cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280806.v1
title: Infant mortality in the Brazilian countryside: a proposal to overcome epidemiological and demographic invisibility

description: Abstract: The study aimed to compare two concepts of rurality, one proposed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the other by the World Bank, to determine which is better fitted to the territory’s reality, besides analyzing the infant mortality profile of rural municipalities (counties) in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, according to the best criterion for rurality. This was an observational epidemiological study conducted in the state of Paraíba. The method for analyzing rural/urban typologies was based on data mining, using the Apriori algorithm of association. Infant mortality was analyzed with descriptive statistics. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, from 2007 to 2016, and municipal indicators were from IBGE. The World Bank definition of rurality showed kappa = 0.337, compared to the IBGE definition, with kappa = 0.616. Among the 223 municipalities that were analyzed, the World Bank classified 130 (65.66%) correctly, and the IBGE 183 (82.06%). The predominant epidemiological profile of infant mortality in rural municipalities in Paraiba state was male gender (57.4%), brown skin color (61.1%), age from 0 to 7 days (52.4%), low birthweight (44%), and gestational age less than 37 weeks (43.2%). Underlying cause of death was classified as avoidable death via interventions by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (65.2%). The urban/rural typology adopted by the IBGE was better than the World Bank at classifying the municipalities in Paraiba state. This classification allowed studying the infant mortality profile in rural municipalities, which was similar to the overall profile, except for maternal schooling.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280809.v1
title: A 10-year ecological study of the methods of suicide used by Brazilian adolescents

description: Abstract: Suicide among adolescents has become a major public health problem worldwide. Our study sought to describe the most commonly used methods of suicide among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in Brazil between 2006 and 2015. Complete data were obtained from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department (DATASUS) and coded into seven categories of suicide methods. The following statistical analyzes were performed: chi-square (χ2) tests to examine the association between the frequency of each suicide method and the year; odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) compared the relative chances of each suicide method occurring between boys and girls. In total, 8,026 suicides among Brazilian adolescents were registered over the analyzed period. The most commonly used method of suicide by both sexes was hanging (2015 = 70.3%), and the most significant increase was observed in girls (2015 = 65.82%). The proportional use of arms (2006 = 14.2%; 2015 = 9.1%) and poisoning (2006 = 13.3%; 2015 = 9.2%) decreased over the period. The increase in hanging is worrisome, mostly due to difficulties to impose access barriers and to its high lethality. In such context, a comprehensive understanding of suicide behaviors among adolescents in Brazil should be drawn to inform general prevention measures and, more specifically, the reasons for the increase in hanging need to be further investigated.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280816
title: Epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in elderly Brazilians and comparison with other age groups (2016-2018)

description: The article aimed to describe epidemiological indicators and characteristics of new cases of leprosy in elderly Brazilians in 2016-2018, compared to other age groups. A descriptive cross-sectional cohort study was conducted with data from the Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). New leprosy cases were categorized by age groups: 60 or more, 40-59, 15-39, and 15 years of age. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to verify differences between groups. A total of 81,205 new leprosy cases were reported in Brazil. Of these, 24.1% were elderly, 37.7% from 40-59 years, 31.9% from 15-39 years, and 6.3% in individuals under 15 years of age. The elderly showed higher proportions (p &lt; 0.001) of cases in males (60.1%), with multibacillary classification (81.3%), and with physical disability grade 2 (PDG2) (11.4%) when compared to the other groups. However, the proportion of new cases detected in the elderly based on contact testing (4.9%) was the lowest among all the age brackets (p &lt; 0.001). The mean detection rate and rate of new cases with PDG2 at diagnosis were higher among the elderly (25.1/100,000 and 28.6/million inhabitants, respectively) compared to other age groups in Brazil as a whole and in the regions and states. Important differences were seen in the epidemiological and clinical profile of leprosy in the elderly compared to other age brackets, especially higher proportions of multibacillary cases, new cases with PDG2, and low detection by contact testing. The findings highlighted the need for leprosy control in this age group, aimed at contributing to interruption of transmission of the disease.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280812
title: Social distancing measures in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil: description and epidemiological analysis by state

description: Social distancing measures have been widely adopted to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the timing of measures’ implementation, scope, and duration in relation to their impact. The study aimed to describe the social distancing measures implemented by Brazil’s states and the Federal District, including the types of measures and the timing of their implementation. This is a descriptive study of the measures’ type, chronological and epidemiological timing of the implementation, and scope. The survey of measures used searches in official websites of the government departments and each state’s Government Register. The official number of COVID-19 cases and deaths were obtained from an official a data platform. We considered the following categories of social distancing measures: suspension of events, school closure, quarantine of risk groups, economic lockdown (partial or full), restrictions on transportation, and quarantine of the population. The implementation’s timing considered both the chronological date and the epidemiological timing, based on the time since the 10th case or 1st death from COVID-19 in each state. All the states implemented distancing measures, mostly during the latter half of March 2020. Economic lockdown was implemented early, prior to the 10th case by 67% of the states and prior to the 1st death from COVID-19 by 89% of the states. Early social distancing measures were widely implemented in Brazil, before or in the initial phase of the exponential growth curve of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the great majority of states.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280823.v1
title: The dynamic of the supply of pediatric palliative care: a multiple case study

description: The objective was to analyze the dynamic involving the supply of palliative care for eligible children from the perspective of health professionals and families. A qualitative exploratory multiple case study was performed. This was a cross-section of data from a thesis that evaluated care for hospitalized children who were eligible for palliative care. The data were collected in a teaching hospital serving as the reference for high-complexity care in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, from October 2016 to July 2017, interpreted with thematic analysis. The participants were 18 family members and 30 health professionals. Cases were nine children from one to eight years of age, five of whom were eligible for exclusive care and four for integrated care. Three categories emerged from the interviews: (1) a mistaken understanding of the concept of palliative care; (2) delivering the news; and (3) comprehensiveness and fragmentation in the context of palliative care. The mistaken understanding of pediatric palliative care interfered in the approach to the child and family and delayed the start of care. Feelings of insecurity, fear, resistance, and guilt were present among those involved in this care. The communication process and relations displayed weaknesses. The care involved both comprehensiveness and fragmentation. The care shows weaknesses and lack of knowledge and requires investments in training and preparing the health professionals, shared decisions, and receptiveness to the families. Palliative care mobilizes life-and-death cultural and religious values, and education in this direction proves to be a path full of challenges.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280812.v1
title: Social distancing measures in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil: description and epidemiological analysis by state

description: Social distancing measures have been widely adopted to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the timing of measures’ implementation, scope, and duration in relation to their impact. The study aimed to describe the social distancing measures implemented by Brazil’s states and the Federal District, including the types of measures and the timing of their implementation. This is a descriptive study of the measures’ type, chronological and epidemiological timing of the implementation, and scope. The survey of measures used searches in official websites of the government departments and each state’s Government Register. The official number of COVID-19 cases and deaths were obtained from an official a data platform. We considered the following categories of social distancing measures: suspension of events, school closure, quarantine of risk groups, economic lockdown (partial or full), restrictions on transportation, and quarantine of the population. The implementation’s timing considered both the chronological date and the epidemiological timing, based on the time since the 10th case or 1st death from COVID-19 in each state. All the states implemented distancing measures, mostly during the latter half of March 2020. Economic lockdown was implemented early, prior to the 10th case by 67% of the states and prior to the 1st death from COVID-19 by 89% of the states. Early social distancing measures were widely implemented in Brazil, before or in the initial phase of the exponential growth curve of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the great majority of states.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280816.v1
title: Epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in elderly Brazilians and comparison with other age groups (2016-2018)

description: The article aimed to describe epidemiological indicators and characteristics of new cases of leprosy in elderly Brazilians in 2016-2018, compared to other age groups. A descriptive cross-sectional cohort study was conducted with data from the Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). New leprosy cases were categorized by age groups: 60 or more, 40-59, 15-39, and 15 years of age. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to verify differences between groups. A total of 81,205 new leprosy cases were reported in Brazil. Of these, 24.1% were elderly, 37.7% from 40-59 years, 31.9% from 15-39 years, and 6.3% in individuals under 15 years of age. The elderly showed higher proportions (p &lt; 0.001) of cases in males (60.1%), with multibacillary classification (81.3%), and with physical disability grade 2 (PDG2) (11.4%) when compared to the other groups. However, the proportion of new cases detected in the elderly based on contact testing (4.9%) was the lowest among all the age brackets (p &lt; 0.001). The mean detection rate and rate of new cases with PDG2 at diagnosis were higher among the elderly (25.1/100,000 and 28.6/million inhabitants, respectively) compared to other age groups in Brazil as a whole and in the regions and states. Important differences were seen in the epidemiological and clinical profile of leprosy in the elderly compared to other age brackets, especially higher proportions of multibacillary cases, new cases with PDG2, and low detection by contact testing. The findings highlighted the need for leprosy control in this age group, aimed at contributing to interruption of transmission of the disease.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280822
title: Leprosy-related mortality in the State of Piauí, Brazil: time trends and spatial patterns, 2000-2015

description: The study aimed to analyze spatial patterns and time trends in leprosy-related mortality in the State of Piauí, Brazil, from 2000 to 2015. This was a mixed ecological study with a spatial and temporal state-based approach, using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. The analysis includes epidemiological characteristics, mortality trends by Joinpoint regression, and spatial analysis, using the state’s 224 municipalities (counties) as the geographic unit. Of the 245,413 deaths identified, leprosy was identified in 234 death certificates, 135 (41.7%) as the underlying cause of death and 189 (58.3%) as an associated cause of death. The highest leprosy-related mortality rates were associated with male gender (relative risk - RR = 2.38; 95%CI: 1.87; 3.03), elderly age (RR = 10.52; 95%CI: 7.16; 15.46), brown skin color (RR = 2.22; 95%CI: 1.47; 3.35), and residents of the state’s interior (RR = 5.72; 95%CI: 4.54; 7.21). The crude leprosy-related mortality rate showed a significant increase among the elderly (70 years), brown race/color, cities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, and the Central region of the state, but not significant for the State of Piauí as a whole. The spatial distribution by age-adjusted mortality was heterogeneous in the municipalities, concentrating high mortality rates in the northern region of the state, close to the coastline. There was a pattern of increasing smoothed mortality rates over the course of the study’s four-year periods in the Mid-northern Central and Semiarid regions. Leprosy mortality was spatially heterogeneous and growing over the years. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing integrated surveillance and healthcare activities.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280823
title: The dynamic of the supply of pediatric palliative care: a multiple case study

description: The objective was to analyze the dynamic involving the supply of palliative care for eligible children from the perspective of health professionals and families. A qualitative exploratory multiple case study was performed. This was a cross-section of data from a thesis that evaluated care for hospitalized children who were eligible for palliative care. The data were collected in a teaching hospital serving as the reference for high-complexity care in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, from October 2016 to July 2017, interpreted with thematic analysis. The participants were 18 family members and 30 health professionals. Cases were nine children from one to eight years of age, five of whom were eligible for exclusive care and four for integrated care. Three categories emerged from the interviews: (1) a mistaken understanding of the concept of palliative care; (2) delivering the news; and (3) comprehensiveness and fragmentation in the context of palliative care. The mistaken understanding of pediatric palliative care interfered in the approach to the child and family and delayed the start of care. Feelings of insecurity, fear, resistance, and guilt were present among those involved in this care. The communication process and relations displayed weaknesses. The care involved both comprehensiveness and fragmentation. The care shows weaknesses and lack of knowledge and requires investments in training and preparing the health professionals, shared decisions, and receptiveness to the families. Palliative care mobilizes life-and-death cultural and religious values, and education in this direction proves to be a path full of challenges.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280825
title: “Measuring hunger”: psychometric scales of food insecurity and indigenous peoples in Brazil

description: The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) was validated for the Brazilian context in 2004. Since then, the scale has evaluated and measured the experience of food insecurity in rural and urban households, initially in the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey and later in the Brazilian National Survey of Demographic and Health. However, indigenous peoples have not been examined specifically in these surveys, despite recognition of their food and nutritional vulnerability. In this scenario, we analyze and discuss the application of the EBIA among indigenous peoples in Brazil, based on a set of fundamental questions for understanding and measuring their experience with food insecurity and “hunger”. We conduct a sociopolitical and ethnographic analysis of a set of official documents and significant articles on the use of psychometric scales of food insecurity among Brazilian indigenous peoples, compared to international studies on the validation and application of scales in other sociocultural contexts. The initiatives with adaptation and application of the EBIA to indigenous peoples in Brazil indicate that understanding and measuring food insecurity in these peoples poses a major challenge. Particularly complex is the proposal to guarantee comparability of different contexts while taking into account the multiple local singularities. We propose that ethnographic studies should serve as specific components of future initiatives on this topic and that they should cover aspects such as the seasonality of indigenous peoples’ food production, different processes of food monetization, and the dynamics of their food systems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280822.v1
title: Leprosy-related mortality in the State of Piauí, Brazil: time trends and spatial patterns, 2000-2015

description: The study aimed to analyze spatial patterns and time trends in leprosy-related mortality in the State of Piauí, Brazil, from 2000 to 2015. This was a mixed ecological study with a spatial and temporal state-based approach, using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. The analysis includes epidemiological characteristics, mortality trends by Joinpoint regression, and spatial analysis, using the state’s 224 municipalities (counties) as the geographic unit. Of the 245,413 deaths identified, leprosy was identified in 234 death certificates, 135 (41.7%) as the underlying cause of death and 189 (58.3%) as an associated cause of death. The highest leprosy-related mortality rates were associated with male gender (relative risk - RR = 2.38; 95%CI: 1.87; 3.03), elderly age (RR = 10.52; 95%CI: 7.16; 15.46), brown skin color (RR = 2.22; 95%CI: 1.47; 3.35), and residents of the state’s interior (RR = 5.72; 95%CI: 4.54; 7.21). The crude leprosy-related mortality rate showed a significant increase among the elderly (70 years), brown race/color, cities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, and the Central region of the state, but not significant for the State of Piauí as a whole. The spatial distribution by age-adjusted mortality was heterogeneous in the municipalities, concentrating high mortality rates in the northern region of the state, close to the coastline. There was a pattern of increasing smoothed mortality rates over the course of the study’s four-year periods in the Mid-northern Central and Semiarid regions. Leprosy mortality was spatially heterogeneous and growing over the years. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing integrated surveillance and healthcare activities.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280825.v1
title: “Measuring hunger”: psychometric scales of food insecurity and indigenous peoples in Brazil

description: The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) was validated for the Brazilian context in 2004. Since then, the scale has evaluated and measured the experience of food insecurity in rural and urban households, initially in the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey and later in the Brazilian National Survey of Demographic and Health. However, indigenous peoples have not been examined specifically in these surveys, despite recognition of their food and nutritional vulnerability. In this scenario, we analyze and discuss the application of the EBIA among indigenous peoples in Brazil, based on a set of fundamental questions for understanding and measuring their experience with food insecurity and “hunger”. We conduct a sociopolitical and ethnographic analysis of a set of official documents and significant articles on the use of psychometric scales of food insecurity among Brazilian indigenous peoples, compared to international studies on the validation and application of scales in other sociocultural contexts. The initiatives with adaptation and application of the EBIA to indigenous peoples in Brazil indicate that understanding and measuring food insecurity in these peoples poses a major challenge. Particularly complex is the proposal to guarantee comparability of different contexts while taking into account the multiple local singularities. We propose that ethnographic studies should serve as specific components of future initiatives on this topic and that they should cover aspects such as the seasonality of indigenous peoples’ food production, different processes of food monetization, and the dynamics of their food systems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14280831
title: The experience with volunteer and collaborative work in mental health and psychosocial care during the COVID-19 pandemic

description: Brazil is the country of the world with the second most COVID-19 cases and deaths, and the pandemic’s impacts pose multiple challenges for mental health. This paper reports on experience with the emergency organization of the volunteer and collaborative Working Group (GT, in Portuguese) on mental health and psychosocial care aimed at producing rapid responses for health services in the context of COVID-19. The study involved the identification and systematization of current evidence in the scientific literature on mental health and psychosocial care in public health emergencies and pandemics, with the establishment of a network involving 117 researchers and 25 institutions, and the organization of themes for the elaboration of materials, referenced on the response phases in public health emergencies and pandemics. In less than 60 days, 18 technical documents were produced, ranging from services organization and management for different vulnerable groups. The materials became references in health institutions and services. A national course on mental health and psychosocial care in COVID-19 was also organized, with more than 60,000 people registered. The experience provides food for thought and a contribution for future experiences involving knowledge translation in the current pandemic and in future public health emergencies and pandemics, with the following: (1) combination of volunteer and collaborative work involving professionals with experience in the organization of services and care in past events; (2) reliance on institutional support and resources; (3) speed and credibility of work involving the establishment of networks of professionals and institutions; and (4) responses to the urgent needs with the capacity to shape paths for care in mental health and psychosocial care.