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To verify characteristics associated with drug resistant epilepsy in children up to 36 months of age with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS).This is a prospective cohort study with children aged up to 36 months diagnosed with CZS. Obstetric, demographic, phenotype and other clinical signs, cranial tomography, growth and motor development of the children were collected.Of a total of 109 children diagnosed with CZS, 100 (91.7%) had epilepsy and 68 (68%) with drug resistant seizures. The types of seizures associated with drug resistant epilepsy were focal seizures from the occipital lobe, generalized tonic and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. There was an association between drug resistant epilepsy and microcephaly at birth, severe microcephaly at birth, excess nuchal skin, ventriculomegaly, reduced brain parenchyma volume, and hypoplasia or malformation of the cerebellum. Difficulty sleeping, irritability, continuous crying, dysphagia and gross motor function were clinical signs associated with drug resistant epilepsy, as were the presence of ocular abnormalities, low head circumference in the first year of life and low weight in the first six months.The prevalence of drug resistant epilepsy in children up to 36 months with CZS was 62.4% and was associated with the severity of the child's neurological damage, with emphasis on the reduction of brain parenchyma volume and damage to the cerebellum.

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender a perspectiva de médicos acerca do processo de trabalho em Clínicas Populares de Saúde. Para isso, realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram entrevistados oito jovens médicos especialistas que atuam nessas empresas em São Luís, Maranhão. Identificamos condições precarizadas de trabalho, mas com pouca resistência por parte dos médicos, considerando que essas empresas são encaradas como espaços de projeção no mercado de trabalho local. Devido às limitações do modelo assistencial do tipo queixa-conduta, os entrevistados acionam uma rede informal e os usuários das Clínicas Populares de Saúde são encaminhados para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Assim, o processo de trabalho do médico é desafiado por esse modelo assistencial fragmentado, o que faz borrar os limites nas interfaces público-privado na medida em que uma dupla porta de entrada para o SUS é naturalizada.

The objective of the study was to understand the perspective of doctors regarding the work process in Low-cost Health Clinics. To this end, we conducted qualitative research interviewing 8 young specialist doctors who work in these business firms in São Luís, Maranhão. We identified precarious working conditions, although presenting little resistance from the doctors, considering that these businesses are seen as spaces of projection in the local job market. Due to the limitations of the complaint-driven model of care, the interviewees activate an informal network, and the users of the Low-Cost Health Clinics are referred to the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). Thus, the physician’s work process is challenged by this fragmented care model, which blurs the boundaries in the public-private interfaces leading to a naturalized double gateway to the SUS.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of physical activity among subjects from birth cohorts of three cities located in different regions of Brazil according to sociodemographic characteristics and sex, comparing the relationships within and between cohorts. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 12,724 adolescents and young adults who participated in five birth cohorts: Ribeirão Preto [1978/79 (37/39 years old in 2016) and 1994 (22 years in 2016)]; Pelotas [1982 (30 years in 2012) and 1993 (22 years in 2015)], and São Luís [1997/98 (18/19 years in 2016)]. Leisure-time physical activity was evaluated with questionnaires (insufficiently active

Evidence exists on the health impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic on health workers, but less is known about its impact on their work dynamics and livelihoods. This matters, as health workers—and physicians in particular—are a scarce and expensive resource in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our cross-sectional survey set out to explore changes in working hours and earnings during the second year of the pandemic in a representative sample of 1183 physicians in Brazil’s São Paulo (SP) and Maranhão (MA) states. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were employed to explore differences in working hours and earnings among public and private sector physicians across the two locations. The workloads and earnings of doctors working exclusively in the public sector increased the most in the second year of the epidemic, particularly in MA. Conversely, the largest proportion of private-only doctors in our sample saw a decrease in their working hours (48.4%, 95% CI 41.8–55.0), whereas the largest proportion of public-only doctors in MA saw an increase in their working hours (44.4%, 95% CI 38.0–50.8). Although earnings remained broadly stable in the public sector, a third of public sector-only physicians in MA saw an increase in their earnings (95% CI 24.4–36.2). More than half of private-only doctors across both states saw a decrease in their earnings (52.2%, 95% CI 45.6–58.8). The largest proportion of dual practitioners (the majority in Brazil and in our sample) maintained their pre-pandemic levels of income (38.8%, 95% CI 35.3–42.3). As public-sector doctors have been key in the fight against the pandemic, it is critical to invest in these cadres in order to develop epidemic preparedness in LMICs, and to find new ways to harness for-profit actors to deliver social benefits.

Background The use of telemedicine, or the provision of healthcare and communication services through distance-based technologies, has increased substantially since the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, it is still unclear what are the innovative features of the widespread use of such modality, its forms of employment and the context in which it is used across pluralist health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. We have sought to provide empirical evidence on the above issues by analysing the responses of medical doctors in a representative cross-sectional survey in two states in Brazil: São Paulo and Maranhão. Methods We analysed the responses of 1,183 physicians to a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on their livelihood and working practice. Two independent samples per state were calculated based on a total of 152,511 active medical registries in São Paulo and Maranhão. Proportional stratified sampling was performed and the distributions for gender, age, state and location of address (capital or countryside) were preserved. The survey contained questions on the frequency of physicians’ employment of telemedicine services; the specific activities where these were employed, and; the forms in which the pandemic had influenced the adoption or consolidation of this technology. We performed descriptive and univariate analysis based on the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for the qualitative data, and the Mann–Whitney test in the quantitative cases. Data were shown as absolute frequency and proportion with a 95% confidence interval. Results In our sample of physicians, telemedicine was employed as a form of clinical collaboration by most doctors (76.0%, 95 CI 73.6–78.5), but only less than a third of them (30.6%, 95 CI 28.0–33.3) used it as a modality to provide healthcare services. During the pandemic, telemedicine was used predominantly in COVID-19-related areas, particularly for hospital-based in-patient services, and in private clinics and ambulatory settings. Male, younger doctors used it the most. Doctors in São Paulo employed telemedicine more frequently than in Maranhão (p p Conclusions Our study suggests that telemedicine may have helped ensure and expand the range of communication and healthcare services in low- and middle-income settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the modality appears to lend itself to be disproportionally used by doctors working in specific, priviledged sections of pluralistic health systems, and presumably by patients seeking care there. Regulation and incentives will be required to support the use of the technology across health systems in low- and middle-income countries in order to increase access to services for less disadvantaged populations.

Objectives: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy in a Brazilian capital in the Northeast. Methods: a cross-sectional study nested to a hospital birth cohort with a probable sample of 5,110 puerperal women. Associated factors were analyzed using a hierarchical theoretical model in three levels: distal (women’s socioeconomic and demographic characteristics), intermediate (reproductive characteristics, maternal habits and BMI), and proximal level (partner's characteristics). Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed. Results: the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 68.1% (CI95%=66.8-69.4). Multivariate analysis showed association with black skin color/race (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01- 1.07), mother's age group up to 19 years old (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.06-1.12) and 20 to 24 years old (PR=1.04; CI95%=1.01-1.07), not living with partner (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.07- 1.11), highest number of people in the household: 5 people (PR= 1.10; CI95%=1.08-1.13) and 3 to 4 (PR=1.08; CI95%=1.05-1.10), number of ≥4 children (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.06- 1.13) and 2 or 3 children (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.02-1.05), alcohol consumption (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01-1.05), malnourished pre-pregnancy BMI (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01-1.06) and partner’s low schooling (5 to 8 years) (PR=1.03; CI95%=1.01-1.07). Prior abortion was inversely associated with planned pregnancy (PR=0.95; CI95%=0.93-0.97). Conclusions: the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was high and was associated with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that reflect on the combination of the complex inequalities that impact women and their partners

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted public and private health systems around the world, impairing good practices in women’s health care. However, little is known about the experiences, knowledge, and feelings of Brazilian women in this period. The objective was to analyze the experiences of women, seen at maternity hospitals accredited by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese), regarding health care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, their interpersonal relationships, and perceptions and feelings about the pandemic. This was a qualitative, exploratory research, carried out in three Brazilian municipalities with women hospitalized in 2020, during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum period, with COVID-19 or not. For data collection, semi-structured individual interviews (in person, by telephone, or by digital platform) were conducted, recorded and transcribed. The content analysis of thematic modalities was displayed as per the following axes: i) Knowledge about the disease; ii) Search for health care in prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum periods; iii) Experience of suffering from COVID-19; iv) Income and work; and v) Family dynamics and social support network. A total of 46 women were interviewed in São Luís-MA, Pelotas-RS, and Niterói-RJ. Use of media was important to convey information and fight fake news. The pandemic negatively impacted access to health care in the prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum periods, contributing to worsening of the population’s social and economic vulnerabilities. Women experienced diverse manifestations of the disease, and psychic disorders were very frequent. Social isolation during the pandemic disrupted the support network of these women, who found social support strategies in communication technologies. Women-centered care–including qualified listening and mental health support–can reduce the severity of COVID-19 cases in pregnant, parturient, and postpartum women. Sustainable employment and income maintenance policies are essential to mitigate social vulnerabilities and reduce risks for these women.

To estimate the prevalence of social participation (exposure) and its association with positive self-assessment of overall health status (SAH) (outcome) among 7,712 Brazilian elderly interviewed in the National Health Survey 2013. A cross-sectional study that used Propensity Score (PS) to improve comparability between the group exposed and no exposed to social participation. Poisson regression was performed to determine the prevalence and association of interest using crude and adjusted by inverse probability of selection of PS. Social participation was reported by 25.1% (CI95%: 23.4-26.9) and was lower among poor older people, who depend on public transportation and live in more precarious contexts. Most did not SAH positively, but the proportion was higher when they had social participation (48.0%; CI95%: 46.0-51.0). There was a positive association of social participation with SAH positive. The association using the adjusted model (PR: 1.15; CI95%: 1.08-1.22) attenuated the estimated in the crude model. Elderly exposed were 15% more likely to provide a positive SAH. Despite low levels in Brazil, there was a positive association between of social participation and SAH, confirming that engagement in such activities provides important gains for the health and quality of life. Resumo Estimar a prevalência da participação social (exposição) e sua associação com a autoavaliação positiva do estado de saúde (AAS) (desfecho) de 7.712 idosos entrevistados na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013. Trata-se de estudo transversal que usou o Escore de Propensão (EP) para melhorar a comparação entre o grupo exposto e não exposto a participação social. Realizou-se regressão de Poisson para determinar a prevalência e associação em estudo com o modelo bruto e ajustado pelo inverso da probabilidade de seleção do EP. A participação social foi referida por 25,1% (IC:95%: 23,4-26,9) e foi menor entre os idosos pobres, que dependem de transporte público e vivem em contextos mais precários. A maioria não avaliou positivamente sua saúde, mas a proporção foi maior quando tem participação social (48,0%; IC95%: 46,0-51,0). Houve associação positiva da participação social com a AAS positiva. A magnitude de associação usando o modelo ajustado (RP: 1,15; IC95%: 1,08-1,22) atenuou a estimada no modelo bruto. Idosos expostos tiveram 15% a mais de chance de referir AAS positiva. Apesar de baixa prevalência no Brasil, houve positiva influência da participação social na avaliação de saúde, confirmando que o engajamento social permite ganhos importantes para a saúde e qualidade de vida.

Este estudo objetivou analisar os fatores sociodemográficos e reprodutivos associados ao acolhimento ao parto em estabelecimentos de saúde vinculados à Rede Cegonha no Brasil, na perspectiva das usuárias. Foram selecionados 606 serviços com amostra de 10.540 puérperas. O desfecho foi a variável latente acolhimento da puérpera, composta por cinco indicadores: apresentação dos profissionais com nome e função, chamar a gestante pelo nome, compreensão das informações dadas, se sentir bem tratada e respeitada e ter as necessidades respondidas pela equipe. As variáveis explicativas foram: idade, escolaridade, cor da pele, situação conjugal, tipo de parto, paridade e peregrinação. Foi utilizada modelagem de equações estruturais. Observaram-se maiores percentuais de mulheres com idade de 20 a 34 anos (68,31%), que se autodeclararam como pardas (56,3%), com escolaridade entre 9 e 11 anos de estudo (56,1%) e que tinham companheiro (78,8%). Houve predominância de puérperas que tiveram parto vaginal (56,6%), com um a dois filhos (46%) e que relataram não peregrinar (91,9%). Apresentaram efeito direto positivo sobre o acolhimento mulheres com maior idade (CP = 0,094; p < 0,001) e maior escolaridade (CP = 0,096; p < 0,001). O parto cesáreo apresentou efeito direto negativo (CP = -0,059; p < 0,002) e cor da pele preta e parda apresentou efeitos direto e indireto negativos (CP = -0,081; p < 0,001 e CP = -0,014; p < 0,001). Puérpera com maior idade, maior escolaridade e que tiveram parto vaginal tiveram percepção mais positiva do acolhimento nos serviços de saúde. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic and reproductive factors associated with childbirth care in health services affiliated with the Stork Network in Brazil, from the users’ perspective. The sample included 10,540 postpartum women from 606 services. The outcome was the latent variable reception of the patient, consisting of five indicators: healthcare staff members introducing themselves stating their names and roles, calling the pregnant woman by her name, the patient’s understanding of the information provided, the patient feeling well treated and respected, and the patient having her needs met by the staff. The explanatory variables were maternal age, schooling, skin color, marital status, type of delivery, parity, and number of services visited before admission for childbirth. Most of the women were 20 to 34 years of age (68.31%), self-identified as brown (56.3%), had 9 to 11 years of schooling (56.1%), and were married or lived with the partner (78.8%). There was a predominance of vaginal delivery (56.6%), with one or two previous children (46%), and reports of not having gone to more than one maternity service to be admitted (91.9%). There was a direct positive effect on reception for childbirth from patient´s higher age (SC = 0.094; p < 0.001) and more schooling (SC = 0.096; p < 0.001). Cesarean delivery had a direct negative effect (SC = -0.059; p < 0.002), and black and brown skin color had direct and indirect negative effects (SC = -0.081; p < 0.001 and SC = -0.014; p < 0.001). Older postpartum women and those with more schooling and vaginal delivery had a more positive perception of their reception by maternity services. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores sociodemográficos y reproductivos, asociados a la acogida en el parto, en establecimientos de salud vinculados a la Red Cegonha en Brasil, desde la perspectiva de las usuarias. Se seleccionaron 606 servicios en una muestra de 10.540 puérperas. El resultado fue la variable latente de acogida de la puérpera, compuesta por cinco indicadores: presentación de los profesionales con nombre y función, llamar a la gestante por el nombre, comprensión de la información proporcionada, sentirse bien tratada y respetada y contar con las necesidades cubiertas por el equipo. Las variables explicativas fueron: edad, escolaridad, color de piel, situación conyugal, tipo de parto, paridad y desplazamientos largos. Se utilizó un modelado de ecuaciones estructurales. Se observaron mayores porcentajes de mujeres con una edad comprendida entre los 20 a los 34 años (68,31%), que se autodeclararon mestizas (56,3%), con una escolaridad entre 9 y 11 años de estudio (56,1%) y que tenían compañero (78,8%). Hubo una predominancia de puérperas que tuvieron un parto vaginal (56,6%), con de 1 a 2 hijos (46%) y que informaron no realizar grandes desplazamientos (91,9%). Presentaron un efecto directo positivo sobre la acogida mujeres con mayor edad (CP = 0,094; p < 0,001) y mayor escolaridad (CP = 0,096; p < 0,001). El parto por cesárea presentó un efecto directo negativo (CP = -0,059; p < 0,002) y color de la piel negra y mestiza presentó efectos directo e indirecto negativos (CP = -0,081; p < 0,001 e CP = -0,014; p < 0,001). Puérperas con mayor edad, mayor escolaridad y que tuvieran parto vaginal tuvieron una percepción más positiva de acogida en los servicios de salud.

Women face difficulties in accessing post-abortion care, as hierarchical care operates under discrimination mechanisms that condemn women in abortion. In addition, it is the Black and Brown women who are more subject to unsafe abortions and need hospitalization to complete the termination of pregnancy or treat associated complications. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with the institutional barriers in access to health services for women who underwent abortion by race/color. The survey encompassed 2640 users admitted to public hospitals in Salvador, Recife, and Sao Luis. Differences among covariables according to race/color (Black, Brown, and White women) were analyzed and tested for statistical significance using Pearson’s χ2 test. The regression analysis initially included variables that may express the technical criteria of priority in care (time of pregnancy when abortion occurred and conditions of arrival), then the sociodemographic characteristics, and, lastly, the type of abortion declared. Black women faced more institutional difficulties (27.7% vs 19.5% in White women and 18.7% in Brown women), such as waiting to be attended and getting a bed. The association between being Black women and institutional barriers remained, even after adjustments in the regression model. Institutional racism limits access to health services and timely care for Black women, acting as a performative mechanism, legitimizing and generating exclusionary behaviors. The results demonstrate that the intersection between racial discrimination and abortion stigma redouble institutional barriers that are denominated intersectional discrimination.

Background Little information on gross motor function of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) children is available. Objectives To evaluate gross motor function in CZS children aged up to 3 years, and its associated factors and changes in a minimum interval of 6 months. Methods One hundred children with CZS and cerebral palsy (36 with confirmed and 64 with presumed CZS) were evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88/GMFM-66). Forty-six were reevaluated. Wilcoxon tests, Wilcoxon tests for paired samples, percentile scores, and score changes were performed. Results Clinical and socioeconomic characteristics (except maternal age), GMFM scores and GMFCS classification of confirmed and probable cases, which were analyzed together, were similar. The mean age was 25.6 months (±5.5); the median GMFM-88 score was 8.0 (5.4–10.8); and the median GMFM-66 score was 20.5 (14.8–23.1); 89% were classified as GMFCS level V. Low economic class, microcephaly at birth, epilepsy, and brain parenchymal volume loss were associated with low GMFM-66 scores. The median GMFM-66 percentile score was 40 (20–55). On the second assessment, the GMFM-66 scores in two GMFCS level I children and one GMFCS level IV child improved significantly. In one GMFCS level III child, one GMFCS level IV child, and the group of GMFCS level V children, no significant changes were observed. Conclusions Almost all CZS children had severe cerebral palsy; in the third year of life, most presented no improvement in gross motor function and were likely approaching their maximal gross motor function potential.

Objective To determine the prevalence of inadequate birth interval and its associated factors in the BRISA study. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the BRISA cohort. Birth interval was categorized into “adequate” (≥ 2 years or < 5 years between births), “short interval” (< 2 years) and “long interval” (≥ 5 years). The analysis of the factors associated with short and long birth intervals used multinomial logistic regression. Results The prevalence of adequate birth intervals was 48.3%, of long intervals, 34.6%, and of short intervals, 17.1%. Skin color, age, education level, economic status, type of delivery, number of prenatal visits, parity, blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia (p-value was < 0.2 in the univariate analysis) proceeded to the final model. The variable ≥ 3 births (odds ratio [OR] = 1.29; confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.65) was associated with short intervals. Age < 20 years old (OR = 0.48; CI: 0.02–0.12) or ≥ 35 years old (OR = 2.43; CI: 1.82–3.25), ≥ 6 prenatal visits (OR = 0.58; CI: 0.47–0.72), ≥ 3 births (OR = 0.59; CI: 0.49–0.73), and gestational diabetes (OR = 0.38; CI: 0.20–0.75) were associated with long intervals. Conclusion Older mothers were more likely to have long birth intervals, and higher parity increases the chances of short birth intervals. Furthermore, gestational diabetes and adequate prenatal care presented higher chances of having adequate birth intervals, indicating that health assistance during pregnancy is important to encourage an adequate interval between gestations. Resumo Objetivo Determinar a prevalência de intervalo inadequado de nascimento e seus fatores associados no estudo BRISA. Métodos Estudo transversal com dados da coorte BRISA. O intervalo de nascimento foi categorizado em “adequado” (≥ 2 anos ou < 5 anos entre os nascimentos), “intervalo curto” (< 2 anos) e “intervalo longo” (≥ 5 anos). A análise dos fatores associados aos intervalos de nascimento curtos e longos utilizou regressão logística multinomial. Resultados A prevalência de intervalos adequados de nascimento foi de 48,3%, longa de 34,6% e curta de 17,1%. A cor da pele, idade, escolaridade, status econômico, tipo de parto, número de consultas pré-natais, paridade, pressão arterial, diabetes e anemia (valor-p < 0,2 na análise univariada) prosseguiram para o modelo final. A variável ≥ 3 nascimentos (odds ratio [OR] = 1,29; intervalo de confiança [IC]: 1,01–1,65) esteve associada a intervalos curtos. Idade < 20 anos (OR = 0.48; CI: 0.02–0.12) ou ≥ 35 anos (OR = 2.43; CI: 1.82–3.25), ≥ 6 consultas pré-natais (OR = 0.58; CI: 0.47–0.72), ≥ 3 nascimentos (OR = 0.59; CI: 0.49–0.73), e diabetes gestacional (OR = 0.38; CI: 0.20–0.75) foram associados a longos intervalos. Conclusão As mães mais velhas apresentaram maior probabilidade de ter longos intervalos de nascimento, e uma paridade maior aumenta as chances de intervalos curtos de nascimento. Além disso, o diabetes gestacional e o pré-natal adequado apresentaram maiores chances de ter um intervalo adequado ao nascimento, indicando que a assistência à saúde durante a gravidez é importante para incentivar um intervalo adequado entre as gestações.

Objective To assess the direct, indirect, and total effects of violence during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes, and to evaluate the effect of violence as a moderator of the mediated relationship of depression with perinatal outcomes. Methods Data was collected from the prenatal study and follow-ups of the BRISA cohort, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. The perinatal outcomes investigated were: birth weight (BW), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and gestational age (GA). Violence against women was evaluated using the World Health Organization Violence against Women instrument (Violence during pregnancy – regardless of the type of violence; Physical violence during pregnancy; Psychological violence during pregnancy). Depressive symptoms during pregnancy were evaluated as a mediating variable. Moderated mediation analysis was performed to estimate the effects of violence and depression on perinatal outcomes. Results Three types of violence analyzed by depression had an indirect effect in BW and GA. None of the types of violence showed an association with IUGR. All types of violence analyzed showed a moderated mediation effect with BW and GA. Only among women who experienced violence were birth weight and gestational age lower the higher the values of depressive symptoms. Conclusion Violence and depression are only associated with lower BW and GA when they occur simultaneously.

Little is known about the evolution of head circumference (HC) in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This study aims to evaluate HC growth in children with CZS in the first three years of life and identify associated factors. HC data obtained at birth and in neuropediatric consultations from 74 children with CZS were collected from the Child’s Health Handbook, parents’ reports, and medical records. Predictors of HC z-score were investigated using different mixed-effects models; Akaike’s information criterion was used for model selection. The HC z-score decreased from -2.7 ± 1.6 at birth to -5.5 ± 2.2 at 3 months of age, remaining relatively stable thereafter. In the selected adjusted model, the presence of severe brain parenchymal atrophy and maternal symptoms of infection in the first trimester of pregnancy were associated with a more pronounced reduction in the HC z-score in the first three years of life. The decrease of HC z-score in CZS children over the first three months demonstrated a reduced potential for growth and development of the central nervous system of these children. The prognosis of head growth in the first 3 years of life is worse when maternal infection occurs in the first gestational trimester and in children who have severe brain parenchymal atrophy.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar mudanças na assistência à saúde materna durante a pandemia da Covid-19, segundo relatos dos profissionais de saúde. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com gestores, médicos, enfermeiros, residentes e técnicos de enfermagem atuantes nos setores de ambulatório de pré-natal, emergência obstétrica, hospitalização obstétrica e centro de parto de um hospital público federal de alta complexidade no Nordeste do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados de no período de dezembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021. A amostra, escolhida intencionalmente, buscou a diversidade de características e situações, foi encerrada pelo critério da saturação de sentidos. Questionário estruturado e roteiro semiestruturado de entrevista foram utilizados para coleta dos dados. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas. Empregou-se a análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Resultados: entrevistaram-se 28 profissionais. Foram identificadas mudanças na dinâmica da assistência obstétrica categorizadas em: pré-natal; e parto/puerpério. No pré-natal, houve diminuição das consultas eletivas; aumento do tempo entre consultas; a paramentação atrasava o atendimento; implantação de novos protocolos de higienização; limitação do número de acompanhantes; criação de novos ambientes como a sala Covid-19 para gestantes sintomáticas; teleatendimento e sobrecarga de trabalho pelo aumento da demanda vinda da Atenção Primária à Saúde. No parto/puerpério, os relatos apontaram redução do número de leitos; testagem e isolamento das pacientes sintomáticas; limitação da deambulação, restrição de acompanhantes e obrigatoriedade do uso de máscara pela parturiente. Conclusão: a reestruturação dos serviços e a criação de novos espaços para atendimento de pacientes com Covid-19 ocasionaram redução na oferta de vagas para consultas de pré-natal e pós-parto. As mudanças foram acompanhadas por novas regras de atendimento, com retrocessos quanto à garantia de direitos previamente conquistados.

Objective: to analyze changes in maternal health care during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to reports by health professionals. Method: qualitative research, conducted with managers, physicians, nurses, residents and nursing technicians working in a prenatal outpatient clinic, obstetric emergency department, delivery center and obstetric inpatient ward of a high complexity federal public hospital in the Northeast of Brazil. Data were collected from December 2020 to August 2021. The sample, chosen intentionally, sought the diversity of characteristics and situations, was closed by the criterion of saturation of meaning. A structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview script were used for data collection. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used in the thematic modality. Results: 28 professionals were interviewed. Changes in the dynamics of obstetric care were identified and categorized as: prenatal care; and childbirth/postpartum. In prenatal care, there was a decrease in elective consultations; increased time between consultations; delayed care due to paramentation; implementation of new hygiene protocols; limitation of the number of companions; creation of new environments such as the Covid-19 isolation room for symptomatic pregnant women; teleservice and work overload due to the increased demand coming from Primary Health Care. In childbirth/postparum, the reports indicated a reduction in the number of beds; testing and isolation of symptomatic patients; limitating walking, restriction of companions and mandatory use of mask by pregnant woman. Conclusion: the restructuring of services and the creation of new spaces to care for patients with Covid-19 led to a reduction in the availability of vacancies for prenatal and postpartum consultations. The changes were accompanied by new service rules, with setbacks regarding the guarantee of rights.

Objective: to know the perspectives, practices and challenges in decision-making for admitting patients into the Intensive Care Unit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: a qualitative study developed in two public hospitals in Maranhão, Brazil, from November/2020 to January/2021. Data collection took place through individual interviews guided by a script. A total of 22 professionals participated in the study: nurses and doctors who worked in the Intensive Care Unit and Bed Regulation in the first wave of the pandemic. Content Analysis was used in the thematic mode, with support from the Qualitative Data Analysis software program for data categorization. The theory of Responsibility for Reasonableness guided the study. Results: two main categories emerged: “The context of the decision-making process - the paradox of celestial discharges” and “Decision-making for admission”. In the scenario of high demand, a lack of beds, and the uncertainties of the “new disease”, deciding who would occupy the bed was arduous and conflicting. Clinical and non-clinical criteria such as severity, chance of survival, distance to be covered and transport conditions were considered. It was found that the ambivalence of feelings attributed to death and care at that moment of the pandemic marked the social and technical environment of intensive care. Conclusions: the complexity of the decision-making process for admission to an intensive care unit was evidenced, demonstrating the importance of analyzing the allocation of critical resources in pandemic scenarios. Knowing the perspectives of professionals and their reflections on the experiences in that period can help in planning the allocation of health resources in future emergency scenarios.

Resumo: Este trabalho analisou a influência da ocorrência de violência psicológica no desenvolvimento de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) em adolescentes. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal aninhado a uma coorte, cujo segundo segmento foi realizado em 2016. Aplicou-se um questionário em 2.486 adolescentes, por meio do qual se abordou aspectos individuais, familiares, sociais e da vivência de violência psicológica. Utilizou-se o escore de propensão para se criar o inverso da probabilidade de seleção (IPS). Dessa forma, atribuiu-se uma probabilidade para cada adolescente, sendo 1/IPS aqueles que compõem o grupo dos expostos e 1/(1-IPS) aqueles do grupo dos não expostos. Essa condição tornou os dois grupos mais homogêneos e comparáveis entre si. A associação entre a ocorrência de violência psicológica e de TEPT foi estimada pela odds ratio (OR), enquanto o intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) foi estimado por meio da regressão logística binária bruta e ajustada, ponderada pelo IPS. Verificou-se que 30,3% relataram ter sofrido violência severa. A prevalência do TEPT foi de 4,8% entre os expostos contra 1,5% entre os não expostos à violência psicológica. Observou-se uma associação da violência severa com o TEPT nas duas análises realizadas. Porém, a magnitude no modelo estruturado pelo escore de propensão (OR = 1,97; IC95%: 1,08-3,56) indicou um ajuste da medida de associação da análise bruta (OR = 3,40; IC95%: 2,03-5,69). Nesse sentido, este estudo contribui para a escassa literatura sobre a exposição à violência psicológica e a sua associação com o desenvolvimento de TEPT, confirmando o impacto negativo dessa forma de abuso na saúde mental do indivíduo. Abstract: The study analyzed the impact of psychological violence on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort in which the second follow-up was conducted in 2016. A questionnaire was applied to 2,486 adolescents and approached individual, family, and social aspects and experience with psychological violence. Propensity score was used to create inverse probability weighting (IPW). Thus, a probability was assigned to each adolescent, where 1/IPW represent those in the exposed group and 1/(1-IPW) those in the unexposed group. This procedure made the two groups more homogeneous and mutually comparable. The association between the occurrence of psychological violence and PTSD was estimated by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) via crude binary logistic regression and adjusted logistic regression (weighted by IPW). According to the results, 30.3% reported having suffered severe violence. Prevalence of PTSD was 4.8% among exposed and 1.5% in unexposed to psychological violence. An association was observed between severe violence and PTSD in the two analyses, but the magnitude in the model structured by the propensity score (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.08-3.56) indicated an adjustment to the measure from the crude analysis (OR = 3.40; 95%CI: 2.03-5.69). The current study contributes to the scarce literature on exposure to psychological violence and its association with the development of PTSD, confirming the negative impact of this form of abuse on the individual´s mental health. Resumen: Se analizó la influencia de la ocurrencia de violencia psicológica en el desarrollo de trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT). Se trató de un estudio transversal anidado en una cohorte, cuyo segundo seguimiento se realizó en 2016. Se aplicó un cuestionario en 2.486 adolescentes, a través del cual se abordaron aspectos individuales, familiares, sociales, así como de vivencia de violencia psicológica. Se utilizó el marcador de propensión para que se creara el inverso de la probabilidad de selección (IPS). De esta forma, se atribuyó una probabilidad para cada adolescente, siendo 1/IPS para aquellos que componen el grupo de expuestos y 1/(1-IPS) para aquellos del grupo no expuestos. Esta condición hizo los dos grupos más homogéneos y comparables entre sí. La asociación entre ocurrencia de violencia psicológica y TEPT se estimó mediante OR (odds ratio) y el IC95% (intervalo de 95% de confianza) por medio de la regresión logística binaria bruta y ajustada (ponderada por el IPS). Se verificó que un 30,3% informaron haber sufrido violencia severa. La prevalencia del TEPT fue de un 4,8% entre los expuestos contra un 1,5% en no expuestos a la violencia psicológica. Se observó una asociación de la violencia severa con el TEPT en los dos análisis realizados, no obstante, la magnitud en el modelo estructurado por el marcador de propensión (OR = 1,97; IC95%: 1,08-3,56) indicó un ajuste de la medida de asociación del análisis bruto (OR = 3,40; IC95%: 2,03-5,69). Este estudio contribuye a la escasa literatura sobre la exposición de violencia psicológica y su asociación con el desarrollo del TEPT, confirmando el impacto negativo de esa forma de abuso en la salud mental del individuo.

This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic and reproductive factors associated with childbirth care in health services affiliated with the Stork Network in Brazil, from the users' perspective. The sample included 10,540 postpartum women from 606 services. The outcome was the latent variable reception of the patient, consisting of five indicators: healthcare staff members introducing themselves stating their names and roles, calling the pregnant woman by her name, the patient's understanding of the information provided, the patient feeling well treated and respected, and the patient having her needs met by the staff. The explanatory variables were maternal age, schooling, skin color, marital status, type of delivery, parity, and number of services visited before admission for childbirth. Most of the women were 20 to 34 years of age (68.31%), self-identified as brown (56.3%), had 9 to 11 years of schooling (56.1%), and were married or lived with the partner (78.8%). There was a predominance of vaginal delivery (56.6%), with one or two previous children (46%), and reports of not having gone to more than one maternity service to be admitted (91.9%). There was a direct positive effect on reception for childbirth from patient´s higher age (SC = 0.094; p0.001) and more schooling (SC = 0.096; p0.001). Cesarean delivery had a direct negative effect (SC = -0.059; p0.002), and black and brown skin color had direct and indirect negative effects (SC = -0.081; p0.001 and SC = -0.014; p0.001). Older postpartum women and those with more schooling and vaginal delivery had a more positive perception of their reception by maternity services.Este estudo objetivou analisar os fatores sociodemográficos e reprodutivos associados ao acolhimento ao parto em estabelecimentos de saúde vinculados à Rede Cegonha no Brasil, na perspectiva das usuárias. Foram selecionados 606 serviços com amostra de 10.540 puérperas. O desfecho foi a variável latente acolhimento da puérpera, composta por cinco indicadores: apresentação dos profissionais com nome e função, chamar a gestante pelo nome, compreensão das informações dadas, se sentir bem tratada e respeitada e ter as necessidades respondidas pela equipe. As variáveis explicativas foram: idade, escolaridade, cor da pele, situação conjugal, tipo de parto, paridade e peregrinação. Foi utilizada modelagem de equações estruturais. Observaram-se maiores percentuais de mulheres com idade de 20 a 34 anos (68,31%), que se autodeclararam como pardas (56,3%), com escolaridade entre 9 e 11 anos de estudo (56,1%) e que tinham companheiro (78,8%). Houve predominância de puérperas que tiveram parto vaginal (56,6%), com um a dois filhos (46%) e que relataram não peregrinar (91,9%). Apresentaram efeito direto positivo sobre o acolhimento mulheres com maior idade (CP = 0,094; p0,001) e maior escolaridade (CP = 0,096; p0,001). O parto cesáreo apresentou efeito direto negativo (CP = -0,059; p0,002) e cor da pele preta e parda apresentou efeitos direto e indireto negativos (CP = -0,081; p0,001 e CP = -0,014; p0,001). Puérpera com maior idade, maior escolaridade e que tiveram parto vaginal tiveram percepção mais positiva do acolhimento nos serviços de saúde.El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores sociodemográficos y reproductivos, asociados a la acogida en el parto, en establecimientos de salud vinculados a la Red Cegonha en Brasil, desde la perspectiva de las usuarias. Se seleccionaron 606 servicios en una muestra de 10.540 puérperas. El resultado fue la variable latente de acogida de la puérpera, compuesta por cinco indicadores: presentación de los profesionales con nombre y función, llamar a la gestante por el nombre, comprensión de la información proporcionada, sentirse bien tratada y respetada y contar con las necesidades cubiertas por el equipo. Las variables explicativas fueron: edad, escolaridad, color de piel, situación conyugal, tipo de parto, paridad y desplazamientos largos. Se utilizó un modelado de ecuaciones estructurales. Se observaron mayores porcentajes de mujeres con una edad comprendida entre los 20 a los 34 años (68,31%), que se autodeclararon mestizas (56,3%), con una escolaridad entre 9 y 11 años de estudio (56,1%) y que tenían compañero (78,8%). Hubo una predominancia de puérperas que tuvieron un parto vaginal (56,6%), con de 1 a 2 hijos (46%) y que informaron no realizar grandes desplazamientos (91,9%). Presentaron un efecto directo positivo sobre la acogida mujeres con mayor edad (CP = 0,094; p0,001) y mayor escolaridad (CP = 0,096; p0,001). El parto por cesárea presentó un efecto directo negativo (CP = -0,059; p0,002) y color de la piel negra y mestiza presentó efectos directo e indirecto negativos (CP = -0,081; p0,001 e CP = -0,014; p0,001). Puérperas con mayor edad, mayor escolaridad y que tuvieran parto vaginal tuvieron una percepción más positiva de acogida en los servicios de salud.

A presença de acompanhante de livre escolha durante o parto é uma prática humanizada percebida de forma positiva pelas mulheres que a vivenciam. Este artigo analisou os desejos, expectativas e experiências de mulheres no período gravídico-puerperal em relação à presença de acompanhante de livre escolha durante o parto. Realizamos pesquisa qualitativa em Hospital Universitário de capital do nordeste brasileiro a partir entrevistas no pré-natal e no pós-parto, observação no momento do parto e consulta em prontuário. Os dados foram analisados através da Análise de Conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Participaram da pesquisa 18 mulheres. As categorias identificadas foram “O desejo por ter acompanhante”, “Expectativa: incerteza pela presença de acompanhante de livre escolha” e “Experiência: a presença de acompanhante como um direito em construção”. As mulheres desejavam a presença de acompanhante mas as expectativas demonstraram incerteza quanto à presença desta figura durante o parto. As mulheres desejavam, na maioria, ter o companheiro como acompanhante. As experiências demonstraram que todas tiveram acompanhante, porém não em todos os momentos do parto. Consideramos que os desejos com relação à presença de acompanhante foram distintos das expectativas; algumas destas expectativas mostraram-se congruentes às experiências. A implementação integral da prática estudada ainda se mostra um desafio.

Evidence exists on the health impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic on health workers, but less is known about its impact on their work dynamics and livelihoods. This matters, as health workers—and physicians in particular—are a scarce and expensive resource in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our cross-sectional survey set out to explore changes in working hours and earnings during the second year of the pandemic in a representative sample of 1183 physicians in Brazil’s São Paulo (SP) and Maranhão (MA) states. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were employed to explore differences in working hours and earnings among public and private sector physicians across the two locations. The workloads and earnings of doctors working exclusively in the public sector increased the most in the second year of the epidemic, particularly in MA. Conversely, the largest proportion of private-only doctors in our sample saw a decrease in their working hours (48.4%, 95% CI 41.8–55.0), whereas the largest proportion of public-only doctors in MA saw an increase in their working hours (44.4%, 95% CI 38.0–50.8). Although earnings remained broadly stable in the public sector, a third of public sector-only physicians in MA saw an increase in their earnings (95% CI 24.4–36.2). More than half of private-only doctors across both states saw a decrease in their earnings (52.2%, 95% CI 45.6–58.8). The largest proportion of dual practitioners (the majority in Brazil and in our sample) maintained their pre-pandemic levels of income (38.8%, 95% CI 35.3–42.3). As public-sector doctors have been key in the fight against the pandemic, it is critical to invest in these cadres in order to develop epidemic preparedness in LMICs, and to find new ways to harness for-profit actors to deliver social benefits.

Resumo Em 2015, no Brasil, houve uma epidemia de microcefalia que foi associada à infecção pelo vírus Zika. A condição destas crianças impulsionou os pais a percorrerem um caminho em busca por tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer o itinerário terapêutico percorrido por pais e/ou cuidadores de crianças com microcefalia pelo vírus Zika nos setores de atenção à saúde. Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, realizada em um Centro de Referência em Neurodesenvolvimento, no período de abril de 2017 a fevereiro de 2018, com pais e/ou cuidadores de crianças com microcefalia pelo vírus Zika. A amostra obedeceu aos critérios de saturação de sentidos. Foram feitas 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas e transcritas. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Os resultados demostraram desorientação e incertezas na busca pelo cuidado nos setores de saúde. O setor mais procurado foi o profissional, seguido pelo informal e popular. As informações veiculadas na mídia e redes sociais, que fazem parte do setor informal, contribuíram para esclarecer o significado da microcefalia e vírus Zika e auxiliou na busca por tratamento. O cuidado na rede de Atenção à Saúde foi marcado pela peregrinação. Diante de uma situação nova e emergencial, o caminho percorrido, entre o diagnóstico e o tratamento, foi árduo. Abstract In 2015, there was an epidemic of microcephaly in Brazil that was associated with infection by the Zika virus. The condition of these children obliged the parents to embark on a quest in search of treatment. The scope of this study was to establish the therapeutic itinerary pursued in healthcare sectors by parents and/or caregivers of children with microcephaly due to the Zika virus. It involved qualitative research, conducted at a Center of Reference on Neurodevelopment between April 2017 and February 2018, with parents and/or caregivers of children with microcephaly caused by the Zika virus. The sample complied with the criteria of saturation. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed, and content analysis was applied. The results revealed disorientation and uncertainties in the search for care in the health sector. The most sought-after sector was the professional sector, followed by the informal sector. The information conveyed in the media and social networks, which constitute part of the informal sector, helped to clarify the significance of microcephaly and the Zika virus and assisted in the search for treatment. Care in the healthcare network was marked by difficulties and, faced with a new and emergency situation, the route between diagnosis and treatment was arduous.

This article aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication in adolescents. Cross-sectional study, nested in cohort, with 2,515 adolescents aged 18-19 years born in São Luís-MA. The use of medication in the last 15 days without a medical prescription or by a qualified professional was considered self-medication. Factors associated with self-medication were evaluated using Poisson regression with robust variances and hierarchical selection of variables. Medicines were used in the last 15 days by 48.05% of adolescents. Among these, 70.09% use it without a prescription or indication from another health professional. The most used medications for self-medication were “over the counter” (93.68%). Self-medication was positively associated with female gender (PR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.25-1.59), screen time ≥5h/day (PR: 1.32; 95%CI: 1.05-1.67) and self-reported diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (PR: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.02-1.39); however, negatively associated with self-satisfaction with health (PR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.67-0.94) and hospitalization in the previous year (PR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.50-0.97). Self-medication was common among adolescents and to reduce this practice, greater attention should be given to women, individuals with intense exposure to meshes and allergic diseases.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar práticas de atenção ao parto e nascimento em maternidades do Norte e Nordeste brasileiros. Avaliação qualitativa realizada em 91 maternidades no Norte e 181 no Nordeste do Brasil. A técnica de pesquisa foi a observação sistematizada, realizada por 44 avaliadores previamente treinados e registrada em diário de campo. Foi realizada análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. Os núcleos temáticos encontrados foram: Desafios da Gestão Colegiada; Desafios para o enfrentamento da Violência Obstétrica; e Potencial do processo avaliativo na indução de mudanças. Foram identificados avanços na implantação de boas práticas na gestão do cuidado e atenção à saúde, embora algumas maternidades ainda reproduzam um modelo hierárquico, sem espaços colegiados de gestão e com práticas de violência obstétrica. Situações de risco em gestantes justificaram menor adesão dos profissionais de saúde às boas práticas, ainda que ações em direção à humanização também tenham sido visibilizadas. Identificou-se a potência do processo avaliativo na indução de mudanças. Foram evidenciadas mudanças em direção às boas práticas preconizadas pela Rede Cegonha, tanto na gestão quanto na atenção, mas são muitos os desafios frente ao predomínio de um modelo de gestão hierárquico associado a um modelo de atenção com práticas intervencionistas.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with hesitancy in getting the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted from October 19 to 30, 2020. The estimates were calculated based on clustering, stratification, and non-response. A three-stage sampling was adopted, considering stratum, census tracts, and domicile. After systematic analysis, thirty sectors were selected in each stratum, totaling 150 sectors. Each sector contained a fixed number of 34 households, thus totaling 5,100 households. One individual within each household (resident for at least six months and aged one year or more) was selected by a simple random sampling. We questioned participants about their vaccination intention. Univariate association between independent variables and the outcome were verified using descriptive analysis (weighted frequencies) and Pearson's chi-square test (p < 0.05). Robust multivariate analysis was performed using a three-level hierarchical model. RESULTS: We found 17.5% (95%CI 16.1–19.1%) of the 4,630 individuals interviewed to report hesitancy to be vaccinated against covid-19. After final model adjustment, vaccination hesitancy was statistically higher among residents of the cities of Imperatriz (24.0%; RP = 1.48; IC95% 1.09–2.02) and municipalities of the Grande Ilha de São Luís (20.7%; RP = 1.34; 95%CI 1.02–1.76), female individuals (19.8%; RP = 1.44; 95%CI 1.20–1.75), older adults (22.8%; RP = 1.79; IC95% 1.30–2.46), evangelicals (24.1%; RP = 1.49; 95%CI 1.24–1.79), and those without reported symptoms (18.6%; RP = 1.24; 95%CI 1.02–1.51). We found no statistical differences for other socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, as well as variables related to the labor market, behaviors, and health conditions of the interviewees. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in Maranhão and its association with individual, contextual, and clinical factors enable us to identify the groups and contexts of greatest resistance, requiring special attention from public strategies to ensure wide vaccination.

O estudo avaliou os atributos essenciais e derivados da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) na perspectiva dos usuários e profissionais de 35 Unidades de Saúde na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de São José de Ribamar, Maranhão, Brasil. Os dados de 73 profissionais e 386 usuários foram coletados em entrevistas utilizando Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool). Para os profissionais, o resultado foi satisfatório no escore geral (7,54), escore essencial (7,28) e escore derivado (8,02), exceto no atributo acesso de primeiro contato. Os usuários avaliaram como insatisfatório todos os atributos. As divergências encontradas revelaram que as demandas da população não são atendidas nesse nível de atenção à saúde. Se a população não acessa os serviços, não se beneficia de nenhum dos outros atributos dessa modalidade de atenção. El estudio evaluó los atributos esenciales y derivados de la Atención Primaria de la Salud desde la perspectiva de los usuarios y profesionales de 35 Unidades de Salud en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia de São José de Ribamar, estado de Maranhão, Brasil. Los datos de 73 profesionales y 386 usuarios se colectaron en entrevistas utilizando Primary Care Assessment Tool. Para los profesionales el resultado fue satisfactorio en el Puntaje General (7,54), Puntaje Esencial (7,28) y Puntaje Derivado (8,02), excepto en el atributo acceso del primer contacto. Los usuarios evaluaron como insatisfactorios todos los atributos. Las divergencias encontradas revelaron que las demandas de la población no se atienden en ese nivel de atención de la salud. Si la población no tiene acceso a los servicios, no se beneficia de ninguno de los demás atributos de esa modalidad de atención. This study assessed the essential and derivative attributes of primary health care from the perspective of health service users and professionals from 35 primary health facilities in São José de Ribamar in the State of Maranhão, Brazil. Data were collected from 73 professionals and 386 service users through interviews based on the Primary Care Assessment Tool. The health professionals rated all attributes except first-contact care as satisfactory (overall score = 7.54, essential attributes score = 7.28, and derivative attributes score = 8.02), while the service users rated all attributes as unsatisfactory. The differences in perceptions between health professionals and service users reveal that the population’s health needs are not being met at this level of care. If the population fails to access services, it fails to benefit from any of the other attributes of this level of care.

The study analyzed the impact of psychological violence on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort in which the second follow-up was conducted in 2016. A questionnaire was applied to 2,486 adolescents and approached individual, family, and social aspects and experience with psychological violence. Propensity score was used to create inverse probability weighting (IPW). Thus, a probability was assigned to each adolescent, where 1/IPW represent those in the exposed group and 1/(1-IPW) those in the unexposed group. This procedure made the two groups more homogeneous and mutually comparable. The association between the occurrence of psychological violence and PTSD was estimated by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) via crude binary logistic regression and adjusted logistic regression (weighted by IPW). According to the results, 30.3% reported having suffered severe violence. Prevalence of PTSD was 4.8% among exposed and 1.5% in unexposed to psychological violence. An association was observed between severe violence and PTSD in the two analyses, but the magnitude in the model structured by the propensity score (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.08-3.56) indicated an adjustment to the measure from the crude analysis (OR = 3.40; 95%CI: 2.03-5.69). The current study contributes to the scarce literature on exposure to psychological violence and its association with the development of PTSD, confirming the negative impact of this form of abuse on the individual´s mental health.Este trabalho analisou a influência da ocorrência de violência psicológica no desenvolvimento de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) em adolescentes. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal aninhado a uma coorte, cujo segundo segmento foi realizado em 2016. Aplicou-se um questionário em 2.486 adolescentes, por meio do qual se abordou aspectos individuais, familiares, sociais e da vivência de violência psicológica. Utilizou-se o escore de propensão para se criar o inverso da probabilidade de seleção (IPS). Dessa forma, atribuiu-se uma probabilidade para cada adolescente, sendo 1/IPS aqueles que compõem o grupo dos expostos e 1/(1-IPS) aqueles do grupo dos não expostos. Essa condição tornou os dois grupos mais homogêneos e comparáveis entre si. A associação entre a ocorrência de violência psicológica e de TEPT foi estimada pela odds ratio (OR), enquanto o intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) foi estimado por meio da regressão logística binária bruta e ajustada, ponderada pelo IPS. Verificou-se que 30,3% relataram ter sofrido violência severa. A prevalência do TEPT foi de 4,8% entre os expostos contra 1,5% entre os não expostos à violência psicológica. Observou-se uma associação da violência severa com o TEPT nas duas análises realizadas. Porém, a magnitude no modelo estruturado pelo escore de propensão (OR = 1,97; IC95%: 1,08-3,56) indicou um ajuste da medida de associação da análise bruta (OR = 3,40; IC95%: 2,03-5,69). Nesse sentido, este estudo contribui para a escassa literatura sobre a exposição à violência psicológica e a sua associação com o desenvolvimento de TEPT, confirmando o impacto negativo dessa forma de abuso na saúde mental do indivíduo.Se analizó la influencia de la ocurrencia de violencia psicológica en el desarrollo de trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT). Se trató de un estudio transversal anidado en una cohorte, cuyo segundo seguimiento se realizó en 2016. Se aplicó un cuestionario en 2.486 adolescentes, a través del cual se abordaron aspectos individuales, familiares, sociales, así como de vivencia de violencia psicológica. Se utilizó el marcador de propensión para que se creara el inverso de la probabilidad de selección (IPS). De esta forma, se atribuyó una probabilidad para cada adolescente, siendo 1/IPS para aquellos que componen el grupo de expuestos y 1/(1-IPS) para aquellos del grupo no expuestos. Esta condición hizo los dos grupos más homogéneos y comparables entre sí. La asociación entre ocurrencia de violencia psicológica y TEPT se estimó mediante OR (odds ratio) y el IC95% (intervalo de 95% de confianza) por medio de la regresión logística binaria bruta y ajustada (ponderada por el IPS). Se verificó que un 30,3% informaron haber sufrido violencia severa. La prevalencia del TEPT fue de un 4,8% entre los expuestos contra un 1,5% en no expuestos a la violencia psicológica. Se observó una asociación de la violencia severa con el TEPT en los dos análisis realizados, no obstante, la magnitud en el modelo estructurado por el marcador de propensión (OR = 1,97; IC95%: 1,08-3,56) indicó un ajuste de la medida de asociación del análisis bruto (OR = 3,40; IC95%: 2,03-5,69). Este estudio contribuye a la escasa literatura sobre la exposición de violencia psicológica y su asociación con el desarrollo del TEPT, confirmando el impacto negativo de esa forma de abuso en la salud mental del individuo.

SummaryBackgroundFew population-based studies on the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been performed to date, and most of them have used lateral flow immunoassays with finger-prick, which may yield false-negative results and thus underestimate the true infection rate.MethodsA population-based household survey was performed in the State of Maranhão, Brazil, from 27 July 2020 to 8 August 2020 to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 using a serum testing electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. A three-stage cluster sampling stratified by four state regions was used. The estimates took clustering, stratification, and non-response into account. Qualitative detection of IgM and IgG antibodies was performed in a fully-automated Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on the Cobas® e601 analyser (Roche Diagnostics).FindingsA total of 3156 individuals were interviewed. Seroprevalence of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 40·4% (95%CI 35·6-45·3). Population adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions was higher at the beginning of the pandemic than in the last month. SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were significantly lower among mask wearers and among those who maintained social and physical distancing in the last month compared to their counterparts. Among the infected, 62·2% had more than three symptoms, 11·1% had one or two symptoms, and 26·0% were asymptomatic. The infection fatality rate was 0·17%, higher for males and advanced age groups. The ratio of estimated infections to reported cases was 22·2.InterpretationTo the best of our knowledge, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 estimated in this population-based survey was the highest and the closest to the herd immunity threshold reported to date. Our results suggest that the herd immunity threshold is not as low as 20%, but at least higher than or equal to around 40%. The infection fatality rate was one of the lowest reported so far, and the proportion of asymptomatic cases was low.

This article aims to analyze the association between sleep time and handgrip strength in adolescents belonging to the 1997/1998 São Luís Birth Cohort. This was a cross-sectional study nested in a birth cohort study. One thousand two hundred sixty-nine individuals (18 and 19 years) wore an Actigraph® GTX3+ accelerometer on their wrist 24 hr/day for 7 consecutive days. Handgrip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. We used directed acyclic graphs (DAG) to identify confounding variables. This sample of adolescents was mostly composed of men, with brown skin color, economic class C, which did not work, did not consume alcohol, did not smoke, and never used drugs. The mean value of handgrip strength was 28.2 (±9.3) kgf, and the mean of sleep time was 6 (±1.0) hours per day. The crude analysis showed an association between sleep time and muscle strength. An increase of one hour of sleep reduced the handgrip strength by 1.95 kgf (95%CI:-2.51;-1.39). However, after adjustment for confounders, the association was not maintained (β:-0.07; 95%CI:-0.48;0.36). Sleep time is not associated with handgrip strength in adolescents in São Luís. Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a associação entre tempo de sono e força de preensão manual em adolescentes da Coorte de Nascimentos de São Luís 1997/1998. Estudo transversal aninhado a um estudo de coorte de nascimentos. Mil duzentos e sessenta e nove indivíduos (18 e 19 anos) usaram um acelerômetro Actigraph® GTX3 + em seu pulso 24 horas/dia por sete dias consecutivos. A força de preensão manual foi medida por meio de um dinamômetro digital de mão. Usou-se gráficos acíclicos direcionados (DAG) para identificar variáveis de confusão. A amostra de adolescentes foi composta em sua maioria por homens, de cor da pele parda, classe econômica C, que não trabalhava, não consumiam álcool, não fumavam e nunca usaram drogas. O valor médio da força de preensão manual foi de 28,2 (±9,3) kgf, e a média do tempo de sono foi de seis (±1,0) horas por dia. A análise bruta mostrou associação entre tempo de sono e força muscular. O aumento de uma hora de sono reduziu a força de preensão manual em 1,95 kgf (IC95%:-2,51;-1,39). No entanto, após o ajuste para fatores de confusão, a associação não foi mantida (β:-0,07; IC95%:-0,48;0,36). O tempo de sono não foi associado à força de preensão manual em adolescentes de São Luís.

Resumo: O objetivo foi estimar a prevalência de indicadores de saúde de adolescentes em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, em 2016. Foram estudadas condições sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida, composição corporal, qualidade do sono, atividade física, habilidade cognitiva e risco de suicídio de 2.515 adolescentes com 18 e 19 anos. Os adolescentes pertencem à coorte de nascimento 1997/1998 ou foram incluídos, retrospectivamente, utilizando-se o banco do SINASC (Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos). Os adolescentes eram, principalmente, da classe econômica C (50,1%), 69,5% estudavam, 40,3% trabalhavam e 25,2% não estudavam nem trabalhavam; 60,3% já foram vítimas de assalto e 48,7% tinham pais separados. Apresentaram padrão de consumo nocivo, excessivo ou provável dependência de álcool 19,4%, 19,1% usaram ou estavam usando drogas ilícitas, 53,7% tinham qualidade de sono ruim, 40,8% referiram dor de cabeça frequente, 34,3% declararam tempo de tela por dia maior que cinco horas e 4,1% apresentaram alto risco para suicídio. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial foi de 12% e de obesidade, 6%. As meninas eram mais inativas (80,7%) e apresentaram maior percentual de gordura corporal alto (15,8%) e muito alto (21,5%), já os meninos tiveram maior prevalência de hipertensão arterial (21,2%) e menor prevalência de inatividade física (40,9%). As elevadas prevalências de fatores de risco à saúde aumentam a vulnerabilidade dos adolescentes, expondo estes indivíduos precocemente a fatores que levam ao acometimento cada vez mais cedo de doenças e agravos à saúde. Abstract: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of health indicators among adolescents in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, in 2016. The analysis included sociodemographic conditions, life habits, body composition, sleep quality, physical activity, cognitive performance, and suicide risk in 2,515 adolescents 18 to 19 years of age. The adolescents belonged to the 1997/1998 birth cohort or were included retrospectively using the SINASC (Brazilian Information System on Live Births) database. The adolescents were mainly from economic class C (50.1%), 69.5% were in school, 40.3% were working, and 25.2% were neither studying nor working; 60.3% had been robbed, and 48.7% had parents who were separated or divorced; 19.4% showed harmful or excessive alcohol consumption or probable addiction, 19.1% had used or were using illicit drugs, 53.7% reported poor sleep quality, 40.8% reported frequent headaches, 34.3% reported more than five hours of daily screen time, and 4.1% showed high suicide risk. Prevalence of high blood pressure was 12%, and 6% were obese. Girls were more physically inactive (80.7%) and showed greater percentage of high (15.8%) and very high body fat (21.5%), while boys showed greater prevalence of high blood pressure (21.2%) and lower prevalence of physical inactivity (40.9%). High prevalence rates of health risk factors increase the adolescents’ vulnerability, exposing these individuals earlier to factors leading to diseases and other health problems. Resumen: El objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de indicadores de salud de adolescentes en São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, en 2016. Se estudiaron condiciones sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida, composición corporal, calidad del sueño, actividad física, habilidad cognitiva y riesgo de suicidio de 2.515 adolescentes con 18 y 19 años. Los adolescentes pertenecían a la cohorte de nacimiento 1997/1998 o se incluyeron, retrospectivamente, utilizando el banco del SINASC (Sistema de Información sobre Nacidos Vivos). Los adolescentes eran, principalmente, de clase económica C (50,1%), un 69,5% estudiaban, un 40,3% trabajaban y un 25,2% no estudiaban ni trabajaban; un 60,3% ya fueron víctimas de asalto y un 48,7% tenían a los padres separados. Un 19,4% presentaron un patrón de consumo nocivo, excesivo o probable dependencia de alcohol, Un 19,1% consumieron o estaban consumiendo drogas ilícitas, un 53,7% tenían una calidad de sueño mala, un 40,8% informaron de dolor de cabeza frecuente, un 34,3% declararon tiempo de TV al día mayor que cinco horas y un 4,1% presentaban un alto riesgo de suicidio. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial fue de un 12% y de obesidad, 6%. Las niñas eran más inactivas (80,7%) y presentaron un mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal alto (15,8%) y muy alto (21,5%), mientras que los niños tuvieron una mayor prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (21,2%) y menor prevalencia de inactividad física (40,9%). Las elevadas prevalencias de factores de riesgo para la salud aumentan la vulnerabilidad de los adolescentes, exponiendo a estos individuos precozmente a factores que les llevan a sufrir cada vez más pronto enfermedades y problemas de salud.

Resumo Historicamente, a formação de trabalhadores de nível médio para a saúde ocorreu pontualmente, com enfoque no saber-fazer. No contexto da Reforma Sanitária, iniciativas como o ‘Projeto de Formação em Larga Escala’ impulsionaram a transição para uma compreensão do trabalho técnico crítico-reflexivo, e demandaram um novo modelo de formação de trabalhadores do nível fundamental e médio. O Programa de Formação de Profissionais de Nível Médio para a Saúde é a mais recente iniciativa de amplo alcance para qualificar o trabalho no Sistema Único de Saúde. Analisou-se o perfil, a inserção no trabalho e a percepção acerca do processo formativo desse Programa de Formação no Maranhão de 404 egressos da Escola Técnica do Sistema Único de Saúde do Maranhão. Identificou-se que: o perfil socioeconômico de egressos parece reproduzir as desigualdades sociais; o processo ensino-aprendizagem foi alinhado às diretrizes do Sistema Único de Saúde, com contradições pedagógicas a considerar; e há dificuldade na fixação dos profissionais formados, expressa pela perda de vínculos, migração para os serviços privados de saúde e para outras áreas alheias à saúde. A qualificação de trabalhadores é complexa, demanda ações articuladas no campo dos projetos político-pedagógicos e da gestão do trabalho, que ultrapassam a ampliação da oferta de vagas em cursos de profissionalização. Abstract Historically, the training of mid-level health workers has been provided sporadically, with a focus on know-how. Within the context of the Brazilian Sanitary Reform, initiatives such as the ‘Large-Scale Training Project’ boosted the transition to an understanding of the critical-reflective technical work, and required a new model of training for basic- and mid-level workers. The Mid-Level Professional Training Program is the most recent large-scope initiative to qualify the work in the Unified Health System. We analyzed the profile, the work placement and the perception regarding the training process of this Training Program in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, of 404 graduates from the Technical School of the Unified Health System in Maranhão. We identified that: the socioeconomic profile of the graduates seems to mirror social inequalities; the teaching-learning process was in line with the guidelines of the Unified Health System, with pedagogical contradictions to be considered; and that there is a difficulty in retaining the trained professionals, which is expressed by the loss of ties, and the migration to private health services and to other fields not related to health. The qualification of professionals is complex, requiring actions in the field of political-pedagogical projects and work management projects, which go beyond the extension of the offer of enrollment spots in professionalization courses. Resumen Historicamente, la formación de trabajadores de nivel medio para la salud ocurrió puntualmente, centrada en el saber hacer. En el contexto de la Reforma Sanitaria Brasileña, iniciativas como el ‘Proyecto de Formación en Gran Escala’ impulsaron la transición para una comprensión del trabajo técnico crítico-reflexivo, y demandaron un nuevo modelo de formación de trabajadores de los niveles básico y medio. El Programa de Formación de Profesionales de Nivel Medio para la Salud es la más nueva iniciativa de amplio alcance para cualificar el trabajo en el Sistema Único de Salud. Analizamos el perfil, la inserción laboral y la percepción sobre el proceso formativo de ese Programa de Formación en el estado de Maranhão de 404 egresos de la Escuela Técnica del Sistema Único de Salud de Maranhão. Identificamos que: el perfil socioeconómico de los egresos parece reproducir las desigualdades sociales; el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje estaba alineado a las directrices del Sistema Único de Salud, con contradicciones pedagógicas a considerar; y que hay una dificultad en la retención de los profesionales formados, expresa por la pérdida de vínculos, y por la migración para los servicios privados de salud y para otras áreas ajenas a la salud. La capacitación de trabajadores es compleja, y demanda acciones articuladas en el campo de los proyectos político-pedagógicos y de la gestión del trabajo que superan la ampliación de la oferta de plazas en cursos de profesionalización.

This paper describes the history, objectives and methods used by the nine Brazilian cohorts of the RPS Brazilian Birth Cohorts Consortium (Ribeirão Preto, Pelotas and São Luís) Common thematic axes are identified and the objectives, baseline periods, follow-up stages and representativity of the population studied are presented. The Consortium includes three birth cohorts from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State (1978/1979, 1994 and 2010), four from Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State (1982, 1993, 2004 and 2015), and two from São Luís, Maranhão State (1997 and 2010). The cohorts cover three regions of Brazil, from three distinct states, with marked socioeconomic, cultural and infrastructure differences. The cohorts were started at birth, except for the most recent one in each municipality, where mothers were recruited during pregnancy. The instruments for data collection have been refined in order to approach different exposures during the early phases of life and their long-term influence on the health-disease process. The investigators of the nine cohorts carried out perinatal studies and later studied human capital, mental health, nutrition and precursor signs of noncommunicable diseases. A total of 17,636 liveborns were recruited in Ribeirão Preto, 19,669 in Pelotas, and 7,659 in São Luís. In the studies starting during pregnancy, 1,400 pregnant women were interviewed in Ribeirão Preto, 3,199 in Pelotas, and 1,447 in São Luís. Different strategies were employed to reduce losses to follow-up. This research network allows the analysis of the incidence of diseases and the establishment of possible causal relations that might explain the health outcomes of these populations in order to contribute to the development of governmental actions and health policies more consistent with reality.

This article eevaluates delivery and birth care practices in maternity facilities in Brazil's North and Northeast regions. We conducted a qualitative evaluation of 91 facilities in the North and 181 facilities in the Northeast. The data was collected using systematic observation by a team of 44 previously trained evaluators and recorded in a field diary. A thematic analysis of the collected data was performed, resulting in three core themes: challenges of collegial management; challenges for coping with obstetric violence; and the potential of the evaluation process for driving change. Advances were made in the implementation of good labor and childbirth care practices; however, some maternity facilities still reproduce hierarchical models without spaces for collegial management and accounts of obstetric violence were common. Health professionals used the presence of risk to justify the low level of adoption of good practices. However, the findings reveal progress towards the humanization of care. The results also show the potential of the evaluation process for driving change. Although progress has been made towards the adoption of the good practices recommended by the Stork Network Program both in the area of management and care delivery, many challenges remain in view of the dominance of a hierarchical management model associated with an interventionist approach to health care.O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar práticas de atenção ao parto e nascimento em maternidades do Norte e Nordeste brasileiros. Avaliação qualitativa realizada em 91 maternidades no Norte e 181 no Nordeste do Brasil. A técnica de pesquisa foi a observação sistematizada, realizada por 44 avaliadores previamente treinados e registrada em diário de campo. Foi realizada análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. Os núcleos temáticos encontrados foram: Desafios da Gestão Colegiada; Desafios para o enfrentamento da Violência Obstétrica; e Potencial do processo avaliativo na indução de mudanças. Foram identificados avanços na implantação de boas práticas na gestão do cuidado e atenção à saúde, embora algumas maternidades ainda reproduzam um modelo hierárquico, sem espaços colegiados de gestão e com práticas de violência obstétrica. Situações de risco em gestantes justificaram menor adesão dos profissionais de saúde às boas práticas, ainda que ações em direção à humanização também tenham sido visibilizadas. Identificou-se a potência do processo avaliativo na indução de mudanças. Foram evidenciadas mudanças em direção às boas práticas preconizadas pela Rede Cegonha, tanto na gestão quanto na atenção, mas são muitos os desafios frente ao predomínio de um modelo de gestão hierárquico associado a um modelo de atenção com práticas intervencionistas.

This study aimed to evaluate the racial inequality on childbirth care at the Rede Cegonha (Stork Network) using obstetric good practice and interventions indicators. Racial inequality, measured by the total effect of ethnicity/skin color in the crude model, was seen in many indicators. After adjusting for mediators, such as age, schooling, parity, high-risk hospital, and geographic macro-regions, the persistent direct effect suggests racial discrimination against black women with lower partograph completion (PR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.95). Black women stayed less in lithotomy (PR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.98), performed less episiotomy (PR 0.81; 95% CI 0.68 - 0.96), and had less episiotomy suturing pain (PR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51 - 0.87) when compared to white women, suggesting more good practice applied to black women. However, according to the interventionist care model still adopted by many professionals, these practices are routine, and lower achievement in black women would be better interpreted as evidence of racial discrimination against these women. For other outcomes, the ethnicity/skin color effect disappeared after adjusting for mediators, suggesting mitigation or disappearance of the skin color effect in some practices/interventions in childbirth.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar desigualdade racial na atenção ao parto e ao nascimento na Rede Cegonha utilizando indicadores de boas práticas e intervenções obstétricas. Desigualdade racial, mensurada pelo efeito total da raça/cor no modelo sem ajuste, foi detectada em muitos indicadores. A persistência do efeito direto, após ajuste para os mediadores idade, escolaridade, paridade, hospital de alto risco e região geográfica, sugere discriminação racial contra as pretas, que tiveram menos partograma preenchido (RP 0,88; IC 95% 0,80-0,95). Comparadas às brancas, as pretas ficaram menos em litotomia (RP 0,93; IC95% 0,89-0,98), realizaram menos episiotomia (RP 0,81; IC95% 0,68-0,96) e tiveram menos dor na sutura da episiotomia (RP 0,66; IC95% 0,51-0,87), sugerindo que boas práticas estariam sendo mais realizadas nas pretas. Entretanto, pelo modelo intervencionista de assistência, ainda adotado por muitos profissionais, essas práticas são de rotina e a menor realização delas nas pretas seria melhor interpretada como evidência de discriminação racial a essas mulheres. Para outros desfechos, o efeito da raça/cor desapareceu após o ajuste para mediadores, sugerindo atenuação ou desaparecimento do efeito da cor da pele em algumas práticas/intervenções na assistência ao parto e nascimento.

This article compares the findings of "Avaliação da Rede Cegonha" (ARC - Stork Network Assessment), an evaluative study on the Rede Cegonha (RC - Stork Network) program, with Nascer no Brasil (NB - Born in Brazil), a national survey on labor and birth, conducted in 2011-12, before the start implementation of RC. ARC was conducted in 2017, in 606 maternity hospitals involved in RC and NB included a sample with national representation of 266 hospitals. In the current analysis, we included the 136 SUS hospitals that participated in both studies, totaling 3,790 and 12,227 puerperal women. We perform comparisons of best practices and interventions in the management of labor and delivery using Pearson's chi-square test for independent samples. The prevalence of best practices was, on average, 150% higher in ARC than in NB, with a greater relative increase in less developed regions, for older, brown and black women and less educated. Regarding interventions, there was an average reduction of 30% between NB and ARC, with a greater relative reduction in less developed regions and less educated women. There was a significant improvement in the scenario of care for labor and childbirth, with a reduction in regional, educational and racial inequalities in access to appropriate technologies, suggesting that the RC intervention was effective.Este artigo compara os achados da Avaliação da Rede Cegonha (ARC), estudo avaliativo sobre o programa Rede Cegonha (RC), com o Nascer no Brasil (NB), inquérito nacional sobre parto e nascimento, realizado em 2011-12, antes do início da implementação da RC. A ARC foi conduzida em 2017, em 606 maternidades envolvidas na RC e o NB e empregou uma amostra com representatividade nacional de 266 hospitais. Na análise atual, incluímos os 136 hospitais do SUS que participaram de ambos os estudos, totalizando 3.790 e 12.227 puérperas, respectivamente. Realizamos as comparações de boas práticas e intervenções no manejo do trabalho de parto e de parto utilizando o teste qui-quadrado para amostras independentes. A prevalência das boas práticas foi, em média, 150% maior na ARC que no NB, com maior aumento relativo nas regiões menos desenvolvidas, para mulheres mais velhas, pardas e pretas e menos escolarizadas. Com relação às intervenções, houve redução média de 30% entre o NB e a ARC, com maior redução relativa nas regiões menos desenvolvidas e nas mulheres menos escolarizadas. Houve melhoria significativa no cenário da atenção ao trabalho de parto e parto, com diminuição de iniquidades regionais, de nível de instrução e raciais no acesso às tecnologias apropriadas, sugerindo que a intervenção da RC foi efetiva.

IntroductionAlthough economic crises are common in low/middle-income countries (LMICs), the evidence of their impact on health systems is still scant. We conducted a comparative case study of Maranhão and São Paulo, two unevenly developed states in Brazil, to explore the health financing and system performance changes brought in by its 2014–2015 economic recession.MethodsDrawing from economic and health system research literature, we designed a conceptual framework exploring the links between macroeconomic factors, labour markets, demand and supply of health services and system performance. We used data from the National Health Accounts and National Household Sample Survey to examine changes in Brazil’s health spending over the 2010–2018 period. Data from the National Agency of Supplementary Health database and the public health budget information system were employed to compare and contrast health financing and system performance of São Paulo and Maranhão.ResultsOur analysis shows that Brazil’s macroeconomic conditions deteriorated across the board after 2015–2016, with São Paulo’s economy experiencing a wider setback than Maranhão’s. We showed how public health expenditures flattened, while private health insurance expenditures increased due to the recession. Public financing patterns differed across the two states, as health funding in Maranhão continued to grow after the crisis years, as it was propped up by transfers to local governments. While public sector staff and beds per capita in Maranhão were not affected by the crisis, a decrease in public physicians was observed in São Paulo.ConclusionOur case study suggests that in a complex heterogeneous system, economic recessions reverberate unequally across its parts, as the effects are mediated by private spending, structure of the market and adjustments in public financing. Policies aimed at mitigating the effects of recessions in LMICs will need to take such differences into account.

Objectives: To describe the medication profile used during pregnancy in a Brazilian capital. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with data from BRISA study in São Luís, Maranhão. Participants were interviewed in hospitals and maternity hospitals after delivery and were asked about the use of medications during pregnancy. The drugs were classified according the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification and risk categories of the Food and Drug Administration. Results: 5,110 puerperal women were interviewed, of which 93.5% reported the use of at least one medication during pregnancy. The most frequent medications were: antianemic preparations (ferrous sulfate: 72.2%; iron and multivitamins: 4.9%, folic acid: 62.9% and associations with folic acid: 6.7%), vitamins (multivitamins and others minerals: 30.3%), analgesics (paracetamol: 12.3%), antibacterials for systemic use (cephalexin: 5.6%), antiemetics and anti-nauseating agents (scopolamine butylbromide: 5.4%) and antihypertensives (methyldopa): 3.6%). Among the drugs reported: 74.5% were from category A, 18.9% from category B, 5.5% from category C, 1.0% from category D and 0.1% from category X. Conclusions: Despite, the higher prevalence of medication use during pregnancy, most of which are considered safe in pregnancy. However, it is important that the use of drugs during pregnancy is monitored and guided by health professionals in order to ensure its rational use. Objetivos: Describir el perfil de medicación utilizada durante el embarazo en una capital brasileña. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con datos del estudio BRISA en São Luís, Maranhão. Las participantes fueron entrevistadas en hospitales y maternidades después del parto y se les preguntó sobre el uso de medicamentos durante el embarazo. Los medicamentos se clasificaron de acuerdo con la Clasificación Química Anatómica Terapéutica y las categorías de riesgo de la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos. Resultados: Se entrevistó a 5.110 puérperas, de las cuales el 93,5% refirió el uso de al menos un medicamento durante el embarazo. Los medicamentos más frecuentes fueron: preparados antianémicos (sulfato ferroso: 72,2%; hierro y multivitamínicos: 4,9%, ácido fólico: 62,9% y asociaciones con ácido fólico: 6,7%), vitaminas (multivitamínicos y otros minerales: 30,3%), analgésicos (paracetamol: 12,3%), antibacterianos de uso sistémico (cefalexina: 5,6%), antieméticos y antieméticos (butilbromuro de escopolamina: 5,4%) y antihipertensivos (metildopa): 3,6%). Entre los medicamentos reportados: 74,5% eran de la categoría A, 18,9% de la categoría B, 5,5% de la categoría C, 1,0% de la categoría D y 0,1% de la categoría X. Conclusiones: A pesar de la mayor prevalencia del uso de medicamentos durante el embarazo, la mayoría de los cuales se consideran seguros durante el embarazo. Sin embargo, es importante que el uso de medicamentos durante el embarazo sea monitoreado y guiado por profesionales de la salud para asegurar su uso racional. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil do uso de medicamentos na gestação em uma capital brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com dados do estudo BRISA em São Luís, Maranhão. As participantes foram entrevistadas nos hospitais e maternidades após o parto, sendo questionadas sobre o uso de medicamentos na gestação. Os medicamentos foram classificados de acordo com a Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification e categorias de risco da Food and Drug Administration. Resultados: Foram entrevistadas 5.110 puérperas, das quais 93,5% relataram o uso de pelo menos um medicamento na gestação. Os medicamentos mais frequentes foram: preparações antianêmicas (sulfato ferroso: 72,2%; ferro e multivitaminas: 4,9%, ácido fólico: 62,9% e associações com ácido fólico: 6,7%), vitaminas (multivitamínicos e outros minerais: 30,3%), analgésicos (paracetamol: 12,3%), antibacterianos de uso sistêmico (cefalexina: 5,6%), antieméticos e antinauseantes (butilbrometo de escopolamina: 5,4%) e anti-hipertensivos (metildopa: 3,6%). Dentre os medicamentos relatados: 74,5% foram da categoria A, 18,9% da categoria B, 5,5% da categoria C, 1,0% da categoria D e 0,1% da categoria X. Conclusões: Observou-se elevada prevalência de utilização de medicamentos na gestação, sendo a maioria de uso considerado seguro na gravidez. Porém, é importante que a utilização de fármacos na gestação seja monitorada e orientada por profissionais de saúde visando garantir o seu uso racional.

As complicações do aborto são um importante problema de saúde pública e pesquisas para avaliar a qualidade da atenção requerem ferramentas de aferição adequadas. Este estudo dá sequência ao processo de refinamento de um instrumento para esse fim - QualiAborto-Pt. Utilizando-se dados de um inquérito com 2.336 mulheres internadas por complicações do aborto em 19 hospitais de três capitais do Nordeste brasileiro (Salvador - Bahia, Recife - Pernambuco e São Luís - Maranhão), implementou-se uma sequência de análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias com base em um protótipo de 55 itens. As análises apontam para uma estrutura de 17 itens em cinco dimensões: acolhimento, orientação, insumos/ambiente físico, qualidade técnica e continuidade do cuidado. Todos os itens do modelo final evidenciam confiabilidade aceitável, ausência de redundância de conteúdo, especificidade fatorial, e guardam coerência teórica com as respectivas dimensões. A solução também mostra validade fatorial discriminante. Ainda que persistam algumas questões a aprofundar e acertar, esta versão merece ser recomendada para uso no Brasil. Las complicaciones del aborto son un importante problema de salud pública y las investigaciones para evaluar la calidad de la atención requieren herramientas de medición adecuadas. Este estudio da continuación al proceso de perfeccionamiento de un instrumento para este fin - QualiAborto-Pt. Se utilizaron datos de una encuesta con 2.336 mujeres internadas por complicaciones con el aborto en 19 hospitales de tres capitales del nordeste brasileño (Salvador - Bahia, Recife - Pernambuco e São Luís - Maranhão), se implementó una secuencia de análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios, a partir de un prototipo de 55 ítems. Los análisis apuntan una estructura de 17 ítems en cinco dimensiones: acogida, orientación, insumos/ambiente físico, calidad técnica y continuidad del cuidado. Todos los ítems del modelo final evidencian confiabilidad aceptable, ausencia de redundancia de contenido, especificidad factorial, y guardan coherencia teórica con sus respectivas dimensiones. La solución también muestra validez factorial discriminante. A pesar de que persistan algunas cuestiones por profundizar y acertar, esta versión merece ser recomendada para su uso en Brasil. Abortion complications are a major public health problem, and studies to assess the quality of abortion care require adequate measurement tools. This study is a continuation of such an instrument’s refinement, the QualiAborto-Pt questionnaire. Using data from a survey of 2,336 women hospitalized for abortion complications in 19 hospitals in three state capitals in Northeast Brazil (Salvador - Bahia, Recife - Pernambuco, and São Luís - Maranhão), we implemented a series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses based on a 55-item prototype. The analyses indicate a structure with 17 items in five dimensions: reception, orientation, inputs/physical environment, technical quality, and continuity of care. All the items in the final model displayed acceptable reliability, absence of content redundancy, and factor specificity, as well as theoretical consistency with the respective dimensions. The solution also shows discriminant factor validity. Despite some persistent issues for further analysis and clarification, this version merits recommendation for use in Brazil.

To estimate and assess pregnancy smoking trends since 1978, according to sociodemographic characteristics, in three Brazilian sites. We used cross-sectional data from the perinatal studies of nine birth cohorts, located in the southeast (Ribeirao Preto—1978/1979, 1994, and 2010), south (Pelotas—1982, 1993, 2004, and 2015), and northeast (Sao Luis—1997/1998 and 2010) regions of Brazil. We estimated the prevalence of pregnancy smoking at each time point according to age, education, and family income, in each cohort, and evaluated smoking trends. We analyzed data of 17,275 women in Ribeirao Preto, 19,819 in Pelotas, and 7753 in Sao Luis. Smoking decreased by 59% in Ribeirao Preto (p

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of health indicators among adolescents in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, in 2016. The analysis included sociodemographic conditions, life habits, body composition, sleep quality, physical activity, cognitive performance, and suicide risk in 2,515 adolescents 18 to 19 years of age. The adolescents belonged to the 1997/1998 birth cohort or were included retrospectively using the SINASC (Brazilian Information System on Live Births) database. The adolescents were mainly from economic class C (50.1%), 69.5% were in school, 40.3% were working, and 25.2% were neither studying nor working; 60.3% had been robbed, and 48.7% had parents who were separated or divorced; 19.4% showed harmful or excessive alcohol consumption or probable addiction, 19.1% had used or were using illicit drugs, 53.7% reported poor sleep quality, 40.8% reported frequent headaches, 34.3% reported more than five hours of daily screen time, and 4.1% showed high suicide risk. Prevalence of high blood pressure was 12%, and 6% were obese. Girls were more physically inactive (80.7%) and showed greater percentage of high (15.8%) and very high body fat (21.5%), while boys showed greater prevalence of high blood pressure (21.2%) and lower prevalence of physical inactivity (40.9%). High prevalence rates of health risk factors increase the adolescents' vulnerability, exposing these individuals earlier to factors leading to diseases and other health problems.

In 2015, there was an epidemic of microcephaly in Brazil that was associated with infection by the Zika virus. The condition of these children obliged the parents to embark on a quest in search of treatment. The scope of this study was to establish the therapeutic itinerary pursued in healthcare sectors by parents and/or caregivers of children with microcephaly due to the Zika virus. It involved qualitative research, conducted at a Center of Reference on Neurodevelopment between April 2017 and February 2018, with parents and/or caregivers of children with microcephaly caused by the Zika virus. The sample complied with the criteria of saturation. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed, and content analysis was applied. The results revealed disorientation and uncertainties in the search for care in the health sector. The most sought-after sector was the professional sector, followed by the informal sector. The information conveyed in the media and social networks, which constitute part of the informal sector, helped to clarify the significance of microcephaly and the Zika virus and assisted in the search for treatment. Care in the healthcare network was marked by difficulties and, faced with a new and emergency situation, the route between diagnosis and treatment was arduous.Em 2015, no Brasil, houve uma epidemia de microcefalia que foi associada à infecção pelo vírus Zika. A condição destas crianças impulsionou os pais a percorrerem um caminho em busca por tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer o itinerário terapêutico percorrido por pais e/ou cuidadores de crianças com microcefalia pelo vírus Zika nos setores de atenção à saúde. Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, realizada em um Centro de Referência em Neurodesenvolvimento, no período de abril de 2017 a fevereiro de 2018, com pais e/ou cuidadores de crianças com microcefalia pelo vírus Zika. A amostra obedeceu aos critérios de saturação de sentidos. Foram feitas 20 entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas e transcritas. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Os resultados demostraram desorientação e incertezas na busca pelo cuidado nos setores de saúde. O setor mais procurado foi o profissional, seguido pelo informal e popular. As informações veiculadas na mídia e redes sociais, que fazem parte do setor informal, contribuíram para esclarecer o significado da microcefalia e vírus Zika e auxiliou na busca por tratamento. O cuidado na rede de Atenção à Saúde foi marcado pela peregrinação. Diante de uma situação nova e emergencial, o caminho percorrido, entre o diagnóstico e o tratamento, foi árduo.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência e fatores associados à hesitação ao uso da vacina contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 no Maranhão, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado de 19 a 30 de outubro de 2020. As estimativas consideraram agrupamento, estratificação e não resposta. A seleção da amostra foi realizada em três estágios (estrato, setores censitários e domicílio). Após análise sistemática, em cada estrato foram selecionados trinta setores, totalizando 150 setores, sendo o número de domicílios em cada setor fixado em 34, totalizando 5.100 domicílios e um indivíduo por domicílio (residente pelo menos há seis meses e com um ano de idade ou mais) selecionado por amostra aleatória simples. A intenção de ser vacinado foi questionada aos participantes. Foi realizada análise descritiva (frequências ponderadas) e teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson para verificar associação univariada entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho (p < 0,05). Realizou-se análise multivariada robusta utilizando-se modelagem hierarquizada em três níveis. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 4.630 indivíduos. A prevalência de hesitação vacinal foi de 17,5% (IC95% 16,1–19,1%). Após ajuste final do modelo, a hesitação vacinal foi estatisticamente maior entre moradores das cidades de Imperatriz (24,0%; RP = 1,48; IC95% 1,09–2,02) e de munícipios da Grande Ilha de São Luís (20,7%; RP = 1,34; IC95% 1,02–1,76), pessoas do sexo feminino (19,8%; RP = 1,44; IC95% 1,20–1,75), idosos (22,8%; RP = 1,79; IC95% 1,30–2,46), pertencentes às religiões de denominação evangélica (24,1%; RP = 1,49; IC95% 1,24–1,79) e entre aqueles sem relato de sintomas (18,6%; RP = 1,24; IC95% 1,02–1,51). Outras características socioeconômicas e demográficas, assim como variáveis relacionadas ao mercado de trabalho, comportamentos e condições de saúde dos entrevistados, não tiveram diferença estatística. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de hesitação vacinal no Maranhão e sua associação com fatores individuais, contextuais e clínicos revelam os grupos e contextos mais resistentes e que devem merecer atenção especial das estratégias públicas para garantir a ampla vacinação.

We report the early growth and neurologic findings of 48 infants in Brazil diagnosed with probable congenital Zika virus syndrome and followed to age 1-8 months. Most of these infants had microcephaly (86.7%) and craniofacial disproportion (95.8%). The clinical pattern included poor head growth with increasingly negative z-scores, pyramidal/extrapyramidal symptoms, and epilepsy.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the association between percent contribution of ultra-processed foods to total dietary energy intake and measurements of body composition obtained using high-validity methods. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 1525 adolescents 18 to 19 y of age from the second follow-up of the 1997/98 Sao Luis birth cohort, Brazil. To evaluate nutritional status and body composition, the body mass index (BMI)-for-age was used, along with waist circumference, total and android body fat percentage, muscle mass, and the lean mass index (LMI). Food consumption was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire. Food items were grouped according to the level of processing as per the NOVA classification. Through semi-structured questionnaires, sociodemographic and lifestyle data were abstracted. Adjusted linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between consumption of ultra-processed foods and body composition measurements. Results Total average energy consumption was 2919.7 kcal, with 58% (1634.9 kcal) derived from natural or minimally processed foods and 37% (1136.5 kcal) from ultra-processed products. In the adjusted analyses, BMI, muscle mass, and LMI were inversely associated with consumption of ultra-processed foods. A 1% increase in the percent contribution of ultra-processed items to total dietary energy intake was associated with a 0.04 kg decrease in muscle mass (β = –0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.06 to –0.02; P Conclusion The contribution of ultra-processed foods to total dietary energy intake of Brazilian adolescents was associated with body composition, especially with decreasing lean body mass.

The short duration of viremia, low blood viral load, inaccessibility to timely specific diagnostic tests, and cross-reactions with other flaviviruses have hindered laboratory confirmation of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). This study analyzes the positivity of the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) in children with clinical or imaging characteristics of CZS and its association with laboratory, clinical, and imaging characteristics. The 94 clinical cases of CZS submitted to the ZIKV PRNT90 test were followed from 2016 to 2018. The mean age of children at PRNT90 collection was 22 &plusmn, 6 months Standard Deviation. The ZIKV PRNT90 was positive (titer &ge, 10) in 40 (42.5%) children. ZIKV PRNT90 positivity was associated with severe microcephaly in newborns (p = 0.016), lower head circumference z-score at birth (p = 0.043) and 24 months of age (p = 0.031), and severe reduction of the cerebral parenchyma volume (p = 0.021), expressing greater disease severity. Negative PRNT90 in children with characteristic signs of CZS may be due to false-negative results, indicating that the diagnosis of CZS should be primarily syndromic.

BackgroundEconomic recessions carry an impact on population health and access to care; less is known on how health systems adapt to the conditions brought by a downturn. This particularly matters now that the COVID-19 epidemic is putting health systems under stress. Brazil is one of the world's most affected countries, and its health system was already experiencing the aftermath of the 2015 recession.MethodsBetween 2018 and 2019 we conducted 46 semi-structured interviews with health practitioners, managers and policy-makers to explore the impact of the 2015 recession on public and private providers in prosperous (São Paulo) and impoverished (Maranhão) states in Brazil. Thematic analysis was employed to identify drivers and consequences of system adaptation and coping strategies. Nvivo software was used to aid data collection and analysis. We followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research to provide an account of the findings.ResultsWe found the concept of 'health sector crisis' to be politically charged among healthcare providers in São Paulo and Maranhão. Contrary to expectations, the public sector was reported to have found ways to compensate for diminishing federal funding, having outsourced services and adopted flexible-if insecure-working arrangements. Following a drop in employment and health plans, private health insurance companies have streamlined their offer, at times at the expenses of coverage. Low-cost walk-in clinics were hit hard by the recession, but were also credited for having moved to cater for higher-income customers in Maranhão.ConclusionsThe 'plates' of a health system may shift and adjust in unexpected ways in response to recessions, and some of these changes might outlast the crisis. As low-income countries enter post-COVID economic recessions, it will be important to monitor the adjustments taking place in health systems, to ensure that past gains in access to care and job security are not eroded.

O papel dos serviços de saúde é crucial para o alcance da meta 90-90-90 de controle da epidemia do HIV. O estudo avalia a organização dos serviços brasileiros nas ações de promoção, monitoramento e suporte à retenção no seguimento e apoio ao tratamento. Foram comparadas, por meio de variação percentual (VP), as respostas dos serviços a um questionário de avaliação da qualidade organizacional (Qualiaids) em 2007 e em 2010. Analisou-se os 419 serviços que responderam ao questionário em 2007 (83,1% dos respondentes) e 2010 (63,6%). Ações gerenciais relacionadas à retenção e apoio, embora incrementadas no período, permaneceram com baixa frequência, tais como: reuniões sistemáticas para discussão de casos; (32,7% em 2010; VP = 19,8%), registro de faltas em consulta médica (35,3%; VP = 36,8%). Ações assistenciais relacionadas à adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso permanecem majoritariamente exclusivas do médico. O aporte de recursos de provisão federal - medicamentos e exames específicos para HIV - manteve-se alto para a grande maioria dos serviços (~90%). Não se alcançará decréscimo significativo da transmissão do HIV enquanto a permanência no tratamento não for prioridade de todos os serviços de assistência. El papel de los servicios de salud es crucial para el alcance de la meta 90-90-90 de control de la epidemia de VIH. El estudio evalúa la organización de los servicios brasileños en las acciones de promoción, monitoreo y apoyo al mantenimiento del seguimiento y tratamiento. Se compararon, mediante la variación porcentual (VP), las respuestas de los servicios a un cuestionario de evaluación de la calidad organizativa (Qualiaids) en 2007 y en 2010. Se analizaron los 419 servicios que respondieron al cuestionario en 2007 (83,1% de los participantes) y 2010 (63,6%). Las acciones de gerencia, relacionadas con el mantenimiento y apoyo, aunque se incrementaron durante el período, permanecieron con baja frecuencia, tales como: reuniones sistemáticas para discusión de casos; (32,7% en 2010; VP = 19,8%), registro de faltas en consulta médica (35,3%; VP = 36,8%). Las acciones asistenciales relacionadas con la adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico continúan siendo mayoritariamente exclusivas del médico. La aportación de recursos de provisión federal -medicamentos y exámenes específicos para VIH- se mantuvo alta para la gran mayoría de los servicios (~90%). No se alcanzará un decremento significativo en la transmisión del VIH, mientras la permanencia en el tratamiento no sea una prioridad de todos los servicios de asistencia. Health services play a crucial role in reaching the 90-90-90 target of controlling the HIV epidemic. This study evaluates the organization of Brazilian health services in improving, monitoring, and retention in HIV care and adherence support. Percentage variation (PV) was used to compare the responses by services to an evaluation questionnaire on organizational quality (Qualiaids) in 2007 and 2010. The study analyzed the 419 services that completed the questionnaire in 2007 (83.1% of respondents) and 2010 (63.6%). Management actions of retention and support although increased in the period, but remained at low rates, for example: systematic meetings for case discussion (32.7% in 2010; PV = 19.8%) and recording of missed medical appointments (35.3%; PV = 36.8%). Patient care actions related to adherence to ART remained largely exclusive to the attending physician. The supply of funds and resources from the Federal Government (medicines and specific HIV tests) remained high for the vast majority of the services (~90%). It will not be possible to achieve a significant decrease in HIV transmission as long as retention in treatment is not a priority in all the health services.

Objetivo:Analisar a associação entre o declínio cognitivo e a qualidade de vida de idosos hipertensos.Métodos:Pesquisa de abordagem quantitativa com delineamento analítico transversal, com 125 idosos hipertensos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos no Programa HIPERDIA, de São Luís-MA. Para a avaliação do declínio cognitivo, aplicou-se o Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e para avaliar a qualidade de vida, o Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). A normalidade dos dados foi testada por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, utilizando-se ainda o teste de Mann Whitney (qualidade de vida). Para testar a associação entre declínio cognitivo e qualidade de vida, usou-se o coeficiente de Spearman.Resultados:A prevalência de declínio cognitivo foi de 20,80%, com predominância em idosos com baixa escolaridade (45,83%). Idosos hipertensos com declínio cognitivo apresentaram pior qualidade de vida, comparados aos idosos hipertensos sem declínio cognitivo. Houve associação positiva da função cognitiva com a qualidade de vida nos domínios: capacidade funcional (r=0,222; p=0,01), dor (r=0,1871; p=0,04) e aspectos emocionais (r=0,3136; p=0,0005).Conclusão:Os resultados encontrados neste estudo sugerem que o declínio cognitivo afeta diretamente a qualidade de vida do idoso hipertenso, na medida em que limita a capacidade de realização de atividades do cotidiano, principalmente se associado a quadros dolorosos e alterações emocionais. Objective:To evaluate the association between cognitive decline and quality of life in hypertensive elderly persons.Methods:A quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study involving 125 hypertensive elderly individuals of both genders attending the HIPERDIA Program in São Luís, in the state of Maranhao, was performed. The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) was used to evaluate cognitive decline and quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36 Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The normality of the data was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Mann-Whitney test was also applied (quality of life). The association between cognitive decline and quality of life was evaluated using Spearman's coefficient.Results:The prevalence of cognitive decline was 20.8% and there was a predominance of elderly persons with a low educational level (45.83%). Hypertensive elderly individuals with cognitive decline had a poorer quality of life than those without cognitive decline. A positive association between cognitive function and quality of life was observed for the following domains: functional capacity (r=0.222; p=0.01), pain (r=0.1871; p=0.04), and emotional aspects (r=0.3136; p=0.0005).Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that cognitive decline directly affects the quality of life of the elderly by limiting the capacity to perform activities of daily living, especially if associated with painful medical conditions and emotional disturbances.