Impacts of Sociodemographic Factors, Screening, and Organization of Health Services on Breast Cancer Mortality in Brazil: An Ecological Study of 20 Years.

Background: Breast cancer mortality is increasing in Brazil. This study examines the impact of sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and primary healthcare (PHC) on breast cancer mortality. Methods: An ecological study analyzed secondary data of women diagnosed with breast cancer who died between 2000 and 2019. Sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and PHC were examined in relation to breast cancer mortality. Statistical analyses included normality tests, Kruskal-Wallis and one-way ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, age-period-cohort analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Mortality rates were higher in the southeast (15.77) and south (15.97) regions compared to the north (5.07) (p < 0.0001). Survival rates were longer in the southeast (70.3 ± 0.05) and south (70.6 ± 0.09) than in the north (63.98 ± 0.053) (p ≤ 0.001). Mortality increased with age after 32 years (p ≤ 0.001). Brown and indigenous women had lower mortality and survival rates. Increased coverage of PHC, ultrasound, and biopsy did not reduce mortality. However, improved cytopathologic analysis led to a decrease in mortality. Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and PHC are specific predictors of breast cancer mortality in Brazil.

Strength and Bioelectrical Activity of the Pelvic Floor Muscles and Sexual Function in Women with and without Stress Urinary Incontinence: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) results from an increase in intravesical pressure, which exceeds the pressure at which the urethra remains closed. Symptoms cause social and sexual intercourse discomfort directly or indirectly, which affect health-related quality of life and are associated with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction. We aimed to verify the variation in strength and PFM bioelectrical activity and sexual function in women with SUI. Additionally, we analyzed the impact of this dysfunction on quality of life. This was an observational cross-sectional study. Women aged 25−55 years with frequent sexual intercourse were included. Women with SUI were included in a study group (G2, n = 17), and those without any type of incontinence were included in a control group (G1, n = 16). Primary outcomes were level of strength and PFM bioelectrical activity and sexual function as determinants of worse SUI in the control group. Secondary outcomes were associated between the primary outcomes and severity of urinary loss, impact on daily life, and quality of life in women with SUI. In the domains evaluated in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), only sexual desire was lower in women with SUI (G2) than in the controls (p = 0.033). During analysis of G1 variables, a positive and moderate correlation was observed between power/myoeletric activation and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (p < 0.01), peak (p < 0.01), and mean amplitudes (p = 0.017). There was a high positive correlation between sexual arousal and other variables, including vaginal lubrication, sexual orgasm, and total FSFI value (p < 0.001 for all analyses). During evaluation of G2 variables, the MVC was positively correlated with the peak and mean amplitudes (p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was a high and positive correlation between the mean amplitudes (%MVC) and personal relationships (KHQ) (p = 0.001); the same was observed between the total (ICIQ) and activities of daily living (ICIQ) (p < 0.0001). Therefore, women with SUI presented with lower sexual desire and bioelectric activity but were not related to PFM strength. Additionally, the domains of sexual function and certain variables of quality of life are aggravated by SUI.

Sexual Function, Physical Activity, Mean Amplitudes and Maximal Voluntary Contraction of Pelvic Floor Muscles Are Related to Handgrip Strength: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pelvic floor musculature assessment methods are generally invasive, subjective, and technologically expensive. Therefore, there is a need to identify other methods that can predict changes in the function of these muscles. This study aimed to verify whether the levels of strength and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be related to handgrip strength (HGS), to ensure faster and earlier identification of possible dysfunctions of this musculature. Furthermore, we verified whether these variables vary across different age groups. This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 44 healthy women. The women were divided into two groups: the young (18−35 years) and middle-aged (36−55 years) adult groups. Social, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected from the participants, and a functional assessment of their PFM was performed by bidigital palpation, electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG), and HGS (using a dynamometer). The levels of physical and sexual activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Sexual Quotient−Female version (SQ-F) questionnaire. There were no differences in HGS, power/pressure, sEMG, SQ-F score, or IPAQ score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moderate correlation (r = 0.601; p = 0.019) was observed during multivariate analysis. HGS is related to mean amplitudes (p = 0.123), MVC (p = 0.043), sexual function (p = 0.049), and physical activity (p = 0.004). We therefore conclude that there were no differences between HGS and PFM strength in young adult and middle-aged women. Furthermore, HGS is related to the PFM functionality, sexual function, and physical activity.

Fatores de prevenção de distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho: revisão narrativa / Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: narrative review

Os distúrbios osteomusculares (DOM) representam as principais causas de morbidade nos trabalhadores. Estes distúrbios podem ser entendidos como um conjunto de sinais e sintomas relacionados ao trabalho, tais como dor, parestesia, fadiga e limitação da amplitude de movimento. Estas disfunções são devidas a fatores biomecânicos, sociais, psicológicos e físicos no ambiente de trabalho. Os principais fatores cinéticos funcionais associados a essas lesões são: movimentos repetitivos, força excessiva, postura inadequada, compressão e vibração mecânica das articulações. Nesse contexto, o conhecimento das características epidemiológicas, das ferramentas para avaliação do risco ergonômico e da sintomatologia osteomuscular e a realização de ginástica laboral podem contribuir para reduzir a ocorrência dos DOM. Assim, a proposta da presente revisão é demonstrar a aplicabilidade de estratégias para a prevenção dos DOM nos trabalhadores. A revisão narrativa foi realizada a partir de um levantamento nas bases de dados PubMed e BIREME. Foram incluídos estudos publicados em inglês, espanhol ou português. A prática de exercício promove benefícios tanto para as organizações quanto para os trabalhadores. As ferramentas para análise de risco de DOM são importantes para a identificação precoce dos riscos no trabalho e assim evitar consequências negativas para a saúde e os custos gerados pelo afastamento dos trabalhadores.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major causes of morbidity among workers. They comprise several signs and symptoms, as e.g. pain, paresthesia, fatigue and limited range of motion, which can be related to work tasks. Workplace-related factors include physical, psychological, social and biomechanical hazards. The main kinetic factors associated with MSDs include repetitive movements, exerting excessive force, awkward postures, compression and mechanical vibration. Accurate knowledge of epidemiological aspects, evaluation of ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal symptoms, and workplace exercise may help reduce the occurrence of MSDs. The aim of the present review is to analyze the applicability of preventive strategies against MSDs among workers. We performed a narrative review based on a survey of databases PubMed and BIREME and included studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We found that workplace exercise is beneficial for both employers and workers. Risk analysis of MSDs is essential for early identification of occupational hazards and to prevent health consequences and costs associated with absenteeism.

Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: narrative review.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major causes of morbidity among workers. They comprise several signs and symptoms, as e.g. pain, paresthesia, fatigue and limited range of motion, which can be related to work tasks. Workplace-related factors include physical, psychological, social and biomechanical hazards. The main kinetic factors associated with MSDs include repetitive movements, exerting excessive force, awkward postures, compression and mechanical vibration. Accurate knowledge of epidemiological aspects, evaluation of ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal symptoms, and workplace exercise may help reduce the occurrence of MSDs. The aim of the present review is to analyze the applicability of preventive strategies against MSDs among workers. We performed a narrative review based on a survey of databases PubMed and BIREME and included studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We found that workplace exercise is beneficial for both employers and workers. Risk analysis of MSDs is essential for early identification of occupational hazards and to prevent health consequences and costs associated with absenteeism.

Os distúrbios osteomusculares (DOM) representam as principais causas de morbidade nos trabalhadores. Estes distúrbios podem ser entendidos como um conjunto de sinais e sintomas relacionados ao trabalho, tais como dor, parestesia, fadiga e limitação da amplitude de movimento. Estas disfunções são devidas a fatores biomecânicos, sociais, psicológicos e físicos no ambiente de trabalho. Os principais fatores cinéticos funcionais associados a essas lesões são: movimentos repetitivos, força excessiva, postura inadequada, compressão e vibração mecânica das articulações. Nesse contexto, o conhecimento das características epidemiológicas, das ferramentas para avaliação do risco ergonômico e da sintomatologia osteomuscular e a realização de ginástica laboral podem contribuir para reduzir a ocorrência dos DOM. Assim, a proposta da presente revisão é demonstrar a aplicabilidade de estratégias para a prevenção dos DOM nos trabalhadores. A revisão narrativa foi realizada a partir de um levantamento nas bases de dados PubMed e BIREME. Foram incluídos estudos publicados em inglês, espanhol ou português. A prática de exercício promove benefícios tanto para as organizações quanto para os trabalhadores. As ferramentas para análise de risco de DOM são importantes para a identificação precoce dos riscos no trabalho e assim evitar consequências negativas para a saúde e os custos gerados pelo afastamento dos trabalhadores.