Analysis of the access of pregnant women to the first programmatic dental appointment: an ecological study

Abstract To plan and evaluate public health policies, it is important to understand the influence of social factors on the quality and access to dental care. This study aimed to verify the potential association between the indicators of pregnant women receiving dental care and the social and health care indicators of cities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. A cross-sectional ecological study was performed with secondary data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Health Care Department of the Ministry of Health regarding the cities of Minas Gerais. The study analyzed three health care indicators (such as more than six prenatal, the proportion of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus tests, and oral health coverage) and four social indicators (average monthly wage, illiteracy rate, proportion of employed population, and rate of adequate sanitary sewerage). Bivariate analysis (Mann-Whitney test) and logistic regression were performed using Jamovi software. All of the indicators analyzed were associated with the access of pregnant women to dental care. However, in the regression models, only health care indicators remained statistically significant. Thus, although social indicators are associated with the access of pregnant women to dental appointments, access to primary health care and the teamwork of primary health care teams may overcome social inequality in the access of pregnant women to dental care.

nequity in access to health and racism: epidemiological analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic / Desigualdad en el acceso a la salud y racismo: análisis epidemiológico durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Iniquidades no acesso à saúde e racismo: análise epidemiológica durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective:to analyze the epidemiological data of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the access to health of black people in Brazil during the pandemic, comparing them with previous years. Method:epidemiological, descriptive, and quantitative study of SARS cases in black patients, reported in the information system on epidemiological surveillance of influenzaof the Ministry of Health, between 2017 and 2020. Results:it was observed that, in 2020, there was an increase in the prevalence of SARS cases in blacks, in addition to a significant increase in lethality when compared to the general population. Furthermore, it was found that mortality was significantly higher in individuals with SARS who required ventilatory support. Conclusion:skin color is a determinant of several social and health vulnerabilities in Brazil and worldwide, having a direct impact on theincreased morbidity and mortality of the black population during the pandemic.

RESUMEN Objetivo:analizar los datos epidemiológicos del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo (SRAS) y el acceso a la salud de los negros en Brasil durante la pandemia, comparándolos con años anteriores. Método:estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo y cuantitativo de casos de SRAS en pacientes de raza negra, reportados en el sistema de información de vigilancia epidemiológica de Influenza del Ministerio de Salud, entre 2017 y 2020. Resultados:se observó que, en En 2020, hubo un aumento en la prevalencia de casos de SARS en negros, además de un aumento significativo en la letalidad en comparación con la población general. Además, se encontró que la mortalidad fue significativamente mayor en las personas con SARS que requirieron soporte ventilatorio. Conclusión:color de la piel es un determinante de varias vulnerabilidades sociales y de salud en Brasil y en todo el mundo, teniendo un impacto directo en el aumento de la morbilidad y mortalidad de la población negra durante la pandemia.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os dados epidemiológicos da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) e o acesso à saúde de pessoas negras no Brasil durante a pandemia, comparando-os com os anos anteriores.Método: estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e quantitativo de casos de SRAG em pacientes negros, notificados no sistema de informação em vigilância epidemiológica da influenza do Ministério da Saúde, entre 2017 e 2020. Resultados: observou-se que, em 2020, houve um aumento da prevalência dos casos de SRAG em negros, além de um aumento significativo da letalidade quando comparada à população em geral. Além disso, verificou-se que a mortalidade foi significativamente maior em indivíduos com SRAG que necessitaram de suporte ventilatório. Conclusão: a cor da pele é um determinante de diversas vulnerabilidades sociais e de saúde no Brasil e no mundo, tendo impacto direto no aumento da morbimortalidade da população negra durante a pandemia.

Colorectal cancer screening: a South American perspective / Tamizaje de cáncer colorectal: una perspectiva Sudamericana

ABSTRACT Colorectal cancer (CRC) occupies the first places of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. There are screening guidelines that must be adapted to the available resources. South America (SA) is a region with characteristics that influences in the behavior of diseases. Materials and methods: A bibliographic review focused on publications originating in SA in the last 10 years was performed by two independents reviewers using Medline, EMBASE and LILACS platforms. Results: Forty-seven publications were included. There is an increase in the incidence of CRC, mortality and years of life lost. Higher mortality is observed in indigenous populations, older adults, and low socioeconomic strata. Many barriers in the access to screening were observed (lack of knowledge about screening in the population and health professionals, insufficient technical resources). Prevention of CRC is a health challenge where improvement in living conditions is a central part. SA is taking its first steps in the prevention of CRC and the path must contemplate elements inherent of the region. A central point in the development of effective screening strategies is to increase research and scientific production. We consider useful for each country, to evaluate its screening actions taking into account the incidence (high, average or low) to determine if it is convenient to develop structured or opportunistic programs but always starting from the premise that the awareness of the population is essential. Conclusions: The great challenge to achieve effective CRC prevention can be summed up in the concept of equity. CRC screening in SA requires leadership, creativity, and the ability to craft responses tailored to each local setting.

RESUMEN El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) ocupa los primeros puestos globales en incidencia y mortalidad. Existen guías para la detección precoz que deben ser adaptadas a los recursos disponibles. Sudamérica (SA) es una región con características especiales que influyen en el comportamiento de las enfermedades. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de publicaciones originadas en SA utilizando las plataformas MEDLINE, EMBASE y LILACS. Dos investigadores en forma independiente revisaron y seleccionaron la bibliografía. Resultados: Se incluyen para el análisis cuarenta y siete publicaciones. Existe un incremento de la incidencia, mortalidad y años de vida perdidos por CCR. Se observa mayor mortalidad en pueblos originarios, adultos mayores y personas de nivel socioeconómico bajo. Existen diversas barreras en el acceso al screening (falta de conocimientos en la población y el equipo de salud, recursos técnicos insuficientes). La prevención del CCR es un desafío donde el mejoramiento de las condiciones de vida es central. En SA la prevención del CCR está dando sus primeros pasos y ese camino debe contemplar elementos propios. Un punto central es la investigación y producción científica relacionada. Consideramos útil que cada país evalúe sus acciones preventivas teniendo en cuenta la incidencia (alta, media o baja) para determinar si es conveniente realizar un screening oportunista o estructurado siempre partiendo de la premisa de que la concientización y participación de la población es esencial. Conclusiones: El gran desafío para lograr una prevención efectiva del CCR puede resumirse en el concepto de equidad. El screening del CCR en SA requiere de liderazgo, creatividad y de la capacidad de diseñar respuestas adaptadas a cada realidad local.

Prevalence of Maternal Morbidity and Its Association with Socioeconomic Factors: A Population-based Survey of a City in Northeastern Brazil / Prevalência da morbidade materna e sua associação com fatores socioeconômicos: estudo de base populacional em uma capital do nordeste brasileiro

Abstract Purpose To identify the prevalence of maternal morbidity and its socioeconomic, demographic and health care associated factors in a city in Northeastern Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional and population-based study was conducted, with a design based on multi-stage complex sampling. A validated questionnaire was applied to 848 women aged between 15 and 49 years identified in 8,227 households from 60 census tracts of Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. The main outcome measure was maternal morbidity. The Poisson regression analysis, with 5% significance, was used for the analysis of the associated factors. Results The prevalence of maternal morbidity was of 21.2%. A bivariate analysis showed the following variables associated with an increased number of obstetric complications: non-white race (prevalence ratio [PR] =1.23; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.04-1.46); lower socioeconomic status (PR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.12-1.58); prenatal care performed in public services (PR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.16-1.72): women that were not advised during prenatal care about where they should deliver (PR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.05-1.46); delivery in public services (PR = 1.63; 95%CI: 1.30-2.03); need to search for more than one hospital for delivery (PR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.03-1.45); and no companion at all times of delivery care (PR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.05-1.48). The place where the delivery occurred (public or private) and the socioeconomic status remained significant in the final model. Conclusion Women in a worse socioeconomic situation and whose delivery was performed in public services had a higher prevalence of maternal morbidity. Such an association reinforces the need to strengthen public policies to tackle health inequalities through actions focusing on these determinants.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a prevalência da morbidade materna e os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de assistência à saúde associados a ela em uma capital do Nordeste brasileiro. Métodos Estudo seccional, de base populacional, com desenho de amostras complexas. Aplicou-se umquestionário validado paramorbidade materna em848 mulheres com idade entre 15 e 49 anos selecionadas em 8.227 domicílios distribuídos em 60 setores censitários de Natal, capital do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. O desfecho principal foi a morbidade materna. A análise multivariada foi feita por meio da regressão de Poisson, com 5% de significância. Resultados A prevalência de morbidade materna foi de 21,2%. A análise bivariada encontrou associação entre o maior número de complicações obstétricas com: mulheres da raça preta/parda (razão de prevalência [RP] = 1,23; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 1,04-1,46); pior condição socioeconômica (RP = 1,33; IC95%: 1,12-1,58); pré-natal na rede pública (RP = 1,42; IC95%: 1,16 -1,72); mulheres que não foram informadas sobre o lugar da realização do parto durante o pré-natal (RP = 1,24; IC95%: 1,05-1,46); mulheres que realizaram o parto na rede pública (RP = 1,63; IC95%: 1,30-2,03); pacientes que percorreram mais de um hospital para realizar o parto (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,03-1,45); e aquelas que não tiveram acompanhante em todos os momentos da assistência ao parto - antes, durante e depois do parto (RP = 1,25; IC95% = 1,05-1,48). No modelo final da regressão, tanto o local do parto quanto a condição socioeconômica mantiveram a associação. Conclusões A maior prevalência da morbidade materna esteve associada às piores condições socioeconômicas e à realização do parto na rede pública. Isso reforça a necessidade de fortalecimento de políticas públicas que reduzam as desigualdades em saúde.

Evolución de la mortalidad infantil en Argentina en el marco de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio / Trend in infant mortality rate in Argentina within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals

Introducción. La tasa de mortalidad infantil (TMI) es un indicador del estado de salud de una población y de accesibilidad y calidad de los servicios de salud. En el año 2000, Argentina asumió, en el marco de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio, el compromiso de disminuir la TMI para el año 2015 a un tercio del valor del año 1990 y reducir las brechas entre jurisdicciones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la evolución de la mortalidad infantil en Argentina y las brechas entre las jurisdicciones, su magnitud y sus causas, en función del cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio. Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de la mortalidad infantil en Argentina en 1990 y de 2000 a 2013 sobre la base de publicaciones de estadísticas vitales de la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Resultados. Se constató un descenso en la TMI de 57,8%, en la tasa de mortalidad neonatal de 52,6% y en la tasa de mortalidad posneonatal de 63,8%. El coeficiente de Gini interprovincial para la TMI disminuyó un 27%. El riesgo atribuible poblacional disminuyó 16,6% para la TMI, 38,8% para la tasa de mortalidad neonatal y 51,5% para la tasa de mortalidad posneonatal en el año 2013 respecto de 1990. Conclusión. Se constató un importante descenso en la mortalidad infantil y sus componentes, aunque insuficiente para alcanzar las metas de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio. La disminución de labrecha de la TMI alcanzó la meta asumida; sin embargo, aún persisten inequidades.

Introduction. Infant mortality rate (IMR) is an indicator of the health status of a population and of the quality of and access to health care services. In 2000, and within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals, Argentina committed to achieve by 2015 a reduction by two thirds of its 1990 infant mortality rate, and to identify and close inter-jurisdictional gaps. The objective of this article is to describe the trend in infant mortality rate in Argentina and interjurisdictional gaps, infant mortality magnitude and causes, in compliance with the Millennium Development Goals. Population and methods. A descriptive study on infant mortality was conducted in Argentina in 1990 and between 2000 and 2013, based on vital statistics data published by the Health Statistics and Information Department of the Ministry of Health of Argentina. Results. The following reductions were confirmed: 57.8% in IMR, 52.6% in neonatal mortality rate and 63.8% in post-neonatal mortality rate. The inter-provincial Gini coefficient for IMR decreased by 27%. The population attributable risk decreased by 16.6% for IMR, 38.8% for neonatal mortality rate and 51.5% for post-neonatal mortality rate in 2013 versus 1990. Conclusion. A significant reduction in infant mortality and its components has been shown, but not enough to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The reduction in IMR gaps reached the set goal; however, inequalities still persist.

Gender disparities in health and healthcare: results from the Portuguese National Health Interview Survey / Disparidades de gênero na saúde e nos cuidados de saúde: resultados para Portugal com base no Inquérito Nacional de Saúde

Although women experience poorer health conditions during their lives, they live longer than men. The main explanations for this paradox suggest that women's excess of ill-health is limited to minor illnesses and their different attitudes toward health. The authors test these assumptions by investigating disparities between men and women in health and healthcare in Portugal. Data are used from the Portuguese National Health Interview Survey 2005/2006 (N = 33,662). Multivariate regressions showed that women were more likely to report worse self-rated health, more days with disability, higher prevalence of hypertension, chronic pain, cancer, anxiety and depression, and more medical consultations. Heart disease was significantly more prevalent among men, possibly explaining part of the paradox. Women's more frequent use of medical consultations may reflect their heightened awareness of health problems, which may protect them against early death. Gender differences in socioeconomic status explain part of the differences in health, but fail to provide a complete understanding.

Embora tenham pior saúde ao longo da vida, as mulheres vivem mais anos do que os homens. As principais explicações para este paradoxo são que as mulheres sofrem mais de doenças menores, e adotam atitudes diferentes em relação à saúde. Testamos essas hipóteses pela investigação de disparidades entre homens e mulheres na saúde e nos cuidados de saúde em Portugal. Os dados usados são do Inquérito Nacional de Saúde 2005/2006 (N = 33.662). Regressões multivariadas mostram que as mulheres declaram pior estado de saúde autoavaliado, maior número de dias de incapacidade, maior prevalência de hipertensão, dor crônica, cancro, ansiedade e depressão, e maior utilização de consultas. A doença cardíaca é significativamente mais prevalente nos homens, o que pode explicar em parte o paradoxo. A maior utilização de consultas nas mulheres pode refletir a sua maior consciência relacionada com a saúde, que talvez seja protetora contra a morte precoce. Diferenças de gênero no estatuto socioeconômico explicam parte das diferenças em saúde, mas não permitem uma compreensão completa das diferenças.