Prevalence of depression and anxiety and associated factors among students in southern Brazil: results from Respire study / Prevalência de depressão e ansiedade e fatores associados em estudantes no sul do Brasil: resultados da pesquisa Respire

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms has significantly increased in Brazil since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the studies investigating the prevalence of these symptoms in school-aged in Brazil are scanty. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of moderate or severe symptoms of depression and anxiety and the associated factors among students in southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a census study with all 14 sites of the Federal Institute Sul-riograndense. We used a self-administered, online instrument to assess biological, sociodemographic, health, nutrition, and behavior-related variables. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale assessed depression and anxiety. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 5,112 students. The prevalence of students who presented moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression was 34.3% and 24.3%, respectively. In the fully adjusted analysis, factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms were female sex, low income, screen time at work, worse health perception, unhealthy diet, poor sleep quality, smoking, alcohol consumption, and medication use. Early age and students whose family members or friends died from COVID-19 were associated with anxiety. Married and having less screen time during leisure was a protective factor for depression. Physical activity reduced by 18% and 33% the likelihood of moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. CONCLUSION: Public policies to improve the health care of Brazilian students during the return to face-to-face activities are required.

INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, a prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão aumentaram significativamente desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19. No entanto, há uma lacuna no número de estudos que investigaram a prevalência destes sintomas em estudantes de idade escolar no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de depressão e ansiedade e seus fatores associados em estudantes no sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um censo em todos os 14 campi do Instituto Federal Sul-rio-grandense através de um instrumento on-line, auto preenchido, com variáveis biológicas, sociodemográficas, de saúde, nutricionais e comportamentais. A saúde mental foi coletada através da Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 5.112 estudantes com prevalência de sintomas moderados ou severos de ansiedade e depressão de 34,3% e 24,3%, respectivamente. Após a análise ajustada, ser mulher, ter renda baixa, maior tempo de tela no trabalho, pior percepção de saúde, maior consumo de alimentos não saudáveis, baixa qualidade de sono, ser fumante, consumir bebidas alcoólicas e usar medicamentos foram fatores de risco para ansiedade e depressão. Foram associadas somente a ansiedade, ser mais jovem e ter tido familiar/amigo morto por COVID-19. Ser casado e ter menor tempo de tela no lazer foi fator protetor para depressão. Praticar atividade física reduziu 18% e 33% a probabilidade de apresentar sintomas mais severos de ansiedade e depressão, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: É importante a implementação de políticas de gestão no cuidado da saúde dos estudantes nas escolas durante o retorno as atividades presenciais.

[Sociodemographic aspects, barriers, and motivations of cyclists from a South Brazilian city: a study of mixed methods]. / Aspectos sociodemográficos, barreiras e motivações de ciclistas de uma cidade sul-brasileira: um estudo de métodos mistos.

The scope of this study was to describe the characteristics of use and sociodemographic and motivational aspects of cyclists who travel on the cycle paths/lanes in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). A descriptive study was conducted applying mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 841 cyclists were randomly selected and assessed in the quantitative component. The majority of users were men (82.9%), from the middle age group (55.8%) and workers in the construction industry and local commerce (47.4%). More than 80% of the participants used the bicycle for commuting purposes. Although the large majority reported using the bicycle even in rigorous winter and summer conditions, only 56.6% reported use on rainy days. Nine interviews were performed in the qualitative component and the following barriers emerged: climate conditions related to the quality of streets, (rainy days); complex traffic systems; and the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in the paths leading to outlying neighborhoods. Saving money with transport and health benefits (among leisure-time cyclists) are the main motivations for using a bicycle. The results reveal specific aspects for improvement in terms of public policies, and the need to prioritize specific user demands.

O objetivo foi descrever características de uso e aspectos sociodemográficos e motivacionais de ciclistas usuários do sistema cicloviário da cidade de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo de métodos mistos com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. No total, 841 ciclistas foram amostrados aleatoriamente e entrevistados no componente transversal descritivo do estudo. A maior parte dos usuários eram homens (82,9%), pertencentes à faixa etária entre 30 e 59 anos (55,8%) e trabalhadores da construção civil ou do comércio (47,4%). Mais de 80% utilizam a bicicleta como deslocamento. Embora a grande maioria tenha relatado utilizar bicicleta mesmo em dias de verão e inverno rigorosos, apenas 56,6% relataram manter o uso em dias de chuva. Nove entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas no componente qualitativo e emergiram barreiras como condições climáticas atreladas à qualidade das vias (dias de chuva), relações de trânsito conflituosas e necessidade de melhoria e ampliação das vias em direção aos bairros. Entre as motivações, foram destacadas questões de economia de gastos com transporte e de cuidados da saúde (entre os ciclistas de lazer). Os resultados encontrados apresentam subsídios específicos para intervenções de políticas públicas e necessidade de foco de acordo com seus usuários.

Aspectos sociodemográficos, barreiras e motivações de ciclistas de uma cidade sul-brasileira: um estudo de métodos mistos / Sociodemographic aspects, barriers, and motivations of cyclists from a South Brazilian city: a study of mixed methods

Resumo O objetivo foi descrever características de uso e aspectos sociodemográficos e motivacionais de ciclistas usuários do sistema cicloviário da cidade de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo de métodos mistos com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. No total, 841 ciclistas foram amostrados aleatoriamente e entrevistados no componente transversal descritivo do estudo. A maior parte dos usuários eram homens (82,9%), pertencentes à faixa etária entre 30 e 59 anos (55,8%) e trabalhadores da construção civil ou do comércio (47,4%). Mais de 80% utilizam a bicicleta como deslocamento. Embora a grande maioria tenha relatado utilizar bicicleta mesmo em dias de verão e inverno rigorosos, apenas 56,6% relataram manter o uso em dias de chuva. Nove entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas no componente qualitativo e emergiram barreiras como condições climáticas atreladas à qualidade das vias (dias de chuva), relações de trânsito conflituosas e necessidade de melhoria e ampliação das vias em direção aos bairros. Entre as motivações, foram destacadas questões de economia de gastos com transporte e de cuidados da saúde (entre os ciclistas de lazer). Os resultados encontrados apresentam subsídios específicos para intervenções de políticas públicas e necessidade de foco de acordo com seus usuários.

Abstract The scope of this study was to describe the characteristics of use and sociodemographic and motivational aspects of cyclists who travel on the cycle paths/lanes in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). A descriptive study was conducted applying mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 841 cyclists were randomly selected and assessed in the quantitative component. The majority of users were men (82.9%), from the middle age group (55.8%) and workers in the construction industry and local commerce (47.4%). More than 80% of the participants used the bicycle for commuting purposes. Although the large majority reported using the bicycle even in rigorous winter and summer conditions, only 56.6% reported use on rainy days. Nine interviews were performed in the qualitative component and the following barriers emerged: climate conditions related to the quality of streets, (rainy days); complex traffic systems; and the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in the paths leading to outlying neighborhoods. Saving money with transport and health benefits (among leisure-time cyclists) are the main motivations for using a bicycle. The results reveal specific aspects for improvement in terms of public policies, and the need to prioritize specific user demands.

Projeto RESPIRE: protocolo de avaliação do impacto da pandemia na saúde da comunidade do IFSul / RESPIRE Project: protocol for evaluating the impact of the pandemic on the health of the IFSul community

A pandemia do coronavírus (COVID-19) configura-se como uma das maiores crises sanitárias já enfrentadas pela humanidade. Este protocolo detalha o estudo sobre o impacto do distanciamento social na saúde de escolares e servidores dos 14 Câmpus e Reitoria do Instituto Federal Sul-rio-gran-dense (IFSul). O estudo observacional longitudinal envolve duas coletas de dados: Coleta 1 - reali-zada entre os meses de maio e agosto de 2021 com informações referentes ao período pré e durante o distanciamento social; Coleta 2 - será realizada no retorno das aulas presenciais no período pós distanciamento social (previsto para abril de 2022). Participantes responderam um questionário auto aplicado através da plataforma QuestionPro, onde foram coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas, com-portamentais (atividades físicas, sedentárias, sono, alimentação, tabagismo e consumo de álcool), saú-de mental, autopercepção de saúde e relacionadas a instituição de ensino. Estratégias de alcance da população alvo envolveram a utilização da página do Câmpus, aplicação do questionário em aula para alunos, encaminhamento via e-mail aos servidores e divulgação nas mídias sociais. Entender como o distanciamento social afetou a saúde de estudantes e servidores e realizar um acompanhamento no retorno das aulas é importante para os gestores terem um diagnóstico de saúde dos diferentes mo-mentos, criarem políticas para facilitar o retorno as aulas, bem como, auxiliar no enfrentamento dos problemas identificados com a pesquisa durante o retorno as aulas presenciais

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is one of the biggest health crises ever faced by humanity. This protocol details the study on the impact of social distancing on the health of students and employees of the 14 college and Rectory of the Federal Institute of Sul-rio-grandense (IFSul). The longitudinal observational study involves two data collections: Collect 1 - carried out between May and August 2021 with informa-tion regarding the period before and during social distancing; Collect 2 - will be carried out on the return of in-person classes in the post-social distancing period (Scheduled for April 2022). Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire through the QuestionPro platform, where sociodemographic, behavioral (physical and sedentary activities, sleep, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption), mental health, self-per-ceived health and educational institution-related variables were collected. Strategies to reach the target pop-ulation involved using the Câmpus page, applying the questionnaire in class to students, forwarding it via email to servers and dissemination on social media. Understanding how social distancing has affected the health of students and employees and monitoring the return to classes is important for managers to have a health diagnosis of the different moments, create policies to facilitate the return to classes, as well as help in coping with problems identified with the research during the return to in-person classes

Use of motorcycle in Brazil: users profile, prevalence of use and traffic accidents occurrence - a population-based study.

This study aimed to describe the profile of motorcycle users and determine the prevalence of use. Also, to evaluate the reason for using a motorcycle, users' perceived risk of traffic accident, pattern of helmet wearing and number of accidents related to motorcycle use in the last 12 months. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Sampling process was carried out in two stages, with the primary unit being the census track and the secondary the house. The study included 3,004 individuals aged 10 to 59 years, which answered a structured questionnaire. The outcome of the study was the use of motorcycle. The prevalence of motorcycle use was 25%. The majority of the riders were composed by males (79%). Individuals aged from 18 to 35-years-old comprised 42% of the total number of users, mainly as riders (24%). Forty percent of the users were not using properly the helmet strap. The major part of the users (76%) had a perception of high risk for accidents. The prevalence of accidents was 8%; it was higher among males and among those individuals aged from 18 to 35 years. The use of motorcycle was widespread in the population. Users were aware of the risk of accident, even though they reported to not wear correctly the helmet.

Use of motorcycle in Brazil: users profile, prevalence of use and traffic accidents occurrence - a population-based study / Uso de motocicletas no Brasil: perfil dos usuários, prevalência de uso e ocorrência de acidentes de trânsito - estudo de base populacional

Abstract This study aimed to describe the profile of motorcycle users and determine the prevalence of use. Also, to evaluate the reason for using a motorcycle, users' perceived risk of traffic accident, pattern of helmet wearing and number of accidents related to motorcycle use in the last 12 months. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Sampling process was carried out in two stages, with the primary unit being the census track and the secondary the house. The study included 3,004 individuals aged 10 to 59 years, which answered a structured questionnaire. The outcome of the study was the use of motorcycle. The prevalence of motorcycle use was 25%. The majority of the riders were composed by males (79%). Individuals aged from 18 to 35-years-old comprised 42% of the total number of users, mainly as riders (24%). Forty percent of the users were not using properly the helmet strap. The major part of the users (76%) had a perception of high risk for accidents. The prevalence of accidents was 8%; it was higher among males and among those individuals aged from 18 to 35 years. The use of motorcycle was widespread in the population. Users were aware of the risk of accident, even though they reported to not wear correctly the helmet.

Resumo Este estudo buscou descrever o perfil dos usuários de motocicleta e determinar a prevalência de uso desta. Além disso, avaliar a razão para o uso da motocicleta, o risco percebido de acidente de trânsito, o padrão de uso do capacete e o número de acidentes com injúrias ocorridos nos últimos 12 meses. Estudo transversal realizado na cidade de Pelotas com processo de amostragem conduzido em dois estágios. A primeira unidade foi o setor censitário e a segunda a casa dos indivíduos. Foram incluídos 3.004 indivíduos com idades entre 10 e 59 anos, que responderam um questionário estruturado. O desfecho do estudo foi o uso de motocicleta. A prevalência do uso de motocicleta foi de 25,1%. A maioria dos motociclistas foi composta por homens (79%). Indivíduos com idade entre 18 e 35 anos representaram 42% do total de usuários, especialmente como motoristas (24%), e 40% reportaram não usar adequadamente o capacete. A maior parte dos usuários (76%) considerou estar em alto risco para acidentes. A prevalência de acidentes foi de 8%, sendo mais alto entre os homens e entre os indivíduos com idade entre 18 a 35 anos. A motocicleta é amplamente usada nesta população. Usuários estão cientes do risco de acidentes, embora tenham reportado não usar o capacete de forma adequada.

[Urban work profile among adolescents aged 14-15 years: a population-based study in Southern Brazil]. / Perfil de trabalho urbano de adolescentes de 14-15 anos: um estudo populacional no Sul do Brasil.

The scope of this article was to describe the urban work patterns among 14 to 15-year-old youths from Southern Brazil. Child labor was characterized as any activity that resulted in retribution in the form of goods, services or money. The analyses were stratified by sex and economic level. Of the 4325 adolescents interviewed, the proportion of labor in the last year was 22.2%, namely 27.7% for the male sex, and 17% for the female sex. This proportion was also higher among the poorer strata of the population (30.0%) than the more affluent (14.3%). The majority of adolescents worked away from home and approximately half of them began working before 14 years of age, and around 80.0% reported that they worked by choice. Only 1.0% had a labor contract or work booklet, 30.0% worked more than six hours per day, and the average income was less than US$85/month. Domestic work predominated among the poorest teenagers. There is a need for greater surveillance of child labor and of interventions seeking to enforce prevailing legislation.

Perfil de trabalho urbano de adolescentes de 14-15 anos: um estudo populacional no Sul do Brasil / Urban work profile among adolescents aged 14-15 years: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

The scope of this article was to describe the urban work patterns among 14 to 15-year-old youths from Southern Brazil. Child labor was characterized as any activity that resulted in retribution in the form of goods, services or money. The analyses were stratified by sex and economic level. Of the 4325 adolescents interviewed, the proportion of labor in the last year was 22.2%, namely 27.7% for the male sex, and 17% for the female sex. This proportion was also higher among the poorer strata of the population (30.0%) than the more affluent (14.3%). The majority of adolescents worked away from home and approximately half of them began working before 14 years of age, and around 80.0% reported that they worked by choice. Only 1.0% had a labor contract or work booklet, 30.0% worked more than six hours per day, and the average income was less than US$85/month. Domestic work predominated among the poorest teenagers. There is a need for greater surveillance of child labor and of interventions seeking to enforce prevailing legislation.

O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever os padrões de trabalho urbano em jovens de 14-15 anos do Sul do Brasil. O trabalho infantil foi caracterizado como qualquer atividade que resultasse em retribuição na forma de bens, serviços ou dinheiro. As análises foram estratificadas por sexo e nível econômico. Dos 4325 adolescentes entrevistados, a proporção de trabalho no último ano foi de 22,2%, sendo 27,7% para o sexo masculino e 17,0% para o sexo feminino. Essa proporção também foi maior para as classes D/E (30,0%) do que para as classes A/B (14,3%). A maioria dos adolescentes trabalhava fora de casa, aproximadamente metade começou a trabalhar antes dos 14 anos e cerca de 80,0% referiram trabalhar por interesse próprio. Apenas 1,0% tinha contrato ou carteira de trabalho, 30,0% trabalhavam mais de seis horas por dia, e a renda média foi menor do que R$ 150/mês. Os serviços domésticos predominaram entre os mais pobres. Existe a necessidade de maior monitoramento do trabalho infantil e de intervenções que busquem o cumprimento da legislação vigente.

Acidentes de trânsito no Brasil de 1998 a 2010: muitas mudanças e poucos resultados / Traffic accidents in Brazil from 1998 to 2010: many changes and few effects / Accidentes de tránsito en Brasil de 1998 a 2010: muchos cambios y pocos resultados

O artigo descreve a situação dos acidentes de trânsito no Brasil, desde a implementação do Código de Trânsito Brasileiro de 1998 até o ano de 2010. Foi realizada análise dos principais trabalhos científicos e publicações não acadêmicas nacionais. A revisão de literatura incluiu periódicos indexados, não indexados, relatórios técnicos, busca específica por autores, referências bibliográficas de artigos e contato com pesquisadores. Os principais problemas do trânsito brasileiro identificados foram aumento do número absoluto de mortos e das taxas de mortalidade, ampliação da frota de motocicletas e o uso de álcool. Foram identificados autores influentes e ilhas de produção de conhecimento nas áreas pesquisadas. Os autores apresentam algumas possíveis soluções e sugerem que o poder público não tem assumido a responsabilidade que lhe cabe no controle e redução dos acidentes de trânsito.

The paper describes the situation of road traffic accidents in Brazil since 1998, when a new Brazilian traffic law was approved, up to the year 2010. A review of both academic and non-academic literature was carried out, including journals (both indexed and non-indexed), technical reports, author searches, searches in paper reference lists and direct contact with researchers. The main problems related to road traffic accidents in Brazil identified were the increase in the absolute number of deaths and in the mortality rates, a rapid increase in the number of motorcycles, and drink & driving. Influent authors in the field and centers of expertise were identified. Some potential solutions are presented by the authors, who suggest that the public offices related to traffic regulation and control are not taking suitable measures for control and reduction of road traffic accidents.

El articulo describe la situación de los accidentes de tránsito en Brasil, desde la implementación del Código de Transito Brasileño de 1998 hasta el año de 2010. Se realizó análisis de los principales trabajos científicos y publicaciones no académicas nacionales. La revisión de literatura incluyó periódicos indexados, no indexados, informes técnicos, búsqueda especifica por autores, referencias bibliográficas de artículos y contacto con investigadores. Los principales problemas de tránsito brasileño identificados fueron aumento del número absoluto de muertos y de las tasas de mortalidad, ampliación de la flota de motocicletas y el uso de alcohol. Se identificaron autores influyentes e islas de producción de conocimiento en las áreas investigadas. Los autores presentaban algunas posibles soluciones y sugieren que el poder público no ha asumido la responsabilidad que le cabe en el control y reducción de los accidentes de tránsito.

Traffic accidents in Brazil from 1998 to 2010: many changes and few effects.

The paper describes the situation of road traffic accidents in Brazil since 1998, when a new Brazilian traffic law was approved, up to the year 2010. A review of both academic and non-academic literature was carried out, including journals (both indexed and non-indexed), technical reports, author searches, searches in paper reference lists and direct contact with researchers. The main problems related to road traffic accidents in Brazil identified were the increase in the absolute number of deaths and in the mortality rates, a rapid increase in the number of motorcycles, and drink & driving. Influent authors in the field and centers of expertise were identified. Some potential solutions are presented by the authors, who suggest that the public offices related to traffic regulation and control are not taking suitable measures for control and reduction of road traffic accidents.

Intervenção comunitária para prevenção de acidentes de trânsito entre trabalhadores ciclistas / A community intervention to prevent traffic accidents among bicycle commuters

OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma intervenção educacional de prevenção de acidentes de trânsito com trabalhadores que utilizam a bicicleta como modo de transporte. MÉTODOS: Estudo de intervenção, longitudinal, com implementação escalonada, realizado em cinco bairros com características geográficas distintas na cidade de Pelotas, RS, de janeiro de 2006 a maio de 2007. Foram sorteados 42 setores censitários desses bairros. Todos os domicílios foram visitados em busca de trabalhadores do sexo masculino que utilizassem a bicicleta como modo de transporte, resultando em uma amostra de 1.133 indivíduos. Foram analisados como desfechos "acidentes de trânsito" e de "quase-acidentes". Mensalmente, via telefone, os ciclistas eram questionados a respeito da ocorrência de acidentes de trânsito e de "quase-acidentes". Quinzenalmente, a partir do segundo mês de acompanhamento, um grupo de aproximadamente 60 ciclistas era convidado a participar da intervenção, que incluía um componente educativo (palestra e apresentação de vídeo educativo), distribuição de um kit de segurança (colete noturno refletivo, cartilha educativa e fitas refletivas) e revisão dos freios da bicicleta (manutenção realizada se necessário). Regressão de Poisson, com ajuste para o efeito do tempo, foi utilizada para medir o efeito da intervenção. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 45 por cento dos ciclistas não compareceram à intervenção. Durante o período do estudo, 9 por cento dos indivíduos informaram um acidente de trânsito e 88 por cento, um quase-acidente. No total, ocorreram 106 acidentes e 1.091 quase-acidentes. Não foi observado efeito da intervenção em ambos os desfechos. CONCLUSÕES: A intervenção proposta não foi capaz de reduzir acidentes entre trabalhadores ciclistas. Falta de interesse em segurança por parte dos ciclistas e fatores externos, tais como infra-estrutura das vias e comportamento dos motoristas, podem ter colaborado para esse resultado.

A community intervention to prevent traffic accidents among bicycle commuters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an educational intervention designed to prevent traffic accidents among workers that use the bicycle for commuting. METHODS: A longitudinal intervention study with a stepped wedge implementation was carried out between January 2006 and May 2007. Five neighborhoods with distinct geographic characteristics were selected in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, and 42 census tracts were randomly selected from these neighborhoods. All households were screened for male bicycle commuters, resulting in a sample of 1,133 individuals. The outcomes analyzed were "traffic accidents" and "near accidents". The cyclists were interviewed monthly by phone to record traffic accidents and "near accidents". Every 15 days, from the second month of study, a group of about 60 cyclists was invited to attend the intervention meeting that included an educational component (a talk and a video presentation), distribution of a safety kit (reflective belt & sash, reflective tape and an educational booklet) and a bicycle breaks check-up (maintenance performed if necessary). Poisson regression adjusted for time effect was used to assess the intervention effect. RESULTS: Nearly 45% of the cyclists did not attend the intervention. During the study period, 9% of the study individuals reported a traffic accident and 88% reported a "near accident". In total there were 106 accidents and 1,091 near accidents. There was no effect observed from the intervention on either of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention tested was not capable of reducing traffic accidents among bicycle commuters. Lack of interest in safety by commuters and external factors, such as road design and motorist behavior, may have together influenced this result.

Cycling to work in Brazil: users profile, risk behaviors, and traffic accident occurrence.

In 2006, we carried out a cross-sectional study in the urban area of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, with the aim of outlining the profile of bicycle commuters, analyzing their use of safety equipment and risk behaviors and the association between these variables and involvement in traffic accidents in the previous 12 months. This study was based on the baseline survey carried out prior to an educational intervention aimed at reducing accidents among cyclists. The sample included 1133 male subjects aged 20 years or more, and who used a bicycle for commuting. Crude and adjusted analyses were carried out using Poisson regression. We recorded a total of 152 reported traffic accidents in the 12 months preceding the interview, involving 10.8% of subjects. Most risk behaviors studied and the use of safety equipment showed no significant association with accidents. Only commuting by bicycle seven days per week, as opposed to five or six, and a combination of extremely imprudent behaviors such as zigzagging through traffic, riding after ingesting alcohol, and high-speed riding were found to be risk factors for accidents. Our findings suggest that in the context where the study was done (poor road signaling, limited policing, aggressive driving) changing cyclist behavior may not have substantial impact in terms of accident reduction before other road traffic interventions are implemented.

Changes in physical activity among Brazilian adults over a 5-year period.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to document changes in physical activity of Brazilian adults by comparing two surveys carried out 5 years apart. METHODS: Two population-based cross-sectional surveys were carried out in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, in 2002 and 2007. Their multistage sampling strategies were virtually identical. The first study included 3182 and the second 2986 adults aged 20 years or older. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used in both surveys, and individuals were classified as insufficiently active if reporting less than 150 min per week, according to a score combining moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activity. RESULTS: Prevalence of insufficient physical activity increased from 41.1% (95% CI 37.4 to 44.9) in 2002 to 52.0% (95% CI 49.1 to 53.8) in 2007. A 70% increase in prevalence of insufficient physical activity (p=0.008) was observed among poor individuals, whereas there was no significant change in the better-off. In contrast to the direct association between insufficient physical activity and socioeconomic level found in 2002, the 2007 survey showed no association. In the 2007 multivariable analysis, insufficient physical activity was directly associated with age and inversely with schooling. CONCLUSION: Effective interventions for the promotion of physical activity are urgently required in order to overcome the decline in physical activity levels in this population, particularly among the poor.

Determinantes e padrões de utilização da bicicleta e acidentes de trânsito sofridos por ciclistas trabalhadores da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Determinants and patterns of bicycle use and traffic accidents among bicycling workers in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Um estudo transversal de base-populacional foi realizado em Pelotas, sul do Brasil, objetivando pesquisar os determinantes e padröes de utilizaçäo da bicicleta como modo de transporte para o trabalho. Foram também descritos os acidentes ocorridos nos últimos 12 meses no deslocamento de ida e volta para o trabalho e a utilizaçäo de equipamentos de segurança na bicicleta. A amostra incluiu 1.705 trabalhadores com 15 anos ou mais de idade, residentes na zona urbana, que utilizavam modos de transporte para o trabalho. Análises bruta e ajustada foram realizadas por meio de regressäo de Poisson, considerando o efeito do delineamento. A prevalência de utilizaçäo da bicicleta foi de 17,2 por cento (IC95 por cento: 15,4-19,0). Trabalhadores homens, com baixa escolaridade e nível econômico mais baixo apresentaram as maiores prevalências. Menos de 1,0 por cento das bicicletas possuía os equipamentos de segurança exigidos pelo Código de Trânsito Brasileiro e 15,0 por cento näo tinham freios. Aproximadamente 6,0 por cento desses trabalhadores sofreram acidentes de trânsito com lesöes corporais nos últimos 12 meses. Concluímos que trabalhadores que utilizam bicicleta como modo de transporte säo prioritários para intervençöes preventivas relacionadas a acidentes de trânsito.

[Determinants and patterns of bicycle use and traffic accidents among bicycling workers in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Determinantes e padrões de utilização da bicicleta e acidentes de trânsito sofridos por ciclistas trabalhadores da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pelotas, southern Brazil, focusing on the determinants and patterns of bicycle use as a mode of commuting by workers. Accidents during commuting and use of safety equipment were also studied. The sample included 1,705 workers (> 15 years of age) living in the urban area of Pelotas and using various modes of transportation during commuting. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression, taking the design effect into account. Prevalence of bicycle use was 17.2% (95%CI: 15.4%-19.0%). Male workers and those with low schooling and low income presented higher prevalence. Less than 1.0% of the bicycles featured the safety equipment required by the Brazilian Traffic Code, and 15.0% did not even have brakes. Nearly 6.0% of workers who commuted by bicycle had suffered accidents resulting in injuries during the previous 12 months. The authors conclude that bicycling workers are a priority for interventions aimed at reducing traffic accidents.

Determinantes e padrões de utilização da bicicleta e acidentes de trânsito sofridos por ciclistas trabalhadores da cidade de Pelotas, RS / Determinantes and patterns of bicycle use and traffic accidents suffered from bicyclists workers of the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil

Objetivos: Estudar a prevalência e os fatores relacionados com a utilização da bicicleta como modo de transporte entre os trabalhadores. Descrever os acidentes de bicicleta ocorridos durante o percurso para trabalho. Caracterizar a utilização da bicicleta de acordo com fatores socioeconomicos, demográficos e freqüência de uso...