Prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults from Southern Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort.

Most COVID-19 survivors have reported experiencing persistent symptoms after the infection - these types of cases are known as long COVID. Since Brazil was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high burden of long COVID is expected. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults in Southern Brazil, analyzing data from the PAMPA cohort. Participants filled out a self-reported online questionnaire in June 2022. This study only included subjects who tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID was defined by any symptoms that persisted for at least three months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson's regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with long COVID; and results were reported as prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A total of 1,001 participants (77.4% women, mean age [SD] = 38.3 [11.9] years) were analyzed. The prevalence of long COVID among these patients was 77.4% (95%CI: 74.7; 79.9). The likelihood of long COVID was higher in unvaccinated participants (PR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06; 1.42), in those with chronic conditions (PR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04; 1.24), and in those who were hospitalized due to the COVID-19 infection (PR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.16; 1.32). This prevalence was also higher in women (PR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.09; 1.33) than in men. Physical activity was associated with a reduced likelihood of fatigue, neurological complications, coughing, and headaches as persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. It was found that three out of four adults in Southern Brazil experienced long COVID. Public policies aiming to reduce the burden of long COVID must be prioritized, especially in groups that are at higher risk of developing this harmful condition.

Physical activity status prevents symptoms of long covid: Sulcovid-19 survey.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is indicated as a treatment for Long COVID, but prevention is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) before and after acute SARS-Cov-2 infection and the presence of Long COVID symptoms in adults. METHODS: We used data from the Sulcovid-19, a longitudinal study carried out with individuals who were infected by SARS-Cov-2 between December/2020 and March/2021. Participants were asked about 19 symptoms commonly associated with long COVID. Three PA variables were built, as follows: (1) remained inactive; (2) became inactive; (3) remained active. RESULTS: 2.919 people were interviewed. The prevalence of individuals who had at least one symptom of Long COVID is 48.3% (95%CI 46.5-51.1). Our results showed that 71.8% (95%CI 70.1-73.4) of the individuals remained inactive, 14.9% (95%CI 13.6-16.2) became inactive and 13.3% (95% CI 12.1-14.6) remained active. The likelihood of experiencing long COVID symptoms was reduced in the musculoskeletal (PR 0.70; 95%CI 0.49-0.99), neurological (PR 0.61; 95%CI 0.43-0.88), and respiratory (PR 0.58; 95%CI 0.35-0.96) systems in those who remained active. In addition, the likelihood of experiencing Long COVID symptoms was 7% less in those who remained active. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous PA practice showed important protection effect for Long COVID symptoms in adults.

Suicides in Brazilian Federal Highway Police: A retrospective study with 20-years' data (2001-2020).

BACKGROUND: To assess the incidence of suicides among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers (FHPO) between 2001 and 2020, as well as to describe their sociodemographic and occupational profile. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed all suicides among FHPO of all Brazilian states between 2001 and 2020 based on personalized police record files. RESULTS: The average suicide rate was 18.7/100,000 persons per year. A total of 35 suicides were identified, of which 33 (91.4%) were by firearm. Most FHPO who died by suicide were male (94.3%), under the age of 40 (62.9%), working for 10 or more years (57.1%), married (65.7%), parents (68.6%), had health insurance (77.1%), and worked in alternating shifts (54.2%). CONCLUSION: The suicide rate among FHPO is high. Due to missing data on age and gender, standardized rates were not reported in the current study, therefore a careful interpretation of the rates reported should be considered.

Incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil: findings from PAMPA cohort.

Population-level studies investigating the incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to examine the incidence of memory complaints over 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults from Southern Brazil. Methods: Data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort, a longitudinal study with adults residing in Southern Brazil, were analyzed. An online-based, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess self-rated memory. Participants rated their memories as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Incident memory complaints were defined as worse memory perception from baseline to follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with the increased risk of memory complaints. Results: During follow-up, a cumulative incidence of 57.6% for memory complaints was observed. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.16-1.94), lack of access to prescribed medicine (HR: 1.54; 95%CI 1.06-2.23), and worsened anxiety symptoms (HR: 1.81; 95%CI 1.49-2.21) were associated with an increased risk of memory complaints. Regular practice of physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of memory complaints (HR: 0.65; 95%CI 0.57-0.74). Conclusion: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 in 10 adults in Southern Brazil have developed memory complaints. Factors including sex and lack of medications increased the risk of incident memory complaints. Physical activity reduced the risk of incident memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estudos em nível populacional que investiguem a incidência de queixa na memória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 são escassos. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi examinar a incidência de queixa na memória, ao longo de 15 meses durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em adultos do Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Foram analisados dados da coorte Estudo Prospectivo sobre Saúde Mental e Física em Adultos (PAMPA), um estudo longitudinal com adultos residentes no Sul do Brasil. Um questionário autoadministrado online foi usado para avaliar a memória autorreferida. Os participantes classificaram sua memória como excelente, muito boa, boa, regular ou ruim. A queixa na memória incidente foi definida como pior percepção de memória desde a linha de base até o acompanhamento. Modelos de risco proporcional de Cox foram usados para identificar fatores associados ao aumento do risco de queixa na memória incidente. Resultados: Durante o seguimento, observou-se incidência cumulativa de 57,6% para queixa na memória. Sexo feminino (hazard ratio ­ HR 1,49; intervalo de confiança ­ IC 95% 1,16­1,94), falta de acesso ao medicamento prescrito (HR: 1,54; IC95% 1,06­2,23) e sintomas de ansiedade (HR: 1,81; IC95% 1,49­2,21) foram associados a risco aumentado de queixa na memória incidente. A prática regular de atividade física foi vista como fator protetor (HR: 0,65; IC95% 0,57­0,74). Conclusões: Desde a pandemia de COVID-19, seis em cada dez adultos no Sul do Brasil desenvolveram queixa na memória. Fatores como sexo e falta de medicamentos aumentaram o risco de queixa na memória incidente. A atividade física reduziu o risco de queixa na memória incidente durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

Incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil: findings from PAMPA cohort / Incidência de queixas de memória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no sul do Brasil: dados da coorte PAMPA

ABSTRACT. Population-level studies investigating the incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to examine the incidence of memory complaints over 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults from Southern Brazil. Methods: Data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort, a longitudinal study with adults residing in Southern Brazil, were analyzed. An online-based, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess self-rated memory. Participants rated their memories as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Incident memory complaints were defined as worse memory perception from baseline to follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with the increased risk of memory complaints. Results: During follow-up, a cumulative incidence of 57.6% for memory complaints was observed. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.16-1.94), lack of access to prescribed medicine (HR: 1.54; 95%CI 1.06-2.23), and worsened anxiety symptoms (HR: 1.81; 95%CI 1.49-2.21) were associated with an increased risk of memory complaints. Regular practice of physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of memory complaints (HR: 0.65; 95%CI 0.57-0.74). Conclusion: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 in 10 adults in Southern Brazil have developed memory complaints. Factors including sex and lack of medications increased the risk of incident memory complaints. Physical activity reduced the risk of incident memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMO. Estudos em nível populacional que investiguem a incidência de queixa na memória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 são escassos. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi examinar a incidência de queixa na memória, ao longo de 15 meses durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em adultos do Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Foram analisados dados da coorte Estudo Prospectivo sobre Saúde Mental e Física em Adultos (PAMPA), um estudo longitudinal com adultos residentes no Sul do Brasil. Um questionário autoadministrado online foi usado para avaliar a memória autorreferida. Os participantes classificaram sua memória como excelente, muito boa, boa, regular ou ruim. A queixa na memória incidente foi definida como pior percepção de memória desde a linha de base até o acompanhamento. Modelos de risco proporcional de Cox foram usados para identificar fatores associados ao aumento do risco de queixa na memória incidente. Resultados: Durante o seguimento, observou-se incidência cumulativa de 57,6% para queixa na memória. Sexo feminino (hazard ratio — HR 1,49; intervalo de confiança — IC 95% 1,16-1,94), falta de acesso ao medicamento prescrito (HR: 1,54; IC95% 1,06-2,23) e sintomas de ansiedade (HR: 1,81; IC95% 1,49-2,21) foram associados a risco aumentado de queixa na memória incidente. A prática regular de atividade física foi vista como fator protetor (HR: 0,65; IC95% 0,57-0,74). Conclusões: Desde a pandemia de COVID-19, seis em cada dez adultos no Sul do Brasil desenvolveram queixa na memória. Fatores como sexo e falta de medicamentos aumentaram o risco de queixa na memória incidente. A atividade física reduziu o risco de queixa na memória incidente durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

Prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults from Southern Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort / Prevalência e fatores associados à COVID longa em adultos do Sul do Brasil: achados da coorte PAMPA / Prevalencia y factores asociados con el COVID largo en adultos del Sur de Brasil: hallazgos de la cohorte PAMPA

Abstract: Most COVID-19 survivors have reported experiencing persistent symptoms after the infection - these types of cases are known as long COVID. Since Brazil was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high burden of long COVID is expected. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults in Southern Brazil, analyzing data from the PAMPA cohort. Participants filled out a self-reported online questionnaire in June 2022. This study only included subjects who tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID was defined by any symptoms that persisted for at least three months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson's regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with long COVID; and results were reported as prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A total of 1,001 participants (77.4% women, mean age [SD] = 38.3 [11.9] years) were analyzed. The prevalence of long COVID among these patients was 77.4% (95%CI: 74.7; 79.9). The likelihood of long COVID was higher in unvaccinated participants (PR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06; 1.42), in those with chronic conditions (PR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04; 1.24), and in those who were hospitalized due to the COVID-19 infection (PR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.16; 1.32). This prevalence was also higher in women (PR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.09; 1.33) than in men. Physical activity was associated with a reduced likelihood of fatigue, neurological complications, coughing, and headaches as persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. It was found that three out of four adults in Southern Brazil experienced long COVID. Public policies aiming to reduce the burden of long COVID must be prioritized, especially in groups that are at higher risk of developing this harmful condition.

Resumo: A maior parte dos sobreviventes da COVID-19 relatou sintomas persistentes após a infecção, também conhecida como COVID longa. O Brasil foi um epicentro da pandemia de COVID-19, logo, espera-se uma alta carga de COVID longa. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à COVID longa em adultos no Sul do Brasil. Foram analisados dados da coorte PAMPA. Os participantes preencheram um questionário online autoaplicável em junho de 2022. Foram incluídos apenas os participantes que testaram positivo para COVID-19. A COVID longa foi definida como qualquer sintoma que persistiu por pelo menos três meses após a infecção do SARS-CoV-2. Os modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foram usados para identificar fatores associados à COVID longa; os resultados foram relatados como razão de prevalência (RP) e seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Ao todo, 1.001 participantes (77,4% mulheres, idade média [DP] = 38,3 [11,9] anos) foram analisados. A prevalência da COVID longa foi de 77,4% (IC95%: 74,7; 79,9). A probabilidade da COVID longa foi maior em participantes não vacinados (RP = 1,23, IC95%: 1,06; 1,42), pessoas com condições crônicas (RP = 1,13, IC95%: 1,04; 1,24), e pacientes hospitalizados devido à infecção por COVID-19 (RP = 1,24, IC95%: 1,16; 1,32) em comparação com as contrapartes. A prevalência foi maior em mulheres (RP = 1,21, IC95%: 1,09; 1,33) do que em homens. A atividade física foi associada à probabilidade reduzida de fadiga, complicações neurológicas, tosse e dor de cabeça como sintomas persistentes após a infecção por COVID-19. Três em cada quatro adultos no Sul do Brasil tiveram COVID longa. Políticas públicas que visem reduzir a carga da covid longa devem ser priorizadas, especialmente nos grupos de maior risco desta condição.

Resumen: La mayoría de los supervivientes de la COVID-19 relató síntomas persistentes tras la infección, también conocida como COVID largo. Brasil fue un epicentro de la pandemia de COVID-19, así, se espera una alta carga de COVID largo. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la COVID largo en adultos en el Sur de Brasil. Se analizaron datos de la cohorte PAMPA. Los participantes rellenaron un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado en junio de 2022. Solo se incluyeron los participantes que dieron positivo para COVID-19. La COVID largo fue definida como cualquier síntoma que persistió durante al menos tres meses tras la infección del SARS-CoV-2. Se utilizaron los modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para identificar factores asociados con el COVID largo; se relataron los resultados como razón de prevalencia (RP) y sus respectivos intervalos de 95% confianza de 95% (IC95%). En total, se analizaron 1.001 participantes (el 77,4% mujeres, edad media [DP] = 38,3 [11,9] años). La prevalencia del COVID largo fue del 77,4% (IC95%: 74,7; 79,9). La probabilidad del COVID largo fue más alta en participantes no vacunados (RP = 1,23, IC95%: 1,06; 1,42), personas con condiciones crónicas (RP = 1,13, IC95%: 1,04; 1,24) y pacientes hospitalizados debido a la infección por COVID-19 (RP = 1,24, IC95%: 1,16; 1,32) en comparación con sus contrapartes. La prevalencia fue más alta en mujeres (RP = 1,21, IC95%: 1,09; 1,33) que en hombres. La actividad física se asoció con la probabilidad reducida de fatiga, complicaciones neurológicas, tos y dolor de cabeza como síntomas persistentes tras la infección por COVID-19. Tres de cada cuatro adultos en el Sur de Brasil han tenido COVID largo. Se deben priorizar las políticas públicas destinadas a reducir la carga del COVID largo, sobre todo en los grupos de mayor riesgo para esta condición.

Mortality in Brazilian federal highway police officers: time series from 2001 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the mortality trend from all causes in Brazilian federal highway police officers from 2001 to 2020. METHODS: This is an ecological time-series study based on mortality official data from the Brazilian federal highway police registry system and death certificates from the federal registry system. Deaths of active police officers from 2001 to 2020 were assessed. We performed a descriptive analysis reporting proportions and incidence rates per 1,000 police officers. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analyzes and Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analysis. RESULTS: Among 346 deaths, 146 were from natural and 189 from unnatural causes (11 were from undefined causes). Most deaths occurred among police officers who were men (n = 333; 96.3%), over 35 years old (n = 265; 76.6%), whose service time was up to 15 years (n = 185; 53.5%), living in Northeast Brazil, and from unnatural causes (n = 189; 56.4%). The absolute number of deaths presented a decreasing trend throughout the series (p = -0.78; 95%CI: -1.03 to -0.5). Traffic accidents (n = 96; 28.7%), cardiovascular diseases (n = 58; 17.3%), interpersonal violence (n = 51; 15.2%), suicides (n = 35; 10.5%), and malignant neoplasms (n = 35; 10.4%) were the main causes of death. Most natural deaths occurred among police officers who were 51-73 years old (68.3%; 95%CI: 58.6 to 76.7) and worked more than 26 years (64.7%; 95%CI: 52.7 to 75.1), while most unnatural deaths occurred among officers who were 19-35 years old (87.3%; 95%CI: 78.0 to 93.1) and worked up to 15 years (70.2%; 95%CI: 63.1 to 76.4). CONCLUSION: The mortality trend in Brazilian federal highway police officers decreased within the period studied. Understanding mortality causes may help to develop policies for disease prevention and health protection of police officers.

How do different interventions impact stair climbing? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effect of interventions to increase stair use. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: An online search was conducted in January 2021 in five databases (Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, MedLine/PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL). Experimental studies (randomized and non-randomized) conducted in adults, which provided stair use measures with pre- and post-intervention periods were included. A random-effect meta-analysis, as well as subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the quantitative effect of interventions on stair use. RESULTS: Overall, 34 studies were included in qualitative analyses, and 15 in the meta-analysis. Most of the studies were conducted in Europe and private settings (e.g., office buildings). Overall, interventions increased stair use in adults (odds ratio (OR) 1.48; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.38-1.58; I2 = 99.6%). Subgroup analyses showed that interventions increased stair use regardless of the continent and observer type (manual or electronic). However, different settings (shopping malls and office buildings), as well as studies (time of intervention) and intervention characteristics (sign size and location, message characters) were associated with increased stair use. CONCLUSIONS: Different interventions can increase stair use in several continents and settings. Sign and message characteristics should be considered when designing interventions or policies to promote physical activity by increasing stair use.

Incidence of multimorbidity and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to healthcare services may have become difficult, which may have led to an increase in chronic diseases and multimorbidity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of multimorbidity and its associated factors among adults living in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: We included data from the two waves of the Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health (PAMPA). Data were collected via online questionnaires between June and July 2020 (wave 1) and between December 2020 and January 2021 (wave 2). Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more diagnosed medical conditions. RESULTS: In total, 516 individuals were included, among whom 27.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 23.5-31.1) developed multimorbidity from wave 1 to 2. In adjusted regression models, female sex (hazard ratio, HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.19-3.24), middle-aged adults (31-59 years) (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.18-2.70) and older adults (60 or over) (HR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.25-4.61) showed higher risk of multimorbidity. Back pain (19.4%), high cholesterol (13.3%) and depression (12.2%) were the medical conditions with the highest proportions reported by the participants during wave 2. CONCLUSION: The incidence of multimorbidity during a six-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic was 27.1% in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Incidence of multimorbidity and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to healthcare services may have become difficult, which may have led to an increase in chronic diseases and multimorbidity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of multimorbidity and its associated factors among adults living in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: We included data from the two waves of the Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health (PAMPA). Data were collected via online questionnaires between June and July 2020 (wave 1) and between December 2020 and January 2021 (wave 2). Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more diagnosed medical conditions. RESULTS: In total, 516 individuals were included, among whom 27.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 23.5-31.1) developed multimorbidity from wave 1 to 2. In adjusted regression models, female sex (hazard ratio, HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.19-3.24), middle-aged adults (31-59 years) (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.18-2.70) and older adults (60 or over) (HR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.25-4.61) showed higher risk of multimorbidity. Back pain (19.4%), high cholesterol (13.3%) and depression (12.2%) were the medical conditions with the highest proportions reported by the participants during wave 2. CONCLUSION: The incidence of multimorbidity during a six-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic was 27.1% in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Physical Activity and Multimorbidity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the relationship between physical activity (PA) and multimorbidity in community-dwelling older adults. DATA SOURCE: A systematic review and meta-analysis in the following databases: Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo, Web of Science, Scopus, and AgeLine. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: It included observational studies investigating the association between physical activity and multimorbidity, with older adults, published until May 2021. Studies with institutionalized individuals or that assessed specific diseases were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted the studies based on previous inclusion and exclusion criteria, started by selecting titles, followed by abstracts and full-text reading. DATA SYNTHESIS: Meta-analysis results were reported as Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval using R language. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review, from which 12 reported an inverse association between physical activity and multimorbidity. In the meta-analysis, from over 77 000 older adults, there was an inverse association between physical activity and multimorbidity [OR: .81; 95% CI: .73-.89]. We found significant results only for men in the analysis by sex. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of physical activity were associated with a higher risk of multimorbidity in older adults. It is expected that public policies will be conducted aimed at the practice of physical activity among older adults.

Mortality in Brazilian federal highway police officers: time series from 2001 to 2020 / Mortalidade em agentes da polícia rodoviária federal: série temporal entre 2001 e 2020

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the mortality trend from all causes in Brazilian federal highway police officers from 2001 to 2020. METHODS This is an ecological time-series study based on mortality official data from the Brazilian federal highway police registry system and death certificates from the federal registry system. Deaths of active police officers from 2001 to 2020 were assessed. We performed a descriptive analysis reporting proportions and incidence rates per 1,000 police officers. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analyzes and Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analysis. RESULTS Among 346 deaths, 146 were from natural and 189 from unnatural causes (11 were from undefined causes). Most deaths occurred among police officers who were men (n = 333; 96.3%), over 35 years old (n = 265; 76.6%), whose service time was up to 15 years (n = 185; 53.5%), living in Northeast Brazil, and from unnatural causes (n = 189; 56.4%). The absolute number of deaths presented a decreasing trend throughout the series (p = -0.78; 95%CI: -1.03 to -0.5). Traffic accidents (n = 96; 28.7%), cardiovascular diseases (n = 58; 17.3%), interpersonal violence (n = 51; 15.2%), suicides (n = 35; 10.5%), and malignant neoplasms (n = 35; 10.4%) were the main causes of death. Most natural deaths occurred among police officers who were 51-73 years old (68.3%; 95%CI: 58.6 to 76.7) and worked more than 26 years (64.7%; 95%CI: 52.7 to 75.1), while most unnatural deaths occurred among officers who were 19-35 years old (87.3%; 95%CI: 78.0 to 93.1) and worked up to 15 years (70.2%; 95%CI: 63.1 to 76.4). CONCLUSION The mortality trend in Brazilian federal highway police officers decreased within the period studied. Understanding mortality causes may help to develop policies for disease prevention and health protection of police officers.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever e analisar a tendência de mortalidade, por todas as causas, em agentes da polícia rodoviária federal, entre os anos de 2001 e 2020. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo ecológico de séries temporais, baseado em dados oficiais sobre mortalidade registrados no sistema de cadastro nacional da polícia rodoviária federal e de certidões de óbitos do sistema de cadastro federal. Foram coletados os óbitos de agentes que estavam em efetivo exercício entre 2001 e 2020. Realizou-se análise descritiva, calcularam-se proporções e taxas de incidência por 1.000 policiais. Utilizou-se qui-quadrado para análises bivariadas e regressão de Prais-Winsten para análise de tendência. RESULTADOS Ocorreram 346 óbitos (11 por causas indeterminadas), dos quais 146 foram por mortes naturais e 189 não naturais. A maioria das mortes ocorreu em policiais do sexo masculino (n = 333; 96,3%), acima de 35 anos (n = 265; 76,6%), tempo de serviço até 15 anos (n = 185; 53,5%), da região Nordeste e por causas não naturais (n = 189; 56,4%). O número absoluto de óbitos de agentes apresentou tendência decrescente ao longo da série (p = -0,78; IC95% -1,03 - -0,5). Entre as principais causas de morte estão acidentes de trânsito (n = 96; 28,7%), doenças cardiovasculares (n = 58; 17,3%), violência interpessoal (n = 51; 15,2%), suicídio (n = 35; 10,5%) e neoplasias malignas (n = 35; 10,4%). As mortes naturais predominaram entre os agentes com idade entre 51-73 anos (68,3%; IC95% 58,6-76,7) e mais de 26 anos de serviço (64,7%; IC95% 52,7-75,1), já as não naturais, entre a faixa etária de 19-35 anos (87,3%; IC95% 78,0-93,1) e de até 15 anos de serviço (70,2%; IC95% 63,1-76,4). CONCLUSÕES Conclui-se que a tendência das mortes de agentes da polícia rodoviária federal foi decrescente no período. O conhecimento das causas de mortalidade pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de políticas de prevenção de doenças e proteção à saúde desses policiais.

Utilização de um parque público para atividade física: estudo prospectivo em uma cidade de pequeno porte do Sul do Brasil / Use of a public park to physical activity practice: prospective study in a small city from the South of Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a estabilidade, durante um período de 12 meses, no uso e não uso de um espaço público para atividade física (AF) em adultos residentes de Canguçu (RS). Um segundo objetivo foi verificar a associação de estabilidade com variáveis sociodemográficas, comportamentais, nutricionais e de saúde. Por meio de um processo de amostragem acidental, 109 usuários e 109 não usuários do espaço público foram selecionados e responderam a um questionário. Cerca de 12 meses após a primeira coleta de dados, todos os sujeitos responderam ao mesmo questionário. A associação entre o status de utilização do espaço público e as variáveis independentes foi avaliada pelo teste do qui-quadrado, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino (54,1%) e tinha entre 18 e 29 anos (77,5%). Quanto ao status de uso, 70,7% dos usuários continuaram a frequentar e 34,3% dos não usuários começaram a usar o espaço. Políticas públicas destinadas a promover a atividade física devem levar em consideração estes resultados, o que pode ajudar a atrair mais indivíduos para a prática nesse local, além de melhorar a prática de quem já a utiliza

The aim of this study was to analyze the stability, over a 12-month period, in the use and non-use of a public park to physical activity (PA) practice among adults from Canguçu (RS, Brazil). A second aim was to evaluate the association of this stability with sociodemographic, behavioral, nutritional and health variables. Through an accidental sampling process, 109 users and 109 non-users of the public park were selected and answered a questionnaire. About 12 months after the first data collection, the subjects were searched and answered the same questionnaire. The association between the status of use of the park and the independent variables was assessed by the Chi-square test. Most participants were male (54.1%) and aged between 18 and 29 years (77.5%). As for the status of use of the public park, 70.7% of users continued to attend the park and 34.3% of the non-users started using the park. Public policies designed to promote physical activity should take these results into account, which can help to increase the number of individuals practicing PA in the park, as well as practice of those who already use it.

Low back pain prevalence and associated factors in nurses from Brazilian primary health units.

BACKGROUND: Primary health unit (PHU) nursing work is different when compared to hospital environment. Although low back pain (LBP) literature presents studies conducted in hospital nursing personnel, there is a lack of studies in PHU nurses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of LBP in PHU nursing personnel in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. METHODS: Sociodemographic (age, gender, number of children, skin color, income and marital status), occupational (PHU type, formal education, professional experience, weekly workload, extra work activity, workload perception), nutritional (BMI), health (self-perceived health, smoking, sleep quality and minor psychiatric disorders, PHU physical structure perception) and behavioral (leisure-time physical activity) characteristics were assessed. LBP was defined as pain or discomfort between the last rib and gluteal fold. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the relationship among LBP and covariates. RESULTS: LBP prevalence was 65.2%. Chronic (12 weeks) and acute (7 days) LBP prevalence were 22.4%and 53.4%, respectively. LBP was associated with obesity (PR 1.39 95%CI 1.01-1.92) and poor self-perceived health (PR 2.77 95%CI 1.32-5.80). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of LBP in PHU nursing personnel is high and similar to hospital nurses. Individual characteristics such as body mass and health perception were associated with LBP.

Who are the people with Alzheimer's disease in Brazil? Findings from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the socioeconomic, behavioral, clinical, and health-related characteristics of Brazilian older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. This nationwide survey interviewed 9,412 adults aged at least 50 years. Self-reported medical diagnosis of AD and exposure variables (sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and health-related) were assessed by face-to-face questionnaire-based interview. Multivariate analyses accounted for possible confounding factors, and values were reported in prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: Participants with AD have important demographic differences compared with older non-AD participants such as low education level and retirement. Clinically, these patients reported more medical appointments, falls, and higher frequency and duration of hospitalizations compared with non-AD participants. These characteristics may be related to worse physical and mental health observed in this population. Indeed, two out of five older adults with AD in Brazil reported always feeling lonely, while two out of three said they felt depressed or sad much of the time. Adjusted analyses showed that patients with AD were 95% (95%CI 1.08 - 3.50) more likely to be hospitalized in a year compared with non-AD older adults. People with AD in Brazil were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes (PR = 1.83 [95%CI 1.08 - 3.12]), depression (PR = 3.07% [95%CI 1.63 - 5.79]), Parkinson's disease (PR = 17.63 [95%CI 6.99 - 44.51]), and stroke (PR = 3.55 [95%CI 1.90 - 6.67]) compared with non-AD participants. CONCLUSION: Older adults with AD in Brazil reported impaired physical and mental health compared with the non-AD population.

Managing noncommunicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort.

The objective was to identify the impact of social distance in the management of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in the adult population from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This is an ambispective, population-based cohort study. Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression models were used and the results were reported as prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals. From a total of 1,288 participants, 43.1% needed medical care and 28.5% reported impaired management of NCDs during social distance. Female sex, age between 18 and 30 years old, living in the Serra region (central region of the state), people with depression and multimorbidity were more likely to have impaired management of NCDs. Being physically active reduced the probability of having impaired management of NCD by 15%. Reduced monthly income was associated with the difficulty in accessing prescription medicine and avoidance of seeking in-person medical assistance. Depression was associated with difficulties in accessing medications, while avoidance of seeking in-person medical assistance was more likely for people with multimorbidity, arthritis/arthrosis/fibromyalgia, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Increasing physical activity by Gamification among Brazilian high school students: a pilot study / Aumento da atividade física por gamificação em estudantes brasileiros do ensino médio: um estudo piloto

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Gamification-based intervention on physical activity levels of High School students. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in two federal high schools in Southern Brazil. One class from each school was selected to be either intervention (INT) or control (CON) group. Experiment duration was two weeks, and both groups downloaded My Active Life app. INT group (n = 69) participants received daily app alerts with messages of en-couragement to practice physical activity. They also received a score based on the percentage of goal achieved. CON group (n = 35) only had access to total number of steps per day. INT group showed a lower decrease in physical activity at school compared to CON group (p = 0.024). No effect of inter-vention was observed in physical activity out of school (p = 0.911). Gamification-based intervention prevented a decrease in physical activity at school among male (F = 10.680; p = 0.004), students at first half of high school (F = 12.668; p = 0.002), and adequate body mass index (F = 4.640; p = 0.037), and with lower perception of barriers to physical activity (F = 5.437; p = 0.024). Although we did not observe an increase in physical activity at school, gamification-based intervention may mitigate its decrease among adolescents

Este estudo piloto teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de uma intervenção baseada em gamificação nos níveis de atividade física de alunos do ensino médio. Este estudo quase-experimental foi realizado em duas escolas federais de ensino médio no sul do Brasil. Uma turma de cada escola foi selecionada para ser um grupo de intervenção (INT) ou controle (CON). A duração do experimento foi de duas semanas, e ambos os grupos baixaram o aplicativo My Active Life. Os participantes do grupo INT (n = 69) receberam alertas diários no app com mensagens de incentivo à prática de atividade física. Eles também receberam uma pontuação com base no percentual de meta alcançada. O grupo CON (n = 35) só teve acesso ao número total de passos por dia. O grupo INT apresentou menor diminuição da atividade física na escola em comparação ao grupo CON (p = 0,024). Nenhum efeito da intervenção foi observado na atividade física fora da escola (p = 0,911). A intervenção baseada na gamificação evitou uma diminuição da atividade física na escola entre meninos (F = 10,680; p = 0,004), alunos na primeira metade do ensino médio (F = 12,668; p = 0,002) e índice de massa corporal adequado (F = 4,640; p = 0,037), e com menor percepção de barreiras à atividade física (F = 5,437; p = 0,024). Embora não tenhamos observado aumento da atividade física na escola, a intervenção baseada na gamificação pode atenuar sua diminuição entre os adolescentes

Nível de atividade física de estudantes de educação física no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática / Physical activity level of physical education students in Brazil: a systematic review

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar os níveis de atividade física de estudantes do curso de Educação Física no Brasil. Metodologicamente tratou-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, a qual foi estruturada a partir das recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados LILACS, PubMed, SciELO e SPORTDiscus. Os artigos originais incluídos foram apenas aqueles que apresentavam resultados quanto ao nível de atividade física de estudantes do curso de graduação em Educação Física, no Brasil, bem como utilizaram instrumentos validados.A partir dos critérios de inclusão, 15 estudos passaram pelas etapas de análise. A maioria das investigações ocorreram na região Sul do Brasil, utilizou o International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) para aferir a atividade física e as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) na avaliação do nível de prática. Todos os estudos apresentaram uma alta prevalência de estudantes fisicamente ativos, variando entre 71,5% e 100%. Pode-se concluir que os estudantes do curso de Educação Física têm se mostrado enquanto uma população predominantemente ativa no Brasil

The aim of this study was to review the physical activity levels of Physical Education graduate students in Brazil. Methodologically this study is a systematic review of the literature, since it was elaborated based the recommendations for the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA). Searches were performed in LILACS, PubMed, SciELO and SPORTDiscus databases. Articles which presented results regarding phys-ical activity levels from Physical Education graduate students, as well as have used validated instruments, were included. A final number of 15 studies were included. Most of the surveys were conducted on Southern Brazil, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to verify physical activity and the World Health Organization ( WHO) recommendations for assessing the physical activity level. All studies pre-sented a high prevalence of physically active students. It can be concluded that Physical Education graduate students have been shown to be a predominantly active population in Brazil

Managing noncommunicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort / Manejo de doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis durante a pandemia de COVID-19: resultados da coorte PAMPA

Abstract The objective was to identify the impact of social distance in the management of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in the adult population from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This is an ambispective, population-based cohort study. Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression models were used and the results were reported as prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals. From a total of 1,288 participants, 43.1% needed medical care and 28.5% reported impaired management of NCDs during social distance. Female sex, age between 18 and 30 years old, living in the Serra region (central region of the state), people with depression and multimorbidity were more likely to have impaired management of NCDs. Being physically active reduced the probability of having impaired management of NCD by 15%. Reduced monthly income was associated with the difficulty in accessing prescription medicine and avoidance of seeking in-person medical assistance. Depression was associated with difficulties in accessing medications, while avoidance of seeking in-person medical assistance was more likely for people with multimorbidity, arthritis/arthrosis/fibromyalgia, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Resumo O objetivo foi identificar o impacto do distanciamento social no manejo das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) na população adulta do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. Este é um estudo de coorte ambispectivo de base populacional. Foi utilizada análise descritiva e modelos de regressão de Poisson, os resultados são apresentados em razão de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95%. De um total de 1.288 participantes, 43,1% necessitaram de cuidados médicos e 28,5% relataram manejo prejudicado de DCNT durante o distanciamento social. Sexo feminino, idade entre 18 e 30 anos, residente na região da Serra (região central do estado), pessoas com depressão e multimorbidade apresentaram maior chance de manejo prejudicado das DCNT. Ser fisicamente ativo reduziu a probabilidade de ter gerenciamento prejudicado de DCNT em 15%. A redução da renda mensal esteve associada à dificuldade de acesso a medicamentos prescritos e a deixar de buscar atendimento médico presencial. A depressão foi associada a dificuldades de acesso a medicamentos, enquanto deixar de buscar assistência médica pessoalmente foi mais provável para pessoas com multimorbidade, artrite/artrose/fibromialgia, doenças cardíacas e colesterol alto.

Who are the people with Alzheimer's disease in Brazil? Findings from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging / Quem são as pessoas com Doença de Alzheimer no Brasil? Resultados do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil)

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the socioeconomic, behavioral, clinical, and health-related characteristics of Brazilian older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. This nationwide survey interviewed 9,412 adults aged at least 50 years. Self-reported medical diagnosis of AD and exposure variables (sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and health-related) were assessed by face-to-face questionnaire-based interview. Multivariate analyses accounted for possible confounding factors, and values were reported in prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: Participants with AD have important demographic differences compared with older non-AD participants such as low education level and retirement. Clinically, these patients reported more medical appointments, falls, and higher frequency and duration of hospitalizations compared with non-AD participants. These characteristics may be related to worse physical and mental health observed in this population. Indeed, two out of five older adults with AD in Brazil reported always feeling lonely, while two out of three said they felt depressed or sad much of the time. Adjusted analyses showed that patients with AD were 95% (95%CI 1.08 - 3.50) more likely to be hospitalized in a year compared with non-AD older adults. People with AD in Brazil were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes (PR = 1.83 [95%CI 1.08 - 3.12]), depression (PR = 3.07% [95%CI 1.63 - 5.79]), Parkinson's disease (PR = 17.63 [95%CI 6.99 - 44.51]), and stroke (PR = 3.55 [95%CI 1.90 - 6.67]) compared with non-AD participants. Conclusion: Older adults with AD in Brazil reported impaired physical and mental health compared with the non-AD population.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever as características socioeconômicas, comportamentais, clínicas e aquelas relacionadas à saúde de idosos brasileiros com Doença de Alzheimer (DA). Métodos: Foram analisados ​​dados de linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil). Essa pesquisa nacional entrevistou 9.412 adultos com pelo menos 50 anos. O diagnóstico de DA e as variáveis ​​de exposição (sociodemográficas, clínicas, comportamentais e aquelas relacionadas à saúde) foram avaliados por meio de entrevista face a face baseada em questionário. As análises multivariadas foram ajustadas ​​por possíveis fatores de confusão, e os valores foram relatados na razão de prevalência (RP) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Participantes com DA apresentam diferenças demográficas significativas em comparação com idosos sem DA, como aposentadoria e baixa escolaridade. Os respondentes relataram mais consultas médicas, quedas, e maior frequência e duração de hospitalizações quando comparado a participantes sem DA. Essas características podem estar relacionadas à pior saúde física e mental observada nessa população. Dois em cada três idosos com DA no Brasil relataram que se sentiam deprimidos ou tristes na maior parte do tempo. As análises ajustadas revelaram que os pacientes com DA tinham maior probabilidade de serem diagnosticados com diabetes [PR = 1,83 (IC95% 1,08 - 3,12)], depressão [PR = 3,07% (IC95% 1,63 - 5,79)], doença de Parkinson [PR = 17,63 (IC95% 6,99 - 44,51)], e acidente vascular cerebral [PR = 3,55 (IC95% 1,90 - 6,67)] em comparação com adultos mais velhos sem diagnóstico de DA. Conclusão: Idosos com DA no Brasil relataram problemas de saúde física e mental em comparação com a população idosa sem DA.