Nurturing care indicators for the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Municipal Index (IMAPI).

The Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) calls for establishing a global monitoring and accountability systems for early childhood development (ECD). Major gaps to build low-cost and large-scale ECD monitoring systems at the local level remain. In this manuscript, we describe the process of selecting nurturing care indicators at the municipal level from existing routine information systems to develop the Brazilian Early Childhood Friendly Index (IMAPI). Three methodological steps developed through a participatory decision-making process were followed. First, a literature review identified potential indicators to translate the NCF domains. Four technical panels composed of stakeholders from federal, state and municipal levels were consulted to identify data sources, their availability at the municipal level and the strengths and weakness of each potential indicator. Second, national and international ECD experts participated in two surveys to score, following a SMART approach, the expected performance of each nurturing care indicator. This information was used to develop analytical weights for each indicator. Third, informed by strengths and weaknesses pointed out in the previous steps, the IMAPI team reached consensus on 31 nurturing care indicators across the five NCF domains (Good health [n = 14], Adequate nutrition [4], Responsive caregiving [1], Opportunities for early learning [7] and Security and safety [4]). IMAPI represents the first attempt to select nurturing care indicators at the municipal level using data from existing routine information systems.

Sociodemographic inequities in nurturing care for early childhood development across Brazilian municipalities.

Providing an enabling nurturing care environment for early childhood development (ECD) that cuts across the five domains of the Nurturing Care Framework (i.e., good health, adequate nutrition, opportunities for early learning, security and safety and responsive caregiving) has become a global priority. Brazil is home to approximately 18.5 million children under 5 years of age, of which 13% are at risk of poor development due to socio-economic inequalities. We explored whether the Early Childhood Friendly Municipal Index (IMAPI) can detect inequities in nurturing care ECD environments across the 5570 Brazilian municipalities. We examined the validity of the IMAPI scores and conducted descriptive analyses for assessing sociodemographic inequities by nurturing care domains and between and within regions. The strong correlations between school achievement (positive) and socially vulnerable children (negative) confirmed the IMAPI as a multidimensional nurturing care indicator. Low IMAPI scores were more frequent in the North (72.7%) and Northeast (63.3%) regions and in small (47.7%) and medium (43.3%) size municipalities. Conversely, high IMAPI scores were more frequent in the more prosperous South (52.9%) and Southeast (41.2%) regions and in metropolitan areas (41.2%). The security and safety domain had the lowest mean differences (MDs) among Brazilian regions (MD = 5) and population size (MD = 3). Between-region analyses confirmed inequities between the North/Northeast and South/Southeast. The biggest within-region inequity gaps were found in the Northeast (from -22 to 15) and the North (-21 to 19). The IMAPI distinguished the nurturing care ECD environments across Brazilian municipalities and can inform equitable and intersectoral multilevel decision making.

Maternal mental health modifies the association of food insecurity and early child development.

We examined the association between household food insecurity and early child development and whether or not maternal depression and anxiety modifies this association. The cross-sectional study included 468 mother-infant pairs recruited at primary health centers of the Federal District, Brazil. Mothers answered a questionnaire that evaluated early child development (outcome), household food insecurity (independent variable), maternal depression and trait anxiety (effect modifiers). Variables were collected with validated questionnaires for the Brazilian population. Pearson's χ2 test and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Infants who lived in a moderate or severe food insecure household had 2.52 times (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.13, 5.65]) the odds of having early child development delays compared with infants in secure households. Maternal depression and anxiety modified the strength of association between household food insecurity and early child development, which is an innovative finding. Among infants with depressed mothers, those experiencing mild (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.33, 95% CI [1.17, 9.46]) and moderate/severe household food insecurity (aOR 10.13, 95% CI [2.18, 47.10]) had higher odds of having early child development delays, compared with infants in food secure households. Among infants with both anxious and depressed mothers, these associations were even stronger for mild (aOR 4.69, 95% CI [1.41, 15.59]) and moderate/severe household food insecurity (aOR 16.07, 95% CI [2.70, 95.66]). In conclusion, household food insecurity is a risk factor for early child development delays, and this association is modified by maternal depression and anxiety. Future studies should evaluate the impact of intervention packages that address maternal depression and anxiety and household food insecurity on preventing early child development delays.

Pacifier use and interruption of exclusive breastfeeding: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Identifying modifiable risk factor for exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) interruption is key for improving child health globally. There is no consensus about the effect of pacifier use on EBF interruption. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate the association between pacifier use and EBF interruption during the first six month. A search of CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and Medline; from inception through 30 December 2014 without restriction of language yielded 1,866 publications (PROSPERO protocol CRD42014014527). Predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria peer reviewed yielded 46 studies: two clinical trials, 20 longitudinal, and 24 cross-sectional studies. Meta-analysis was performed and meta-regression explored heterogeneity across studies. The pooled effect of the association between pacifier use and EBF interruption was 2.48 OR (95% CI = 2.16-2.85). Heterogeneity was explained by the study design (40.2%), followed by differences in the measurement and categorization of pacifier use, the methodological quality of the studies and the socio-economic context. Two RCT's with very limited external validity found a null association, but 44 observational studies, including 20 prospective cohort studies, did find a consistent association between pacifier use and risk of EBF interruption (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.78-2.93). Our findings support the current WHO recommendation on pacifier use as it focuses on the risk of poor breastfeeding outcomes as a result of pacifier use. Future studies that take into account the risks and benefits of pacifier use are needed to clarify this recommendation.

Proposal of indicators to evaluate complementary feeding based on World Health Organization indicators.

This study compares complementary feeding World Health Organization (WHO) indicators with those built in accordance with Brazilian recommendations (Ten Steps to Healthy Feeding). A cross-sectional study was carried out during the National Immunization Campaign against Poliomyelitis in Guarapuava-Paraná, Brazil, in 2012. Feeding data from 1,355 children aged 6-23 months were obtained through the 24 h diet recall. Based on five indicators, the proportion of adequacy was evaluated: introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods; minimum dietary diversity; meal frequency; acceptable diet; and consumption of iron-rich foods. Complementary feeding showed adequacy higher than 85% in most WHO indicators, while review by the Ten Steps assessment method showed a less favorable circumstance and a high intake of unhealthy foods. WHO indicators may not reflect the complementary feeding conditions of children in countries with low malnutrition rates and an increased prevalence of overweight/obesity. The use of indicators according to the Ten Steps can be useful to identify problems and redirect actions aimed at promoting complementary feeding.

The consumption of unhealthy foods by Brazilian children is influenced by their mother's educational level.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the consumption of unhealthy foods in children under one year and the education level of the mothers, data obtained from participants of the II Survey on the prevalence of breastfeeding in the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District in 2008 was analyzed. METHODS: During the second stage of the campaign for multi-vaccination, a questionnaire on food consumption in the last 24 hours was given to mothers or guardians of children under one year old. We analyzed the consumption of unhealthy foods according to age group, maternal education, region of residence and breastfeeding status. The state capitals and the Federal District were grouped according to the five macro-regions of the country (North, Northeast, Southeast, South and West). Processed juice, soda, coffee, cookies/salted snacks and sugar and/or honey were defined as unhealthy foods. Prevalence ratios (RP) for the association between the consumption of unhealthy foods and maternal education were estimated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The study included 34,366 children. The consumption of sweet foods started early and was predominant until the age of six months; after this age, the consumption of biscuits and/or snacks became more prevalent. The consumption of these foods also differs in relation to the macro-region of residence. Consumption of unhealthy foods was higher among mothers with lower education levels. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of unhealthy foods by Brazilian children under one year old was high, indicating a need for developing effective strategies to combat the consumption of unhealthy foods in Brazilian children as a way of preventing obesity and other future disorders.

Scaling up a home-visiting program for child development in Brazil: a comparative case studies analysis.

Background: In 2016, Brazil scaled up the Criança Feliz Program (PCF, from the acronym in Portuguese), making it one of the largest Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs worldwide. However, the PCF has not been able to achieve its intended impact. We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to achieving the PCF implementation outcomes across the RE-AIM dimensions (Reach, Effectiveness or Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This comparative case study analysis selected five contrasting municipalities based on population size, region of the country, implementation model, and length of time implementing the PCF. We conducted 244 interviews with PCF municipal team (municipal managers, supervisors, home visitors), families, and cross-sectoral professionals. A rapid qualitative analysis was used to identify themes across RE-AIM dimensions. Findings: Families' limited knowledge and trust in PCF goals were a barrier to its reach. While the perceived benefit of PCF on parenting skills and ECD enabled reach, the lack of referral protocols to address social needs, such as connecting food-insecure families to food resources, undermined effectiveness. Questions about whether the social assistance sector should be in charge of PCF challenged its adoption. Implementation barriers exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic included low salaries, temporary contracts, high turnover, infrequent supervision, lack of an effective monitoring system, and nonexistence or non-functioning multisectoral committees. The absence of institutionalized funding was a challenge for sustainability. Interpretation: Complex intertwined system-level barriers may explain the unsuccessful implementation of PCF. These barriers must be addressed for Brazil to benefit from the enormous reach of the PCF and the evidence-based nurturing care principles it is based upon. Funding: NIH/NICHD.

Implementation of strategies and programs for breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and malnutrition of young children in Brazil: advances and challenges.

Malnutrition in all its forms has risen on global agendas due to the recognition of its magnitude and consequences for a wide range of human, social, and economic outcomes. Implementing strategies and programs with the needed scale and quality is a major challenge. The Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) pointed out several advances but numerous challenges. In this paper, we reflect on the implementation progress of breastfeeding, complementary feeding and young children malnutrition strategies and programs in Brazil and how existing challenges can be overcome through the lens of implementation science. First, we present a brief history of such programs. Second, we selected two breastfeeding initiatives to illustrate and reflect on common implementation challenges. In these case studies, we used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework to analyze the implementation and scaling up barriers and facilitators. We found common barriers related to unclear goals about the reach of programs, challenges in assessing effectiveness and fidelity/quality during the real-world implementation, discontinuation or lack of funding, and lack of monitoring and evaluation impacting the sustainability of programs. We also discuss the use of implementation science to achieve adequate nutrition by 2030 and present critical elements for successful scale implementation of nutrition programs based on global evidence. Despite the investment to implement different actions aimed at facing infant feeding and malnutrition, high-quality implementation research must become a priority to catalyze progress in Brazil.

Correction: Moura et al. Implementation of the Strategy for Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding in the Federal District in Brazil. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 5003.

The authors would like to make the following corrections to this paper [...].

Studies on the Child Handbook in Brazil: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and map studies involving the Caderneta da Criança (Child Handbook - CH) in Brazil. METHODS: A scoping review using the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The databases PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, Periódicos Capes and Google Scholar were consulted. Primary and secondary studies that mentioned the use of CH were included, without restrictions regarding design, year of publication or population, published in Portuguese, English or Spanish and gray literature (theses and dissertations). RESULTS: A total of 129 studies were included, mostly descriptive, published as scientific papers. The Northeast region, the population of caregivers of children and the Primary Care scenario were observed in most studies; 47% of the studies used the CH as a source of data, the majority on vaccination. Despite the different criteria to define adequacy of completing the CH, the studies identified weaknesses in filling out all of its items, except for immunization. The utilization and/or completion of the CH were linked to various factors, including the availability of the CH, characteristics of the children (such as sex, age, prematurity and well-child appointments), attributes of the family members and caregivers (such as age, education, income, parity, work status, prenatal care, reading, note-taking and bringing CH to appointments) and features of the professionals (such as workplace, medical specialty, communication style, knowledge about the CH, requesting, guiding and note-taking). CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the need to better understand which factors affect the distribution of the CH in the population, as well as pointing to the need for understanding its use and completion by the different care points. The need for intervention studies to improve the implementation of this tool and to include training on the use of the CH in the context of continuing health education becomes evident.

Promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding at work, and achieving sustainable development: a scoping review. / Promoção, proteção e apoio à amamentação no trabalho e o alcance do desenvolvimento sustentável: uma revisão de escopo.

This article aims to map promotion, protection, and support strategies aimed at working women who breastfeed and their potential impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDGs 5 (gender equality and women's empowerment) and 8 (decent work and economic growth). This study is a scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, whose searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Social Science Research Network, and Open Knowledge Repository databases. This study's search obtained 576 publications, of which 33 were included in the study. The narrative synthesis was organized into three axes: 1) promotion; 2) protection, and 3) support for breastfeeding in the work context. Actions aimed at women who breastfeed at work have the potential to directly achieve SDGs 5 and 8, and indirectly achieve SDGs 1 and 10. Increased breastfeeding rates also help to achieve another four SDGs (2, 3, 4, 12). Actions aimed at working women who breastfeed can contribute directly and indirectly to the achievement of eight of the 17 SDGs, and should therefore be encouraged and reinforced.

O objetivo deste artigo é mapear estratégias de promoção, proteção e apoio direcionadas às mulheres trabalhadoras que amamentam e o seu potencial impacto para alcançar os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), em particular os ODS 5 (igualdade de gênero e empoderamento da mulher) e 8 (trabalho decente e crescimento econômico). Revisão de escopo baseada no referencial do JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute), cujas buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Social Science Research Network e Open Knowledge Repository. Obtiveram-se 576 publicações, destas, 33 foram incluídas no estudo. A síntese narrativa foi organizada em três eixos: 1) promoção; 2) proteção; e 3) apoio ao aleitamento materno no contexto do trabalho. As ações voltadas às mulheres que amamentam no trabalho têm potencial para atingir diretamente os ODS 5 e 8, e atingem indiretamente os ODS 1 e 10. O aumento das taxas de amamentação contribui para atingir outros quatro ODS (2,3,4,12). As ações voltadas às mulheres trabalhadoras que amamentam podem contribuir direta e indiretamente para o alcance de oito dos 17 ODS, devendo, portanto, ser incentivadas e reforçadas.

Implementation of the Strategy for Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding in the Federal District in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Strategy-Estratégia Amamenta e Alimenta Brasil (EAAB) aims to promote optimal breastfeeding (BF) and complementary feeding (CF) practices through the training of primary health professionals. Competition among health priorities and programs is one of the organizational contextual barriers to consolidating the implementation of the EAAB. METHODS: This case study included six Primary Health Units (PHU) certified in the EAAB. Documentary analysis, interviews, and surveys were conducted, which informed a conceptual logical model. Organizational context indicators (positive and negative) were identified across the logical model based on the Matus Triangle, and they were used to analyze the degree of implementation of the EAAB in the PHUs. RESULTS: The logic model elucidated six stages of EAAB implementation, but none on post-certification monitoring. Ten indicators positively influenced the implementation, including having legislation that prioritizes BF and CF. Seven indicators exerted negative influence, especially the lack of specific funding resources for the EAAB. Only one PHU had a consolidated degree of implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of specific funding, monitoring of BF and CF practices, and compliance with certification criteria are the main challenges for the EAAB's sustainability.

Factors associated with early childhood development in municipalities of Ceará, Brazil: a hierarchical model of contexts, environments, and nurturing care domains in a cross-sectional study.

Background: This study aims to identify the contexts, environments, and nurturing care predictors that determine whether a child is developmentally on track in Ceará, Brazil. Methods: We analysed data from a cross-sectional study conducted with caregivers of 6,447 children aged 0-59 months during a vaccination campaign in Ceará in October 2019. The validated Child Development Assessment Questionnaire was used to assess early childhood development (ECD) and children with a z-score ≥ -1 SD were considered developmentally on track. We conducted logistic regression models to understand the effects of contexts, environments, and nurturing care domains on ECD. Findings: Children in the early years (< 36 months) were more likely to meet the ECD milestones if they were not born with low birth weight (AOR: 0·64; 95% CI: 0·42-0·97), were exposed to manufactured toys in their house (2·68; 1·97-3·66), their heads of household were employed (1·61; 1·16-2·23), and their caregivers had read the Child Health Handbook (1·42; 1·13-1·77) and engaged them in stimulating activities (1·71; 1·26-2·32). Children aged 36-59 months were more likely to meet the ECD milestones if they were breastfed (never: ref. / < 3 months: 3·72; 1·91-7·26 / 3-5 months: 3·21; 1·74-5·93 / 6-11 months: 3·73; 1·95-7·16 / ≥ 12 months: 3·89; 2·25-6·72), had books at home (0: ref / 1-3: 1·71; 1·22-2·40 / 4-6: 2·24; 1·27-3·94 / 7+: 2·71; 1·05-7·00), and their caregivers received information about ECD (1·49; 1·11-2·01) and engaged them in stimulating activities (1·80; 1·27-2·56). Children aged 36-59 months were less likely to meet developmental milestones if they watched TV or used tablets/smartphones for more than two hours per day (0·61; 0·44-0·84), played with household objects (0·62; 0·41-0·92), participated in governmental early childhood programmes aimed at vulnerable families (0·62; 0·45-0·86), had families that participated in income transfer programmes (0·68; 0·47-0·99) (families living in poverty or extreme poverty), and their caregivers considered slapping (0·67; 0·48-0·94) a necessary disciplinary method. Interpretation: Having favourable socioeconomic conditions, breastfeeding, the absence of harsh discipline, caregivers who provide responsive care, and the provision of opportunities for early learning are the key factors that increase the likelihood of a child achieving their full developmental potential in Ceará, Brazil. Funding: This study was supported by the Maria Cecília Souto Vidigal Foundation (F0245), Brazil. The funder had no role in the design, analysis, or writing of this article.

Effective interventions for the promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding in the context of Primary Health Care.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a rapid review on effective actions for the promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding in primary health care and to summarize a list of actions and their elements for implementation. DATA SOURCE: The review included systematic reviews on the effectiveness of interventions to promote breastfeeding and/or healthy complementary feeding for mothers and other caregivers, and/or professionals who work with this population, in comparison with any usual approach or none. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 32 systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis. Ten types of interventions were evaluated in systematic reviews on promotion of breastfeeding and four types of interventions on promotion of healthy complementary feeding. The synthesis allowed six aspects to be discussed, and these must be considered to increase the chances of interventions' impact: type of intervention, target audience, timing of intervention, actors that can implement it, strategies and methods of intervention, and intensity of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to assemble a list of actions whose effectiveness has already been demonstrated, providing elements for local adaptations. Evidence is expected to support and strengthen the implementation of programs aimed at promoting breastfeeding and complementary feeding in primary health care.

Scaling up of Brazil's Criança Feliz early childhood development program: an implementation science analysis.

To address inequities that prevent socioeconomically vulnerable young children from reaching their full developmental potential, Brazil implemented Programa Criança Feliz (PCF) ("Happy Child" early childhood development program) in 2934 of its 5570 municipalities. A qualitative case study was carried out on the basis of in-depth interviews with 22 key informants, employing purposive sampling, from past or current national and state coordination teams. Thematic analysis followed the RE-AIM framework, and complex adaptive system constructs mapped how barriers and enablers influenced scale-up. One overarching theme related to PCF emergence, and 18 subthemes were identified within the RE-AIM. An enabling national political environment favored PCF emergence through a top-down approach that led to governance challenges. Changes in the enrollment criteria for families facilitated reach, and evidence-based methodology favored the designing of the home visits. However, operationalizing the intersectoral actions remains a barrier for effectiveness, while intrasectoral resistance across levels delayed adoption. WhatsApp facilitated networking, capacity building, and adoption. Rushed scale-up generated barriers for quality delivery and led to different implementation pathways across municipalities. Legal institutionalization is critical to assure permanent funding and maintenance. PCF has enhanced early childhood services in Brazil, but strong negative feedback loops need to be addressed for effective sustainability.

[Care for women with high-risk pregnancies in primary care services in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: the healthcare team's perspective]. / Desvelando o cuidado às gestantes de alto risco em serviços de atenção primária do Município de São Paulo, Brasil: a ótica dos profissionais.

The study aimed to evaluate care for women with high-risk pregnancies from the healthcare team's perspective in primary healthcare (PHC) services in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. This is an evaluative study with a qualitative approach that used the open interview technique for data collection from PHC personnel. The data were explored through thematic categories built from the content emerging spontaneously from the interviews, discussed according to Health Work Process Theory. The results evidenced three domains: a "normal work routine", organized from the perspective of exclusively biological practices and in which the management model sometimes fails to allow compliance with the recommended practices; a "referral and counter-referral" system, which sometimes allows more timely interventions, more unique to the pregnant women's needs, but still disconnected from the referral services; and "shared responsibility of the PHC team for the pregnant woman", characterized by flexibilization of the work routine that extends beyond application of clinical protocols, encouraging the building of a bond and favoring qualification of care. The study revealed the need for flexibilization of use of patient care protocols in the work process, which can promote the shared responsibility of PHC teams for care, to adjust it to each pregnant woman's unique needs, beyond the limits of services' organization based on the logic of exclusively biological practices.

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a atenção às mulheres durante a gestação de alto risco, sob a ótica de quem atua nos serviços de atenção primária à saúde (APS) do Município de São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de uma pesquisa avaliativa de abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou a técnica da entrevista aberta para a coleta dos dados com profissionais da APS. Os dados foram explorados por meio de categorias temáticas construídas a partir do conteúdo que emergiu, de modo espontâneo, dos depoimentos, discutidos a partir da Teoria do Processo de Trabalho em Saúde. Os resultados evidenciaram três categorias: uma "rotina de trabalho protocolar", organizada na perspectiva de práticas biologicistas e cujo modelo de gestão, algumas vezes, não permite o cumprimento das práticas preconizadas; um sistema de "referência e contrarreferência" que, por vezes, permite intervenções mais oportunas e singulares às necessidades das gestantes, mas, ainda, desarticulado dos serviços de referência; e a "corresponsabilização da equipe de APS pelo cuidado com a gestante", caracterizado pela flexibilização da rotina de trabalho que transcende a aplicação de protocolos clínicos, incentivando a construção de vínculo e favorecendo a qualificação do cuidado. Desvelou-se a necessidade de flexibilização do uso de protocolos assistenciais no processo de trabalho, o que pode impulsionar a corresponsabilização das equipes de APS pelo cuidado, a fim de adequá-la às singularidades e necessidades de cada gestante, para além dos limites da organização dos serviços baseada na lógica de práticas biologicistas.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la atención a las mujeres durante la gestación de alto riesgo bajo la óptica de quien actúa en los servicios de atención primaria en salud (APS) del municipio de São Paulo. Se trata de una investigación evaluativa de abordaje cualitativo, que utilizó la técnica de la entrevista abierta para la recogida de datos con profesionales de la APS. Los datos se investigaron mediante categorías temáticas, construidas a partir del contenido que emergió, de modo espontáneo, de las declaraciones discutidas a partir de la Teoría del Proceso de Trabajo en Salud. Los resultados evidenciaron tres categorías: una "rutina de trabajo protocolaria", organizada desde la perspectiva de prácticas biologicistas y cuyo modelo de gestión, algunas veces, no permite el cumplimiento de las prácticas preconizadas; un sistema de "referencia y contrarreferencia" que a veces permite intervenciones más oportunas y singulares para las necesidades de las gestantes, sin embargo, todavía está desarticulado respecto a los servicios de referencia; y la "corresponsabilización del equipo de APS del cuidado con la gestante", caracterizado por la flexibilización de la rutina de trabajo, que transciende la aplicación de protocolos clínicos, incentivando la construcción de un vínculo y favoreciendo la cualificación del cuidado. Se desveló la necesidad de flexibilización del uso de protocolos asistenciales en el proceso de trabajo, lo que puede impulsar la corresponsabilización de los equipos de APS por el cuidado, a fin de adecuarlo a las singularidades y necesidades de cada gestante, yendo más allá de los límites de la organización, en cuanto a servicios basados en la lógica de prácticas biologicistas.

Breastfeeding Support Rooms and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: Breastfeeding support rooms are low-cost interventions that may prolong breastfeeding and improve work performance. Thus, we sought to understand the experiences and perceptions of working women who use breastfeeding support rooms and the potential contribution to sustainable development goals. Methods: Descriptive and exploratory research was conducted through convenience sampling of women working in companies with breastfeeding support rooms in the state of Paraná, Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied through interviews and online self-completion. Results: Fifty-three women between 28 and 41 years old participated in the study. In addition, 88.7% had graduated from college, and 96% were married. From the women's experiences and perceptions, we identified that breastfeeding support rooms contribute to prolonged breastfeeding, improve physical and emotional well-being, allow women to exercise their professional activities comfortably, contribute to women's professional appreciation for the excellent relationship between employees and employers. Conclusion: In this novel study, we demonstrate how, from a female point of view, breastfeeding support rooms can contribute to 8 of the 17 sustainable development goals and should therefore be encouraged and promoted.

Maternal Mental Health Mediates the Relationship Between Household Food Insecurity and Early Child Development in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Optimal early child development (ECD) is fundamental for every child to achieve their developmental potential and thrive. Household food insecurity (HFI) is a risk factor for suboptimal development, but there is still a need to better understand the pathways that explain this relationship. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether maternal mental health and infant's diet mediate the association between HFI and ECD using structural equation modeling. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 474 mother-infant dyads. Mothers answered a questionnaire that evaluated variables through validated instruments. Structural equation modeling analyses were conducted to obtain standardized effects (ß) and bias-corrected 95% CI, enabling comparisons between the magnitude of the effects. The following observed variables were included: HFI, ECD, consumption of a healthy and diverse diet, the presence of a partner in the household, wanted pregnancy, and current breastfeeding. Latent variables were included to evaluate mental health, poverty, and neonatal health. RESULTS: Poor maternal mental health mediated the relationship between HFI and ECD (ß = -.05), but a healthy and diverse diet was not a mediator in this relationship. Poverty was related to lower development scores directly (ß = .21) and indirectly (ß = .02). Not having a partner (ß = .05) and having an unwanted pregnancy (ß = .02) predicted indirectly lower development scores. CONCLUSIONS: Poor maternal mental health mediates the relationship between HFI and ECD, and ECD is influenced by poverty, single motherhood, and unwanted pregnancy through different pathways. Therefore, public policies and interventions that aim to promote an optimal ECD should also approach these aspects.

[Assessment of care for high-risk pregnancy in four Brazilian metropolises]. / Avaliação da atenção à gestação de alto risco em quatro metrópoles brasileiras.

The study assessed care for high-risk pregnancy, including access, functioning, and use of health services, ranging from primary healthcare (PHC) to specialized care. This was an evaluative study anchored in an analytical model that used triangulation of different information sources and comparative analysis of care for high-risk pregnancy in four Brazilian metropolises. The selected analytical categories were: access to consultations and tests, linkage between components of the healthcare networks and between users and healthcare professionals, and the care provided. Contexts of care for high-risk pregnancy were characterized by health system information indicators and a qualitative descriptive study produced by key informants, in addition to a questionnaire applied to 1,886 pregnant women seen at specialized services, having been referred by PHC. Triangulation of data obtained from secondary sources, contextualization of healthcare networks, and a survey with high-risk pregnant women allowed encompassing the complexity of the organizational arrangements in the healthcare network among the municipalities. Significant differences were identified in access, linkage, and care provided for high-risk pregnancy in the four metropolises. Campinas (São Paulo State, Brazil) was the municipality with the best performance in the indicators related to linkage and access by pregnant women to PHC. São Paulo and Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul State) showed fair performance on the set of indicators as a whole, while Fortaleza (Ceará State) revealed the need for improvement in the three categories analyzed.

Breastfeeding knowledge and practice of health professionals in public health care services.

This study evaluated breastfeeding knowledge and practice of professionals who care for infants at health care services in a city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. This epidemiological study was carried out with a population of 89 nurses and physicians. Their answers to a structured questionnaire were analyzed in total and by place of work through the test for difference between proportions (Chi-square) with the level of significance at p<0.05. Data analysis was performed according to the Ministry of Health recommendations. The significant differences found for knowledge and practice, according to place of work, were restricted to certain aspects. Results of average scores were slightly better for professionals from the basic care units. Regular and poor performance were found in different studied aspects regardless of place of work, which suggest that potential educational interventions in this subject should include professionals at all levels of health care.