Vulnerability among rural older adults in southern Brazil: population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vulnerability, and to identify the associated factors of vulnerability among rural community-dwelling older adults living in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of a sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Data from the first follow-up of the EpiRural Cohort Study (2018-2019) were used. Vulnerability was assessed using the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13). The maximum score is 10 and older adults with scores of 3 or more are classified as vulnerable. Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance was used for crude and adjusted analyses. For the analysis of the associated factors, a theoretical model was constructed with three hierarchical levels. The variables were adjusted in relation to each other within each level; those with a significance level of 0.20 or less were included in the regression model and adjusted to a higher level, with a subsequent level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of vulnerability was 40.8% (95%CI 37.5-44.3). Vulnerability was more prevalent among women (PR=1.45; 95%CI 1.23-1.71), older adults who did not work (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.17-2.45), those who lived without a partner (PR=1.26; 95%CI 1.07-1.47), those with diabetes (PR=1.23; 95%CI 1.03-1.48), those with depression (PR=1.21; 95%CI 1.02-1.42), those with osteoporosis (PR=1.38; 95%CI 1.15-1.66), and those with sarcopenia (PR=1.67; 95%CI 1.38-2.02). CONCLUSION: Vulnerability is common among rural community-dwelling older adults and is associated with sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Remote work and back pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults and older population in South Brazil.

This article aims to investigate the association between remote work and Back Pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to analyze this relationship according to the body mass index. Population-based, cross-sectional study carried in two cities in southern Brazil, in individuals aged 18 years and over. Data were collected through household interviews from October to January 2020/21. Outcomes: back pain (cervical, thoracic, lumbar/acute, chronic) and pain intensity. Exposure variable: remote work. For the analyses, Poisson regression with robust adjustment for variance was used, stratified by BMI (eutrophic vs overweight/obese), and restricted to those who had worked in the past month. 1,016 had worked during the pandemic, average 42 years old (SD = 14), varying from 18 to 93 years. Remote work was performed by 7.7% of the individuals. Prevalence of back pain: 25.6% (95%CI: 19.5 to 31.7%). Overweight/obese remote workers felt pain acute cervical pain PR = 2.82 (95%CI: 1.15 to 6.92); chronic low back PR = 1.85 (95%CI: 1.04 to 3.29); acute thoracic PR = 1.81(95%CI: 3.76 to 8.68) compared to those who did not work. About one in four remote workers reported back pain during of the COVID-19 pandemic. BMI proved to be an important moderator between outcomes and exposure variable.

Remote work and back pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults and older population in South Brazil / Trabalho remoto e dores nas costas durante a pandemia da COVID-19 em adultos e idosos no Sul do Brasil

Abstract This article aims to investigate the association between remote work and Back Pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to analyze this relationship according to the body mass index. Population-based, cross-sectional study carried in two cities in southern Brazil, in individuals aged 18 years and over. Data were collected through household interviews from October to January 2020/21. Outcomes: back pain (cervical, thoracic, lumbar/acute, chronic) and pain intensity. Exposure variable: remote work. For the analyses, Poisson regression with robust adjustment for variance was used, stratified by BMI (eutrophic vs overweight/obese), and restricted to those who had worked in the past month. 1,016 had worked during the pandemic, average 42 years old (SD = 14), varying from 18 to 93 years. Remote work was performed by 7.7% of the individuals. Prevalence of back pain: 25.6% (95%CI: 19.5 to 31.7%). Overweight/obese remote workers felt pain acute cervical pain PR = 2.82 (95%CI: 1.15 to 6.92); chronic low back PR = 1.85 (95%CI: 1.04 to 3.29); acute thoracic PR = 1.81(95%CI: 3.76 to 8.68) compared to those who did not work. About one in four remote workers reported back pain during of the COVID-19 pandemic. BMI proved to be an important moderator between outcomes and exposure variable.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a associação entre trabalho remoto e dores nas costas durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e analisar essa relação segundo o índice de massa corporal. Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado em duas cidades no sul do Brasil em indivíduos acima de 18 anos. Dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas domiciliares entre outubro-janeiro de 2020-2021. Desfechos: dor nas costas (cervical, torácica, lombar/aguda, crônica) e intensidade da dor. Variável de exposição: trabalho remoto. Para as análises, foram utilizadas regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto para variância, estratificadas pelo IMC (eutrófico vs. sobrepeso/obeso) e restritas àqueles que trabalharam no último mês. Durante a pandemia, 1.016 trabalharam, média 42 anos (DP = 14), entre 18 a 93 anos. Trabalho remoto foi realizado por 7,7% dos indivíduos. Prevalência de dor nas costas: 25.6% (IC95%:19,5 a 31,7%). Trabalhadores remotos com sobrepeso/obesidade sentiram dor aguda cervical RP = 2,82 (IC95%:1,15 a 6,92); torácica aguda RP = 1,81 (IC95%:3,76 a 8,68); lombar crônica RP = 1,85 (IC95%:1,04 a 3,29), comparados àqueles que não trabalharam. Cerca de um em cada quatro trabalhadores remotos reportou dor nas costas durante a pandemia. O IMC mostrou-se ser um importante moderador entre defechos e variável de exposição.

Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Tobacco Farming, According to Different Criteria.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of the world's largest pesticide consumers, but information on pesticide poisoning among workers is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate acute pesticide poisoning among tobacco growers, according to different criteria. METHODS: This was a two-step cross-sectional study with 492 pesticide applicators. It used a 25 question pesticide-related symptoms (PRS) questionnaire and medical diagnosis for comparison with toxicological assessment. Associations were evaluated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: 10.6% reported two or more PRS, while 8.1% reported three or more. Furthermore, 12.2% received a medical diagnosis of poisoning. According to toxicologists, possible cases accounted for 14.2% and probable cases for 4.3%. PRS increased during the period of greater exposure. Those exposed to dithiocarbamates, sulfentrazone, pyrethroids, fipronil and iprodione exhibited more PRS. The number of exposure types, multi-chemical exposure, clothes wet with pesticides and spillage on the body/clothes were associated with acute poisonings. All criteria showed sensitivity greater than 79% for probable cases but only greater than 70% for medical diagnosis when compared to possible cases, presenting substantial Kappa agreement. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acute pesticide poisoning is much higher than officially recorded. Trained physicians can screen for pesticide poisoning. It is necessary to improve workers' education to reduce pesticide use and exposure to them.

The Role of Physical Vulnerability in the Association Between Social Activities and Cognitive Performance in Rural Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the association of social activities with cognitive performance in older adults in the southern area of Brazil, considering the important moderating role of physical vulnerability. A prospective population-based study was conducted in the rural area of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Self-reported social activities were collected at baseline. Cognitive performance and physical vulnerability were measured in the second wave of data collection. The association of social activities with cognitive performance was determined using robust generalized linear models. In adjusted analysis, the social activities were positively associated with cognitive performance in physically vulnerable older adults. However, this association was not found in those who were nonvulnerable. Our findings may contribute to future investigations of possible explanatory avenues for the association between social activities and cognitive performance as well as the development of interventions aimed at improving cognitive skills.

Factors associated with the use of dental services in the previous 12 and 36 months by Brazilian older people residing in rural areas.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of dental services in two periods and associated factors in older people residing in the rural area of a municipality in southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect the variables of interest. The dependent variables were the use of dental services in the 12 and 36 months prior to the interview. RESULTS: A total of 863 older people were interviewed, 24.7% of whom had visited a dentist in the previous year and 38.7% had visited a dentist in the previous 3 years. Skin colour, health insurance and self-rated health were associated with both outcomes. Individuals with non-white skin, those who did not have health insurance and those who considered their health to be poor or very poor were more likely to take a long time before seeking oral health services. Differences between the two outcomes were observed in oral health and the use of tobacco. The likelihood of having gone more than 3 years without visiting a dentist was greater among smokers and lower among those with dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental service use was low. Variables related to the adoption of unhealthy behaviours and the occurrence of oral diseases were only related to the use of dental services 36 months prior to the interview. Public policies must be reorganised to prioritise population groups with greater difficulties in the use of dental services.

Estudos epidemiológicos ocupacionais em área rural: desafios metodológicos / Epidemiological occupational studies in rural areas: methodological challenges

Resumo Introdução: a produção agrícola no Brasil tem crescido nas últimas décadas e os trabalhadores rurais estão expostos a vários riscos ocupacionais. Estudos epidemiológicos sobre o tema ainda são limitados, especialmente pela complexidade metodológica. Objetivos: apresentar os principais desafios metodológicos para a realização de estudos epidemiológicos ocupacionais rurais. Métodos: as considerações apresentadas neste artigo têm como base a literatura e a experiência dos autores como pesquisadores desta temática. Resultados: foram abordados conceitos sobre população alvo, local de moradia e trabalho, classificação dos trabalhadores e caracterização do contexto da produção agrícola. Foram exploradas as estratégias de amostragem; a caracterização dos indicadores econômicos, incluindo produção agrícola e nível de mecanização; a exposição aos agrotóxicos, como tipos químicos, formas e frequência de exposição; a intoxicação por agrotóxicos; e a disponibilidade e o uso de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual. Foram descritos os cuidados com amostras biológicas, bem como aspectos envolvendo entrevistadores, treinamentos, trabalho de campo, questões climáticas e logísticas. Conclusão: apesar dos desafios metodológicos e logísticos, com o planejamento adequado é possível realizar com êxito pesquisas de grande complexidade e de alto nível científico sobre a relação saúde-trabalho na atividade agropecuária.

Abstract Introduction: agricultural production in Brazil has grown in recent decades, and rural workers are exposed to many occupational risks. Epidemiological studies on the topic remain limited, especially regarding methodological complexity. Objectives: to present the main methodological challenges to carrying out occupational epidemiological studies in rural areas. Methods: the considerations presented in this article are based on the literature and on the experience of the authors as researchers of this thematic. Results: we approached concepts about target population, living and working place, workers classification, and agricultural production context characterization. We discussed sampling strategies, characterization of economic indicators, including agricultural production and mechanization level, pesticide exposure, such as chemical types, forms, and frequency of exposure, pesticide poisonings, and availability and use of personal protective equipment. We described the necessary care with biological samples and aspects involving interviewers, training, field work, and clinical and logistical issues. Conclusion: despite the methodological and logistical challenges, adequate planning enables successful research studies, of great complexity and high scientific level, about the health-work relationship in agricultural activity.

Tuberculosis in prison inmates in Southern Brazil: investigating the epidemiological and operational indicators.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a worldwide public health problem and is more prevalent in specific populations, such as prisoners. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and operational indicators of tuberculosis in prisoners in a southern region of Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive, observational study, utilizing secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System on tuberculosis cases diagnosed in prisoners in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. Prisoner data used to calculate incidence were extracted from reports by the National Penitentiary Department. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2018, 3,557 tuberculosis cases were reported in Rio Grande do Sul prisoners. The incidence rate of tuberculosis in prisoners was 1,235/100,000 individuals in 2014 and 1,430/100,000 individuals in 2018. The proportion of new TB cases tested for HIV was high, 83.4% in this period; among those tested, 12.9% were HIV coinfected. The proportion of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by laboratory criteria was 52.6% in this period. In total, 18.4% of new pulmonary tuberculosis cases were initiated on directly observed treatment in this period, and 36.4% of contacts of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis with laboratory confirmation were examined. Among retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases, 82.4% were laboratory-confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis incidence is increasing on a per-capita and absolute basis in Rio Grande do Sul. Laboratory confirmation, HIV testing, directly observed treatment, and contact investigation rates were all low, indicating the need to improve medical and public health measures for tuberculosis control in prisons.

Blessing as a health resource: cross-sectional study with elderly residents of rural areas.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the search for folk healers for the treatment of health problems among elderly living in the rural area of the city of Rio Grande-RS. METHODS: Cross-sectional, p opulation-based study with random sampling, carried out in 2017. The outcome was analyzed in three categories (never used/used in the last 12 months/used for more than 12 months). Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze theassociated factors. RESULTS: A total of 1,030 elderly individuals were interviewed. The prevalence of demand for folk healers in the last 12 months and for more than 12 months was 9.5% and 15.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the characteristics associated with the use of a folk healer for more than 12 months were: being in the age group of 80 years or more and having back problems and arthrosis. Following the evangelical religion was identified as a protective factor for using this resource. On the other hand, the demand for blessing in the last year was related to the age group of 70-79 years, following spiritual religions, presence of disease in the last 12 months, back problems and arthrosis, and preference for the use of urgency and emergency services. Being female was associated only with the use for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION: This study brings an original contribution to a topic poorly evaluated in epidemiological studies, because the knowledge of the frequency and determinants of the search for this type of popular therapy can be used to improve the quality and access to health services offered to the elderly population in rural areas.

Aging in a rural area in southern Brazil: designing a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: This article presents the methods used to design a prospective cohort study with older adults from a rural area in the far south of Brazil (EpiRural Cohort Study), as well as to describe the cohort profile. METHODS: The cohort study began in 2017 and evaluated older adults (≥60 years) living in rural area. The first follow-up of the cohort was carried out between September 2018 and March 2019. Data collection at baseline and first follow-up was performed through an electronic questionnaire containing demographic, socioeconomic and health-related questions, such as alcohol and cigarette consumption, morbidities and self-perceived health status. RESULTS: At baseline, 1130 older adults were sampled, 1029 of whom were interviewed (91.1%). The age of almost 17% was 80 years or more, and 55.2% were male. At first follow-up, 862 individuals were followed (83.8%) and the characteristics of the older adults interviewed compared to those not interviewed at follow-up were similar. Between baseline and follow-up, the proportion of individuals aged 70-79 years increased, as well as the proportion of those who had consumed alcoholic beverages in the previous week and who had hypertension. The male-to-female ratio, those who were living alone, working, smokers, diabetics, who had stroke and who reported their health as being very good/good were comparable between the baseline and follow-up. CONCLUSION: With a reasonable follow-up rate, it was possible to transform a cross-sectional study into a prospective cohort study. However, new strategies will be needed to help locate participants more successfully and ensure a good response rate in future follow-ups.

Tuberculosis in prison inmates in Southern Brazil: investigating the epidemiological and operational indicators

ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis is a worldwide public health problem and is more prevalent in specific populations, such as prisoners. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and operational indicators of tuberculosis in prisoners in a southern region of Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational study, utilizing secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System on tuberculosis cases diagnosed in prisoners in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. Prisoner data used to calculate incidence were extracted from reports by the National Penitentiary Department. Results: From 2014 to 2018, 3,557 tuberculosis cases were reported in Rio Grande do Sul prisoners. The incidence rate of tuberculosis in prisoners was 1,235/100,000 individuals in 2014 and 1,430/100,000 individuals in 2018. The proportion of new TB cases tested for HIV was high, 83.4% in this period; among those tested, 12.9% were HIV coinfected. The proportion of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by laboratory criteria was 52.6% in this period. In total, 18.4% of new pulmonary tuberculosis cases were initiated on directly observed treatment in this period, and 36.4% of contacts of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis with laboratory confirmation were examined. Among retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases, 82.4% were laboratory-confirmed. Conclusions: Tuberculosis incidence is increasing on a per-capita and absolute basis in Rio Grande do Sul. Laboratory confirmation, HIV testing, directly observed treatment, and contact investigation rates were all low, indicating the need to improve medical and public health measures for tuberculosis control in prisons.

Blessing as a health resource: cross-sectional study with elderly residents of rural areas / Benzeção como recurso em saúde: estudo transversal com idosos moradores de área rural

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the search for folk healers for the treatment of health problems among elderly living in the rural area of the city of Rio Grande-RS. METHODS Cross-sectional, p opulation-based study with random sampling, carried out in 2017. The outcome was analyzed in three categories (never used/used in the last 12 months/used for more than 12 months). Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze theassociated factors. RESULTS A total of 1,030 elderly individuals were interviewed. The prevalence of demand for folk healers in the last 12 months and for more than 12 months was 9.5% and 15.8%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the characteristics associated with the use of a folk healer for more than 12 months were: being in the age group of 80 years or more and having back problems and arthrosis. Following the evangelical religion was identified as a protective factor for using this resource. On the other hand, the demand for blessing in the last year was related to the age group of 70-79 years, following spiritual religions, presence of disease in the last 12 months, back problems and arthrosis, and preference for the use of urgency and emergency services. Being female was associated only with the use for more than 12 months. CONCLUSION This study brings an original contribution to a topic poorly evaluated in epidemiological studies, because the knowledge of the frequency and determinants of the search for this type of popular therapy can be used to improve the quality and access to health services offered to the elderly population in rural areas.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à procura de benzedeiras para tratamento de problemas de saúde entre idosos residentes na área rural do município do Rio Grande-RS. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal, de base populacional com amostragem aleatória, realizado no ano de 2017. O desfecho foi analisado em três categorias (nunca usou/usou nos últimos 12 meses/usou há mais de 12 meses). Para análise dos fatores associados foi utilizada regressão logística multinomial. RESULTADOS Foram entrevistados 1.030 idosos. As prevalências da procura por benzedeira nos últimos 12 meses e há mais de 12 meses foram de 9,5% e 15,8%, respectivamente. Na análise ajustada, as características associadas à utilização de benzedeira há mais de 12 meses foram: estar na faixa etária de 80 anos ou mais e ter problemas de coluna e artrose. Seguir a religião evangélica foi identificado como fator de proteção para a utilização desse recurso. Já a procura por benzedeira no último ano esteve relacionada com a faixa etária dos 70-79 anos, seguir religiões espiritualistas, presença de doença nos últimos 12 meses, problemas na coluna e artrose e preferência por utilização de serviços de urgência e emergência. Sexo feminino permaneceu associado apenas à utilização há mais de 12 meses. CONCLUSÃO Este estudo traz uma contribuição original a um tema pouco avaliado em estudos epidemiológicos, pois o conhecimento da frequência e dos determinantes da busca por esse tipo de terapia popular, pode ser utilizado para melhorar a qualidade e o acesso aos serviços de saúde oferecidos à população idosa de áreas rurais.

Psychological violence against women practiced by intimate partners: a cross-sectional study in a rural area of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2017. / Violência psicológica contra a mulher praticada por parceiro íntimo: estudo transversal em uma área rural do Rio Grande do Sul, 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner psychological violence against women in a rural area in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2017. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study with women aged 18-49 years old and who had had an intimate partner in their lifetime. Questions from the World Health Organization Violence Against Women Study were administered. Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: 971 women participated. Prevalence of lifetime psychological violence was 17.2% (95%CI 14.9;19.7). Those diagnosed with depression (PR=2.23 - 95%CI 1.70;2.91) and who had consumed alcohol in the last week were more likely to refer lifetime psychological violence (PR=1.53 - 95%CI 1.07;2.17). Single women were more likely to experience psychological violence than married women (PR=1.86 - 95%CI 1.32;2.63). CONCLUSION: Psychological violence against woman in rural areas was related to mental health and alcohol use.

Child Labor in Family Tobacco Farms in Southern Brazil: Occupational Exposure and Related Health Problems.

Tobacco farming is considered Hazardous Child Labor in Brazil. This study examined the work of children and adolescents in tobacco farming, characterizing the level of urinary cotinine and the occurrence of Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), pesticide poisoning, respiratory symptoms, and musculoskeletal disorders. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a random sample of tobacco growers under 18 years old in Southern Brazil. Ninety-nine young people were interviewed at 79 family farms. The majority began working in agriculture before they were 14 and worked harvesting and tying hands of tobacco; 60% were 16 or 17 years old, and 51.5% were male. During their lifetime, 24.5% reported GTS, and 3% reported pesticide poisoning. In the previous year, 29.3% reported low back pain, 6.1% wheezing, and 16.2% coughing without having a cold. Half of the 12 young people evaluated had over 100 ng/mL of urinary cotinine. The study indicates that child laborers do various activities and present a high prevalence of health problems. Health workers should be trained to identify child laborers and their impacts on health. Full-time farm schools could provide knowledge about sustainable agricultural production, reducing the rates of age-grade mismatch, without taking young people away from rural areas.

Suicidality among South Brazilian tobacco growers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among South Brazilian tobacco growers and to analyze the associated factors related to the suicidal ideation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 with a random sample of 2469 tobacco growers in São Lourenço do Sul/RS. Suicidal ideation was characterized by the question "Has the thought of ending your life been on your mind?". Suicide attempt was assessed by the question "Have you ever tried to kill yourself?". Investigation of factors associated with suicidal ideation was done by means of Poisson regression. RESULTS: Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt was 2.5 % and 1.2 % respectively. In the adjusted analysis, suicidal ideation was associated with being female, older age, moderate participation in religious activities and difficulty in paying debts. Those who worked in activities that required inadequate postures (hunched over or other forced positions), as well as farmers who performed 6-9 pesticide-related tasks demonstrated greater risk of suicidal ideation. Regarding health conditions, medical diagnosis of asthma, chronic low back pain, number of lifetime green tobacco sickness episodes and lifetime pesticide poisoning were positively associated with suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Suicidal thoughts and attempts are relevant mental health problems among tobacco growers. Reducing pesticide use, as well as exposure to nicotine and improving socio-economic conditions, can reduce suicidal ideation and improve the mental health of exposed workers.

Epidemiology of chronic back pain among adults and elderly from Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic back pain (CBP) can negatively affect one's quality of life and health condition, posing significant social and economic burdens. OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the prevalence of CBP and analyze associated factors in adult and elderly individuals in a municipality in southern Brazil; (2) to verify who sought medical attention or missed work because of back pain; and (3) to estimate the impact of CBP on selected health outcomes. METHODS: This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted with individuals aged 18 years and older. CBP was defined as "pain for three consecutive months in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions in the last year." Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and physical and mental health information was collected. The impact of CBP was assessed by the etiological fraction method. RESULTS: The prevalence of CBP was 20.7% (95% CI: 18.3, 23.0) among the 1300 study participants. The factors associated with CBP were women, elderly, smokers, obesity, and sleeping fewer hours per night, as well as those with higher mental stress levels, history of fracture, arthritis/rheumatism, and work-related musculoskeletal disorder/repetitive strain injury. One-third of those with CBP missed work (31%) and 68% visited the physician over a 12-month period. All health outcomes analyzed (poor or very poor sleep quality, regular or poor health perception, worsened quality of life, depressive symptoms, perceived sadness) were significantly associated with CBP. CONCLUSION: One in five adults or elderly reported having CBP over the previous 12 months. This condition was associated with poorer health perception, poorer quality of life, and depressive symptoms.

Violência psicológica contra a mulher praticada por parceiro íntimo: estudo transversal em uma área rural do Rio Grande do Sul, 2017 / Violencia psicológica contra la mujer por parte de una pareja íntima: un estudio transversal en una zona rural de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2017 / Psychological violence against women practiced by intimate partners: a cross-sectional study in a rural area of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2017

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e fatores associados à violência psicológica praticada por parceiro íntimo contra a mulher residente em zona rural do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2017. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional, com mulheres de 18-49 anos que tiveram parceiro íntimo na vida. Foram aplicadas questões do World Health Organization Violence Against Women Study. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson para estimar razões de prevalências (RP) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Participaram 971 mulheres, com prevalência de violência psicológica de 17,2% (IC95% 14,9;19,7) na vida. Aquelas com diagnóstico de depressão (RP=2,23 - IC95% 1,70;2,91) e que consumiram álcool na última semana (RP=1,53 - IC95% 1,07;2,17) tiveram maior probabilidade de referir violência psicológica na vida; as solteiras apresentaram maior probabilidade dessa natureza de violência, comparadas às casadas (RP=1,86 - IC95% 1,32;2,63). Conclusão: Violência psicológica contra a mulher na zona rural relacionou-se com agravos na saúde mental e com uso de álcool.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia y factores asociados a la violencia psicológica practicada por pareja contra mujeres residentes en una zona rural del estado de Rio Grande do Sul, en 2017. Métodos: Estudio poblacional transversal realizado con mujeres de 18-49 años que tuvieron pareja íntima en la vida. Se aplicaron preguntas del World Health Organization Violence Against Women Study. La regresión de Poisson ha sido usada para estimar razones de prevalencia (RP) e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Participaron 971 mujeres con prevalencia de 17,2% (IC95% 14,9;19,7) de violencia psicológica en la vida. Aquellas con depresión (RP=2,23 - IC95% 1,70;2,91) y que habían consumido alcohol en la última semana tenían más probabilidades de referir violencia psicológica en la vida (RP=1,53 - IC95% 1,07;2,17). Mujeres solteras tenían más probabilidades de violencia psicológica en sus vidas que las casadas (RP=1,86 - IC95% 1,32;2,63). Conclusión: La violencia psicológica contra la mujer en las zonas rurales, tuvo relación con la salud mental y el consumo de alcohol.

Objective: To estimate prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner psychological violence against women in a rural area in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2017. Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study with women aged 18-49 years old and who had had an intimate partner in their lifetime. Questions from the World Health Organization Violence Against Women Study were administered. Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: 971 women participated. Prevalence of lifetime psychological violence was 17.2% (95%CI 14.9;19.7). Those diagnosed with depression (PR=2.23 - 95%CI 1.70;2.91) and who had consumed alcohol in the last week were more likely to refer lifetime psychological violence (PR=1.53 - 95%CI 1.07;2.17). Single women were more likely to experience psychological violence than married women (PR=1.86 - 95%CI 1.32;2.63). Conclusion: Psychological violence against woman in rural areas was related to mental health and alcohol use.

Access to Primary Health Care by older adults from rural areas in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the access and use of health services considered reference among the older rural population from a municipality in southern Brazil, whose rural area has full coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS), investigating factors associated with the choice of the Basic Family Health Unit (BFHU) as reference. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 with systematic sampling of rural households in the municipality of Rio Grande (RS) using a standardized in-house questionnaire. We performed descriptive analyses of sociodemographic profile, type of reference service chosen, and reasons for choosing/using the prime-choice service and the nearest BFHU. Poisson regression was used to investigate factors associated with the type of reference service chosen. RESULTS: Among the 1,030 older adults who participated in the study, 61.4% considered the BFHU a prime choice/reference service mostly due to its proximity (82.6%); the others sought other places due to a greater ease (34.6%) and resoluteness (52.6%). Almost ⅔ of the respondents sought care at the BFHU during the last year, and the reasons differed among those who considered the unit as reference (chronic disease) and those who sought another place (procedures). We also found that the lower the age, income, education, and household-unit distance, the greater the likelihood of the older adult considering the nearest BFHU as reference service. CONCLUSIONS: The FHS has reached the vulnerable older rural population, approaching an equitable public health system. However, further evaluations are necessary to verify the quality and adequacy of care, given that social structure, enabling factors (such as economic condition), and possible beliefs regarding health still establish the standards for choosing a service.

Functional dependence among older adults: a cross-sectional study with a rural population of southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil has a rapidly aging population, yet little is known about the occurrence of functional dependence in the rural older adult population. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of functional dependence and its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults in the rural area of the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. A systematic random sampling of households was used. Eighty percent of households in the rural area were selected, which included 1131 older adults. The outcome analyzed in this study was functional dependence. This was measured by and data were collected using the Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton and Brody's Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Descriptive analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of functional dependence in ADL and IADL and to describe the sample. Crude and adjusted analysis was performed by Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were reported. RESULTS: A total of 1029 older adults took part in this study, corresponding to an 8.9% rate of losses and refusals. Prevalence of functional dependence in ADL was 8.1% (95%CI 6.4-9.7), while prevalence of functional dependence in IADL was 32.4% (95%CI 29.5-35.2). The occurrence of functional dependence in one or more of ADL or IADL was 6.7% (95%CI 5.2-8.2). The following categories were associated with functional dependence in ADL: female sex (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.10-2.62), age group 80 years or more (PR=3.68; 95%CI 2.20-6.16), no schooling (PR=2.61; 95%CI 1.26-5.37) and 1-4 years of schooling (PR=2.49; 95%CI 1.28-4.84), having diabetes (PR=1.85; 95%CI 1.21-2.83), depression in the previous year (PR=1.90; 95%CI 1.09-3.31), urinary incontinence (PR=3.26; 95%CI 2.06-5.16), history of stroke (PR=2.26; 95%CI 1.35-3.76) and poor/very poor self-rated health (PR=2.36; 95%CI 1.29-4.32). The following categories were associated with functional dependence in IADL: female sex (PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.19-1.65), age groups of 70-79 years (PR=1.92; 95%CI 1.51-2.43) and 80 years or more (PR=3.80; 95%CI 3.07-4.72), no schooling (PR=1.87; 95%CI 1.46-2.41) and 1-4 years of schooling (PR=1.55; 95%CI 1.22-1.96), medical diagnosis of diabetes (PR=1.33; 95%CI 1.10-1.60), urinary incontinence (PR=1.40; 95%CI 1.17-1.68), history of stroke (PR=1.41; 95%CI 1.10-1.81) and regular self-rated health (PR=1.27; 95%CI 1.06-1.52) or poor/very poor self-rated health (PR=1.80; 95%CI 1.41-2.30). CONCLUSION: Older adults in rural areas have a high prevalence of functional dependence. Knowledge of functional dependence and associated factors in rural populations is necessary for the planning and developing actions, especially in the routine of primary care, which promote health and prevent or postpone the decline in functional capacity.

[Epidemiology of Common Mental Disorders among women in the rural zones of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil]. / Epidemiologia dos Transtornos Mentais Comuns entre mulheres na zona rural de Rio Grande, RS, Brasil.

The scope of this study is to describe the prevalence and the factors associated with common mental disorders in women aged 18 to 49, residents in the rural zone of the municipality of Rio Grande-RS. A cross-sectional study was carried out with data collection conducted in 2017. A systematic sampling process of the residences of the rural area of the municipality was utilized. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was used to track common mental disorders. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals. The overall prevalence of Common Mental Disorders was 36.4%, being more common among women with lower levels of education, who had had an abortion and were smokers. In quantifying the occurrence and factors associated with common mental disorders in a population of women in a rural area, this study provides an original scientific contribution on the burden of this important outcome in a population that has not been studied in epidemiological surveys. The results can contribute to the health services by identifying the women most susceptible to this outcome, thus, improving the adequacy of the services offered to the health needs of rural residents.

Este estudo tem por objetivo descrever a prevalência e os fatores associados aos transtornos mentais comuns em mulheres de 18-49 anos, residentes da zona rural do município de Rio Grande-RS. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com a coleta de dados realizada no ano de 2017. Foi utilizado um processo de amostragem sistemático dos domicílios da área rural do município. Para o rastreamento dos transtornos mentais comuns utilizou-se o General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson bruta e ajustada para estimar as razões de prevalências (RP) e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. A prevalência geral de Transtornos Mentais Comuns foi de 36,4%, sendo mais comum entre as mulheres com menor escolaridade, as que sofreram aborto e as tabagistas. Ao quantificar a ocorrência e os fatores associados aos transtornos mentais comuns numa população de mulheres de uma área rural, o presente estudo traz uma contribuição científica original sobre a carga deste importante desfecho numa população pouco estudada em inquéritos epidemiológicos. Os resultados podem contribuir com os serviços de saúde através da identificação das mulheres mais suscetíveis a este desfecho, melhorando deste modo a adequação dos serviços oferecidos às necessidades em saúde de moradores de áreas rurais.