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Purpose: This study aimed to identify continuous epileptiform discharges (CEDs) on electroencephalograms (EEG) and to determine their clinical significance in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)., Methods: This prospective cohort study included 75 children diagnosed with CZS born from March 2015 and followed up until September 2018 (age up to 36 months). EEG was performed to detect CEDs up to 24 months old. Data on obstetric, demographic, and clinical signs; cranial computed tomography (CT); ophthalmology examination; anti-seizure medication; growth; and motor development were collected. Fisher's exact test was used to verify the associations between categorical variables, and the T- test was used to compare the mean z-scores of anthropometric measurements between the groups with and without CED., Results: CEDs were identified in 41 (54.67 %) children. The mean age of CEDs identification was 12.24 ± 6.86 months. Bilateral CEDs were shown in 62.89 % of EEGs. CEDs were associated with severe congenital microcephaly, defined by z-score >3 standard deviation of head circumference (HC) below the mean for sex and age (p = 0.025), and worse outcomes, including first seizure before 6 months (p = 0.004), drug-resistant epilepsy (p < 0.001), chorioretinal scarring or mottling (p = 0.002), and severe CT findings (p = 0.002). The CED group had lower mean z-scores of HC up to 24 months of age., Conclusion: This is the first description of the prevalence and significance of CEDs that also remains during wakefulness in patients with CZS. New investigations may suggest that it is more appropriate to classify the EEG not as a CED, but as a periodic pattern. Anyway, CEDs may be a marker of neurological severity in children with CSZ., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to identify the dietary patterns (DPs) of adolescents and assess indicators of subclinical inflammation. It was a cross-sectional study aligned with the RPS cohort with data from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. We evaluated 511 adolescents between 18-19 years old. DPs were identified with a factor analysis of the principal components. Nutritional status was assessed with body mass index and body fat percentages. Hierarchical modeling was performed using a linear regression to estimate the beta coefficient (β) of the independent variables with the dependent variables interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Five DPs were identified: energy-dense, sugar-sweetened beverages and breakfast cereals, prudent, traditional Brazilian and alcoholic and energy beverages. Greater adherence to the prudent DP was associated with a lower concentration of interleukin-6 (β = -0.11; p value = 0.040). Greater adherence to the DP "traditional Brazilian" and "alcoholic and energy beverages" were associated with increased IL-6, mediated by the nutritional status. A higher BMI (β = 0.36; p value = <0.001) and %BF (β = 0.02; p value = 0.014) were associated with higher hs-CRP concentrations. The nutritional status and "prudent" pattern were associated with inflammatory biomarkers. These findings show that a higher consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods and the adequacy of the nutritional status are protective factors for the inflammatory process.

Objective: To analyze the association between modifiable behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases and sleep parameters in Brazilian adolescents., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the RPS Cohort Consortium, São Luís, Brazil for the follow-up of adolescents aged 18-19 years (n = 2,515). The outcomes were excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI). The exposures of interest were the behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs): screen time, physical inactivity, alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs, caffeine intake, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Excess weight was considered a possible mediator of this association between the exposures of interest and the outcomes. The models were analyzed by modeling with structural equations., Results: Physical inactivity (standardized coefficient, SC = 0.112; p = 0.001), higher consumption of alcohol (SC = 0.168; p = 0.019) and of sugar-sweetened beverages (SC = 0.128; p < 0.001) were associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents; better socioeconomic status was also associated with this outcome (SC = 0.128; p < 0.001). Physical inactivity (SC = 0.147; p < 0.001) and higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SC = 0.089; p = 0.003) were also associated with poor sleep quality. Overweight was neither a mediator nor associated with sleep quality or excessive daytime sleepiness., Conclusions: The main modifiable behavioral risk factors for NCDs are associated with worse sleep parameters already in adolescence, which serves as a warning toward the accumulation of risks for sleep disorders in the future.

Objective: To investigate the effects of depressive symptoms in childhood on the intellectual development of young adults., Methods: Study conducted with a birth cohort of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, composed of 339 participants evaluated between 7 and 9 years and between 18 and 19 years. Structural equation modeling (young adult education, sex, race/color) and childhood variables (nutritional status, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, head of household's and mother's education, family income) were used. In addition, head of household's occupation, mother's age, and presence of partner were tested as determinants of adults' intelligence quotient (IQ)., Results: Presence of depressive symptoms in childhood triggered a reduction of 0.342 in standard deviation (SD) and -3.83 points in the average IQ of adults (p-value < 0.001). Cognitive function in childhood had a total and direct positive effect (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.701; p-value < 0.001) on IQ, increasing 7.84 points with each increase in level. A positive indirect effect of child nutritional status (SC = 0.194; p-value = 0.045), head of household's (SC = 0.162; p-value = 0.036), and mother's education was identified, the latter mediated by cognitive function in childhood (SC = 0.215; p-value = 0.012) on the IQ of young people., Conclusion: Presence of depressive symptoms in childhood triggered a long-term negative effect on intelligence, reducing the IQ score in adulthood.

Background: Ultra-processed Food (UPF) consumption can play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the consumption of UPF and asthma., Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1857 adults aged 23-25 years from the Ribeirão Preto-SP birth cohort (1978/1979). The exposure variable was the consumption of UPF (expressed as their percentage contribution to energy intake-% total caloric value [%TCV] and their percentage contribution to the amount of food ingested-%grams), which was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Asthma was the outcome and was defined based on a positive methacholine challenge test and the presence of wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath over the last 12 months. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the association between these variables. Unadjusted analyses and analyses adjusted for sex, age, household income, smoking, and physical activity level were performed., Results: The prevalence of asthma in the sample was 13.2%. The mean total consumption of UPF was 37.9 ± 11.2% TCV (corresponding to 35.1 ± 15.1% grams). There was no association between the consumption of UPF and asthma in adults., Conclusion: This study provides no evidence for an association between the consumption of UPF and asthma in young adults.

Trend studies on the model of birth in Brazil show a scenario of successive linear increases in cesarean rates. However, they ignore possible changes in the temporal evolution of this delivery modality. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate possible inflection points in cesarean rates in Brazil, its macro-regions, and federated units, as well as to estimate projections for 2030. A time series with information on cesarean sections from 1994 to 2019 from the SUS Department of Informatics was used. Autoregressive integrated moving average and joinpoint regression models were used to obtain cesarean rate projections and trends, respectively. Caesarean rates showed a significant upward trend over the 26 study years at all levels of aggregation. On the other hand, when considering the formation of segments, a stabilization trend was observed both in the country and in the South and Midwest regions, starting in 2012. Rates tended to increase in North and Northeast and significantly decrease in Southeast. Projections show that in 2030, 57.4% of births in Brazil will be cesarean, with rates higher than 70% in Southeast and South regions.

Obesity is a recognized risk factor for the development of cardiometabolic outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate anthropometric and body composition indicators used for its diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass index (FMI) and body mass index (BMI) for detecting cardiometabolic outcomes in adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving adults at 30 years of age from Pelotas, RS (n = 3517) and at 37-39 years from Ribeirão Preto, SP (n = 1696). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the cut-off points for predicting cardiometabolic risk factors, including altered blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDDL-c), C-reactive protein and glycated hemoglobin. The cut-off points of BF% ranged from 25.2 to 27.8 in men and from 37.4 to 39.7 in women at 30 years, and from 26.1 to 27.8 in men and from 38.5 to 42.2 in women at 37-39 years. For FMI (kg/m 2 ), the cut-off points ranged from 6.3 to 7.5 in men and from 9.5 to 10.8 in women at 30 years, and from 7.3 to 7.8 in men and from 10.2 to 12.2 in women at 37-39 years. The BMI cut-off points (kg/m 2 ) ranged from 26.3 to 27.3 in men and from 25.4 to 27.2 in women at 30 years, and from 28.3 to 29.0 in men and from 27.2 to 29.6 in women at 37-39 years. The areas under the curve were similar for the three indicators, ranging from 0.523 to 0.746. BMI showed a performance similar to that of the body fat-based indicators in identifying cardiometabolic outcomes. The cut-off points of the three indicators showed acceptable discriminatory power in subjects with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of insufficient sleep duration, long sleep latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, subjective sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness among participants of birth cohorts conducted in three Brazilian cities, and to evaluate differences in prevalence rates within cohorts according to sociodemographic characteristics., Methods: Cross-sectional analyses involving adolescents and adults participating in four birth cohorts conducted in Ribeirão Preto (RP78 and RP94), Pelotas (PEL93) and São Luís (SL97/98). Sleep duration, latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, and subjective sleep quality were obtained through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Differences in the prevalence of the outcomes were analyzed in each cohort according to sociodemographic characteristics (skin color, marital status, socioeconomic status, study and working at the time of the interview) stratified by sex., Results: Insufficient sleep duration was the most common outcome at the four cohorts, with higher frequency among men. Long latency was more frequently reported by young adult women in RP94 and PEL93 cohorts, and insomnia by women of the four cohorts, when compared to men of the same age. Women generally suffered more from excessive daytime sleepiness and evaluated the quality of their sleep more negatively than men. In addition to sex, being a student and working were associated with the largest number of outcomes in both sexes., Conclusion: Sleep disorders are more prevalent in women, reinforcing the need for greater investment in sleep health in Brazil, without disregarding gender and socioeconomic determinants.

(1) Background: Adolescence is characterized by changes in eating habits, with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and reduced intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, which can affect body image satisfaction. Thus, this study aims to verify the association of food consumption according to the degree of processing with body image (dis)satisfaction in adolescents from the 1997/1998 birth cohort of São Luís, Maranhão. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2515 adolescents aged between 18 and 19. Food consumption was stratified based on the NOVA classification in culinary preparations, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods, categorized into tertiles. Body image (dis)satisfaction was evaluated based on the Stunkard Body Scale and was classified as satisfaction, dissatisfaction with thinness, and dissatisfaction with excess weight. Multinomial logistic regression was used for associations. (3) Results: Among the adolescents, 77% considered themselves dissatisfied with their body image, with 42.8% dissatisfied with being thin and 34.2% dissatisfied with excess weight. However, food consumption, according to the degree of processing, was not associated with body image (dis)satisfaction. (4) Conclusion: This work highlighted the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among adolescents but found no association between body (dis)satisfaction and food consumption according to the degree of processing.

Children have an increased likelihood of becoming carriers of the chronic hepatitis B virus. A total of 1,381 children and adolescents were assessed in five municipalities of Maranhao State, Brazil, for detection of anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs serologic markers and sociodemographic and behavioral features. Among those who were HBsAg negative and anti-HBc negative, the proportion of anti-HBs positives was calculated after the individuals had completed the vaccination schedule. The robust variance of the Poisson's regression model was used in order to have adjusted tables and calculate the prevalence ratio. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of anti-HBc with or without HBsAg and the vaccine response. It was observed that 163 children were anti-HBc positive and nine individuals were HBsAg positive. The factors associated with the infection were: municipality of residence (residing in Morros municipality or Humberto de Campos municipality), residence in a rural area, aged between 13 and 15 years old, and illicit drug use. The percentage of individuals who were anti-HBc negative and received all three doses of the vaccine was 48.5%. Among these, only 276 (38.9%) had antibodies at protective concentrations. In an adjusted analysis, Morros municipality presented an increased positivity of vaccine response (p < 0.001), and the age ranging between 6 and 10 years old presented a reduced frequency of response. This study reveals a high prevalence of current and past HBV infection within the targeted age group which, in addition to the low vaccination coverage and serological responses, raises concerns about the management of prevention measures, especially the quality of vaccination in these locations.

Controversial results have been reported on the association between mode of delivery and patient satisfaction. This study investigates which mode of delivery leads to greater satisfaction with hospital admission for childbirth. A cohort study was conducted with data from the Birth in Brazil study, which began in 2011. A total of 23,046 postpartum women were included from a random sample of hospitals, selected by conglomerates with a three level stratification. At the first follow-up, 15,582 women were re-interviewed. Mode of delivery, dichotomized into vaginal or cesarean section, and confounders were collected before hospital discharge. The outcome maternal satisfaction, investigated as a 10-item unidimensional construct, was measured by the Hospital Birth Satisfaction Scale up to six months after discharge. We used a directed acyclic graph to define minimal adjustment variables for confounding. The effect of mode of delivery on satisfaction was estimated using a structural equation model with weighting by the inverse of the probability of selection, considering the complex sampling design. The weight was estimated considering the different sample selection probabilities, the losses to follow-up, and the propensity score, which was estimated in a logistic regression model. The analysis revealed no significant difference in satisfaction with hospitalization for childbirth between respondents who had vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the adjusted analysis (standardized coefficient = 0.089; p-value = 0.056). Therefore, women who had vaginal delivery and cesarean section were equally satisfied with their hospitalization for childbirth.

This study compares temporal trends in violent deaths of children and adolescents and analyzes differences in incidents of violence classified and not classified as a crime. We analyzed data from the Mortality Information System and State of Maranhão Public Security Department for the period 2014 to 2020. Child and adolescent were defined as aged 0-11 and 12-17 years old, respectively. Types of violence were organized according to the groups, subgroups, and types of crimes set out in Brazil's penal code. A total of 1,326 deaths and 8,187 incidents of violence were reported, both of which were more frequent in adolescents. The most frequent types of violence in children and adolescentes, respectively, were: abduction of incapable persons (p < 0.001), abandonment of incapable persons (p = 0.045), rape of vulnerable persons (p = 0.003); homicides (p < 0.001), crimes against individual freedom (p = 0.004), crimes against sexual freedom (p < 0.001), psychological violence (p = 0.034). Domestic violence with bodily harm was more frequent in girls (p < 0.001), while severe bodily harm (p=0.002), homicide (p < 0.001), and harassment (p < 0.001) were more frequent in boys. The findings reveal differences over time in deaths and incidents of violence classified and not classified as crime among both children and adolescents.

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased in recent years and has become a cause of concern because these beverages pose a risk to human health. Thus, we evaluated the association between SSBs consumption and muscle mass index (MMI) in adolescents. This cross-sectional study evaluated 2393 adolescents (18/19-years-old). Consumption of SSBs was analyzed based on the frequency of daily consumption and energy contribution categorized into tertiles. MMI was examined using the ratio of muscle mass (kilograms) to height (meters squared). The highest tertile of the frequency of daily SSB intake was associated with a reduced MMI in men (β = -0.31; 95%CI: -0.60, -0.01) and women (β = -0.24; 95%CI: -0.45, -0.02). However, these associations were not observed after adjusting for sugar contained in SSBs in men (β = -0.26; 95%CI: -0.69, 0.17) and for carbohydrate, lipid, and protein intake in women (β = -0.19; 95%CI: -0.42, 0.04). The highest energy contribution tertile of SSBs was associated with a reduced MMI in male adolescents (β = -0.34; 95%CI: -0.64, -0.04). This association was not observed after adjusting for intake of sugar in SSBs (β = -0.38; 95%CI: -0.75, 0.01). The frequency of daily consumption of SSBs was considered a risk factor for decreased MMI in both sexes, and the energy contribution of these drinks was a risk factor for MMI reduced only in male adolescents.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of physical activity among subjects from birth cohorts of three cities located in different regions of Brazil according to sociodemographic characteristics and sex, comparing the relationships within and between cohorts., Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 12,724 adolescents and young adults who participated in five birth cohorts: Ribeirão Preto [1978/79 (37/39 years old in 2016) and 1994 (22 years in 2016)]; Pelotas [1982 (30 years in 2012) and 1993 (22 years in 2015)], and São Luís [1997/98 (18/19 years in 2016)]. Leisure-time physical activity was evaluated with questionnaires (insufficiently active: <150 min/week and active: ≥150 min/week) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was objectively measured by accelerometry. Those, in each city, were evaluated accordingly to skin color, socioeconomic classification, and study/work activities., Results: The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity ranged from 29.2% at 30 years old in Pelotas to 54.6% among adolescents from São Luís. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity was higher among younger people (54.6% in São Luís 1997), while the same was not observed for total physical activity. MVPA (3rd tercile) was higher in the cohorts from Pelotas and São Luís. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and MVPA was higher in men. The data showed that the variation in physical activity was associated with sex and sociodemographic conditions in all cohorts., Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics should be considered when promoting leisure-time physical activity and actions aimed at young people, and adults who are more socioeconomically vulnerable should be encouraged.

Background : The interaction between lean body mass (LBM) and fat mass index (FMI) with grip strength (GS) has not been explored in the same analysis model in adolescents. This study thus aims to analyze the association between FMI and LBM with GS. Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2016 follow-up of the 1997/98 Birth Cohort of São Luís. Grip strength was assessed by the Jamar Plus + dynamometer. The LBM and FMI indexes were assessed [ratio of the mass (lean or fat-kg) to height (m 2 )]. The confounding variables identified for the relationship between FMI and LBM with GS in the same analysis model, by directed acyclic graph (DAG), were sex, age, race, work, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and consumption of ultra-processed foods and culinary preparations, used in the adjusted analysis. Results : A total of 2339 adolescents (52.5% girls) were analyzed. The boys have a higher GS than the girls. In the adjusted analysis, with each increase of 1 kg/m 2 in the FMI, GS was reduced by 0.72 kgf for boys and 0.35 kgf for girls. At each increase of 1 kg/m 2 in the LBM, GS increased by 2.18 kgf for boys and 1.26 kgf for girls. Conclusions : FMI was associated with lower GS regardless of the LBM. LBM was associated with higher GS regardless of the FMI.

Little is known about the evolution of head circumference (HC) in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This study aims to evaluate HC growth in children with CZS in the first three years of life and identify associated factors. HC data obtained at birth and in neuropediatric consultations from 74 children with CZS were collected from the Child's Health Handbook, parents' reports, and medical records. Predictors of HC z-score were investigated using different mixed-effects models; Akaike's information criterion was used for model selection. The HC z-score decreased from -2.7 ± 1.6 at birth to -5.5 ± 2.2 at 3 months of age, remaining relatively stable thereafter. In the selected adjusted model, the presence of severe brain parenchymal atrophy and maternal symptoms of infection in the first trimester of pregnancy were associated with a more pronounced reduction in the HC z-score in the first three years of life. The decrease of HC z-score in CZS children over the first three months demonstrated a reduced potential for growth and development of the central nervous system of these children. The prognosis of head growth in the first 3 years of life is worse when maternal infection occurs in the first gestational trimester and in children who have severe brain parenchymal atrophy.

In investigations determining the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), the variable paid maternal work is mostly dichotomized into no and yes. This study analyzes possible associations between the characteristics of maternal occupation and shorter EBF duration. A cohort study was conducted in a systematic sample of births in the city of São Luís (State of Maranhão, Brazil), in 2010. The variables type of maternal occupation, numbers of days worked/week and hours worked/day, if they work while standing for most of the time, and if they lift heavy objects at work were collected with 5,166 mothers of live births. The final sample of this study had 3,268 observations. Survival analysis was used to evaluate associations between variables and EBF outcomes up to 4 months (EBF4) and EBF up to 6 months (EBF6). Not having paid work was the reference category. Adjusted Cox regressions showed that mothers with semi-specialized manual work (95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 1.02-1.58 for EBF4 and 95%CI: 1.11-1.56 for EBF6) and mothers who worked 8 or more hours daily (95%CI: 1.01-1.36 for AME4 and 95%CI: 1.11-1.41 for ESA6) more frequently discontinued EBF. Mothers with in-office occupations (95%CI: 1.07-1.46), who worked 4-5 days (95%CI: 1.01-1.36) or 6-7 days/week (95%CI: 1.09-1.40) and for 5-7 hours (95%CI: 1.03-1.43) also practiced less EBF6. Working (95%CI: 1.08-1.40) or not (95%CI: 1.03-1.34) while standing for most of the workday and lifting (95%CI: 1.07-1.56) or not (95%CI: 1.06-1.33) heavy objects at work decreased the duration of EBF6. Types of occupation and working time interfered more frequently in the duration of EBF6.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, maternal reproductive profile and prenatal and childbirth care with neonatal near miss (NNM) morbidity in four birth cohorts. This study involved four population-based birth cohorts: Ribeirão Preto (RP) and São Luís (SL) (2010), Pelotas 2004 (PEL04) and 2015 (PEL15). NNM was defined when one or more of the following conditions were present: birthweight <1,500 g, 5-minute Apgar score <7, gestational age <32 weeks, and report of congenital malformations. The covariates were obtained with questionnaires applied to the puerperal women. Some particularities between cohorts were identified. In the RP and SL cohorts, factors of the more distal levels (sociodemographic, lifestyle, and reproductive profile) were associated with NNM. On the other hand, proximal factors related to healthcare were more significant for the occurrence of NNM in PEL. Only the absence of prenatal care was associated with NNM in all cohorts: RP (OR=4.27, 95%CI 2.16-8.45), SL (OR=2.32, 95%CI 1.09-4.94), PEL04 (OR=4.79, 95%CI 1.59-14.46), and PEL15 (OR=5.10, 95%CI 2.60-9.97).

This study aimed to develop an intelligible scale to measure the level of supply of best practices in labor, childbirth and delivery in maternity units in the Rede Cegonha (RC) based on the workers' perception. The scale consisted of seventeen items related to best practices, based on the instrument used in the "Evaluation of care during delivery and birth in maternity hospitals in the RC" research The three-parameter logistic model of Item Response Theory was used to create the scale and analyze the items. The scale consisted of three levels. In the first level, there are maternity hospitals that adequately offered strategies for welcoming and encouraging the pregnant woman to circulate during labor. The second level maternity wards also included the adequate offer of the right to a companion of choice, massage, ball and different birth positions. Finally, the third level maternity hospitals also offered an adequate delivery stool, as well as the items already mentioned. The findings of this study showed the contribution of each item in measuring the level of supply of best practices in care for labor, childbirth and delivery and the construction of an intelligible scale to assess RC maternity hospitals.

Obesity is considered a global public health problem. Cesarean section has been associated with high body mass index (BMI) and increased obesity throughout life. However, this association has been challenged by some studies. This study aims to assess the causal effect of cesarean section on the BMI of children aged 1-3 years. This is a cohort study of 2,181 children aged 1-3 years, born in 2010, obtained from the BRISA Birth Cohort, in São Luís, state of Maranhão, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables, maternal characteristics, type of childbirth, morbidity, anthropometric measurements, and BMI were assessed. Marginal structural models with a counterfactual approach were used to check the causal effect of the type of childbirth on obesity, weighted by the inverse probability of selection and exposure. Out of the 2,181 children assessed (52% female), 50.6% were born by cesarean section, 5.9% of the newborn infants were large for gestational age, and 10.7% of them had excess weight. No causal effect of cesarean section on BMI was observed (coefficient = -0.004; 95%CI: -0.136; 0.127; p = 0.948). Cesarean section did not have a causal effect on the BMI of children aged 1-3 years.

Background: The sleep reduction can change healthy people's hemodynamic control and cardiovascular regulation through increased inflammatory response and altered endothelial function. The objective the study to analyze the association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents in the birth cohort of São Luís (1997/98)., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with adolescents participating in the birth cohort of São Luís (1997/98). Sleep duration was evaluated using accelerometer data (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). Glycemia, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides were considered cardiometabolic factors. The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) was used to identify the minimum set of adjustment for confounding., Results: Out of 1,268 adolescents, 50.3% of them were male. The prevalence of sleep duration of less than 6 h per day was 31.1%. The mean glycemia value was 91.8 mg/dL (± 15.9), DBP was 71.3 mmHg (± 7.5), SBP was 114.9 mmHg (± 12.3), HDL was 48.5 mg/dL (± 11.6), LDL was 89.0 mg/dL (± 25.7), the total cholesterol was 156.0 mg/dL (± 31.1), and triglycerides was 93.6 mg/dL (± 47.2). The crude analysis showed an association between sleep duration and SBP and LDL-c. In the adjusted analysis, the associations did not remain., Conclusion: Our study showed no association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic outcomes in adolescents., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

This study investigated factors associated with perinatal mortality in São Luís, Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. Data on perinatal mortality were obtained from the BRISA birth cohort and from the Mortality Information System, including records of 5,236 births, 70 of which referred to fetal deaths and 36 to early neonatal deaths. Factors associated with mortality were investigated using a hierarchical logistic regression model, resulting in a perinatal mortality coefficient equal to 20.2 per thousand births. Mothers with low education level and without a partner were associated with an increased risk of perinatal death. Moreover, children of mothers who did not have at least six antenatal appointments and with multiple pregnancies (OR= 9.15; 95%CI:4.08-20.53) were more likely to have perinatal death. Perinatal death was also associated with the presence of congenital malformations (OR= 4.13; 95%CI:1.23-13.82), preterm birth (OR= 3.36; 95%CI:1.56-7.22), and low birth weight (OR=11.87; 95%CI:5.46-25.82). In turn, families headed by other family members (OR= 0.29; 95%CI: 0.12 - 0.67) comprised a protective factor for such condition. Thus, the results indicate an association between perinatal mortality and social vulnerability, non-compliance with the recommended number of prenatal appointments, congenital malformations, preterm birth, and low birthweight.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders cooccur in adulthood, which is why their determinants and common risk factors should be addressed at an early age. Therefore, we estimated the association of the major risk factors for NCDs with depression and suicide risk by structural equation modeling considering pathways triggered by social vulnerability or mediated by obesity. This population-based study included 2,515 Brazilian adolescents. The following exposures were the major risk factors for NCDs: substance use behaviors (variable deduced from alcohol, tobacco, and drug use), physical inactivity, and components of unhealthy eating markers (added sugar and saturated fat). Obesity was assessed using the fat mass index. The outcomes were depression and suicide risk. Depression was associated with substance use behaviors (SC = 0.304; p < 0.001), added sugar (SC = 0.094; p = 0.005), and females (SC = 0.310; p < 0.001). Suicide risk was also associated with substance use behaviors (SC = 0.356; p < 0.001), added sugar (SC = 0.100; p = 0.012), and females (SC = 0.207; p < 0.001). In adolescents, these associations may help explain the cluster of NCDs and mental disorders in adulthood.

The study aimed to assess the association between sleep duration and body composition in adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed with 1,269 adolescents from the 1997/1998 birth cohort in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, 18 and 19 years of age. Sleep duration was assessed with accelerometry data. Body composition was assessed with fat mass index (FMI), lean mass index (LMI), and body mass index (BMI). Confounding factors were identified in a directed acyclic graph in DAGitty 3.0. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables, followed by linear regression, with estimation of crude and adjusted regression coefficient with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). In adolescent boys, each additional hour of sleep was associated with reductions of 0.30kg/m2 in LMI (95%CI: -0.45; -0.15), 0.26kg/m2 in FMI (95%CI: -0.48; -0.03), and 0.61kg/m2 in BMI (95%CI: -0.93; -0.30). In adolescent girls, each additional hour of sleep was associated with a reduction of 0.22kg/m2 in LMI (95%CI: -0.36; -0.07). Longer duration of sleep was associated with lower LMI in both sexes and lower FMI and BMI in boys, evidencing the importance of adequate hours of sleep for improving body composition indices.

This article aims to analyze the association between sleep time and handgrip strength in adolescents belonging to the 1997/1998 São Luís Birth Cohort. This was a cross-sectional study nested in a birth cohort study. One thousand two hundred sixty-nine individuals (18 and 19 years) wore an Actigraph® GTX3+ accelerometer on their wrist 24 hr/day for 7 consecutive days. Handgrip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. We used directed acyclic graphs (DAG) to identify confounding variables. This sample of adolescents was mostly composed of men, with brown skin color, economic class C, which did not work, did not consume alcohol, did not smoke, and never used drugs. The mean value of handgrip strength was 28.2 (±9.3) kgf, and the mean of sleep time was 6 (±1.0) hours per day. The crude analysis showed an association between sleep time and muscle strength. An increase of one hour of sleep reduced the handgrip strength by 1.95 kgf (95%CI:-2.51;-1.39). However, after adjustment for confounders, the association was not maintained (β:-0.07; 95%CI:-0.48;0.36). Sleep time is not associated with handgrip strength in adolescents in São Luís.

Objective: To identify spatial patterns in cases of changes in growth and development related to Zika virus infection and other infectious etiologies (denominated Zika virus congenital syndrome in this study) reported in Maranhão from 2015 to 2018 and their relation with socioeconomic and demographic variables., Methods: Ecological study of notified Zika virus congenital syndrome cases in the 217 cities of Maranhão, Brasil. Spatial autocorrelation was calculated using GeoDa 1.14 software and the local and global (I) Moran's index in univariate and bivariate analyses on Zika virus congenital syndrome incidence rate with Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), population density, Gini coefficient and the cities' time of administrative political emancipation. Local Moran's Index was calculated to identify clusters with significant spatial autocorrelation., Results: Spatial autocorrelation was checked in univariate analysis of the incidence rate of Zika virus congenital syndrome (I=0,494; p=0,001) and positive correlation in bivariate analysis of the incidence rate with Municipal Human Development Index (I=0,252; p=0,001), population density (I=0,338; p=0,001) and the cities' time of administrative political emancipation (I=0,134; p=0,001). The correlation between incidence rate with Gini coefficient was not significant (I= -0,033; p=0,131). Five high-incidence clusters were found in distinct areas of the state., Conclusions: Cities with higher MHDI, higher population density and more years of administrative political emancipation had more cases of Zika virus congenital syndrome notified.

The study aimed to analyze factors associated with inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study in 391 adolescents 17-18 years of age in public schools in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil. Three-stage random cluster sampling was performed in schools, classes, and students. Food consumption was studied with a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were extracted by principal components factor analysis. Assessment of factors associated with inflammatory biomarkers used structural equation modeling. Latent variables were constructed: socioeconomic status, which included maternal schooling, family income, and economic class; and inflammation, consisting of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8. A theoretical model was developed to assess factors associated with inflammatory biomarkers, indicating direct and indirect effects between the latent and observed variables. Three dietary patterns were identified (Western, basic Brazilian, and healthy), with 31% explained variance and the Western pattern with the largest share. No associations were found between the patterns and the latent variable inflammation (standardized coefficients = 0.281; p = 0.002). Extraction of the three patterns evidenced higher consumption of foods high in carbohydrates and fats, which are nutrients associated directly with the increase in chronic noncommunicable diseases. Excess weight was associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

Objective: To estimate the 2020 all-cause and COVID-19 excess mortality according to sex, age, race/color, and state, and to compare mortality rates by selected causes with that of the five previous years in Brazil., Methods: Data from the Mortality Information System were used. Expected deaths for 2020 were estimated from 2015 to 2019 data using a negative binomial log-linear model., Results: Excess deaths in Brazil in 2020 amounted to 13.7%, and the ratio of excess deaths to COVID-19 deaths was 0.90. Reductions in deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), respiratory diseases, and external causes, and an increase in ill-defined causes were all noted. Excess deaths were also found to be heterogeneous, being higher in the Northern, Center-Western, and Northeastern states. In some states, the number of COVID-19 deaths was lower than that of excess deaths, whereas the opposite occurred in others. Moreover, excess deaths were higher in men aged 20 to 59, and in black, yellow, or indigenous individuals. Meanwhile, excess mortality was lower in women, in individuals aged 80 years or older, and in whites. Additionally, deaths among those aged 0 to 19 were 7.2% lower than expected, with reduction in mortality from respiratory diseases and external causes. There was also a drop in mortality due to external causes in men and in those aged 20 to 39 years. Moreover, reductions in deaths from CVD and neoplasms were noted in some states and groups., Conclusion: There is evidence of underreporting of COVID-19 deaths and of the possible impact of restrictive measures in the reduction of deaths from external causes and respiratory diseases. The impacts of COVID-19 on mortality were heterogeneous among the states and groups, revealing that regional, demographic, socioeconomic, and racial differences expose individuals in distinct ways to the risk of death from both COVID-19 and other causes.

The study aimed to verify factors associated with increased body fat in adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study in which the data source was a birth cohort launched in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, in 1997/1998 and revisited in 2016. Body fat was measured with air displacement plethysmography. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary variables were included as possible factors associated with elevated body fat, stratified by sex. Body fat was considered elevated when ≥ 25% for males and ≥ 30% for females. The highest prevalence rates of high body fat were associated with female gender and age 19 years (PR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.02-1.35), alcohol consumption (PR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.00-1.30), and never eating breakfast (PR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.17-1.81) or lunch (PR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.18-1.93). Male adolescents with the highest prevalence of high body fat were physically active (PR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.07-2.09). Lower prevalence of high body fat was found in male adolescents belonging to economic class D/E (PR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.16-0.90). In conclusion, female adolescents 19 years of age that consumed alcohol and that did not eat breakfast or lunch had higher body fat, as did physically active male adolescents. Meanwhile, male adolescents in socioeconomic class D/E had less body fat.

Introduction: Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are a growing global health problem. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika cases in São Luís, Maranhão, from 2015 to 2016 and investigated the association between socio-environmental and economic factors and hotspots for mosquito proliferation., Methods: This was a socio-ecological study using data from the National Information System of Notifiable Diseases. The spatial units of analysis were census tracts. The incidence rates of the combined cases of the three diseases were calculated and smoothed using empirical local Bayes estimates. The spatial autocorrelation of the smoothed incidence rate was measured using Local Moran's I and Global Moran's I. Multiple linear regression and spatial autoregressive models were fitted using the log of the smoothed disease incidence rate as the dependent variable and socio-environmental factors, demographics, and mosquito hotspots as independent variables., Results: The findings showed a significant spatial autocorrelation of the smoothed incidence rate. The model that best fit the data was the spatial lag model, revealing a positive association between disease incidence and the proportion of households with surrounding garbage accumulation., Conclusions: The distribution of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika cases showed a significant spatial pattern, in which the high-risk areas for the three diseases were explained by the variable "garbage accumulated in the surrounding environment," demonstrating the need for an intersectoral approach for vector control and prevention that goes beyond health actions.

This study describes the COVID-19 death reporting delay in the city of São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, and shows its impact on timely monitoring and modeling of the COVID-19 pandemic, while seeking to ascertain how nowcasting can improve death reporting delay. We analyzed COVID-19 death data reported daily in the Epidemiological Bulletin of the State Health Secretariat of Maranhão and calculated the reporting delay from March 23 to August 29, 2020. A semi-mechanistic Bayesian hierarchical model was fitted to illustrate the impact of death reporting delay and test the effectiveness of a Bayesian Nowcasting in improving data quality. Only 17.8% of deaths were reported without delay or the day after, while 40.5% were reported more than 30 days late. Following an initial underestimation due to reporting delay, 644 deaths were reported from June 7 to August 29, although only 116 deaths occurred during this period. Using the Bayesian nowcasting technique partially improved the quality of mortality data during the peak of the pandemic, providing estimates that better matched the observed scenario in the city, becoming unusable nearly two months after the peak. As delay in death reporting can directly interfere with assertive and timely decision-making regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brazilian epidemiological surveillance system must be urgently revised and notifying the date of death must be mandatory. Nowcasting has proven somewhat effective in improving the quality of mortality data, but only at the peak of the pandemic.

Background: Few studies have investigated the association between violence against pregnant women in terms of recurrence, complications, and perpetrators of violence, and breastfeeding duration. This study verifies whether recurrent violence, violence with pregnancy complications, and intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant women are associated with shorter exclusive breastfeeding up to the infant's 6th month and breastfeeding up to the 12th month of life. Materials and Methods: A cohort study with a convenience sample of 1,146 pregnant women was performed. Follow-up assessments were conducted at birth, and at 12-36 months. Survival analysis was used to verify whether recurrent violence, violence with pregnancy complications, and IPV were associated with reduced duration of exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding. Results: The adjusted Cox regression revealed no difference regarding exclusive breastfeeding duration among mothers exposed or not exposed to violence and according to who perpetrated the violence. The risk of an infant not being breastfed within the first 12 months of life increased in cases of violence before/during pregnancy (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.88), recurrent psychological/physical/sexual violence during pregnancy (95% CI = 1.11-1.92), recurrent psychological violence (95% CI = 1.05-1.96), and recurrent physical/sexual violence (95% CI = 1.01-2.39). Violence with pregnancy complications (95% CI = 0.94-2.22) was not associated with breastfeeding interruption. Similar risks of breastfeeding interruption were observed for IPV (95% CI = 0.96-1.87) and violence perpetrated by other family members (95% CI = 0.83-1.89). Conclusions: We observed a shorter breastfeeding duration up to 12 months of life in cases of recurrent violence.

We analyzed the spatial relation between incomplete vaccine coverage for children and the distance from vaccination services. This was a cross-sectional study of children from 13 to 35 months of age from the cities of São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State), Brazil, and from basic health units (UBS, in Portuguese). The sample consisted of 2,744 children from São Luís and 3,325 from Ribeirão Preto. Data about incomplete vaccine coverage for children were obtained from the BRISA birth cohorts. Data about the quality of UBS vaccination services were obtained from the first cycle of the Brazilian National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ-AB, in Portuguese). For the spatial analysis, we determined the distance between the residence of the children (with and without a complete vaccine calendar) and the vaccination services of the UBS (classified according to number of structural items). Incomplete vaccine coverage was more pronounced in São Luís, with greater percentages for human rotavirus and triple viral vaccines, with the latter being the least available. In Ribeirão Preto, incomplete BCG vaccine coverage was more pronounced, with the tetravalent vaccine being the least available. Children from the two cities showed similarities: most of them had adult mothers with 9 to 11 years of schooling and did not reside with siblings in the household. They also showed differences: in São Luís, most mothers belonged to the economic class C, while in Ribeirão Preto they belong to the A and B classes. In the two cities with different socioeconomic conditions, complete vaccine coverage seemed not to depend on the location or quality of the vaccination service. Although São Luís showed a better structure of the services, incomplete vaccine coverage was higher compared to Ribeirão Preto.

This article discusses the epidemic situation of Covid-19 in Brazil, in the face of the emergence of a new strain called P.1, which is more transmissible and may be associated with reinfection. Given the collapse of hospital care in Manaus in January 2021 and the results of three recent preprints, each that reports increased transmissibility of the P.1 variant, we propose some urgent measures. Genomic surveillance based on multi-step diagnostics, starting with RT-PCR type tests and up to sequencing, should be established. Efforts to identify reinfections associated with this variant and the update of its definition in protocols should be prioritized, and studies on the efficacy of currently available vaccines in Brazil concerning the new variant should be conducted. We also propose improving the Brazilian health surveillance system such that genomic surveillance is coordinated and thereby better able to respond to future emergencies in a more timely fashion. We call on the public agents involved in health surveillance to share data and information regarding the epidemic in a clear, fast and transparent way. Finally, we propose a greater engagement in inter-institutional cooperation of all those involved in the response and production of knowledge about the pandemic in our country.

Objective: To analyze the epidemic of COVID-19 in northeastern Brazil, one of the regions most affected by the virus., Methods: The official data for COVID-19, from March 2020 to March 2021 in the states of the Northeast Region (NE), were used. The analysis of capital cities and states for accumulated weekly cases and confirmed deaths was made using the JoinPoint Trend Analysis application., Results: In one year, the Northeast region reported 22.9% of the cases and 21.5% of the deaths in the country due to COVID-19. At the beginning of the pandemic, all states showed a growing number of cases, first in the capitals and then in the interior. Following this wave, decreases are observed in all states and their capitals, but with many still reporting a large number of cases. In the middle of the 2nd semester of 2020 the number of cases begins to increase again simultaneously in states and their capitals-some at explosive speed-especially in late 2020 and early 2021. A similar pattern is observed in deaths, which exceed or approach the peak seen in the first wave. In the first wave, all capitals and northeastern states adopted intense isolation measures. Fortaleza, Recife and Teresina reached the highest isolation index of all capitals, close to 0.60. This index decreases, with a slight growth trend until the end of December. With the exception of Fortaleza and Salvador, the other capitals fell to less than 0.40., Conclusion: The Brazilian NE and the country are in increasingly complicated health, social and economic situations. It is necessary to speed up vaccinations and maintain non-pharmacological measures: face masks, social distancing measures and hygiene care, in addition to policies to protect workers who have lost their incomes and to subsidize small business owners.

Introduction and Objectives: Studies assessing the effects of caffeine (CAF) on the cardiovascular system have demonstrated that CAF can delay cardiac recovery following exercise. This study intended to assess the impact of CAF intake before physical exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular parameters., Methods: This is a prospective, crossover, controlled clinical trial conducted at the University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil. The experimental protocol was split into three stages with a minimum of 48 hours between them. Exercises intensity was standardized based on the one repetition maximum test (1RM), obtaining the load of each volunteer for the intensity of 75% of 1RM. In the second and third phases, the control protocols were applied and 300 mg caffeine was given 45 minutes before training. HRV indices were determined at the subsequent times: 0 to 5 minutes of rest (before) and during 30 minutes of recovery (Rec) (after exercise), divided into six intervals, each of 5 minutes., Results: The final sample involved 30 volunteers. CAF delayed HRV recovery after resistance exercise. In general, CAF impaired recovery of HRV after resistance exercise. Significant changes were observed in the RMSSD, SDNN, TINN, SD1, low frequency and high frequency indices between the control and CAF group., Conclusion: CAF protocol delayed parasympathetic regulation of heart rhythm following exercise, slowing recovery of HR, blood pressure and HRV indices after exercise., (Copyright © 2021 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of excess weight and obesity, according to sex and income in the RPS Brazilian Birth Cohort Consortium (Ribeirão Preto, Pelotas, and São Luís). Participants in the Ribeirão Preto (1978/1979 and 1994), Pelotas (1982, 1993 and 2004) and São Luís (1997/1998) birth cohorts were included in different follow-ups from 7 years old onwards. Excess weight (overweight and obesity) were assessed by body mass index. The highest prevalences were observed in Ribeirão Preto (excess weight: 27.7% at 9-11 and 47.1% at 22-23 years; obesity: 8.6% at 9-11 and 19.8% at 22-23 years) while the smallest was in São Luís (excess weight: 5.4 to 7-9 and 17.2% at 18-19 years; obesity: 1.8% at 7-9 and 3.6% at 18-19 years). The younger the cohort, the greater the prevalence of excess weight and obesity when comparing similar age groups. Increases in obesity prevalence were greater than in excess weight prevalence. Women had lower excess weight prevalence in older cohorts and higher obesity prevalence in younger cohorts. Higher excess weight and obesity prevalence were observed in higher income children and adolescents, and in poorer adults. Differences in the prevalence of excess weight and obesity evidenced that individuals from younger cohorts are more exposed to this morbidity, as well as those who were born in the most developed city, low-income adults as well as children and adolescents belonging to families of the highest income tertile. Therefore, the results of this study indicate the need to prioritize actions aimed at younger individuals.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in individuals with a healthy weight (HWI), normal weight obesity (NWO), or overweight/obesity (OWO)., Methods: In all, 787 adults belonging to a 1978/1979 birth cohort from Ribeirão Preto were placed into one of three groups: HWI (body mass index [BMI] ≥18.5 and <25 kg/m 2  + ∑skinfolds ≤90th percentile); NWO (BMI ≥18.5 and <25 kg/m 2 +∑skinfolds >90th percentile); and OWO (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 +∑skinfolds >90th percentile). Those diagnosed with MetS at the 23 to 25 y of age were excluded according to Joint Interim Statement criteria. The incidence of MetS and its components in individuals 37 to 39 y of age was evaluated by Poisson regression with robust estimation of variance, which was adjusted for family income; physical activity level; and daily intake of calories, lipids, and added sugar., Results: MetS was detected in 279 adults at 37 to 39 y of age. NWO and OWO individuals showed higher risk ratios (RRs) for the development of MetS (RR,1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.57; RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.29-2.03), increased blood glucose levels (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.12-2.79; RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.12-2.04), and increased waist circumferences (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.32-1.61; RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.38-1.62). There was a higher risk for increased blood pressure (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.35-2.19) among OWO individuals, but not among those with NWO., Conclusion: Individuals with NWO have a risk ratio for MetS similar to individuals with OWO. This demonstrates the need to assess body fat percentages, even in BMI-designated normal weight individuals, both for prevention and management of obesity., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objectives: Research has shown that hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta virus (HDV) are a worldwide public health problem. This study aims to estimate the prevalence rates of HBV and HDV infection in five municipalities of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil., Materials and Methods: A total sample between 3856 and 4000 individuals. Questionnaires were used to register sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with transmission. Patients were tested for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibodies against hepatitis Delta virus (anti-HDV). Factors associated with HBV were detected by means of multivariate Poisson regression., Results: Overall, 3983 subjects were included. Ninety-two of the participants were HBsAg-positive (2.30%, 95% CI 1.80-2.80), and anti-HBc was detected in 1535 (38.50%, 95% CI 37-40). The factors associated with the presence of anti-HBc were: (1) Municipality (P<0.001); Age (P<0.001); School education (P<0.001); Illicit drug use (P=0.001); non-HBV vaccine (P=0.041). Among the HBsAg carriers, eight were anti-HDV-positive (8.69%, 95% CI 2.90-14.40). The most frequent HBV genotype was D4. The only HDV genotype was HDV-8., Conclusion: HBV exhibited intermediate endemicity in the studied region. Traditional factors were associated with exposure to the virus. The presence of the HDV was confirmed. The most frequent HBV and HDV genotypes were unlike the ones currently described in Brazil., (Copyright © 2020 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

This paper describes the history, objectives and methods used by the nine Brazilian cohorts of the RPS Brazilian Birth Cohorts Consortium (Ribeirão Preto, Pelotas and São Luís) Common thematic axes are identified and the objectives, baseline periods, follow-up stages and representativity of the population studied are presented. The Consortium includes three birth cohorts from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State (1978/1979, 1994 and 2010), four from Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State (1982, 1993, 2004 and 2015), and two from São Luís, Maranhão State (1997 and 2010). The cohorts cover three regions of Brazil, from three distinct states, with marked socioeconomic, cultural and infrastructure differences. The cohorts were started at birth, except for the most recent one in each municipality, where mothers were recruited during pregnancy. The instruments for data collection have been refined in order to approach different exposures during the early phases of life and their long-term influence on the health-disease process. The investigators of the nine cohorts carried out perinatal studies and later studied human capital, mental health, nutrition and precursor signs of noncommunicable diseases. A total of 17,636 liveborns were recruited in Ribeirão Preto, 19,669 in Pelotas, and 7,659 in São Luís. In the studies starting during pregnancy, 1,400 pregnant women were interviewed in Ribeirão Preto, 3,199 in Pelotas, and 1,447 in São Luís. Different strategies were employed to reduce losses to follow-up. This research network allows the analysis of the incidence of diseases and the establishment of possible causal relations that might explain the health outcomes of these populations in order to contribute to the development of governmental actions and health policies more consistent with reality.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with hesitancy in getting the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in Maranhão, Brazil., Methods: This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted from October 19 to 30, 2020. The estimates were calculated based on clustering, stratification, and non-response. A three-stage sampling was adopted, considering stratum, census tracts, and domicile. After systematic analysis, thirty sectors were selected in each stratum, totaling 150 sectors. Each sector contained a fixed number of 34 households, thus totaling 5,100 households. One individual within each household (resident for at least six months and aged one year or more) was selected by a simple random sampling. We questioned participants about their vaccination intention. Univariate association between independent variables and the outcome were verified using descriptive analysis (weighted frequencies) and Pearson's chi-square test (p < 0.05). Robust multivariate analysis was performed using a three-level hierarchical model., Results: We found 17.5% (95%CI 16.1-19.1%) of the 4,630 individuals interviewed to report hesitancy to be vaccinated against covid-19. After final model adjustment, vaccination hesitancy was statistically higher among residents of the cities of Imperatriz (24.0%; RP = 1.48; IC95% 1.09-2.02) and municipalities of the Grande Ilha de São Luís (20.7%; RP = 1.34; 95%CI 1.02-1.76), female individuals (19.8%; RP = 1.44; 95%CI 1.20-1.75), older adults (22.8%; RP = 1.79; IC95% 1.30-2.46), evangelicals (24.1%; RP = 1.49; 95%CI 1.24-1.79), and those without reported symptoms (18.6%; RP = 1.24; 95%CI 1.02-1.51). We found no statistical differences for other socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, as well as variables related to the labor market, behaviors, and health conditions of the interviewees., Conclusion: The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in Maranhão and its association with individual, contextual, and clinical factors enable us to identify the groups and contexts of greatest resistance, requiring special attention from public strategies to ensure wide vaccination.

Despite great advances in our knowledge of the consequences of Zika virus to human health, many questions remain unanswered, and results are often inconsistent. The small sample size of individual studies has limited inference about the spectrum of congenital Zika manifestations and the prognosis of affected children. The Brazilian Zika Cohorts Consortium addresses these limitations by bringing together and harmonizing epidemiological data from a series of prospective cohort studies of pregnant women with rash and of children with microcephaly and/or other manifestations of congenital Zika. The objective is to estimate the absolute risk of congenital Zika manifestations and to characterize the full spectrum and natural history of the manifestations of congenital Zika in children with and without microcephaly. This protocol describes the assembly of the Consortium and protocol for the Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses (IPD Meta-analyses). The findings will address knowledge gaps and inform public policies related to Zika virus. The large harmonized dataset and joint analyses will facilitate more precise estimates of the absolute risk of congenital Zika manifestations among Zika virus-infected pregnancies and more complete descriptions of its full spectrum, including rare manifestations. It will enable sensitivity analyses using different definitions of exposure and outcomes, and the investigation of the sources of heterogeneity between studies and regions.

Even in the period when the Covid-19 pandemic was on the rise in the Northeast of Brazil, the relaxation of social distancing measures was introduced. The scope of the study is to assess, in the light of the epidemiological-sanitary situation in the region, the suitability of relaxation of social distancing measures. Based on the WHO guidelines for relaxation of social distancing, operational indicators were created and analyzed for each guideline in the context of the Northeast. To analyze the behavior of the epidemic, according to selected indicators, Joinpoint trend analysis techniques, heat maps, rate ratios and time trends between capitals and the state interior were compared. The weekly growth peak of the epidemic occurred in May-July 2020 (epidemiological weeks 19 to 31). In most capitals, there was no simultaneous downward trend in the number of cases and deaths in the 14 days prior to flexibilization. In all states the number of tests performed was insufficient. In epidemiological week 24, the state percentages of ICU/Covid-19 bed occupancy were close to or above 70%. The epidemiological situation of the nine Northeastern state capitals analyzed here did not meet criteria and parameters recommended by the World Health Organization for the relaxation of social distancing measures.