Renato Xavier Coutinho

Brazilian scientific production in science education

In the present study we analyzed the Brazilian scientific production in the area of science education. The study was structured on: data by research groups registered in Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; analysis of the post-graduate strictu sensu programs; analysis of theses and dissertations linked to post-graduate programs; and papers in international databases. Our research was conducted strictly via world wide web, from December 2009 to September 2010. It was found that both number of research groups, researchers, post-graduate programs, thesis, dissertations and papers presented a marked increase, especially in the last decade (from 2000 onwards). The major research centers were found to be located in public universities from Brazilian southeast and south regions. However, it was observed a tendency of decentralization, due to a recent investment in new public universities in the other Brazilian regions. So, this study sought to present an overview of the scientific production about science education and we expect that this information can help to expand the vision about the development of this research area in Brazil.

Prevalência de comportamentos de risco em adolescentes

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of health risk behaviors such as inactivity, poor nutrition, alcoholism, drug addition, involvement in physical fights and the lack of use of condoms during sex, in adolescents of Uruguaiana (RS), Brazil. The data were collected using a questionnaire on risk behavior and lifestyle, consisting of 13 questions with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables. We have founded that the risk behaviors more prevalent were never\ rarely use of condoms during sexual intercourse, consumption of alcohol and engaging in fights. About 30% of adolescents presented, at least, one risk behavior and 20% presented two or more risk behaviors. Given this frequency of exposure to its risks, it is necessary to implement health measures in the school context, aimed to reduce exposure to these risk factors, promoting the health of adolescents.

Ambientes masculinos da terceira idade

The present study aimed to find out what are the leisure activities for elder men in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, as there is a low participation of men in the third age groups in the city. Then, an ethnographic qualitative research was developed following a daily script of comments that encloses infrastructure of the places; activities and objects available to the individuals, functioning hours as well as behaviors, by checking the most frequent visited places this age group frequents. Thus it could be perceived that some actions frequently practiced were bocce, snooker and card games. Another evident situation was the familiar relation of the individuals with the places and the low presence of women. There is a concern about the inclusion of women on daily basis, as many men avoid some places due to lack of options that include their wives. In order to attend this demand there are dinners and dance balls. Some possible reasons for the low participation of the men in the groups observed in this study include: activities that are not of their interest; the classes are considered repetitive and not stimulant; and, the thought that while they can have a good performance in doing the activities they enjoy the most, there is no need to practice more physical exercises.

Dietary and physical activity habits associated with risk for the development of cancer: prevalence in adolescents

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of dietary habits and of physical exercise with the potential risk for the development of cancer, in a sample of adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that recruited schoolers aged 12-15 years during the academic year 2011-2012 in the city of Uruguaiana (Brazil). Data collection was performed with a questionnaire containing 11 inquiries with demographic and behavioral variables. RESULTS: The sample included 956 adolescents, of whom 498 (52.1%) were boys. Among the 956 participants, 215 (22.7%) performed less than 30 minutes a day of physical activity; 781 (81.7%) consumed sugary drinks; 119 (12.4%) had at least two alcoholic drinks per day; 807 (84.4%) ate red meat; 342 (35.7%) ate high-sodium snacks; and 726 (75.9%) consumed fast-food. Girls practiced less physical activity, consumed less red meat and more fast-food than boys. Age was inversely associated to physical exercise and positively associated to consuming sugary drinks and alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: The young population we studied presented high-risk behaviors such as low level of physical activity, and consumption of salty foods, red meat, fast food, sugary drinks and alcohol, which are associated with the increase of prevalence of several types of cancer.

FATORES DE RISCO À SAÚDE NA ADOLESCÊNCIA

Objetivo: este estudo visa analisar a prevalencia de comportamentos de risco a saude tais como: sedentarismo, ma alimentacao, etilismo, adicao em drogas, envolvimento em brigas e relacoes sexuais sem protecao; em adolescentes no Municipio de Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul – Brasil. Metodo: A coleta de sera realizada a partir de um questionario aplicado em escolares sobre comportamento de risco e estilo de vida, composto de 13 questoes, com variaveis demograficas, socioeconomicas e comportamentais. Resultados Esperados: determinar os comportamento de risco prevalentes, auxiliando na realizacoes de acoes para a reducao dos mesmos.