Effectiveness of the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccines against severe COVID-19 among adults 40 years or older in Brazil: a population-based cohort study.

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 variants with immune scape and the waning of primary vaccine schemes effectiveness have prompted many countries to indicate first and second booster COVID-19 vaccine doses to prevent severe COVID-19. However, current available evidence on second booster dose effectiveness are mostly limited to high-income countries, older adults, and mRNA-based vaccination schemes scenarios. We aimed to investigate the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of the fourth dose compared to three doses for severe COVID-19 outcomes in Brazil; and compare the rVE of a fourth dose with an mRNA vaccine compared to adenovirus-based product in the same settings. Methods: We performed a target emulated trial using a population-based cohort of individuals aged 40 years or older who have received a homologous primary scheme of CoronaVac, ChAdOx1, or BNT162b2, and any third dose product and were eligible for the fourth dose in Brazil. The primary outcome was COVID-19 associated hospitalization or death. We built Cohort A matching individuals vaccinated with a fourth dose to individuals who received three doses to estimate the rVE of the fourth dose. We built Cohort B, a subset of Cohort A, matching mRNA-based (mRNA) to adenovirus-based fourth dose vaccinated individuals to compare their relative hazards for severe COVID-19. Findings: 46,693,484 individuals were included in Cohort A and 6,763,016 in Cohort B. 45% of them were aged between 40 and 60 years old, and 48% between 60 and 79 years old. In Cohort A, the most common previous series was a ChAdOx1 two-dose followed by BNT162b2 (44%), and a CoronaVac two-dose followed by a BNT162b2 (36%). Among those fourth dose vaccinated, 36.9% received ChAdOx1, 32.7% Ad26.COV2.S, 25.8% BNT162b2, and 4.7% CoronaVac. In Cohort B, among those who received an adenovirus fourth dose, 53.7% received ChAdOx1 and 46.3% received Ad26.COV2.S. The estimated rVE for the primary outcome of four doses compared to three doses was 44.1% (95% CI 42.3-46.0), with some waning during follow-up (rVE 7-60 days 46.8% [95% CI 44.4-49.1], rVE after 120 days 33.8% [95% CI 18.0-46.6]). Among fourth dose vaccinated individuals, mRNA-based vaccinated individuals had lower hazards for hospitalization or death compared to adenovirus-vaccinated individuals (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.75-0.87). After 120 days, no difference in hazards between groups was observed (HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.93-1.97). Similar findings were observed for hospitalization and death separately, except no evidence for differences between fourth dose brands for death in Cohort B. Interpretation: In a heterogeneous scenario of primary and first booster vaccination combinations, a fourth dose provided meaningful and durable protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to adenovirus-based booster, a fourth dose wild-type mRNA vaccine was associated with immediate lower hazards of hospitalization or death unsustained after 120 days. Funding: None.

Unveiling the Impact of the Omicron Variant: Insights from Genomic Surveillance in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil.

Genomic surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool in monitoring and understanding the dynamics of viral variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Midwest region of Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul has faced a significant burden from the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, with a total of 613,000 confirmed cases as of June 2023. In collaboration with the Central Public Health Laboratory in the capital city of Campo Grande, we conducted a portable whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis to investigate the circulation of the Omicron variant in the region. The study aimed to uncover the genomic landscape and provide valuable insights into the prevalence and transmission patterns of this highly transmissible variant. Our findings revealed an increase in the number of cases within the region during 2022, followed by a gradual decline as a result of the successful impact of the vaccination program together with the capacity of this unpredictable and very transmissible variant to quickly affect the proportion of susceptible population. Genomic data indicated multiple introduction events, suggesting that human mobility played a differential role in the variant's dispersion dynamics throughout the state. These findings emphasize the significance of implementing public health interventions to mitigate further spread and highlight the powerful role of genomic monitoring in promptly tracking and uncovering the circulation of viral strains. Together those results underscore the importance of proactive surveillance, rapid genomic sequencing, and data sharing to facilitate timely public health responses.

Effectiveness of an inactivated Covid-19 vaccine with homologous and heterologous boosters against Omicron in Brazil.

The effectiveness of inactivated vaccines (VE) against symptomatic and severe COVID-19 caused by omicron is unknown. We conducted a nationwide, test-negative, case-control study to estimate VE for homologous and heterologous (BNT162b2) booster doses in adults who received two doses of CoronaVac in Brazil in the Omicron context. Analyzing 1,386,544 matched-pairs, VE against symptomatic disease was 8.6% (95% CI, 5.6-11.5) and 56.8% (95% CI, 56.3-57.3) in the period 8-59 days after receiving a homologous and heterologous booster, respectively. During the same interval, VE against severe Covid-19 was 73.6% (95% CI, 63.9-80.7) and 86.0% (95% CI, 84.5-87.4) after receiving a homologous and heterologous booster, respectively. Waning against severe Covid-19 after 120 days was only observed after a homologous booster. Heterologous booster might be preferable to individuals with completed primary series inactivated vaccine.

Serum biomarkers associated with SARS-CoV-2 severity.

Immunity with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the acute phase is not sufficiently well understood to differentiate mild from severe cases and identify prognostic markers. We evaluated the immune response profile using a total of 71 biomarkers in sera from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by RT-PCR and controls. We correlated biological marker levels with negative control (C) asymptomatic (A), nonhospitalized (mild cases-M), and hospitalized (severe cases-S) groups. Among angiogenesis markers, we identified biomarkers that were more frequently elevated in severe cases when compared to the other groups (C, A, and M). Among cardiovascular diseases, there were biomarkers with differences between the groups, with D-dimer, GDF-15, and sICAM-1 higher in the S group. The levels of the biomarkers Myoglobin and P-Selectin were lower among patients in group M compared to those in groups S and A. Important differences in cytokines and chemokines according to the clinical course were identified. Severe cases presented altered levels when compared to group C. This study helps to characterize biological markers related to angiogenesis, growth factors, heart disease, and cytokine/chemokine production in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, offering prognostic signatures and a basis for understanding the biological factors in disease severity.

Analysis of the temporal trend of mortality from sickle cell anemia in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the temporal trend of mortality from sickle cell anemia in Brazil, by region, in the period 1997-2017. METHODS: epidemiological study, with an ecological design, with a temporal trend, carried out with data from the Mortality Information System. For descriptive analysis, absolute and relative frequencies were used. In the correlation analysis, the ANOVA test was used, followed by Tukey's post-test. The temporal trend was obtained using the cubic polynomial regression test. RESULTS: 6,813 deaths from sickle cell anemia were registered. Brown individuals (50.87%) were more frequent, with a predominance of males (50.4%), aged between 25 and 34 years and a higher incidence of deaths in the Midwest (0.25/100 thousand inhabitants). The time curve showed an increasing trend of deaths in the country between 1997 and 2015 (R2 = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: sickle cell anemia showed increasing mortality in the 21 years analyzed and alerts health professionals and managers.

Analysis of the temporal trend of mortality from sickle cell anemia in Brazil / Análisis de la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por anemia de células falciformes en Brasil / Análise da tendência temporal da mortalidade por anemia falciforme no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze the temporal trend of mortality from sickle cell anemia in Brazil, by region, in the period 1997-2017. Methods: epidemiological study, with an ecological design, with a temporal trend, carried out with data from the Mortality Information System. For descriptive analysis, absolute and relative frequencies were used. In the correlation analysis, the ANOVA test was used, followed by Tukey's post-test. The temporal trend was obtained using the cubic polynomial regression test. Results: 6,813 deaths from sickle cell anemia were registered. Brown individuals (50.87%) were more frequent, with a predominance of males (50.4%), aged between 25 and 34 years and a higher incidence of deaths in the Midwest (0.25/100 thousand inhabitants). The time curve showed an increasing trend of deaths in the country between 1997 and 2015 (R2 = 0.98). Conclusions: sickle cell anemia showed increasing mortality in the 21 years analyzed and alerts health professionals and managers.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar tendencia temporal de mortalidad por anemia falciforme en Brasil, por regiones, entre 1997 y 2017. Métodos: estudio epidemiológico, de delineamento ecológico, de tendencia temporal, realizado con datos del Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad. Utilizado frecuencias absolutas y relativas para análisis descriptivo. Utilizado la prueba ANOVA seguido por la prueba de Tukey en el análisis de correlación. La tendencia temporal fue obtenida mediante la prueba de regresión polinomial cúbico. Resultados: fueron registrados 6.813 óbitos por anemia falciforme. Indivíduos pardos (50,87%) fueron más frecuentes, con predominio del sexo masculino (50,4%), con franja etaria de 25 a 34 años y mayor incidencia de óbitos en Centro-Oeste (0,25/100 mil habitantes). La curva temporal presentó tendencia creciente de óbitos en el país entre 1997 a 2015 (R2 = 0,98). Conclusiones: la anemia falciforme presentó mortalidad creciente en los 21 años analizados y despierta el alerta a profesionales de salud y gestores.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar a tendência temporal da mortalidade por anemia falciforme no Brasil, por regiões, no período compreendido entre 1997 e 2017. Métodos: estudo epidemiológico, de delineamento ecológico, de tendência temporal, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Para análise descritiva, utilizaram-se frequências absolutas e relativas. Na análise de correlação, utilizou-se o teste ANOVA seguido pelo pós-teste de Tukey. A tendência temporal foi obtida mediante o teste de regressão polinomial cúbico. Resultados: foram registrados 6.813 óbitos por anemia falciforme. Indivíduos pardos (50,87%) foram mais frequentes, com predomínio do sexo masculino (50,4%), com faixa etária de 25 a 34 anos e maior incidência de óbitos no Centro-Oeste (0,25/100 mil habitantes). A curva temporal apresentou tendência crescente de óbitos no país entre 1997 a 2015 (R2 = 0,98). Conclusões: a anemia falciforme apresentou mortalidade crescente nos 21 anos analisados e desperta o alerta aos profissionais de saúde e gestores.

Risk Factors for Death Among 120,804 Hospitalized Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil.

São Paulo is a state in Brazil with one of the highest numbers of confirmed and severe cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with an incidence of 294 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants. We report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 120,804 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 from February 26 to October 10, 2020, in São Paulo. Characteristics of patients who died and survived were compared using a survival analysis. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR], 47-72), 67,821 (56.1%) were men, and 61,659 (51.0%) were white. Most hospitalized patients (79,812; 66.1%) reported one or more comorbidities, 41,708 (34.5%) hospitalized patients were admitted to intensive care units, and 33,079 (27.4%) died. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.25), elderly individuals (HR, 3.85; 95% CI, 3.68-4.02), and patients with chronic cardiovascular disease including hypertension (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08), chronic lung disease (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.31-1.45), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11-1.18), and chronic neurological disease (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.41-1.55) were at higher risk for death from COVID-19.

Risk Factors for Death Among 120,804 Hospitalized Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is a state in Brazil with one of the highest numbers of confirmed and severe cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with an incidence of 294 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants. We report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 120,804 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 from February 26 to October 10, 2020, in São Paulo. Characteristics of patients who died and survived were compared using a survival analysis. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR], 47­72), 67,821 (56.1%) were men, and 61,659 (51.0%) were white. Most hospitalized patients (79,812; 66.1%) reported one or more comorbidities, 41,708 (34.5%) hospitalized patients were admitted to intensive care units, and 33,079 (27.4%) died. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18­1.25), elderly individuals (HR, 3.85; 95% CI, 3.68­4.02), and patients with chronic cardiovascular disease including hypertension (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02­1.08), chronic lung disease (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.31­1.45), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11­1.18), and chronic neurological disease (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.41­1.55) were at higher risk for death from COVID-19.

Relação entre internações, óbitos por doenças do aparelho circulatório e estrutura dos serviços / Relationship between hospitalizations, deaths and service structure

Resumo Introdução A estruturação dos serviços de saúde é um elemento fundamental para dar respostas à carga de doenças crônicas. Objetivo Analisar a relação entre internações e óbitos pelas doenças do aparelho circulatório e a estrutura nos serviços de saúde. Método Estudo transversal desenvolvido em estado do Centro-Oeste brasileiro, região de saúde composta de 17 municípios e 1.112.792 habitantes. Foram analisadas as dimensões demográfica, epidemiológica e de estrutura de saúde pela estatística descritiva e correlação linear de Pearson. Resultados A taxa da mortalidade por doenças do aparelho circulatório foi de 29,49%, superior aos achados no país e no Centro-Oeste. Houve correlação significativa entre internação por doenças isquêmicas do coração e número de leitos e entre internação por doenças do aparelho circulatório e número de serviços especializados para cada 10 mil habitantes. Conclusão As diferenças encontradas entre internações e a existência dos serviços especializados e leitos indicam que a população que reside em municípios com estrutura de serviços complexa possui mais acesso aos serviços e às internações. Os resultados demonstram que deve haver mais cuidado na conformação e oferta de serviços na Rede de Atenção à Saúde para as doenças do aparelho circulatório, visando assegurar equidade no acesso da população aos serviços pactuados.

Abstract Background The structuring of health services is a fundamental element to respond to the burden of chronic diseases. Objective To analyze the relationship between hospitalizations and deaths due to diseases of the circulatory system and the structure in health services. Method A cross-sectional study developed in the state of the Brazilian central-west was carried out with a health region composed of 17 municipalities and 1,112,792 inhabitants. The demographic, epidemiological and health structure dimensions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's linear correlation. Results The mortality rate due to diseases of the circulatory system was 29.49%, higher than the findings in the country and in the center-west. There was a significant correlation between hospitalization for ischemic heart diseases and number of beds, and between hospitalization for diseases of the circulatory system and number of specialized services for each 10,000 inhabitants. Conclusion The differences found between hospitalizations and the existence of specialized services and beds indicate that the population that lives in municipalities with a complex service structure has more access to services and hospitalizations. The results demonstrate that there must be greater care in the conformation and offer of services in the Health Care Network for diseases of the circulatory system, aiming to ensure equity in the population's access to the agreed services.

Construction and validation of an instrument for the assessment of care provided to people with suicidal behavior.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an instrument for evaluating primary health care professionals' assistance to people with suicidal behavior. METHODS: This was a methodological study, which began with a literature review, followed by the elaboration of an instrument. In its first version, the instrument had 34 items, divided into four domains: "professional characterization," "professional perception " "professional knowledge/abilities," and "organization of the care network." Contents were validated using the Delphi method. Semantic analysis was performed by college-educated primary health care professionals in greater and lesser strata of ability. For internal consistency analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated. The study was conducted between January and December 2017. RESULTS: After four Delphi rounds, the instrument was successfully validated. In its final form, it is comprised of 50 items, divided into five domains: "professional characterization," "professional sensibility," "professional experience," "professional knowledge/abilities," and "organization of the care network." Questions belonging to the last four domains have answers on a five-point Likert scale. In the semantic analysis, 93.6% of the evaluations were "good" and "very good." The instrument's general Cronbach alpha was 0.90. CONCLUSIONS: The final version of the instrument was able to fulfill its objectives. It is useful as a support for epidemiological research and planning of health actions. The evaluation of professional approaches to suicidal behavior is crucial for the organization of suicide assistance services in primary health care, and for the integration of services provided by different care units.

Construction and validation of an instrument for the assessment of care provided to people with suicidal behavior / Construção e validação de instrumento para avaliação da assistência ao comportamento suicida

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To develop and validate an instrument for evaluating primary health care professionals' assistance to people with suicidal behavior. METHODS This was a methodological study, which began with a literature review, followed by the elaboration of an instrument. In its first version, the instrument had 34 items, divided into four domains: "professional characterization," "professional perception " "professional knowledge/abilities," and "organization of the care network." Contents were validated using the Delphi method. Semantic analysis was performed by college-educated primary health care professionals in greater and lesser strata of ability. For internal consistency analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated. The study was conducted between January and December 2017. RESULTS After four Delphi rounds, the instrument was successfully validated. In its final form, it is comprised of 50 items, divided into five domains: "professional characterization," "professional sensibility," "professional experience," "professional knowledge/abilities," and "organization of the care network." Questions belonging to the last four domains have answers on a five-point Likert scale. In the semantic analysis, 93.6% of the evaluations were "good" and "very good." The instrument's general Cronbach alpha was 0.90. CONCLUSIONS The final version of the instrument was able to fulfill its objectives. It is useful as a support for epidemiological research and planning of health actions. The evaluation of professional approaches to suicidal behavior is crucial for the organization of suicide assistance services in primary health care, and for the integration of services provided by different care units.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Desenvolver e validar um instrumento para avaliação da assistência às pessoas com comportamento suicida por profissionais da atenção primária à saúde. MÉTODOS Estudo metodológico iniciado com revisão de literatura e construção de um instrumento que, em sua primeira versão, continha 34 itens divididos em quatro domínios: "identificação profissional", "percepção profissional", "conhecimento/habilidade profissional" e "organização da rede de atenção". O conteúdo foi validado pela técnica Delphi. A análise semântica foi realizada por profissionais de nível superior de maior e menor habilidades da atenção primária à saúde. Para a análise da consistência interna, foi calculado o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. O estudo foi realizado entre janeiro e dezembro de 2017. RESULTADOS Após quatro rodadas Delphi, o instrumento foi validado com 50 itens, divididos em cinco domínios: "identificação profissional", "percepção profissional", "experiência profissional", "conhecimento/habilidade profissional" e "organização da rede de atenção". Os últimos quatro domínios foram inseridos em escala Likert de cinco pontos. A análise semântica apresentou 93,6% de avaliações "bom" e "muito bom". O alfa de Cronbach geral do instrumento foi de 0,90. CONCLUSÕES O instrumento final mostrou-se capaz de avaliar o que se propõe. Pode auxiliar em pesquisas epidemiológicas e no planejamento de ações. A avaliação da abordagem profissional ao comportamento suicida é crucial para a organização dos serviços na atenção primária à saúde e para a integração dos diferentes pontos assistenciais de atenção.

Educação permanente em saúde no contexto da atenção primária: estudo descritivo de uma região de saúde em Mato Grosso do Sul / Continual education in health in the context of primary health: a descriptive study of a health region in Mato Grosso do Sul

A organização do sistema de saúde do Brasil se dá por meio de políticas e programas implementados gradativamente e, entre esses, tem-se a Política Nacional de Atenção Básica (PNAB) e a Política Nacional de Educação Permanente em Saúde (PNEPS). Objetivo:Conhecer o desenvolvimento institucional da PNAB e PNEPS na região de saúde de Dourados-MS, no período de 2008 a 2013, com o objetivo de identificar as ações de educação permanente em saúde efetivadas e sua relação com a atenção primária à saúde (APS). Materiais e Métodos:Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, por meio de consultas a bancos de dados de sistemas de informações de base nacional e documentos oficiais relativos às comissões que subsidiam as tomadas de decisões gestoras referentes às políticas de saúde naquela região. Resultados:No período de 2008 a 2013 houve recebimento de recursos federais no valor de R$ 1.497.165,75 e foram realizados 14 projetos de educação permanente na região estudada, dos quais 40% foram destinados aos profissionais da APS. Simultaneamente, notou-se incremento no número de equipes, no número de profissionais e no percentual de cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família no mesmo período e localidade. Conclusão:Apesar do progresso numérico da Estratégia Saúde da Família na localidade estudada, os investimentos de projetos de educação permanente em saúde na APS representaram menos da metade das ações realizadas no período de 2008 a 2013.

The organization of Brazil's health system happens through gradually implemented programs and policies and, among those, there is the National Policy of Basic Care (PNAB) and the National Policy of Continual Education in Health (PNEPS). Objective:To analyze the institutional development of the PNAB and the PNEPS in the health region of Dourados-MS, in the period between 2008 and 2013, aiming to identify the accomplished actions on continual education in health and their relation to the primary health care(APS). Materials and methods:A descriptive study was carried out by means of consultations to databases of information systems of national bases and official documents related to the commissions which subsidize the managing decision making referring to the region's health policies. Results:In the period between 2008 and 2013 federal resources worth R$1,497,165.75 were received and 14 permanent education projects were carried out in the region, of which 40% were destined to APS professionals. Simultaneously, it was noticed an increase in the number of teams, in the number of professionals, and on the percentage of coverage of the Family Health Strategy in the same period and location. Conclusion:In spite of the numerical progress of the Family Health Strategy in the studied location, the investments of projects on continual education in health in the APS represented less than half of the actions performed in the period between 2008 and 2013.

Suicide in Brazilian indigenous communities: clustering of cases in children and adolescents by household.

OBJECTIVE To estimate age and sex-specific suicide rates, compare suicide rates between indigenous communities, and quantify the frequency of intrafamilial suicide clustering. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study involving 14,666 indigenous individuals in reservations in Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from 2003 through 2013 using national and local census. RESULTS The overall suicide rate was 73.4 per 100,000 person-years. Adolescent males aged 15-19 and girls aged 10-14 had the highest rates for each sex at 289.3 (95%CI 187.5-391.2) and 85.3 (95%CI 34.9-135.7), respectively. Comparing the largest reservations, Bororo had a higher suicide rate than Jaguapiru (RR = 4.83, 95%CI 2.85-8.16) and had significantly lower socioeconomic indicators including income and access to electricity. Nine of 19 suicides among children under 15 occurred in household clusters. Compared with adult suicides, a greater proportion of child (OR = 5.12, 95%CI 1.89-13.86, p = 0.001) and adolescent (OR = 3.48, 95%CI 1.29-9.44, p = 0.017) suicides occurred within household clusters. CONCLUSIONS High rates of suicide occur among children and adolescents in these indigenous reservations, particularly in poor communities. Nearly half of child suicides occur within household clusters. These findings underscore the need for broad public health interventions and focused mental health interventions in households following a suicide.

Suicide in Brazilian indigenous communities: clustering of cases in children and adolescents by household

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate age and sex-specific suicide rates, compare suicide rates between indigenous communities, and quantify the frequency of intrafamilial suicide clustering. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study involving 14,666 indigenous individuals in reservations in Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from 2003 through 2013 using national and local census. RESULTS The overall suicide rate was 73.4 per 100,000 person-years. Adolescent males aged 15-19 and girls aged 10-14 had the highest rates for each sex at 289.3 (95%CI 187.5-391.2) and 85.3 (95%CI 34.9-135.7), respectively. Comparing the largest reservations, Bororo had a higher suicide rate than Jaguapiru (RR = 4.83, 95%CI 2.85-8.16) and had significantly lower socioeconomic indicators including income and access to electricity. Nine of 19 suicides among children under 15 occurred in household clusters. Compared with adult suicides, a greater proportion of child (OR = 5.12, 95%CI 1.89-13.86, p = 0.001) and adolescent (OR = 3.48, 95%CI 1.29-9.44, p = 0.017) suicides occurred within household clusters. CONCLUSIONS High rates of suicide occur among children and adolescents in these indigenous reservations, particularly in poor communities. Nearly half of child suicides occur within household clusters. These findings underscore the need for broad public health interventions and focused mental health interventions in households following a suicide.

Screening for cervical cancer in imprisoned women in Brazil.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Incarcerated women are more vulnerable to developing cervical cancer than women in general; therefore, screening and intervention programs must be included in their healthcare provision. We therefore aimed to investigate the state of cervical cancer screening for imprisoned women in Mato Grosso do Sul, and to analyze the interventions geared toward the control of cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with analysis of primary and secondary data. Interviews were held with 510 women in seven prisons in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The data for 352 medical records were analyzed statistically with the significance level set at 5%. Associations were assessed by the chi-squared test, adjusted by the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Most female prisoners had limited education, used tobacco, and had key risk factors for the development of cervical cancer. Half of the women interviewed (n = 255) stated that they had received a Papanicolaou (Pap) test in prison, but 134 (52.5%) of these did not know the result. Of those who had not received a Pap test, 149 (58.4%) stated that this was because of a lack of opportunity. There was no information regarding the provision of Pap tests or subsequent treatment in the medical records of 211 (59.9%) women. No protocols were in place for the provision of Pap tests in prison. There were statistical differences between prisons in terms of test frequency, the information provided to women, and how information was recorded in medical records. CONCLUSION: The screening of cervical cancer in prisons is neither systematic nor regular, and the results are not communicated to women in a significant number of cases. It is necessary to organize health services within the prison environment, ensuring that tests are done and that there is investigation for human papillomavirus. This could increase the diagnosis of cervical cancer at less advanced stages of the disease.

[Evaluation of the healthcare network for persons with arterial hypertension: study of a health district]. / Avaliação da rede de atenção ao portador de hipertensão arterial: estudo de uma região de saúde.

In the context of public health policies, healthcare network is a strategy that aims to promote people's equitable access to services and to reduce fragmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of development of components in a healthcare network for hypertension. This was an ex-ante, cross-sectional evaluative study focused on the implementation of a healthcare network for persons with chronic diseases, applying a questionnaire to 17 health administrators from the municipalities (counties) comprising the largest health district in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The questionnaire consisted of 65 questions covering the five components: Primary Health Care; Specialized Care; Support Systems; Logistics Systems; and Governance. The study conducted descriptive statistical tests and the classification of services provided in each component using the Friedman test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test, with significance set at 5%. The results were distributed in quartiles and presented in boxplot graphs. Correlations were established between the dimensions. According to the findings, the components are in an intermediate degree of implementation, with low development of the items needed for establishing networks. Primary Health Care does not coordinate the care, and the Specialized Care and Governance components showed the worst results. The findings indicate predominance of installed services that still fall short of the necessary practices for establishing healthcare networks, which can compromise their implementation.

Avaliação da rede de atenção ao portador de hipertensão arterial: estudo de uma região de saúde / Evaluation of the healthcare network for persons with arterial hypertension: study of a health district / Evaluación de la red de atención al paciente de hipertensión arterial: estudio de una región de salud

Resumo: No contexto das políticas públicas de saúde, a rede de atenção é uma estratégia que visa a promover a equidade do acesso das pessoas aos serviços e reduzir a sua fragmentação. O objetivo foi avaliar o grau de desenvolvimento dos componentes de uma rede de atenção à saúde para hipertensão. Trata-se de um estudo avaliativo do tipo ex-ante, de corte transversal, voltado à implantação da Rede de Atenção à Saúde das pessoas com doenças crônicas com a aplicação de questionário a 17 gestores de saúde dos municípios que formam a maior região de saúde de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. O questionário é constituído de 65 questões que contemplam os cinco componentes: Atenção Primária à Saúde; Atenção Especializada; Sistemas de Apoio; Sistemas Logísticos; e Governança. Foram realizados testes estatísticos descritivos e a classificação dos serviços prestados em cada componente por meio do teste de Friedman, seguido pelo pós-teste de Student-Newman-Keuls, com nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados foram distribuídos em quartis e apresentados em gráficos Boxplot. Foram estabelecidas correlações entre as dimensões. Resultados apontam que os componentes estão no grau intermediário de implantação, com baixo desenvolvimento nos quesitos necessários para a constituição de redes. A Atenção Primária à Saúde não coordena o cuidado, e os componentes Atenção Especializada e Governança apresentaram os piores resultados. Os achados apontam predomínio de serviços instalados ainda distantes das práticas necessárias para a composição de redes de atenção à saúde, podendo comprometer a sua implantação.

Abstract: In the context of public health policies, healthcare network is a strategy that aims to promote people’s equitable access to services and to reduce fragmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of development of components in a healthcare network for hypertension. This was an ex-ante, cross-sectional evaluative study focused on the implementation of a healthcare network for persons with chronic diseases, applying a questionnaire to 17 health administrators from the municipalities (counties) comprising the largest health district in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The questionnaire consisted of 65 questions covering the five components: Primary Health Care; Specialized Care; Support Systems; Logistics Systems; and Governance. The study conducted descriptive statistical tests and the classification of services provided in each component using the Friedman test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test, with significance set at 5%. The results were distributed in quartiles and presented in boxplot graphs. Correlations were established between the dimensions. According to the findings, the components are in an intermediate degree of implementation, with low development of the items needed for establishing networks. Primary Health Care does not coordinate the care, and the Specialized Care and Governance components showed the worst results. The findings indicate predominance of installed services that still fall short of the necessary practices for establishing healthcare networks, which can compromise their implementation.

Resumen: En el contexto de las políticas públicas de salud, la red de atención es una estrategia que tiene como objetivo promover la equidad del acceso de las personas a los servicios y reducir su fragmentación. El objetivo fue evaluar el grado de desarrollo de los componentes de una red de atención a la salud para la hipertensión. Se trata de un estudio evaluativo del tipo ex-ante, de corte transversal, dirigido a la implantación de la red de atención a la salud de las personas con enfermedades crónicas con la aplicación de un cuestionario a 17 gestores de salud de los municipios que forman la mayor región de salud de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. El cuestionario está constituido por 65 preguntas que contemplan los cinco componentes: Atención Primaria a la Salud; Atención Especializada; Sistemas de Apoyo; Sistemas Logísticos; y Gobernanza. Se realizaron test estadísticos descriptivos y la clasificación de los servicios prestados en cada componente mediante el test de Friedman, seguido del pos-test de Student-Newman-Keuls, con un nivel de significancia de un 5%. Los resultados se distribuyeron en cuartiles y presentados en gráficos Boxplot. Se establecieron correlaciones entre las dimensiones. Los resultados apuntan a que los componentes están en el grado intermedio de implantación, con bajo desarrollo en los requisitos necesarios para la constitución de redes. La Atención Primaria a la Salud no coordina el cuidado, y los componentes Atención Especializada y Gobernanza presentaron los peores resultados. Los hallazgos apuntan al predominio de servicios establecidos, incluso distantes de las prácticas necesarias para la composición de redes de atención a la salud, pudiendo comprometer su implantación.

Hemodialysis services: are public policies turned to guaranteeing the access?

The increasing incidence of chronic renal failure in Brazil and the consequential expansion of hemodialysis as a choice for treatment in final stage have to be taken into account to guarantee access to those in need. The ecological study conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in 2012, using data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS) and from the analysis of medical records in 12 clinics, identified and mapped patients on hemodialysis, the distance they travelled and the estimated number of patients. The prevalence of hemodialysis patients in Mato Grosso do Sul State, about 55 per 100,000 inhabitants, is similar to the national average. The analyses indicated concentration of patients in counties with clinics and also geographical gaps that generate displacement of over 100km for more than 16% of patients. The results point to the necessity of strengthening public policies that consider, for decision-making, the decentralization of service, the expansion of home care and the follow-up education for professionals.

Hemodialysis services: are public policies turned to guaranteeing the access? / Serviços de hemodiálise: as políticas públicas estão voltadas à garantia do acesso? / Servicios de hemodiálisis: ¿las políticas públicas están dirigidas a garantizar el acceso?

The increasing incidence of chronic renal failure in Brazil and the consequential expansion of hemodialysis as a choice for treatment in final stage have to be taken into account to guarantee access to those in need. The ecological study conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, in 2012, using data from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS) and from the analysis of medical records in 12 clinics, identified and mapped patients on hemodialysis, the distance they travelled and the estimated number of patients. The prevalence of hemodialysis patients in Mato Grosso do Sul State, about 55 per 100,000 inhabitants, is similar to the national average. The analyses indicated concentration of patients in counties with clinics and also geographical gaps that generate displacement of over 100km for more than 16% of patients. The results point to the necessity of strengthening public policies that consider, for decision-making, the decentralization of service, the expansion of home care and the follow-up education for professionals.

A expansão da hemodiálise como escolha para o tratamento da insuficiência renal crônica em seu estágio final precisa ser organizada com garantia de acesso aos que dela necessitam. O estudo ecológico realizado no Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, em 2012, mapeou geograficamente pacientes que realizam hemodiálise, as distâncias percorridas, o número estimado de doentes com base em bancos de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS) e análise dos prontuários nas 12 clínicas. A prevalência de pacientes em hemodiálise no estado assemelha-se à média nacional, com aproximadamente 55 pacientes para cada 100 mil habitantes. As análises indicam concentração de pacientes em municípios que possuem as clínicas e vazios geográficos que geram deslocamentos superiores a 100km para mais de 16% dos pacientes. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de fortalecer políticas públicas que considerem para a tomada de decisão: a desconcentração da oferta de serviços, a ampliação da oferta de procedimentos domiciliares e a educação permanente de profissionais.

Este trabajo trata sobre la expansión de la hemodiálisis, como una opción para el tratamiento de la insuficiencia renal crónica en su fase final, así como la necesidad de organizarse para garantizar el acceso a las personas necesitadas. Se realizó un estudio ecológico en Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, en 2012 con pacientes asignados geográficamente, en tratamiento de hemodiálisis; analizando distancias, número estimado de pacientes, a partir de bases de datos del Departamiento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud (DATASUS), y análisis de los registros de pacientes en 12 clínicas. La prevalencia de pacientes en hemodiálisis en el estado se asemeja a la media nacional, con aproximadamente 55 pacientes por cada 100.000 habitantes. El análisis indica la concentración de los pacientes en los municipios que tienen deficiencias clínicas y geográficas, que generan desplazamientos a más de 100km a un 16% de los pacientes. Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de fortalecer las políticas públicas, con el fin de que tengan en cuenta para la toma de decisiones, la descentralización de la prestación de servicios, la ampliación de la oferta de los procedimientos de la vivienda y la educación continua de los profesionales.