[Health equity for women in Haiti]. / Equidade na atenção à saúde de mulheres no Haiti.

OBJECTIVE: To describe primary health care provided to women in Haiti and evaluate equity in the care provided to this group. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 114 women receiving primary health care services in the country's 10 health departments were interviewed. Two groups of indicators were used for analysis of equity: access indicators (walking time to reach services, waiting time, and need to pay for the service) and quality (knowing the name of the healthcare provider, length of the consultation, and discrimination). Payment and discrimination were used as outcomes for access and quality, respectively. RESULTS: Most women were younger than 30 years of age (59.0%), black (92.1%), and migrants (63.2%). Family income was known by only 21.3%, and 47,4% were literate. Most consultations lasted less than 10 minutes (68.3%). The provider's name was not known by 72.7% of the women interviewed. Consultations were paid by 63.4%, especially in the South (P = 0.016). Also, women in the South spent more time walking to reach health services. Those who did not pay had shorter consultations (P < 0.001). Finally, discrimination was detected in 28.9% of the women interviewed. CONCLUSIONS: This research revealed difficulties in the access to and discrimination in the care provided to women in Haiti, and suggests that gender is an important category of analysis to evaluate health equity.

[Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications and characterization of healthcare gaps based on triangulation of studies]. / Prevalência de diabetes mellitus e suas complicações e caracterização das lacunas na atenção à saúde a partir da triangulação de pesquisas.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and is among the leading causes of loss of healthy years of life, which is aggravated in Brazil by accelerated population aging. This study aims to measure the problem of diabetes mellitus and its complications and characterize healthcare for diabetics in Brazil, according to regions. Prevalence rates were estimated using a multinomial regression model, and characterization of healthcare was based on triangulation between the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), the National Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB), and data from the Popular Pharmacy program. Diabetes prevalence in Brazil was 9.2%, according to the multinomial model, and prevalence in the corrected PNS (self-report + altered glycated hemoglobin - HbA1c ≥ 6.5) was 9.4%. The proportion of diabetes mellitus underreporting in the country was 42.5%, reaching 72.8% in the North. Among individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, half presented HbA1c ≥ 6.5. Insufficient fundus eye examination (only 40% on average), with major regional variation (North 25% - Southeast 52%), is reflected in the high prevalence of retinopathy. Insufficient examination of feet (only 30%), can lead to more amputations. About 80% of diabetics used medications, indicating a persistently high proportion still without treatment. Healthcare deficiencies for diabetics lead to greater morbidity, hospitalizations (15%), and visits to emergency departments (27%, PMAQ). The scenario in 2012, although not ideal, occurred in a context of strengthening of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and cutbacks in public health budgeting call for serious reflection on control of the disease in the coming years.

O diabetes mellitus é uma das doenças mundialmente mais prevalentes em adultos e está entre as principais causas de perda de anos de vida saudável, o que se agrava com o acelerado envelhecimento populacional no Brasil. Este estudo visa dimensionar o problema do diabetes mellitus e suas complicações e caracterizar a atenção à saúde do diabético no Brasil, segundo regiões. As prevalências foram estimadas utilizando modelo de regressão multinomial, e a caracterização da atenção à saúde se deu a partir da triangulação entre a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), o Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB) e dados da Farmácia Popular. A prevalência de diabetes mellitus no Brasil foi de 9,2%, pelo modelo multinomial, e a prevalência da PNS corrigida (autorreferida + alterada na hemoglobina glicosilada - HbA1c ≥ 6,5) foi de 9,4%. A proporção de subnotificação do diabetes mellitus no país foi de 42,5%, chegando a 72,8% na Região Norte. Dentre os diagnosticados, mais da metade apresentou HbA1c ≥ 6,5. A insuficiente realização de exame de fundo de olho (40%), com ampla variação regional (Norte 25% - Sudeste 52%), reflete-se na alta prevalência de retinopatia. O exame dos pés apresentou baixa realização (30%), podendo levar a mais amputações. Cerca de 80% dos diabéticos usavam medicamentos, o que indica uma alta parcela ainda sem tratamento. Deficiências na atenção à saúde do diabético levam a maior morbidade, internações (15%) e idas a emergências (27% - PMAQ). O cenário apresentado em 2012, apesar de não ser ideal, deu-se num contexto de fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Com a crescente prevalência de diabetes mellitus e cortes no investimento em saúde pública, cabe a reflexão sobre o controle da doença nos próximos anos.

La diabetes mellitus es una de las enfermedades mundialmente más prevalentes en adultos y está entre las principales causas de pérdida de años de vida saludable, lo que se agrava con el acelerado envejecimiento poblacional en Brasil. Este estudio tiene como objetivo dimensionar el problema de la diabetes mellitus y sus complicaciones, así como caracterizar la atención a la salud del diabético en Brasil, según regiones. Las prevalencias fueron estimadas utilizando un modelo de regresión multinomial, además, la caracterización de la atención a la salud se produjo a partir de la triangulación entre Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS), el Programa Nacional para la Mejora del Acceso y la Calidad en Atención Primaria (PMAQ-AB) y datos de la Farmacia Popular. La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus en Brasil fue de 9,2%, por el modelo multinomial y la prevalencia de la PNS corregida (autoinformada + alterada en la hemoglobina glicosilada - HbA1c ≥ 6,5) fue de 9,4%. La proporción de subnotificación de la diabetes mellitus en el país fue de 42,5%, llegando a 72,8% en la región Norte. Entre los diagnosticados, más de la mitad presentó HbA1c ≥ 6,5. La insuficiente realización de exámenes de fondo de ojo (40%), con amplia variación regional (Norte 25% - Sureste 52%), se refleja en la alta prevalencia de retinopatía. El examen de los pies presentó baja realización (30%), pudiendo conducir a más amputaciones. Cerca de un 80% de los diabéticos usaban medicamentos, lo que indica un alto porcentaje todavía sin tratamiento. Deficiencias en la atención a la salud del diabético conducen a una mayor morbilidad, internamientos (15%) e idas a emergencias (27% - PMAQ). El escenario presentado en 2012, a pesar de no ser el ideal, se produjo en un contexto de fortalecimiento del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Con la creciente prevalencia de diabetes mellitus y cortes en la inversión en salud pública, cabe la reflexión sobre el control de la enfermedad durante los próximos años.

Burden of disease from COVID-19 and its acute and chronic complications: reflections on measurement (DALYs) and prospects for the Brazilian Unified National Health System. / Carga de doença da COVID-19 e de suas complicações agudas e crônicas: reflexões sobre a mensuração (DALY) e perspectivas no Sistema Único de Saúde.

COVID-19 is an acute infectious respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The disease is highly communicable and produces mild to severe symptoms, generating a high demand for intensive care and thousands of deaths. In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and has already surpassed five million cases and 300,000 deaths in the world. The natural history of the disease has still not been fully established, hindering the elaboration of effective clinical protocols and preventive measures. Nevertheless, the disease requires a systemic approach, since there is evidence of acute and chronic complications, in addition to the catastrophic effects on the population's mental health. This highlights the need for a methodology that more effectively captures the effect of COVID-19, considering such aspects as severity, duration, and the potential to generate chronic complications that will increase the demands on Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). DALYs, or disability-adjusted life years, are thus an extremely useful indictor that adds mortality, an estimate of years of life lost (YLLs), and morbidity, an estimate of years of life lived with disability (YLDs). This article discusses the relevance and difficulties of studying the burden of COVID-19 and its complications in the Brazilian context, highlighting the natural history of the disease and estimating indicators such as YLDs, considering the high burden of disease in planning strategies to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 after the pandemic. The article also discusses the future challenges to deal with the disease in the SUS and the effects on the calculation of DALYs.

A COVID-19 é uma síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) infecciosa, causada por coronavírus. A doença tem alta transmissibilidade e ocasiona sintomas leves a graves, gerando elevada demanda por cuidados intensivos e milhares de óbitos. Em março de 2020, a COVID-19 foi caracterizada como pandemia e já soma mais de 5 milhões de casos e 300 mil óbitos pelo mundo. A história natural da doença ainda não é bem estabelecida, dificultando a elaboração de protocolos clínicos eficazes e medidas de prevenção. Apesar disso, pode-se afirmar que é uma doença de abordagem sistêmica, já que há evidências de complicações agudas e crônicas, além de efeitos catastróficos na saúde mental da população. Destaca-se então a necessidade de uma metodologia que capte de forma mais efetiva os efeitos da COVID-19, considerando aspectos como sua gravidade, duração e potencial de gerar complicações crônicas que aumentarão as demandas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Nesse sentido, é de extrema utilidade o indicador DALY, ou anos de vida perdidos por morte prematura ajustados por incapacidade (DALY), que agrega a (1) mortalidade - estimativa dos anos de vida perdidos (YLL) e (2) morbidade - estimativa dos anos vividos com incapacidade (YLD). Este artigo discute a relevância e as dificuldades de estudar a carga da COVID-19 e de suas complicações, no contexto brasileiro, ressaltando a importância de caracterizar a história natural da doença e estimar indicadores como o YLD, que considerem a alta carga de morbidade no planejamento de estratégias para lidar com as consequências da COVID-19 pós-pandemia. Discute-se também os desafios futuros para o enfrentamento da doença no SUS e reflexões sobre o cálculo do DALY.

La COVID-19 es un síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SRAG) infeccioso, causado por coronavirus. La enfermedad posee una alta transmisibilidad y ocasiona de síntomas leves a graves, generando una elevada demanda de cuidados intensivos y millares de fallecimientos. En marzo de 2020, la COVID-19 se caracterizó como pandemia y ya suma más de 5 millones de casos y 300 mil fallecimientos por el mundo. La historia natural de la enfermedad todavía no ha sido bien establecida, dificultando la elaboración de protocolos clínicos eficaces y medidas de prevención. A pesar de eso, se puede afirmar que es una enfermedad de abordaje sistémico, ya que existen evidencias sobre complicaciones agudas y crónicas, además de efectos catastróficos en la salud mental de la población. Se destaca entonces la necesidad de una metodología que capte de forma más efectiva los efectos de la COVID-19, considerando aspectos como su gravedad, duración, potencial de generar complicaciones crónicas que aumentarán las demandas en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). En este sentido, es de extrema utilidad el indicador DALY o años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura ajustados por incapacidad, que agrega la (1) mortalidad - estimación de los años de vida perdidos (YLL) y (2) morbilidad - estimación de los años vividos con incapacidad (YLD). Este artículo discute la relevancia y las dificultades de estudiar la carga de la COVID-19 y sus complicaciones, en el contexto brasileño, resaltando la importancia de caracterizar la historia natural de la enfermedad y estimar indicadores como el YLD, que consideren la alta carga de morbilidad en la planificación de estrategias para lidiar con las consecuencias de la COVID-19 pospandemia. Se discuten también los desafíos futuros para el combate de la enfermedad en el SUS y reflexiones sobre el cálculo del DALY.

Zika, dengue and chikungunya population prevalence in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, and the importance of seroprevalence studies to estimate the real number of infected individuals.

In the last 40 years, Latin America countries, including Brazil, have suffered from the emergence and reemergence of arboviruses, first Dengue (DENV) and recently Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV). All three arboviruses are currently endemic in Brazil and have caused major outbreaks in recent years. Rio de Janeiro city, host of the last Summer Olympic Games and the Football World Cup, has been specially affected by them. A surveillance system based on symptomatic reports is in place in Rio, but the true number of affected individuals is unknown due to the great number of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya asymptomatic cases. Seroprevalence studies are more suitable to evaluate the real number of cases in a given population. We performed a populational seroprevalence survey in Rio, with recruitment of a sample of volunteers of all ages and gender from July to October 2018, within randomly selected census tracts and household. A total of 2,120 volunteers were interviewed and tested with rapid immunochromatographic test for ZIKV, DENV and CHIKV. Individuals with positive results for IgG and/or IgM from only one virus were classified accordingly, while those with test results positive for both ZIKV and DENV were classified as flaviviruses. We corrected for sample design and non-response in data analysis, and calculated point estimate prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for each virus. Arbovirus prevalence in the Rio's population (n = 6,688,927) was estimated at 48.6% [95% CI 44.8-52.4] (n = 3,254,121) for flaviviruses and at 18.0% [95% CI 14.8-21.2] (n = 1,204,765) for CHIKV. Approximately 17.0% [95% CI 14.1-20.1] (n = 1,145,674) of Rio´s population had no contact with any of the three arboviruses. The reported cases of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya by the current surveillance system in place is insufficient to estimate their real numbers, and our data indicate that Zika seroprevalence could be at least five times and Chikungunya 45 times bigger. The high number of individuals having never been infected by any of the three arboviruses, may indicate a proper scenario for future outbreaks.

Fiscal austerity and the health sector: the cost of adjustments.

Fiscal austerity policies have been used as responses to economic crises and fiscal deficits in both developed and developing countries. While they vary in regard to their content, intensity and implementation, such models recommend reducing public expenses and social investments, retracting the public service and substituting the private sector in lieu of the State to provide certain services tied to social policies. The present article discusses the main effects of the recent economic crisis on public health based on an updated review with consideration for three dimensions: health risks, epidemiological profiles of different populations, and health policies. In Brazil, the combination of economic crisis and fiscal austerity policies is capable of producing a direr situation than those experienced in developed countries. The country is characterized by historically high levels of social inequality, an under-financed health sector, highly prevalent chronic degenerative diseases and persisting preventable infectious diseases. It is imperative to develop alternatives to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis taking into consideration not only the sustainability of public finance but also public well-being.

[Time to kidney transplantation in chronic renal failure patients in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1998-2002]. / Tempo até o transplante e sobrevida em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 1998-2002.

This study analyzes the characteristics of 14,419 chronic renal failure patients treated with hemodialysis and time to first kidney transplantation in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2002. Survival analysis methods were used, such as the Kaplan-Meier non-parametric method and the semi-parametric method with the Cox proportional hazards model. Besides the survival model for transplantation, time to death was analyzed to compare the two models' estimates. During the period studied, only 6.3% of patients received transplants, 32.4% were referred for transplantation, and 6.3% were included on the waiting list. Odds of transplantation were greater for those who had been referred, those on the waiting list, and younger patients. Diabetes mellitus reduced the probability of conducting transplantation by 35%. All the estimates showed directions opposite to those obtained for the mortality survival model.

The public production of medicines compared to the National Policy of Medicines and the burden of disease in Brazil.

: The public production of medicines in Brazil by Government Pharmaceutical Laboratories has once again become the object of incentives, and Industrial Development Partnerships are one of the mechanisms adopted for the production of strategic medicines for the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). Considering that burden-of-disease studies have been used as a tool to define priority and essential medicines, the article compares the product portfolios of the country's Official Pharmaceutical Laboratories (OPL) and the list of strategic medicines for the SUS and burden of disease in Brazil in 2008. Of the 205 strategic medicines for the SUS and 111 from the portfolios, 73% and 89%, respectively, are on the National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME 2014). Some strategic medicines for the SUS are already produced by OPL and feature the selection of cancer drugs and biologicals. The current study contributes to the discussion on the public production of medicines in light of the country's current industrial policy and highlights the need to define priority drugs and the role of OPL in guaranteeing access to them.

Burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazil. / Carga do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 no Brasil.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus currently ranks high among indicators used in Global Burden of Disease Studies. The current study estimated the burden of disease attributable to type 2 diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications in Brazil, 2008. We calculated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) stratified by gender, age bracket, and major geographic region. Type 2 diabetes mellitus accounted for 5% of the burden of disease in Brazil, ranking 3rd in women and 6th in men in the composition of DALYs. The largest share of DALYs was concentrated in the 30-59-year age bracket and consisted mainly of YLDs. The highest YLL and YLD rates were in the Northeast and South of Brazil, respectively. Chronic complications represented 80% of YLDs from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus ranked as a leading health problem in Brazil in 2008, accounting for relevant shares of mortality and morbidity.

[Government funding for health and the reliability of national databases in Brazil, 2001-2002]. / Financiamento público em saúde e confiabilidade dos bancos de dados nacionais. Um estudo dos anos de 2001 e 2002.

Created in 1999, the Information System on Government Health Budgets (SIOPS) provides information on health revenues and expenditures at the three government levels: Municipal, State, and Federal. The lack of other databases with nationwide coverage and detailed information on municipal expenditures makes SIOPS the main source of data for such studies or estimates. The current study aims to compare the revenues declared in SIOPS by the municipalities and the National Health Fund records in order to assess the reliability of the two databases and identify which variables are most discordant. It also compares the data on Municipal expenditures with those from National Treasury records. The Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (CCIC) was used for this analysis, complemented by a scatterplot of the mean values for the two databases and their differences. The 2002 data showed better quality. The recognition that SIOPS provides reliable data should stimulate new studies including financial aspects in the analysis of population health.

Prevalência de diabetes mellitus e suas complicações e caracterização das lacunas na atenção à saúde a partir da triangulação de pesquisas / Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications and characterization of healthcare gaps based on triangulation of studies / Prevalencia de diabetes mellitus, sus complicaciones y caracterización de las lagunas en la atención a la salud a partir de la triangulación de investigaciones

O diabetes mellitus é uma das doenças mundialmente mais prevalentes em adultos e está entre as principais causas de perda de anos de vida saudável, o que se agrava com o acelerado envelhecimento populacional no Brasil. Este estudo visa dimensionar o problema do diabetes mellitus e suas complicações e caracterizar a atenção à saúde do diabético no Brasil, segundo regiões. As prevalências foram estimadas utilizando modelo de regressão multinomial, e a caracterização da atenção à saúde se deu a partir da triangulação entre a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), o Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB) e dados da Farmácia Popular. A prevalência de diabetes mellitus no Brasil foi de 9,2%, pelo modelo multinomial, e a prevalência da PNS corrigida (autorreferida + alterada na hemoglobina glicosilada - HbA1c ≥ 6,5) foi de 9,4%. A proporção de subnotificação do diabetes mellitus no país foi de 42,5%, chegando a 72,8% na Região Norte. Dentre os diagnosticados, mais da metade apresentou HbA1c ≥ 6,5. A insuficiente realização de exame de fundo de olho (40%), com ampla variação regional (Norte 25% - Sudeste 52%), reflete-se na alta prevalência de retinopatia. O exame dos pés apresentou baixa realização (30%), podendo levar a mais amputações. Cerca de 80% dos diabéticos usavam medicamentos, o que indica uma alta parcela ainda sem tratamento. Deficiências na atenção à saúde do diabético levam a maior morbidade, internações (15%) e idas a emergências (27% - PMAQ). O cenário apresentado em 2012, apesar de não ser ideal, deu-se num contexto de fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Com a crescente prevalência de diabetes mellitus e cortes no investimento em saúde pública, cabe a reflexão sobre o controle da doença nos próximos anos.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and is among the leading causes of loss of healthy years of life, which is aggravated in Brazil by accelerated population aging. This study aims to measure the problem of diabetes mellitus and its complications and characterize healthcare for diabetics in Brazil, according to regions. Prevalence rates were estimated using a multinomial regression model, and characterization of healthcare was based on triangulation between the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), the National Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB), and data from the Popular Pharmacy program. Diabetes prevalence in Brazil was 9.2%, according to the multinomial model, and prevalence in the corrected PNS (self-report + altered glycated hemoglobin - HbA1c ≥ 6.5) was 9.4%. The proportion of diabetes mellitus underreporting in the country was 42.5%, reaching 72.8% in the North. Among individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, half presented HbA1c ≥ 6.5. Insufficient fundus eye examination (only 40% on average), with major regional variation (North 25% - Southeast 52%), is reflected in the high prevalence of retinopathy. Insufficient examination of feet (only 30%), can lead to more amputations. About 80% of diabetics used medications, indicating a persistently high proportion still without treatment. Healthcare deficiencies for diabetics lead to greater morbidity, hospitalizations (15%), and visits to emergency departments (27%, PMAQ). The scenario in 2012, although not ideal, occurred in a context of strengthening of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and cutbacks in public health budgeting call for serious reflection on control of the disease in the coming years.

Resumen: La diabetes mellitus es una de las enfermedades mundialmente más prevalentes en adultos y está entre las principales causas de pérdida de años de vida saludable, lo que se agrava con el acelerado envejecimiento poblacional en Brasil. Este estudio tiene como objetivo dimensionar el problema de la diabetes mellitus y sus complicaciones, así como caracterizar la atención a la salud del diabético en Brasil, según regiones. Las prevalencias fueron estimadas utilizando un modelo de regresión multinomial, además, la caracterización de la atención a la salud se produjo a partir de la triangulación entre Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS), el Programa Nacional para la Mejora del Acceso y la Calidad en Atención Primaria (PMAQ-AB) y datos de la Farmacia Popular. La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus en Brasil fue de 9,2%, por el modelo multinomial y la prevalencia de la PNS corregida (autoinformada + alterada en la hemoglobina glicosilada - HbA1c ≥ 6,5) fue de 9,4%. La proporción de subnotificación de la diabetes mellitus en el país fue de 42,5%, llegando a 72,8% en la región Norte. Entre los diagnosticados, más de la mitad presentó HbA1c ≥ 6,5. La insuficiente realización de exámenes de fondo de ojo (40%), con amplia variación regional (Norte 25% - Sureste 52%), se refleja en la alta prevalencia de retinopatía. El examen de los pies presentó baja realización (30%), pudiendo conducir a más amputaciones. Cerca de un 80% de los diabéticos usaban medicamentos, lo que indica un alto porcentaje todavía sin tratamiento. Deficiencias en la atención a la salud del diabético conducen a una mayor morbilidad, internamientos (15%) e idas a emergencias (27% - PMAQ). El escenario presentado en 2012, a pesar de no ser el ideal, se produjo en un contexto de fortalecimiento del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Con la creciente prevalencia de diabetes mellitus y cortes en la inversión en salud pública, cabe la reflexión sobre el control de la enfermedad durante los próximos años.

[Description of duplicate records held on the Notifiable Diseases Information System, Brazil, 2008-2009]. / Descrição dos registros repetidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, Brasil, 2008-2009.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the proportion of duplicate records held on the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System, 2008-2009. METHODS: identification of duplicate records of dengue, leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, meningitis and tuberculosis was conducted using Reclink III(r); the proportion of duplicate records was calculated by geographical region, state and municipal population size categories. RESULTS: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and meningitis had higher proportions of duplicate notification (5.3% and 3.6%, respectively) whilst leprosy had the lowest (0.7%); the states with highest repetitions were Rio Grande do Norte (VL 6.8% and leprosy 5.1%), Rio de Janeiro (tuberculosis 2.5% and meningitis 4.9%) and Goiás (dengue 2.0% and meningitis 7.2%). CONCLUSION: the Northeast region had the highest proportion of duplicate records for four of the six diseases analyzed; with the exception of dengue, percentage repetition was lower in municipalities with larger population size.

Primary Health Care in Brazil and the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program: an analysis of production indicators. / A Atenção Básica no Brasil e o Programa Mais Médicos: uma análise de indicadores de produção.

This study analyzes the number of medical appointments and referrals performed in primary health care in Brazil focusing on the Mais Médicos Program (More Doctors Program). It is a cross-sectional study on the work of physicians included, or not, to the Mais Médicos Program in 2014. Based on validation protocols, a unified database was created from two health information system databases - SIAB and ESUS. Absolute indicators were defined: the total of medical appointments per month; medical referrals and community health education activities. In addition, other indicators were considered, such as weekly rates and productivity of appointments, in line with the profile of Brazilian municipalities. The mean of all appointments was 285 per month corresponding to an average of 14.4 appointments/day. In the poorest municipalities, the figures for the Mais Médicos Program physicians were higher than national rates. The educational activities provided by primary care teams that included a Mais Médicos Program professional were higher in Brazilian capital cities. The Mais Médicos Program achieved one of its main goals, which was to increase health access for vulnerable populations and to contribute towards the consolidation of primary health care in Brazil.

Diabetes burden in Brazil: fraction attributable to overweight, obesity, and excess weight.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its percentage attributable to overweight and obesity in Brazil. METHODS The burden of diabetes mellitus was described in terms of disability-adjusted life years, which is the sum of two components: years of life lost and years lived with disability. To calculate the fraction of diabetes mellitus attributable to overweight, obesity, and excess weight, we used the prevalence of these risk factors according to sex and age groups (> 20 years) obtained from the 2008 Pesquisa Dimensões Sociais das Desigualdades (Social Dimensions of Inequality Survey) and the relative risks derived from the international literature. RESULTS Diabetes mellitus accounted for 5.4% of Brazilian disability-adjusted life years in 2008, with the largest fraction attributed to the morbidity component (years lived with disability). Women exhibited higher values for disability-adjusted life years. In Brazil, 49.2%, 58.3%, and 70.6% of diabetes mellitus in women was attributable to overweight, obesity, and excess weight, respectively. Among men, these percentages were 40.5%, 45.4%, and 60.3%, respectively. Differences were observed with respect to Brazilian regions and age groups. CONCLUSIONS A large fraction of diabetes mellitus was attributable to preventable individual risk factors and, in about six years, the contribution of these factors significant increased, particularly among men. Policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and physical activity, can have a significant impact on reducing the burden of diabetes mellitus in Brazil.

Morbidity and mortality associated with injuries: results of the Global Burden of Disease study in Brazil, 2008.

The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden of disease from external causes in 2008 in Brazil, based on DALYs (disability-adjusted life years). YLLs (years of life lost) were estimated according to the method proposed by Murray & Lopez (1996). Meanwhile, the method for estimating YLDs (years lived with disability) included methodological adjustments taking the Brazilian reality into account. The study showed a total of 195 DALYs per 100 thousand inhabitants, of which 19 DALYs were related to external causes. Among YLLs, 48% were from unintentional causes and 52% from intentional causes. Among YLDs, unintentional causes predominated, with 95%. The share of YLLs in DALYs was 90%. The cause with the highest proportion of YLLs was "homicide and violence" (43%), followed by "road traffic accidents" (31%). Falls accounted for the highest share of YLDs (36%). The sex ratio (male-to-female) was 4.8 for DALYs, and the predominant age bracket was 15-29 years. Since external causes are avoidable, the study provides potentially useful information for policymakers in public security and health.

Disease burden in Brazil: an investigation into alcohol and non-viral cirrhosis.

Alcohol use/dependence are an important risk factor for cirrhosis of the liver. The article aims to describe and conduct a comparative analysis of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY), Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) of alcohol use disorders and non-viral cirrhosis in Brazil in 2008. DALY was calculated as the sum of YLL and YLD. For YLL estimates, the mean number of deaths from 2007- 2009 in the country was considered. After revision of epidemiological data, prevalence of each disease was modelled with the DisMod tool, which generated incidence data for YLD estimates. Alcohol and non-viral cirrhosis were responsible for 3% and 1% of total DALYs, respectively. In both diseases, men contributed to a greater proportion of DALYs. Among the first ten causes of DALYs, alcohol use disorders occupied the second, third and sixth positions at the ages of 15-29, 30-44 and 45- 59, respectively. Non-viral cirrhosis was the eighth cause of DALY in the 30-44 age group in men; the fifth, in the 45-59 group and the eighth, in the 60-69 group. Age distribution suggests that interventions directed against alcohol use/dependence would have effects on the burden of alcoholic cirrhosis in the country.

[Evolution of the burden of injuries in Brazil: a comparison between 1998 and 2008]. / A evolução da carga de causas externas no Brasil: uma comparação entre os anos de 1998 e 2008.

The objective of this study was to compare estimates of external causes based on the Global Burden of Disease in Brazil Study for the years 1998 and 2008. Methods included estimation of DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) and YLL (years of life lost), based on the methodology proposed in the Global Burden of Disease Study. Calculation of YLD (years lived with disability) required applying the same methodology in both years, with the 2008 methodology as the standard. Although external causes accounted for some 10% of total DALYs in both years, their internal distribution showed marked differences between regions of Brazil, with a decrease in the Southeast and increase in the North and Northeast. There was an increase in intentional causes, and YLLs accounted for the largest share of DALYs. The results can support new policies and/or improve existing ones to address external causes.

Carga de doença da COVID-19 e de suas complicações agudas e crônicas: reflexões sobre a mensuração (DALY) e perspectivas no Sistema Único de Saúde / Carga de enfermedad de la COVID-19 y de sus complicaciones agudas y crónicas: reflexiones sobre la medición (DALY) y perspectivas en el Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil / Burden of disease from COVID-19 and its acute and chronic complications: reflections on measurement (DALYs) and prospects for the Brazilian Unified National Health System

A COVID-19 é uma síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) infecciosa, causada por coronavírus. A doença tem alta transmissibilidade e ocasiona sintomas leves a graves, gerando elevada demanda por cuidados intensivos e milhares de óbitos. Em março de 2020, a COVID-19 foi caracterizada como pandemia e já soma mais de 5 milhões de casos e 300 mil óbitos pelo mundo. A história natural da doença ainda não é bem estabelecida, dificultando a elaboração de protocolos clínicos eficazes e medidas de prevenção. Apesar disso, pode-se afirmar que é uma doença de abordagem sistêmica, já que há evidências de complicações agudas e crônicas, além de efeitos catastróficos na saúde mental da população. Destaca-se então a necessidade de uma metodologia que capte de forma mais efetiva os efeitos da COVID-19, considerando aspectos como sua gravidade, duração e potencial de gerar complicações crônicas que aumentarão as demandas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Nesse sentido, é de extrema utilidade o indicador DALY, ou anos de vida perdidos por morte prematura ajustados por incapacidade (DALY), que agrega a (1) mortalidade - estimativa dos anos de vida perdidos (YLL) e (2) morbidade - estimativa dos anos vividos com incapacidade (YLD). Este artigo discute a relevância e as dificuldades de estudar a carga da COVID-19 e de suas complicações, no contexto brasileiro, ressaltando a importância de caracterizar a história natural da doença e estimar indicadores como o YLD, que considerem a alta carga de morbidade no planejamento de estratégias para lidar com as consequências da COVID-19 pós-pandemia. Discute-se também os desafios futuros para o enfrentamento da doença no SUS e reflexões sobre o cálculo do DALY.

La COVID-19 es un síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SRAG) infeccioso, causado por coronavirus. La enfermedad posee una alta transmisibilidad y ocasiona de síntomas leves a graves, generando una elevada demanda de cuidados intensivos y millares de fallecimientos. En marzo de 2020, la COVID-19 se caracterizó como pandemia y ya suma más de 5 millones de casos y 300 mil fallecimientos por el mundo. La historia natural de la enfermedad todavía no ha sido bien establecida, dificultando la elaboración de protocolos clínicos eficaces y medidas de prevención. A pesar de eso, se puede afirmar que es una enfermedad de abordaje sistémico, ya que existen evidencias sobre complicaciones agudas y crónicas, además de efectos catastróficos en la salud mental de la población. Se destaca entonces la necesidad de una metodología que capte de forma más efectiva los efectos de la COVID-19, considerando aspectos como su gravedad, duración, potencial de generar complicaciones crónicas que aumentarán las demandas en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). En este sentido, es de extrema utilidad el indicador DALY o años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura ajustados por incapacidad, que agrega la (1) mortalidad - estimación de los años de vida perdidos (YLL) y (2) morbilidad - estimación de los años vividos con incapacidad (YLD). Este artículo discute la relevancia y las dificultades de estudiar la carga de la COVID-19 y sus complicaciones, en el contexto brasileño, resaltando la importancia de caracterizar la historia natural de la enfermedad y estimar indicadores como el YLD, que consideren la alta carga de morbilidad en la planificación de estrategias para lidiar con las consecuencias de la COVID-19 pospandemia. Se discuten también los desafíos futuros para el combate de la enfermedad en el SUS y reflexiones sobre el cálculo del DALY.

COVID-19 is an acute infectious respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The disease is highly communicable and produces mild to severe symptoms, generating a high demand for intensive care and thousands of deaths. In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and has already surpassed five million cases and 300,000 deaths in the world. The natural history of the disease has still not been fully established, hindering the elaboration of effective clinical protocols and preventive measures. Nevertheless, the disease requires a systemic approach, since there is evidence of acute and chronic complications, in addition to the catastrophic effects on the population's mental health. This highlights the need for a methodology that more effectively captures the effect of COVID-19, considering such aspects as severity, duration, and the potential to generate chronic complications that will increase the demands on Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). DALYs, or disability-adjusted life years, are thus an extremely useful indictor that adds mortality, an estimate of years of life lost (YLLs), and morbidity, an estimate of years of life lived with disability (YLDs). This article discusses the relevance and difficulties of studying the burden of COVID-19 and its complications in the Brazilian context, highlighting the natural history of the disease and estimating indicators such as YLDs, considering the high burden of disease in planning strategies to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 after the pandemic. The article also discusses the future challenges to deal with the disease in the SUS and the effects on the calculation of DALYs.

Burden of disease in Brazil and its regions, 2008.

The current study estimated DALY (disability-adjusted life years), an indicator of burden of disease, for Brazil in 2008. The North and Northeast regions showed higher burden of disease. Chronic noncommunicable diseases predominated in all regions of the country, especially cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders (particularly depression), diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study also showed a high burden of homicides and traffic accidents. Brazil's epidemiological profile appears even more complex when one considers the non-negligible burden of communicable diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. The analyses allowed a more detailed understanding of the Brazilian's population's health status, underscoring the need for crosscutting actions beyond specific health sector policies and greater attention to the quality of information on morbidity and mortality.

[Selection of essential medicines and the burden of disease in Brazil.] / Seleção de medicamentos essenciais e a carga de doença no Brasil.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines essential medicines as those that meet the population's priority healthcare needs. Their selection aims to reflect collective needs, thus recommending the use of studies on global burden of disease. An exploratory study was performed to link the medicines from the RENAME lists to Global Burden of Disease in Brazil (1998 and 2008) and the scientific evidence. The study thus sought to verify whether the RENAME (2002 to 2012) met WHO guidelines for drug selection. Although RENAME 2010 and 2012 both adhere to Global Burden of Disease in Brazil 2008, the 2012 version includes a longer list of medicines and appears to be pressured by the growing market for new technologies. Thus, RENAME is no longer a list of essential medicines, but has become a list of financing for pharmaceutical care.

[A study of the overall burden of oral disease in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: 2004-2006]. / Estudo da carga de doença das condições orais em Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2004-2006.

Oral disease is a major public health problem due to its prevalence in practically all age groups. This is a study of the overall burden of dental caries, edentulism and periodontal disease. The Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) indicator was used as it simultaneously measures the impact of mortality and of health problems that affect the quality of life. The overall burden of oral diseases was analyzed in absolute terms and in rates per 1000 inhabitants. The number of Years Lived with Disability (YLD) due to dental caries was 4,489. An estimated 33,888 YLD were lost due to edentulism, with a rate of 1.8/1000 (2.2/1000 among women). An estimated 3217 YLD were lost due to periodontal disease, with a rate of 0.2/1000 for both sexes. Edentulism was the condition that contributed most to the overall burden of oral diseases and is more frequent among women. Higher rates of edentulism and periodontal disease were found in persons aged 45-69 years, while dental caries was more frequent from 15-49 years. The overall burden of oral disease studies represent an important aspect of health diagnosis, integrating both fatal and non-fatal outcomes. Furthermore, these studies provide highly relevant information for preventive and therapeutic policy making.