Paula Cristina Pelli Paiva

Development and Validation of a Social Capital Questionnaire for Adolescent Students (SCQ-AS)

Objectives Social capital has been studied due to its contextual influence on health. However, no specific assessment tool has been developed and validated for the measurement of social capital among 12-year-old adolescent students. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a quick, simple assessment tool to measure social capital among adolescent students. Methods A questionnaire was developed based on a review of relevant literature. For such, searches were made of the Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, The Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Knowledge, International Database for Medical Literature and PubMed Central bibliographical databases from September 2011 to January 2014 for papers addressing assessment tools for the evaluation of social capital. Focus groups were also formed by adolescent students as well as health, educational and social professionals. The final assessment tool was administered to a convenience sample from two public schools (79 students) and one private school (22 students), comprising a final sample of 101 students. Reliability and internal consistency were evaluated using the Kappa coefficient and Cronbachs alpha coefficient, respectively. Content validity was determined by expert consensus as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results The final version of the questionnaire was made up of 12 items. The total scale demonstrated very good internal consistency (Cronbachs alpha: 0.71). Reproducibility was also very good, as the Kappa coefficient was higher than 0.72 for the majority of items (range: 0.63 to 0.97). Factor analysis grouped the 12 items into four subscales: School Social Cohesion, School Friendships, Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Trust (school and neighborhood). Conclusions The present findings indicate the validity and reliability of the Social Capital Questionnaire for Adolescent Students.

Maxillofacial Injuries as Markers of Interpersonal Violence in Belo Horizonte-Brazil: Analysis of the Socio-Spatial Vulnerability of the Location of Victim's Residences.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the spatial pattern of cases of maxillofacial injuries caused by interpersonal violence, based on the location of the victim’s residence, and to investigate the existence of conditions of socio-spatial vulnerability in these areas. This is a cross-sectional study, using the data of victims attended in three emergency hospitals in Belo Horizonte-Brazil between January 2008 and December 2010. Based on the process of spatial signature, the socio-spatial condition of the victims was identified according to data from census tracts. The spatial distribution trends of the addresses of victims were analyzed using Kernel maps and Ripley’s K function. Multicriteria analysis was used to analyze the territorial insertion of victims, using a combination of variables to obtain the degree of socio-spatial vulnerability. The residences of the victims were distributed in an aggregated manner in urban areas, with a confidence level of 99%. The highest densities were found in areas of unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and, to a lesser extent, areas with worse residential and neighborhood infrastructure. Spatial clusters of households formed in slums with a significant level of socio-spatial vulnerability. Explanations of the living conditions in segregated urban areas and analysis of the concentration of more vulnerable populations should be a priority in the development of public health and safety policies.

Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and its association with binge drinking among 12-year-olds: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and its association with binge drinking among 12-year-old schoolchildren. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 588 students from a medium-sized city in Brazil. Data were collected through a clinical examination and self-administered questionnaires. Andreasens classification was used for the determination of traumatic dental injuries. The consumption of alcoholic beverages and binge drinking were evaluated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test--Consumption. Socio-economic status, overjet, and inadequate lip seal were also analysed. Associations were tested using the multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The prevalence rates of traumatic dental injuries, alcohol consumption in ones lifetime, and binge drinking were 29.9%, 45.6%, and 23.1%, respectively. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was significantly higher among those who engaged in binge drinking (PR = 1.410; 95% CI: 1.133-1.754) and even higher among those with inadequate lip protection and accentuated overjet (PR = 3.288; 95% CI: 2.391-4.522 and PR = 1.838; 95% CI: 1.470-2.298, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A higher prevalence rate of traumatic dental injuries was found among 12-year-olds who engaged in binge drinking. The high rate of alcohol intake among adolescents is worrisome considering the vulnerability of this population due to the intense transformations that occur in the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Is There an Association between Traumatic Dental Injury and Social Capital, Binge Drinking and Socioeconomic Indicators among Schoolchildren?

Objectives Traumatic dental injury is defined as trauma caused by forces on a tooth with variable extent and severity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of traumatic dental injury and its association with overjet, lip protection, sex, socioeconomic status, social capital and binge drinking among 12-year-old students. Research Design and Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 633 12-year-old students. Data were collected through a clinical exam and self-administered questionnaires. Socioeconomic status was determined based on mother’s schooling and household income. The Social Capital Questionnaire for Adolescent Students and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) were used to measure social capital and binge drinking, respectively. Results The prevalence of traumatic dental injury was 29.9% (176/588). Traumatic dental injury was more prevalent among male adolescents (p = 0.010), those with overjet greater than 5 mm (p < 0.001) and those with inadequate lip protection (p < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, overjet [OR = 3.80 (95% CI: 2.235–6.466), p < 0.0001], inadequate lip protection [OR = 5.585 (95% CI: 3.654–8.535), p < 0.0001] and binge drinking [OR = 1.93 (95% CI: 1.21–3.06), p = 0.005] remained significantly associated with traumatic dental injury. Conclusions The present findings suggest that a high level of total social capital and trust are not associated with TDI in adolescents, unlike binge drinking. The effects of social and behavioral factors on TDI are not well elucidated. Therefore, further research involving other populations and a longitudinal design is recommended.

[Binge drinking among 12-year-old adolescent schoolchildren and its association with sex, socioeconomic factors and alcohol consumption by best friends and family members].

This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 101 twelve-year-old adolescents enrolled in public and private schools in the city of Diamantina in the State of Minas Gerais. The scope was to evaluate the prevalence of binge drinking among 12-year-old schoolchildren and its association with gender, socioeconomic status and alcohol consumption by family members and best friends. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire entitled the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) and the consumption of alcoholic beverages by friends and family. Parents/guardians answered the form on sociodemographic questions. Descriptive analyses and association tests were performed (p < 0.05). The prevalence of binge drinking was 24.8%. Alcoholic beverage consumption began at the age of 10 (16.8%), though sex was not associated with binge drinking by adolescents. However, attending a public school (0.005) and alcohol consumption by best friends (p < 000.1) were associated with binge drinking by adolescents in the bivariate analysis. The prevalence of binge drinking was high and was associated with low socioeconomic status and alcohol consumption by the best friend. No association between sex and alcohol consumption by the family members of adolescents was detected.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with traumatic dental injury among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil

The scope of this study was to determine the prevalence of trauma in the permanent dentition of 12-year-old schoolchildren and assess associations with demographic factors such as gender and socioeconomic status and overjet and lip coverage clinical factors. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using a representative sample of 638 students. Data were gathered by means of clinical examinations and self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by the use of the chi-square test and Poisson logistic regression model for the determination of significant associations. The prevalence of traumatic dental injury was 34.9%. Falls constituted the main etiological factor (49.7%), and occurred in the home (48.2%). The results of the Poisson regression analysis revealed that accentuated overjet (> 5 mm) remained associated with traumatic dental injury irrespective of the other variables [PR = 1.50 (95% CI: 1.41 to 1.61); p = 0.003]. Moreover, a statistically significant association was found between accentuated overjet and dental trauma. No significant associations were found between TDI and socioeconomic status. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies and orthodontic correction at the onset of the permanent dentition.

New evidence about the "dark side" of social cohesion in promoting binge drinking among adolescents

Adolescence is characterized by heightened susceptibility to peer influence, which makes adolescents vulnerable to initiating or maintaining risky habits such as heavy drinking. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of social capital with longitudinal changes in the frequency of binge drinking among adolescents at public and private high schools in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. This longitudinal study used two waves of data collected when the adolescents were 12 and 13 years old. At the baseline assessment in 2013 a classroom survey was carried out with a representative sample of 588 students. In 2014, a follow-up survey was carried out with the same adolescents when they were aged 13 years. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-C (AUDIT C) was employed for the evaluation of alcohol intake. Our predictor variables included sociodemographic and economic characteristics (gender, type of school, mothers education, family income) and Social Capital. For evaluation of social capital, we used the Social Capital Questionnaire for Adolescent Students (SCQ-AS). Descriptive and bivariate analyzes were performed (p <0.05). The log-binomial model was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals. The two-tailed p value was set at <0.05. The prevalence of binge drinking in 2013 was 23.1% and in 2014 the prevalence had risen to 30.1%. Gender (PR 1.48; 95% CI 0.87–2.52) and socioeconomic status (type of school and mother’s education) were not associated with the increase in the frequency of binge drinking. However, higher social capital was significantly associated with an increase in binge drinking by students. Adolescents who reported that they had an increase in social cohesion in the community/neighborhood subscale were 3.4 times more likely (95%CI 1.96–6.10) to binge drink themselves. Our results provide new evidence about the “dark side” of social cohesion in promoting binge drinking among adolescents.

Padrão espacial e diferencial de renda dos domicílios de adolescentes e adultos jovens vítimas de traumatismo maxilofacial por agressão com arma de fogo

The study investigated the spatial pattern of cases of maxillofacial injury resulting from firearm aggression among teenagers and young adults and analyzed the comparison of income differentials in these areas based on the residence of the victims. This is a cross-sectional study with data from victims attended in three hospitals in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, from January 2008 to December 2010. The addresses of the victims were georeferenced by geocoding. Randomness and point density trends were analyzed using Ripleys K function and Kernel maps. The spatial interaction between the homes of adolescents and young adults was verified through the K12 function. Records of 218 cases of assault with a male predominance (89.9%) and young adults (70.6%) were found. Household clusters were distributed on an aggregate basis in the urban space with a confidence level of 99% and similar spatial aggregation levels. The hotspots converged on 7 shantytowns or neighboring regions with higher income population revealing spread of events. Hotspots focused on slums with a history of crimes linked to drug trafficking. The incorporation of space in the dynamics of events showed that the economic condition in isolation did not limit victimization.Resumo O estudo investigou o padrao espacial dos casos de traumatismo maxilofacial decorrentes de agressao com arma de fogo em adolescentes e adultos jovens a partir do local de domicilio das vitimas e analisou comparativamente os diferenciais de renda dessas areas. Estudo transversal com dados de vitimas atendidas em tres hospitais de Belo Horizonte-MG, entre janeiro de 2008 e dezembro de 2010. Enderecos foram georeferenciados por geocodificacao. Tendencias de aleatoriedade e densidade de pontos foram analisadas por Funcao K de Ripley e mapas de Kernel. A interacao espacial entre os domicilios de adolescentes e adultos jovens foi verificada atraves da Funcao K12. Encontrouse registros de 218 casos de agressao com arma de fogo, com predominio do sexo masculino (89,9%) e adultos jovens (70,6%). Os domicilios se distribuiram de forma agregada no espaco urbano com nivel de confianca de 99% e niveis de agregacao espacial semelhantes. Os clusters de domicilios convergiram para 7 favelas ou regioes vizinhas com populacao de maior renda revelando propagacao de eventos. Os hotspots se concentraram em favelas com historico de crimes ligados ao narcotrafico. A incorporacao do espaco na dinâmica dos eventos mostrou que a condicao economica isoladamente nao limitou a vitimizacao.

Alcohol intake among adolescent students and association with social capital and socioeconomic status

The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol consumption, binge drinking and their association with social capital and socioeconomic factors among Brazilian adolescents students. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a randomly selected representative sample of 936 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. Information on alcohol consumption, social capital and socioeconomic status was collected using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Integrated Questionnaire for the Measurement of Social Capital and Social Vulnerability Index, respectively. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 50.3% and binge drinking 36% the last year. Adolescents who reported believing that people in their community could help solve a collective problem (with the water supply) and those classified as having high social vulnerability had lower likelihood of binge drinking (PR = 0.776 [95%CI:0.620 to 0.971] and PR = 0.660 [95%CI:0.542 to 0.803], respectively). The prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking the last year is high among participants. Those with higher socioeconomic status as well as lower perceptions of community capital social are more likely to display binge-drinking behavior.

Religiosidade como possível fator de proteção do “binge drinking” por escolares de 12 anos de idade: um estudo de base populacional

Resumo Associada a impactos positivos sobre a saude, a religiosidade tem se apresentado como possivel fator protetor contra o consumo do alcool por adolescentes. O presente estudo buscou avaliar a prevalencia do consumo em “binge” por escolares de 12 anos de Diamantina-MG e sua associacao com a religiosidade. A amostra foi um censo de 588 escolares. A analise estatistica envolveu o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson (p < 0,05) e Regressao de Poisson com variância robusta. A participacao em atividades religiosas se manteve associada com o nao consumo em “binge” (RP = 0,823; 95% IC: 0,717 – 0,945) e o consumo de bebidas pelo melhor amigo associou-se ao consumo em “binge” (RP = 1,554; 95% IC: 1,411-1,711). Concluiu-se que a religiosidade esteve associada com o nao consumo em “binge”.Associated with positive impacts on health, religiosity has presented itself as a possible protection factor against alcohol consumption by teenagers. This study evaluated the prevalence of binge drinking and its association with religiosity among 12-year-old students, from Diamantina, State of Minas Gerais. Statistical analyses involved chi-square Pearson (p < 0,05) and Poisson regression with robust variance. The sample included a census of 588 students. Participation in religious activities was associated with no binge drinking (PR = 0,823; 95% CI: 0,717 - 0,945); and consumption of alcoholic beverages by the best friend was associated with binge drinking (PR = 1.554; 95% CI: 1,411-1,711). It was concluded that religiosity was associated with no consumption of alcoholic beverages in binge drinking sessions.