The menopause is associated with a tendency to gain weight. Several alterations in fat deposits occur, leading to changes in the distribution of body fat. There are strong indications that, in middle age, obesity is associated with increased mortality. This study set out to determine the factors associated with the prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity in postmenopausal women in a population-based study in Brazil.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is particularly burdensome for women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which increases their risk of developing cervical lesions and cancer (CC). We conducted a molecular study of the distribution of cervical HPV genotypes and the risk factors for this infection in HIV-infected Brazilian women. Findings: Cervical and endocervical samples for Papanicolaou screening and HPV detection were collected from 178 HIV-infected women using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) of Maringá city/Brazil. Risk factors were assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and the data regarding to HIV infection from medical records. HPV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genotyping using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. HIV infection was well controlled, but women with a current CD4+ T lymphocyte count between 200–350 cells/mm³ (37.6%) had a two-fold greater risk of HPV infection than those with > 350 cells/mm³ (26.4%). HPV was associated with parity ≥3, hormonal contraceptive use and current smoker. HPV infection occurred with high frequency (46.6%) but a low frequency of cervical abnormalities was detected (7.30%), mainly low-grade squamous intraephitelial cervical lesions (LSIL) (84.6%). A high frequency of multiple HPV infections was detected (23.0%), and the most frequent HPV genotype was HPV-72 (6.7%), followed by −16, -31 and -51 (6.14% each). Conclusions: We showed that HAART use does not protect HIV-infected women from HPV, but appear to exert some protection against cervical lesions development. This study provides other important information about risk factors and cervical HPV in HIV-infected women, which can contribute to planning protocols.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae can colonize the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and has been considered one of the most important risk factors for the development of neonatal disease. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of GBS isolates from pregnant women who were attended at a public health service in Northern Paraná, Brazil. A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was performed with 544 pregnant women, at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation. One hundred and thirty-six GBS isolates from pregnant women were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. All of the GBS isolates showed susceptibility to the drug that is most frequently used for intrapartum prophylaxis: penicillin. Resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin was detected, thus decreasing the options of prophylaxis in women who are allergic to penicillin. Additional studies should be conducted to increase the knowledge of GBS sensitivity profile to antimicrobials in other health centers.

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of female mortality worldwide, but significant racial and socioeconomic disparities persist in disease outcomes. This review aimed to analyze racial and socioeconomic inequalities in mortality and survival from breast cancer, identifying the impact of social risk factors on access to diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Eighteen studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included, with 11 contributing to the meta-analysis. Random-effect models were used to assess correlations between socioeconomic status, race, and clinical outcomes, including heterogeneity and publication bias analyses. Results: The strongest associations were observed between income, race, and breast cancer survival, with survival significantly worse among Black women and low-income populations (p < 0.001). Income also showed a strong positive correlation with clinical outcomes. In contrast, the overall effect on mortality was not statistically significant (p = 0.290), likely due to high heterogeneity across studies (I² = 100%). These findings suggest that structural disparities in access to healthcare and early detection substantially affect survival rates. Conclusions: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer outcomes remain critical public health challenges. Targeted policies to expand early diagnosis and ensure equitable access to effective treatment are essential to reduce these disparities and improve survival in underserved populations.

To analyze gastroschisis annual incidence, mortality rates, and trends in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul from the year 2000 to the year 2017. Population-based study with the analysis of the temporal trend of gastroschisis annual incidence and mortality rates. Data were obtained from the Live Birth Information System and the Mortality Information System, with the analysis performed by polynomial regression modeling. There were 2,612,532 live births, 705 hospitalizations, and 233 deaths due to gastroschisis. The annual incidence of gastroschisis was 2.69 per 10,000 live births. The annual incidence rate increased by 85% in the total period (p = 0.003), and mortality was 33% in the 2000-2017 period. Maternal age < 25 years was a risk factor for gastroschisis (p < 0.001). Children were more likely to be born weighing < 2,500 g (p < 0.001) and with a gestational age < 37 weeks (p < 0.001). The annual incidence trend was to increase, and the mortality trend was to decrease. Similar to what has been described in several regions/countries, there was a trend showing an 85% increase in the annual incidence of gastroschisis (p = 0.003) and the mortality was 33% with a trend of decreasing (p = 0.002).

OBJECTIVE: To identify nurses who are subject to workplace bullying and its associated factors. METHOD: Descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 199 nurses working in public and private sectors (N=388). For data collection, a graphic socio-professional questionnaire and the Leymann Inventory Psychological Terrorization were used, both in print or electronic format (May/September 2010). RESULTS: According to the data collected, 11.56% of the participants had been subject to bullying. Multivariate analysis showed that having children, working at Public Healthcare Units, working at an institution for a period between one and three years, currently dealing with acts of bullying and to feel bullied are risk factors for bullying. CONCLUSION: This study permitted a better understanding of the factors associated with bullying; however, a research based on samples of Brazilian nurses is only the first step to evaluate other factors of influence related to the organizational context.