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A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, to assess the prevalence of menstrual disorders and their distribution according to parity and demographic, social, and behavioral characteristics among 1,078 women aged 15-54 years. Menstrual disorders included heavy menstrual bleeding, inter-menstrual bleeding, short cycle, long cycle, and prolonged menses. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Overall prevalence of menstrual disorders was 46.4% (43.3-49.4). The most prevalent disorder was heavy menstrual bleeding (23.2%; 20.5-25.8), followed by short cycle (19.2%; 16.6-21.8), long cycle (14.8%; 12.7-16.9), inter-menstrual bleeding (11.1%; 9.1-13.2), and prolonged menses (7.9%; 6.3-9.4). Menstrual disorders are frequent in the population and are associated with age 35 years or older, low schooling, high parity, tubal ligation, and smoking.

This population-based study evaluated the use of diet sweeteners by adults (> 20 years) in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data were collected from January to July 2010 (n = 2,732). Besides specific questions on diet sweeteners, demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics were recorded. Heterogeneity and linear trend chi-square tests were used for the statistical analysis. Prevalence of sweetener use was 19% (95%CI: 1.1-20.9), and was 3.7 times higher in elderly individuals as compared to 20-29-year-olds. Economic level and nutritional status were significantly associated with sweetener use. Nearly 98% of the sample used liquid sweeteners; the most frequently consumed (89.2%) were those containing saccharin or sodium cyclamate. Average intake was 10 drops of liquid sweetener or 1.5 sachets of powdered sweetener. Use of diet sweeteners was higher among women and the elderly.