Adoecimento dos trabalhadores da Estratégia Saúde da Família em município da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Illness among the workers of the Family Health Strategy in a municipality of the Brazilian Midwest / Enfermedad entre los trabajadores de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia en un municipio del Medio Oeste de Brasil

Resumo Estudo qualitativo que teve por objetivo analisar o adoecimento dos trabalhadores das Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, em 2015-2016. Os dados sobre as licenças médicas dos trabalhadores foram obtidos nos bancos de dados do Sistema de Gestão de Capital Humano para o Serviço Público e do Sistema do Instituto Municipal de Previdência. Dentre os trabalhadores licenciados há mais de 30 dias (n = 114), 39 responderam às escalas do Inventário sobre Trabalho e Risco de Adoecimento. Os principais motivos das licenças estavam relacionados aos diagnósticos de transtornos mentais e comportamentais (337, 53%) e às doenças do sistema osteomuscular e do tecido conjuntivo (171, 27%). Os índices relativos aos riscos de adoecimento no contexto do trabalho mostraram-se satisfatórios apenas na escala de indicadores de prazer no trabalho, no fator liberdade e realização profissional. As escalas de indicadores de sofrimento no trabalho e avaliação dos danos relacionados ao trabalho apresentaram risco grave, e as escalas de avaliação do contexto de trabalho e custo humano do trabalho, risco crítico. Os trabalhadores estão física e emocionalmente adoecidos, necessitando de intervenções para a melhoria da qualidade de suas vidas e da eficiência dos serviços prestados à população.

Abstract This qualitative study had the goal of analyzing illness among the workers of the Basic Units of the Family Health Strategy in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between 2015 and 2016. The data regarding the medical leaves of the workers were obtained from the databases of the Management System of Human Capital for Public Service (Sistema de Gestão de Capital Humano para o Serviço Público) and of the System of Municipal Welfare Institute (Instituto Municipal de Previdência). Among the workers with medical leaves longer than 30 days (n =114), 39 answered the four scales of the Inventory on Work and Risk of Illness. The main reasons for the medical leaves were related to the diagnoses of mental and behavioral disorders (337; 53%) and to diseases of the osteomuscular system and of the connective tissue (171; 27%). The rates regarding the risks of falling ill in the context of labor were only satisfactory for the pleasure indicators at work scale, in the professional achievement and freedom factor. The indicators at work scale and assessment of work-related injury presented serious risk, and the scales of assessment of the work context and human cost of labor presented critical risk. The workers are physically and emotionally ill, and in need of interventions to improve the quality of their lives and the efficacy of the services provided to the population.

Resumen Estudio cualitativo que tuvo el objetivo de analizar la enfermedad entre los trabajadores de las Unidades Básicas de Salud de la Familia del municipio de Campo Grande, estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, entre 2015 y 2016. Los datos sobre las licencias médicas de los trabajadores fueron obtenidos en los bancos de datos del Sistema de Gestión de Capital Humano para el Servicio Público y del Sistema del Instituto Municipal de de Previsión Social. Entre los trabajadores licenciados hacía más de 30 días (n = 114), 39 contestaron a las cuatro escalas del Inventario sobre Trabajo y Riesgo de Enfermedad. Los motivos principales para las licencias estuvieron relacionados a los diagnósticos de trastornos mentales y comportamentales (337; 53%) y a las enfermedades del sistema osteomuscular y del tejido conectivo (171; 27%). Los índices relativos a los riesgos de enfermarse en el contexto del trabajo solamente fueron satisfactorios en la escala de indicadores de placer en el trabajo, en el factor libertad y realización profesional. Las escalas de indicadores de sufrimiento en el trabajo y evaluación de los daños relacionados al trabajo presentaron riesgo grave, y las escalas de evaluación del contexto laboral y costo humano del trabajo, riesgo crítico. Los trabajadores están física y emocionalmente enfermos, necesitando intervenciones para la mejora de la calidad de sus vidas y de la eficiencia de los servicios prestados a la población.

The increasing burden of cancer attributable to high body mass index in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) has been constantly increasing over the last decades in most parts of the world, most notably in transitioning nations such as Brazil. High BMI (>22 kg/m2) is associated with an increased risk of 14 types of cancer. We estimated the extent to which reducing high BMI could lower cancer incidence in Brazil, nationally as well as at regional and state levels. METHODS: We calculated fractions of cancer incidence in 2012 attributable to high BMI as well as projections for attributable cases in 2025 using BMI data from representative national surveys and relative risks published in meta-analyses. Estimates of cancer incidence were retrieved from GLOBOCAN and the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. RESULTS: We found that 15,465 (3.8%) of all new cancer cases diagnosed in Brazil in 2012 were attributable to high BMI, with a higher burden in women (5.2%) than in men (2.6%). The cancer sites contributing most to the number of attributable cases were breast (n = 4777), corpus uteri (n = 1729), and colon (n = 681) in women, and colon (n = 1062), prostate (n = 926), and liver (n = 651) in men. The highest population attributable fractions (PAFs) for all cancers were found in the richer states of the country, located in the south (1.5% men/3.4% women) and the southeast (1.5% men/3.3% women). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer cases attributable to high BMI will reach 29,490, which will be 4.6% of all cancers in Brazil in 2025; the extent will be greater in women (6.2% or 18,837) than in men (3.2% or 10,653). This information is a tool to support policy makers for future cancer prevention strategies in Brazil.

Physical activity as part of daily living: Moving beyond quantitative recommendations.

The purpose of this study is to discuss a paradigm shift towards a broader understanding of physical activity (PA) as part of daily living and, therefore, a different approach for PA guidelines, research, and promotion. To this aim, we centered the discussion in two topics: 1) PA: from a restricted view to a broader phenomenon; and 2) Recommendations for PA: moving beyond minutes and dose-response. A holistic understanding of PA and its relationship with health is not possible unless it is considered values, meanings, and symbols that impregnate the human behavior linked to the modes of living of a given people. If we do believe that PA is a behavior essential to human life, we must align our actions to our speech. However, current guidelines, as well as in most policies and programs of PA is largely portrayed as a way to attain longer life expectancy and less diseases, which runs against our consolidated understanding of PA as part of our everyday life. New guidelines could focus on how, when, why, where, and with whom we include PA in our daily lives, based on a day-long approach, instead of how much we should do in order to prevent non-communicable diseases.

[Use of private motor vehicle transportation for taking children to school in São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil, 1997-2012]. / Aumento no uso de transporte motorizado privado no deslocamento das crianças para a escola na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil, 1997-2012.

São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil, showed an increase from 1997 to 2007 in the use of private motor vehicles for taking children to school, with potential harm to their health. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis of this trend until 2012 and discuss possible strategies to increase the proportion of children who walk, cycle, or use public transportation to get to school. Analysis of the data from the Mobility Survey of 2012 indicate not only the continuation but also an accelerated increase in the use of private motorized transportation for schoolchildren aged 6 to 11 years. The effect of initiatives to promote walking will only be properly understood with adequate monitoring of daily commuting to school and the evaluation of their impact on the population's health. A package of policies and programs specifically targeted to the promotion and protection of walking, cycling, and use of public transport by schoolchildren is indispensable for guaranteeing their right to travel safely, independently, and actively in São Paulo Metropolitan Area.

Effect of physical inactivity on major noncommunicable diseases and life expectancy in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, one-fifth of the population reports not doing any physical activity. This study aimed to assess the impact of physical inactivity on major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), all-cause mortality and life expectancy in Brazil, by region and sociodemographic profile. METHODS: We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) for physical inactivity associated with coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, and all-cause mortality. To calculate the PAF, we used the physical inactivity prevalence from the 2008 Brazilian Household Survey and relative risk data in the literature. RESULTS: In Brazil, physical inactivity is attributable to 3% to 5% of all major NCDs and 5.31% of all-cause mortality, ranging from 5.82% in the southeastern region to 2.83% in the southern region. Eliminating physical inactivity would increase the life expectancy by an average of 0.31 years. This reduction would affect mainly individuals with ≥ 15 years of schooling, male, Asian, elderly, residing in an urban area and earning ≥ 2 times the national minimum wage. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, physical inactivity has a major impact on NCDs and mortality, principally in the southeastern and central-west regions. Public policies and interventions promoting physical activity will significantly improve the health of the population.

Lifestyle factors, direct and indirect costs for a Brazilian airline company / Fatores de estilo de vida, gastos diretos e indiretos por companhia aérea brasileira

OBJECTIVE To analyze lifestyle risk factors related to direct healthcare costs and the indirect costs due to sick leave among workers of an airline company in Brazil. METHODS In this longitudinal 12-month study of 2,201 employees of a Brazilian airline company, the costs of sick leave and healthcare were the primary outcomes of interest. Information on the independent variables, such as gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle-related factors (body mass index, physical activity, and smoking), was collected using a questionnaire on enrolment in the study. Data on sick leave days were available from the company register, and data on healthcare costs were obtained from insurance records. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association between direct and indirect healthcare costs with sociodemographic, work, and lifestyle-related factors. RESULTS Over the 12-month study period, the average direct healthcare expenditure per worker was US$505.00 and the average indirect cost because of sick leave was US$249.00 per worker. Direct costs were more than twice the indirect costs and both were higher in women. Body mass index was a determinant of direct costs and smoking was a determinant of indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS Obesity and smoking among workers in a Brazilian airline company were associated with increased health costs. Therefore, promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, and anti-tobacco campaigns are important targets for health promotion in this study population. .

OBJETIVO Analisar fatores de estilo de vida relacionados aos gastos diretos com saúde e indiretos com absenteísmo de trabalhadores de companhia aérea brasileira. MÉTODOS Coorte retrospectiva com 2.201 trabalhadores de uma companhia área de São Paulo, SP, em 2010. Os desfechos de interesse foram: gastos com serviços de saúde e com ausência no trabalho. As variáveis independentes sexo, idade, nível educacional, tipo de trabalho, estresse e fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida (índice de massa corporal, atividade física e tabagismo) foram obtidas por entrevista. Informações sobre absenteísmo foram obtidas dos registros da companhia aérea e dados sobre serviços de saúde foram informados pela operadora de saúde responsável pelo plano de saúde dos funcionários da empresa. Foi realizada regressão linear múltipla para analisar a associação entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS A média de gastos por trabalhador foi de US$505,00 com serviços de saúde e US$249,00 devido ao absenteísmo nos 12 meses de seguimento. Gastos diretos foram superiores aos gastos indiretos e ambos foram maiores em mulheres. Índice de massa corporal e tabagismo associaram-se a gastos diretos e indiretos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES Excesso de peso e tabagismo significaram maiores gastos dentro de um ano, o que sugere que dieta saudável, atividade física e controle do tabagismo são importantes alvos em programas de promoção da saúde para a população estudada. .

The influence of lifestyle and gender on sickness absence in Brazilian workers.

BACKGROUND: Despite an increasing body of knowledge concerning gender and lifestyle factors as determinants of sickness absence in well-developed countries, the relationship between these variables has not been elucidated in emerging economic power countries, where the burden of non-communicable diseases is particularly high. This study aimed to analyze the relationships among lifestyle-related factors and sick leave and to examine whether gender differences in sickness absence can be explained by differences in socio-demographic, work and lifestyle-related factors among Brazilian workers. METHODS: In this longitudinal study with a one year follow-up among 2.150 employees of a Brazilian airline company, sick leave was the primary outcome of interest. Independent variables collected by interview at enrolment in the study were gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle-related factors (body mass index, physical activity and smoking). In addition, the risk for coronary heart disease was determined based on measurement of blood pressure, total cholesterol and glucose levels. The total number of days on sick leave during 12 months follow-up was available from the company register. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of socio-demographic, type of work and lifestyle-related factors on sick leave. RESULTS: Younger employees, those with lower educational level, those who worked as air crew members and those with higher levels of stress were more likely to have sick leave. Body mass index and level of physical activity were not associated with sick leave. After adjustment by socio-demographic variables, increased odds for 10 or more days of sick leave were found in smokers (OR=1.51, CI=1.05-2.17), and ex-smokers (OR=1.45, CI=1.01-2.10). Women were more likely to have 10 or more days of sick leave. Gender differences were reduced mainly when adjusted for type of work (15%) and educational level (7%). CONCLUSIONS: The higher occurrence of sick leave among women than among men was partly explained by type of work and educational level. Our results suggest that type of work, a stressful life, and smoking are important targets for health promotion in this study population.

Lifestyle factors, direct and indirect costs for a Brazilian airline company.

OBJECTIVE To analyze lifestyle risk factors related to direct healthcare costs and the indirect costs due to sick leave among workers of an airline company in Brazil. METHODS In this longitudinal 12-month study of 2,201 employees of a Brazilian airline company, the costs of sick leave and healthcare were the primary outcomes of interest. Information on the independent variables, such as gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle-related factors (body mass index, physical activity, and smoking), was collected using a questionnaire on enrolment in the study. Data on sick leave days were available from the company register, and data on healthcare costs were obtained from insurance records. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association between direct and indirect healthcare costs with sociodemographic, work, and lifestyle-related factors. RESULTS Over the 12-month study period, the average direct healthcare expenditure per worker was US$505.00 and the average indirect cost because of sick leave was US$249.00 per worker. Direct costs were more than twice the indirect costs and both were higher in women. Body mass index was a determinant of direct costs and smoking was a determinant of indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS Obesity and smoking among workers in a Brazilian airline company were associated with increased health costs. Therefore, promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, and anti-tobacco campaigns are important targets for health promotion in this study population.

Estilo de vida de trabalhadores, absenteísmo e gastos com serviços de saúde / Lifestyle factors, sick leave and health care costs

Este estudo objetivou analisar a relação entre estilo de vida e absenteísmo e a relação entre estilo de vida e gastos com serviços de saúde em trabalhadores de uma empresa de viação aérea. Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal retrospectivo que avaliou 2201 trabalhadores de uma companhia aérea em São Paulo, SP. Os desfechos de interesse foram absenteísmo por doença e gastos com serviços de saúde. As variáveis independentes obtidas por entrevista foram sexo, idade, nível educacional, tipo de trabalho, estresse e fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida (índice de massa corporal, atividade física e tabagismo). Além disso, o risco para doenças coronarianas foi estimado com base nas medidas de pressão arterial, colesterol e níveis de glicemia. O número de dias de absenteísmo durante os 12 meses de seguimento foi obtido junto aos registros da companhia aérea e as informações sobre gastos com serviços de saúde foram obtidas junto à operadora de saúde responsável pelo plano de saúde dos funcionários da empresa. Foi realizada regressão logística para determinar a influência das variáveis sócio-demográficas, tipo de trabalho e estilo de vida no absenteísmo e regressão linear multivariada para estudar a associação das as variáveis independentes com gastos diretos com saúde e indiretos com absenteísmo. Durante os 12 meses de seguimento do estudo, 53.5% dos sujeitos tiveram pelo menos um episódio de afastamento por doença e entre esses, a média de absenteísmo foi de 8.3 dias de trabalho. A média de gastos por trabalhador com serviços de saúde foi de US$505. Tanto absenteísmo quanto gastos com saúde foram maiores em mulheres. Após ajuste pelas variáveis sócio demográficas, tabagismo foi associado a maior absenteísmo e excesso de peso foi associado a maiores gastos com saúde. Estes resultados reforçam a importância de ações de promoção de saúde que estimulem uma dieta saudável, atividade física e cessação do tabagismo na população estudada, a fim de controlar...

This study aimed to analyze the relationships among lifestyle-related factors with sick leave and health care costs in workers of a Brazilian airline company. In this longitudinal study with one-year follow-up among 2201 employees of a Brazilian airline company, sick leave and health care costs were the primary outcomes of interest. Independent variables collected by interview at enrolment in the study were gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle related factors (body mass index, physical activity and smoking). In addition, the risk for coronary heart disease was determined based on measurement of blood pressure, total cholesterol and glucose levels. Total number of days on sick leave during 12 months follow-up was available from the company register and information about health care costs was obtained from the health care insurance. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of socio-demographic, type of work and lifestyle-related factors on sick leave, and multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to study the association of health care costs with the independent variables. During the 12 month follow-up period, 53.5% of the subjects had at least one sickness absence episode and among them, the average sick leave was 8.3 workdays. The average expenditures per worker with health care was US$505. Both sick leave and health care costs were higher among women. After adjustment by socio-demographic variables, smoking was determinant for more days of sick leave and excess weight was determinant for higher health care costs. Physical inactivity was not associated with sick leave or health procedures total costs, but it was associated with higher odds for hospitalization. These results suggest that healthy diet, physical activity and anti-tobacco actions are important targets for health promotion in this study population, in order to reduce health care costs and productivity loss costs.

Reprodutibilidade de uma escala para avaliar a percepção dos trabalhadores quanto ao ambiente e às condições de trabalho / Test and retest reliability of a scale to measure workers´ perception of work environment and working conditions

Objetivo: Apresentar as características gerais e avaliar a reprodutibilidade da escala Perfil do ambiente e condições de trabalho. Método: A escala foi submetida à validação de face e de conteúdo por três especialistas, além de aplicação piloto. Responderam ao instrumento, em duas ocasiões, com intervalo de uma semana, 122 trabalhadores da indústria, de ambos os sexos e diferentes graus de escolaridade. A média de idade foi de 29 anos (DP=8,44). A escala foi estruturada com cinco componentes principais, cada um com três itens. Utilizou-se o Coeficiente Kappa para comparações das frequências de respostas nas duas aplicações, de forma global e para cada um dos cinco componentes da escala.Resultados: A análise global resultou no coeficiente igual a 0,64, com 77,6% de concordância das respostas (valor considerado substancial). Conclusão: A escala proposta foi estruturada a partir das evidências da literatura e análise de especialistas, sendo de fácil compreensão e aplicação rápida. O teste de reprodutibilidade da escala para avaliação do perfil do ambiente e das condições de trabalho mostrou níveis de concordância substanciais, portanto, aceitáveis para reprodutibilidade, justificando sua aplicação em estudos que envolvam trabalhadores da indústria, de ambos os sexos e diversas funções, mas com escolaridade superior ao Ensino Fundamental.

Objective: To introduce the scale Profile of Work Environment and Working Conditions and assess its degree of test-retest reliability. Methods: The scale was submitted to three experts for face and content validity, and pilot tested with a group of industry workers. For reliability analysis, the instrument was applied twice, one week apart, to 122 industrial workers, males and females, with different educational backgrounds. Average age was 29 years (SD=8.44). The scale included five components, with three items in each one. The Kappa coefficient was utilized to compare test and re-test agreement, both globally and for each component of the scale. Results: Kappa coefficient for the entire scale was 0.64, with 77.6% agreement between applications. Conclusion: the scale was structured following evidences from the literature and experts analyses, being easy to respond by workers, in a short period of time. The reliability coefficients of the scale indicated that the test has good (substantial) level of reprodutibility when applied to workers of both sexes, and diverse types of jobs, but with educational level above elementary school.

Sensibilidade e especificidade de critérios de classificação do índice de massa corporal em adolescentes / Sensibilidad y especificidad de criterios de clasificación del índice de masa corporal en adolescentes / Sensitivity and specificity of criteria for classifying body mass index in adolescents

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de excesso de peso em adolescentes conforme critérios de classificação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) e respectivas sensibilidade e especificidade. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas medidas de peso, estatura e dobras cutâneas, subescapular e triciptal, em 934 adolescentes (masculino= 462 e feminino= 472) de 14 a 18 anos de idade (média= 16,2; dp= 1,0) da cidade de Florianópolis (SC), em 2001. O percentual de gordura estimado a partir das dobras cutâneas (e"25 por cento no masculino e e"30 por cento no feminino) foi utilizado como critério padrão-ouro para determinar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos critérios de classificação do IMC em adolescentes. RESULTADOS: A aplicação de diferentes pontos de corte de classificação do IMC, em geral, resultou em prevalências de excesso de peso similares (p>0,05). A sensibilidade dos critérios avaliados foi elevada nos adolescentes do sexo masculino (85,4 por cento a 91,7 por cento) e baixa nas do sexo feminino (33,8 por cento a 52,8 por cento). A especificidade foi elevada em todos os critérios, para ambos os sexos (83,6 por cento a 98,8 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: As estimativas de prevalência de excesso de peso pelos critérios de classificação do IMC em adolescentes foram similares e apresentaram especificidade elevada para ambos os sexos, mas baixa sensibilidade nos adolescentes do sexo feminino.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of overweight among adolescents using different body mass index (BMI) classification criteria, and to determine sensitivity and specificity values for these criteria. METHODS: Weight, height, and tricipital and subscapular skinfolds in 934 adolescents (462 males and 472 females) aged 14-18 years (mean age 16.2; SD=1.0) of the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil, in 2001. Percent fat estimated based on skinfold measurements (e"25 percent in males and e"30 percent in females) was used as a gold-standard for determining specificity and sensitivity of BMI classification criteria among adolescents. RESULTS: The different cutoff points used for classifying BMI in general resulted in similar prevalence of overweight (p>0.05). Sensitivity of the evaluated criteria was high for males (85.4 percent to 91.7 percent) and low for females (33.8 to 52.8 percent). Specificity of all criteria was high for both sexes (83.6 percent to 98.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of prevalence of obesity among adolescents using different BMI classification criteria were similar and highly specific for both sexes, but sensitivity for females was low.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de exceso de peso en adolescentes conforme criterios de clasificación del índice de masa corporal (IMC) y respectivas sensibilidad y especificidad. MÉTODOS: Fueron realizadas medidas de peso, estatura y pliegues cutáneos, subescapular y triciptal, en 934 adolescentes (masculino= 462 y femenino= 472) de 14 a 18 años de edad (promedio= 16,2; dp=1,0) de la ciudad de Florianópolis (Sur de Brasil), en 2001. El porcentaje de gordura estimado a partir de los pliegues cutáneos (?25 por ciento en el masculino y ?30 por ciento en el femenino) fue utilizado como criterio estándar-oro para determinar la sensibilidad y especificidad de los criterios de clasificación del IMC en adolescentes. RESULTADOS: La aplicación de diferentes puntos de corte de clasificación del IMC, en general, resultó en prevalencias de exceso de peso similares (p>0,05).La sensibilidad de los criterios evaluados fue elevada en los adolescentes del sexo masculino (85,4 por ciento a 91,7 por ciento) y baja en las del sexo femenino (33,8 por ciento a 52,8 por ciento). La especificidad fue elevada en todos los criterios, para ambos sexos (83,6 por ciento a 98,8 por ciento). CONCLUSIONES: Las estimaciones de prevalencia de exceso de peso por los criterios de clasificación del IMC en adolescentes fueron similares y presentaron especificidad elevada para ambos sexos, pero baja sensibilidad en los adolescentes del sexo femenino.

Sensitivity and specificity of criteria for classifying body mass index in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of overweight among adolescents using different body mass index (BMI) classification criteria, and to determine sensitivity and specificity values for these criteria. METHODS: Weight, height, and tricipital and subscapular skinfolds in 934 adolescents (462 males and 472 females) aged 14-18 years (mean age 16.2; SD=1.0) of the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil, in 2001. Percent fat estimated based on skinfold measurements (> or =25% in males and > or =30% in females) was used as a gold-standard for determining specificity and sensitivity of BMI classification criteria among adolescents. RESULTS: The different cutoff points used for classifying BMI in general resulted in similar prevalence of overweight (p>0.05). Sensitivity of the evaluated criteria was high for males (85.4% to 91.7%) and low for females (33.8 to 52.8%). Specificity of all criteria was high for both sexes (83.6% to 98.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of prevalence of obesity among adolescents using different BMI classification criteria were similar and highly specific for both sexes, but sensitivity for females was low.

Prevalência de excesso de peso em adolescentes brasileiros: um estudo de revisão sistemática / Prevalence of overweight among brazilian adolescents: a systematic review study

O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar as pesquisas de prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade (excesso de peso), considerando indicadores demográficos e socioeconômicos, em adolescentes brasileiros (10-19 anos). Foram utilizadas duas fontes de informações: a) busca em bases de dados eletrônicas (Medline, EMBASE, Sports Discus, LILACS, Latin Index, Scopus, ADOLEC, ERIC, PsyInfo, Web of Science, Scielo); b) busca em listas de referências dos artigos rastreados e em revistas impressas. As buscas foram, independentemente, efetuadas por seis pesquisadores. Para efeito deste estudo, foram analisadas as publicações de 2000 a 2007. Foram analisados 21 estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. A maioria dos estudos foi desenvolvido nos últimos três anos (61,9%), envolveu adolescentes das regiões Sul e Sudeste (66,7%). A prevalência de excesso de peso oscilou de 4% a 31%, com mais de 60% dos estudos com prevalência superior a 15%, sendo mais elevada nos rapazes e sem padrão de distribuição em relação à idade. A maioria dos estudos apresentou uma relação positiva entre excesso de peso e indicadores de condição socioeconômica nos rapazes (50,5%) e uma dissociação nas moças (62,5%). Apesar das diferenças metodológicas, a maioria dos estudos com adolescentes brasileiros apresentou prevalência de excesso de peso semelhante as que têm sido observadas em países desenvolvidos e afeta, principalmente, os rapazes, sobretudo os mais ricos.

The objective of this study was to review research into the prevalence of overweight/obesity (overweight) among Brazilian adolescents (10-19 years), taking into consideration demographic and socioeconomic indicators. Two sources of information were consulted: a) searches of electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Sports Discus, LILACS, Latin Index, Scopus, ADOLEC, ERIC, PsyInfo, Web of Science and Scielo); b) information was found in studies cited in the references sections of the articles found in a) and also studies identified by manual searches of printed journals in the health sciences, published from 2000 to 2007. Searches were performed by six different researchers independently. The review analyzed 21 studies which met the inclusion criteria. The majority of these had been conducted during the previous 3 years (61.9%) and studied adolescents from the South and Southeast regions of Brazil (66.7%). The prevalence of overweight oscillated from 4% to 31%, with more than 60% of studies observing prevalence rates greater than 15%, being higher among males in the majority of studies and with no distinct pattern of distribution with relation to the ages of the adolescents. The majority of the studies identified a positive relationship between overweight and indicators of socioeconomic status among male adolescents (50.5%) and a negative one among the females (62.5%). In spite of methodological difference, the studies of Brazilian adolescents reported similar prevalence rates of overweight to those that have been observed in developed countries and which primarily affected males, particularly the richer ones.

Questionários de medidas de atividade física em idosos / Questionnaires for measuring physical activity in the elderly

Identificar a quantidade ideal de atividade física é fundamental para que se possa orientar práticas coerentes em relação à quantidade, intensidade e freqüência, bem como construir programas de intervenções para minimizar e controlar os problemas relacionados com o declínio funcional em idosos. Dentre os métodos e técnicas, os questionários têm sido os mais empregados para avaliar a atividade física e o gasto energético. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar as características, origens, aspectos psicométricos, vantagens e limitações de questionários que medem o nível de atividade física em idosos. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica nos bancos de dados eletrônicos: Ovid Medline e o acervo bibliográfico pessoal. Após a identificação dos instrumentos, realizou-se nova busca para a avaliação. Foram encontrados seis questionários e apresentadas as características de cada um. Os questionários BAECKE e o IPAQ são os únicos traduzidos e validados para a língua portuguesa, e o IPAQ foi o que pareceu apresentar as melhores condições para ser aplicado em idosos brasileiros. Assim, dentre os questionários que avaliam o nível de atividade física em populações idosas no Brasil, verificou-se que apresentam boa reprodutibilidade, mas baixa validade.

The identification of the best amount of physical activity is fundamental so that coherent physical activity practices can be advised regarding the amount, intensity, and frequency, as well as intervention programs can be built to minimize and control problems from functional decline with age. Amongst the methods and techniques, questionnaires have been the most used tool to evaluate physical activity and energy expenditure. Thus, the present study proposed to evaluate psychometric characteristics, advantages and limitations of questionnaires that measure physical activity level in the elderly. A literature review in electronic databases was performed using Ovid Medline and also in personal files. After identifying the questionnaires, a new search was run. Six questionnaires were found, and their characteristics were presented. The Baecke and the IPAQ questionnaires are the only forms translated into Portuguese and validated. The IPAQ seemed to show the best conditions to be applied in aged Brazilians. Thus, the questionnaires evaluating physical activity level in the elderly population in Brazil have good reliability, but low validity.