Inequalities in infant mortality in Brazil at subnational levels in Brazil, 1990 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: In this study, infant mortality rate (IMR) inequalities are analyzed from 1990 to 2015 in different geographic scales. METHODS: The Ministry of Health (MoH) IMR estimates by Federative Units (FU) were compared to those obtained by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) group. In order to measure the inequalities of the IMR by FU, the ratios from highest to lowest from 1990 to 2015 were calculated. Maps were elaborated in 2000, 2010, and 2015 at the municipality level. To analyze the effect of income, IMR inequalities by GDP per capita were analyzed, comparing Brazil and the FU to other same-income level countries in 2015, and the IMR municipal estimates were analyzed by income deciles, in 2000 and 2010. RESULTS: IMR decreased from 47.1 to 13.4 per 1000 live births (LB) from 1990 to 2015, with an annual decrease rate of 4.9%. The decline was less pronounced for the early neonatal annual rate (3.5%). The Northeast region showed the most significant annual decline (6.2%). The IMR estimates carried out by the GBD were about 20% higher than those obtained by the MoH, but in terms of their inequalities, the ratio from the highest to the lowest IMR among the 27 FU decreased from 4 to 2, for both methods. The percentage of municipalities with IMR higher than 40 per 1000 LB decreased from 23% to 2%, between 2000 and 2015. Comparing the IMR distribution by income deciles, all inequality measures of the IMR decreased markedly from 2000 to 2010. CONCLUSION: The results showed a marked decrease in the IMR inequalities in Brazil, regardless of the geographic breakdown and the calculation method. Despite clear signs of progress in curbing infant mortality, there are still challenges in reducing its level, such as the concentration of deaths in the early neonatal period, and the specific increases of post neonatal mortality in 2016, after the recent cuts in social investments.

Inequalities in healthy life expectancy by Brazilian geographic regions: findings from the National Health Survey, 2013.

BACKGROUND: The demographic shift and epidemiologic transition in Brazil have drawn attention to ways of measuring population health that complement studies of mortality. In this paper, we investigate regional differences in healthy life expectancy based on information from the National Health Survey (PNS), 2013. METHODS: In the survey, a three-stage cluster sampling (census tracts, households and individuals) with stratification of the primary sampling units and random selection in all stages was used to select 60,202 Brazilian adults (18 years and over). Healthy life expectancies (HLE) were estimated by Sullivan's method according to sex, age and geographic region, using poor self-rated health for defining unhealthy status. Logistic regression models were used to investigate socioeconomic and regional inequalities in poor self-rated health, after controlling by sex and age. RESULTS: Wide disparities by geographic region were found with the worst indicators in the North and Northeast regions, whether considering educational attainment, material deprivation, or health care utilization. Life expectancy at birth for women and men living in the richest regions was 5 years longer than for those living in the less wealthy regions. Modeling the variation across regions for poor self-rated health, statistically significant effects (p < 0.001) were found for the North and Northeast when compared to the Southeast, even after controlling for age, sex, diagnosis of at least one non-communicable chronic disease, and schooling or socioeconomic class. Marked regional inequalities in HLE were found, with the loss of healthy life much higher among residents of the poorest regions, especially among the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: By combining data on self-rated health status and mortality in a single indicator, Healthy Life Expectancy, this study demonstrated the excess burden of poor health experienced by populations in the less wealthy regions of Brazil. To mitigate the effects of social exclusion, the development of strategies at the regional level is essential to provide health care to all persons in need, reduce risk exposures, support prevention policies for adoption of healthy behaviors. Such strategies should prioritize population groups that will experience the greatest impact from such interventions.

Factors associated with the incidence and worsening of back pain during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil. / Fatores associados à incidência e à piora do problema de coluna durante a primeira onda da COVID-19 no Brasil.

The article aims to estimate the incidence and worsening of back pain (BP) during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil, as well as to investigate demographic, socioeconomic factors and associated changes in living conditions. ConVid - Behavior Research, applied between April and May 2020, was used as data source. The number and distribution of respondents who developed BP and those who had a worsening of the preexisting problem, their 95% confidence intervals and Pearson's Chi-square test were estimated. The odds ratio of developing BP or worsening a preexisting problem was also estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Pre-existing BP was reported by 33.9% (95%CI 32.5-35.3) of respondents and more than half (54.4%; 95%CI 51.9-56.9) had worsened. The cumulative incidence of BP in the first wave of the pandemic was 40.9% (95%CI 39.2-42.7). Being a woman, the perceived increase in housework and the frequent feeling of sadness or depression were associated with both outcomes. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with any of outcome. The high incidence and worsening of BP during the first wave reveal the need for studies in more recent periods, given the long duration of the pandemic.

O artigo tem como objetivo estimar a incidência e o agravamento do problema de coluna (PC) durante a primeira onda da COVID-19 no Brasil, bem como investigar os fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e as mudanças nas condições de vida associadas. Utilizou-se a ConVid - Pesquisa de Comportamentos, realizada entre abril e maio de 2020, como fonte de dados. Estimou-se o número e a distribuição dos entrevistados que desenvolveram PC e a dos que tiveram agravamento no problema preexistente, seus intervalos de 95% de confiança e o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. Estimou-se também a razão de chance de desenvolver PC ou ter piora de problema preexistente por meio de modelos de regressão logística múltipla. O PC preexistente foi reportado por 33,9% (IC95% 32,5-35,3) dos entrevistados e mais da metade (54,4%; IC95% 51,9-56,9) teve piora do quadro. A incidência cumulativa de PC na primeira onda da pandemia foi de 40,9% (IC95% 39,2-42,7). Ser mulher, o aumento percebido do trabalho doméstico e o sentimento frequente de tristeza ou depressão foram associados a ambos os desfechos. Os fatores socioeconômicos não foram associados a nenhum dos desfechos. A alta incidência e agravamento do PC durante a primeira onda revelam a necessidade de estudos em períodos mais recentes, dada a longa duração da pandemia.

Socio-spatial inequalities in healthy life expectancy in the elderly, Brazil, 2013 and 2019.

The growth in longevity in Brazil has drawn attention to more useful population health measures to complement mortality. In this paper, we investigate socio-spatial differences in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy based on information from the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), 2013 and 2019. A three-stage cluster sampling with stratification of the primary sampling units and random selection in all stages was used in both PNS editions. Healthy life expectancy was estimated by Sullivan's method by sex, age, and Federated Units (UF). Severe limitations to at least one noncommunicable chronic disease (NCD) or poor self-rated health were used to define the unhealthy state. Inequality indicators and a Principal Component analysis were used to investigate socio-spatial inequalities. From 2013 to 2019, both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy increased. The analysis by UF show larger disparities in healthy life expectancy than in life expectancy, with healthy life expectancy at age 60 varying from 13.6 to 19.9 years, in 2013, and from 14.9 to 20.1, in 2019. Healthy life expectancy in the wealthiest quintile was 20% longer than for those living in the poorest quintile. Wide socio-spatial disparities were found with the worst indicators in the UF located in the North and Northeast regions, whether considering poverty concentration or health care utilization. The socio-spatial inequalities demonstrated the excess burden of poor health experienced by older adults living in the less developed UF. The development of strategies at subnational levels is essential not only to provide equal access to health care but also to reduce risk exposures and support prevention policies for adoption of health behaviors.

Comparison of sampling designs from the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019.

Our objective is to describe the differences in the sampling plans of the two editions of the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS 2013 and 2019) and to evaluate how the changes affected the coefficient of variation (CV) and the design effect (Deff) of some estimated indicators. Variables from different parts of the questionnaire were analyzed to cover proportions with different magnitudes. The prevalence of obesity was included in the analysis since anthropometry measurement in the 2019 survey was performed in a subsample. The value of the point estimate, CV, and the Deff were calculated for each indicator, considering the stratification of the primary sampling units, the weighting of the sampling units, and the clustering effect. The CV and the Deff were lower in the 2019 estimates for most indicators. Concerning the questionnaire indicators of all household members, the Deffs were high and reached values greater than 18 for having a health insurance plan. Regarding the indicators of the individual questionnaire, for the prevalence of obesity, the Deff ranged from 2.7 to 4.2, in 2013, and from 2.7 to 10.2, in 2019. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes per Federative Unit had a higher CV and lower Deff. Expanding the sample size to meet the diverse health objectives and the high Deff are significant challenges for developing probabilistic household-based national survey. New probabilistic sampling strategies should be considered to reduce costs and clustering effects.

Mental health of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We aimed to assess the factors associated with frequent sadness and nervousness in Brazilian adolescents, during the Covid-19 pandemic, in 9470 adolescents (aged 12-17 years), interviewed from June 27 to September 17, 2020. Prevalences and prevalence ratios were estimated according to socio-demographic variables and factors related to family, school, friends, and health. Brazilian adolescents often felt sad (32.4%) and nervous (48.7%). Higher prevalences of these feelings were related to: being female; aged 15-17 year; from families with financial difficulties; having learned little or nothing with remote education; missing friends; having few friends; family disagreements; having regular/bad health before the pandemic; and worsened health and sleep during the pandemic. Higher prevalence of nervousness was also found in adolescents who worked before the pandemic and those who reported lack of concentration and not knowing if they had COVID-19. Sadness and nervousness in Brazilian adolescents is high and the need for action by the government, schools, health services, and parents to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the physical and mental health of adolescents. Special attention must be paid to adolescents with previous health problems and those belonging to the most socially vulnerable population.

Housing conditions and coverage of the Family Health Strategy in Brazil: a comparison of the results of the National Health Survey 2013 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate information about the characteristics of households and coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS), produced in the National Health Survey, and to describe the changes occurred between 2013 and 2019. METHODS: Information on households and FHS coverage from the two editions of the National Health Survey (2013 and 2019) was used. Differences between proportions found were assessed, relating to the availability of basic supply and sanitation services, as well as the adequacy of materials used in the building of households, distribution of households' adequacy, and coverage by the FHS according to regions and census situation. The complex sampling design was considered in the analysis, so the t-test for independent samples was used to assess the statistical significance of differences between the proportions found in 2013 and 2019. RESULTS: Upward trends were observed in the percentage of households with adequate finishing, as well as of households with piped water in at least one room, and with adequate basic sanitation (sewage and garbage). The FHS coverage also increased in the period. Regional differences prevail according to urban or rural situation of households. CONCLUSION: Despite the increases observed both in the adequacy of households, in the availability of basic services and water/sanitation supply and in access to primary health care, many challenges still persist when it comes to ensuring that such services reach the most vulnerable places.

Analysis of demand and access to services in the last two weeks previous to the National Health Survey 2013 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the demand and use of health services between 2013 and 2019, and analyze the associated sociodemographic and health variables in 2019. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with data from the National Health Survey (PNS) 2013 and 2019. The prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the demand and use of health services were estimated. In 2019, the differences in the indicators were analyzed according to sociodemographic variables and the crude and adjusted by sex and age prevalence ratios (RP) were estimated. RESULTS: There was an increase of 22% in the demand for health care in the last two weeks, going from 15.3% (95%CI 15.0-15.7) in 2013 to 18.6% (95%CI 18.3-19.0) in 2019. There was a reduction in use in the last two weeks, from 97% (95%CI 96.6-97.4) in 2013 to 86.1% (95%CI 85.4-86.8) in 2019, which was observed for most Federation Units. In 2019, the demand for care was greater among women, the elderly, those with high schooling, individuals with health insurance and poor self-rated health. They obtained greater access to health services in the fifteen days prior to the survey: men, children or adolescents up to 17 years of age, people with health insurance and poor health self-assessment. CONCLUSION: The demand for health services has grown and reduced access in the last 15 days between 2013 and 2019. These differences may have been exacerbated by the austerity measures implemented in the country.

Changes in the pattern of health services use in Brazil between 2013 and 2019. / Mudanças no padrão de utilização de serviços de saúde no Brasil entre 2013 e 2019.

This study aimed to investigate changes in the health service use pattern based on information from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys (PNS). The two outcomes, "Seeking health-related care in the past two weeks" and "Medical visit in the last twelve months", were analyzed according to socioeconomic, geographic and health conditions characteristics. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to investigate the factors associated with seeking care due to a health problem or prevention. The prevalence of chronic diseases increased from 15.0% to 22.5% between 2013 and 2019. The proportion of seeking care increased from 15.3 to 18.6%, and medical visits from 71.2% to 76.2%, ranging from 61.4 to 75.8% and 68.0 to 80.6% between the North and Southeast regions. There was no significant association of seeking care due to a health problem with per capita income, after controlling for the other covariates. We conclude by saying that, despite the expanded coverage of health service use, the persistent regional inequalities indicate unmet health needs among residents of the less developed regions. Health care models focused on prevention and health promotion are required.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de comparar os padrões de utilização de serviços de saúde, a partir das informações das edições da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), 2013 e 2019. Os dois desfechos "Procura de atendimento relacionado à saúde nas últimas duas semanas" e "Consulta médica nos últimos doze meses" foram analisados segundo fatores socioeconômicos, geográficos, e condições de saúde. Foram usados modelos multivariados de regressão de Poisson para investigar os fatores associados à procura de atendimento de acordo com o motivo (problema de saúde ou prevenção). Entre 2013 e 2019, a prevalência de doenças crônicas aumentou de 15,0% a 22,5%. A proporção de busca de atendimento cresceu de 15,3 a 18,6%, e de uso de médico, de 71,2% a 76,2%, com amplitudes de variação de 61,4-75,8% e 68,0-80,6% entre as regiões Norte e Sudeste. Para atendimento por problema de saúde, não houve associação significativa com rendimento per capita, após o controle das demais covariáveis. Conclui-se que apesar da expansão da cobertura de utilização de serviços de saúde, as persistentes desigualdades regionais indicam necessidades de saúde não atendidas entre os residentes das regiões menos desenvolvidas. Modelos de atenção focados na prevenção e promoção da saúde são necessários.

Health insurance coverage in Brazil: analyzing data from the National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019. / Cobertura de plano de saúde no Brasil: análise dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013 e 2019.

This paper aimed to describe health insurance coverage in Brazil. Data from the 2013 and 2019 editions of the National Health Survey (PNS) were analyzed. The medical or dental health insurance coverage was analyzed according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, work status, urban/rural area, and Federation Unit. Coverage of medical or dental health insurance was 27.9% (95% CI: 27.1-28.8) for 2013 and 28.5% (95% CI: 27.8-29.2) for 2019. The results show coverage is still concentrated in large urban centers, in the Southeast and South, among those with better socioeconomic status and some formal employment. In 2019, only 30.7% of formal workers reported the monthly payment is made directly to the providers, while 72.7% of informal workers reported this information. About 92% of medical health insurance covers hospitalization, and almost 20% of women with health insurance are not covered for labor. Only 11.7% of women aged between 15 and 44 are covered for childbirth by health insurance. The results show the health insurance coverage is still quite unequal, reinforcing the Unified Health System (SUS) importance for the Brazilian population.

Este artigo objetivou descrever a cobertura de plano de saúde no Brasil. Foram analisados dados das edições de 2013 e 2019 da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde. A cobertura de plano de saúde médico ou odontológico foi analisada segundo características sociodemográficas, econômicas, de trabalho, situação censitária e Unidade da Federação. A cobertura de plano de saúde médico ou odontológico foi 27,9% (IC95%: 27,1-28,8) para 2013 e 28,5% (IC95%: 27,8-29,2) para 2019. Os resultados mostram que a cobertura continua concentrada nos grandes centros urbanos, nas regiões Sudeste e Sul, entre aqueles com melhor nível socioeconômico e aqueles que possuem algum vínculo de trabalho formal. Em 2019, dentre os trabalhadores formalizados, somente 30,7% relatou que o pagamento da mensalidade é feito diretamente a operadora, sendo 72,7% dentre os trabalhadores informais. Cerca de 92% dos planos de saúde médico cobrem internação e dentre as mulheres com plano de saúde, quase 20% delas não possuem cobertura para o parto. Apenas 11,7% das mulheres com idade entre 15 e 44 anos possuem cobertura para o parto através do plano de saúde. Os resultados mostram que a cobertura por plano de saúde mantém-se bastante desigual, reforçando a importância do Sistema Único de Saúde para a população brasileira.

ConVid - Behavior Survey by the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: conception and application methodology. / ConVid - Pesquisa de Comportamentos pela Internet durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil: concepção e metodologia de aplicação.

The ConVid - Behavior Survey was conducted in Brazil from April 24 to May 24, 2020, aiming to investigate changes in lifestyles and health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we present the conception and methodology of the research. We used a cross-sectional study using an Internet questionnaire, with questions validated in previous health surveys. The sampling method "virtual snowball" was used, as well as post-stratification procedures. The results related to chronic non-communicable diseases and pre-pandemic lifestyles were compared with estimates from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey and 2019 Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. The total sample was 45,161 people. After data weighing, the sample distributions of demographic variables were similar to population variables. Only people with a low schooling level were underrepresented. The comparison with the previous results showed similarity in most estimates: recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables (22.1%), recommended physical activity (35.2%), tobacco smoking habit (12.3%), frequent and abusive alcohol consumption (6.7%), obesity (21.2%), self-reported prevalence of hypertension (18.6%), diabetes (7.1%), and heart disease (4.4%). The online survey made it possible to know the population's health conditions during the pandemic. The similarity of the indicators with those obtained in traditional research allowed the validation of the mean estimates. Studies are needed to investigate how the endogenous effects of virtual social networks can be considered when estimating variance.

A ConVid - Pesquisa de Comportamentos foi realizada no Brasil de 24 de abril a 24 de maio de 2020, com o objetivo de investigar as mudanças nos estilos de vida e nas condições de saúde durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Neste artigo, apresentamos a concepção e metodologia da pesquisa. Estudo de corte transversal com a utilização de um questionário pela Internet, com questões validadas em inquéritos de saúde anteriores. O método de amostragem foi o "bola de neve virtual" e foram usados os procedimentos de pós-estratificação. Os resultados relativos às doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e estilos de vida pré-pandemia foram comparados às estimativas da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2013 e da Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico de 2019. A amostra total foi de 45.161 pessoas. Após a ponderação dos dados, as distribuições amostrais das variáveis demográficas foram semelhantes às populacionais. Apenas as pessoas de baixo nível de instrução foram sub-representadas. A comparação com os resultados anteriores mostrou similaridade na maioria das estimativas: consumo recomendado de frutas e legumes (22,1%), atividade física recomendada (35,2%), fumo de cigarros (12,3%), consumo frequente e abusivo de álcool (6,7%), obesidade (21,2%), prevalências autorreferidas de hipertensão (18,6%), diabetes (7,1%) e doença do coração (4,4%). O inquérito online possibilitou conhecer as condições de saúde da população durante a pandemia. A similaridade dos indicadores com os obtidos em pesquisas tradicionais permitiu validar as estimativas médias. Estudos são necessários para investigar como os efeitos endógenos das redes sociais virtuais podem ser levados em consideração na estimação da variância.

La ConVid - Encuesta de Comportamientos se realizó en Brasil del 24 de abril al 24 de mayo de 2020, con el objetivo de investigar los cambios en los estilos de vida y en las condiciones de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19. En este artículo, se presenta la concepción y metodología de la encuesta. Estudio de corte transversal, utilizando un cuestionario por Internet, con cuestiones validadas en encuestas de salud anteriores. El método de muestra fue el de "bola de nieve virtual" y se usaron procedimientos de posestratificación. Los resultados relativos a las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y estilos de vida prepandemia se compararon con las estimaciones de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de 2013 y de la Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección para Enfermedades Crónicas por Encuesta Telefónica de 2019. La muestra total fue de 45.161 personas. Tras la ponderación de los datos, las distribuciones de la muestra de las variables demográficas fueron semejantes a las poblacionales. Solamente las personas con un bajo nivel de formación estuvieron sub-representadas. La comparación con los resultados anteriores mostró similitud en la mayoría de las estimaciones: consumo recomendado de frutas y legumbres (22,1%), actividad física recomendada (35,2%), tabaco de liar para cigarrillos (12,3%), consumo frecuente y abusivo de alcohol (6,7%), obesidad (21,2%), prevalencias autoinformadas de hipertensión (18,6%), diabetes (7,1%) y enfermedad del corazón (4,4%). La encuesta online posibilitó conocer las condiciones de salud de la población durante la pandemia. La similitud de los indicadores con los obtenidos en investigaciones tradicionales permitió validar las estimaciones medias. Se necesitan estudios para investigar cómo los efectos endógenos de las redes sociales virtuales pueden ser tenidos en consideración en la estimación de la variancia.

Changes in Brazilians' socioeconomic and health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in socioeconomic and health conditions of Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study with data from a web-based behavioral survey carried out from April 24 to May 24, 2020, with 45,161 participants recruited by the chain sampling method. A descriptive analysis of the survey topics was performed: adherence to social restriction measures, diagnosis of the new coronavirus, work situation and income, difficulties in routine activities, presence of comorbidities, psychological issues, and access to health services. Prevalence and respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Approximately 74% of Brazilians adhered to social restrictions. As for flu symptoms, 28.1% reported having at least one flu symptom, but only 5.9% underwent testing for COVID-19. Regarding the socioeconomic impact, 55.1% reported a decrease in family income, and 7.0% were left without any income; 25.8% of the people lost their jobs, with the group of informal workers being the most affected (50.6%). As for health conditions, 29.4% reported worsening of health status; 45%, having sleep problems; 40% frequently presented feelings of sadness, and 52.5%, of anxiety; 21.7% sought health care, and, among them, 13.9% did not get care. CONCLUSION: The findings show the importance of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, to mitigate the adverse effects on the socioeconomic and health conditions related to social restriction measures.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com dados de pesquisa de comportamentos realizada pela internet de 24 de abril a 24 de maio de 2020 com 45.161 participantes recrutados por amostragem em cadeia. Foi feita uma análise descritiva de temas abordados na pesquisa: adesão às medidas de restrição social, diagnóstico do novo coronavírus, situação de trabalho e rendimentos, dificuldades nas atividades de rotina, presença de comorbidades, estado de ânimo e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Foram estimados as prevalências e os intervalos de 95% de confiança. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 75% dos brasileiros aderiram à restrição social. Quanto aos sintomas de gripe, 28,1% relatou ter apresentado algum sintoma, mas apenas 5,9% realizou teste para COVID-19. Em relação à situação socioeconômica, 55,1% relatou diminuição do rendimento familiar, e 7% ficou sem rendimento; 25,8% dos indivíduos ficaram sem trabalhar, sendo o grupo de trabalhadores informais o mais afetado (50,6%). Quanto às condições de saúde, 29,4% avaliou que a sua saúde piorou; 45% teve problemas no sono, 40% apresentou, frequentemente, sentimento de tristeza e 52,5% de ansiedade/nervosismo; 21,7% procurou serviço de saúde e, entre estes, 13,9% não conseguiu atendimento. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados mostram a importância do controle da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil, para mitigar os efeitos adversos na situação socioeconômica e nas condições de saúde relacionados às medidas de restrição social.

Older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: effects on health, income and work. / Idosos no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil: efeitos nas condições de saúde, renda e trabalho.

The goal of this study is to characterize the population of older adults in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to health, socioeconomic conditions, gender inequality, adherence to social distancing and feelings of sadness or depression. It is a cross-sectional study carried out with Brazilian older adults who responded to an online health survey (N = 9,173), using a "virtual snowball" sampling method. Data were collected online via a self-administered questionnaire. Prevalence and confidence interval estimates were performed and verified for independence using Pearson's chi-square test. During the pandemic there was a fall in household income among almost half of older adults. Extreme social distancing was practiced by 30.9% (95%CI: 27.8; 34.1) and 12.2% (95%CI: 10.1; 14.7) did not adhere to it. Older adults who were not working before the pandemic adhered in greater numbers to extreme social distancing measures. Most of them presented comorbidities associated with a higher risk of developing the severe form of COVID-19. Feelings of loneliness, distress and sadness were frequent among older adults, especially women. The COVID-19 pandemic widened the inequality gap by affecting the most vulnerable older people. Strategies to mitigate loneliness and social distancing should consider social vulnerability and the marked difference between men and women in terms of household composition and socioeconomic and working conditions. The development of representative surveys of Brazilian older adults is recommended, investigating the impact of the pandemic on this population.

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de caracterizar a população idosa brasileira durante a pandemia de COVID-19, considerando suas condições de saúde, socioeconômicas, desigualdade de sexo, adesão ao distanciamento social e sentimento de tristeza ou depressão. Estudo transversal realizado com idosos brasileiros que participaram de um inquérito de saúde (N = 9.173), com método de amostragem "bola de neve virtual". Os dados foram coletados via web, por meio de questionário autopreenchido. Foram estimadas prevalências, intervalos de confiança e, para verificar a independência das estimativas, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. Durante a pandemia, houve diminuição da renda em quase metade dos domicílios dos idosos. O distanciamento social total foi adotado por 30,9% (IC95%: 27,8; 34,1) e 12,2% (IC95%: 10,1; 14,7) não aderiram. Idosos que não trabalhavam antes da pandemia aderiram em maior número às medidas de distanciamento social total. Grande parte apresentou comorbidades associadas ao maior risco de desenvolvimento da forma grave de COVID-19. Sentimentos de solidão, ansiedade e tristeza foram frequentes entre os idosos, especialmente entre as mulheres. A pandemia da COVID-19 aprofundou a desigualdade ao afetar os idosos mais vulneráveis. Estratégias para mitigar a solidão e o distanciamento social devem ser feitas levando-se em conta a vulnerabilidade social e a acentuada diferença entre homens e mulheres quanto à composição domiciliar e às condições socioeconômicas e de trabalho. Recomenda-se o desenvolvimento de pesquisas representativas da população idosa brasileira e que investiguem o impacto da pandemia neste grupo.

El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar a la población anciana brasileña durante la pandemia de COVID-19, considerando sus condiciones de salud, socioeconómicas, desigualdad de sexo, adhesión al distanciamiento social y sentimiento de tristeza o depresión. Es un estudio transversal realizado con ancianos brasileños que participaron en una encuesta de salud virtual (N = 9.173), con un método de muestra "bola de nieve virtual". Los datos fueron recogidos vía web, mediante un cuestionario autocompletado. Se estimaron las prevalencias, intervalos de confianza y, para verificar la independencia de las estimaciones, se utilizó el test chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Durante la pandemia, hubo una disminución de la renta en casi la mitad de los domicilios de los ancianos. El distanciamiento social total fue adoptado por un 30,9% (IC95%: 27,8; 34,1) y 12,2% (IC95%: 10,1; 14,7) no se adhirieron. Los ancianos que no trabajaban antes de la pandemia se adhirieron en mayor número a las medidas de distanciamiento social total. Gran parte presentó comorbilidades asociadas a un mayor riesgo de desarrollo de la forma grave de COVID-19. Sentimientos de soledad, ansiedad y tristeza fueron frecuentes entre los ancianos, especialmente entre las mujeres. La pandemia de COVID-19 profundizó la desigualdad al afectar a los ancianos más vulnerables. Se deben elaborar estrategias para mitigar la soledad y el distanciamiento social, teniéndose en cuenta la vulnerabilidad social y la acentuada diferencia entre hombres y mujeres, respecto a la composición domiciliaria y las condiciones socioeconómicas y de trabajo. Se recomienda el desarrollo de investigaciones representativas de la población anciana brasileña, que investiguen el impacto de la pandemia en esta población.

Noncommunicable diseases and changes in lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. / Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e mudanças nos estilos de vida durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the presence or absence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Brazilian adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, using data from the ConVid survey, between April and May 2020. The following variables were evaluated: lifestyle and presence of one or more NCDs (diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer). Sociodemographic characteristics were used as adjustment. Relative frequencies and confidence intervals (CI) of 95% of the explanatory variables were calculated before and during the pandemic. For the comparison of groups, with or without NCDs, crude and adjusted (PRadj) prevalence ratios were estimated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: There was a reduction in physical activity (60% in those without NCDs and 58% in those with NCDs) and in vegetable consumption (10.8% in those without NCDs and 12.7% in those with NCDs). On the other hand, there was an increase in the time spent watching television and on screens of computer/tablet (302% and 43.5% in those without NCDs and 196.5% and 30.6% with NCDs, respectively); consumption of frozen meals (43.6% in those without NCDs and 53.7% with NCDs), snacks (42.3% without NCDs and 31.2% with NCDs), and chocolate (14.8% without NCDs). During the pandemic, patients with NCDs were less active (PRadj = 0.77; 95%CI 0.65 - 0.92), had greater habit of watching TV (PRadj = 1.16; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.26), and consumed less vegetables (PRadj = 0.88; 95%CI 0.81 - 0.96). CONCLUSION: It was evident that adults with NCDs had their lifestyles more altered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as mudanças de estilos de vida durante a pandemia COVID-19, segundo a presença ou não de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) em adultos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com dados da pesquisa ConVid - Pesquisa de Comportamentos, realizada entre abril e maio de 2020. Avaliaram-se as variáveis estilo de vida e presença de uma ou mais DCNT (diabetes, hipertensão, doença respiratória, doença do coração e câncer). As características sociodemográficas foram usadas como ajuste. Calcularam-se as frequências relativas e os intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% das variáveis antes da e durante a pandemia. Para a comparação de grupos, sem ou com DCNT, estimaram-se as prevalências e razões de prevalência bruta e ajustada (RPa) utilizando a regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Houve redução da prática de atividade física (60% nos sem DCNT e 58% nos com DCNT) e do consumo de hortaliças (10,8% nos sem DCNT e 12,7% nos com DCNT). Verificou-se aumento no tempo de uso de televisão e computador/tablet (302 e 43,5% nos sem DCNT e 196,5 e 30,6% nos com DCNT, respectivamente); consumo de congelados (43,6% nos sem DCNT e 53,7% com DCNT), salgadinhos (42,3% sem DCNT e 31,2% com DCNT) e chocolate (14,8% sem DCNT). Durante a pandemia, portadores de DCNT apresentaram menor prática de atividade física suficiente (RPa = 0,77; IC95% 0,65 - 0,92), maior hábito de assistir à televisão (RPa = 1,16; IC95% 1,08 - 1,26) e menor consumo de hortaliças (RPa = 0,88; IC95% 0,81 - 0,96). CONCLUSÃO: Evidenciou-se que adultos com DCNT tiveram seus estilos de vida mais alterados durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with adolescents who participated in the survey "ConVid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos". The indicators related to lifestyles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated: consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking and consumption of alcohol. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the total population and according to sex and age group. RESULTS: A total of 9,470 adolescents participated in the study. During the period of social distancing, there was an increase in the prevalence of vegetables consumption (from 27.34 to 30.5%), frozen foods (from 13.26 to 17.3%), chocolates and sweets (from 48.58 to 52.51%), and time in front of screens (from 44.57 to 70.15%). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the practice of physical activity (from 28.70 to 15.74%) and in the consumption of alcohol (from 17.72 to 12.77%). Differences were observed according to sex and age group. CONCLUSION: The results show changes in the lifestyle of adolescents and an increase in health risk behaviors.

[Factors associated with arterial hypertension: a systematic review]. / Fatores associados à hipertensão arterial: uma revisão sistemática.

A systematic review of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and anthropometric factors associated with hypertension. We included observational studies, of populations aged 18 or older, from the past ten years, published in English, Portuguese or Spanish from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs bases. The most found factors related to the greater chance of having hypertension were age and the Body Mass Index (BMI). Other factors associated with the disease were: gender (male), education (lower education), income (lower income) and waist circumference (high). Never having smoked, never having consumed alcohol and white skin color were characteristics related to a lower chance of having hypertension. As demonstrated, demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and anthropometric characteristics are important factors associated with a greater chance of having hypertension in the adult population. However, while most of the factors associated with it are amenable to intervention, broader health promotion policies will be needed to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of the disease.

Revisão sistemática sobre fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, comportamentais e antropométricos associados à hipertensão (HAS). Foram incluídos estudos observacionais, de populações com 18 anos ou mais, dos últimos dez anos, publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol das bases Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus e Lilacs. Ao final, foram incluídos 42 artigos, a maioria do tipo seccional. A idade e o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) elevados foram os fatores relacionados à maior chance de ter HAS mais encontrados nos estudos. Outros fatores associados à HAS foram: sexo (masculino), escolaridade (menor escolaridade), renda (menor renda) e circunferência da cintura (elevada). Nunca ter fumado, nunca ter consumido álcool e ter cor branca apareceram como características relacionadas a menor chance de ter HAS. Assim, características demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais e antropométricas são importantes fatores associados a maior chance de ter HAS na população adulta. Entretanto, enquanto a maioria dos fatores associados à HAS for passível de intervenção, serão necessárias políticas de promoção da saúde mais amplas para reduzir as desigualdades socioeconômicas na prevalência de hipertensão.

Laboratory exams of the National Health Survey: methodology of sampling, data collection and analysis. / Exames laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde: metodologia de amostragem, coleta e análise dos dados.

INTRODUCTION: This article aims at describing the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde- PNS) methodology of collecting laboratory exams data. METHODOLOGY: A subsample of 25% of the census tracts was selected, according to the stratification of the PNS sample, with a probability inversely proportional to the difficulty of collection. The collection of blood and urine was done in the households by a laboratory agent, among residents selected for individual interview. Due to the difficulties found in the field work, the sample did not reach the minimum expected number in some strata, and a post-stratification procedure was proposed for the data analysis. RESULTS: The collection of biospecimens was performed in 8,952 individuals. Laboratory tests were: glycated hemoglobin; total cholesterol; LDL cholesterol; HDL cholesterol; serology for dengue; red blood cell count (erythrogram) and white series count (leukogram); high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies; creatinine. Theexcretion of potassium, salt and sodium and creatinine was estimated in the urine. The database of laboratory exams was weighed and made publicly available on the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation's PNS website and can be accessed without prior authorization. CONCLUSION: The total subsample of laboratory exams is of great value, since it allowed us to establish national reference parameters adequate to sociodemographic and geographic characteristics of the Brazilian population, providing relevant and complementary information for the analysis of the health situation of Brazil.

INTRODUÇÃO: O artigo teve o objetivo de descrever a metodologia de coleta dos dados dos exames laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS). METODOLOGIA: Foi selecionada uma subamostra de 25% dos setores censitários, obedecendo à estratificação da amostra da PNS, com probabilidade inversamente proporcional à dificuldade de coleta. A coleta de sangue e urina dos moradores selecionados para entrevista individual foi realizada nos domicílios por um agente de laboratório. Por conta das dificuldades encontradas no trabalho de campo,a amostra não atingiu número suficiente em alguns estratos da pesquisa, então para a análise dos dados foi proposto procedimento de pós-estratificação. RESULTADOS: A coleta de material biológico foi realizada em 8.952 indivíduos. Os exames realizados foram: hemoglobina glicada; colesterol total; colesterol LDL; colesterol HDL; sorologia para dengue; hemograma série vermelha (eritograma) e série branca (leucograma); cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) para diagnóstico de hemoglobinopatias; e creatinina. Na urina, estimativa de excreção de potássio, sal, sódio e creatinina. A base de dados dos exames laboratoriais foi ponderada e disponibilizada para os usuários no site da PNS da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, sem necessidade de autorização prévia para uso. CONCLUSÃO: A subamostra total coletada é de grande valia, pois permitiu estabelecer parâmetros de referência nacionais adequados às características sociodemográficas e geográficas da população brasileira, fornecendo informações relevantes e complementares para a análise da situação de saúde do Brasil.

Application of the Respondent-Driven Sampling methodology in a biological and behavioral surveillance survey among female sex workers, Brazil, 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) has been used in surveys with key populations at risk of HIV infection, such as female sex workers (FSW). This article describes the application of the RDS method among FSW in 12 Brazilian cities, during a survey carried out in 2016. METHODOLOGY: A biological and behavioral surveillance study carried out in 12 Brazilian cities, with a minimum sample of 350 FSW in each city. Tests were performed for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C infections. A social-behavioral questionnaire was also applied. RESULTS: The sample was comprised of 4,328 FSW. For data analysis, the sample was weighted according to each participant's network size (due consideration to the implications of RDS complex design and to the effects of homophilia are recommended). DISCUSSION: Although RDS methods for obtaining a statistical sample are based on strong statistical assumptions, allowing for an estimation of statistical parameters, with each new application the method has been rethought. In the analysis of whole-sample data, estimators were robust and compatible with those found in 2009. However, there were significant variations according to each city. CONCLUSION: The achieved sample size was of great relevance for assessing progress and identifying problems regarding the prevention and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections. New RDS studies with more time and operational resources should be envisaged. This could further network development.

Reference values for laboratory tests of cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine of the Brazilian adult population. / Valores de referência para exames laboratoriais de colesterol, hemoglobina glicosilada e creatinina da população adulta brasileira.

INTRODUCTION: This article aims to estimate reference values for laboratory tests of cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine for the Brazilian adult population. METHODS: A descriptive study carried out with laboratory data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS). Samples of blood and urine were collected in a PNS subsample of 8,952 individuals aged 18 years old or older. To determine the reference values, exclusion criteria were applied: presence of previous diseases and outliers, defined by values outside the range estimated by the mean ± 1.96 × standard deviation. Subsequently, reference values were calculated according to gender, age group and race/skin color. RESULTS: Differences in reference values according to gender were observed. Women had higher values of total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c. Glycosylated hemoglobin showed similar values in relation to gender, and creatinine was higher among men. The mean reference values were higher in the elderly population, aged 60 years old or older. The mean, lower and upper limits of total cholesterol and fractions of non-white people were slightly lower. There was no difference according to race/skin color for glycosylated hemoglobin and creatinine. CONCLUSION: The establishment of national reference parameters for laboratory tests, adapted to the sociodemographic and geographic characteristics, provides relevant information for evaluation of diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases in Brazil.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este artigo teve o objetivo de estimar valores de referência de exames laboratoriais de colesterol, hemoglobina glicosilada e creatinina para a população adulta brasileira. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo realizado com os dados laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS). Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e urina em subamostra da PNS constituída de 8.952 indivíduos de 18 anos ou mais. Para determinar os valores de referência, aplicaram-se critérios de exclusão, como a presença de doenças prévias e dos outliers, definidos pelos valores fora do intervalo estimado pela média ± 1,96 × desvio padrão. Posteriormente, foram calculados os valores de referência segundo sexo, faixa etária e raça/cor. RESULTADOS: Observaram-se diferenças nos valores de referência de acordo com o sexo. O colesterol total, a lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol (LDL-c) e a lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol (HDL-c) apresentaram valores mais elevados entre as mulheres. A hemoglobina glicosilada alcançou valores semelhantes segundo sexo, e a creatinina foi mais elevada entre os homens. Os valores médios de referência foram mais altos na população idosa, de 60 anos ou mais. A média e os limites inferiores e superiores do colesterol total e frações dos indivíduos não brancos foram ligeiramente mais baixos. Não houve diferença segundo raça/cor para hemoglobina glicosilada nem para creatinina. CONCLUSÃO: O estabelecimento de parâmetros nacionais de referência de exames laboratoriais, adaptados às características sociodemográficas e geográficas, fornece subsídios relevantes para a avaliação do diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças crônicas no Brasil.

Evaluation of renal function in the Brazilian adult population, according to laboratory criteria from the National Health Survey. / Avaliação da função renal na população adulta brasileira, segundo critérios laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the renal function of the Brazilian adult population, according to laboratory criteria of the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS). METHODOLOGY: A descriptive study was carried out with laboratory data from the PNS, which was collected between the years 2014 and 2015. Population prevalence of the serum creatinine (CR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to sociodemographic variables, were analyzed from the PNS laboratory data. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 8,535 individuals aged 18 years old or older for the study of CR and 7,457 for the study of GFR. The GFR prevalence < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 6.7% (95%CI 6.0 - 7.4), higher in women (8.2% 95%CI 7.2 - 9.2) than in men (5.0% 95%CI 4.2 - 6.0) p < 0.001, and in elderly > 60 years old it was 21.4%. For the values of CR ≥ 1.3 mg/dL in men were 5.5% (95%CI 4.6 - 6.5), and in women values of CR ≥ 1.1 mg/dL were 4.6% (95%CI 4.0 - 5.4), with no diference between the genders, p = 0.140. CONCLUSION: Results from the PNS laboratory identified a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the Brazilian population than that estimated in self-reported studies, with higher GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in women, and reaching one fifth of the elderly. These tests may be useful for the purpose of identifying the disease early on and thus preventing the progression of renal damage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo avaliou a função renal da população adulta brasileira, segundo critérios laboratoriais da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS). METODOLOGIA: Estudo descritivo realizado com os dados laboratoriais da PNS, coletados entre os anos de 2014 e 2015. Com base nos dados laboratoriais foram analisadas prevalências populacionais de creatinina sérica (CR) e estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), segundo variáveis sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi de 8.535 indivíduos com idade de 18 anos ou mais para o estudo da CR e de 7.457 indivíduos para o estudo de TFG. A prevalência TFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 foi de 6,7% (IC95% 6,0 - 7,4), foi mais elevada em mulheres (8,2% IC95% 7,2 - 9,2) do que em homens (5,0% IC95% 4,2 - 6,0) p < 0,001 e em idosos ≥ 60 anos foi de 21,4%. Os valores de CR ≥ 1,3 mg/dL em homens foram 5,5% (IC95% 4,6 - 6,5) e em mulheres foram de CR ≥ 1,1 mg/dL, de 4,6% (IC95% 4,0- 5,4), sem diferença estatística significativa nos valores de CR entre sexo, p = 0,140. CONCLUSÃO: Resultados laboratoriais da PNS identificaram prevalências mais elevadas da doença renal crônica na população brasileira do que o estimado em estudos autorreferidos. ATFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 é mais elevada em mulheres e atinge um quinto dos idosos. Esses exames podem ser úteis no propósito de identificar precocemente a doença e, dessa forma, prevenir a progressão da lesão renal e reduzir o risco de eventos cardiovasculares e de mortalidade.