General Brazilian Population Research Articles

Relative Age Effect and ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D Polymorphisms in Brazilian Football Players: An Association Genetic Study

ABSTRACT The Relative Age Effect (RAE) suggests older athletes within an annual cohort have advantages over their younger peers. We hypothesized that younger athletes could overcome these disadvantages through favorable α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms. This study aimed to: 1) examine RAE prevalence among Brazilian football players; 2) investigate the distribution of the ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms; and 3) explore the association between polymorphisms and RAE across competitive levels and positions. The sample included 627 male players from first-division Brazilian teams in four age categories: U15 (n = 172), U17 (n = 166), U20 (n = 161), and Professionals (n = 128). A control group was established using data from the general Brazilian population documented in previous studies Results showed RAE presence across all competitive levels and positions. Players with the ACTN3 R allele, especially the RR genotype, had the strongest associations with football players, particularly among defenders. On the other hand, the distribution of ACE polymorphism was not significantly different between controls and players, except in the U17 category, where the I/I genotype was more common. Relatively older players had higher total genotype scores than younger counterparts in the overall sample and defender subgroups. In conclusion, RAE is prevalent among Brazilian football players, with older athletes benefiting from favorable ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms, contrary to our initial hypothesis.

High silent prevalence of human herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) infection affecting the indigenous reservation of the municipality of Dourados, Central-West Brazil

BackgroundThe indigenous population located in the central region of Brazil, is the second largest in terms of population size in the country. The Indigenous Reserve of Dourados has risk factors that increase the vulnerability of the indigenous population to infectious diseases, especially Human alphaherpesvirus (HSV-1), a neglected disease with high prevalence in priority populations in developing countries. The virus can also cause many more severe diseases, including widespread neonatal infections, herpetic keratitis, and herpes encephalitis, which can be fatal if left untreated. We estimated the prevalence of anti-HSV-1 antibodies and correlated it with the demographic and behavioral characteristics of the Indigenous population of the Jaguapirú and Bororó villages (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil).MethodsOur approach was cross-sectional. From March 2017 to November 2018. Using anti-HSV-1 (Gg1) IgM and anti-HSV-1 (gG1) IgG Euroimmun and the detection and quantification of HSV-1 viral load in plasma samples, through real-time PCR. The maps were constructed using QGIS and the statistical analyses using R Studio software.ResultsA total of 1138 individuals (> 18 years old) were enrolled. The prevalence of anti-HSV-1 IgM and IgG were 20% and 97.5%, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HSV-1 antibodies for IgG was higher in both sexes. Anti-HSV-1 IgM antibodies were present in 17.1%, 21.2%, 12.5%, and 22% of the participants with urinary problems, genital wounds, genital warts, and urethral discharge, respectively. Real-time PCR was used for confirmatory testing; HSV-1 DNA was detected in 25.6% (54/211) of anti-HSV1 IgM-positive samples. Viral loads ranged from 5.99E + 02 to 3.36E + 13.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of HSV-1 IgM and detection of HSV-1 DNA in the Indigenous population confirmed high silent prevalence. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 in the Indigenous population was higher than that reported in the general adult Brazilian population. Various socioeconomic factors, drug use, and health and sexual behaviors could contribute to the facilitation of HSV-1 transmission in the Indigenous population. Our results may help develop culturally appropriate intervention programs that eliminate health access barriers and improve the implementation of public health policies aimed at promoting information regarding the prevention, treatment, and control of HSV-1 infection in Brazilian Indigenous populations.

The seroconversion history to SARS-CoV-2 in Indigenous people from Brazil - the interplay between exposure, vaccination, and tuberculosis.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant loss of human lives and a worldwide decline in quality of life. Although our understanding of the pandemic has improved significantly since the beginning, the natural history of COVID-19 and its impacts on under-represented populations, such as Indigenous people from America, remain largely unknown. We performed a retrospective serological survey with two Brazilian Indigenous populations (n=624), Tupiniquim and Guarani-Mbyá. Samples were collected between September 2020 and July 2021: a period comprising the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil. Seroconversions against S and N antigens were assessed using three different commercially available ELISA kits. Samples were also used to assess the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in the same population (n=529). Seroconversion against SARS-CoV-2 antigens was considered positive if at least one of the three ELISA kits detected levels of specific antibodies above the threshold specified by the manufacturer. In this sense, we report 56.0% (n=349/623) of seroconverted individuals. Relative seroconversion peaked after introduction of the Coronavac vaccine in February 2021. Vaccination increased the production of anti-S IgG from 3.9% to 48.6%. Our results also indicated that 11.0% (n=46/417) of all individuals were positive for TB. Seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 was similar between individuals with positive tuberculosis test results to those with negative test results. Most vaccinated individuals seroconverted to SARS-CoV-2, indicating that Coronavac may be as protective in individuals from these indigenous groups as observed in the general Brazilian population. COVID-19 severity was minimal regardless of incomplete vaccine coverage, suggesting that vaccination may not be the only factor protecting individuals from severe COVID-19. Tuberculosis is highly prevalent and not associated with increased seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2.

Aesthetic Perceptions Regarding a Thyroidectomy Scar and Transvestibular Approach in Brazil.

We investigated motivation levels across the general Brazilian population and subgroups and their willingness to spend for surgery without a cervical scar. This random-sample survey was performed by a specialized third-party research institute. In this study, we created a hypothetical thyroidectomy scenario, and the transcervical and transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) were used. The survey included sociocultural data and questions regarding participants' surgical preferences. Data were obtained from 1250 participants; 42.4% were of the opinion that a cervical scar affects social or professional life. Young and childless women were most likely to be affected (p <0.001). All respondents accepted the transoral approach to avoid cervical scarring. However, 30.7% and 31.9% of respondents maintained their preference for TOETVA despite understanding the risks of a hypothetical increase in complications and unfavorable oncological outcomes and 98.6% were of the opinion that this approach was likely associated with greater postoperative pain. Only 16.2% were unwilling to spend for TOETVA. The variable that most affected patients' willingness to spend was a salary greater than 10 Brazilian minimum wages (odds ratio 9.797, 95% confidence interval, p <0.005). Upper class respondents were 10 times more likely to spend for TOETVA than lower class patients. This study highlights patients' interest in TOETVA. Cervical scar perception is affected by concerned about appearance, particularly in certain societal subgroups. Our study population showed significant motivation to undergo TOETVA, which was emphasized by their acceptance of the complication rate, poor postoperative outcomes, greater postoperative pain, and willingness to spend on surgery with an invisible scar. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:3862-3867, 2024.

100% Orange Juice Consumption is Associated with Socioeconomic Status, Improved Nutrient Adequacy, and Higher Bioactive Compounds Intake: Results from Brazilian National Dietary Survey 2017–2018

Objective The consumption of 100% orange juice (OJ) has been associated with nutrient adequacy and better diet quality. To date, there are few analyses exploring 100% OJ consumption patterns across populations, with no data from Brazil. We aimed to explore the associations between 100% OJ consumption, sociodemographic factors, and nutrient intake in a representative sample of the Brazilian general population aged 10 years or older. Methods Data were obtained from the National Dietary Survey 2017–2018, a cross-sectional study including data on individual food intake of 46,164 subjects aged ≥10 years collected using two 24-h dietary recalls. Results 100% OJ was consumed by 11% of the population, with a mean intake of 43.0 ml/d. Males were more frequent consumers compared to females, and the percentage of consumers increased with education and income. 100% OJ consumption was associated with higher intakes of energy, vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, polyphenols, and carotenoids. There is no significant difference in fiber intake between consumers and non-consumers. 100% OJ consumers had a higher percentage of the population meeting the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, calcium, and magnesium. Conclusion Our results suggest that 100% OJ could be a component of a healthy diet, helping individuals to achieve nutrient recommendations.

Differences in non-communicable diseases between women in prison and the general population in Brazil

Women in prison have high risk for non-communicable diseases both in relation to men in prison and in relation to women in the general population. This study documented the health disparities related to diseases among women in prison and in the general female population in Brazil. Women in prisons (WP) < 30 years old had a prevalence of hypertension (PR = 4.5; 95% CI 3.4–6.1), cardiovascular disease (PR = 4.4; 95% CI 2.4–7.9) and asthma (PR = 3.0; 95% CI 2.3–3.8) higher than general female population in Brazil in the same age group. Women in prison > 50 years old also presented asthma prevalence (PR = 4.3; 95% CI 2.9–6.3) higher than the general female population in Brazil in the same age group. These women in prison, overwhelmingly young, could be mistaken for an elderly population in Brazil. Actively responding to early disease in these women can reduce overall health costs and improve health care for this population that may have limited access to health care outside of prison.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against herpesvirus type 2 in a female prison population in Mato Grosso

The objective of this text is to describe the seroprevalence of antibodies against herpes simplex virus 2 in inmates of a female public prison in Mato Grosso. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with biobank data from a survey carried out with women deprived of liberty in a female penitentiary in Tangará da Serra - MT. Data collection was carried out through interviews with 50 women. To determine the seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection, serum samples were analyzed by ELISA in search of IgG antibodies at the Laboratory of Viral Immunology of Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – RJ. The HSV-2 seroprevalence found in the evaluated population was 80%, a value much higher than that reported in the general Brazilian population and in other studies with prison populations around the world. The profile of the inmates predominated among young, brown women, with low education, single and with low monthly income. The present study found a high seroprevalence of antibodies against HSV-2 in this population. These data provide important information that can assist in the implementation of effective actions that better prevent and control genital herpes, as well as other STIs in incarcerated populations.&#x0D;

Validity and Reliability of the Brazilian Version of the Cognitive Reserve Assessment Scale in Health (CRASH).

As the elderly population increases, it is important to identify factors that may reduce risks of dementia in the general population. One such factor is the concept of cognitive reserve (CR). The present study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Reserve Assessment Scale in Health (CRASH) in the Brazilian population, which was originally developed to measure CR in individuals with severe mental illness. We also investigated the relationship between the CRASH and clinical or sociodemographic variables. This study was conducted with 398 individuals. We assessed sociodemographic variables and depression, anxiety and stress symptoms (DASS-21), using a web-based survey. We constructed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model in order to test the goodness of fit of the factor structure proposed in the original CRASH study. The McDonald's hierarchical ω for CRASH using CFA parameters was 0.61 and Cronbach's alpha coefficient indicated good internal consistency when considering all items (∝ = 0.7). Our results suggest that CRASH can be used to assess CR in the general population in Brazil.

Dimensionality and Measurement Invariance of the 5-Item Coronavirus Fear Scale in Brazilian General Population

IntroductionThe COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S) is the most widely used instrument to assess fear of coronaviruses. Although preliminary analyses of the Brazilian–Portuguese version showed promising data for the 7-item version, several studies in Latin America suggest that the 5- and 6-item versions present better psychometric indicators. ObjectiveTo replicate and compare the Brazilian–Portuguese version of the (FCV-5S), studying its homogeneity and dimensionality. MethodsA total of 1003 adults between 18 and 78 voluntarily participated. The data were analyzed through exploratory factorial analysis and structural equations modeling. A Multiple Indicators and Multiples Causes model (MIMIC) was used to check the differential functioning of each item regressed on age. Likewise, Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were calculated for FCV-5S. Finally, as a test of nomological validity, the mean scores and standard deviation between men and women were compared after testing similarity invariance. Results73.3% were younger adults (18–44 years old), 71.3% were women, and 59.7% had a university education. The 5-item version (FCV-5S) of the COVID-19 Fear Scale has better goodness-of-fit indicators than the 6-item version for a one-factor structure. FCV-5S accomplish with invariance by gender and partial invariance by age in the general population of Brazil. ConclusionsThe FCV-5S has a dimensional structure with partial invariance by gender and age and can be used to assess COVID-19 fear in the general population in Brazil.

Lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: results from three consecutive cross-sectional web surveys

ObjectiveThe importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing morbidity and mortality is well-established. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant lifestyle changes globally, but the extent of these changes in the...

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Toddler Sensory Profile 2 for Brazilian Children Aged 7 to 35Months.

To organize a cross-cultural adaptation study and analyze the reproducibility and test-retest reliability of a Brazilian version of the Toddler Sensory Profile 2 (TSP2Br) for children aged 7-35months. The English language version of the profile was translated and culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese, administered to 168 caregivers of toddlers aged 7-35months, and then re-administered to a portion of the sample (39 caregivers; 23%) for 7-14days for test-retest reliability. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability was analyzed using the Cronbach's alpha and kappa coefficient, respectively. As it is a norm-referenced standardized assessment, the cut-off scores used were 1.0 and 2.0 standard deviations above and below the mean for each group of items established as the preliminary cut-off scores for the Brazilian children. The TSP2Br showed good internal consistency (>0.70) when measured on the total scale; however, when it was analyzed for sensory areas, five to seven areas presented alpha values <.70. By quadrants, alpha was <.70, for all items. The test-retest values fell into the category of near-perfect agreement (.89-.97). The preliminary cut-off points of the Brazilian scores were distinct from those of the Americans. The TSP2Br showed preliminary reliability and validity in the identification of sensory processing problems in Brazilian children aged 7-35months; however, it would be necessary to increase the sample size to generalize our findings to the general Brazilian population.

HLA-B27 positivity in a large miscegenated population of 5,389,143 healthy blood marrow donors in Brazil

BackgroundThe prevalence of HLA-B27 gene positivity in healthy Caucasian communities varies between 8 and 14%. However, there is a lack of information in countries with a high rate of miscegenation, such as Brazil.AimTo estimate the frequency of HLA-B27 in the Brazilian general population using a large national registry database.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional ecological study using the Brazilian Registry of Volunteer Bone Marrow Donors (REDOME) database on HLA-B27 allelic frequency and proportion of positives of healthy donors (18–60 years old). Data were analyzed according to sex, age, race (by self-reported skin color recommended by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE), and geographic region of residence.ResultsFrom 1994 to 2022, a total of 5,389,143 healthy bone marrow donors were included. The overall positivity for HLA-B27 was 4.35% (CI 95% 4.32–4.37%), regardless of sex and age (57.2% were women, mean age was 41.7yo). However, there was a difference between races: 4.85% in Whites; 2.92% in Blacks; 3.76% in Pardos (Browns i.e. mixed races); 3.95% in Amarelos (Yellows i.e. Asian Brazilians); and 3.18% in Indigenous. There was also a difference regarding geographic region of residence (North: 3.62%; Northeast: 3.63%; Southeast: 4.29%; Midwest: 4.5% and 5.25% in South). The homozygosity rate for the HLA-B27 was 1.32% of all the positives and only 0.06% in the general population.ConclusionsOur findings provide the first Brazilian national prevalence for HLA-B27 in 4.35%. There is a gradient gene positivity from North to South, suggesting that the genetic background related to the miscegenation due to colonization, slavery, and some later waves of immigration together with internal migratory flows, could explain our findings.

Epidemiological Survey of Human Alphaherpesvirus 2 (HSV-2) Infection in Indigenous People of Dourados Municipality, Central Brazil.

Sexually transmitted Human alphaherpesvirus 2 (HSV-2) causes genital ulcers, especially among sexually active adolescents and adults. We estimated the exact prevalence of anti-HSV-2 antibodies and correlated it with the demographic and behavioral aspects of the Indigenous population of the Jaguapirú and Bororó villages (Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil). In total, 1360 individuals (>18 years old) were administered serologic tests. The prevalence of anti-HSV-2 IgM was 12.9%, that of anti-HSV-2 IgG was 57.2%, and 8.5% cases tested positive for both HSV-2 IgM and IgG. The prevalence of anti-HSV-2 antibodies was higher in females (59.5%) compared to males (49%), with an OR of 0.64 (0.49-0.83). Anti-HSV-2 antibodies were found in 14.2%, 12.3%, 15.4%, and 14.5% of participants with urinary problems, genital wounds, genital warts, and urethral discharge, respectively. In summary, the seroprevalence of HSV-2 in the Indigenous population was five times higher than that reported in the general adult Brazilian population. Educational level, income level, smoking, condom use, incarceration, illicit drug abuse, the sharing of used needles and syringes without adequate disinfection, homosexual relationships, prostitution, the sexual practices among drug users, and avoidance of contraceptive methods could contribute to the facilitation of HSV-2 transmission in the Indigenous population. Our results may help develop culturally appropriate intervention programs that eliminate health-access barriers and improve the implementation of public health policies aimed at promoting information regarding and preventing, treating, and controlling HSV-2 infection in Brazilian Indigenous populations.

Hyperpalatable Foods Consumption in a Representative Sample of the General Population in Brazil: Differences of Binge and Non-Binge Eating Meals

The availability of hyper-palatable foods (HPF) increased over the past three decades worldwide, a period when eating disorders (ED) and obesity have become global public health concerns. The present study aimed to assess HPF consumption during binge and non-binge meals in a representative sample of adults with and without ED from a metropolitan city in Brazil. A total of 2297 individuals were interviewed in their homes by trained lay interviewers to assess the presence of binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and recurrent binge eating (RBE). Information on their food consumption in objective and subjective binge eating episodes (OBE and SBE, respectively), as well as in the 24 h food recall were obtained. Individuals from the general population consumed 56% of their total calories from HPF. In non-binge meals, people with BN consumed substantially fewer calories from HPF than BED (63% vs. 48%) and RBE (63% vs. 48%) groups. During OBE, participants consumed an average of 70% of the calories from HPF, with no between-group differences. During SBE, subjects with BN consumed substantially fewer calories from HPF than those with BED (76% vs. 50%). In conclusion, HPF were highly consumed by the Brazilian population. However, there was a greater impact on BED and RBE subjects and during binge eating episodes.

Violence Against LGB+ people in Brazil: analysis of the 2019 National Survey of Health.

To analyze the association between self-reported sexual orientation and violence in the Brazilian population. This cross-sectional epidemiological study used the 2019 National Survey of Health database. Total violence and its subtypes (psychological, physical, and sexual) were analyzed in the previous 12 months. Prevalence and odds ratio adjusted for age group were estimated, with their respective 95% confidence intervals, according to the self-reported sexual orientation of the Brazilian population aged 18 years and older. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Most of the Brazilian population self-identified as heterosexual (94.75%) and 1.89% as LGB+. This percentage was lower than that of respondents who refused to answer the question (2.28%). The prevalence of violence in the general population of Brazil was 18.27%, and the most common subtype was psychological violence (17.36%). The LGB+ population was more than twice as likely to experience any type of violence. LGB+ women had the highest prevalence in all violence subtypes, and heterosexual men had the lowest. LGB+ women were over three times more likely to experience physical violence compared to heterosexual ones. Meanwhile, the probability of LGB+ men experiencing sexual violence was almost eight times higher than in heterosexual men. The prevalence of violence against the LGB+ population was high in the country. Public policies aimed at this population are necessary to fight discrimination against sexual diversity and ensure the rights of non-heterosexual people.

Tuberculosis in the Brazilian prison system: scenarios via Joinpoint, from 2007 to 2019

This study describes and compares tuberculosis (TB) data among persons deprived of liberty and the general Brazilian population, from 2007 to 2019, using the Joinpoint tool to observe changes in trends. This study focuses on women and older adults, for HIV testing, and on the number of detainees according to prison capacity. This is a retrospective, quantitative, and analytical study, which uses methods of regression of time series data from secondary data of unrestricted access collected from the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and from analytical reports made available by the Brazilian National Penitentiary Department (DEPEN). The results show a considerably higher increase in the prevalence of TB in persons deprived of liberty in all perspectives analyzed; increased HIV testing; and a debatable trend of stability in the number of detainees according to prison capacity. When analyzing trends in prevalence, services, and determinants, it is curious to see the temporal non-coincidence in most cases. Clearly, national policies against TB do not have the same effect within prisons and even the National Policy for Comprehensive Health Care for People Deprived of Liberty in the Prison System (PNAISP) showed restricted effects in view of the health situation herein analyzed. Despite working with secondary data of variable reliability, comparisons were reached that can impact health decisions and actions. Although lacking complete and definitive answers, it was possible to launch a new point-of-view on the evolution of questions for which reflection is essential.

Social distancing and changes in drug use: Results from a cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 has led to measures of social distancing and quarantine worldwide. This stressful period may lead to psychological problems, including changes in substance use. In addition, sociodemographic factors are linked to changed levels of drug use and abuse observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which are also associated with increased anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate (i) changes in drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with social distancing, and (ii) to verify factors associated with those changes. A web-based cross-sectional observational survey was completed by a self-selected adult general population in Brazil (N = 2,435) during September/October 2020 (first wave) before and throughout the pandemic. Key outcomes: social distancing, self-reported drug use (ASSIST), and emotional states (DASS-21). High social distancing was associated with fewer chances (prevalence ratio) of increased drug use for alcohol (0.71, CI95%: 0.64-0.80), tobacco (0.72; CI95%: 0.60-0.87), cannabis (0.65; CI95%: 0.55-0.78), and others. Low social distancing presented a higher DASS-21 score for anxiety (P = 0.017). Concerning covariates analysis by a general linear model, men (alcohol: 1. 71; cannabis: 3.86), younger age (alcohol: 0.97), less education (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and cocaine/crack comparing several lower schooling categories vs. higher education), lower income (alcohol: 0.42; tobacco: 0.47; and cannabis: 0.36), and higher depression DASS-21 score (alcohol: 1.05; tobacco: 1.08; cannabis: 1.07; and cocaine/crack: 1.07) were associated with higher use prevalence of several drugs. Individuals reporting low social distancing increased the use of most drugs during the pandemic, while high social distancing significantly decreased drug use. Anxiety and depressive states and several sociodemographic factors (men; lower income; less education) were associated with higher drug use patterns.

Real world data study of prevalence and direct costs related to dengue management in Brazil's private healthcare from 2015 to 2020.

The burden of dengue in Brazil is poorly documented and is based on data from the public health care setting. This study estimated the prevalence and costs of dengue management in the private health care system in Brazil from 2015 to 2020 using a large claims database from Orizon. We selected claims with dengue ICD codes (ICD-10 A90 or A91) from January 2015 to December 2020. Prevalence was estimated based on the population enrolled in health insurance plans in the given year. Costs were adjusted for the inflation up to December 2021 and evaluated by measures of central tendency and dispersion. A total of 63,882 unique beneficiaries were included, with a total of 64,186 dengue cases. The year with the highest prevalence was 2015 (1.6% of patients who used health plans), and there was also an increase in cases in 2016 and 2019. The median cost per hospitalization in 2015 was US$486.17, and in 2020, it reached US$696.72. The median cost of a case seen at an emergency room ranged from US$ 97.78 in 2015 to US$ 118.16 in 2017. The estimated prevalence of dengue in this population of private health-insured patients followed the epidemiological trends of the general population in Brazil, with the highest rates in 2015, 2016, and 2019. The cost of dengue management has increased in the private health care setting over the years.

Hypertension among women experiencing incarceration: A comparison with the general female population

ABSTRACT To compare the prevalence and characteristics of hypertension in women experiencing incarceration (WEI) to the general population in Brazil: (1) a prison survey conducted from January 2014 to December 2015 in 15 states, with 1,327 WEI; and (2) a household survey in the 26 states and the Federal District of Brazil administered to women in the general population (WGP). Data analysis used SPSS® version 20.0. The point estimates and the prevalence ratio with their respective confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. Ages in the two populations differed, 27.9% of WGP were over 50, while 7.3% of WEI were. The overall prevalence of arterial hypertension was 31.3% (95% CI: 28.6–34.0) in the WEI and 38.9% (95% CI: 37.8–39.9) for WGP. For individuals under 30, hypertension was found in 22.4% of WEI and 13.4% of WGP. WEI have a higher prevalence of hypertension at an earlier age than the GP. Less education, obesity, using illegal drugs, previous pregnancy, and not using contraceptives were more frequent in this group, revealing the need to implement policies aimed at treating both their hypertension and other health issues in prison.

On the Recent Worsening of Income Distribution among the Jewish Population in Brazil.

Brazilian income distribution is one of the most unequal in the world, yet the first 15years of the twenty-first century showed some improvement in reducing inequality. However, data from Brazilian censuses show that the income distribution of the Jewish population in Brazil worsened from 2000 to 2010. The goal of this paper is to investigate whether this observed phenomenon should be attributed to the emergence of new Jewish identities among poorer segments of Brazilian society or a structural change in the more traditional Jewish community. We calculated Gini coefficients, Lorenz curves, and Kuznets ratios of the Jewish population (i) in Brazil, (ii) in the capital cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, considered as a unit, and (iii) among the general Brazilian population from microdata in the 1980 and 2010 censuses. The results show that the worsening of income distribution among the Jewish population in Brazil is more intense in areas outside of urban centers in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This finding suggests that the observed phenomenon should be attributed to emerging new identities rather than structural change in the more traditional community. A conclusion section addresses issues for further research.