Space-time risk clusters of Covid-19 in a tourism area in the northeastern Brazil: an epidemiological overview after two years of pandemic

The world is facing a serious viral infection caused by the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. We aimed to evaluate and map the high-risk clusters of COVID-19 in the State of Alagoas, a touristic area in northeastern Brazil, after two years of pandemic by a population-based ecological study, using COVID-19 cases reported in the State of Alagoas, between March, 2020 and April, 2022. We performed a descriptive and statistical analysis of epidemiological data. We then map high-risk areas for COVID-19, using spatial analysis, considering the incidence rate by municipality. 297,972 positive cases were registered; 56.9% were female and 42.7% aged between 20 and 39 years old. Men (OR = 1.59) and older than 60 years old (OR = 29.64) had a higher risk of death, while the highest incidence rates of the disease occurred in the metropolitan region. Our data demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 in the State of Alagoas, through the two years of pandemic. Although the number of cases were greater among women and young adults, the chance of death was greater among men and older adults. High-risk clusters of the disease initially occur in metropolitan cities and tourist areas.

Hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism in Brazil (2008-2019): an ecological and time series study / Hospitalizações por embolia pulmonar no Brasil (2008-2019): um estudo ecológico e de séries temporais

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the temporal trends of hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism (PE) in Brazil, its regions, and states between 2008 and 2019. Methods An ecological and time series study was conducted. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The inflection point regression model was applied for temporal trend analyses. Trends were classified as increasing, decreasing, or stationary according to the slope of the regression line. The Annual Percent Charge (APC) and the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) were calculated considering a confidence interval of 95% and p-value <0.05. Furthermore, spatial distribution maps of epidemiological indicators related to PE in Brazil were elaborated. Results There was an increasing trend in the hospitalization rate for PE in Brazil, ranging from 2.57 in 2008 to 4.44/100,000 in 2019 (AAPC=5.6%; p<0.001). Total and average hospitalizations costs also showed increasing trend in the country (AAPC=9.2% and 3.0%, respectively). Still, there was a decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate (from 21.21% to 17.11%; AAPC=-1.9%; p<0.001). Similar trends were observed in most regions. The average hospitalization time in Brazil showed a stationary trend. The hospitalization rate has also increased in 18 states (66.67%). Seven states showed a decrease in the mortality rate (25.93%), except for Roraima, which showed an increasing trend. Conclusion Hospitalizations for PE represent a serious public health problem in Brazil and the temporal patterns observed herein demonstrate an increasing trend in all regions and states of the country.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar as tendências temporais das hospitalizações por Embolia Pulmonar (EP) no Brasil, assim como suas regiões e estados no período entre 2008 e 2019. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo ecológico e de série temporal. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar (SIH) do Ministério da Saúde (MS) do Brasil. O modelo de regressão de pontos de inflexão foi aplicado para análises de tendências temporais. As tendências foram classificadas como crescentes, decrescentes ou estacionárias de acordo com a inclinação da linha de regressão. O percentual de variação anual (APC) e Percentual de Variação Médio do Período (AAPC) foram calculados considerando Intervalo de Confiança de 95% (IC 95%) e significância de 5%. Além disso, foram elaborados mapas de distribuição espacial dos indicadores epidemiológicos relacionados à EP no Brasil. Resultados Houve uma tendência crescente na taxa de hospitalização de EP no Brasil, variando de 2,57 em 2008 a 4,44/100.000 em 2019 (AAPC=5,6%; p<0,001). Os custos totais e médios de hospitalização também mostraram uma tendência crescente no país (AAPC=9,2% e 3,0%, respectivamente). Ainda assim, houve uma diminuição na taxa de mortalidade hospitalar (de 21,21% para 17,11%; AAPC=-1,9%; p<0,001). Tendências similares foram observadas na maioria das regiões. O tempo médio de hospitalização no Brasil mostrou uma tendência estacionária. A taxa de hospitalização também aumentou em 18 estados (66,67%). Sete estados mostraram uma diminuição na taxa de mortalidade (25,93%), exceto Roraima, que mostrou uma tendência crescente. Conclusão As hospitalizações de EP representam um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil, e os padrões temporais aqui observados demonstraram uma tendência crescente em todas as regiões e estados do país.

Urban mobility and COVID-19 in Brazil: Comparison between 2020 and 2021

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the indicators of urban mobility and the number of new cases of COVID-19 recorded daily between 2020 and 2021. METHODS: An observational study was carried out involving new cases of COVID-19 registered daily in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil between March 12, 2020 and March 28, 2021 and six indicators of urban mobility. For analysis, the study was divided into two periods: the first was composed of 295 days and represents the year 2020 and the second was composed of 86 days and represents the year 2021. Spearman's non-parametric correlation was used. RESULTS: In 2021, the greatest reductions in relation to the baseline were observed in parks (-29.0) and in retail and recreation areas (-28.7). However, these reductions were smaller than those observed in the previous year, indicating a greater circulation of people in 2021 when compared with mobility in 2020. In contrast, in residential areas, there was a reduction in the percentage change in relation to the previous year (11.2 in 2019 and 7.6 in 2021). In grocery and pharmacy, there was an increase 1.8 times greater than that observed in 2020 (9.1 in 2020 and 17.0 in 2021). It is also noteworthy that the daily average of new cases almost doubled in value (753.4 in 2020 and 1409.1 in 2021). CONCLUSION: More vigorous measures must be taken to adequately control the pandemic.

Primary school educational intervention r egarding schistosomiasis in a riverside community, northeastern Brazil

Schistosomiasis is still a serious public health concern in Brazil and Sergipe State presents the highest prevalence rate of the disease. Brazil implemented the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) with several strategies to control the disease, including health education actions in endemic areas. Herein, we assessed the impact of an educational intervention on knowledge concerning schistosomiasis in students from a riverside village of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. The study was carried out in 3 phases. 1) A questionnaire was applied to assess the students' knowledge about the biological, clinical, and epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis mansoni (pre-test). 2) Next, an educational intervention was conducted. Pamphlets about schistosomiasis were distributed to the entire school community, who were then invited to a lecture. 3) A post-test was performed using the questionnaire to assess acquired knowledge. 151 elementary school students were interviewed. 2.6% of the pre-test students and 4.3% of the post-test group had already been diagnosed with schistosomiasis. In the pre-test, only 24.5% knew the cause of the disease and 48.3% the transmission sites. In the post-test, 74.3% (OR= 8.9; p-value<0.0001) knew the etiology and 77.1% the possible transmission sites (OR= 3.6; p-value<0.0001). There was also significant improvement in knowledge regarding signs, symptoms and prophylactic measures. Most students were unaware of the risk of reinfection by Schistosoma mansoni after treatment. The educational intervention proved quite effective in increasing information on schistosomiasis. These results reinforce the importance of health education as an auxiliary tool in the control of schistosomiasis.

Coronavirus disease and basic sanitation: too early to be worried?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Considering that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been detected in feces, this study aimed to verify a possible relationship between basic sanitation indices and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) numbers/rates. METHODS: Data of COVID-19 cases registered in Brazil until May 28, 2020, and independent variables associated with basic sanitation were analyzed. RESULTS: A significant correlation between the number of cases and sewage treatment index/population density was observed. In addition, COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates were significantly associated with the total water service index and lethality rate was significantly associated with the sewage treatment index. CONCLUSIONS: Precarious basic sanitation infrastructure may potentially increase the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Brazil.

Tendências temporais da mortalidade no município de Lagarto, Nordeste do Brasil / Temporal trends of mortality in the city of Lagarto, Northeast of Brazil / Tendencias temporales de la mortalidad en el municipio de Lagarto, Nordeste de Brasil

Objetivo: Analisar as tendências temporais e o perfil epidemiológico das principais causas de mortalidade em residentes do município de Lagarto, Sergipe, entre 2006 a 2015. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e de série histórica, através de dados secundários dos óbitos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM). A análise das tendências temporais foi realizada pelo Programa Joinpoint Regression obtendo-se a variação percentual anual (APC) das taxas de mortalidade por meio da regressão Possion. Resultados: Foram notificados 5.586 óbitos, com predomínio do sexo masculino e idosos, 58% e 59,61% respectivamente. Observou-se um aumento da taxa de mortalidade geral de 1,58% ao ano (IC95%: 0,5 a 2,6; p=0,01). Somente as taxas de mortalidade infantil (TMI) e de seus componentes apresentaram tendências decrescentes. Conclusão: Apesar da tendência decrescente das TMI, as mesmas requerem ações especializada, bem como para a redução da mortalidade por doenças crônicas

Objective: The study's purpose has been to analyze the temporal trends and the epidemiological profile of the main causes of mortality in residents of the Lagarto City, Sergipe State, between 2006 and 2015. Methods: This is an epidemiological, descriptive and historical series study, through secondary data on deaths reported in Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM) [Mortality Information System]. The analysis of temporal trends was performed by the Joinpoint Regression Program, obtaining the Annual Percentage Change (APC) of mortality rates through Possion Regression. Results: 5,586 deaths were reported, with men predominating 58% and the elderly people 59.61%. There was an increase in the overall mortality rate of 1.58% per year (95% CI 0.5 to 2.6, p = 0.01). Only Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) and their components showed declining trends. Conclusion: Despite the decreasing tendency of the IMR, they require specialized actions, as well as the reduction of mortality due to chronic diseases

Objetivo: Analizar las tendencias temporales y el perfil epidemiológico de las principales causas de mortalidad en residentes de la ciudad de Lagarto, Sergipe, entre 2006 y 2015. Método: series epidemiológicas, descriptivas e históricas, a través de datos secundarios sobre muertes relatadas en la Mortalidad Información SIM). El análisis fue realizado por el Programa de Regresión del Joinpoint, obteniendo Variaciones de las tasas de mortalidad a través de la Posibilidad de regresión. Resultados: 5.586 muertes fueron reportadas, con predominio de hombres 58% y ancianos 59.61%. Se observó un aumento en la tasa de mortalidad global del 1,58% anual (IC 95%: 0,5 a 2,6, p = 0,01). Sólo las tasas de mortalidad infantil (IMR) y sus componentes presentaron tendencias en declive. Conclusión: A pesar de la tendencia decreciente del IMR, ellos requieren acciones especializadas, así como la reducción de la mortalidad por enfermedades crónicas

Spatial analysis and temporal trends of suicide mortality in Sergipe, Brazil, 2000-2015 / Análise espacial e tendência temporal da mortalidade por suicídio em Sergipe, Brasil, 2000-2015

Abstract Background The World Health Organization defines suicide as the act of deliberately killing oneself. It is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile and the spatial distribution of suicide deaths in the state of Sergipe. Methods We performed an ecological time-series study with data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade - SIM) about deaths by suicide occurring between 2000 and 2015. We considered as suicide deaths cases recorded as voluntary self-inflicted injuries. Suicide rates were estimated and age-adjusted in the population above 9 years. We analyzed temporal trends by sex and age groups using the simple linear regression model. For the spatial analysis, we performed Kernel density estimation with the software TerraView version 4.2.2. Results We identified 1,560 suicide cases in the state of Sergipe between 2000 and 2015, with a mean of 97.5 cases per year. We also observed that suicide rates in the state increased 102.3% (from 2.69/100,000 population in 2000 to 5.44 in 2015). Suicides occurred predominantly among males (1,160 cases; 74.35%), single people (1,010 cases; 64.7%), and brown-skinned people (1,039 cases; 66.6%). We observed significantly growing temporal trends in the general population, especially among male adults. Spatial analysis allowed us to draw a map that showed the regions with the highest occurrence of suicide. Conclusion We observed growing suicide trends in the state of Sergipe and the spatial analysis was an important tool that showed the areas with higher incidences of suicide.

Resumo Introduçao A Organização Mundial da Saúde define o suicídio como o ato de se matar deliberadamente. É a segunda principal causa de morte entre jovens de 15 a 29 anos no mundo. Objetivo Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a distribuição espacial dos óbitos por suicídio no estado de Sergipe. Métodos Foi realizado estudo ecológico e de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) dos óbitos por suicídio ocorridos entre 2000 e 2015. Foram considerados suicídio os casos de mortes registrados como lesões voluntárias autoinfligidas. As taxas de suicídio foram estimadas e ajustadas por idade na população acima de 9 anos. Foram analisadas as tendências temporais por sexo e grupos etários usando o modelo de regressão linear simples. Para a análise espacial, foi realizada a estimativa de Kernel com o software TerraView 4.2.2. Resultados Foram identificados 1.560 casos de suicídio no estado de Sergipe entre 2000 e 2015, com média de 97,5 casos por ano. Observou-se um aumento de 102,3% das taxas de suicídio no estado (de 2,69/100.000 habitantes em 2000 para 5,44 em 2015). Os suicídios ocorreram predominantemente no sexo masculino (1.160 casos; 74,35%), em solteiros (1.010 casos; 64,7%) e pardos (1.039 casos; 66,6%). Foram observadas tendências temporais crescentes na população geral, especialmente entre adultos do sexo masculino. A análise espacial permitiu a construção de mapas exibindo as regiões com maiores concentrações de suicídio. Conclusão Observaram-se tendências crescentes de suicídio no estado de Sergipe e a análise espacial foi uma importante ferramenta ao mostrar áreas com maiores incidências de suicídio.

Correlation among three non-invasive methods (APRI, FIB-4 and Transient elastography) to evaluate liver function and stiffness in patients with viral hepatitis c or schistosomiasis mansoni

Both chronic viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis are potentially serious causes of liver fibrosis. Several studies suggest, however, that hepatic fibrosis may be reversible, which highlights the importance, not only of early diagnosis, but, above all, observing this while monitoring the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between three non-invasive methods for classification of hepatic fibrosis in patients with viral hepatitis or schistosomiasis. The sample consisted of 45 patients with chronic hepatitis with HCV and 17 with schistosomiasis. Medical records were analyzed for data collection related to sex, body mass index (BMI) and laboratory testing for biochemical markers. The evaluation was carried out by means of the following hepatic diagnostic methods: APRI, FIB-4 and Transient Elastography (Fibroscan), and the subsequent correlation analysis by Spearman test (r). There was a predominance of males among patients with HCV (64.4%). HCV patients also presented the highest average age (54.8 years) and high levels of AST and ALT. Positive correlation was noted between APRI and FIB-4 results in patients of both groups; positive correlation between APRI and Transient Elastography in patients with HCV; and positive correlation between FIB-4 and Elastography in patients with HCV or schistosomiasis. Our data suggest that the non-invasive methods for diagnosis and monitoring of hepatic fibrosis present a high degree of acceptance, especially in patients with HCV.

Spatial analysis of viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis coinfection in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study analyzed the spatial distribution of hepatitis B or C virus (HBV/HBC) and schistosomiasis coinfection. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from patients with Schistosoma mansoni infection. These were tested for serological markers of HBV/HCV infection. The spatial distribution of coinfection was analyzed using intensity kernel estimation. RESULTS: Overall, 9.4% of individuals had contact with HBV and 1.7% of samples tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. We identified clusters of risk located in the central region. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis allowed visualization of high-risk areas, leading to a definition of priority areas to be targeted for intensification of control interventions.

Spatial analysis for the identification of risk areas for schistosomiasis mansoni in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, 2005-2014

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infectious disease with a worldwide prevalence. The objective of this work is to identify risk areas for schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, during the period from 2005 to 2014. METHODS: We conducted an epidemiological study with secondary data from the Information System Control Program of Schistosomiasis [Sistema de Informação do Programa de Controle da Esquistossomose (SISPCE)]. Temporal trends were analyzed to obtain the annual percentage change (APC) in the rates of annual prevalence. In addition to the description of general indicators of the disease, the spatial analysis was descriptive, by means of the estimator of intensity kernel, and showed spatial dependence by indicators of global Moran (I) and Local Index of Spatial Association (LISA). Thematic maps of spatial distribution were made, identifying priority intervention areas in need of healthcare. RESULTS: There were 78,663 cases of schistosomiasis, with an average of 8.7% positivity recorded; 79.8% of the cases were treated, and Sergipe showed a decreasing positive trend (APC: -2.78). There was the presence of spatial autocorrelation and a significant global Moran index (I = 0.19; p-value = 0.03). We identified clusters of high-risk areas, mainly located in the northeast and southcentral of the state, which each had equally high infection rates. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decreasing positive trend of schistosomiasis in Sergipe. Spatial analysis identified the geographic distribution of risk and allowed the definition of priority areas for the maintenance and intensification of control interventions.

Análise espacial e características epidemiológicas dos casos de esquistossomose mansônica no município de Simão Dias, nordeste do Brasil / Spatial analysis and epidemiological characteristics of cases of schistosomiasis in the municipality of Simão Dias, northeast of Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição espacial e as características epidemiológicas da esquistossomose mansônica no município de Simão Dias, Sergipe, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e transversal. Para o inquérito coproscópico, examinou-se o material fecal de 3.472 amostras no ano de 2011. Os casos positivos de Schistosoma mansoni foram georreferenciados utilizando-se o método absoluto com posicionamento instantâneo de um ponto e com auxílio de um receptor GPS para a localização espacial dos domicílios onde existiam casos de esquistossomose. Para a análise espacial dos dados e identificação visual de padrões de distribuição e densidade dos casos, foi adotado o estimador de Kernel, sendo as análises realizadas pelo software TerraView, versão 4.2.0. O município de Simão Dias é uma área de baixa endemicidade da esquistossomose, visto que apresentou prevalência de 4,3%. Os indivíduos mais acometidos pela infecção foram os do sexo masculino, na faixa etária de 10 a 39 anos, de etnia parda, solteiros e com renda familiar de 1 a 2 salários mínimos. A análise espacial, com base no estimador de densidade de Kernel, permitiu a construção de mapas que apontaram a existência de três regiões de risco para transmissão da esquistossomose: Pau de Leite, Açude e Curral dos Bois. Apesar dos inquéritos evidenciarem a ocorrência de esquistossomose, ainda se desconhecem medidas preventivas eficientes para a redução desse agravo implementadas na região. As técnicas de análise espacial empregadas configuram-se como um importante método para o monitoramento e controle desta doença parasitária