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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate public and private prenatal care for women in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Women who gave birth at the two local maternity hospitals from January 1 to December 31, 2010, answered a standardized questionnaire. The interview sites in the public sector were primary health care units with and without the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and outpatient clinics; the private sector included clinics operated by health plans and private physicians' offices. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions. The response rate was 97.2% (2,395 out of 2,464). Among the 23 target variables and indicators, seven showed a clear advantage for mothers who had received prenatal care under the FHS and six for health plan clinics and private offices. Four variables showed virtually universal coverage at all five study sites. Prenatal care showed better coverage for pregnant women treated in the private sector. Pregnant women treated under the FHS showed similar coverage to that in the private sector.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 11/2012; 28(11):2106-14. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To analyze factors associated with the practice of physical activity during pregnancy and its relationship to maternal and child health indicators.
Cross-sectional study carried out with all births that occurred at maternity hospitals in the municipality of Rio Grande (Southern Brazil) during the year of 2007 (N = 2,557). Information was collected through interviews, by means of a pre-coded questionnaire administered to the mothers. The analyzed maternal and child health outcomes were: hospitalization during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, preterm birth (gestational age < 37 weeks), low birth weight (< 2500g), and fetal death.
A total of 32.8% of mothers (95%CI 31.0;34.6) reported having practiced physical activity during pregnancy. The factors associated with practice of physical activity during pregnancy, after adjusting for potential confounders, were: maternal age (inverse association), level of schooling (direct association), mother's first pregnancy, having received prenatal care, and having been instructed in physical activity during prenatal care. Women who practiced physical activity during pregnancy were less likely to deliver surgically and to have a stillbirth. There was no association between physical activity and preterm birth, hospitalization, and low birth weight.
Only one third of mothers reported having practiced physical activity during pregnancy. This behavior was more frequent among younger women with higher level of schooling who were advised during prenatal care. Women who practiced physical activity during pregnancy had fewer cesarean sections and lower occurrence of stillbirths.
Revista de saude publica 02/2012; 46(2):327-33. · 1.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study evaluated time trends in smoking prevalence according to gender and family income among individuals 20 years or older in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Five population-based surveys using census tracts were conducted in the city from 2002 to 2010. Smoking was defined as consumption of one or more cigarettes per day for at least one month. Time trend was assessed using the chi-square test for linear trend. 15,136 individuals were enrolled in these surveys. During this period, overall smoking prevalence decreased from 28% (25.8-30.4) in 2002 to 21% (19.5-23.5) in 2010. This 23% decline was similar in both genders, but differed significantly according to family income (smoking prevalence increased as income dropped). From 2002 to 2010, smoking decreased by 26% in the lowest income quintile and 39% in the highest. Despite such reductions, smoking prevalence is still high, indicating the need to boost control measures, especially among low-income groups.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 11/2011; 27(11):2166-74. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with unplanned pregnancies in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was applied in 2007 to all pregnant women in the city, including demographic characteristics, childbearing history, socioeconomic status, and prenatal and childbirth care. The study used Poisson multivariate regression analysis with robust adjustment of variance. Among the 2,557 women included in the study, 65% had not planned the current pregnancy. After adjusting for confounders, the following variables were significantly associated with unplanned pregnancy: black or mixed race, age < 20 years, single marital status, low family income, household crowding, smoking, and multiparity. Previous abortion was a protective factor against unplanned pregnancy. The high unplanned pregnancy rate, especially among women with increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, highlights the need to target healthcare programs for this group.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 10/2011; 27(10):1906-16. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of maternal smoking during pregnancy and its impact on anthropometric measurements of newborns. A standardized questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women admitted for delivery in the maternity units in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in 2007. Measurements were taken of the newborns' weight, length, and head circumference. Prevalence rates were 23% for maternal smoking during pregnancy and 29% for exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, compared with those whose mothers never smoked, newborns whose mothers smoked throughout pregnancy showed average decreases of 223.4 g in birth weight (95%CI: 156.7;290.0), 0.94 cm in birth length (95%CI: 0.60;1.28), and 0.69 cm in head circumference (95%CI: 0.42-0.95). In conclusion, prevalence of maternal smoking during pregnancy was high in this municipality. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was inversely associated with birth weight, length, and head circumference.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 09/2011; 27(9):1768-76. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to compare prenatal and childbirth care received by teenagers and older mothers in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. From January 1st to December 31st 2007, all mothers were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire on the care they received. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions between adolescent and non-adolescent mothers. One-fourth (516) of the infants were born to adolescent mothers. Compared to older mothers, teenagers showed lower rates of the following: completion of at least six prenatal visits (61% x 75%), initiation of prenatal care in the first trimester (58% x 77%), tetanus vaccination (81% x 85%), and completion of prenatal visits with the same health professional (70% x 78%). Meanwhile, teenage motherhood was associated with more: supplementation for iron deficiency (66% x 57%), use of forceps (11% x 6%), and episiotomy (86% x 66%). The findings show that teenage mothers received worse prenatal and childbirth care than older mothers.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 05/2011; 27(5):985-94. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this prospective analysis was to describe the cumulative incidence of hospital admissions in the first year of life and between 1 and 11 years of age and to explore associated factors. Hospital admissions were collected through regular monitoring in the first year of life, and through maternal report on admissions between 1 and 11 years. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for confounding factors. 18.1% of children were hospitalized in the first year of life, and 30.7% between ages 1 and 11 years. Among boys, hospital admission in the first year was associated with low family income, paternal smoking during pregnancy, preterm delivery, and low birthweight. Among girls, in addition to the variables described for boys, black/mixed skin color was also a risk factor for hospital admission. For admissions between 1 and 11 years of age, low family income and gestational age > 37 weeks were found to be significant risk factors.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 10/2010; 26(10):1980-9. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world and angina is its cardinal manifestation.
To determine the prevalence of angina and possible angina and its distribution by main demographic and socioeconomic characteristics among adults 40 years of age or older.
This is a population-based, cross-sectional study featuring residents of the urban area in Pelotas, a city located in the south of Brazil, from October through December 2007. A two-stage cluster sampling--census tracts and households--was used. The prevalence of angina and possible angina was defined according to the Rose questionnaire. These conditions were assessed by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: age, sex, skin color, economic status, and schooling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires in interviews with the individuals in their homes. The non-respondent rate was 6.8%.
The prevalence of angina among the 1,680 individuals taking part in the study was 8.2% (95% CI: 6.7 - 9.6), while that of possible angina came to 12.3% (95% CI: 10.6 - 14.0). The prevalence of angina and possible angina was higher among women, black/brown-skinned individuals, low economic class individuals and subjects with the low schooling. The prevalence of angina was higher among older individuals, while possible angina was found not to be associated with age.
The prevalence of angina and possible angina was found to be high, affecting approximately 20% of the population in Pelotas.
Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia 08/2010; 95(2):179-85. · 1.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge on child survival among mothers of children under five years of age living in nine municipalities in North and Northeast Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was used for home interviews of mothers visited by volunteers from the Pastorate of the Child and mothers not visited by the program (control areas). The association between independent variables and the outcome (visited versus not visited by the Pastorate of the Child) was evaluated using the chi-square test. Among the 752 mothers studied, 386 were visited by Pastorate of the Child volunteers and 366 were not visited. Mothers visited by the Pastorate of the Child, although poorer, showed better knowledge on monitoring child growth and identifying child development difficulties as compared to mothers from the control areas. Despite the better performance of mothers visited by the Pastorate of the Child volunteers, maternal knowledge on child survival in both groups was less than desirable. This hinders the identification of more serious cases, delays seeking medical care, and reduces the impact on child morbidity and mortality.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 08/2010; 26(8):1528-36. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aims to determine the prevalence self-reported abnormal vaginal discharge and to identify associated risk factors in pregnant women in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women admitted for delivery in local maternity hospitals. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and Poisson regression was applied using multivariate analysis. Prevalence of vaginal discharge was 40%. Adjusted analysis showed the following prevalence ratios for vaginal discharge: 1.6 (1.4-1.8) for adolescents; 1.3 (1.1-1.6) for 8 years of schooling or less; 1.3 (1.1-1.5) for alcohol consumption; 2.0 (1.8-2.2) for vaginal discharge in the previous pregnancy; 1.4 (1.3-1.6) for urinary tract infection in the current pregnancy; and 0.8 (0.7-0.9) for history of prematurity. Local health services should target adolescent women, those with low schooling or low family income, and those with a history of vaginal discharge in the previous pregnancy or urinary tract infection in the current pregnancy.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 12/2009; 25(12):2705-14. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of oral lesions in AIDS patients and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study collected data from interviews, clinical examination, and a review of medical records for adult patients treated at the HIV/AIDS clinic in the University Hospital of the Federal University in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, focusing on socio-demographic, immune status, and treatment factors. Poisson regression was used in a hierarchical analytical model. From April 2006 to January 2007, 300 patients were observed (51% males; mean age 40 years). Of the total, 39% presented oral lesions, with candidiasis as the most frequent (59.1%), followed by hairy leukoplakia (19.5%). Women showed a lower risk of oral lesions, and there was an inverse association with CD4 count. Increased risk was associated with lower schooling, low income, smoking, alcohol addiction, time since HIV seroconversion, and higher viral load. The data confirm the increased prevalence of opportunistic oral lesions and show their relationship to socioeconomic conditions and modifiable habits and customs.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 07/2009; 25(6):1307-15. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate child health indicators in the municipalities (counties) of Caracol, Piauí State, and Garrafão do Norte, Pará State, Brazil. Through household visits using systematic sampling, previously trained interviewers applied a standard questionnaire to mothers of under-five children, investigating socioeconomic status, housing and environmental sanitation, demographic characteristics, disease patterns, and prenatal and childbirth care. The analysis used the t-test and chi-square test to compare indicators between the two municipalities. Of the 1,728 children studied, 60% were from families with incomes less than one monthly minimum wage (approximately U$200), 41% had no type of sewage treatment or disposal, 10% of mothers reported zero prenatal visits, 30% of the children were born in the same municipality, and 30% had been taken to a pediatric consultation in the previous 3 months; 20% had a height-for-age deficit > 2 standard deviations. All target indicators were deficient in both the municipalities (especially in Garrafão do Norte). Expanding health care supply and improving housing and sanitation conditions are priorities in both municipalities.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 04/2009; 25(4):809-18. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This non-randomized community intervention study evaluated the impact of prenatal home visits by community health agents and volunteer leaders from the Children's Mission on prenatal care among poor pregnant women in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Previously trained interviewers applied pre-coded questionnaires to the women at home, investigating demographic and reproductive characteristics, socioeconomic status, housing conditions, and prenatal care. Of the 339 pregnant women interviewed, 115 were assigned to the intervention group visited by community health agents, 116 to the group visited by volunteer leaders, and 108 to the control group. Pregnant women visited by community health agents began prenatal visits earlier than other groups, had more prenatal visits, lab tests, and clinical exams, and received more counseling on breastfeeding and iron supplementation. Participation by family members during medical consultations for pregnant women visited by volunteer leaders was higher than for community health agents. Pregnant women visited by community health agents received better prenatal care than the other groups. Home visits can improve the quality of prenatal care for poor women and increase participation by family members (mainly husbands) during the pregnancy.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 12/2008; 24(11):2614-22. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Two surveys were conducted (1995 and 2004) on women 15-49 years of age in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil, assess patterns in their use of preventive health services. The sample included 1,339 women in 1995 and 1,311 in 2004. A standardized household questionnaire covered their demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and health care-utilization characteristics. The chi-square test was used to compare indicators in the two studies. During the study period, housing conditions, running water, sanitation, and schooling improved, but family income decreased. Mean age at sexual initiation decreased by one year, teenage pregnancy increased 33%, and clinical breast examination and Pap smears increased 48% and 30%, respectively. Overall use of contraceptive methods declined by 3%, but condom use increased from 8% to 21%. Efforts are needed to improve coverage for breast examination and Pap smears, postpone sexual initiation, and promote the use of contraceptive methods, especially condoms.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 10/2008; 24(9):2054-62. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In 2002 and 2005, two surveys were conducted in poor areas of North and Northeast Brazil to evaluate prenatal care received by mothers of children under five years old. The study covered 1,528 and 1,529 children in 2002 and 2005, respectively. In this three-year period, maternal schooling and monthly family income increased by 1.5 years and US$ 50.00, respectively, availability of safe drinking water increased from 23% to 41%, the proportion of pregnant woman with six or more prenatal visits increased from 42% to 52%, and immunization against neonatal tetanus increased from 54% to 77%. Coverage of uterine height evaluation increased from 54% to 77%. Testing for HIV and syphilis virtually doubled, from 8% to 16%. Meanwhile, gynecological examinations dropped from 41% to 31% and counseling for breastfeeding decreased from 66% to 55%. Despite improvements, the study's results show that the target indicators in these areas fall short of those in more developed regions of Brazil. Efforts should be made to reduce this gap.
Cadernos de Saúde Pública 08/2008; 24(7):1609-18. · 0.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the profile of the elderly population (>or= 60 years) in two poor municipalities in North and Northeast Brazil in 2005. Using a cross-sectional survey with a systematic sample, previously trained interviewers applied a standard household questionnaire on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, household conditions, physical activity, immunization status, health problems, and expenditures on medicines. Of the total sample (n = 1,013), 528 lived in Caracol, Piauí State, and 478 in Garrafão do Norte, Pará State. 56% were 60-69 years old, 10% lived alone, 69% were illiterate, 8% had a family income less than the minimum wage, 24% of the households had a flush toilet, 60% had a radio, television, and refrigerator, 88% reported at least one chronic disease, 47% had to purchase all their medicines out-of-pocket, 84% had received influenza vaccination, and 90% were able to perform normal activities of daily living. Elderly people included in this study showed poor household conditions, inadequate access to health care, and high levels of morbidity.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 08/2008; 24(8):1835-45. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with self-reported vaginal discharge among pregnant women in the city of Rio Grande, South Brazil. Using a cross-sectional design, a standard interview was applied to pregnant women at home by previously trained interviewers, covering the following: demographic, reproductive, and socioeconomic data, household conditions, health care, and illnesses during pregnancy, including vaginal discharge. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and Poisson regression was used in the multivariate analysis. Among the 339 pregnant women interviewed, 52% reported vaginal discharge. The following variables were significantly associated with the outcome: age (prevalence rate, PR = 1.49), marital status (PR = 1.31), urinary tract infection (PR = 1.56), hyperglycemia (PR = 1.48), use of an intrauterine device (PR = 2.35), and history of preterm delivery (PR = 1.37), with oral contraception showing a protective effect (PR = 0.79). Prevalence of self-reported discharge was high among this group of pregnant women. Several risk factors were also identified for the disease under study. These findings can contribute to the implementation of preventive interventions.
Cadernos de Saúde Pública 04/2008; 24(3):558-66. · 0.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Three cohort studies of children born in the urban area of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, were carried out in 1982, 1993, and 2004. The aim of these studies was to measure the occurrence of hospitalization in the first year of life and to examine the association between hospitalization and the cause of admission and sex, birth weight, and family income. Cause of admission was categorized as "diarrhea" and "all other causes". The frequency of children hospitalized at least once during their first year of life was 19.6% in 1982, 18.1% in 1993, and 19.2% in 2004. There was a marked reduction in hospitalizations due to diarrhea, but the frequency of hospitalization for all causes remained constant. In all three cohorts, infants from poorer families and those born weighing under 2,000g showed the highest frequencies of hospitalization due to diarrhea and all other causes, and the latter also showed a marked increase in hospitalizations due to all causes. These findings could be explained by an epidemic of preterm births in the study population.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 02/2008; 24 Suppl 3:S437-43. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to describe indicators of health care assistance during antenatal care, delivery and in the first year of life in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In 1982, 1993, and 2004, all hospital newborns from the urban area of Pelotas were enrolled in a cohort study. In this period, the number of pregnant women that did not attend antenatal care fell from 4.9% to 1.9%; the mean number of appointments increased from 6.7 to 8.1; and the number of women who began antenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy decreased from 14.8% to 7%; caesarean sections increased from 27.7% to 45.2% and the proportion of deliveries assisted by physicians increased from 61.2% to 89.2%. Improvements in immunization rates during the first year of life mainly occurred between 1982 and 1993, while the number of preventive medical appointments improved among those born in 2004. This increase in coverage was greater for low-income mothers and children, which may reflect the implementation of universal coverage in Brazil; however, coverage levels in 1982 were already high for wealthy mothers and children, reducing the scope for further gains.
Cadernos de saúde pública / Ministério da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública 02/2008; 24 Suppl 3:S427-36. · 0.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge on prenatal care and pregnancy risk among women in poor neighborhoods in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data were collected using a cross-sectional design. A standard questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women from poor neighborhoods. Trained interviewers visited these women at home, covering demographic, socioeconomic, and reproductive data and knowledge concerning prenatal care and pregnancy risk factors. A total of 367 pregnant women were interviewed using non-random sampling. Except for urine tests and HIV testing, spontaneously reported as necessary, other procedures were reported by no more than 30% of the women. Digital vaginal examination, clinical breast examination, and Pap smear were reported by a maximum of 7% of the women. Only two-thirds felt that vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain were serious signs during gestation. Other signs and symptoms were reported by a maximum of one-third of the women. In conclusion, knowledge of prenatal tests and situations indicating serious risk fell far short of the desired levels. Improving this level of information in pregnant women could help reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
Cadernos de Saúde Pública 10/2007; 23(9):2157-66. · 0.89 Impact Factor
