The role of interaction between vitamin D and VDR FokI gene polymorphism (rs2228570) in sleep quality of adults.

To evaluate association of vitamin D with sleep quality in adults and the influence of VDR-gene polymorphism FokI (rs2228570;A > G). Cross-sectional population-based study in adults, conducted in Brazil. The outcome was sleep-quality, evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Vitamin D was determined by indirect electrochemiluminescence and classified as deficiency (VDD), 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL in a healthy population or 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL for groups at risk for VDD. FokI polymorphism in the VDR-gene was genotyped by qPCR and classified as homozygous wild (FF or AA), heterozygous (Ff or AG), or homozygous mutant (ff or GG). Multivariate logistic analysis was used to estimate the association between vitamin D and FokI polymorphism with sleep-quality. In a total of 1674 individuals evaluated, 53.6% had poor-sleep-quality, 31.5% had VDD, and the genotype frequency of the FokI polymorphism was 9.9% FF, 44.6% Ff, and 45.5% ff. In multivariate analysis, individuals with VDD had 1.51 times the chance of poor-sleep-quality, and individuals with the ff genotype had 1.49 times the chance of poor-sleep-quality (OR:1.49;95%CI:1.05-2.12) when compared to individuals with the FF or Ff genotype. In the combined analysis, individuals with VDD and ff genotype had more chance of poor-sleep-quality than individuals with sufficient vitamin D and genotype Ff or FF (OR:2.19;95%CI:1.27-3.76). Our data suggest that VDD and VDR FokI gene polymorphism are associated with poor-sleep-quality, and combining the two factors increases the chance of poor-sleep-quality compared to separate groups.

Validity and reliability of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) for use in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) translated and adapted for use in Brazil. DESIGN: Validation of the NEMS-P questionnaire. The questionnaires were applied to assess validity and reliability, based on exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's α coefficient and intra-class correlation, with a significance level of 95 %. SETTING: Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Adults over 20 years of age diagnosed with hypertension were included in the internal validity and reliability test (n 176) and intra-rater reliability (subsample n 35). RESULTS: Factor analysis obtained satisfactory results. Internal consistency was acceptable for most items, with Cronbach's α ranging from 0·6 to 0·9. The intra-rater reliability of the subsample was also valid, with intra-class correlation coefficient values ranging from 0·5 to 0·9. CONCLUSION: This work reveals the usefulness of the instrument to assess the perceived food environment in the Brazilian context, being able to measure what is proposed according to its theoretical model, and reproduces the values when applied to a sample different from its original validation. However, refinement of some questions is suggested. Finally, it demonstrates the possibility of using the entire instrument or each section independently, according to the food environments to be investigated.

Burden of ischemic heart disease attributable to trans fatty acids, 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND & AIM: The impact of cardiovascular disease attributable to trans fatty acids (TFAs) in the Brazilian population has not been systematically evaluated. This study aims to analyze the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) attributable to TFAs in Brazil between 1990 and 2019. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were used to investigate the attributable burden in Brazil and its 27 federative units, for both sexes-pooled adults aged ≥25 years. Mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from IHD attributable to TFAs were expressed as crude and age-standardized rates and differences from 1990 to 2019 by percentage and annualized rate of change. Linear regression was used to investigate trends. National voluntary and regulatory policies for industrial TFAs (iTFAs) implemented until 2019, summary exposure value (SEV) and sociodemographic index (SDI) were examined. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, crude and age-standardized mortality rates from IHD attributable to TFAs decreased by -15.9% and -58.0%, respectively, in Brazil. A decrease in crude (-23.3%) and age-standardized (-56.4%) DALY rates of IHD attributable to TFAs was also noticed in the country. States of the South, Southeast, and the Federal District had the largest declines of IHD attributable to TFAs, while states of the Northeast and North had the smallest or even an increase. The policies already adopted had little effect on the IHD burden. A lower SEV and higher SDI value seemed to reduce the burden of IHD. CONCLUSIONS: Although a downward trend in IHD attributable to TFAs and a reduction in exposure to TFAs were observed, this burden is still relevant in Brazil, reinforcing the importance of diet policies, such as banning iTFAs.

Evaluating the Adequate and Healthy Food Promotion Program in Primary Care: a mixed methods research. / Avaliação do Programa de Promoção da Alimentação Adequada e Saudável na Atenção Primária: pesquisa de métodos mistos.

This article aims to analyze the implementation of an Adequate and Healthy Food Promotion Program in Primary Health Care in the municipalities of Minas Gerais. Mixed Methods Research with Data Concomitant Embedded Strategy. Evaluative research from the perspective of the implementation analysis was employed in the quantitative approach. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using content analysis in the qualitative approach. Qualitative and quantitative data were incorporated for analysis from their imbrication. The Program Implementation Level (IL) was 92.5%, representing an adequate implementation. The methodology of the actions proposed in the program and the implementation of Continuing Education were convergent strengths that emerged from data imbrication. The need for more human resources for planning and implementing the program and the lack of a kitchen for cooking workshops were identified as challenges. The Program's implementation was adequate and can be extended to other Brazilian municipalities to help professionals structure interventions to promote adequate and healthy food in the Primary Care work routine.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a implantação do Programa de Promoção da Alimentação Adequada e Saudável na Atenção Primária à Saúde em municípios de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa de Métodos Mistos com Estratégia Incorporada Concomitante de dados. Na abordagem quantitativa utilizou-se pesquisa avaliativa na perspectiva da análise de implantação. Na abordagem qualitativa realizou-se estudo exploratório-descritivo utilizando a análise de conteúdo. Os dados qualitativos e quantitativos foram incorporados para análise a partir de sua imbricação. O Grau de Implantação do programa foi 92,5% representando uma implantação adequada. Na imbricação dos dados, a metodologia das ações propostas no programa e a realização da atividade de Educação Permanente foram pontos fortes convergentes que emergiram. Recursos Humanos insuficientes para planejamento e execução do programa e falta de cozinha para oficina culinária foram apontados como desafios. A implantação do programa foi adequada e poderá ser estendida para outros municípios brasileiros, de forma a apoiar os profissionais a estruturar intervenções de promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável na rotina de trabalho na Atenção Primária.

The combined consumption of fresh/minimally processed food and ultra-processed food on food insecurity: COVID Inconfidentes, a population-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the combined consumption of fresh/minimally processed and ultra-processed food is associated with food insecurity (FI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study was derived from a survey using a population-based search of a complex sample. FI was assessed using the validated Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Food consumption was assessed using a qualitative FFQ and the NOVA classification for fresh/minimally processed food and ultra-processed food. A scoring system was used to evaluate combined food consumption according to the extent and purpose of processing, considering the weekly consumption of the two groups (according to the NOVA classification). Higher punctuation reflects worse diet quality (higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and lower consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods). A theoretical causality model was constructed using a directed acyclic graph, and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression to test the association between FI and food consumption. SETTING: Ouro Preto and Mariana, Brazil, between October and December 2020. PARTICIPANTS: An epidemiological household survey was conducted with 1753 individuals selected through a stratified and clustered sampling design in three stages. RESULTS: Those with food consumption scores in the fourth quartile had a 60 % higher prevalence ratio (PR) for FI (PR: 1·60 and 95 % CI: 1·06 - 2·40). Also, the increased consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods and low consumption of ultra-processed foods presented a 45 % lower prevalence ratio of FI (PR: 0·55 and 95 % CI: 0·40 - 0·80). CONCLUSION: These results indicate an inverse association between FI and diet quality.

Avaliação do Programa de Promoção da Alimentação Adequada e Saudável na Atenção Primária: pesquisa de métodos mistos / Evaluating the Adequate and Healthy Food Promotion Program in Primary Care: a mixed methods research

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a implantação do Programa de Promoção da Alimentação Adequada e Saudável na Atenção Primária à Saúde em municípios de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa de Métodos Mistos com Estratégia Incorporada Concomitante de dados. Na abordagem quantitativa utilizou-se pesquisa avaliativa na perspectiva da análise de implantação. Na abordagem qualitativa realizou-se estudo exploratório-descritivo utilizando a análise de conteúdo. Os dados qualitativos e quantitativos foram incorporados para análise a partir de sua imbricação. O Grau de Implantação do programa foi 92,5% representando uma implantação adequada. Na imbricação dos dados, a metodologia das ações propostas no programa e a realização da atividade de Educação Permanente foram pontos fortes convergentes que emergiram. Recursos Humanos insuficientes para planejamento e execução do programa e falta de cozinha para oficina culinária foram apontados como desafios. A implantação do programa foi adequada e poderá ser estendida para outros municípios brasileiros, de forma a apoiar os profissionais a estruturar intervenções de promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável na rotina de trabalho na Atenção Primária.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the implementation of an Adequate and Healthy Food Promotion Program in Primary Health Care in the municipalities of Minas Gerais. Mixed Methods Research with Data Concomitant Embedded Strategy. Evaluative research from the perspective of the implementation analysis was employed in the quantitative approach. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using content analysis in the qualitative approach. Qualitative and quantitative data were incorporated for analysis from their imbrication. The Program Implementation Level (IL) was 92.5%, representing an adequate implementation. The methodology of the actions proposed in the program and the implementation of Continuing Education were convergent strengths that emerged from data imbrication. The need for more human resources for planning and implementing the program and the lack of a kitchen for cooking workshops were identified as challenges. The Program's implementation was adequate and can be extended to other Brazilian municipalities to help professionals structure interventions to promote adequate and healthy food in the Primary Care work routine.

Disponibilidade, acesso percebido e insegurança alimentar em domicílios de escolares de dois municípios de Minas Gerais na pandemia de COVID-19 / Availability, perceived access, and food insecurity in households of schoolchildren in two cities of Minas Gerais in the COVID-19 pandemic

Introdução: O contexto pandêmico tem implicações diretas na situação de segurança alimentar e nutricional atual e futura, assim é urgente avaliar a situação da insegurança alimentar em suas diferentes dimensões. Há poucos estudos que avaliam conjuntamente segurança alimentar, disponibilidade e acesso aos alimentos. Objetivo: Descrever a disponibilidade alimentar domiciliar e o acesso percebido aos alimentos segundo a situação de insegurança alimentar em domicílios de escolares na pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostra representativa de domicílios de escolares da educação infantil e ensino fundamental de escolas públicas de Mariana e Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados na fase inicial da pandemia, "junho e julho de 2020", por meio de entrevistas telefônicas com os responsáveis por comprar e/ou preparar os alimentos nos domicílios. Investigou-se condições socioeconômicas, acesso percebido aos alimentos, disponibilidade alimentar domiciliar e insegurança alimentar, esta avaliada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. Resultados: Dos 612 domicílios investigados, 82,0% estavam em situação de insegurança alimentar, sendo 11,3% em insegurança moderada e 5,1% em insegurança grave. Foi observada relação entre disponibilidade de frutas, hortaliças, leite, carnes e ovos com a insegurança alimentar, bem como com a percepção de dificuldade no acesso a frutas e hortaliças. Discussão: A situação de insegurança alimentar enfrentada pelos domicílios relaciona-se com menor disponibilidade de alimentos importantes para o desenvolvimento dos escolares, ademais as famílias depararam com inacessibilidade para adquirir frutas e hortaliças. (AU)

Introduction: The pandemic context impacts the current and future situation of food and nutritional security, so it is urgent to assess the situation of food insecurity in its different dimensions. There are few studies that jointly assess food security, availability, and access to food. Objective: To describe household food availability and perceived access to food according to the situation of food insecurity in households of schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of households of schoolchildren in early childhood education and elementary school from public schools in Mariana and Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. Data were collected in the initial phase of the pandemic, "June and July 2020", through telephone interviews with those responsible for buying and/or preparing the food in the households. Socioeconomic conditions, perceived access to food, and household food availability were investigated, and food insecurity was measured using the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale. Results: Of the 612 households surveyed, 82.0% of the households presented food insecurity, of which 11.3% moderate food insecurity and 5.1% severe food insecurity. A relationship was observed between the low availability of fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, and eggs with food insecurity and the perception of difficulty in accessing fruits and vegetables. Discussion: The situation of food insecurity faced by households is related to low availability of essential foods for the development of schoolchildren, and families also encounter inaccessibility to acquire fruits and vegetables. (AU)

Burden of non-communicable chronic diseases attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverage, 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is one of the main risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to estimate the burden of NCDs attributable to the consumption of SSBs in 2019, and the changes that occurred from 1990 to 2019 in Brazil and its five macro-regions. METHODS: This descriptive study used data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. The metrics used were years lived with disability (YLD), years of life lost (YLL), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and deaths. The estimates of crude and age-standardized rates and their respective 95% uncertainty intervals (IIs) were presented per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019, in addition to the changes observed in 1990-2019. RESULTS: Over the last three decades, the age-standardized rate decreased in the Central-West, South, and Southeast regions, while it remained stabled in the Northeast and North regions; meanwhile, the gross DALY rates increased due to the consumption of SSB in all five Brazilian macro-regions. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were the main outcomes related to the consumption of SSB, with IHDs showing higher mortality rates and YLL in 1990 and 2019 compared with DM-2, which revealed higher YLD rates. CONCLUSION: No significant decrease was observed in the burden of disease attributed to the consumption of SSBs between 1990 and 2019, thus revealing the need to implement and strengthen the articulated actions to reduce the consumption of SSBs, while also considering the country's realities and regional inequalities.

Understanding weight regain after a nutritional weight loss intervention: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effects of lifestyle interventions on long-term weight maintenance of weight loss. In addition, we seek to address which period is most susceptible to weight regain; and what is the time required for following-up weight maintenance after the intervention. METHODS: Articles published up to August 2020 were identified using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL and Scopus. RESULTS: After the selection process, 27 clinical trials involving 7236 individuals were included. The results showed that around 36 weeks after the end of the intervention, weight variation reduces, and a sign of continuous weight gain begin to occur with some patients (n = 208,209) presenting even a completely regain of the lost weight before one year (∼40-48 weeks). However, some strategies used during the weight loss intervention and maintenance period may impact the amount and when the weight regain happens, like intervention type;, intervention duration;, presence of dietitian on the care team;, and maintenance period with counseling by a health professional at least once a month. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that lifestyle interventions remained effective in maintaining the mean weight (5% lower than baseline weight) after weight loss interventions were over. However, weight regain started 36 weeks after intervention conclusion. And, it turns out, some strategies used during the weight loss intervention and maintenance period may impact the amount and when the weight regain happens. Obesity complexity and chronicity should be considered, therefore constant and lifelong monitoring and support are important.

Food consumption according to the level of processing and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Consumption of ultra-processed foods is negatively associated with health outcomes, however, the contribution to sleep quality is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between food intake by frequency and degree of processing and sleep quality in adults during the covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: Population-based survey of adults from October to December 2020 in the Iron Quadrangle region, Brazil. The exposure variable was a food intake score that considered the frequency of consumption and food processing degree. The total score ranged from 0 (best) to 48 points (worst food quality), categorized into quartiles. Furthermore, we also evaluated whether individuals replaced their lunch and/or dinner based mostly on fresh/minimally processed foods for ultra-processed foods, for five or more days in the week. The outcome variable was sleep quality assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We constructed a contrasting directed acyclic graph (DAG) model to estimate the adjusted odds ratio of the association between score eating and sleep, by logistic regression. RESULTS: Most of the 1762 individuals evaluated had poor sleep quality (52.5%). The minimum and maximum food scores were 0 and 30 points (mean 9.16; 95% CI 8.50, 9.81). The higher values of the score corresponded to lower consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods and higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods. In multivariate analysis, individuals in the third food consumption score had 71% greater odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.85) and in the fourth quartile 144% greater odds (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.32, 2.44). Besides, replacing the dinner meal with ultra-processed foods five days or more in the week was also associated with poor sleep quality (OR = 2.01; 95%CI: 1.14, 3.57). CONCLUSION: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods concomitant with lower consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods is associated with a higher chance of poor sleep quality.

Racial Inequities in Self-Rated Health Across Brazilian Cities: Does Residential Segregation Play a Role?

Racial health inequities may be partially explained by area-level factors such as residential segregation. In this cross-sectional study, using a large, multiracial, representative sample of Brazilian adults (n = 37,009 individuals in the 27 state capitals; National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde), 2013), we investigated 1) whether individual-level self-rated health (SRH) (fair or poor vs. good or better) varies by race (self-declared White, Brown, or Black) and 2) whether city-level economic or racial residential segregation (using dissimilarity index values in tertiles: low, medium, and high) interacts with race, increasing racial inequities in SRH. Prevalence of fair or poor SRH was 31.5% (Black, Brown, and White people: 36.4%, 34.0%, and 27.3%, respectively). Marginal standardization based on multilevel logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, and education, showed that Black and Brown people had, respectively, 20% and 10% higher prevalence of fair or poor SRH than did White people. Furthermore, residential segregation interacted with race such that the more segregated a city, the greater the racial gap among Black, Brown, and White people in fair or poor SRH for both income and race segregation. Policies to reduce racial inequities may need to address residential segregation and its consequences for health.

Health impacts caused by excessive sodium consumption in Brazil: results of the GBD 2019 study.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive sodium consumption is associated with increased blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study therefore aimed to describe the burden of NCDs attributable to excessive sodium consumption among Brazilians. METHODS: This observational study used mortality and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) rates, and their respective uncertainty intervals (UI), from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). The burden was obtained by the population attributable fraction of each NCD, considering the minimum theoretical value of risk (intake of 0-3g of sodium/day); the excessive consumption proportion in the population, obtained through population inquiries; and the relative risks obtained through meta-analyses. RESULTS: Excessive sodium consumption was the third highest dietary risk contributing to deaths (30,814; 95% UI = 2,034 - 84,130) and DALYs (699,119; 95% UI= 43,130 - 1,914,066) in 2019. States from the Northeast region had the highest age-standardized rates of deaths and DALYs, and the male population was more affected by NCDs caused by excessive sodium consumption. Cardiovascular diseases were the main contributing factors in the burden attributable to excessive sodium consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the progress in addressing NCDs related to this risk factor, the impact remains high, especially among men and in the Northeast region. More effective measures are needed to reduce sodium in industrialized products, such as health promotion actions to combat sodium consumption, in order to prevent and control NCDs in Brazil.

Burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to dietary risks in Brazil, 1990-2019: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

INTRODUCTION: An unhealthy diet is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), one of the most important public health problems in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the burden of NCDs attributable to dietary risks in Brazil between 1990-2019. METHODS: Secondary data from the Global Burden of Disease Study were used to estimate the burden attributable to fifteen dietary risks in Brazil. The main sources of data for Brazil were national surveys and international databases. A comparative risk assessment was used to obtain the population attributable fraction. We described the intake of each dietary risk and the distribution of number and rates of deaths and Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to diet by sex, age, state, and year from 1990-2019. RESULTS: Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neoplasms were the main NCDs attributable to an unhealthy diet. Age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates attributable to unhealthy diet decreased between 1990-2019 (-51.5% and -48.8, respectively). Diet high in red meat and sodium, and low in whole grains were the three main risk factors contributing to the burden of NCDs both in 1990 and 2019. The burden of NCDs was higher among males in the middle-aged population (around 50 years), as well as in the states of Maranhão, Rio de Janeiro, and Alagoas. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found a suboptimum diet among the Brazilian population. The major contributors to this burden were diet high in red meat and sodium and low in whole grains. This study supports priorities in public policies on food and nutrition to reduce the burden of NCDs.

Ultra-processed and fresh food consumption and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID - 19 pandemic: COVID Inconfidentes.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Psychological disorders are an important health problem worldwide. A healthy diet is recommended as one of the measures to prevent and control mental disorders. Epidemiological studies have shown important associations between the consumption of diets rich in nutrients and a lower risk of developing anxiety and depression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and food consumption, according to the degree of processing, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An epidemiological household survey was conducted in two cities in Brazil. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using validated scales (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item/Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and food consumption was assessed using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire referring to consumption within the last 3 months. The foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification for fresh/minimally processed food and ultra-processed food, using the average weekly consumption as the cutoff. For data analysis, adjusted Poisson regression with robust variance was utilized to estimate the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods above the weekly average frequency was associated with a lower prevalence of symptoms of depression (PR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3; 0.7). Consumption above the weekly average of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety (PR: 1.5 and 95% CI: 1.03; 2.3) and depression symptoms (PR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0; 2.1, P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms; therefore, we recommend an increase in the consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods, as endorsed by the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population.

Home food insecurity during the suspension of classes in Brazilian public schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the effect of socioeconomic conditions and variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the food insecurity of students during suspension of classes in public schools. METHODS: This was a telephone survey (n = 612) of adults responsible for purchasing food through representative samples of students in two Brazilian municipalities in June and July 2020. The outcome was food insecurity, assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for sociodemographic and pandemic-related factors of COVID-19. RESULTS: The total prevalence of food insecurity in households was 82%, with 65.7% mild food insecurity, 11.3% moderate, and 5.0% severe. After adjustment for confounding factors, households with the highest number of children (OR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.10-4.27) and households that received local-government basic food baskets (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04-2.58) were significantly associated with food insecurity. Furthermore, households that did not experience a decrease in income during the pandemic were inversely associated with food insecurity (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.32). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of food insecurity was high, and policies for the distribution of food baskets may not be sufficient to guarantee food security for the most vulnerable families with a greater number of children. Considering the possible worsening of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National School Feeding Program has the potential to play a strategic role in promoting food security for students.

Burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to dietary risks in Brazil, 1990-2019: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Abstract INTRODUCTION: An unhealthy diet is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), one of the most important public health problems in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the burden of NCDs attributable to dietary risks in Brazil between 1990-2019. METHODS: Secondary data from the Global Burden of Disease Study were used to estimate the burden attributable to fifteen dietary risks in Brazil. The main sources of data for Brazil were national surveys and international databases. A comparative risk assessment was used to obtain the population attributable fraction. We described the intake of each dietary risk and the distribution of number and rates of deaths and Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to diet by sex, age, state, and year from 1990-2019. RESULTS: Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neoplasms were the main NCDs attributable to an unhealthy diet. Age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates attributable to unhealthy diet decreased between 1990-2019 (-51.5% and -48.8, respectively). Diet high in red meat and sodium, and low in whole grains were the three main risk factors contributing to the burden of NCDs both in 1990 and 2019. The burden of NCDs was higher among males in the middle-aged population (around 50 years), as well as in the states of Maranhão, Rio de Janeiro, and Alagoas. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found a suboptimum diet among the Brazilian population. The major contributors to this burden were diet high in red meat and sodium and low in whole grains. This study supports priorities in public policies on food and nutrition to reduce the burden of NCDs.

Health impacts caused by excessive sodium consumption in Brazil: results of the GBD 2019 study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Excessive sodium consumption is associated with increased blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study therefore aimed to describe the burden of NCDs attributable to excessive sodium consumption among Brazilians. METHODS: This observational study used mortality and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) rates, and their respective uncertainty intervals (UI), from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). The burden was obtained by the population attributable fraction of each NCD, considering the minimum theoretical value of risk (intake of 0-3g of sodium/day); the excessive consumption proportion in the population, obtained through population inquiries; and the relative risks obtained through meta-analyses. RESULTS: Excessive sodium consumption was the third highest dietary risk contributing to deaths (30,814; 95% UI = 2,034 - 84,130) and DALYs (699,119; 95% UI= 43,130 - 1,914,066) in 2019. States from the Northeast region had the highest age-standardized rates of deaths and DALYs, and the male population was more affected by NCDs caused by excessive sodium consumption. Cardiovascular diseases were the main contributing factors in the burden attributable to excessive sodium consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the progress in addressing NCDs related to this risk factor, the impact remains high, especially among men and in the Northeast region. More effective measures are needed to reduce sodium in industrialized products, such as health promotion actions to combat sodium consumption, in order to prevent and control NCDs in Brazil.

Is the management of obesity in primary health care appropriate in Brazil?

This study aims to describe the adequacy of basic health units (UBS) in Brazil regarding structure and work process for obesity management and to evaluate user satisfaction with primary health care services. This cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2013-2014 National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) - an initiative to assess primary health care teams' performance. Data were collected between 2013 and 2014 through interviews with primary health care teams and users. All indicators of adequate care for obesity were defined within the article scope, based on data from the PMAQ. Of the 24,055 UBS analyzed, located in 4,845 different cities, only 7.6% had adequate structure for obesity management. Likewise, only 26.6% of the 114,615 users interviewed reported adequate access, and 27.8% of the UBS showed adequate service organization. Healthcare was considered as "good" or "very good" by 82.4% of users. These indicators varied according to geographic region, showing better results for the South and Southeast. Our results suggest that the country may still be at the initial stage of systematizing care with obesity, presenting significant disparities among regions.

COVID-Inconfidentes - SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in two Brazilian urban areas during the pandemic first wave: study protocol and initial results

Background: A population study is an important tool that can be used to understand the actual epidemiological scenario of the Covid-19 in different territories, identify its magnitude, understand its transmission dynamics, and its demographic, geographical, and social distribution. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population of two Brazilian cities during the pandemic first wave and subsequent socioeconomic and health effects. Materials & methods: This paper described the methodological procedures adopted and the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population. A household survey was conducted between October and December 2020, in two historic cities of Brazil's mining region. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody was detected using the Wondfo® rapid test. The face-to-face interview consisted of administration of a questionnaire containing registration data, sociodemographic and economic variables, living habits, general health condition, mental health, sleep habits, and eating and nutrition. Results: We evaluated 1,762 residents, of which 764 (43.4%) were in Mariana and 998 (56.6%) in Ouro Preto. For both cities, 51.9% of the interviewees were female, with a predominance of the age range 35 to 59 years old (47.2%). The prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection was 5.5% in all cities, 6.2% in Ouro Preto, and 4.7% in Mariana. The prevalence was similar between cities (P>0.05). Conclusion: The study was effective in verifying the seroprevalence of infection by the virus and its findings will enable further analyses of the health conditions of the population related to social isolation and the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2.