Adesão às medidas de restrição de contato físico e disseminação da COVID-19 no Brasil

Use of integrative and complementary practices in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge to global health. In the context of an overwhelmed healthcare system and the rising demand for alternative strategies to manage stress and anxiety, this study aims to investigate and analyze the use of Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICP) in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their importance in promoting health and well-being. We conducted a cross-sectional study among n = 12,136 Brazilian adults predominantly female, white, under 40 years of age and with a predominantly higher education level between August 24 and December 16, 2020, to assess the use of ICP. An online questionnaire was applied, with questions validated in previous health surveys. The sampling method employed was 'virtual snowball,' post-stratification procedures were used to consider the Brazilian regions, gender, age group, and educational level. The reported prevalence of ICP use was 61.8%, with meditation (28.2%), Reiki (21.7%), herbal medicine (28.2%), and aromatherapy (16.5%) being the most utilized practices. ICPs were more frequently adopted by females, older age groups, individuals with health insurance, and those who practiced social distancing. Health promotion and well-being were the primary reasons for engaging in ICP. The high adherence to ICP during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil reflects the population's search for therapeutic alternatives focused on the well-being and mental health. The utilization of ICP indicates the need to integrate these practices into healthcare systems, considering their potential to complement conventional treatment, especially in times of crisis. Public health policies should recognize and facilitate access to such practices to reduce inequities and promote integrative health. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of ICP in a public health crisis, encouraging further investigation into the potential inclusion of these practices in the healthcare system.

Behavioural Sciences Contribution to Suppressing Transmission of Covid-19 in the UK: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Governments have relied on their citizens to adhere to a variety of transmission-reducing behaviours (TRBs) to suppress the Covid-19 pandemic. Understanding the psychological and sociodemographic predictors of adherence to TRBs will be heavily influenced by the particular theories used by researchers. This review aims to identify the theories and theoretical constructs used to understand adherence to TRBs during the pandemic within the UK social and legislative context.

METHODS

A systematic review identified studies to understand TRBs of adults in the UK during the pandemic. Identified theoretical constructs were coded to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data are presented as a narrative summary.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies (n = 211,209) investigated 123 TRBs, applied 13 theoretical frameworks and reported 50 sociodemographic characteristics and 129 psychological constructs. Most studies used social cognition theories to understand TRBs and employed cross-sectional designs. Risk of sampling bias was high. Relationships between constructs and TRBs varied, but in general, beliefs about the disease (e.g. severity and risk perception) and about TRBs (e.g. behavioural norms) influenced behavioural intentions and self-reported adherence. More studies than not found that older people and females were more adherent.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavioural scientists in the UK generated a significant and varied body of work to understand TRBs during the pandemic. However, more use of theories that do not rely on deliberative processes to effect behaviour change and study designs better able to support causal inferences should be used in future to inform public health policy and practice.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42021282699.

Prevalence and incidence of insufficient physical activity in Brazilian adolescents during the pandemic: data from ConVid Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and incidence of insufficient physical activity in Brazilian adolescents and identify the most affected subgroups during the pandemic.

METHODS

This study used data from the "ConVid Adolescents - Behavior Survey", which evaluated the behavior of 9,470 Brazilian adolescents during the period of social restriction due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, through a self-administered online questionnaire. Participants were invited through a virtual "snowball" sampling procedure. Information was reported on the frequency of physical activity before and during the pandemic. The exposure variables used were gender, age group, race/skin color, region of Brazil, type of school, maternal education, financial difficulties during the pandemic, and social restrictions. Logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Adolescents engaged in less physical activity during the pandemic, as the prevalence of insufficient physical activity increased from 71.3% in the previous period to 84.3% during the pandemic. The incidence of insufficient physical activity during the pandemic was 69.6%. The subgroups of adolescents most affected were those who self-declared as black or with dark skin color, reported financial difficulties during the pandemic, lived in the Southeast and South regions of the country, and practiced intense or complete social distancing.

CONCLUSION

High incidences of insufficient physical activity were observed among Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that further studies explore periods after those analyzed to identify the behavioral dynamics of adolescents upon returning to in-person activities.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among the population of the state of São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND

The population's adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures is influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the disease, making research into people's awareness of the disease essential. The present survey was designed to assess KAP towards COVID-19 among the population of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was disseminated via social media between September 14 and October 5, 2020. The intended population was Brazilians over the age of 18, living in the state of São Paulo.

RESULTS

A total of 1,111 individuals completed the questionnaire. The majority were women (71.6%), 31.6% were aged 31-40 years old, and 82.8% had higher education. Among the participants, 17.5% reported that they had taken some medication without a medical prescription to prevent COVID-19. The participants showed good knowledge about the transmission and prevention of the disease. The knowledge mean score was lower among participants with complete high school or less, with poor self-perception of their health status, who almost never seek information about COVID-19, and those who are not sure to belong to a risk group for the disease. Only 51.3% of the participants believed that COVID-19 would finally be successfully controlled, and 56.6% were confident that Brazil could win the battle against the virus.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19 but were pessimistic about the pandemic's future. The findings of this study can help in the development of effective health communication strategies to promote better knowledge and a positive attitude about prevention measures.

Perceived barriers and facilitators for adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures in Chile: a qualitative study in three large cities

BACKGROUND

Globally, it has been reported that different social determinants of health -structural, sociodemographic, economic, living conditions and cultural factors- may affect opportunities to adhere to prevention measures against SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions around barriers and facilitators for adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures among the adult population residing in three large cities in Chile from a social determinants of health perspective.

METHODS

Qualitative paradigm, multiple case-study design. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with men and women aged 18 and over from different socioeconomic groups residing in three large cities. For participant recruitment and selection, purposive contacts were made based on community and social media networks, followed by snowball sampling. Saturation was reached at 61 participants, after which a thematic analysis was carried out with the support of AtlasTi software. The Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Desarrollo in Chile approved this study.

RESULTS

The main perceived barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures are linked to structural social determinants of health such as income, occupation, gender, access to basic supplies, and housing. Perceived facilitators are the fear of contagion and the incorporation of measures into daily habits. The social communication of preventive measures by health authorities is perceived as punitive, affecting adherence once the fear of contagion decreased in the country. It is also perceived that the recommended preventive measures are disconnected from communities' cultural practices and people´s identity, as well as affected by gender inequities and socioeconomic conditions that stakeholders in the country do not sufficiently address.

CONCLUSION

Study findings suggest that adherence to preventive measures, such as social distancing, mask use, and hand washing, could be promoted through their incorporation into the daily life habits of people and communities. These measures should consider the structural social determinants that generate multiple barriers to adherence, like poverty, occupational risks, and overcrowding. Socio-cultural dimensions of health and everyday risks need further understanding among the different communities in the country, allowing for differences in viewpoints and practices based on gender, age, place, and social identity.

Digital marketing of online food delivery services in a social media platform before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To describe the promotion of food and beverage and marketing strategies used by online food delivery services (OFDS) in a social media platform before and during the pandemic in Brazil.

DESIGN

Publicly available data were extracted from OFDS Instagram accounts. Posts published 6 months immediately before and after the first case of COVID-19 in Brazil were randomly sampled. Two independent authors coded the posts' content. Food and beverage items featured in posts were classified according to the NOVA food system classification. Marketing strategies were coded according to protocols from previous studies.

SETTING

Top three OFDS Instagram accounts in Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Posts published in the period studied (n 304).

RESULTS

During the pandemic, the proportion of posts featuring at least one food item decreased from 71·6 % to 40·2 %, and the proportion of ultra-processed foods decreased from 57·6 % to 27·9 %. Before the pandemic, the most widely used marketing strategies were branding elements (80·7 %), product imagery (unbranded) (48·9 %) and partnerships/sponsorship (35·2 %). While during the pandemic, branding elements (62·2 %) continued to be the most applied, but were followed by the use of videos/graphics interchange format/boomerangs (34·1 %) and corporate social responsibility (31·7 %). The most frequent COVID-19 marketing strategies were 'social responsibility in the pandemic' (30·5 %), 'combatting the pandemic' (28·0 %) and 'accelerating digitalisation' (20·7 %).

CONCLUSIONS

OFDS advertisements on a social media platform placed less emphasis on food items, but improved the nutritional quality of foods and beverages featured in posts. A COVID-washing approach was highlighted, especially through the use of social responsibility marketing during the pandemic.

Socioeconomic differences in the reduction of face-to-face contacts in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to physical distancing measures to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Evidence on contact dynamics in different socioeconomic groups is still sparse. This study aimed to investigate the association of socioeconomic status with private and professional contact reductions in the first COVID-19 wave in Germany.

METHODS

Data from two especially affected municipalities were derived from the population-based cross-sectional seroepidemiological CORONA-MONITORING lokal study (data collection May-July 2020). The study sample (n = 3,637) was restricted to working age (18-67 years). We calculated the association of educational and occupational status (low, medium, high) with self-reported private and professional contact reductions with respect to former contact levels in the first wave of the pandemic. Multivariate Poisson regressions were performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted for municipality, age, gender, country of birth, household size, contact levels before physical distancing measures, own infection status, contact to SARS-CoV-2 infected people and working remotely.

RESULTS

The analyses showed significant differences in the initial level of private and professional contacts by educational and occupational status. Less private contact reductions with lower educational status (PR low vs. high = 0,79 [CI = 0.68-0.91], p = 0.002; PR medium vs. high = 0,93 [CI = 0.89-0.97], p = 0.001) and less professional contact reductions with lower educational status (PR low vs. high = 0,87 [CI = 0.70-1.07], p = 0.179; PR medium vs. high = 0,89 [CI = 0.83-0.95], p = 0.001) and lower occupational status (PR low vs. high = 0,62 [CI = 0.55-0.71], p < 0.001; PR medium vs. high = 0,82 [CI = 0.77-0.88], p < 0.001) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate disadvantages for groups with lower socioeconomic status in private and professional contact reductions in the first wave of the pandemic. This may be associated with the higher risk of infection among individuals in lower socioeconomic groups. Preventive measures that a) adequately explain the importance of contact restrictions with respect to varying living and working conditions and b) facilitate the implementation of these reductions especially in the occupational setting seem necessary to better protect structurally disadvantaged groups during epidemics.

COVID-19 mortality in Brazil, 2020-21: consequences of the pandemic inadequate management

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic brought countless challenges to public health and highlighted the Brazilian health system vulnerabilities in facing the emergency. In this article, we analyze data on COVID-19-related deaths in 2020-21 to show the epidemic consequences in Brazil.

METHODS

The Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System were the primary information sources. We used population estimates in 2020-21 to calculate COVID-19 specific mortality rates by age, sex, and educational level. Considering the total number of COVID-19 deaths in 2020-21, the COVID-19 proportional mortality (%) was estimated for each age group and sex. A graph of the daily number of deaths from January 2020 to December 2021 by sex was elaborated to show the temporal evolution of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil. In addition, four indicators related to COVID-19 mortality were estimated: infant mortality rate (IMR); maternal mortality ratio (MMR); number and rate of orphans due to mother's COVID-19 death; the average number of years lost.

RESULTS

The overall COVID-19 mortality rate was 14.8 (/10,000). The mortality rates increase with age and show a decreasing gradient with higher schooling. The rate among illiterate people was 38.8/10,000, three times higher than a college education. Male mortality was 31% higher than female mortality. COVID-19 deaths represented 19.1% of all deaths, with the highest proportions in the age group of 40-59 years. The average number of years lost due to COVID-19 was 19 years. The MMR due to COVID-19 was 35.7 per 100,000 live births (LB), representing 37.4% of the overall MMR. Regarding the number of orphans due to COVID-19, we estimated that 40,830 children under 18 lost their mothers during the epidemic, with an orphans' rate of 7.5/10,000 children aged 0-17 years. The IMR was 11.7 per 1000 LB, with 0.2 caused by COVID-19. The peak of COVID-19 deaths occurred in March 2021, reaching almost 4000 COVID-19 deaths per day, higher than the average number of deaths per day from all causes in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The delay in adopting public health measures necessary to control the epidemic has exacerbated the spread of the disease, resulting in several avoidable deaths.

Adequação dos serviços odontológicos do Paraná no enfrentamento da Covid-19: um estudo transversal

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi identificar adequações quanto à utilização de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual e organização do processo de trabalho no atendimento odontológico ambulatorial no Paraná durante o primeiro ano da pandemia da Covid-19. A amostra de conveniência incluiu 1.105 profissionais de saúde bucal (cirurgiões-dentistas, técnicos e auxiliares em saúde bucal) durante o primeiro ano da pandemia (agosto a outubro de 2020). Formulário on-line (Google Formulários®) foi enviado por e-mail pelo Conselho Regional de Odontologia. As medidas de enfrentamento da Covid-19 foram comparadas entre os tipos de serviços odontológicos: ambulatorial do Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS (Atenção Primária, Centro de Especialidades Odontológicos e Pronto Atendimento), clínica privada, e outros (Sistema S, forças de segurança, sindicatos, hospitais públicos e privados e clínicas de ensino). Os profissionais dos serviços ambulatoriais do SUS relataram com maior frequência que: suspenderam atendimentos eletivos, evitavam gerar aerossóis e trabalhavam a quatro mãos. Nas clínicas privadas, utilizavam frequentemente teleorientação e telemonitoramento. Nos ‘outros serviços’, houve maior proporção de redução das horas de trabalho e autoclavagem de peças de mão após cada atendimento. Conclui-se que, apesar da alta adequação às medidas de enfrentamento da Covid-19, houve diferença na prática profissional nos diferentes tipos de serviços odontológicos.

Adherence to stay-at-home orders: awareness, implementation and difficulties of officially ordered quarantine measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cologne - a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the awareness, implementation and difficulty of behavioural recommendations and their correlates in officially ordered domestic isolation and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Online retrospective cohort survey conducted from 12 December 2020 to 6 January 2021 as part of the Cologne-Corona Counselling and Support for Index and Contact Persons During the Quarantine Period study.

SETTING

Administrative area of the city of Cologne, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

3011 infected persons (IPs) and 5822 contacts over 16 years of age who were in officially ordered domestic isolation or quarantine between 28 February 2020 and 9 December 2020. Of these, 60.4% were women.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-developed scores were calculated based on responses about awareness and implementation of 19 behavioural recommendations to determine community-based and household-based adherence. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine factors influencing adherence.

RESULTS

The average adherence to all recommendations, including staying in a single room, keeping distance and wearing a mask, was 13.8±2.4 out of 15 points for community-based recommendations (CBRs) and 17.2±6.8 out of 25 points for household-based recommendations (HBRs). IPs were significantly more adherent to CBRs (14.3±2.0 points vs 13.7±2.6 points, p<0.001) and HBRs (18.2±6.7 points vs 16.5±6.8 points, p<0.001) than were contact persons. Among other factors, both status as an IP and being informed about the measures positively influenced participants' adherence. The linear regression analysis explained 6.6% and 14.4% (corr. R²) of the adherence to CBRs and HBRs.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all persons under official quarantine were aware of the relevant behavioural recommendations. This was especially true in cases where instructions were given for measures to be taken in one's own household. Due to the high transmission rates within households, HBRs should be communicated with particular emphasis.

Improving the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the community: Evidence brief for policy

Objectives

To identify evidence-based strategies to improve adherence to the preventive measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the community level.

Method

This is an evidence brief for policy, combining research evidence specific to contextual knowledge from stakeholders. A systematic search was performed in 18 electronic databases, gray literature, and a handle search, including only secondary and tertiary studies that focused on the adherence of the general population to COVID-19 preventive measures in the community. Two reviewers, independently, performed the study selection, data extraction, and assessment of the quality of the studies. Relevant evidence has been synthesized to draft evidence-based strategies to improve adherence. These strategies were circulated for external endorsement by stakeholders and final refinement. Endorsement rates >80%, 60-80% and <60% were considered high, moderate, and low respectively.

Results

Eleven studies, with varying methodological qualities were included: high (n = 3), moderate (n = 3), low (n = 1), and critically low (n = 4). Three evidence based strategies were identified: i. Risk communication; ii. Health education to the general public, and iii. Financial support and access to essential supplies and services. The rates of endorsement were: 83% for risk communication, 83% for health education, and 92% for financial support and access to essential supplies and services. The evidence showed that an increase in knowledge, transparent communication, and public awareness about the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of adopting preventive measures results in changes in people's attitudes and behavior, which can increase adherence. In addition, the guarantee of support and assistance provides conditions for people to adopt and sustain such measures.

Conclusions

These strategies can guide future actions and the formulation of public policies to improve adherence to preventive measures in the community during the current COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics.

Associations between Lifestyle Changes and Adherence to COVID-19 Restrictions in Older Adults with Hypertension

COVID-19 has changed people’s routines and imposed new ways of living. This study investigated variations in lifestyles (namely, physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking) between the prepandemic and the pandemic period in a sample of older adults with hypertension. Moreover, it investigated predictors of adherence to government restrictions during the first lockdown period, evidencing the role of relevant sociodemographic indicators and lifestyle changes. A sample of 105 older Italian adults (M_age = 70 years; SD = 5.83) with hypertension was enrolled from a previous longitudinal study and interviewed on the phone between May and August 2020. Updated information about sociodemographic indicators and lifestyle changes was collected. Adherence to restrictions was explored through several questions regarding compliance with home confinement, facemask use, and the observance of social distancing. Results evidenced that only 33% of the respondents abided by all the national restrictions. During the first pandemic peak, considerable changes in lifestyles occurred, particularly regarding physical activity, which diminished in 70% of the sample. Women, unemployed/retired people, and individuals who decreased their amount of physical activity reported higher adherence to rules. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle over time is essential for disease prevention. Therefore, it is essential to continue to inform the population about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and it is necessary to provide guidelines to maintain and promote it even during housebound periods.

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families of People with Severe Mental Disorders Participating in Community Peer Support Groups in Brazil

People with severe mental disorders are at increased risk of dying from COVID-19 and more susceptible to the impacts of the pandemic. This study aims to understand how the families of patients with severe mental disorders followed up in community peer support groups experienced the beginning of the pandemic in Brazil and how they fared during the period of restricted physical contact. Family members (n = 82) and patients (n = 27) belonging to community groups in Rio de Janeiro responded to an online survey that included assessments of quality of life and well-being along with open-ended questions. Thematic analysis of the answers showed that the majority of remarks were positive, despite the concerns, fears, and feelings common at the time. Positive feelings were also mentioned significantly. These findings demonstrate that this population was adaptive and resilient in coping with the restrictions on physical contact. The main concerns and difficulties of this population are discussed.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in-hospital lethality from cardiovascular diseases in Brazil: an ecological and time series study COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brazil, several government policies have been taken. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in-hospital lethality for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Brazil in 2020.

METHODS

An ecological and time-series study on hospitalizations and deaths from CVD in Brazil was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020.

RESULTS

The hospital admission rate for CVD reduced by 17.1%, with a significantly decreasing trend between January and May 2020 (Annual Percent Change: -8,7%; p-value <0.001). The in-hospital lethality rate increased from 8.2% in 2018 to 9.3% in 2020. During this period, Brazil totaled 21.8 million days of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Indicators of hospital admissions and lethality from CVD in Brazil were impacted by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways in the regions and depending on the nature of the indicator.

Risk of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in people with obesity: An analysis of data from a Brazilian state

The aim of this article is to assess the odds ratio of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in people with obesity using data from residents of Espírito Santo, Brazil. An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out from the database available on the official channel of the State Health Secretariat of Espírito Santo. Crude odds ratio estimates (ORs) referring to the association between variables were calculated, as well as adjusted odds ratios (adjusted odds ratios—OR adj.) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI 95%). The results indicate that men, non-white, no education or with lower education level and age over 40 years old were more likely to be hospitalized and died of COVID-19. People with obesity are at risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 54% and 113% higher than people who do not have obesity. People with obesity had a higher chance of hospitalization when they were over 40 years old, had breathing difficulty, and the comorbidities diabetes (2.18 higher) and kidney disease (4.10 higher). The odds ratio of death for people with obesity over 60 years old was 12.51 higher, and those who were hospitalized was 17.9 higher compared to those who were not hospitalized.

Modelling policy combinations of vaccination and transmission suppression of SARS-CoV-2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil required a phased program, with priorities for age groups, health workers, and vulnerable people. Social distancing and isolation interventions have been essential to mitigate the advance of the pandemic in several countries. We developed a mathematical model capable of capturing the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 dissemination aligned with social distancing, isolation measures, and vaccination. Surveillance data from the city of Rio de Janeiro provided a case study to analyze possible scenarios, including non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination in the epidemic scenario. Our results demonstrate that the combination of vaccination and policies of transmission suppression potentially lowered the number of hospitalized cases by 380+ and 66+ thousand cases, respectively, compared to an absence of such policies. On top of transmission suppression-only policies, vaccination impacted more than 230+ thousand averted hospitalized cases and 43+ thousand averted deaths. Therefore, health surveillance activities should be maintained along with vaccination planning in scheduled groups until a large vaccinated coverage is reached. Furthermore, this analytical framework enables evaluation of such scenarios.

Consumo de álcool em professores da rede pública estadual durante a pandemia da COVID-19

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de álcool entre os professores da rede pública estadual do ensino básico antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e os fatores associados aos que aumentaram o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas durante a pandemia. Métodos: Inquérito epidemiológico do tipo websurvey , realizado com professores da educação básica das escolas da rede pública estadual de Minas Gerais. A coleta ocorreu de agosto a setembro/2020 via formulário digital e contou com o apoio da Secretaria de Estado de Educação. A variável dependente adotada foi o aumento no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas pelos professores durante a pandemia. Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson, adotando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 15.641 professores de 795 municípios mineiros. Em relação ao consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, antes da pandemia, 46,9% dos professores consumiam pelo menos uma vez por semana e durante a pandemia 7,1% relataram que estavam bebendo mais do que costumavam. Observou-se maior consumo de bebida alcoólica durante a pandemia entre os homens, com menor faixa etária, com maior renda familiar, os que tiveram muita dificuldade em realizar as atividades escolares, os insatisfeitos com o trabalho, os que começaram a ter problemas de sono e naqueles com algum familiar/amigo que desenvolveu sintomas graves da COVID-19. Conclusões: Os resultados evidenciaram que a maioria dos participantes manteve o seu consumo ou o diminuiu durante a pandemia, com 7,1% aumentando o uso de álcool. Esse aumento foi associado a fatores sociodemográficos e econômicos, condições de trabalho durante a pandemia, comportamentos/hábitos de vida e condições de saúde.

COVID-19 measures in Belgium: how perception and adherence of the general population differ between time periods

Background

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Belgium has been hit by a series of surges in the number of COVID-19 cases. Each of these resulted in more stringent measures being taken to curb the pandemic. This study compared perception of and adherence to COVID-19 measures of the Belgian population at two time periods: September 2020 (survey 1) and April/May 2021 (survey 2).

Methods

Two samples of approximately 2000 participants, representative for the Belgian population in terms of gender, age, province and socio-economic status, participated in an online survey. The survey questionnaire measured the perceived infection risk and severity, and the perception of and adherence to protective measures. Answers were compared between the time periods and risk factors for lower adherence were identified using multivariate linear regression.

Results

In survey 2, at which time the measures were more stringent, respondents assessed the risk of infection for themselves as lower, and for parents and grandparents as higher than in survey 1. Scores for understanding and usefulness of the measures were higher in survey 2 compared to survey 1, while reported past and future adherence were lower. Risk factors for a lower adherence were being male, being young, speaking French vs. Dutch, and having undergone a symptomatic infection.

Conclusions

It is important to consider the potential effect of fatigue among the population with regards to measures that are sustained for a long time, especially regarding measures related to social contacts. The identified risk factors for lower adherence offer insights to policy makers for future crisis communication regarding COVID-19.

Measuring the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at a city level: An agent-based computational modelling study of the City of Natal

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic hit almost all cities in Brazil in early 2020 and lasted for several months. Despite the effort of local state and municipal governments, an inhomogeneous nationwide response resulted in a death toll amongst the highest recorded globally. To evaluate the impact of the nonpharmaceutical governmental interventions applied by different cities-such as the closure of schools and businesses in general-in the evolution and epidemic spread of SARS-CoV-2, we constructed a full-sized agent-based epidemiological model adjusted to the singularities of particular cities. The model incorporates detailed demographic information, mobility networks segregated by economic segments, and restricting bills enacted during the pandemic period. As a case study, we analyzed the early response of the City of Natal-a midsized state capital-to the pandemic. Although our results indicate that the government response could be improved, the restrictive mobility acts saved many lives. The simulations show that a detailed analysis of alternative scenarios can inform policymakers about the most relevant measures for similar pandemic surges and help develop future response protocols.

Excess deaths from all causes and by COVID-19 in Brazil in 2020

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.

Rapid Review of Social Contact Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Physical distancing measures aim to reduce person-to-person contact, a key driver of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. In response to unprecedented restrictions on human contact during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, studies measured social contact patterns under the implementation of physical distancing measures. This rapid review synthesizes empirical data on the changing social contact patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We descriptively compared the distribution of contacts observed during the pandemic to pre-COVID data across countries to explore changes in contact patterns during physical distancing measures.

RESULTS

We identified 12 studies reporting social contact patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight studies were conducted in European countries and eleven collected data during the initial mitigation period in the spring of 2020 marked by government-declared lockdowns. Some studies collected additional data after relaxation of initial mitigation. Most study settings reported a mean of between 2 and 5 contacts per person per day, a substantial reduction compared to pre-COVID rates, which ranged from 7 to 26 contacts per day. This reduction was pronounced for contacts outside of the home. Consequently, levels of assortative mixing by age substantially declined. After relaxation of initial mitigation, mean contact rates increased but did not return to pre-COVID levels. Increases in contacts post-relaxation were driven by working-age adults.

CONCLUSION

Information on changes in contact patterns during physical distancing measures can guide more realistic representations of contact patterns in mathematical models for SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To analyze changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study carried out with adolescents who participated in the survey "ConVid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos". The indicators related to lifestyles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated: consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking and consumption of alcohol. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the total population and according to sex and age group.

RESULTS

A total of 9,470 adolescents participated in the study. During the period of social distancing, there was an increase in the prevalence of vegetables consumption (from 27.34 to 30.5%), frozen foods (from 13.26 to 17.3%), chocolates and sweets (from 48.58 to 52.51%), and time in front of screens (from 44.57 to 70.15%). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the practice of physical activity (from 28.70 to 15.74%) and in the consumption of alcohol (from 17.72 to 12.77%). Differences were observed according to sex and age group.

CONCLUSION

The results show changes in the lifestyle of adolescents and an increase in health risk behaviors.

Associations of Sociodemographic Factors and Health Behaviors with the Emotional Well-Being of Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

This cross-sectional study utilizes data from a nationwide web-based survey aimed to identify the factors affecting the emotional well-being of Brazilian adolescents aged 12–17 during the period of school closures and confinement. Data collection took place from 27 June to 17 September 2020. We used the “virtual snowball” sampling method, and students from private and public schools were included. A total of 9470 adolescents were analyzed. A hierarchical logistic regression model was used to find the factors associated with reporting at least two of three self-reported problems—sadness, irritability, and sleep problems. The main proximal factor was loneliness (AdjOR = 8.12 p < 0.001). Problems related to school closures also played an important role. Regular intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as physical activity, demonstrated a positive influence on emotional well-being, while excessive screen time (AdjOR = 2.05, p < 0.001) and alcohol consumption negatively affected outcomes (AdjOR = 1.73, p < 0.001). As for distal variables, less affluent adolescents were the most affected, and males reported fewer emotional problems than females. Uncertainty regarding the disease in a context of socioeconomic vulnerability, together with rises in unhealthy behaviors and isolation from their immediate social circles, have negatively affected adolescents’ emotional status throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil: adherence to national preventive measures and impact on people's lives, an online survey

Background

The first case of COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in Brazil 26th February 2020. By March 16th, physical distancing and confinement measures were implemented by the Brazilian government. Little is known about how these measures were followed up by the Brazilian people and their impact on daily routine.

Methods

In early April 2020, using an online platform, we organized an online survey among adults living in Brazil about their COVID-19 preventive behavior and impact on their daily routine.

Results

Data from 23,896 respondents were analyzed (mean age: 47.4 years). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, half (51.1%) of the professionals reported working from home. Regular handwashing was practiced by 98.7% of participants; 92.6% reported adhering to the 1.5-2 m physical distancing rule, but only 45.5% wore a face mask when going outside. While 29.3% of respondents found it relatively easy to stay at home, indoor confinement was extremely difficult for 7.9% of participants. Moreover, 11% of participants were extremely worried about their health during the COVID-19 epidemic. Younger people, male, persons living in a rural area/village or popular neighbourhoods, students and workers reported less preventive behaviour.

Conclusion

Restrictive measures markedly affected the daily and professional routines of Brazilians. Participants showed a satisfactory level of adherence to national COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Qualitative and follow-up studies are needed to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in the Brazilian society.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10222-z.

Health behaviours and the adoption of individual protection measures during the new coronavirus pandemic: the ELSI-COVID-19 initiative

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether healthy behaviours determine the adoption of individual protective measures to fight COVID-19. The data were obtained from the ELSI-COVID-19 initiative, a telephone survey conducted among participants in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), which includes a national sample representative of the population aged 50 years or older. The outcomes evaluated were three protective measures (not having left home in the past week, wearing a mask when leaving home, and sanitizing hands when returning home), and the explanatory variables were health behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and physical activity). The associations were evaluated by logistic models, considering adjustments for potential confounding factors. A total of 5,827 individuals participated in the analysis; 32.2% did not leave home in the last week, and among those who left home, 97.5% used a face mask, and 97.3% sanitized their hands when they returned home. The practice of physical activity at the recommended levels was associated with a lower chance of not leaving home in the previous week. Ex-smokers were more likely to use a mask, and those who practised physical activity were less likely to adopt this protective measure. Individuals with low-risk alcohol consumption had a higher chance of sanitizing their hands. Actions aimed at increasing the adoption of protective measures to fight the new coronavirus should consider the existence of vulnerable groups, which can be identified by the distribution of other health behaviours in the population.

Distanciamento social, sentimento de tristeza e estilos de vida da população brasileira durante a pandemia de Covid-19

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a adesão ao distanciamento social, as repercussões no estado de ânimo e as mudanças nos estilos de vida da população adulta brasileira durante o início da pandemia da Covid-19. Estudo transversal com indivíduos adultos residentes no Brasil (n = 45.161) que participaram do inquérito de saúde virtual ConVid - Pesquisa de Comportamentos, no período de 24 de abril a 24 de maio de 2020. Da amostra estudada, apenas 1,5% levou vida normal, sem nenhuma restrição social, e 75% ficaram em casa, sendo que, destes, 15% ficaram rigorosamente em casa. Os sentimentos frequentes de tristeza ou depressão (35,5%), isolamento (41,2%) e ansiedade (41,3%) foram reportados por grande parte da população estudada. Verificou-se que 17% dos participantes reportaram aumento do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e que 34% dos fumantes aumentaram o número de cigarros. Observou-se aumento no consumo de alimentos não saudáveis e redução da prática de atividade física no período estudado. Conclui-se que houve elevada adesão ao distanciamento social e aumento dos sentimentos de tristeza, depressão e ansiedade, bem como aumento de consumo de alimentos não saudáveis, uso de bebidas alcóolicas e cigarros e redução da prática de atividade física.

Mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever as mudanças nas condições socioeconômicas e de saúde dos brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados de pesquisa de comportamentos realizada pela internet de 24 de abril a 24 de maio de 2020 com 45.161 participantes recrutados por amostragem em cadeia. Foi feita uma análise descritiva de temas abordados na pesquisa: adesão às medidas de restrição social, diagnóstico do novo coronavírus, situação de trabalho e rendimentos, dificuldades nas atividades de rotina, presença de comorbidades, estado de ânimo e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Foram estimados as prevalências e os intervalos de 95% de confiança. Resultados: Aproximadamente 75% dos brasileiros aderiram à restrição social. Quanto aos sintomas de gripe, 28,1% relatou ter apresentado algum sintoma, mas apenas 5,9% realizou teste para COVID-19. Em relação à situação socioeconômica, 55,1% relatou diminuição do rendimento familiar, e 7% ficou sem rendimento; 25,8% dos indivíduos ficaram sem trabalhar, sendo o grupo de trabalhadores informais o mais afetado (50,6%). Quanto às condições de saúde, 29,4% avaliou que a sua saúde piorou; 45% teve problemas no sono, 40% apresentou, frequentemente, sentimento de tristeza e 52,5% de ansiedade/nervosismo; 21,7% procurou serviço de saúde e, entre estes, 13,9% não conseguiu atendimento. Conclusão: Os achados mostram a importância do controle da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil, para mitigar os efeitos adversos na situação socioeconômica e nas condições de saúde relacionados às medidas de restrição social.