The use of biofeedback intervention in the improvement of depression levels: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of biofeedback intervention in the levels of depression. The main hypothesis tested if the use of biofeedback improves depression levels compared to the control group. METHODS: A randomised clinical trial. The final sample was composed of 36 participants (18 in the experimental group, receiving 6 training, once a week, with biofeedback; and 18 in the control group, who received conventional treatment in the service).Outcome measures were assessed in two stages: pre-test and post-test. The research used the following instruments: demographic survey data, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0.0 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The factors and variables were presented in terms of descriptive and inferential statistics. Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05) was used to verify the existence of an association between the counting variables. The multinomial logistic regression model was adopted, and the Logit link function was used, as the software RStudio version 3.6.2. RESULTS: The factors that remained in the final model were group, sex, partner, atypical antidepressant, benzodiazepines, mood stabiliser, antiepileptic and antihistamine, according to the levels of depression based on the BDI. The group that did not receive biofeedback intervention had 16 times more chances of increasing the depression levels compared to participants in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The use of biofeedback reduces depression, thus, representing a complementary alternative for the treatment of moderate and severe depression, and dysthymia.

Prevalência de dor em servidores públicos: associação com comportamento sedentário e atividade física de lazer / Pain prevalence on public servants: association with sedentary behavior and physical leisure activity

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Das ações habituais que refletem o estilo de vida dos que exercem função laboral administrativa, destaca-se o comportamento sedentário. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar a prevalência de dor com o comportamento sedentário e nível de atividade física de servidores públicos. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 156 servidores públicos, de ambos os gêneros, média de idade de 39,8±12,3 anos, lotados em uma universidade federal do Nordeste do Brasil, que responderam a um questionário com variáveis relativas a dor, comportamento sedentário e prática de atividade física. Para análise descritiva foram expressos valores de média, desvio padrão, frequência absoluta e relativa. Empregou-se a análise de regressão para estimativas de razões de prevalências e intervalos de confiança de 95%. Na análise ajustada, todas as variáveis foram incluídas no modelo. Considerou-se significativamente associado ao desfecho um valor de p≤0,05. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de comportamento sedentário vendo TV foi de 24,4% e no trabalho foi de 88,5%. Aproximadamente 65% da amostra eram insuficientemente ativos fisicamente. A presença de dor foi reportada por 76,3% da amostra. Após ajuste pelo gênero, idade e atividade física, aqueles que passavam mais de duas horas por dia sentados à frente da TV e ficavam sentados no trabalho foram os subgrupos com maiores probabilidades de presença de dor (p<.0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Aproximadamente 8 em 10 trabalhadores reportaram dor musculoesquelética. Dos comportamentos investigados foi verificado que servidores que passavam muito tempo sentados tinham maiores probabilidades de reportar dor.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: From usual actions which reflect lifestyle of those working on administrative functions, there is the sedentary behavior. This study aimed at associating prevalence of pain to sedentary behavior and physical activity level of public servants. METHODS: Sample was made up of 156 public servants of both genders, mean age of 39.8±12.3 years, working for a federal university of the Northeastern region of Brazil, who have answered a questionnaire with variables related to pain, sedentary behavior and practice of physical activity. For descriptive analysis data were expressed in mean, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequency. Regression analysis was used to estimate prevalence ratios and confidence interval of 95%. For adjusted analysis, all variables were included in the model, considering p≤0.05 significantly associated to the outcome. RESULTS: The prevalence of sedentary behavior watching TV was 24.4% and at work it was 88.5%. Approximately 65% of the sample were poorly physically active. Pain was reported by 76.3% of the sample. After adjusting for gender, age and physical activity, those spending more than two hours a day sitting watching TV and remaining sitting at work were subgroups with highest possibilities of having pain (p<.0.05). CONCLUSION: Approximately eight out of ten employees have reported musculoskeletal pain. From investigated behaviors, it was observed that servants spending a lot of time sitting had higher probability of reporting pain.

Effects of ketogenic diets on the occurrence of pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus of rats.

Two sources of medium-chain triglycerides--triheptanoin with anaplerotic properties and coconut oil with antioxidant features--have emerged as promising therapeutic options for the management of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. We investigated the effects of ketogenic diets (KDs) containing coconut oil, triheptanoin, or soybean oil on pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups and fed a control diet (7% lipids) or a KD containing soybean oil, coconut oil, or triheptanoin (69.8% lipids). The ketogenic and control diets had a lipid:carbohydrate + protein ratio of 1:11.8 and 3.5:1, respectively. SE was induced in all rats 20 days after initiation of the dietary treatment, through the administration of pilocarpine (340 mg/kg; i.p.). The latency, frequency, duration, and severity of seizures before and during SE were observed with a camcorder. SE was aborted after 3 h with the application of diazepam (5 mg/kg; i.p.). The rats in the triheptanoin-based KD group needed to undergo a higher number of seizures to develop SE, as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Total weight gain, intake, energy intake, and feed efficiency coefficient, prior to induction of SE, differed between groups (P < 0.05), where the triheptanoin-based KD group showed less weight gain than all other groups, less energy intake than the Control group and intermediate values of feed efficiency coefficient between Control and other KDs groups. Triheptanoin-based KD may have a neuroprotective effect on the establishment of SE in Wistar rats.

Prevalence of common mental disorders in mothers in the semiarid region of Alagoas and its relationship with nutritional status.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Compromised maternal mental health (MMH) is considered to be a risk factor for child malnutrition in low income areas. Psychosocial variables associated with MMH are potentially different between urban and rural environments. The aim here was to investigate whether associations existed between MMH and selected sociodemographic risk factors and whether specific to urban or rural settings. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a representative population sample of mothers from the semiarid region of Alagoas. METHODS: Multistage sampling was used. The subjects were mothers of children aged up to 60 months. MMH was evaluated through the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20. Mothers' nutritional status was assessed using the body mass index and waist circumference. Univariate analysis used odds ratios (OR) and chi-square. Logistic regression was performed separately for urban and rural subsamples using MMH as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The sample comprised 288 mothers. The prevalences of common mental disorders (CMD) in rural and urban areas were 56.2% and 43.8%, respectively (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.64-1.63). In univariate analysis and logistic regression, the variable of education remained associated with MMH (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.03-4.6) in urban areas. In rural areas, the variable of lack of partner remained associated (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.01-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CMD is high among mothers of children aged up to two years in the semiarid region of Alagoas. This seems to be associated with lower educational level in urban settings and lack of partner in rural settings.

Prevalence of common mental disorders in mothers in the semiarid region of Alagoas and its relationship with nutritional status / Prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns em mães do semi-árido de Alagoas e sua relação com o estado nutricional

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Compromised maternal mental health (MMH) is considered to be a risk factor for child malnutrition in low income areas. Psychosocial variables associated with MMH are potentially different between urban and rural environments. The aim here was to investigate whether associations existed between MMH and selected sociodemographic risk factors and whether specific to urban or rural settings. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a representative population sample of mothers from the semiarid region of Alagoas. METHODS: Multistage sampling was used. The subjects were mothers of children aged up to 60 months. MMH was evaluated through the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20. Mothers' nutritional status was assessed using the body mass index and waist circumference. Univariate analysis used odds ratios (OR) and chi-square. Logistic regression was performed separately for urban and rural subsamples using MMH as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The sample comprised 288 mothers. The prevalences of common mental disorders (CMD) in rural and urban areas were 56.2% and 43.8%, respectively (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.64-1.63). In univariate analysis and logistic regression, the variable of education remained associated with MMH (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.03-4.6) in urban areas. In rural areas, the variable of lack of partner remained associated (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.01-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CMD is high among mothers of children aged up to two years in the semiarid region of Alagoas. This seems to be associated with lower educational level in urban settings and lack of partner in rural settings.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Comprometimento da saúde mental materna (SMM) é considerado fator de risco para desnutrição infantil em áreas de baixa renda. Variáveis psicossociais associadas ao SMM são potencialmente diferentes em ambientes urbanos ou rurais. O objetivo foi investigar se existiria associação entre SMM e fatores de risco sócio-demográficos selecionados e se ela seria específica conforme o ambiente urbano/rural. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, realizado com amostra representativa da população de mães do semi-árido alagoano. MÉTODOS: Amostragem em estágios múltiplos. Sujeitos foram mães de crianças até 60 meses de idade. SMM foi avaliada por meio do SRQ-20 (Self-Reporting Questionnaire). Estado nutricional materno avaliado por meio de índice de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura. Análise univariada utilizou OR (odds ratio) e qui quadrado. Regressão logística realizada separadamente com subamostras urbana e rural utilizando MMH como variável dependente. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi de 288 mães. Prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns foi 56,2% na zona rural e 43,8% na urbana (OR = 1,03; intervalo de confiança, IC 95%: 0,64-1,63). Tanto na análise univariada como na regressão logística, na área urbana, escolaridade foi a variável que permaneceu associada ao SMM (OR = 2,2; IC 95%: 1,03-4,6). Na zona rural a variável que manteve associação foi falta de parceiro (OR = 2,6; IC 95%: 1,01-6,7). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns é elevada entre as mães de crianças até dois anos de idade, na região semi-árida de Alagoas, o que parece estar associado com menor nível educacional no ambiente urbano e com a falta de um parceiro no ambiente rural.

Consumo de café segundo métodos de preparo da bebida e associação com perfil lipídico sérico em hipertensos e diabéticos / Intake of different coffee preparations and its association with the serum lipid profile of diabetics and hypertensive individuals

OBJETIVO: Verificar o consumo da bebida café segundo a quantidade ingerida e os métodos de preparo, e sua associação com o perfil lipídico sérico de hipertensos e diabéticos. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados, por meio de entrevista, dados demográficos, de estilo de vida e de consumo alimentar, aferidas medidas antropométricas e colhido sangue para análise de perfil lipídico sérico. Análise descritiva, testes t de Student, qui-quadrado e de correlação linear de Pearson foram utilizados com 5 por cento de probabilidade de erro experimental. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 182 indivíduos hipertensos e diabéticos tipo 2, consumidores de café, distribuídos em dois grupos segundo o método de preparo da bebida: à brasileira e fervido. Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto aos dados demográficos, antropométricos, de estilo de vida, de consumo alimentar e de perfil lipídico sérico. A quantidade per capita de pó utilizado no método à brasileira e no fervido foi de M=7,52, DP=4,99g e M=7,91, DP=5,87g, respectivamente. O volume ingerido e a frequência de consumo dos indivíduos do grupo à brasileira foi de M=517,3, DP=402,7mL e M=2,14, DP=1,06 vezes/dia, e para os consumidores de café fervido, M=513,4, DP=409,8mL e M=2,2, DP=0,94 vezes/dia. Não houve associação significativa entre a quantidade ingerida da bebida café e o perfil lipídico sérico. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve associação entre o consumo de café à brasileira ou fervido e o perfil lipídico sérico, possivelmente em função da quantidade consumida e/ou da diluição utilizada. Se, por um lado, os resultados não permitem desestimular o consumo da bebida na quantidade ingerida pela população estudada, como medida de prevenção cardiovascular, por outro lado autorizam concluir que há necessidade de avançar nessa linha de investigação.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the amount of coffee consumed, the preparation methods and the association between coffee intake and the serum lipid profile of diabetics and hypertensive individuals. METHODS: Interviews were done to collect demographic and lifestyle data and food intake. Blood was collected to determine serum lipid profiles and anthropometric characteristics were measured. Descriptive analysis and the Student's t-test, chi-square test and Pearson's linear correlation were used with p£0.05 to establish statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 182 hypertensive and type-2 diabetic individuals who consumed coffee were evaluated and categorized according to the preparation method: Brazilian or boiled. The population had similar demographics, anthropometrics, lifestyles, food habits and serum lipid profiles. The per capita amount of powder ingested when the Brazilian preparation method (uses a filter) was used compared with boiling was M=7.52, SD=4.99g and M=7.91, SD=5.87g, respectively. In both groups, those levels were obtained in accordance with the estimated daily intake volume of the drink. The volume ingested by individuals in the "Brazilian" group and intake frequency were: M=517.3, SD=402.7mL and M=2.14, SD=1.06 times/day and in the "boiled" group: M=513.4, SD=409.8mL, and M=2.2 SD=0.94 times/day. There was no significant association between coffee intake and serum lipid profile. CONCLUSION: There was no association between coffee intake and serum lipid profile in the studied population, possibly because of the amount consumed and/or dilution used. If, on the one hand, the results do not allow us to discourage consumption in the amounts consumed by the studied population as a way to prevent cardiovascular disease, on the other hand, it is clear that this line of research requires further investigation.

Ingestão do cálcio na obesidade de mulheres atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde / Calcium intake in obese women treated at Sistema Único de Saúde, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a associação entre consumo de cálcio e obesidade em uma amostra de mulheres obesas ou eutróficas. MÉTODOS: Por meio de inquéritos alimentares, estimou-se a ingestão de cálcio de 177 mulheres hipertensas e/ou diabéticas mediante recordatórios de 24h e frequência de consumo alimentar. Estudo caso-controle teve o grupo-estudo composto por 102 mulheres obesas e o grupo-controle por 75 mulheres eutróficas. Os dados de ingestão foram comparados às recomendações dietéticas e às porções de alimentos de origem animal, recomendados pela pirâmide alimentar brasileira, que são fontes de cálcio. Na análise estatística dos dois grupos segundo faixa etária, utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação linear simples de Pearson com nível de significância de até 5 por cento de probabilidade de erro experimental. RESULTADOS: A ingestão quantitativa de cálcio foi semelhante entre os grupos e igualmente insuficiente para atingir as recomendações nutricionais. A análise da frequência de consumo de fontes de cálcio revelou que os dois grupos apresentavam consumo inferior a três porções/dia, merecendo destaque o grande número que referiu "raramente" consumir tais alimentos. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada nessa população a associação entre obesidade e ingestão de cálcio. Seu consumo foi insuficiente para atingir as quantidades recomendadas, um achado relevante. Considerando a idade das mulheres estudadas e o diagnóstico de hipertensão e diabetes, é evidente a necessidade de atividades de educação nutricional para estimular o consumo de fontes alimentares de cálcio com o intuito de auxiliar no controle da hipertensão e de prevenir agravos importantes, como a obesidade e a osteoporose.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between calcium intake and obesity in a sample of obese and normal weight women. METHODS: The 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire were used to determine the calcium intake of 177 hypertensive and/or diabetic women. This was a case-control study. The study group consisted of 102 obese women and 75 normal weight women (control). Intake data were compared with the dietary reference intakes and with the animal-source food portions, which are the sources of calcium recommended by the Brazilian food pyramid. The Pearson correlation coefficient with a significance level of 5 percent of experimental error probability was used for the statistical analysis of both groups according to age groups. RESULTS: Calcium intake was similar between the groups and both failed to reach the recommended intake levels. Analysis of the intake frequency of calcium-rich foods showed that both groups consumed less than 3 portions a day. The high percentage of women who reported hardly ever eating such foods is worthy of notice. CONCLUSION: An association between obesity and calcium intake was not found in this population. Calcium intake failed to reach the recommended levels, which was a relevant finding. Considering the age of the studied women and the diagnoses of diabetes and hypertension, there is a clear need for nutrition education activities that encourage the intake of calcium-rich foods, which aid in the control of hypertension, as well as in the prevention of important diseases, such as obesity and osteoporosis.

[Breastfeeding for at least thirty days is a protective factor against overweight in preschool children from the semiarid region of Alagoas]. / Aleitamento materno por trinta ou mais dias é fator de proteção contra sobrepeso em pré-escolares da região semiárida de Alagoas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of breastfeeding on the occurrence of anthropometric deviations among preschool children of the semiarid region of Alagoas (Brazil) and possible associated factors. METHODS: In probability sample of 716 children 1-3 years of age, anthropometric, socioeconomic, demographic and health data were collected. The dependent variables were stunting (height-for-age < -2 SD) and overweight (weight-for-height > 2 SD) relative to WHO-2006 standard. Children were categorized into 'breastfed' (breastfeeding > 30 days) and 'not breastfed' (breastfeeding <30 days). Data were submitted to bivariate (x(2)) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. RESULTS: Prevalence of overweight and stunting were 11.5% and 6.3% respectively. Although 87.3% belonged to the lower economic classes (D and E), 44.3% of mothers had a BMI > 25 kg/m(2). Among the 716 children, 489 (68.3%) were breastfed, 65 (9.0%) were not breastfed and 162 (22.7%) were still breastfeeding. Among those of the breastfed group, 213 (43.5%) received breast milk for more than 12 months. In bivariate analysis the prevalence of overweight was higher among the not breastfed group (12.7% vs. 6.0%; 95% CI = 1.0 to 5.5). Factors independently associated with stunting were lower birth weight, living in rural areas and mother not living with a companion. Overweight was associated with no breastfeeding, maternal smoking during pregnancy and birth weight > 4.0 kg. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding for a minimum period of thirty days had a protective effect against overweight in preschool children of the semiarid region of Alagoas.

Aleitamento materno por trinta ou mais dias é fator de proteção contra sobrepeso em pré-escolares da região semiárida de Alagoas / Breastfeeding for at least thirty days is a protective factor against overweight in preschool children from the semiarid region of Alagoas

OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos do aleitamento materno sobre a ocorrência de desvios antropométricos em pré-escolares da região semiárida de Alagoas e os possíveis fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Em amostra probabilística de 716 crianças de um a cinco anos, coletaram-se dados antropométricos, socioeconômicos, demográficos e de saúde. As variáveis dependentes foram o déficit estatural (estatura para idade <-2 dp) e o sobrepeso (peso para altura > 2 dp) em relação ao padrão da OMS-2006. As crianças foram categorizadas em "mamaram" (amamentação >30 dias) e "não mamaram" (amamentação < 30 dias). Os dados foram submetidos à análise bivariada (c2) e multivariada (análise de regressão logística). RESULTADOS: As prevalências de déficit estatural e sobrepeso foram, respectivamente, 11,5 por cento e 6,3 por cento. Embora 87,3 por cento pertencessem às classes de menor nível econômico (D e E), 44,3 por cento das mães tinham IMC >25 kg/m². Dentre as 716 crianças estudadas, 489 (68,3 por cento) mamaram, 65 (9 por cento) não mamaram e 162 (22,7 por cento) ainda estavam mamando. Entre as que mamaram, 213 (43,5 por cento) foram amamentadas por mais de um ano. Na análise bivariada, a prevalência de sobrepeso foi maior entre crianças que não mamaram (12,7 por cento vs 6 por cento; IC95 por cento = 1 a 5,5). Os fatores independentemente associados ao déficit estatural foram o menor peso ao nascer, residir em área rural e mãe não residir com companheiro. O sobrepeso associou-se à não amamentação, tabagismo materno durante a gestação e peso ao nascer > 4 kg. CONCLUSÃO: O aleitamento materno por um período mínimo de 30 dias exerce um efeito protetor contra o sobrepeso em crianças de um a cinco anos da região semiárida de Alagoas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of breastfeeding on the occurrence of anthropometric deviations among preschool children of the semiarid region of Alagoas (Brazil) and possible associated factors. METHODS: In probability sample of 716 children 1-3 years of age, anthropometric, socioeconomic, demographic and health data were collected. The dependent variables were stunting (height-for-age < -2 SD) and overweight (weight-for-height > 2 SD) relative to WHO-2006 standard. Children were categorized into "breastfed" (breastfeeding > 30 days) and "not breastfed" (breastfeeding <30 days). Data were submitted to bivariate (x²) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. RESULTS: Prevalence of overweight and stunting were 11.5 percent and 6.3 percent respectively. Although 87.3 percent belonged to the lower economic classes (D and E), 44.3 percent of mothers had a BMI > 25 kg/m². Among the 716 children, 489 (68.3 percent) were breastfed, 65 (9.0 percent) were not breastfed and 162 (22.7 percent) were still breastfeeding. Among those of the breastfed group, 213 (43.5 percent) received breast milk for more than 12 months. In bivariate analysis the prevalence of overweight was higher among the not breastfed group (12.7 percent vs. 6.0 percent; 95 percent CI = 1.0 to 5.5). Factors independently associated with stunting were lower birth weight, living in rural areas and mother not living with a companion. Overweight was associated with no breastfeeding, maternal smoking during pregnancy and birth weight > 4.0 kg. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding for a minimum period of thirty days had a protective effect against overweight in preschool children of the semiarid region of Alagoas.

Efeito do beneficiamento sobre o valor nutricional do peixe mandim Arius spixii / Effect of processing on nutritional value of the mandim fish Arius spixii

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do beneficiamento sobre o valor nutricional do peixe mandim (Arius spixii) comercializado em Maceió-AL, determinaram-se nas suas formas in natura e beneficiada (salgado-seco) a composição centesimal, valor calórico,cloretos, perfil de ácidos graxos e colesterol, sendo também analisada a ocorrência de óxidos de colesterol. Os resultados obtidos para o mandim in natura e beneficiado, respectivamente, de umidade (70,13% e 40,31%), proteínas (51,73% e 38,07%, base seca), carboidratos (4,67% e 2,24%, base seca), calorias (486 kcal/100ge 367 kcal/100g, base seca), ácidos graxos (poliinsaturados 14,54% e 15,49%, ômega-3 8,51% e 6,51%), colesterol (82,66 mg/100g e 61,30 mg/100g) e óxidos (7-cetocolesterol 8,31 μg/g e 17,90 μg/g), permitiram concluir que o beneficiamento favoreceu alterações significativas no valor nutricional do mandim.

In an attempt to analyze how processing enhances the nutritional value of the mandim fish (Arius spixii) marketedin Maceió-AL, Brazil, the following nutritional components were determined in fresh and processed (salted-dried) fish: centesimal composition, calorie count, chloride, fatty acid and cholesterol profile. The presence of cholesterol oxides was also investigated. Respective results for fresh and processed mandim fish were: moisture (70.13% and 40.31%), proteins (51.73% and 38.07%, dried),carbohyrdrates (4.67% and 2.24%, dried), calories (486 kcal/100g and 367 kcal/100g, dried), fatty acids(polyunsaturared 14,54% and 15,49%, ômega-3 8,51% and 6,51%), cholesterol (82.66 mg/100g and 61.30 mg/100g) and oxides (7-ketocholesterol 8.31 μg/g and 17.90 μg/g). These figures clearly showed that processing led to significant change in the nutritional value of the mandim fish.

Prevalência e fatores associados à anemia em gestantes da região semi-árida do Estado de Alagoas / Prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnant women from the semiarid region of Alagoas, Brazil

OBJETIVO: determinar a prevalência e fatores de risco associados à anemia em gestantes da região semi-árida de Alagoas. MÉTODOS: estudo de caráter transversal envolvendo amostra (n=150) obtida, considerando a prevalência estimada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde de 52 por cento, com erro de 8 por cento e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento. O processo de amostragem foi realizado em três estágios: 15 dentre os 38 municípios da região, quatro setores censitários por município e 24 domicílios por setor. Nestes, eram elegíveis todas as gestantes residentes, das quais se coletaram dados socioeconômicos, demográficos, antropométricos e de saúde. A anemia foi identificada por um nível de hemoglobina <11 g/dL e sua associação com os fatores de risco foi testada por meio de análise de regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: a prevalência de anemia foi de 50 por cento. Setenta e oito por cento das gestantes estavam sob acompanhamento pré-natal. Destas, 79,3 por cento se encontravam no segundo ou terceiro trimestre de gestação. Contudo, apenas 21,2 por cento faziam uso de suplemento de ferro. As variáveis associadas (p<0,05) de forma independente à anemia (gestantes anêmicas versus não anêmicas) foram: maior número de membros na família (4,5±2,3 versus 4,3±2,3; p=0,02), menor faixa etária da gestante (23,9±6,3 versus 24,7±6,7; p=0,04), bem como de seu companheiro (34,5±15,8 versus 36±17,5; p=0,03), não possuir vaso sanitário em casa (30,7 versus 24 por cento; p<0,001), história de perda de filho por abortamento e/ou mortalidade (32,4 versus 16,4 por cento; p<0,001), residência em zona rural (60 versus 46,7 por cento; p=0,03), renda per capita

PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated to anemia in pregnant women from the semiarid region of Alagoas, Brazil. METHODS: transversal study comprising a sample (n=150) obtained taking into consideration the prevalence estimated by World Health Organization of 52 percent, an error of 8 percent and a confidence interval of 95 percent. Sampling has been done in three stages: 15 towns among the 38 in the region, four census sectors by town and 24 residences by sector. All the resident pregnant women were eligible, and their socio-economic, demographic, anthropometric and health data have been collected. Anemia was identified at the <11 g/dL hemoglobin level (Hemocue®), and its association with risk factors, tested by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: anemia prevalence was 50 percent. Seventy eight per cent of the pregnant women were under pre-natal care. From those, 79.3 percent were in the second or third trimester of gestation. Nevertheless, only 21.2 percent of them were taking iron supplementation. Variables (p<0.05) independently associated with anemia (anemic versus not-anemic pregnant women) were: larger number of family members (4.5±2.3 versus 4,3±2.3; p=0.02), lower age group of the pregnant woman (23.9±6.3 versus 24.7±6.7; p=0.04), or of her partner (34.5±15.8 versus 36±17.5; p=0.03), no toilet in the house (30.7 versus 24 percent; p<0.001), history of child abortion and/or death (32.4 versus 16.4 percent; p<0.001), living in the country (60 versus 46.7 percent; p=0.03), average per capita income

Efeitos do consumo da multimistura sobre o estado nutricional: ensaio comunitário envolvendo crianças de uma favela da periferia de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil / Effects of the consumption of multimixture on nutritional status: a community trial involving children from a slum district on the outskirts of Maceió, State of Alagoas, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: to investigate the impact of the consumption of "multimixture" (a bran-based cereal mixture) on the nutritional status of children at risk of malnutrition. METHODS: a community trial involving children (6 to 60 months) from a slum area in the city of Maceió, State of Alagoas, Brazil, randomly assigned to the Control Group (n=60) or to the "multimixture" Group (n=48). The supplement consisted of two tablespoons of "multimixture" per day. Anthropometric measurements were taken before and after the experimental phase (10 months). The incidence of health problems was investigated on a biweekly basis. Food consumption was assessed by way of 24 hour dietary recall (on three alternate days). Hemoglobin (HemoCue®) and serum retinol (HPLC) were determined at the end of the experimental phase. The resulting measurements for the two groups were compared using parametric or non-parametric statistics in according with the situation. Differences were considerate as significative statistically when p<0.05. RESULTS: no differences were observed (p>0.05) between the results obtained from anthropometric measurements and dietary intake, between levels of hemoglobin and serum retinol or in the incidence of diarrhea, vomiting or fever. However, there was a higher incidence of respiratory infections among the children in the Control Group (24.3 percent vs.16.9 percent; OR=1.59; 95 percentCI = 1.13-2.24; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: the "multimixture" food supplement did not alter the anthropometric profile or the frequency of anemia or hypervitaminosis A among the children.

OBJETIVOS: verificar o impacto do consumo da multimistura sobre as condições de nutrição e saúde de crianças em situação de risco. MÉTODOS: ensaio comunitário envolvendo crianças (6 a 60 meses) de uma favela de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil, aleatoriamente alocadas para o Grupo Controle (n=50) ou Grupo Multimistura (n=48). Neste, a suplementação consistiu de duas colheres de sopa/dia. Avaliações antropométricas foram realizadas antes e após a fase experimental (10 meses). A incidência de agravos à saúde foi investigada pela realização de inquéritos quinzenais de morbidade. O consumo alimentar foi ana-lisado por inquérito recordatório de 24 horas (três dias alternados). Os níveis de hemoglobina (Hemocue ) e de retinol sérico (HPLC) foram aferidos apenas no final da fase experimental. As medidas de desfecho foram comparadas entre os grupos usando-se testes paramétricos ou não-paramétricos, conforme cada situação. Diferenças foram consideradas como estatisticamente significativas quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS não foram observadas diferenças (p>0,05) entre os resultados obtidos na avaliação antropométrica, dietética, bioquímica e na incidência de diarréia, vômitos e febre. Todavia, as infecções respiratórias incidiram de forma mais intensa sobre as crianças do Grupo Controle (24,3 por cento vs. 16,9 por cento; OR=1,59; IC95 por cento=1,13-2,24; p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: a suplementação com multimistura não alterou o perfil antropométrico ou a freqüência de anemia e hipovitaminose A entre as crianças.

[Prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnant women from the semiarid region of Alagoas, Brazil]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à anemia em gestantes da região semi-árida do Estado de Alagoas.

PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated to anemia in pregnant women from the semiarid region of Alagoas, Brazil. METHODS: transversal study comprising a sample (n=150) obtained taking into consideration the prevalence estimated by World Health Organization of 52%, an error of 8% and a confidence interval of 95%. Sampling has been done in three stages: 15 towns among the 38 in the region, four census sectors by town and 24 residences by sector. All the resident pregnant women were eligible, and their socio-economic, demographic, anthropometric and health data have been collected. Anemia was identified at the <11 g/dL hemoglobin level (Hemocue), and its association with risk factors, tested by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: anemia prevalence was 50%. Seventy eight per cent of the pregnant women were under pre-natal care. From those, 79.3% were in the second or third trimester of gestation. Nevertheless, only 21.2% of them were taking iron supplementation. Variables (p<0.05) independently associated with anemia (anemic versus not-anemic pregnant women) were: larger number of family members (4.5+/-2.3 versus 4,3+/-2.3; p=0.02), lower age group of the pregnant woman (23.9+/-6.3 versus 24.7+/-6.7; p=0.04), or of her partner (34.5+/-15.8 versus 36+/-17.5; p=0.03), no toilet in the house (30.7 versus 24%; p<0.001), history of child abortion and/or death (32.4 versus 16.4%; p<0.001), living in the country (60 versus 46.7%; p=0.03), average per capita income