An invisible villain: high perceived stress, its associated factors, and possible consequences in a population-based survey in southern Brazil.

Introduction: Much of the evidence on the relationship between stress, lifestyle, and other physical and mental health outcomes comes from studies conducted in high-income countries. There is therefore a need for research among populations in low and middle-income settings.

Objectives: To measure stress levels and identify factors associated with a high stress level and its consequences for health.

Is food environment associated with body mass index, overweight and obesity? A study with adults and elderly subjects from southern Brazil.

The purpose of this article was to investigate the association of food environment variables with Body Mass Index (BMI), excess weight and obesity. This was a cross-sectional study determining the presence or absence of food establishments within a 100-m buffer zone from each sampled household. Individuals aged 18 years and older living in the urban area of Rio Grande, RS State, Brazil, in 2016, were considered eligible.

Non-performance of serological tests for syphilis during prenatal care: prevalence and associated factors.

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease, easy to diagnose and treat, but whose incidence is increasing in Brazil. This study estimated the prevalence of the non-performance of serological tests for syphilis during prenatal care, in addition to evaluating its trend and identifying its associated factors in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey that included all pregnant women living in this municipality who gave birth between January 1 and December 31, 2007, 2010, and 2013.

Association of depression and obesity is mediated by weight perception.

This study investigates whether the association between obesity and depression is mediated by the perception of body weight and verifies the combined effect of being obese and having a self-perception of being fat on depression in a population-based sample of 1238 individuals. Weight perception mediated the association between depression and obesity in 39.3 percent of participants.

Health predictors and conditions associated to moderate and vigorous physical activity among adults and elderly from Southern Brazil.

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) generates several health benefits. This study aimed to analyze the predictors of moderate PA (MPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) separately, as well as some health outcomes related to each intensity.

Method: A population-based, cross-sectional study, with adults and the elderly in the urban area of the city of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.

The influence of built, natural and social environment on physical activity among adults and elderly in southern Brazil: a population-based study.

Objectives: This study investigated the association of built, natural and social environment variables with the practice of physical activity (PA) during leisure time and commuting.

Methods: Household interviews were carried out with a representative sample of individuals aged 18 years or older from a municipality in southern Brazil. PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and households were georeferenced with a 500-m buffer.

Simultaneity of behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease in university students.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with clustering of four behavioral risk factors - physical inactivity, high fat intake, harmful use of alcohol and tobacco use - for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among undergraduate students from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic variables, breakfast habits, satisfaction with body image, body mass index, and self-perceived general health were analyzed.