Immunization against covid-19 and mortality in hospitalized patients: a retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines developed against covid-19 in reducing mortality in people hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort that evaluated risk factors and the effectiveness of the two-dose vaccination schedule in reducing the mortality of people hospitalized for covid-19 in the state of Paraíba from February to November 2021. The explanatory variables were vaccination status, presence of comorbidities, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Descriptive analyses and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Most hospitalizations and deaths occurred until May 2021. The percentage of patients with a complete vaccination schedule was similar across patients admitted to public and private hospitals and higher in residents of less developed municipalities. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that women (OR = 0.896; 95%CI 0.830-0.967) and people admitted to private hospitals (OR = 0.756; 95%CI 0.679-0.842) were less likely to die. Presence of any comorbidity (OR = 1.627; 95%CI 1.500-1.765) and age ≥ 80 years (OR = 7.426; 95%CI 6.309-8.741) were risk factors for death. Patients with complete vaccination schedule at the time of admission were 41.7% less likely to die (OR = 0.583; 95% CI 0.501-0.679) from covid-19 in the adjusted analysis, as compared to unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that immunization was effective in reducing the likelihood of death from covid-19. The results suggest that greater vaccination coverage in the first half of 2021 would prevent thousands of deaths in the country.

Immunization against covid-19 and mortality in hospitalized patients: a retrospective cohort / Imunização contra covid-19 e mortalidade em pacientes hospitalizados: coorte retrospectiva

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines developed against covid-19 in reducing mortality in people hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS-CoV-2. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort that evaluated risk factors and the effectiveness of the two-dose vaccination schedule in reducing the mortality of people hospitalized for covid-19 in the state of Paraíba from February to November 2021. The explanatory variables were vaccination status, presence of comorbidities, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Descriptive analyses and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS Most hospitalizations and deaths occurred until May 2021. The percentage of patients with a complete vaccination schedule was similar across patients admitted to public and private hospitals and higher in residents of less developed municipalities. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that women (OR = 0.896; 95%CI 0.830-0.967) and people admitted to private hospitals (OR = 0.756; 95%CI 0.679-0.842) were less likely to die. Presence of any comorbidity (OR = 1.627; 95%CI 1.500-1.765) and age ≥ 80 years (OR = 7.426; 95%CI 6.309-8.741) were risk factors for death. Patients with complete vaccination schedule at the time of admission were 41.7% less likely to die (OR = 0.583; 95% CI 0.501-0.679) from covid-19 in the adjusted analysis, as compared to unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that immunization was effective in reducing the likelihood of death from covid-19. The results suggest that greater vaccination coverage in the first half of 2021 would prevent thousands of deaths in the country.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a efetividade das vacinas desenvolvidas contra a covid-19 na redução da mortalidade em pessoas internadas com síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS Trata-se de uma coorte retrospectiva que avaliou fatores de riscos e a efetividade do esquema vacinal com duas doses na redução da mortalidade de pessoas internadas por covid-19 no estado da Paraíba entre fevereiro e novembro de 2021. As variáveis explicativas foram situação vacinal, presença de comorbidades, características socioeconômicas e demográficas. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e regressão logística bivariada e multivariável. RESULTADOS A maior parte das internações e óbitos ocorreram até maio de 2021. O percentual de pacientes com esquema vacinal completo foi similar entre pacientes internados em hospitais públicos e privados e superior em residentes de municípios com menor desenvolvimento. A análise multivariável demonstrou que mulheres (OR = 0,896; IC95% 0,830-0,967) e pessoas internadas em hospitais privados (OR = 0,756; IC95% 0,679-0,842) apresentaram menor chance de morte. A presença de alguma comorbidade (OR = 1,627; IC95% 1,500-1,765) e idade ≥ 80 anos (OR = 7,426; IC95% 6,309-8,741) foram fatores de risco de óbito. Pacientes com esquema vacinal completo no momento da internação apresentaram uma chance 41,7% menor de morte (OR = 0,583; IC95% 0,501-0,679) por covid-19 na análise ajustada, quando comparados com pacientes não vacinados. CONCLUSÕES O estudo revela que a imunização foi efetiva na redução da chance de óbito por covid-19. Os resultados sugerem que uma maior cobertura vacinal no primeiro semestre de 2021 evitaria milhares de mortes no país.

Habilidades de comunicação clínica: análise da autoavaliação dos residentes de medicina de família e comunidade / Clinical communication skills: analysis of the self-assessment of family medicine residents

Resumo Introdução: O conhecimento das habilidades de comunicação clínica é primordial para o adequado exercício da medicina de família e comunidade (MFC), visto que um dos princípios da especialidade advém da relação médico-pessoa. A comunicação assertiva é uma competência clínica básica que deve ser aprendida, sobretudo, durante a residência médica. Não se trata de uma característica inata, perpassa um processo de conhecer, aplicar e dominar, necessitando, portanto, de avaliações. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção dos médicos residentes de MFC em relação às suas habilidades de comunicação. Método: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal. O cenário de estudo foi o conjunto de programas de residência de MFC do município de João Pessoa, na Paraíba. A coleta de dados foi feita a partir de um questionário on-line, disponível para preenchimento de setembro a novembro de 2022. Utilizamos para a construção do questionário o instrumento A Consulta em 7 Passos. Desenvolvemos escores denominados índice de desempenho geral (IDg), índice de desempenho por passo da consulta (IDp) e índice de desempenho por item (IDitem). Na análise estatística, utilizamos o teste t para amostras independentes. Resultado: O IDg médio foi de 72,0%. Os residentes tiveram o maior índice de IDp no passo 5 da consulta (81,7%), seguido pelos passos 2 (77,6%), 3 (76,1%) e 6 (75,9%). Os menores desempenhos foram nos passos 4 (68,9%), 7 (63,7%) e 1 (63,3%). Não houve significância estatística quanto ao desempenho quando se compararam sexo, ano de residência e programa. Conclusão: Os residentes de MFC avaliam positivamente suas habilidades de comunicação. Entretanto, ainda há o que aprimorar, como fomentar momentos crítico-reflexivos sobre os fenômenos subjetivos que ocorrem na consulta. Destarte, a utilização do instrumento A Consulta em 7 Passos se revelou, no presente estudo, como uma ferramenta importante no processo de formação e avaliação da comunicação clínica durante a residência.

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge of clinical communication skills is essential for the proper practice of Family Medicine, since one of the principles of the specialty treats the doctor-person relationship as fundamental. Good communication is a basic clinical competence and must be learned, above all, during medical residency. Communication is not an innate characteristic, but a process of self-knowledge, therefore requiring self-assessments. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of Family Medicine residents doctors in relation to their communication skills. Method: This is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study setting was the set of Family Medicine Residency Programs in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba. Data collection was performed using an online questionnaire, available to be completed from September to November 2022. We used the instrument A consulta em 7 passos (7-step consultation) to construct the questionnaire. We developed scores called overall performance index (IDg), query step performance index (IDp) and item performance index (IDitem). In the statistical analysis, we used the t test for independent samples. Result: The average overall performance index (IDg) was 72.0%. Residents had the highest IDp rate in step 5 of the consultation (81.7%), followed by step 2 (77.6%), step 3 (76.1%) and step 6 (75.9% ). While residents had the lowest performances in descending order in steps 4 (68.9%), 7 (63.7%) and 1 (63.3%). There was no statistical significance between sexes, year of residency and residency program. Conclusion: MFC residents positively evaluate their communication skills. However, there is still room forto improvement in how to encourage critical-reflective moments about the subjective phenomena that occur in the consultation. Furthermore, the use of a consulta em 7 passos is an important tool in the training and evaluation process in residency.

Educational Strategies to Reduce Physician Shortages in Underserved Areas: A Systematic Review.

The shortage of physicians in rural and underserved areas is an obstacle to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). We carried out a systematic review to analyze the effectiveness of initiatives in medical education aimed to increase the supply of physicians in rural or underserved areas. We searched for studies published between 1999 and 2019 in six databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Interventional or observational controlled studies were defined as inclusion criteria. A total of 955 relevant unique records were selected for inclusion, which resulted in the identification of 17 articles for analysis. The admission of students from rural areas associated with a rural curriculum represented 52.95% of the interventions. Medical practice after graduation in rural or underserved areas was the most evaluated outcome, representing 12 publications (70.59%). Participants of these educational initiatives were more likely to work in rural or underserved areas or to choose family medicine, with significant differences between the groups in 82.35% of the studies. Educational strategies in undergraduate and medical residencies are effective. However, it is necessary to expand these interventions to ensure the supply of physicians in rural or urban underserved areas.

Impact of educational policies on access to health care in Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Various initiatives to improve access to health care have been implemented internationally. In Brazil, this has included policies intended to expand access to higher education for underrepresented socio-economic groups. These measures have reduced inequalities in access to medical education, but it is not known whether they influence career choices. We examine the effect of these educational policies on physician practice patterns in primary care and/or in medically underserved areas. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that analysed the association between affirmative educational policies and the career choices of physicians who graduated between 2010 and 2015. Multivariate binary regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of affirmative educational policies on physician career choices, including primary care practice, practice in cities with ≤20 000 inhabitants, and practice in less developed municipalities 4 years after graduation. RESULTS: We identified the practice patterns of 65 304 (82.8%) physicians 4 years after their graduation. Most physicians included in our analysis were female (54.5%), aged ≤27 years (72.4%), born in developed cities and studied in private medical schools. Physicians admitted to medical school based on racial or social access policies were more likely to practice in municipalities with fewer than 20 000 inhabitants (odds ratio [OR]: 1.64; 1.36-1.98) and in primary care (OR: 1.55; 1.35-1.53). Physicians who benefited from scholarships for under-represented socio-economic groups were more likely to practice in small cities (OR: 1.24; 1.07-1.43) and primary care (OR: 1.23; 1.11-1.37). The provision of financial aid also improved the likelihood of practice in primary care and underserved areas. Graduation from medical schools located in smaller cities was associated with practice in municipalities ≤20 000 inhabitants and primary care. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that educational policies implemented in the Brazilian context are effective in reducing inequities in physician distribution and led to an increase in the number of physicians practicing in primary care.

Teleatendimento para COVID-19 em um Sistema Municipal de Saúde

A pandemia de COVID-19 gerou desafios para os sistemas de saúde ao redor do mundo, os quais precisaram buscar novas estratégias para responder as necessidades de saúde. Objetivo: analisar as características dos atendimentos realizados pela Central de Teleatendimento à COVID-19 da Secretaria Municipal de João Pessoa. Métodos: Estudo descritivo que utiliza metodologia quantitativa para analisar as características dos atendimentos realizados na central entre os meses de março de 2020 e abril de 2021. Resultados: Foram realizados 24.831 atendimentos, sendo 14.912 (60,05%) para esclarecimento de dúvidas e 9.919 (39,95%) para avaliação clínica. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram cefaleia (72,53%), tosse (70,39%) e febre (68,58%). Dentre os usuários, 91,11% preencheram critérios clínicos para síndrome gripal e 28,64% apresentaram pelo menos uma comorbidade. Conclusão: A Central de Telemedicina possibilitou a redução da demanda de atendimentos em serviços de urgência. Ademais, demonstrou a possibilidade de integração entre ações assistenciais, educacionais e de vigilância à saúde, oportunizando o surgimento de novos arranjos assistenciais que podem ser utilizados para outros agravos.

Políticas de ampliação do acesso ao ensino superior e mudança no perfil de egressos de medicina no Brasil: um estudo transversal / Policies for expanding access to higher education and changing the profile of medical graduates in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Resumo Este estudo avalia o impacto de políticas de ampliação do acesso ao ensino superior na redução de iniquidades no perfil dos egressos de cursos médicos no Brasil. Estudo transversal que utiliza dados do Censo da Educação Superior de 2018. Foram realizadas análises para identificar associação entre ser beneficiário da Lei de Cotas, do Programa Universidade para Todos ou do Fundo de Financiamento Estudantil e três marcadores: nascimento em município de pequeno porte, ser não-branco ou ter cursado ensino médio em escola pública. Realizamos análises utilizando teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e análise multivariada através de regressão de Poisson. Houve associação significativa entre ser beneficiário destas políticas e ser egresso não branco, ter nascido em município de pequeno porte e ser egresso de escola pública no ensino médio. Todas as políticas apresentaram resultados de Razões de Prevalências (RP) ajustadas superiores a um e com significância estatística. A Lei de Cotas foi a política mais efetiva com RP=1,92 para ser egresso não-branco, RP=6,66 para ter estudado ensino médio em escola pública e RP=1,08 para ter nascido em município de pequeno porte. Apesar destes resultados, estes grupos continuam sub-representados nos cursos médicos e na composição da força de trabalho.

Abstract This study assesses the effectiveness of policies to expand access to higher education in reducing inequities in the profile of graduates from medical courses in Brazil. This work consists of a cross-sectional study using data from the 2018 Higher Education Census. Analyses were carried out to identify the association between being a beneficiary of the Quota Law, the University for All Program, or the Student Financing Fund and three markers: born in a small-sized municipality, being non-white, or having attended high school in a public school. Analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was conducted using Poisson regression. A significant association was found between being a beneficiary of these policies and being a non-white graduate, who was born in a small town and who had studied in a public high school. All policies presented adjusted Prevalence Ratio (PR), which demonstrated an association with statistical significance. The Quota Law was the most effective policy, with RP=1.92 for non-white graduates, RP=6.66 for having studied in a public high school, and RP=1.08 for being born in a small town. Despite these results, these groups remain underrepresented in medical courses and in the workforce.

Policies for expanding access to higher education and changing the profile of medical graduates in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. / Políticas de ampliação do acesso ao ensino superior e mudança no perfil de egressos de medicina no Brasil: um estudo transversal.

This study assesses the effectiveness of policies to expand access to higher education in reducing inequities in the profile of graduates from medical courses in Brazil. This work consists of a cross-sectional study using data from the 2018 Higher Education Census. Analyses were carried out to identify the association between being a beneficiary of the Quota Law, the University for All Program, or the Student Financing Fund and three markers: born in a small-sized municipality, being non-white, or having attended high school in a public school. Analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was conducted using Poisson regression. A significant association was found between being a beneficiary of these policies and being a non-white graduate, who was born in a small town and who had studied in a public high school. All policies presented adjusted Prevalence Ratio (PR), which demonstrated an association with statistical significance. The Quota Law was the most effective policy, with RP=1.92 for non-white graduates, RP=6.66 for having studied in a public high school, and RP=1.08 for being born in a small town. Despite these results, these groups remain underrepresented in medical courses and in the workforce.

Este estudo avalia o impacto de políticas de ampliação do acesso ao ensino superior na redução de iniquidades no perfil dos egressos de cursos médicos no Brasil. Estudo transversal que utiliza dados do Censo da Educação Superior de 2018. Foram realizadas análises para identificar associação entre ser beneficiário da Lei de Cotas, do Programa Universidade para Todos ou do Fundo de Financiamento Estudantil e três marcadores: nascimento em município de pequeno porte, ser não-branco ou ter cursado ensino médio em escola pública. Realizamos análises utilizando teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e análise multivariada através de regressão de Poisson. Houve associação significativa entre ser beneficiário destas políticas e ser egresso não branco, ter nascido em município de pequeno porte e ser egresso de escola pública no ensino médio. Todas as políticas apresentaram resultados de Razões de Prevalências (RP) ajustadas superiores a um e com significância estatística. A Lei de Cotas foi a política mais efetiva com RP=1,92 para ser egresso não-branco, RP=6,66 para ter estudado ensino médio em escola pública e RP=1,08 para ter nascido em município de pequeno porte. Apesar destes resultados, estes grupos continuam sub-representados nos cursos médicos e na composição da força de trabalho.

Effects of the economic recession on suicide mortality in Brazil: interrupted time series analysis.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze trends in suicide rates in Brazil in the period before and after the start of the economic recession. METHODS: interrupted time series research using national suicide data recorded in the period between 2012 and 2017 with socioeconomic subgroups analyses. Quasi-Poisson regression model was employed to analyze trends in seasonally adjusted data. RESULTS: there was an abrupt increase in the risk of suicide after economic recession in the population with less education (12.5%; RR = 1.125; 95%CI: 1.027; 1.232) and in the South Region (17.7%; 1.044; 1.328). After an abrupt reduction, there was a progressive increase in risk for the black and brown population and for those with higher education. In most other population strata, there was a progressive increase in the risk of suicide. CONCLUSIONS: the Brazilian economic recession caused different effects on suicide rates, considering social strata, which requires health strategies and policies that are sensitive to the most vulnerable populations.

Effects of the economic recession on suicide mortality in Brazil: interrupted time series analysis / Efectos de la recesión económica en la mortalidad por suicidio en Brasil: análisis de series de tiempo interrumpido / Efeitos da recessão econômica na mortalidade por suicídio no Brasil: análise com séries temporais interrompidas

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze trends in suicide rates in Brazil in the period before and after the start of the economic recession. Methods: interrupted time series research using national suicide data recorded in the period between 2012 and 2017 with socioeconomic subgroups analyses. Quasi-Poisson regression model was employed to analyze trends in seasonally adjusted data. Results: there was an abrupt increase in the risk of suicide after economic recession in the population with less education (12.5%; RR = 1.125; 95%CI: 1.027; 1.232) and in the South Region (17.7%; 1.044; 1.328). After an abrupt reduction, there was a progressive increase in risk for the black and brown population and for those with higher education. In most other population strata, there was a progressive increase in the risk of suicide. Conclusions: the Brazilian economic recession caused different effects on suicide rates, considering social strata, which requires health strategies and policies that are sensitive to the most vulnerable populations.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar tendencias de tasas de suicidio en Brasil, antes y después del inicio de la recesión económica. Métodos: estudio de series de tiempo interrumpido utilizando datos nacionales de suicidio registrados entre 2012 y 2017 con análisis por subgrupos socioeconómicos. Modelo de regresión quasi-Poisson empleado para analizar tendencias de datos ajustados estacionalmente. Resultados: observado aumento abrupto en el riesgo de suicidio pos recesión económica en la población con menor escolaridad (12,5%; RR = 1,125; IC95%:1,027; 1,232) y en la Región Sur (17,7%; 1,044; 1,328). Pos reducción abrupta, ocurrió aumento progresivo en el riesgo para la población de negros y pardos y de mayor escolaridad. En la mayoría de los demás estratos poblacionales, verificado aumento progresivo en el riesgo de suicidio. Conclusiones: la recesión económica brasileña produzco efectos diferentes en las tasas de suicidio, considerando los estratos sociales, lo que demanda estrategias de salud y políticas sensibles a poblaciones más vulnerables.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as tendências nas taxas de suicídio no Brasil, no período antes e depois do início da recessão econômica. Métodos: estudo de séries temporais interrompidas utilizando dados nacionais de suicídio registrados no período entre 2012 e 2017 com análises por subgrupos socioeconômicos. Modelo de regressão quasi-Poisson foi empregado para analisar as tendências dos dados ajustados sazonalmente. Resultados: observou-se aumento abrupto no risco de suicídio após recessão econômica na população com menor escolaridade (12,5%; RR = 1,125; IC95%:1,027; 1,232) e na Região Sul (17,7%; 1,044; 1,328). Após redução abrupta, ocorreu aumento progressivo no risco para a população de pretos e pardos e na de maior escolaridade. Na maioria dos demais estratos populacionais, verificou-se aumento progressivo no risco de suicídio. Conclusões: a recessão econômica brasileira produziu efeitos diferentes nas taxas de suicídio, considerando os estratos sociais, o que demanda estratégias de saúde e políticas sensíveis às populações mais vulneráveis.

Letalidad de la COVID-19: ausencia de patrón epidemiológico / Case fatality rate of COVID-19: absence of epidemiological pattern

Objetivo: Analizar un conjunto de indicadores para comprender la variabilidad de la evolución y el impacto de la epidemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudio ecológico de países con más de 200 casos notificados. Se han analizado variables demográficas, de gasto sanitario y de características de los servicios sanitarios como variables explicativas, y las tasas de incidencia, mortalidad y letalidad como variables respuesta. Se ha creado un índice de letalidad relativa. Los datos proceden de organismos internacionales. La magnitud de las asociaciones se ha estimado mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: El número de pruebas y el número de profesionales de medicina se asocian a una mayor incidencia. La mortalidad y la letalidad no se asocian con variables demográficas, de gasto sanitario ni de los servicios sanitarios. Conclusión: Las diferencias sugieren una subestimación generalizada de la magnitud de la epidemia. Es necesario mejorar la identificación de casos y la eficacia de los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica. (AU)

Objective: Analyze a set of indicators to understand the variability of the evolution and impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in a set of selected countries. Method: Ecological study of a group of countries with more than 200 reported cases. Demographic variables, health expenditure variables, and variables about characteristics of health services were included as explanatory variables. and incidence, mortality and fatality rates have been analyzed as response variables. In addition, a relative fatality index has been created. Data are from international organizations. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to estimate the magnitude of the associations. Results: Number of tests and of medical professionals are associated with a higher incidence rate. Mortality and case fatality rate are not associated with demographic, health expenditure, or health services variables. Conclusion: Differences suggest a general underestimation of the magnitude of the epidemic. Improvement of case identification and effectiveness of epidemiological surveillance systems is necessary. (AU)

Evaluating medical education regulation changes in Brazil: workforce impact.

BACKGROUND: Shortages and inequitable distribution of physicians is an obstacle to move towards Universal Health Coverage, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. In Brazil, expansion of medical school enrollment, curricula changes and recruitment programs were established to increase the number of physicians in underserved areas. This study seeks to analyze the impact of these measures in reduce inequities in access to medical education and physicians' distribution. METHODS: This is an observational study that analyzes changes in the number of undergraduate medical places and number of physicians per inhabitants in different areas in Brazil between the years 2010 and 2018. Data regarding the number of undergraduate medical places, number and the practice location of physicians were obtained in public databases. Municipalities with less than 20,000 inhabitants were considered underserved areas. Data regarding access to antenatal visits were analyzed as a proxy for impact in access to healthcare. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2018, 19,519 new medical undergraduate places were created which represents an increase of 120.2%. The increase in the number of physicians engaged in the workforce throughout the period was 113,702 physicians, 74,771 of these physicians in the Unified Health System. The greatest increase in the physicians per 1000 inhabitants ratio in the municipalities with the smallest population, the lowest Gross Domestic Product per capita and in those located in the states with the lowest concentration of physicians occurred in the 2013-2015 period. Increase in physician supply improved access to antenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: There was an expansion in the number of undergraduate medical places and medical workforce in all groups of municipalities assessed in Brazil. Medical undergraduate places expansion in the federal public schools was more efficient to reduce regional inequities in access to medical education than private sector expansion. The recruitment component of More Doctors for Brazil Program demonstrated effectiveness to increase the number of physicians in underserved areas. Our results indicate the importance of public policies to face inequities in access to medical education and physician shortages and the necessity of continuous assessment during the period of implementation, especially in the context of political and economic changes.

Social determinants of health and COVID-19 infection in Brazil: an analysis of the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, epidemiological factors, and the health system structure in the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: Ecological study with variables extracted from databases, having the incidence and mortality by COVID-19 until August 23, 2020, in Brazilian states, as response variables. The magnitude of the associations was estimated using Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In the Brazilian states, 59.8% of variation in the incidence of COVID-19 was justified by income inequality, significant home densification, and higher mortality. In the case of mortality, those same variables explained 57.9% of the country's variations in federal units. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that socioeconomic factors influenced the evolution and impact of COVID-19 in Brazil. Thus, we suggest comprehensive actions to ensure economic conditions and strengthening of health networks for populations with socioeconomic vulnerability.

[Relationship between the supply of syphilis diagnosis and treatment in primary care and incidence of gestational and congenital syphilis]. / Relação entre oferta de diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis na atenção básica sobre a incidência de sífilis gestacional e congênita.

Brazil has reported an increase in the incidence of both gestational and congenital syphilis, posing a serious public health problem in the country. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the supply of syphilis diagnosis and treatment in primary care and the incidence rates of gestational and congenital syphilis. An ecological study analyzed these incidence rates and the coverage of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in primary care. The study sample consisted of municipalities (counties) with population over 20,000, with coverage by primary care over 50%, and where the majority of the teams were assessed in the second cycle of the National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care. Analysis of the effectiveness of detection and treatment measures was based on the development of the Index of Variation in Vertical Syphilis Transmission. The administration of penicillin and application of the rapid test in these municipalities showed median rates of 41.9% and 67.14%, respectively, with regional differences. Median incidence of gestational syphilis was 6.24 (IQR: 2.63-10.99) in municipalities with a higher supply of the rapid test and 3.82 (IQR: 0.00-8.21) in those with a lower supply, indicating an increase in detection capacity. Municipalities with a reduction in vertical transmission showed higher median rates of teams with supply of rapid testing and (83.33%; IQR: 50.00-100.00) and administration of penicillin (50.00%; IQR: 11.10-87.50), demonstrating a relationship between these measures and the reduction in congenital syphilis. The findings indicate the need to expand these services and to reinforce the importance of reducing vertical transmission.

O Brasil tem registrado aumento nas incidências de sífilis gestacional e congênita, revelando-se como um importante problema de saúde pública no país. O trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre as ofertas de diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis na atenção básica e as incidências de sífilis gestacional e congênita. Foi realizado estudo ecológico analisando as incidências desses agravos e a cobertura de ações diagnósticas e terapêuticas na atenção básica. A amostra do estudo foi composta por municípios com população acima de 20.000 habitantes, com cobertura da atenção básica superior a 50% e nos quais a maioria das equipes foi avaliada no segundo ciclo do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade na Atenção Básica. Para analisar a efetividade das ações de detecção e tratamento foi desenvolvido o Índice de Variação da Transmissão Vertical de Sífilis. A administração da penicilina e a realização de teste rápido nesses municípios obtiveram medianas iguais a 41,9% e 67,14%, respectivamente, com diferenças regionais. A mediana da incidência de sífilis gestacional foi 6,24 (IIQ: 2,63-10,99) em municípios com maior oferta de teste rápido, e de 3,82 (IIQ: 0,00-8,21) naqueles com oferta inferior, apontando aumento na capacidade de detecção. Municípios com redução da transmissão vertical apresentavam maiores medianas dos percentuais de equipes com oferta dos testes rápidos (83,33%; IIQ: 50,00-100,00) e realização de penicilina (50,00%; IIQ: 11,10-87,50), demonstrando relação entre estas ações e a redução de sífilis congênita. Os achados indicam a necessidade de ampliação dessas ofertas e reforça a importância na redução da transmissão vertical.

Brasil ha registrado un aumento en las incidencias de sífilis gestacional y congénita, revelándose como un importante problema de salud pública en Brasil. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre las ofertas de diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la sífilis en la atención básica, así como las incidencias de sífilis gestacional y congénita. Se realizó un estudio ecológico, analizando las incidencias de esos problemas de salud y la cobertura de las acciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas en la atención básica. La muestra del estudio estuvo compuesta por municipios con una población por encima de los 20.000 habitantes, con una cobertura de atención básica superior a un 50%, y en los que la mayoría de los equipos se evaluó en el segundo ciclo del Programa Nacional de Mejora de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica Para analizar la efectividad de las acciones de detección y tratamiento se desarrolló el Índice de Variación de la Transmisión Vertical de Sífilis. La administración de la penicilina y la realización del test rápido en estos municipios obtuvieron medias iguales a 41,9% y 67,14%, respectivamente, con diferencias regionales. La media de la incidencia de sífilis gestacional fue 6,24 (IIQ: 2,63-10,99) en municipios con mayor oferta de test rápido y de 3,82 (IIQ: 0,00-8,21) en aquellos con oferta inferior, apuntando un aumento en la capacidad de detección. Los municipios con una reducción de la transmisión vertical presentaban mayores medias de los porcentajes de equipos con oferta de tests rápidos (83,33%; IIQ: 50,00-100,00) y administración de penicilina (50,00%; IIQ: 11,10-87,50), demostrando la relación entre estas acciones y la reducción de sífilis congénita. Los resultados indican la necesidad de que exista una ampliación de esta oferta de servicios y refuerza la importancia en la reducción de la transmisión vertical.

Relação entre oferta de diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis na atenção básica sobre a incidência de sífilis gestacional e congênita / Relationship between the supply of syphilis diagnosis and treatment in primary care and incidence of gestational and congenital syphilis / Relación entre ofrecer un diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la sífilis dentro de la atención básica, respecto a la incidencia de sífilis gestacional y congénita

Resumo: O Brasil tem registrado aumento nas incidências de sífilis gestacional e congênita, revelando-se como um importante problema de saúde pública no país. O trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre as ofertas de diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis na atenção básica e as incidências de sífilis gestacional e congênita. Foi realizado estudo ecológico analisando as incidências desses agravos e a cobertura de ações diagnósticas e terapêuticas na atenção básica. A amostra do estudo foi composta por municípios com população acima de 20.000 habitantes, com cobertura da atenção básica superior a 50% e nos quais a maioria das equipes foi avaliada no segundo ciclo do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade na Atenção Básica. Para analisar a efetividade das ações de detecção e tratamento foi desenvolvido o Índice de Variação da Transmissão Vertical de Sífilis. A administração da penicilina e a realização de teste rápido nesses municípios obtiveram medianas iguais a 41,9% e 67,14%, respectivamente, com diferenças regionais. A mediana da incidência de sífilis gestacional foi 6,24 (IIQ: 2,63-10,99) em municípios com maior oferta de teste rápido, e de 3,82 (IIQ: 0,00-8,21) naqueles com oferta inferior, apontando aumento na capacidade de detecção. Municípios com redução da transmissão vertical apresentavam maiores medianas dos percentuais de equipes com oferta dos testes rápidos (83,33%; IIQ: 50,00-100,00) e realização de penicilina (50,00%; IIQ: 11,10-87,50), demonstrando relação entre estas ações e a redução de sífilis congênita. Os achados indicam a necessidade de ampliação dessas ofertas e reforça a importância na redução da transmissão vertical.

Abstract: Brazil has reported an increase in the incidence of both gestational and congenital syphilis, posing a serious public health problem in the country. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the supply of syphilis diagnosis and treatment in primary care and the incidence rates of gestational and congenital syphilis. An ecological study analyzed these incidence rates and the coverage of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in primary care. The study sample consisted of municipalities (counties) with population over 20,000, with coverage by primary care over 50%, and where the majority of the teams were assessed in the second cycle of the National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care. Analysis of the effectiveness of detection and treatment measures was based on the development of the Index of Variation in Vertical Syphilis Transmission. The administration of penicillin and application of the rapid test in these municipalities showed median rates of 41.9% and 67.14%, respectively, with regional differences. Median incidence of gestational syphilis was 6.24 (IQR: 2.63-10.99) in municipalities with a higher supply of the rapid test and 3.82 (IQR: 0.00-8.21) in those with a lower supply, indicating an increase in detection capacity. Municipalities with a reduction in vertical transmission showed higher median rates of teams with supply of rapid testing and (83.33%; IQR: 50.00-100.00) and administration of penicillin (50.00%; IQR: 11.10-87.50), demonstrating a relationship between these measures and the reduction in congenital syphilis. The findings indicate the need to expand these services and to reinforce the importance of reducing vertical transmission.

Resumen: Brasil ha registrado un aumento en las incidencias de sífilis gestacional y congénita, revelándose como un importante problema de salud pública en Brasil. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre las ofertas de diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la sífilis en la atención básica, así como las incidencias de sífilis gestacional y congénita. Se realizó un estudio ecológico, analizando las incidencias de esos problemas de salud y la cobertura de las acciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas en la atención básica. La muestra del estudio estuvo compuesta por municipios con una población por encima de los 20.000 habitantes, con una cobertura de atención básica superior a un 50%, y en los que la mayoría de los equipos se evaluó en el segundo ciclo del Programa Nacional de Mejora de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica Para analizar la efectividad de las acciones de detección y tratamiento se desarrolló el Índice de Variación de la Transmisión Vertical de Sífilis. La administración de la penicilina y la realización del test rápido en estos municipios obtuvieron medias iguales a 41,9% y 67,14%, respectivamente, con diferencias regionales. La media de la incidencia de sífilis gestacional fue 6,24 (IIQ: 2,63-10,99) en municipios con mayor oferta de test rápido y de 3,82 (IIQ: 0,00-8,21) en aquellos con oferta inferior, apuntando un aumento en la capacidad de detección. Los municipios con una reducción de la transmisión vertical presentaban mayores medias de los porcentajes de equipos con oferta de tests rápidos (83,33%; IIQ: 50,00-100,00) y administración de penicilina (50,00%; IIQ: 11,10-87,50), demostrando la relación entre estas acciones y la reducción de sífilis congénita. Los resultados indican la necesidad de que exista una ampliación de esta oferta de servicios y refuerza la importancia en la reducción de la transmisión vertical.

Factores asociados a la incidencia y la mortalidad por COVID-19 en las comunidades autónomas / Factors associated with the incidence and mortality from COVID-19 in the autonomous communities of Spain

OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución de la epidemia de COVID-19 después del estado de alarma e identificar factores asociados a las diferencias entre las comunidades autónomas. MÉTODO: Estudio ecológico que utilizó variables epidemiológicas, demográficas, ambientales y sobre la estructura de los servicios sanitarios como variables explicativas. El periodo de análisis fue desde el 15 de marzo (inicio del estado de alarma) hasta el 22 de abril de 2020. Las tasas de incidencia y de mortalidad fueron las variables respuesta principales. La magnitud de las asociaciones se ha estimado mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y el análisis de regresión múltiple. RESULTADOS: Las tasas de incidencia y de mortalidad en el momento del decreto del estado de alarma se asocian con las tasas de incidencia, mortalidad y demanda hospitalaria actuales. Las temperaturas medias más altas se asocian significativamente con una menor incidencia actual de COVID-19. Asimismo, una mayor proporción de personas mayores en residencias se asocia significativamente a una mortalidad actual más elevada. CONCLUSIÓN: Es posible predecir la evolución de la epidemia a través del análisis de la incidencia y de la mortalidad. Las temperaturas más bajas y la elevada proporción de personas mayores en residencias son factores asociados a un peor pronóstico. Estos parámetros deben ser considerados en las decisiones sobre el momento y la intensidad de la implantación de las medidas de contención. En este sentido, fortalecer la vigilancia epidemiológica es esencial para mejorar las predicciones

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the evolution of the epidemic of COVID-19 after the alarm state and identify factors associated with the differences between the autonomous communities. METHOD: Ecological study that used epidemiological, demographic, environmental and variables on the structure of health services as explanatory variables. The analysis period was from March 15th (the start of the alarm state) until April 22nd, 2020. Incidence and mortality rates were the main response variables. The magnitude of the associations has been estimated using the Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Incidence and mortality rates at the time of decree of alarm status are associated with current incidence, mortality and hospital demand rates. Higher mean temperatures are significantly associated with a lower current incidence of COVID-19 in the autonomous communities. Likewise, a higher proportion of older people in nursing homes is significantly associated with a higher current mortality in the autonomous communities. CONCLUSION: It is possible to predict the evolution of the epidemic through the analysis of incidence and mortality. Lower temperatures and the proportion of older people in residences are factors associated with a worse prognosis. These parameters must be considered in decisions about the timing and intensity of the implementation of containment measures. In this sense, strengthening epidemiological surveillance is essential to improve predictions

Letalidad del COVID-19: ausencia de patrón epidemiológico / Case fatality rate of COVID-19: absence of epidemiological pattern

OBJETIVO: Analizar un conjunto de indicadores para comprender la variabilidad de la evolución y el impacto de la epidemia de COVID-19. MÉTODO: Estudio ecológico de países con más de 200 casos notificados. Se han analizado variables demográficas, de gasto sanitario y de características de los servicios sanitarios como variables explicativas, y las tasas de incidencia, mortalidad y letalidad como variables respuesta. Se ha creado un índice de letalidad relativa. Los datos proceden de organismos internacionales. La magnitud de las asociaciones se ha estimado mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. RESULTADOS: El número de pruebas y el número de profesionales de medicina se asocian a una mayor incidencia. La mortalidad y la letalidad no se asocian con variables demográficas, de gasto sanitario ni de los servicios sanitarios. CONCLUSIÓN: Las diferencias sugieren una subestimación generalizada de la magnitud de la epidemia. Es necesario mejorar la identificación de casos y la eficacia de los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica

OBJECTIVE: Analyze a set of indicators to understand the variability of the evolution and impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in a set of selected countries. METHOD: Ecological study of a group of countries with more than 200 reported cases. Demographic variables, health expenditure variables, and variables about characteristics of health services were included as explanatory variables. and incidence, mortality and fatality rates have been analyzed as response variables. In addition, a relative fatality index has been created. Data are from international organizations. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to estimate the magnitude of the associations. RESULTS: Number of tests and of medical professionals are associated with a higher incidence rate. Mortality and case fatality rate are not associated with demographic, health expenditure, or health services variables. CONCLUSIONS: Differences suggest a general underestimation of the magnitude of the epidemic. Improvement of case identification and effectiveness of epidemiological surveillance systems is necessary

Social determinants of health and COVID-19 infection in Brazil: an analysis of the pandemic / Determinantes sociales de la salud y la infección por COVID-19 en Brasil: un análisis de la pandemia / Determinantes sociais da saúde e infecção por COVID-19 no Brasil: uma análise da epidemia

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, epidemiological factors, and the health system structure in the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: Ecological study with variables extracted from databases, having the incidence and mortality by COVID-19 until August 23, 2020, in Brazilian states, as response variables. The magnitude of the associations was estimated using Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: In the Brazilian states, 59.8% of variation in the incidence of COVID-19 was justified by income inequality, significant home densification, and higher mortality. In the case of mortality, those same variables explained 57.9% of the country's variations in federal units. Conclusion: Our results indicate that socioeconomic factors influenced the evolution and impact of COVID-19 in Brazil. Thus, we suggest comprehensive actions to ensure economic conditions and strengthening of health networks for populations with socioeconomic vulnerability.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de factores socioeconómicos, demográficos, epidemiológicos y estructura del sistema de salud en la evolución del COVID-19 en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio ecológico con variables extraídas de bancos de datos, teniendo la incidencia y mortalidad por COVID-19 hasta 23 de agosto de 2020, en estados brasileños, como variables respuesta. Las relaciones han estimadas usando el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y análisis de regresión múltiple. Resultados: En los estados brasileños, 59,8% de la variación de la incidencia de COVID-19 ha justificada por la desigualdad de renta, mayor densificación domiciliar y mayor letalidad. En la mortalidad, esas mismas variables explicaron 57,9% de las variaciones encontradas en las Unidades Federativas del país. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados indican que factores socioeconómicos influenciaron la evolución e impacto de COVID-19 en Brasil. Así, sugerimos acciones abarcadoras para garantizar condiciones económicas y el fortalecimiento de las redes de salud para poblaciones con vulnerabilidad socioeconómica.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos, epidemiológicos e da estrutura do sistema de saúde na evolução da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com variáveis extraídas de bancos de dados, tendo a incidência e mortalidade por COVID 19 até 23 de agosto de 2020, nos estados brasileiros, como variáveis-resposta. A magnitude das associações foi estimada usando o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e análise de regressão múltipla. Resultados: Nos estados brasileiros, 59,8% da variação da incidência de COVID-19 foi justificada pela desigualdade de renda, maior adensamento domiciliar e maior letalidade. No caso da mortalidade, essas mesmas variáveis explicaram 57,9% das variações encontradas nas Unidades Federativas do país. Conclusão: Nossos resultados indicam que fatores socioeconômicos influenciaram a evolução e impacto da COVID-19 no Brasil. Dessa forma, sugerimos ações abrangentes a fim de garantir condições econômicas e o fortalecimento das redes de saúde para populações com vulnerabilidade socioeconômica.

Medical school expansion policies: educational access and physician distribution.

INTRODUCTION: Many countries are employing strategies intended to reduce maldistribution of health workers and inequities. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of expansion policies of medical schools on regional inequalities in the distribution of undergraduate class sizes, and the capacity to attract and retain doctors and to expand health facilities. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive analysis to compare the distribution of undergraduate places in 2007 and 2016 to determine the impact of targeted expansion policies on inequalities in access to medical education in Brazil. A group of municipalities with new medical schools (n = 54) and a control group without medical schools (n = 408) were compared to analyse impacts of expansion in the health sector. We compared the increase in the number of physicians per 1000 inhabitants and health establishments per inhabitants between 2007 and 2016 based on these two groups. We also analysed the relationship between geographic distance from the state capital and capacity to attract physicians. RESULTS: There was a decrease in the regional inequalities of undergraduate places in medical schools; the greatest increase in the places per 1000 inhabitants was in municipalities of between 50 000 and 100 000 inhabitants. Municipalities with new medical schools showed an increase in physicians per 1000 inhabitants and in health establishments per inhabitant ratio, demonstrating the potential to attract and retain doctors, as well as strengthening the health infrastructure. Municipalities more distant from state capitals showed a greater increase in physician : inhabitant ratio. DISCUSSION: Countries with health workforce shortages and inequalities in their distribution might consider public financing and regulation policies for expansion of medical schools as a strategy to attract and retain professionals. Early results in Brazil showed that such strategies could strengthen service networks in deprived areas, supporting implementation of Universal Healthcare Coverage.