Spatiotemporal analysis of within-country imported malaria in Brazilian municipalities, 2004-2022.

Human mobility has challenged malaria elimination efforts and remains difficult to routinely track. In Brazil, administrative records from the Ministry of Health allow monitoring of mobility locally and internationally. Although most imported malaria cases are between municipalities in Brazil, detailed knowledge of patterns of mobility is limited. Here, we address this gap by quantifying and describing patterns of malaria-infected individuals across the Amazon. We used network analysis, spatial clustering, and linear models to quantify and characterize the movement of malaria cases in Brazil between 2004 and 2022. We identified sources and sinks of malaria within and between states. We found that between-state movement of cases has become proportionally more important than within-state, that source clusters persisted longer than sink clusters, that movement of cases into sinks was seasonal while movement out of sources was not, and that importation is an impediment for subnational elimination in many municipalities. We elucidate the vast travel networks of malaria infected individuals that characterize the Amazon region. Uncovering patterns of malaria case mobility is vital for effective microstratification within Brazil. Our results have implications for intervention stratification across Brazil in line with the country's goal of malaria elimination by 2035.

Individual and geospatial factors associated with receipt of colorectal cancer screening: a state-wide mixed-level analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in US adults but can be reduced by screening. The roles of individual and contextual factors, and especially physician supply, in attaining universal CRC screening remains uncertain. METHODS: We used data from adults 50-75 years old participating in the 2018 New York (NY) Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System linked to county-level covariates, including primary care physician (PCP) density and gastroenterologist (GI) density. Data were analysed in 2023-2024. Our analyses included (1) ecological and geospatial analyses of county-level CRC screening prevalence and (2) individual-level Poisson regression models of receipt of screening, adjusted for socioeconomic and county-level contextual variables. RESULTS: Mean prevalence of up-to-date CRC screening was 71% (95% CI 70% to 73%) across NY's 62 counties. County-level CRC screening demonstrated significant spatial patterning (Global Moran's I=0.14, p=0.04), consistent with the existence of county-level contextual factors. In both county-level and individual-level analyses, lack of health insurance was associated with lower likelihood of up-to-date screening (ß=-1.09 (95% CI -2.00 to -0.19); adjusted prevalence ratio 0.68 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.77)), even accounting for age, race/ethnicity and education. In contrast, county-level densities of both PCPs and GIs were completely unassociated with screening at either the county or individual level. As expected, other determinants at the individual level included education status and age. CONCLUSION: In this state-wide representative analysis, physician density was completely unassociated with CRC screening, although health insurance status remains strongly related. In similar screening environments, broadened insurance coverage for CRC screening is likely to improve screening far more effectively than increased physician supply.

Exposure to Pesticides and Breast Cancer in an Agricultural Region in Brazil.

Rural workers are disproportionally exposed to pesticides and might be at an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. Here, we investigated the impact of pesticide exposure on breast cancer (BC) risk and disease profile in rural female workers. This is a case-control study that prospectively included 758 individuals. The study was conducted in the Southwest region of Paraná state in Brazil, a region characterized by family-based agriculture and intensive use of pesticides. We found that this region has a 41% higher BC diagnosis rate and 14% higher BC mortality rate than the mean rates in Brazil, as well as a pesticide trade volume about 6 times higher than the national average. We showed substantial exposure in this population and found that even women who did not work in the fields but performed equipment decontamination and clothes washing of male partners who worked in the fields had urine samples positive for glyphosate, atrazine, and/or 2,4-D. The crude association showed a significantly higher risk of BC among women exposed to pesticides (OR: 1.58, 95% CI 1.18-2.13). Adjusted analyses showed a lower and nonstatistically significant association (OR: 1.30, 95% CI 41 0.87-1.95). Stratification on disease profile showed a significantly higher risk of lymph node metastasis (adjusted OR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.31-3.72) in women exposed to pesticides. Our findings suggest that female populations exposed to pesticides are at a higher risk of developing BC with a more aggressive profile and draw attention to the need to monitor rural populations potentially exposed to pesticides in the field or at home.

Quality of life and associated factors for community health workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in northeastern Brazil.

In this study, we evaluated the quality of life (QoL) and associated factors of community health workers (CHWs) in different urban settings as a contributor to the preparedness of Brazilian primary care for future sanitary emergencies. The sample included 1935 CHWs from 4 state capitals and 4 inland municipalities in northeastern Brazil. Information was collected on QoL (WHOQOL-BREF), work routines, sociodemographics, direct and indirect exposure to violence, general self-efficacy, social support (MSPSS), mental health (SRQ-20) and coronavirus anxiety. The data were subjected to multiple linear regression analysis (α = 5%). In the state capitals, the factors associated with loss of QoL were poor mental health, lack of training, uncertainty about occupational biosafety, and lack of adaptation of services to tend to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among the inland municipalities, the main factors were coronavirus anxiety, poor mental health, lack of adaptation of services, lack of training, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). A high MSPSS (family and friends) score and self-efficacy had positive impacts on QoL in both urban settings. Our results highlight the need for investment in permanent education, PPE, social support, and mental health care for CHWs.

Predictors of unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Brazil: an analysis of 259,484 patient records.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) causes over 1 million deaths annually. Providing effective treatment is a key strategy for reducing TB deaths. In this study, we identified factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes among individuals treated for TB in Brazil. METHODS: We obtained data on individuals treated for TB between 2015 and 2018 from Brazil's National Disease Notification System (SINAN). We excluded patients with a history of prior TB disease or with diagnosed TB drug resistance. We extracted information on patient-level factors potentially associated with unsuccessful treatment, including demographic and social factors, comorbid health conditions, health-related behaviors, health system level at which care was provided, use of directly observed therapy (DOT), and clinical examination results. We categorized treatment outcomes as successful (cure, completed) or unsuccessful (death, regimen failure, loss to follow-up). We fit multivariate logistic regression models to identify factors associated with unsuccessful treatment. RESULTS: Among 259,484 individuals treated for drug susceptible TB, 19.7% experienced an unsuccessful treatment outcome (death during treatment 7.8%, regimen failure 0.1%, loss to follow-up 11.9%). The odds of unsuccessful treatment were higher with older age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.90 [95% confidence interval: 2.62-3.21] for 85-100-year-olds vs. 25-34-year-olds), male sex (aOR 1.28 [1.25-1.32], vs. female sex), Black race (aOR 1.23 [1.19-1.28], vs. White race), no education (aOR 2.03 [1.91-2.17], vs. complete high school education), HIV infection (aOR 2.72 [2.63-2.81], vs. no HIV infection), illicit drug use (aOR 1.95 [1.88-2.01], vs. no illicit drug use), alcohol consumption (aOR 1.46 [1.41-1.50], vs. no alcohol consumption), smoking (aOR 1.20 [1.16-1.23], vs. non-smoking), homelessness (aOR 3.12 [2.95-3.31], vs. no homelessness), and immigrant status (aOR 1.27 [1.11-1.45], vs. non-immigrants). Treatment was more likely to be unsuccessful for individuals treated in tertiary care (aOR 2.20 [2.14-2.27], vs. primary care), and for patients not receiving DOT (aOR 2.35 [2.29-2.41], vs. receiving DOT). CONCLUSION: The risk of unsuccessful TB treatment varied systematically according to individual and service-related factors. Concentrating clinical attention on individuals with a high risk of poor treatment outcomes could improve the overall effectiveness of TB treatment in Brazil.

Domestic violence patterns in postpartum women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To longitudinally assess domestic violence (DV) during the postpartum period, identifying types, patterns and determinants of DV, according to mothers' reports in Fortaleza, Brazil. METHODS: Data from the Iracema-COVID cohort study interviewed at home mothers who gave birth in the first wave of COVID-19, at 18 and 24 months after birth. Patterns of reported DV were classified as follows: no DV, interrupted DV, started DV and persistent DV. Adjusted multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with persistent DV. RESULTS: DV was reported by 19 and 24% of the mothers at 18 and 24 months postpartum, respectively, a 5 percentage points increase. Persistent DV was present in 11% of the households in the period. The most frequent forms of DV were verbal aggression, reported by 17-20% of the mothers at 18 and 24 months, respectively; drunkenness or use of drugs at home, present in 3-5% of the households; physical aggression, reported by 1.2-1.6% of the mothers. Households with two or more forms of DV increased from 2 to 12% in the period. Adjusted factors associated with persistent DV were maternal common mental disorder, family headed by the mother and head of family's poor schooling. Food insecurity was associated with starting DV. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of DV was considerably high in the postpartum period. DV prevention policies should rely on improving care to women's mental health; preventing food insecurity; and fostering the educational level of young people of both sexes.

Quantifying gaps in the tuberculosis care cascade in Brazil: A mathematical model study using national program data.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, many individuals with tuberculosis (TB) do not receive appropriate care due to delayed or missed diagnosis, ineffective treatment regimens, or loss-to-follow-up. This study aimed to estimate the health losses and TB program costs attributable to each gap in the care cascade for TB disease in Brazil. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We constructed a Markov model simulating the TB care cascade and lifetime health outcomes (e.g., death, cure, postinfectious sequelae) for individuals developing TB disease in Brazil. We stratified the model by age, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, drug resistance, state of residence, and disease severity, and developed a parallel model for individuals without TB that receive a false-positive TB diagnosis. Models were fit to data (adult and pediatric) from Brazil's Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and Mortality Information System (SIM) for 2018. Using these models, we assessed current program performance and simulated hypothetical scenarios that eliminated specific gaps in the care cascade, in order to quantify incremental health losses and TB diagnosis and treatment costs along the care cascade. TB-attributable disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated by comparing changes in survival and nonfatal disability to a no-TB counterfactual scenario. We estimated that 90.0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 85.2 to 93.4) of individuals with TB disease initiated treatment and 10.0% (95% UI: 7.6 to 12.5) died with TB. The average number of TB-attributable DALYs per incident TB case varied across Brazil, ranging from 2.9 (95% UI: 2.3 to 3.6) DALYs in Acre to 4.0 (95% UI: 3.3 to 4.7) DALYs in Rio Grande do Sul (national average 3.5 [95% UI: 2.8 to 4.1]). Delayed diagnosis contributed the largest health losses along the care cascade, followed by post-TB sequelae and loss to follow up from TB treatment, with TB DALYs reduced by 71% (95% UI: 65 to 76), 41% (95% UI: 36 to 49), and 10% (95% UI: 7 to 16), respectively, when these factors were eliminated. Total health system costs were largely unaffected by improvements in the care cascade, with elimination of treatment failure reducing attributable costs by 3.1% (95% UI: 1.5 to 5.4). TB diagnosis and treatment of false-positive individuals accounted for 10.2% (95% UI: 3.9 to 21.7) of total programmatic costs but contributed minimally to health losses. Several assumptions were required to interpret programmatic data for the analysis, and we were unable to estimate the contribution of social factors to care cascade outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that delays to diagnosis, post-disease sequelae and treatment loss to follow-up were primary contributors to the TB burden of disease in Brazil. Reducing delays to diagnosis, improving healthcare after TB cure, and reducing treatment loss to follow-up should be prioritized to improve the burden of TB disease in Brazil.

Changing Clinical Epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax Malaria as Transmission Decreases: Population-Based Prospective Panel Survey in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Malarial infections are often missed by microscopy, and most parasite carriers are asymptomatic in low-endemicity settings. Whether parasite detectability and its ability to elicit symptoms change as transmission declines remains unclear. METHODS: We performed a prospective panel survey with repeated measurements on the same participants over 12 months to investigate whether Plasmodium vivax detectability by microscopy and risk of symptoms upon infection varied during a community-wide larviciding intervention in the Amazon basin of Brazil that markedly reduced vector density. We screened 1096 to 1400 residents in the intervention site for malaria by microscopy and quantitative TaqMan assays at baseline and twice during intervention. RESULTS: We found that more P vivax infections than expected from their parasite densities measured by TaqMan assays were missed by microscopy as transmission decreased. At lower transmission, study participants appeared to tolerate higher P vivax loads without developing symptoms. We hypothesize that changes in the ratio between circulating parasites and those that accumulate in the bone marrow and spleen, by avoiding peripheral blood microscopy detection, account for decreased parasite detectability and lower risk of symptoms under low transmission. CONCLUSIONS: P vivax infections are more likely to be subpatent and remain asymptomatic as malaria transmission decreases.

Birth-to-childhood tracking of linear growth and weight gain in the MINA-Brazil Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate birth-to-childhood tracking of linear growth and weight gain across the distribution of length/height and weight for age z-scores and according to household wealth. METHODS: Data from 614 children from the MINA-Brazil Study with repeated anthropometric measurements at birth and up to age five years were used. Z-scores were calculated for length/height (HAZ) and weight (WAZ) according to international standards. Birth-to-childhood tracking was separately estimated using quantile regression models for HAZ and WAZ, extracting coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) at the 25th, 50th, and 75th quantiles. In a subgroup analysis, we estimated tracking between birth and age two years, and between ages two and five years. To investigate disparities in tracking, interaction terms between household wealth indexes (at birth and age five years) and newborn size z-scores were included in the models. RESULTS: Tracking coefficients were significant and had similar magnitude across the distribution of anthropometric indices at age five years (HAZ, 50th quantile: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.11 to 0.35; WAZ, 50th quantile: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.19 to 0.43). Greater tracking was observed between ages two and five years, with coefficients above 0.82. Significantly higher tracking of linear growth was observed among children from wealthier households, both at birth, at the lower bounds of HAZ distribution (25th quantile: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.13 to 0.56), and during childhood, in the entire HAZ distribution at five years. For weight gain, stronger tracking was observed at the upper bounds of WAZ distribution at age five years among children from wealthier households at birth (75th quantile: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.35 to 0.83) and during childhood (75th quantile: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.15 to 0.93). CONCLUSION: There was significant tracking of HAZ and WAZ since birth, with indication of substantial stability of nutritional status between ages two and five years. Differential tracking according to household wealth should be considered for planning early interventions for preventing malnutrition.

Maternal depression and offspring mental health at age 5: MINA-Brazil cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify longitudinal patterns of maternal depression between three months and five years after child's birth, to examine predictor variables for these trajectories, and to evaluate whether distinct depression trajectories predict offspring mental health problems at age 5 years. METHODS: We used data from the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre (MINA-Brazil) study, a population-based birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 3 and 6-8 months, and 1 and 2 years after delivery. Mental health problems in 5-year-old children were evaluated with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) reported by parents. Trajectories of maternal depression were calculated using a group-based modelling approach. RESULTS: We identified four trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms: "low" (67.1%), "increasing" (11.5%), "decreasing" (17.4%), and "high-chronic" (4.0%). Women in the "high/chronic" trajectory were the poorest, least educated, and oldest compared with women in the other trajectory groups. Also, they were more frequently multiparous and reported smoking and having attended fewer prenatal consultations during pregnancy. In the adjusted analyses, the odds ratio of any SDQ disorder was 3.23 (95%CI: 2.00-5.22) and 2.87 (95%CI: 1.09-7.57) times higher among children of mothers belonging to the "increasing" and "high-chronic" trajectory groups, respectively, compared with those of mothers in the "low" depressive symptoms group. These differences were not explained by maternal and child characteristics included in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We identified poorer mental health outcomes for children of mothers assigned to the "chronic/severe" and "increasing" depressive symptoms trajectories. Prevention and treatment initiatives to avoid the adverse short, medium, and long-term effects of maternal depression on offspring development should focus on women belonging to these groups.

Prevalence and predictors of breastfeeding in the MINA-Brazil cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive (EBF) and continued breastfeeding (BF) practices among Amazonian children. METHODS: Data from 1,143 mother-child pairs recorded on the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre (MINA-Brazil) birth cohort were used. Information on EBF and BF was collected after childbirth (July 2015-June 2016) and during the follow-up visits at 1 and 6 months postpartum, 1, 2, and 5 years of age. For longitudinal analysis, the outcomes were EBF and BF duration. Probability of breastfeeding practices were estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Associations between baseline predictors variables and outcomes among children born at term were assessed by extended Cox regression models. RESULTS: EBF frequencies (95% confidence interval [95%CI]) at 3 and 6 months of age were 33% (95%CI: 30.2-36.0) and 10.8% (95%CI: 8.9-12.9), respectively. Adjusted hazard ratio for predictors of early EBF cessation were: being a first-time mother = 1.47 (95%CI: 1.19-1.80), feeding newborns with prelacteals = 1.70 (95%CI: 1.23-2.36), pacifier use in the first week of life = 1.79 (95%CI: 1.44-2.23) or diarrhea in the first two weeks of life = 1.70 (95%CI: 1.15-2.52). Continued BF frequency was 67.9% (95%CI: 64.9-70.8), 29.3% (95%CI: 26.4-32.4), and 1.7% (95%CI: 0.9-2.8) at 1, 2 and 5 years of age, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratio for predictors of early BF cessation were: male sex = 1.23 (95%CI: 1.01-1.49), pacifier use in the first week of life = 4.66 (95%CI: 2.99-7.26), and EBF less than 3 months = 2.76 (95%CI: 1.64-4.66). CONCLUSIONS: EBF and continued BF duration among Amazonian children is considerably shorter than recommendations from the World Health Organization. Significant predictors of breastfeeding practices should be considered for evaluating local strategies to achieve optimal breastfeeding practices.

Prevalence and correlates of childhood anemia in the MINA-Brazil birth cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and predictors of childhood anemia in an Amazonian population-based birth cohort study. METHODS: Prevalence of maternal anemia was estimated at delivery (hemoglobin [Hb] concentration < 110 g/L) in women participating in the MINA-Brazil birth cohort study and in their children, examined at ages one, two (Hb < 110 g/L), and five (Hb < 115 g/L). Moreover, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured in mothers at delivery and in their 1- and 2-year-old children to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency and its contribution to anemia, while adjusting for potential confounders by multiple Poisson regression analysis (adjusted relative risk [RRa]). RESULTS: The prevalence 95% confidence interval (CI) of maternal anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia at delivery were 17.3% (14.0-21.0%), 42.6% (38.0-47.2%), and 8.7% (6.3-11.6)%, respectively (n = 462). At one year of age (n = 646), 42.2% (38.7-45.8%) of the study children were anemic, 38.4% (34.6-42.3%) were iron-deficient, and 26.3 (23.0-29.9) had iron-deficiency anemia. At two years of age (n = 761), these values decreased to 12.8% (10.6-15.2%), 18.1% (15.5-21.1%), and 4.1% (2.8-5.7%), respectively; at five years of age (n = 655), 5.2% (3.6-7.2%) were anemic. Iron deficiency (RRa = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.84-2.60) and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) (RRa = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.14-2.13) were significant contributors to anemia at 1 year, after adjusting for maternal schooling. At 2 years, anemia was significantly associated with maternal anemia at delivery (RRa: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.17-2.39), malaria since birth (2.25; 1.30-3.87), and iron deficiency (2.15; 1.47-3.15), after adjusting for children's age and household wealth index. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia continues to be highly prevalent during pregnancy and early childhood in the Amazon. Public health policies should address iron deficiency, UPF intake, maternal anemia, and malaria to prevent and treat anemia in Amazonian children.

Coverage and determinants of childhood vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil: a longitudinal analysis.

Brazil has seen a decrease in vaccination coverage since 2016. This study analyzes the immunization status of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil. This is a longitudinal analysis that included vaccination data of 313 children aged 12 and 18 months. Vaccination cards were checked for dose application considering the schedule of immunization recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Factors associated with no retention of vaccination cards and incomplete immunization by 18 months were identified by Tobit regression analysis. About 73% of mothers presented their child's vaccination card. Non-availability of vaccination cards was associated with maternal age < 25 years and mothers with paid jobs. Only 33% and 45% of the children aged 12 and 18 months had all vaccines up to date, respectively. For 3-dose vaccines, the delay rate was around 10% for the first dose application, but 40% for the third dose. Despite delays, most children with available vaccine cards had coverage above 90% by 18 months of age. Adjusted factors associated with incomplete vaccination included living in a household with more than one child (p = 0.010) and monthly income of less than one minimum wage (p = 0.006). Therefore, delays in child vaccine application were high during the COVID-19 pandemic but a considerable uptake by 18 months of age was found. Poorer families with more than one child were particularly at risk of not fully immunizing their children and should be the target of public policies.

Adolescent pregnancy in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil: socioeconomic characteristics, prenatal and obstetric care. / Parturientes adolescentes em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brasil: características socioeconômicas e obstétricas.

The present study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic and obstetric characteristics of adolescent mothers and the complications they cause to maternal and neonatal health. This baseline data analysis of the MINA-Brazil birth cohort was conducted in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, Brazil. The chi-square test was used to compare characteristics of adolescent and adult postpartum women, and multiple Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to assess associated factors. Among the postpartum women, 26.2% (95%CI: 24.0-28.4) were adolescents. Factors associated with childbirth in adolescence included: nine years or less of schooling (adjPR:1.36; 95%CI: 1.14-1.61), belongs to the lowest quartiles of the wealth index (1st quartile: adjPR:1.40; 95%CI: 1.08-1.80) (2nd quartile: adjPR:1.37; 95%CI: 1.08-1.74), primigravidae (adjPR:3.69; 95%CI: 2.98-4.57), low pre-pregnancy BMI (adjPR:1.28; CI95%: 1.04-1.57), urinary tract infection during pregnancy (adjPR:1.25; CI95%: 1.07-1.46) and less than six prenatal consultations (adjPR:1.42; 95%CI: 1.21-1.66). Poverty, little schooling, primigravidae, low pre-pregnancy BMI, urinary tract infection during pregnancy and few prenatal consultations were associated with childbirth during adolescence in a municipality in the Northern region of Brazil.

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar as características socioeconômicas e obstétricas de parturientes adolescentes e suas complicações sobre a saúde materna e neonatal. Trata-se de uma análise de dados da linha de base da coorte de nascimentos MINA-Brasil conduzida no município de Cruzeiro do Sul, estado do Acre. Utilizou-se teste qui-quadrado para comparar características das puérperas adolescentes com as adultas e modelos múltiplos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para avaliar fatores associados. Entre as puérperas estudadas, 26,2% (IC95%: 24,0-28,4) eram adolescentes. Os fatores associados ao parto na adolescência foram ter nove anos ou menos de estudo (RPaj:1,36; IC95%: 1,14-1,61), pertencer aos menores quartis do índice de riqueza (1° quartil: RPaj:1,40; IC95%: 1,08-1,80) (2° quartil: RPaj:1,37; IC95%: 1,08-1,74), ser primigesta (RPaj:3,69; IC95%: 2,98-4,57), baixo IMC pré-gestacional (RPaj:1,28; IC95%: 1,04-1,57), infecção urinária na gravidez (RPaj:1,25; IC95%: 1,07-1,46) e menos de seis consultas de pré-natal (RPaj:1,42; IC95%: 1,21-1,66). Pobreza, baixa escolaridade, primigestação, baixo IMC pré-gestacional, infecção urinária na gestação e menor número de consultas de pré-natal foram associados ao parto na adolescência em município da região Norte do Brasil.

Relationships Between Mental Health, Negative Feelings of COVID-19, and Parenting Among Pregnant Women in Fortaleza, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the literature highlighted an increased risk of child abuse and the use of negative parenting practices. Furthermore, pregnancy during this time may have been challenging and generated different feelings regarding the pandemic and motherhood. Many pregnant women had other young children, underscoring the need to understand this scenario better. Therefore, the present study examined the predictive effect of indicators of mental health disorders, emotional discomfort with motherhood, and negative perceptions of COVID-19 on negative parenting practices. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design. Pregnant women (n = 303) who had other children younger than six years answered an online questionnaire during the physical distancing period due to COVID-19 in Fortaleza. A partially latent structural equation model (SEM) was used to test direct and indirect relations between the variables. RESULTS: The results revealed a direct positive relation between maternal mental health and the variables COVID-19 feelings, emotional discomfort with motherhood, and negative parenting practices. The stronger relationship was between maternal mental health and emotional discomfort with motherhood. The COVID-19 negative feelings also showed a direct positive relation to emotional discomfort with motherhood. Additionally, older mothers and those with fewer children tended to have less mental health disorders. Furthermore, being in a later trimester of pregnancy was linked to more negative feelings about motherhood. DISCUSSION: The study suggests that mothers experiencing mental health challenges are more likely to feel discomfort with motherhood and use negative parenting practices, highlighting a need for intervention.

Coverage and determinants of childhood vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil: a longitudinal analysis / Cobertura e determinantes da vacinação infantil durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Fortaleza, Nordeste do Brasil: uma análise longitudinal / Cobertura y determinantes de la vacunación infantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Fortaleza, Nordeste de Brasil: un análisis longitudinal

Abstract: Brazil has seen a decrease in vaccination coverage since 2016. This study analyzes the immunization status of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil. This is a longitudinal analysis that included vaccination data of 313 children aged 12 and 18 months. Vaccination cards were checked for dose application considering the schedule of immunization recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Factors associated with no retention of vaccination cards and incomplete immunization by 18 months were identified by Tobit regression analysis. About 73% of mothers presented their child's vaccination card. Non-availability of vaccination cards was associated with maternal age < 25 years and mothers with paid jobs. Only 33% and 45% of the children aged 12 and 18 months had all vaccines up to date, respectively. For 3-dose vaccines, the delay rate was around 10% for the first dose application, but 40% for the third dose. Despite delays, most children with available vaccine cards had coverage above 90% by 18 months of age. Adjusted factors associated with incomplete vaccination included living in a household with more than one child (p = 0.010) and monthly income of less than one minimum wage (p = 0.006). Therefore, delays in child vaccine application were high during the COVID-19 pandemic but a considerable uptake by 18 months of age was found. Poorer families with more than one child were particularly at risk of not fully immunizing their children and should be the target of public policies.

Resumo: O Brasil registra uma diminuição na cobertura vacinal desde 2016. Este estudo analisa a situação vacinal de crianças nascidas durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Fortaleza, Nordeste do Brasil. Uma análise longitudinal incluiu 313 crianças com informações aos 12 e 18 meses de idade. A aplicação das doses foram conferidas com base nos cartões de vacinação, considerando o calendário de imunização recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde. Fatores associados à não retenção do cartão de vacinação e imunização incompleta aos 18 meses foram identificados por meio da regressão de Tobit. Cerca de 73% das mães apresentaram o cartão de vacinação do filho. A não apresentação do cartão de vacinação associou-se à idade materna < 25 anos e à participação materna em emprego remunerado. Apenas 33% e 45% das crianças tinham todas as vacinas em dia aos 12 meses e 18 meses, respectivamente. Para as vacinas com 3 doses, a taxa de atraso foi de cerca de 10% para a aplicação da 1ª dose, mas de 40% para a 3ª dose. Apesar dos atrasos, a maioria das crianças com cartão de vacinação disponível tinha cobertura acima de 90% até os 18 meses de idade. Os fatores ajustados associados à vacinação incompleta foram residir em domicílio com mais de um filho (p = 0,010) e renda mensal inferior a 1 salário mínimo (p = 0,006). Em conclusão, os atrasos na aplicação da vacina infantil foram altos durante a pandemia de COVID-19, mas houve uma adesão considerável até os 18 meses de idade. As famílias mais pobres, com mais de um filho, correm o risco de não imunizar totalmente seus filhos e devem ser alvo de políticas públicas.

Resumen: Brasil ha experimentado una disminución en la cobertura vacunal desde el 2016. Este estudio analiza la situación vacunal de los niños nacidos durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Fortaleza, Nordeste de Brasil. Un análisis longitudinal incluyó a 313 niños con información a los 12 y 18 meses de edad. Se revisaron los carnés de vacunación para aplicar la dosis considerando el calendario de inmunización recomendado por el Ministerio de Salud. Los factores asociados con la no retención del carné de vacunación y la inmunización incompleta a los 18 meses se identificaron mediante la regresión de Tobit. Alrededor del 73% de las madres presentaron el carné de vacunación de sus hijos. La no disponibilidad del carné de vacunación se asoció con la edad materna < 25 años y la participación materna en actividad remunerada. Solo el 33% y el 45% de los niños estaban al día con todas sus vacunas a los 12 meses y 18 meses, respectivamente. Para las vacunas de 3 dosis, la tasa de retraso fue de alrededor del 10% para la 1ª dosis, pero del 40% para la 3ª dosis. A pesar de los retrasos, la mayoría de los niños con el carné de vacunación disponible tenía una cobertura superior al 90% hasta los 18 meses de edad. Los factores ajustados asociados con la vacunación incompleta fueron vivir en un hogar con más de un hijo (p = 0,010) e ingreso mensual inferior a 1 salario mínimo (p = 0,006). En definitiva, los retrasos en la administración de la vacuna infantil fueron altos durante la pandemia de COVID-19, pero hubo una adhesión considerable hasta los 18 meses de edad. Las familias más pobres, con más de un hijo, corren el riesgo de no inmunizar completamente a sus hijos y deberían ser objeto de políticas públicas.

Parturientes adolescentes em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brasil: características socioeconômicas e obstétricas / Adolescent pregnancy in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil: socioeconomic characteristics, prenatal and obstetric care

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi investigar as características socioeconômicas e obstétricas de parturientes adolescentes e suas complicações sobre a saúde materna e neonatal. Trata-se de uma análise de dados da linha de base da coorte de nascimentos MINA-Brasil conduzida no município de Cruzeiro do Sul, estado do Acre. Utilizou-se teste qui-quadrado para comparar características das puérperas adolescentes com as adultas e modelos múltiplos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para avaliar fatores associados. Entre as puérperas estudadas, 26,2% (IC95%: 24,0-28,4) eram adolescentes. Os fatores associados ao parto na adolescência foram ter nove anos ou menos de estudo (RPaj:1,36; IC95%: 1,14-1,61), pertencer aos menores quartis do índice de riqueza (1° quartil: RPaj:1,40; IC95%: 1,08-1,80) (2° quartil: RPaj:1,37; IC95%: 1,08-1,74), ser primigesta (RPaj:3,69; IC95%: 2,98-4,57), baixo IMC pré-gestacional (RPaj:1,28; IC95%: 1,04-1,57), infecção urinária na gravidez (RPaj:1,25; IC95%: 1,07-1,46) e menos de seis consultas de pré-natal (RPaj:1,42; IC95%: 1,21-1,66). Pobreza, baixa escolaridade, primigestação, baixo IMC pré-gestacional, infecção urinária na gestação e menor número de consultas de pré-natal foram associados ao parto na adolescência em município da região Norte do Brasil.

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic and obstetric characteristics of adolescent mothers and the complications they cause to maternal and neonatal health. This baseline data analysis of the MINA-Brazil birth cohort was conducted in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, Brazil. The chi-square test was used to compare characteristics of adolescent and adult postpartum women, and multiple Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to assess associated factors. Among the postpartum women, 26.2% (95%CI: 24.0-28.4) were adolescents. Factors associated with childbirth in adolescence included: nine years or less of schooling (adjPR:1.36; 95%CI: 1.14-1.61), belongs to the lowest quartiles of the wealth index (1st quartile: adjPR:1.40; 95%CI: 1.08-1.80) (2nd quartile: adjPR:1.37; 95%CI: 1.08-1.74), primigravidae (adjPR:3.69; 95%CI: 2.98-4.57), low pre-pregnancy BMI (adjPR:1.28; CI95%: 1.04-1.57), urinary tract infection during pregnancy (adjPR:1.25; CI95%: 1.07-1.46) and less than six prenatal consultations (adjPR:1.42; 95%CI: 1.21-1.66). Poverty, little schooling, primigravidae, low pre-pregnancy BMI, urinary tract infection during pregnancy and few prenatal consultations were associated with childbirth during adolescence in a municipality in the Northern region of Brazil.

Domestic violence patterns in postpartum women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic / Padrões de violência doméstica em mulheres no pós-parto que deram à luz durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To longitudinally assess domestic violence (DV) during the postpartum period, identifying types, patterns and determinants of DV, according to mothers' reports in Fortaleza, Brazil. Methods: Data from the Iracema-COVID cohort study interviewed at home mothers who gave birth in the first wave of COVID-19, at 18 and 24 months after birth. Patterns of reported DV were classified as follows: no DV, interrupted DV, started DV and persistent DV. Adjusted multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with persistent DV. Results: DV was reported by 19 and 24% of the mothers at 18 and 24 months postpartum, respectively, a 5 percentage points increase. Persistent DV was present in 11% of the households in the period. The most frequent forms of DV were verbal aggression, reported by 17-20% of the mothers at 18 and 24 months, respectively; drunkenness or use of drugs at home, present in 3-5% of the households; physical aggression, reported by 1.2-1.6% of the mothers. Households with two or more forms of DV increased from 2 to 12% in the period. Adjusted factors associated with persistent DV were maternal common mental disorder, family headed by the mother and head of family's poor schooling. Food insecurity was associated with starting DV. Conclusion: Prevalence of DV was considerably high in the postpartum period. DV prevention policies should rely on improving care to women's mental health; preventing food insecurity; and fostering the educational level of young people of both sexes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a violência doméstica (VD) longitudinalmente no período pós-parto, identificando tipos, padrões e determinantes de VD, segundo relatos de mães em Fortaleza, Brasil. Métodos: O estudo de coorte Iracema-COVID entrevistou em casa mães que pariram na primeira onda de COVID-19, aos 18 e 24 meses após o parto. Os padrões de VD relatados foram classificados da seguinte forma: VD inexistente, VD interrompida, VD iniciada e VD persistente. Regressões logísticas multinomiais brutas e ajustadas com variância robusta foram utilizadas para avaliar os fatores associados à VD persistente. Resultados: A VD foi relatada por 19-24% das mães aos 18 e 24 meses pós-parto, respectivamente, mostrando um aumento de 5 pontos percentuais. Em 11% dos domicílios a VD persistente esteve presente no período. As formas de VD incluíram agressão verbal, relatada por 17-20% das mães; embriaguez ou uso de drogas em casa, presente em 3-5% das residências; agressão física, relatada por 1,2-1,6% das mães. Residências com duas ou mais formas de VD aumentaram de 2 para 12% no período. Fatores de risco ajustados associados à VD persistente foram: transtorno mental comum materno, família chefiada pela mãe e baixa escolaridade do chefe de família. Insegurança alimentar esteve associada à VD iniciada. Conclusão: A prevalência de VD foi consideravelmente alta no período pós-parto. Políticas de prevenção de VD devem se basear em intervenções que visem melhorar a atenção à saúde mental das mulheres; combater a insegurança alimentar; e promover o nível educacional de jovens de ambos os sexos.

Acceptability of a hypothetical dengue vaccine and the potential impact of dengue vaccination on personal vector control behavior: a qualitative study in Fortaleza, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most rapidly spreading viral vector-borne disease in the world. Promising new dengue vaccines have contributed to a growing consensus that effective dengue control will require integrated strategies of vaccination and vector control. In this qualitative study, we explored the perspectives of residents of Fortaleza, Brazil on acceptability of a hypothetical safe and effective dengue vaccine, specific drivers of dengue vaccine acceptance or hesitance, and the expected impact of dengue vaccination on their personal vector control practices. METHODS: A total of 43 in-depth interviews were conducted from April to June 2022 with Fortaleza residents from a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds, with and without recent personal experiences of symptomatic dengue infections. Data were analyzed using the principles of inductive grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that knowledge of dengue transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods was strong across respondents. Respondents described willingness to accept a hypothetical dengue vaccine for themselves and their children, while emphasizing that the vaccine must be demonstrably safe and effective. Respondents expressed diverse perspectives on how receiving a safe and effective dengue vaccine might influence their personal vector control behaviors, relating these behaviors to their perception of risk from other Aedes mosquito-carried infections and beliefs about the role of vector control in maintaining household cleanliness. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings provide community-level perspectives on dengue vaccination and its potential impact on personal vector control behavior for policymakers and program managers in Fortaleza to consider as new dengue vaccines become available. With the introduction of any new dengue vaccine, community perspectives and emerging concerns that may drive vaccine hesitancy should be continuously sought out. Improved urban infrastructure and efforts to engage individuals and communities in vector control may be needed to optimize the impact of future dengue vaccinations and prevent rising cases of other arboviruses such as Zika and chikungunya.