INTRODUCTION: Anemia is a nutritional problem of global importance. It is estimated that at least one-third of the population has been at one time anemic. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in patients of a children's hospital in Recife. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed involving 595 male and female children aged from 6 to 59 months old, who were hospitalized in 2007. RESULTS: Children with a hemoglobin concentration less than 11 g/dL were considered anemic. The relationship between studied variables and anemia was evaluated by Poisson regression analysis. There was a 56.6% prevalence of anemia (95% CI: 46.6-54.6). Anemia was significantly correlated with low weight (Prevalence ratio - PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.64), young age (PR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.57-2.56) and a diagnosis of acute lower respiratory disease (PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.27-1.96). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of anemia suggests that it may contribute as a causal factor for hospitalization, especially because the period of hospitalization was short and the patient was likely to be anemic at the time of admission. This study stresses the importance of evaluating the overall nutritional status of patients, including their ingestion of microelements. This is especially important in children, because of their greater susceptibility to anemia. Measures directed at the prevention and control of anemia, including increased coverage of supplementation and fortification programs are strongly recommended.

Avaliação do impacto da fibra goma-guar parcialmente hidrolisada na constipação intestinal funcional em pacientes hospitalizados. Ensaio clínico com 64 adultos, randomizados para duas dietas: grupo 1 dieta laxante (± 30 g de fibras) e grupo 2 mesma dieta + 10 g de fibra goma-guar parcialmente hidrolisada, durante 15 dias. A dieta laxante ou acrescida da referida fibra reduziu em 78% a constipação intestinal funcional, assim como sua adição não provocou efeito adicional na freqüência evacuatória, consistência fecal, uso de laxativos, embora tenha reduzido a sintomatologia gastrointestinal. Fibras devem ser utilizadas no tratamento da constipação intestinal funcional; entretanto, a suplementação com fibra goma-guar parcialmente hidrolisada precisa ser melhor investigada.

The effect of hydrolyzed partially guar-gum was evaluated in the treatment of functional constipation among hospitalized patients. Following a randomized blind controlled-trial 64 adults were allocated to two groups: one received daily high-fiber diet (@ 30 g) and the other similar diet plus 10 g of hydrolyzed partially guar-gum, during 15 days. Dietary fiber reduced functional constipation by 78.0%. Hydrolyzed partially guar-gum did not show any additional effect in defecation frequency, fecal consistence, need of laxative drug use, although a reduction in bowel complaints. Dietary fiber may be used in the treatment of functional constipation. However the therapeutic role of hydrolyzed partially guar-gum should be further investigated.

A reforma do setor saúde no Brasil contempla como eixo fundamental a democratização dos serviços de saúde através do exercício do controle social sobre o sistema de saúde. Foram desenhados diversos mecanismos de participação nos serviços de saúde. No artigo analisam-se o nível de informação e a utilização pela população dos mecanismos de participação em saúde diretos: Conselhos Municipais de Saúde, Conferências de Saúde, Disque-Saúde e Ouvidoria de Saúde; e um indireto, a Superintendência de Proteção e Defesa do Consumidor (Procon). Realizou-se um inquérito populacional, com questionário estruturado, em uma amostra de 1.590 usuários dos serviços de saúde, em dois municípios de Pernambuco. Cerca de metade da população entrevistada afirmava conhecer o Disque Saúde, a Caixa de Queixas e o CMS; os outros mecanismos diretos eram muito menos conhecidos. A maioria dos entrevistados afirmou conhecer o Procon (80%). A finalidade do mecanismo, exceto para o Procon, foi definida de forma vaga ou inexata. A taxa de utilização não superou 5%. Os resultados parecem indicar que houve avanço, embora o desafío continue sendo levar à prática as conquistas no plano legal, começando por melhorar a informação à população.

A fundamental plank of the health sector reforms in Brazil is the democratization of health services by exercising social control upon the health system. A series of institutional mechanisms for social participation in the health services were designed. This paper analyses people's knowledge and experiences with institutional direct mechanisms (Municipal Health Council, Health Conferences, Disque Saúde and health ombudsman) and an indirect mechanism (PROCON). A questionnaire survey to a sample of 1590 health services users was carried out, in two municipalities of Pernambuco. Around half of the interviewed population declared themselves aware of the existence of Disque Saúde, suggestions boxes and the Municipal Health Council. The other direct mechanisms were less well known and the PROCON was known by the majority of the interviewees (80%). The functions of any mechanism, except for PROCON, were often inaccurately and vaguely defined. The take-up rate did not exceed 5%. These results seem to indicate that some progress was made, but the challenge of transforming legal gains into policy practices continues to remain, beginning with improving the provision of information to the population.

A reforma do setor saúde no Brasil contempla como eixo fundamental a democratização dos serviços de saúde através do exercício do controle social sobre o sistema de saúde. Foram desenhados diversos mecanismos de participação nos serviços de saúde. No artigo analisam-se o nível de informação e a utilização pela população dos mecanismos de participação em saúde diretos: Conselhos Municipais de Saúde, Conferências de Saúde, Disque-Saúde e Ouvidoria de Saúde; e um indireto, a Superintendência de Proteção e Defesa do Consumidor (Procon). Realizou-se um inquérito populacional, com questionário estruturado, em uma amostra de 1.590 usuários dos serviços de saúde, em dois municípios de Pernambuco. Cerca de metade da população entrevistada afirmava conhecer o Disque Saúde, a Caixa de Queixas e o CMS; os outros mecanismos diretos eram muito menos conhecidos. A maioria dos entrevistados afirmou conhecer o Procon (80%). A finalidade do mecanismo, exceto para o Procon, foi definida de forma vaga ou inexata. A taxa de utilização não superou 5%. Os resultados parecem indicar que houve avanço, embora o desafío continue sendo levar à prática as conquistas no plano legal, começando por melhorar a informação à população.

A fundamental plank of the health sector reforms in Brazil is the democratization of health services by exercising social control upon the health system. A series of institutional mechanisms for social participation in the health services were designed. This paper analyses people's knowledge and experiences with institutional direct mechanisms (Municipal Health Council, Health Conferences, Disque Saúde and health ombudsman) and an indirect mechanism (PROCON). A questionnaire survey to a sample of 1590 health services users was carried out, in two municipalities of Pernambuco. Around half of the interviewed population declared themselves aware of the existence of Disque Saúde, suggestions boxes and the Municipal Health Council. The other direct mechanisms were less well known and the PROCON was known by the majority of the interviewees (80%). The functions of any mechanism, except for PROCON, were often inaccurately and vaguely defined. The take-up rate did not exceed 5%. These results seem to indicate that some progress was made, but the challenge of transforming legal gains into policy practices continues to remain, beginning with improving the provision of information to the population.

A participação da sociedade na gestão do sistema de saúde, nas diferentes esferas do governo, é uma das políticas promovidas na construção do Sistema Único de Saúde no Brasil. O sucesso na implementação de qualquer nova política depende de diversos elementos, entre eles, os interesses e opiniões dos atores principais envolvidos e que nem sempre são considerados. Neste artigo são analisados os conceitos de participação social nos serviços de saúde de dois grupos de atores e como estas concepções podem influir na implementação da política de participação em saúde no Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo de caso em dois municípios do Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando uma combinação de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos das ciências sociais. Foram entrevistados usuários e líderes comunitários. Encontrou-se uma grande variedade de conceitos, que só limitadamente coincidem com o enfoque de participação contemplado nas políticas. Conceitos provavelmente explicáveis pela evolução da sociedade e do sistema de saúde no Brasil, que requerem ser trabalhados na perspectiva de melhorar a eficácia da política de participação social.

Social participation in management of the health care system at different levels of government is one of the key policies promoted by the Unified National Health System (SUS) in Brazil. As with any new policy, success hinges on several factors such as stakeholders' interests and opinions, which have not always been considered in the past. This paper analyzes the underlying concepts of two groups of stakeholders with respect to social participation in health and the potential influence of these concepts on the effectiveness of policy implementation. A case study of two municipalities in Northeast Brazil was conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative social science research methods. Health services users and community leaders were interviewed. Various concepts were found in which the participatory approach to health policies was only partially reflected. Likely influences on stakeholders' concepts of social participation in health are the evolution of the broader Brazilian social context and the traditional performance of health services. Particular attention should be paid to stakeholders' opinions and concepts if policy effectiveness is to be improved.

A participação da sociedade na gestão do sistema de saúde, nas diferentes esferas do governo, é uma das políticas promovidas na construção do Sistema Único de Saúde no Brasil. O sucesso na implementação de qualquer nova política depende de diversos elementos, entre eles, os interesses e opiniões dos atores principais envolvidos e que nem sempre são considerados. Neste artigo são analisados os conceitos de participação social nos serviços de saúde de dois grupos de atores e como estas concepções podem influir na implementação da política de participação em saúde no Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo de caso em dois municípios do Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando uma combinação de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos das ciências sociais. Foram entrevistados usuários e líderes comunitários. Encontrou-se uma grande variedade de conceitos, que só limitadamente coincidem com o enfoque de participação contemplado nas políticas. Conceitos provavelmente explicáveis pela evolução da sociedade e do sistema de saúde no Brasil, que requerem ser trabalhados na perspectiva de melhorar a eficácia da política de participação social.

Social participation in management of the health care system at different levels of government is one of the key policies promoted by the Unified National Health System (SUS) in Brazil. As with any new policy, success hinges on several factors such as stakeholders' interests and opinions, which have not always been considered in the past. This paper analyzes the underlying concepts of two groups of stakeholders with respect to social participation in health and the potential influence of these concepts on the effectiveness of policy implementation. A case study of two municipalities in Northeast Brazil was conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative social science research methods. Health services users and community leaders were interviewed. Various concepts were found in which the participatory approach to health policies was only partially reflected. Likely influences on stakeholders' concepts of social participation in health are the evolution of the broader Brazilian social context and the traditional performance of health services. Particular attention should be paid to stakeholders' opinions and concepts if policy effectiveness is to be improved.

Background: Social participation in the health system constitutes one of the basic principles of Brazilian health sector reform. This paper analyses the concepts held by different groups of stakeholders with respect to social participation in health and identifies their opinions on hindering and enabling factors for this participation. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using individual interviews (II) and focus groups (FG) with different groups of stakeholders: 135 users (II, GF), 14 community leaders (II, GF), 12 Municipal Health Council (MHC) members (II), 8 policymakers and (II) 37 health personnel (II, GF) were interviewed. A narrative content analysis of the results was conducted. Two municipalities in North-eastern Brazil, Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Camaragibe, made up the area of study. Results: In all groups, a distinction between individual and group participation emerged and reached different levels of elaboration. Many informants' ideas described also their own ways of action. Individual participation concepts and the utilization of health services were predominant among users. Population and institutional factors were identified as obstacles to participation: users and community leaders referred both type of factors, while the health personnel and MHC members put more emphasis on the former. Some informants among the health personnel did not identify any barriers. Policymakers emphasised the lack of political will. The enabling factors mentioned reflected the same logic. Conclusions: Concepts and perceived hindering factors to participation which were described appear to show different ways of interaction among the diverse stakeholders and the health services. The results point towards a limited effect of the health policy on social participation. Elements that could contribute to an improvement are identified.

Fundamento: La participación social en salud constituye uno de los principios fundamentales de la reforma sanitaria brasileña. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los conceptos de participación social en salud de los diferentes agentes sociales y su percepción de obstáculos y facilidades a esta participación. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa mediante entrevistas individuales (EI) y grupos focales (GF) a diferentes agentes sociales: 135 usuarios (EI, GF), 14 líderes comunitarios (EI, GF), 12 miembros del Consejo Municipal de Salud (EI), 8 formuladores de políticas (EI) y 37 del personal de salud (EI, GF). Se hizo un análisis narrativo de contenido. Los municipios de Cabo y Camaragibe en el Nordeste de Brasil, constituían el área de estudio. Resultados: Con distintos niveles de elaboración, en todos los grupos de informantes emergieron conceptos de participación individual y colectiva en salud y la mayoría describía también su propia actuación. La participación como acción individual y la idea de utilización de los servicios de salud predominaron en las respuestas de usuarios. En los obstáculos a la participación refirieron factores poblacionales e institucionales: usuarios y líderes mencionaron ambos tipos, mientras que el personal de salud y miembros del CMS hacían mayor hincapié en los primeros. Los formuladores de políticas enfatizan la falta de decisión política. En las facilidades se observó la misma tendencia. Conclusiones: Los conceptos y las dificultades a la participación referidos parecen mostrar las distintas formas de relación entre los diversos agentes sociales y los servicios de salud y señalan hacia un limitado alcance de la política de participación social en salud. Se identifican elementos de mejora.

Background: Social participation in the health system constitutes one of the basic principles of Brazilian health sector reform. This paper analyses the concepts held by different groups of stakeholders with respect to social participation in health and identifies their opinions on hindering and enabling factors for this participation. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using individual interviews (II) and focus groups (FG) with different groups of stakeholders: 135 users (II, GF), 14 community leaders (II, GF), 12 Municipal Health Council (MHC) members (II), 8 policymakers and (II) 37 health personnel (II, GF) were interviewed. A narrative content analysis of the results was conducted. Two municipalities in North-eastern Brazil, Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Camaragibe, made up the area of study. Results: In all groups, a distinction between individual and group participation emerged and reached different levels of elaboration. Many informants' ideas described also their own ways of action. Individual participation concepts and the utilization of health services were predominant among users. Population and institutional factors were identified as obstacles to participation: users and community leaders referred both type of factors, while the health personnel and MHC members put more emphasis on the former. Some informants among the health personnel did not identify any barriers. Policymakers emphasised the lack of political will. The enabling factors mentioned reflected the same logic. Conclusions: Concepts and perceived hindering factors to participation which were described appear to show different ways of interaction among the diverse stakeholders and the health services. The results point towards a limited effect of the health policy on social participation. Elements that could contribute to an improvement are identified.

Fundamento: La participación social en salud constituye uno de los principios fundamentales de la reforma sanitaria brasileña. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los conceptos de participación social en salud de los diferentes agentes sociales y su percepción de obstáculos y facilidades a esta participación. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa mediante entrevistas individuales (EI) y grupos focales (GF) a diferentes agentes sociales: 135 usuarios (EI, GF), 14 líderes comunitarios (EI, GF), 12 miembros del Consejo Municipal de Salud (EI), 8 formuladores de políticas (EI) y 37 del personal de salud (EI, GF). Se hizo un análisis narrativo de contenido. Los municipios de Cabo y Camaragibe en el Nordeste de Brasil, constituían el área de estudio. Resultados: Con distintos niveles de elaboración, en todos los grupos de informantes emergieron conceptos de participación individual y colectiva en salud y la mayoría describía también su propia actuación. La participación como acción individual y la idea de utilización de los servicios de salud predominaron en las respuestas de usuarios. En los obstáculos a la participación refirieron factores poblacionales e institucionales: usuarios y líderes mencionaron ambos tipos, mientras que el personal de salud y miembros del CMS hacían mayor hincapié en los primeros. Los formuladores de políticas enfatizan la falta de decisión política. En las facilidades se observó la misma tendencia. Conclusiones: Los conceptos y las dificultades a la participación referidos parecen mostrar las distintas formas de relación entre los diversos agentes sociales y los servicios de salud y señalan hacia un limitado alcance de la política de participación social en salud. Se identifican elementos de mejora.