IntroductionAnemia is a nutritional problem of global importance. It is estimated that at least one-third of the population has been at one time anemic.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in patients of a children's hospital in Recife.MethodsA cross-sectional study was developed involving 595 male and female children aged from 6 to 59 months old, who were hospitalized in 2007.ResultsChildren with a hemoglobin concentration less than 11 g/dL were considered anemic. The relationship between studied variables and anemia was evaluated by Poisson regression analysis. There was a 56.6% prevalence of anemia (95% CI: 46.6-54.6). Anemia was significantly correlated with low weight (Prevalence ratio - PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.64), young age (PR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.57-2.56) and a diagnosis of acute lower respiratory disease (PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.27-1.96).ConclusionThe high prevalence of anemia suggests that it may contribute as a causal factor for hospitalization, especially because the period of hospitalization was short and the patient was likely to be anemic at the time of admission. This study stresses the importance of evaluating the overall nutritional status of patients, including their ingestion of microelements. This is especially important in children, because of their greater susceptibility to anemia. Measures directed at the prevention and control of anemia, including increased coverage of supplementation and fortification programs are strongly recommended.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious public health issue. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is widely considered to be the most feasible, readily available and preferred intervention for decreasing neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We conducted a prospective study to assess the effect of KMC on PPD. The study population included 177 low-income mothers with their preterm infants. We used the validated Portuguese version of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale for the assessment of maternal depression. The mothers were evaluated twice, at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission and at KMC discharge. We found 66 mothers (37.3%) with depression and it decreased to 30 (16.9%) after KMC intervention; p < 0.0001. None developed PPD during the Kangaroo stay. We concluded that KMC may lessen maternal depression. Further studies, may be required to clarify these preliminary findings.

Background: Diabetes and the problem of the diabetic foot specifically are a severe burden on the public healthcare system. Amputations caused by this condition are still common in our setting (Brazil), although the true magnitude of the problem is not known with certainty. Lower limb amputation rates have come to be seen as an indicator of the quality of preventative care of the diabetic foot. Objective: To identify associations between amputations and factors related to people, to morbidities and to primary care received. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a sample of 137 patients with diabetic feet admitted to a large hospital in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: Associations with amputation were detected for the following variables: age over 60; resident of the Metro zone; income of three minimum salaries or less; presence of gangrene on admission; glycemia ≥ 126 mg/dL; smoking; not receiving information about results of glycemia testing; not having feet examined, and not being given guidance on caring for feet at consultations during the previous year. Conclusions: Factors related to Primary Care, such as time since onset of ulcers, information about results of glycemia testing and lack of guidance on how to care for their feet, were associated with occurrence of lower limb amputations. ResumoContexto: O diabetes e especificamente o problema do pé diabético representam grave adversidade ao sistema de saúde pública. As amputações resultantes deste agravo ainda são frequentes em nosso meio, embora não se conheça ao certo a sua magnitude. A taxa de amputações de membros inferiores tem sido considerada um indicador da qualidade dos cuidados preventivos do pé diabético. Objetivo: Identificar a existência de associação entre amputações e fatores relacionados às pessoas, à morbidade e à atenção básica recebida. Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu uma amostra de 137 portadores de pé diabético internados em hospital de grande porte da cidade do Recife. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística. Resultados: Verificou-se associação para as variáveis: idade de 60 anos ou mais; procedência da Região metropolitana; renda de até três salários mínimos; presença de gangrena à admissão; glicemia de 126 mg/ dL ou mais; tabagismo; não receber informação dos resultados da glicemia; não ter os pés examinados, e não receber orientação sobre cuidados com os pés nas consultas do ano anterior. Conclusões: Fatores relacionados à Atenção Básica, tais como o tempo de ocorrência da úlcera, a informação dos resultados do exame de glicemia e a falta de orientação sobre cuidados com os pés, estiveram associados com a ocorrência de amputações de membros inferiores.Palavras-chave: pé diabético; amputação; atenção básica.

No abstract