RS State Research Articles

Higher frequency of interstate over international transmission chains of SARS-CoV-2 virus at the Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil state borders.

Brazil's COVID-19 response has faced challenges due to the continuous emergence of variants of concern (VOCs), emphasizing the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and retrospective analyses of past epidemic waves to reassess and fine tune containment protocols. Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil's southernmost state, has international borders and trades with Argentina and Uruguay, along with significant domestic connections within Brazil. The identification of source and sink transmission chains at national and international scales can identify main hubs and pathways to target future interventions. In this study we investigated the RS state role in the national and international SARS-CoV-2 transmission chains, which has not been fully explored. Nasopharyngeal samples from various municipalities in RS were collected between June 2020 and July 2022. SARS-CoV-2 whole genome amplification and sequencing were performed using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis encompassed the development of scripts and tools to perform subsampling taking into account epidemiological information to reduce sequencing disparities bias among the regions/countries, genome assembly, and large-scale alignment and phylogenetic reconstruction. We sequenced a total of 1,480 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from RS, covering all major regions. Sequences predominantly represented Gamma (April-June 2021) and Omicron (January-July 2022) lineages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a regional pattern for transmission dynamics, particularly with Southeast Brazil for Gamma, and a range of inter-regional connections for Delta and Omicron within the country. On the other hand, international and cross-border transmission with Argentina and Uruguay was rather limited. We evaluated the three VOCs circulation over two years in RS using a new subsampling strategy based on the number of cases in each state during the circulation of each VOC. In summary, the retrospective analysis of genomic surveillance data demonstrated that virus transmission was less intense between country borders than within the country. These findings suggest that while non-pharmacological interventions were effective to mitigate transmission across international RS land borders, while they were insufficient to contain transmission at the domestic level.

Exploring the Soil Structure Analysis of a Subtropical Watershed by Introducing a Blanket Physico‐Hydraulic Health Index

ABSTRACTMultiple disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected to assess the soil structure health in support of water use and management in a subtropical watershed, which is composed of shallow Entisols, near to Canguçu, RS state—Brazil. Various physico‐hydraulic properties related to soil structure, such as bulk density, total, micro and macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, organic carbon, soil water retention curve (SWRC), and the ranges of plant available water (PAWC) and drainable porosity (DP) were measured to be analyzed. The hydraulic‐energy indices of soil aeration and water retention were determined by integrating the areas under SWRC. Combining these properties with the contents of sand and clay, a unique blanket soil physico‐hydraulic health index (BSPHI) was formulated and applied to investigate the impact of land use and management on the soils of the Ellert Creek Watershed (ECW), thereby supporting soil physical health analysis and, consequently, the analysis of water and human health. The favorable outcomes found in the ECW soils under annual crops indicated good root aeration in the surface layer due to the balance between DP and PAWC. The BSPHI results showed that only about 19% of the areas exhibited unhealthy physical health. The soil structure in pasture areas of ECW was not significantly impacted by the extensive cattle grazing, whereas lands under native forest served as a control for the natural soil quality status. The BSPHI successfully captured small changes in soil structure, regardless of land use and management, highlighting its potential as a promising tool for evaluating soil health by assessing the soil physical quality.

A Multi-Scale Analysis of the Extreme Precipitation in Southern Brazil in April/May 2024

Since 2020, southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State has been affected by extreme precipitation episodes caused by different atmospheric systems. However, the most extreme was registered between the end of April and the beginning of May 2024. This extreme precipitation caused floods in most parts of the state, affecting 2,398,255 people and leading to 183 deaths and 27 missing persons. Due to the severity of this episode, we need to understand its drivers. In this context, the main objective of this study is a multi-scale analysis of the extreme precipitation between 26 April and 5 May, i.e., an analysis of the large-scale patterns of the atmosphere, a description of the synoptic environment, and an analysis of the mesoscale viewpoint (cloud-top features and lightning). Data from different sources (reanalysis, satellite, radar, and pluviometers) were used in this study, and different methods were applied. The National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN) registered accumulated rainfall above 400 mm between 26 April and 5 May using 27 pluviometers located in the central-northern part of RS. The monthly volumes reached 667 mm and 803 mm, respectively, for April and May 2024, against a climatological average of 151 mm and 137 mm for these months. The maximum precipitation recorded was 300 mm in a single day on 30 April 2024. From a large-scale point of view, an anomalous heat source in the western Indian Ocean triggered a Rossby wave that contributed to a barotropic anticyclonic anomalous circulation over mid-southeastern Brazil. While the precipitant systems were inhibited over this region (the synoptic view), the anomalous stronger subtropical jet southward of the anticyclonic circulation caused uplift over RS State and, consequently, conditions leading to mesoscale convective system (MCS) development. In addition, the low-level jet east of the Andes transported warm and moist air to southern Brazil, which also interacted with two cold fronts that reached RS during the 10-day period, helping to establish the precipitation. Severe deep MCSs (with a cloud-top temperature lower than −80 °C) were responsible for a high lightning rate (above 10 flashes km−2 in 10 days) and accumulated precipitation (above 600 mm in 10 days), as observed by satellite measurements. This high volume of rainfall caused an increase in soil moisture, which exceeded a volume fraction of 0.55, making water infiltration into the soil difficult and, consequently, favoring flood occurrence.

Epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal Disorders and Delirium in Rio Grande do Sul over the last 5 years

Introduction In recent years, mental health has gained prominence in public health, prompting thorough investigations into psychiatric condition trends. This study conducts a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal, and Delirium Disorders in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) over the past five years. By revealing these patterns, it enhances our understanding of regional mental health dynamics and offers insights for intervention strategies, resource planning, and improved mental healthcare. The ultimate goal is to advance more effective and accessible mental healthcare in RS and beyond.ObjectivesThis study aims to analyze the prevalence and epidemiological profile of hospitalizations due to psychiatric disorders to assist in the diagnosis and outcome of affected patients.Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted regarding hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal Disorders, and Delirium in the state of RS between January 2018 and November 2022. Data were collected from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, focusing on the nature of care, age group, gender, and ethnicity of the patients. The information was aggregated over the five-year period based on the four mentioned descriptors and subsequently analyzed to establish a profile of hospitalizations during that period.ResultsThe analysis spans from 2018 to 2022, encompassing a total of 28,345 hospitalizations. In 2019, there was the highest number of cases (22.21%), followed by 2018 (21.08%). Urgent care admissions constituted 85.34% of the total. The age group most affected was 35 to 39 years (11.8%). Men were more affected than women (60.18%), and the majority of hospitalizations were among the Caucasian ethnicity (75.12%). The average length of stay was 23.7 days, and the mortality rate stood at 0.26%.ConclusionsThe increasing trend in hospitalizations, peaking in 2019, highlights the need for preventive measures. Urgent admissions (85.34%) underscore the demand for accessible mental health resources. Men in the 35 to 39 age group are disproportionately affected, suggesting specific risk factors. The predominance of Caucasian ethnicity emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive care. A longer average length of stay (23.7 days) underscores treatment complexity, while a low mortality rate (0.26%) signals effective medical care. In essence, these findings inform tailored mental health policies to enhance service quality and prioritize patient-centered approaches.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Training of community health agents - a strategy for earlier recognition of mucopolysaccharidoses.

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the gateway for patients in the Brazilian unified health system (Sistema Único de Saúde-SUS), playing an extremely important role in the identification of potential patients with genetic diseases, and referral to specialized and tertiary health services. The PHC is composed of a multidisciplinary team, including the Community Health Agent, who is in direct contact with the community. To implement an educational program aimed at community health agents working in several municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The training was focused on genetic diseases in general, with a special focus on identifying patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Tests were applied before and after the educational intervention, in order to assess the participants' knowledge on the topic at these two moments. The study covered a total of ten training sessions carried out in eight municipalities in the RS state, training 374 community health agents. The number of correct answers in the pre-test (n = 339) was 8,4 (SD 1.2), while in the post-test (n = 361) it was 9,2 (SD 0.8). Statistical analysis showed that the educational intervention effectively provided information about genetic diseases to the participants. Considering that community health agents are of fundamental importance in the identification and prevention of diseases and in the better navigation of the patients on the SUS, these professionals play a key role in the field of rare genetic diseases, and continuous training strategies should be taken.

Introduction, Dispersal, and Predominance of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: A Retrospective Analysis.

Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome can alter the virus' fitness, leading to the emergence of variants of concern (VOC). In Brazil, the Gamma variant dominated the pandemic in the first half of 2021, and from June onwards, the first cases of Delta infection were documented. Here, we investigate the introduction and dispersal of the Delta variant in the RS state by sequencing 1077 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples from June to October 2021. Of these samples, 34.7% were identified as Gamma and 65.3% as Delta. Notably, 99.2% of Delta sequences were clustered within the 21J lineage, forming a significant Brazilian clade. The estimated clock rate was 5.97 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year. The Delta variant was first reported on 17 June in the Vinhedos Basalto microregion and rapidly spread, accounting for over 70% of cases within nine weeks. Despite this, the number of cases and deaths remained stable, possibly due to vaccination, prior infections, and the continued mandatory mask use. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the Delta variant circulating in the RS state, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance for monitoring viral evolution, even when the impact of new variants may be less severe in a given region.

Prescription profile of Alzheimer’s disease medications in the public health system in Southern Brazil

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60‐70% of cases of dementia, and is characterized by progressive decline in cognition and functionality. Pharmacological treatment is fundamentally symptomatic, and consist mainly of three acetylcholinesterase (IChE) inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) and one N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor, memantine. Although these drugs are freely available in the public health system in Brazil, there may be barriers to accessing them. We aim to evaluate the profile of prescription of AD medication in the public health system in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Southern Brazil.MethodsWe analyzed all AD medications requested in the state of RS during October/2021 in the public health system. Sociodemographic, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale data were collected. We described the variables as median (interquartile range ‐ IQR) or frequencies. We also performed a spatial autocorrelation analysis of the medication prescribed in the RS municipalities. All analyses were performed in R.ResultsThe total of 2,382 AD patients were using any AD medication. Most were female (65.6%), had elementary education (71.7%) and a median age of 79 (73‐84) years. The patients' MMSE median was 15 [12‐18] and most had a CDR = 2 (55.2%, 1133). The most prescribed medication was donepezil, 42.6% (1014), alone or in combination with memantine (Table 1). The distribution of the variable patient/100,000/municipality was clustered, with Moran’s I of 0.17562 (p<0.001) (Figure 1).ConclusionsMost patients using AD medications in the public health system had moderate dementia. The distribution pattern of these medications in the RS state was uneven. The identification of factors related to these patterns may provide valuable information about the barriers to the access to AD treatment in the state of RS.

Damage Assessment of Melanagromyza sojae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Soybean in Brazil

Soybean stem fly, Melanagromyza sojae Zehntner (Diptera: Agromyzidae), is an important soybean (Glycine max) pest in Eastern Asia that has recently colonized South America. The region colonized by M. sojae includes Brazil and several other major soybean growing countries. Management strategies for this pest remain largely undeveloped due to lack of information regarding its potential to injury soybeans. The objective of this study was to quantify soybean yield reduction caused by M. sojae injury. One experiment was carried out during two summer crop seasons (2020 and 2021) at Santa Maria, RS state, Brazil. Soybean was planted during late-season to ensure that high pressure of M. sojae adults were present in the fields. The number of seeds, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield and number of pods were quantified for the lower, middle and upper canopy, and plant height was compared to the amount of stem injured to determine percentage of injured stem. Each 1% of injured stem in the lower, middle and upper canopy segments significantly reduced the number of seeds per plant, 1,000-seed weight, and yield. Across all canopy segments, yield reduction reached 0.9 g per plant for every 1% of injured stem. Treatments where insecticide applications started during the vegetative phase presented the lowest damage by M. sojae. These data suggest that M. sojae is an economically important herbivore of soybeans under Brazilian growing conditions and highlight the need to develop efficient and sustainable management strategies for this pest.

SKIN TONE AND GENDER INFLUENCE SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR OF BRAZILIANS: A CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS USING THE CAINTERTOOLS PACKAGE

Suicide is a multidetermined biopsychosocial phenomenon that involves the subjectivity and the environment experienced by individuals. The study aimed to analyze the correspondence between gender and race in the Brazilian regions in 2020 about suicide. A descriptive, quantitative study was carried out, based on the collection of the DATASUS database, in October 2022. Multivariate dimension reduction techniques were used, together with correspondence analysis and cluster analysis, in the rows representing the 27 states of the federation and the types of races as column variables. In the Southeast, the highest suicide rate is for the brown and black races, especially SP, RJ, and PR. We observed the association of indigenous suicide in the state of AM. In CO, there was also variability in the yellow race. The lowest rates were in AP, ES, and RR. The Northeast region had the lowest suicide rates by race. The indigenous race has a weak correlation with the other races. In the states of SC, RS, SP, and PR, suicides by race are associated with the white race. Thus, the number of suicides in Brazilian states is associated with race, color, and gender.

Spatial modeling of fire in the atlantic forest considering future climate change scenarios in Rio Grande do Sul state – Brazil

Several biomes worldwide have a long history of conflict over fire use and management. The Atlantic Forest Biome (AFB) is a Brazilian biome that suffers the most from land use and cover changes that cause environmental degradation. The impact of climate change is expected to exacerbate this situation, with extreme weather events potentially leading to a higher frequency and intensity of fire. The main goal of this study is to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of fires for future climate scenarios obtained from CMIP6 climate simulations in the AFB in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil, using machine learning algorithms. This study selected several environmental and anthropogenic variables as factors associated with the cause, occurrence, and spread of fire. The results showed an uneven fire density distribution in the study area. An extensive fire cluster was found in pasture areas located northeast of RS state, reaching more than 1500 fire foci per km2 on average per year. The final model had a training R2 value of 0.99 and a test R2 value of 0.93. The most significant variable identified by the model was the average maximum temperature during the warm period, while livestock is the most influential economic activity. Regarding the simulated fire densities, the period between 2021 and 2040 in the SSP 5.8–5 scenario displayed maximum values that were equivalent to those observed in 2018, with an expansion in the occurrence region observed for the same scenario. However, unexpectedly, between 2081 and 2100, fire density decreased across all areas under the SSP 5.8–5 scenario. This study provides useful insights into climate change context scenarios, offering valuable insights into the intricate relationship between natural processes and human influences, ultimately contributing to informed decision-making and sustainable environmental management.

Mathematical Modeling and Georeferenced Forecasting for the COVID-19 at the State of RS, Brazil

In this contribution, we present a predictive tool developed to help in the management of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) - Brazil. This tool is the result of georeferenced data analysis, mathematical modeling, and parameter calibration for the dynamics of a SIR-type model defined on a spatial structure that allows distinct subpopulations to interact, similar to the controlled distancing (A_l for l = 1, ···, 21) groupings proposed by the RS government and public health authorities. The predictive analysis, updated biweekly, provides three distinct scenarios per month (milder, average, and severe) and is made available as WebSIGs (Geographic Information System - GIS). The forecast of the average scenario for each Al group is the result of a simulation of the proposed SIRtype dynamics with calibrated parameters derived from an augmented Lagrangian maximum a posteriori estimation and data on the number of infected cases made available by the RS Health Secretariat. The milder and severe scenarios are obtained from the average scenario, with changes in the contagion rates of each Al group. When compared to the number of infections reported in each Al group, the modeling predictions for a biweekly time window (the first two weeks) were quite satisfactory, with errors ranging from 0% to 5.13%, gradually increasing over time. Therefore, we suggest a biweekly re-calibration of the parameters and corresponding forecasts as a wise strategy.

Disparity in the use of Alzheimer's disease treatment in Southern Brazil

Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment is freely available in the Brazilian public health system. However, the prescription pattern and its associated factors have been poorly studied in our country. We reviewed all granted requests for AD treatment in the public health system in October 2021 in the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Southern Brazil. We performed a spatial autocorrelation analysis with the population-adjusted patients receiving any AD medication as the outcome and correlated it with several socioeconomic variables. 2382 patients with AD were being treated during the period analyzed. The distribution of the outcome variable was not random (Moran's I 0.17562, P <.0001), with the most developed regions having a higher number of patients/100,000 receiving any AD medication. We show that although AD medications are available through the public health system, there is a clear disparity between regions of RS state. Factors related to socioeconomic development partly explain this finding.

«Eastern Partnership» project: current problems and development prospects

The issues of developing the Eastern Partnership, created on the initiative of the European Union to develop integration ties with the countries of the post-Soviet space, were considered. The article analyzes the eastern dimension of European Neighborhood Policy – the Eastern Partnership (SC) based on official government documents and expert assessments. The CCS mainly refers to socio-economic cooperation. The initiative will involve EU member states and six Eastern European partner countries – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The Eastern Partnership is aimed at the conclusion of association agreements by the countries of the post-Soviet space with the EU. The cooperation program included the states of Eastern Europe and Transcaucasia. Cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership is aimed at such priority areas as economic development, strengthening of management institutions; development of contacts in the energy sector, expansion of contacts between people. In relations with partner countries, the EU looks at each individual country from the perspective of a differentiated approach policy. The main tasks of the SC are the rapprochement and deepening of cooperation between the states of Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus with the European Union, the creation of conditions for the further promotion of political community and economic integration both between the EU and the SC States and between the Rs States. The article analyzes the current stage of development of the» Eastern Partnership « and the main results of the participation of these states in the program.

The genus Brittonodoxa (Sematophyllaceae) in Brazil

Abstract This study presents an update on the occurrence of the genus Brittonodoxa in Brazil with diagnosis, taxonomic comments, illustrations, and geographical distribution data. We recognized three species from Brazil and the geographical distribution of two of them is being expanded: B. cataractae is being reported here for the first time the states of ES, RJ, and RS, and B. lithophila in the Amazon Forest and Pampa biome, occurring in the states of AM, ES, MA, MS, MT, PA, PR, RJ, RS, and TO.

Detecção da paratuberculose em vacas leiteiras no sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Bovine paratuberculosis causes chronic, incurable diarrhea and weight loss, resulting in decreased cattle production. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), an obligate intracellular mycobactin-dependent mycobacterium that replicates slowly in the host and has heightened environmental resistance. In countries where the disease is found and the damage has been quantified, direct and indirect economic losses are extremely high. Local epidemiological data is of paramount importance for the implementation of control programs. Our objective was to verify whether paratuberculosis is present in commercial dairy herds in different mesoregions of RS. Therefore, a prospective, cross-sectional and observational study was performed on dairy cattle from five mesoregions of the RS state, Brazil. Milk samples taken from individual cows on commercial farms were tested using indirect ELISA tests and classified as negative, suspicious, or positive. In herds containing at least one positive cow, we conducted convenience sampling of feces directly from the rectal ampulla to identify MAP through PCR. Of the 362 cows tested, 20 were seroreactive for paratuberculosis from two mesoregions. The PCR tests were all positive; cows with a negative ELISA and positive PCR results probably indicate that the MAP was ingested and eliminated without causing infection. We found that paratuberculosis is likely endemic in the northwest and northeast mesoregions.

Peirce’s Semiotics: Use of Gestures as a Potential Semiotic Resource for Teaching Bohr’s Atom Model

Background: Gestures, seen through Peirce’s semiotics as semiotic resources, have the potential to be revealed as cornerstones for the teaching of physics and, in particular, for the teaching of Bohr’s atomic model. Initially, the semiotic perspective in the teaching process will be addressed and, subsequently, the role of gestures and non-verbal communication as a semiotic resource. Objective: To investigate the contribution of gestures as a potential semiotic resource in teaching Bohr’s atom model. Design: The principles of a qualitative study were observed. Setting and participants: Videos of a preparatory course for ENEM, in the subject of Physics, made by the secretary of education of the state of RS, Brazil, free of charge via the internet. Data collection and analysis: A total of seven hours of online classes of a preparatory course for ENEM are analysed. For the gestural microanalysis, episodes on Bohr’s atom were chosen, with two distinct episodes: the first on the photon and the second on energy levels. Results: From the research analysis carried out on signs within the Peircean framework, it is possible to infer that gestures have the potential to be used as a semiotic resource in the classroom. Conclusion: We found that gestures can be a potential semiotic resource in teaching Bohr’s atom model, as they can enable an articulation between different semiotic resources.

ROAD SAFETY AND THE CAUSES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS IN POLAND

The number of road traffic accidents in the world has been increasing. This is mainly related to the constant increase in road traffic. The aim of this article is to examine the causes of road accidents in Poland in terms of road traffic safety. For this purpose, road incidents that occurred in Poland were analysed. In order to verify the presented statistical data on the state of safety in Poland, a survey was carried out to indicate the factors that most often cause traffic accidents. Possibilities for increasing the efficiency of traffic safety and an evaluation of the level of safety in vehicles were also part of the survey. The results showed that the state of RS, in the opinion of the respondents, is poor. The respondents correctly indicated the most frequent causes of road accidents, which confirms their knowledge in the field of road safety. The survey also showed that the activities of the police and programmes for increasing safety need improvement. According to the respondents, the actions that should be taken to improve safety are, first of all, the improvement of the technical condition of roads and the modernisation of road infrastructure. In addition, the survey showed that most men are car drivers, while women primarily travel on foot; the results also showed that the knowledge of RS is better among women.

Elaboration and validity of an instrument for assessing good handling practices for fishmongers to guide the sanitary surveillance in Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil

Fish consumption has increased in recent years due to the increased supply and awareness of the health benefits of fish proteins. Fresh fish and its products can be purchased in fish retail trades known as fishmongers. However, there is no specific regulation in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS)/Brazil to provide a checklist for the inspection of fishmongers. Thus, this study aimed to elaborate and validate a complete easy-to-use checklist of good handling practices for fishmongers (LVBPMP) to assist municipal sanitary inspectors of these establishments. For that, 11 health inspection scripts focused on fishmongers were consulted, concerning municipal, state, federal, and international regulations, resulting in 1,188 items analyzed. Of these, 74 items were selected and divided into six categories according to current Brazilian legislation. A pre-test was carried out on two fishmongers in Porto Alegre/RS, and then the LVBPMP was analyzed by a committee of six experts for the face validity of the instrument. The validated LVBPMP comprised 84 items. LVBPM proved to be a complete and objective instrument to guide the sanitary surveillance staff in the inspection of fishmongers, allowing its use by regulatory agencies to assist the municipal sanitary inspectors of fishmongers in the RS state.

The Science of Children’s Religious and Spiritual Development

The Science of Children’s Religious and Spiritual Development

Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUNDThis is the first study on the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the southernmost state of Brazil with the country’s fifth largest population. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are collectively termed IBDs. They have high incidence and prevalence rates in high-income countries, although in recent years there has been a change in the classic geographical distribution of IBDs, with growing rates in traditionally low-incidence regions.AIMTo estimate the incidence and prevalence of IBDs in the RS state, Brazil, between 2014 and 2019.METHODSThis is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study. Patients with IBD who had initiated treatment and met the inclusion criteria of the RS state free drug distribution program were included. Data were obtained from registration or renewal records of the RS state specialty pharmacy. The male, female, and total populations were estimated according to mid-year data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, which served as a reference for calculating the incidence and prevalence rates of IBDs during the study period. Results were described using mean, standard deviation, and range.RESULTSWe included 1082 patients with IBD, of whom 57.5% were female and 42.5% were male. Patients with CD accounted for 72.45% of the sample, and those with UC accounted for 27.54%. IBD prevalence during the study period was 9.51 per 100000 population, of which 6.89 corresponded to people with CD and 2.62, to people with UC. Incidence rates per 100000 population/year were 2.54 in 2014, 2.61 in 2015, 1.91 in 2016, 0.80 in 2017, 0.83 in 2018, and 0.96 in 2019. The mean IBD incidence rate per 100000 population was 1.61, of which 1.17 corresponded to CD and 0.44, to UC. The mean age was 41 years, and patients were mostly aged 30-40 years. Prevalence by region was higher in the state capital metropolitan area: 12.69 per 100000 population.CONCLUSIONOur results demonstrated an IBD prevalence of 9.51% and incidence of 1.61 per 100000 population. The patients were predominantly female, and CD was more prevalent than UC.