Influence of center-based child care on development of two-year-olds in a Brazilian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between child care attendance since birth and development in two-years-old Brazilian children. METHODS: The study used longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. The childhood development (cognitive, fine and gross motor skills, and language) at two-years-old children was assessed using INTER-NDA (INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment). The child care attendance was measured at ages one and two years and categorized as: a) never attended child care; b) attended some child care (one or two years); and c) always attended child care (one and two years). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and child stimulation variables were considered as confounders. Crude and adjusted analyses of child care attendance and development were carried out using linear regression. RESULTS: Out of the 3,870 infants included in the analyses, around 1/3 attended center-based child care. In crude analyses, attending center-based child care was associated with positive developmental outcomes, except in motor domains. In adjusted analyses, compared to those children that have never attended child care, children who did attend presented higher scores for cognitive development (always in child care: ß: 2.44, 95%CI: 0.83-4.05; some child care: ß: 1.35, 95%CI: 0.17-2.53). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that center-based child care may help improve child cognitive development in the Brazilian context. Furthermore, the association was higher for early and continued attendance. Considering the low prevalence of children in external care, it is recommended to improve child care opportunities in early childhood.

Influence of center-based child care on development of two-year-olds in a Brazilian cohort

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between child care attendance since birth and development in two-years-old Brazilian children. METHODS The study used longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. The childhood development (cognitive, fine and gross motor skills, and language) at two-years-old children was assessed using INTER-NDA (INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment). The child care attendance was measured at ages one and two years and categorized as: a) never attended child care; b) attended some child care (one or two years); and c) always attended child care (one and two years). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and child stimulation variables were considered as confounders. Crude and adjusted analyses of child care attendance and development were carried out using linear regression. RESULTS Out of the 3,870 infants included in the analyses, around 1/3 attended center-based child care. In crude analyses, attending center-based child care was associated with positive developmental outcomes, except in motor domains. In adjusted analyses, compared to those children that have never attended child care, children who did attend presented higher scores for cognitive development (always in child care: β: 2.44, 95%CI: 0.83-4.05; some child care: β: 1.35, 95%CI: 0.17-2.53). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that center-based child care may help improve child cognitive development in the Brazilian context. Furthermore, the association was higher for early and continued attendance. Considering the low prevalence of children in external care, it is recommended to improve child care opportunities in early childhood.

Day care attendance during the first 12 months of life and occurrence of infectious morbidities and symptoms / Frequência em creches durante os primeiros 12 meses de vida e ocorrência de morbidades e sintomas infecciosos

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the occurrence of infectious morbidities according to day care attendance during the first year of life. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 12-month follow-up of a medium-sized city birth cohort from children born in 2015, in the Southern Brazil. Main exposure variables were day care attendance from 0 to 11 months of age, type of day care center (public or private), and age at entering day care. Health outcomes were classified as follows: "non-specific respiratory symptoms," "upper respiratory tract infection," "lower respiratory tract infection," "flu/cold," "diarrhea," or "no health problem," considering the two weeks prior to the interview administered at 12 months of life. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression adjusted by demographic, behavioral, and socioeconomic variables. Results: The sample included 4018 children. Day care attendance was associated with all classifications of health outcomes mentioned above, except for flu/cold. These were stronger among children who entered day care at an age closer to the outcome time-point. An example are the results for lower respiratory tract infection and diarrhea, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 2.79 (95% CI: 1.67-4.64) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.48-2.82), respectively, for those who entered day care after 8 months of age when compared with those who never attended day care. Conclusions: The present study consistently demonstrated the association between day care attendance and higher occurrence of infectious morbidities and symptoms at 12 months of life. Hence, measures to prevent infectious diseases should give special attention to children attending day care centers.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a ocorrência de morbidades infecciosas de acordo com a frequência em creches durante o primeiro ano de vida. Métodos: Esta foi uma análise transversal dos dados de uma coorte de nascimento, em uma cidade de tamanho médio, na visita aos 12 meses de idade de crianças nascidas em 2015 no Sul do Brasil. As principais variáveis de exposição foram frequência em creches de zero aos 11 meses de idade, tipo de creche (pública ou particular) e idade ao entrar na creche. Os resultados de saúde foram classificados como: "sintomas respiratórios não específicos", "infecção do trato respiratório superior", "infecção do trato respiratório inferior", "gripe/resfriado", "diarreia" ou "nenhum problema de saúde", considerando as duas semanas anteriores à entrevista feita aos 12 meses de vida da criança. As associações foram avaliadas com a regressão de Poisson ajustada pelas variáveis demográficas, comportamentais e socioeconômicas. Resultados: A amostra incluiu 4.018 crianças. O ato de frequentar creches foi associado a todas as classificações de resultados de saúde mencionados, exceto gripe/resfriado. Esses resultados foram mais fortes entre as crianças que começaram a frequentar creches em uma idade mais próxima ao ponto de tempo do resultado. Um exemplo são os resultados para infecção do trato respiratório inferior e diarreia, índice de prevalência ajustado de 2,79 (IC de 95%: 1,67-4,64) e 2,04 (IC de 95%: 1,48-2,82), respectivamente, naqueles que ingressaram nas creches após os oito meses de idade, em comparação com aqueles que nunca frequentaram creche. Conclusões: O presente estudo mostra sistematicamente a associação entre a frequência em creches e a maior ocorrência de morbidades infecciosas e sintomas aos 12 meses de vida da criança. Assim, deve-se dar atenção especial às medidas para prevenir as doenças infecciosas em crianças que frequentes creches.

Day care attendance during the first 12 months of life and occurrence of infectious morbidities and symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of infectious morbidities according to day care attendance during the first year of life. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 12-month follow-up of a medium-sized city birth cohort from children born in 2015, in the Southern Brazil. Main exposure variables were day care attendance from 0 to 11 months of age, type of day care center (public or private), and age at entering day care. Health outcomes were classified as follows: "non-specific respiratory symptoms," "upper respiratory tract infection," "lower respiratory tract infection," "flu/cold," "diarrhea," or "no health problem," considering the two weeks prior to the interview administered at 12 months of life. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression adjusted by demographic, behavioral, and socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: The sample included 4018 children. Day care attendance was associated with all classifications of health outcomes mentioned above, except for flu/cold. These were stronger among children who entered day care at an age closer to the outcome time-point. An example are the results for lower respiratory tract infection and diarrhea, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 2.79 (95% CI: 1.67-4.64) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.48-2.82), respectively, for those who entered day care after 8 months of age when compared with those who never attended day care. CONCLUSIONS: The present study consistently demonstrated the association between day care attendance and higher occurrence of infectious morbidities and symptoms at 12 months of life. Hence, measures to prevent infectious diseases should give special attention to children attending day care centers.

Use of antibiotics in the health care unit: 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the use of the first dose of antibiotics in the health care unit in children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort at 24 months. METHODS: A total of 4,014 children were monitored. We used descriptive statistics and Poisson regression to analyze the association between socioeconomic and demographic variables, participation in daycare units, in the activities of the Pastoral da Criança and in the Primeira Infância Melhor program, low birth weight, hospitalization between 12 and 24 months, place of medical appointment, prevalence of medical appointment in the last 30 days, prescription of antibiotics, and administration of the first dose in the health care unit. RESULTS: A total of 1,044 children had medical appointments in the last 30 days, of which 45% were prescribed antibiotics and only 10.5% were administered the first dose of this medication in the health care unit. Children with brown, yellow or indigenous skin color were administered 2.5 times more antibiotics than white children. Children whose mothers had 12 years or more of education were administered 83.0% fewer antibiotics than those whose mothers had up to 4 years of education. Among those who were hospitalized for 12 to 24 months, the use of antibiotics was almost four times higher than among those who were not. Among the children served by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), only 15.3% were administered the first dose of antibiotic in the health care unit. When compared with children served by private health care or health plan, administration of the first dose in the SUS was 76.0% higher. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the efforts related to the Pastoral da Criança campaign "Antibiotic: first dose immediately," adherence to the provision of antibiotics in the health care unit is still low. Strategies are necessary and urgent so children have access to the first dose of antibiotics in the health care unit.

Prevalence and associated factors of supine sleep position in 3-month-old infants: findings from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Non-supine infant sleep position is an important modifiable risk factor for sudden unexpected death in infancy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of supine sleep position and associated factors among 3-month-old infants from a birth cohort in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. METHODS: The present study evaluated longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Study outcome was supine infant sleep position, defined as the appropriate position, among 3-month-old children. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and health characteristics collected at birth and at the 3-month follow-up were investigated as possible associated factors. The prevalence of each associated factor was investigated, and crude and hierarchical adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Among the 4108 infants assessed in this study, 2274 (55.4%) slept in supine position at 3 months and only 66 (1.6%) in prone position. Maternal white skin color, higher family income and maternal schooling, advanced maternal age, maternal cohabiting with a partner, receiving counseling from health care professionals and non-bed-sharing were associated with higher prevalence of infants sleeping in supine position at 3 months. All these variables remained associated in our hierarchical adjusted analyses except maternal cohabitation with a partner. Participants with white mothers were more likely to sleep in supine position (PR: 1.23; 95%CI: 0.75-0.89) compared to participants with black mothers. Those belonging to the richest quintile were more likely to sleep in supine position (PR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.35-1.65) compared to those who belong to the poorest. Mothers aged 31-36 years were more likely to choose supine sleep position (PR: 1.65; 95%CI: 1.42-1.92) compared to mothers younger than 19 years. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study showed the influence of maternal age, socioeconomic status, and counseling on infant sleep habits as predictors of choice of infant sleep position in a Brazilian population. It is recommended to implement informative campaigns and public policies to at-risk population and to improve recommendations from health care professionals.

Use of antibiotics in the health care unit: 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort / Uso de antibióticos no local do atendimento: Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the use of the first dose of antibiotics in the health care unit in children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort at 24 months. METHODS A total of 4,014 children were monitored. We used descriptive statistics and Poisson regression to analyze the association between socioeconomic and demographic variables, participation in daycare units, in the activities of the Pastoral da Criança and in the Primeira Infância Melhor program, low birth weight, hospitalization between 12 and 24 months, place of medical appointment, prevalence of medical appointment in the last 30 days, prescription of antibiotics, and administration of the first dose in the health care unit. RESULTS A total of 1,044 children had medical appointments in the last 30 days, of which 45% were prescribed antibiotics and only 10.5% were administered the first dose of this medication in the health care unit. Children with brown, yellow or indigenous skin color were administered 2.5 times more antibiotics than white children. Children whose mothers had 12 years or more of education were administered 83.0% fewer antibiotics than those whose mothers had up to 4 years of education. Among those who were hospitalized for 12 to 24 months, the use of antibiotics was almost four times higher than among those who were not. Among the children served by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), only 15.3% were administered the first dose of antibiotic in the health care unit. When compared with children served by private health care or health plan, administration of the first dose in the SUS was 76.0% higher. CONCLUSIONS Despite the efforts related to the Pastoral da Criança campaign "Antibiotic: first dose immediately," adherence to the provision of antibiotics in the health care unit is still low. Strategies are necessary and urgent so children have access to the first dose of antibiotics in the health care unit.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar o uso da primeira dose do antibiótico no local de atendimento nas crianças da Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015 aos 24 meses. MÉTODOS Foram acompanhadas 4.014 crianças. A associação entre variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas, participação em creche, nas ações da Pastoral da Criança e no programa Primeira Infância Melhor, baixo peso ao nascer, internação entre 12 e 24 meses, local da consulta, prevalência de consulta nos últimos 30 dias, prescrição de antibióticos e recebimento da primeira dose no local de atendimento foi analisada por meio de estatística descritiva e regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS Tiveram consulta nos últimos 30 dias 1.044 crianças, das quais 45% receberam prescrição de antibiótico e apenas 10,5% receberam a primeira dose dessa medicação no local de atendimento. Crianças de cor da pele parda, amarela ou indígena tiveram um uso de antibiótico 2,5 vezes maior que o das brancas. Já as crianças cujas mães tinham 12 anos ou mais de escolaridade usaram 83,0% menos antibióticos que aquelas cujas mães tinham até quatro anos de estudo. Entre aquelas que foram internadas entre 12 e 24 meses, o uso de antibiótico foi quase quatro vezes maior do que entre as que não foram. Entre as crianças atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), apenas 15,3% receberam a primeira dose do antibiótico no local de atendimento. Quando comparado com o de crianças atendidas por financiamento particular ou convênio, o recebimento da primeira dose no SUS chegou a ser 76,0% superior. CONCLUSÕES Apesar dos esforços relacionados à campanha da Pastoral da Criança "Antibiótico: primeira dose imediata", ainda é baixa a adesão ao fornecimento de antibióticos no local de atendimento. Estratégias são necessárias e urgentes para que as crianças tenham acesso à primeira dose de antibióticos no local de atendimento.

Identifying mothers' intention to place infant in supine sleep position: a population-based study. / Intenção das mães em colocar o bebê para dormir em decúbito dorsal: um estudo de base populacional.

This study aimed to identify mother's opinion on infant sleep position and the factors associated with the intention to place the infant in the supine position in the municipality of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was applied to all mothers residing in this municipality who gave birth to a child in the only two local maternity wards from January 1 to December 31, 2010. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, along with a Poisson regression with robust adjustment in the multivariate analysis. The effect measure used was prevalence ratio (PR). Of the 2,395 mothers interviewed (972% of the total), 20.5% (95%CI: 18.4%-21.6%) intended to place the newborn to sleep in the supine position. This prevalence varied from 11% (95%CI: 8.1-13.7) for mothers with three or more children to 35% (CI95%: 31.1-40.2) among those with 12 or more years of schooling. After adjusted analysis, younger mothers with higher education and household income who performed prenatal care in the private system or who have had three or more children had significantly higher PR to place the baby to sleep in the supine position compared to others. Campaigns encouraging this practice should focus primarily on older mothers of lower socioeconomic level and performing prenatal care in PHC facilities.

Este estudo teve por objetivo conhecer a opinião das mães e identificar os fatores associados à intenção de colocar o bebê para dormir em decúbito dorsal em Rio Grande, RS. Foi aplicado questionário padronizado a todas as mães que tiveram filho nas duas únicas maternidades, entre 01/01 a 31/12/2010, e que residiam neste município. Utilizou-se teste do qui-quadrado para comparar proporções e regressão de Poisson, com ajuste robusto da variância na análise multivariável. A medida de efeito utilizada foi razão de prevalências (RP). Dentre as 2.395 (97,2% do total) mães entrevistadas, 20,5% (IC95%: 18,4%-21,6%) manifestaram intenção de colocar o bebê para dormir de barriga para cima. Esta intenção variou de 11% (IC95%: 8,1-13,7), entre mães com três ou mais filhos, a 35% (IC95% 31,1-40,2), entre aquelas com 12 anos ou mais de escolaridade. Após analise ajustada, mães de menor idade, de maior escolaridade e renda familiar, que realizaram pré-natal na rede privada, ou que tiveram três ou mais filhos, apresentaram RP significativamente maior para colocar o bebê para dormir de barriga para cima, em relação às demais. Campanhas de incentivo a esta prática devem priorizar mães de pior nível socioeconômico, de maior idade e que realizam pré-natal em unidades básicas de saúde.

Intenção das mães em colocar o bebê para dormir em decúbito dorsal: um estudo de base populacional / Identifying mothers' intention to place infant in supine sleep position: a population-based study

Resumo Este estudo teve por objetivo conhecer a opinião das mães e identificar os fatores associados à intenção de colocar o bebê para dormir em decúbito dorsal em Rio Grande, RS. Foi aplicado questionário padronizado a todas as mães que tiveram filho nas duas únicas maternidades, entre 01/01 a 31/12/2010, e que residiam neste município. Utilizou-se teste do qui-quadrado para comparar proporções e regressão de Poisson, com ajuste robusto da variância na análise multivariável. A medida de efeito utilizada foi razão de prevalências (RP). Dentre as 2.395 (97,2% do total) mães entrevistadas, 20,5% (IC95%: 18,4%-21,6%) manifestaram intenção de colocar o bebê para dormir de barriga para cima. Esta intenção variou de 11% (IC95%: 8,1-13,7), entre mães com três ou mais filhos, a 35% (IC95% 31,1-40,2), entre aquelas com 12 anos ou mais de escolaridade. Após analise ajustada, mães de menor idade, de maior escolaridade e renda familiar, que realizaram pré-natal na rede privada, ou que tiveram três ou mais filhos, apresentaram RP significativamente maior para colocar o bebê para dormir de barriga para cima, em relação às demais. Campanhas de incentivo a esta prática devem priorizar mães de pior nível socioeconômico, de maior idade e que realizam pré-natal em unidades básicas de saúde.

Abstract This study aimed to identify mother's opinion on infant sleep position and the factors associated with the intention to place the infant in the supine position in the municipality of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was applied to all mothers residing in this municipality who gave birth to a child in the only two local maternity wards from January 1 to December 31, 2010. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, along with a Poisson regression with robust adjustment in the multivariate analysis. The effect measure used was prevalence ratio (PR). Of the 2,395 mothers interviewed (972% of the total), 20.5% (95%CI: 18.4%-21.6%) intended to place the newborn to sleep in the supine position. This prevalence varied from 11% (95%CI: 8.1-13.7) for mothers with three or more children to 35% (CI95%: 31.1-40.2) among those with 12 or more years of schooling. After adjusted analysis, younger mothers with higher education and household income who performed prenatal care in the private system or who have had three or more children had significantly higher PR to place the baby to sleep in the supine position compared to others. Campaigns encouraging this practice should focus primarily on older mothers of lower socioeconomic level and performing prenatal care in PHC facilities.

Overweight among children under five years of age in municipalities of the semiarid region / Excesso de peso entre menores de cinco anos em municípios do semiárido

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence and to identify factors associated with overweight among children under five years old living in two municipalities in the semiarid region of Piauí, Brazil. METHODS: Previously trained interviewers visited all of the households in these municipalities and applied standard questionnaires to the mothers of the children. The questionnaires sought information on: the demographic characteristics of the mother and children, the family's socioeconomic status, care received during pregnancy and at childbirth, breastfeeding and dietary patterns. Overweight (>+ 1 standard deviation from the median to the reference population) was calculated transforming body mass index into Z scores, according to the standard by the World Health Organization (WHO). The statistical analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight among the 1,640 children evaluated was of 30.2% (95%CI 27.9 - 32.4). This prevalence varied from 13.2% among children born weighing less than 2,500 g to 43.4% among those aged 12 to 23 months. Adjusted analysis showed that the prevalence ratios (PR) for overweight in children aged 48 to 59 months was 1.42 (1.07 - 1.86) for overweight compared to those aged between 0 and 11 months, whereas children pertaining to the highest quartile income showed PR = 1.44 (1.17 - 1.76) when compared to the lowest quartile. Finally, children born with weight ≥ 3500 g, the PR for overweight was 2.32 (1.33 - 4.05) in relation to those born with low weight (< 2500 g). CONCLUSION: Even in the semiarid region, the prevalence of overweight is high, and the need for early intervention to change this situation seems to be evident. .

OBJETIVO: Medir a prevalência e identificar fatores associados ao excesso de peso entre menores de cinco anos residentes em dois municípios do semiárido piauiense. MÉTODOS: Entrevistadores previamente treinados visitaram todos os domicílios desses municípios e aplicaram às mães das crianças um questionário padrão, buscando informações sobre características demográficas maternas e da criança, nível socioeconômico da família, assistência recebida durante a gestação e na hora do parto, e padrão de amamentação e dieta. O excesso de peso (>+ 1 desvio padrão em relação à mediana da população de referência) foi calculado transformando-se o índice de massa corpórea em escore Z, conforme as curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Na análise estatística, utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de excesso de peso entre as 1.640 crianças estudadas foi de 30,2% (IC95% 27,9 - 32,4). Essa prevalência variou de 13,2% entre as nascidas com < 2.500 g a 43,4% entre aquelas com idade entre 12 e 23 meses. A análise ajustada mostrou que crianças com idade entre 48 e 59 meses mostraram RP = 1,42 (1,07 - 1,86) para excesso de peso em relação àquelas com idade entre 0 e 11 meses, enquanto para as pertencentes ao maior quartil de renda RP = 1,44 (1,17 - 1,76) quando comparadas àquelas do menor quartil. Por fim, crianças nascidas com peso ≥ 3.500 g apresentaram RP = 2,32 (1,33 - 4,05) para excesso de peso em relação às nascidas com baixo peso (< 2500 g). CONCLUSÃO: Mesmo no semiárido, a prevalência de excesso de peso é elevada, o que evidencia a necessidade de intervenção precoce ...

Overweight among children under five years of age in municipalities of the semiarid region.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence and to identify factors associated with overweight among children under five years old living in two municipalities in the semiarid region of Piauí, Brazil. METHODS: Previously trained interviewers visited all of the households in these municipalities and applied standard questionnaires to the mothers of the children. The questionnaires sought information on: the demographic characteristics of the mother and children, the family's socioeconomic status, care received during pregnancy and at childbirth, breastfeeding and dietary patterns. Overweight (>+ 1 standard deviation from the median to the reference population) was calculated transforming body mass index into Z scores, according to the standard by the World Health Organization (WHO). The statistical analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight among the 1,640 children evaluated was of 30.2% (95%CI 27.9 - 32.4). This prevalence varied from 13.2% among children born weighing less than 2,500 g to 43.4% among those aged 12 to 23 months. Adjusted analysis showed that the prevalence ratios (PR) for overweight in children aged 48 to 59 months was 1.42 (1.07 - 1.86) for overweight compared to those aged between 0 and 11 months, whereas children pertaining to the highest quartile income showed PR = 1.44 (1.17 - 1.76) when compared to the lowest quartile. Finally, children born with weight ≥ 3500 g, the PR for overweight was 2.32 (1.33 - 4.05) in relation to those born with low weight (< 2500 g). CONCLUSION: Even in the semiarid region, the prevalence of overweight is high, and the need for early intervention to change this situation seems to be evident.

Automedicação em menores de cinco anos em municípios do Pará e Piauí: prevalência e fatores associados / Self-medication of children aged under five years in municipalities in the States of Pará and Piauí: prevalence and associated factors

Medir a prevalência e identificar fatores associados à automedicação em crianças menores de cinco anos nos municípios de Caracol no Estado do Piauí, e Garrafão do Norte no Pará. MÉTODOS: utilizando-se de delineamento transversal, amostragem sistemática e utilização de questionário padrão por meio de visita domiciliar, foram investigadas diversas características das mães, das famílias e das crianças. Utilizou-se teste do qui-quadrado para comparar proporções e regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância na análise multivariável. RESULTADOS: dentre as 590 crianças estudadas em Caracol e 1081 em Garrafão, 30 por cento e 25por cento haviam sido automedicadas nos últimos 15 dias, respectivamente. Após análise ajustada para diversas variáveis confundidoras, o fato de não conseguir atendimento para o filho doente nos últimos 15 dias nos dois municípios, assim como de residir há mais de 1 km dos serviços de saúde em Caracol e de a mãe exercer trabalho remunerado nos últimos 12 meses em Garrafão mostraram-se significativamente associadas à automedicação entre menores de cinco anos. CONCLUSÕES: a prevalência de automedicação por parte das mães para menores de cinco anos nos municípios estudados, apesar de inferior à observada em outras localidades brasileiras, decorreu, sobretudo, da dificuldade de realização de consulta médica...

To measure the prevalence of and identify factors associated with the self-medication of children aged under five years in the municipalities of Caracol in the State of Piauí, and Garrafão do Norte in the State of Pará. METHODS: a cross-sectional method, systematic sampling and a standard household visit questionnaire were used to investigate various characteristics of the mothers, families and children. The chi-squared test was used to compare proportions and Poisson's regression adjusted for robustness of variance for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: of the 590 children studied in Caracol and 1081 in Garrafão, 30 percent and 25 percent respectively had been self-medicated in the preceding 15 days. After adjustment for various confounding variables, the fact of not having succeeded in obtaining care for a sick child in the previous 15 days in both municipalities, and that of residing more than 1km from health services in Caracol and of the mother having done paid work in the previous 12 months, in Garrafão, proved to be significantly associated with self-medication among children aged under five years. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of self-medication by mothers of children aged under five years in the municipalities under study, although lower than that observed in other parts of Brazil, resulted above all from not being able to gain access to medical assistance...

Prevalência e fatores associados à ocorrência de anemia entre menores de seis anos de idade em Pelotas, RS / Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among children under six years of age in Pelotas, South Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência e investigar fatores associados à ocorrência de anemia entre menores de seis anos de idade atendidos pela Pastoral da Criança em Pelotas, RS. MÉTODOS: Na fase de rastreamento de uma intervenção nutricional, as crianças foram avaliadas através de estudo transversal. No domicílio, após consentimento informado, a mãe foi entrevistada, sendo coletadas informações sobre características demográficas e socioeconômicas da família, saúde da criança, características ao nascer, amamentação e freqüência semanal de consumo de alimentos. As crianças foram pesadas e medidas. Foi coletada uma amostra de sangue capilar da polpa digital em microcuveta e a leitura da concentração de hemoglobina foi feita em fotômetro portátil (Hemocue). Considerou-se como tendo anemia quando a concentração de hemoglobina era inferior a 11 g/dl. Por se tratar de desfecho freqüente, a associação com as variáveis independentes foi analisada por regressão de Poisson. A análise obedeceu a modelo hierárquico previamente definido. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 362 crianças menores de seis anos, sendo a hemoglobina dosada em 304 (84,0 por cento) delas. A prevalência de anemia foi de 53,0 por cento (IC95 por cento 47,2 por cento - 58,7 por cento). Os fatores de risco foram a menor idade da criança, cor não branca, presença de família numerosa e classe social E (em comparação à D). A disponibilidade de água encanada dentro de casa e o maior peso ao nascer mostraram-se fatores protetores. CONCLUSÕES: os achados deste estudo mostram uma alta prevalência de anemia entre as crianças alvo da ação da Pastoral da Criança, bem como a presença de diversos fatores de risco e poucos fatores de proteção, o que mostra a necessidade de intervenções preventivas.

Cobertura, qualidade e eqüidade da atençäo pré-natal e ao parto, segundo a forma de pagamento destes serviços, em Criciúma-SC / Coverage, quality and equity from prenatal care to child-birth, according forms of payment service plans in Criciúma, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Objetivo: Avalia a eqüidade da atençäo de pré-natal, ao parto e ao recém-nascido, e seu resultado sobre o aleitamento materno. Delineamento: Estudo transversal de base populacional. Local: Area urbana do município de Criciúma, SC. Populaçäo: Amostra probabilística de 2180 crianças menores de três anos. Resultados: Os mais pobres e gestantes com maior risco reprodutivo tiveram atendimento menos adequado. Dos 13 procedimentos de pré-natal e parto pesquisados, foram realizados, em média, 8,6 e 9,4, respectivamente, para o 1§ e 4§ quartil de renda familiar total. O SUS atendeu a populaçäo mais pobre e com maior risco reprodutivo, apresentando qualidade menos adequada principalmente quanto aos procedimentos médicos (exames ginecológico e de mamas). O atendimento pelo SUS é fator de proteçäo contra a cesariana. Conclusöes: Deve-se captar precocemente os mais pobres e utilizar enfoque de risco com discriminaçäo positiva. Os médicos devem ser retreinados quanto aos seus procedimentos. Merecem atençäo especial as motivaçöes pessoais do grupo que utilizou distintas formas de pagamento no pré-natal e parto. Os baixos índices de amamentaçäo podem ser reflexo da atençäo deficiente dos serviços de saúde