um terceiro revisor. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: A qualidade metodológica dos ensaios controlados foi avaliada de acordo com as ferramentas da Colaboração Cochrane (ROB-2 e ROBINS-1) e para os estudos observacionais, foi utilizada a ferramenta de avaliação de qualidade do National Institutes of Health (NIH). Entre os 5 estudos observacionais, as mulheres com maiores níveis de hemoglobina ou ferritina apresentaram maior probabilidade de desenvolver DMG quando comparadas àquelas com níveis mais baixos nesses parâmetros. Entre os 3 ensaios clínicos randomizados, nenhum deles encontrou diferença significativa na incidência de DMG entre as mulheres dos grupos de intervenção e controle. No entanto, identificamos muitos riscos de viés e enormes diferenças metodológicas entre eles. CONCLUSãO: Com base nos estudos incluídos nesta revisão e devido aos importantes problemas metodológicos apontados, são necessários mais estudos de boa qualidade metodológica para melhor estabelecer a associação entre suplementação de ferro e DMG.

[Use of anticholinergic drugs among the elderly and a comparison between risk scales: a population-based study]. / Uso de medicamentos com ação anticolinérgica em idosos e comparação entre escalas de risco: estudo de base populacional.

The pattern of morbidity and mortality has changed in recent years due to the increase in chronic noncommunicable diseases, leading to multiple comorbidities and the use of several medications. The scope of the study was to evaluate the anticholinergic drugs used by elderly people, according to risk scales. It involved a population-based cross-sectional study with elderly people. Socioeconomic factors, health problems, and medication use were investigated in the previous 15 days. The Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) and the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB) were used for risk classification according to anticholinergic activity of the drugs. A total of 1451 elderly people were interviewed and 1305 used medications, 60.7% of which with anticholinergic action, especially among the 80-year-old age bracket and the less educated. In total, 5703 drugs were used, 1282 (22.5%) of which with anticholinergic action. Kappa agreement of 0.63 was observed when assessing the ACB and ADS risk scales. The prevalence of the use of drugs with anticholinergic action was high, and attention should be paid to the consequences related to their use, with a view to more rational decision-making in clinical practice.

O padrão de morbimortalidade tem-se modificado nos últimos anos com aumento das doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis levando a múltiplas comorbidades e ao uso de muitos medicamentos. O objetivo foi avaliar o uso de medicamentos com ação anticolinérgica por idosos. Estudo transversal de base populacional, com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais. Foram investigados fatores socioeconômicos, problemas de saúde e utilização de medicamentos nos últimos 15 dias. Para a classificação dos medicamentos com atividade anticolinérgica foram utilizadas as escalas: Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), Anticholinergic Risc Scale (ARS), Anticolinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB). Entrevistados 1.451 idosos, destes, 1.305 utilizaram medicamentos, sendo que 60,7% usaram fármacos com ação anticolinérgica, sobretudo aqueles com mais de 80 anos e os menos escolarizados. No total, 5.703 medicamentos foram usados, 1.282 (22,5%) com ação anticolinérgica. Observou-se concordância kappa de 0,63 quando se avaliou as escalas de risco ACB e ADS. A prevalência de uso de fármacos com ação anticolinérgica foi alta, deve-se estar atento às consequências relativas ao seu uso, tendo em vista a tomada de decisão mais racional na prática clínica.

Double Burden of Malnutrition and Inequalities in the Nutritional Status of Adults: A Population-Based Study in Brazil, 2019.

Objective: To describe the inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) in the adult population. Methods: Study carried out with data from the VIGITEL study, conducted in 2019 in all Brazilian capitals. Underweight and excess weight were evaluated on the basis of years of schooling and age. Multi-level analysis was performed including Human Development Index of each capital and individual-level variables. The inequality slope index was used to assess the magnitude of the inequalities found. All analyses considered the svy command owing to the complexity of the sampling process. Results: 47.119 individuals were studied. Men with no education had 6 percentage points more underweight compared to those with higher education. Higher prevalence of excess weight was found among men with higher education and women with no education. In women, the difference was 18 percentage points between extreme categories. Elderly people with no education had 10 percentage points more excess weight than those with higher education. Conclusions: The findings suggest the need for intersectoral actions that can cope with the social inequalities and help confronting with the DBM in Brazil.

Regional and social inequalities in mammography and Papanicolaou tests in Brazilian state capitals in 2019: a cross-sectional study. / Desigualdades regionais e sociais na realização de mamografia e exame citopatológico nas capitais brasileiras em 2019: estudo transversal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess regional and social inequalities in mammography and Papanicolaou tests. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with data from the 2019 Chronic Disease Risk and Protective Factors Surveillance Telephone Survey (Vigitel). The outcome variables were mammography and cytopathology test. The exposure variables were race/skin color, schooling and region of residence in Brazil. Absolute inequality measurements were presented using the slope index of inequality (SII) and equiplots. RESULTS: 23,339 women were included in this study. Having a mammography was 5.2 percentage points higher in women with higher levels of education, while having a cytopathology test was 5.3 percentage points lower in women of Black race/skin color.Having mammography and cytopathology tests was 3.9 and 11.2 percentage points higher, respectively, in the Southern region. CONCLUSION: Social and regional inequalities persist in Brazil and affect mainly women of Black race/skin color, with low education levels and living in the Northeast region of the country.

Recommendation and use of ferrous sulphate in 12- and 24-month-old children: evaluation in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. / Recomendação e uso de sulfato ferroso em crianças de 12 e 24 meses de idade: avaliação da coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas, RS, de 2015.

AIM: To verify the prevalence of recommendation of iron supplementation among children aged 12 and 24 months. METHODOLOGY: All children born in the maternities of Pelotas/RS in 2015 were eligible for the Cohort. The outcomes were the recommendation of ferrous sulphate by health professionals and its use. RESULTS: The cohort followed up 4,275 children. Approximately 64.0% of them were recommended to receive iron supplementation until 12 months of age. Among these, 68.8% used iron. From 12 to 24 months, 39.4% of the children received a prescription of iron supplementation, and among them, 26.2% actually used it. At 12 months, after adjusted analysis, higher maternal education, higher family income, lower parity, and low birth weight remained associated with the outcome. At 24 months, after adjusted analysis, we observed a higher recommendation of iron supplementation among mother with lower parity and for children with low birth weight. CONCLUSION: There was a low frequency of recommendation and low rate of use of iron among children. These findings are highly relevant given the high prevalence of anemia observed in children this year. The low recommendation of iron use among children up to 24 months of age, and the low use among those who are recommended to use it reflect the need for coordinated actions among health professionals and the expansion of knowledge among mothers to enable a wider reach of this important public policy.

[Gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention: data from the 2015 birth cohort in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Ganho de peso gestacional e retenção de peso no pós-parto: dados da coorte de nascimentos de 2015, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

The study's objectives were to describe the prevalence of gestational weight gain and weight retention at 3 and 12 months postpartum and to identify possible socioeconomic inequalities in adequate gestational weight gain. A longitudinal study was performed with data from the 2015 Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, birth cohort. Gestational weight gain was classified according to the US Institute of Medicine guidelines. Weight retention at 3 and 12 months was calculated according to the mother's weight at each period, subtracting pregestational weight. To identify possible inequalities, the study used Slope Index (SII) and Concentration Index (CIX). The sample included mothers with information on the study's outcome (n = 4,102). Prevalence of adequate gestational weight gain was 33.5% (95% confidence interval - 95%CI: 32.1; 35.0). Slight inequalities were observed in the prevalence of adequate weight gain in mothers with less schooling [CIX = 1.88 (95%CI: -0.76; 4.52); SII = 4.27 (95%CI: -0.87; 9.41)] and in mothers belonging to the poorest income quintile- 1st quintile- [CIX = 1.04 (95%CI: -1.60; 3.67); SII = 2.93 (95%CI: -2.06; 7.92)], but these differences were not statistically significant. Mean postpartum weight gain was 2.3kg (standard deviation - SD = 6.4) and 1.4kg (SD = 8.8) at 3 and 12 months, respectively. One-third of the women showed adequate weight gain. The observed inequalities in prevalence of adequate gestational weight gain in women with less schooling and in the poorest income quintile were not statistically significant.

O objetivo foi descrever a prevalência de ganho de peso gestacional e a retenção de peso após 3 e 12 meses do parto, e identificar possíveis desigualdades socioeconômicas no ganho de peso gestacional adequado. Realizou-se um estudo longitudinal com dados da coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015. O ganho de peso gestacional foi classificado segundo o Instituto de Medicina dos Estados Unidos. A retenção de peso aos 3 e 12 meses foi calculada considerando-se o peso da mãe em cada período, subtraído do peso pré-gestacional. Para identificar as possíveis desigualdades, utilizou-se o Slope Index (SII) e o Concentration Index (CIX). A amostra analítica incluiu as mães com informações para o desfecho em estudo (n = 4.102). A prevalência de ganho de peso gestacional adequado foi de 33,5% (IC95%: 32,1; 35,0). Foram encontradas desigualdades discretas na prevalência de ganho de peso adequado entre as menos escolarizadas [CIX = 1,88 (IC95%: -0,76; 4,52); SII = 4,27 (IC95%: -0,87; 9,41)] e entre as mães pertencentes ao quinto mais pobre - 1º quinto - [CIX = 1,04 (IC95%: -1,60; 3,67); SII = 2,93 (IC95%: -2,06; 7,92)], porém, estas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. A média de retenção de peso pós-parto foi de 2,3kg (DP = 6,4) e de 1,4kg (DP = 8,8) após 3 e 12 meses do parto, respectivamente. Um terço das mulheres apresentou ganho de peso considerado adequado. As desigualdades observadas na prevalência de ganho de peso gestacional adequado com relação à menor escolaridade materna e quinto mais pobre de renda não foram estatisticamente significativas.

El objetivo fue describir la prevalencia de ganancia de peso gestacional y retención de peso, tras 3 y 12 meses después del parto, así como identificar posibles desigualdades socioeconómicas en el aumento de peso gestacional adecuado. Estudio longitudinal con datos de la cohorte de nacimientos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 2015. La ganancia de peso gestacional se clasificó según el Instituto de Medicina de los Estados Unidos. La retención de peso a los 3 y 12 meses se calculó considerando el peso de la madre en cada período sustraído del peso pregestacional. Para identificar las posibles desigualdades se utilizó el Slope Index (SII) y el Concentration Index (CIX). La muestra analítica incluyó a madres con información para el resultado en estudio (n = 4.102). La prevalencia de ganancia de peso gestacional adecuado fue de 33,5% (intervalo de 95% de confianza - IC95%: 32,1; 35,0). Fueron encontradas desigualdades discretas en la prevalencia de ganancia de peso adecuado entre las menos escolarizadas [CIX = 1,88 (IC95%: -0,76; 4,52); SII = 4,27 (IC95%: -0,87; 9,41)] y, entre las madres pertenecientes al quinto más pobre- 1er quinto- [CIX = 1,04 (IC95%: -1,60; 3,67); SII = 2,93 (IC95%: -2,06; 7,92)], a pesar de que esas diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas. La media de retención de peso pos-parto fue de 2,3kg (desviación estándar - DE = 6,4) y de 1,4kg (DE = 8,8), tras 3 y 12 meses del parto, respectivamente. Un tercio de las mujeres tuvieron una ganancia de peso considerada adecuada. Las desigualdades observadas en la prevalencia de ganancia de peso gestacional adecuada, en relación con una menor escolaridad materna y el quinto más pobre de renta, no fueron estadísticamente significativas.

Breastfeeding and risk classification of medications used during hospitalization for delivery: 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. / Classificação de risco dos medicamentos usados na internação para o parto na amamentação: coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas/2015.

OBJECTIVE: To classify the drugs used during childbirth in relation to risks in breastfeeding, by using different sources of information and determining their disagreements. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, within the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Information about the use of drugs was collected, classified and compared regarding risk according to: 1) Brazil Ministry of Health Manual (MS), 2) World Organization (WHO), 3) Newton and Hale's classification and 4) American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). RESULTS: A total of 1,409 mothers participated, and they had used 14,673 medicines, with 143 different drugs, of which 28 showed discordant classification with regard to breastfeeding risk. These 28 drugs included the following: morphine (64%), classified by AAP and WHO as compatible and as judicious use use by MS and Newton and Hale; hyoscine (23%), classified as judicious use by MS and compatible (A) by AAP; and metoclopramide (18%), classified as compatible by MS, of effects unknown (D) by AAP, and should be avoided according to WHO. Of the total drugs, 49.7% were classified as compatible during breastfeeding. Almost all women used oxytocin (97.4%), followed by lidocaine (75%), ketoprofen (69%), cephalothin (66%) and diclofenac (65%), which were classified as compatible. CONCLUSION: There was extensive use of drugs by mothers in labor during admission, most of the drugs being classified at the same risk and almost half classified as compatible with breastfeeding. However, there was disagreement between the sources for 19.6% of the drugs analyzed, which could endanger the infant's health or leave doubts about the use of the drug or breastfeeding.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Medication Use in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy account for approximately 22% of all maternal deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. Pharmacotherapies play an important role in preventing and reducing the occurrence of adverse outcomes. However, the patterns of medications used for treating women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) living in this country is unclear. A population-based birth cohort study including 4262 women was conducted to describe the pattern of use of cardiovascular agents and acetylsalicylic acid between women with and without HDP in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. The prevalence of maternal and perinatal outcomes in this population was also assessed. HDP were classified according to Ministry of Health recommendations. Medications were defined using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System and the substance name. In this cohort, 1336 (31.3%) of women had HDP. Gestational hypertension was present in 636 (47.6%) women, 409 (30.6%) had chronic hypertension, 191 (14.3%) pre-eclampsia, and 89 (6.7%) pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. Approximately 70% of women with HDP reported not using any cardiovascular medications. Methyldopa in monotherapy was the most frequent treatment (16%), regardless of the type of HDP. Omega-3 was the medication most frequently reported by women without HDP. Preterm delivery, caesarean section, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care admissions were more prevalent in women with HDP. Patterns of use of methyldopa were in-line with the Brazilian guidelines as the first-line therapy for HDP. However, the large number of women with HDP not using medications to manage HDP requires further investigation.

Use of Medications by Breastfeeding Women in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Background: This study describes medication use by women up to 3 months postpartum and evaluates the association between medication use by women who were still breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum and weaning at 6 and 12 months. Methods: Population-based cohort, including women who breastfed (n = 3988). Medications were classified according to Hale's lactation risk categories and Brazilian Ministry of Health criteria. Duration of breastfeeding was analysed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves, including only women who were still breastfeeding at three months postpartum. Results: Medication use with some risk for lactation was frequent (79.6% regarding Hale's risk categories and 12.3% regarding Brazilian Ministry of Health criteria). We did not find statistically significant differences for weaning at 6 or 12 months between the group who did not use medication or used only compatible medications and the group who used medications with some risk for lactation, according to both criteria. Conclusions: Our study found no association between weaning rates across the different breastfeeding safety categories of medications in women who were still breastfeeding at three months postpartum. Therefore, women who took medications and stopped breastfeeding in the first three months postpartum because of adverse side-effects associated with medications could not be addressed in this analysis.

Medication Use among Pregnant Women from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Background: Medication use during pregnancy is a common practice that has been increasing in recent years. The aim of this study is to describe medication use among pregnant women from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Methods: This paper relies on a population-based cohort study including 4270 women. Participants completed a questionnaire about the antenatal period, including information about medication use. We performed descriptive analyses of the sample and the medications used and adjusted analyses for the use of medications and self-medication. Results: The prevalence of medication use was 92.5% (95% CI 91.7-93.3), excluding iron salts, folic acid, vitamins, and other minerals. The prevalence of self-medication was 27.7% (95% CI 26.3-29.1). In the adjusted analysis, women who had three or more health problems during pregnancy demonstrated higher use of medicines. Self-medication was higher in lower income groups and among smokers and multiparous women (three pregnancies or more). Acetaminophen, scopolamine, and dimenhydrinate were the medications most commonly used. Conclusions: This study describes the pattern of drug use among pregnant women in a population-based cohort study, with a high prevalence of self-medication. Greater awareness of the risks of self-medication during pregnancy is required, focusing on groups more prone to this practice, as well as ensuring qualified multidisciplinary prenatal care.

Drug use in delivery hospitalization: Pelotas births cohort, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: Trace the pattern of drug use during delivery hospitalization. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out from June to October 2015, included in the 2015 Pelotas births cohort. All women living in the urban area of the city who were hospitalized for delivery were part of the sample. We collected information regarding drug prescription and drug use by mothers during the whole period of hospitalization. Sociodemographic data were obtained in interview after delivery, and other data were obtained from medical charts. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system. RESULTS: All study participants (1,392 women) used at least one drug, with the mean amount being larger the higher the age of the mother, both prepartum/during delivery and postpartum. It was also higher in cases of spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia, cesarean deliveries, school hospitals, and longer hospitalizations. Analysis of the sample as a whole showed no significant difference in the number of drugs used according to hospitalization type, but when stratified by length of hospital stay the mean was higher in SUS hospitalizations than in private and health insurance hospitalizations. Drugs for the nervous system were the most used (30.5%), followed by drugs for the alimentary tract and metabolism (13.8%). The use of anti-infective agents and drugs that act on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems was higher in mothers who underwent cesarean delivery. This study showed high drug consumption in the delivery hospitalization period, and showed cesarean delivery and epidural anesthesia as the main factors related to high drug consumption in this period. CONCLUSIONS: We found high drug consumption in the delivery hospitalization period, and the main factors were cesarean delivery and epidural anesthesia. Drugs that act on the nervous system were the most used.