[Evaluation of the system for Health Surveillance of Populations Exposed to Chemical Substances, Brazil, 2011-2021Evaluación del sistema de Vigilancia de la Salud de la Población Expuesta a Sustancias Químicas, Brasil, 2011-2021].

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the system for Health Surveillance of Populations Exposed to Chemical Substances (Vigipeq) in Brazil from 2011 to 2021.

Methods: Qualitative attributes (simplicity; acceptability, or engagement of individuals and institutions in surveillance; flexibility; and utility, or achievement of system objectives) were assessed using a semi-structured and anonymous questionnaire completed by representatives of environmental health surveillance agencies in capital cities. Quantitative attributes, including sensitivity (case detection), representativeness (generation of accurate information about events in terms of time, place, and person), and positive predictive value (PPV, true events of contaminated areas and exposed populations), were derived from the Health Surveillance Information System for Populations Exposed to Contaminated Soil. Data on exogenous intoxications were sourced from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System.

Results: Between 2011 and 2021, 16 029 cases of exogenous intoxication and 17 753 contaminated or potentially contaminated areas were recorded in Brazil. According to the questionnaire responses, Vigipeq was considered complex, inflexible, and had low acceptability. However, its sensitivity to detect exposures was high. The PPVs for identifying contaminated areas as well as exposed and potentially exposed populations were low. The system demonstrated utility in achieving its objectives.

Conclusions: Vigipeq is a useful tool but requires improvements in its operational aspects and in the application of the data it generates. Monitoring of environmental health surveillance actions can be optimized by establishing performance indicators and implementing tools to support forecasting and intervention in future events.