State Of Paraiba Research Articles

Leptospirosis seroprevalence and associated risk factors in dairy goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Leptospira spp. infection is a worldwide zoonosis that causes economic losses to goat rearing, mainly due to reproductive disorders. Hence, the objective of this research was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in a goat milk-producing region in the states of Paraiba and Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test was used as serological method and risk factor analysis was carried out using univariable and multivariable analyses. Out of the 937 animals sampled, 102 (10.9 %; 95 % CI = 8.9–12.9 %) were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and the most frequent serogroups were Ballum (41.2 %; 95 % CI = 31.6–50.7 %), Icterohaemorrhagiae (25.5 %, 95 % CI = 17–33.9 %) and Semaranga (23.5 %, 95 % CI = 15.3–31.8 %), with antibody titres ranging from 1:50 to 1:200. Thirty-four of 51 herds (66.7 %; 95 % CI = 53.7–79.6 %) had at least one seropositive animal. The risk factor identified in the multivariable two-level random effect binary logistic regression was the animal being an adult (odds ratio = 4.2; 95 % CI = 1.93–9.13; P < 0.001). Our results provide important information on the epidemiology and risk factors associated with goat leptospirosis seroprevalence in one of the main Brazilian goat milk-producing regions. Furthermore, the need for adopting sanitary control measures, especially those involving sanitary management practices, is highlighted.

Taxonomy of Leodice Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida, Eunicidae) from Northeast Brazil (Tropical Southwest Atlantic Ocean) with description of a new species

Currently, Leodice has 34 species recorded worldwide. Among these, seven species are known along the Brazilian coast. This study is based on material collected during the Marine Algae project conducted in 1981 along the Continental Shelf of the State of Paraíba, at depths of 10–35 m. In this study, we present three new records: L. pellucida comb. nov. for South America, L. marcusi for northeastern Brazil, and L. unifrons for the State of Paraiba. A new species of Leodice is described from the State of Paraiba, Northeast Brazil, Leodice ivanildae sp. nov. This taxonomic study increases the number of known species of Leodice to 37, with nine occurring in Brazil. Additionally, it expands the species of Leodice known from the State of Paraiba, Brazil, from two to six.

Crustaceans from Tabatinga, coqueirinho and Tambaba beaches, belonging to the environmental protection area Tambaba, Paraíba, Brazil

Most species of crustaceans are part of the most basal levels of the marine trophic web. Their study in Brazil has increased in recent years, but many aspects of crustaceans remain unknown and non-sampled. The littoral of the State of Paraíba, located in northeastern Brazil, remains one of these insufficiently explored areas, despite the increasing environmental impacts due mainly to tourism. This study represents the first inventory of the crustacean fauna of beaches located within the Environmental Protection Area of Tambaba (beaches of Coqueirinho, Tabatinga and Tambaba, located in the municipalities of Conde, Alhandra and Pitimbu, respectively). Sampling was performed as part of the Project Biota - Paraíba (January, 2007 to April, 2009), consisting in manual collecting and shallow snorkeling (down to 0.1 to 0.3 m) during periods of the lowest tides by the research group of the Invertebrate Lab Paulo Young (LIPY), Federal University of Paraiba. More than 250 specimens of crustaceans, belonging to 45 species, were identified. This corresponds to 37.19% of the total species collected along the State of Paraiba during this project. Prominent among these species was Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille 1828, (Gecarcinidae, Brachyura), an important commercial species listed as being overexploited or in risk of overexploitation.

Violência contra pessoas idosas atendidas em instituições hospitalares: estudo transversal em dois municípios da Paraíba

Abstract Objective To report the prevalence of and identify sociodemographic and economic factors associated with physical and psychological abuse among hospitalized older individuals. Method A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at two hospitals in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. Data collection took place between 2019 and 2020 for a sample of 323 older individuals. Brazil Old Age Schedule instruments were used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and the Conflict Tactics Scales Form R were used to identify abuse. Descriptive analysis (relative and absolute frequency) and inferential analysis (Pearson's chi-square test, Spearman's Correlation, and logistic regression) were performed. Results There was a significant association between physical abuse and the variables income ≤1 minimum wage (p=0.048), other sources of income (p=0.019), ≥6 people dependent on income (p=0.016) and total income that "falls a little short" of meeting needs (p=0.010). Concomitant physical and psychological abuse was associated with other sources of income (p=0.015) and "falls a little short" of meeting needs (p=0.005). Other sources of income (p=0.049; OR=3.134), income score (p=0.000; 0.999), and disease score (p=0.014; OR=1.393) remained in the logistic regression model for physical abuse, whereas only disease score remained (p=0.006; OR=1.286) in the model for psychological abuse. Conclusion Physical abuse was more prevalent among individuals with lower income or higher number of diseases, while psychological abuse predominated among participants reporting more diseases. Additionally, individuals with alternative sources of income had a three-fold higher chance of experiencing physical abuse.

Análise de dados virtuais de herbário sobre Melocactus (Cactaceae) na Caatinga: uma síntese reprodutiva e de distribuição geográfica

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze data of the genus Melocactus (Cactaceae) in the Caatinga biome using a virtual herbarium, determine its reproductive aspects, and establish its geographical distribution. Data were collected from the SpeciesLink platform. Notes on exsiccata labels were analyzed to assess reproductive characteristics. Coordinate information was used to develop a distribution map for the genus in the Caatinga biome. A total of 469 records were found in 35 herbaria in Brazil. Melocactus zehntneri stood out with 208 records, followed by M. ernestii, and M. bahiensis. The data were concentrated in a few herbaria, mainly in the Herbarium of the State University of Feira de Santana, which had 28% of the records. Collections were carried out in June (63 records) and in July (59 records). Regarding the reproductive period, Melocactus was active throughout the year, but more concentrated from June to October. The genus is composed of species that depend on animal pollination and dispersal, according to coloration and visitation data. Melocactus is widely distributed throughout the Caatinga, with a tendency to concentrated in drier areas of the biome, in the states of Bahia, Pernambuco, and Paraiba. Herbaria are valuable tools for ecological investigations; therefore, promoting the digitalization of collections and improving the quality and quantity of annotations on specimens are necessary. The genus Melocactus has several characteristics that make it an essential group for maintaining biodiversity in the Caatinga biome.

Plectania rhytidia (Pezizales, Pezizomycotina) in Brazil: notes on its distribution and typification status

ABSTRACT Plectania rhytidia is an uncommon discomycete now detected in Brazil. It is characterised by having a black ascomata, and transversally ribbed on one side ascospores measuring 19.6–27.4 (–29.4) × (6.9–) 7.8–12.3 μm. This species has been briefly referred to from Rio Grande do Sul without a detailed description and discussion. Studies on the genus Plectania in this country are scarce, and only P. chilensis, P.camplyspora, and P. milleri were cited. Previously, members of the genus have been mostly reported from temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, and in Australia and New Zealand. In this report, an interesting species of Plectania, found for the first time in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, is presented and comprehensively described. We also address the typification status of Peziza rhytidia, Urnula platensis, and U. torrendii.

Proposal of a Model for Water Usage: Revenue Estimation in Brazil Hydrographic Basin

In order to improve the quality of aquatic ecosystems, a water collection instrument was established in the National Water Resources Policy (PNRH), with the purpose of collecting and allocating resources to the management of water systems, as well as stimulating the conscious and efficient use of water, with the direct finality of reducing the rates of waste and pollution of water sources. This instrument guided the definition of the objective from the present research, which is to estimate the collection of the Pianco-Piranhas-Açu Basin, located between the State of Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte, to be calculated with a mathematical model of collection by the multiple water uses that consider volumes consumed, captured and for the discharge of effluents. To do so, it was analysed the main collection models adopted in Brazil to finally define the best algorithmic basis. Analysing the results, it was observed that the planned resources still do not provide a sustainable application of the real situation of the analysed basin, requiring further research to better understand the peculiarities of the region, given that the estimated collection is insufficient to provide the necessary infrastructure for Pianco-Piranhas-Açu (Brazil) river’s basin management system. Therefore, this situation serves to alert public water management bodies about the modelling to be used and the urgency of implementing the charging instrument, given that it could improve the quality of the hydrographic basin studied.

Epidemiological study of bee stings in the state of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil, from 2015 to 2019

Introduction: In Brazil, envenomation by bee sting is a public health problem due to its incidence in all regions of the country, as well as the severity of cases. Despite the medical and sanitary importance, the literature on this topic in Brazil is scarce, in the Northeast region. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of bee stings in Paraíba, in the Northeast region of Brazil, from 2015 to 2019. Methods: The current study is a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological investigation conducted through the recovery of secondary data made available by the database from the Ministry of Health Notification Information System. Results: A total of 1,151 cases were analyzed, and they were reported during all the months of the period of the study and were more frequent in the regions Agreste and Sertão of the Paraíba. The victims were men aged 20 to 59 years. Most individuals received medical assistance within 3 hours of the incident. The cases were classified as mild and progressed to cure. Conclusion: In Paraíba, bee stings have increased in recent years, especially in regions with a semi-arid climate. In addition, this study provides data that may be used in the development of educational health actions to promote the prevention and control of bee stings in this region.

Phenotypical characterization of Portulaca umbraticola: A non-conventional edible ornamental crop

Purslanes are frequently used in Brazil as potted plants and for landscaping because of their beautiful colored flowers. Despite their commercial importance, the genetic diversity within ornamental purslane remains largely unknown. Thus, a complete characterization of ornamental purslane resources is essential for its utilization since genetic variability is indispensable for the efficient development of new cultivars. This study aimed to evaluate genetic variability and recommend accessions to start a genetic breeding program for purslane (Portulaca umbraticola). Twenty purslane accessions were collected in public places in Areia City and Santa Rita City, Paraiba State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. An entirely randomized experimental design with 20 accessions and 5 replicates was utilized. Plants were evaluated for quantitative and qualitative traits. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and grouped by Scott–Knott’s criteria (p ≤ 0.05). The accessions were grouped using Tocher’s method based on the generalized Mahalanobis distance. Principal component analysis was also used to analyze the genetic divergence. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) for all evaluated traits except for internode distance, plant height, and leaf length. The Scott–Knott criteria clustered the accessions into two groups for all traits except days to flowering (five groups). Tocher’s grouping based on Mahalanobis distance allowed the accessions to be separated into eight clusters. The genetic diversity observed in this study was supported by the consonance between the Tocher cluster method and the PC analyses. The traits that most contributed to genetic divergence among accessions were days to flowering (70.37%), flower length (6.10%), leaf width (3.89%), branch number (3.57%), and stem length (3.36%). Considering the criteria for use in outdoor spaces, wider plants with several large colored flowers, thicker stems, greener leaves, and earliness were interesting. Accessions 5, 7, 13, 14, 16, 18, and 20 should be selected as parents for further breeding programs. However, if the objective is to produce potted plants, dwarf plants with bigger leaves are desired, and accession 1 should be selected. This will create greater variability in segregating populations, which will increase the overall quality of ornamental use of this species. For those accessions with no reproductive verticils but with other excellent attributes, for example, high chlorophyll content breeding strategies, such as induced mutations or protoplast fusion, can be used.

Estimation of the extent of defoliation in Avicennia L. (Acanthaceae) caused by caterpillars of Hyblaea puera (Cramer, 1777) in a tropical mangrove

The record of severe defoliation caused by lepidopteran larvae in mangrove forests has increased in recent decades and has caused concern because the mangrove is an ecosystem already threatened by several stressors. In this study, we used Sentinel-2 spatial data to quantify the extent and assess the health of the mangrove forest of the Mamanguape River estuary, Paraiba State, Brazil, in response to severe defoliation of Avicennia germinans and Avicennia schaueriana caused by caterpillars of the invasive exotic moth Hyblaea puera. The caterpillar outbreak was recorded in the period from May to July 2020 and satellite images referring to the years 2019–2021 were evaluated. Mangrove mapping was performed using supervised classification and forest health was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Supervised classification indicated that about 10% of the total mangrove area was intensely affected by defoliation caused by H. puera caterpillar infestation. Proportionally, the area of the A. schaueriana stand was more affected by defoliation than the A. germinans stand. NDVI indicated degraded health of the A. germinans and A. schaueriana stands in October 2020 while an improvement in biomass production was observed in June 2021. The results showed that the A. germinans stand is more resilient than the A. schaueriana stand. The consequences of severe defoliation, caterpillar characteristics, mangrove species details, and methodological issues are discussed.

Temporal Analysis of COVID-19 Epidemiological Indicators in a Low-Income Brazilian Context: A Retrospective Analysis in Paraiba State.

Northeast Brazil is a region with great international tourist potential. Among the states that make up this region, Paraíba stands out due to the presence of vulnerable groups and factors that contribute to adverse outcomes of COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological data on the incidence, mortality, and case fatality of COVID-19 in Paraíba. An ecological, population-based study was performed, with data extracted from the Brazilian Ministry of Health database. All cases and deaths from COVID-19 from March 2020 to December 2022 were included. The time series was built by applying the Prais-Winsten regression model, and the daily percent change was calculated to analyze the trends. The highest case fatality of the entire period was in April 2020 (7.8%), but in March 2021, the state broke the dismal record of 1248 deaths and the highest mortality rate (30.5 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants). Stationary mortality and case fatality were better in 2022; however, in February 2022, the mortality rate was at levels similar to the same month of the previous year. These results illustrate that COVID-19 is evolving and needs to be constantly monitored.

Study of Solar Cells Using FISH MOSFETs as a Constructive Element to Generate Photocurrent in the Longitudinal Direction

According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar energy could reach 30% in 2023 in countries with the most excellent installed generation capacity, such as China, Germany, Japan, and the United States of America. In other countries, like Brazil (mainly in Paraiba state), for instance, the volume of investments in the solar energy sector is equal to 4.17 billion Reais of private investments in 2022 to implement a photovoltaic module factory to reach an installed capacity of 1.6GW. In this context, several efforts have been made to boost the electrical performance of solar cells in terms of using new materials, fabrication processes, and constructive essential elements to produce electric energy with more efficiency. Thus, this paper performs, by three-dimensional numerical simulations, a comparative study between solar cells implemented with constructive elements based on Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), N channel, depletion type, with two types of gate geometries, in which one is layouted with the typical rectangular (Rectangular MOSFET, RM) and other is implemented with the FISH layout style (FISH MOSFET, FM). The main results have shown that the solar cell implemented with the FISH MOSFET has an efficiency of approximately 57% higher than that presented in the solar cell implemented with the Conventional MOSFET. Therefore, the solar cells implemented with FISH MOSFETs can be considered an alternative constructive essential element to improve the electrical performance of solar cells.

Location and specialization indicators of animal bioenergetic potential in Paraiba (Brazil)

Several international forums have been discussing energy insecurity in the world caused by dependence on oil and natural gas, as well as their consequent economic instabilities and environmental crises. In order to increase the energy matrix in both the developing and developed regions of the world and meet global goals, there is a motivation in the growing use of bioenergy, as an alternative to fossil fuels, which can increase energy security and provide a possible reduction in emissions of CO2. Biogas, a renewable energy resource, is produced by the decomposition of organic materials such as manure, agricultural waste, sewage sludge and food waste under anaerobic conditions. This study analyzed the pattern of location and specialization of the energy potential of livestock waste in the municipalities, in the immediate and intermediate regions of the Paraiba state (Brazil) from 2000 to 2020. The energy potential was estimated from the livestock residues acquired from the herds and the development of conversion coefficients based on data from the specialized literature. The indicators of specialization and location calculated were the Locational Quotient (LQ), and the indexes of Krugman (SI), Hoover (H) and Ellison-Glaeser (EG). The results showed that the Paraiba state can produce on average about 31.3 PJ of animal bioenergy each year. The immediate region of Campina Grande has the highest average annual energy, with around 7.38 PJ. In the region of Sumé and Monteiro was concentration of theoretical potential energy (TEP) of goat and sheep. Through the SI, a similar dissimilarity was observed between surrounding municipalities forming nuclei. Such a configuration may indicate a bioenergetic potential for possible investments to be studied.

Analyzing how the sobek tool can assist students’ writing

Reading and text production are two important skills for everyone, but it is known that even students in higher education have difficulties how to write high-quality texts. Currently, there are several automatic text analysis tools, also well-known as text mining tools, available on the Internet (paid and free) which can be used to support text production, such as LanguageTool (Zhang et al., 2018), TextAlyser (TextAlyser, 2019), TagCrowd (TagCrowd, 2019), and Sobek (Macedo et al., 2016). These tools usually highlight attention points in a text, present a statistical analysis, suggest connection words, and emphasize locals with repetitive words, turning out a text with higher quality. Thus, this paper presents a case study using the Sobek automatic text analysis tool to investigate its potential to support students in the learning process (reading and production/writing). One group of 26 students enrolled in 9th grade from a middle school in the Paraiba state, Brazil, participated in writing activities using the Sobek tool. From the experiments, the results have shown an upgrade in text writing skills, especially showing a vocabulary more diversified and text structures, which are discussed in this paper.

Coalescing disparate data sources for the geospatial prediction of mosquito abundance, using Brazil as a motivating case study

One of the barriers to performing geospatial surveillance of mosquito occupancy or infestation anywhere in the world is the paucity of primary entomologic survey data geolocated at a residential property level and matched to important risk factor information (e.g., anthropogenic, environmental, and climate) that enables the spatial risk prediction of mosquito occupancy or infestation. Such data are invaluable pieces of information for academics, policy makers, and public health program managers operating in low-resource settings in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where mosquitoes are typically endemic. The reality is that such data remain elusive in these low-resource settings and, where available, high-quality data that include both individual and spatial characteristics to inform the geospatial description and risk patterning of infestation remain rare. There are many online sources of open-source spatial data that are reliable and can be used to address such data paucity in this context. Therefore, the aims of this article are threefold: (1) to highlight where these reliable open-source data can be acquired and how they can be used as risk factors for making spatial predictions for mosquito occupancy in general; (2) to use Brazil as a case study to demonstrate how these datasets can be combined to predict the presence of arboviruses through the use of ecological niche modeling using the maximum entropy algorithm; and (3) to discuss the benefits of using bespoke applications beyond these open-source online data sources, demonstrating for how they can be the new “gold-standard” approach for gathering primary entomologic survey data. The scope of this article was mainly limited to a Brazilian context because it builds on an existing partnership with academics and stakeholders from environmental surveillance agencies in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba. The analysis presented in this article was also limited to a specific mosquito species, i.e., Aedes aegypti, due to its endemic status in Brazil.

Potentiality of Solar Photovoltaic Energy in Paraiba, Brazil, and the Relation with Sustainable Development

The use of non-renewable energy has been a major environmental concern and, therefore, there is a need to look for other renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaic’s. In view of this, an attempt was made to quantify the potential of solar irradiance in the State of Paraiba, as an alternative source for conversion and use in electrical energy, these determinations being the main objectives. Global solar irradiance and solar photovoltaic data were extracted from scientific publications and/or made available on the websites of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the National Electric Energy Agency, among others. For the case study, semi-structured questionnaires were applied in different business establishments in Campina Grande, with questions related to socioeconomic aspects and photovoltaic technology. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics criteria and using an Excel spreadsheet. The main results indicated that the Brazilian energy matrix is predominantly from renewable sources. The Northeast is the second region with the highest production of photovoltaic solar energy and the State of Paraiba occupies its fourth position in the generation of this type of energy. The option of photovoltaic technology is a promising alternative, especially for rural areas, where there is not always a conventional electricity grid. The high availability of solar energy in northeastern Brazil, in almost all months of the year, especially in the state of Paraiba, demonstrates the existence of a high potential to generate electricity from photovoltaic systems. This technology contributes to local sustainable development, as it is an activity that generates employment and income, without degrading the environment.

A integração ensino-serviço no enfrentamento à covid-19

Abstract This study analyzes the teaching-service integration as a strategy for Permanent Health Education against COVID-19, in healthcare services of the Municipal Health Department of João Pessoa, in the state of Paraiba (SMS/JP). This is an exploratory, comprehensive-interpretative study with a qualitative approach. The scenarios were the SMS/JP services, which carry out actions to combat COVID-19 and serve as practice spaces for educational institutions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted with service managers, health professionals, residence coordinators, and residents. The analysis allowed us to identify the circumstances and adversities that arose during the period of agreements and renegotiations of practice scenarios during the pandemic. Also highlighting the contributions of the teaching-service integration to the qualification process of workers and students in the face of COVID-19 and the relationship with the needs of the services, from the qualification movements, elaboration of protocols, sheets, forms, and creation of discussion spaces. It was confirmed that teaching-service integration is a powerful permanent health education strategy, considering the articulation between service agents and educational institutions, provoking the development of a critical-reflective look at the service, boosting learning spaces, evolution, and growth.

Adsorption of Heavy Metals on Bentonitic Soil for Use in Landfill Liners

Hazardous heavy metal ions such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium, and lead engender a potential risk to human health. Among the processes involved in the retention of these contaminants, adsorption is advantageous for removing toxic metals because of its environmentally friendly aspect, efficiency, and low-cost operation. Information on the adsorption of heavy metals in soils from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil is still scarce. In this study, the adsorption of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb) by a semiarid Brazilian bentonitic soil is investigated. This soil has been used as a bottom liner in an experimental municipal solid waste (MSW) cell located in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil. The experimental cell consists of a landfill unit on an experimental scale, with the same constructive elements of a sanitary landfill. Disturbed and undisturbed samples of the investigated soil were collected at a quarry in the rural zone of Boa Vista (state of Paraiba, Northeast Brazil). Sorption attributes were determined via batch tests with a soil-solution ratio of 1 : 12.5 (4 g of dry soil to 50 mL of solution). Linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir isotherms were fitted to the experimental data, using as fitting parameters Pearson correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] value with a significance level [Formula: see text]. The ascending order of maximum adsorption capacity for heavy metals followed the series Ni &lt; Cr &lt; Zn &lt; Cd &lt; Cu &lt; Pb. The maximum adsorbent capacities obtained were similar to those of other Brazilian soils and other adsorbents. Therefore, the studied soil has a high potential to be used in the retention of heavy metals.

Associações entre ansiedade e incapacidade funcional em pessoas idosas: estudo transversal

Abstract Objective to estimate the prevalence of anxiety in older adults and its association with different levels of functional disability in a small town in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. Method a cross-sectional analytical study was carried out of 233 randomly-selected older users of the Family Health Strategy program. Data were collected using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory. Results were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics adopting a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results Overall, 48.1% of the participants had some degree of selfreported anxiety, with significantly higher levels among women (mean rank = 128.11; p = 0.002). An association was also found between severe anxiety level and severe disability level (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion the high prevalence of different degrees of geriatric anxiety and its association with severe functional disability indicates the coexistence of psychoemotional and motor alterations. These findings suggest the need to break the chain of underdiagnosis and strengthen the implementation of specialized interventions in the field of gerontology and geriatrics.

Primary headache in academics: a cross-sectional study

Headache is a frequent, long-standing and universal neurological disorder with high prevalence worldwide. ObjectiveTo verify the prevalence of headache and self-medication among healthcare academics. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study, carried out with 165 healthcare academics. A questionnaire was used as a methodological instrument to collect data. ResultsThe academics were mostly female, aged between 18 and 54 years, from the State of Paraiba and single. The lifetime prevalence of headaches was 98.2%. Most volunteers (62.4%) have a probable diagnosis of primary headache. Of these, the most prevalent was migraine, especially with aura, and tension-type headache (TTH). Of the group under analysis, the majority have not had consultations because of the pain and therefore have no medical diagnosis and no treatment. Some treated the pain only in a crisis. Of these, most practiced self-medication, mainly with dipyrone and paracetamol.Stress, worry and sleep deprivation were the most cited factors among those that usually cause pain. ConclusionClarifications, preventive measures, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the emotional, socioeconomic and academic losses of this frequent neurological complaint among students.