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Abstract Background Current clustering of multimorbidity based on the frequency of common disease combinations is inadequate. We estimated the causal relationships among prevalent diseases and mapped out the clusters of multimorbidity progression among them. Methods In this cohort study, we examined the progression of multimorbidity among 190 diseases among over 500,000 UK Biobank participants over 12.7 years of follow-up. Using a machine learning method for causal inference, we analyzed patterns of how diseases influenced and were influenced by others in females and males. We used clustering analysis and visualization algorithms to identify multimorbidity progress constellations. Results We show the top influential and influenced diseases largely overlap between sexes in chronic diseases, with sex-specific ones tending to be acute diseases. Patterns of diseases that influence and are influenced by other diseases also emerged (clustering significance P au > 0.87), with the top influential diseases affecting many clusters and the top influenced diseases concentrating on a few, suggesting that complex mechanisms are at play for the diseases that increase the development of other diseases while share underlying causes exist among the diseases whose development are increased by others. Bi-directional multimorbidity progress presents substantial clustering tendencies both within and across International Classification Disease chapters, compared to uni-directional ones, which can inform future studies for developing cross-specialty strategies for multimorbidity. Finally, we identify 10 multimorbidity progress constellations for females and 9 for males (clustering stability, adjusted Rand index >0.75), showing interesting differences between sexes. Conclusion Our findings could inform the future development of targeted interventions and provide an essential foundation for future studies seeking to improve the prevention and management of multimorbidity.

Abstract Background In ageing populations, multimorbidity is a complex challenge to health systems, especially when the individuals have both mental and physical morbidities. Although a regular source of primary care (RSPC) is associated with better health outcomes, its relation with health service utilisation in elderly patients with mental-physical multimorbidity (MP-MM) is scarce. Objective This study explored the relations among health service utilisation, presence of RSPC and MP-MM among elderly Brazilians. Methods A national cross-sectional study performed with data from national representative samples from the Brazilian National Health Research (PNS, in Portuguese; Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) carried out in 2013 with 11,177 elderly Brazilian people. MP-MM was defined as the presence of two or more morbidities, including at least one mental morbidity, and was evaluated using a list of 16 physical and mental morbidities. The RSPC was analysed by the presence of regular font of care in primary care and health service utilisation according to the demand for health services ≤ 15 days, medical consultation ≤ 12 months, and hospitalisation ≤ 1 year. Frequency description of variables and bivariate association were performed using Stata v.15.2 software. Results The majority of individuals was female (56.4%), and their mean age was 69.8 years. The observed prevalence of MP-MM was 12.2%. Individuals with MP-MM had higher utilisation of health services when compared to those without MP-MM. RSPC was present at 36.5% and was higher in women (37.8% vs. 34.9%). There was a lower occurrence of hospitalisation ≤ 1 year among MP-MM individuals with RSPC and without a private plan of health. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that RSPC can be an important component of care in elderly individuals with MP-MM because it was associated with lower occurrence of hospitalisation, mainly in those that have not a private plan of health. Longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Abstract: Brazil is characterized by an unfinished agenda of health inequalities, which impact health problems in the childhood. This study aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic inequalities of health problems in the early childhood. This is a prospective study, using data from the birth cohort carried out in the city of Pelotas (Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil) in 2015. The outcomes were health problems presented at 12 and 24 months: cough, breathing difficulty, diarrhea, ear pain, pneumonia, urinary infection, hospitalization, and other health problems. Socioeconomic inequalities were measured applying the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index (CIX), with wealth index and maternal schooling being the socioeconomic variables. The inequalities in the number of health problems were evaluated by Poisson regression. The perinatal sample comprised 4,275 children. At 12 months approximately 74% of the children presented 1 or more health problems, while at 24 months, approximately 44% presented 2 or more health problems. For all period, the mean number of health problems was 2.9 (standard deviation = 2.0). Higher frequencies were observed for children belonging to the poorest income quintile and with lower maternal education, except for 1 or more health problems at 24 months. The greatest absolute and relative inequality was observed for 2 or more health problems at 12 months (SII: -0.23, 95%CI: -0.29; -0.18 and CIX: -0.19, 95%CI: -0.25; -0.14). There is an opposite dose-response relation for the risk of accumulation of health problems according to maternal schooling (1.07, 95%CI: 1.04; 1.09) and wealth categories (1.03, 95%CI: 1.01; 1.04), in the full adjusted models. The study confirms inequalities due to health problems in Brazilian children, especially in the first year of life.

Abstract Objective: To assess association between multimorbidity and use of health services in a population diagnosed with COVID-19, in southern Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data from a longitudinal study carried out in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2021 with all adult individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; descriptive analyses were performed and presented as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI); Poisson regression was performed and reported as prevalence ratios (PR) in order to assess association between multimorbidity (3 or more diseases) and healthcare service use. Results: In total, 2,919 participants were included, of which 40.4% had multimorbidity (≥ 2 diseases); the adjusted results showed that individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to use most of the services assessed, PR = 3.21 (95%CI 1.40;7.37), for Emergency Rooms. Conclusion: Multimorbidity was associated with using different types of health services.

Abstract To investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity and their association with sociodemographic and health variables in individuals with severe obesity. This is a baseline data analysis of 150 individuals with severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 35.0 kg/m2) aged 18–65 years. The outcomes were multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric and self-perceived health data were collected. Poisson multiple regression was conducted to identify multimorbidity risk factors. The frequency of two or more morbidities was 90.7%, three or more morbidities was 76.7%, and complex multimorbidity was 72.0%. Living with four or more household residents was associated with ≥ 3 morbidities and complex multimorbidity. Fair and very poor self-perceived health was associated with ≥ 2 morbidities, ≥ 3 morbidities and complex multimorbidity. A higher BMI range (45.0–65.0 kg/m2) was associated with ≥ 2 morbidities and ≥ 3 morbidities. Anxiety (82.7%), varicose veins of lower limbs (58.7%), hypertension (56.0%) were the most frequent morbidities, as well as the pairs and triads including them. The prevalence of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity in individuals with severe obesity was higher and the risk for multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity increased in individuals living in households of four or more residents, with fair or poor/very poor self-perceived health and with a higher BMI.

Abstract Background Although the association between multimorbidity (MM) and hospitalisation is known, the different effects of MM patterns by age and sex in this outcome needs to be elucidated. Our study aimed to analyse the association of hospitalisations’ variables (occurrence, readmission, length of stay) and patterns of multimorbidity (MM) according to sex and age. Methods Data from 8.807 participants aged ≥ 50 years sourced from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil) were analysed. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥ 2 (MM2) and ≥ 3 (MM3) chronic conditions. Poisson regression was used to verify the association between the independent variables and hospitalisation according to sex and age group. Multiple linear regression models were constructed for the outcomes of readmission and length of stay. Ising models were used to estimate the networks of diseases and MM patterns. Results Regarding the risk of hospitalisation among those with MM2, we observed a positive association with male sex, age ≥ 75 years and women aged ≥ 75 years. For MM3, there was a positive association with hospitalisation among males. For the outcomes hospital readmission and length of stay, we observed a positive association with male sex and women aged ≥ 75 years. Network analysis identified two groups that are more strongly associated with occurrence of hospitalisation: the cardiovascular–cancer–glaucoma–cataract group stratified by sex and the neurodegenerative diseases–renal failure–haemorrhagic stroke group stratified by age group. Conclusion We conclude that the association between hospitalisation, readmission, length of stay, and MM changes when sex and age group are considered. Differences were identified in the MM patterns associated with hospitalisation according to sex and age group.

Resumo: Os objetivos foram descrever a prevalência de procura por serviços de saúde entre adolescentes brasileiros e investigar sua associação com características contextuais do território. O estudo utilizou dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2019, realizada com 43.774 indivíduos de 10 a 19 anos. A informação do adolescente foi obtida por meio de um morador proxy de 18 anos ou mais que respondia por si e por todos os moradores da casa. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para avaliar a procura por serviços de saúde de acordo com região geopolítica, situação censitária e tipo de município. Também foi avaliada a interação da variável “plano de saúde” nessas associações. Do total, 11,7% (IC95%: 11,1; 12,3) dos adolescentes procuraram serviços de saúde nas duas semanas anteriores à pesquisa. Maiores prevalências de procura foram observadas nas regiões Sudeste (RP = 1,32; IC95%: 1,15; 1,52) e Sul (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 1,13; 1,52) em comparação à Região Norte do país. O acesso a plano de saúde aumentou a busca pelos serviços por adolescentes residentes nas áreas rurais e nas capitais e municípios das Regiões Metropolitanas e/ou Regiões Integradas de Desenvolvimento. O estudo evidenciou baixa prevalência de procura por serviços de saúde entre adolescentes e desigualdades contextuais para a região geopolítica. Ter plano de saúde foi um marcador importante para entender as disparidades na situação censitária e no tipo de município.

Objective To analyze the association of sleep duration and use of sleeping medication with multimorbidity.

Abstract Multimorbidity is highly prevalent in older adults and can lead to hospitalisation. We investigate the prevalence, associated factors, and multimorbidity pattern associated to hospitalisation, readmission, and length of stay in the population aged 50 years and older. We analysed baseline data (2015–2016) from the ELSI-Brazil cohort, a representative sample of non-institutionalised Brazilians aged ≥ 50 years. In total, 8807 individuals aged ≥ 50 years were included. Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted for confounders was used to verify the associations with hospitalisation. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the associations with readmission and length of stay. Network analysis was conducted using 19 morbidities and the outcome variables. In 8807 participants, the prevalence of hospitalisation was 10.0% (95% CI 9.1, 11), mean readmissions was 1.55 ± 1.191, and mean length of stay was 6.43 ± 10.46 days. Hospitalisation was positively associated with male gender, not living with a partner, not having ingested alcoholic beverages in the last month, and multimorbidity. For hospital readmission, only multimorbidity ≥ 3 chronic conditions showed a statistically significant association. Regarding the length of stay, the risk was positive for males and negative for living in rural areas. Five disease groups connected to hospitalisation, readmission and length of stay were identified. To conclude, sociodemographic variables, such as gender, age group, and living in urban areas, and multimorbidity increased the risk of hospitalisation, mean number of readmissions, and mean length of stay. Through network analysis, we identified the groups of diseases that increased the risk of hospitalisation, readmissions, and length of stay.

RESUMO Objetivo: To describe the initial baseline results of a population-based study, as well as a protocol in order to evaluate the performance of different machine learning algorithms with the objective of predicting the demand for urgent and emergency services in a representative sample of adults from the urban area of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Methods: The study is entitled “Emergency department use and Artificial Intelligence in PELOTAS (RS) (EAI PELOTAS)” (https://wp.ufpel.edu.br/eaipelotas/). Between September and December 2021, a baseline was carried out with participants. A follow-up was planned to be conducted after 12 months in order to assess the use of urgent and emergency services in the last year. Afterwards, machine learning algorithms will be tested to predict the use of urgent and emergency services over one year. Results: In total, 5,722 participants answered the survey, mostly females (66.8%), with an average age of 50.3 years. The mean number of household people was 2.6. Most of the sample has white skin color and incomplete elementary school or less. Around 30% of the sample has obesity, 14% diabetes, and 39% hypertension. Conclusion: The present paper presented a protocol describing the steps that were and will be taken to produce a model capable of predicting the demand for urgent and emergency services in one year among residents of Pelotas, in Rio Grande do Sul state.

Introduction: The prevention of vertical transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is the object of research by several authors, who reinforce the importance of knowing the serological status of a woman’s sexual partner. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and serodiscordance of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis infections among women admitted to a maternity hospital in southern Brazil and their partners. Methods: 350 women and their partners were interviewed in a service-based cross-sectional study conducted from August 16 to November 23, 2018. Results: 4.0% of the women and 4.3% of the men had one of the infections studied. Among women, 2.0% already knew they were HIV positive, 2.0% had a positive rapid test for syphilis and there was no positive result for hepatitis B or C. A total of 299 (85.4%) partners were located. Of these, 293 (98.0%) agreed to answer the study questionnaire. Of all men interviewed, 281 (95.9%) agreed to undergo an rapid test. Among men, 1.4% already knew they were HIV positive and 0.4% had chronic hepatitis B disease. There was a similar percentage of men with a positive rapid test for syphilis and hepatitis C (1.4%). Regarding couples, 6.8% had some positive test. Most of the positive test subjects were in a serodiscordant relationship (16 serodiscordant couples and 3 positive concordant couples). Conclusion: These results reinforce the importance of testing men to prevent the infection of a negative partner and the vertical transmission of sexually transmitted infections. The high acceptance, by men, to undergo an rapid test at the time of the woman’s hospitalization demonstrated the viability of this strategy in the maternity ward.

Background : An increase in body mass index (BMI) is strongly associated with the occurrence of multimorbidity, and overweight and obesity are contributing factors for the increase in morbidities. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of multimorbidity and associated factors in Brazilian adults with and without overweight or obesity. Methods : This was a cross-sectional population-based study with data from the National Health Survey (2013) including individuals aged 18 years or older. Multimorbidity was defined as having ≥2 diseases from the list of 15 morbidities on the self-reported questionnaire (self-reported medical diagnosis in life). BMI was categorized as: ≤24.9 kg/m2 (low weight and eutrophy), 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (overweight), and ≥30.0 kg/m2 (obesity). Sex, age, and schooling were the covariates. Poisson regression was used for crude and adjusted analyses for the variables representing access to health services estimating the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results : The total sample consisted of 59,402 individuals. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 25% overall and was higher among overweight (25.8%) and obese (32.5%) individuals. Obese women 60 years or older had a higher occurrence of multimorbidity (80%). In the adjusted analysis, a lower prevalence of multimorbidity was observed among those with higher educational levels in all BMI classifications: low weight/eutrophy, PR=0.66 (95% CI, 0.58-0.75); overweight, PR=0.62 (95% CI, 0.56-0.70); and obesity, PR=0.75 (95% CI, 0.67-0.85). Conclusion : A higher prevalence of multimorbidity was found among obese women who were 60 years of age or older. Schooling was an associated factor regardless of BMI.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to healthcare services may have become difficult, which may have led to an increase in chronic diseases and multimorbidity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of multimorbidity and its associated factors among adults living in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: We included data from the two waves of the Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health (PAMPA). Data were collected via online questionnaires between June and July 2020 (wave 1) and between December 2020 and January 2021 (wave 2). Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more diagnosed medical conditions. RESULTS: In total, 516 individuals were included, among whom 27.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 23.5-31.1) developed multimorbidity from wave 1 to 2. In adjusted regression models, female sex (hazard ratio, HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.19-3.24), middle-aged adults (31-59 years) (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.18-2.70) and older adults (60 or over) (HR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.25-4.61) showed higher risk of multimorbidity. Back pain (19.4%), high cholesterol (13.3%) and depression (12.2%) were the medical conditions with the highest proportions reported by the participants during wave 2. CONCLUSION: The incidence of multimorbidity during a six-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic was 27.1% in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Objetivo: investigar a capacidade institucional para o cuidado às pessoas com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis na atenção primária à saúde. Método: estudo transversal, quantitativo e exploratório. A coleta de dados utilizou o questionário, traduzido e adaptado para o Brasil, Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. A coleta de dados aconteceu entre dezembro de 2017 a junho de 2018. O instrumento foi respondido por 159 profissionais que atuavam em 49 unidades de atenção primária à saúde. Resultados: a capacidade para o cuidado às pessoas com doenças crônicas foi classificada como básica. Os componentes com melhor e pior nota atribuída foram, desenho do sistema de prestação de serviços e suporte à decisão clínica, respectivamente. Conclusão: os resultados deste estudo apontaram que é necessário investir, prioritariamente, em: feedback do especialista na contrarreferência, parcerias com a comunidade, especialmente nas unidades que atuam no modelo tradicional e capacitação dos profissionais para apoio ao autocuidado.

In aging populations, multimorbidity (MM) is a significant challenge for health systems, however there are scarce evidence available in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, particularly in Brazil. A national cross-sectional study was conducted with 11,177 Brazilian older adults to evaluate the occurrence of MM and related clusters in Brazilians aged ≥ 60 years old. MM was assessed by a list of 16 physical and mental morbidities and it was defined considering ≥ 2 morbidities. The frequencies of MM and its associated factors were analyzed. After this initial approach, a network analysis was performed to verify the occurrence of clusters of MM and the network of interactions between coexisting morbidities. The occurrence of MM was 58.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.0-60.2). Hypertension (50.6%) was the most frequent morbidity and it was present all combinations of morbidities. Network analysis has demonstrated 4 MM clusters: 1) cardiometabolic; 2) respiratory + cancer; 3) musculoskeletal; and 4) a mixed mental illness + other diseases. Depression was the most central morbidity in the model according to nodes' centrality measures (strength, closeness, and betweenness) followed by heart disease, and low back pain. Similarity in male and female networks was observed with a conformation of four clusters of MM and cancer as an isolated morbidity. The prevalence of MM in the older Brazilians was high, especially in female sex and persons living in the South region of Brazil. Use of network analysis could be an important tool for identifying MM clusters and address the appropriate health care, research, and medical education for older adults in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de fatores de risco comportamentais à saúde e investigar clusters de ocorrência simultânea desses fatores em estudantes de universidade pública, Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal entre universitários no segundo semestre de 2017. Os fatores estudados foram inatividade física, excesso de comportamento sedentário, tempo inadequado de sono e tabagismo. Avaliou-se simultaneidade de fatores de risco mediante análise de clusters, via razão entre prevalências observada/esperada, considerando-se clusters aqueles que não incluíram a unidade. Resultados: Entre 1.716 estudantes, as prevalências de tempo inadequado de sono, inatividade física, excesso de comportamento sedentário e tabagismo foram de 45,2% (IC95% 42,9;47,6), 44,4% (IC95% 42,7;47,2), 39,8% (IC95% 37,7;42,2) e 10,6% (IC95% 9,6;12,5) respectivamente. Mais de 80% dos estudantes apresentaram pelo menos um fator de risco. Os clusters identificados relacionaram-se ao tempo inadequado de sono (O/E=1,15) e inatividade física concomitante ao comportamento sedentário (O/E=1,24). Conclusão: Observaram-se altas prevalências para os quatro fatores de risco estudados e apenas dois clusters.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a utilização de serviços de saúde e fatores associados, entre universitários. Métodos: Estudo transversal, aplicado em amostra de 2.708 estudantes da Universidade Federal de Pelotas entre novembro de 2017 e julho de 2018. Resultados: Dos 1.865 estudantes incluídos, 55,8% utilizaram serviços de saúde nos últimos 12 meses, 39,3% utilizaram serviços especializados, e 22,6%, as unidades básicas de saúde (UBS); 45,9% utilizaram serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS); e 49,1% utilizaram os serviços de saúde por motivo de prevenção. Houve maior utilização de serviços entre o sexo feminino (razão de prevalências, RP=1,34 - 1,23;1,46) e estudantes com necessidades de saúde (RP=1,51 - IC95% 1,40;1,63). Apresentaram associação com maior financiamento-SUS a UBS (83,0% [IC95%77,3;87,5]), o pronto-socorro (81,3% [IC95% 73,2;87,5]) e o pronto atendimento (83,6% [IC95% 76,2;89,0]). Conclusão: A análise indicou que mulheres e pessoas com necessidades utilizaram mais os serviços de saúde, e que o SUS foi o principal financiador desses serviços.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Emergency services are essential to the organization of the health care system. Nevertheless, they face different operational difficulties, including overcrowded services, largely explained by their inappropriate use and the repeated visits from users. Although a known situation, information on the theme is scarce in Brazil, particularly regarding longitudinal user monitoring. Thus, this project aims to evaluate the predictive performance of different machine learning algorithms to estimate the inappropriate and repeated use of emergency services and mortality. Methods: To that end, a study will be conducted in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, with around five thousand users of the municipal emergency department. Results: If the study is successful, we will provide an algorithm that could be used in clinical practice to assist health professionals in decision-making within hospitals. Different knowledge dissemination strategies will be used to increase the capacity of the study to produce innovations for the organization of the health system and services. Conclusion: A high performance predictive model may be able to help decisionmaking in the emergency services, improving quality of care.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a atenção às pessoas com diabetes e hipertensão, comparando as equipes segundo sua participação nos ciclos I e II do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade (PMAQ), e verificar sua associação com características dos usuários e municípios. Métodos Estudo transversal, com dados do PMAQ em 2014. Foram utilizadas variáveis de organização da equipe, solicitação de exames e atenção referida pelos usuários. Resultados Trinta e cinco por cento das equipes apresentaram organização adequada e 88% solicitaram todos os exames. Entre os usuários, 31% tiveram seus pés examinados e 18% referiram ter recebido atenção adequada. Municípios da região Sudeste, com mais de 300 mil habitantes e maior índice de desenvolvimento humano apresentaram melhores indicadores. As equipes participantes dos ciclos I e II mostraram melhores prevalências de organização e solicitação de exames. Conclusão A atenção à pessoa com diabetes e hipertensão na rede básica de saúde brasileira necessita de melhorias.

Introduction The development of multiple coexisting chronic diseases (multimorbidity) is increasing globally, along with the percentage of older adults affected by it. Multimorbidity is associated with the concomitant use of multiple medications, a greater possibility of adverse effects, and increased risk of hospitalisation. Therefore, this systematic review study protocol aims to analyse the impact of multimorbidity on the occurrence of hospitalisation in older adults and assess whether this impact changes according to factors such as sex, age, institutionalisation and socioeconomic status. This study will also review the average length of hospital stay and the occurrence of hospital readmission.Methods and analysis A systematic review of the literature will be carried out using the PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases. The inclusion criteria will incorporate cross-sectional, cohort and case–control studies that analysed the association between multimorbidity (defined as the presence of ≥2 and/or ≥3 chronic conditions and complex multimorbidity) and hospitalisation (yes/no, days of hospitalisation and number of readmissions) in older adults (aged ≥60 years or >65 years). Effect measures will be quantified, including ORs, prevalence ratios, HRs and relative risk, along with their associated 95% CI. The overall aim of this study is to widen knowledge and to raise reflections about the association between multimorbidity and hospitalisation in older adults. Ultimately, its findings may contribute to improvements in public health policies resulting in cost reductions across healthcare systems.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated via submission for publication to a peer-reviewed journal when complete.PROSPERO registration number CRD42021229328.

O objetivo foi analisar tendências e desigualdades na prevalência de insegurança alimentar na pandemia de COVID-19, de acordo com fatores sociodemográficos e com medidas de distanciamento social. Dados de quatro inquéritos epidemiológicos seriados sobre a COVID-19 desenvolvidos entre maio e junho de 2020, com adultos e idosos residentes na cidade de Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Insegurança alimentar foi avaliada por meio da versão curta da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA), com o período recordatório adaptado ao início das medidas de distanciamento social no município. As características sociodemográficas e a adoção de medidas de distanciamento social foram analisadas, e suas associações com a insegurança alimentar foram avaliadas utilizando-se o teste de qui-quadrado. A tendência temporal da insegurança alimentar de acordo com tais características foi avaliada usando-se regressão linear. As desigualdades na insegurança alimentar foram avaliadas utilizando-se o índice angular de desigualdade e o índice de concentração. Dos 1.550 indivíduos estudados, 29,4% (IC95%: 25,0; 34,4) apresentaram insegurança alimentar. A análise de desigualdade mostrou maior concentração da insegurança alimentar entre os mais jovens, os menos escolarizados e os que residiam em domicílios com cinco moradores ou mais. Ao longo dos quatro inquéritos, a prevalência de insegurança alimentar reduziu mais acentuadamente entre os mais jovens, naqueles que residiam em domicílios com até dois moradores e com dois ou mais trabalhadores. Evidenciou-se forte associação da insegurança alimentar com os aspectos sociodemográficos dos entrevistados, o que pode indicar o potencial impacto econômico da pandemia na situação alimentar dos domicílios.

Aim: to evaluate the informal social relations among the elderly with diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes, residing in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul. Method: crosssectional population-based study. A total of 1,593 people aged 60 and over were interviewed, of whom 947 had a diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes. Results: The prevalence of "informal social relations" was distributed in weak, moderate and strong. The statistical difference among the groups was evaluated with chi-square test and confidence intervals of 95%. Results: the percentage of weak informal relationships was 51.0%, with higher proportions among the elderly aged over 74 years, lower educational level, C and D socioeconomic classification, residents in multigenerational households, with more people and in areas covered by the “Estratégia Saúde da Família” health strategy. Conclusion: the results reinforce the need to develop social protection mechanisms for the elderly with chronic morbidity, in order to minimize the risk of living alone.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of multimorbidity among Brazilian adults and its association with socioeconomic indicators. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that used data from the Pesquisa Nacional Sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM – Brazilian National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), carried out between 2013 and 2014. The definition of multimorbidity was the coexistence, in a single individual, of two or more chronic diseases, measured through a list of 14 morbidities (self-reported medical diagnosis throughout life). Economic status and educational level were the socioeconomic indicators used, being the inequalities assessed through the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Concentration Index, stratified by gender. RESULTS: The study comprehended 23,329 adults (52.8% of which were women), with an average age of 37.9 years. Hypertension and high cholesterol levels were the most prevalent conditions. The prevalence of multimorbidity was of 10.9% (95%CI 10.1–11.7) representing nearly 11 million individuals in Brazil, of which 14.5% (95%CI 13.5–15.4) were women and 6.8% (95%CI 5.9–7.8) were men. The occurrence of multimorbidity was similar according to the socioeconomic indicators. In the inequality analysis, we observed absolute and relative differences in men with a higher purchasing power (SII = 3.7; 95%CI 0.3–7.0) and higher educational level (CIX = 7.1; 95%CI 0.9–14.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of comorbidities in Brazilian adults is high, especially in absolute terms. We only observed socioeconomic inequalities in multimorbidities among men.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi medir a ocorrência de multimorbidade e estimar o número de indivíduos na população brasileira com 50 anos ou mais em risco para COVID-19 grave. Estudo transversal de base nacional com dados do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil), conduzido em 2015-2016, com 9.412 indivíduos com 50 anos ou mais. A multimorbidade foi caracterizada como ≥ 2 condições crônicas com base em uma lista de 15 morbidades consideradas de risco para COVID-19 grave. As análises incluíram cálculo de prevalência e estimativa do número absoluto de pessoas na população em risco. Autoavaliação do estado de saúde, fragilidade e atividades básicas da vida diária foram utilizadas como marcadores da situação de saúde. Sexo, idade, região geopolítica e escolaridade foram usados como covariáveis. Cerca de 80% dos indivíduos da amostra apresentaram pelo menos alguma das morbidades avaliadas, o que representa cerca de 34 milhões de indivíduos; a multimorbidade foi referida por 52% da população em estudo, com maior proporção nas regiões Centro-oeste, Sudeste e Sul. Doenças cardiovasculares e obesidade foram as condições crônicas mais frequentes. Estima-se que 2,4 milhões de brasileiros estejam em risco grave de saúde. Desigualdades segundo a escolaridade foram observadas. O número de pessoas com 50 anos ou mais que apresentam morbidades de risco para COVID-19 grave é elevado tanto em termos relativos quanto absolutos. A estimativa apresentada é importante para planejar as estratégias de monitoramento das pessoas com morbidades crônicas e de prevenção no enfrentamento do novo coronavírus.

Objetivou-se medir a ocorrência de comportamentos de proteção contra a COVID-19 e fatores sociodemográficos segundo a ocorrência de multimorbidade na população brasileira com 50 anos ou mais de idade. Foram utilizados dados de inquérito telefônico entre participantes do ELSI-Brasil (Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros), conduzido entre maio e junho de 2020. Avaliou-se o uso de medidas de prevenção não farmacológica para COVID-19, motivos para sair de casa segundo a presença de multimorbidade e variáveis sociodemográficas. Participaram do estudo 6.149 pessoas. Multimorbidade foi mais frequente no sexo feminino, em casados, na faixa etária 50-59 anos de idade e em moradores da zona urbana. A maior parte da população saiu de casa entre uma e duas vezes na última semana, percentual que aumentou segundo o número de morbidades (22,3% sem morbidades e 38% com multimorbidade). Sair de casa todos os dias teve menor ocorrência entre indivíduos com multimorbidade (10,3%), e 9,3% saíram de casa na última semana para obter atendimento de saúde. Higienização de mãos (> 98%) e sempre usar máscara ao sair de casa (> 96%) foram hábitos quase universais. Observou-se maior adesão ao isolamento social entre as mulheres com multimorbidade quando comparadas com os homens (RP = 1,49; IC95%: 1,23-1,79); esta adesão aumentou proporcionalmente com a idade e inversamente ao nível de escolaridade. O comportamento de proteção em pessoas com multimorbidade parece ser maior em relação aos demais, embora questões relacionadas ao isolamento social e cuidado em saúde mereçam ser destacadas. Esses achados podem ser úteis na customização de estratégias de enfrentamento atual da pandemia.

O objetivo foi descrever a prevalência de ganho de peso gestacional e a retenção de peso após 3 e 12 meses do parto, e identificar possíveis desigualdades socioeconômicas no ganho de peso gestacional adequado. Realizou-se um estudo longitudinal com dados da coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015. O ganho de peso gestacional foi classificado segundo o Instituto de Medicina dos Estados Unidos. A retenção de peso aos 3 e 12 meses foi calculada considerando-se o peso da mãe em cada período, subtraído do peso pré-gestacional. Para identificar as possíveis desigualdades, utilizou-se o Slope Index (SII) e o Concentration Index (CIX). A amostra analítica incluiu as mães com informações para o desfecho em estudo (n = 4.102). A prevalência de ganho de peso gestacional adequado foi de 33,5% (IC95%: 32,1; 35,0). Foram encontradas desigualdades discretas na prevalência de ganho de peso adequado entre as menos escolarizadas [CIX = 1,88 (IC95%: -0,76; 4,52); SII = 4,27 (IC95%: -0,87; 9,41)] e entre as mães pertencentes ao quinto mais pobre - 1º quinto - [CIX = 1,04 (IC95%: -1,60; 3,67); SII = 2,93 (IC95%: -2,06; 7,92)], porém, estas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. A média de retenção de peso pós-parto foi de 2,3kg (DP = 6,4) e de 1,4kg (DP = 8,8) após 3 e 12 meses do parto, respectivamente. Um terço das mulheres apresentou ganho de peso considerado adequado. As desigualdades observadas na prevalência de ganho de peso gestacional adequado com relação à menor escolaridade materna e quinto mais pobre de renda não foram estatisticamente significativas.

Abstract Background Brazil is an endemic country for schistosomiasis in the Latin American and Caribbean countries. Pernambuco is a higher-endemic Brazilian state among the 19 states reporting the disease in the country; schistosomiasis affects 102 (55%) of its 185 municipalities. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment cycles of the SANAR Program (Plan to Reduce and Eliminate Neglected Diseases) in Pernambuco State in Northeast Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in 2014 via a household survey in 117 hyperendemic locations in the state of Pernambuco. We compared the schistosomiasis prevalence rates in hyperendemic locations, aggregated by geographical region, before and after the intervention. The dependent variable was a positive stool test result by the Kato-Katz method, and the main exposure variable was the number of treatment cycles (one/two). The covariables were the regions of the state and socioenvironmental, socioeconomic, demographic and behavioral characteristics. Results In all, 12,969 individuals were interviewed, 8932 of whom had stool tests. Of these, 4969 (55.6%) underwent two cycles of collective treatment. Changes in the environmental conditions since 2011 were minimal. Comparison before (2011) and after (2014) treatment showed an average schistosomiasis prevalence of 18.6%, decreasing to 4.1% and 2.0% in locations with one and two treatment cycles, respectively. In 2014, the highest schistosomiasis prevalence was found in the forest area (2.8%), while the lowest was found in the northern region (1.2%) of the state. The adjusted analysis showed a lower occurrence of schistosomiasis in individuals living in areas with two treatment cycles than in individuals from areas with just one cycle (PR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.89). Conclusions The political decision made in Pernambuco to implement the SANAR Program in 2011 greatly impacted the burden of schistosomiasis. This program was effective in reducing the occurrence of schistosomiasis in hyperendemic areas in Pernambuco, with a stronger response in areas with two cycles of collective treatment.

Abstract Objective: to verify the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its relationship with physical and mental health indicators in the elderly population of Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Method: a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in 2008 with 1,593 elderly persons. Poisson regression was used for crude and adjusted analysis between the outcomes and the independent variables. Results: the prevalence of urinary incontinence was 20.7%, being 26.9% among women and 10.3% among men. The associated factors were female gender, age 70 to 74 and 75 years or over, yellow/brown/indigenous ethnicity/skin color and no schooling. The prevalence of functional disability, depression, cognitive deficit and very poor/poor self-perception of health was significantly higher in women with urinary incontinence. Among incontinent men, the same was observed with regard to functional disability and cognitive deficit. Conclusion: the occurrence of urinary incontinence in the elderly is frequent, especially in women, with a significant relationship with physical and mental health conditions in the elderly population. These results support the development of care strategies to prevent incontinence and minimize its health impacts.

Objective. To measure the prevalence of various care services offered to the elderly with diabetes mellitus in Brazil, and to assess the social inequalities in these services. Methods. This cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out in 2013. The care services offered were evaluated in terms of the following eight indicators: recommendations to lower carbohydrates, to measure blood glucose, and to examine the feet; requests made for blood tests, for glycated hemoglobin tests, and for glycemic curve tests; and whether service users had had their eyes or feet examined in the previous year. We used the slope index of inequality and the concentration index to assess the inequalities among wealth quintiles. Results. A total of 1 685 elderly persons with diabetes were evaluated. Overall, 41.7% of them had had their eyes examined in the preceding year, 35.4% had had their feet examined in the preceding year, and 10.9% had been offered all eight of the care services. The largest absolute differences (in percentage points) between the first (poorest) and fifth (richest) wealth quintiles in terms of the care services that were offered to the users were for: a recommendation to measure blood glucose (25.8), a glycated hemoglobin test request (27.4), a glycemic curve test request (31.9), having the eyes examined in the preceding year (29.3), and having the feet examined in the preceding year (27.0). Conclusion. There were notable inequalities in the prevalences of the care services. In the future, measurement of blood glucose and examination of the feet should be emphasized, ­especially for elderly persons in a lower socioeconomic level.

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer in more developed countries and the leading cause of death in developing countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between three sets of variables and the utilization of breast cancer screening among women attending primary health care centers participating in the Primary Care Access and Quality Improvement Program in Brazil. A survey of 65,391 women was conducted across Brazil in 2012. The primary outcomes were percentage of women who never had a clinical breast examination and percentage of women who never had a mammography. Crude and adjusted analyses performed using Poisson regression assessed the association of these outcomes with service organization variables, as well as with socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results showed that 37.7% of women never had a clinical breast examination and 30.3% never had a mammography. Never having had both screening procedures decreased as the Human Development Index increased. Never having had a clinical breast examination increased with increasing population size and increasing municipal family health strategy coverage. The proportion of women never having had a clinical breast examination was highest in the northern region. White women and those who had a partner had greater utilization of screening. Women who had paid work and lived in families with higher per capita income had greater utilization of clinical breast examination. The proportion of women who never had a mammography was highest for women living in households with six or more people and receiving the Bolsa Família benefit. Women with lower per capita family income had higher utilization of mammography. Appropriate structures and work processes were associated with greater utilization of mammography. Investments in primary health care structure and teamworking processes are essential to improve the utilization of screening, prevention, and early diagnosis of breast cancer in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar a implantação das ações de controle da esquistossomose mansônica do Programa de Enfrentamento às Doenças Negligenciadas em três municípios de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: análise de implantação, realizada em 2014, considerando-se os componentes de gestão, vigilância epidemiológica, assistência ao paciente e apoio laboratorial, e educação em saúde; utilizaram-se observação direta e entrevistas com gestores e técnicos dos níveis estadual, regional e municipal. Resultados: verificou-se implantação parcial nos municípios A e B 69,7%; 62,2%, enquanto o município C classificou-se como implantado 79,5%; houve fragilidades de contexto relativas à comunicação entre instâncias gestoras, insuficiente autonomia técnico-gerencial dos níveis descentralizados e instabilidade profissional; como potencialidades, identificaram-se educação permanente, articulação política, conhecimento sobre o programa e avaliação de desempenho. Conclusão: categorias contextuais relacionadas com o desenvolvimento e implantação destacaram-se pela influência positiva no nível de implantação dos três municípios; recomenda-se intervir nas fragilidades observadas, para garantia da sustentabilidade e institucionalização do programa.

Resumo: O objetivo foi medir a falta de acesso e a utilização dos serviços de saúde bucal por idosos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Estudo transversal de base populacional foi realizado no ano de 2014, na zona urbana do município, incluindo indivíduos com 60 anos e mais. Variáveis sociodemográficas e de necessidade autorreferidas foram associadas aos desfechos. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson para as análises bruta e ajustada. Foram entrevistados 1.451 idosos mediante um questionário estruturado. Falta de acesso no último ano alcançou uma prevalência de 1,8% (IC95%: 0,7-3,0). Idosos que nunca consultaram somaram 3,1% (IC95%: 2,2-4,0) e a utilização de serviços de saúde bucal no último ano registrou prevalência de 38,3% (IC95%: 36,0-41,0). A utilização no último ano apresentou associação positiva com as seguintes variáveis: faixa etária mais jovem (RP = 1,16), ter companheiro (RP = 1,28), alta escolaridade (RP = 1,31), problema na boca ou nos dentes (RP = 1,93), necessidade de prótese dentária (RP = 1,36) e ser edêntulo (RP = 3,11). A falta de acesso no último ano foi baixa. A utilização de serviços de saúde bucal foi mais alta do que a observada em outros estudos. Os achados parecem refletir a expansão desses serviços, particularmente na rede pública, sendo úteis para as ações de planejamento das políticas de saúde.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a variação dos níveis de craving segundo características individuais e comportamentais dos usuários de crack de dois serviços públicos de tratamento especializado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal, com amostra de 133 participantes; utilizou-se a escala do Cocaine Craving Questionnaire para verificar o nível de craving. Resultados: 86% dos entrevistados apresentaram níveis de craving moderado a grave; quanto aos fatores individuais, observou-se maior nível de craving grave entre mulheres (45%), pardos/mestiços (60%), baixa escolaridade (46%) e transtornos psiquiátricos menores (59%); sobre os fatores comportamentais, o nível de craving grave foi maior entre usuários que se divorciaram no último ano (44%), tiveram problemas com a Justiça (61%), praticaram atos de violência (57%), utilizavam mais de quatro substâncias psicoativas (67%) e apresentavam consumo pesado do crack (57%). Conclusão: a quase totalidade dos usuários de crack apresentaram níveis de craving elevados, proporcionalmente maiores em algumas variáveis individuais e comportamentais.

Lower socioeconomic level is positively related to multimorbidity and it is possible that the clustering of health conditions carries the same association. The aim of this study was to identify prevalence of multimorbidity and clusters of health conditions among elderly, as well the underlying socioeconomic inequalities. This was a cross-sectional population-based study carried out with 60-year-old individuals. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of 2+, 3+, 4+ or 5+ health conditions in the same individual. Schooling levels and the National Economic Index were used to investigate inequalities in the prevalence of multimorbidities among elderly. Slope and concentration indexes of inequality were used to evaluate absolute and relative differences. A factorial analysis was performed to identify disease clusters. In every ten older adults, about nine, eight, seven and six presented, respectvely, 2+, 3+, 4+ and 5+ health conditions. Three clusters of health conditions were found, involving musculoskeletal/mental/functional disorders, cardiometabolic, and respiratory factors. Higher inequalities were found the higher amount of health conditions (5+), when considering economic level, and for 3+, 4+ and 5+, when considering educational level. These findings show high multimorbidity prevalence among elderly, highlighting the persistence of health inequalities in Southern Brazil. Strategies by the health services need to focus on elderly at lower socioeconomic levels.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the continuity of primary care in universal health care systems, especially in underserved areas. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 4,001 adults (≥18 years old) living in the Manaus Metropolitan Region in 2015. Interviews were conducted in households selected with probabilistic sampling. City and neighborhood variables were collected from databanks. Prevalence ratios (PR) of the continuity of care (defined as using a primary care service and having been previously registered in the Family Health Strategy program) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with multilevel Poisson regression analysis. Results: A total of 20.6% (95%CI 19.4-21.9%) of the participants reported continuity of primary care. Women (PR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.18-1.61), nonwhite individuals (PR = 1.13; 95%CI 1.05-1.21), and poorer people (PR = 1.55; 95%CI 1.19-2.02) had higher levels of continuity, whereas health insurance holders had lower levels of continuity (PR = 0.46; 95%CI 0.34-0.62). Individuals with continuity of care had more physician consultations (PR = 1.06; 95%CI 1.02-1.10), dentist consultations (PR = 1.16; 95%CI 1.05-1.28), fewer depressive (PR = 0.59; 95%CI 0.44-0.79) and anxiety symptoms (PR = 0.64; 95%CI 0.48-0.85), and a higher quality of life (β = 0.033; 95%CI 0.011-0.054) than those without continuity. Conclusions: Continuity of care was attained by two-tenths of the population and the level of continuity was high among socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Good outcomes and health services usage increased with continuity of care.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de orientações sobre hábitos saudáveis recebidas de profissionais de saúde entre idosos e sua relação com indicadores socioeconômicos, demográficos, comportamentais, de saúde e do tipo de serviços. Métodos: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais da zona urbana de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Foram avaliadas sete orientações sobre hábitos saudáveis: controlar o peso, reduzir o sal, açúcar e gordura, praticar atividade física, não fumar e não ingerir bebidas alcoólicas. Resultados: Entre os 1.451 idosos entrevistados, 1.281 (88,3%) consultaram no último ano. As orientações mais referidas foram para redução do consumo de gordura (61,7%), de sal (61,5%) e prática de atividade física (58,2%). Idosos que consultaram três vezes ou mais e em serviços financiados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde receberam mais orientações. Aqueles idosos de classificação econômica A/B tiveram maior probabilidade de receber orientação para controle de peso (RP = 1,27; IC95% 1,06 - 1,70) e para prática de atividade física (RP = 1,34; IC95% 1,06 - 1,69). Conclusão: As orientações, por profissionais de saúde, foram pouco frequentes e, em alguns casos, desfocalizadas.

Background: Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of two or more diseases in the same individual. One method to identify this condition at an early stage is the use of specific markers for various combinations of morbidities. Nonetheless, evidence related to physiological markers in multimorbidity is limited. Objective: The aim was to perform a systematic review to identify physiological markers associated with multimorbidity. Design: Articles available on PubMed, Register of Controlled Trials, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Scopus, SocINDEX, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO, from their inception to May 2018, were systematically searched and reviewed. The project was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42017055522. Results: The systematic search identified 922 papers. After evaluation, 18 articles were included in the full review reporting at least one physiological marker in coexisting diseases or which are strongly associated with the presence of multimorbidity in the future. Only five of these studies examined multimorbidity in general, identifying five physiological markers associated with multimorbidity, namely, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein (Lp), and cystatin C (Cyst-C). Conclusions: There is a paucity of studies related to physiological markers in multimorbidity. DHEAS, IL-6, CRP, Lp, and Cyst-C could be the initial focus for further investigation of physiological markers related to multimorbidity.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the occurrence and factors associated with multimorbidity among Brazilians aged 50 years and over. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in a nation-based cohort of the non-institutionalized population in Brazil. Data were collected between 2015 and 2016. Multimorbidity was assessed from a list of 19 morbidities, which were categorized into ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 diseases. The analysis included the calculation of frequencies and the most frequent 10 pairs and triplets of combinations of diseases. The crude and adjusted analyses evaluated the demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and contextual variables (area of residence, geopolitical region, and coverage of the Family Health Strategy) using Poisson regression. RESULTS From the total of 9,412 individuals, 67.8% (95%CI 65.6–69.9) and 47.1% (95%CI 44.8–49.4) showed ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 diseases, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, women, older persons, and those who did not consume alcohol had increased multimorbidity. There were no associations with race, area of residence, geopolitical region, and coverage of the Family Health Strategy. The 10 pairs (frequencies observed between 11.6% and 23.2%) and the 10 triplets (frequencies observed between 4.9% and 9.5%) of the most frequent diseases mostly included back problems (15 times) and systemic arterial hypertension (11 times). All combinations were statistically higher than expected by chance. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of multimorbidity was high even among younger individuals (50 to 59 years). Approximately two in three (≥ 2 diseases) and one in two (≥ 3 diseases) individuals aged 50 years and over presented multimorbidity, which represents 26 and 18 million persons in Brazil, respectively. We observed high frequencies of combinations of morbidities.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a tendência temporal da cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) no Brasil, suas regiões e Unidades da Federação (UFs), em 2006-2016. Métodos: estudo ecológico de séries temporais com dados do Departamento de Atenção Básica do Ministério da Saúde; utilizou-se regressão de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: no Brasil, as coberturas da ESF em 2006 e 2016 foram de 45,3% e 64,0%, respectivamente, com tendência crescente (variação anual = 8,4%: IC95% 7,4;9,3); as cinco regiões nacionais mostraram tendência crescente na cobertura, assim como a maioria das UFs, exceto Roraima, Amapá, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte e Paraíba, que apresentaram estabilidade; em 2016, 14 UFs apresentaram coberturas entre 75 e 100%, e 11 entre 50 e 74,9%; São Paulo e o Distrito Federal mostraram coberturas menores que 50%. Conclusão: embora, em geral, a cobertura da ESF tenha aumentado, em 2016, 13 UFs apresentaram coberturas inferiores a 75%; necessitam-se mais esforços pela universalização da ESF.

Resumo Objetivo: investigar a oferta de ações educativas e de promoção da saúde na atenção básica e sua associação com fatores demográficos e cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado com 816 equipes que aderiram ao Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, 2012. Resultados: as ações mais frequentes eram direcionadas aos diabéticos (91,2%), hipertensos (90,8%) e ao pré-natal e puerpério (84,6%). As menos frequentes, aos dependentes de crack, álcool e outras drogas (32,4%), ansiolíticos e benzodiazepínicos (20,3%), assim como aos portadores de tuberculose (31,4%) e hanseníase (21,0%). As maiores ofertas de ações educativas e de promoção da saúde ocorreram nos municípios de menor porte e com maior cobertura de saúde da família. Conclusão: ações voltadas ao período reprodutivo e a morbidades crônicas eram o foco da atenção básica. A implementação da ESF fortalece a promoção da saúde.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a associação entre recebimento de orientações por profissionais de saúde e comportamentos saudáveis entre idosos. Métodos: estudo transversal de base populacional com idosos (≥60 anos) entrevistados em 2014; utilizou-se regressão de Poisson para estimar razões de prevalência (RP) brutas e ajustadas das associações entre recebimento de orientações sobre redução do sal, açúcar e gordura, e prática de atividade física, disponibilizadas por profissionais de saúde no ano anterior à entrevista, e apresentação de comportamentos saudáveis. Resultados: foram incluídos 1.281 idosos; após os ajustes, idosos que referiram receber orientações de profissionais de saúde relataram redução do consumo de sal (RP 1,64; IC95% 1,41;1,91) e de açúcar e doces (RP 1,21; IC95% 1,08;1,36) e maior prática de atividade física (RP 1,21; IC95% 1,06;1,39), em comparação aos idosos que não receberam orientação. Conclusão: as orientações realizadas por profissionais de saúde parecem favorecer a prática de hábitos saudáveis em idosos.

O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência do consumo de leite materno e os fatores associados em crianças brasileiras com menos de dois anos de idade. Estudo transversal, de base nacional, realizado em 2013. Os desfechos foram amamentação entre crianças menores de 24 meses e amamentação exclusiva entre aquelas menores de seis meses de idade. Realizou-se análise hierárquica para fatores associados. As análises foram estratificadas por idade (0-5 meses e 29 dias; 6-11 meses e 29 dias; 12-23 meses e 29 dias de idade). A prevalência de aleitamento materno foi de 56% para o total estudado e, segundo idade, foi de 80% (0-5 meses e 29 dias), 62,3% (6-11 meses e 29 dias) e 40,1% (12-23 meses e 29 dias). Nas análises ajustadas, em todas as faixas etárias, a maior prevalência de ingestão de leite materno esteve associada ao menor número de alimentos lácteos consumidos. Entre crianças de 6-11 meses e 29 dias, residir na Região Norte, ter cor da pele preta e situar-se no menor quinto de posse de bens associaram-se a maior prevalência de amamentação. Naquelas entre 12-23 meses e 29 dias, maior prevalência de consumo de leite materno foi associado à cor da pele preta, consumo de líquidos e de alimentos saudáveis, residência na zona urbana, maior escolaridade do chefe da família e posse de maior número de bens. A prevalência de aleitamento exclusivo foi de 20,6%, sendo maior na Região Sul, nos maiores níveis de escolaridade do chefe da família e naquelas crianças com maior número de bens. As prevalências de amamentação e amamentação exclusiva nas crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos podem ser consideradas baixas. As políticas já existentes para aumentar as prevalências de consumo de leite materno, em qualquer faixa etária, devem ser reforçadas.

Com o objetivo de refletir sobre a importância da inclusão social pelo trabalho no processo de redução do estigma social pela doença, este artigo apresenta a narrativa de três usuárias, vinculadas às Oficinas de Geração de Trabalho e Renda da Reabilitação Trabalho e Arte (Retrate), que sofrem com o preconceito e a discriminação por serem portadoras de transtornos mentais. Pautando-se nas contribuições teóricas de Erving Goffman e valendo-se da proposta metodológica trazida pela sociologia da vida cotidiana e pela história oral de vida, o resultado obtido aponta que a inclusão social pelo trabalho é o principal meio para a positivação da identidade dos portadores de transtornos mentais e para a redução da estigmatização social pela doença. Ao sentirem-se reconhecidos por seu trabalho e conceberem o grupo como uma "família", esses sujeitos têm a baixa autoestima, os sentimentos de anormalidade, o medo e a desvalorização visivelmente minimizados.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever e analisar a adequação da estrutura e processo das equipes do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade (PMAQ-AB) na prevenção do câncer de colo de útero na Atenção Básica no Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal conduzido em todas as unidades básicas de saúde (UBS), entre 2012 e 2013. Estimou-se a prevalência da adequação da estrutura (insumos/materiais) e do processo de trabalho para o exame de Papanicolau. A associação da adequação com características das unidades e equipes foi estimada pela razão de prevalência (RP) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: foram estudadas 38.812 UBS e 17.202 equipes de saúde. A prevalência de adequação da estrutura e do processo de trabalho foi 49% e 30%, respectivamente. A adequação da estrutura e o processo estiveram associados ao maior porte do município e IDH. A prevalência de adequação da estrutura foi maior nas unidades da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (RP=1,35; IC95%:1,33-1,38), cuja adequação do processo de trabalho esteve associada à população adscrita

Objetivos: descrever o perfil de utilização de serviços de saúde em crianças brasileiras menores de cinco anos. Métodos: estudo seccional de base populacional realizado em 2009, com crianças residentes em 100 municípios de cinco regiões brasileiras. Investigou-se o uso dos seguintes tipos de atendimento de saúde: domiciliar e médico ambulatorial - últimos três meses - e de urgência e internação hospitalar - últimos doze meses. As variáveis independentes foram: sexo, idade, classificação econômica familiar, escolaridade materna, família beneficiada pelo Programa Bolsa Família, ter apresentado problema agudo de saúde, estado nutricional, porte do município e região. Análises brutas e ajustadas para associação entre a utilização de serviços de saúde e classe econômica foram realizadas por meio de regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Resultados: das 6360 crianças, 3422 (54%) foram atendidas por médico, 506 (8%) receberam atendimento domiciliar, 2144 (34%) foram atendidas em serviços de urgência/emergência e 681 (11%) foram hospitalizadas. Crianças das classes A/B consultaram mais com o médico, tiveram menos atendimento domiciliar, usaram mais serviços de urgência do que crianças das classes C e D/E. Não houve diferença na hospitalização segundo classe econômica. Conclusões: os achados destacam importantes desigualdades no uso de serviços de saúde por crianças brasileiras.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos e os fatores associados na população idosa. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostra de 1.593 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais da zona urbana de Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2008. Os dados foram coletados em entrevistas domiciliares. A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi avaliada através da Escala de Depressão Geriátrica. A análise foi realizada utilizando modelo de regressão de Poisson com estimativa robusta de variância. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi de 18,0%, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) de 16,1 - 19,9. A maioria da amostra foi composta por mulheres (62,8%). A média de idade foi 70 anos, com desvio padrão de 8,24; 25,1% dos idosos tinham entre 60 e 64 anos e 31,2% tinham 75 anos ou mais. Na análise ajustada, os sintomas depressivos foram estatisticamente associados (valor p < 0,05) aos idosos do sexo feminino, cor da pele amarela, parda ou indígena, menor classificação econômica, aposentados, com histórico de problemas cardíacos, com incapacidade para atividades básicas e instrumentais da vida diária, pior autopercepção de saúde e insatisfação em sua vida em geral. A variável idade, situação conjugal, escolaridade, hipertensão e diabetes autorreferidas não apresentaram associação com sintomas depressivos após ajustes para fatores de confusão. CONCLUSÃO: A alta prevalência de sintomas depressivos na população requer investimento em ações de prevenção, atentando para a necessidade de práticas que promovam o envelhecimento ativo com a manutenção da atividade funcional, contribuindo para a melhoria da autopercepção de saúde e de satisfação com a vida.

OBJECTIVE To describe the lack of access and continuity of health care in adults. METHODS A cross-sectional population-based study was performed on a sample of 12,402 adults aged 20 to 59 years in urban areas of 100 municipalities of 23 states in the five Brazilian geopolitical regions. Barriers to the access and continuity of health care and were investigated based on receiving, needing and seeking health care (hospitalization and accident/emergency care in the last 12 months; care provided by a doctor, by other health professional or home care in the last three months). Based on the results obtained by the description of the sample, a projection is provided for adults living in Brazilian urban areas. RESULTS The highest prevalence of lack of access to health services and to provision of care by health professionals was for hospitalization (3.0%), whilst the lowest prevalence was for care provided by a doctor (1.1%). The lack of access to care provided by other health professionals was 2.0%; to accident and emergency services, 2.1%; and to home care, 2.9%. As for prevalences, the greatest absolute lack of access occurred in emergency care (more than 360,000 adults). The main reasons were structural and organizational problems, such as unavailability of hospital beds, of health professionals, of appointments for the type of care needed and charges made for care. CONCLUSIONS The universal right to health care in Brazil has not yet been achieved. These projections can help health care management in scaling the efforts needed to overcome this problem, such as expanding the infrastructure of health services and the workforce.

Indicadores de oferta, acesso e utilização são úteis para caracterizar os serviços, planejar ações e organizar a demanda. Este estudo descreve padrões de utilização de atendimento médico-ambulatorial e associação com variáveis sociodemográficas, de morbidade, porte do município e região, de acordo com a natureza jurídica do serviço. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional com 12.402 adultos brasileiros entre 20 e 59 anos, residentes nas áreas urbanas de 100 municípios nas cinco regiões brasileiras. A prevalência de atendimento médico-ambulatorial nos três meses anteriores à entrevista foi de 34,6%. O Sistema Único de Saúde foi responsável por mais da metade (53,6%) dos atendimentos, algum convênio de saúde foi utilizado por 34% da amostra e os serviços privados por 12,4%, independentemente da região, do porte populacional e da morbidade referida. Os padrões de utilização de serviços de saúde continuam socialmente determinados, resultando da oferta, das características sociodemográficas e do perfil de saúde dos usuários.

OBJECTIVE To assess the inequalities in access, utilization, and quality of health care services according to the socioeconomic status. METHODS This population-based cross-sectional study evaluated 2,927 individuals aged ≥ 20 years living in Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, in 2012. The associations between socioeconomic indicators and the following outcomes were evaluated: lack of access to health services, utilization of services, waiting period (in days) for assistance, and waiting time (in hours) in lines. We used Poisson regression for the crude and adjusted analyses. RESULTS The lack of access to health services was reported by 6.5% of the individuals who sought health care. The prevalence of use of health care services in the 30 days prior to the interview was 29.3%. Of these, 26.4% waited five days or more to receive care and 32.1% waited at least an hour in lines. Approximately 50.0% of the health care services were funded through the Unified Health System. The use of health care services was similar across socioeconomic groups. The lack of access to health care services and waiting time in lines were higher among individuals of lower economic status, even after adjusting for health care needs. The waiting period to receive care was higher among those with higher socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS Although no differences were observed in the use of health care services across socioeconomic groups, inequalities were evident in the access to and quality of these services.

OBJECTIVE To assess the inequalities in access, utilization, and quality of health care services according to the socioeconomic status. METHODS This population-based cross-sectional study evaluated 2,927 individuals aged ≥ 20 years living in Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, in 2012. The associations between socioeconomic indicators and the following outcomes were evaluated: lack of access to health services, utilization of services, waiting period (in days) for assistance, and waiting time (in hours) in lines. We used Poisson regression for the crude and adjusted analyses. RESULTS The lack of access to health services was reported by 6.5% of the individuals who sought health care. The prevalence of use of health care services in the 30 days prior to the interview was 29.3%. Of these, 26.4% waited five days or more to receive care and 32.1% waited at least an hour in lines. Approximately 50.0% of the health care services were funded through the Unified Health System. The use of health care services was similar across socioeconomic groups. The lack of access to health care services and waiting time in lines were higher among individuals of lower economic status, even after adjusting for health care needs. The waiting period to receive care was higher among those with higher socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS Although no differences were observed in the use of health care services across socioeconomic groups, inequalities were evident in the access to and quality of these services.