HIV and AIDS in the state of Paraná, Brazil, 2007-2022: trends and spatiotemporal distribution.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the incidence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: An ecological study with an analytical component of time series analysis was conducted in the state of Paraná from 2007 to 2022. The data source was the Notifiable Diseases Information System. To study the trend, the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression model was used by decomposing the time series, and for spatial analysis, the Moran's index was applied. RESULTS: The total sample consisted of 50,676 HIV/AIDS records. The incidence rate showed an increasing trend, with an average growth of 2.14% [95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.16-3.13] per month. From 2007 to 2014 and from 2015 to 2022, the average number of cases in the state was 105.64 and 159.20 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, with significant variation among municipalities. Spatial clusters of high risk persisted in the metropolitan region, the capital, and coastal areas, and a new cluster was observed in the northern region of the state. CONCLUSION: The incidence rates of HIV/AIDS showed an upward trend over time. The number of cases varied considerably in some municipalities, especially in the coastal region. Spatial analysis revealed geospatial patterns of high risk in the main metropolitan areas of Paraná: Curitiba (including the coastal area), Londrina, and Maringá, which share characteristics such as a high degree of urbanization and ongoing economic development.

A proposal to evaluate the management of tuberculosis programs: a qualitative, evaluability assessment in the border region of Brazil and Venezuela.

This study aims to analyze the feasibility of building an evaluative model for the management of the Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program in the State of Roraima, located on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. This is an evaluability assessment, a type of study used as a pre-evaluation of the development and implementation stages of a program, as well as throughout its execution. The study was developed in stages comprising the: (i) definition of the intervention to be analyzed and its objectives and goals; (ii) construction of the intervention logical model; (iii) screening of parties interested in the evaluation; (iv) definition of the evaluative questions; and (v) design of the evaluation matrix. Four priority components were defined for the evaluation: management of the organization and implementation of tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control policy; epidemiological surveillance management; care network management; and management of expected/achieved results. In this model, and based on theoretical references, we defined the necessary resources, activities, outputs, outcomes, and the expected impact for each of the policy management components. The management of the TB control program is feasible for evaluation based on the design of its components, the definition of structure and process indicators, and relevant results for the analysis of the management of TB prevention and control actions, as well as its influence on compliance with the agreed indicators and targets aiming at eradicating the disease by 2035.

Unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcomes across Brazil's geographical landscape before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: are we truly advancing toward the sustainable development/end TB goal?

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is one of the most significant infectious diseases for global public health. The reallocation of healthcare resources and the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered access to TB diagnosis and treatment. Increases in unfavorable outcomes of the disease have been observed in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes in Brazil before and during the pandemic. METHODS: An ecological study with spatial analysis was conducted with all 5569 municipalities in Brazil. All reported cases of tuberculosis between January 2010 and December 2021, as well as reported cases of COVID-19 from February 2020 to December 2021, were included. The outcomes studied encompass loss to follow-up, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and death. The Getis Ord GI* technique was employed to assess spatial association, and the Kernel density estimator was used to identify areas with concentrated increases or decreases in outcomes. Bivariate Local Moran's I was used to examine the spatial association between outcomes and COVID-19 incidence. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Ribeirão Preto Nursing School, University of São Paulo. RESULTS: There were 134,394 cases of loss to follow-up, 10,270 cases of drug resistance, and 37,863 deaths. Clusters of high and low values were identified for all three outcomes, indicating significant changes in the spatial distribution patterns. Increases in concentrations were observed for lost to follow-up cases in the Southeast, while reductions occurred in the Northeast, South, and Midwest. Drug-resistant tuberculosis experienced an increase in the Southern and Southeastern regions and a decrease in the Northeast and South. TB-related deaths showed notable concentrations in the Midwest, Northeast, South, and Southeast. There was an increase in high occurrence clusters for deaths after 2020 and 2021 in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has brought additional challenges, emphasizing the importance of enhancing efforts and disease control strategies, prioritizing early identification, treatment adherence, and follow-up. This commitment is vital for achieving the goal of tuberculosis elimination.

Analysis of Survival of Pediatric Patients with Leukemias and Lymphomas in the Oncological Context: Epidemiological Study in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, 2000-2022

Introduction: The time taken for screening, detection and initiation of treatment is a determining factor for therapeutic management in oncology. The availability of reliable data guides decisions for public policies and evaluates compliance with these policies. Objective:To analyze the survival and outcomes of pediatric patients with leukemia and lymphoma from 2000 to 2022. Method: Epidemiological, descriptive study, with data extracted from Fundação Oncocentro do Estado de São Paulo, according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC). The time elapsed between the first consultation and diagnosis was evaluated, between diagnosis and the start of oncological treatment, and the survival of these patients, calculated according to the Peto-Peto test. Results: 12,030 cases were analyzed, 6,994 in males and 7,292 with leukemia. The probability of the time between consultation and diagnosis exceeds 30 days was 49.29% for leukemias and 76.31 for lymphomas, a significant result for treatment and relapses (p < 0.001) but not in relation to sex; the time between diagnosis and treatment exceeding 60 days was 38.04% for leukemias and 71.97% for lymphomas. Not undergoing treatment was significant (p < 0.001) while waiting for diagnosis after consultation for patients with leukemia and lymphomas, except surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined. Conclusion: Despite the advances, a considerable percentage of patients wait longer than expected for diagnosis and initiation of treatment, impacting their survival rates

ntrodução: O tempo no rastreio, detecção e início do tratamento é fator determinante para o manejo terapêutico em oncologia. A disponibilidade de dados confiáveis orienta decisões para políticas públicas e avalia o cumprimento dessas políticas. Objetivo: Analisar a sobrevivência e desfechos de pacientes pediátricos com leucemias e linfomas de 2000 a 2022. Método:Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, com dados extraídos da Fundação Oncocentro do Estado de São Paulo, segundo a Classificação Internacional de Câncer na Infância. Avaliou-se o tempo decorrido entre a primeira consulta e o diagnóstico; entre o diagnóstico e o início do tratamento oncológico; e a sobrevivência desses pacientes, calculada conforme o teste Peto-Peto. Resultados: Foram analisados 12.030 casos, com prevalência no sexo masculino 6.994; 7.292 corresponderam às leucemias. A probabilidade de o tempo entre a consulta e o diagnóstico ter sido superior a 30 dias foi de 49,29% para as leucemias e de 76,31 para os linfomas, significativo para o tratamento e recidivas (p < 0,001) e não por sexo; o tempo entre o diagnóstico e tratamento, superior a 60 dias, foi de 38,04% para as leucemias e de 71,97% para os linfomas. Não realizar tratamento foi significante (p< 0,001) na espera entre a consulta e o diagnóstico para os pacientes com leucemias; o mesmo para os linfomas, exceto para a combinação de cirurgia, quimioterapia e radioterapia. Conclusão: À despeito dos avanços obtidos, uma porcentagem considerável de pacientes aguarda um tempo maior do que o esperado para o diagnóstico e o início do tratamento, repercutindo nas taxas de sobrevivência desses pacientes

Introducción: El tiempo necesario para el screening, detección e inicio del tratamiento es un factor determinante para el manejo terapéutico en oncología. La disponibilidad de datos confiables orienta las decisiones de políticas públicas y evalúa el cumplimiento de estas políticas. Objetivo:Analizar la supervivencia y desenlaces de pacientes pediátricos con leucemia y linfoma en el período de 2000 a 2022. Método: Estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo, con datos extraídos de la Fundación Oncocentro del estado de São Paulo, según la Clasificación Internacional del Cáncer Infantil. Se evaluó el tiempo transcurrido entre la primera consulta y el diagnóstico; entre el diagnóstico y el inicio del tratamiento oncológico, y la supervivencia de estos pacientes, calculada según la prueba de Peto-Peto. Resultados: Se analizaron 12 030 casos, con una prevalencia masculina de 6994; 7292 correspondieron a leucemia. La probabilidad de que el tiempo entre consulta y diagnóstico sea mayor a 30 días fue del 49,29% para leucemias y del 76,31 para linfomas, significativa para tratamiento y recaídas (p < 0,001) y no para sexo; para el tiempo entre diagnóstico y tratamiento, superior a 60 días, fue del 38,04% para las leucemias y del 71,97% para los linfomas. No recibir tratamiento fue significativo (p < 0,001) en la espera entre la consulta y el diagnóstico en pacientes con leucemia; lo mismo para los linfomas, excepto la combinación de cirugía, quimioterapia y radioterapia. Conclusión: A pesar de los avances logrados, un porcentaje considerable de pacientes espera un tiempo más de lo esperado para el diagnóstico y el inicio del tratamiento, impactando en las tasas de supervivencia de estos pacientes.

Acesso e qualidade da alimentação: percepção da população em situação de rua / Acceso y calidad de la alimentación: percepción de personas en situación de calle / Access to food and food quality: perception of the homeless population

Resumo Objetivo Compreender a percepção do acesso e da qualidade da alimentação para a população em situação de rua. Métodos Estudo descritivo qualitativo, realizado em um Centro de Referência da População de Rua na região centro-sul de Belo Horizonte (MG). Utilizou-se roteiro semiestruturado para a realização das entrevistas de 18 participantes. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. A análise temática do material, proposta por Bardin, possibilitou a elaboração de três categorias empíricas. Resultados O público entrevistado era masculino, com idade média de 43 anos e tempo médio de situação de rua de 44,6 meses. O acesso à alimentação foi proveniente das doações de alimentos, refeições em instituições governamentais e aquisições ao dispor de renda. Foram relatadas dificuldades quanto à quantidade e qualidade dos alimentos, à aquisição das refeições nos fins de semana, aos sentimentos de medo e angústia perante a fome, à falta do alimento e pelo estigma social, agravados pela COVID-19. Conclusão Diante do cenário de iniquidades sociais, o direito ao acesso à alimentação não é garantido, sendo necessária a implementação de políticas públicas de proteção social que garantam os direitos básicos.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender la percepción del acceso y de la calidad de la alimentación según personas en situación de calle. Métodos Estudio descriptivo cualitativo, realizado en un Centro de Referencia de Personas de la Calle en la región centro-sur de Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais). Se utilizó un guion semiestructurado para realizar entrevistas a 18 participantes. La recopilación de datos se realizó entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021. El análisis temático del material, propuesto por Bardin, permitió la elaboración de tres categorías empíricas. Resultados El público entrevistado era masculino, de 43 años de edad promedio y tiempo promedio de situación de calle de 44,6 meses. El acceso a la alimentación fue proveniente de donaciones de alimentos, comidas en instituciones gubernamentales y adquisiciones al disponer de ingresos. Las personas relataron dificultades con relación a la cantidad y calidad de los alimentos, a la adquisición de comida los fines de semana, a los sentimientos de miedo y angustia ante el hambre, a la falta de alimentos y al estigma social, agravados por el COVID-19. Conclusión Ante el escenario de iniquidades sociales, el derecho al acceso a la alimentación no está garantizado, por lo cual es necesario implementar políticas públicas de protección social que garanticen los derechos básicos.

Abstract Objective To understand the perception of access to food and food quality for the street population. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was performed in a Reference Center for the Homeless Population in the south-central region of Belo Horizonte (MG). A semi-structured script was used to conduct interviews with 18 participants. Data collection occurred between December 2020 and January 2021. The thematic analysis of the material, as proposed by Bardin, made it possible to elaborate three empirical categories. Results The public interviewed was male, with a mean age of 43 years, and a mean time on the streets of 44.6 months. Access to food came from donations, meals at government institutions, and acquisition when income was available. Difficulties were reported regarding the quantity and quality of food, acquisition of meals on weekends, feelings of fear and anguish in the face of hunger, lack of food, and social stigma, which were aggravated by COVID-19. Conclusion As in this scenario of social inequalities the access to food is not guaranteed, implementing public policies of social protection is necessary to guarantee basic rights.

Prevalence of tuberculosis, COVID-19, chronic conditions and vulnerabilities among migrants and refugees: an electronic survey / Prevalência de tuberculose, COVID-19, condições crônicas e vulnerabilidades entre migrantes e refugiados: inquérito eletrônico / Prevalencia de tuberculosis, COVID-19, condiciones crónicas y vulnerabilidades en inmigrantes y refugiados: encuesta electrónica

Abstract Objective: to analyze the prevalence of tuberculosis, coronavirus, chronic conditions and vulnerabilities among migrants and refugees in Brazil. Method: this is a cross-sectional study of the electronic survey type conducted with international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics was applied for the analysis, with calculation of position and dispersion measures. Regarding the categorical variables, relative and absolute frequencies were estimated. Results: the study participants were 553 migrants and refugees, verifying 3.07%, 7.2% and 27.3% prevalence of tuberculosis, COVID-19 and chronic conditions, respectively. Among the vulnerabilities, 32% reported unemployment, 37.6% moved to Brazil as a result of the social situation in their countries and 33.6% were living as refugees or sheltered people. Conclusion: tuberculosis, chronic diseases and COVID-19 presented higher prevalence values in migrants and refugees than in the general population. As this is a population group that still has significant difficulty accessing health services and social protection systems, based on diverse evidence, the study will subsidize public policies, Nursing care and the incorporation of new routines in the service.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a prevalência de tuberculose, coronavírus, condições crônicas e vulnerabilidades entre migrantes e refugiados no Brasil. Método: trata-se de estudo transversal, do tipo inquérito eletrônico, realizado com migrantes internacionais durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Para a análise, aplicou-se estatística descritiva, com cálculo de medidas de posição e de dispersão. Quanto às variáveis categóricas, estimaram-se as frequências relativas e absolutas. Resultados: participaram do estudo 553 migrantes e refugiados, verificando-se prevalência de 3,07% de tuberculose, 7,2% de COVID-19 e 27,3% de condições crônicas. Entre as vulnerabilidades, 32% referiram desemprego, 37,6% mudaram para o Brasil em decorrência da situação social do seu país e 33,6% residiam em asilo e ou abrigo. Conclusão: a tuberculose, as doenças crônicas e a COVID-19 apresentaram maior prevalência em migrantes e refugiados que na população em geral. Por tratar-se de uma população ainda com grande dificuldade de acesso aos serviços de saúde e aos sistemas de proteção social, o estudo subsidiará, com base em evidências, as políticas públicas, o atendimento do enfermeiro e a incorporação de novas rotinas no serviço.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la prevalencia de tuberculosis, coronavirus, condiciones crónicas y vulnerabilidades en inmigrantes y refugiados en Brasil. Método: se trata de un estudio transversal, del tipo encuesta electrónica, realizado con migrantes internacionales durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Para el análisis se aplicó estadística descriptiva, con cálculo de medidas de posición y dispersión. En cuanto a las variables categóricas, se estimaron las frecuencias relativas y absolutas. Resultados: participaron del estudio 553 inmigrantes y refugiados, la prevalencia de tuberculosis era del 3,07%, de COVID-19 del 7,2% y de condiciones crónicas del 27,3%. Entre las vulnerabilidades, el 32% reportó desempleo, el 37,6% emigró a Brasil por la situación social de su país y el 33,6% vivía en un asilo o albergue. Conclusión: la tuberculosis, las enfermedades crónicas y el COVID-19 fueron más prevalentes en inmigrantes y refugiados que en la población general. Por tratarse de una población que aún tiene grandes dificultades para acceder a los servicios de salud y sistemas de protección social, el estudio contribuirá, con base en la evidencia, a las políticas públicas, la atención de enfermería y la incorporación de nuevas rutinas en el servicio.

Spatial and temporal analysis of tuberculosis incidence in Guinea-Bissau, 2018 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the epidemiological profile, spatial and temporal distribution of tuberculosis in Guinea-Bissau from 2018 to 2020. METHODS: an ecological study, carried out in Guinea-Bissau, considering new cases of tuberculosis. Spatial analysis of areas was used to verify tuberculosis distribution in the country, and time series were used to identify incidence evolution over the years of study. RESULTS: a total of 6,840 new cases of tuberculosis were reported. Tuberculosis incidence rate in the country ranged from 36.8 to 267.7 cases/100,000 inhabitants, with emphasis on the regions of Bissau and Biombo (over 90 cases/100,000). By using time series, it was possible to observe an increase in case incidence over the years of study. CONCLUSIONS: the study made it possible to identify the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in Guinea-Bissau, spatial distribution heterogeneity, in addition to identifying the disease evolution over the years of investigation.

Health condition, income loss, food insecurity and other social inequities among migrants and refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is the destination of many international migrants and refugees and, given the circumstances of their entry into the country, many face difficulties due to the absence of targeted policies. Thus, the objective of this study was to survey the social impact of COVID-19 on international migrants and refugees regarding income loss, food insecurity and other social inequities, and to identify explanatory factors on these aspects. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study. We used a validated instrument applied by trained interviewers. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with income loss and food insecurity. RESULTS: A total of 360 individuals from sub-Saharan African and South American countries participated in the study. Individuals who were white, black/brown, yellow, had an occupation/employment, and earned less than one minimum wage were more likely to lose income. Those who reported no income, received less than one minimum wage, and were diagnosed with COVID-19 were more likely to be food insecure. CONCLUSIONS: The study advances knowledge by identifying factors associated with income loss, food insecurity, and individuals' difficulty in accessing health services and social support measures in Brazil.

Vaccination coverage in children under one year of age and associated socioeconomic factors: maps of spatial heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze vaccination coverage spatial distribution in children under one year old and the socioeconomic factors associated with meeting the recommended goals in Minas Gerais. METHODS: an ecological study, carried out in 853 municipalities in the state. Pentavalent, poliomyelitis, meningococcal conjugate, yellow fever, rotavirus, and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination coverage were analyzed. Scan statistics and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify spatial clusters and factors associated with meeting coverage goals. RESULTS: spatial analysis revealed clusters with risk of low coverage for all vaccines. Number of families with per capita income of up to 1/2 wage, Minas Gerais Social Responsibility Index and percentage of the poor or extremely poor population were associated with meeting the established goals. CONCLUSIONS: the results are useful for designing interventions regarding the structuring of vaccination services and the implementation of actions to increase vaccination coverage in clusters with less propensity to vaccinate.

Digital health for treatment adherence in people with tuberculosis: a systematic review / Saúde digital para a adesão ao tratamento da pessoa com tuberculose: uma revisão sistemática / Salud digital para la adherencia al tratamiento en personas con tuberculosis: una revisión sistemática

Justifications and Objectives: the use of digital health, among people diagnosed with tuberculosis, can be an effective strategy, combined with health services, to increase adherence to treatment and impact the disease's epidemiological data in the country. As this topic has been widely discussed and improved in recent years, it is necessary to further investigate the research available on scientific bases. The objective of this study was to describe the use of digital health technologies to assist with adherence to tuberculosis treatment. Methods: this is a systematic literature review with a rapid review approach, following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane guide. Evidence quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The studies were identified in PubMed, VHL, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial, SciELO, Scopus and Embase. Experimental, quasi-experimental studies and clinical trials were included, without language restrictions, published between 2020 and 2022. Content: nine studies were selected, which demonstrated that the implementation of digital technologies improved adherence rates to medication treatment and cure rates. Applications use strategies such as synchronous and asynchronous video, voice calls and text messages. Among the studies, only two technology/application names were mentioned. Conclusion: digital technologies have had a positive impact on the treatment of people diagnosed with tuberculosis.(AU)

Justificativas e Objetivos: a utilização da saúde digital, junto às pessoas diagnosticadas com a tuberculose, pode ser uma estratégia eficaz, aliada dos serviços de saúde, para aumentar a adesão ao tratamento e impactar os dados epidemiológicos da doença no país. Como esse tema tem sido amplamente discutido e aprimorado nos últimos anos, é necessário investigar mais a fundo as pesquisas disponíveis nas bases científicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o uso de tecnologias em saúde digital para auxiliar na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose. Método: trata-se de revisão sistemática da literatura com abordagem de revisão rápida, seguindo as diretrizes do PRISMA e o guia da Cochrane. A qualidade das evidências foi realizada utilizando a ferramenta Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Os estudos foram identificados nas bases de dados PubMed, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial, SciELO, Scopus e Embase. Foram incluídos estudos experimentais, quase-experimentais e ensaios clínicos, sem restrição de idioma, publicados entre 2020 e 2022. Conteúdo: foram selecionados nove estudos, que demonstraram que a implementação de tecnologias digitais melhorou as taxas de adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso e as taxas de cura. Os aplicativos utilizam estratégias como vídeo síncrono e assíncrono, chamadas de voz e mensagens de texto. Entre os estudos, apenas dois nomes de tecnologia/aplicativo foram mencionados. Conclusão: as tecnologias digitais têm impactado de forma positiva no tratamento das pessoas com diagnóstico de tuberculose.(AU)

Justificaciones y objetivos: el uso de la salud digital entre las personas diagnosticadas con tuberculosis puede ser una estrategia eficaz y aliada de los servicios de salud para aumentar la adherencia al tratamiento e impactar los datos epidemiológicos de la enfermedad en el país. 3. Método: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura con un enfoque de revisión rápida, siguiendo las pautas de PRISMA y la guía de Cochrane. La calidad de la evidencia se evaluó utilizando la herramienta Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Los estudios se identificaron en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial, SciELO, Scopus y Embase. Se incluyeron estudios experimentales, cuasiexperimentales y ensayos clínicos, sin restricciones de idioma, publicados entre 2020 y 2022. Contenido: se seleccionaron nueve estudios que demostraron que la implementación de tecnologías digitales mejoró las tasas de adherencia al tratamiento con medicamentos y las tasas de curación. Las aplicaciones utilizan estrategias como video sincrónico y asincrónico, llamadas de voz y mensajes de texto. Entre los estudios, sólo se mencionaron dos nombres de tecnologías/aplicaciones. Conclusión: las tecnologías digitales han tenido un impacto positivo en el tratamiento de personas diagnosticadas con tuberculosis.(AU)

Geo-spatial high-risk clusters of Tuberculosis in the global general population: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this systematic review is to identify tuberculosis (TB) high-risk among the general population globally. The review was conducted using the following steps: elaboration of the research question, search for relevant publications, selection of studies found, data extraction, analysis, and evidence synthesis. METHODS: The studies included were those published in English, from original research, presented findings relevant to tuberculosis high-risk across the globe, published between 2017 and 2023, and were based on geospatial analysis of TB. Two reviewers independently selected the articles and were blinded to each other`s comments. The resultant disagreement was resolved by a third blinded reviewer. For bibliographic search, controlled and free vocabularies that address the question to be investigated were used. The searches were carried out on PubMed, LILACS, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. and Google Scholar. RESULTS: A total of 79 published articles with a 40-year study period between 1982 and 2022 were evaluated. Based on the 79 studies, more than 40% of all countries that have carried out geospatial analysis of TB were from Asia, followed by South America with 23%, Africa had about 15%, and others with 2% and 1%. Various maps were used in the various studies and the most used is the thematic map (32%), rate map (26%), map of temporal tendency (20%), and others like the kernel density map (6%). The characteristics of the high-risk and the factors that affect the hotspot's location are evident through studies related to poor socioeconomic conditions constituting (39%), followed by high population density (17%), climate-related clustering (15%), high-risk spread to neighbouring cities (13%), unstable and non-random cluster (11%). CONCLUSION: There exist specific high-risk for TB which are areas that are related to low socioeconomic conditions and spectacular weather conditions, these areas when well-known will be easy targets for intervention by policymakers. We recommend that more studies making use of spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal analysis be carried out to point out territories and populations that are vulnerable to TB.

Factors associated with status and self-perceived mental health changes in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

The SARS-CoV-2-triggered Public Health Emergency of International Importance has significantly contributed to emotional and mental health issues. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with self-perceived mental health changes while facing the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study that collected data via a web survey using a validated instrument. The study included individuals over 18 years old residing in the 26 federal units and the Federal District from August 2020 to November 2022. The sample was recruited using the snowball technique. Two logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest. The first analysis considered individuals who rated their mental health condition as poor as the dependent variable, while the second analysis considered individuals who reported changes in their mental health during the pandemic as the dependent variable. The study found that individuals with complete college education and those using tranquilizers or antidepressants were more likely to perceive their mental health as poor (1.97 and 2.04 times higher likelihood, respectively). Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during the pandemic was associated with a 2.49 higher likelihood of reporting mental health changes. Participants also reported more difficulty sleeping. The negative self-perception of mental health varied across Brazil's regions and changed over time, with different patterns observed before and after the vaccination period. In 2022, most regions of Brazil classified their mental health as "poor." The study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, with increased prevalence of mental disorders and emotional problems among the population. The results highlight the presence of mental disorders and increased reporting of emotional problems among the population due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectiveness of neurolysis as a treatment for complications of leprosy neuritis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Complications of leprosy neuritis are considered serious and apparent, with the potential to disable and/or limit individuals. These complications affect not only a patient's physical functioning, but also their family and social lives, while directly impacting the ability to work and/or maintain financial independence, subsequently interfering with their overall quality of life. The present review, therefore, aimed to analyze the effectiveness of neurolysis as an alternative treatment for the complications associated with leprosy neuritis. METHODS: The present review was performed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, in an effort to answer the following research question: what is the effectiveness of neurolysis as a treatment for leprosy neuritis complications? This research question was defined using the patient-intervention-outcome (PIO) framework, where leprosy represents 'P', neurolysis for 'I', and neuropathic pain/motor function/sensorial function/physical disability/quality of life for 'O'. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and prospective observational cohort studies were included in the present review, with no time or date restrictions. RESULTS: The present review included 1 randomized clinical trial and 10 prospective studies, published between 1976 and 2020. All of the outcomes showed improvement, with relief from neuropathic pain being the primary finding. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence obtained in the present review suggested that neurolysis is an effective alternative for the treatment of physical disabilities, the recovery of sensory and motor function, the restoration of quality of life, and neuropathic pain relief.

A distributional regression approach to modeling the impact of structural and intermediary social determinants on communities burdened by tuberculosis in Eastern Amazonia - Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is influenced by social determinants of health. However, the specific structural and intermediary determinants of TB in Eastern Amazonia remain unclear. Despite being rich in natural resources, the region faces significant challenges related to poverty, inequality, and neglected diseases. The objective of this study was to use mathematical modeling to evaluate the influence of structural and intermediary determinants of health on TB in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional included all TB cases diagnosed and registered in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) from 2001 to 2017. Data on social determinants were collected at the census tract level. The generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) framework was employed to identify the effect of social determinants on communities with a high TB prevalence. The Double Poisson distribution (DPO) was chosen, and inclusion of quadratic effects was tested. RESULTS: A total of 1730 individuals were diagnosed with TB and reported in SINAN during the analyzed period. The majority were female (59.3%), aged 31 to 59 years (47.6%), identified as blacks (67.9%), and had incomplete elementary education (46.6%). The prevalence of alcoholism was 8.6% and mental illness was 0.7%. GAMLSS analyses demonstrated that the risk of community incidence of TB is associated with the proportion of the population lacking basic sanitation, as well as with the age groups of 16-31 years and > 61 years. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the strategic utility of GAMLSS in identifying high-risk areas for TB. Models should encompass a broader range of social determinants to inform policies aimed at reducing inequality and achieving the goals of the End TB strategy.

Association of Sleep Duration and Use of Sleeping Medication with Multimorbidity in Adults: Results from the PAMPA (Brazil) Cohort Study.

Objective To analyze the association of sleep duration and use of sleeping medication with multimorbidity. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health (PAMPA) cohort. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more conditions from a list of twelve health problems. Descriptive analyses were performed considering proportion and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI). We performed logistic regression (to obtain odds ratios, ORs) to estimate the associations, including models adjusted for confounding factors. Results In total, 2,936 participants were included, 79,1% of them women, 54.2% aged between 18 and 39 years, and 88.9% with white skin color. Compared with regular sleep (seven to eight hours a day), five hours or less of sleep increased the odds of multimorbidity by 145% (95%CI: 1.90-3.14), and 9 hours or more of sleep increased the odds by 49% (95%CI: 1.14-1.95) for the crude model; the results remained significant even in the adjusted models. Discussion Consumption of sleeping medication was associated with multimorbidity. Short and prolonged sleep duration increased the odds of multimorbidity, regardless of the sociodemographic and behavior characteristics. The regular use of sleeping medication was also associated with multimorbidity. The results of the present study are important but require caution due to reverse causality, and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the findings.

[Addressing HIV/AIDS and syphilis in Venezuelan migrant women from the perspective of health managers in the North of BrazilManejo de la infección por el VIH/sida y la sífilis en mujeres migrantes venezolanas desde la perspectiva de los gestores de salud en el norte de Brasil]. / Enfrentamento de HIV/aids e sífilis em mulheres venezuelanas migrantes na perspectiva de gestores de saúde no Norte do Brasil.

Objective: To identify the perception of health managers regarding the actions taken and the challenges encountered in addressing HIV and syphilis in Venezuelan migrant women in Brazil. Method: This descriptive-exploratory study using a qualitative approach was conducted from January to March 2021 in the municipalities of Boa Vista (state of Roraima) and Manaus (state of Amazonas). Audio interviews with the participants were transcribed in full and examined using thematic content analysis. Results: Ten managers were interviewed (five in Boa Vista and five in Manaus). Content analysis identified the following domains and themes: available infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment of AIDS and syphilis - access, availability of medical appointments /waiting list, training of health teams, and psychosocial support; challenges faced by Venezuelan women - language, documentation issues, and frequent address changes; and strategies and actions adopted and expectations for addressing HIV/AIDS and syphilis in the context of migration. Conclusions: Despite the care provided to Venezuelan women in Brazil - guaranteed by the universal nature of the Brazilian health system - language and lack of documentation remain as barriers. Given the absence of action plans and future planning for the care of migrant women with HIV or syphilis in municipalities, it is important to develop public policies aimed at minimizing the difficulties faced by this population.

Objetivo: Determinar la percepción de los gestores de salud sobre las medidas adoptadas y los desafíos encontrados para manejar la infección por el VIH y la sífilis en mujeres migrantes venezolanas en Brasil. Métodos: Este estudio descriptivo y exploratorio, con enfoque cualitativo, se realizó de enero a marzo del 2021 en los municipios de Boa Vista (estado de Roraima) y Manaos (estado de Amazonas). La grabación de las entrevistas de los participantes se transcribió en su totalidad. El análisis se basó en la técnica de evaluación temática del contenido. Resultados: Se hicieron entrevistas a diez gestores (cinco en Boa Vista y cinco en Manaos). En el análisis del contenido se observaron los siguientes ejes y temas: la estructura disponible para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del sida y de la sífilis, con inclusión de acceso, cupos de atención, filas de espera y formación de equipos de salud y apoyo psicosocial; los desafíos enfrentados por las mujeres venezolanas, como idioma, problemas de documentación y frecuencia de cambio de domicilio; las estrategias y medidas adoptadas y las expectativas para enfrentar la infección por el VIH/sida y la sífilis en el marco de la migración. Conclusiones: A pesar de las medidas de acogida a las mujeres migrantes venezolanas, garantizadas por la universalidad del sistema de salud brasileño, todavía existen algunas barreras como el idioma y la falta de documentación. Ante la falta de planes de acción y planificación futura de la atención a las mujeres migrantes portadoras del VIH o con sífilis en los municipios, es importante formular políticas públicas con el fin de reducir las dificultades enfrentadas por este grupo de la población.

Enfrentamento de HIV/aids e sífilis em mulheres venezuelanas migrantes na perspectiva de gestores de saúde no Norte do Brasil

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar a percepção dos gestores de saúde sobre as ações adotadas e os desafios encontrados no enfrentamento de HIV e sífilis em mulheres venezuelanas migrantes no Brasil. Métodos. Este estudo descritivo-exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, foi realizado de janeiro a março de 2021 nos municípios de Boa Vista (estado de Roraima) e Manaus (estado do Amazonas). As entrevistas em áudio realizadas com os participantes foram transcritas na íntegra. A análise foi pautada na técnica de ava- liação de conteúdo temática. Resultados. Foram entrevistados 10 gestores (cinco em Boa Vista e cinco em Manaus). A análise de conteúdo identificou os seguintes eixos e temas: estrutura disponível para diagnóstico e tratamento de aids e sífilis — acesso, vagas para atendimento/fila de espera, formação das equipes de saúde e suporte psicossocial; desafios enfrentados pelas mulheres venezuelanas — idioma, questões de documentação e frequência de alteração de endereço; e estratégias e ações adotadas e expectativas para o enfrentamento de HIV/aids e sífilis no contexto de migração. Conclusões. Apesar das ações de acolhimento das mulheres venezuelanas migrantes — garantido pela universalidade do sistema de saúde brasileiro — aspectos como o idioma e a falta de documentação per- manecem como barreiras. Diante da inexistência de planos de ação e planejamento futuro da atenção a mulheres migrantes portadoras de HIV ou sífilis nos municípios, é importante desenvolver políticas públicas com o objetivo de minimizar as dificuldades enfrentadas por essa população.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To identify the perception of health managers regarding the actions taken and the challenges encountered in addressing HIV and syphilis in Venezuelan migrant women in Brazil. Method. This descriptive-exploratory study using a qualitative approach was conducted from January to March 2021 in the municipalities of Boa Vista (state of Roraima) and Manaus (state of Amazonas). Audio inter- views with the participants were transcribed in full and examined using thematic content analysis. Results. Ten managers were interviewed (five in Boa Vista and five in Manaus). Content analysis identified the following domains and themes: available infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment of AIDS and syphilis — access, availability of medical appointments /waiting list, training of health teams, and psychosocial support; challenges faced by Venezuelan women — language, documentation issues, and frequent address changes; and strategies and actions adopted and expectations for addressing HIV/AIDS and syphilis in the context of migration. Conclusions. Despite the care provided to Venezuelan women in Brazil — guaranteed by the universal nature of the Brazilian health system — language and lack of documentation remain as barriers. Given the absence of action plans and future planning for the care of migrant women with HIV or syphilis in municipalities, it is important to develop public policies aimed at minimizing the difficulties faced by this population.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la percepción de los gestores de salud sobre las medidas adoptadas y los desafíos encontrados para manejar la infección por el VIH y la sífilis en mujeres migrantes venezolanas en Brasil. Métodos. Este estudio descriptivo y exploratorio, con enfoque cualitativo, se realizó de enero a marzo del 2021 en los municipios de Boa Vista (estado de Roraima) y Manaos (estado de Amazonas). La grabación de las entrevistas de los participantes se transcribió en su totalidad. El análisis se basó en la técnica de evalua- ción temática del contenido. Resultados. Se hicieron entrevistas a diez gestores (cinco en Boa Vista y cinco en Manaos). En el análisis del contenido se observaron los siguientes ejes y temas: la estructura disponible para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del sida y de la sífilis, con inclusión de acceso, cupos de atención, filas de espera y formación de equipos de salud y apoyo psicosocial; los desafíos enfrentados por las mujeres venezolanas, como idioma, problemas de documentación y frecuencia de cambio de domicilio; las estrategias y medidas adoptadas y las expectativas para enfrentar la infección por el VIH/sida y la sífilis en el marco de la migración. Conclusiones. A pesar de las medidas de acogida a las mujeres migrantes venezolanas, garantizadas por la universalidad del sistema de salud brasileño, todavía existen algunas barreras como el idioma y la falta de documentación. Ante la falta de planes de acción y planificación futura de la atención a las mujeres migrantes portadoras del VIH o con sífilis en los municipios, es importante formular políticas públicas con el fin de redu- cir las dificultades enfrentadas por este grupo de la población.