Homicide mortality in border regions in the State of Paraná, Brazil.

A time series analysis was conducted to identify trends in homicide mortality in border regions in the State of Paraná, Brazil between 2002 and 2012. Homicide mortality rates were analyzed by sex, age group, region (border regions, non-border regions, and the state as a whole), and type of assault. Trend analysis was performed using polynomial regression.

Sexually transmitted infection and HIV/AIDS counseling practice in primary health care in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2015-2016.

Objective: to investigate self-reported counseling practice of primary health care (PHC) professionals on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV/AIDS in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, 2015-2016.

Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire answered by PHC physicians and nurses; their practice was classified as being adequate/inadequate based on the recommendations of Ministry of Health manuals; four thematic areas were investigated - counseling provision; prevention measures; risk behavior and vulnerability assessment; serological testing.

Results: 146 professionals participated (41.

[Sexual initiation and contraceptive practices among adolescents in the tri-border area between Brazil, Argentina, and ParaguayIniciación sexual y prácticas anticonceptivas de adolescentes en la triple frontera entre Brasil, Argentina y Paraguay].

Objective: To determine the prevalence of sexual initiation and the contraceptive practices of adolescents in the tri-border area between the cities of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina).

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2 788 adolescents from public schools (age 12 to 18 years). Information was obtained through questionnaires administered in the schools between 2012 and 2013.

Effectiveness of an educational programme about sickle cell disease in the form of active methodologies among community health agents and nursing technicians of primary care in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Background: The incidence of sickle cell disease (SCD) in newborns in Minas Gerais, Brazil is 1:1400, and is a considerable public health problem. Care for SCD at the primary level is still in its early stages and has not even been assessed even worldwide.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a training programme about childhood SCD aimed at primary care professionals.

Perception of primary care doctors and nurses about care provided to sickle cell disease patients.

Objective: To analyze the perception of primary care physicians and nurses about access to services and routine health care provided to sickle cell disease patients.

Methods: This descriptive exploratory study took a qualitative approach by surveying thirteen primary care health professionals who participated in a focus group to discuss access to services and assistance provided to sickle cell disease patients. The data were submitted to thematic content analysis.

Community healthcare workers' perception of an educational intervention in the care of patients with sickle cell disease in Brazil.

Introduction: Despite advances in the management of sickle cell disease, gaps still exist in the training of primary healthcare professionals for monitoring patients with the disease.

Objective: To assess the perception of community healthcare workers about the care and monitoring of patients with sickle cell disease after an educational intervention.

Method: This exploratory, descriptive, and the qualitative study was conducted in Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

[Reasons why pregnant women did not vaccinate against influenza A H1N1].

Pregnant women constitute a risk group for any infection due to their low immunity condition. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, grounded in the Theory of Social Representations that sought to understand the reasons why pregnant women did not vaccinate against influenza A (H1N1). The study included 10 women who were pregnant during the vaccination campaign of 2010.

[Male mortality due to external causes in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil].

A descriptive study of a time series seeking to assess mortality due to external causes in males in the State of Minas Gerais was conducted in the period from 1999 to 2008, duly identifying the behavior of this group of causes throughout the time series. Data were obtained about the male population resident in the State of Minas Gerais recorded in the Unified Health System (SUS). Mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants, divided by age group and specific cause were calculated.

Quality of assistance provided to children with sickle cell disease by primary healthcare services.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of healthcare provided to sickle cell disease children by primary healthcare services in a region of high prevalence.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed by interviewing members of families with sickle cell disease children. The children had been identified from the Neonatal Screening Program in Minas Gerais state over the last 12 years in towns of the Montes Claros-Bocaiuva microregion.