Utilization of dental services by rural riverside populations covered by a Fluvial Family Health Team in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Rural riverside populations of Brazil face several difficulties to access health services. The Brazilian National Primary Care Policy implemented the Fluvial Family Health Teams (FFHT), which is a specific primary care team arrangement for these territories. The aim of the study was to assess the use of dental services by adults living in rural riverside areas covered by a FFHT. METHODS: A household-based cross-sectional survey was carried out with a rural riverside population of 38 localities on the left bank of the Rio Negro, Manaus, Amazonas, representative of the area covered by the FFHT. Stratified random sampling was calculated based on the number of adults and households in each riverside locality. An electronic questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic and oral health conditions, and the utilization of dental services. After descriptive analysis, logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios for the outcome 'use of dental health services over the past 12 months'. RESULTS: A total of 492 individuals, aged 18 years or more, from 38 rural riverside areas were assessed. The mean age of participants was 43.5 years (standard deviation 17.0), ranging from 18.0 to 90.7 years. Of these participants, 3.1% had never been to a dentist and 21.9% had been to a dentist more than 3 years ago. Among those who attended the dental service, 77.4% of appointments occurred in public health services. Dental pain over the previous 6 months (odds ratio (OR)=2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51-3.96), higher education (OR=2.62; 95%CI 1.23-5.56), most recent appointment in public health services (OR=1.86; 95%CI 1.19-2.93), edentulism (OR=0.38; 95%CI 0.17-0.85) and dissatisfaction with oral health (OR=0.59; 95%CI 0.38-0.93) were associated with the dental services utilization. CONCLUSION: The study results revealed that approximately a quarter of the individuals did not use dental services over the previous 3 years or have never used them. Despite the increase in access provided by the FFHT, edentulous individuals, individuals dissatisfied with their oral health, and those with lower levels of education were less likely to use dental services, while individuals who experienced dental pain sought dental services more frequently. These findings suggest that the healthcare model offered to this population must be rearranged.

Pre- and post-surgical evaluation of the impact on Hansen disease sequealae patients' quality of life submitted to orthopedic surgery for closure of chronic plantar ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that still persists as a public health problem in Brazil. Plantar ulcers are serious complications due to leprosy neuropathy and intensify the isolation and stigma of these individuals. The difficulty in closing these lesions associated with the fetid odor negatively impact the quality of life of people with these lesions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, socioeconomic conditions, degree of satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) of patients after healing of chronic ulcers on feet submitted to orthopedic surgery. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and observational study carried out with 92 people after surgical treatment of chronic leprosy plantar ulcers. These patients were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire raising questions of an epidemiological, socioeconomic and perception of quality-of-life order, comparing before and after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Decrease in indicators - alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, average monthly cost of analgesic medications, fetid wound odor, foot pain and number of dressings performed weekly; Recurrence of lesions in 55.4 % of cases, related to irregular use or lack of shoes and insoles; Improvement in self-perception of Quality of Life (QoL) in 89.1 % of patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic surgical treatment with resection of plantar bony prominences and skin grafting is an effective therapeutic method for closing chronic plantar ulcers in leprosy, resulting in a decrease in the financial costs employed and in an important improvement in the Quality-of-Life parameters of the individuals undergoing to this procedure. The availability and regular use of shoes and insoles is crucial to prevent recurrence of these injuries.

Prevalence of concomitant hypertension and diabetes among adults and elderly living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the scarcity of information on the assessment of chronic diseases in traditional Amazonian populations, as well as public health policies focused on their specificities, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of at least one of the chronic diseases (systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) or diabetes mellitus (DM)) and their concomitant occurrence in a rural riverside population of the Amazon, and determine the associated factors. METHODS: A household-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of adults and elderly people living in rural riverside locations along the left bank of the Negro River, in the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The outcomes evaluated were the presence of at least one of the evaluated chronic diseases and the concomitant occurrence, based on the self-reported medical diagnosis of SAH and DM. Analysis of associated factors (sociodemographic, behavioral, and access to health services variables) was performed by Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 495 individuals (young adults (n=257; 51.9%), middle-aged (n=132; 26.7%), and elderly (n=106; 21.4%)), of whom 51.5% were women (n=255), mean age 43.3±17.1 years. The monthly household income was on average R$1100±902 (A$345±283). The diagnosis of any chronic disease was reported by 18.8% of the sample, with a preponderance of SAH (17.4%). The occurrence of at least one of the chronic diseases was associated with higher average age and worse health self-assessment. Regarding concomitant occurrence of SAH and DM, prevalent in 4.4% of the sample, the same associations were observed. CONCLUSION: The data for the occurrence of chronic diseases in the studied Amazon rural riverside populations are worrying, because these people live in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability, with a lack of basic sanitation infrastructure, difficult geographic access, and limited access to health care. Health policies fail to recognize the specificities of these populations, which implies deficiencies in the provision of necessary regular care. The findings also reinforce the need to strengthen health promotion and chronic disease prevention strategies in the context of primary care.

Association of physical performance and sarcopenia with use of health services in elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Access is considered one of the necessary conditions for achieving effectiveness and quality in health services. However, it represents a complex construct, with several interpretations, and can be understood as the ease or degree of difficulty with which people obtain effective and timely care. Barriers to access can be related to individual characteristics and those of health systems and services. Regarding elderly people living in rural riverine localities, these limitations are exacerbated due to the territorial dispersion of households and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary care near their homes. The aim of this study was to describe and test the association of sarcopenia and physical performance with primary healthcare attributes and the use of health services by elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in households with individuals aged 60 years or older living in nine communities located on the left bank of the Negro River, in the rural riverside area of the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The study evaluated socioeconomic and demographic conditions, health services utilization and the primary care attributes related to the use of and access to services, assessed by components of the Primary Care Assessment Tool instrument (PCATool-Brazil), a reduced version validated for Brazilian adult users. Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery scale, and handgrip strength was also assessed, according to a dynamometer. The Sarcopenia Formulary (SARC-F) and calf circumference (CC) were used to assess sarcopenia (SARC-CalF). The association of sarcopenia and physical performance with the study outcomes was evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression for health services utilization (having had a medical consultation in the last year), and hierarchical linear regression for the continuous outcomes of the PCATool-Brazil (total score and each of the domains). The sociodemographic variables were inserted in model 1 and the clinical variables in model 2. Variables with p<0.20 were kept in the models. RESULTS: A total of 98 elderly people (55.1% men; mean age 70±7.4 years) were included in the study. Low physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia were observed in 52.5% and 28.9% of the study participants, respectively. Elderly with better physical performance reported more health services utilization (odds ratio (OR)=1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-1.81) and higher scores in the affiliation (β=1.67; 95%CI=0.37-2.98), utilization (β=1.19; 95%CI=0.06-2.33) and longitudinality (β=0.99; 95%CI=0.09-1.90) domains of the PCATool-Brazil. CONCLUSION: The study findings showed high prevalence of impairment in physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia in elderly people living in the studied rural riverside localities. Better physical performance was associated with use of health services in the previous year and with better evaluation of some primary care attributes.

Modos de vida e organização do trabalho de agentes comunitários de saúde de unidades fluviais na Amazônia / Ways of life and work organization of community health workers of river units in the Amazon, Brazil / Formas de vida y organización del trabajo de los agentes de salud comunitaria de las unidades fluviales en la Amazonía, Brasil

RESUMO: O artigo analisa modos de vida e organização do trabalho de agentes comunitários de saúde que atuam em comunidades rurais atendidas por Unidade Básica de Saúde Fluvial, no município de Manaus. Foram investigados atividades e desafios cotidianos desses profissionais, interação com as famílias atendidas, vínculos com as comunidades e com o ambiente natural. Pesquisa qualitativa exploratória realizada em 17 comunidades rurais ribeirinhas distribuídas na margem esquerda do Rio Negro, ao longo de 190 quilômetros. A coleta de dados em 2021 e 2022 abrangeu entrevista semiestruturada, questões escalonadas de apego ao lugar e observação participante da atuação dos agentes comunitários de saúde. Os resultados mostraram que a qualificação dos agentes atende às principais demandas do trabalho cotidiano em meio rural. O tempo de experiência mostrou-se relevante no cargo, indicando robusto conhecimento da natureza e apego ao lugar/comunidade, estabelecido por vínculos de parentesco, identificação e conhecimento do ambiente natural. Eles reconstroem práticas intersetoriais, priorizando intervenções associadas aos determinantes sociais, micropolíticos e culturais do processo saúde-doença e à participação na vida comunal em domicílios acessados exclusivamente por deslocamento fluvial e espalhados num vasto território. O trabalho administrativo intramuros foi interpretado como desvio de função e afastamento das interações cotidianas nos domicílios gerando insatisfação e desmotivação desses trabalhadores.

ABSTRACT: The article analyzes ways of life and organization of work of community health workers working in rural communities served by Basic Fluvial Health Unit, in the city of Manau, Brazil. Daily activities and challenges of these professionals were investigated, interaction with the families served, links with the communities and with the natural environment. Exploratory qualitative research conducted in 17 rural riverside communities distributed on the left bank of Rio Negro, along 190 kilometers. Data collection in 2021 and 2022 covered semi-structured interviews, staggered issues of attachment to the place and participant observation of the performance of community health workers. The results showed that the qualification of these workers meets the main demands of daily work in rural areas. The time of experience was relevant in the position, indicating robust knowledge of nature and attachment to the place/community, established by kinship links, identification and knowledge of the natural environment. They rebuild intersectoral practices, prioritizing interventions associated with social, micropolitical and cultural determinants of the health-disease process and participation in communal life in households accessed exclusively by river displacement and spread across a vast territory. The intramural administrative work was interpreted as deviation of function and removal of daily interactions in households, generating dissatisfaction and demotivation of these workers.

RESUMEN: El artículo analiza las formas de vida y organización del trabajo de los agentes comunitarios de salud que trabajan en comunidades rurales atendidas por la Unidad Básica de Salud Fluvial, en la ciudad de Manaus, Brasil. Se investigaron las actividades cotidianas y los desafíos de estos profesionales, la interacción con las familias atendidas, los vínculos con las comunidades y con el entorno natural. Investigación cualitativa exploratoria realizada en 17 comunidades ribereñas rurales distribuidas en la margen izquierda del Río Negro, a lo largo de 190 kilómetros. La recolección de datos en 2021 y 2022 abarcó entrevistas semiestructuradas, temas escalonados de apego al lugar y observación participante del desempeño de los agentes comunitarios de salud. Los resultados mostraron que la calificación de los agentes cumple con las principales demandas del trabajo diario en las zonas rurales. El tiempo de experiencia fue relevante en la posición, indicando un sólido conocimiento de la naturaleza y el apego al lugar/comunidad, establecido por vínculos de parentesco, identificación y conocimiento del medio natural. Reconstruyen las prácticas intersectoriales, priorizando las intervenciones asociadas a los determinantes sociales, micropolíticos y culturales del proceso salud-enfermedad y la participación en la vida comunal en los hogares a los que se accede exclusivamente por desplazamiento fluvial y que se extienden por un vasto territorio. El trabajo administrativo intramuros fue interpretado como desviación de función y eliminación de interacciones diarias en los hogares, generando insatisfacción y desmotivación de estos trabajadores.

Apoio institucional à gestão e prestação de serviços de saúde em unidade básica fluvial na Amazônia / Institutional support for the management and delivery of health services by a mobile river clinic unit in the Amazon / Apoyo institucional a la gestión y prestación de servicios de salud en unidad básica fluvial en la Amazonía

O estudo analisou o processo de trabalho do apoiador institucional ao atendimento ofertado em Unidade Básica de Saúde Fluvial. Neste estudo qualitativo, foi entrevistada 100% da equipe de gestão das unidades móveis fluviais que atendem à população rural residente entre Manaus e Novo Airão. Resultados evidenciaram baixa institucionalidade do trabalho de apoiador, em paralelo à importância da imersão nas atividades itinerantes desenvolvidas no meio rural e à centralidade do trabalho vivo cotidianamente realizado. A carência de suporte administrativo às atividades da unidade fluvial obriga o apoiador a desenvolver amplo leque de ações logísticas, requeridas pelo regime de trabalho itinerante rural. Práticas verticalizadas de tomada de decisão e restrições de investimento em infraestrutura e logística fragilizam a interveniência do apoiador e das equipes multiprofissionais, em que pese a contribuição delas à extensão de cobertura provida pelas unidades móveis fluviais rurais.(AU)

This study analysed work processes of the institutional supporter to the care services delivered by a mobile river clinic. We conducted a qualitive study using interviews with all members of the mobile river unit management team, which provides care services to the rural population between Manaus and Novo Airão. The findings show a low level of institutionalization of the work of supporters, the importance of immersion in the mobile activities developed in rural areas, and the centrality of daily living work. The lack of administrative support for the activities of the river unit means that the supporter has to develop a wide range of logistical actions required under the mobile rural work routine. Vertical decision-making and underfunding of infra-structure and logistics weaken the interventions of the supporter and multiprofessional teams, despite their contribution to the extent of coverage provided by mobile river units.(AU)

El estudio analizó el proceso de trabajo del apoyador institucional a la atención ofrecida en unidad básica fluvial de salud de la familia. Estudio cualitativo, se entrevistó al 100% del equipo de gestión de las unidades móviles fluviales que atienden a la población residente entre Manaus y Novo Airão. Los resultados mostraron una baja institucionalidad del trabajo de apoyador, en paralelo con la importancia de la inmersión en las actividades itinerantes desarrolladas en el medio rural y la centralidad del trabajo vivo cotidianamente realizado. La falta de apoyo administrativo a las actividades de la unidad fluvial obliga al apoyador a desarrollar una amplia gama de acciones logísticas, requeridas por el régimen de trabajo itinerante rural. Las prácticas verticalizadas de toma de decisiones y restricciones de inversión en infraestructura y logística fragilizan la intervención del apoyador y de los equipos multiprofesionales, a pesar de la contribución que realizan para la ampliación de la cobertura proporcionada por las unidades móviles fluviales rurales.(AU)

Contextual and individual factors associated with self-reported tooth loss among adults and elderly residents in rural riverside areas: A cross-sectional household-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Tooth loss is an oral health condition with high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life. It is the result of the history of oral diseases and their treatment as well as provision of dental care and access to dental services. Socioeconomic characteristics are determinants of tooth loss and living in rural areas is also a risk factor for its incidence. OBJECTIVE: To identify contextual and individual factors associated with self-reported tooth loss among adults and elderly people living in rural riverside areas. METHODS: A cross-sectional household-based survey was conducted in 2019 with rural riverside communities on the left bank of the Rio Negro River, Manaus, Amazonas. These communities are covered by a fluvial health team and two riverside health teams. Interviews were conducted in a representative random sample of dwellers aged ≥ 18 years, using electronic forms to obtain information on oral health conditions, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and use of and access to health services. The outcome was self-reported tooth loss. After the descriptive analysis of the data, a multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence ratio for the outcome. Variables with p-value ≤0.20 in the bivariate analyses were included in the multiple analysis considering the hierarchy between individual and contextual variables in the multilevel model. Variables with p-value ≤0.10 were kept in the final model and the significance level adopted was 0.05. RESULTS: 603 individuals from 357 households were assessed (mean age 44.1 years). The average number of missing teeth was 11.2 (±11.6); 27.4% of individuals had lost more than 20 teeth (non-functional dentition) and 12.1% were completely edentulous. Contextual characteristic of primary healthcare offered was associated with the outcome. The tooth loss was lower in territories covered by riverside health teams. At individual level, tooth loss was greater in older individuals who had experienced dental pain over the past six months and whose sugar consumption was high. Black or brown individuals, individuals whose household income was higher, those who were on the Bolsa Família cash transfer program, those who consulted a dentist over the past year, and those who reported satisfaction with their teeth/oral health reported less tooth loss. CONCLUSION: Tooth loss was associated with contextual territorial factors related to the healthcare service and individual demographic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and service-related characteristics as well as self-perceived oral health conditions. The findings suggest that actions focused on the oral health of these populations involve not only changes in the healthcare service organization, but also intersectoral policies that contribute to reducing social inequalities.

Barriers to Access the Pap Smear Test for Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural Riverside Populations Covered by a Fluvial Primary Healthcare Team in the Amazon.

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem, especially in the north region of Brazil. The aim of the study was to identify the factors associated with not undergoing the cervical cancer screening test in rural riverside populations in the Amazon. A cross-sectional home-based survey was carried out in 38 locations covered by a fluvial primary healthcare team, and the administrative records of the screening tests from January 2016 to May 2019 were analyzed. After the descriptive analysis, logistic regression was performed considering the outcome of having undergone cervical cancer screening within the past three years. Of the 221 women assessed, 8.1% had never undergone the test, and 7.7% had undergone it more than three years ago. Multiparity (OR = 0.76 (95%CI = 0.64-0.90)), occupation in domestic activities (OR = 0.31 (95%CI = 0.11-0.89)), and lack of knowledge of the healthcare unit responsible for the service (OR = 0.18 (95%CI = 0.04-0.97)) were associated with not undergoing the cervical cancer screening test. The administrative records revealed that the screening test was performed outside the recommended age range (24%), performed needlessly (9.6%) with undue repetitions (3.2%), and a high percentage of the samples collected were unsatisfactory (23.5%). The findings revealed the existence of barriers for riverside women to access cervical cancer screening tests.

Self-reported chronic back pain in the elderly living in rural riverine areas in the Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported chronic low back pain and to identify the associated factors in elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional home-based survey performed in 38 riverside rural locations along the left bank of the Negro River, in the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, were analyzed. The selected elderly people answered a questionnaire comprising items related to the living conditions, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, health status and utilization of health services. The outcome was self-reported chronic back pain or problem. The association between the outcome and the independent variables was assessed using logistic regression, estimating the odds ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: One hundred and six residents aged 60 years or older out of a total of 277 were included in the study. The prevalence of chronic back pain among the elderly residents was 57.5% (63.3% among men and 50.0% among women). Most of them did not have any treatment related to their chronic condition (77.0%). Occupation in activities other than agricultural activities was protective for the outcome (odds ratio (OR)=0.1, 95%CI=0.0-0.9). The chronic low back pain was also associated with worse self-perceived health (OR=10.3, 95%CI=1.6-67.5). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of chronic low back pain in elderly people living in rural riverside areas, along with limited access to treatment and the different impacts on the performance of daily activities and the quality of life, reveals the relevance of this condition as a public health problem.

Influenza vaccination in elderly people living in rural riverside areas: findings implications regarding the COVID-19 pandemic / Imunização contra a influenza em idosos residentes em áreas rurais ribeirinhas: implicação dos achados frente à pandemia de COVID-19

Objective: To identify the proportion of unvaccinated elderly people and the reasons that interfere with influenza immunization in rural riverside locations and potential implications for vaccination against COVID-19. Method: Cross-sectional home-based survey carried out in 38 rural riverside locations on the left bank of the Negro river, Manaus, Amazonas. The selected elderly people answered a questionnaire that investigated living conditions, health status and access to health services. For this study, the outcomes related to influenza immunization in the last 12 months and the main reason given for non-vaccination were analyzed. Descriptive data analysis was performed, followed by logistic regression to identify the factors associated with non-vaccination. Results: Of the 102 elderly people included in the study, 28 (27.5%) reported no vaccination against influenza in the previous year. The main reasons were related to the lack of information on vaccination (60.71%) and barriers to accessing health services (28.58%). A greater chance of non-vaccination was identified among the elderly who did not consult the doctor in the last year (OR=4.18; 95%CI=1.57-11.11) and among those with the highest household income (OR=1.08; 95%CI=1.02-1.14). Conclusion: A high proportion of elderly people who have not been immunized against influenza have been identified. The reasons given for non-vaccination may persist and negatively interfere with the vaccination of this group against COVID-19. Thus, it is necessary to reorganize vaccination planning in rural riverside contexts, in order to achieve adequate coverage to one of the main risk groups for respiratory diseases.

Objetivo: Identificar a proporção de idosos não vacinados e os motivos que interferem na imunização contra a influenza em localidades rurais ribeirinhas e potenciais implicações na vacinação contra COVID-19. Método: Inquérito transversal de base domiciliar realizado em 38 localidades rurais ribeirinhas da margem esquerda do rio Negro, Manaus, Amazonas. Os idosos selecionados responderam a um questionário que investigou as condições de vida, saúde e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Para este estudo foram selecionados os desfechos relacionados à imunização contra a Influenza nos últimos 12 meses e o principal motivo alegado pelos que não tomaram a vacina. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados, seguida de análise de regressão logística para identificar os fatores associados à não vacinação. Resultados: Dos 102 idosos incluídos no estudo, 28 (27,5%) referiram não vacinação contra a influenza no ano anterior. Os principais motivos foram relacionados à falta de informação sobre a vacinação (60,71%) e às barreiras de acesso aos serviços de saúde (28,58%). Foi identificada maior chance de não vacinação entre os idosos que não consultaram o médico no último ano (RC=4,18; IC95%=1,57-11,11) e entre aqueles com maior renda domiciliar (RC=1,08; IC95%=1,02-1,14). Conclusão: Foi identificada uma elevada proporção de idosos não imunizados contra a influenza. Os motivos referidos para a não vacinação podem persistir e interferir negativamente na vacinação deste grupo contra a COVID-19. Dessa forma, faz-se necessário reordenar o planejamento da vacinação em contextos rurais ribeirinhos, de forma a oferecer uma cobertura adequada à um dos principais grupos de risco para doenças respiratórias.

Vacinação contra a influenza autorreferida por idosos de áreas rurais ribeirinhas: implicação potencial dos achados frente à pandemia de covid-19 no Amazonas / Influenza vaccination in older adults living in rural riverside areas: potential implication of the findings regarding the covid-19 pandemic in Amazonas

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a proporção de pessoas idosas não vacinadas e os motivos que interferem na imunização contra influenza em localidades rurais ribeirinhas, discutindo as potenciais implicações na vacinação contra a infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Método Inquérito epidemiológico de base domiciliar realizado em 38 localidades rurais ribeirinhas de Manaus (AM), Brasil, assistidas por uma Unidade Básica de Saúde Fluvial. Os participantes responderam a um questionário que investigou condições de vida, saúde e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Para este estudo foram avaliados os desfechos relacionados à imunização contra a Influenza nos últimos 12 meses e o principal motivo alegado para a não vacinação. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados, seguida por análise de regressão logística para identificar fatores associados à não vacinação. Resultados Das 102 pessoas idosas incluídas no estudo, 28 (27,5%) referiram não vacinação contra a Influenza no ano anterior. Os principais motivos foram a falta de informação sobre a vacinação (60,7%) e barreiras de acesso aos serviços de saúde (28,6%). Foi identificada maior chance de não vacinação entre aqueles que não consultaram o médico no último ano (RC=4,18; IC95%=1,57-11,11) e com maior renda domiciliar (RC=1,08; IC95%=1,02-1,14). Conclusão Verificou-se elevada proporção de pessoas idosas autorreferindo não imunização contra Influenza. Os motivos identificados para a não vacinação podem também representar barreiras à vacinação desse grupo populacional contra a covid-19. Dessa forma, faz-se necessário adequar o planejamento da vacinação em contextos rurais ribeirinhos, desenvolvendo estratégias mais contextualizadas para garantia de cobertura a essa população com maior vulnerabilidade aos efeitos de doenças respiratórias.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the proportion of unvaccinated older adults and the reasons that interfere with immunization against Influenza in rural riverside locations, discussing the potential implications on vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method Household-based survey conducted in 38 rural riverside locations in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, covered by a primary care Fluvial Health Unit. Participants answered a questionnaire that investigated living conditions, health status and access to health services. In this study, the outcomes related to immunization against Influenza in the last 12 months and the main reported reason for non-vaccination were evaluated. Descriptive data analysis was performed, followed by logistic regression to identify factors associated with non-vaccination. Results Of the 102 older adults included in the study, 28 (27.5%) reported not vaccinating against Influenza in the previous year. The main reasons were lack of information about vaccination (60.7%) and barriers to accessing health services (28.6%). An increased chance of non-vaccination was identified among those who did not see a doctor in the last year (OR=4.18; 95%CI=1.57-11.11) and those with higher household income (OR=1.08; 95%CI= 1.02-1.14). Conclusion A high proportion of older adults reporting no immunization against Influenza was identified. The reasons for non-vaccination may also represent barriers to the vaccination of this population group against COVID-19. Thus, it is necessary to improve the vaccination planning in rural riverside contexts, developing more contextualized strategies to assure coverage for this population, more vulnerable to the effects of respiratory diseases.

Providing Antivenom Treatment Access to All Brazilian Amazon Indigenous Areas: 'Every Life Has Equal Value'.

Snakebites are more frequent in the Brazilian Amazon than in other parts of Brazil, representing a high cost for the health system since antivenoms are only available through medical prescription from central municipal hospitals in most cases. The need for a cold chain and physicians usually restricts access to the only effective treatment of a snakebite, the antivenom. The complex topography of the rivers contributes to delays in treatment, and consequently increases the risk of severe complications, chronic sequelae and death. Thus, decentralization of antivenom treatment to primary healthcare facilities in the interior would increase access by indigenous population groups to proper healthcare. To standardize and evaluate the decentralization to low complexity indigenous healthcare units, we suggest the (i) development and validation of standardized operational procedures, (ii) training of professionals in the validated protocol in a referral health unit, (iii) implementation of the protocol in an indigenous healthcare unit, (iv) assessment of perceptions towards and acceptability of the protocol, and (v) estimation of the impact of the protocol's implementation. We expect that antivenom decentralization would shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment and, as such, improve the prognosis of snakebites. As health cosmology among indigenous populations has an important role in maintaining their way of life, the introduction of a new therapeutic strategy to their customs must take into account the beliefs of these peoples. Thus, antivenom administration would be inserted as a crucial therapeutic tool in a world of diverse social, natural and supernatural representations. The information presented here also serves as a basis to advocate for support and promotion of health policy initiatives focused on evidence-based care in snakebite management.

Barriers to access and organization of primary health care services for rural riverside populations in the Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The ways of life in the Amazon are diverse and not widely known. In addition, social inequities, large geographic distances and inadequate health care network noticeably limit access to health services in rural areas. Over the last decades, Brazilian health authorities have implemented fluvial mobile units (FMU) as an alternative to increase access and healthcare coverage. The aim of the study was to identify the strategies of access and utilization of primary health care (PHC) services by assessing the strengths and limitations of the healthcare model offered by the FMU to reduce barriers to services and ensure the right to healthcare. METHODS: Qualitative and ethnographic research involving participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Data collection consisted of interviews with users and health professionals and the observation of service organization and healthcare delivered by the FMU, in addition to the therapeutic itineraries that determine demand, access and interaction of users with healthcare services. RESULTS: Primary care is offered by the monthly locomotion of the FMU that serves approximately 20 rural riverside communities. The effectiveness of the actions of the FMU proved to be adequate for conditions such as antenatal care for low-risk pregnancy, which require periodic consultations. However, conditions that require continued attention are not adequately met through the organization of care established in the FMU. The underutilization of the workforce of community health workers and disarrangement between their tasks and those of the rest of the multi-professional team are some of the reasons pointed out, making the healthcare continuity unfeasible within the intervals between the trips of the FMU. From the users' perspective, although the presence of the FMU provides healthcare coverage, the financial burden generated by the pursuit for services persists, since the dispersed housing pattern requires the locomotion of users to reach the mobile unit services as well as for specialized care in the urban centers. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the FMU represents an advance in terms of accessibility to PHC. However, the organization of their activity uncritically replicates the routines adopted in the daily routine of health services located in urban spaces, proving to be inadequate for providing healthcare strategies capable of mitigating social and health inequalities faced by the users.

Providing antivenom treatment access to all Brazilian Amazon indigenous areas: ‘every life has equal value’

Snakebites are more frequent in the Brazilian Amazon than in other parts of Brazil, representing a high cost for the health system since antivenoms are only available through medical prescription from central municipal hospitals in most cases. The need for a cold chain and physicians usually restricts access to the only effective treatment of a snakebite, the antivenom. The complex topography of the rivers contributes to delays in treatment, and consequently increases the risk of severe complications, chronic sequelae and death. Thus, decentralization of antivenom treatment to primary healthcare facilities in the interior would increase access by indigenous population groups to proper healthcare. To standardize and evaluate the decentralization to low complexity indigenous healthcare units, we suggest the (i) development and validation of standardized operational procedures, (ii) training of professionals in the validated protocol in a referral health unit, (iii) implementation of the protocol in an indigenous healthcare unit, (iv) assessment of perceptions towards and acceptability of the protocol, and (v) estimation of the impact of the protocol’s implementation. We expect that antivenom decentralization would shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment and, as such, improve the prognosis of snakebites. As health cosmology among indigenous populations has an important role in maintaining their way of life, the introduction of a new therapeutic strategy to their customs must take into account the beliefs of these peoples. Thus, antivenom administration would be inserted as a crucial therapeutic tool in a world of diverse social, natural and supernatural representations. The information presented here also serves as a basis to advocate for support and promotion of health policy initiatives focused on evidence-based care in snakebite management

[Assessment of prenatal care for indigenous women in Brazil: findings from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition]. / Avaliação da atenção pré-natal ofertada às mulheres indígenas no Brasil: achados do Primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas.

This study assesses prenatal care for indigenous women 14-49 years of age with children under five years of age in Brazil. The First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition assessed 3,967 women who met these criteria, of whom 41.3% in the North, 21.2% in the Central, 22.2% in the Northeast, and 15% in the South/Southeast. Prenatal care was offered to 3,437 (86.6%) of these women. The North of Brazil showed the highest proportion of indigenous women who did not receive prenatal care. Coverage was 90.4%, but only some 30% began prenatal care in the first trimester, and only 60% of the eligible women were vaccinated for diphtheria and tetanus. Only 16% of indigenous pregnant women had seven or more prenatal visits. Access to at least one clinical-obstetric consultation was found in 97% of the records, except for breast examination (63%). Laboratory test rates were low (blood glucose 53.6%, urinalysis 53%, complete blood count 56.9%, Pap smear 12.9%, syphilis test 57.6%, HIV serology 44.2%, hepatitis B 53.6%, rubella 21.4%, and toxoplasmosis 32.6%), as was prescription of ferrous sulfate (44.1%). As a whole, the proportion of orders for recommended laboratory tests was only 53%. The percentages of prenatal care procedures for indigenous women are lower than for non-indigenous Brazilian women as a whole, and are even lower than among women in regions with high social vulnerability and low healthcare coverage, like the Legal Amazonia and the Northeast. The results confirm the persistence of ethnic-racial inequalities that compromise the health and well-being of indigenous mothers.

Este estudo avalia a atenção pré-natal de mulheres indígenas com idades entre 14-49 anos, com filhos menores de 60 meses no Brasil. O Primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas avaliou 3.967 mulheres que atendiam a tais requisitos, sendo 41,3% da Região Norte; 21,2% do Centro-oeste; 22,2% do Nordeste; e 15% do Sul/Sudeste. O pré-natal foi ofertado a 3.437 (86,6%) delas. A Região Norte registrou a maior proporção de mulheres que não fizeram pré-natal. A cobertura alcançada foi de 90,4%, mas somente cerca de 30% iniciaram o pré-natal no 1º trimestre e apenas 60% das elegíveis foram vacinadas contra difteria e tétano. Somente 16% das gestantes indígenas realizaram 7 ou mais consultas de pré-natal. Ter acesso a pelo menos um cuidado clínico-obstétrico foi observado em cerca de 97% dos registros, exceto exame de mamas (63%). Foi baixa a solicitação de exames (glicemia 53,6%, urina 53%, hemograma 56,9%, citologia oncótica 12,9%, teste de sífilis 57,6%, sorologia para HIV 44,2%, hepatite B 53,6%, rubéola 21,4% e toxoplasmose 32,6%) e prescrição de sulfato ferroso (44,1%). No conjunto, a proporção de solicitações de exames laboratoriais preconizados não ultrapassou 53%. Os percentuais de realização das ações do pré-natal das indígenas são mais baixos que os encontrados para mulheres não indígenas no conjunto do território nacional, e até mesmo para as residentes em regiões de elevada vulnerabilidade social e baixa cobertura assistencial como a Amazônia Legal e o Nordeste. Os resultados reafirmam a persistência de desigualdades étnico-raciais que comprometem a saúde e o bem-estar de mães indígenas.

Este estudio evalúa la atención prenatal a mujeres indígenas con edades comprendidas entre los 14-49 años, con hijos menores de 60 meses en Brasil. La Primera Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas evaluó a 3.967 mujeres que reunían tales requisitos, procediendo un 41,3% de la Región Norte; un 21,2% del Centro-oeste; un 22,2% del Nordeste; y un 15% del Sur/Sudeste. El servicio prenatal se le ofreció a 3.437 (86,6%) de ellas. La Región Norte registró la mayor proporción de mujeres que no realizaron el seguimiento prenatal. La cobertura alcanzada fue de un 90,4%, pero solamente cerca de un 30% comenzaron el seguimiento prenatal durante el primer trimestre y sólo un 60% de las elegibles fueron vacunadas contra la difteria y tétanos. Solamente un 16% de las gestantes indígenas realizaron 7 o más consultas de prenatal. Alrededor de un 97% de los registros se observó que tuvieron acceso a por lo menos un cuidado clínico-obstétrico, excepto el examen de mamas (63%). Fue baja la solicitud de exámenes (glucemia 53,6%, orina 53%, hemograma 56,9%, citología oncológica 12,9%, test de sífilis 57,6%, serología para VIH 44,2%, hepatitis B 53,6%, rubeola 21,4% y toxoplasmosis un 32,6%) y la prescripción de sulfato ferroso (44,1%). En conjunto, la proporción de solicitudes de exámenes de laboratorio previstos no sobrepasó el 53%. Los porcentajes de realización de acciones del seguimiento prenatal por parte de las indígenas son más bajos que los encontrados en mujeres no indígenas, en el conjunto del territorio nacional, y hasta incluso en comparación con las residentes en regiones de elevada vulnerabilidad social y baja cobertura asistencial como la Amazonia Legal y el Nordeste. Los resultados reafirman la persistencia de desigualdades étnico-raciales que comprometen la salud y el bienestar de las madres indígenas.

Socioenvironmental aspects of the Purus Region - Brazilian Amazon: Why relate them to the occurrence of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis?

This study aims to analyze factors related to the occurrence of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the Purus Region, based on the reporting of cases between 2001 and 2013, correlating them with livelihoods and subsistence farming in the region, and analyzing them in regards to sex, age, clinical form, occupation, diagnostic methods and seasonality. The analysis parameter which was used included all cases of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in each sub-region by municipality. The Purus Region, between the states of Amazonas and Acre, consists of three sub-regions: Upper, Middle, and Lower Purus. We observed that socio-environmental impacts influenced the livelihoods of the human population and that the interaction with extractive activities, especially latex and Brazil nut collecting, where the labor regime implies a long stay in the jungle, leads to socio-environmental conditions that are favorable to the contraction of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. During the referred period, there were 13,971 cases of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis distributed among the sub-regions: High (12611 cases = 90.27%), Middle (1225 cases = 8.77%) and Lower (135 cases = 0.96%). Among the 22 municipalities that were studied, Rio Branco stands out with 31.6% of cases, followed by Xapuri with 12.6% and Sena Madureira with 12.5%. In the results, we highlight the high percentage (20.8%) of mucous forms; the age group from 11 to 50 (70.2%), however, 20.2% were in the age group of 1 month to 10 years of age; cases in males were 69.8%, and, in the reports examined, 43.7%. cited their occupation as extractivism. A statistically significant negative association was demonstrated between cutaneous leishmaniasis and rainfall between Purus municipalities. However, in regards to the association of cutaneous leishmaniasis for both, temperature and Municipal Human Development Index-MHDI, no significant associations were found in Purus. We concluded that American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis occurring in the Purus Region is related to two distinct aspects: the development of enterprises that extend the agricultural frontier, and a change in lifestyle, namely the extraction of wood as an occupation, which has, as a consequence, an environmental impact and creates difficulties in accessing treatment.

Avaliação da atenção pré-natal ofertada às mulheres indígenas no Brasil: achados do Primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas / Assessment of prenatal care for indigenous women in Brazil: findings from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition / Evaluación de la atención prenatal ofrecida a mujeres indígenas en Brasil: resultados de la Primera Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas

Resumo: Este estudo avalia a atenção pré-natal de mulheres indígenas com idades entre 14-49 anos, com filhos menores de 60 meses no Brasil. O Primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição dos Povos Indígenas avaliou 3.967 mulheres que atendiam a tais requisitos, sendo 41,3% da Região Norte; 21,2% do Centro-oeste; 22,2% do Nordeste; e 15% do Sul/Sudeste. O pré-natal foi ofertado a 3.437 (86,6%) delas. A Região Norte registrou a maior proporção de mulheres que não fizeram pré-natal. A cobertura alcançada foi de 90,4%, mas somente cerca de 30% iniciaram o pré-natal no 1º trimestre e apenas 60% das elegíveis foram vacinadas contra difteria e tétano. Somente 16% das gestantes indígenas realizaram 7 ou mais consultas de pré-natal. Ter acesso a pelo menos um cuidado clínico-obstétrico foi observado em cerca de 97% dos registros, exceto exame de mamas (63%). Foi baixa a solicitação de exames (glicemia 53,6%, urina 53%, hemograma 56,9%, citologia oncótica 12,9%, teste de sífilis 57,6%, sorologia para HIV 44,2%, hepatite B 53,6%, rubéola 21,4% e toxoplasmose 32,6%) e prescrição de sulfato ferroso (44,1%). No conjunto, a proporção de solicitações de exames laboratoriais preconizados não ultrapassou 53%. Os percentuais de realização das ações do pré-natal das indígenas são mais baixos que os encontrados para mulheres não indígenas no conjunto do território nacional, e até mesmo para as residentes em regiões de elevada vulnerabilidade social e baixa cobertura assistencial como a Amazônia Legal e o Nordeste. Os resultados reafirmam a persistência de desigualdades étnico-raciais que comprometem a saúde e o bem-estar de mães indígenas.

Abstract: This study assesses prenatal care for indigenous women 14-49 years of age with children under five years of age in Brazil. The First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition assessed 3,967 women who met these criteria, of whom 41.3% in the North, 21.2% in the Central, 22.2% in the Northeast, and 15% in the South/Southeast. Prenatal care was offered to 3,437 (86.6%) of these women. The North of Brazil showed the highest proportion of indigenous women who did not receive prenatal care. Coverage was 90.4%, but only some 30% began prenatal care in the first trimester, and only 60% of the eligible women were vaccinated for diphtheria and tetanus. Only 16% of indigenous pregnant women had seven or more prenatal visits. Access to at least one clinical-obstetric consultation was found in 97% of the records, except for breast examination (63%). Laboratory test rates were low (blood glucose 53.6%, urinalysis 53%, complete blood count 56.9%, Pap smear 12.9%, syphilis test 57.6%, HIV serology 44.2%, hepatitis B 53.6%, rubella 21.4%, and toxoplasmosis 32.6%), as was prescription of ferrous sulfate (44.1%). As a whole, the proportion of orders for recommended laboratory tests was only 53%. The percentages of prenatal care procedures for indigenous women are lower than for non-indigenous Brazilian women as a whole, and are even lower than among women in regions with high social vulnerability and low healthcare coverage, like the Legal Amazonia and the Northeast. The results confirm the persistence of ethnic-racial inequalities that compromise the health and well-being of indigenous mothers.

Resumen: Este estudio evalúa la atención prenatal a mujeres indígenas con edades comprendidas entre los 14-49 años, con hijos menores de 60 meses en Brasil. La Primera Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de los Pueblos Indígenas evaluó a 3.967 mujeres que reunían tales requisitos, procediendo un 41,3% de la Región Norte; un 21,2% del Centro-oeste; un 22,2% del Nordeste; y un 15% del Sur/Sudeste. El servicio prenatal se le ofreció a 3.437 (86,6%) de ellas. La Región Norte registró la mayor proporción de mujeres que no realizaron el seguimiento prenatal. La cobertura alcanzada fue de un 90,4%, pero solamente cerca de un 30% comenzaron el seguimiento prenatal durante el primer trimestre y sólo un 60% de las elegibles fueron vacunadas contra la difteria y tétanos. Solamente un 16% de las gestantes indígenas realizaron 7 o más consultas de prenatal. Alrededor de un 97% de los registros se observó que tuvieron acceso a por lo menos un cuidado clínico-obstétrico, excepto el examen de mamas (63%). Fue baja la solicitud de exámenes (glucemia 53,6%, orina 53%, hemograma 56,9%, citología oncológica 12,9%, test de sífilis 57,6%, serología para VIH 44,2%, hepatitis B 53,6%, rubeola 21,4% y toxoplasmosis un 32,6%) y la prescripción de sulfato ferroso (44,1%). En conjunto, la proporción de solicitudes de exámenes de laboratorio previstos no sobrepasó el 53%. Los porcentajes de realización de acciones del seguimiento prenatal por parte de las indígenas son más bajos que los encontrados en mujeres no indígenas, en el conjunto del territorio nacional, y hasta incluso en comparación con las residentes en regiones de elevada vulnerabilidad social y baja cobertura asistencial como la Amazonia Legal y el Nordeste. Los resultados reafirman la persistencia de desigualdades étnico-raciales que comprometen la salud y el bienestar de las madres indígenas.