The rise in mortality due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines in Brazil between 2003 and 2022: relationship with regional and global crises.

In recent years, suicide rates in Brazil have increased, but little is known about the temporal behavior and characteristics of suicides due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of sociodemographic characteristics and place of death related to suicide due to intentional self-poisoning by medicines, to evaluate the trend of mortality rates in Brazil between 2003 and 2022, and its relationship with regional and global crises. Ecological time series study with data from the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, related to individuals aged 10 years and over, who committed suicides due to intentional drug overdose, in the period from 2003 to 2022. The analyses were performed in the R environment in RStudio. Between 2003 and 2022, there was a predominance of deaths in women (55.5%), individuals aged 30-49 years (47.2%), of White race/color (53.2%), occurring in health facilities (67.0%), using drugs or unspecified substances (40.4%); a higher concentration in the southern region (22.8%) and a positive trend in mortality rates due to intentional drug overdose, especially from 2016 onwards. A rise of 264% was observed in the comparison of 2022 and 2003. A peculiar sociodemographic profile was observed in the victims of intentional self-poisoning by medicines and a positive temporal trend in mortality rates, especially in a period marked by regional and global crises.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on excess maternal deaths in Brazil: A two-year assessment.

BACKGROUND: Accurate estimates of the COVID-19 pandemic's indirect impacts are crucial, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to update estimates of excess maternal deaths in Brazil during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was an exploratory mixed ecological study using the counterfactual approach. The observed maternal deaths were gathered from the Mortality Information System (SIM) for the period between March 2015 and February 2022. Expected deaths from March 2020 to February 2022 were estimated using quasipoisson generalized additive models, considering quadrimester, age group, and their interaction as predictor variables. Analyses were performed in R version 4.1.2, RStudio, version 2023.03.1+446 and carried out with support from the "mgcv" and "plot_model" libraries. RESULTS: A total of 5,040 maternal deaths were reported, with varying excess mortality across regions and age groups, resulting in 69% excess maternal mortality throughout Brazil during the first two years of the pandemic. The Southeast region had 50% excess mortality throughout the first two years and 76% excess in the second year. The North region had 69% excess mortality, increasing in the second year, particularly among women aged 20-34. The Northeast region showed 80% excess mortality, with a significant increase in the second year, especially among women aged 35-49. The Central-West region had 75% excess mortality, higher in the second year and statistically significant among women aged 35-49. The South region showed 117% excess mortality, reaching 203% in the second year among women aged 20-34, but no excess mortality in the 10-19 age category. CONCLUSIONS: Over two years, Brazil saw a significant impact on maternal excess deaths, regardless of region and pandemic year. The highest peak occurred between March and June 2021, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective epidemic responses to prevent avoidable deaths and prepare for new crises.

Excess suicides in Brazil during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: Gender, regional and age group inequalities.

BACKGROUND: While the COVID-19 pandemic's total impact on global mortality is uncertain, an estimated 15 million excess deaths occurred during the first two pandemic years, suggesting that a broad impact, since several causes of death showed a substantial rise. AIMS: To estimate excess suicides in Brazil and evaluate differences within and between subgroups during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Based on suicide data from the mortality information system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the expected number of suicides was estimated by age group, gender, 4-month periods and regions through quasi-Poisson generalized additive models. Analyses were performed in R software and RStudio. RESULTS: Between March 2020 and February 2022, 29,295 suicides were reported in Brazil, close to what would be expected (30,116; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): [28,009, 32,224]), albeit in males and females aged 30 to 59 years and 60 years and over, there were excess suicides in at least one of the six 4-month periods evaluated, especially in the second pandemic year. In the Southeast region, a 28% increase was observed in women 60 years and older during the second year. In the North region, suicide increased 23% and 32% among women aged 30 to 59 years during the first and second pandemic years, respectively. The Northeast region had a 16% excess in suicides among men aged 30 to 59 years and 61% among women 60 years old and older during the second pandemic year, reaching 83% in July to October 2021. CONCLUSIONS: During the first 2 pandemic years, the pattern of suicides was not homogeneous in Brazil. There were substantial excess suicides in women aged 30 to 59 years from the North and Northeast, while among the elderly and men there was a consistent pattern in several four-month periods throughout Brazil.

Relationship between the colours of the rivers in the Amazon and the incidence of malaria.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is transmitted by different Anopheles species. In Brazil, the disease is concentrated in the Amazon region. Rivers play an important role in the life cycle of malaria since the vector reproduces in aquatic environments. The waters of the rivers in the Amazon have distinct chemical characteristics, which affect the colour of the water and therefore, the study analysed whether the colour of the waters of the rivers have an on influence the distribution of malaria. The goal of the study was to correlate the different colourations of the water (black, white and mixed water) and the malaria incidence in 50 municipalities of the Amazonas state, Brazil, and then test hypotheses about the characteristics of the colour of the rivers and disease incidence. METHODS: This study was conducted for a period of seventeen years (2003-2019) in 50 municipalities in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. A conditionally Gaussian dynamic linear model was developed to analyse the association of malaria incidence and three types of river colour: white, black and mixed. RESULTS: The analyses indicate that the distribution of malaria is related to the colouration of the rivers. The results showed that places located near black-water rivers have a higher malaria incidence when compared to places on the banks of white-water rivers. CONCLUSIONS: Historically, the hydrological regime has played an important role in the dynamics of malaria in the Amazon, but little is known about the relationship between river colours and the incidence of the disease. This research was carried out in a region with hydrographic characteristics that were heterogeneous enough to allow an analysis that contrasted different colours of the rivers and covered almost the whole of the state of Amazonas. The results help to identify the places with the highest risk of malaria transmission and it is believed that they will be able to contribute to more precise planning of actions aimed at controlling the disease in the region.

Suicide among Indigenous peoples in Brazil from 2000 to 2020: a descriptive study.

Background: Previous studies in Australia, Canada, and Brazil, found that suicide among ethnic minority groups is higher than in the general population. Indigenous peoples in Brazil have been reported to have a high suicide rate, with reports of suicide clusters occurring in several communities. The objective of this study was to report trends in countrywide suicide rates among Indigenous peoples in Brazil between 2000 and 2020, and to compare these with the non-Indigenous population. Methods: This ecological study used Indigenous suicide data collected from all regions of Brazil during a 21-year period, between 2000 and 2020. We used suicide estimates from the Mortality Information System (SIM), available at the Brazilian Health Ministry website (DATASUS). Suicide mortality rates by state and region were calculated using the estimated Indigenous population from the 2010 census, and estimated population proportions for the other years. We performed a trend analysis and compared trends in suicide between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population during the period studied. Findings: Suicide rates among Indigenous Brazilians have reached more than two and a half times the levels for the overall Brazilian population in 2020 (17.57 suicide deaths versus 6.35 suicide deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively). The Central-West region of Brazil had the highest suicide rates among Indigenous Brazilians over the study period, reaching 58.8 deaths/100,000 inhabitants in 2008. The younger age group (10-24 years old) had the highest suicide rates for all the years studied. Time-series analyses showed a trend of statistically significant increases in suicide rates in Brazil for both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population during the study period. The North region, and specifically Amazonas state, has shown a decisive increase in suicide rates among the Indigenous populations. The suicide rate for Indigenous people in Brazil, excluding cases in Amazonas and Mato Grosso do Sul states, were similar to those for the entire Brazilian population, showing that the Indigenous peoples who are the most vulnerable to suicide reside in these locations. Interpretation: While there were statistically significant increases in suicide rates for all Brazilians over the study period, they remained alarmingly high among Indigenous people, compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. The high suicide rates among Indigenous people, and younger individuals in particular (aged between 10 and 24), reinforces the need for specific prevention strategies for these populations. Further studies should be concentrated on determining risk factors in distinct ethnic groups, specifically within regions experiencing an elevated risk, such as the states of Amazonas and Mato Grosso do Sul. Funding: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under award number R01MH128911-01. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Food profile of Yanomami indigenous children aged 6 to 59 months from the Brazilian Amazon, according to the degree of food processing: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to characterise the food profile of Yanomami indigenous children according to the degree of food processing and its associated factors. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study with Yanomami indigenous children aged 6 to 59 months. Socio-demographic, maternal and infant data were collected through a standardised questionnaire. The food profile was obtained by using a list of thirty-four foods to verify the child's consumption of these foods on the day preceding the interview. Foods were classified according to the degree of processing based on the NOVA system (in natura or minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed and ultra-processed). In natura and minimally processed foods were subdivided into 'regional' and 'urban' foods. Poisson regression analysis was applied to estimate the associated factors according to the 90 % CI. SETTING: Three villages (Auaris, Maturacá and Ariabú) in the Yanomami indigenous territory, in the Brazilian Amazon. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 251 Yanomami children aged 6 to 59 months were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of consumption of 'regional' and 'urban' in natura or minimally processed foods was 93 % and 56 %, respectively, and consumption of ultra-processed foods was 32 %. Ultra-processed food consumption was 11·6 times higher in children of Maturacá and 9·2 times higher in Ariabú when compared with the children of Auaris and 31 % lower in children who had mothers with shorter stature. CONCLUSION: Despite the high frequency of consumption of in natura and minimally processed foods, the consumption of ultra-processed foods was substantial and was associated with demographic and maternal factors in Yanomani indigenous children under 5 years of age.

Excess maternal mortality in Brazil: Regional inequalities and trajectories during the COVID-19 epidemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has exceeded 6 million known disease-related deaths and there is evidence of an increase in maternal deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to estimate excess maternal deaths in Brazil and its macroregions as well as their trajectories in the first 15 months of the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS: This study evaluated maternal deaths from the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health, with excess deaths being assessed between March 2020 and May 2021 by quasi-Poisson generalized additive models adjusted for overdispersion. Observed deaths were compared to deaths expected without the pandemic, accompanied by 95% confidence intervals according to region, age group, and trimester of occurrence. Analyses were conducted in R version 3.6.1 and RStudio version 1.2.1335. RESULTS: There were 3,291 notified maternal deaths during the study period, resulting in a 70% excess of deaths regardless of region, while in the North, Northeast, South and Southeast regions, excess deaths occurred regardless of age group. Excess deaths occurred in the March-May 2021 trimester regardless of region and age group. Excess deaths were observed in the Southeast region for the 25-36-year-old age group regardless of the trimester assessed, and in the North, Central-West and South regions, the only period in which excess deaths were not observed was September-November 2020. Excess deaths regardless of trimester were observed in the 37-49-year-old age group in the North region, and the South region displayed explosive behavior from March-May 2021, with a 375% excess of deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Excess maternal deaths, with geographically heterogenous trajectories and consistently high patterns at the time of the epidemic's greatest impact, reflect not only the previous effect of socioeconomic inequalities and of limited access to maternal health services, but most of all the precarious management of Brazil's health crisis.

[COVID-19 mortality in Brazil in different age groups: differentials between extreme rates in 2021 and 2022]. / Mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil em distintos grupos etários: diferenciais entre taxas extremas de 2021 e 2022.

This ecological study evaluated the trajectory of COVID-19 mortality rates in Brazil and compared the extreme rates of 2022 and 2021, in different age groups. Data on deaths due to severe acute respiratory syndrome by COVID-19 were obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Deaths were evaluated from January 10, 2021 to February 12, 2022, grouped into Epidemiological Weeks (EW). Data analysis was conducted in the R software, using Poisson models to estimate mortality rates. Statistical significance level was set at 5%. A total of 408,180 deaths were evaluated, 0.34% of whom were under 18 years old, and 64.6% of whom were 60 years old and over. On the one hand, in the 0-1, 2-4 and 5-11 age groups, higher mortality rates were observed in EW 4-6/2022, compared to the higher ones in 2021. On the other, in the 12-17 age group, a lower rate was estimated in the EW 4-6/2022 group compared to the EW 11-13 group in 2021, with a mortality ratio of 0.60 (95%CI: 0.38-0.94). Opposing patterns were detected in COVID-19 mortality in Brazil among children and individuals included in the national vaccination campaign. Among the former, mortality rates equal to or worse than in previous phases of the epidemic were observed, contrasting with the consistent and strong decline registered in the latter, reinforcing the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

Avaliar a trajetória das taxas de mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil e comparar as taxas extremas de 2022 e de 2021, em distintos grupos etários. Estudo ecológico com óbitos por síndrome respiratória aguda grave por COVID-19, tendo o Brasil como unidade de análise. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe. Foram avaliados os óbitos no período de 10 de janeiro de 2021 a 12 de fevereiro de 2022, agrupado em Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE). A análise dos dados foi conduzida no software R, utilizando modelos Poisson para estimar as taxas de mortalidade. O nível de significância estatística foi 5%. Foram avaliados 408.180 óbitos, sendo 0,34% de indivíduos menores de18 anos e 64,6% daqueles com 60 anos e mais. De um lado, nas faixas etárias de 0-1, 2-4 e 5-11 anos, observaram-se maiores taxas de mortalidade nas SE 4-6/2022, em comparação às maiores de 2021. De outro, nos indivíduos de 12-17 anos, estimou-se taxa inferior no grupo de SE 4-6/2022, em comparação ao grupo de SE 11-13 de 2021, com razão de mortalidade 0,60 (IC95%: 0,38-0,94). Detectaram-se padrões opostos na mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil entre crianças e indivíduos incluídos na campanha nacional de vacinação. Entre os primeiros, observaram-se taxas de mortalidade iguais ou piores do que em fases anteriores da epidemia, contrapondo-se ao registro de queda consistente e forte dos últimos, reforçando a efetividade da vacina contra COVID-19.

Los objetivos fueron evaluar la trayectoria de las tasas de mortalidad por COVID-19 en Brasil y comparar las tasas extremas del 2022 y del 2021, en diferentes grupos de edad. Estudio ecológico con muertes por síndrome respiratorio agudo Severo por COVID-19, teniendo a Brasil como unidad de análisis. Los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Gripe. Se evaluaron las defunciones del 10 de enero del 2021 al 12 de febrero del 2022, agrupadas en Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE). El análisis de datos se realizó en el software R, utilizando modelos Poisson para estimar las tasas de mortalidad. El nivel de significancia estadística fue del 5%. Se evaluaron un total de 408.180 defunciones, el 0,34% fue de individuos menores de 18 años y el 64,6% fue de individuos con 60 años o más. Por una parte, en los rangos de edad 0-1, 2-4 y 5-11 se observaron mayores tasas de mortalidad en SE 4-6/2022, en comparación con las más altas del 2021. Por otra parte, en los individuos de 12-17 años se estimó una tasa inferior en el grupo SE 4-6/2022, en comparación con el grupo de SE 11-13 del 2021, con una razón de mortalidad de 0,60 (IC95%: 0,38-0,94). Se detectaron estándares opuestos en la mortalidad por COVID-19 en Brasil entre niños e individuos incluidos en la campaña nacional de vacunación. Entre los primeros, se observaron tasas de mortalidad iguales o peores que en etapas anteriores de la epidemia, en contraste con el registro de una reducción consistente y fuerte de los últimos, lo que reforzó la efectividad de la vacuna contra la COVID-19.

Robbery Victimization in Early Adulthood, and Depression and Anxiety at Age 30 Years: Results From the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Robbery is one of the most common urban crimes, but little is known about its relationship with mental disorders in young adults. This study aimed to assess the relationship between robbery victimization and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and comorbidity between MDD and GAD at 30 years of age. A birth cohort study has followed all children born in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil, since 1982. At ages 23 and 30 years, participants were interviewed and asked about lifetime and recent experiences of robbery. Covariates were measured in interviews between birth and age 30 years. MDD and GAD were measured using the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for associations between robbery and mental disorders were calculated using Poisson regression with robust standard error. Of 3,701 cohort members interviewed at age 30 years, 42% reported robbery victimization during their lifetime. Victimization across three periods (lifetime, past 10 years, past 12 months) was associated with increased occurrence of MDD, GAD, as well as the MDD and GAD comorbidity. The strongest associations were found to robbery occurring in the previous 12 months with the MDD and GAD comorbidity, both for burglary at home (aPR 2.52; 95% CI 1.52-4.22) or community family victimization (aPR 2.10; 95% CI 1.34-3.27). These findings highlight the importance of community violence for mental health in young adulthood, and the need for public policies to prevent violence as well as support services for victims to mitigate its adverse health consequences.

[Changes in the pattern of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths after substantial vaccination of the elderly in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil]. / Mudanças no padrão de internações e óbitos por COVID-19 após substancial vacinação de idosos em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.

The impact of COVID-19 vaccination in the elderly has received relatively little attention, particularly in a scenario predominated by the gamma variant. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage and its relationship to changes in the pattern of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. This was an ecological study with Brazilian Ministry of Health data on hospitalizations and deaths, assessing vaccination coverage based on a two-dose regimen, in addition to two vaccination regimens associated with a significant protective effect, one partial (35 days or more after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine) and the other complete (14 days or more after the second dose of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine). Based on the date of initial symptoms, patterns of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths were assessed comparatively in elderly 60-69 years and 70 years or more in two groups of Epidemiological Weeks (EW) in 2020 (unvaccinated) and 2021 (vaccinated). Hospitalization and death rates were estimated with Poisson regression. In the groups 60-69 and 70 years or more, vaccination coverage rates were 41.8% and 54.8%, as well as 53.5% and 90.1%, in the EW groups 18-20/2021 and 21-23/2021, respectively. Both EW groups in 2021 showed a substantial change in the patterns of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, with an increase in the risk of hospitalization and death in unvaccinated younger individuals and an important reduction in vaccinated elderly, especially those 60-69 years of age, besides overall reductions of 62% (95%CI: 52-69) and 63% (95%CI: 43-75) in hospitalization and death rates, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of mass vaccination, especially during an epidemic such as in Manaus, marked by high circulation of the gamma variant.

A avaliação do impacto da vacinação contra a COVID-19 em idosos é escassa, sobretudo em um cenário com predomínio da variante Gama. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cobertura vacinal e sua relação com mudanças no padrão de internações e óbitos por COVID-19 em idosos de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Este é um estudo ecológico com dados de internações e óbitos do Ministério da Saúde que avaliou a cobertura vacinal, mediante esquema com duas doses, além de dois regimes de vacinação associados a significativo efeito protetor, um parcial (35 ou mais dias após a primeira dose da vacina Oxford/AstraZeneca) e outro completo (14 dias ou mais após a segunda dose da vacina Sinovac-CoronaVac). A partir da data dos primeiros sintomas, padrões de internação e óbito por COVID-19 foram avaliados, comparativamente, em idosos de 60-69 e de 70 anos ou mais, em dois grupos de Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020 (não vacinados) e 2021 (vacinados). Taxas de internação e óbito foram estimadas pelo modelo Poisson. Entre 60-69 anos e naqueles com 70 anos ou mais, a cobertura por vacina foi 41,8% e 54,8%, bem como 53,5% e 90,1% nos grupos de SE 18-20/2021 e 21-23/2021, respectivamente. Em ambos os grupos de SE de 2021, observou-se substancial mudança nos padrões de internações e óbitos por COVID-19, com aumento no risco de internação e óbito nos mais jovens não vacinados, e importante redução no número de idosos vacinados, sobretudo naqueles com 60-69 anos, além de redução global de 62% (IC95%: 52-69) e 63% (IC95%: 43-75) nas taxas de internação e óbitos, respectivamente. Nossos resultados reforçam a importância da vacinação em massa, especialmente em contexto epidêmico como o de Manaus, marcado por elevada circulação da variante Gama.

La evaluación del impacto de la vacunación contra la COVID-19 en ancianos es escasa, sobre todo en un escenario con predominio de la variante Gamma. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la cobertura de vacunación y su relación con cambios en el patrón de internamientos y óbitos por COVID-19 en ancianos de Manaos, Amazonas, Brasil. Este es un estudio ecológico con datos de internamientos y óbitos del Ministerio de Salud, que evaluó la cobertura de vacunación, mediante un esquema con dos dosis, además de dos regímenes de vacunación, asociados a un significativo efecto protector, uno parcial (35 o más días tras la primera dosis de la vacuna Oxford/AstraZeneca) y otro completo (14 días o más tras la segunda dosis de la vacuna Sinovac-CoronaVac). A partir de los datos de los primeros síntomas, se evaluaron patrones de internamiento y óbito por COVID-19, comparativamente, en ancianos de 60-69 y de 70 años o más, en dos grupos de Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020 (no vacunados) y 2021 (vacunados). Se estimaron tasas de internamiento y óbito mediante el modelo Poisson. Entre 60-69 años y en aquellos con 70 años o más, la cobertura por vacuna fue 41,8% y 54,8%, así como 53,5% y 90,1% en los grupos de SE 18-20/2021 y 21-23/2021, respectivamente. En ambos grupos de SE de 2021, se observó un cambio sustancial en los patrones de internamiento y óbitos por COVID-19, con un aumento en el riesgo de internamiento y óbito en los más jóvenes no vacunados e importante reducción en los ancianos vacunados, sobre todo en aquellos con 60-69 años, además de una reducción global de 62% (IC95%: 52-69) y 63% (IC95%: 43-75) en las tasas de internamiento y óbitos, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados refuerzan la importancia de la vacunación en masa, especialmente en un contexto epidémico como el de Manaos, marcado por una elevada circulación de la variante Gamma.

Excess suicides in Brazil: Inequalities according to age groups and regions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed more than six million direct deaths. Low-and middle-income countries, such Brazil, were severely hit, not only due to direct effects on mortality, but also for its indirect effects on other causes of deaths. AIMS: The objective of this study was to estimate the excess suicides in Brazil and evaluate patterns within and between its regions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. METHOD: The observed suicides are gathered from the mortality information system of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The estimates of expected suicides, according to sex, age group, bimonthly period and region, were reached through quasi-Poisson generalized additive models, with adjustment for overdispersion. The analyses were performed in R software, version 3.6.1 and RStudio, version 1.2.1335. RESULTS: From March 2020 to December 2020, 10,409 suicides were observed in Brazil, resulting in an overall decrease of 13%, in comparison to the expected rate for the period. There were excess suicides of 26% in men from the Northern region in the 60 years and more age group, as well as in women from the Northern region in the 30 to 59 years age group in two consecutive bimonthly periods. Excess suicides of 40% was also observed in women in the 60 years and more age group from the Northeastern region. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall decrease in suicides in Brazil over the period assessed, substantial excess suicides were observed in different age groups and sexes from the Northern and Northeastern regions of the country, which are regions that are historically more prone to health and socioeconomic inequalities.

Wildmeat consumption and child health in Amazonia.

Consuming wildmeat may protect against iron-deficiency anemia, a serious public health problem globally. Contributing to debates on the linkages between wildmeat and the health of forest-proximate people, we investigate whether wildmeat consumption is associated with hemoglobin concentration in rural and urban children (< 5 years old) in central Brazilian Amazonia. Because dietary practices mediate the potential nutritional benefits of wildmeat, we also examined whether its introduction into children's diets is influenced by rural/urban location or household socio-economic characteristics. Sampling 610 children, we found that wildmeat consumption is associated with higher hemoglobin concentration among the rural children most vulnerable to poverty, but not in the least vulnerable rural, or urban children. Rural caregivers share wildmeat with children earlier-in-life than urban caregivers, potentially because of cultural differences, lower access to domesticated meat, and higher wildmeat consumption by rural households (four times the urban average). If wildmeat becomes unavailable through stricter regulations or over-harvesting, we predict a ~ 10% increased prevalence of anemia among extremely poor rural children. This modest protective effect indicates that ensuring wildmeat access is, alone, insufficient to control anemia. Sustainable wildlife management could enhance the nutritional benefits of wildlife for vulnerable Amazonians, but reducing multidimensional poverty and improving access to quality healthcare are paramount.

Mudanças no padrão de internações e óbitos por COVID-19 após substancial vacinação de idosos em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil / Changes in the pattern of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths after substantial vaccination of the elderly in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil / Cambios en el patrón de internamientos y óbitos por COVID-19 tras una elevada vacunación de ancianos en Manaos, Amazonas, Brasil

A avaliação do impacto da vacinação contra a COVID-19 em idosos é escassa, sobretudo em um cenário com predomínio da variante Gama. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cobertura vacinal e sua relação com mudanças no padrão de internações e óbitos por COVID-19 em idosos de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Este é um estudo ecológico com dados de internações e óbitos do Ministério da Saúde que avaliou a cobertura vacinal, mediante esquema com duas doses, além de dois regimes de vacinação associados a significativo efeito protetor, um parcial (35 ou mais dias após a primeira dose da vacina Oxford/AstraZeneca) e outro completo (14 dias ou mais após a segunda dose da vacina Sinovac-CoronaVac). A partir da data dos primeiros sintomas, padrões de internação e óbito por COVID-19 foram avaliados, comparativamente, em idosos de 60-69 e de 70 anos ou mais, em dois grupos de Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020 (não vacinados) e 2021 (vacinados). Taxas de internação e óbito foram estimadas pelo modelo Poisson. Entre 60-69 anos e naqueles com 70 anos ou mais, a cobertura por vacina foi 41,8% e 54,8%, bem como 53,5% e 90,1% nos grupos de SE 18-20/2021 e 21-23/2021, respectivamente. Em ambos os grupos de SE de 2021, observou-se substancial mudança nos padrões de internações e óbitos por COVID-19, com aumento no risco de internação e óbito nos mais jovens não vacinados, e importante redução no número de idosos vacinados, sobretudo naqueles com 60-69 anos, além de redução global de 62% (IC95%: 52-69) e 63% (IC95%: 43-75) nas taxas de internação e óbitos, respectivamente. Nossos resultados reforçam a importância da vacinação em massa, especialmente em contexto epidêmico como o de Manaus, marcado por elevada circulação da variante Gama.

The impact of COVID-19 vaccination in the elderly has received relatively little attention, particularly in a scenario predominated by the gamma variant. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage and its relationship to changes in the pattern of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. This was an ecological study with Brazilian Ministry of Health data on hospitalizations and deaths, assessing vaccination coverage based on a two-dose regimen, in addition to two vaccination regimens associated with a significant protective effect, one partial (35 days or more after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine) and the other complete (14 days or more after the second dose of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine). Based on the date of initial symptoms, patterns of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths were assessed comparatively in elderly 60-69 years and 70 years or more in two groups of Epidemiological Weeks (EW) in 2020 (unvaccinated) and 2021 (vaccinated). Hospitalization and death rates were estimated with Poisson regression. In the groups 60-69 and 70 years or more, vaccination coverage rates were 41.8% and 54.8%, as well as 53.5% and 90.1%, in the EW groups 18-20/2021 and 21-23/2021, respectively. Both EW groups in 2021 showed a substantial change in the patterns of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, with an increase in the risk of hospitalization and death in unvaccinated younger individuals and an important reduction in vaccinated elderly, especially those 60-69 years of age, besides overall reductions of 62% (95%CI: 52-69) and 63% (95%CI: 43-75) in hospitalization and death rates, respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of mass vaccination, especially during an epidemic such as in Manaus, marked by high circulation of the gamma variant.

La evaluación del impacto de la vacunación contra la COVID-19 en ancianos es escasa, sobre todo en un escenario con predominio de la variante Gamma. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la cobertura de vacunación y su relación con cambios en el patrón de internamientos y óbitos por COVID-19 en ancianos de Manaos, Amazonas, Brasil. Este es un estudio ecológico con datos de internamientos y óbitos del Ministerio de Salud, que evaluó la cobertura de vacunación, mediante un esquema con dos dosis, además de dos regímenes de vacunación, asociados a un significativo efecto protector, uno parcial (35 o más días tras la primera dosis de la vacuna Oxford/AstraZeneca) y otro completo (14 días o más tras la segunda dosis de la vacuna Sinovac-CoronaVac). A partir de los datos de los primeros síntomas, se evaluaron patrones de internamiento y óbito por COVID-19, comparativamente, en ancianos de 60-69 y de 70 años o más, en dos grupos de Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) de 2020 (no vacunados) y 2021 (vacunados). Se estimaron tasas de internamiento y óbito mediante el modelo Poisson. Entre 60-69 años y en aquellos con 70 años o más, la cobertura por vacuna fue 41,8% y 54,8%, así como 53,5% y 90,1% en los grupos de SE 18-20/2021 y 21-23/2021, respectivamente. En ambos grupos de SE de 2021, se observó un cambio sustancial en los patrones de internamiento y óbitos por COVID-19, con un aumento en el riesgo de internamiento y óbito en los más jóvenes no vacunados e importante reducción en los ancianos vacunados, sobre todo en aquellos con 60-69 años, además de una reducción global de 62% (IC95%: 52-69) y 63% (IC95%: 43-75) en las tasas de internamiento y óbitos, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados refuerzan la importancia de la vacunación en masa, especialmente en un contexto epidémico como el de Manaos, marcado por una elevada circulación de la variante Gamma.

Mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil em distintos grupos etários: diferenciais entre taxas extremas de 2021 e 2022 / COVID-19 mortality in Brazil in different age groups: differentials between extreme rates in 2021 and 2022 / Mortalidad por COVID-19 en Brasil en diferentes grupos de edad: diferenciales entre tasas extremas del 2021 y del 2022

Avaliar a trajetória das taxas de mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil e comparar as taxas extremas de 2022 e de 2021, em distintos grupos etários. Estudo ecológico com óbitos por síndrome respiratória aguda grave por COVID-19, tendo o Brasil como unidade de análise. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe. Foram avaliados os óbitos no período de 10 de janeiro de 2021 a 12 de fevereiro de 2022, agrupado em Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE). A análise dos dados foi conduzida no software R, utilizando modelos Poisson para estimar as taxas de mortalidade. O nível de significância estatística foi 5%. Foram avaliados 408.180 óbitos, sendo 0,34% de indivíduos menores de18 anos e 64,6% daqueles com 60 anos e mais. De um lado, nas faixas etárias de 0-1, 2-4 e 5-11 anos, observaram-se maiores taxas de mortalidade nas SE 4-6/2022, em comparação às maiores de 2021. De outro, nos indivíduos de 12-17 anos, estimou-se taxa inferior no grupo de SE 4-6/2022, em comparação ao grupo de SE 11-13 de 2021, com razão de mortalidade 0,60 (IC95%: 0,38-0,94). Detectaram-se padrões opostos na mortalidade por COVID-19 no Brasil entre crianças e indivíduos incluídos na campanha nacional de vacinação. Entre os primeiros, observaram-se taxas de mortalidade iguais ou piores do que em fases anteriores da epidemia, contrapondo-se ao registro de queda consistente e forte dos últimos, reforçando a efetividade da vacina contra COVID-19.

This ecological study evaluated the trajectory of COVID-19 mortality rates in Brazil and compared the extreme rates of 2022 and 2021, in different age groups. Data on deaths due to severe acute respiratory syndrome by COVID-19 were obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Deaths were evaluated from January 10, 2021 to February 12, 2022, grouped into Epidemiological Weeks (EW). Data analysis was conducted in the R software, using Poisson models to estimate mortality rates. Statistical significance level was set at 5%. A total of 408,180 deaths were evaluated, 0.34% of whom were under 18 years old, and 64.6% of whom were 60 years old and over. On the one hand, in the 0-1, 2-4 and 5-11 age groups, higher mortality rates were observed in EW 4-6/2022, compared to the higher ones in 2021. On the other, in the 12-17 age group, a lower rate was estimated in the EW 4-6/2022 group compared to the EW 11-13 group in 2021, with a mortality ratio of 0.60 (95%CI: 0.38-0.94). Opposing patterns were detected in COVID-19 mortality in Brazil among children and individuals included in the national vaccination campaign. Among the former, mortality rates equal to or worse than in previous phases of the epidemic were observed, contrasting with the consistent and strong decline registered in the latter, reinforcing the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

Los objetivos fueron evaluar la trayectoria de las tasas de mortalidad por COVID-19 en Brasil y comparar las tasas extremas del 2022 y del 2021, en diferentes grupos de edad. Estudio ecológico con muertes por síndrome respiratorio agudo Severo por COVID-19, teniendo a Brasil como unidad de análisis. Los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Gripe. Se evaluaron las defunciones del 10 de enero del 2021 al 12 de febrero del 2022, agrupadas en Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE). El análisis de datos se realizó en el software R, utilizando modelos Poisson para estimar las tasas de mortalidad. El nivel de significancia estadística fue del 5%. Se evaluaron un total de 408.180 defunciones, el 0,34% fue de individuos menores de 18 años y el 64,6% fue de individuos con 60 años o más. Por una parte, en los rangos de edad 0-1, 2-4 y 5-11 se observaron mayores tasas de mortalidad en SE 4-6/2022, en comparación con las más altas del 2021. Por otra parte, en los individuos de 12-17 años se estimó una tasa inferior en el grupo SE 4-6/2022, en comparación con el grupo de SE 11-13 del 2021, con una razón de mortalidad de 0,60 (IC95%: 0,38-0,94). Se detectaron estándares opuestos en la mortalidad por COVID-19 en Brasil entre niños e individuos incluidos en la campaña nacional de vacunación. Entre los primeros, se observaron tasas de mortalidad iguales o peores que en etapas anteriores de la epidemia, en contraste con el registro de una reducción consistente y fuerte de los últimos, lo que reforzó la efectividad de la vacuna contra la COVID-19.

In-hospital case fatality ratio due to COVID-19 in four Brazilian state capitals and its possible temporal relationship with the Gamma variant, 2020-2021. / Letalidade hospitalar por COVID-19 em quatro capitais brasileiras e sua possível relação temporal com a variante Gama, 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To describe in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) case fatality ratios due to COVID-19 in four Brazilian state capitals, during the months of epidemic peaks and previous months. METHODS: This was an ecological study using monthly data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, between 2020-2021, in individuals aged 20 years or older. Case fatality ratio and mortality rate were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: In Manaus, the capital city of the state of Amazonas, ICU case fatality ratio among those >59 years old was lower in December/2020 (80.9%; 95%CI 78.4;83.3) and during the peak in January/2021 (79.9%; 95%CI 77.4;82.5), compared to the peak in April/2020 (88.2%; 95%CI 86.1;90.3). In São Paulo, the capital city of the state of São Paulo, Curitiba, the capital city of the state of Paraná, and Porto Alegre, the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, there was a decrease or stability in ICU and in-hospital case fatality ratio in January/2021, compared to the reference month in 2020. CONCLUSION: In January/2021, in-hospital and ICU case fatality ratios decreased or remained stable in the four state capitals, especially in Manaus, and during the epidemic peak with the prevalence of the Gamma variant.

In-hospital case fatality rate due to COVID-19 in four Brazilian state capitals and its possible temporal relationship with the Gamma variant, 2020-2021 / Letalidad hospitalaria por COVID-19 en cuatro capitales brasileñas y su posible relación temporal con la variante Gamma, 2020-2021 / Letalidade hospitalar por COVID-19 em quatro capitais brasileiras e sua possível relação temporal com a variante Gama, 2020-2021

Objective: To describe in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) case fatality rates due to COVID-19 in four Brazilian state capitals, during the months of epidemic peaks and previous months. Methods: This was an ecological study using monthly data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, between 2020-2021, in individuals aged 20 years or older. Case fatality rate and mortality were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Results: In Manaus, the capital city of the state of Amazonas, ICU case fatality rate among those >59 years old was lower in December/2020 (80.9% ­95%CI 78.4;83.3) and during the peak in January/2021 (79.9% ­95%CI 77.4;82.5), compared to the peak in April/2020 (88.2% ­95%CI 86.1;90.3). In São Paulo, the capital city of the state of São Paulo, Curitiba, the capital city of the state of Paraná, and Porto Alegre, the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, there was a decrease or stability in ICU and in-hospital case fatality rate in January/2021, compared to the reference month in 2020. Conclusion: In January/2021, in-hospital and ICU case fatality rates decreased or remained stable in the four state capitals, especially in Manaus, and during the epidemic peak with the prevalence of the Gamma variant.

Objetivo: Descrever letalidade por COVID-19 ­ hospitalar e em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) ­ em quatro capitais brasileiras, em meses de picos epidêmicos e nos meses anteriores. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com dados mensais de 2020-2021 do Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe, em indivíduos com 20 anos ou mais. Estimou-se letalidade e mortalidade, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Em Manaus, a letalidade em UTI nos >59 anos foi menor em dezembro/2020 (80,9% ­ IC95% 78,4;83,3) e no pico de janeiro/2021 (79,9% ­ IC95% 77,4;82,5), em comparação ao pico de abril/2020 (88,2% ­ IC95% 86,1;90,3). Em São Paulo, Curitiba e Porto Alegre, observou-se queda ou estabilidade na letalidade hospitalar e em UTI, em janeiro/2021, em comparação ao mês de referência de 2020. Conclusão: Em janeiro/2021, a letalidade hospitalar e em UTI caiu ou manteve-se estável nas quatro capitais, especialmente em Manaus e durante o pico epidêmico com predomínio da variante Gama.

Intergenerational Association of Short Maternal Stature with Stunting in Yanomami Indigenous Children from the Brazilian Amazon.

To describe the factors associated to stunting in <5-year-old Yanomami Brazilian children, and to evaluate the association of short maternal stature to their offspring's stunting. A cross-sectional study carried out in three villages in the Yanomami territory. We performed a census, in which all households with children < 5-years-old were included. The length/height-for-age z-score <-2 standard deviations was used to classify the children as stunted. Short maternal height was defined as <145 cm for adult women, and <-2 standard deviations of the height-for-age z-score for adolescent women. We used adjusted Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) along the 90% confidence interval. We evaluated 298 children. 81.2% of children suffered from stunting and 71.9% of the mothers from short stature. In the bivariate analysis, a significant association of stunting with short maternal stature, gestational malaria and child's place of birth were observed. Considering the variables of the children under five years of age, there were significant associations with age group, the child's caregiver, history of malaria, pneumonia, and malnutrition treatment. In the adjusted hierarchical model, stunting was 1.22 times greater in the offspring of women with a short stature (90% CI: 1.07-1.38) compared to their counterparts. Brazilian Amazonian indigenous children living in a remote area displayed an alarming prevalence of stunting, and this was associated with short maternal height, reinforcing the hypothesis of intergenerational chronic malnutrition transmission in this population. In addition, children above 24 months of age, who were born in the village healthcare units and who had had previous treatment in the past for stunting presented higher rates of stunting in this study.