Vulnerabilidade social e incidência de COVID-19 em uma metrópole brasileira / Social vulnerability and COVID-19 incidence in a Brazilian metropolis

Resumo A vulnerabilidade é um fator chave no enfrentamento da COVID-19 tendo em vista que pode influenciar no agravamento da doença. Desse modo, ela deve ser considerada no controle da COVID-19, prevenção e promoção da saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a distribuição espacial da incidência de casos de COVID-19 em uma metrópole brasileira e sua associação com indicadores de vulnerabilidade social. Estudo ecológico. Foi utilizada a análise de varredura espacial (scan) para identificar aglomerados de COVID-19. As variáveis para identificação da vulnerabilidade foram inseridas em um modelo de Regressão Espacial Geograficamente Ponderado (GWR) para identificar sua relação espacial com os casos de COVID-19. A incidência de COVID-19 em Fortaleza foi de 74,52/10 mil habitantes, com notificação de 3.554 casos, sendo pelo menos um caso registrado em cada bairro. A regressão espacial GWR mostrou relação negativa entre incidência de COVID-19 e densidade demográfica (β=-0,0002) e relação positiva entre incidência de COVID-19 e percentual de ocupados >18 anos trabalhadores autônomos (β=1,40), assim como, renda domiciliar per capita máxima do quinto mais pobre (β=0,04). A influência dos indicadores de vulnerabilidade sobre a incidência evidenciou áreas que podem ser alvo de políticas públicas a fim de impactar na incidência de COVID-19.

Abstract Vulnerability is a crucial factor in addressing COVID-19 as it can aggravate the disease. Thus, it should be considered in COVID-19 control and health prevention and promotion. This ecological study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of the incidence of COVID-19 cases in a Brazilian metropolis and its association with social vulnerability indicators. Spatial scan analysis was used to identify COVID-19 clusters. The variables for identifying the vulnerability were inserted in a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model to identify their spatial relationship with COVID-19 cases. The incidence of COVID-19 in Fortaleza was 74.52/10,000 inhabitants, with 3,554 reported cases and at least one case registered in each neighborhood. The spatial GWR showed a negative relationship between the incidence of COVID-19 and demographic density (β=-0,0002) and a positive relationship between the incidence of COVID-19 and the percentage of self-employed >18 years (β=1.40), and maximum per capita household income of the poorest fifth (β=0.04). The influence of vulnerability indicators on incidence showed areas that can be the target of public policies to impact the incidence of COVID-19.

Estudio histopatológico de tejido cardiaco de roedores infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi capturados en barrios suburbanos de Mérida, México / Histopathological study in cardiac tissue of rodents infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, captured in suburbs of Mérida, México

Resumen Introducción. Trypanosoma cruzi es el agente causal de la tripanosomiasis americana, enfermedad endémica en México. Los roedores Mus musculus y Rattus rattus son reservorios del parásito, el cual invade las fibras cardiacas y desarrolla nidos parasitarios produciendo diversas lesiones. Los estudios histopatológicos en roedores naturalmente infectados son escasos. Objetivo. Describir los tipos y las frecuencias de las lesiones microscópicas en muestras de tejido cardiaco de M. musculus y R. rattus infectados con T. cruzi capturados en Mérida, México. Materiales y métodos. Los roedores se capturaron en los barrios suburbanos de Mérida. Se extrajo el tejido cardiaco y se procesó por la técnica de inclusión en parafina y tinción con hematoxilina y eosina. Su examen se hizo con un microscópico convencional y se determinaron todas las lesiones y su grado de afección. Resultados. Se trabajaron ocho muestras de tejido de M. musculus y siete de R. rattus. Se encontraron nidos parasitarios en siete del total de las muestras: en 3 de las 8 de M. musculus y en 4 de las 7 de R. rattus. Se observaron infiltrados inflamatorios en todas las muestras. Otras lesiones fueron la degeneración de las fibras cardiacas (8/15), la congestión de los vasos sanguíneos (6/15) y la necrosis (5/15). Discusión. Las lesiones observadas están descritas en los modelos animales experimentales y en los humanos con tripanosomiasis americana. Los infiltrados inflamatorios se han descrito como la lesión más significativa en los humanos y en los reservorios en la etapa crónica de la enfermedad. Conclusión. Las lesiones observadas están asociadas con la infección con T. cruzi, lo cual confirma que los roedores estudiados son reservorios de este parásito.

Abstract Introduction: Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of the American trypanosomiasis, an endemic disease in México. The commensal rodents Mus musculus and Rattus rattus are reservoirs of this parasite, which invades cardiac fibers and develops parasite nests causing various lesions. Histopathological studies in naturally infected rodents are scarce. Objective: To describe the types and frequencies of microscopic lesions in cardiac tissue of M. musculus and R. rattus infected with T. cruzi captured in Mérida, México. Materials and methods: The rodents were captured in suburban environments of Mérida. Cardiac tissue was extracted and processed by the paraffin inclusion technique and hematoxylin and eosin stained. The observation was made with a conventional microscope and all the lesions, as well as their degree, were identified. Results: Eight tissue samples of M. musculus and seven of R. rattus were studied. Parasite nests were found in 7/15, specifically 3/8 in M. musculus and 4/7 in R. rattus. The inflammatory infiltrate was the most frequent lesion. Other lesions were: Degeneration of cardiac fibers (8/15), congestion of blood vessels (6/15), and necrosis (5/15). Discussion: The lesions we observed have been described in experimental animal models and in humans with American trypanosomiasis. The inflammatory infiltrate has been identified as the most significant lesion in humans and reservoirs in the chronic stage of the disease. Conclusion: The lesions we described are associated with T. cruzi infection, which confirms that the rodents studied are reservoirs of this parasite.

Nexos de exclusão e desafios de sustentabilidade e saúde em uma periferia urbana no Brasil / Nexos de exclusión y desafíos de sostenibilidad y salud en una periferia urbana en Brasil / Nexus of exclusion and challenges for sustainability and health in an urban periphery in Brazil

A abordagem do nexo urbano corresponde à compreensão e à busca de soluções integradas mediante o reconhecimento das interdependências entre água, energia e alimentos, recursos cuja escassez configura iniquidades em saúde. A hipótese central deste artigo considera que o contexto de escassez corrobora práticas sociais que podem ser sinérgicas ou contraditórias em relação aos desafios da sustentabilidade e dos direitos sociais. O objetivo é investigar sinergias e contradições a partir de práticas sociais mediante o nexo urbano no bairro Novo Recreio, na cidade de Guarulhos, Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil. A metodologia consiste em um estudo qualitativo e de base etnográfica com referência à Teoria das Práticas, com observações diretas de campo e narrativas. Os resultados apresentaram práticas sociais associadas a falta sistemática de água, precariedades na iluminação pública e no transporte, bem como dificuldade de acesso a alimentos frescos e saudáveis. O estudo das práticas sociais entre sinergias e contradições permitiu verificar que, nesse processo espontâneo de busca de solução para problemas locais, é constatada a necessidade de integrar práticas e saberes locais a políticas públicas e demandas globais. Com isso, denominamos nexos de exclusão a condição periférica de impossibilidade de opções conscientes que permitam orientar conjuntamente a redução da escassez e de iniquidades com alternativas para a sustentabilidade.

El abordaje del nexo urbano se corresponde con la comprensión y búsqueda de soluciones integradas, mediante el reconocimiento de las interdependencias entre agua, energía, alimentos y recursos, cuya escasez configura inequidades en salud. La hipótesis central de este artículo considera que el contexto de escasez corrobora prácticas sociales que pueden ser sinérgicas o contradictorias, a través de los desafíos en sostenibilidad y derechos sociales. Los objetivos son investigar sinergias y contradicciones, a partir de prácticas sociales mediante el nexo urbano en el barrio Novo Recreio, en la ciudad de Guarulhos, región metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil. La metodología consiste en un estudio cualitativo y de base etnográfica, vinculado a la teoría de las prácticas, analizando observaciones de campo directas y relatos. Los resultados presentaron prácticas sociales asociadas a la falta sistemática de agua, precariedad en la iluminación pública y el transporte, dificultad de acceso a alimentos frescos y saludables. El estudio de las prácticas sociales entre sinergias y contradicciones permitió verificar que, en ese proceso espontáneo de búsqueda de soluciones para problemas locales, se constata la necesidad de integrar prácticas y saberes locales con políticas públicas y demandas globales. De esta forma, denominamos nexos de exclusión a las condiciones periféricas de imposibilidad, en cuanto a opciones conscientes que permitan orientar conjuntamente la reducción de la escasez e iniquidades con alternativas para la sostenibilidad.

The urban nexus approach involves the investigation and elucidation of integrated solutions through the recognition of tradeoffs between water, energy, and food, namely resources whose shortage leads to inequalities in health. The article's central hypothesis is that the context of shortage corroborates social practices that can be synergic or contradictory in relation to the challenges of sustainability and social rights. The objective is to investigate synergies and contradictions based on social practices in the urban nexus in the neighborhood of Novo Recreio in the city of Guarulhos, Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. The methodology consists of a qualitative ethnographic study drawing on practice theory as the reference, with direct field observations and narratives. The results featured social practices associated with systematic lack of water, precarious public lighting and transportation, and difficult access to fresh and healthy foods. The study of social practices between synergies and contradictions allowed verifying that this spontaneous process of search for solutions to local problems reveals the need to incorporate local practices and knowledge into public policies and global demands. We define nexus of exclusion as the peripheral condition of impossibility of conscious options that allow jointly orienting the reduction of shortage and iniquities through alternatives for sustainability.

Situación de salud en asentamientos precarios / The health situation of precarious settlements

OBJETIVO: Conocer la situación de salud de los miembros del Campamento Manuel Bustos, en la región de Valparaíso, considerando sus características socioeconómicas y ambientales y la autopercepción del estado de salud. Material y MÉTODO: Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva y no experimental. Se aplicó un cuestionario a través de una entrevista semiestructurada a una muestra de 89 familias del campamento. RESULTADOS: Las familias del campamento se caracterizan principalmente por ser jóvenes, asistir a controles (principalmente el Niño Sano y EMPA), estar casi en su totalidad inscritos en un CESFAM. Las viviendas poseen irregular eliminación de excretas y un 40% de los hogares tiene algún miembro con hipertensión arterial. En promedio, los residentes valoran su estado de salud con nota 5 en una escala de 1 a 7.CONCLUSIÓN: Se observó que la situación de salud de los habitantes del campamento presenta aspectos positivos vinculados a la inscripción en CES-FAM y la asistencia a controles. No obstante, la alta presencia de hipertensión arterial, las precarias condiciones de eliminación de excretas y la presencia de basurales cercanos son factores de riesgo para la salud, que deberán ser atendidas por los organismos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales que trabajan en este territorio.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the health status of members of the Manuel Bustos Settlement, in the region of Valparaiso, in terms of socioeconomic and environmental characteristics and their self-perceived health status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive and non-experimental quantitative study was conducted. A questionnaire was applied through semistructured interviews to 89 families in the settlement. RESULTS: Families of the settlement are characterized principally by their young age, for attending regular health appointments (mainly the Well Child check ups and preventative annual physical exam for adults), and, in the case of the majority, for being enrolled in a local community health center. Their houses have irregular human waste disposal and 40% of households have a member with hypertension. On average, the residents valued their health status with a grade of 5, on a scale from 1 to 7. CONCLUSIONS: The health situation of the inhabitants of the settlement presents positive as-pects related to health center enrollment and regular attendance of controls. However, the high prevalence of hypertension, the precarious conditions of eliminating human waste, and the pre-sence of nearby landfills are risk factors for health that must be addressed by government and nongovernmental organizations, which work in this territory.

study on ectoparasites fauna of dogs in suburbs of Ghilanegharb, Kermanshah province, Iran

Background: Canine infestation of ectoparasites is of medical and veterinary importance worldwide and in Iran due to transmission of pathogen agents

Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites in dogs of Gilanegharb suburb of Kermanshah province, Iran

Methods: A total of 138 dogs [93 sheepdogs and 45 watchdogs] were randomly selected and examined from March 2012 to May 2013. The body surface was investigated for ixodid ticks and removed along with the mouthparts. The mites were also removed directly from the skin and/or using skin scraping and then digested. Fleas and lice were collected from body surface of examined dogs and identified

Results: The results indicated that 65 sheepdogs [47.11%] and 43 watchdogs [31.16%] were infested with ectoparasites. There was a significant difference between prevalence and sex in dogs aged less than one-year-old [p<0.05]. The maximum and minimum ixodid ticks infestations were respectively for Rhipicephalus sanguineus [35.36%] and H. marginatum marginatum [3.06%]. Tick indices [number of tick per each animal] were 2.13 with the highest body distribution in ear [24.82%] of R. sanguineus [p<0.05]. The frequency of ixodid tick infestation was significantly higher in spring [33.82%] than other seasons. Thirty five dogs [25.14%] out of all examined dogs were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei [15.33%], Demodex canis [9.81%], Ctenocephaloides cams [6.52%], Pulex irritans [3.62%], and Trichodectes canis [4.35%]

Conclusions: From the results of the current study, it was concluded that there was species diversity in dogs' ectoparasites fauna which can be transmitted to humans and served as the carrier for spreading the infective agents in the region

Helping Teachers Conduct Sex Education in Secondary Schools in Thailand: Overcoming Culturally Sensitive Barriers to Sex Education

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quasi experimental study was to evaluate the effects of Culturally Sensitive Sex Education Skill Development, a teacher-led sex education program in secondary schools in Thailand. METHODS: Two public secondary schools in the suburban areas of Bangkok were randomly selected. One was designated as the experimental school and the other as the comparison school. Ninety grade seven and eight teachers, 45 from each school, were selected to participate in the study. Self efficacy theory and culturally appropriate basis were applied to develop the program which included 4 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks of follow up. Primary outcomes were attitudes toward sex education, perceived self efficacy, and sex education skills. Statistical analysis included independent and paired t test, and repeated one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention and during the follow-up period, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores of attitudes toward sex education, perceived self efficacy, and sex education skills than their scores before (p < .001), and than those of the comparison group (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that Culturally Sensitive Sex Education Skill Development could enhance attitudes and sex education self efficacy to promote the implementation of sex education among teachers.

Frecuencia y susceptibilidad antibiótica del Staphylococcus aureus proveniente de hisopados nasales en una población urbano marginal de Lima, Perú / The frequency and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus from nasal swabs in an suburban marginal population in Lima, Peru

Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia y los factores asociados de la colonización nasal por Staphylococcus aureus, así como el patrón de susceptibilidad antibiótica en una población urbano marginal de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal en personas de cualquier edad provenientes de un distrito urbano marginal de la zona norte de la ciudad de Lima. El muestreo fue por conveniencia. A cada persona se le realizó una encuesta y se le tomó una muestra de hisopado de las narinas, las que fueron procesadas para la identificación de Staphylococcus aureus y determinación del patrón de susceptibilidad mediante el método de difusión de disco de Kirby Bauer. Resultados. De los 452 participantes reclutados, entre 1 y 84 años de edad, la frecuencia de colonización nasal de Staphylococcus aureus fue de 24,6%, de los cuales solo el 0,9% fue resistente a meticilina. El único factor asociado a la colonización nasal fue la edad menor o igual a 11 años (OR: 3,80; IC95%: 1,42 - 10,16). La mayoría de cepas fue resistente a la penicilina (96,4%) pero también se presentó a la eritromicina (10,9%), clindamicina (7,3%) y gentamicina (4,5%) en menor proporción. Conclusiones. La frecuencia de colonización nasal por Staphylococcus aureus fue similar a otros estudios a nivel mundial, con predominio de cepas meticilino sensibles.

Objectives. To determine the frequency and associated factors of nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern in a marginal suburban population Lima, Peru. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among population of all ages from a marginal suburban district in northern Lima. The study used a convenience sample. Each person was surveyed and provided a swab sample of the nostrils. The swab samples were analyzed to identify Staphylococcus aureus, determining the susceptibility pattern by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Results. From the 452 participants recruited, ages between 1 and 84 years, the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization was 24.6%, with 0.9% of them resistant to methicillin. The only factor associated with nasal colonization was age equal or less than 11 years (OR: 3.80, 95% CI 1.42 to 10.16). Most strains were resistant to penicillin (96.4%) but also to erythromycin (10.9%), clindamycin (7.3%) and gentamicin (4.5%). Conclusions. The frequency of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization was similar to other studies worldwide, with predominance of methicillin-sensitive strains.

Physicians’ responsibility for antibiotic use in infants from periurban Lima, Peru / Responsabilidad del médico en el uso de antibióticos en niños menores de 1 año de zonas periurbanas de Lima, Perú

Objetivo. Describir el uso de antibióticos en niños de 2 a 12 meses de edad en entornos donde estos medicamentos se pueden obtener sin prescripción. Métodos. Se analizaron los datos de un estudio de cohorte efectuado entre septiembre del 2006 y diciembre del 2007 en 1 023 niños menores de 2 meses de la zonaperiurbana de Lima, Perú, cuyo seguimiento se realizó hasta el año de edad. Resultados. De los 1 023 niños, 770 (75,3%) tomaron 2 085 tandas de tratamiento antibiótico. Se registraron dos tandas por niño por año (rango 0–12). Las tasas más elevadas de uso de antibióticos se encontraron en los niños de 3 a 6 meses (37,2%). Los niños recibieron antibióticos para 8,2% de los resfriados comunes, 58,6% de las faringitis, 66,0% de las bronquitis, 40,7% de las diarreas, 22,8% de las dermatitis y 12,0% de las obstruccionesbronquiales. La prescripción de un médico fue la razón más frecuente para el uso de antibióticos (90,8%). Se comprobó el uso de medicamentos sin prescripción en 6,9% de los niños, y en 63,9% de ellos este fue precedido por una prescripción médica. Conclusiones. En el entorno estudiado, los niños menores de 1 año a menudo estánexpuestos a los antibióticos. El abuso de los antibióticos es frecuente ante enfermedades como faringitis, bronquitis, obstrucción bronquial y diarrea, pero por lo general es inadecuado (83,1% de las tandas de tratamiento antibiótico) según las etiologías más comunes en este grupo etario. Las intervenciones dirigidas a mejorar el uso de los antibióticos deben concentrarse en los médicos, ya que la prescripción médica fue la razón más común para el uso de antibióticos.

Objective. To describe the use of antibiotics in Peruvian children under 1 year in a setting where they are available without a prescription. Methods. Data were analyzed from a cohort study between September 2006 and December 2007 of 1 023 children < 2 months old in periurban Lima, Peru, followed until they were 1 year old. Results. Seven hundred seventy of 1 023 (75.3%) children took 2 085 courses of antibiotics. There were two courses per child per year (range 0–12). Higher rates of antibiotic usewere found in children 3–6 months old (37.2%). Antibiotics were given to children for 8.2% of common colds, 58.6% of all pharyngitis, 66.0% of bronchitis, 40.7% of diarrheas, 22.8%of dermatitis, and 12.0% of bronchial obstructions. A physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use (90.8%). Medication use without a prescription was found in 6.9% of children, and in 63.9% of them it was preceded by a physician’s prescription. Conclusions. Infants are often exposed to antibiotics in this setting. Overuse of antibiotics is common for diagnoses such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchial obstruction, and diarrhea but is typically inappropriate (83.1% of courses) based on the most common etiologies for this age group. Interventions to improve the use of antibiotics should focus on physicians, since a physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use.

Estudo da associação entre fatores socioambientais e prevalência de parasitose intestinal em área periférica da cidade de Manaus (AM, Brasil) / Study of the association between socio-environmental factors and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the suburbs of the city of Manaus in the state of Amazonas, Brazil

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre fatores socioambientais e condições de saneamento urbano com a prevalência de parasitoses intestinais, em uma comunidade na periferia da cidade de Manaus. O estudo consistiu de um levantamento socioambiental e de um inquérito parasitológico. Foi encontrada uma comunidade heterogênea, apresentando diferenças em relação aos níveis socioeconômicos e ambientais entre as micro-áreas avaliadas, embora as condições de saneamento básico da comunidade tenham-se mostrado precárias de uma forma geral. A prevalência de parasitose intestinal foi de 44,2 por cento. Não foi identificada diferença significativa entre as micro-áreas com respeito à ocorrência de parasitoses intestinais. Houve associação entre parasitoses intestinais e tipo de construção residencial, faixa etária e procedência da água de higiene pessoal e do lar. O despejo do esgoto a céu aberto foi fator de risco associado a parasitoses intestinais (OR=6,72; p=0,034) e a protozoários intestinais (OR=21,87; p=0,004). Foram fatores de risco, apenas para a presença de protozoários, o despejo de esgoto em igarapé (OR=12,98; p=0,011) e o uso de fossa rudimentar (OR=9,54; p=0,019).

This study assesses the association between socio-environmental factors and urban sanitation conditions with the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in a community on the periphery of the city of Manaus. The study comprised a socio-environmental survey and a parasitological inquiry. A heterogeneous community was revealed with some socio-economic and environmental differences between the micro-areas evaluated, even though the urban sanitation conditions were found to be predominantly precarious. The prevalance of intestinal parasitosis was 44.2 percent. There was no significant difference between the micro-areas that could explain the occurrence of intestinal parasitosis. An association was found between intestinal parasitosis and residential building types, age bracket and the quality of the water used for personal hygiene and consumption in the home. Open air sewerage was a risk factor associated with intestinal parasitosis (OR=6.72; p=0.034) and also with intestinal protozoa (OR=21.87; p=0.004). In terms of the presence of protozoa, two risk factors were verified: the dumping of sewage directly into the river system (OR=12.98; p=0.011) and the use of rudimentary cesspits (OR=9.54; p=0.019).

Prevalence of permanent tooth loss among children and adults in a suburban area of Chennai.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of permanent tooth loss among children and adults in a suburban area of Chennai. Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Study setting: The study was conducted in Tiruverkadu, a suburban area of Chennai. Materials and Methods: A house-to-house survey was done in Tiruverkadu. The study population consisted of 6, 12, 15 years children, 35-44 years, and 65-74 years adults. Type III dental examination was carried out. Cross tabulations and Chi-square statistics were computed. The level of significance was chosen as P<0.05. Results: Out of the total 679 subjects, 309 subjects had tooth loss. Females (47.9%) had greater tooth loss compared to males (42.9%). Tooth loss increased as age progressed. Subjects in the lower socio-economic status had greatest tooth loss. The mean tooth loss among the subjects was 2.7. Conclusion: This study indicates that tooth loss increases with age and differs for gender and socio-economic status. The prevalence of tooth loss among the subjects was found to be high in children as well as in adults. Therefore, dental professionals should utilize various measures available in preventive dentistry to minimize tooth loss.

Evaluación del uso de alcohol por familias de la periferia de Guayaquil en Ecuador, por estudiantes de enfermería / Avaliação do uso de álcool por famílias moradoras da periferia de Guayaquil, Equador, por estudantes de enfermagem / Assessment of alcohol use in families of the suburbs of Guayaquil City, Ecuador, by nursing students

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo presentar el perfil socioeconómico y demográfico y las características del uso de alcohol de las familias evaluadas durante la cátedra de Enfermería Familiar y Comunitaria. Se trata de estudio de caso que utilizó como fuente de datos el Formulario de Valoración Familiar aplicado por estudiantes de la disciplina de Enfermería Familiar y Comunitaria. Las familias fueron seleccionadas por conveniencia, según los indicadores de riesgo: pobreza informada por las condiciones externas de la vivienda o identificadas por el servicio de salud. Se elaboró un formulario que tuvo como base el formulario usado por las estudiantes para recolectar la información de las familias; el cual contenía información sobre el perfil socioeconómico, características familiares y consumo de alcohol. En familias que informaron el uso de alcohol se aplicó el instrumento The Alcohol Users Identification Desorder Test (AUDIT). De las 128 familias evaluadas por las estudiantes encontramos 47 que informaron el uso de alcohol, las cuales fueron seleccionadas para responder el AUDIT. El promedio en la puntuación total obtenida fue de 10,66 puntos indicando Zona 2 de riesgo. Para este nivel está indicada intervención con consejo simple, que puede ser aplicado por los profesionales de atención primaria, principalmente enfermeros.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar o perfil sociodemográfico e o uso de álcool por famílias avaliadas em estágio da disciplina Enfermagem Familiar Comunitária. Trata-se de estudo de caso que utilizou como fonte de dados o Formulário de Avaliação Familiar aplicado por estudantes. As famílias foram selecionadas por conveniência segundo o indicador de risco pobreza, informada pelas condições externas das moradias ou identificadas pelo serviço de saúde. Elaborou-se um formulário para se obter as informações a partir do formulário aplicado pelas estudantes, o qual continha informações sobre o perfil socioeconômico, características familiares e consumo de álcool. Para as famílias que informaram o uso de álcool aplicou-se o The Alcohol Users Identification Desorder Test (AUDIT). Das 128 famílias avaliadas, 47 informaram a presença de consumo de álcool, as quais foram selecionadas para responderem AUDIT. A pontuação média obtida foi de 10.66 pontos indicando Zona 2 de risco, nível que é indicado para a aplicação de intervenção com aconselhamento simples que podem ser realizados pelos profissionais da atenção primária, principalmente enfermeiros.

The aim of this study was to present the demographic and alcohol use profiles of families assessed by nursing students during the Community and Family Nursing Program. This is a case study using “The family assessment questionnaire” as its data source, which was applied by nursing students to assess family health conditions, during their practical training. Family selection was by convenience according to risk indicators and poverty, assessed from the outside condition of the dwelling or from public health services records of the area. A questionnaire correlated with the one that students applied was prepared to obtain data. This instrument obtained information about the socioeconomic profile, family environment and alcohol consumption. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was applied to families that reported alcohol use. Of the 128 families evaluated by students we found 47 families who reported alcohol consumption, these families answered AUDIT, the average total score was 10.66 which equates to risk level 2. The suggested intervention for this level of risk is simple counseling that can be offered by nurses in the primary health care.

Epidemiological investigation of diabetes and prediabetes in community residents in the suburbs of Guangzhou / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and prediabetes in the community residents above 18 years old in the suburbs of Guangzhou.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between April and May in 2008, the residents above 18 years living in 6 communities of Guangzhou for 5 or more years were sampled with multistage clustering sampling. The sampled residents were surveyed by questionnaires, and physical examination and glucose determination were carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1532 residents were sampled. The incidence of diabetes mellitus in these community residents was 8.46%, and that of impaired glucose regulation was 6.59%. Age, body mass index, family history of diabetes mellitus, case history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and smoking were all the independent risk factors for impaired glucose regulation and diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Diabetes and prediabetes are prevalent in the community residents in Guangzhou. Controlling the risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, lipid metabolism disorder among the residents above 40 years with a family history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is key to prevention of impaired glucose regulation and diabetes mellitus.</p>

Uso medicinal de serpientes comercializadas en dos mercados de la ciudad de México / Medicinal use of snakes sold in two markets in Mexico City

En México, desde tiempos prehispánicos, a las serpientes se le ha atribuido una poderosa capacidad curativa, debido a su importancia simbólica y mítica. Por consiguiente, han sido de los vertebrados más utilizados en la medicina tradicional para curar diversas afecciones. No obstante su considerable comercio para este fin, se desconocen las especies de serpientes utilizadas y los factores implicados en dicha práctica. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo identificar a dichas especies, las partes empleadas, padecimientos que curan y costos de los productos. Mediante entrevistas realizadas en 2009a comerciantes de los mercados de Sonora y Xochimilco, Distrito Federal, así como la identificación de las pieles y cabezas adquiridas, se registraron seis especies: Crotalus atrox, C. simus, C. scutulatus, C. molossus, C. ravus y Boa constrictor, siendo las dos primeras las que se expenden con mayor frecuencia (40% y 30% respectivamente). La carne se usa para curar el cáncer y diabetes, mientras que la piel, colmillos y cabezas se adquieren como amuletos protectores. Se discute sobre la persistencia del atributo mágico de las serpientes, presente en su poder curativo, y la actualización de las enfermedades y sus tratamientos.

Relationship between oral health in children and poverty related factors

El propósito de este trabajo fue analizar las variables relacionadas con la pobreza y su influencia sobre la salud bucal de niños residentes en un área suburbana de la ciudad de Buenos Aires,Argentina. La población bajo estudio consistió en 1049 niños. 579 niños (Grupo I) con riesgo social fueron seleccionados de 5 barrios con necesidades críticas (Katzman,1989) y divididos en 2 subgrupos de acuerdo con su edad: (A) Niños preescolares y (B)niños en edad escolar. 470 niños preescolares y escolares residentesen el mismo distrito pero provenientes de hogares sin necesidades críticas fueron utilizados como controles (Grupo II). Las siguientes variables asociadas con pobreza fueron analizadas: a) nivel educativo de los padres; b) condiciones laborales; c) acceso a cuidados regulares de salud bucal. El Grupo I comprendió niños de los cinco barrios categorizados de acuerdo conresultados obtenidos para cada una de estas variables. Los exámenes clínicos fueron realizados bajo condiciones similares por tres investigadores calibrados. Se registraron los índices CPOS, ceos, CPOS + ceos, componentes CS y cs, Indice de Necesidad de Tratamiento de Caries e índice de placa de Silness y Lõe, y se analizaron utilizando la prueba de t de Student, ANOVA y la prueba de chi cuadrado (p < 0.05). Los resultados revelaron que los indicadores de estado dentario fueron significativamente superiores en el Grupo I que en el Grupo II. Los indicadores de estado dentarioaumentan al incrementarse la tasa de incidencia de las variables relacionadas con la pobreza. El mayo número de niñoscon alto riesgo cariogénico fue observado en barrios con el mayorriesgo social (c2 = 30.48; p < 0.005). Podemos concluir que las variables relacionadas con pobreza analizadas parecen estar asociadas con factores que juegan un papel en el proceso dedesarrollo de caries dental en niños preescolares y escolares que viven en el área metropolitana de la ciudad de Buenos Aires.

Avaliação da notificação no Distrito Federal de casos de tuberculose residentes em dez municípios goianos do entorno e análise da incidência de tuberculose nestas localidades / Evaluation of tuberculosis cases occurring in ten outlying cities and reported in the Entorno region of the state of Goiás and reported in the neighboring Federal District: analysis of the incidence of tuberculosis in those cites

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a notificação, no Distrito Federal (DF), de casos de tuberculose em residentes nos municípios goianos da região do Entorno e possíveis influências no Plano de Controle da Tuberculose; analisar a taxa de incidência da tuberculose nos municípios e a interferência da situação socioeconômica e das características demográficas sobre esta taxa. MÉTODO: Analisaram-se dados relativos à incidência de tuberculose, taxas de cura, abandono, falência de tratamento, óbito, transferência e informações socioeconômicas e demográficas de dez municípios goianos. RESULTADOS: No período de 2000 a 2004, foram notificados 714 casos novos de tuberculose em residentes nos municípios estudados, sendo que 436 (61,0 por cento) foram atendidos no DF, não sendo registrados no Sistema de Informação de Goiás. Considerando-se os casos atendidos somente em Goiás, a média de incidência de tuberculose do grupo variou de 4,40 a 10,02/100.000 habitantes; somando-se os atendidos no DF, a incidência aumentou significativamente, variando de 15,16 a 20,54/100.000 habitantes (p < 0,001). A taxa de contatos examinados foi baixa e os resultados de tratamento insatisfatórios, tanto em Goiás como no DF. Os dados socioeconômicos e demográficos foram compatíveis com as taxas de incidência. CONCLUSÃO: O número de casos de tuberculose atendidos pelos próprios municípios foi abaixo do esperado e o atendimento fora do município de residência pode comprometer o controle da tuberculose. A incidência de tuberculose recalculada é compatível com o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico da região. Um sistema de vigilância com base territorial pode ter sua eficiência otimizada, melhor contribuindo para o controle da enfermidade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate tuberculosis cases occurring in the greater metropolitan area of the Distrito Federal (MADF, encompassing the Federal District, i.e., the national capital of Brasília, located in the state of Goiás) but reported in Brasília itself and to analyze the influence that this has on the effectiveness of the tuberculosis control program, as well as on the collection of socioeconomic and demographic data related to tuberculosis incidence rates. METHODS: Rates of tuberculosis incidence, cure, noncompliance, treatment failure, mortality, and referral, as well as socioeconomic and demographic data, were reviewed for patients from ten MADF cities. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2004, 714 new cases of tuberculosis were reported in the cities studied, 436 (61 percent) of which were treated in Brasília and were therefore not included in the Goiás database. Among patients treated only in the MADF cities studied, the mean incidence of tuberculosis ranged from 4.40 to 10.02/100,000 inhabitants. When those treated in Brasília were included, the incidence significantly increased, ranging from 15.16 to 20.54/100,000 inhabitants (p < 0.001). The rate at which contacts of tuberculosis patients were investigated was low, and treatment outcomes were unsatisfactory in the MADF cities studied and in Brasília. Socioeconomic and demographic data were consistent with the tuberculosis incidence. CONCLUSION: The number of tuberculosis patients treated in the city in which they resided was lower than expected. Treatment in another city might impair tuberculosis control. The recalculated tuberculosis incidence is consistent with the socioeconomic and demographic profile of the region. A federal surveillance system could be efficiently optimized, improving the control of this disease.

Fatores associados ao óbito por tuberculose na zona leste da cidade de São Paulo, 2001 / Factors associated with death by tuberculosis in the eastern part of São Paulo city, 2001

OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores mais associados à evolução para óbito por tuberculose (TB), comparando casos de TB que evoluíram para óbito com os que evoluíram para cura, entre os casos notificados em 2001, nas subprefeituras de Cidade Tiradentes, Guaianazes, Itaquera e São Mateus, na zona leste do município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram investigados todos os óbitos (n = 48) que tiveram como causa básica TB, com análise do prontuário hospitalar e posterior visita domiciliar com entrevista do(s) cuidador(es). Paralelamente, investigaram-se 96 casos de TB que tiveram alta cura. Em ambos os grupos, foram excluídos pacientes portadores de HIV. RESULTADOS: A distribuição dos casos curados e óbitos de TB foi igual em ambos os grupos para forma clínica da TB, confirmação laboratorial do diagnóstico e tipo de tratamento. Os casos de óbito tiveram associação estatisticamente significante com sexo masculino, idade maior que 50 anos, escolaridade menor que 3 anos, alcoolismo e desemprego. A regressão logística mostrou que as variáveis de maior significância para evolução para óbito foram: alcoolismo e idade maior que 50 anos, enquanto ser virgem de tratamento e ter ocupação foram fatores de proteção. A associação de alcoolismo, desemprego e idade superior a 50 anos em um mesmo paciente aumentou 25 vezes a chance de evoluir para óbito (IC95 por cento: 6,4397,20). CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento continuado das equipes de saúde, também em nível hospitalar, com prontidão nas ações de vigilância epidemiológica e um adequado funcionamento do sistema de referência/contra-referência em muito melhorarão os indicadores da doença.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with death from TB, evaluating TB cases reported for 2001 in the city of São Paulo (specifically in the neighborhoods of Cidade Tiradentes, Guaianazes, Itaquera and São Mateus) and comparing those evolving to death with those evolving to cure. METHODS: We investigated all deaths in which TB was given as the principal cause (n = 48), analyzing medical charts and conducting home visits to interview the caregiver(s). In parallel, we investigated 96 TB cases in which the patient had been discharged after a cure had been achieved. Patients with HIV were excluded from both groups. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of the clinical form of tuberculosis, laboratory test confirmation of the diagnosis and type of treatment. Death from TB was found to be associated, in a statistically significant manner, with being male, being over 50 years of age, having had less than 3 years of schooling, suffering from alcoholism and being unemployed. The logistic regression showed that the variables presenting the strongest associations with death from TB were suffering from alcoholism and being over 50, whereas being a new treatment and being employed were found to be protective. The combination of suffering from alcoholism, being unemployed and being over 50 increased the chance of evolving to death by 25 times (95 percentCI: 6.43-97.20). CONCLUSION: Ongoing education of health professionals, prompt epidemiological interventions and efficient patient referral systems could improve the indices related to this disease.

Retinitis pigmentosa in Puerto Rico

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported that the prevalence of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) varies between one per 3,000 to one in per 5,000 in the general population. PURPOSE: To study the incidence and ocular findings of RP in a sub-urban community in Puerto Rico. METHODS: We conducted a non-concurrent prospective study of 10,100 patients in a sub-urban San Juan community. RESULTS: 44 out of the 10,100 patients had RP (0.44). Eight out of the 44 patients (18) had nystagmus, twenty-eight (31.8) had microcornea, 3 patients (6.8) had sluggish papillary reaction. Six patients (13.6) had mild cataracts, 27 (65.9)had attenuated retinal vessels and thirty five patients (81.4) had bony spicules. Fifteen patients (34.1) out of the 44 had retinitis pigmentosa as part of the Bardet-Biedl syndrome. CONCLUSION: Incidence of RP in Puerto Rico is higher when compared to Maine and Spain (p < 0.001). Autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance is the most common in Puerto Rico. These findings could be due to the island's geographic isolation, and inbreeding.

Intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren in a suburban area of Hanoi, Vietnam.

An epidemiological study on intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in a suburban area of Hanoi, Vietnam, was conducted. Of the 217 schoolchildren involved in this study, 166 (76%) were positive for at least one of nine species of parasite (six helminths and three protozoa). Among the helminth parasites, Trichuris trichiura (67%) was detected the most frequently followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (34%) and hookworm (3%). In the case of protozoan parasites, Entamoeba coli (8%) was the most frequently detected followed by E. histolytica (2%). No Cryptosporidium parvum or Cyclospora sp were found. A questionnaire survey revealed that there was no positive relationship between parasite infection and the children's school records, educational background or parental income, which have been known to play a role.

Study on the effects of lead from small industry of battery recycling on environment and children's health / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In order to minimize lead pollution and to protect the identified individuals with high blood lead level from lead contamination, an epidemiological study was carried on children living around the village and township-owned lead industries in Tianying town.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Environmental monitoring: lead levels in air, soil, drinking water and crops were measured. Biological monitoring: 959 children aged 5 - 12 years were selected from villages where the lead smelters located near the residential areas and the battery disassembling was done in some families. The control children (207 pupils) were from other villages without lead exposure. Blood lead, ZnPP and teeth lead were determined. Height, weight and head circle of children and IQ scores were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The environment was seriously polluted. The average lead concentrations in air and soils were 8.5 times and 10 times of the MACs (national health standard) respectively. Eighty-five per cent the air samples with lead concentrations higher than the national health standard. Local crops and wheat at farmers' home were also contaminated by lead dust, with. Lead content being 24 times higher than the standard. The mean blood lead and ZnPP levels of children lived in the polluted areas were 496 microgram/L and 9.41 microgram/g Hb respectively. The lead exposure caused adverse effects on children's IQ and physical development.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is necessary to remove and reduce currently active sources of lead pollution in the community and to increase public awareness of potential health effects of lead exposure.</p>

Shigellosis in a suburban commune in Ha Noi

A total of 1125 diarrhea fecal samples were examined: 163 were positive by using PCR (14.5%) and 67 Shigella found by culture (5.9%). The highest prevalence of shigellosis was seen in children with 2 years old and in the group of ³16 years old (23% and 17.9% by PCR, and 30.7% and 52.2% by culture, respectively). The lowest prevalence was found in children £ 6 months (3.1%) by PCR, and 3% by culture). The positive cases were seen more in female than in male in the age group of ³16 years old. Shigellosis is a sporadic infection all year round but the higher frequency seen in the hot months.