A nationwide study on immunosenescence biomarkers profile in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

Immunosenescence is a phenomenon caused by changes in the immune system, and part of these changes involves an increase in circulating immunological biomarkers, a process known as "Inflammaging." Inflammaging can be associated with many diseases related to older people. As the older population continues to grow, understanding changes in the immune system becomes essential. While prior studies assessing these alterations have been conducted in countries with Caucasian populations, this investigation marks a pioneering effort. The object of the study is to describe for the first time that the distribution of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors serum levels, assessed by Luminex platform, has been examined in a Brazilian population-based study of older adult females and males by age. Blood samples from 2111 participants (≥50 years old) were analyzed at the baseline (2015/2016) of the ELSI-Brazil study. The exploratory variables considered in the study were age, sex, educational level, residence area, geographic region, alcohol and smoking consumption, physical activity, and self-reported medical diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and cancer. The association between serum biomarker levels and age was assessed by a quantile regression model adjusted in the total population and stratified by sex. The significance level considered in the analysis was 0.05. The mean age of the participants was 62.9 years, with a slight majority of female (52.7 %). Differences were found between the sexes in the median circulating levels of the CCL11, CXCL10, and FGF biomarkers. Eight biomarkers showed significant associations with age, including the pro-inflammatory CXCL10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-2; and type 2/regulatory CCL11 and IL-4, showing positive associations, and anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra showing a negative association. The results suggest similar associations between the sexes, revealing an inflammatory profile characterized by types 1 and 2. Remarkably, these findings reinforce the concept of the Inflammaging process in Brazilian population. These findings add novel insights to about the immunosenescence aspects in middle-income countries and help define biomarkers capable of monitoring inflammation in older adults.

[Differences between men and women in the prevalence of frailty and associated factors among older adults: evidence from ELSI-Brazil]. / Diferenças entre homens e mulheres na prevalência da fragilidade e fatores associados entre adultos mais velhos: evidências do ELSI-Brasil.

Based on a national representative sample of the population aged 50 years or older, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of frailty among men and women, identify associated sociodemographic and health factors, and estimate the population attributable fraction. Data from the second wave (2019-2021) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) were used. Frailty was classified based on the number of positive items among unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low level of physical activity, slow gait, and weakness. The main analyses were based on multinomial logistic regression stratified by sex. The prevalence of frailty was lower in men (8.6%; 95%CI: 6.9; 10.7) than in women (11.9%; 95%CI: 9.6; 14.8), with the most frequent item being the low level of physical activity in both. Age and schooling level were the sociodemographic factors associated with pre-frailty and fragility among men and women. The population attributable fraction was different for frailty between genders. In men, the highest population attributable fraction was due to not having a partner (23.5%; 95%CI: 7.7; 39.2) and low schooling level (18.2%; 95%CI: 6.6; 29,7). In women, higher population attributable fraction values were due to memory deficit (17.1%; 95%CI: 7.6; 26.6), vision deficit (13.4%; 95%CI: 5.1; 21.7), and diabetes mellitus (11.4%; 95%CI: 4.6; 18,1). Similar population attributable fraction levels were observed for heart disease (8.9%; 95%CI: 3.8; 14.1 in women and 8.8%; 95%CI: 2.0; 15.6 in men). Strategies aimed at physical activity have the potential to prevent frailty in both men and women, and the prevention of chronic conditions is more important in women.

Este trabalho, baseado em amostra nacional representativa da população com 50 anos ou mais, objetivou estimar a prevalência da fragilidade entre homens e mulheres, identificar fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde associados e estimar a fração atribuível populacional. Foram utilizados dados da segunda onda (2019-2021) do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil). A fragilidade foi classificada pelo número de itens positivos entre perda de peso não intencional, exaustão, baixo nível de atividade física, lentidão da marcha e fraqueza. As análises principais foram baseadas na regressão logística multinomial estratificada por sexo. A prevalência da fragilidade foi menor nos homens (8,6%; IC95%: 6,9; 10,7) do que nas mulheres (11,9%; IC95%: 9,6; 14,8), sendo o item mais frequente o baixo nível de atividade física em ambos. A idade e a escolaridade foram os fatores sociodemográficos associados à pré-fragilidade e à fragilidade entre homens e mulheres. Houve diferença da fração atribuível populacional para fragilidade entre os sexos. Nos homens, a maior fração atribuível populacional foi para não ter companheiro (23,5%; IC95%: 7,7; 39,2) e escolaridade baixa (18,2%; IC95%: 6,6; 29,7). Nas mulheres, maiores frações atribuíveis populacionais foram para déficit de memória (17,1%; IC95%: 7,6; 26,6), déficit da visão (13,4%; IC95%: 5,1; 21,7) e diabetes mellitus (11,4%; IC95%: 4,6; 18,1). Observou-se fração atribuível populacional semelhante para doença cardíaca (8,9%; IC95%: 3,8; 14,1, em mulheres; e 8,8%; IC95%: 2,0; 15,6, em homens). Estratégias voltadas para a prática de atividade física têm o potencial de prevenir a fragilidade em ambos os sexos, enquanto a prevenção de condições crônicas é mais importante nas mulheres.

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo estimar, utilizando una muestra nacional representativa de la población de 50 años o más, la prevalencia de la fragilidad entre hombres y mujeres, identificar los factores sociodemográficos y de salud asociados, y calcular la fracción atribuible a la población. Se utilizaron datos de la 2ª ola (2019-2021) del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud de los Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil). La fragilidad se clasificó por el número de elementos positivos entre pérdida de peso no intencional, agotamiento, bajo nivel de actividad física, marcha lenta y debilidad. Los principales análisis se basaron en la regresión logística multinomial estratificada por sexo. La prevalencia de fragilidad fue menor en los hombres (8,6%; IC95%: 6,9; 10,7) que en las mujeres (11,9%; IC95%: 9,6; 14,8), y como ítem más frecuente el bajo nivel de actividad física en ambos. La edad y el nivel educativo fueron los factores sociodemográficos asociados a la pre-fragilidad y la fragilidad entre hombres y mujeres. Hubo una diferencia en fracción atribuible a la población para la fragilidad entre los sexos. Entre los hombres, la fracción atribuible a la población más elevada fue no tener pareja (23,5%; IC95%: 7,7; 39,2) y bajo nivel educativo (18,2%; IC95%: 6,6; 29,7). Entre las mujeres, las fracción atribuible a la población más elevadas fueron déficit de memoria (17,1%; IC95%: 7,6; 26,6), déficit de visión (13,4%; IC95%: 5,1; 21,7) y diabetes mellitus (11,4%; IC95%: 4,6; 18,1). Se observaron fracción atribuible a la población similares para enfermedades cardíacas (8,9%; IC95%: 3,8; 14,1 en mujeres, y 8,8%; IC95%: 2,0; 15,6 en hombres). Las estrategias dirigidas a la actividad física tienen el potencial de prevenir la fragilidad en ambos sexos, mientras que la prevención de enfermedades crónicas es más necesaria en las mujeres.

Rhythmic profile of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence.

Immunobiography describes the life-long effects of exogenous or endogenous stimuli on remodeling of immune cell biology, including the development of memory T and B-cells. The present study aimed at investigating the rhythms of changes in phenotypic features of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence. A descriptive-observational investigation was conducted including 812 healthy volunteers, clustered into six consecutive age groups (9Mths-1Yr; 2Yrs; 3-4Yrs; 5-7Yrs; 8-10Yrs; 11-18Yrs). Immunophenotypic analysis of memory T-cell (CD4+ and CD8+) and B-cell subsets were performed by flow cytometry. The results pointed out that memory-related biomarkers of T and B-cells displayed a bimodal profile along healthy childhood and adolescence, regardless of sex. The first stage of changes occurs around 2Yrs, with predominance of naive cells, while the second and more prominent wave occurs around the age 8-10Yrs, with the prevalence of memory phenotypes. The neighborhood connectivity profile analysis demonstrated that the number of correlations reaches a peak at 11-18Yrs and lower values along the childhood. Males presented higher and conserved number of correlations when compared to females. Altogether, our results provide new insights into immunobiography and a better understanding of interactions among the cellular subsets studied here during childhood and adolescence.

Home-based gait speed and the association with sociodemographic and anthropometric variables: A national study (ELSI-Brazil).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate home-based gait speed performance for men and women stratified by age group and its associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. METHODS: Data from the 2nd wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil, 2019-2021) were used. Gait speed was tested twice at home over 3.0 meters at usual pace. Associations of sociodemographic and anthropometric variables with gait speed were evaluated using gamma regression. RESULTS: Median gait speed value reduced with increasing age in both sexes [men: 0.70 m/s (50-59 years) to 0.53 m/s (≥80 years); women: 0.68 m/s (50-59 years) to 0.48 m/s (≥80 years)] and was significantly lower in women than men in the age groups of 60-69 and 70-79 years. Age group and education among men and age group, education, and waist circumference among women were significantly associated with gait speed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may be helpful as reference values to identify mobility limitation among older Brazilians.

A decreased trajectory of loneliness among Brazilians aged 50 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic: ELSI-Brazil.

This study aimed to estimate prevalence of loneliness among older Brazilian adults over the first seven months of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the predictors of loneliness trajectories. Pre-pandemic data derived from face-to-face interviews of participants of the 2019-2020 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), which is a nationally representative study of community-dwelling individuals aged 50 years and over. Pandemic data were based on three rounds of telephone interviews among those participants, conducted from May to October 2020. Loneliness was measured by a single-item question, considering those who had at least two repeated measures. Explanatory variables included depression, living alone, leaving home in the last week, and virtual connectedness in the last month. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and to investigate loneliness trajectories and their predictors. In total, 5,108 participants were included. The overall prevalence of loneliness in the pre-pandemic period was 33.1% (95%CI: 29.4-36.8), higher than the pandemic period (round 1: 23.6%, 95%CI: 20.6-26.9; round 2: 20.5%, 95%CI: 17.8-23.5; round 3: 20.6%, 95%CI: 17.1-24.6). A significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) was evidenced only between depression and time; participants with depression showed a greater reduction in loneliness levels. Although loneliness levels in Brazil have decreased during the pandemic, this pattern is not present for all older adults. Individuals with depression had a more significant reduction, probably due to feeling closer to their social network members during the stay-at-home recommendations.

Conhecimentos sobre a doença de Chagas entre escolares de dois municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Knowledge about Chagas disease among schoolchildren from two municipalities of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo Introdução: No Brasil, a vigilância entomológica da doença de Chagas (DCh) é respaldada na participação comunitária, que notifica a presença dos vetores nas habitações. Assim, a sustentabilidade desta medida de controle depende do conhecimento da população sobre os vetores. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento de escolares sobre a doença de Chagas nos municípios mineiros de Itatiaiuçu (vigilância ativa) e Sabará (vigilância inativa). Método: Questionário semiestruturado foi aplicado para alunos matriculados no ensino médio em duas escolas de Sabará (rural e urbana) e uma em Itatiaiuçu (urbana). Resultados: Em geral, os alunos residentes em Sabará demonstraram conhecimento limitado acerca dos vetores, patógeno, transmissão e doença (sem diferenças relevantes quanto à localização entre área urbana e rural), quando comparados aos residentes em Itatiaiuçu, que apesar de ter uma vigilância mais atuante, também não apresentaram conhecimento totalmente satisfatório. Conclusões: Os resultados enfatizam a carência de informações sobre a DCh tanto em relação ao conhecimento acadêmico quanto às campanhas de educação firmadas pelo programa. Ações educativas para sensibilizar a comunidade e promover o conhecimento sobre esta doença mostram-se necessárias e fundamentais para a manutenção da vigilância ao longo do tempo e espaço.

Abstract Background: In Brazil, entomological surveillance of Chagas disease (ChD) is based on community participation, which notifies the presence of vectors inside their homes. Thus, the sustainability of this control measure depends on the knowledge of the population about the vectors. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of schoolchildren about ChD in the municipalities of Itatiaiuçu (active surveillance) and Sabará (inactive surveillance). Method: A semi-structured questionnaire was given to students enrolled in two high schools in Sabará (rural and urban) and one in Itatiaiuçu (urban). Results: In general, students living in Sabará demonstrated only limited knowledge about vectors, pathogens, transmission, and disease (with no significant differences between the schools in urban and rural areas). Similarly, the schoolchildren in Itatiaiuçu, despite living in an area of active surveillance, also did not have a fully satisfactory knowledge of ChD. Conclusions: The results emphasize the lack of information about ChD, both in relation to academic knowledge and the education campaigns established by the program. Improvements in educational interventions to raise community awareness and promote knowledge about ChD are necessary and vital for maintaining vigilance against ChD over space and time.

Brumadinho Health Project: methodological aspects and epidemiological profile of participants in the cohort baseline.

OBJECTIVE: To present the methodological aspects of the Brumadinho Health Project and to describe the epidemiological profile of participants in the baseline cohort. METHODS: Prospective, population-based cohort study in a representative sample of residents (aged 12 and over) of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, after a mining tailings dam failure. Information for the baseline was collected in 2021, two years after the mining tailings dam collapsed, including sociodemographic, health and service use aspects, among others. Prevalence estimates of health outcomes were described in Brumadinho, as well as in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey. All analyses were performed in the software Stata 17.0, considering the sampling weights and design effect. RESULTS: 3,080 (86.4%) residents participated in the study, most of them being females (56.7%) and with a mean age of 46.1 years. The diseases more frequently reported were arterial hypertension (30.1%), high cholesterol (23.1%) and depression (22.5%), similarly to what was observed in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais, although the prevalence in Brumadinho was higher. At least one medical appointment and one hospitalization occurred in 75.2% and 9.4% of residents in the past year, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is important to monitor health, physical and mental conditions of residents after the occurrence of a disaster of this magnitude. This information can contribute with risk management of these processes, not only in the affected municipality, but also in other areas where populations are at risk of major disasters.

Healthcare access, utilization, and quality after a disaster: results from the Brumadinho Health Project.

OBJECTIVE: In January 2019 a dam at the Córrego do Feijão mine suffered a catastrophic failure that killed 270 people and caused extensive damage. It is unknown how exposure to such a disaster might affect healthcare utilization. METHODS: We assessed survey data from the Brumadinho Health Project, a cohort study that includes people who were exposed to the dam failure and two comparison groups: people unexposed to mining or the disaster and people from a mining community, but not exposed to the disaster. Main outcomes include any doctor visit or hospitalization in the past year, having a usual source of healthcare, having blood pressure and blood sugar checked, and being up to date with vaccinations, for adults 18 years and over. We used survey-weighted robust Poisson regression to assess differences between those exposed and the two comparison groups while controlling for confounders. RESULTS: In multivariable models, the exposed group had a 15% higher chance of having a doctor visit than the unexposed group. For hospitalization and reports of blood pressure and blood sugar assessments, there was no significant difference among any of the groups. The exposed group had a 24% higher chance and the unexposed mining community had a 143% higher chance of being up to date with immunizations, as compared to the unexposed group. CONCLUSION: There were some differences in healthcare utilization among individuals exposed to the dam failure. Continued monitoring of the situation is warranted, as the full consequences of such a traumatic event may take considerable time to unfold.

Factors associated with paid work after the dam failure: Brumadinho Health Project.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with paid work, after the dam failure, based on geographic strata, among men and women residing in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. METHODS: Baseline data from participants of the Brumadinho Health Project, aged 18 years or older, obtained through a questionnaire, between July and November 2021 (n=2,783) were used. The dependent variable was paid work after the dam failure and the explanatory variables were geographic stratum, age, education, race/skin color, self-perception of health and employment relationship before the event. The adjusted analysis was estimated by logistic regression. All analyses were performed separately for men and women. RESULTS: Paid work after the dam failure was reported by 58.3% (95%CI 55.0-61.6) of the participants, with the highest prevalence among men (71.4%; 95%CI 67.1-75.3) compared to women (48.6%; 95%CI 44.3-52.8) (p<0.001). After adjustments, the results showed that the population who was directly exposed to the disaster was less likely to have a paid work after it, both for women (OR=0.68; 95%CI 0.48-0.95) and for men (OR=0.48; 95%CI 0.30-0.78). In addition, women directly exposed to the disaster and who reported being self-employed before it were less likely to have a paid work, compared to women who reported being employed with or without a formal contract. CONCLUSION: Participation in the labor market is determined by several factors. Thus, intersectoral policies are necessary the population's demands of life and work are met in disaster situations.

Use of psychotropic drugs by population in an area affected by the tailings dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the consumption of psychotropic drugs in the adult population residing in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, after the Vale dam collapse, which occurred in 2019. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, part of the Brumadinho Health Project, developed in 2021, with a representative population-based sample of adults (18 years and over) residing in Brumadinho. A total of 2,805 adults with information on self-reported use of psychotropic drugs (antidepressants and anxiolytics-hypnotics/sedatives) in the last 15 days were included in the analysis. The prevalence of psychotropic drug use was estimated, and the most used psychotropic drugs were identified. Pearson's chi-square test (with Rao-Scott correction) was used to test associations between exposures and use of psychotropic drugs, considering a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: The use of antidepressants (14.2%) was more common than the use of anxiolytics or hypnotics/sedatives (5.2%), with sertraline and fluoxetine being the most used antidepressants. The use of anxiolytics and hypnotics/sedatives was higher among residents who lived in the area directly affected by the dam's mud, and the use of any psychotropic drug was higher among those who lost a relative/friend in the disaster and assessed that their health worsened after the disaster, and among women. CONCLUSION: The results of the study corroborate what was observed in other populations exposed to similar tragedies, regarding the pattern of associations and the of use of psychotropic drugs.

[Longitudinal association between social capital and functional disability in a cohort of community dwelling older adults]. / Associação longitudinal entre capital social e incapacidade funcional em uma coorte de idosos residentes em comunidade.

This study aimed to investigate the association between social capital and functional disability, based on a longitudinal perspective, using data from the cohort of older adults from Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The baseline of this study was composed of all surviving and disability-free - up until the seventh year of follow-up (2004) - older adults who were followed up until 2011. The outcome variable was functional disability for basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), separately analyzed. Social capital was the exposure of interest, measured through its cognitive (cohesion and social support) and structural (social participation and satisfaction with the neighborhood) components. Sociodemographic variables, health conditions, and lifestyle habits were used for adjustment purposes, and the occurrence of death was considered a competitive event. The hypothesis of association between social capital and functional disability was tested using the competing risk model, which provides hazard ratios (HR) and a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). After multivariate analysis, social capital - in its structural component - was associated with functional disability. Older adults who were dissatisfied with the neighborhood had a higher risk of developing functional disability for IADL (HR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.31-4.24), in relation to their counterparts. This study results suggest that functional disability is associated with aspects other than health, evidencing the need for the development of policies and interventions that support aspects related to the physical and social environment in which older adults live.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a associação entre capital social e a incapacidade funcional, numa perspectiva longitudinal, utilizando dados da coorte de idosos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A linha de base do estudo foi composta por todos os idosos sobreviventes e livres de incapacidade no sétimo ano de seguimento (2004), acompanhados até 2011. A variável desfecho foi a incapacidade funcional para as ABVD (atividades básicas de vida diária) e AIVD (atividades instrumentais de vida diária), analisadas separadamente. A exposição de interesse foi o capital social, mensurado por meio de seus componentes cognitivo (coesão e suporte social) e estrutural (participação social e satisfação com a vizinhança). Variáveis sociodemográficas, de condições de saúde e de hábitos de vida foram utilizadas para efeitos de ajuste, e a ocorrência de óbito foi considerada evento competitivo. A hipótese de associação entre capital social e incapacidade funcional foi testada por meio do modelo de riscos competitivos, que fornece hazard ratios (HR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Após a análise multivariada, o capital social, em seu componente estrutural, esteve associado à incapacidade funcional. Idosos insatisfeitos com a vizinhança apresentaram risco maior de desenvolver incapacidade funcional para AIVD (HR = 2,36; IC95%: 1,31-4,24), em relação às suas contrapartes. Os resultados desse estudo sugerem que a incapacidade funcional está associada a outros aspectos que não somente da saúde, evidenciando a necessidade de desenvolver políticas e intervenções que abarquem aspectos ligados ao ambiente físico e social em que o idoso está inserido.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre el capital social y la discapacidad funcional desde una perspectiva longitudinal, utilizando datos de la cohorte de ancianos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. La línea de base de este estudio estaba compuesta por todos los supervivientes de edad avanzada y sin discapacidad en el séptimo año de seguimiento (2004), seguidos hasta 2011. La variable de resultado fue la discapacidad funcional para las ABVD (actividades básicas de la vida diaria) y las AIVD (actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria), analizadas por separado. La exposición de interés fue el capital social, medido a través de sus componentes cognitivo (cohesión y apoyo social) y estructural (participación social y satisfacción con el barrio). Se utilizaron variables sociodemográficas, de condiciones de salud y de estilo de vida para los efectos de ajuste, y la ocurrencia de la muerte se consideró un evento competitivo. La hipótesis de asociación entre el capital social y la discapacidad funcional se probó mediante el modelo de riesgos competitivos, que proporciona tasas de riesgo (hazard ratios, HR) e intervalos del 95% de confianza (IC95%). Tras el análisis multivariante, el capital social en su componente estructural se asoció con la discapacidad funcional. Los ancianos insatisfechos con su vecindario tenían un mayor riesgo de desarrollar una discapacidad funcional para las AIVD (HR = 2,36; IC95%: 1,31-4,24) en comparación con sus homólogos. Los resultados sugieren que la discapacidad funcional está asociada a otros aspectos además de la salud, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar políticas e intervenciones que abarquen aspectos relacionados con el entorno físico y social en el que se insertan las personas mayores.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a national sample of older Brazilians: the ELSI-COVID Initiative, March 2021. / Hesitação vacinal contra a COVID-19 em amostra nacional de idosos brasileiros: iniciativa ELSI-COVID, março de 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and factors associated with intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among older Brazilians. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study based on telephone interviews with participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) aged 60 years and over, conducted in 70 municipalities in March 2021. RESULTS: Among the 4,364 participants (mean age = 70.1 years), 91.8% intended to get vaccinated or had already been vaccinated, 2.5% did not intend to get vaccinated and 5.7% were undecided. Participants living in the North and Southeast regions were more likely to want to get vaccinated, as were those with two or more chronic diseases. Those who learned about COVID-19 from friends/family/social media were more likely to be undecided about vaccination (odds ratio = 3.15; 95%CI 1.28;7.77). CONCLUSION: The study identified one of the highest prevalence of intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 described in the literature to date.

Some Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian CDC Clear Communication Index.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clear Communication Index (CCI) was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese (BR). It was necessary to analyze the reliability and validity of the BR-CDC-CCI for its use in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the instrument in its Brazilian version. Four specialists in health education used the BR-CDC-CCI to evaluate a population-level health education material. Primary health care professionals (n = 105) evaluated the same health material using the BRCDC-CCI, and 30 professionals performed the retest 15 to 20 days after the first assessment. Cohen Kappa and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were developed. Inter-rater agreement ranged from moderate to almost perfect, with 90% of the items almost perfect. The percentage of agreement ranged from 8.6% to 98.1%. For the analyzed questions, the area on the ROC curve was 0.9412 (confidence interval [CI] 95%; [0.8259, 1.000]). The BR-CDC-CCI had sufficient validity and reliability for its use in the evaluation of educational/informational materials in health in the Brazilian context. In view of the good results from this psychometric assessment, we anticipated the BR-CDC-CCI could contribute to improvements in Brazilian professionals' skills in developing health communication materials, thereby improving the quality of education and, possibly health outcomes. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2022;6(2):e84-e87.].

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a national sample of older Brazilians: the ELSI-COVID Initiative, March 2021 / Hesitación vacunal contra COVID-19 en una muestra nacional de ancianos brasileños: iniciativa ELSI-COVID, marzo 2021 / Hesitação vacinal contra a COVID-19 em amostra nacional de idosos brasileiros: iniciativa ELSI-COVID, março de 2021

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 among older Brazilians. Methods: Cross sectional study based on telephone interviews among participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) aged 60 years and over, conducted in 70 mucipalities on March, 2021. Results: Among the 4,364 participants (mean age=70.1 years), 91.8% had the intention to be vaccinated or had already been vaccinated, 2.5% did not have thisintention and 5.7% were undecided. Residents in the North and Southeast regions were more likely to be vaccinated, as were those with two or more chronic diseases. Those who learn about COVID-19 with friends/family/social media were more likely to be undecided about vaccination (odds ratio=3.15 ­ 95% confidence interval: 1.28;7.77). Conclusion: The results show one of the highest prevalence of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 described in the literature to date.

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados a la intención de vacunarse contra COVID-19 en ancianos brasileños. Métodos: Estudio seccional basado em entrevistas telefónicas con participantes del Estudio longitudinal de la salud del anciano brasileño con 60 años o más, realizadas en 70 municipalities en marzo de 2021. Resultados: Entre los 4.364 participantes (edad media=70,1 años), el 91,8% tenía la intención de vacunarse o ya lo había hecho, el 2,5% no tienen esta intención y el 5,7% está indeciso. Los residentes de las regiones norte y sureste tenían más probabilidades de ser vacunados, al igual que aquellos con dos o más enfermedades crónicas. Aquellos que se enteraron del COVID-19 a través de amigos/familiares/redes sociales tenían más probabilidades de estar indecisos sobre la vacunación (odds ratio=3,15 ­ IC95% 1,28;7,77). Conclusion: Los resultados muestran una de las mayores prevalencias de intención de vacunación contra COVID-19 descritas en la literatura hasta la fecha.

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência e fatores associados à intenção de se vacinar contra a COVID-19 entre idosos brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo seccional, baseado em entrevistas telefônicas de participantes do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (60 anos ou mais), conduzidas em 70 municípios, em março de 2021. As análises foram realizadas mediante regressão logística multinomial. Resultados: Entre 4.364 participantes (idade média=70,1 anos), 91,8% pretendiam se vacinar ou já haviam sido vacinados, 2,5% não tinham essa intenção e 5,7% estavam indecisos. Residentes do Norte e Sudeste brasileiros apresentaram maiores propensões para se vacinar, assim como aqueles com duas ou mais doenças crônicas. Os que se informam sobre a COVID-19 com amigos/familiares/mídia social foram mais propensos a estarem indecisos acerca da vacinação (odds ratio=3,15 ­ intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,28;7,77). Conclusão: Identificou-se uma das mais altas prevalências da intenção de se vacinar contra a COVID-19 descritas até a presente data.

A decreased trajectory of loneliness among Brazilians aged 50 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic: ELSI-Brazil / Trajetória de diminuição da solidão entre brasileiros com 50 anos ou mais durante a pandemia de COVID-19: ELSI-Brasil / Trayectoria decreciente de la soledad entre los brasileños de 50 años o más durante la pandemia de COVID-19: ELSI-Brasil

This study aimed to estimate prevalence of loneliness among older Brazilian adults over the first seven months of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the predictors of loneliness trajectories. Pre-pandemic data derived from face-to-face interviews of participants of the 2019-2020 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), which is a nationally representative study of community-dwelling individuals aged 50 years and over. Pandemic data were based on three rounds of telephone interviews among those participants, conducted from May to October 2020. Loneliness was measured by a single-item question, considering those who had at least two repeated measures. Explanatory variables included depression, living alone, leaving home in the last week, and virtual connectedness in the last month. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and to investigate loneliness trajectories and their predictors. In total, 5,108 participants were included. The overall prevalence of loneliness in the pre-pandemic period was 33.1% (95%CI: 29.4-36.8), higher than the pandemic period (round 1: 23.6%, 95%CI: 20.6-26.9; round 2: 20.5%, 95%CI: 17.8-23.5; round 3: 20.6%, 95%CI: 17.1-24.6). A significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) was evidenced only between depression and time; participants with depression showed a greater reduction in loneliness levels. Although loneliness levels in Brazil have decreased during the pandemic, this pattern is not present for all older adults. Individuals with depression had a more significant reduction, probably due to feeling closer to their social network members during the stay-at-home recommendations.

Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de solidão entre idosos brasileiros nos primeiros sete meses da pandemia de COVID-19 e identificar os preditores das trajetórias de solidão, usando dados pré-pandemia oriundos de entrevistas presenciais de participantes do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil) de 2019-2020, um estudo de representatividade nacional com residentes da comunidade com 50 anos ou mais. Os dados durante a pandemia foram coletados em três rodadas de entrevistas telefônicas com os participantes, realizadas de maio a outubro de 2020. A solidão foi medida por uma questão de item único, considerando os casos com pelo menos duas medidas repetidas. As variáveis explicativas incluíram depressão, morar sozinho, sair de casa na última semana e conexão virtual no último mês. A regressão logística de efeitos mistos foi utilizada para estimar as razões de chances com seus intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e investigar trajetórias de solidão e seus preditores. Foram incluídos 5.108 participantes. A prevalência global de solidão no período pré-pandemia foi de 33,1% (IC95%: 29,4-36,8), um valor superior ao período pandêmico (rodada 1: 23,6%, IC95%: 20,6-26,9; rodada 2: 20,5%, IC95%: 17,8-23,5; rodada 3: 20,6%, IC95%: 17,1-24,6). Uma interação significativa (p ≤ 0,05) foi encontrada apenas entre depressão e tempo; participantes com depressão apresentaram maior redução dos níveis de solidão. Embora os níveis de solidão no Brasil tenham diminuído durante a pandemia, esse padrão não se aplica a todos os idosos. Indivíduos com depressão tiveram uma redução mais significativa provavelmente por se sentirem mais próximos aos membros de suas redes sociais durante as recomendações de ficar em casa.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la prevalencia de la soledad entre los adultos mayores brasileños durante los primeros siete meses de la pandemia de COVID-19 e identificar los predictores de las trayectorias de la soledad. Los datos prepandémicos proceden de entrevistas cara a cara de los participantes del Estudio Longitudinal Brasileño sobre el Envejecimiento (ELSI-Brasil) de 2019-2020, que es un estudio nacionalmente representativo de los habitantes de la comunidad de 50 años o más. Los datos de la pandemia se basaron en tres rondas de entrevistas telefónicas entre esos participantes, realizadas de mayo a octubre de 2020. La soledad se midió con una pregunta de un solo ítem, teniendo en cuenta los que tenían al menos dos indicativos repetidos. Las variables explicativas incluían la depresión, el hecho de vivir solo, salir de casa en la última semana y la conexión virtual en el último mes. Se utilizó una regresión logística de efectos mixtos para estimar las odds ratios con sus intervalos del 95% de confianza (IC95%) y para investigar las trayectorias de la soledad y sus predictores. Se incluyeron 5.108 participantes. La prevalencia global de la soledad en el periodo prepandémico fue del 33,1% (IC95%: 29,4-36,8), superior a la del periodo pandémico (ronda 1: 23,6%, IC95%: 20,6-26,9; ronda 2: 20,5%, IC95%: 17,8-23,5, ronda 3: 20,6; IC95%: 17,1-24,6). Sólo se evidenció una interacción significativa (p ≤ 0,05) entre la depresión y el tiempo; los participantes con depresión mostraron una mayor reducción de los niveles de soledad. Aunque los niveles de soledad en Brasil han disminuido durante la pandemia, este patrón no se da en todos los adultos mayores. Aquellos individuos con depresión tuvieron una reducción más significativa, probablemente debido a que se sintieron más cerca de los miembros de su red social durante las recomendaciones de quedarse en casa.

Brumadinho Health Project: methodological aspects and epidemiological profile of participants in the cohort baseline / Projeto Saúde Brumadinho: aspectos metodológicos e perfil epidemiológico dos participantes da linha de base da coorte

ABSTRACT: Objective: To present the methodological aspects of the Brumadinho Health Project and to describe the epidemiological profile of participants in the baseline cohort. Methods: Prospective, population-based cohort study in a representative sample of residents (aged 12 and over) of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, after a mining tailings dam failure. Information for the baseline was collected in 2021, two years after the mining tailings dam collapsed, including sociodemographic, health and service use aspects, among others. Prevalence estimates of health outcomes were described in Brumadinho, as well as in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey. All analyses were performed in the software Stata 17.0, considering the sampling weights and design effect. Results: 3,080 (86.4%) residents participated in the study, most of them being females (56.7%) and with a mean age of 46.1 years. The diseases more frequently reported were arterial hypertension (30.1%), high cholesterol (23.1%) and depression (22.5%), similarly to what was observed in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais, although the prevalence in Brumadinho was higher. At least one medical appointment and one hospitalization occurred in 75.2% and 9.4% of residents in the past year, respectively. Conclusion: It is important to monitor health, physical and mental conditions of residents after the occurrence of a disaster of this magnitude. This information can contribute with risk management of these processes, not only in the affected municipality, but also in other areas where populations are at risk of major disasters.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Apresentar os aspectos metodológicos do Projeto Saúde Brumadinho e descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos participantes da linha de base da coorte. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva, de base populacional, em amostra representativa dos residentes (12 anos ou mais de idade) de Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, após rompimento de barragem de rejeitos de mineração. As informações para a linha de base foram coletadas em 2021, dois anos após o rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de mineração, incluindo aspectos sociodemográficos, de saúde, uso de serviços, entre outros. Foram descritas prevalências de desfechos em saúde em Brumadinho, bem como na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte e em Minas Gerais, utilizando os dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2019. Todas as análises foram realizadas no Stata 17.0, considerando-se os pesos amostrais e o efeito de delineamento. Resultados: Participaram 3.080 (86,4%) moradores, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (56,7%) e com média de idade de 46,1 anos. As doenças referidas mais frequentes foram hipertensão arterial (30,1%), colesterol alto (23,1%) e depressão (22,5%). Pelo menos uma consulta médica e uma hospitalização no último ano ocorreram em 75,2% e 9,4% dos entrevistados, respectivamente. Conclusão: É importante o monitoramento das condições de saúde, físicas e mentais, após ocorrência de um desastre dessa magnitude. Esse conhecimento poderá contribuir para a gestão de risco desses processos não só no município atingido, mas em outras áreas nas quais as populações estão sob risco de grandes desastres.

Factors associated with paid work after the dam failure: Brumadinho Health Project / Fatores associados ao trabalho remunerado após o rompimento da barragem: Projeto Saúde Brumadinho

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the factors associated with paid work, after the dam failure, based on geographic strata, among men and women residing in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. Methods: Baseline data from participants of the Brumadinho Health Project, aged 18 years or older, obtained through a questionnaire, between July and November 2021 (n=2,783) were used. The dependent variable was paid work after the dam failure and the explanatory variables were geographic stratum, age, education, race/skin color, self-perception of health and employment relationship before the event. The adjusted analysis was estimated by logistic regression. All analyses were performed separately for men and women. Results: Paid work after the dam failure was reported by 58.3% (95%CI 55.0-61.6) of the participants, with the highest prevalence among men (71.4%; 95%CI 67.1-75.3) compared to women (48.6%; 95%CI 44.3-52.8) (p<0.001). After adjustments, the results showed that the population who was directly exposed to the disaster was less likely to have a paid work after it, both for women (OR=0.68; 95%CI 0.48-0.95) and for men (OR=0.48; 95%CI 0.30-0.78). In addition, women directly exposed to the disaster and who reported being self-employed before it were less likely to have a paid work, compared to women who reported being employed with or without a formal contract. Conclusion: Participation in the labor market is determined by several factors. Thus, intersectoral policies are necessary the population's demands of life and work are met in disaster situations.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados ao trabalho remunerado, após o rompimento da barragem, com ênfase no estrato geográfico, entre homens e mulheres residentes em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados dos participantes da linha de base do Projeto Saúde Brumadinho, com 18 anos ou mais de idade, obtidos por aplicação de questionário, entre julho e novembro de 2021 (n=2.783). A variável dependente foi trabalho remunerado após o rompimento da barragem, e as variáveis explicativas foram estrato geográfico, idade, escolaridade, raça/cor, autopercepção de saúde e vínculo de trabalho antes do rompimento da barragem. A análise ajustada foi estimada pela regressão logística. Todas as análises foram realizadas separadamente para homens e mulheres. Resultados: O trabalho remunerado após o rompimento da barragem foi relatado por 58,3% (IC95% 55,0-61,6) dos participantes, sendo a maior prevalência entre os homens (71,4%; IC95% 67,1-75,3) em comparação às mulheres (48,6%; IC95% 44,3-52,8) (p<0,001). Após ajustes, os resultados mostraram que a população diretamente exposta apresentou menor chance de ter trabalho remunerado após o rompimento da barragem, tanto para as mulheres (OR=0,68; IC95% 0,48-0,95) quanto para os homens (OR=0,48; IC95% 0,30-0,78). Além disso, mulheres diretamente expostas ao rompimento da barragem e que relataram trabalho autônomo antes do rompimento apresentaram menor probabilidade de ter trabalho remunerado, em comparação àquelas que informaram trabalhar com ou sem carteira assinada. Conclusão: A participação no mercado de trabalho é determinada por vários fatores. Dessa forma, políticas intersetoriais são necessárias para atender às demandas de vida e trabalho da população em situações de desastre.

Healthcare access, utilization, and quality after a disaster: results from the Brumadinho Health Project / Acesso, utilização e qualidade dos serviços de saúde após um desastre: resultados do Projeto Saúde Brumadinho

ABSTRACT Objective: In January 2019 a dam at the Córrego do Feijão mine suffered a catastrophic failure that killed 270 people and caused extensive damage. It is unknown how exposure to such a disaster might affect healthcare utilization. Methods: We assessed survey data from the Brumadinho Health Project, a cohort study that includes people who were exposed to the dam failure and two comparison groups: people unexposed to mining or the disaster and people from a mining community, but not exposed to the disaster. Main outcomes include any doctor visit or hospitalization in the past year, having a usual source of healthcare, having blood pressure and blood sugar checked, and being up to date with vaccinations, for adults 18 years and over. We used survey-weighted robust Poisson regression to assess differences between those exposed and the two comparison groups while controlling for confounders. Results: In multivariable models, the exposed group had a 15% higher chance of having a doctor visit than the unexposed group. For hospitalization and reports of blood pressure and blood sugar assessments, there was no significant difference among any of the groups. The exposed group had a 24% higher chance and the unexposed mining community had a 143% higher chance of being up to date with immunizations, as compared to the unexposed group. Conclusion: There were some differences in healthcare utilization among individuals exposed to the dam failure. Continued monitoring of the situation is warranted, as the full consequences of such a traumatic event may take considerable time to unfold.

RESUMO Objetivo: Em janeiro de 2019, uma barragem da mina Córrego do Feijão sofreu um rompimento catastrófico que matou 270 pessoas e causou danos extensos. Não se sabe como a exposição a tal desastre pode afetar a utilização dos serviços de saúde. Métodos: Avaliamos os dados do Projeto Saúde Brumadinho, estudo de coorte que incluiu pessoas expostas ao rompimento da barragem e dois grupos de comparação: pessoas não expostas à mineração ou ao desastre e pessoas de uma comunidade mineira, mas não expostas ao desastre. Os desfechos avaliados foram consulta médica ou hospitalização no último ano, fonte habitual de cuidados, pressão arterial e glicemia verificadas e haver recebido vacinas recomendadas, entre adultos de 18 anos ou mais. A regressão de Poisson robusta ponderada foi usada para avaliar as diferenças entre os expostos e os dois grupos de comparação, controlando por fatores de confusão. Resultados: indivíduos expostos tiveram uma razão de prevalência (RP) 15% maior de relatar uma consulta médica do que os não expostos. Para hospitalização e medidas de pressão arterial e glicemia, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. O grupo exposto teve RP 24% maior, e a comunidade mineira RP 143% maior de haver recebido imunizações preventivas em relação ao grupo não exposto. Conclusão: Houve diferenças na utilização dos serviços de saúde entre os indivíduos expostos ao rompimento da barragem. O monitoramento contínuo da situação é necessário, pois as consequências de um evento tão traumático podem levar um tempo considerável para se manifestar.

Use of psychotropic drugs by population in an area affected by the tailings dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project / Uso de psicofármacos por população em área atingida pelo rompimento de barragem de rejeitos: Projeto Saúde Brumadinho

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the consumption of psychotropic drugs in the adult population residing in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, after the Vale dam collapse, which occurred in 2019. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, part of the Brumadinho Health Project, developed in 2021, with a representative population-based sample of adults (18 years and over) residing in Brumadinho. A total of 2,805 adults with information on self-reported use of psychotropic drugs (antidepressants and anxiolytics-hypnotics/sedatives) in the last 15 days were included in the analysis. The prevalence of psychotropic drug use was estimated, and the most used psychotropic drugs were identified. Pearson's chi-square test (with Rao-Scott correction) was used to test associations between exposures and use of psychotropic drugs, considering a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The use of antidepressants (14.2%) was more common than the use of anxiolytics or hypnotics/sedatives (5.2%), with sertraline and fluoxetine being the most used antidepressants. The use of anxiolytics and hypnotics/sedatives was higher among residents who lived in the area directly affected by the dam's mud, and the use of any psychotropic drug was higher among those who lost a relative/friend in the disaster and assessed that their health worsened after the disaster, and among women. Conclusion: The results of the study corroborate what was observed in other populations exposed to similar tragedies, regarding the pattern of associations and the of use of psychotropic drugs.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever o consumo de psicofármacos pela população adulta residente em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, após o rompimento da barragem da Vale, ocorrido em 2019. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, inserido no Projeto Saúde Brumadinho, desenvolvido em 2021, junto a uma amostra representativa da população adulta (18 anos ou mais) residente no município de mesmo nome. Foram incluídos na análise 2.805 indivíduos com informações sobre o uso autorreferido de psicofármacos (antidepressivos e ansiolíticos-hipnóticos/sedativos) nos últimos 15 dias. A prevalência do uso de psicofármacos foi estimada e os psicofármacos mais utilizados foram identificados. O teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson (com correção de Rao-Scott) foi utilizado para testar as associações entre exposições e o uso de psicofármacos, considerando-se o nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: O uso de antidepressivos (14,2%) foi mais comum do que o uso de ansiolíticos ou hipnóticos/sedativos (5,2%), sendo a sertralina e a fluoxetina os antidepressivos mais utilizados. O uso de ansiolíticos e hipnóticos/sedativos foi maior entre os moradores que residiam em área diretamente atingida pela lama da barragem, e o uso de algum psicofármaco foi maior entre aqueles que perderam algum parente/amigo no desastre e que avaliaram que sua saúde piorou após o desastre bem como entre mulheres. Conclusão: Os resultados do estudo corroboram o observado em outras populações expostas a tragédias semelhantes no que concerne às associações identificadas e ao padrão de utilização desses psicofármacos.

Hesitação vacinal contra a COVID-19 em amostra nacional de idosos brasileiros: iniciativa ELSI-COVID, março de 2021 / Hesitación vacunal contra el COVID-19 en una muestra nacional de ancianos brasileños: iniciativa ELSI-COVID, marzo de 2021 / COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a national sample of older Brazilians: the ELSI-COVID Initiative, March 2021

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência e fatores associados à intenção de se vacinar contra a COVID-19 entre idosos brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo seccional, baseado em entrevistas telefônicas de participantes do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (60 anos ou mais), conduzidas em 70 municípios, em março de 2021. As análises foram realizadas mediante regressão logística multinomial. Resultados: Entre 4.364 participantes (idade média = 70,1 anos), 91,8% pretendiam se vacinar ou já haviam sido vacinados, 2,5% não tinham essa intenção e 5,7% estavam indecisos. Residentes do Norte e Sudeste brasileiros apresentaram maiores propensões para se vacinar, assim como aqueles com duas ou mais doenças crônicas. Os que se informam sobre a COVID-19 com amigos/familiares/mídia social foram mais propensos a estarem indecisos acerca da vacinação (odds ratio = 3,15; IC95% 1,28;7,77). Conclusão: Identificou-se uma das mais altas prevalências da intenção de se vacinar contra a COVID-19 descritas até a presente data.

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados a la intención de vacunarse contra el COVID-19 en ancianos brasileños. Métodos: Estudio seccional basado em entrevistas telefónicas con participantes del Estudio longitudinal de la salud del anciano brasileño con 60 años o más, realizadas en 70 municipalidades es en marzo de 2021. Resultados: Entre los 4.364 participantes (edad promedio = 70,1 años), el 91,8% tenía la intención de vacunarse o ya lo había hecho, el 2,5% no tienen esta intención y el 5,7% está indeciso. Los residentes de las regiones Norte y Sudeste era más propenso a vacunarse, al igual que aquellos con dos o más enfermedades crónicas. Los que se enteraron del COVID-19 a través de amigos/familiares/redes sociales estaban más indecisos sobre la vacunación (odds ratio = 3,15; IC95% 1,28;7,77). Conclusión: Los resultados muestran una de las mayores prevalencias de intención de vacunación contra el COVID-19 descritas en la literatura hasta la fecha.

Objective: To determine prevalence and factors associated with intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 among older Brazilians. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on telephone interviews with participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) aged 60 years and over, conducted in 70 municipalities in March 2021. Results: Among the 4,364 participants (mean age = 70.1 years), 91.8% intended to get vaccinated or had already been vaccinated, 2.5% did not intend to get vaccinated and 5.7% were undecided. Participants living in the North and Southeast regions were more likely to want to get vaccinated, as were those with two or more chronic diseases. Those who learned about COVID-19 from friends/family/social media were more likely to be undecided about vaccination (odds ratio = 3.15; 95%CI 1.28;7.77). Conclusion: The study identified one of the highest prevalence of intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 described in the literature to date.