Validation of dysphagia perception to predict the risk for dysphagia in non-institutionalized older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that affects mainly the older adults and can compromise quality of life, and increase the risk for malnutrition and aspiration. Early diagnosis is, therefore, essential to prevent adversities. We aimed to evaluate the validity of self-perceived dysphagia in community-dwelling older adults (60 years or older) from Pelotas, Brazil, participants in the "COMO VAI?" METHODS: The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) was used as the reference tool to identify the risk for dysphagia and the self-perception of dysphagia was assessed using the following question: "Do you have swallowing difficulties?" (Yes/No). The parameters of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were described with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and according to independent variables (sex, age, economic level, and education). RESULTS: The prevalence of dysphagia risk according to EAT-10 and self-perception was 12.9% (95% CI 10.2-16.1) and 8.8% (95% CI 6.6-11.6), respectively. Sensitivity was 34.8% (95% CI 23.5-47.6) and the highest values were observed in women and the older individuals (80 years or older). Specificity was 95.1% (95% CI 92.6-96.9). PPV was 51.1% (95% CI 35.8-66.3), NPV 90.8% (95% CI 87.8-93.2) and accuracy 87.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the low sensitivity and PPV, the self-perception of dysphagia analyzed with a single question should be used with caution, as an individual at risk for dysphagia may not realize their condition.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trends in stillbirths, under-5 and maternal mortality in Brazil: Excess deaths and regional inequalities.

Background: Despite the proliferation of studies on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is less evidence on the indirect death toll compared to the health system and service provision disruptions. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national and regional trends and differences in stillbirths, under-5 and maternal deaths in Brazil. Methods: We used the nationwide routine health information system data from January 2017 to December 2021, to which we applied descriptive and advanced mixed effects ordinary least squared regression models to measure the percent change in mortality levels during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to December 2021). We carried out counterfactual analyses comparing the observed and expected mortality levels for each type of mortality at national and regional levels. Results: Stillbirths increased 4.8% (3.1% in 2020 and 6.2% in 2021) and most noticeably maternal deaths increased 71.6% (35.3% in 2020 and 103.3% in 2021) over the COVID-19 period. An opposite pattern was observed in under-5 mortality, which dropped -10.2% (-12.5% in 2020 and -8.1% in 2021). We identified regional disparities, with a higher percent increase in stillbirths observed in the Central-West region and in maternal deaths in the South region. Discussion: Based on pre-pandemic trends and expected number of deaths in the absence of the COVID-19, we observed increases in stillbirths and maternal deaths and reductions in under-5 deaths during the pandemic. The months with the highest number of deaths (stillbirths and maternal deaths) coincided with the months with the highest mortality from COVID-19. The increase in deaths may also have resulted from indirect effects of the pandemic, such as unavailability of health services or even reluctance to go to the hospital when necessary due to fear of contagion. Conclusions: In Brazil, the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent restrictions had a detrimental impact on stillbirths and maternal deaths. Even before the pandemic, mortality trends highlighted pre-existing regional inequalities in the country's health care system. Although there were some variations, increases were observed in all regions, indicating potential weaknesses in the health system and inadequate management during the pandemic, particularly concerning pregnant and postpartum women.

Vacinação contra poliomielite no Brasil de 2011 a 2021: sucessos, reveses e desafios futuros / Vaccination against poliomyelitis in Brazil from 2011 to 2021: successes, setbacks, and challenges ahead

Resumo A queda de coberturas vacinais (CV) na infância, entre elas a da poliomielite, vem se tornando uma preocupação sanitária. O objetivo foi analisar a tendência temporal das coberturas das três doses da vacina contra a poliomielite nos primeiros 12 meses de vida entre 2011 e 2021, com destaque na pandemia de COVID-19, além de mapear as CV no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com técnicas de série temporal interrompida (STI) e análise espacial, a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização. A tendência da CV foi ajustada pelo estimador de variância de Newey-West, segundo as unidades federadas e o Índice de Privação Brasileiro. A distribuição da CV foi estimada por modelos bayesianos e os aglomerados espaciais pelos índices de Moran global e local, identificando áreas de menor cobertura nas Regiões de Saúde. Observa-se perda da CV ao longo do período em todas as regiões do país, sendo maiores no Norte e no Nordeste e se acentuando durante a pandemia. As maiores quedas foram identificadas em estados e regiões de saúde com maior vulnerabilidade social. A queda na CV mostra que o risco de reintrodução do vírus selvagem é iminente e os desafios precisam ser enfrentados com o fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract The drop in childhood vaccination coverage (VC), including poliomyelitis, has become a health concern. The objective was to analyze the temporal trend of coverage of the three doses of the polio vaccine in the first 12 months of life between 2011 and 2021, in addition to mapping vaccination coverage in Brazil, including the COVID-19 pandemic period. An ecological study was carried out using interrupted time series (STI) techniques and spatial analysis, with data from the National Immunization Program Information System. The VC trend was adjusted by the Newey-West variance estimator according to the federated units and the Brazilian Deprivation Index. The VC distribution was estimated by Bayesian models and the spatial clusters by the global and local Moran index, identifying areas of lower coverage in the health regions. There was a reduction in the VC over the period in all regions, being more pronounced in the North and Northeast regions and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The biggest drops were identified in states and health regions with greater social vulnerability after 2019. The drop in VC shows that the risk of reintroduction of the wild virus is imminent and the challenges need to be faced with the strengthening of the Brazilian Health System (SUS).

Vacinação do sarampo no Brasil: onde estivemos e para onde vamos? / Measles vaccination in Brazil: where have we been and where are we headed?

Resumo A reemergência de doenças imunopreveníveis devido à queda das coberturas vacinais (CV) tem sido documentada em vários países. O objetivo foi analisar a CV, a homogeneidade das CV e os casos de sarampo no Brasil de 2011 a 2021, com enfoque no período da pandemia de COVID-19, sua tendência temporal, distribuição espaço-temporal e fatores associados aos aglomerados de menor CV. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico sobre a CV de sarampo (dose 1), com métodos de série temporal interrompida e de avaliação da disposição espaço-temporal, por meio do teste de varredura na identificação de aglomerados de CV. A partir de 2015, observa-se queda progressiva das CV e da homogeneidade, acentuando-se após 2020 em todas as regiões, particularmente Norte e Nordeste. Aglomerados de baixa CV foram associados a piores indicadores de desenvolvimento humano, desigualdade social e menor acesso à Estratégia de Saúde da Família. No Brasil, a pandemia intensificou as iniquidades em saúde, com baixas CV de sarampo em municípios socialmente mais vulneráveis e desiguais. Há risco de circulação do vírus, reafirmando o desafio de fortalecer a atenção básica, aprimorar a comunicação em saúde e garantir acesso à vacina, diminuindo oportunidades perdidas de vacinação e a hesitação vacinal.

Abstract The re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases due to the decline in vaccine coverage (VC) has been documented in several countries. The objective was to analyze the VC, the homogeneity of VC, and measles cases in Brazil from 2011 to 2021, focusing on the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, its temporal trend, space-time distribution, and factors associated with clusters of lower VC. This is an ecological study on measles VC (dose 1), with methods of interrupted time series and evaluation of spatio-temporal disposition, through the sweep test to identify clusters of VC. Starting in 2015, we observe a progressive decline in VC and homogeneity, with an accentuation after 2020, in all regions, particularly in the North and Northeast. Low VC clusters were associated with worse human development indicators, social inequality, and less access to the Family Health Strategy. In Brazil, the pandemic intensified health inequalities with low VC of measles in socially more vulnerable and unequal municipalities. There is a risk of virus circulation, however, the challenge of strengthening primary care, improving health communication and guaranteeing access to the vaccine, reducing missed opportunities for vaccination and vaccine hesitancy, is highlighted.

Vaccination against poliomyelitis in Brazil from 2011 to 2021: successes, setbacks, and challenges ahead. / Vacinação contra poliomielite no Brasil de 2011 a 2021: sucessos, reveses e desafios futuros.

The drop in childhood vaccination coverage (VC), including poliomyelitis, has become a health concern. The objective was to analyze the temporal trend of coverage of the three doses of the polio vaccine in the first 12 months of life between 2011 and 2021, in addition to mapping vaccination coverage in Brazil, including the COVID-19 pandemic period. An ecological study was carried out using interrupted time series (STI) techniques and spatial analysis, with data from the National Immunization Program Information System. The VC trend was adjusted by the Newey-West variance estimator according to the federated units and the Brazilian Deprivation Index. The VC distribution was estimated by Bayesian models and the spatial clusters by the global and local Moran index, identifying areas of lower coverage in the health regions. There was a reduction in the VC over the period in all regions, being more pronounced in the North and Northeast regions and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The biggest drops were identified in states and health regions with greater social vulnerability after 2019. The drop in VC shows that the risk of reintroduction of the wild virus is imminent and the challenges need to be faced with the strengthening of the Brazilian Health System (SUS).

A queda de coberturas vacinais (CV) na infância, entre elas a da poliomielite, vem se tornando uma preocupação sanitária. O objetivo foi analisar a tendência temporal das coberturas das três doses da vacina contra a poliomielite nos primeiros 12 meses de vida entre 2011 e 2021, com destaque na pandemia de COVID-19, além de mapear as CV no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com técnicas de série temporal interrompida (STI) e análise espacial, a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização. A tendência da CV foi ajustada pelo estimador de variância de Newey-West, segundo as unidades federadas e o Índice de Privação Brasileiro. A distribuição da CV foi estimada por modelos bayesianos e os aglomerados espaciais pelos índices de Moran global e local, identificando áreas de menor cobertura nas Regiões de Saúde. Observa-se perda da CV ao longo do período em todas as regiões do país, sendo maiores no Norte e no Nordeste e se acentuando durante a pandemia. As maiores quedas foram identificadas em estados e regiões de saúde com maior vulnerabilidade social. A queda na CV mostra que o risco de reintrodução do vírus selvagem é iminente e os desafios precisam ser enfrentados com o fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Measles vaccination in Brazil: where have we been and where are we headed? / Vacinação do sarampo no Brasil: onde estivemos e para onde vamos?

The re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases due to the decline in vaccine coverage (VC) has been documented in several countries. The objective was to analyze the VC, the homogeneity of VC, and measles cases in Brazil from 2011 to 2021, focusing on the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, its temporal trend, space-time distribution, and factors associated with clusters of lower VC. This is an ecological study on measles VC (dose 1), with methods of interrupted time series and evaluation of spatio-temporal disposition, through the sweep test to identify clusters of VC. Starting in 2015, we observe a progressive decline in VC and homogeneity, with an accentuation after 2020, in all regions, particularly in the North and Northeast. Low VC clusters were associated with worse human development indicators, social inequality, and less access to the Family Health Strategy. In Brazil, the pandemic intensified health inequalities with low VC of measles in socially more vulnerable and unequal municipalities. There is a risk of virus circulation, however, the challenge of strengthening primary care, improving health communication and guaranteeing access to the vaccine, reducing missed opportunities for vaccination and vaccine hesitancy, is highlighted.

A reemergência de doenças imunopreveníveis devido à queda das coberturas vacinais (CV) tem sido documentada em vários países. O objetivo foi analisar a CV, a homogeneidade das CV e os casos de sarampo no Brasil de 2011 a 2021, com enfoque no período da pandemia de COVID-19, sua tendência temporal, distribuição espaço-temporal e fatores associados aos aglomerados de menor CV. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico sobre a CV de sarampo (dose 1), com métodos de série temporal interrompida e de avaliação da disposição espaço-temporal, por meio do teste de varredura na identificação de aglomerados de CV. A partir de 2015, observa-se queda progressiva das CV e da homogeneidade, acentuando-se após 2020 em todas as regiões, particularmente Norte e Nordeste. Aglomerados de baixa CV foram associados a piores indicadores de desenvolvimento humano, desigualdade social e menor acesso à Estratégia de Saúde da Família. No Brasil, a pandemia intensificou as iniquidades em saúde, com baixas CV de sarampo em municípios socialmente mais vulneráveis e desiguais. Há risco de circulação do vírus, reafirmando o desafio de fortalecer a atenção básica, aprimorar a comunicação em saúde e garantir acesso à vacina, diminuindo oportunidades perdidas de vacinação e a hesitação vacinal.

Dysphagia Perception Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults from a Municipality in Southern Brazil.

To analyse the prevalence of dysphagia perception and associated factors among community-dwelling older adults in Pelotas, Brazil. A total of 1447 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 and older participated in a cross-sectional population-based study carried out in 2014. Dysphagia perception was assessed using the following question: "Do you have swallowing difficulties? (Yes/No)". Independent variables included sociodemographic, behavioural and health characteristics. Poisson regression was used to obtain prevalence ratios. Dysphagia perception prevalence was 8.1%, higher among women (PR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07; 2.46) and in subjects older than 80 years (PR 1.88, 95% CI 1.16; 3.03). Older adults with 1-7 years of schooling were more likely to present dysphagia (PR 1.62; 95% CI 1.09; 2.40). Those who did not use dental prosthesis (PR 1.85; 95% CI 1.08; 3.16), who presented dry mouth sensation (PR 4.10; 95% CI 2.59; 6.51) and multimorbidity (PR 30.0; 95% CI 4.09; 219.45) were more likely to present dysphagia perception. The participants who consumed alcohol were 60% less likely to report dysphagia perception (PR 0.43; 95% CI 0.22; 0.86). One out of twelve older adults presented dysphagia perception, and associations with sociodemographic characteristics and other health problems were found. Early identification of dysphagia should be a public health and clinical concern.

[Adequacy of the frequency and types of meals consumed by community-dwelling elderly folk in the south of Brazil]. / Adequação da frequência e tipos de refeições realizadas por idosos comunitários do sul do Brasil.

The scope of this study was to describe the frequency and types of meals consumed by the elderly in Pelotas (Brazil) and factors associated with the adequacy of meal frequency. A cross-sectional study was carried out with ≥60 years of age individuals. They were asked about daily meals during the week prior to the interview. The adequacy of meals was defined as recommended by the Ministry of Health (at least three main meals and two small snacks per day). The independent variables were sociodemographic, health and food routine characteristics. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. Of the 1,438 elderly individuals interviewed, about 40% reported consuming four meals a day. Lunch was the most reported meal, followed by breakfast. A total of 30.6% of men and 38.6% of women had adequate frequency of meals (p=0.002). Men with edentulism (total tooth loss) were 35% more likely to eat adequately, while this probability was about 30% lower among non-white women, those without schooling and those who reported a lack of money to buy food. One in each three elderly people met the recommendation of adequate frequency of meals and some sociodemographic characteristics were negatively associated with this habit.

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a frequência e tipos de refeições realizadas por idosos de Pelotas-RS e fatores associados à frequência adequada de refeições. Foi realizado estudo transversal com indivíduos ≥60 anos. Questionou-se sobre as refeições diárias na semana anterior à entrevista. A adequação de refeições foi definida conforme recomendação do Ministério da Saúde (pelo menos três refeições principais e dois lanches por dia). As variáveis independentes foram as características sociodemográficas, de saúde e da rotina alimentar. Razões de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95% foram calculados por regressão de Poisson. Dos 1.438 idosos entrevistados, cerca de 40% afirmaram realizar quatro refeições diárias. O almoço foi a refeição mais relatada, seguido do café da manhã. Apresentaram frequên cia adequada de refeições 30,6% dos homens e 38,6% das mulheres (p=0,002). Homens com edentulismo (perda dentária total) tiveram 35% maior probabilidade de adequação, enquanto essa probabilidade foi cerca de 30% menor em mulheres de cor da pele não branca, não escolarizadas e que declararam falta de dinheiro para a compra de alimentos. Um a cada três idosos atendeu a recomendação da frequência adequada de refeições e algumas características sociodemográficas foram negativamente associadas com esse hábito.

Adequação da frequência e tipos de refeições realizadas por idosos comunitários do sul do Brasil / Adequacy of the frequency and types of meals consumed by community-dwelling elderly folk in the south of Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a frequência e tipos de refeições realizadas por idosos de Pelotas-RS e fatores associados à frequência adequada de refeições. Foi realizado estudo transversal com indivíduos ≥60 anos. Questionou-se sobre as refeições diárias na semana anterior à entrevista. A adequação de refeições foi definida conforme recomendação do Ministério da Saúde (pelo menos três refeições principais e dois lanches por dia). As variáveis independentes foram as características sociodemográficas, de saúde e da rotina alimentar. Razões de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95% foram calculados por regressão de Poisson. Dos 1.438 idosos entrevistados, cerca de 40% afirmaram realizar quatro refeições diárias. O almoço foi a refeição mais relatada, seguido do café da manhã. Apresentaram frequên cia adequada de refeições 30,6% dos homens e 38,6% das mulheres (p=0,002). Homens com edentulismo (perda dentária total) tiveram 35% maior probabilidade de adequação, enquanto essa probabilidade foi cerca de 30% menor em mulheres de cor da pele não branca, não escolarizadas e que declararam falta de dinheiro para a compra de alimentos. Um a cada três idosos atendeu a recomendação da frequência adequada de refeições e algumas características sociodemográficas foram negativamente associadas com esse hábito.

Abstract The scope of this study was to describe the frequency and types of meals consumed by the elderly in Pelotas (Brazil) and factors associated with the adequacy of meal frequency. A cross-sectional study was carried out with ≥60 years of age individuals. They were asked about daily meals during the week prior to the interview. The adequacy of meals was defined as recommended by the Ministry of Health (at least three main meals and two small snacks per day). The independent variables were sociodemographic, health and food routine characteristics. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. Of the 1,438 elderly individuals interviewed, about 40% reported consuming four meals a day. Lunch was the most reported meal, followed by breakfast. A total of 30.6% of men and 38.6% of women had adequate frequency of meals (p=0.002). Men with edentulism (total tooth loss) were 35% more likely to eat adequately, while this probability was about 30% lower among non-white women, those without schooling and those who reported a lack of money to buy food. One in each three elderly people met the recommendation of adequate frequency of meals and some sociodemographic characteristics were negatively associated with this habit.

Sources of access to medication and its use in the rural area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016: a cross-sectional population-based study. / Fontes de acesso e utilização de medicamentos na zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2016: estudo transversal de base populacional.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of medication use, sources of access, and associated factors among rural residents in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 with adults ≥18 years old. Participants reported on medication use and sources of access to medication in the month prior to the interview. Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: Among the 1,519 respondents, 54.7% (95%CI 48.7;60.5) used some form of medication and 3.3% (95%CI 2.4;4.5) stopped taking necessary medication. Higher prevalence of use occurred in: women (PR=1.23 - 95%CI 1.12;1.34), the elderly (PR=2.36 - 95%CI 2.05;2.73), people with poorer self-perceived health (PR=1.29 - 95%CI 1.14;1.46) and people with a higher number of diseases (PR=2.37 - 95%CI 2.03;2.77). A total of 14.0% (95%CI 11.2;17.4) obtained medication exclusively from the Brazilian National Health System, prevalence of which was higher among those who self-reported themselves to be non-white and from lower economic classification. CONCLUSION: A low number stopped taking medication they needed to take. Use of free-of-charge medication was greater in groups with lower income.

Fontes de acesso e utilização de medicamentos na zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2016: estudo transversal de base populacional / Fuentes de acceso y uso de medicamentos en la zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2016: estudio transversal de base poblacional / Sources of access to medication and its use in the rural area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016: a cross-sectional population-based study

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência do uso de medicamentos, fontes de acesso e fatores associados, em residentes da zona rural de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal com adultos ≥18 anos, realizado em 2016. Questionou-se o uso e fontes de acesso aos medicamentos no mês anterior à entrevista. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Dos 1.519 entrevistados, 54,7% (IC95% 48,7;60,5) utilizaram algum medicamento e 3,3% (IC95% 2,4;4,5) deixaram de utilizar medicamento necessário. Exibiram maiores prevalências de utilização: mulheres (RP=1,23 - IC95% 1,12;1,34), idosos (RP=2,36 - IC95% 2,05;2,73), pessoas com pior autopercepção de saúde (RP=1,29 - IC95% 1,14;1,46), com maior número de doenças (RP=2,37 - IC95% 2,03;2,77). Obtiveram medicamentos exclusivamente pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) 14,0% (IC95% 11,2;17,4), com prevalências maiores entre pessoas de cor da pele autodeclarada não branca e classificação econômica inferior. Conclusão: Pequena parcela deixou de usar medicamentos de que necessitava. A obtenção gratuita de medicamentos foi maior nos grupos de menor poder aquisitivo.

Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia del uso de medicamentos, las fuentes de acceso y los factores asociados en habitantes rurales de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal con adultos ≥18 años, en 2016. Se preguntó sobre el uso y fuentes de acceso a los medicamentos en el mes anterior a la entrevista. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: De los 1.519 entrevistados, 54,7% (IC95% 48,7; 60,5) usó algún medicamento y 3,3% (IC95% 2,4; 4,5) dejó de usar un medicamento necesario. Las prevalencias de uso fueron mayores en mujeres (RP=1,23 - IC95% 1,12;1,34), adultos mayores (RP=2,36 - IC95% 2,05;2,73), personas con peor autopercepción de salud (RP=1,29 - IC95% 1,14;1,46) y con más enfermedades (RP=2,37 - IC95% 2,03;2,77). En total, 14,0% (IC95% 11,2;17,4) obtuvo medicamentos exclusivamente por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) y la prevalencia fue mayor en los de color de piel no blanca (autodeclarada) y clase económica más baja. Conclusión: Pequeña parcela indicó que dejó de usar medicamentos necesarios. La obtención gratuita fue mayor en grupos de menor poder adquisitivo.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of medication use, sources of access, and associated factors among rural residents in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 with adults ≥18 years old. Participants reported on medication use and sources of access to medication in the month prior to the interview. Poisson regression was used. Results: Among the 1,519 respondents, 54.7% (95%CI 48.7;60.5) used some form of medication and 3.3% (95%CI 2.4;4.5) stopped taking necessary medication. Higher prevalence of use occurred in: women (PR=1.23 - 95%CI 1.12;1.34), the elderly (PR=2.36 - 95%CI 2.05;2.73), people with poorer self-perceived health (PR=1.29 - 95%CI 1.14;1.46) and people with a higher number of diseases (PR=2.37 - 95%CI 2.03;2.77). A total of 14.0% (95%CI 11.2;17.4) obtained medication exclusively from the Brazilian National Health System, prevalence of which was higher among those who self-reported themselves to be non-white and from lower economic classification. Conclusion: A low number stopped taking medication they needed to take. Use of free-of-charge medication was greater in groups with lower income.

Sources of access and medication use in rural area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016: cross-sectional population-based study / Fuentes de acceso y uso de medicamentos en la zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2016: estudio transversal de base poblacional / Fontes de acesso e utilização de medicamentos na zona rural de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2016: estudo transversal de base populacional

Objective. To analyze the prevalence of medication use, sources of access, and associated factors among rural residents in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Methods. Cross-sectional study with adults ≥18 years, in 2016. Participants reported on the use and sources of access to medication used in the month prior to the interview. Poisson regression was used. Results. Among the 1,519 respondents, 54.7% (95%CI 48.7;60.5) used some medication and 3.3% (95%CI 2.4;4.5) didn't use some necessary medication. Higher prevalence of use occurred in: women (PR=1.23 ­ 95%CI 1.12;1.34), the elderly (PR=2.36 ­ 95%CI 2.05;2.73), worse self-perception of health (PR=1.29 ­ 95%CI 1.14;1.46) and higher number of diseases (PR=2.37 ­ 95%CI 2.03;2.77). A total of 14.0% (95%CI 11.2;17.4) obtained medications exclusively from Health System and the prevalence was higher among those who self-declared non-white and from lower economic classes. Conclusion. A small portion indicated that they didn't use necessary medications. Free obtaining was higher in groups with lower income.

Objetivo. Analisar a prevalência do uso de medicamentos, fontes de acesso e fatores associados, em residentes da zona rural de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos. Estudo transversal com adultos ≥18 anos, realizado em 2016. Questionou-se o uso e fontes de acesso aos medicamentos no mês anterior à entrevista. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson. Resultados. Dos 1.519 entrevistados, 54,7% (IC95% 48,7;60,5) utilizaram algum medicamento e 3,3% (IC95% 2,4;4,5) deixaram de utilizar medicamento necessário. Exibiram maiores prevalências de utilização: mulheres (RP=1,23 ­ IC95% 1,12;1,34), idosos (RP=2,36 ­ IC95% 2,05;2,73), pessoas com pior autopercepção de saúde (RP=1,29 ­ IC95% 1,14;1,46), com maior número de doenças (RP=2,37 ­ IC95% 2,03;2,77). Obtiveram medicamentos exclusivamente pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) 14,0% (IC95% 11,2;17,4), com prevalências maiores entre pessoas de cor da pele autodeclarada não branca e classe econômica inferior. Conclusão. Pequena parcela deixou de usar medicamentos que necessitava. A obtenção gratuita de medicamentos foi maior nos grupos de menor poder aquisitivo.

Simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in a rural population of a Southern Brazilian city. / Simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em população rural de um município no sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the occurrence of simultaneous risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases, and factors associated with these prevalences in rural adults of a Southern Brazilian city. METHODS: The design of this study was cross-sectional with a sample of 1,445 adults from the rural area of Pelotas, RS. Four risk factors were considered: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and inadequate consumption of vegetables. To verify the simultaneous occurrence of the outcomes, a cluster analysis was used. The association was tested by ordinal regression resulting in odds ratios. RESULTS: Among the four risk factors evaluated, three were the most prevalent among men, and only physical inactivity was greater among women. In the cluster analysis, only the combination of alcohol consumption + smoking + inadequate vegetable consumption presented an observed prevalence that was significantly higher than the expected (O/E = 2.67, 95%CI 1.30, 5.48), and higher than another study in the south of the country. This can be justified because that study included an evaluation of urban dwellers and the consumption of fruits. After adjustment, men, single individuals, non-white people, those with less schooling, those with a worse socioeconomic status, those who reported poor perception of health, and those who do not work in specifically rural activities had a greater probability of having the simultaneity of risk factors. CONCLUSION: The results show the importance of developing priority actions regarding the health of rural populations with special attention to the subgroups with an identified higher risk.

Body mass index and mortality among community-dwelling elderly of Southern Brazil.

This study aims to measure the association between body mass index (BMI), comparing two different classifications, and mortality among community-dwelling elderly considering myopenia in Pelotas, Brazil. This is a longitudinal study started in 2014, we followed 1451 elderly people (≥ 60 years) enrolled in the "COMO VAI?" study. BMI was classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the classification with specific cutoff points for older adults. Myopenia was measured by calf circumference (≤33 cm for women and ≤34 cm for men). Cox proportional-hazards models were used to test associations controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and number of morbidities. Nearly 10% (N = 145) of the elderly died during almost three years of follow-up. We observed a L-shaped relation between BMI and mortality. Elderly with underweight had a higher mortality risk compared to those with adequate BMI in both classifications. According to the WHO classification, overweight elderly presented protection for mortality (HR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.38-0.87) when compared to those with adequate BMI. Among elderly with myopenia, overweight by WHO continued to protect against mortality, although not significantly, while those with the specific classification underweight presented a higher risk of death compared to those with normal weight (HR: 2.09; 95% CI 1.06-4.14). In conclusion the underweight increased the risk of death in community-dwelling elderly people during a follow-up of three years. The specific classification seemed to be more adequate to indicate risk of mortality in this population. Higher BMI protect against mortality when muscle mass was not considered.

Sleep duration trajectories from age 3 to 48 months in The Pelotas (Brazil) 2004 Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal sleep is essential for child growth, development, and immune function. Few studies have evaluated factors associated with sleep duration in childhood from a longitudinal perspective. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify trajectories of sleep duration in childhood and associated maternal and child characteristics. METHODS: Sleep duration was assessed by maternal report at 3, 12, 24, and 48 months among children from the Pelotas (Brazil) 2004 Birth Cohort. Independent variables included family income, maternal and child demographics, and clinical characteristics. Trajectory analysis was carried out using a semi-parametric, group-based modelling approach. Multinomial logistic regression provided odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between independent variables and sleep duration trajectory groups. RESULTS: A total of 3824 participants were included in the analyses. Three trajectories of sleep duration were identified: "short sleepers" (9.1%), "typical sleepers" (72.1%), and "initially longer sleepers" (18.8%). When compared to typical sleepers, children from less schooled mothers (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.26, 2.62) and those whose mothers reported depressive symptoms during pregnancy (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02, 1.68) and consumed alcohol beverages at 3 months post-partum (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.03, 2.50) were more likely to be short sleepers. Children who shared the bedroom with another child were about 40% (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07, 1.87) more likely to be short sleepers. None of the investigated maternal and child characteristics remained associated with the "initially longer sleeper" group. CONCLUSIONS: Among the identified trajectories, the group with short sleep duration trajectory deserves special attention given the importance of adequate sleep duration in the first years of life for the child's growth and development and the high concomitance of other risk factors, such as less schooled mothers, and mothers who reported depressive symptoms during pregnancy and consumed alcohol at 3 months post-partum.

The Role of Sleep Duration and Sleep Problems During Childhood in the Development of ADHD in Adolescence: Findings From a Population-Based Birth Cohort.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between sleep in early life and ADHD in adolescence. As a secondary analysis, we tested whether the associations may be specific to ADHD. Method: Data from 3,467 participants of the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort were used. Information on their sleep duration and problems was collected at 12, 24, and 48 months of age. ADHD diagnosis and hyperactivity/inattention problems were assessed with the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) among participants at 11 years of age. Results: Difficulty going to sleep at 24 months, nightmares at 24 months and at 48 months, and restless sleep at 48 months were consistently associated with ADHD as well as with other mental disorders. Conclusion: The results suggest that sleep disturbances may be more important ADHD predictors than sleep duration or sleep duration trajectories. However, it may also be considered early markers of other mental disorders.

Simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em população rural de um município no sul do Brasil / Simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in a rural population of a Southern Brazilian city

RESUMO: Objetivos: Descrever a ocorrência simultânea de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e os fatores associados à simultaneidade dessas prevalências em adultos residentes na zona rural de um município no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com 1.445 adultos da zona rural de Pelotas, RS. Foram considerados quatro fatores de risco: tabagismo, consumo de álcool, inatividade física e consumo inadequado de legumes/verduras. Para verificar a ocorrência simultânea, utilizou-se análise de clusters. A associação foi avaliada por regressão ordinal, obtendo-se estimativas em razões de odds. Resultados: Dos quatro fatores de risco avaliados, três foram mais prevalentes entre os homens, sendo apenas inatividade física maior entre as mulheres. Na análise de clusters, consumo de álcool + tabagismo + consumo inadequado de vegetais foi a única combinação que apresentou prevalência observada significativamente maior que a esperada (O/E = 2,67; IC95% 1,30; 5,48), sendo superior a encontrada em outro estudo no sul do país, dado que pode ser justificado pois tal estudo incluiu o consumo de frutas além de ter avaliado população urbana, enquanto para este estudo avaliou-se apenas a população rural. Após ajuste, os homens, indivíduos solteiros, de cor da pele preta, parda ou outra, com baixa escolaridade, pior condição socioeconômica, pior percepção de saúde e que não desenvolviam atividades rurais apresentaram maior odds ratio de acúmulo de fatores de risco. Conclusão: Os achados evidenciam a importância do desenvolvimento de ações prioritárias em relação à saúde da população rural com atenção específica aos subgrupos de maior risco identificados.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To describe the occurrence of simultaneous risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases, and factors associated with these prevalences in rural adults of a Southern Brazilian city. Methods: The design of this study was cross-sectional with a sample of 1,445 adults from the rural area of Pelotas, RS. Four risk factors were considered: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and inadequate consumption of vegetables. To verify the simultaneous occurrence of the outcomes, a cluster analysis was used. The association was tested by ordinal regression resulting in odds ratios. Results: Among the four risk factors evaluated, three were the most prevalent among men, and only physical inactivity was greater among women. In the cluster analysis, only the combination of alcohol consumption + smoking + inadequate vegetable consumption presented an observed prevalence that was significantly higher than the expected (O/E = 2.67, 95%CI 1.30, 5.48), and higher than another study in the south of the country. This can be justified because that study included an evaluation of urban dwellers and the consumption of fruits. After adjustment, men, single individuals, non-white people, those with less schooling, those with a worse socioeconomic status, those who reported poor perception of health, and those who do not work in specifically rural activities had a greater probability of having the simultaneity of risk factors. Conclusion: The results show the importance of developing priority actions regarding the health of rural populations with special attention to the subgroups with an identified higher risk.

Epidemiology of smoking in the rural area of a medium-sized city in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of smoking and associated factors among rural residents. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study of 1,519 individuals carried out in 2016. We randomly selected 24 of the 50 census tracts that make up the eight rural districts of the city of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. All individuals aged 18 years or more living in the randomly selected households were eligible. Smokers were all those who smoked ≥ 1 cigarette/day for at least one month or declared that they had stopped smoking for less than one month. The independent variables included socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral, and health characteristics. We investigated age of onset, duration of addiction, number of cigarettes smoked/day, pack-years, and types of cigarettes consumed. Poisson regression was performed to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 16.6% (95%CI 13.6-20.0), and it was twice as high in men in relation to women (PR = 1.99, 95%CI 1.44-2.74), in socioeconomic class D or E in relation to class A or B (PR = 2.23, 95%CI 1.37-3.62), and in those who considered their health poor or very poor in relation those with good or very good health (PR = 2.02, 95%CI 1.33-3.08). It was also higher in persons aged 30-59 years (compared to those aged < 30 years), with 5-8 years of education level (compared to those with ≥ 9 years), and with positive screening for alcohol-related disorder. Prevalence was lower among individuals who were overweight or obese than in those with normal weight. Smoking began on average at 16.9 years, with an average consumption of approximately 14 cigarettes/day and mean pack-years of 22 packs/year. The paper hand-rolled cigarette was the most consumed (57.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in six adults in rural Pelotas is a current smoker. The findings show the existence of social inequalities related to smoking addiction. Actions to prevent and control smoking should continue to be stimulated, especially in the most vulnerable subgroups.

Population-based study in a rural area: methodology and challenges.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the planning, sampling, operational aspects of the field, and the sample obtained during a research conducted in a rural area, specifying and discussing the main logistical difficulties unique to these places and the solutions adopted. METHODS: We carried out a population-based, cross-sectional survey between January and June 2016, with a representative sample of the population aged 18 years or over living in the rural area of Pelotas (approximately 22,000 individuals), State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related information, such as alcohol consumption, cigarette consumption, depressive symptoms, quality of diet, quality of life, physical activity, satisfaction with the health unit, overweight or obesity, and sleep problems. RESULTS: In the 720 domiciles sampled, 1,697 individuals were identified and 1,519 were interviewed (89.5%). The study initially drew 24 census tracts and proposed the visit to 42 households per tract; however, we need to adjust the method, such as decreasing the number of households per census tract (from 42 to 30) and identifying housing centers in each tract. The main reasons for these changes were difficulty accessing the area, large distances between households, misconceptions in the satellite data available (which did not fit the reality), and high cost of the field work. CONCLUSIONS: The previous detailed recognition of the research environment was crucial for decision making as the maps and territory had geographical inconsistencies. The strategies and techniques used in studies for the urban area are not applicable to the rural area given the outcomes observed in Pelotas. The decisions taken, keeping the methodological rigor, were essential to ensure the timely execution of the study with the financial resources available.

Lifelong robbery victimisation and mental disorders at age 18 years: Brazilian population-based study.

PURPOSE: Urban violence is a major problem in Brazil and may contribute to mental disorders among victims. The aim of this study was to assess the association between robbery victimisation and mental health disorders in late adolescence. METHODS: At age 18 years, 4106 participants in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study were assessed. A questionnaire about history of robbery victimisation was administered, the Self-Report Questionnaire was used to screen for common mental disorders, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Cross-sectional prevalence ratios between lifetime robbery victimisation and mental disorders were estimated using Poisson regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for socioeconomic variables measured at birth and violence in the home and maltreatment measured at age 15. RESULTS: There was a dose-response relationship between frequency of lifetime robberies and risk of mental disorders. Adolescents who had been robbed three or more times had twice the risk (PR 2.04; 95% CI 1.64-2.56) for common mental disorders, over four times the risk for depression (PR 4.59; 95% CI 2.60-8.12), and twice the risk for anxiety (PR 1.93; 95% CI 1.06-3.50), compared with non-victims, adjusting for covariates. Experiencing frequent robberies had greater impact on common mental disorders than experiencing an armed robbery. Population attributable fractions with regard to robbery were 9% for common mental disorders, 13% for depression, and 8% for anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Robberies are associated with common mental disorders in late adolescence, independently of violence between family members. Reducing urban violence could significantly help in preventing common mental illnesses.