Editorial

EDITORIAL

The Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia in this number publishes a set of articles that reflect the complex framework of the Brazilian epidemiological transition.

Two of the articles present data and discuss the characteristics of leprosy and enteroparasites, thus showing the persistence of typical infectious diseases of developing countries in our epidemiological profile.

Four articles show results and discuss the prevalence and compliance to recommendations for avoiding the dissemination of new infectious diseases typical of the post epidemiological transition, such as infection by the HIV, the Hepatitis B virus and HCV. There are three articles related to chronic degenerative diseases morbidity focusing on the cognitive decline of the elderly, hospitalizations due to diabetes mellitus, and the prevalence of multiple sclerosis. Two articles focus on other important aspects of the epidemiological transition, from morbidity due to external causes at an emergency service, to the identification of patterns of alcohol consumption in a city in the interior of the country.

There are four articles on nutrition in this number. A study on a health condition typical of the epidemiological transition stands out, showing an increased lipid profile in adolescents in a state capital of Northeast Brazil. Two articles are on methods: one discusses the agreement between observers and the other the validation of a questionnaire on food consumption. Last, an article shows data on the trends of breastfeeding.

This number also has articles that contribute to the better understanding of current themes on our complex epidemiological scenario. It provides information on the profile of hospitalization of the indigenous population. One of the articles debates the methodological approaches used to assess the deforestation of the Amazon and its effect on the health conditions of the population. Last, there is an article with information on abortions seen at a public maternity, providing data for the controversial discussion on this matter.

We are therefore following the path toward ongoing improvement of the RBE as one of the tools for improving our knowledge of Brazilian health conditions.

Márcia Furquim de Almeida

Moisés Goldbaum

Editors

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  11 Jan 2008
• Date of issue
  Dec 2007