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.

The "home-based exercise for breast and prostate cancer patients during treatment-a feasibility trial" (BENEFIT CA trial): rationale and methodological protocol.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been shown to benefit patients undergoing adjuvant cancer therapy. Although exercise interventions may be applied in several settings, most trials have focused on specialized facilities for their interventions. While these approaches benefit the access for individuals living near exercise centers, it hampers the assessment of real-world effectiveness. Therefore, evaluating the feasibility and implementation of home-based models of exercise training, especially in low-to-middle-income settings, may inform future physical activity trials and programs. In this article, we present the protocol for the BENEFIT CA trial, which aims to assess the implementation of a remote exercise intervention for patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer, primarily quantifying adherence to an exercise program. METHODS: This is a 12-week study, utilizing a non-randomized, single-arm design to assess the feasibility of a home-based exercise training. The intervention is remotely guided, and participants also receive an educational component about cancer and exercise. The study aims to recruit 40 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and 40 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, all of whom undergoing active hormonal treatment. The primary outcome is the level of adherence, indicated as the proportion of performed exercise episodes. Secondary outcomes include recruitment rates, fatigue, quality of life, and functional capacity. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the study. Because this is a feasibility trial, the statistical analysis plan is based on descriptive statistics, which encompasses an intention-to-treat analysis and a plan for handling missing data. DISCUSSION: This is a low-cost feasibility study to orient the design of a wide-range, pragmatic phase 3 trial based on remote exercise intervention. With this study, we aim to better understand the adherence and implementation strategies regarding home-based exercise for the proposed population and, in the near future, move forward to a randomized clinical trial. In addition, this trial may contribute to engage patients with cancer in exercise programs throughout their treatment and beyond. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been approved by the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Ethics Committee/IRB (48,869,621.9.0000.5327), and it is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05258526), registered on February 25, 2022, prior to the beginning of the study.

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.

Physical inactivity and dementia in Brazil: a call to action / Inatividade física e demência no brasil: uma chamada para a ação

ABSTRACT. Low- and middle-income countries will house two-thirds of cases of dementia in the world by 2050, while the incidence is decreasing in some high-income countries. In Brazil, one in four cases of dementia can be attributable to physical inactivity. Considering the projected prevalence of dementia by 2050 in Brazil, well-coordinated task forces are needed to improve awareness of non-pharmacological approaches in order to reduce the current and projected burden of dementia in the country. In this study, we discussed the current scenario and perspectives of physical inactivity and dementia in Brazil.

RESUMO. Os países de baixa e média renda abrigarão dois terços dos casos de demência no mundo até 2050, enquanto em alguns países de alta renda a incidência está diminuindo. No Brasil, um em cada quatro casos de demência pode ser atribuído à inatividade física. Considerando-se a prevalência projetada de demência até 2050 no Brasil, estratégias bem coordenadas são necessárias para melhorar a conscientização sobre abordagens não farmacológicas, a fim de reduzir a carga atual e projetada de demência no País. Aqui, discutimos o cenário atual e as perspectivas sobre a inatividade física e a demência no Brasil.

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.

Ethnoracial disparity among patients with dementia during COVID-19 pandemic.

We aim to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ethnoracial disparities in hospitalizations due to dementia and its related outcomes, in Brazil. A longitudinal panel study was carried out with data extracted from the Hospital Information Systems of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SIH/SUS). We assessed the number of hospital admission per 100,000 inhabitants, mean inpatient spending, and inpatient mortality rate due to dementia during the first semester of 2019 and 2020. Data were stratified by geographic region and ethnoracial groups (black, mixed, and white) based on skin color. We observed an overall reduction in hospital admissions, mean inpatient spending, and mortality rate between the first semester of 2019 and 2020. However, the reduction of hospitalization rates among black and mixed people was 105.3% and 121.1% greater than in whites, respectively. Mortality rate was decreased by 9% in whites and was increased by 65% and 43% in the black and mixed population, respectively. In the first semester of 2020, black and mixed patients had a higher risk of losing their lives due to dementia than white people. This disparity was not observed in the same period of 2019. In 2020, the inpatient mortality ratio reached the highest values among black individuals in all regions but the North (no data available). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil, ethnoracial disparity in hospital admissions and mortality rates due to dementia has been heightened. Governmental actions and policies to mitigate this indirect effect of the pandemic on the Brazilian population are urgent.

Ten-year trends in hospitalizations due to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil: a national-based study.

Brazil has the second highest age-standardized prevalence of Alzheimer's disease worldwide. However, information about Alzheimer's disease-related hospitalizations in Brazil is scarce despite its economic and social impact. We described temporal trends in hospitalizations related to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil from 2010 to 2019. We conducted a time-series, retrospective, descriptive, national-based study using data from the DATASUS database of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Hospitalizations, mean days hospitalized, and economic costs from those hospitalizations were extracted from 2010 to 2019. Hospitalizations by Alzheimer's disease increased 87.7% from 2010 to 2019, with greater increase among men (97.4%), mixed ethnicity (224%), 80 years or older (115.1%), and in the Northeast (172.1%) and Central West (144.2%) regions. Although mean days hospitalized decreased in all subgroups, an increasing time trend in hospital admission was observed in the Central West Region. Costs per hospitalization increased for patients aged 50 years or younger and in admissions related to emergency services. Compared with other non-communicable chronic diseases, Alzheimer's disease had the highest increase in absolute number and rate of hospitalizations in Brazil from 2010 to 2019. AD is a public health problem in Brazil. Strategies to reduce its burden are necessary but only if accompanied by greater equality and awareness of this disease.

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.

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.

Economic burden of physical inactivity in hospitalizations due to dementia: a Brazilian nationwide study.

Our study aimed at determining the economic burden of leisure-time physical inactivity in hospitalizations due to dementia in Brazil. In this national-wide descriptive study, we used secondary data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department and from the latest Brazilian National Health Survey (2013). Rate of hospitalization and economic cost were extracted from 2013. Leisure-time physical inactivity prevalence was used to estimate its population attributable fraction for dementia. Outcomes were stratified into sex (man/woman), age groups (< 50, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), ethnicity (white, black, mixed race, other), and region (South, Southeast, North, Northeast, and Central). In 2013, 3,724 people were hospitalized due to dementia in Brazil resulting in a total cost of BRL 17,971,833.85 (USD 7,673,973.05). More than half of cost among men was spent with individuals younger than 59 years, white and mixed-race, and from Southeast region. Proportion of cost was higher in women older than 60 years and white. In 2013, 37% of all hospitalization from dementia in Brazil were attributable to physical inactivity, with values reaching 42.9% and 43.8% for men and women aged 80 or older, respectively. Physical inactivity cost BRL 6,994,254.75 (USD 2,986,546.78) in 2013 on hospitalizations due to dementia in Brazil. Higher attributable-cost was found for patients younger than 50 years and women older than 80. Strategies to preserve the quality of life of these patients are needed to reduce the burden for the patients, their family, and on the healthcare system.

Ethnoracial disparity among patients with dementia during COVID-19 pandemic / Disparidade étnico-racial entre pacientes com demência durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Disparidad étnico-racial entre pacientes con demencia durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract: We aim to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ethnoracial disparities in hospitalizations due to dementia and its related outcomes, in Brazil. A longitudinal panel study was carried out with data extracted from the Hospital Information Systems of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SIH/SUS). We assessed the number of hospital admission per 100,000 inhabitants, mean inpatient spending, and inpatient mortality rate due to dementia during the first semester of 2019 and 2020. Data were stratified by geographic region and ethnoracial groups (black, mixed, and white) based on skin color. We observed an overall reduction in hospital admissions, mean inpatient spending, and mortality rate between the first semester of 2019 and 2020. However, the reduction of hospitalization rates among black and mixed people was 105.3% and 121.1% greater than in whites, respectively. Mortality rate was decreased by 9% in whites and was increased by 65% and 43% in the black and mixed population, respectively. In the first semester of 2020, black and mixed patients had a higher risk of losing their lives due to dementia than white people. This disparity was not observed in the same period of 2019. In 2020, the inpatient mortality ratio reached the highest values among black individuals in all regions but the North (no data available). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil, ethnoracial disparity in hospital admissions and mortality rates due to dementia has been heightened. Governmental actions and policies to mitigate this indirect effect of the pandemic on the Brazilian population are urgent.

Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivo examinar o efeito da pandemia da COVID-19 sobre disparidades étnico-raciais nas hospitalizações e desfechos relacionados à demência no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo de painel longitudinal com dados extraídos do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS). Avaliamos o número de internações hospitalares por 100 mil habitantes, média de gastos hospitalares e taxa de mortalidade por demência durante o primeiro semestre de 2019 e de 2020. Os dados foram estratificados por região geográfica e grupo étnico-racial (preto, pardo e branco) com base na cor da pele. Observamos uma redução geral nas internações, média de gastos hospitalares e taxa de mortalidade entre o primeiro semestre de 2019 e o mesmo período em 2020. Entretanto, as reduções nas taxas de hospitalização entre pretos e pardos foram 105,3% e 121,1% maiores que em brancos, respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade diminuiu em 9% entre brancos e aumentou em 65% e 43% entre pretos e pardos, respectivamente. No primeiro semestre de 2020, pacientes pretos e pardos tiveram um risco mais alto de perder a vida por demência quando comparados aos brancos, disparidade essa não havia sido observada no mesmo período de 2019. Em 2020, a razão de mortalidade hospitalar atingiu os níveis mais altos em indivíduos pretos em todas as regiões exceto a Norte (dados não publicados). Desde o início da epidemia de COVID-19 no Brasil, aumentou a disparidade étnico-racial nas internações e taxas de mortalidade por demência. São necessárias medidas e políticas governamentais para mitigar esse efeito indireto da pandemia sobre a população brasileira.

Resumen: El objetivo fue examinar el efecto de la pandemia de COVID-19 respecto a las disparidades étnico-raciales en hospitalizaciones, así como los resultados informados de las mismas, debido a la demencia en Brasil. Se trata de un estudio longitudinal en panel, realizado con datos extraídos del Sistema de Informaciones Hospitalarias del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH/SUS). Evaluamos el número de admisiones hospitalarias por 100.000 habitantes, la media del gasto hospitalario, además de la tasa de mortalidad hospitalaria, debido a la demencia, durante el primer semestre de 2019 y 2020. Los datos fueron estratificados por región geográfica y grupos étnico-raciales (negros, mestizos, y blancos), basados en su color de piel. Observamos en general una reducción en las admisiones hospitalarias, media del gasto hospitalario, y tasa de mortalidad entre el primer semestre de 2019 y 2020. No obstante, la reducción de las tasas de hospitalización entre negros y mestizos fue 105.3% y 121.1% superior, respecto a la de los blancos, respectivamente. La tasa de mortalidad decreció un 9% en blancos y aumentó en un 65% y un 43% en la población negra y mestiza, comparativamente. En el primer semestre de 2020, los pacientes negros y mestizos tenían un riesgo más alto de fallecer, debido a la demencia que la gente blanca, esta disparidad no se observó en el mismo periodo de 2019. En 2020, la ratio de mortalidad hospitalaria alcanzó los valores más altos entre individuos negros en todas las regiones, salvo en el Norte (no había datos disponibles). Desde el principio de la epidemia de COVID-19 en Brasil, la disparidad étnico-racial en las admisiones hospitalarias y tasas de mortalidad, debido a la demencia, se ha incrementado. Son urgentes acciones gubernamentales y políticas para mitigar este efecto indirecto de la pandemia en la población brasileña.

Ten-year trends in hospitalizations due to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil: a national-based study / Tendência durante dez anos nas internações hospitalares por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil: um estudo de base nacional / Tendencias durante diez años en hospitalizaciones provocadas por Alzheimer en Brasil: un estudio de base nacional

Abstract: Brazil has the second highest age-standardized prevalence of Alzheimer's disease worldwide. However, information about Alzheimer's disease-related hospitalizations in Brazil is scarce despite its economic and social impact. We described temporal trends in hospitalizations related to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil from 2010 to 2019. We conducted a time-series, retrospective, descriptive, national-based study using data from the DATASUS database of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Hospitalizations, mean days hospitalized, and economic costs from those hospitalizations were extracted from 2010 to 2019. Hospitalizations by Alzheimer's disease increased 87.7% from 2010 to 2019, with greater increase among men (97.4%), mixed ethnicity (224%), 80 years or older (115.1%), and in the Northeast (172.1%) and Central West (144.2%) regions. Although mean days hospitalized decreased in all subgroups, an increasing time trend in hospital admission was observed in the Central West Region. Costs per hospitalization increased for patients aged 50 years or younger and in admissions related to emergency services. Compared with other non-communicable chronic diseases, Alzheimer's disease had the highest increase in absolute number and rate of hospitalizations in Brazil from 2010 to 2019. AD is a public health problem in Brazil. Strategies to reduce its burden are necessary but only if accompanied by greater equality and awareness of this disease.

Resumo: O Brasil tem a segunda maior prevalência ajustada para idade da doença de Alzheimer no mundo. Entretanto, são escassas as informações sobre internações hospitalares por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil, apesar dos impactos econômicos e sociais da doença. O artigo descreve as tendências temporais nas internações hospitalares relacionadas à doença de Alzheimer no Brasil entre 2010 e 2019. Realizamos um estudo de séries temporais, retrospectivo, descritivo e de base nacional, usando dados DATASUS do Ministério da Saúde. As internações, média de dias de internação e custos econômicos das hospitalizações foram extraídos para os anos de 2010 a 2019. As internações hospitalares por doença de Alzheimer aumentaram em 87,7% entre 2010 e 2019, com os maiores aumentos entre homens (97,4%), pardos (224%), indivíduos com 80 anos ou mais (115,1%) e as regiões Nordeste (172,1%) e Centro-oeste (144,2%). Embora as médias de dias de internação tenham diminuído em todos os subgrupos, foi observada uma tendência temporal crescente nas internações na Região Centro-oeste. O custo por hospitalização aumentou para pacientes de 50 anos ou menos e nas internações relacionadas aos serviços de emergência. Em comparação às outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, a doença de Alzheimer mostrou o maior aumento no número absoluto e taxa de internações hospitalares no Brasil entre 2010 e 2019. A doença de Alzheimer é um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. São necessárias estratégias para reduzir a carga da doença, porém só serão eficazes se forem acompanhadas por maior igualdade e conscientização em relação a essa doença.

Resumen: Brasil cuenta con la segunda prevalencia más alta por edad estandarizada de enfermedad de Alzheimer en todo el mundo. No obstante, la información sobre las hospitalizaciones relacionadas con la enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil es escasa, pese a su impacto económico y social. Describimos las tendencias temporales en hospitalizaciones relacionadas con la enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil, desde 2010 a 2019. Realizamos un estudio de series temporales, retrospectivo, descriptivo, de base nacional, usando datos procedentes del DATASUS del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Las hospitalizaciones, la media de días hospitalizados, y los costes económicos de estas hospitalizaciones se extrajeron desde 2010 a 2019. Las hospitalizaciones por enfermedad de Alzheimer se incrementaron un 87,7%, desde 2010 a 2019, con un incremento más grande entre hombres (97,4%), origen étnico mixto (224%), 80 años o mayores (115,1%), y en las regiones del Nordeste (172,1%) y Centro-oeste (144,2%). A pesar de que la media de días hospitalizados decreció en todos los subgrupos, se observó una tendencia creciente en el tiempo respecto a las admisiones hospitalarias en la Región del Centro-oeste. El coste económico por hospitalización se incrementó en el caso de pacientes con 50 años o más jóvenes en las admisiones relacionadas con los servicios de emergencia. Comparado con otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, la enfermedad de Alzheimer tuvo el incremento más alto en el número absoluto y tasa de hospitalizaciones en Brasil desde 2010 a 2019. La enfermedad de Alzheimer es un problema de salud público en Brasil. Las estrategias para reducir su carga son necesarias pero solamente si están acompañadas de una mayor equidad y concienciación sobre esta enfermedad.

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.

Economic burden of physical inactivity in hospitalizations due to dementia: a Brazilian nationwide study / Carga econômica da inatividade física nas internações hospitalares por demência: um estudo de abrangência nacional no Brasil / Carga económica de la inactividad física en hospitalizaciones por demencia: un estudio de ámbito nacional en Brasil

Our study aimed at determining the economic burden of leisure-time physical inactivity in hospitalizations due to dementia in Brazil. In this national-wide descriptive study, we used secondary data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department and from the latest Brazilian National Health Survey (2013). Rate of hospitalization and economic cost were extracted from 2013. Leisure-time physical inactivity prevalence was used to estimate its population attributable fraction for dementia. Outcomes were stratified into sex (man/woman), age groups (< 50, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), ethnicity (white, black, mixed race, other), and region (South, Southeast, North, Northeast, and Central). In 2013, 3,724 people were hospitalized due to dementia in Brazil resulting in a total cost of BRL 17,971,833.85 (USD 7,673,973.05). More than half of cost among men was spent with individuals younger than 59 years, white and mixed-race, and from Southeast region. Proportion of cost was higher in women older than 60 years and white. In 2013, 37% of all hospitalization from dementia in Brazil were attributable to physical inactivity, with values reaching 42.9% and 43.8% for men and women aged 80 or older, respectively. Physical inactivity cost BRL 6,994,254.75 (USD 2,986,546.78) in 2013 on hospitalizations due to dementia in Brazil. Higher attributable-cost was found for patients younger than 50 years and women older than 80. Strategies to preserve the quality of life of these patients are needed to reduce the burden for the patients, their family, and on the healthcare system.

Os autores buscaram estimar a carga econômica da inatividade física de lazer nas internações hospitalares por demência no Brasil. O estudo descritivo de abrangência nacional utilizou dados do Departamento de Informática do SUS e da última Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (2013). A taxa de internações hospitalares e o custo econômico se referem ao ano de 2013. A prevalência de inatividade física de lazer foi usada para calcular a fração atribuível populacional de demência. Os desfechos foram estratificados por sexo (masculino/feminino), grupo etário (< 50, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), raça/cor (branco, preto, pardo, outro) e macrorregião (Sul, Sudeste, Norte, Nordeste e Centro-oeste). Em 2013, 3.724 pessoas foram hospitalizadas por demência no Brasil, resultando em um custo total de R$ 17.971.833,85. Entre os homens, mais da metade do custo foi em indivíduos abaixo de 59 anos de idade, brancos e pardos e da Região Sudeste. Entre as mulheres, a proporção dos custos foi maior na faixa etária acima de 60 anos e nas pacientes brancas. Em 2013, 37% de todas as internações hospitalares por demência no Brasil foram atribuíveis à inatividade física, chegando a 42,9% e 43,8% em homens e mulheres com 80 anos ou mais, respectivamente. A inatividade física custou R$ 6.994.254,75 em 2013, em internações hospitalares por demência no Brasil. Os maiores custos atribuíveis foram identificados nos pacientes abaixo de 50 anos de idade e em mulheres acima de 80 anos. São necessárias estratégias para preservar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes, a fim de reduzir a carga da doença para pacientes, famílias e o sistema de saúde.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la carga económica de la inactividad física durante el tiempo libre en hospitalizaciones por demencia en Brasil. En este estudio descriptivo de carácter nacional, utilizamos datos secundarios procedentes del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Únido de Salud de Brasil, así como de la última Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2013). La tasa de hospitalización y coste económico se obtuvieron desde el 2013. La prevalencia de inactividad física durante el tiempo libre se utilizó para calcular el porcentaje correspondiente de población atribuible por demencia. Los resultados fueron estratificados por sexo (masculino/femenino), grupos de edad (< 50, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), etnicidad (blanco, negro, mestizo, otros), y región (Sur, Sureste, Norte, Noreste, y Centro-oeste). En 2013, 3.724 personas fueron hospitalizadas debido a la demencia en Brasil, suponiendo en un coste total de BRL 17.971.833,85 (USD 7.673.973,05). Más de la mitad del coste entre hombres se gastó con personas de edad inferior a 59 años, blancos y mestizos, y procedentes de la región Sureste. La proporción del coste fue mayor en mujeres mayores de 60 años y blancas. Un 37% de todas las hospitalizaciones por demencia en Brasil fueron atribuibles a la inactividad física en 2013, con valores que alcanzaban un 42,9% para hombres y un 43,8% para mujeres con 80 años o mayores. La inactividad física costó BRL 6.994.254,75 (USD 2.986.546,78) en 2013 en hospitalizaciones, debido a la demencia en Brasil. Se descubrió un coste más alto, atribuible a pacientes con edades inferiores a 50 años y mujeres mayores de 80. Se necesitan estrategias para preservar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes, con el fin de reducir la carga para el paciente, su familia, y para el sistema de salud.