Determining the relationship between dengue and vulnerability in a Brazilian city: a spatial modeling analysis.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This study aimed to assess the distribution of cases and deaths from dengue and severe dengue, and its relationship with social vulnerability in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2010 to 2018. The incidence and lethality rates of dengue and their relationship with sex, age, education, skin color, and social vulnerability were studied using chi-square tests, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) analyses. The number of cases of dengue in Belo Horizonte during the study period was 324,044 dengue cases, with 1,334 cases of severe dengue and 88 deaths. During the past few decades, the incidence rate of both dengue and severe cases varied, with an average incidence rate of respectively 1515.5 and 6.2/100,000 inhabitants. The increase in dengue cases was directly related to areas with higher social vulnerability areas and more working-age people. Also, the disease is more severe in people self-declared as black, elderly, and male. The findings of this study might provide relevant information for health services in the organization of control and prevention policies for this problem, emphasizing the most vulnerable urban areas and categories.

Comparative analysis of the influence of handgrip strength mobility on the quality of life of institutionalized elderly / Análise comparativa da influência da força e mobilidade da preensão manual na qualidade de vida de idosos institucionalizados

The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis between handgrip strength and mobility in the quality of life (QOL) of older adults living in long-term care facilities. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, comprised of a sample population of 127 older adults. Measurements included the World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, assessment of the handgrip strength by hand dyna- mometer and mobility by Timed Up and Go (TUG). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean values of the WHOQOL-BREF, global and domains, in each stratum of the hand grip strength and mobility values. Our results showed that handgrip dynamometer strength was associated with higher perception of the global WHOQOL-BREF score and two WHOQOL-BREF domains environment (p<0.028) and physical health (p<0.002), that is, the highest QOL values were seen in those older adults with greater handgrip strength. However, no significant association between TUG score and any quality of life domains was found. It can be inferred that handgrip strength seems to influence the quality of life of institutionalized older adults and healthcare providers in LTCs should account for when designing interventions.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma análise comparativa entre a força de preensão manual e a mobilidade na qualidade de vida de idosos residentes em Instituições de longa permanência. Este foi um estudo transversal conduzido no município de Belo Hori- zonte, Brasil, envolvendo uma amostra de 127 idosos institucionalizados. As medidas incluíram os questionários de Qualidade de Vida propostos pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHOQOL- BREF), avaliação da força de preensão manual pelo dinamômetro manual e a mobilidade pelo Timed Up and Go (TUG). Foi realizada uma análise de variância (ANOVA) para comparar os valores médios do WHOQOL BREF, total e por domínio, em cada estrato dos valores da força de preensão manual e de mobilidade. Os resultados mostraram que foram observados diferenças significativas nos escore global do WHOQOL BREF e nos domínios meio ambiente (p<0.028) e físico (p<0.002) entre os estratos da força de preensão manual, ou seja, os maiores valores da QV foram vistos naqueles idosos com maior força de preensão. Por outro lado, não houve diferença nas médias do WHOQOL, total e por domínio, em nenhum dos estratos do TUG. Pode-se inferir que a força de preensão parece influenciar na qualidade de vida em idosos institucionalizados, devendo, pois, aos gestores das instituições de longa permanência levar em consideração essa informação ao propor intervenções para essa população.(AU)

Disentangling associations between vegetation greenness and dengue in a Latin American city: Findings and challenges.

Being a Re-Emerging Infectious Disease, dengue causes 390 million cases globally and is prevalent in many urban areas in South America. Understanding the fine-scale relationships between dengue incidence and environmental and socioeconomic factors can guide improved disease prevention strategies. This ecological study examines the association between dengue incidence and satellite-based vegetation greenness in 3826 census tracts nested in 474 neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, during the 2010 dengue epidemic. To reduce potential bias in the estimated dengue-greenness association, we adjusted for socioeconomic vulnerability, population density, building height and density, land cover composition, elevation, weather patterns, and neighborhood random effects. We found that vegetation greenness was negatively associated with dengue incidence in a univariate model, and this association attenuated after controlling for additional covariates. The dengue-greenness association was modified by socioeconomic vulnerability: while a positive association was observed in the least vulnerable census tracts, the association was negative in the most vulnerable areas. Using greenness as a proxy for vegetation quality, our results show the potential of vegetation management in reducing dengue incidence, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable areas. We also discuss the role of water infrastructure, sanitation services, and tree cover in lowering dengue risk.

Twenty-Two years of dengue fever (1996-2017): an epidemiological study in a Brazilian city.

This ecological study analyzed the temporal pattern of clinically diagnosed and laboratory confirmed dengue cases in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil from 1996 to 2017. The study was divided into two analytical parts, the first of which evaluated the association between dengue incidence and host and climatic factors. The second part encompassed data from 2002 to 2017 and examined dengue incidence in relation to virus serotype and an intra-urban socioeconomic index. Over 22 years there were 469,171 cases and four epidemic peaks. There was an increase in the number, severity, and lethality of cases over the last 10 years of the study period. Biological and environmental factors appear to modulate the behavior of dengue in a large urban center.

Spatial analysis of dengue incidence and Aedes aegypti ovitrap surveillance in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Understanding the intra-urban spatial dynamics of Aedes aegypti and dengue transmission is important to effectively guide vector control. Ovitraps are a sensitive, cost-effective vector surveillance tool, yet few longitudinal studies have evaluated ovitrap indices and dengue occurrence. We aimed to assess the spatial patterns of dengue incidence and Ae. aegypti ovitrap positivity index (OPI) over time and to examine the spatial relationship between these two variables. METHODS: This study used 12 years (2007-2018) of dengue case records and biweekly Ae. aegypti ovitrap data in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We aggregated data by year and health centre catchment area (n = 152) and used both univariate and bivariate global Moran's I statistic and LISA to evaluate spatial clustering. RESULTS: Annual dengue incidence ranged from 18 to 6262/100 000 residents and displayed spatial autocorrelation in 10/12 years, with shifting areas of high incidence. Annual OPI ranged from 35.7 to 47.6% and was clustered in all study years, but unlike dengue had consistent spatial patterns over time. Bivariate analysis found both positive (6/12 years) and negative (1/12 years) spatial associations between the two variables. CONCLUSIONS: Low detected presence of Ae. aegypti was not a limiting factor in dengue transmission. However, stable spatial distribution of OPI suggests that certain areas may have persistent breeding sites. Future research should identify factors related to persistent Ae. aegypti hotspots to better guide vector management. Vector control efforts should be paired with additional data on population immunity, circulating serotypes and urban factors to better predict and control outbreaks.

OBJECTIFS: La compréhension de la dynamique spatiale intra-urbaine d'Aedes aegypti et de la transmission de la dengue est importante pour guider efficacement la lutte antivectorielle. Les ovitraps sont un outil de surveillance des vecteurs sensible et rentable, mais peu d'études longitudinales ont évalué les indices d'ovitrap et l'occurrence de la dengue. Nous visions à évaluer les modèles spatiaux de l'incidence de la dengue et de l'indice de positivité d'ovitrap (OPI) d'Ae. aegypti au fil du temps, et à examiner la relation spatiale entre ces deux variables. MÉTHODES: Cette étude a utilisé des dossiers de cas de dengue et des données bihebdomadaires d'ovitrap Ae. aegypti sur 12 ans (2007-2018) à Belo Horizonte, au Brésil. Nous avons agrégé les données par année et par zone d'étude du centre de santé (n = 152) et avons utilisé à la fois la statistique I globale de Moran univariée et bivariée et LISA pour évaluer le regroupement spatial. RÉSULTATS: L'incidence annuelle de la dengue variait de 18 à 6.262/100.000 habitants et affichait une autocorrélation spatiale en 10/12 ans, avec des zones de déplacement de forte incidence. L'OPI annuel variait de 35,7 à 47,6% et était groupé dans toutes les années d'étude, mais contrairement à la dengue, il avait des modèles spatiaux consistents au fil du temps. Une analyse bivariée a trouvé des associations spatiales positives (6/12 ans) et négatives (1/12 ans) entre les deux variables. CONCLUSIONS: La détection d'une faible présence d'Ae. aegypti n'était pas un facteur limitant de la transmission de la dengue. Cependant, la distribution spatiale stable de l'OPI suggère que certaines zones peuvent avoir des sites de reproduction persistants. Les recherches futures devraient identifier les facteurs liés à des hotspots persistants d'Ae. aegypti pour mieux guider la gestion des vecteurs. Les efforts de lutte antivectorielle devraient être associés à des données supplémentaires sur l'immunité de la population, les sérotypes circulants et les facteurs urbains pour mieux prévoir et contrôler les flambées.

Instituições de longa permanência para idosos: a distribuição espacial na região metropolitana de belo horizonte / Long-term care facilities for older adults: spatial distribution in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area, Minas Gerais, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Discutir a distribuição geográfica e o perfil das instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI) na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (MG), com 156 ILPI em 21 municípios. MÉTODO: A coleta de dados partiu de fontes secundárias de cinco instituições/setores governamentais, seguida da busca em sites e blogs e ligações e/ou visitas in loco. Foram realizados análise descritiva das características das instituições, georreferenciamento e análise espacial das ILPI de Belo Horizonte. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Há instituições filantrópicas em todos os locais mapeados, com destaque para 12 municípios com menor contingente populacional, que possuem apenas uma instituição. Não houve registro de instituição pública. Prevalecem nos municípios de grande porte instituições privadas, revelando a densidade de equipamentos sociais com crescimento acelerado. A distribuição espacial, comparada ao índice de qualidade de vida urbana de Belo Horizonte, permitiu a discussão da oferta de serviços segundo a localização dos equipamentos sociais e as necessidades da população, tema ainda não apropriado pelos municípios

OBJECTIVE: To present the geographical distribution and profile of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) for older adults in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Area, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHOD: Data collection was based on secondary sources from five institutions and government departments, followed by an electronic search on websites and blogs, phone calls, and/or on-site visits. A descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the facilities was performed, as well as georeferencing and spatial analysis of Belo Horizonte's LTCFs. The sample consisted of 156 LTCFs in 21 municipalities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were philanthropic facilities in all the mapped places, and 12 municipalities with smaller populations had only one facility each. There was no record of public facilities. Private LTCFs prevail in large municipalities, which are characterized by an accelerated growth of social facilities. The spatial distribution analysis, compared with the Belo Horizonte's urban life quality index, allowed the discussion of availability of services according to the location of social facilities and the needs of the population, a topic not yet addressed by the municipalities

[Epidemiological study of scorpion stings in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 2005-2009]. / Caracterização dos acidentes escorpiônicos em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2005 a 2009.

This retrospective epidemiological study focused on scorpion stings in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from 2005 to 2009. Data on reported scorpion stings were taken from the National System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) and the Epidemiological Surveillance System (SISVE) and patient records from the João XXIII Hospital. There were 2,769 cases of scorpion stings in Belo Horizonte (114.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), with a downward trend over time and the highest incidence from August to January. Tityus serrulatus was the species involved in most of the stings. There was no statistical difference in the incidence between male and female victims, and the most frequently affected age bracket was 55 to 64 years. Ninety-six percent of cases evolved to cure, and there were two deaths. It is necessary to improve the reporting process for scorpion stings and to consider the determinants of scorpion stings in order to plan and implement effective public health interventions.

Fatores associados à infecção pelo vírus do dengue no Município de Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil: características individuais e diferenças intra-urbanas / Associated Factors to Infection by Dengue Virus in the Municipality of Belo Horizonte,State of Minas Gerais, Brazil: Individual Characteristics and Intra-urban Differences

Em janeiro de 2000, a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, realizou um estudo soro epidemiológico – Inquérito de Soro prevalência do Dengue no Município de Belo Horizonte (ISDBH) – com o objetivo de determinar e quantificar a soro positividade da infecção pelo vírus do dengue no Município. Este artigo apresenta a análise da infecção nos Distritos Sanitários pesquisados, em amostra probabilística de 627 indivíduos. A prevalência global de infecção foi de 23,3 por cento, com 95 por cento de nível de confiança. Dos soropositivos, 17,9 por cento foram infectados pelos sorotipos DEN-1 e DEN-2, 4,6 por cento somente pelo DEN-1 e 0,8 por cento somente pelo DEN-2. Indivíduos soropositivos, quando comparados aos soronegativos, eram mais freqüentemente moradores dos Distritos Sanitários Leste e de Venda Nova, não mudaram de Município e/ou bairro e/ou casa e moravam em edificações horizontais. Baixa renda associou-se à maior soro positividade, assim como habitações horizontais relacionaram-se à infestação de vetores e a falta de mobilidade espacial do indivíduo associou-se com a alta taxa de infecção.

Seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais.

Between October, 1997 and September, 1999 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais a study of seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis was carried out in three distinct areas of the municipality. Sand flies were sampled at 15-day intervals in three residences, in each of which two CDC light traps were installed, one indoors and the other in the peridomicile. A total of 397 sand flies were captured in the three areas, with 65%, 30% and 1% of specimens collected in the eastern, northeast and Barreiro districts, respectively. The overall proportions of sand flies collected inside and around the houses were similar (57% vs 43%) and this pattern was seen for both Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia whitmani . The highest population levels during the two years of the study were from October to March. From October onwards, numbers increased constantly until February. A gradual fall was seen from April onwards until the lowest levels were reached in the months of June, July and August.

Seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais

Entre outubro de 1997 e setembro de 1999, em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais foi conduzido um estudo de variacão sazonal de Lutzomyia longipalpis em três áreas distintas do município. Os flebotomíneos foram coletados quinzenalmente em três residências, em cada área, nas quais foram instaladas duas armadilhas luminosas CDC, sendo uma no intradomicílio e a outra no peridomicílio. Um total de 397 flebotomíneos foi capturado nas três áreas, com 65%, 30% e 1% exemplares coletados nos distritos Leste, Nordeste e Barreiro, respectivamente. A proporcão total de flebotomíneos coletados no intradomicílio e peridomicílio foi semelhante (57% vs 43%) e este padrão foi visto para Lutzomyia longipalpis e Lutzomyia whitmani . Durante os dois anos de estudo, o nível da populacão foi maior no período de outubro a marco. A partir de outubro o número de flebotomíneos aumenta constantemente até fevereiro. Uma gradual reducão foi observada a partir de abril até alcancar o nível mais baixo nos meses de junho, julho e agosto.

The urban environment from the health perspective: the case of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

O objetivo desse estudo foi conhecer a distribuição de eventos em saúde em ambiente urbano. Foram georrefenciados ao endereço de residência casos de homicídios, gravidez na adolescência, internações por asma em crianças, dengue e leishmaniose visceral. A análise incluiu, para cada evento, cálculo de indicadores anuais médios, construção de mapas temáticos usando o índice comparativo de morbidade, além da criação de escores do padrão de ocorrência simultânea dos eventos por unidade espacial. Taxas elevadas de homicídio, de mães adolescentes e de internação por asma foram observadas em áreas de grandes desigualdades sociais do município. Para as doenças vetoriais, foram encontradas aglomerações de altos índices dos eventos em regiões desfavorecidas em contraponto com baixos índices em regiões favorecidas, além da relativamente pouca coexistência dos dois agravos nas mesmas regiões do município. O estudo sugeriu a coexistência espacial de agravos consagrados como resultantes das desigualdades sociais, em áreas caracterizadas pela miséria e pobreza, com grupos sociais desfavorecidos, representados pelas camadas mais pobres da população. Sugeriu também uma possível participação de fatores ambientais na modulação dos eventos de origem vetorial.

The urban environment from the health perspective: the case of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This study aims to determine spatial patterns of mortality and morbidity for five health problems in an urban environment: homicides, adolescent pregnancy, asthma hospitalization, and two vector-borne diseases, dengue and visceral leishmaniasis. All events were obtained through the city health database and geoprocessed using residential addresses and 80 planning units consisting of census tracts. We used thematic maps, proportionate mortality/morbidity ratios by planning unit, and the overlapped rank of the 20th worse planning unit rates for each event. A spatial pattern of high rates of homicides, proportion of young mothers, and hospitalization due to asthma overlapped in socially and economically disadvantaged areas. For the two vector-borne diseases, high rates with great dispersion were found in underprivileged areas, in contrast with very low rates among higher income areas. The results indicated the coexistence of heavier disease burden for residents of urban areas where poverty and lack of effective public health policies may be modulating social health problems. For the two vector-borne diseases, an environmental intervention in one mosquito-borne disease might be playing a role in the other's incidence.