Microcephaly as a risk factor for dental alterations: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether microcephaly is a risk factor for alterations in the chronology and sequence of tooth eruption and for developmental defects of enamel. MATHERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 81 children aged 30-36 months, including 40 normoreactive children and 41 with microcephaly, were submitted to oral clinical examination to determine the frequency of alterations in the chronology and sequence of tooth eruption and developmental enamel defects. The sample was matched for sex and age (1:1) and allocated to the case (presence of dental alterations) and control (absence of dental alterations) groups. Gestational age, birthweight and socioeconomic characteristics were also analyzed. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were applied (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Microcephaly was significantly associated with delayed tooth eruption, alterations in the sequence of tooth eruption, and defects in dental enamel (p < 0.001). Low birthweight also showed a significant association with this alterations (p < 0.005) and prematurity was associated with defects in enamel development (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Microcephaly is a risk factor for alterations in the tooth eruption process and enamel formation in primary teeth.

Factors associated with hepatitis A susceptibility among men who have sex with men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Northeastern Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has disproportionately affected more men who have sex with men (MSM), occurring in outbreaks, despite being vaccine-preventable. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with HAV susceptibility among cisgender MSM on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Northeastern Brazil. From September 30, 2021 to June 19, 2023, 282 cisgender MSM receiving HIV PrEP were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected. Blood samples were collected for screening of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and serum samples were tested for IgM and total anti-HAV antibodies. Non-reactive results for total anti-HAV antibodies were found in 106 of 282 (37.6%) participants. Factors associated with HAV susceptibility included age <30 years (prevalence ratio [PR]: 2.02; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.61-2.53), having health insurance (PR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.19-1.64), sex only with cisgender men (PR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.23-1.89), non-steady partner (PR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01-1.43) and no lifetime history of STIs (PR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03-1.53). Identifying clinical correlates of HAV susceptibility in key populations is a fundamental step towards development of public policy focused on prevention, especially following the recent hepatitis A outbreak in Brazil.

Temporal trend in the incidence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.

It is an ecological study that analyzed the time trend of visceral leishmaniasis incidence rates in Brazil using segmented time regression by joinpoints. There was a decreasing incidence rate of this disease in the country with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -5 (CI95%: -9.1; -0.6) and a reduction of 1.69 cases/100 thousand inhabitants in 2007, and 0.91/100 thousand inhabitants in 2020. The Central-West region showed the highest reduction percent (AAPC: -9.1; CI95%: -13.8; -4.3), followed by the Southeast region (AAPC: -8.7; -14.6; -2.5). The North and South regions showed the largest number of joinpoints in the time series. The highest incidences were recorded in the male population, however, stable (AAPC: 2.14; CI95%: -8.3; 0). In the age group analysis, the trend was decreasing for the groups from 0 to 4 years old (AAPC: -7.7; CI95%: -12.6; -2.4), 5 to 9 years old (AAPC: -7.3; CI95%: -13.6; -0,4) and 10 to 14 years old (AAPC: -5.5; CI95%: -10.3; -0.3). It was found that although Visceral Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Brazil, there was a decrease in its incidence rate from 2007 to 2020.

Policies for expanding access to higher education and changing the profile of medical graduates in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. / Políticas de ampliação do acesso ao ensino superior e mudança no perfil de egressos de medicina no Brasil: um estudo transversal.

This study assesses the effectiveness of policies to expand access to higher education in reducing inequities in the profile of graduates from medical courses in Brazil. This work consists of a cross-sectional study using data from the 2018 Higher Education Census. Analyses were carried out to identify the association between being a beneficiary of the Quota Law, the University for All Program, or the Student Financing Fund and three markers: born in a small-sized municipality, being non-white, or having attended high school in a public school. Analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was conducted using Poisson regression. A significant association was found between being a beneficiary of these policies and being a non-white graduate, who was born in a small town and who had studied in a public high school. All policies presented adjusted Prevalence Ratio (PR), which demonstrated an association with statistical significance. The Quota Law was the most effective policy, with RP=1.92 for non-white graduates, RP=6.66 for having studied in a public high school, and RP=1.08 for being born in a small town. Despite these results, these groups remain underrepresented in medical courses and in the workforce.

Este estudo avalia o impacto de políticas de ampliação do acesso ao ensino superior na redução de iniquidades no perfil dos egressos de cursos médicos no Brasil. Estudo transversal que utiliza dados do Censo da Educação Superior de 2018. Foram realizadas análises para identificar associação entre ser beneficiário da Lei de Cotas, do Programa Universidade para Todos ou do Fundo de Financiamento Estudantil e três marcadores: nascimento em município de pequeno porte, ser não-branco ou ter cursado ensino médio em escola pública. Realizamos análises utilizando teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e análise multivariada através de regressão de Poisson. Houve associação significativa entre ser beneficiário destas políticas e ser egresso não branco, ter nascido em município de pequeno porte e ser egresso de escola pública no ensino médio. Todas as políticas apresentaram resultados de Razões de Prevalências (RP) ajustadas superiores a um e com significância estatística. A Lei de Cotas foi a política mais efetiva com RP=1,92 para ser egresso não-branco, RP=6,66 para ter estudado ensino médio em escola pública e RP=1,08 para ter nascido em município de pequeno porte. Apesar destes resultados, estes grupos continuam sub-representados nos cursos médicos e na composição da força de trabalho.

Weaknesses in primary health care favor the growth of acquired syphilis.

Acquired syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the general population and has been growing in recent years in many countries. A study was developed aiming to analyze the trends of acquired syphilis associated with sociodemographic aspects and primary health care in Brazil, in the period from 2011 to 2019. This study used secondary data from the national notification systems of the 5570 Brazilian cities and a database of 37,350 primary health care teams, as well as socioeconomic and municipal demographic indicators. The trends of acquired syphilis at the municipal level were calculated from the log-linear regression, crossing them with variables of primary health care and sociodemographic indicators. Finally, a multiple model was built from logistic regression. 724,310 cases of acquired syphilis have been reported. In primary care units, 47.8% had partial coverage and 74.1% had health teams with poor or regular scores. 52.6% had rapid test for syphilis partially available. Male and female condoms are available in 85.9% and 62.9% respectively and 54.4% had penicillin available in the health facility. The increase in trends of acquired syphilis was associated with better availability of the rapid test; lower availability of male condoms; lower availability of female condoms; lower availability of benzathine penicillin; partial coverage of the teams in primary health care; limited application of penicillin in primary health care; higher proportion of teams classified as Poor/Regular in primary health care; higher proportion of women aged 10 to 17 years who had children; higher HDI; higher proportion of people aged 15 to 24 years who do not study, do not work and are vulnerable; and population size with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The following variables remained in the multiple model: not all primary health care teams apply penicillin; higher proportion of primary health care teams with poor/regular scores; population size >100000 inhabitants; partially available female condom. Thus, the weakness of primary health care linked to population size may have favored the growth of the acquired syphilis epidemic in Brazilian cities.

[Lack of awareness of the HPV vaccination campaign among Brazilian students: a multilevel analysis]. / Desconhecimento sobre a campanha de vacinação contra o HPV entre estudantes brasileiros: uma análise multinível.

The scope of this article is to analyze the association between lack of awareness of the HPV vaccination campaign among Brazilian adolescents and individual and contextual factors. It involved a cross-sectional study with data from the National Student Health Survey (2015). Bivariate analysis was performed and Prevalence Ratios were calculated, in a multilevel Poisson Regression (95%CI) to verify the effect of variables on the outcome. The outcome was significantly associated with being 15-19 years old (PR=1.36), studying during the afternoon/night shift (PR=1.05), having already had sexual intercourse (PR=1.10), with self-perceived poor or very poor health status (PR=1.23), dissatisfied (PR=1.14) or indifferent (PR=1.15) regarding their body image, playing truant from classes without parental consent (PR=1.10) and studying at a public school (PR=1.24). There was less prevalence of the outcome among females (PR=0.24) and in states with greater income inequality (PR=0.80). The lack of awareness about the HPV vaccination campaign among adolescents was associated with individual characteristics, the context of the school and the unit of the federation. These findings indicate the importance of enhancing health promotion for vulnerable young people.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a associação entre o desconhecimento sobre a campanha de vacinação contra o HPV entre adolescentes e fatores individuais e contextuais. Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (2015). Foi realizada a análise bivariada e calculadas as Razões de Prevalência em uma Regressão de Poisson multinível (IC95%) para verificar o efeito das variáveis no desfecho. O desfecho esteve associado significativamente a ter 15-19 anos de idade (RP=1,36), estudar no turno da tarde/noite (RP=1,05), já ter tido relações sexuais (RP=1,10), com autopercepção do estado de saúde ruim ou muito ruim (RP=1,23), insatisfeito (RP=1,14) ou indiferente (RP=1,15) à sua imagem corporal, que falta às aulas sem consentimento dos pais (RP=1,10) e que estuda em escola pública (RP=1,24). Houve menor prevalência do desfecho entre o sexo feminino (RP=0,24) e em estados com maior desigualdade de renda (RP=0,80). O desconhecimento sobre a campanha de vacinação contra o HPV entre adolescentes foi associado às características individuais e do contexto da escola e da unidade de federação. Esses achados indicam a importância de fortalecer a promoção à saúde voltada aos jovens em vulnerabilidade.

Effect of the coverage of rapid tests for syphilis in primary care on the syphilis in pregnancy in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of rapid tests coverage in Primary Care on syphilis detection rate in pregnant women in Brazil, in municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. METHODS: The dependent variable was the syphilis detection rate in pregnant women between 2012 and 2018. As the main independent variables, the methods for measuring the coverage of rapid tests for syphilis in Primary Care were used and, as adjustment variables, some indicators of health services and socioeconomic. We opted for a linear regression model for panel data (panel data analysis), considering the municipality as the unit of analysis and the year as the time variable. RESULTS: From the results of the final model, we can infer that, for a given municipality, as the rate of rapid tests increases by one point for every thousand live births, the detection rate of syphilis in pregnant women increases by an average of 0.02 cases per thousand live births (p < 0.001). This value is adjusted for Family Health coverage, proportion of health facilities per inhabitant, per capita expenditure on health and the Human Development Index. CONCLUSIONS: There was a substantial improvement in the amount of rapid tests available, as well as a significant increase in the number of tests performed in pregnant women, which predicts an increase in syphilis rates in pregnant women. However, a worrying hypothesis is that the number of tests performed on pregnant women during the analyzed period may have been insufficient to detect the progress of the epidemic in this population.

Trends in the access and use of health services in PHC among Brazilian older adults in the years 2008, 2013 and 2019. / Tendências de acesso e utilização dos serviços de saúde na APS entre idosos no Brasil nos anos 2008, 2013 e 2019.

This paper aims to identify the conditions and trends in access and use of primary health care (PHC) services by Brazilian older adults in 2008, 2013, and 2019. We performed a cross-sectional panel study with a descriptive analysis of the percentages and confidence intervals of the variables listed, in which data on the elderly population investigated in the Health Supplement of the 2008 National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) and the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys (PNS) were obtained. We initially identified that, while PHC was the primary service sought for care needs, this demand tended to decline in all Brazilian regions, among older women, the 60-69 years age group, and whites. The number of households registered with the USF increased 15.2%; the search for a place, service, or health professional by 4.5%; and the population served by 31.4%. The main factors of non-attendance were not being able to get a vacancy/service ticket and doctor unavailability. A growing trend was observed among those diagnosed with Systemic Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and multimorbidities among those investigated.

O artigo tem por objetivo contribuir na identificação das condições e tendências de acesso e utilização dos serviços da atenção primária em saúde (APS) pelos idosos brasileiros nos anos de 2008, 2013 e 2019. Um estudo transversal em painéis com análise descritiva dos percentuais e intervalos de confiança das variáveis elencadas, no qual foram resgatados os dados relativos à população idosa investigada no Suplemento Saúde da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) do ano 2008 e da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) 2013 e 2019. Inicialmente identificou-se que, apesar da APS ter sido o principal serviço procurado mediante a necessidade de assistência, houve uma tendência de redução para esta procura em todas as regiões brasileiras, principalmente entre as mulheres idosas, na faixa etária de 60-69 anos e na população de raça/cor branca. Verificou-se um aumento de 15,2% no quantitativo de domicílios cadastrados na Unidade de Saúde da Família; 4,5% na procura por lugar, serviço ou profissional de saúde; e de 31,4% na população atendida. Os principais fatores de não atendimento foram não conseguir vaga/senha e não ter médico atendendo. E, dentre os investigados, verificou-se uma tendência de crescimento entre os que tinham o diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus e multimorbidades.

Prevalence and factors associated with multimorbidities in Brazilian older adults. / Prevalência e fatores associados a multimorbidades em idosos brasileiros.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of multimorbidity in Brazilian older adults and factors associated with socioeconomic and lifestyle variables. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study carried out with data from the National Health Survey database. Seniors with multimorbidity where the ones with a diagnosis of two or more chronic diseases. The chi-square test was used in data analysis, and then prevalence ratios were estimated through Poisson multiple regression, both with 95% confidence level. In total, 11,697 older adults were evaluated and the multimorbidity prevalence was 53.1%. As a result of the multivariate analysis, female seniors (p < 0.001), the oldest elderly (p = 0.002), those who were not single, more strongly associated with widowers (p = 0.001) and those with a health plan at the interview (p < 0.001) were associated with multimorbidity. Also, in comparison with older adults with two chronic diseases, women are associated with three (p = 0.003) and four or more chronic diseases (p < 0.001). We can conclude that multimorbidity in Brazilian older adults is a widespread condition and that it has been influenced by socioeconomic factors and is poorly related to lifestyle.

Objetivou-se identificar a prevalência de multimorbidade em idosos no Brasil e seus fatores associados com variáveis socioeconômicas e referentes ao estilo de vida. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e de base populacional. Para a sua realização, foi utilizada a base de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde. O idoso foi considerado com multimorbidade quando se tinha um diagnóstico de duas ou mais doenças crônicas. Na análise dos dados, o teste Qui-quadrado foi utilizado e em seguida as razões de prevalência foram estimadas por meio da regressão múltipla de Poisson, ambos com nível de confiança de 95%. Foram avaliados 11.697 idosos e a prevalência de multimorbidade foi de 53,1%. Como resultado na análise multivariada, os idosos do sexo feminino (p < 0,001), os mais envelhecidos (p = 0,002), os que não são solteiros, mais fortemente associados aos viúvos (p = 0,001) e os que possuem plano de saúde no ato da entrevista (p < 0,001) estão associados à multimorbidade. Ademais, comparando com os idosos que possuem duas doenças crônicas, as mulheres estão associadas à presença de três (p = 0,003) e quatro ou mais doenças crônicas (p < 0,001). Conclui-se que a multimorbidade em idosos brasileiros é uma condição bastante comum e que ela tem sido influenciada por fatores socioeconômicos e pouco relacionada ao estilo de vida.

Factors associated with the most frequent multimorbidities in Brazilian older adults. / Fatores associados às multimorbidades mais frequentes em idosos brasileiros.

This study aimed to identify an association between the most frequent multimorbidities in Brazilian older adults and socioeconomic and lifestyle variables. National Health Survey's data were used. The Chi-square test and the Poisson multiple regression were used to analyze data. A total of 5,575 older adults with multimorbidity and mean age of 70.3 years participated in the study. Most of them are female (66.3%), white (56.1%), are sedentary (75.3%), with low schooling (40%), no health plan (65.3%), did not consume alcohol (78.7%) and did not smoke (90.1%). The most prevalent multimorbidities were hypertension and high cholesterol (31.3%), hypertension and stroke (30.9%) and hypertension and diabetes (23.3%). There was an association of the first condition with females, younger adults and no tobacco use. On the other hand, the second condition was associated with females and low level of schooling. The third group was associated with low schooling, sedentary lifestyle and no tobacco use. We can conclude that multimorbidity in Brazilian older adults is a frequent condition in women, younger seniors and those socioeconomically disadvantaged. Also, socioeconomic conditions and lifestyle influenced the prevalence of primary multimorbidities.

Objetivou-se buscar associação entre as multimorbidades mais frequentes em idosos no Brasil e variáveis socioeconômicas e de estilo de vida. Para tal, foram utilizados os dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde. O teste Qui-quadrado e a regressão múltipla de Poisson foram utilizados para a análise dos dados. Participaram 5.575 idosos com multimorbidade e idade média de 70,3 anos. A maioria é do sexo feminino (66,3%), brancos (56,1%), não realizam exercícios físicos (75,3%), de baixa escolaridade (40%), sem planos de saúde (65,3%), não consomem bebida alcoólica (78,7%) e não fumam (90,1%). As multimorbidades mais prevalentes foram: Hipertensão e Colesterol alto (31,3%), Hipertensão e AVC (30,9%) e Hipertensão e Diabetes (23,3%). Houve associação da primeira condição com o sexo feminino, idosos mais jovens e ao fato de não fumar. Já a segunda condição, esteve associada ao sexo feminino e à baixa escolaridade. A terceira associou-se à baixa escolaridade, aos que não realizam exercício físico e não fumam. Conclui-se que a multimorbidade em idosos brasileiros é uma condição frequente em mulheres, naqueles mais jovens e socioeconomicamente desfavorecidos. Ademais, para as principais multimorbidades as condições socioeconômicas e o estilo de vida influenciaram nas suas prevalências.

[Dietary patterns of the elderly in Brazil: National Heath Survey, 2013]. / Padrões alimentares de idosos no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013.

The study sought to identify dietary patterns and associated factors of elderly Brazilians. It involved a cross-sectional study based on data from the National Health Survey ("PNS/2013") of 11,177 elderly individuals, whose dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for the analysis of associated factors. The cluster analysis produced 2 clusters of dietary patterns, one healthy (55.4%), with greater consumption of raw and cooked vegetables and legumes, chicken, fruits, natural fruit juices and milk. And an unhealthy cluster (44.6%), with greater consumption of red meat and soft drinks or artificial juices. The prevalence of the healthy dietary pattern was greater for females (PR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.25- 1.40), Caucasian (PR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.15), elderly individuals with graduate or post-graduate degree (PR=1.56, 95% CI 1.41-1.72), living in the Southeast (PR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.33-1.79) and South (PR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.30-1.76), non-smokers (PR = 1.19, 95% CI, 1.07-1.31) and physically active (PR = 1.24, 95% CI, 1.17-1.32). These results indicated an association between better social conditions and beneficial life habits with the consumption of healthy foods, reinforcing the hypothesis of social determination and the coexistence of health behaviors.

Objetivou-se identificar padrões alimentares de idosos brasileiros e seus fatores associados. Estudo transversal realizado a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS/2013) de 11.177 idosos, cujos padrões alimentares foram identificados a partir de análise de "cluster". Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada para a análise de fatores associados. A análise de "cluster" produziu 2 padrões alimentares, um saudável (55,4%), com maior consumo de verduras e legumes crus e cozidos, frango, frutas, sucos de frutas naturais e leite. E outro não saudável (44,6%), com maior consumo de carne vermelha e refrigerante ou suco artificial. As prevalências do padrão alimentar saudável foram maiores em idosos do sexo feminino (RP = 1,32; IC95% 1,25-1,40), cor/raça branca (RP = 1,09; IC95% 1,02-1,15), idosos com graduação ou pós-graduação (RP = 1,56; IC95% 1,41-1,72), residentes nas regiões Sudeste (RP = 1,54; IC95% 1,33-1,79) e Sul (RP = 1,51; IC95% 1,30-1,76), que não fumavam (RP = 1,19; IC95% 1,07-1,31) e que praticavam atividade física (RP = 1,24; IC95% 1,17-1,32). Esses resultados indicaram associação entre melhores condições sociais e hábitos de vida benéficos com o consumo de alimentos saudáveis, reforçando a hipótese da determinação social e da coexistência dos comportamentos de saúde.

Trends of syphilis in Brazil: A growth portrait of the treponemic epidemic.

Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease with its prevalence being described since the 15th century. Although its etiological agent and also the treatment measures are widely known, syphilis is still a great public health problem worldwide, mainly in countries with limited resources associated to low investments in health primary care. The aim of the present study was to analyze the trend and regional distribution of syphilis in Brazil between 2007 and 2017. This is an ecological study using secondary data from the Brazilian notification system. The Ministry of Health selected 100 municipalities which presented the worse outcomes related to syphilis from the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities as a target for a comprehensive project in order to tackle the prevalence of syphilis, called the "No Syphilis Project". These priority municipalities represent 57.7% of syphilis cases and about one third of the Brazilian population. They were compared with other 189 non-priority municipalities with more than 100 thousand inhabitants among the Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Southeast, South and Center-West). Polynomial regression methods and Joinpoint analyses were used to analyze the trend, from which the Annual Average Percent Change (AACP) for each time period was calculated. There was a significant growth trend in all regions for the main three forms of syphilis (in pregnancy, congenital and acquired), especially in the South. The ratio between syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis increased in both priority (AAPC: 8.54%; p<0.001) and non-priority municipalities (AAPC: 2.61%; p = 0.005), as well as in the regions, except the Center-West. High growth trends in syphilis prevalence were found in all municipalities, as well as all five regions between 2007 and 2017, showing that the challenge to reduce or even eliminate syphilis in Brazil is still difficult.

Screening for masticatory disorders in older adults (SMDOA): An epidemiological tool.

PURPOSE: Masticatory changes in the older adult population may cause nutritional impairment, so epidemiological studies are important to allow specific public health interventions. Thus, this study aims at constructing and validating an instrument for screening for masticatory disorders in older adults (SMDOA). METHODS: Validation study. First step: validity evidence based on test content. Defining the construct and elaborating the questions by a panel of experts and evaluating the representativeness and relevance of the items in relation to the construct by a committee of 28 experts. Analysis was performed through the Content Validity Index for Items (CVI-I) and the Content Validity Index (CVI). Second stage: validity evidence based on response processes. The questionnaire was applied to 40 older adults (≥60 years) using the cognitive interview strategy. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the responses was carried out. Third stage: validity evidence based on the internal structure. The instrument was applied to 295 older adult patients and a confirmatory factorial analysis was performed to fit the model. RESULTS: The first version of SMDOA consisted of 16 issues related to chewing. The CVI and CVI-I were satisfactory, and only one question was excluded. The instrument with 15 questions was well evaluated by the older adults, only requiring minor adjustments to the morphosyntax. After the confirmatory factorial analysis, adjustments were made in its internal structure resulting in the 9-question model in two factors regarding function and masticatory perception. CONCLUSIONS: The SMDOA presented good evidence of validity in its content, response processes and internal structure.

Recurrent falls and risk factors among institutionalized older people. / Quedas recorrentes e fatores de risco em idosos institucionalizados.

Recurrent falls constitute a high risk for morbidity and mortality among older people, especially institutionalized individuals, due to greater frailty and functional decline in this group. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent falls among institutionalized older persons. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a one-year period with a study sample consisting of individuals aged 60 years and over living in 10 Nursing homes (NH) who were able to walk and had preserved cognitive ability. The older persons and carers were asked about the occurrence of falls over the last twelve months. The older persons were considered recurrent fallers if they had had two or more falls during this period. Institutional, sociodemographic and health data was also collected using questionnaires and the residents' medical records. One hundred and thirty individuals were included in the sample out of a total of 364 older people living in the NH. The incidence of recurrent falls was 26.9% (CI95% = 22.4 - 31.5). The results of the chi-square test and logistic regression adopting a significance level of 0.05 showed that fatigue was a risk factor for recurrent falls(p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) and that the use of beta blockers was a protective factor (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). It was concluded that recurrent falls are common in NH and that fatigue constitutes an important risk factor.

Queda recorrente representa alto risco de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos, principalmente institucionalizados, dado ao seu quadro de fragilidade e declínio funcional evidentes. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a incidência e os fatores de risco relacionados a quedas recorrentes em idosos institucionalizados. Estudo longitudinal tipo coorte no período de um ano. Foram avaliados indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes em 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, que deambulassem e possuíssem capacidade cognitiva preservada. Foi questionada a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos doze meses, considerando recorrentes a ocorrência de dois ou mais episódios neste período. Foram ainda coletadas variáveis referentes à instituição, condições sócio demográficas e de saúde do idoso através de questionários. Do total de 364 idosos, 130 foram incluídos. A incidência de quedas recorrentes foi de 26.9% (IC 95% = 22.4 ­ 31.5). A partir do Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística, considerando o nível de significância de 5%, foi encontrada fadiga como fator de risco (p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) e uso de betabloqueadores como fator de proteção (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). Conclui-se que queda recorrente é comum nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e a fadiga representa fator de risco.

Macrophages subpopulations in chronic periapical lesions according to clinical and morphological aspects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate macrophage M1 and M2 subpopulations in radicular cysts (RCs) and periapical granulomas (PGs) and relate them to clinical and morphological aspects. M1 macrophages were evaluated by the percentage of CD68 immunostaining associated with the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, and M2 macrophages, by its specific CD163 antibody. The CD68+/CD163+ ratio was adopted to distinguish between the two macrophage subpopulations. Clinical, radiographic, symptomatology, treatment, and morphological parameters of lesions were collected and a significance level of p = 0.05 was adopted for statistical analysis. The results showed that the CD68+/CD163+ ratio was higher in the RCs (median = 1.22, p = 0.002), and the highest TNF-α immunostaining scores were found in RCs (p = 0.018); in PGs, the CD68+/CD163+ ratio was lower and associated with a greater CD163+ immunostaining (median = 1.02, p <0.001). The TNF-α in cyst epithelium had a score of 3 in 10 cases and predominance of M1 macrophages by CD68+/CD163+ (median = 2.23). In addition, CD68+ cells had higher percentage of immunostaining in smaller RCs (p = 0.034). Our findings suggest that increased CD68 immunostaining associated with TNF-α cytokine in RCs results in a greater differentiation of the M1 phenotype. The higher CD163 immunostaining in PGs results in greater differentiation of the M2 phenotype. Therefore, the inflammatory state promoted by M1 macrophages is related to growth and progression of RCs; on the other hand, the immunomodulatory state of M2 macrophages is related to maintenance of PGs.

Factors Associated with Hyposalivation in Brazilian Adults

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the occurrence of hyposalivation in Brazilian adults and its association with individual determinants, such as the use of medications, systemic conditions, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 402 adults was developed. Information was collected on sociodemographic and general health characteristics, and sialometry was performed with stimulated salivary flow. It indicated low salivary flow when ≤ 0.7 mL/min. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using a decision tree (p<0.05). Results: The sample was comprised predominantly of women (68.2%) aged ≤ 29 years (25.4%). Most participants did not use medication (56.7%). Among systemic diseases, the most cited was hypertension (25.1%). More than a third of the participants presented hyposalivation (40.3%), being associated with the following variables: age between 50 to 59 years (p=0.011), female sex (p<0.001), menopause (p=0.001), use of alcohol (p=0.033), systemic disease (p=0.002) and medication use (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, in addition to sex (p<0.001) and hypertension (p=0.005), an association was also found between hyposalivation and diabetes (p=0.014). Conclusion: Factors associated with hyposalivation in adults were sex and the presence of hypertension or diabetes.

Comportamentos relacionados à saúde e fatores associados de pessoas idosas em atividade laboral no contexto de uma universidade pública brasileira / Health-related behaviors and associated factors among working older people within a Brazilian public university

Resumo Objetivo Analisar comportamentos relacionados à saúde e fatores associados em pessoas idosas em atividade laboral de uma Universidade pública brasileira. Método Estudo seccional, descritivo e inferencial, com abordagem quantitativa. Amostra composta por 113 indivíduos e, dados coletados entre os meses de maio/2021 a setembro/2022, em ambiente virtual, por chamadas telefônicas e/ou vídeo, e/ou de forma presencial. Foram realizadas análises descritiva e de cluster, além do teste qui-quadrado ou teste Exato de Fisher para o nível de significância de 95%. Resultados A maioria dos entrevistados foi do gênero masculino (n=70, 61,9%), a idade média foi 65 anos (±3,20), a cor/raça predominante foi branca (n=39, 34,5%) e parda (n=38, 33,6%). Foram identificados dois clusters, o cluster01-regular composto por 31 (27,4%) indivíduos e o cluster02-ótimo por 82 (72,6%), a partir das variáveis de comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Encontrou-se associação significativa entre gênero e os clusters (p<0,04). O gênero masculino compôs mais o cluster02-ótimo, cluster esse que apresentou indivíduos com melhores comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Conclusão Apesar do estudo mostrar que, em geral, os indivíduos que participaram da pesquisa apresentaram bons/ótimos comportamentos, ainda se observou uma parcela que relatou comportamentos de risco à saúde, o que evidencia os desafios sobre o autocuidado na população idosa em atividade laboral. É importante a sensibilização dos idosos sobre os comportamentos de risco à saúde, seus impactos na saúde e qualidade de vida, porquanto muitos idosos serem os provedores das suas famílias e a atividade laboral ser um ponto que influencia na saúde da pessoa idosa.

Abstract Objective To analyze health-related behaviors and associated factors in older people working at a Brazilian public university. Method A cross-sectional, descriptive, inferential study adopting a quantitative approach was conducted. The sample comprised 113 individuals and data were collected between May/2021 and September/2022 either remotely by telephone and/or video calls, and/or in person. Descriptive and cluster analysis were performed and the Chi-square or Fisher's Exact Tests were applied for a significance level of 95%. Results Respondents were predominantly male (n=70, 61.9%), had a mean age of 65 (±3.20) years, and were of white (n=39, 34.5%) or brown (n=38, 33.6%) ethnicity. Two clusters were identified: Cluster01-fair, comprising 31 (27.4%) individuals; and Cluster02-excellent, comprising 82 (72.6%) participants, based on health-related behavior variables. A significant association was found between gender and clusters (p<0.04). Cluster02 contained more males and individuals with better health-related behaviors. Conclusion Although the results revealed that, overall, study participants had good/excellent behaviors, there was a contingent that reported health risk behaviors, highlighting the challenges surrounding self-care in the working older population. It is important to raise awareness of older individuals about health risk behaviors and their impact on health and quality of life, especially given that many older people are providers for the family and that working influences the health of older individuals.

Factors associated with voice disorders among the elderly: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: During the aging process, natural modifications occur in the larynx and the structures involved in phonation which explain the specific characteristics found in the voices of elderly persons. When, at any moment, a voice fails and there is interference with communication, a voice disorder has occurred. This can generate disadvantages in communicative efficiency and have a negative impact on quality of life, compromising mechanisms of socialization, the maintenance of autonomy, and the sense of well-being. Nevertheless, there appears to be little clarity about which factors are associated with voice disorders in this population, especially from an epidemiological perspective. OBJECTIVE: The present study is a literature review to identify factors associated with voice disorders among the elderly described in population-based studies. METHODS: A systematic review of electronic databases was carried out. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. The research was conducted independently by two researchers. RESULTS: Although two articles met the eligibility criteria, none fulfilled all the criteria for the evaluation of methodological quality. According to the two studies selected for this review, factors associated with voice disorders among the elderly included both physical and psychosocial aspects. However, the methodological discrepancies between the studies, particularly in relation to sample selection and the instruments used indicate great variability and compromise the reliability of the results. CONCLUSION: Further prevalence studies and investigations of factors associated with voice disorders in the elderly from an epidemiological perspective, and which involve different cultures, should be carried out.

Activity limitation in elderly people in the European context of gender inequality: a multilevel approach.

The objective of the present study was to examine the magnitude of gender differences in activity limitations among the elderly, and the effect of the health and social individual factors and the context of social gender inequality in Europe. Cross-sectional design was performed. The study population included residents aged 60 years or over from 17 countries that participated in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe conducted in 2010-13 (n = 49,685). Gender differences in activity limitation in each country was estimated. For multilevel analysis adjusted linear mixed effect models were used, where the intercept and 'sex' were considered random effects, with the 95% confidence intervals. The activity limitation index was created from a two parameter logistic combined models of item response theory. The average activity limitation index was significantly higher in women, (g10 = b1j = 0.36, p < 0.001), and was then controlled by individual and contextual factors, while the extent of these differences varied among countries. The European countries with the greatest gender differences in activity limitations were those with the greatest social gender inequalities, with women presenting a significant disadvantage.

Aspectos determinantes para construção social da pessoa idosa a partir das políticas públicas no Brasil / Determining aspects for the social construction of the older adult based on public policies in Brazil

Resumo Apesar do envelhecimento ser uma realidade global, há, na velhice, um cerceamento das experiências individuais com a sua subjetivação, na qual o aperfeiçoamento passa a ser uma exigência moral. Objetivamos compreender os aspectos determinantes para a construção social da pessoa idosa a partir das políticas públicas no Brasil. Realizamos uma análise documental por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo proposta por Laurence Bardin, operacionalizada pelo software IRAMUTEQ. O corpus textual foi constituído por 13 documentos que orientam as políticas destinadas à proteção social da pessoa idosa, posteriores à Constituição Federal de 1988. Observamos que os mecanismos de poder implícitos nas políticas são subordinados aos imperativos capitalistas e à racionalidade biomédica prescritiva, voltada aos aspectos estritamente biológicos que desnaturalizam e homogeneízam o envelhecimento à luz de um ideal de juventude ininterrupta. Ancora-se na "reprivatização" da velhice, culpabilizando os idosos por suas condições de vida. Essa ideologia produtivista estabelece a moralização dos atributos físicos que definem e moldam as subjetividades de uma sociedade refratária à própria velhice. Destacamos a importância de repensar o envelhecimento com base nas problemáticas sociais, ressaltando aspectos singulares da trajetória de vida da pessoa idosa, alheia à ideologia do envelhecimento sem velhice.

Abstract Despite aging being a global reality, old age has a restriction of individual experiences with their subjectivation, in which improvement becomes a moral requirement. We aim to understand the determinant aspects for the social construction of the older adults based on public policies in Brazil. We performed a document analysis based on the content analysis technique proposed by Laurence Bardin, operationalized by the IRAMUTEQ software. The textual corpus comprised 13 documents that guide policies aimed at the social protection of older adults, posterior to the Federal Constitution of 1988. We observe that the power mechanisms implicit in policies are subordinated to capitalist imperatives and to prescriptive biomedical rationality, focused on strictly biological aspects that denaturalize and homogenize aging in the light of an ideal of uninterrupted youth. It is anchored in the "reprivatization" of old age, which blames the older adults for their living conditions. This productivist ideology establishes the moralization of physical attributes that define and shape the subjectivities of a society refractory to old age itself. We highlight the importance of rethinking aging based on social issues, highlighting singular aspects of the life trajectory of the older person. unfamiliar with the ideology of aging without old age.