Abstract: The objective of this article is to present an analysis of the way in which the Folha Universal, of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), mobilized religious political discourses with a moral background in the 2022 elections. extends from the first edition of the year to the edition that precedes the second round of voting. Our research shows that the IURD newspaper was a politically active body and positioned itself as a campaign instrument for the conservative field and made explicit support for the candidacy of Jair Bolsonaro. Our work reveals that the customs agenda based on a conservative posture in defense of the “traditional family” and the reception of a left-wing government were basic speeches in the defense of Jair Bolsonaro’s candidacy and even guided his government proposals. On the other hand, but also, forcing his main opponent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to assume commitments with moral guidelines, retreating and/or abandoning some agendas dear to social movements historically linked to the left and the Worker’s Party.

Resumo: O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise sobre a maneira com que a Folha Universal, da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD), mobilizou discursos políticos religiosos de fundo moral nas eleições de 2022. Nosso recorte de análise cobrirá o período que se estende da primeira edição do ano até a edição que precede a votação em segundo turno. Nossa pesquisa evidencia que o jornal da IURD foi um órgão politicamente atuante e se colocou como instrumento de campanha do campo conservador e deixou explícito o apoio à candidatura de Jair Bolsonaro. Nosso trabalho revela que a pauta dos costumes alicerçada numa postura conservadora de defesa da “família tradicional” e o receio de um governo de esquerda foram discursos basilares na defesa da candidatura de Bolsonaro e pautaram inclusive suas propostas de governo. Esse cenário contribuiu para que o seu principal adversário, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, assumisse compromissos com pautas morais, recuando e/ou abandoando algumas agendas caras aos movimentos sociais historicamente ligados à esquerda e ao Partido dos Trabalhadores.

ABSTRACT Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition that is usually an ocular emergency. The visual outcome depends on prompt and accurate clinical management as well as geographic and epidemiological awareness. We conducted a retrospective observational study to define the epidemiological and laboratory profile, as well as the clinical course of bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo over 21 years. Information about age, sex, predisposing factors, topical and surgical treatment, visual acuity, ulcers’ classification, bacterioscopy, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were collected. This study included 160 patients. The mean age was 65.1 ± 18.4 years and risk factors were identified in 83.1 % of the patients. Empirical topical fortified cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside or fourth-generation fluoroquinolone was curative for 66.2 % of the cases. The mean treatment duration was 22.5 ± 9 days. The mean variation of visual acuity was −0.25 logMAR, p < 0.001. Culture revealed 64 % of Gram-positive bacteria. All Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to cephalothin, vancomycin, and quinolones. All Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. These findings reinforce the importance of prompt empirical treatment of severe corneal ulcers with a fortified cephalosporin and aminoglycoside or a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone as there are equally effective. Collected data was insufficient to evaluate resistance of ocular infections over time in this population.

Abstract The election of Jair Bolsonaro for the presidency of Brazil in 2019 and the return of former president Luis Inácio Lula da Silva to the electoral political scene have heated up the debate on populism both in academic literature and in the press. Interpreted sometimes as a political regime, sometimes as a type of discourse, of personality or relationship between the ruler and the ruled, populism has gained multiple meanings. Thus, the aim of this article is to investigate the application of the term by the newspapers Folha de S. Paulo and O Estado de S. Paulo, analyzing 41 editorials that use the notion of populism in reference to Bolsonaro and Lula. Using Content Analysis techniques, the study revealed, among other aspects, that, unlike Folha, Estadão uses the concept of populism more often, referring mainly to a personal/political style, in addition to evoking much more the figure of Lula as a populist. The term appears with a negative charge in both newspapers, distancing itself from a more neutral academic view and being explored as an arena for disputes between the press and the two political leaders.

Resumo A eleição de Jair Bolsonaro para a presidência do Brasil em 2019 e a volta do ex-presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ao cenário político eleitoral têm aquecido o debate sobre populismo tanto na literatura acadêmica como na imprensa. Interpretado ora como regime político, ora como tipo de discurso, de personalidade ou de relação entre governante e governados, o populismo tem ganhado múltiplos significados. Assim, é objetivo deste artigo investigar a aplicação do termo pelos jornais Folha de S. Paulo e O Estado de S. Paulo, analisando 41 editoriais que utilizam a noção de populismo em referência a Bolsonaro e Lula. A partir de técnicas de Análise de Conteúdo, o estudo revelou, dentre outros aspectos, que, diferentemente da Folha, o Estadão utiliza mais vezes o conceito de populismo, referindo-se sobretudo a um estilo pessoal/político, além de evocar bem mais a figura de Lula como populista. O termo aparece com carga negativa em ambos os jornais, distanciando-se de uma visão acadêmica mais neutra e sendo explorado como arena de disputas entre a imprensa e os dois líderes políticos.

ABSTRACT The plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance gene named mcr-1 has been recently described in different countries and it became a public health challenge. Of note, few studies have addressed the spread of Escherichia coli harboring the mcr-1 gene in both, community and hospital settings. A total of seven colistin-resistant E. coli carrying mcr-1, collected from 2016 to 2018, from community (n=4), healthcare-acquired infections (n=2) and colonization (n=1) were identified in three high complexity hospitals in Sao Paulo, Brazil. These colistin-resistant isolates were screened for mcr genes by PCR and all strains were submitted to Whole Genome Sequencing and the conjugation experiment. The seven strains belonged to seven distinct sequence types (ST744, ST131, ST69, ST48, ST354, ST57, ST10), and they differ regarding the resistance profiles. Transference of mcr-1 by conjugation to E. coli strain C600 was possible in five of the seven isolates. The mcr-1 gene was found in plasmid types IncX4 or IncI2. Three of the isolates have ESBL-encoding genes (blaCTX-M-2, n=2; blaCTX-M-8, n=1). We hereby report genetically distinct E. coli isolates, belonging to seven STs, harboring the mcr-1 gene, associated to community and healthcare-acquired infections, and colonization in patients from three hospitals in Sao Paulo. These findings point out for the potential spread of plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance mechanism in E. coli strains in Brazil.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the spatial distribution and assess entomological indicators of synanthropic triatomines in Piaui State, Northeastern Brazil. We used surveillance data on the detection, identification and assessment of natural infection with trypanosomatids from triatomines in the State from 2014 to 2017. The State was divided into four macroregions. In relation to the dispersion rates of triatomines, they were much lower in the North, when compared to Southwest, Southeast and Central North macroregions. Infestation rates were higher in the Southwest and Southeast and intradomicile infestation rates varied during the study period, reaching high values in all regions. Insects belonging to the species Triatoma brasiliensis complex, Triatoma pseudomaculata, Triatoma sordida, and to the genus Panstrongylus spp. and Rhodnius spp. were collected during this period. T. brasiliensis was collected from all four regions of the State, but more frequently in those located in the Southeast. A similar pattern was observed for T. pseudomaculata. T. sordida was detected in the municipalities in the Southeast and Southwest regions, and less frequently in the Central North municipalities. Rhodnius spp. was detected in the Central North and North regions, and Panstrongylus spp. in the Central North and Southeast regions. The highest trypanosomatid-positivity rate of T. brasiliensis and Panstrongylus spp. was in the Southeast region. A significant proportion of the municipalities of Piaui State presents entomological parameters that indicate a risk of Chagas disease by vector transmission.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is fatal if left untreated. Infected dogs are important reservoirs of the disease, and thus specific identification of infected animals is very important. Several diagnostic tests have been developed for canine VL (CVL); however, these tests show varied specificity and sensitivity. The present study describes the recombinant protein rLc36, expressed by Leishmania infantum, as potential antigen for more sensitive and specific diagnosis of CVL based on an immunoenzymatic assay. The concentration of 1.0 μg/mL of rLc36 enabled differentiation of positive and negative sera and showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 71% (with 95% confidence), with an accuracy of 76%.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os principais métodos de mensuração e monitoramento das desigualdades sociais em saúde e ilustrar suas aplicações. Foram revisadas as medidas mais frequentemente empregadas na literatura. Dados de cobertura e qualidade do cuidado pré-natal no Brasil, provenientes da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS-2006) e da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS-2013), foram utilizados para exemplificar as aplicações. Medidas de desigualdade absoluta e relativa foram apresentadas, destacando-se sua complementaridade. Apesar dos avanços evidenciados nos indicadores nacionais de pré-natal, importantes desigualdades foram identificadas entre subgrupos da população, sem que houvesse redução da magnitude dessas diferenças no período estudado. O Brasil apresenta importantes desigualdades sociais, que ainda se refletem em persistentes desigualdades em saúde. A descrição e monitoramento dessas desigualdades são fundamentais para o direcionamento de políticas de saúde, com foco em grupos mais vulneráveis que vêm sendo deixados para trás.

Abstract This study aims to describe methodological approaches to measure and monitor health inequalities and to illustrate their applicability. The measures most frequently used in the literature were reviewed. Data on coverage and quality of pre-natal care in Brazil, from the Demographic and Maternal and Child Health Survey (PNDS-2006) and the National Health Survey (PNS-2013) were used to illustrate their applicability. Absolute and relative measures of inequalities were presented, highlighting their complementary character. Despite the progress achieved in the national indicators of pre-natal care, important inequalities were still identified between population subgroups, with no change in the magnitude of the differences throughout the studied period. Brazil has important social inequalities, whose consequences still lead to health inequalities. Their description and monitoring are highly relevant to support polices focused on those vulnerable population groups who have been left behind.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los principales métodos de medición y monitoreo de las desigualdades sociales en salud, y demostrar sus aplicaciones prácticas. Se realizó una revisión de los métodos más frecuentemente utilizados en la literatura. Datos sobre cobertura y calidad de la atención prenatal en Brasil, provenientes de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud del Niño y la Mujer (PNDS-2006) y de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS-2013) fueran usados como ejemplo. Fueron presentadas medidas de desigualdad absoluta y relativa, destacando su complementariedad. A pesar de los avances evidenciados en los indicadores de atención prenatal en Brasil, fueron identificadas desigualdades importantes, sin que hubiese una reducción de la magnitud de esas diferencias en el periodo estudiado. Brasil presenta desigualdades sociales importantes, que aún se ven reflejadas en las persistentes desigualdades en salud. Su descripción y seguimiento son fundamentales para el direccionamiento de políticas en salud, focalizadas en grupos más vulnerables que han sido relegados.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os principais métodos de mensuração e monitoramento das desigualdades sociais em saúde e ilustrar suas aplicações. Foram revisadas as medidas mais frequentemente empregadas na literatura. Dados de cobertura e qualidade do cuidado pré-natal no Brasil, provenientes da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS-2006) e da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS-2013), foram utilizados para exemplificar as aplicações. Medidas de desigualdade absoluta e relativa foram apresentadas, destacando-se sua complementaridade. Apesar dos avanços evidenciados nos indicadores nacionais de pré-natal, importantes desigualdades foram identificadas entre subgrupos da população, sem que houvesse redução da magnitude dessas diferenças no período estudado. O Brasil apresenta importantes desigualdades sociais, que ainda se refletem em persistentes desigualdades em saúde. A descrição e monitoramento dessas desigualdades são fundamentais para o direcionamento de políticas de saúde, com foco em grupos mais vulneráveis que vêm sendo deixados para trás.

Abstract This study aims to describe methodological approaches to measure and monitor health inequalities and to illustrate their applicability. The measures most frequently used in the literature were reviewed. Data on coverage and quality of pre-natal care in Brazil, from the Demographic and Maternal and Child Health Survey (PNDS-2006) and the National Health Survey (PNS-2013) were used to illustrate their applicability. Absolute and relative measures of inequalities were presented, highlighting their complementary character. Despite the progress achieved in the national indicators of pre-natal care, important inequalities were still identified between population subgroups, with no change in the magnitude of the differences throughout the studied period. Brazil has important social inequalities, whose consequences still lead to health inequalities. Their description and monitoring are highly relevant to support polices focused on those vulnerable population groups who have been left behind.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los principales métodos de medición y monitoreo de las desigualdades sociales en salud, y demostrar sus aplicaciones prácticas. Se realizó una revisión de los métodos más frecuentemente utilizados en la literatura. Datos sobre cobertura y calidad de la atención prenatal en Brasil, provenientes de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud del Niño y la Mujer (PNDS-2006) y de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS-2013) fueran usados como ejemplo. Fueron presentadas medidas de desigualdad absoluta y relativa, destacando su complementariedad. A pesar de los avances evidenciados en los indicadores de atención prenatal en Brasil, fueron identificadas desigualdades importantes, sin que hubiese una reducción de la magnitud de esas diferencias en el periodo estudiado. Brasil presenta desigualdades sociales importantes, que aún se ven reflejadas en las persistentes desigualdades en salud. Su descripción y seguimiento son fundamentales para el direccionamiento de políticas en salud, focalizadas en grupos más vulnerables que han sido relegados.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o impacto de diferentes tipos de conteúdo no marketing viral, em uma rede social virtual bastante popular. A pesquisa é fundamentada em estudos recentes que categorizam postagens no Facebook. Metodologia: Dados de 2583 postagens em oito perfis de marcas brasileiras de cerveja foram codificados e analisados por meio de análise de regressão e análise de variância. Resultados: Duas hipóteses foram suportadas. Encontrou-se um relacionamento positivo entre postagens das categorias Fã e Promocional e o marketing viral. Postagens das categorias Informacional e Enquete não produziram efeitos significativos, confirmando estudos anteriores que analisaram curtidas e comentários como variáveis dependentes. Contribuições: Estudos anteriores não categorizaram postagens produzidas por fãs/seguidores de marca. A tipologia desenvolvida representa avanço quantitativo em relação a outros estudos com objetivos semelhantes. Desse modo, gestores de marketing responsáveis pela gestão de marcas no Facebook devem publicar postagens que promovam a marca e reproduzir conteúdo produzido por indivíduos engajados, caso o objetivo seja aumentar a viralização dessas postagens.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of different types of content of viral marketing in a popular social networking site. Our research is founded on recent studies which categorize posts on Facebook. Design/methodology/approach: Data for 2583 posts in eight profiles of Brazilian beer brands were coded and analyzed. We used a regression model and Analysis of Variance to establish relationships among independent variables and a dependent variable. Findings: Two hypotheses were supported. There was a positive relationship between posts of the categories Fan and Promotion and Publicity and viral marketing. Posts of the categories Information and Pool did not have any significant effects, and confirmed previous studies which analyzed likes and comments as dependent variables. Originality/value: Previous studies using the platform did not categorize posts created by brand fans/followers. Our typology is a quantitative improvement in relation to studies with similar objectives. Hence, marketers involved with brand management on Facebook should publish posts which promote the brand and reproduce content generated by people engaged with it if they seek to increase the viralization capacity of such posts.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope protein 2 (E2) is involved in viral binding to host cells. The aim of this work was to produce recombinant E2B and E2Y HCV proteins in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris, respectively, and to study their interactions with low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and CD81 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the ECV304 bladder carcinoma cell line. To investigate the effects of human LDL and differences in protein structure (glycosylated or not) on binding efficiency, the recombinant proteins were either associated or not associated with lipoproteins before being assayed. The immunoreactivity of the recombinant proteins was analysed using pooled serum samples that were either positive or negative for hepatitis C. The cells were immunophenotyped by LDLr and CD81 using flow cytometry. Binding and binding inhibition assays were performed in the presence of LDL, foetal bovine serum (FCS) and specific antibodies. The results revealed that binding was reduced in the absence of FCS, but that the addition of human LDL rescued and increased binding capacity. In HUVEC cells, the use of antibodies to block LDLr led to a significant reduction in the binding of E2B and E2Y. CD81 antibodies did not affect E2B and E2Y binding. In ECV304 cells, blocking LDLr and CD81 produced similar effects, but they were not as marked as those that were observed in HUVEC cells. In conclusion, recombinant HCV E2 is dependent on LDL for its ability to bind to LDLr in HUVEC and ECV304 cells. These findings are relevant because E2 acts to anchor HCV to host cells; therefore, high blood levels of LDL could enhance viral infectivity in chronic hepatitis C patients.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes approximately 10 different structural and non-structural proteins, including the envelope glycoprotein 2 (E2). HCV proteins, especially the envelope proteins, bind to cell receptors and can damage tissues. Endothelial inflammation is the most important determinant of fibrosis progression and, consequently, cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the inflammatory response of endothelial cells to two recombinant forms of the HCV E2 protein produced in different expression systems (Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris). We observed the induction of cell death and the production of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor A in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by the two recombinant E2 proteins. The E2-induced apoptosis of HUVECs was confirmed using the molecular marker PARP. The apoptosis rescue observed when the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine was used suggests that reactive oxygen species are involved in E2-induced apoptosis. We propose that these proteins are involved in the chronic inflammation caused by HCV.

FUNDAMENTO: O manejo ideal da anticoagulação oral (ACO) no período pré- e pós-ablação de fibrilação atrial (FA) ainda é motivo de controvérsia. OBJETIVO: Comparar duas estratégias de anticoagulação: suspensão da warfarina com a utilização de heparina de baixo peso molecular (HBPM) e a realização da ablação sem a suspensão da warfarina, mantendo o RNI terapêutico (entre 2,0 e 3,0). MÉTODOS: 140 pacientes (pt) portadores de FA persistente/ permanente submetidos à ablação por cateter de FA foram divididos em dois grupos: no grupo I (70 pt), a warfarina foi suspensa cinco dias antes do procedimento e utilizada terapia de transição com HBPM (enoxaparina 1 mg/kg 2x/dia pré-ablação e 0,5 mg/kg 2x/dia após o procedimento); no grupo II (70 pt), a warfarina não foi suspensa e o procedimento foi realizado com RNI terapêutico. Ambos os grupos receberam heparina intravenosa (TCA > 350 seg) durante o procedimento. RESULTADOS: No Grupo I, observou-se complicação hemorrágica maior (1,4%) e 4 pt (5,7%) com complicações hemorrágicas menores. No Grupo II, 2 pt (2,8%) apresentaram complicações hemorrágicas menores e 1 pt apresentou sangramento maior; porém, este ocorreu após uso de HBPM por RNI < 2,0. Não houve complicação tromboembólica ou morte cardiovascular nos dois grupos após 16 ± 8 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A realização de ablação por cateter de FA sem a suspensão de ACO e RNI terapêutico é uma estratégia semelhante em segurança e eficácia quando comparada à tradicional transição com HBPM, evitando um período inicial pós-ablação de anticoagulação potencialmente inadequada.

BACKGROUND: The ideal management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) before and after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare two anticoagulation strategies for catheter ablation for AF: warfarin withholding and use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH); and maintenance of warfarin and therapeutic INR (between 2.0 and 3.0). METHODS: 140 patients (pt) with persistent/permanent AF undergoing catheter ablation for AF were divided into two groups: Group I (70 pt), in which warfarin was withheld five days prior to the procedure and transition to LMWH was used (enoxaparin: 1 mg/kg 2x/day before ablation, and 0.5 mg/kg 2x/day after ablation); Group II (70 pt), in which warfarin was not withheld and the procedure was performed with therapeutic INR. Both groups received intravenous heparin (ACT > 350 seconds) during ablation. RESULTS: In Group I, one pt (1.4%) had a major hemorrhagic complication and four pts (5.7%) had minor hemorrhagic complications. In Group II, two pts (2.8%) had minor hemorrhagic complications and one pt had a major bleeding, which occurred after using LMWH due to INR < 2.0. None of the groups had thromboembolic complications or cardiovascular death over a period of 16 ± 8 months. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation for AF without withholding OAC and with therapeutic INR is a strategy that has similar safety and efficacy when compared with the traditional transition to LMWH, avoiding the potentially inadequate anticoagulation of the initial post-ablation period.

INTRODUÇÃO: A transfusão sanguínea é uma fonte potencial importante para transmissão da doença de Chagas. MÉTODOS: Foi verificado, nos arquivos do Hemonúcleo Regional de Araraquara, o resultado dos exames para doença de Chagas entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2008. RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticadas com sorologia positiva 0,04% das 49541 doações de sangue realizadas. A idade dos soropositivos situou-se entre 51 e 60 anos. CONCLUSÕES: O baixo índice de doadores soropositivos pode reduzir o risco de transmissão via transfusional da doença de Chagas. A alta ocorrência de resultados inconclusivos indicam que os métodos diagnósticos devem ser melhorados.

INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion is an important potential source of Chagas disease transmission. METHODS: Files from the Araraquara Regional Blood Center were checked regarding the tests results for Chagas' disease between January 2004 and December 2008. RESULTS: Positive serology was diagnosed in 0.04% of 49,541 blood donations that were performed. Seropositive individuals were aged between 51 and 60 years-old. CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of seropositive donors may reduce the risk of transfusion transmission of Chagas disease. The high occurrence of inconclusive results indicates that the diagnostic methods must be improved.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a confiabilidade de um questionário auto-aplicável sobre o uso e abuso de substâncias entre adolescentes escolares. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados dois estudos transversais para teste e re-teste do questionário em amostra representativa de alunos de ambos os sexos, de 11 a 19 anos, de escolas públicas e privadas (do curso fundamental e médio) de Salvador, BA, em 2006. Foram aplicados 591 questionários na primeira aplicação e 467 na segunda. Foram calculados a estatística descritiva, o índice kappa, alfa de Cronbach e correlação intraclasse. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do uso/abuso das substâncias foi semelhante em ambas as avaliações. Para as variáveis sociodemográficas o índice kappa indicou concordância "moderada" a "quase perfeita" e a análise do alfa de Cronbach e correlação intraclasse indicaram consistência "satisfatória". A idade de experimentação das substâncias psicoativas (tabaco, álcool e maconha) e idade dos estudantes foram semelhantes nas duas avaliações. A idade de iniciação do consumo e padrões de uso foram considerados indicadores confiáveis. CONCLUSÕES: A confiabilidade do questionário foi satisfatória para a população estudada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze reliability of a self-applied questionnaire on substance use and misuse among adolescent students. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were carried out for the instrument test-retest. The sample comprised male and female students aged 1119 years from public and private schools (elementary, middle, and high school students) in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. A total of 591 questionnaires were applied in the test and 467 in the retest. Descriptive statistics, the Kappa index, Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of substance use/misuse was similar in both test and retest. Sociodemographic variables showed a "moderate" to "almost perfect" agreement for the Kappa index, and a "satisfactory" (>0.75) consistency for Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation. The age which psychoactive substances (tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis) were first used and chronological age were similar in both studies. Test-retest reliability was found to be a good indicator of students' age of initiation and their patterns of substance use. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire reliability was found to be satisfactory in the population studied.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la confiabilidad de un cuestionario auto aplicable sobre el uso y abuso de sustancias entre adolescentes escolares. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron dos estudios transversales para la prueba y re-prueba del cuestionario en muestra representativa de alumnos de ambos sexos, de 11 a 19 años, de escuelas públicas y privadas (del curso primaria y secundaria) de Salvador, Noreste de Brasil, en 2006. Se aplicaron 591 cuestionarios en la primera aplicación y 467 en la segunda. La estadística descriptiva, el índice Kappa, alfa de Cronbach y correlación intraclase fueron calculados. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia del uso/abuso de las sustancias fue semejante en ambas evaluaciones. Para las variables sociodemográficas el índice kappa indicó concordancia "moderada" a "casi perfecta"y el análisis del alfa de Cronbach y correlación intraclase indicó consistencia "satisfactoria". La edad de los estudiantes fue semejante en las dos evaluaciones. La edad de inicio del consumo y patrones de uso fueron considerados indicadores confiables. CONCLUSIONES: La confiabilidad del cuestionario fue satisfactoria para la población estudiada.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a confiabilidade de um questionário auto-aplicável sobre o uso e abuso de substâncias entre adolescentes escolares. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados dois estudos transversais para teste e re-teste do questionário em amostra representativa de alunos de ambos os sexos, de 11 a 19 anos, de escolas públicas e privadas (do curso fundamental e médio) de Salvador, BA, em 2006. Foram aplicados 591 questionários na primeira aplicação e 467 na segunda. Foram calculados a estatística descritiva, o índice kappa, alfa de Cronbach e correlação intraclasse. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do uso/abuso das substâncias foi semelhante em ambas as avaliações. Para as variáveis sociodemográficas o índice kappa indicou concordância "moderada" a "quase perfeita" e a análise do alfa de Cronbach e correlação intraclasse indicaram consistência "satisfatória". A idade de experimentação das substâncias psicoativas (tabaco, álcool e maconha) e idade dos estudantes foram semelhantes nas duas avaliações. A idade de iniciação do consumo e padrões de uso foram considerados indicadores confiáveis. CONCLUSÕES: A confiabilidade do questionário foi satisfatória para a população estudada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze reliability of a self-applied questionnaire on substance use and misuse among adolescent students. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were carried out for the instrument test-retest. The sample comprised male and female students aged 1119 years from public and private schools (elementary, middle, and high school students) in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. A total of 591 questionnaires were applied in the test and 467 in the retest. Descriptive statistics, the Kappa index, Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of substance use/misuse was similar in both test and retest. Sociodemographic variables showed a "moderate" to "almost perfect" agreement for the Kappa index, and a "satisfactory" (>0.75) consistency for Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation. The age which psychoactive substances (tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis) were first used and chronological age were similar in both studies. Test-retest reliability was found to be a good indicator of students' age of initiation and their patterns of substance use. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire reliability was found to be satisfactory in the population studied.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la confiabilidad de un cuestionario auto aplicable sobre el uso y abuso de sustancias entre adolescentes escolares. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron dos estudios transversales para la prueba y re-prueba del cuestionario en muestra representativa de alumnos de ambos sexos, de 11 a 19 años, de escuelas públicas y privadas (del curso primaria y secundaria) de Salvador, Noreste de Brasil, en 2006. Se aplicaron 591 cuestionarios en la primera aplicación y 467 en la segunda. La estadística descriptiva, el índice Kappa, alfa de Cronbach y correlación intraclase fueron calculados. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia del uso/abuso de las sustancias fue semejante en ambas evaluaciones. Para las variables sociodemográficas el índice kappa indicó concordancia "moderada" a "casi perfecta"y el análisis del alfa de Cronbach y correlación intraclase indicó consistencia "satisfactoria". La edad de los estudiantes fue semejante en las dos evaluaciones. La edad de inicio del consumo y patrones de uso fueron considerados indicadores confiables. CONCLUSIONES: La confiabilidad del cuestionario fue satisfactoria para la población estudiada.