Preterm birth and stillbirth during COVID-19 pandemic in Bihor County/Romania.

Background: International studies have reported conflicting data about the effects of COVID-19 pandemic policy measures on maternal and neonatal health. A major impact was reported on stillbirth and prematurity. The published literature suggests that the economic setting influenced the effects of imposed mitigation measures with a more severe effect in low-income countries. Objectives: Our objective is to compare pregnancy outcomes at the only tertiary Maternity Hospital in Bihor County-Romania before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to observe and document differences in perinatal outcomes across these periods, without inferring direct causation related to the pandemic or its associated restrictions. Materials and methods: We used data from the registries of Public Health Services Bihor to conduct a retrospective cohort analysis of preterm births and stillbirths during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bihor County, Romania. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the pandemic period (March 2020-February 2022) to the corresponding historical pre-COVID-19 period (March 2018-February 2020). Maternal socio-demographic variables and neonatal characteristics of these periods were also examined. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic period was associated with an increase in the stillbirth rate (RR: 1.53, 95% CI, 1.05-2.23). Preterm birth was significantly impacted during this period and showed changes when analyzing gestational age (RR: 0.88, 95% CI, 0.79-0.96) or birth weight (RR: 0.91, 95% CI, 0.82-1.00). The main cause of stillbirth was intrauterine asphyxia due to placental causes (67.6%) or cord pathology (12.6%), the most frequently encountered maternal pathology was cardiovascular (28.3%) or infectious (21.7%). Our study revealed no significant changes in terms of maternal and neonatal characteristics during the two-year pandemic period. Conclusions: Lockdown restrictions in Bihor County, Romania were associated with an increase in stillbirths, whilst preterm birth rate decreased. This raises concerns about whether pandemic policy measures may have led to a failure in identifying and offering proper care for pregnant women who were more likely to experience an antepartum loss. Further studies across the globe are needed in order to integrate comparable data that will help develop adequate protocols and policies for protecting maternal and child health during the next pandemic that will follow.

Perceptions of the Seriousness of Different Addictive Behaviors in the United Kingdom.

Background: Societal beliefs about the seriousness of different addictions were assessed in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: An online panel, conducted in 2021 and sampled to be representative of the UK general population 18 years and over (N = 1499), was conducted and asked participants their views regarding the seriousness of different societal problems, including various addictive behaviors. Results: Cannabis was ranked as the least serious of the addictive behaviors. Other illicit drug use (cocaine, amphetamine, heroin) was rated as the most serious of addictive behaviors. None of the addictive behaviors were rated as being as serious a problem to society as environmental damage, violent crime, poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Ratings of cannabis use were not as expected and stand in contrast to the current UK policy on cannabis use. In addition, the UK policy on alcohol consumption contrasts with societal concerns about alcohol use.

Evolution of smoking prevalence in Spain and its 17 autonomous regions (1987-2020). / Evolución de la prevalencia de consumo de tabaco en España y sus 17 comunidades autónomas (1987-2020).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Continuous monitoring of smoking prevalence is essential to understand the evolution of the tobacco epidemic in a population. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of smoking prevalence in Spain and its 17 Autonomous Regions (ARs) in population ≥15 years during the period 1987-2020. METHODS: Tobacco consumption data were derived from the National Health Survey of Spain and the European Health Survey in Spain. A smoker was defined as a person who smoked at the time of the survey. The trend in prevalences by sex in Spain and its ARs was analyzed by applying joinpoint models. Age-standardized prevalences were calculated for Spain by applying the direct method. RESULTS: In Spain, the prevalence of consumption decreased 29 percentage points in men and 4.5 in women between 1987-2020. In men, the smoking prevalence decreased in all the ARs and the absolute change varied between -19.5% in the Balearic Islands and -33.9% in Andalusia. In women, the evolution of smoking prevalence differed between ARs. The absolute change varied between -15.4% in Basque Country and 0.5% in Andalusia. CONCLUSIONS: The number of men and women smokers has decreased in Spain between 1987-2020. Different patterns of evolution of the prevalence of consumption are observed among the ARs, especially among women. This reinforces the need for policies adapted to more local contexts and that take into account the gender perspective.

Uso dos serviços de saúde por pessoas idosas em áreas rurais e urbanas do Brasil / Health services utilization by older adults in rural and urban areas of Brazil

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o uso dos serviços de saúde por pessoas idosas residentes em áreas urbanas e rurais do Brasil. Método Estudo transversal que analisou dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019, referentes aos moradores idosos (≥60 anos) selecionados nos domicílios, totalizando 22.728 entrevistas (3.300 em área rural e 19.426 em área urbana). Foram estimadas para as áreas rurais e urbanas as prevalências de cadastro na Estratégia Saúde da Família, intervalo de tempo da última consulta médica e odontológica, procura do serviço nas últimas duas semanas, última aferição da pressão arterial e da glicemia e avaliados os fatores associados à utilização dos serviços de saúde médicos e odontológicos nos últimos 12 meses. Resultados A autopercepção da saúde como 'muito boa' ou 'boa' foi maior na área urbana (47,32%), assim como a proporção de pessoas idosas que relataram consulta médica e odontológica nos últimos 12 meses (90,54%). Evidenciou-se menor frequência do acompanhamento da aferição de pressão arterial (81,30%) e da glicemia (45,83%) em áreas rurais. As pessoas idosas que possuem baixa escolaridade, residem em áreas rurais, na região Norte são as que possuem menor chance de utilização dos serviços. Conclusão A população idosa residente em área rural apresenta piores condições de saúde em relação à população residente em área urbana.

Abstract Objective To assess health services utilization by older adults in urban and rural areas of Brazil. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted analyzing data from the 2019 National Health Survey on older adults (≥60 years) selected from households based on 22,728 interviews (3,300 in rural and 19,426 in urban areas). For rural and urban areas, the prevalence of Family Health Strategy enrolment, time since last medical and dental visit, service use in past 2 weeks, and last blood pressure and blood glucose measurements were estimated. Also, the factors associated with medical and dental health services utilization in the past 12 months were explored. Results Self-rated health of "Very good" or "Good" was greater in urban areas (47.32%), as was the proportion of older adults reporting a medical or dental visit within the last 12 months (90.54%). Rates of blood pressure (81.30%) and glucose (45.83%) monitoring were lower in rural areas. Older individuals that had low education, resided in rural areas, and the North region, had a lower likelihood of using health services Conclusion The older population living in rural areas had poorer health status compared with the urban population.

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.

Comparison between two molar incisor hypomineralization detection criteria in epidemiological surveys.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on which molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) indices are more suitable for epidemiological surveys. AIM: To compare the operational aspects and diagnostic ability of the MIH index (simplified/MIH_s and extended/MIH_e) with the MIH-Severity Scoring System (MIH-SSS) in classifying and diagnosing MIH. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study assessed the indices in a homogeneous group of 680 6- to 10-year-old schoolchildren in Bauru, Brazil, who had at least one first permanent molar, ensuring consistent conditions. Followed by toothbrushing, the children seated on school chairs were examined by the two calibrated researchers under artificial lighting, using mouth mirror and WHO probe, and chronometer recording the duration of examinations. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH was 24.7%. The most common characteristic of MIH was demarcated opacity, with a prevalence of 81.7% and 85.45% according to the MIH_s and the MIH-SSS, respectively. A positive association was observed among the MIH_s, the MIH_e, and the MIH-SSS (chi-squared test; p < .01). The MIH-SSS demonstrated a shorter average application time than both versions of the MIH index (ANOVA/Tukey; p < .05). Additionally, fluorosis was found to be the most prevalent among other developmental defects of enamel, with a prevalence of 38.38%. CONCLUSION: All systems effectively diagnosed MIH and its characteristics.

Assessing the self-reported honesty threshold in adolescent epidemiological research: comparing supervised machine learning and inferential statistical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological surveys offer essential data on adolescent substance use. Nevertheless, the precision of these self-report-based surveys often faces mistrust from researchers and the public. We evaluate the efficacy of a direct method to assess data quality by asking adolescents if they were honest. The main goal of our study was to assess the accuracy of a self-report honesty item and designate an optimal threshold for it, allowing us to better account for its impact on point estimates. METHODS: The participants were from the 2020 Illinois Youth Survey, a self-report school-based survey. We divided the primary dataset into subsets based on responses to an honesty item. Then, for each dataset, we examined two distinct data analysis methodologies: supervised machine learning, using the random forest algorithm, and a conventional inferential statistical method, logistic regression. We evaluated item thresholds from both analyses, investigating probable relationships with reported fake drug use, social desirability biases, and missingness in the datasets. RESULTS: The study results corroborate the appropriateness and reliability of the honesty item and its corresponding threshold. These contain the agreeing honesty thresholds determined in both data analyses, the identified association between reported fake drug use and lower honesty scores, increased missingness and lower honesty, and the determined link between the social desirability bias and honesty threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Confirming the honesty threshold via missing data analysis also strengthens these collective findings, emphasizing our methodology's and findings' robustness. Researchers are encouraged to use self-report honesty items in epidemiological research. This will permit the modeling of accurate point estimates by addressing questionable reporting.

Uso de vitaminas e/ou minerais entre adultos e idosos em áreas urbanas no Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados / Use of vitamins and/or minerals among adults and the elderly in urban areas of Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalência do uso de vitaminas e/ou minerais na população brasileira urbana com idade maior ou igual a 20 anos e identificar os fatores associados ao uso. Foram analisados os dados da Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM), estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostra probabilística, realizada nas áreas urbanas das cinco regiões geográficas do país entre setembro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2014. A prevalência do uso estimada foi de 4,8% (IC95% 4,3-5,3), maior no sexo feminino, 6,4% (IC95% 5,7-7,1), e na população idosa, 11,6% (IC95% 10,5-12,8). O uso de vitaminas e/ou minerais mostrou-se associado aos fatores: sexo feminino, 60 anos ou mais, classe econômica A/B, apresentar doença(s) crônica(s) e autopercepção de saúde regular e muito ruim/ruim. Os multivitamínicos e multiminerais obtiveram maior frequência de uso, 24,5% (IC95% 20,1-29,4), seguido de cálcio e vitamina D, 23,4% (IC95% 19,7-27,5). Os dados sugerem que mulheres idosas devam ser o público referencial para ações de promoção do uso racional. Recomenda-se que os inquéritos epidemiológicos de abrangência nacional possam ampliar a observação desses produtos para possibilitar a análise de tendências.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin and/or mineral use among urban Brazilian populations aged 20 years and over and to identify associated factors. Data from the National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of the Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM) were analyzed and a population-based cross-sectional study with probability sampling was performed in urban areas of Brazil's five geographic regions from September 2013 to February 2014. The estimated prevalence of vitamin and/or mineral use was 4.8% (95%CI: 4.3-5.3), higher in women 6.4% (95%CI: 5.7-7.1) and in the elderly population 11.6% (95%CI: 10.5-12.8). Vitamin and/or mineral use was associated with the following factors: women, 60 years of age or older, economic class A/B, chronic disease(s) and self-perceived health held as average and very poor/poor. Multivitamins and multiminerals were the most used ones with 24.5% (95%CI 20.1-29.4), followed by calcium and vitamin D with 23.4% (95%CI 19.7-27.5). Data suggest that elderly women should be the reference public for actions aimed at promoting rational use. Nationwide epidemiological surveys should increase monitoring of these products to support the analysis of trends.

Prevalência de diabetes mellitus e fatores associados em adultos: inquérito de base populacional / Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated factors in adults: population-based survey

Estimar a prevalência de diabetes mellitus e os fatores associados em adultos. Trata-se de um inquérito realizado com 1.637 indivíduos nas zonas urbana e rural do município de Rio Branco, Acre. Diabetes foi definido pela presença de glicemia no plasma em jejum ≥ 126 mg/dl ou utilização de hipoglicemiante oral ou insulina. Medidas de associação foram estimadas por regressão logística hierarquizada. A prevalência de diabetes foi de 6,5% (n = 202). Após análise, a chance de ser diabético esteve independente e positivamente associada a idade ≥ 60 anos (OR: 6,67; IC95%: 1,83-24,30); história familiar de diabetes mellitus (OR: 2,88; IC95%: 1,43-5,81); circunferência da cintura aumentada (OR: 1,83; IC95%:1,01-3,33); dislipidemia (OR: 2,95; IC95%: 1,34-6,49); anemia (OR: 3,15; IC95%: 1,30-7,60); e doença renal crônica (DRC) (OR: 4,00; IC95%: 1,70-9,33). Foi detectada uma prevalência de 6,5%, estando o diabetes associado com idade, história familiar, anemia e DRC. Indica-se a necessidade do adequado rastreio de comorbidades nesses pacientes.

To estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated factors in adults.Survey carried out with 1,637 individuals in urban and rural areas of the municipality of Rio Branco, state of Acre. Diabetes was defined by the presence of fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl or the use of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Association measures were estimated by hierarchical logistic regression.The prevalence of diabetes was 6.5% (n = 202). After analysis, the chance of being diabetic was independently and positively associated with age ≥ 60 years (OR: 6.67; 95%CI: 1.83-24.30); family history of diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.88; 95%CI: 1.43-5.81); increased waist circumference (OR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.01-3.33); dyslipidemia (OR: 2.95; 95%CI: 1.34-6.49); anemia (OR: 3.15; 95%CI: 1.30-7.60); and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR: 4.00; 95%CI: 1.70-9.33). A prevalence of 6.5% was detected, with diabetes associated with age, family history, anemia, and CKD. The need for adequate screening of comorbidities in these patients is indicated.

Geographic variation in the rate and route of hysterectomy for benign disease in the USA: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe population rate of hysterectomy for benign disease in the USA, including geographic variation across states and Hospital Service Areas (HSAs; areas defined by common patient flows to healthcare facilities). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Four US states including 322 HSAs. POPULATION: A total of 316 052 cases of hysterectomy from 2012 to 2016. METHODS: We compiled annual hysterectomy cases, merged female populations, and adjusted for reported rates of previous hysterectomy. We assessed small-area variation and created multi-level Poisson regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prior-hysterectomy-adjusted population rates of hysterectomy for benign disease. RESULTS: The annual population rate of hysterectomy for benign disease was 49 per 10 000 hysterectomy-eligible residents, declining slightly over time, mostly among reproductive-age populations. Rates peaked among residents ages 40-49 years, and declined with increasing age, apart from an increase with universal coverage at age 65 years. We found large differences in age-standardised population rates of hysterectomy across states (range 42.2-69.0), and HSAs (range: overall 12.9-106.3; 25th-75th percentile 44.0-64.9). Among the non-elderly population, those with government-sponsored insurance had greater variation than those with private insurance (coefficient of variation 0.61 versus 0.32). Proportions of minimally invasive procedures were similar across states (71.0-74.8%) but varied greatly across HSAs (27-96%). In regression models, HSA population characteristics explained 31.8% of observed variation in annual rates. Higher local proportions of government-sponsored insurance and non-White race were associated with lower population rates. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial variation in rate and route of hysterectomy for benign disease in the USA. Local population characteristics explained less than one-third of observed variation.

A review of excluded groups and non-response in population-based mental health surveys from high-income countries.

National mental health surveys play a critical role in determining the prevalence of mental disorders in a population and informing service planning. However, current surveys have important limitations, including the exclusion of key vulnerable groups and increasing rates of non-response. This review aims to synthesise information on excluded and undersampled groups in national mental health surveys. We conducted a targeted review of nationally representative adult mental health surveys performed between 2005 and 2019 in high-income OECD countries. Sixteen surveys met our inclusion criteria. The response rate for included surveys ranged between 36.3% and 80.0%. The most frequently excluded groups included people who were homeless, people in hospitals or health facilities and people in correctional facilities. Males and young people were the most commonly underrepresented groups among respondents. Attempts to collect data from non-responders and excluded populations were limited, but suggest that mental health status differs among some of these cohorts. The exclusion of key vulnerable groups and high rates of non-response have important implications for interpreting and using the results of national mental health surveys. Targeted supplementary surveys of excluded or hard-to-reach populations, more inclusive sampling methodologies, and strategies aimed at improving response rates should be considered to strengthen the accuracy and usefulness of survey findings.

CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) Neuropsychology Assessment Battery: 35 Years and Counting.

BACKGROUND: In 1986, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) was mandated to develop a brief neuropsychological assessment battery (CERAD-NAB) for AD, for uniform neuropsychological assessment, and information aggregation. Initially used across the National Institutes of Aging-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, it has become widely adopted wherever information is desired on cognitive status and change therein, particularly in older populations. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to provide information on the multiple uses of the CERAD-NAB since its inception, and possible further developments. METHODS: Since searching on "CERAD neuropsychological assessment battery" or similar terms missed important information, "CERAD" alone was entered into PubMed and SCOPUS, and CERAD-NAB use identified from the resulting studies. Use was sorted into major categories, e.g., psychometric information, norms, dementia/differential dementia diagnosis, epidemiology, intervention evaluation, genetics, etc., also translations, country of use, and alternative data gathering approaches. RESULTS: CERAD-NAB is available in ∼20 languages. In addition to its initial purpose assessing AD severity, CERAD-NAB can identify mild cognitive impairment, facilitate differential dementia diagnosis, determine cognitive effects of naturally occurring and experimental interventions (e.g., air pollution, selenium in soil, exercise), has helped to clarify cognition/brain physiology-neuroanatomy, and assess cognitive status in dementia-risk conditions. Surveys of primary and tertiary care patients, and of population-based samples in multiple countries have provided information on prevalent and incident dementia, and cross-sectional and longitudinal norms for ages 35-100 years. CONCLUSION: CERAD-NAB has fulfilled its original mandate, while its uses have expanded, keeping up with advances in the area of dementia.

Dietary iron intake over two post-fortification periods in Brazil: data from the National Dietary Surveys 2008-2009 and 2017-2018.

We aimed to assess the dietary Fe intake and the prevalence of inadequate Fe intake over two post-fortification periods in Brazil. The intake was analysed according to sex, life stage, geographic region and stratum of family income per capita. Excluding pregnant and lactating women, this population-based study included 32 749 and 44 744 participants aged ≥ 10 years from the National Dietary Survey-Brazilian Household Budget Surveys 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, respectively. The National Cancer Institute method was used to predict usual dietary Fe intakes. The prevalence of Fe intake inadequacy was estimated following a probabilistic approach for women of childbearing age or with the Estimated Average Requirement cut-off point method. Over an interval of 10 years, the mean Fe intake remained almost unchanged for most sex-age groups, except for women of childbearing age. In this specific group, the prevalence of Fe intake inadequacy was > 20 % in 2008-2009 and have increased to > 25 % in 2017-2018, with the highest reductions in mean Fe intake found in the highest income strata and richest Brazilian regions. Meanwhile, the highest prevalence of Fe intake inadequacy (> 40 %) occurred among the poorest women aged 31-50 years from the lowest family income stratum, irrespective of the study period. Beans were the main Fe source, while fortified breads, pastas, pizzas, cakes and cookies contributed approximately 40 % of the Fe intake. The results provide important insights into the long-standing dietary impacts of food fortification, which can guide future (re)formulation of effective public health strategies to combat Fe deficiency.

Factors Associated With the Limitation at Work Because of the Voice: Study With Teachers of Basic Education In Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The voice disorder can cause limitations at work, as it affects the communication and the performance of the teaching function. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the limitation at work because of the voice and to examine possible associations with sociodemographic characteristics, life and health habits and work conditions among Basic Education teachers in Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional epidemiological study, with a representative sample, carried out between October 2015 and March 2016, with 6,324 teachers working in Basic Education in Brazil. Data collection was carried out through the application of a questionnaire via telephone with questions regarding health and working conditions. The "limitation at work because of the voice" was considered a dependent variable, whose response options were a scale with four Likert items that varied from frequently to never. The independent variables were grouped in blocks for ordinal logistic regression analysis with hierarchical entry. The magnitude of the association was assessed by the Odds Ratio (OR) with the respective confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: One third of Brazilian teachers (32.7%) reported some frequency of limitation at work (sometimes; rarely, frequently) because of the voice at some moment in the month before the survey and, of these, 5% declared high frequency. The factors that increased the chance of a greater frequency of limitation at work because of the voice were: being female (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.15-1.51); teaching for elementary school (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.02-1.78); use anxiolytic or antidepressant medications (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.20-1.78); losing sleep due to concerns (OR = 1.69; CI = 95% = 1.46-1.95); high noise at school (OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.78-2.46); agitated environment by students' indiscipline (OR = 1.37; 95% CI =1.15-1.63); high demands at work (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.02-1.36); not having social support (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.04-1.38); having suffered verbal violence by the students (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.23-1.67). On the other hand, the practice of regular physical activity (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.75-1.00) and the fact of having enough time to complete work tasks (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0,62-0.82) decreased the chance of a higher frequency of limitation at work due to vocal problems. The perception that the work limits the teaching performance because of the voice was more frequent among teachers in the North (OR=1.41; 95% CI = 1.17-1.71) and Northeast (OR=1.46; 95% CI = 1.22-1.76) compared to the Southeast region. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with an increase in the chance of higher frequency of reporting work limitations due to the voice: being female, lack of physical activity, losing sleep due to concern, using anxiolytic or antidepressant medication, school location in the North and Northeast, teaching for the elementary school stage, high noise at school and psychosocial aspects of work organization. The Brazilian educational sector needs public policies that take into account regional inequalities and the health and work conditions of teachers.

Multimorbidity and the use of health services in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey 2019 / Multimorbilidad y el uso de los servicios de salud en la población brasileña: Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2019 / Multimorbidade e uso de serviços de saúde na população brasileira: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the prevalence of health service use due to multimorbidity according to sociodemographic and health characteristics of the Brazilian population; to analyze the relationship between multimorbidity and the use of health services. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using data from the 2019 National Health Survey. The outcomes were seeking health services in the last 15 days, medical consultation and hospitalization in the previous 12 months. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥ 2 chronic diseases. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression. Results Of the 81,768 individuals, prevalence of seeking health services among individuals with multimorbidity was 38.0% higher (95%CI 1.31;1.45), medical appointments, 11.0% higher (95%CI 1.10;1.12), and 56.0% higher for hospitalizations (95%CI 1.44;1.70), compared to those without multimorbidity. This relationship was higher for seeking health services and medical appointments among male. Conclusion The use of health services was higher among those with multimorbidity, but different between the types of health services used and sexes.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir prevalencia de uso de servicios de salud por multimorbilidad según características sociodemográficas de salud de población brasileña; analizar relación entre multimorbilidad y utilización de servicios de salud. Métodos Estudio transversal con datos de Encuesta Nacional de Salud de 2019. Resultados fueron búsqueda de servicios de salud en últimos quince días; consulta médica y hospitalizaciones en últimos doces meses. Multimorbilidad se definió como ≥ 2 enfermedades crónicas. Asociaciones se evaluaron mediante regresión de Poisson. Resultados De los 81.768 individuos, prevalencia de búsqueda de servicios de salud entre los individuos con multimorbilidad fue 38,0% mayor (IC95% 1,31;1,45), citas médicas 11,0% mayor (IC95% 1,10;1,12) y 56,0% mayor para hospitalizaciones (IC95% 1,44;1,70), en comparación con aquellos sin multimorbilidad. Esta relación fue mayor para búsqueda y citas médicas entre el sexo masculino. Conclusión El uso de los servicios de salud fue mayor entre aquellos con multimorbilidad, pero diferente entre los tipos de servicios de salud utilizados y sexos.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever a prevalência do uso de serviços de saúde por multimorbidade segundo características sociodemográficas e saúde da população brasileira, e analisar a relação entre a multimorbidade e o uso de serviços de saúde. Métodos Estudo transversal utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019. Os desfechos foram busca por serviços de saúde nos últimos 15 dias, consulta médica e internações nos últimos 12 meses. Multimorbidade foi definida como ≥ 2 doenças crônicas. As associações foram avaliadas pela regressão de Poisson. Resultados Dos 81.768 indivíduos, a prevalência de busca por serviços de saúde entre indivíduos com multimorbidade foi 38% maior (IC95% 1,31;1,45), consultas médicas, 11% maior (IC95% 1,10;1,12), e 56% maior para internações (IC95% 1,44;1,70), em comparação àqueles sem multimorbidade. Essa relação foi maior para busca e consultas médicas no sexo masculino. Conclusão O uso de serviços de saúde foi maior entre aqueles com multimorbidade, mas diferente entre os tipos de serviços de saúde utilizados e sexos.

Hospitalizations in Brazil according to National Health Survey estimates, 2013 and 2019 / Hospitalizações no Brasil pelas estimativas da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 e 2019

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare the profile and prevalence of hospitalizations in Brazil based on estimates from the National Health Survey (PNS), 2013 and 2019. METHODS A cross-sectional study that used data from the 2013 PNS and the 2019 PNS. The outcome was having been hospitalized for 24 hours or more in the last 12 months. We calculated the proportion of the population in different categories of age group, presence or absence of chronic diseases, and perception of health status. We estimated the total number of hospitalizations and the proportion corresponding to each category of age group, chronic disease, and perceived health status. We calculated the prevalence of hospitalization according to geographic, socioeconomic, and health conditions. We compared the estimates of two editions of the PNS using Student's t-test for independent samples. We considered significant differences when the p-value was less than 0.01. And finally, we compared hospitalization estimates with administrative data to assess data consistency. RESULTS We observed that the proportion of chronically ill people in the population increased from 15.04% to 31.48%. This group was responsible for 36.76% of the total number of hospitalizations in 2013 and 57.61% in 2019. The prevalence of hospitalizations increased significantly between the two surveys and the increases were higher in the Southeast region and among people who have private health insurance. A discrepancy was found between administrative data and survey estimates. Obstetric hospitalizations and health insurance hospitalizations were underestimated. CONCLUSION There was an increase in overall hospitalization rates in the period between the PNS 2013 and PNS 2019, especially among people with better access to health services. The hospitalization profile also changed—in the 2013 PNS, hospitalizations of people without chronic diseases predominated. This was reversed in PNS 2019.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Comparar o perfil e a prevalência das hospitalizações no Brasil com base nas estimativas da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), 2013 e 2019. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal seriado que utilizou os dados das PNS 2013 e PNS 2019. O desfecho foi ter ficado internado por 24 horas ou mais nos últimos 12 meses. Calculamos a proporção da população nas diversas categorias de faixa etária, de presença ou ausência de doenças crônicas e de percepção do estado de saúde. Estimamos o número total de hospitalizações e a proporção correspondente a cada categoria de faixa etária, de doença crônica e de percepção do estado de saúde. Calculamos a prevalência de internação segundo fatores geográficos, socioeconômicos e condições de saúde. Comparamos as estimativas das duas edições da PNS utilizando o teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Consideramos as diferenças significativas quando o valor de p foi menor que 0,01. E finalmente comparamos as estimativas de hospitalização com os dados administrativos para avaliar a consistência dos dados. RESULTADOS Observamos que a proporção de doentes crônicos na população passou de 15,04% para 31,48%. Este grupo foi responsável por 36,76% do total de internações em 2013 e de 57,61% em 2019. A prevalência de hospitalizações aumentou significativamente entre os dois inquéritos e os incrementos foram maiores na região Sudeste e entre pessoas que possuem plano de saúde privado. Foi encontrada uma discrepância entre os dados administrativos e as estimativas dos inquéritos. As internações obstétricas e as internações por plano de saúde foram subestimadas. CONCLUSÃO Houve um aumento nas taxas globais de hospitalização no período compreendido entre as PNS 2013 e 2019, especialmente entre as pessoas com melhor acesso aos serviços de saúde. O perfil de hospitalização também mudou - na PNS 2013 predominaram internações de pessoas sem doenças crônicas. Isto se inverteu na PNS 2019.

Analysis of access to health services in Brazil according to sociodemographic profile: National Health Survey, 2019 / Análisis del acceso a los servicios de salud en Brasil según perfil sociodemográfico: Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2019 / Análise do acesso a serviços de saúde no Brasil segundo perfil sociodemográfico: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2019

Objective: To describe the access and use of health services in the Brazilian population according to sociodemographic indicators, according to the National Health Survey (PNS) 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study based on a PNS sample. Prevalence and confidence intervals of data stratified by sex, education, age and macroregion were calculated. Data analyzed in Stata software version 16.1. Results: 293,725 individuals were interviewed; men had a lower proportion of medical consultation indicators (66.6%) and sought less health care (17.6%). Among those living in the North region, 69.1% went to a medical appointment. 16.5% of less educated individuals obtained medication through the Popular Pharmacy Program. Conclusion: The results reinforce inequities in the use of and access to health services in Brazil and the need to monitor indicators to guide health policies.

Objetivo: Describir el acceso y uso de servicios de salud en la población brasileña según indicadores sociodemográficos del Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS) 2019. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con base en muestra del PNS. Se calcularon prevalencias e intervalos de confianza para datos estratificados por sexo, escolaridad, edad y macrorregión. Datos analizados en el software Stata versión 16.1. Resultados: 293.725 personas fueron entrevistadas; hombres tenían menor proporción de consulta médica (66,6%) y buscaban menos atención médica (17,6%). Entre los residentes en región Norte, 69,1% acudió a consulta médica. 16,5% de las personas con menor nivel educativo obtuvieron medicamentos mediante el Programa de Farmacia Popular. Conclusión: Los resultados refuerzan las inequidades en uso y acceso a servicios de salud en Brasil y la necesidad de monitorear indicadores para orientar políticas de salud.

Objetivo: descrever o acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde na população brasileira segundo características sociodemográficas, de acordo com a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) 2019. Métodos: estudo descritivo transversal, a partir de amostra da PNS; foram calculadas as prevalências e respectivos intervalos de confiança dos dados, estratificados por sexo, escolaridade, idade e macrorregião nacional de residência; os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o software Stata versão 16.1. Resultados: foram entrevistados 293.725 indivíduos; os do sexo masculino apresentaram menores proporções de consulta médica (66,6%) e de procura por atendimentos de saúde (17,6%); entre aqueles residentes na região Norte, 69,1% realizaram consulta médica; 16,5% dos indivíduos menos escolarizados obtiveram medicamentos pelo Programa Farmácia Popular. Conclusão: os resultados reforçam as iniquidades no acesso e utilização dos serviços de saúde, além da necessidade de monitoração dos indicadores, para orientar políticas de saúde no Brasil.

Factors associated with suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic in a population in the Brazilian Legal Amazon / Fatores associados a ideação suicida durante a pandemia da COVID-19 em população da Amazônia Legal Brasileira

Abstract This article aims to analyze the factors associated with suicidal ideation in the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional home-based survey, with three-stage cluster sampling, was conducted with 4,203 adults from ten municipalities in the Mato Grosso, Brazil. The data collection was carried households to assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, substance use and behavior in the pandemic. The Level 1 Symptom Cross Scale was used to identify suicidal ideation and aspects of mental health (somatic symptoms, sleep disturbances, dissociation, depression, anger, mania, anxiety, thoughts, substance use and memory). Chemiluminescence was used to detect IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 19.2%, and the associated with increased consumption of alcohol (RP=1.16), smoking (RP=1.30), COVID-19 symptoms (RP=1.03), having one's life affected (RP=1.04), mental illness (RP=1.09) somatic symptoms (RP=1.15), sleep disturbance (RP=1.30), dissociation (RP=1.24), depression (RP=1.24), anger (RP=1.11), anxiety (RP=1.26), substance use (RP=1.19), drug prescription use (RP=1.18) and memory (RP=1.87). Highlights the high prevalence of suicidal ideation related to COVID-19 symptoms, changes in behavior post-pandemic and mental health factors.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar fatores associados a ideação suicida durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Inquérito de base populacional conduzido com 4.203 adultos de dez municípios mato-grossenses, Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada no domicílio, com avaliação de características sociodemográficas, uso de substâncias e comportamentos durante a pandemia. A Escala Transversal de Sintomas de Nível 1 do DSM-5 foi utilizada na identificação dos aspectos da saúde mental (sintomas somáticos, distúrbios do sono, dissociação, depressão, raiva, mania, ansiedade, pensamentos, uso de substâncias e memória) e utilizou-se quimioluminescência para detecção de anticorpos IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. A prevalência de ideação suicida foi de 19,2%, e associou-se ao aumento do consumo de álcool (RP=1,16) e tabagismo (RP=1,30), sintomas de COVID-19 (RP=1,03), ter a vida muito afetada (RP=1,04), doença mental (RP=1,09), sintomas somáticos (RP=1,15), distúrbio do sono (RP=1,30), dissociação (RP=1,24), depressão (RP=1,24), raiva (RP=1,11), ansiedade (RP=1,26), uso de substâncias (RP=1,19), uso de medicamentos (RP=1,18) e memória (RP=1,87). Destacou-se a alta prevalência de ideação suicida e sua associação à sintomas de COVID-19, mudanças de comportamento pós-pandemia e fatores de saúde mental.

Perspectives on countermeasures against COVID-19 in the remote islands of Yaeyama region, Okinawa, Japan.

Numerous difficulties unique to remote island regions exist in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For example, in the Yaeyama Medical Region (Okinawa, Japan), there are only clinics without beds on constituent islands. As medical resources are limited on remote islands, a single outbreak can put the entire medical system at risk. In addition, local governments need to maintain economic support while taking measures to contain outbreaks. For future COVID-19 countermeasures, it is essential to establish a response team in the regional hospital to conduct on-site epidemiological surveys as early as possible in a pandemic. In addition, distributing effective oral antivirals to remote islands may reduce the spread of infection and the number of severe cases requiring off-region transfer.

Changes in Attitudes toward People with Substance Use Disorder: A Comparative Study of the General Population in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are among the most stigmatized conditions worldwide. People with substance use disorder (PWSUD) are often considered responsible for their use of drugs. The objectives are to analyze changes in Mexican attitudes toward PWSUD in the general population over the period 2011 to 2016 and to use the latest Mexican household survey to determine which segments of the population are most likely to have negative attitudes. METHODS: Two representative national household surveys employing similar methodologies were conducted in Mexico in 2011 and 2016 with persons aged 12-65 years. Participants were asked about their attitudes toward PWSUD, and changes were compared across GLM. RESULTS: The surveys found a decrease from 2011 to 2016 in the number of respondents who considered PWSUD "sick" or in "need of help" and an increase in the number who believed they were "selfish" or "criminal". The 2016 survey found that men, people 18 years of age or older, people who do not use drugs and people with lower educational levels were the groups with the most negative attitudes toward PWSUD. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that it may not be recognized that PWSUD may have a health problem and that this helps to increase stigmatization towards this population.