Alcohol consumption among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, ConVid Adolescents - Behavior Research

Objective: To describe the prevalence of alcohol consumption before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze the factors associated with this behavior during the period of social distancing among Brazilian adolescents. Method(s): Cross-sectional study using data from the ConVid Adolescents survey, carried out via the Internet between June and September 2020. The prevalence of alcohol consumption before and during the pandemic, as well as association with sociodemographic variables, mental health, and lifestyle were estimated. A logistic regression model was used to assess associated factors. Result(s): 9,470 adolescents were evaluated. Alcohol consumption decreased from 17.70% (95%CI 16.64-18.85) before the pandemic to 12.80% (95%CI 11.85-13.76) during the pandemic. Alcohol consumption was associated with the age group of 16 and 17 years (OR=2.9;95%CI 1.08-1.53), place of residence in the South (OR=1.82;95%CI 1.46-2.27) and Southeast regions (OR=1.33;95%CI 1.05-1.69), having three or more close friends (OR=1.78;95%CI 1.25-2.53), reporting worsening sleep problems during the pandemic (OR=1.59;95%CI 1.20-2.11), feeling sad sometimes (OR=1,83;95%CI 1,40-2,38) and always (OR=2.27;95%CI 1.70-3.05), feeling always irritated (OR=1,60;95%CI 1,14-2,25), being a smoker (OR=13,74;95%CI 8.63-21.87) and a passive smoker (OR=1.76;95%CI 1.42-2.19). Strict adherence to social distancing was associated with lower alcohol consumption (OR=0.40;95%CI 0.32-0.49). Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in consumption of alcoholic beverages by Brazilian adolescents, which was influenced by sociodemographic and mental health factors, adherence to social restriction measures and lifestyle in this period. Managers, educators, family and the society must be involved in the articulation of Public Policies to prevent alcohol consumption.Copyright © 2023 A Epidemio e uma publicacao da Associacao Brasileira de Saude Coletiva-ABRASCO.

The Behaviour of Tourist from Rio De Janeiro in Times of Pandemic

This paper seeks to analyse the behaviour of tourists from Rio de Janeiro state in the first eleven months of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, by confronting it with the State management of the crisis in the tourism sector. This is an extract from a wider network-developed survey by the "Tourism in Times of Pandemic: a Multi and Trans-Scalar geographical approach" research group. The focus was centred on the behaviour of tourists whether or not to travel for leisure during the pandemic from 470 responses obtained with an electronic questionnaire whereby a reliability level of 95% and sample error of 4.52%. Methodologically, we have opted for a quantitative analysis of data with a combined application of a descriptive and multivariate approach. Statistically, the sample can be characterized as non-probabilistic and non-stratified. The findings point to the action by authorities and their ability to convey confidence in their actions - especially in such adverse times - which seem to play a relevant role on tourists' decisions on the making of trips. This largely denotes the tourist's behaviours are tied - beyond their socioeconomic profile- to actions and decisions taken in public administration intended as security practices to be followed. It is concluded that the behaviour of the tourists from Rio de Janeiro state is related to market dynamics, but above all to the interests on the maintenance of life within the context of an unprecedented health crisis on which the State has a strong influence.

RIO DE JANEIRO: CARIOCA TOURIST SCENARIO IN PANDEMIC TIMES

This article analyzes the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourist flows and the on carioca tourism economy and seeks to understand its meanings for society, considering the complex mechanism that characterizes the phenomenon of tourism. The spatial cutout delimits the Rio de Janeiro municipality, for which tourism has its importance revealed not only by its highest classification on the Brazilian Tourism Map, but also for bringing together important products and flows on a national and international scale, in order to sample the climate of tensions and uncertainties that the pandemic panorama has provided in Brazilian tourism. The qualitative analysis is complemented by quantitative data, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews, cutting out the years 2019 and 2020. The findings have pointed out several conflicts in the conduction of the health crisis, with serious impacts on tourism. The discussion is divided into two parts: (i) the background of Rio de Janeiro municipality and its territorial turistic trajectory and economic in the last three decades until contemporary, when we experience a pandemic with an intense impact on tourism and;(ii) the analysis of the impacts of the health crisis on tourism in Rio. It should be noted that Rio de Janeiro, as a tourist destination, suffered impacts due to the closing of companies, cancellation of events and interruption of flows due to the restriction instituted by decrees. In the municipal sphere, the State acted to mitigate the impacts, while the companies innovated on services and operations, which can point out about the new configuration of the touristic destination.

Covid-19 and its effects on Brazilian musicians' income

This article presents partial results of a research on the musicians' job market during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research was based on a simple and multiple regression analysis and performed with data collected through an online questionnaire (Redcap). It was possible to identify and compare demographic and socioeconomic features of musicians from the larger regions of Brazil. This method allowed us to examine the relationship between loss of income and musicians' demographic, socioeconomic, academic level, and employment features. Results show that musicians who faced the greatest income reduction were among the self-identified as blacks, those with lower academic level (less years of study), the younger ones who did not have formal employment before the pandemic. Male musicians, who are largely the main family providers, are also among those who experienced more income loss when compared with the female share of the sample, who, in turn, have higher academic level.

Use of health services and adherence to social distancing by adults with Noncommunicable Diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil, 2020

The present study investigates the association between the self-reported diagnosis of noncommunicable disease (NCD) and the adherence to social distancing and the use of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study with Brazilian adults who participated in the ConVid- Behavior Survey, conducted online between April 24 and May 24, 2020(n = 45.161). This studyconsidered the following NCDs: diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer, and evaluated the use of health services and the adherence to social distancing, as well as estimated the prevalences and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR);33,9% (95% CI: 32,5-35,3) referred to one or more NCD. Individuals with NCDsshowed a greater adherence to intense social distancing (aPR: 1,07;95% CI: 1,03-1,11), sought out health services more often (aPR:1,24;95% CI:1,11-1,38), and found greater difficultyin scheduling doctor's appointments (aPR:1.52;95% CI 1,35-1,71), receiving healthcare treatment (APR:1,50;95% CI:1,22-1,84) and medication (APR:2,17;95% CI:1,77-2,67), and performing examinations (APR:1,78;95% CI:1,50-2,10) and scheduled interventions (APR:1,65;95% CI:1,16-2,34). The presence of NCDs was associated with social distancing, seeking out health care, and difficulty in using health services.

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with adolescents who participated in the survey "ConVid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos". The indicators related to lifestyles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated: consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking and consumption of alcohol. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the total population and according to sex and age group. RESULTS: A total of 9,470 adolescents participated in the study. During the period of social distancing, there was an increase in the prevalence of vegetables consumption (from 27.34 to 30.5%), frozen foods (from 13.26 to 17.3%), chocolates and sweets (from 48.58 to 52.51%), and time in front of screens (from 44.57 to 70.15%). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the practice of physical activity (from 28.70 to 15.74%) and in the consumption of alcohol (from 17.72 to 12.77%). Differences were observed according to sex and age group. CONCLUSION: The results show changes in the lifestyle of adolescents and an increase in health risk behaviors.

Factors associated with increased cigarette consumption in the Brazilian population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing measures adopted in various countries to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to unwanted effects on their populations' health and behaviors. This study aimed to investigate smoking behavior in the Brazilian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze factors associated with the increase in cigarette consumption. An online survey was performed, and the final sample included 45,160 individuals. The study used post-stratification weights and calculated crude prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted by sex, age, and schooling, and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Poisson regression models with robust variance were applied to analyze associations between increased cigarette consumption and sociodemographic variables and adherence to social distancing, quality of sleep, state of mind, and changes in work and earnings. Prevalence of smokers was 12% (95%CI: 11.1-12.9), 34% of whom reported an increase in cigarette consumption. The increase was greater among women (PR = 1.27;95%CI: 1.01-1.59) and individuals with incomplete secondary schooling (PR = 1.35;95%CI: 1.02-1.79). The increase in cigarette consumption was associated with worse quality of sleep, feeling isolated from family members or sad, depressed, or anxious, loss of earnings, and worse self-rated health. Health promotion strategies, smoking prevention, and encouragement for smoking cessation, as well as mental health interventions, should be continued and reinforced in the context of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: effects on health, income and work

The goal of this study is to characterize the population of older adults in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to health, socioeconomic conditions, gender inequality, adherence to social distancing and feelings of sadness or depression. It is a cross-sectional study carried out with Brazilian older adults who responded to an online health survey (N = 9,173), using a "virtual snowball" sampling method. Data were collected online via a self-administered questionnaire. Prevalence and confidence interval estimates were performed and verified for independence using Pearson's chi-square test. During the pandemic there was a fall in household income among almost half of older adults. Extreme social distancing was practiced by 30.9% (95%CI: 27.8;34.1) and 12.2% (95%CI: 10.1;14.7) did not adhere to it. Older adults who were not working before the pandemic adhered in greater numbers to extreme social distancing measures. Most of them presented comorbidities associated with a higher risk of developing the severe form of COVID-19. Feelings of loneliness, distress and sadness were frequent among older adults, especially women. The COVID-19 pandemic widened the inequality gap by affecting the most vulnerable older people. Strategies to mitigate loneliness and social distancing should consider social vulnerability and the marked difference between men and women in terms of household composition and socioeconomic and working conditions. The development of representative surveys of Brazilian older adults is recommended, investigating the impact of the pandemic on this population.

ConVid - Behavior Survey by the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: conception and application methodology

The ConVid - Behavior Survey was conducted in Brazil from April 24 to May 24, 2020, aiming to investigate changes in lifestyles and health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we present the conception and methodology of the research. We used a cross-sectional study using an Internet questionnaire, with questions validated in previous health surveys. The sampling method "virtual snowball" was used, as well as post-stratification procedures. The results related to chronic non-communicable diseases and pre-pandemic lifestyles were compared with estimates from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey and 2019 Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. The total sample was 45,161 people. After data weighing, the sample distributions of demographic variables were similar to population variables. Only people with a low schooling level were underrepresented. The comparison with the previous results showed similarity in most estimates: recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables (22.1%), recommended physical activity (35.2%), tobacco smoking habit (12.3%), frequent and abusive alcohol consumption (6.7%), obesity (21.2%), self-reported prevalence of hypertension (18.6%), diabetes (7.1%), and heart disease (4.4%). The online survey made it possible to know the population's health conditions during the pandemic. The similarity of the indicators with those obtained in traditional research allowed the validation of the mean estimates. Studies are needed to investigate how the endogenous effects of virtual social networks can be considered when estimating variance.

Association of social and economic conditions with the incidence of sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sleep is a fundamental aspect for maintaining physical and emotional health, as well as one's well-being. Few studies have assessed the effect of socioeconomic conditions on sleep in the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to analyze the increase or incidence of sleep disorders according to demographic and economic conditions, prior to the pandemic, and according to changes in financial, occupational, and household conditions during the pandemic. This study was conducted via web access, using data from April 24 to May 24, with 45,160 Brazilians (aged 18 or older), with a sample weighted by Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) data. Change in sleep quality (outcome), monthly income, effect on family income, occupation/work, gender, age group, marital status, and change in domestic work (exposures) were reported. The percentages of onset or increase of sleep disorders and adjusted odds ratio were estimated. The chance of exacerbation of sleep disorders was 34%, 71%, and twice as high in people with income less than one minimum wage before the pandemic, in those who lost their job and in those who had a great decrease in their income/were without income, respectively. The chance of worsening sleep disorders was 82% higher in women;three times higher (OR = 3.14) in the population aged from 18 to 29, compared to the older adults;and higher with the increase in the amount of housework (OR = 2.21). Financial and occupational factors were determinants in the worsening of self-reported sleep quality, requiring rapid actions on these conditions in order to minimize this effect. Gender, age group, and household routines also deserve attention regarding sleep quality.

Factors associated with increased cigarette consumption in the Brazilian population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing measures adopted in various countries to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to unwanted effects on their populations’ health and behaviors. This study aimed to investigate smoking behavior in the Brazilian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze factors associated with the increase in cigarette consumption. An online survey was performed, and the final sample included 45,160 individuals. The study used post-stratification weights and calculated crude prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted by sex, age, and schooling, and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Poisson regression models with robust variance were applied to analyze associations between increased cigarette consumption and sociodemographic variables and adherence to social distancing, quality of sleep, state of mind, and changes in work and earnings. Prevalence of smokers was 12% (95%CI: 11.1-12.9), 34% of whom reported an increase in cigarette consumption. The increase was greater among women (PR = 1.27;95%CI: 1.01-1.59) and individuals with incomplete secondary schooling (PR = 1.35;95%CI: 1.02-1.79). The increase in cigarette consumption was associated with worse quality of sleep, feeling isolated from family members or sad, depressed, or anxious, loss of earnings, and worse self-rated health. Health promotion strategies, smoking prevention, and encouragement for smoking cessation, as well as mental health interventions, should be continued and reinforced in the context of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.