Effect of a Multifaceted Quality Improvement Intervention on the Prescription of Evidence-Based Treatment in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk in Brazil: The BRIDGE Cardiovascular Prevention Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Studies have found that patients at high cardiovascular risk often fail to receive evidence-based therapies in community practice. Objective: To evaluate whether a multifaceted quality improvement intervention can improve the prescription of evidence-based therapies. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this 2-arm cluster randomized clinical trial, patients with established atherothrombotic disease from 40 public and private outpatient clinics (clusters) in Brazil were studied. Patients were recruited from August 2016 to August 2017, with follow-up to August 2018. Data were analyzed in September 2018. Interventions: Case management, audit and feedback reports, and distribution of educational materials (to health care professionals and patients) vs routine practice. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was prescription of evidence-based therapies (ie, statins, antiplatelet therapy, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers) using the all-or-none approach at 12 months after the intervention period in patients without contraindications. Results: Of the 1619 included patients, 1029 (63.6%) were male, 1327 (82.0%) had coronary artery disease (843 [52.1%] with prior acute myocardial infarction), 355 (21.9%) had prior ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, and 197 (12.2%) had peripheral vascular disease, and the mean (SD) age was 65.6 (10.5) years. Among randomized clusters, 30 (75%) were cardiology sites, 6 (15%) were primary care units, and 26 (65%) were teaching institutions. Among eligible patients, those in intervention clusters were more likely to receive a prescription of evidence-based therapies than those in control clusters (73.5% [515 of 701] vs 58.7% [493 of 840]; odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.14-4.65). There were no differences between the intervention and control groups with regards to risk factor control (ie, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes). Rates of education for smoking cessation were higher among current smokers in the intervention group than in the control group (51.9% [364 of 701] vs 18.2% [153 of 840]; odds ratio, 11.24; 95% CI, 2.20-57.43). The rate of cardiovascular mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke was 2.6% for patients from intervention clusters and 3.4% for those in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.43-1.34). Conclusions and Relevance: Among Brazilian patients at high cardiovascular risk, a quality improvement intervention resulted in improved prescription of evidence-based therapies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02851732.

Rationale and design for a cluster randomized quality improvement trial to increase the uptake of evidence based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk: The bridge cardiovascular prevention trial

BACKGROUND: Translating evidence into clinical practice in the management of high cardiovascular risk patients is challenging. Few quality improvement interventions have rigorously evaluated their impact on both patient care and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives are to evaluate the impact of a multifaceted educational intervention on adherence to local guidelines for the prescription of statins, antiplatelets and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers for high cardiovascular risk patients, as well as on the incidence of major cardiovascular events. DESIGN: We designed a pragmatic two arm cluster randomized trial involving 40 clusters. Clusters are randomized to receive a multifaceted quality improvement intervention or to routine practice (control). The multifaceted intervention includes: reminders, care algorithms, training of a case manager, audit and feedback reports, and distribution of educational materials to health care providers. The primary endpoint is the adherence to combined evidence-based therapies (statins, antiplatelet therapy and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers) at 12 months after the intervention period in patients without contra-indications for these medications. All analyses follow the intention-to-treat principle and take the cluster design into account using linear mixed logistic regression modeling. SUMMARY: If proven effective, this multifaceted intervention would have wide utility as a means of promoting optimal usage of evidence-based interventions for the management of high cardiovascular risk patients. (AU)

Rationale and design for a cluster randomized quality-improvement trial to increase the uptake of evidence-based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk: The BRIDGE-Cardiovascular Prevention trial.

BACKGROUND: Translating evidence into clinical practice in the management of high cardiovascular risk patients is challenging. Few quality improvement interventions have rigorously evaluated their impact on both patient care and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives are to evaluate the impact of a multifaceted educational intervention on adherence to local guidelines for the prescription of statins, antiplatelets and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers for high cardiovascular risk patients, as well as on the incidence of major cardiovascular events. DESIGN: We designed a pragmatic two arm cluster randomized trial involving 40 clusters. Clusters are randomized to receive a multifaceted quality improvement intervention or to routine practice (control). The multifaceted intervention includes: reminders, care algorithms, training of a case manager, audit and feedback reports, and distribution of educational materials to health care providers. The primary endpoint is the adherence to combined evidence-based therapies (statins, antiplatelet therapy and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers) at 12 months after the intervention period in patients without contra-indications for these medications. All analyses follow the intention-to-treat principle and take the cluster design into account using linear mixed logistic regression modeling. SUMMARY: If proven effective, this multifaceted intervention would have wide utility as a means of promoting optimal usage of evidence-based interventions for the management of high cardiovascular risk patients.

The Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program to reduce events and risk factors in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease: study protocol (The BALANCE Program Trial).

This article reports the rationale for the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program (BALANCE Program) Trial. This pragmatic, multicenter, nationwide, randomized, concealed, controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of the BALANCE Program in reducing cardiovascular events. The BALANCE Program consists of a prescribed diet guided by nutritional content recommendations from Brazilian national guidelines using a unique nutritional education strategy, which includes suggestions of affordable foods. In addition, the Program focuses on intensive follow-up through one-on-one visits, group sessions, and phone calls. In this trial, participants 45 years or older with any evidence of established cardiovascular disease will be randomized to the BALANCE or control groups. Those in the BALANCE group will receive the afore mentioned program interventions, while controls will be given generic advice on how to follow a low-fat, low-energy, low-sodium, and low-cholesterol diet, with a view to achieving Brazilian nutritional guideline recommendations. The primary outcome is a composite of death (any cause), cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, myocardial revascularization, amputation for peripheral arterial disease, or hospitalization for unstable angina. A total of 2468 patients will be enrolled in 34 sites and followed up for up to 48 months. If the BALANCE Program is found to decrease cardiovascular events and reduce risk factors, this may represent an advance in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Nutritional, metabolic and cardiovascular correlations of morning cortisol in health care workers in a gastroenterology service.

BACKGROUND: Workplace stress has been associated with obesity. Diminished body weight has also been anticipated in some contexts. OBJECTIVE: In a cohort of healthcare personnel, morning cortisol was compared to nutritional and metabolic variables, aiming to identify the correlates of such marker. METHODS: Population n=185, 33.8 ± 9.8 years, 88.1% females, body mass index (BMI) 25.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2, included nurses and other nosocomial professionals, the majority with high social-economic status (75.2%). Participants were stratified according to BMI, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Fasting plasma cortisol and the Framingham Coronary Risk Score was calculated. RESULTS: Mean cortisol was acceptable (19.4 ± 7.9 µg/dL) although with elevation in 21.6%. No correlation with FBG or MS occurred, and nonobese persons (BMI <25) exhibited the highest values (P=0.049). Comparison of the lowest and highest cortisol quartiles confirmed reduced BMI and waist circumference in the former, with unchanged Framingham Coronary Risk Score. CONCLUSION: Cortisol correlated with reduced BMI. Despite low BMI and waist circumference, Framingham Coronary Risk Score was not benefitted, suggesting that exposure to cardiovascular risk continues, besides psychological strain. Initiatives to enhance organizational and staff health are advisable in the hospital environment.

Nutritional, meaabolic and cardiovascular correations of morning cortisol in hhealth care workers in a gastroenterology service / Correlações nutricionais, metabólicas e cardiovasculares do cortisol matutino em profissionais da saúde de um Serviço de Gastroenterologia

Background Workplace stress has been associated with obesity. Diminished body weight has also been anticipated in some contexts. Objective In a cohort of healthcare personnel, morning cortisol was compared to nutritional and metabolic variables, aiming to identify the correlates of such marker. Methods Population n=185, 33.8 ± 9.8 years, 88.1% females, body mass index (BMI) 25.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2, included nurses and other nosocomial professionals, the majority with high social-economic status (75.2%). Participants were stratified according to BMI, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Fasting plasma cortisol and the Framingham Coronary Risk Score was calculated. Results Mean cortisol was acceptable (19.4 ± 7.9 µg/dL) although with elevation in 21.6%. No correlation with FBG or MS occurred, and nonobese persons (BMI <25) exhibited the highest values (P=0.049). Comparison of the lowest and highest cortisol quartiles confirmed reduced BMI and waist circumference in the former, with unchanged Framingham Coronary Risk Score. Conclusion Cortisol correlated with reduced BMI. Despite low BMI and waist circumference, Framingham Coronary Risk Score was not benefitted, suggesting that exposure to cardiovascular risk continues, besides psychological strain. Initiatives to enhance organizational and staff health are advisable in the hospital environment. .

Contexto O estresse no ambiente de trabalho tem sido associado com obesidade. Peso corporal diminuído também tem sido relatado em algumas circunstâncias. Objetivo Numa casuística de profissionais da saúde, o cortisol matutino foi comparado com variáveis nutricionais e metabólicas, objetivando identificar as correlações de tal marcador. Métodos A população com n=185; 33,8 ± 9,8 anos; 88,1% mulheres, índice de massa corporal (IMC) 25.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2, incluía enfermeiros e outros funcionários nosocomiais, em sua maioria (75,2%) com nível sócio-econômico elevado. Os participantes foram estatrificados de acordo com IMC, glicemia de jejum, e síndrome metabólica. O cortisol de jejum e o escore Framingham de risco cardiovascular foram registrados. Resultados O cortisol médio era aceitável (19.4 ± 7.9 µg/dL), todavia com valores elevados em 21,6%. A glicemia de jejum e a síndrome metabólica não exibiram correlação, sendo que no tocante ao IMC, os não obesos (IMC <25) apresentaram o cortisol mais alto (P=0,049). Comparando-se os quartis superior e inferior do cortisol, confirmou-se o vínculo com o IMC e perímetro abdominal mais baixos, com escore Framingham de risco cardiovascular inalterado. Conclusão O cortisol alterado concentrou-se nos casos de IMC mais reduzido. A despeito do baixo IMC e perímetro abdominal, esta população não se beneficiou de escore de risco cardiovascular menor, sugerindo que, mesmo na ausência de obesidade, este grupo estava exposto a elevado risco cardiovascular, ao lado do estresse. Iniciativas direcionadas para melhor saúde organizacional e da equipe de profissionais, são recomendáveis no ambiente hospitalar. .

Prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of early termination of cardiovascular clinical trials due to low recruitment: insights from the ClinicalTrials.gov registry.

BACKGROUND: Early termination of clinical trials due to low recruitment represents an understudied challenge for clinical research. We aimed to describe characteristics of cardiovascular trials terminated because of low recruitment and identify the major predictors of such early termination. METHODS: We reviewed all cardiovascular clinical trials (7,042 studies) registered in ClinicalTrials.gov from February 29, 2000, to January 17, 2013, and assessed information about trials that were completed and those that were terminated early. Logistic regression models were developed to identify independent predictors of early termination due to low recruitment. RESULTS: Our search strategy identified 6,279 cardiovascular clinical trials, of which 684 (10.9%) were terminated prematurely. Of these halted trials, the main reason for termination was lower than expected recruitment (278 trials; 53.6%). When comparing trials that terminated early because of low recruitment with those that were completed, we found that studies funded by the National Institutes of Health or other US federal agencies (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.89), studies of behavior/diet intervention (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.65), and single-arm design studies (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.42-0.78) were associated with a lower risk of early termination. University/hospital-funded (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.10) and mixed-source-funded studies (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.52-3.01) were associated with a higher likelihood of early termination due to lower than expected recruitment rates. CONCLUSIONS: Low recruitment represents the main cause of early termination of cardiovascular clinical trials. Funding source, type of intervention, and study design are factors associated with early termination due to low recruitment and might be good targets for improving enrollment into cardiovascular clinical trials.

Dietary patterns during pregnancy and the association with sociodemographic characteristics among women attending general practices in southern Brazil: the ECCAGe Study.

The assessment of the relationship between food intake and sociodemographic factors is crucial for developing effective public health policies. The present study aimed to examine dietary patterns in pregnant women and the association between these patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. Pregnant women attending general practices in southern Brazil (n = 712) answered a questionnaire and a food-frequency questionnaire with 88 items. Three dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis. The association between the dietary patterns and sociodemographic variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and adjusted standardized residuals (p < 0,05). The restricted pattern was associated with lower maternal age, not living with a partner and being a non-working student. The varied pattern was associated with older maternal age, living with a partner, being employed and higher levels of education and income. The common-Brazilian dietary pattern included traditional Brazilian food items and was associated with lower levels of education and income, being unemployed and being a non-student.

Healthy eating index for pregnancy: adaptation for use in pregnant women in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary quality in a sample of pregnant women based on one simple and objective parameter. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 712), between 16 and 36 weeks, attending primary care clinics in Porto Alegre and Bento Gonçalves, Southern Brazil, in 2010 were recruited to take part. The Healthy Eating Index for Brazilian Pregnancy (HEIP-B) was created, derived from the American instrument called Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P). Questionnaires on frequency of consumption and on socio-demographic factors were completed. Focused principal component analysis (ACPF) was used to assess the relationship between the index and nutrients relevant to pregnancy. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of AHEI-P and HEIP-B were 66.6 (57.8-72.4) and 67.4 (60.0-73.4), respectively. The HEIP-B showed a good positive correlation with nutrients which are specifically recommended for pregnancy: folate (r = 0.8; p < 0.001), calcium (r = 0.6; p < 0.001) and iron (r = 0.7; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the diet of the pregnant women in this study was classified as within the "improvements needed" cut off point, which demonstrates the need for more specific education on nutrition for this stage of life. The index showed good correlations and, thus, may be considered an effective tool for assessing the quality of nutrition during pregnancy.

Dietary patterns during pregnancy and the association with sociodemographic characteristics among women attending general practices in southern Brazil: the ECCAGe Study / Padrões alimentares na gestação e associação com características sociodemográficas em mulheres atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Brasil: Estudo ECCAGe / Padrones alimentarios en la gestación y su asociación con características sociodemográficas en mujeres atendidas en unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Brasil: estudio ECCAGe

The assessment of the relationship between food intake and sociodemographic factors is crucial for developing effective public health policies. The present study aimed to examine dietary patterns in pregnant women and the association between these patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. Pregnant women attending general practices in southern Brazil (n = 712) answered a questionnaire and a food-frequency questionnaire with 88 items. Three dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis. The association between the dietary patterns and sociodemographic variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and adjusted standardized residuals (p < 0,05). The restricted pattern was associated with lower maternal age, not living with a partner and being a non-working student. The varied pattern was associated with older maternal age, living with a partner, being employed and higher levels of education and income. The common-Brazilian dietary pattern included traditional Brazilian food items and was associated with lower levels of education and income, being unemployed and being a non-student.

A avaliação do consumo alimentar e das condições sociodemográficas é crucial para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas. Este estudo examinou os padrões alimentares em gestantes e sua associação com características sociodemográficas. Gestantes (n = 712) atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde no sul do Brasil, responderam a um questionário sobre as características sociodemográficas e a um outro de frequência alimentar. Foram identificados três padrões alimentares por análise de cluster. Utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado com resíduos ajustado verificou-se a associação dos padrões alimentares com as variáveis sociodemográficas (p < 0,05). O padrão restrito foi associado com gestantes mais jovens, que não moram com o companheiro e só estudam; o padrão variado com mulheres mais velhas que moram com o companheiro, trabalham e têm níveis de escolaridade e renda mais altos. Mulheres que não trabalham nem estudam e possuem níveis de renda e escolaridade mais baixos estiveram associadas ao padrão comum-brasileiro, caracterizado por alimentos tradicionais da população brasileira.

La evaluación del consumo alimentario y de las condiciones sociodemográficas es crucial para el desarrollo de políticas públicas. Este estudio examinó padrones alimentarios en gestantes y su asociación con características sociodemográficas. Las gestantes (n = 712) atendidas en unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Brasil, respondieron a un cuestionario sobre características sociodemográficas y a un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria. Se identificaron tres padrones alimentarios por análisis de clúster. A través del test chi-cuadrado ajustado con residuos se verificó la asociación de los padrones alimentarios con las variables sociodemográficas (p < 0,05). El padrón restringido fue asociado con gestantes más jóvenes, que no viven con un compañero y sólo estudian; el padrón variado con mujeres más viejas, que viven con compañero, trabajan y tienen niveles de escolaridad y renta más altos. Mujeres que no trabajan ni estudian, y poseen niveles de renta y escolaridad más bajos, estuvieron asociadas al padrón común-brasileño, caracterizado por alimentos tradicionales de la población brasileña.

Índice de alimentação saudável para gestantes: adaptação para uso em gestantes brasileiras / Healthy eating index for pregnancy: adaptation for use in pregnant women in Brazil / Índice de alimentación saludable para gestantes: adaptación para uso en gestantes brasileñas

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade global da dieta em uma amostra de gestantes, a partir de um parâmetro único, simples e objetivo. MÉTODOS: Gestantes entre a 16ª e 36ª semana de gestação (n = 712) foram arroladas em unidades básicas de saúde em Porto Alegre e Bento Gonçalves, RS, em 2010. Com base no índice americano Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) foi criado o Índice de Alimentação Saudável para Gestantes Brasileiras (HEIP-B). Foram aplicados o questionário de frequência alimentar e o questionário sociodemográfico. Foi utilizada a análise de componentes principais focada para avaliar a relação entre os índices e os nutrientes relevantes à gestação. RESULTADOS: A mediana e o intervalo interquartílico dos índices AHEI-P e HEIP-B foram 66,6 (57,8-72,4) e 67,4 (60,0-73,4), respectivamente. O HEIP-B mostrou boa correlação positiva com os nutrientes que têm recomendação específica no período gestacional folato (r = 0,8; p < 0,001), cálcio (r = 0,6; p < 0,001) e ferro (r = 0,7; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A qualidade da dieta das gestantes do presente estudo foi classificada dentro do ponto de corte "precisando de melhorias", o que mostra a necessidade de se trabalhar mais especificamente com educação alimentar nesse ciclo da vida. O índice aplicado mostrou boas correlações e, portanto, pode ser considerado um bom instrumento de avaliação da qualidade da alimentação durante a gestação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary quality in a sample of pregnant women based on one simple and objective parameter. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 712), between 16 and 36 weeks, attending primary care clinics in Porto Alegre and Bento Gonçalves, Southern Brazil, in 2010 were recruited to take part. The Healthy Eating Index for Brazilian Pregnancy (HEIP-B) was created, derived from the American instrument called Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P). Questionnaires on frequency of consumption and on socio-demographic factors were completed. Focused principal component analysis (ACPF) was used to assess the relationship between the index and nutrients relevant to pregnancy. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of AHEI-P and HEIP-B were 66.6 (57.8-72.4) and 67.4 (60.0-73.4), respectively. The HEIP-B showed a good positive correlation with nutrients which are specifically recommended for pregnancy: folate (r = 0.8; p < 0.001), calcium (r = 0.6; p < 0.001) and iron (r = 0.7; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the diet of the pregnant women in this study was classified as within the "improvements needed" cut off point, which demonstrates the need for more specific education on nutrition for this stage of life. The index showed good correlations and, thus, may be considered an effective tool for assessing the quality of nutrition during pregnancy.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la calidad global de la dieta en una muestra de gestantes, a partir de um parámetro único, simple y objetivo. MÉTODOS: Gestantes entre 16ª y 36ª semana de gestación (n=712) fueron inventariadas en unidades básicas de salud en Porto Alegre y Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brasil, en 2010. Con base en el índice americano Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) se creó en índice de Alimentación Saludable para Gestantes (HEIP-B). Se aplicaron el cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria y el cuestionario sociodemográfico. Se utilizó el análisis de componentes principales para evaluar la relación entre los índices y los nutrientes relevantes para la gestación. RESULTADOS: La mediana y el intervalo intercuartil de los índices AHEI-P y HEIP-B fueron 66,6 (57,8-72,4) y 67,4 (60,0-73,4), respectivamente. El HEIP-B mostró buena correlación positiva con los nutrientes que tienen recomendación específica en el período gestacional folato (r = 0,8; p < 0,001), calcio (r = 0,6; p < 0,001) e hierro (r = 0,7; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La calidad de la dieta de las gestantes del presente estudio fue clasificada dentro del punto de corte "precisando de mejorías", lo que muestra la necesidad de trabajar más específicamente con educación alimentaria en ese ciclo de la vida. El índice aplicado mostró buenas correlaciones y, por tanto, puede ser considerado un buen instrumento de evaluación de la calidad de la alimentación durante la gestación.

Effects of Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program on risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease: a Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet randomized pilot trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program in reducing blood pressures, fasting glucose levels and body mass indices in patients with established atherothrombotic disease. METHOD: This randomized controlled pilot trial included outpatients who were over 45 years of age with atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. Group A, who received the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program, had weekly sessions with dietitians. Groups B and C received the usual dietary therapy that is given to patients with cardiovascular diseases as proposed by the Brazilian guidelines. This diet had the same nutrient profile as that given to Group A, but it was customized by the integration of typical Mediterranean foods. The difference between Groups B and C was the number of sessions with the dietitian. Group B received weekly sessions, while group C only had monthly sessions. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 01453166. RESULTS: There was a greater reduction in systolic (7.8%) and diastolic (10.8%) blood pressures in Group A compared with Group B (2.3% and 7.3%), and Group C (3.9% and 4.9%, respectively). Fasting glucose decreased by 5.3% and 2% in Groups A and B, respectively. Fasting glucose increased by 3.7% in Group C. The BMIs decreased by 3.5% and 3.3% in Groups A and B, respectively. Group C did not present with any changes in BMI. However, none of these data showed statistical differences between the groups, which is methodologically acceptable in pilot trials. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program seems to be more effective in reducing blood pressures, fasting glucose levels, weights and BMIs in patients with previous cardiovascular disease compared with the diet that has been proposed by the Brazilian guidelines.

Effects of Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program on risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease: a Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet randomized pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program in reducing blood pressures, fasting glucose levels and body mass indices in patients with established atherothrombotic disease. METHOD: This randomized controlled pilot trial included outpatients who were over 45 years of age with atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. Group A, who received the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program, had weekly sessions with dietitians. Groups B and C received the usual dietary therapy that is given to patients with cardiovascular diseases as proposed by the Brazilian guidelines. This diet had the same nutrient profile as that given to Group A, but it was customized by the integration of typical Mediterranean foods. The difference between Groups B and C was the number of sessions with the dietitian. Group B received weekly sessions, while group C only had monthly sessions. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 01453166. RESULTS: There was a greater reduction in systolic (7.8%) and diastolic (10.8%) blood pressures in Group A compared with Group B (2.3% and 7.3%), and Group C (3.9% and 4.9%, respectively). Fasting glucose decreased by 5.3% and 2% in Groups A and B, respectively. Fasting glucose increased by 3.7% in Group C. The BMIs decreased by 3.5% and 3.3% in Groups A and B, respectively. Group C did not present with any changes in BMI. However, none of these data showed statistical differences between the groups, which is methodologically acceptable in pilot trials. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet Program seems to be more effective in reducing blood pressures, fasting glucose levels, weights and BMIs in patients with previous cardiovascular disease compared with the diet that has been proposed by the Brazilian guidelines.

Socioeconomic, demographic and nutritional factors associated with maternal weight gain in general practices in Southern Brazil.

In order to describe adequacy of weight gain during pregnancy and its association with pre-pregnancy nutritional status and other factors, a cohort study of pregnant women enrolled at 16-36 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery was carried out in prenatal care in primary care services in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Maternal weight was recorded at each prenatal care visit. Weight gain was classified as "adequate," "insufficient" or "excessive" (Institute of Medicine). Poisson regression was used to measure the associations. The sample was comprised of 667 women, and insufficient and excessive weight gain incidences were 25.8% and 44.8%, respectively. Overweight and obese before pregnancy had a significant increased risk of excessive weight gain in pregnancy (RR: 1.75; 95%CI: 1.48-2.07, RR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.23-1.96, respectively). Women with fewer than six prenatal visits had a 52% increased risk for weight gain below recommended values. Although insufficient weight gain may still be a public health problem, excessive gain is becoming a concern that needs immediate attention in prenatal care.

Socioeconomic, demographic and nutritional factors associated with maternal weight gain in general practices in Southern Brazil / Fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e nutricionais associados com ganho de peso gestacional em unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Brasil

In order to describe adequacy of weight gain during pregnancy and its association with pre-pregnancy nutritional status and other factors, a cohort study of pregnant women enrolled at 16-36 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery was carried out in prenatal care in primary care services in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Maternal weight was recorded at each prenatal care visit. Weight gain was classified as "adequate," "insufficient" or "excessive" (Institute of Medicine). Poisson regression was used to measure the associations. The sample was comprised of 667 women, and insufficient and excessive weight gain incidences were 25.8 percent and 44.8 percent, respectively. Overweight and obese before pregnancy had a significant increased risk of excessive weight gain in pregnancy (RR: 1.75; 95 percentCI: 1.48-2.07, RR: 1.55; 95 percentCI: 1.23-1.96, respectively). Women with fewer than six prenatal visits had a 52 percent increased risk for weight gain below recommended values. Although insufficient weight gain may still be a public health problem, excessive gain is becoming a concern that needs immediate attention in prenatal care.

Para caracterizar o ganho ponderal gestacional e sua associação com estado nutricional pré-gestacional e fatores relacionados à gravidez, realizou-se estudo de coorte com gestantes arroladas consecutivamente entre a 16ª e a 36ª semanas, e seguidas até o parto em serviços da rede básica de saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Informações do peso da gestante em cada consulta de pré-natal foram obtidas. Ganho de peso foi classificado conforme o Instituto de Medicina dos Estados Unidos. Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada. Incidências de ganho de peso insuficiente e excessivo das 667 gestantes foram de 25,8 por cento e 44,8 por cento, respectivamente. Gestantes com sobrepeso e obesidade pré-gestacional apresentaram risco para ganho ponderal excessivo (RR: 1,75; IC95 por cento: 1,48-2,07 e RR: 1,55; IC95 por cento: 1,23-1,96). Gestantes com menos de seis consultas de pré-natal tiveram risco de 52 por cento de ganhar peso insuficiente. Embora o ganho ponderal insuficiente persista como um problema de saúde pública, o ganho excessivo está se configurando como uma questão que precisa de atenção imediata nos serviços de pré-natal.

Violence and depressive symptoms during pregnancy: a primary care study in Brazil.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of violence, depressive symptoms, and associated factors during pregnancy in women attending antenatal care in Brazil. METHODS: Violence was assessed using a modified version of the abuse assessment screen (ASS), and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the primary care evaluation of mental disorders (PRIME-MD). Participants were pregnant women attending 18 primary care units in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between June 2006 and April 2007. A total of 712 pregnant women participated, but only 627 of them responded the ASS. RESULTS: Experience of any lifetime violence was reported by 273 (43.4%) women and 114 (18.2%) reported violence during the current pregnancy. One-third of them (n = 211) reported lifetime domestic violence and 100 (15.9%) women reported this type of violence during the current pregnancy. Experience of domestic violence during pregnancy was more common in unemployed women, among those with two or more children, with a higher consumption of alcohol, and who had not planned their current pregnancy. Of the total of sample (n = 712), 198 (27.8%) women reported six or more depressive symptoms. The presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy was associated with low educational levels, living in a household with five or more people, and with higher consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women attending primary care are exposed to high rates of domestic violence, and many have clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Appropriate interventions to avoid or minimize the effects of violence and mental disorders to the well-being of the mothers and their babies are urgently required. Primary care services play an important role in identifying and supporting women at risk.

Comportamento alimentar e imagem corporal entre estudantes de nutrição de uma universidade pública de Porto Alegre - RS / Eating behavior and body image among nutrition students from a public university of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Introdução: Transtornos alimentares (TAs) são mais prevalentes em grupos específicos da população. Nutricionistas vem sendo identificados como grupo vulnerável a esses distúrbios. Objetivo: Avaliar prevalências de comportamentos alimentares inadequados (CAI) e níveis de insatisfação com imagem corporal (IIC) entre alunos de Nutrição da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Foram convidados todos os alunos matriculados no curso. Utilizaram-se questionários auto-aplicáveis validados para avaliação de CAI (EAT-26) e IIC Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). O índice de massa corporal foi calculado a partir das medidas de peso e estatura. Calculadas médias, desvios-padrão e freqüências absolutas e relativas. Associações analisadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado, ao nível de P<0,05, utilizando-se do programa SPSS 13.0. Resultados: Foram estudados 104 alunos, com média etária de 22±4,5 anos e 96,2% do sexo feminino. As prevalências de CAI e de IIC foram de, respectivamente, 11,8% e 13,5%. Observada associação entre CAI e ICC nesta população (X2=22,85; P=0,000). Discussão: As prevalências de CAI e de IIC encontraram-se abaixo do esperado, sugerindo menor prevalência de comportamento característico de TA, comparadas a estudantes de Nutrição de outras Universidades. Entretanto, 92,8% das estudantes com IIC eram eutróficas, corroborando com a literatura: a insatisfação surge com a crença de “estar obeso”, apesar da eutrofia. Conclusão: Na população estudada há preocupação com o corpo, demonstrando a influência da pressão sociocultural nesse grupo, o que é preocupante, pois são futuros nutricionistas que influenciarão na construção de um ideal de corpo de seus pacientes reforçando ou não padrões de beleza impostos pela nossa sociedade.

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are more prevalent in specific population groups. Nutritionists have been identified as a group vulnerable to these disorders. Aim: To assess the prevalence of inadequate eating behaviors (IEBs) and the levels of dissatisfaction with body image (DBI) among students of Nutrition from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: All students enrolled in the Nutrition major were invited to participate. Validated self-administered questionnaires were used to assess IEBs (Eating Attitude Test - EAT-26) and DBI (Body Shape Questionnaire - BSQ). Body mass index was calculated using height and weight data. We calculated means, standard deviations, and absolute and relative frequencies. The associations were analyzed by means of the chi-square test at a significance level of P<0.05 using the software SPSS 13.0. Results: One hundred and four students were investigated. Their mean age was 22±4.5 years and 96.2% of them were female. Prevalence rates of IEBs and DBI were, respectively, 11.8% and 13.5%. We found an association between IEBs and DBI in this population (X2=22.85; P=0.000). Discussion: The prevalence rates of IEBs and DBI were found to be lower than expected, suggesting a lower prevalence of the typical behavior of EDs compared with students of Nutrition from other universities. However, we found that 92.8% of the students showing DBI had normal weight, what corroborates with the literature: dissatisfaction is associated with the belief that “one is fat”, although their weight is normal. Conclusion: Our population sample is concerned with body shape, evidencing that there social and cultural influence on this group. This finding is a reason for concern because this is a group of future nutrition professionals who might influence their patients with regard to their perceptions of the ideal body, reinforcing or not the beauty standards imposed by our society.

Inappropriate eating behaviors during pregnancy: prevalence and associated factors among pregnant women attending primary care in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of inappropriate eating behaviors and associated factors among pregnant women in primary care. METHOD: The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire was used to assess eating disorders and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders was used to examine anxiety and depressive symptoms. Body mass index (BMI) and pregestational weight were also assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of binge eating during pregnancy was 17.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.5-20.0], followed by excessive shape (5.6%; 95% CI 4-8) and weight concerns (5.5%; 95% CI 4-8). Binge eating during pregnancy was significantly associated with binge eating before pregnancy [prevalence ratio (PR) = 3.1; 95% CI 2.2-4.3], current anxiety symptoms (PR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.4), and prepregnancy BMI < 19.8 kg/m(2) (PR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.5). The prevalence of eating disorders was 0.6% (95% CI 0.01-1.11). DISCUSSION: Eating disorder symptoms should be routinely assessed and treated during prenatal care, along with other comorbid psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety.

Dietary fibre intake of pregnant women attending general practices in southern Brazil--the ECCAGE Study.

BACKGROUND: Increase in fibre intake during pregnancy may reduce weight gain, glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia, pre-eclampsia and constipation. Few studies have evaluated adequacy of fibre intake during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To assess, through an FFQ, the dietary fibre intake of pregnant women receiving prenatal care from general public practices and compare it with current guidelines. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analyses of a pregnancy cohort study (ECCAGE-Study of Food Intake and Eating Behaviour in Pregnancy) conducted in eighteen general practices in southern Brazil, from June 2006 to April 2007. SUBJECTS: Five hundred and seventy-eight pregnant women with mean (SD) age of 24.9 (6.5) years and mean gestational age of 24.5 (5.8) weeks. RESULTS: The mean energy intake was 11 615 kJ/d (2776 kcal/d). The mean total fibre intake (30.2 g/d) was slightly above the recommended value of 28 g/d (P < 0.001), yet 50% (95% CI 46, 54) of the women failed to meet the recommendation. Whole-grain fibre constituted only 1% of total fibre intake in the cereal group. In adjusted Poisson regression analyses, not meeting the recommendation for fibre intake was associated with alcohol intake (prevalence ratio 1.29; 95% CI 1.11, 1.50) and absence of nutritional guidance (prevalence ratio 1.22; 95% CI 1.05, 1.42) during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: About half of the pregnant women failed to meet the recommended fibre intake, especially those not reporting nutritional guidance during pregnancy. For most women, whole-grain cereal intake was absent or trivial. Taken together, our data indicate the need, at least in this setting, for greater nutritional education in prenatal care.

Validação relativa de Questionário de Freqüência Alimentar em gestantes usuárias de serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde em dois municípios no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire conducted among pregnant women attended by the Brazilian National Health Service, in two municipalities of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: avaliar o desempenho do Questionário de Frequência Alimentar (QFA), desenvolvido por Sichieri e Everhart, em medir o consumo alimentar de gestantes atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), comparando as estimativas de consumo de energia e nutrientes com as obtidas por recordatórios alimentares. MÉTODOS: foram realizadas duas entrevistas com gestantes em atendimento pré-natal em Bento Gonçalves e Porto Alegre, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Na primeira, foi aplicado o QFA e, depois, os recordatórios alimentares relativos aos dois dias prévios. Na segunda, foram obtidos novos recordatórios. Médias e limites de concordância para as diferenças entre as duas avaliações de ingestão alimentar foram calculadas conforme Bland-Altman. RESULTADOS: a diferença entre os métodos mostrou que o QFA superestimou o consumo de energia e nutrientes. O coeficiente de correlação ajustado para energia variou de 0,01 (gordura insaturada) a 0,47 (cálcio). Correlações maiores foram observadas para fibras, vitamina C, ácido fólico, cálcio e potássio. Em média, 30% das gestantes foram classificadas no mesmo quartil de consumo. CONCLUSÕES: o QFA pode ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar consumo de gestantes em estudos epidemiológicos, contanto que sejam realizados esforços para melhorar seu desempenho. É necessário avaliar a influência de características sócio-demográficas e estado de saúde na validade do método.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) previously designed by Sichieri and Everhart to provide information about food consumption among pregnant women attended by the Brazilian National Health Service. To compare the mean daily intakes of energy and nutrients as assessed using a FFQ and dietary recalls. METHODS: the study took place in two cities: Bento Gonçalves and Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. During a first interview, the FFQ was administered to pregnant women, followed by two dietary recalls. In a second interview two further food recalls were obtained. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the degree of agreement between the FFQ and dietary recalls. RESULTS: the FFQ produced higher energy and nutrient intakes. The correlation coefficient between nutrient intake measured using dietary recalls and using the questionnaire, after adjusting for energy intake, ranged from 0.1 (unsaturated fat) to 0.47 (calcium). The nutrients: fiber, Vitamin C, folate, calcium and potassium showed higher coefficients (above 0.4). Thirty percent of individuals were classified by the two dietary assessment methods into the same quartile. CONCLUSION: this FFQ is a useful tool for epidemiological studies among pregnant women; although efforts need to be made to improve its performance. More studies are necessary to identify sociocultural and behavioural factors that influence its validity.