A randomized controlled trial of exercise during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes: results from the PAMELA study.

BACKGROUND: Women are encouraged to be physically active during pregnancy. Despite available evidence supporting antenatal physical activity to bring health benefits for both the mother and child, the most effective way to prevent some maternal and fetal outcomes is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an exercise intervention to prevent negative maternal and newborn health outcomes. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) nested into the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study was carried-out with 639 healthy pregnant women, 213 in the intervention group (IG) and 426 in the control (CG) group. An exercise-based intervention was conducted three times/week for 16 weeks from 16-20 to 32-36 weeks' gestation. The main outcomes were preterm birth and pre-eclampsia. Gestational age was calculated based on several parameters, including routine ultrassounds and/or last menstrual period and categorized as < 37 weeks and ≥ 37 weeks for evaluation of preterm birth. Pre-eclampsia was self-reported. Secondary outcomes were gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, birth weight, infant length, and head circumference. Analyses were performed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (70% of the 48 planned exercise sessions). Odds ratio were derived using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The IG and CG did not differ at baseline regarding their mean age (27.2 years ± 5.3 vs. 27.1 years ± 5.7) and mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (25.1 ± 3.9 vs. 25.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2). The mean adherence to the exercise intervention was 27 ± 17.2 sessions (out of a potential 48) with 40.4% attending > = 70% of the recommended exercise sessions. A total of 594 participants (IG:198; CG: 396) were included in the ITT and 479 (IG: 83; CG: 396) were included in the per protocol analyses. There were no significant differences in the incidence of preterm birth and pre-eclampsia between groups in the ITT and per protocol analysis. There were also no differences between the two groups in mean gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, birth weight, infant length, and head circumference. CONCLUSIONS: While the RCT did not support the benefits of exercise performed during pregnancy on preeclampsia and preterm birth, the exercise program also did not present adverse impacts on newborn health. Our findings may contribute to promote intervention strategies that motivate health providers to encourage pregnant women to be more physically active. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02148965 , registered on 22 May 2014.

Changes in leisure-time physical activity among Brazilian pregnant women: comparison between two birth cohort studies (2004 - 2015).

BACKGROUND: Low levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy have been shown in studies conducted worldwide. Surveillance is extremely important to monitor the progress of physical activity patterns over time and set goals for effective interventions to decrease inactivity among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to evaluate time changes in LTPA among Brazilian pregnant women in an 11-year period (2004-2015) by comparing data from two birth cohort studies. METHODS: Two population-based birth cohort studies were carried out in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil, in 2004 and 2015. A total of 4244 and 4271 mothers were interviewed after delivery. Weekly frequency and duration of each session of LTPA in a typical week were reported for the pre-pregnancy period and for each trimester of pregnancy. Trends in both recommended LTPA (≥150 min/week) and any LTPA (regardless of weekly amount) were analysed overtime. Changes were also calculated separately for subgroups of maternal age, schooling, family income, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index and pre-pregnancy LTPA. RESULTS: The proportion of women engaged in recommended levels of LTPA pre-pregnancy increased from 11.2% (95%CI 10.0-12.2) in 2004 to 15.8% (95%CI 14.6-16.9) in 2015. During pregnancy, no changes were observed over the period for the first (10.6 to 10.9%) and second (8.7 to 7.9%) trimesters, whereas there was a decrease from 3.4% (95%CI 2.9-4.0) to 2.4% (95%CI 1.9-2.8) in the last trimester. Major decreases in LTPA in the last trimester were observed among women who were younger, with intermediate to high income, high schooling, primiparous, pre-pregnancy obese and, engaged in LTPA before pregnancy. Changes in any LTPA practice followed the same patterns described for recommended LTPA. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in the proportion of women engaged in LTPA before pregnancy between 2004 and 2005, LTPA levels remained stable during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and declined during the third gestational trimester over the period. Interventions to encourage the maintenance of LTPA practice throughout pregnancy are urgently needed.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and quality of life in Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2022.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women receiving care in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Criciúma, Santa Catarina state, Brazil, in 2022; QOL was assessed in the physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental domains using WHOQOL-Bref instrument; IPVP was evaluated by means of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women; Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 389 pregnant women were evaluated; IPVP was observed in 13.6% of cases; in the adjusted analysis, IPVP remained associated with physical, psychological and social relationship domains; pregnant women who experienced IPVP had a reduction in their QOL score by 9.77, 11.07 and 8.95 points, respectively, when compared to those who did not experience IPVP. CONCLUSION: IPVP was associated with poorer QOL in the physical, psychological and social relationships domains. Health services equipped to address and prevent violence against pregnant women are essential. MAIN RESULTS: Intimate partner violence (IPV) was observed in 13.6% of pregnant women and was associated with poorer quality of life in the physical, psychological and social relationship domains. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: The results emphasize the need for an intersectoral approach in addressing the issue, with specialized healthcare centers for situations of violence integrated with social assistance and public security. PERSPECTIVES: Development of intersectoral policies and actions that strengthen existing ones and ensure social and healthcare assistance to pregnant women victims of violence and their children, given the negative impact of IPVP on quality of life.

Why are pregnant women physically inactive? A qualitative study on the beliefs and perceptions about physical activity during pregnancy.

This study aimed to describe the beliefs and perceptions of pregnant women and healthcare providers about physical activity during pregnancy. Using a qualitative approach, 30 pregnant women and the 14 healthcare providers caring for them were interviewed in the second trimester of pregnancy. We included women who maintained, decreased, or stopped physical activity since becoming pregnant. They were divided into low (≤ 8 years) and high schooling (> 8 years). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted and guided by three key questions: (1) When does physical activity during pregnancy start to be considered a wrong behavior?; (2) What are the main barriers (biological or others) to physical activity?; and (3) Do the actions of healthcare providers and people close to pregnant women reinforce barriers? Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on recurring themes. All women changed their physical activity behavior (decreased or stopped) when they discovered their pregnancy. Fear of miscarriage, contractions, bleeding, and of causing malformations in the baby were the most reported reasons for decreasing or stopping physical activity. Participants also lacked access to consistent information and healthcare providers' support on the benefits of physical activity. Despite the current international recommendations to regular physical activity during pregnancy, uncertainty regarding its benefits remains. Interventions to promote physical activity during this period should include the training of healthcare providers so they can advise and discard ideas contrary to mother-child health benefits.

Underreporting of violence against women: an analysis of two data sources. / Subnotificação de violência contra as mulheres: uma análise de duas fontes de dados.

This article aims to estimate the underreporting of violence against women (VAW) in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), based on data from the National Survey of Health (NSH), in Brazil and subnational units (SU). This work was an ecological study using SINAN and NSH, both from 2019. In SINAN, reports of sexual, physical, and psychological VAW, aged 18 years or older, were selected. In the NSH, women of the same age group who reported psychological, physical, or sexual violence, and who had sought health care due to consequences of the violence were selected. SINAN underreporting was calculated in reference to the NSH's estimated population, for Brazil and each SU. Underreporting of VAW in Brazil was 98.5%, 75.9%, and 89.4% for psychological, physical, and sexual violence, respectively. The North and Northeast states presented the lowest reporting rates among the states. VAW in Brazil is highly underreported by the health sector, showing the need for adequate training of health professionals to recognize situations of violence and raise awareness of the importance of reporting.

O objetivo do artigo é estimar a subnotificação da violência contra as mulheres (VCM) no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), para o Brasil e as unidades federadas (UF). Estudo ecológico utilizando o SINAN e a PNS, ambos do ano de 2019. No SINAN, foram selecionadas as notificações de casos de violências sexual, física e psicológica contra mulheres com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Na PNS, foram selecionadas as mulheres da mesma faixa etária com relato de violência psicológica, física ou sexual que tenham procurado atendimento em saúde em razão de consequência relacionada à violência vivida. Calculou-se a subnotificação do SINAN a partir da estimativa da população da PNS para o Brasil e cada UF. A subnotificação de VCM no Brasil foi de 98,5%, 75,9% e 89,4% para as violências psicológica, física e sexual, respectivamente. Os estados do Norte e Nordeste apresentaram os menores índices de notificação entre as UF. A VCM no Brasil apresenta grande subnotificação no setor saúde, demonstrando a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para o reconhecimento de situações de violência e conscientização da importância da notificação.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and quality of life in Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2022 / Violencia de pareja durante el embarazo y calidad de vida en el sur de Brasil: estudio transversal, 2022 / Violência por parceiro íntimo durante a gestação e qualidade de vida no Sul do Brasil: estudo transversal, 2022

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the association between intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) and quality of life (QOL). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women receiving care in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Criciúma, Santa Catarina state, Brazil, in 2022; QOL was assessed in the physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental domains using WHOQOL-Bref instrument; IPVP was evaluated by means of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women; Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses were performed. Results A total of 389 pregnant women were evaluated; IPVP was observed in 13.6% of cases; in the adjusted analysis, IPVP remained associated with physical, psychological and social relationship domains; pregnant women who experienced IPVP had a reduction in their QOL score by 9.77, 11.07 and 8.95 points, respectively, when compared to those who did not experience IPVP. Conclusion IPVP was associated with poorer QOL in the physical, psychological and social relationships domains. Health services equipped to address and prevent violence against pregnant women are essential.

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar la asociación entre violencia de pareja durante el embarazo (VPE) y calidad de vida (CV). Métodos Estudio transversal con mujeres embarazadas en Atención Primaria de Salud, se evaluó la CV en los dominios físico, psicológico, relaciones sociales y entorno (WHOQOL-Bref); la VPE fue evaluada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud; se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal bruta y ajustada. Resultados Se evaluaron 389 gestantes. La VPE estuvo presente en el 13,6% de las gestantes; en el análisis ajustado, la violencia de género permaneció asociada a aspectos físicos, psicológicos y a las relaciones sociales; las mujeres embarazadas que sufrieron VPE presentaron disminución de 9,77; 11,07 y 8,95 puntos de CV en comparación con quienes no sufrieron VPE. Conclusión La VPE se asocia con una peor calidad de vida en los ámbitos físico, psicológico y de relaciones sociales; los servicios de salud preparados para combatir la violencia son esenciales para prevenir los casos de violencia durante el embarazo.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a associação entre violência por parceiro íntimo na gestação (VPIG) e qualidade de vida (QV). Métodos Estudo transversal, com gestantes atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde, em Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brasil, em 2022; avaliou-se a QV quanto aos domínios físico, psicológico, das relações sociais e do meio ambiente (WHOQOL-Bref); a VPIG foi avaliada pela World Health Organization Violence Against Women; foram realizadas análise de regressão linear bruta e ajustada. Resultados Foram avaliadas 389 gestantes; a VPIG esteve presente em 13,6%; na análise ajustada, a VPIG manteve-se associada aos aspectos físico, psicológico e das relações sociais; gestantes que sofreram VPIG tiveram reduzidos 9,77, 11,07 e 8,95 pontos no escore de QV, respectivamente, quando comparadas às que não sofreram VPIG. Conclusão A VPIG esteve associada à pior QV nos domínios físico, psicológico e das relações sociais; serviços de saúde preparados para o enfrentamento e prevenção da violência contra gestantes são essenciais.

Why are pregnant women physically inactive? A qualitative study on the beliefs and perceptions about physical activity during pregnancy / Por que as gestantes não são fisicamente ativas? Um estudo qualitativo sobre as crenças e percepções em relação à atividade física durante a gestação / ¿Por qué las mujeres embarazadas no hacen actividad física? Un estudio cualitativo sobre las creencias y percepciones relacionadas con la actividad física durante el embarazo

This study aimed to describe the beliefs and perceptions of pregnant women and healthcare providers about physical activity during pregnancy. Using a qualitative approach, 30 pregnant women and the 14 healthcare providers caring for them were interviewed in the second trimester of pregnancy. We included women who maintained, decreased, or stopped physical activity since becoming pregnant. They were divided into low (≤ 8 years) and high schooling (> 8 years). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted and guided by three key questions: (1) When does physical activity during pregnancy start to be considered a wrong behavior?; (2) What are the main barriers (biological or others) to physical activity?; and (3) Do the actions of healthcare providers and people close to pregnant women reinforce barriers? Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on recurring themes. All women changed their physical activity behavior (decreased or stopped) when they discovered their pregnancy. Fear of miscarriage, contractions, bleeding, and of causing malformations in the baby were the most reported reasons for decreasing or stopping physical activity. Participants also lacked access to consistent information and healthcare providers' support on the benefits of physical activity. Despite the current international recommendations to regular physical activity during pregnancy, uncertainty regarding its benefits remains. Interventions to promote physical activity during this period should include the training of healthcare providers so they can advise and discard ideas contrary to mother-child health benefits.

Este estudo objetivou descrever as crenças e percepções de gestantes e profissionais de saúde em relação a prática de atividade física durante a gestação. Usando uma abordagem qualitativa, 30 gestantes e 14 profissionais de saúde que atendiam essas mulheres foram entrevistados durante o segundo trimestre de gravidez. Foram incluídas mulheres que mantiveram, diminuíram ou pararam de praticar atividade física desde o início gravidez. Elas foram divididas em baixa (≤ 8 anos) e alta escolaridade (> 8 anos). Foram conduzidas entrevistas semiestruturadas e aprofundadas, orientadas por três perguntas-chave: (1) Quando a atividade física durante a gestação passa a ser considerada um comportamento errado? (2) Quais as principais barreiras (biológicas ou outras) para a prática de atividade física? (3) Estas barreiras são reforçadas pelas ações dos profissionais de saúde e das pessoas próximas à gestante? As entrevistas foram gravadas em áudio, transcritas e analisadas a partir de temas recorrentes. Todas as mulheres mudaram a prática de atividade física (diminuíram ou pararam) quando souberam da gravidez. O medo de aborto espontâneo, contrações e/ou sangramento e o medo de causar malformações no bebê foram os motivos mais relatados para diminuir ou parar a atividade física. Os participantes também não tiveram acesso a informações confiáveis e apoio dos profissionais de saúde sobre os benefícios da atividade física. Apesar das recomendações internacionais atuais para a prática regular de atividade física durante a gestação, a incerteza quanto aos seus benefícios continua sendo comum. As intervenções para promover a atividade física durante esse período devem incluir o treinamento de profissionais de saúde para que eles possam aconselhar e descartar ideias contrárias aos benefícios para a saúde materna e infantil.

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las creencias y percepciones de mujeres embarazadas y profesionales de la salud con respecto a la práctica de actividad física durante el embarazo. Utilizando un enfoque cualitativo, se entrevistaron 30 mujeres embarazadas y 14 profesionales de salud que cuidaban a estas mujeres durante el segundo trimestre del embarazo. Se incluyeron mujeres que mantuvieron, redujeron o dejaron de practicar actividad física desde el inicio del embarazo. Ellas se dividieron en baja (≤ 8 años) y alta escolaridad (> 8 años). Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y en profundidad, guiadas por tres preguntas clave: (1) ¿Cuándo se considera que la actividad física durante el embarazo es un comportamiento incorrecto? (2) ¿Cuáles son las barreras (biológicas u otras) principales para la práctica de actividad física? (3) ¿Estas barreras se refuerzan por las acciones de los profesionales de salud y de las personas cercanas a la mujer embarazada? Las entrevistas fueron grabadas en audio, transcritas y analizadas a partir de temas recurrentes. Todas las mujeres cambiaron la práctica de actividad física (redujeron o dejaron de practicarla) cuando descubrieron el embarazo. El miedo a sufrir un aborto espontáneo, contracciones y/o sangrado y el miedo a provocar malformaciones en el bebé fueron los motivos más relatados para reducir o dejar de practicar la actividad física. Los participantes también no han tenido acceso a informaciones confiables ni apoyo de los profesionales de salud sobre los beneficios de la actividad física. A pesar de las recomendaciones internacionales actuales para la práctica regular de actividad física durante el embarazo, la incertidumbre cuanto a sus beneficios sigue siendo común. Las intervenciones para promover la actividad física durante este periodo deben incluir la capacitación de profesionales de salud para que puedan aconsejar y descartar ideas contrarias a los beneficios para la salud materna e infantil.

Subnotificação de violência contra as mulheres: uma análise de duas fontes de dados / Underreporting of violence against women: an analysis of two data sources

Resumo O objetivo do artigo é estimar a subnotificação da violência contra as mulheres (VCM) no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), para o Brasil e as unidades federadas (UF). Estudo ecológico utilizando o SINAN e a PNS, ambos do ano de 2019. No SINAN, foram selecionadas as notificações de casos de violências sexual, física e psicológica contra mulheres com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Na PNS, foram selecionadas as mulheres da mesma faixa etária com relato de violência psicológica, física ou sexual que tenham procurado atendimento em saúde em razão de consequência relacionada à violência vivida. Calculou-se a subnotificação do SINAN a partir da estimativa da população da PNS para o Brasil e cada UF. A subnotificação de VCM no Brasil foi de 98,5%, 75,9% e 89,4% para as violências psicológica, física e sexual, respectivamente. Os estados do Norte e Nordeste apresentaram os menores índices de notificação entre as UF. A VCM no Brasil apresenta grande subnotificação no setor saúde, demonstrando a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para o reconhecimento de situações de violência e conscientização da importância da notificação.

Abstract This article aims to estimate the underreporting of violence against women (VAW) in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), based on data from the National Survey of Health (NSH), in Brazil and subnational units (SU). This work was an ecological study using SINAN and NSH, both from 2019. In SINAN, reports of sexual, physical, and psychological VAW, aged 18 years or older, were selected. In the NSH, women of the same age group who reported psychological, physical, or sexual violence, and who had sought health care due to consequences of the violence were selected. SINAN underreporting was calculated in reference to the NSH's estimated population, for Brazil and each SU. Underreporting of VAW in Brazil was 98.5%, 75.9%, and 89.4% for psychological, physical, and sexual violence, respectively. The North and Northeast states presented the lowest reporting rates among the states. VAW in Brazil is highly underreported by the health sector, showing the need for adequate training of health professionals to recognize situations of violence and raise awareness of the importance of reporting.

Efficacy of Regular Exercise During Pregnancy on the Prevention of Postpartum Depression: The PAMELA Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Interventions to reduce postpartum depression have mainly focused on enhancing screening to increase treatment rates among women. Preventive approaches are timely from a population health perspective, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to mental health services is limited. Objective: To assess the efficacy of regular exercise during pregnancy on the prevention of postpartum depression. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial examines a prespecified secondary outcome of the Physical Activity for Mothers Enrolled in Longitudinal Analysis (PAMELA) Study, a parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. This trial was nested in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Between August 27, 2014, and March 14, 2016, pregnant women between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation with no contraindications to exercise were randomized 1:2 to the intervention group or control group via computer-generated randomization using a block size of 9. Data were analyzed from March 7 to May 2, 2018. Interventions: Participants assigned to the intervention were engaged in a 16-week supervised exercise program including aerobic and resistance training delivered in 60-minute sessions 3 times per week. Main Outcomes and Measures: Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 3 months after birth. A score of 12 or greater was defined as screening positive for postpartum depression. Primary analysis was performed on a complete case basis (90% of participants who had the primary end point ascertained). Results: A total of 639 participants (mean [SD] age, 27.1 [5.1] years; mean gestational age, 16.5 [1.5] weeks) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 213) or control group (n = 426). Compliance with the protocol, defined as having engaged in at least 70% of exercise sessions, was low (40.4%). There was no significant difference in mean (SD) scores for postpartum depression between the intervention group (4.8 [3.7]) and the control group (5.4 [4.1]) (mean difference, -0.6; 95% CI, -1.3 to 0.1). There was also no significant difference in rates of postpartum depression between the intervention group (12 of 192 [6.3%]) and the control group (36 of 387 [9.3%]) (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.33-1.28). Instrumental variable analysis indicated that noncompliance may have attenuated the effect estimates obtained in the primary analysis. Conclusions and Relevance: Moderate-intensity exercise during pregnancy did not lead to significant reductions in postpartum depression. However, noncompliance to the intervention protocol was substantial and may have led to underestimations of the possible benefits of exercise. The point estimates for this study are in the same direction as the previous randomized clinical trial on this topic. Future studies on how to promote regular exercise during pregnancy to improve compliance, particularly targeting young and less educated women, are warranted before further trials are undertaken. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02148965.

Antenatal depressive symptoms among pregnant women: Evidence from a Southern Brazilian population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal depression (AD) is a major public health issue but evidence regarding its prevalence and associated factors in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for AD among Brazilian pregnant women. METHODS: All women living in the urban area of the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, with confirmed pregnancy and estimated delivery date in the year 2015, were invited to take part. Eligible pregnant women were recruited from health services. Symptoms of antenatal depression were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) by face-to-face interviews. A cutoff-point of 13 or more was used to define probable AD. RESULTS: EPDS scores were available for 4130 women. The prevalence of AD was 16% (95%CI 14·9-17·1). After adjustment for potential confounders, the factors most strongly associated with higher EPDS scores were a previous history of depression (PR 2·81; 95%CI 2·44-3·25), high parity (PR 1·72; 95%CI 1·38-2·15 - ≥2 children vs. 1 child) and maternal education (PR 5·47; 95%CI 4·22-7·09 - 0-4 vs. ≥12 years of formal education). LIMITATIONS: EPDS was administered through face-to-face interviews rather than questionnaires and some women may have felt uncomfortable reporting their symptoms leading to underreporting and consequently underestimation of the prevalence found. CONCLUSION: AD prevalence is substantially higher in Brazil than in high-income countries (HICs) but similar to other LMICs. Our study identified relevant risk factors that may be potential targets to plan interventions, particularly a history of depression.

Physical activity during pregnancy and maternal-child health (PAMELA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is associated with most cases of neonatal deaths and negative health outcomes, and hypertensive disorders. Hypertension is influenced by maternal behavior, such as physical activity. Physical activity is associated with better outcomes for mother and fetus, besides healthier weight gains during pregnancy. Few women are physically active during pregnancy and few clinical trials have been carried out with pregnant women. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of a controlled trial evaluating whether regular exercise during pregnancy may result in improved maternal-child health and neonatal outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: The PAMELA (Physical Activity for Mothers Enrolled in Longitudinal Analysis) trial is a randomized controlled trial nested in a birth cohort study. Eligible women belonging to the birth cohort will be invited (between the 16th and 20th week of gestation) to enroll in the trial. Baseline data (blood and urine samples, anthropometry and pulmonary function) will be collected at enrollment. The same assessments will be repeated eight and 16 weeks after baseline. After randomization, women will be allocated into either one of these groups: control, 426 women who will be advised to keep their usual daily activities; and intervention, 213 women who will engage in an exercise program, three sessions a week. At least 70 % attendance over 16 weeks will be required to be considered compliant to the intervention. Exercise protocol will include aerobics, strength and flexibility training. Maternal and child outcomes will be measured at the 36th week of gestation, at birth and at three, 12, 24 and 48 months postpartum. An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed. DISCUSSION: Few women are active during pregnancy and a vast majority decrease their activities or even quit exercising. We present a population-based regular exercise intervention focused on the prevention of hypertension, pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. Data on the underlying cohort will allow future analysis using different outcomes with low probability of recall bias or misclassification of exposure status. Results will potentially influence prenatal care counseling in regards to physical activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02148965 , registered on 22 May 2014.

Burden of physical inactivity and hospitalization costs due to chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical inactivity-related inpatient costs of chronic non-communicable diseases. METHODS: This study used data from 2013, from Brazilian Unified Health System, regarding inpatient numbers and costs due to malignant colon and breast neoplasms, cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. In order to calculate the share physical inactivity represents in that, the physical inactivity-related risks, which apply to each disease, were considered, and physical inactivity prevalence during leisure activities was obtained from Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio(Brazil's National Household Sample Survey). The analysis was stratified by genders and residing country regions of subjects who were 40 years or older. The physical inactivity-related hospitalization cost regarding each cause was multiplied by the respective share it regarded to. RESULTS: In 2013, 974,641 patients were admitted due to seven different causes in Brazil, which represented a high cost. South region was found to have the highest patient admission rate in most studied causes. The highest prevalences for physical inactivity were observed in North and Northeast regions. The highest inactivity-related share in men was found for osteoporosis in all regions (≈ 35.0%), whereas diabetes was found to have a higher share regarding inactivity in women (33.0% to 37.0% variation in the regions). Ischemic heart diseases accounted for the highest total costs that could be linked to physical inactivity in all regions and for both genders, being followed by cerebrovascular diseases. Approximately 15.0% of inpatient costs from Brazilian Unified Health System were connected to physical inactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Physical inactivity significantly impacts the number of patient admissions due to the evaluated causes and through their resulting costs, with different genders and country regions representing different shares.

Time trends of physical activity among Brazilian adolescents over a 7-year period.

PURPOSE: To evaluate time trends in physical activity among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living in southern Brazil over a 7-year period. METHODS: Two population-based cross-sectional surveys with similar methodologies were carried out in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, in 2005 and 2012. Leisure-time and transport-related physical activity were measured using a validated questionnaire. A cut-off point of 300 minutes per week was used to classify adolescents as active or not. We also analyzed the two domains of physical activity (leisure time and transportation) separately. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 69.6% (95% CI 66.5-73.2) in 2005 and 69.9% (95% CI 66.5-72.7) in 2012. The percentage of active adolescents in leisure time also remained stable in the period (26.3% in 2005 [95% CI 23.3-29.2] vs. 28.1% in 2012 [95% CI 24.9-31.4]). Among boys, we observed an increase in the practice of some leisure-time activities-weight lifting (87%) and running (78%)-and a decline in others-volleyball (61%) and basketball (56%). Among girls, the only significant difference was an increase in the practice of weight lifting (271%). The prevalence of active commuting to and from school declined from 69% (95% CI 65.6-72.4) in 2005 to 56.5% (95% CI 52.5-60.2) in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decline in active commuting to school among adolescents. Interventions promoting active commuting modes to school are urgently needed in Brazil.

Comparação das estimativas de atividade física e comportamento sedentário em adultos brasileiros no VIGITEL e PNS, Brasil, 2013 / Comparison of physical activity and sedentary behavior estimates in Brazilian adults from VIGITEL and PNS, Brazil, 2013

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as estimativas de atividade física e comportamento se-dentário obtidas pelos inquéritos nacionais VIGITEL e PNS. Foram utilizados dados do VIGITEL 2013 e PNS 2013, conduzidos entre adultos (≥ 18 anos).Os desfechos foram: atividade física no lazer, deslocamento ativo para o trabalho, inatividade física no lazer e tempo de televisão. Sexo, idade, escolaridade e índice de massa corporal foram as variáveis independentes. Para a estatística, utilizou--se proporções (IC95%) e Coeficiente de Correlação de Concordância de Lin (CCC). As estimativas de deslocamento ativo para o trabalho e de tempo de TV apresentaram concordância moderada entre os inquéritos (CCC = 0,515; CCC = 0,478, respectivamente), enquanto as estimativas de atividade física no lazer e inatividade no lazer apresentaram concordância baixa (CCC = 0,060; CCC = 0,054, respectivamente). As estimativas obtidas entre os inquéritos PNS e VIGITEL sobre desfechos relacionados à atividade física e comportamento sedentário foram de concordância moderada a baixa, não sendo os resultados obtidos comparáveis

The aim of the present study was to compare estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior by two Brazilian surveys, VIGITEL PNS. Were used data from VIGITEL 2013 and PNS 2013, conducted among adults (≥ 18 y). Were adopted as outcomes: leisure-time physical activity, active transportation to work, leisure-time physical inactivity and TV time. Sex, chronological age, race, educational status, marital status and body mass index were independent variables. For statistical analyses, proportions (IC95%) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were calculated. The estimates of active transportation for work and TV viewing showed moderate agreement between the surveys (CCC = 0.515; CCC = 0.478, respectively), while estimates of leisure activity and leisure physical inactivity showed a low agreement (CCC = 0.060; CCC = 0.054, respectively). Agreement between the estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior provided by the VIGITEL and PNS ranged from moderate to poor and the results are not comparable

Burden of physical inactivity and hospitalization costs due to chronic diseases / Impacto da inatividade física e custos de hospitalização por doenças crônicas

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the physical inactivity-related inpatient costs of chronic non-communicable diseases. METHODS This study used data from 2013, from Brazilian Unified Health System, regarding inpatient numbers and costs due to malignant colon and breast neoplasms, cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. In order to calculate the share physical inactivity represents in that, the physical inactivity-related risks, which apply to each disease, were considered, and physical inactivity prevalence during leisure activities was obtained from Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio (Brazil's National Household Sample Survey). The analysis was stratified by genders and residing country regions of subjects who were 40 years or older. The physical inactivity-related hospitalization cost regarding each cause was multiplied by the respective share it regarded to. RESULTS In 2013, 974,641 patients were admitted due to seven different causes in Brazil, which represented a high cost. South region was found to have the highest patient admission rate in most studied causes. The highest prevalences for physical inactivity were observed in North and Northeast regions. The highest inactivity-related share in men was found for osteoporosis in all regions (≈ 35.0%), whereas diabetes was found to have a higher share regarding inactivity in women (33.0% to 37.0% variation in the regions). Ischemic heart diseases accounted for the highest total costs that could be linked to physical inactivity in all regions and for both genders, being followed by cerebrovascular diseases. Approximately 15.0% of inpatient costs from Brazilian Unified Health System were connected to physical inactivity. CONCLUSIONS Physical inactivity significantly impacts the number of patient admissions due to the evaluated causes and through their resulting costs, with different genders and country regions representing different shares.

OBJETIVO Avaliar o custo de internações por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis atribuível à inatividade física. MÉTODOS Este estudo utilizou dados de 2013, do Sistema Único de Saúde, referentes ao número e respectivo custo das internações por neoplasia maligna de cólon e mama, doenças cerebrovasculares, doenças isquêmicas do coração, hipertensão, diabetes e osteoporose. Para o cálculo da fração atribuível à inatividade física foram considerados os riscos relativos da inatividade física a cada doença e a prevalência de inatividade física no lazer foi obtida da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio. A análise foi estratificada por sexo e região do País de indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 40 anos. O custo das internações de cada causa atribuível à inatividade física foi multiplicado pela respectiva fração a ela atribuível. RESULTADOS Foram realizadas 974.641 internações hospitalares por sete causas de internações no Brasil, em 2013, o que representou custo alto. A região Sul apresentou a maior taxa de internação na maioria das causas estudadas. A maior prevalência de inatividade física ocorreu nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. A maior fração atribuível à inatividade em homens foi encontrada para a osteoporose em todas as regiões (≈ 35,0%), enquanto o diabetes apresentou maior fração atribuível à inatividade em mulheres (variação de 33,0% a 37,0% nas regiões). As doenças isquêmicas do coração foram responsáveis pelos mais altos custos totais e atribuíveis à inatividade física em todas as regiões e em ambos os sexos, seguidas das doenças cerebrovasculares. Aproximadamente 15,0% dos custos ao Sistema Único de Saúde das internações foi atribuível à inatividade física. CONCLUSÕES A inatividade física impacta significativamente o número de internações hospitalares pelas causas avaliadas e nos custos resultantes, com diferenças na ocorrência dependendo do sexo e região do País.

Percepção de adolescentes e adultos referente à influência da mídia sobre o estilo de vida / Perception of adolescents and adults on the influence of media on Lifestyle

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a percepção populacional referente à influência da mídia sobre o estilo de vida, analisando quatro fatores comportamentais: atividade física, tabagismo, consumo de álcool e alimentação. Conduziu-se um estudo transversal de base populacional na zona urbana de Pelotas, RS. A amostra foi composta de 2096 indivíduos com 10 anos ou mais de idade. O processo de amostragem foi aleatório por conglomerados. Devido à inexistência de instrumentos validados para avaliar influência da mídia sobre o estilo de vida, optou-se por utilizar um questionário criado pelos autores. O estudo encontrou alto percentual de respostas positivas (valor médio de 80%), quando os indivíduos foram questionados se acreditavam que a mídia influenciava no estilo de vida individual. O percentual de relato positivo para lembrança de alguma abordagem midiática com relação à atividade física, tabagismo, consumo de álcool e alimentação também foi elevado (valor médio de 74%). Contudo, uma minoria dos entrevistados relatou ter modificado seu comportamento (valor médio de 24%) em conseqüência de alguma abordagem midiática. Embora a exposição à mídia tenha sido elevada, uma pequena parcela dos entrevistados referiu ter mudado seu comportamento com base na influência da mídia.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the population perception on the influence of media on lifestyle, with focus on four behavioral factors: physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and diet. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas, Brazil. The sample included 2096 individuals selected through a random cluster strategy. Due to the lack of validated instruments for measuring the influence of media on lifestyle, we created a questionnaire for this purpose. Our study found that a high proportion of the subjects (mean value 80%) believe the media can influence the lifestyle. In addition, most subjects (mean value 74%) reported to remember being exposed to a media campaign regarding physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake or diet. However, only a small proportion of the subjects (mean value 24%) reported to have modified his/her behavior as a consequence of the media. Although media exposure was high, a small fraction of the subjects reported to have changed behavior as a consequence of media messages.