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Background Estimates of completeness of death registration are crucial to produce estimates of life tables and population projections and to estimate the burden of disease. They are an important step in assessing the quality of data. In the case of subnational data analysis in Brazil, it is important to consider spatial and temporal variation in the quality of mortality data. There are two main sources of data quality evaluation in Brazil, but there are few comparative studies and how they evolve over time. The aim of the paper is to compare and discuss alternative estimates of completeness of death registration, adult mortality (45q15) and life expectancy estimates produced by the National Statistics Office (IBGE), Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), and estimates presented in Queiroz et al. (2017) and Schmertmann and Gonzaga (2018), for 1980 and 2010. Methods We provide a descriptive and comparative analysis of aforementioned estimates from four (4) sources of estimates at subnational level (26 states and one Federal District) in Brazil from two different points in time. Results We found significant differences in estimates that affect both levels and trends of completeness of adult mortality in Brazil and states. IHME and Queiroz et al. (2017) estimates converge by 2010, but there are large differences when compared to estimates from the National Statistics Office (IBGE). Larger differences are observed for less developed states. We have showed that the quality of mortality data in Brazil has improved steadily overtime, but with large regional variations. However, we have observed that IBGE estimates show the lowest levels of completeness for the Northern of the country compared to other estimates. Choice of methods and approaches might lead to very unexpected results. Conclusion We produced a detailed comparative analysis of estimates of completeness of death registration from different sources and discuss the main results and possible explanations for these differences. We have also showed that new improved methods are still needed to study adult mortality in less developed countries and at a subnational level. More comparative studies are important in order to improve quality of estimates in Brazil.

Background Quality of cause-of-death information is fundamental for health planning. Traditionally, this quality has been assessed by the analysis of ill-defined causes from chapter XVIII of the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD-10). However, studies have considered other useless diagnoses for public health purposes, defined, in conjunction with ill-defined causes, as garbage codes (GC). In Brazil, despite the high completeness of the Mortality Information System, approximately 30% of deaths are attributable to GCs. This study aims to analyze the frequency of GCs in Belo Horizonte municipality, the capital of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Methods Data of deaths from 2011 to 2013 in Belo Horizonte were analyzed. GCs were classified according to the GBD 2015 study list. These codes were classified in: a) GCs from chapter XVIII of ICD-10 (GC-R), and b) GC from other chapters of ICD-10 (GC-nonR). Proportions of GC were calculated by sex, age, and place of occurrence. Results In Belo Horizonte, from the total of 44,123 deaths, 5.5% were classified as GC-R. The majority of GCs were GC-nonR (25% of total deaths). We observed a higher proportion of GC in children (1 to 4 years) and in people aged over 60 years. GC proportion was also higher in females, except in the age-groups under 1 year and 30-59 years. Home deaths (n = 7,760) had higher proportions of GCs compared with hospital deaths (n = 30,182), 36.9% and 28.7%, respectively. The leading GCs were the GC-R other ill-defined and unspecified causes of death (ICD-10 code R99)), and the GCs-nonR unspecified pneumonia (J18.9), unspecified stroke (I64), and unspecified septicemia (A41.9). Conclusions Analysis of GCs is essential to evaluate the quality of mortality information. Key messages Analysis of ill-defined causes (GC-R) is not sufficient to evaluate the quality of information on causes of death. Causes of death analysis should consider the total GC, in order to advance the discussion and promote adequate intervention on the quality of mortality statistics.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da informação sobre causas de óbito, identificando a frequência de códigos garbage (CG) em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Foram selecionados óbitos de residentes, ocorridos de 2011 a 2013. As causas de óbito foram classificadas como CG, segundo a lista do estudo Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015. Esses códigos foram agrupados em: CG do capítulo XVIII da CID-10 e CG de outros capítulos da CID-10. Foram calculadas as proporções de CG por sexo, faixa etária e local de ocorrência. Resultados: Em Belo Horizonte ocorreram 44.123 óbitos no período analisado, dos quais 30,5% tiveram sua causa classificada como CG. Maiores proporções desses códigos foram observadas em crianças de 1 a 4 anos e em maiores de 60 anos. Os principais CG foram: outras causas mal definidas e as não especificadas de mortalidade (R99), pneumonia não especificada (J18.9), acidente vascular cerebral não especificado como hemorrágico ou isquêmico (I64) e septicemias (A41.9). Em 28,7% dos óbitos ocorridos em hospitais, a causa básica do óbito foi por CG, sendo essa proporção maior para óbitos domiciliares (36,9%). Maior diferença foi observada para os CG do capítulo XVIII da CID-10: 1,7% em hospitais e 16,9% para óbitos no domicílio. Conclusão: A magnitude dos CG nas estatísticas de mortalidade enfatiza sua importância na avaliação da qualidade da informação sobre causas de óbito.

OBJECTIVE To analyze whether the level of institutional and matrix support is associated with better certification of primary healthcare teams.METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated two kinds of primary healthcare support – 14,489 teams received institutional support and 14,306 teams received matrix support. Logistic regression models were applied. In the institutional support model, the independent variable was “level of support” (as calculated by the sum of supporting activities for both modalities). In the matrix support model, in turn, the independent variables were the supporting activities. The multivariate analysis has considered variables with p < 0.20. The model was adjusted by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.RESULTS The teams had institutional and matrix supporting activities (84.0% and 85.0%), respectively, with 55.0% of them performing between six and eight activities. For the institutional support, we have observed 1.96 and 3.77 chances for teams who had medium and high levels of support to have very good or good certification, respectively. For the matrix support, the chances of their having very good or good certification were 1.79 and 3.29, respectively. Regarding to the association between institutional support activities and the certification, the very good or good certification was positively associated with self-assessment (OR = 1.95), permanent education (OR = 1.43), shared evaluation (OR = 1.40), and supervision and evaluation of indicators (OR = 1.37). In regards to the matrix support, the very good or good certification was positively associated with permanent education (OR = 1.50), interventions in the territory (OR = 1.30), and discussion in the work processes (OR = 1.23).CONCLUSIONS In Brazil, supporting activities are being incorporated in primary healthcare, and there is an association between the level of support, both matrix and institutional, and the certification result. OBJETIVO Analisar se o grau de apoio institucional e matricial está associado à melhor certificação das equipes da atenção básica à saúde.MÉTODOS Neste estudo transversal analisamos dois tipos de apoio na atenção básica, sendo que 14.489 equipes receberam apoio institucional e 14.306 equipes receberam apoio matricial. Foram aplicados modelos de regressão logística. No de apoio institucional, a variável independente foi grau de apoio (calculado pelo somatório de atividades de apoio das duas modalidades), enquanto no de apoio matricial, as variáveis independentes foram as atividades de apoio. A análise multivariada considerou variáveis que apresentaram p < 0,20. O ajuste do modelo foi realizado pelo teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow.RESULTADOS As equipes contavam com atividades de apoio institucional e matricial em 84,0% e 85,0%, respectivamente, sendo que 55,0% realizavam entre seis e oito atividades. Para o apoio institucional, observamos chances de 1,96 e 3,77 de possuir certificação ótima ou boa quando as equipes possuíam médio e alto grau de apoio, respectivamente. Para o apoio matricial, as chances de possuir certificação ótima ou boa foram de 1,79 e 3,29, respectivamente. Quanto à associação entre atividades de apoio institucional e a certificação, a certificação ótima ou boa associou-se positivamente com autoavaliação (OR = 1,95), educação permanente (OR = 1,43), avaliação compartilhada (OR = 1,40) e monitoramento e avaliação de indicadores (OR = 1,37). Quanto ao apoio matricial, a certificação ótima ou boa associou-se positivamente com educação permanente (OR = 1,50), intervenções no território (OR = 1,30) e discussão nos processos de trabalho (OR = 1,23).CONCLUSÕES No Brasil, as atividades de apoio estão sendo incorporadas na atenção básica, existindo associação entre o grau de apoio tanto matricial quanto institucional e o resultado da certificação.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading health problem globally and generate high numbers of premature deaths and loss of quality of life. The aim here was to describe the major groups of causes of death due to NCDs and the ranking of the leading causes of premature death between 1990 and 2015, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015 study estimates for Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study covering Brazil and its 27 federal states. METHODS: This was a descriptive study on rates of mortality due to NCDs, with corrections for garbage codes and underreporting of deaths. RESULTS: This study shows the epidemiological transition in Brazil between 1990 and 2015, with increasing proportional mortality due to NCDs, followed by violence, and decreasing mortality due to communicable, maternal and neonatal causes within the global burden of diseases. NCDs had the highest mortality rates over the whole period, but with reductions in cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer. Diabetes increased over this period. NCDs were the leading causes of premature death (30 to 69 years): ischemic heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, followed by interpersonal violence, traffic injuries and HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSION: The decline in mortality due to NCDs confirms that improvements in disease control have been achieved in Brazil. Nonetheless, the high mortality due to violence is a warning sign. Through maintaining the current decline in NCDs, Brazil should meet the target of 25% reduction proposed by the World Health Organization by 2025. RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: As doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) são o principal problema de saúde global e geram um elevado número de mortes prematuras e perda de qualidade de vida. O objetivo foi descrever os principais grupos de causas de morte por DCNT e o ranking das causas de morte prematura entre 1990 a 2015, segundo estimativas do estudo Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2015 para o Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal do Brasil e 27 Unidades Federadas. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo das taxas de mortalidade por DCNT, com correções para sub-registro e códigos garbage. RESULTADOS: O estudo aponta a transição epidemiológica no Brasil entre 1990 e 2015, com o crescimento da mortalidade proporcional por DCNT, seguida das violências, e com a redução das causas maternas, infecciosas e infantis na carga global de doenças. As DCNT cursaram com as taxas de mortalidade mais elevadas em todo o período, mas com declínio para as doenças cardiovasculares, respiratórias crônicas e câncer. O diabetes aumentou no período. As DCNT lideram entre as causas de morte prematura (30 a 69 anos): doenças isquêmicas do coração e doenças cerebrovasculares, seguidas de violência interpessoal, lesão no trânsito e HIV/aids. CONCLUSÕES: A queda da mortalidade por DCNT confirma melhora do controle de doenças no país. Entretanto, a alta mortalidade por violência é um sinal de alerta. Mantendo-se a queda atual das DCNT, o Brasil deverá atingir as metas de redução propostas pela Organização Mundial de Saúde de 25% até 2025.

Background Reliable data on cause of death (COD) are fundamental for planning and resource allocation priorities. We used GBD 2015 estimates to examine levels and trends for the leading causes of death in Brazil from 1990 to 2015. Methods We describe the main analytical approaches focused on both overall and specific causes of death for Brazil and Brazilian states. Results There was an overall improvement in life expectancy at birth from 1990 to 2015, but with important heterogeneity among states. Reduced mortality due to diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and other infectious diseases contributed the most for increasing life expectancy in most states from the North and Northeast regions. Reduced mortality due to cardiovascular diseases was the highest contributor in the South, Southeast, and Center West regions. However, among men, intentional injuries reduced life expectancy in 17 out of 27 states. Although age-standardized rates due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease declined over time, these remained the leading CODs in the country and states. In contrast, leading causes of premature mortality changed substantially - e.g., diarrheal diseases moved from 1st to 13th and then the 36th position in 1990, 2005, and 2015, respectively, while violence moved from 7th to 1st and to 2nd. Overall, the total age-standardized years of life lost (YLL) rate was reduced from 1990 to 2015, bringing the burden of premature deaths closer to expected rates given the country’s Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In 1990, IHD, stroke, diarrhea, neonatal preterm birth complications, road injury, and violence had ratios higher than the expected, while in 2015 only violence was higher, overall and in all states, according to the SDI. Conclusions A widespread reduction of mortality levels occurred in Brazil from 1990 to 2015, particularly among children under 5 years old. Major shifts in mortality rates took place among communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional disorders. The mortality profile has shifted to older ages with increases in non-communicable diseases as well as premature deaths due to violence. Policymakers should address health interventions accordingly. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12963-017-0156-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Stroke mortality rates are declining in Brazil, but diferences among regions need to be better investigated. The age-adjusted stroke mortality trends among adults (30-69 years-old) from Brazilian regions were studied between 1996 and 2011. Method Data were analyzed after: 1) reallocation of deaths with non-registered sex or age; 2) redistribution of garbage codes and 3) underreporting correction. A linear regression model with autoregressive errors and a state space model were fitted to the data, aiming the estimation of annual trends at every point in time. Results Although there were high values, a steady decrease of rates was observed. The decreasing trends among all regions were statistically significant, with higher values of decline among the Northeast and Northern regions, where rates were the highest. Conclusion Standardized methodology use is mandatory for correct interpretation of mortality estimates. Although declining, rates are still extremely high and efforts must be made towards prevention of stroke incidence, reduction of case-fatality rates and prevention of sequelae. RESUMO Objetivos As taxas de mortalidade por acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) estão em declínio no Brasil, mas diferenças entre as regiões precisam ser melhor investigadas. Foram analisadas as tendências de mortalidade por AVE ajustadas por idade em adultos (30-69 anos) de regiões do Brasil, entre 1996 e 2011. Método Análise realizada após realocação dos óbitos sem registro de sexo ou idade; redistribuição de códigos mal definidos e correção do subregistro. Modelos de regressão linear e de espaço de estados foram utilizados visando estimativas de tendências anuais em todos pontos no tempo. Resultados Observou-se redução de cerca de 50% nas taxas de mortalidade em todas as regiões, para homens e mulheres, com maiores declínios nas regiões Norte e Nordeste, onde as taxas eram as mais elevadas. Conclusão Usar metodologia padronizada é fundamental para interpretação correta das estimativas de mortalidade. Esforços devem ser feitos para prevenção da incidência de AVE, redução das taxas de letalidade e prevenção de sequelas.

This study aims to evaluate the quality of information about race/colour (black or white) in health information systems and to analyse the causes of infant mortality in the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Death by race/colour in Belo Horizonte in 2001-09. Infant deaths and live births were obtained from the Brazilian Information Systems on Mortality and Live Births. After redistribution of missing data, infant mortality rate (IMR) was estimated for blacks and whites and was stratified by birth weight. Deaths were classified in avoidable, ill-defined or non-avoidable causes. Regardless of birth weight, avoidable mortality rate was higher among black infants. Low quality of care during pregnancy and delivery was more likely among black women. Inadequate care of low-birth-weight black newborns also led to their increased risk of death. To reduce infant mortality and inequality, we must identify black infants as the most vulnerable group and increase the efficiency of health services in preventing avoidable deaths.

Context Curricular transformation is complex and involves many interrelated and influential factors. The idiosyncratic nature of the time-frame in which curricular change takes place makes it difficult to study these factors systematically. In 2002, the Brazilian government established the Programme of Incentives for Curricular Changes in Medical Schools (PROMED). Nineteen schools participated in the programme and were given resources to finance curricular reforms in an effort to align their course structures with the tenets of the government proposal. This study analyses reforms in coursework among the schools in this cohort in an effort to better understand the impact of such incentive programmes and factors that might influence the degree of impact across institutions. Methods We compared data on the schools before and after their participation in PROMED. To facilitate comparison, we used a scheme of axes and vectors to classify the schools according to the profundity of the curricular changes, ranging from the most conservative to the most innovative. The data used for the classification were obtained through document analysis, interviews and focus group discussions. Results Different trends were observed for each axis. Important changes were noticed in the pedagogic approach axis, particularly in terms of pedagogic changes, which called for the adoption of active teaching and learning methods. The practice scenarios axis also underwent considerable changes, specifically in terms of primary health care. The vector related to production of knowledge pertaining to health system needs showed fewer changes; none of the schools reached stage 3 (effective fulfilment of an educational innovation). Conclusions The PROMED initiative provided considerable support for implementing and consolidating curricular reforms that placed greater emphasis on the needs of society and the health care system. The different trends observed revealed the complexity behind curricular transformation and highlighted the need for the collective construction of curricula with the participation of all groups involved.