There are large differences in the shape and size of regional SARS-CoV-2 epidemics in Brazil. Here we tested monthly blood donation samples for IgG antibodies from March 2020 to March 2021 in eight of Brazil’s most populous cities. There was large variation in the inferred attack rate adjusted for seroreversion across cities, and seroprevalence was consistently smaller in women and donors older than 55 years. The age-specific infection fatality rate differed between cities and consistently increased with age. The infection hospitalisation rate (IHR) increased significantly during the gamma-dominated second wave in Manaus, suggesting increased morbidity of the Gamma VOC compared to previous variants circulating in Manaus. The higher disease penetrance associated with the health system’s collapse increased the overall IFR by a minimum factor of 2.91 (95% CrI 2.43–3.53). These results demonstrate large heterogeneity in epidemic spread and highlight the utility of blood donor serosurveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 epidemics.
Background and Objectives: Transfusion is one of the most performed medical procedures. Wrong indications are common and are probably related to the scarcity of transfusion teaching during medical education. The development of a new way to improve transfusion education is paramount. Social media has the potential to reach larger audiences for rapid communication of medical content. The use of social media for transfusion education in Brazil has not been published. The aim of this article is to describe a new tool to improve transfusion learning. Materials and Methods: Evidence-based cards were created. Initially, these cards were sent by WhatsApp. Later, Instagram and Facebook pages were created.EducaSangue, as this e-learning project was called, is a tool for the spreading of transfusion knowledge that permits the exchange of experiences.Results: By April 2021, Facebook and Instagram pages had 8300 and 5100 followers, respectively. Cards about single red blood cell (RBC) unit, alternatives to transfusion, transfusion reactions and pre-transfusion tests were published. Doctors and other health professionals follow EducaSangue. RBC transfusions reduced in Ceara and single-unit RBC increased by 28%, although not statistically significant. In Brazil, the minority of medical schools have transfusion as a discipline. The scarcity of transfusion education is related to the poorer care of the patient. Technological innovation has been used for educational changes and is an alternative to formal education.
Conclusion:Social media is an interesting tool to provide quality to medical services, since they can reach a broader public, especially where personal contact is difficult.patient blood management, transfusion medicine, transfusion therapy
Highlights• This is the first article that evaluates the use of social media in transfusion medicine education in Brazil.• Social media is a powerful tool to improve transfusion safety and patient blood management.
Resumo: O espaço de relacionamento do Facebook vem redefinindo a participação social e empoderando a população nas diversas causas sociais, incluindo a doação RISTI, N.º 30, 12/2018 Redes Sociais e Promoção da Saúde: Utilização do Facebook no Contexto da Doação de Sangue Social Networks and Health Promotion: Use of Facebook in the Context of Blood Donation
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