Birth conditions nutritional status in childhood associated with cardiometabolic risk factors at 30 years of age: a cohort study.

This study aimed to assess the association of birth conditions, nutritional status, and childhood growth with cardiometabolic risk factors at 30 years of age. We also evaluated whether body mass index (BMI) at 30 years mediated the association of weight gain in childhood with cardiometabolic risk factors. This is a prospective cohort study that included all live births in 1982 in hospitals in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, whose families lived in the urban area. Mothers were interviewed at birth, and participants were followed at different ages. For our analyses, we used data on weight and height collected at birth, 2 and 4 years and cardiovascular risk factors at 30 years. Multiple linear regressions were performed to obtain adjusted coefficients and G-formula for mediation analysis. Relative weight gain in childhood, despite the age, was positively related to mean arterial pressure, whereas relative weight gain in late childhood was positively associated with carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, plasma glucose, and C-reactive protein. BMI in adulthood captured the total effect of relative weight gain in the period between 2 and 4 years on carotid intima-media thickness, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Our findings reinforce the evidence that rapid relative weight gain after 2 years of age may have long-term consequences on the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Effect of Adolescent Body Mass Index Trajectories on Working Memory: A Prospective Birth Cohort in Brazil.

Most research on the association between high body mass index (BMI) and working memory (WM) has been cross-sectional in design, limiting conclusions about long-term effects of overweight and obesity on WM. The aim of this study was to examine the association of BMI trajectory from 11 to 22 years with WM at 22 years of age. Data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study were analyzed (N = 3,010). Information on BMI was collected at ages 11, 15, 18, and 22 years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used separately for each sex to identify BMI trajectories. Working Memory performance (Digit Span backward score) was examined at age 22. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between BMI trajectory from 11 to 22 years and WM at age 22. In both sexes, the trajectory groups were: stable normal weight, stable overweight, and stable obesity. In the adjusted analyses, women in the stable-obesity group had lower WM at 22 years (ß = -.49; 95% CI: -0.75, -0.23; p < .001) than those in the stable-normal weight group. No associations were found between BMI trajectories and WM in men. This study may contribute to future investigations of possible explanatory avenues for the association between high BMI and WM.

Birth conditions nutritional status in childhood associated with cardiometabolic risk factors at 30 years of age: a cohort study / Condições de nascimento, estado nutricional na infância e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos aos 30 anos de idade: um estudo de coorte / Condiciones de nacimiento, estado nutricional en la infancia y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico a los 30 años: un estudio de cohortes

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the association of birth conditions, nutritional status, and childhood growth with cardiometabolic risk factors at 30 years of age. We also evaluated whether body mass index (BMI) at 30 years mediated the association of weight gain in childhood with cardiometabolic risk factors. This is a prospective cohort study that included all live births in 1982 in hospitals in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, whose families lived in the urban area. Mothers were interviewed at birth, and participants were followed at different ages. For our analyses, we used data on weight and height collected at birth, 2 and 4 years and cardiovascular risk factors at 30 years. Multiple linear regressions were performed to obtain adjusted coefficients and G-formula for mediation analysis. Relative weight gain in childhood, despite the age, was positively related to mean arterial pressure, whereas relative weight gain in late childhood was positively associated with carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, plasma glucose, and C-reactive protein. BMI in adulthood captured the total effect of relative weight gain in the period between 2 and 4 years on carotid intima-media thickness, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Our findings reinforce the evidence that rapid relative weight gain after 2 years of age may have long-term consequences on the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação das condições de nascimento, do estado nutricional e do crescimento infantil com fatores de risco cardiometabólicos aos 30 anos de idade. Também foi verificado se o índice de massa corporal (IMC) aos 30 anos mediava a associação entre o ganho de peso na infância e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos. Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo que incluiu todos os nascidos vivos em 1982 em hospitais da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, residentes da área urbana. As mães foram entrevistadas no parto e os participantes foram acompanhados em diferentes idades. Para as análises, foram utilizados os dados de peso e altura coletados no nascimento e aos 2 e 4 anos de idade e fatores de risco cardiovascular aos 30 anos. Regressões lineares múltiplas foram realizadas para a obtenção de coeficientes ajustados e G-fórmula para a análise de mediação. O ganho de peso relativo na infância, apesar da idade, está positivamente associado à pressão arterial média, enquanto o ganho de peso relativo tardio na infância está positivamente associado à espessura médio-intimal da artéria carótida, à velocidade da onda de pulso, aos triglicerídeos, ao colesterol não-HDL, à glicose plasmática e à proteína C reativa. O IMC na idade adulta capturou o efeito total do ganho de peso relativo entre 2 e 4 anos sobre a espessura médio-intimal da carótida, os triglicerídeos, o colesterol não-HDL e a proteína C reativa. Estes achados reforçam a evidência de que o rápido ganho de peso relativo após os 2 anos de idade pode ter consequências a longo prazo sobre o risco de distúrbios metabólicos e cardiovasculares.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación de las condiciones de nacimiento, estado nutricional y crecimiento infantil con factores de riesgo cardiometabólico a los 30 años de edad. También se verificó si el índice de masa corporal (IMC) a los 30 años mediaba la asociación entre el aumento de peso infantil y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos. Se trata de un estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluyó todos los nacidos vivos en 1982 en hospitales de la ciudad de Pelotas, estado de Río Grande del Sur, Brasil, residentes del área urbana. Las madres fueron entrevistadas en el momento del parto y los participantes fueron seguidos a diferentes edades. Para los análisis, utilizamos los datos de peso y altura recopilados al nacer y a los 2 y 4 años de edad y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular a los 30 años. Se realizaron regresiones lineales múltiples para obtener coeficientes ajustados y la G-fórmula para el análisis de mediación. El aumento de peso relativo en la infancia, a pesar de la edad, se asocia positivamente con la presión arterial media, mientras que el aumento de peso relativo en la infancia tardía se asocia positivamente con el espesor de la íntima-media de la arteria carotídea, la velocidad de la onda del pulso, los triglicéridos, el colesterol no HDL, la glucosa plasmática y la proteína C reactiva. El IMC en adultos capturó el efecto completo del aumento de peso relativo a los 2 y 4 años sobre el espesor de la íntima-media carotídea, los triglicéridos, el colesterol no HDL y la proteína C reactiva. Estos hallazgos refuerzan la evidencia de que el rápido aumento de peso relativo después de los 2 años puede tener consecuencias a largo plazo sobre el riesgo de trastornos metabólicos y cardiovasculares.

Association between maternal prepregnancy body mass index with offspring cardiometabolic risk factors: analysis of three Brazilian birth cohorts.

Evidence suggests that maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with offspring cardiometabolic risk factors. This study was aimed at assessing the association of maternal prepregnancy BMI with offspring cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescence and adulthood. We also evaluated whether offspring BMI was a mediator in this association. The study included mother-offspring pairs from three Pelotas birth cohorts. Offspring cardiometabolic risk factors were collected in the last follow-up of each cohort [mean age (in years) 30.2, 22.6, 10.9]. Blood pressure was measured using an automatic device, cholesterol by using an enzymatic colorimetric method, and glucose from fingertip blood, using a portable glucose meter. In a pooled analysis of the cohorts, multiple linear regression was used to control for confounding. Mediation analysis was conducted using G-computation formula. In the adjusted model, mean systolic blood pressure of offspring from overweight and obese mothers was on average 1.25 (95% CI: 0.45; 2.05) and 2.13 (95% CI: 0.66; 3.59) mmHg higher than that of offspring from normal-weight mothers; for diastolic blood pressure, the means were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.26; 1.34) and 2.60 (95% CI: 1.62; 3.59) mmHg higher, respectively. Non-HDL cholesterol was positively associated with maternal BMI, whereas blood glucose was not associated. Mediation analyses showed that offspring BMI explained completely the association of maternal prepregnancy BMI with offspring systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and non-HDL cholesterol. Our findings suggest that maternal prepregnancy BMI is positively associated with offspring blood pressure, and blood lipids, and this association is explained by offspring BMI.

Interest in food and triglyceride concentrations in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract Objective: To investigate eating behavior and serum concentration of triglycerides in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in the neurodevelopment nucleus, from October 2018 to April 2019 in a neurodevelopment center in the city of Pelotas/RS. Blood samples were collected, and serum was essayed for triglycerides by colorimetric enzymatic reaction. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire was applied to the parents. The comparison between two or three categories of variables was performed with nonparametric tests. Linear regression was used to access the association between the log triglyceride serum concentration and the score above or below the median score of the food response and emotional overeating subscales. Results: Sixty patients were evaluated. The average age was 8.6 ± 3.2 years and most were white (75 %), male (80 %), and overweight (66%). Half of the sample had elevated triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations were higher among overweight children and adolescents with higher median scores on the "food response" and "emotional overeating" subscales. In the adjusted analysis, the association between triglycerides and higher scores on subscales reflecting interest in food remained significant. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder present high triglyceride concentrations associated with a greater interest in food. Knowledge of this eating behavior may provide more effective nutritional intervention in this population.

Interest in food and triglyceride concentrations in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate eating behavior and serum concentration of triglycerides in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in the neurodevelopment nucleus, from October 2018 to April 2019 in a neurodevelopment center in the city of Pelotas/RS. Blood samples were collected, and serum was essayed for triglycerides by colorimetric enzymatic reaction. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire was applied to the parents. The comparison between two or three categories of variables was performed with nonparametric tests. Linear regression was used to access the association between the log triglyceride serum concentration and the score above or below the median score of the food response and emotional overeating subscales. RESULTS: Sixty patients were evaluated. The average age was 8.6±3.2 years and most were white (75 %), male (80 %), and overweight (66%). Half of the sample had elevated triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations were higher among overweight children and adolescents with higher median scores on the "food response" and "emotional overeating" subscales. In the adjusted analysis, the association between triglycerides and higher scores on subscales reflecting interest in food remained significant. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder present high triglyceride concentrations associated with a greater interest in food. Knowledge of this eating behavior may provide more effective nutritional intervention in this population.

Influence of maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status on offspring anthropometric measurements and body composition in three Brazilian Birth Cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at evaluating the association of maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status with offspring anthropometry and body composition. We also evaluated whether these associations were modified by gender, diet and physical activity and mediated by birth weight. DESIGN: Birth cohort study. SETTING: Waist circumference was measured with an inextensible tape, and fat and lean mass were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for possible confounders and allele score of BMI. We carried out mediation analysis using G-formula. PARTICIPANTS: In 1982, 1993 and 2004, all maternity hospitals in Pelotas (South Brazil) were visited daily and all live births whose families lived in the urban area of the city were evaluated. These subjects have been followed up at different ages. RESULTS: Offspring of obese mothers had on average higher BMI, waist circumference and fat mass index than those of normal weight mothers, and these differences were higher among daughters. The magnitudes of the association were similar in the cohorts, except for height, where the association pattern was not clear. In the 1982 cohort, further adjustment for a BMI allele score had no material influence on the magnitude of the associations. Mediation analyses showed that birth weight captured part of this association. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status is positively associated with offspring BMI and adiposity in offspring. And this association is higher among daughters whose mother was overweight or obese and, birth weight explains part of this association.

Short and long sleep duration and associated factors in pre-adolescence and early adulthood: evidence from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the associated factors with short and long sleep duration at ages 11 (pre-adolescence) and 22 years old (early adulthood). METHODS: Participants of the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort with self-reported sleep records at 11 (n = 4442) and 22 (n = 3800) years were included. The total sleep time duration was categorised as short (<9 h for 11 years and <7 h for 22 years), long (>11 for 11 years and >9 for 22 years) and recommended according to the National Sleep Foundation criteria. Multinomial regression analyses were applied according to a hierarchical approach in order to investigate the associated factors with sleep duration patterns. All analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: Higher income was associated with higher odds of short sleep duration in 11-year-old boys [OR = 1.54 (CI95%: 1.08; 2.19)] and girls [OR = 1.45 (CI95%: 1.03; 2.06)] and also with lower odds of long sleep duration in both ages. At 22 years, common mental health disorders were associated with higher odds of short sleep duration in both men [OR = 1.56 (CI95%: 1.18; 2.06)] and women [OR = 1.48 (CI95%: 1.11; 1.99)]. Sleep duration was also related to screen time and physical activity showing different association patterns according to sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: Different factors may be associated with sleep duration patterns in pre-adolescence and early adulthood. Our results emphasise the importance of considering stratification analyses to identify associated factors with sleep duration since they may vary according to age and sex.

Food processing and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence for the association between food consumption according to processing and cardiometabolic factors in adults and/or the elderly. METHOD Two independent evaluators analyzed the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs until December 2018. We used the following terms: (convenience foods OR food processing OR highly-processed OR industrialized foods OR minimally-processed OR prepared foods OR processed foods OR ultra-processed OR ultraprocessed OR ultra processed OR unprocessed) AND (metabolic syndrome OR hypertension OR blood pressure OR diabetes mellitus OR glucose OR glycaemia OR insulin OR cholesterol OR triglycerides OR blood lipids OR overweight OR obesity) AND (adult OR adults OR adulthood OR aged OR elderly OR old). We assessed methodological and evidence qualities, and also extracted information for the qualitative synthesis from the selected studies. RESULTS Of the 6,423 studies identified after removing duplicates, eleven met the eligibility criteria. The main food classification we used was Nova. The consumption of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with overweight and obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. All articles included met more than 50% of the methodological quality criteria. The quality of evidence was considered moderate for the outcome overweight and obesity and weak for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The Nova food classification stands out in the area of nutritional epidemiology when assessing the effects of food processing on health outcomes. Although caution is required in the interpretation, the results indicated that the consumption of ultra-processed foods can have an unfavorable impact in the health of individuals.

Food insecurity in a city in the extreme south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2016: a population-based study. / Insegurança alimentar em um município do extremo sul do Rio Grande do Sul, 2016: um estudo de base populacional.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the occurrence of food insecurity and associated factors in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional population-based study using data obtained by interviewing heads of household; Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used. RESULTS: 675 households were included; food insecurity prevalence was 35.2% (95%CI31.6;39.0) and its occurrence was associated with heads of household being female (PR=1.49 - 95%CI1.17;1.90), not being white-skinned (PR=1.49 - 95%CI1.18;1.88), being younger, unmarried (PR=1.39 - 95%CI 1.07;1.81), belonging to the lowest education bracket (PR=1.58; 95%CI 1.17;2,12), belonging to the first and second assets index tertiles, having insufficient money to meet expenses (PR=2.22 - 95%CI 1.76;2.80), being obese (PR=1.39 - 95%CI 1.13;1.71), and being a smoker (PR=1.28 - 95%CI 1.05;1.56). CONCLUSION: food insecurity was associated with all factors studied except alcohol abuse.

Insegurança alimentar em um município do extremo sul do Rio Grande do Sul, 2016: um estudo de base populacional / Inseguridad alimentaria en un municipio del extremo sur de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: un estudio de base poblacional / Food insecurity in a city in the extreme south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2016: a population-based study

Objetivo: analisar a ocorrência de insegurança alimentar e fatores associados em Rio Grande, RS, Brasil, em 2016. Métodos: estudo transversal de base populacional, cujos dados foram coletados mediante entrevista com os responsáveis pelos domicílios; empregou-se regressão de Poisson, com ajuste robusto da variância. Resultados: foram incluídos 675 domicílios; a prevalência de insegurança alimentar foi de 35,2% (IC95%31,6;39,0) e sua ocorrência esteve associada ao responsável pelo domicílio ser do sexo feminino (RP=1,49 - IC95%1,17;1,90), de raça/cor da pele não branca (RP=1,49 - IC95%1,18;1,88), apresentar menor faixa etária, não ser casado (RP=1,39 - IC95%1,07;1,81), pertencer ao grupo de menor escolaridade (RP=1,58 - IC95%1,17;2,12), encontrar-se no primeiro ou segundo tercil de índice de bens, não ter dinheiro suficiente para as despesas (RP=2,22 - IC95%1,76;2,80), ser obeso (RP=1,39 - IC95%1,13;1,71) e ser fumante (RP=1,28 - IC95%1,05;1,56). Conclusão: a insegurança alimentar esteve associada a todos os fatores estudados, exceto consumo abusivo de álcool.

Objetivo: analizar la ocurrencia de inseguridad alimentaria y factores asociados en Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2016. Métodos: un estudio transversal de base poblacional obtuvo información mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario a los responsables por las residencias; se utilizó la regresión de Poisson, con ajuste robusto de la varianza. Resultados: se evaluaron 675 hogares, la inseguridad alimentaria fue del 35,2% (IC95%31,6;39,0) y se asoció con que el responsable por la casa fuera del sexo femenino (RP=1,49 - IC95%1,17;1,90), de raza/color de piel no blanca (RP=1,49 - IC95%1,18;1,88), ser del grupo de edad más joven, no ser casada (RP=1,39 - IC95%1,07;1,81), pertenecer al grupo de menor escolaridad (RP=1,58 - IC95%1,17;2,12), estar en el primero o segundo tercil de índice de bienes, no tener dinero suficiente para los gastos de la casa (RP=2,22 - IC95%1,76;2,80), ser obeso (RP=1,39 - IC95%1,13;1,71) y ser fumador (RP=1,28 - IC95%1,05;1,56). Conclusión: la inseguridad alimentaria estuvo asociada a todos los factores estudiados, excepto el abuso de alcohol.

Objective: to analyze the occurrence of food insecurity and associated factors in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016. Methods: this was a cross-sectional population-based study using data obtained by interviewing heads of household; Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used. Results: 675 households were included; food insecurity prevalence was 35.2% (95%CI31.6;39.0) and its occurrence was associated with heads of household being female (PR=1.49 - 95%CI1.17;1.90), not being white-skinned (PR=1.49 - 95%CI1.18;1.88), being younger, unmarried (PR=1.39 - 95%CI 1.07;1.81), belonging to the lowest education bracket (PR=1.58; 95%CI 1.17;2,12), belonging to the first and second assets index tertiles, having insufficient money to meet expenses (PR=2.22 - 95%CI 1.76;2.80), being obese (PR=1.39 - 95%CI 1.13;1.71), and being a smoker (PR=1.28 - 95%CI 1.05;1.56). Conclusion: food insecurity was associated with all factors studied except alcohol abuse.

Food processing and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review / Processamento de alimentos e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence for the association between food consumption according to processing and cardiometabolic factors in adults and/or the elderly. METHOD Two independent evaluators analyzed the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs until December 2018. We used the following terms: (convenience foods OR food processing OR highly-processed OR industrialized foods OR minimally-processed OR prepared foods OR processed foods OR ultra-processed OR ultraprocessed OR ultra processed OR unprocessed) AND (metabolic syndrome OR hypertension OR blood pressure OR diabetes mellitus OR glucose OR glycaemia OR insulin OR cholesterol OR triglycerides OR blood lipids OR overweight OR obesity) AND (adult OR adults OR adulthood OR aged OR elderly OR old). We assessed methodological and evidence qualities, and also extracted information for the qualitative synthesis from the selected studies. RESULTS Of the 6,423 studies identified after removing duplicates, eleven met the eligibility criteria. The main food classification we used was Nova. The consumption of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with overweight and obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. All articles included met more than 50% of the methodological quality criteria. The quality of evidence was considered moderate for the outcome overweight and obesity and weak for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The Nova food classification stands out in the area of nutritional epidemiology when assessing the effects of food processing on health outcomes. Although caution is required in the interpretation, the results indicated that the consumption of ultra-processed foods can have an unfavorable impact in the health of individuals.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Revisar sistematicamente as evidências da associação entre consumo de alimentos de acordo com o processamento e fatores cardiometabólicos em adultos e idosos. MÉTODOS Dois avaliadores independentes analisaram as bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, Web of Science e Lilacs até dezembro de 2018. Os seguintes termos foram utilizados: (convenience foods OR food processing OR highly-processed OR industrialized foods OR minimally-processed OR prepared foods OR processed foods OR ultra-processed OR ultraprocessed OR ultra processed OR unprocessed) AND (metabolic syndrome OR hypertension OR blood pressure OR diabetes mellitus OR glucose OR glycaemia OR insulin OR cholesterol OR triglycerides OR blood lipids OR overweight OR obesity) AND (adult OR adults OR adulthood OR aged OR elderly OR old). Nos estudos incluídos foram avaliadas as qualidades metodológica e de evidência, além de extraídas informações para a síntese qualitativa. RESULTADOS Dos 6.423 estudos identificados após a remoção das duplicatas, onze preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade. A principal classificação de alimentos utilizada foi a Nova. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi positivamente associado com excesso de peso e obesidade, hipertensão arterial e síndrome metabólica. Todos os artigos incluídos preencheram mais de 50% dos critérios de qualidade metodológica. A qualidade de evidência foi considerada moderada para o desfecho excesso de peso e obesidade e fraca para hipertensão arterial e síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÕES A classificação de alimentos Nova se destaca na área da epidemiologia nutricional ao avaliar os efeitos do processamento de alimentos sobre desfechos em saúde. Embora seja necessária prudência na interpretação, os resultados indicam que o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados pode ter impacto desfavorável sobre a saúde dos indivíduos.

Planejamento e execução de um inquérito populacional de saúde por meio de consórcio de pesquisa multidisciplinar / Planning and execution of a population health survey by means of a multidisciplinary research consortium

OBJETIVOS: Descrever os aspectos metodológicos e operacionais de um inquérito de pesquisa sobre saúde, realizado por meio de um consórcio de pesquisa multidisciplinar. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal de base populacional foi realizado com indivíduos de 18 anos ou mais, residentes na zona urbana do município de Rio Grande, RS, Brasil. A amostragem foi probabilística, tendo como unidade primária amostral os setores censitários. O instrumento de pesquisa consistiu num questionário padronizado, com questões fechadas e previamente testado, aplicado face a face no domicílio. Um questionário resumido foi aplicado a 10,5% dos indivíduos para fins de controle de qualidade. O trabalho de campo se estendeu de abril a julho de 2016 e a pesquisa foi previamente aprovada por comitê de ética em pesquisa. RESULTADOS: Dos 70 setores censitários amostrados, foram selecionados 711 domicílios e 1.429 indivíduos. Responderam o questionário 1.300 indivíduos (91,0%) de 676 domicílios (95,1%). As perdas e recusas foram mais prevalentes para os indivíduos do sexo masculino e dos setores do centro da cidade. A reprodutibilidade do questionário foi satisfatória (kappa médio = 0,80). CONCLUSÕES: Apontaram-se os principais aspectos metodológicos de um consórcio de pesquisa multidisciplinar, que poderão ser de interesse para outros pesquisadores. Destaca-se a relevância deste tipo de estudo para a produção de informações sobre diversas condições de saúde da população.

AIMS: To describe the methodological and operational aspects of a health survey, conducted by means of a multidisciplinary research consortium. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted with individuals 18 years or older, living in the urban area of the municipality of Rio Grande, in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The sampling was probabilistic, with census tracts as the primary sample unit. The research instrument consisted of a standardized and previously tested questionnaire, with closed questions, applied by face-to-face in dwellings. A brief questionnaire was administered to 10.5% of subjects for quality control purposes. Fieldwork lasted from April to July 2016, and the study was approved by an ethics committee. RESULTS: Of the 70 sampled census tracts, 711 households were randomly selected, comprising 1,429 eligible individuals. Overall, 1,300 individuals (91.0%) of 676 households (95.1%) answered the questionnaire. Losses and refusals were more prevalent for males and downtown's sectors. The questionnaire reproducibility was satisfactory (mean kappa = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: The main methodological aspects of a multidisciplinary research consortium were pointed out, which may be of interest to other researchers. We highlight the importance of these type of study to yield information on various health conditions of the population.