Microcephaly epidemic related to the Zika virus and living conditions in Recife, Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Starting in August 2015, there was an increase in the number of cases of neonatal microcephaly in Northeast Brazil. These findings were identified as being an epidemic of microcephaly related to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The present study aims to analyse the spatial distribution of microcephaly cases in Recife (2015-2016), which is in Northeast Brazil, and its association with the living conditions in this city. METHODS: This was an ecological study that used data from reported cases of microcephaly from the State Health Department of Pernambuco (August 2015 to July 2016). The basic spatial unit of analysis was the 94 districts of Recife. The case definition of microcephaly was: neonates with a head circumference of less than the cut-off point of -2 standard deviations below the mean value from the established Fenton growth curve. As an indicator of the living conditions of the 94 districts, the percentage of heads of households with an income of less than twice the minimum wage was calculated. The districts were classified into four homogeneous strata using the K-means clustering algorithm. We plotted the locations of each microcephaly case over a layer of living conditions. RESULTS: During the study period, 347 microcephaly cases were reported, of which 142 (40.9%) fulfilled the definition of a microcephaly case. Stratification of the 94 districts resulted in the identification of four strata. The highest stratum in relation to the living conditions presented the lowest prevalence rate of microcephaly, and the overall difference between this rate and the rates of the other strata was statistically significant. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated that there was a strong association between a higher prevalence of microcephaly and poor living conditions. After the first 6 months of the study period, there were no microcephaly cases recorded within the population living in the richest socio-economic strata. CONCLUSION: This study showed that those residing in areas with precarious living conditions had a higher prevalence of microcephaly compared with populations with better living conditions.

Beyond Institutional Racism? An analysis of the content of the Black Population Health Policy. / Para além do Racismo Institucional? Uma análise do conteúdo da Política de Saúde para a População Negra.

The concept of Institutional Racism (IR) gained emphasis in the late 1990s and the 2000s. It became one of the central terms in the discussion on racism and the Black Population Health. In Brazil, this category hegemonically influences the understanding of racism in health studies and debates. This qualitative case study paper analyzes the incorporation of the IR concept in Brazil in implementing the National Comprehensive Health Policy for the Black Population. Government documents from the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Applied Economic Research were analyzed. Although the formal inclusion of the discussion about IR in the public policy agenda in the early 21st century is a great achievement, apprehending this fact in isolation disregards the dialectical interaction between individual, institutional, and structural forms in the racialization dehumanizing process. Thus, combating IR depends on facing the reasons that lead institutions to reproduce racism and its consequences on access to housing, work, education, and health services and actions.

O conceito de Racismo Institucional (RI) ganha ênfase ao final dos anos 1990 e nos anos 2000, tornando-se assim um dos termos centrais na discussão sobre o racismo e a Saúde da População Negra. No Brasil, esta categoria influencia hegemonicamente a compreensão do racismo nos estudos e debates na saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a incorporação do conceito de RI no Brasil, no âmbito de implementação da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra. O presente estudo caracterizou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa e como um estudo de caso. Foram analisados documentos governamentais do Ministério da Saúde e do Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica. Embora o ingresso formal da discussão sobre o RI na agenda de políticas públicas no início do século XXI represente uma grande conquista, apreender isoladamente este fato leva à desconsideração da interação dialética entre as formas individuais, institucionais e estruturais no desumanizante processo de racialização. Assim, o combate ao RI depende da capacidade de enfrentamento aos motivos que levam as instituições a reproduzirem o racismo e suas consequências no acesso à moradia, ao trabalho, à educação e consequentemente, a serviços e ações de saúde.

Congenital zika syndrome and family impacts: an integrative review. / Síndrome congênita do zika e impactos para as famílias: uma revisão integrativa.

In 2015, a range of congenital anomalies resulting from mother-to-child transmission of the zika virus emerged. Later called congenital zika syndrome (CZS), the condition includes microcephaly. Since then, around 4,000 children have been affected in 27 countries, with Brazil accounting for the largest proportion of cases. Family caregivers have also been affected. This study analyzes the literature on caregivers of children with CZS and how the disease has affected their everyday lives. We conducted an integrative review using the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Embase databases. Thirty-one articles were identified for analysis after screening. The findings were grouped into four categories: a) social impacts - changes in family relationships, life projects, and social life; b) subjective impacts - feelings of resilience, loneliness, grief, overburdening, fear, uncertainty, and spirituality and religion; c) economic and material impacts - loss of income, increased household expenses, change of residence, and unemployment; and d) health impacts - service unpreparedness, selflessness, self-care, changes in nutritional and sleep patterns, and mental health problems, including stress, anxiety and depression.

Em 2015, um espectro de anomalias congênitas, incluindo microcefalia, acometeu recém-nascidos como resultado da transmissão vertical pelo vírus zika, posteriormente denominada síndrome congênita do zika (SCZ). Desde então, cerca de 4 mil crianças foram afetadas em 27 países, sendo o Brasil o mais atingido. Cuidadores familiares também têm sido impactados. Esse estudo analisa publicações científicas que investigam as maneiras como a doença afetou as dinâmicas de vida de cuidadores familiares de crianças com SCZ. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de literatura consultando as bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Embase. Após as etapas de triagem, foram identificados 31 artigos. Os principais resultados foram agrupados em quatro categorias: a) impactos sociais que evidenciaram mudanças nas relações familiares, nos projetos de vida e no convívio social; b) impactos subjetivos - sentimentos de resiliência, solidão, luto, sobrecarga, medo, incerteza e relação com a espiritualidade; c) impactos econômicos e materiais - perda de renda, aumento de despesas, mudança de moradia e desemprego e d) impactos na saúde - despreparo dos serviços, renúncia do cuidado de si, modificações dos padrões nutricionais e de sono, repercussão para a saúde mental e níveis de estresse, ansiedade e depressão.

[The limited access of People with Disabilities to health services in a northeastern capital]. / O estreito acesso das Pessoas com Deficiência aos serviços de saúde em uma capital nordestina.

The access of People with Disabilities (PwD) to specialized care services was analyzed on the basis of the availability-accommodation and adequacy dimensions. This is a case study with a qualitative approach and triangulation of sources based on documentary research, data from the Health Information Systems and semi-structured interviews with managers, health professionals and PwD. There was an expansion of rehabilitation services in Recife, although it was not possible to analyze the production capacity of such services. The findings point to the existence of architectural and urban barriers and insufficient resources in the services studied. Furthermore, there is a long waiting time for specialized care and difficult access to assistive technologies. It was also observed that professionals have low qualifications to meet the needs of PwD and a process of permanent education in different levels of complexity has not been instituted for workers. The conclusion drawn is that the institution of the Municipal Policy of Comprehensive Health Care for the PwD was insufficient to guarantee access to health services with continuity of care, considering the permanence of the fragmentation of the care network, thus violating the right to health of this segment.

Analisou-se, a partir das dimensões disponibilidade-acomodação e adequação, o acesso das Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD) aos serviços de atenção especializada. Trata-se de estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa com triangulação de fontes a partir de pesquisa documental, dados dos Sistemas de Informações em Saúde e entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores, profissionais de saúde e PcD. Observou-se a ampliação de serviços de reabilitação no Recife, embora não tenha sido possível analisar a capacidade de produção de tais serviços. Os achados apontam para a existência de barreiras arquitetônicas e urbanísticas e insuficiência de recursos nos serviços estudados. Ademais, há um longo tempo de espera para atenção especializada e um difícil acesso às tecnologias assistivas. Pôde-se observar ainda que os profissionais têm baixa qualificação para atender às necessidades das PcD e não se tem instituído um processo de educação permanente para os trabalhadores dos diversos níveis de complexidade. Conclui-se que a instituição da Politica Municipal de Atenção Integral à Saúde da PcD não foi suficiente para garantir o acesso aos serviços de saúde com continuidade do cuidado, considerando a permanência da fragmentação da rede de atenção, ferindo, assim, o direito à saúde deste segmento.

The economic burden of congenital Zika Syndrome in Brazil: an overview at 5 years and 10 years.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to estimate the economic burden of children with congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in Brazil over 5-10 years. METHODS: We conducted a modelling study based on data collected in a case-control study in Brazil, including children with CZS (cases) and typically developing children (controls), born in 2015 and 2016. In total, 484 participants were recruited in two sites, Recife and Rio de Janeiro. Social and economic information was collected in a survey from the carers of cases and controls, and detailed healthcare utilisation was recorded for each child in the Rio de Janeiro cohort prospectively in a database. We used this information to estimate the cost per child with severe, moderate and no CZS and incremental cost per child with severe and moderate versus no CZS from a disaggregated societal perspective. These estimates were incorporated into an economic burden model to estimate the incremental burden of the CZS epidemic in Brazil over 5 years and 10 years. FINDINGS: The societal cost per child with severe CZS was US$50 523 to 10 years of age (born in 2015 and 2016), substantially higher than the costs for moderate CZS (US$29 283) and without CZS (US$12 331). The incremental economic burden of severe versus no CZS in Brazil over 10 years was US$69.4 million from the household and US$129.0 million from the government perspective. For moderate CZS, these figures amounted to US$204.1 million and US$86.6 million. Over 10 years, 97% of the total societal economic cost of severe CZS is borne by the government, but only 46% for moderate CZS. INTERPRETATION: The economic burden of CZS is high at the household, provider and government levels. The compensatory government payments helped to alleviate some of the additional costs incurred by families with a child qualifying for the disability benefits, and could be scaled to include the children with moderate CZS.

The National Health Policy for people with disabilities in Brazil: an analysis of the content, context and the performance of social actors.

The purpose of this article is to analyse the circumstances in which the National Health Policy for Persons with Disabilities (PNSPCD) came into place in 2002 and the factors supporting or impeding its implementation from 2002 to 2018. The analysis was based on the Comprehensive Policy Analysis Model proposed by Walt and Gilson and focussed on understanding the context, process, content and actors involved in the formulation and implementation of the Policy. Data were obtained from two sources: document analysis of the key relevant documents and seven key informant interviews. Content analysis was undertaken using the Condensation of Meanings technique. The research demonstrates that the development and implementation of PNSPCD is marked by advances and retreats, determined, above all, by national and international macro-political decisions. The policy was formulated during Fernando Henrique's governments, under pressure from social movements and the international agenda and constituted a breakthrough for the rights of persons with disabilities. However, progress on implementation only took place under subsequent centre-left governments with the establishment of a care network for people with disabilities and a defined specific budget. These developments resulted from the mobilization of social movements, the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the adherence of these governments to the human rights agenda. The coming to power of ultra-right governments triggered fiscal austerity, a setback in the implementation of the care network and a weakening in the content of various social policies related to the care of people with disabilities. During this era, the political approach changed, with the attempt to evade the role of the State, and the perspective of guaranteeing social rights. Undoubtedly, the neoliberal offensive on social policies, especially the Unified Health System, is the main obstacle to the effective implementation of the PNPCD in Brazil.

Health Care for People with Disabilities in the Unified Health System in Brazil: A Scoping Review.

People with disabilities have greater need for healthcare on average, but often face barriers when accessing these services. The Brazilian government launched the National Health Policy for People with Disabilities (PNSPD) in 2002 to address this inequality. PNSPD has six areas of focus: quality of life, impairment prevention, comprehensive health care, organization and functioning of health services, information mechanisms, and training of human resources. The aim of this article was to undertake a scoping review to assess the evidence on the experience of people with disabilities in Brazil with respect to the six themes of the PNSPD. The scoping review included articles published between 2002 and 2019, from four electronic databases: PUBMED/MEDLINE, LILACS, Science Direct, and Scielo. In total, 8076 articles were identified, and after review of titles, abstracts, and full texts by two independent reviewers, 98 were deemed eligible for inclusion. The evidence was relatively limited in availability and scope. However, it consistently showed large gaps in delivery of healthcare to people with disabilities across the six dimensions considered. There was lack of actions aimed at promoting quality of life; insufficient professional training about disability; little evidence on the health profile of people with disabilities; large gaps in the availability of care due to widespread physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers; and poor distribution of the supply and integration of services. In conclusion, the policy framework in Brazil is supportive of the inclusion of people with disabilities in health services; however, large inequalities remain due to poor implementation of the policy into practice.

[Racial disparities: an analysis of obstetrical violence among Afro-Brazilian women]. / Disparidades raciais: uma análise da violência obstétrica em mulheres negras.

The objective was to understand and analyze the experiences of Afro-Brazilian women regarding pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. It involves empirical research, with a qualitative approach. Women were interviewed who declared themselves black or colored and were attended in the public health services in the municipalities of the State of Pernambuco. The narratives were collected through semi-structured interviews. The Content Analysis technique was used. The narratives addressed the issues of obstetric violence and institutional racism. The intersection of levels of oppression such as race, class and gender are determinant in interventions and abusive practices in the helathcare that involves childbirth. The conclusion drawn is that structural racism hinders and denies access to black women to their reproductive rights.

Objetivou-se compreender e analisar as vivências de mulheres negras acerca dos cuidados na gestação, no parto e no pós-parto. Trata-se de uma pesquisa empírica, de abordagem qualitativa. Foram entrevistadas mulheres que se autodeclaram negras ou pretas e que passaram pelos serviços públicos de saúde nos municípios de Pernambuco. As narrativas foram coletadas por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. As narrativas discorrem sobre os temas da violência obstétrica e do racismo institucional. A interseção de eixos de opressão, como raça, classe e gênero, são determinantes nas intervenções e práticas abusivas na atenção que envolve o parto. Conclui-se que o racismo estrutural dificulta e nega o acesso das mulheres negras aos seus direitos reprodutivos.

The right to health in the territory: service users' perceptions of Primary Health Care. / O direito à saúde no território: o olhar dos usuários para Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Primary health care is an essential component of effective health systems. The aim of this study aim was to evaluate the quality of primary care in a city in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. We conducted an exploratory study with 525 service users using structured questionnaires. The quality of primary care was assessed across five dimensions: accessibility, clinical care, professional-user relations, community activities and structure. The findings point to the perpetuation of social vulnerabilities and challenges in achieving equitable universal care. Dissatisfaction rates were highest in the following categories: access to specialist appointments and exams, appointment wait time, and opportunity to make complaints. However, respondents were satisfied with medical and nursing care, particularly in relation to respect, privacy, listening and confidentiality. The findings show that, although health professionals were committed to providing humanized care, fragmentation of care is evident, hampering the provision of adequate and timely follow-up and negatively affecting the quality of care.

A Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) é considerada imprescindível para a efetividade dos sistemas de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da assistência prestada na APS em um município de Pernambuco. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório através da escuta a 525 usuários utilizando questionários estruturados. A avaliação da qualidade considerou as dimensões: acessibilidade, assistência clínica, relação profissional-usuário, atividades comunitárias e estrutura. Os resultados apontam para um contexto de perpetuação das vulnerabilidades sociais e o desafio em alcançar um atendimento equitativo e universal. Os principais aspectos de insatisfação foram: dificuldade de acesso a consultas e exames especializados, tempo de espera para atendimento e possibilidade de apresentar reclamações. Por outro lado, os entrevistados apresentaram-se satisfeitos com o atendimento médico e de enfermagem, principalmente quanto ao respeito, privacidade, escuta e confidencialidade. Verificou-se que apesar dos profissionais de saúde se empenharem na prestação de um atendimento humanizado, foi evidente a fragmentação do cuidado na rede estudada, o que dificulta o seguimento adequado e oportuno ao paciente, refletindo negativamente na qualidade da assistência prestada.

The promise and pitfalls of social science research in an emergency: lessons from studying the Zika epidemic in Brazil, 2015-2016.

Social science generates evidence necessary to control epidemics. It can help to craft appropriate public health responses, develop solutions to the epidemic impacts and improve understanding of why the epidemic occurred. Yet, there are practical constraints in undertaking this international research in a way that produces quality, ethical and appropriate data, and that values all voices and experiences, especially those of local researchers and research participants. In this paper, we reflected on the experience of undertaking social science research during the 2015/2016 Zika epidemic in Brazil. This experience was considered from the perspective of this paper's authors: three Brazilian academics, two UK academics and two mothers of children affected by congenital Zika syndrome. This group came together through the conduct of the Social and Economic Impact of Zika study, a mixed-methods social science study. The key findings highlight practical issues in the achievement of three goals: the conduct of high-quality social science in emergencies and efforts towards the decolonisation of global health in terms of levelling the power between Brazilian and UK researchers and optimising the role of patients within research. From our perspective, the information collected through social science was valuable, providing detailed insight into the programmatic needs of mothers and their affected children (eg, economic and social support and mental health services). Social science was considered a low priority within the Zika epidemic despite its potential importance. There were logistical challenges in conducting social science research, foremost of which are the difficulties in developing a trusting and balanced power relationship between the UK and Brazilian researchers in a short time frame. When these issues were overcome, each partner brought unique qualities, making the research stronger. The mothers of affected children expressed dissatisfaction with research, as they were involved in many studies which were not coordinated, and from which they did not see a benefit. In conclusion, the importance of social science in epidemics must continue to be promoted by funders. Funders can also set in place mechanisms to help equalise the power dynamics between foreign and local researchers, researchers and participants, both to promote justice and to create best quality data.

Hope and trust in times of Zika: the views of caregivers and healthcare workers at the forefront of the epidemic in Brazil.

This article investigates how hope and trust played out for two groups at the forefront of the Zika epidemic: caregivers of children with congenital Zika syndrome and healthcare workers. We conducted 76 in-depth interviews with members of both groups to examine hope and trust in clinical settings, as well as trust in public institutions, in the health system and in the government of Brazil. During and after the Zika epidemic, hope and trust were important to manage uncertainty and risk, given the lack of scientific evidence about the neurological consequences of Zika virus infection. The capacity of healthcare workers and caregivers to trust and to co-create hope seems to have allowed relationships to develop that cushioned social impacts, reinforced adherence to therapeutics and enabled information flow. Hope facilitated parents to trust healthcare workers and interventions. Hope and trust appeared to be central in the establishment of support networks for caregivers. At the same time, mistrust in the government and state institutions may have allowed rumours and alternative explanations about Zika to spread. It may also have strengthened activism in mother's associations, which seemed to have both positive and negative implications for healthcare service delivery. The findings also point to distrust in international health actors and global health agenda, which can impact community engagement in future outbreak responses in Brazil and other countries in Latin America.

The association of depression, anxiety, and stress with caring for a child with Congenital Zika Syndrome in Brazil; Results of a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy can cause microcephaly and a wide spectrum of severe adverse outcomes, collectively called "Congenital Zika Syndrome" (CZS). Parenting a child with disabilities can have adverse mental health impacts, but these associations have not been fully explored in the context of CZS in Brazil. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Recife and Rio de Janeiro, including 163 caregivers of a child with CZS (cases) and 324 caregivers with an unaffected child (comparison subjects), identified from existing studies. The primary caregiver, almost always the mother, was interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect information on: depression, anxiety, and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-DASS-21), social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale-MOS-SSS), and socio-demographic data. Data was collected May 2017-January 2018. Ethical standards were adhered to throughout the research. A high proportion of mothers reported experiencing severe or extremely severe levels of depression (18%), anxiety (27%) and stress (36%). Mothers of children with CZS were more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety andstress, compared to mothers of comparison children. These associations were more apparent among mothers living in Rio de Janeiro. These differences were reduced after adjustment for socio-economic status and social support. Among mothers of children with CZS, low social support was linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, but there was no association with socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Depression, anxiety and stress were very common among mothers of young children in Brazil, regardless of whether they were parenting a child with disabilities. Mothers of children with CZS may be particularly vulnerable to poor mental health, and this association may be buffered through better social support.

O acesso das pessoas com deficiência aos serviços de saúde: a percepção de profissionais e gestores da atenção primária à saúde / Access to health services for people with disabilities: the perspective of primary health care providers and managers

Resumo Este artigo aborda o acesso das pessoas com deficiência às ações e serviços de saúde a partir da percepção de profissionais e gestores de unidades da atenção primária de três cidades do país, considerando as dimensões "Disponibilidade e acomodação" e "Adequação". Trata-se de um estudo de caso, que entrevistou 16 profissionais e gestores de unidades de atenção primária nas cidades de Brasília (DF), Arcoverde (PE) e Santos (SP). Na dimensão da Disponibilidade e acomodação, observaram-se barreiras arquitetônicas e urbanísticas, escassez na oferta de serviços, concentração geográfica dos equipamentos sociais e dificuldade de coordenação do cuidado. Na dimensão Adequação, percebeu-se uma ausência institucional de formação, o que contribui para dificuldade de interlocução entre os profissionais de saúde e as pessoas com deficiência. Além disso, os entrevistados apontam para a fragilidade na comunicação entre os serviços de saúde que compõem a rede de atenção. Por outro lado, a postura dos profissionais e o vínculo construído com as pessoas com deficiência se apresentaram como facilitadores do acesso. Esperava-se que os espaços mais desenvolvidos apresentassem mais possibilidades de acesso, mas seja na capital do país, na região mais rica do Brasil ou no sertão nordestino, essa é ainda uma luta que precisa resistir.

Abstract This study describes findings from a case study conducted on access to healthcare for people with disabilities based on the perspective of primary care unit professionals and managers in three Brazilian municipalities, considering the dimensions of Availability and Accommodation and Appropriateness. A total of 16 primary care unit healthcare providers and managers were interviewed in Brasília - Federal District, Arcoverde - Pernambuco, and Santos - São Paulo. The Availability and Accommodation dimension showed architectural and urban barriers, lack of healthcare services, geographical concentration of infrastructure, and difficulty coordinating care. The Appropriateness dimension evinced a lack of healthcare provider training, which contributes to communication barriers between healthcare providers and people with disabilities. Interviewees also pointed to a fragile link between the health services that make up the care network. On the other hand, participants deemed professionals' attitude and the bond built with people with disabilities as facilitators to accessing care. It was expected that the more developed areas within Brazil would have less barriers to access. However, this study showed challenges to accessing health in all settings, including the richest region of Brazil, its poorest region (the Northeast), and its capital.

Para além do Racismo Institucional? Uma análise do conteúdo da Política de Saúde para a População Negra / Beyond Institutional Racism? An analysis of the content of the Black Population Health Policy

Resumo O conceito de Racismo Institucional (RI) ganha ênfase ao final dos anos 1990 e nos anos 2000, tornando-se assim um dos termos centrais na discussão sobre o racismo e a Saúde da População Negra. No Brasil, esta categoria influencia hegemonicamente a compreensão do racismo nos estudos e debates na saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a incorporação do conceito de RI no Brasil, no âmbito de implementação da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra. O presente estudo caracterizou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa e como um estudo de caso. Foram analisados documentos governamentais do Ministério da Saúde e do Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica. Embora o ingresso formal da discussão sobre o RI na agenda de políticas públicas no início do século XXI represente uma grande conquista, apreender isoladamente este fato leva à desconsideração da interação dialética entre as formas individuais, institucionais e estruturais no desumanizante processo de racialização. Assim, o combate ao RI depende da capacidade de enfrentamento aos motivos que levam as instituições a reproduzirem o racismo e suas consequências no acesso à moradia, ao trabalho, à educação e consequentemente, a serviços e ações de saúde.

Abstract The concept of Institutional Racism (IR) gained emphasis in the late 1990s and the 2000s. It became one of the central terms in the discussion on racism and the Black Population Health. In Brazil, this category hegemonically influences the understanding of racism in health studies and debates. This qualitative case study paper analyzes the incorporation of the IR concept in Brazil in implementing the National Comprehensive Health Policy for the Black Population. Government documents from the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Applied Economic Research were analyzed. Although the formal inclusion of the discussion about IR in the public policy agenda in the early 21st century is a great achievement, apprehending this fact in isolation disregards the dialectical interaction between individual, institutional, and structural forms in the racialization dehumanizing process. Thus, combating IR depends on facing the reasons that lead institutions to reproduce racism and its consequences on access to housing, work, education, and health services and actions.

Síndrome congênita do zika e impactos para as famílias: uma revisão integrativa / Congenital zika syndrome and family impacts: an integrative review

Resumo Em 2015, um espectro de anomalias congênitas, incluindo microcefalia, acometeu recém-nascidos como resultado da transmissão vertical pelo vírus zika, posteriormente denominada síndrome congênita do zika (SCZ). Desde então, cerca de 4 mil crianças foram afetadas em 27 países, sendo o Brasil o mais atingido. Cuidadores familiares também têm sido impactados. Esse estudo analisa publicações científicas que investigam as maneiras como a doença afetou as dinâmicas de vida de cuidadores familiares de crianças com SCZ. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de literatura consultando as bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Embase. Após as etapas de triagem, foram identificados 31 artigos. Os principais resultados foram agrupados em quatro categorias: a) impactos sociais que evidenciaram mudanças nas relações familiares, nos projetos de vida e no convívio social; b) impactos subjetivos - sentimentos de resiliência, solidão, luto, sobrecarga, medo, incerteza e relação com a espiritualidade; c) impactos econômicos e materiais - perda de renda, aumento de despesas, mudança de moradia e desemprego e d) impactos na saúde - despreparo dos serviços, renúncia do cuidado de si, modificações dos padrões nutricionais e de sono, repercussão para a saúde mental e níveis de estresse, ansiedade e depressão.

Abstract In 2015, a range of congenital anomalies resulting from mother-to-child transmission of the zika virus emerged. Later called congenital zika syndrome (CZS), the condition includes microcephaly. Since then, around 4,000 children have been affected in 27 countries, with Brazil accounting for the largest proportion of cases. Family caregivers have also been affected. This study analyzes the literature on caregivers of children with CZS and how the disease has affected their everyday lives. We conducted an integrative review using the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Embase databases. Thirty-one articles were identified for analysis after screening. The findings were grouped into four categories: a) social impacts - changes in family relationships, life projects, and social life; b) subjective impacts - feelings of resilience, loneliness, grief, overburdening, fear, uncertainty, and spirituality and religion; c) economic and material impacts - loss of income, increased household expenses, change of residence, and unemployment; and d) health impacts - service unpreparedness, selflessness, self-care, changes in nutritional and sleep patterns, and mental health problems, including stress, anxiety and depression.

O estreito acesso das Pessoas com Deficiência aos serviços de saúde em uma capital nordestina / The limited access of People with Disabilities to health services in a northeastern capital

Resumo Analisou-se, a partir das dimensões disponibilidade-acomodação e adequação, o acesso das Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD) aos serviços de atenção especializada. Trata-se de estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa com triangulação de fontes a partir de pesquisa documental, dados dos Sistemas de Informações em Saúde e entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores, profissionais de saúde e PcD. Observou-se a ampliação de serviços de reabilitação no Recife, embora não tenha sido possível analisar a capacidade de produção de tais serviços. Os achados apontam para a existência de barreiras arquitetônicas e urbanísticas e insuficiência de recursos nos serviços estudados. Ademais, há um longo tempo de espera para atenção especializada e um difícil acesso às tecnologias assistivas. Pôde-se observar ainda que os profissionais têm baixa qualificação para atender às necessidades das PcD e não se tem instituído um processo de educação permanente para os trabalhadores dos diversos níveis de complexidade. Conclui-se que a instituição da Politica Municipal de Atenção Integral à Saúde da PcD não foi suficiente para garantir o acesso aos serviços de saúde com continuidade do cuidado, considerando a permanência da fragmentação da rede de atenção, ferindo, assim, o direito à saúde deste segmento.

Abstract The access of People with Disabilities (PwD) to specialized care services was analyzed on the basis of the availability-accommodation and adequacy dimensions. This is a case study with a qualitative approach and triangulation of sources based on documentary research, data from the Health Information Systems and semi-structured interviews with managers, health professionals and PwD. There was an expansion of rehabilitation services in Recife, although it was not possible to analyze the production capacity of such services. The findings point to the existence of architectural and urban barriers and insufficient resources in the services studied. Furthermore, there is a long waiting time for specialized care and difficult access to assistive technologies. It was also observed that professionals have low qualifications to meet the needs of PwD and a process of permanent education in different levels of complexity has not been instituted for workers. The conclusion drawn is that the institution of the Municipal Policy of Comprehensive Health Care for the PwD was insufficient to guarantee access to health services with continuity of care, considering the permanence of the fragmentation of the care network, thus violating the right to health of this segment.

Breast cancer and covid-19: reduction in diagnosis and treatment in a Hospital Unit in Pernambuco / Câncer de mama e covid-19: redução no diagnóstico e tratamento em uma Unidade Hospitalar de Pernambuco

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Method: cross-sectional study, based on secondary data from consultations with a mastologist, ultrasound, mammogram, biopsies, new cases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, carried out in women for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, from January to December of the years 2019 to 2021. Results: the covid-19 pandemic reduced consultations with mastology (46.3%), ultrasounds (34.8%), mammogram (41.5%), biopsy (49.6%), new cases 45.7 % and surgery 34.6% in 2020 compared to 2019. On the other hand, with the exception of consultations with a mastologist and surgeries, all services where a significant reduction was observed in 2020, increased significantly in 2021 and returned to the same level of production in the pre-pandemic period. The pandemic did not negatively affect the supply of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusions: the findings of this study indicate negative impacts on breast cancer care, due to covid-19, during the first year of the pandemic, especially in consultations with a mastologist and surgery, which continued with low production in 2021. It is reasonable to assume that the reduction observed in procedures may reflect an increase in late diagnoses and a higher mortality rate in the coming years

Resumo Objetivos: analisar o impacto da pandemia da covid-19 nos atendimentos para rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama em Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal, com base em dados secundários de consultas com mastologista, ultrassonografia, mamografia, biópsias, casos novos, quimioterapia, radioterapia e cirurgia, realizadas em mulheres para o rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama, de janeiro a dezembro dos anos 2019 a 2021. Resultados: a pandemia da covid-19 reduziu as consultas com a mastologia (46,3%), ultrassonografias (34,8%), mamografia (41,5%), biópsia (49,6%), casos novos 45,7% e cirurgia 34,6% no ano de 2020 em relação ao ano de 2019. Por outro lado, com exceção das consultas com mastologista e cirurgias, todos os serviços onde se observou redução significativa em 2020, aumentaram significativamente em 2021 e voltaram ao patamar de produção do período pré-pandemia. A pandemia não afetou negativamente a oferta de quimioterapia e radioterapia. Conclusões: os achados deste estudo apontam impactos negativos na atenção ao câncer de mama, em decorrência da covid-19, durante o primeiro ano da pandemia, sobretudo nas consultas com mastologista e cirurgia, que continuaram com baixa produção em 2021. É razoável supor que a redução constatada nos procedimentos poderá refletir em um aumento de diagnósticos tardios e maior taxa de mortalidades nos próximos anos.

Social and economic impacts of congenital Zika syndrome in Brazil: Study protocol and rationale for a mixed-methods study.

Global concern broke out in late 2015 as thousands of children in Brazil were born with microcephaly, which was quickly linked to congenital infection with Zika virus (ZIKV). ZIKV is now known to cause a wider spectrum of severe adverse outcomes-congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-and also milder impairments. This study aimed to explore the social and economic impacts of CZS in Brazil. Data was collected through mixed methods across two settings: Recife City and Jaboatão dos Guararapes in Pernambuco State (the epicentre of the epidemic), and the city of Rio de Janeiro (where reports of ZIKV infection and CZS were less frequent). Data was collected May 2017-January 2018. Ethical standards were adhered to throughout the research. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with: mothers and other carers of children with CZS (approximately 30 per setting), pregnant women (10-12 per setting), men and women of child-bearing age (16-20 per setting), and health professionals (10-12 per setting). Thematic analysis was undertaken independently by researchers from at least two research settings, and these were shared for feedback. A case-control study was undertaken to quantitatively explore social and economic differences between caregivers of a child with CZS (cases) and caregivers with an unaffected child (controls). We aimed to recruit 100 cases and 100 controls per setting, from existing studies. The primary caregiver, usually the mother, was interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect information on: depression, anxiety, stress, social support, family quality of life, health care and social service use, and costs incurred by families. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to compare outcomes for cases and controls. Costs incurred as a result of CZS were estimated from the perspective of the health system, families and society. Modelling was undertaken to estimate the total economic burden of CZS from those three perspectives.

Disparidades raciais: uma análise da violência obstétrica em mulheres negras / Racial disparities: an analysis of obstetrical violence among Afro-Brazilian women

Resumo Objetivou-se compreender e analisar as vivências de mulheres negras acerca dos cuidados na gestação, no parto e no pós-parto. Trata-se de uma pesquisa empírica, de abordagem qualitativa. Foram entrevistadas mulheres que se autodeclaram negras ou pretas e que passaram pelos serviços públicos de saúde nos municípios de Pernambuco. As narrativas foram coletadas por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. As narrativas discorrem sobre os temas da violência obstétrica e do racismo institucional. A interseção de eixos de opressão, como raça, classe e gênero, são determinantes nas intervenções e práticas abusivas na atenção que envolve o parto. Conclui-se que o racismo estrutural dificulta e nega o acesso das mulheres negras aos seus direitos reprodutivos.

Abstract The objective was to understand and analyze the experiences of Afro-Brazilian women regarding pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. It involves empirical research, with a qualitative approach. Women were interviewed who declared themselves black or colored and were attended in the public health services in the municipalities of the State of Pernambuco. The narratives were collected through semi-structured interviews. The Content Analysis technique was used. The narratives addressed the issues of obstetric violence and institutional racism. The intersection of levels of oppression such as race, class and gender are determinant in interventions and abusive practices in the helathcare that involves childbirth. The conclusion drawn is that structural racism hinders and denies access to black women to their reproductive rights.

"O escuro das cores, na pele afrodescendente, herdeira das dores": dimensões do racismo no contexto de assistência ao parto / "The dark of colors, in the afro-descendant skin, heir of pain": dimensions of racism in the context of childbirth care

Resumo Partindo de uma pesquisa mais ampla sobre as vivências de mulheres negras na assistência ao período gestacional e parto, este artigo aborda alguns aspectos do racismo na rotina de atenção à mulher negra durante este ciclo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa empírica de abordagem qualitativa com mulheres e mães que se autodeclaram negras e antirracistas. Nas narrativas, os pontos apresentados envolviam, na sua maioria, estereótipos associados ao corpo negro construídos sob um imaginário social racista. Nas relações interpessoais, discursos permeados por estereótipos racistas desumanizam a mulher negra, gerando barreiras na sua saúde reprodutiva.

Abstract Starting from a broader research on the experiences of black women in assisting the gestational period and childbirth, this article addresses some aspects of racism in the routine of care for black women during this cycle. This is an empirical research with a qualitative approach with women and mothers who declare themselves black and anti-racist. In the narratives, the points presented involved, for the most part, stereotypes associated with the black body constructed under a racist social imaginary. In interpersonal relationships, speeches permeated by racist stereotypes dehumanize black women, creating barriers in their reproductive health.