Endothelial function and lipid profile of individuals with schizophrenia participating in a supported employment program.

BACKGROUND: The social function of individuals with schizophrenia is usually poor and this population exhibits a sedentary lifestyle. Social participation, inclusion in the world of work in particular, might favorably interfere with the lives of these individuals by reducing sedentarism and improving their state of health. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the lipid profile and endothelial function markers among individuals with schizophrenia enrolled in a supported employment program. METHODS: Quantitative quasi-experimental study conducted with 14 individuals with schizophrenia enrolled in a labor inclusion program. Participants were assessed before enrolment (time-point 1) and one year later (time-point 2). Total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, serum nitrates and nitrites (endothelial function markers) were measured. The data were analyzed with software SPSS 20. RESULTS: The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels exhibited significant changes one year after inclusion in the labor market. HDL increased from 82.30 to 98.60 mg/dL (p<0.01) and LDL decreased from 54.50 to 44.45 mg/dL (p<0.02). The triglyceride and total cholesterol levels remained stable. The nitrate and nitrite level exhibited significant reduction from 15.20 to 14.48 µMol (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Participation in the supported employment program might have favorably influenced the participants' lipid profile and endothelial function. Nitrites have been described as mediators in the neural inflammatory process, and reduction of their levels is associated with better prognosis of chronic diseases such as schizophrenia.

INTRODUÇÃO: Pessoas com esquizofrenia habitualmente têm um funcionamento social empobrecido e são sedentárias. A participação social, especialmente a inclusão no universo do trabalho, pode interferir positivamente na vida dessas pessoas, reduzindo o sedentarismo e melhorando sua saúde. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil lipídico e os marcadores da função endotelial de pessoas com esquizofrenia participantes de um programa de emprego apoiado. MÉTODO: Pesquisa quantitativa do tipo quase-experimental que avaliou um grupo de 14 sujeitos com esquizofrenia participantes de um programa de inclusão laboral. Os sujeitos foram avaliados antes de ingressarem no programa (momento 1) e um ano depois (momento 2). Foram dosados: colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos, nitritos e nitratos séricos (marcadores da função endotelial). Os dados foram analisados com o auxílio do software SPSS 20. RESULTADOS: As frações de colesterol high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) e low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) sofreram modificações significativas após o período de um ano de inserção no mercado de trabalho. O HDL aumentou de 82,30 para 98,60 mg/dL (p<0,01). Já o LDL apresentou uma redução de 54,50 para 44,45 mg/dL (p<0,02). Os triglicerídeos e o colesterol total mantiveram-se estáveis. Com relação aos nitritos e nitratos, houve diminuição significativa de 15,20 para 14,48 µmol (p<0,01). DISCUSSÃO: A participação no programa de emprego apoiado pode ter influenciado positivamente no perfil lipídico dos sujeitos e em sua função endotelial. Além disso, os nitritos também têm sido apontados como mediadores do processo inflamatório neural e sua diminuição está associada à melhora no prognóstico de doenças crônicas como a esquizofrenia.

Long-stay patients in a psychiatric hospital in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic profile, social functioning, and quality of life of a population of long-stay care patients in a psychiatric hospital. METHODS: A study was carried out in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, in 2002. A total of 584 (96%) long-stay patients were assessed by means of the following instruments: the World Health Organization Quality of Life, the Social Behavior Schedule, the Independent Living Skills Survey, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and another instrument for assessing disability (Questionnaire for Assessing Physical Disability). RESULTS: The average hospital stay was 26 years (SD: 15.8) and 46.6% of inpatients had no physical disability. Patients had their social functioning skills and autonomy largely impaired. Few of them (27.7%) answered the instrument for assessing quality of life, and showed significant impairments in all domains. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale evidenced a low prevalence of positive symptoms in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The institutionalized population studied presented significantly impaired social functioning, autonomy, and quality of life. These aspects need to be taken into consideration while planning for their deinstitutionalization.

Exercise-induced modulation of histone H4 acetylation status and cytokines levels in patients with schizophrenia.

The present study aimed to investigate the short and long-term effects of a concurrent exercise protocol on global histone H4 acetylation levels and inflammatory markers (interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and cortisol) in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia (SZ), as well the intervention impact on anthropometric characteristics. Seventeen individuals were submitted to the intervention three times a week and blood samples were collected pre, 30, 60 and 90days after the intervention started. A remarkable reduction on body mass index and body mass were observed following intervention. The protocol also induced a histone H4 hypoacetylation status in PBMC all times evaluated when compared to the pre intervention period. Although the IL-4 and cortisol levels were not altered in response to the intervention, a reduction in IL-6 production during the 60 and 90days compared to the pre intervention period was observed. Finally, diminished IFN-γ production was found in the 90days period compared to the pre intervention and 30days after periods. In addition, systemic IL-6 levels were lower at 60 and 90days compared to the pre intervention. The concurrent exercise protocol was able to improve anthropometric characteristics in patients with SZ, engaging the modulation of cytokine and histone H4 acetylation levels.

Autonomy of long-stay psychiatric inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess personal autonomy of long-stay psychiatric inpatients, to identify those patients who could be discharged and to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic variables, social functioning, and physical disabilities on their autonomy was also assessed. METHODS: A total of 584 long-stay individuals of a psychiatric hospital (96% of the hospital population) in Southern Brazil was assessed between July and August 2002. The following instruments, adapted to the Brazilian reality, were used: independent living skills survey, social behavioral schedule, and questionnaire for assessing physical disability. RESULTS: Patients showed severe impairment of their personal autonomy, especially concerning money management, work-related skills and leisure, food preparation, and use of transportation. Autonomy deterioration was associated with length of stay (OR=1.02), greater physical disability (OR=1.54; p=0.01), and male gender (OR=3.11; p<0.001). The risk estimate of autonomy deterioration was 23 times greater among those individuals with severe impairment of social functioning (95% CI: 10.67-49.24). CONCLUSIONS: In-patients studied showed serious impairment of autonomy. While planning these patients' discharge their deficits should be taken into consideration. Assessment of patients' ability to function and to be autonomous helps in identifying their needs for care and to evaluate their actual possibilities of social reinsertion.

Função endotelial e perfil lipídico de pessoas com esquizofrenia participantes de um programa de emprego apoiado / Endothelial function and lipid profile of individuals with schizophrenia participating in a supported employment program

Introdução: Pessoas com esquizofrenia habitualmente têm um funcionamento social empobrecido e são sedentárias. A participação social, especialmente a inclusão no universo do trabalho, pode interferir positivamente na vida dessas pessoas, reduzindo o sedentarismo e melhorando sua saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil lipídico e os marcadores da função endotelial de pessoas com esquizofrenia participantes de um programa de emprego apoiado. Método: Pesquisa quantitativa do tipo quase-experimental que avaliou um grupo de 14 sujeitos com esquizofrenia participantes de um programa de inclusão laboral. Os sujeitos foram avaliados antes de ingressarem no programa (momento 1) e um ano depois (momento 2). Foram dosados: colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos, nitritos e nitratos séricos (marcadores da função endotelial). Os dados foram analisados com o auxílio do software SPSS 20. Resultados: As frações de colesterol high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) e low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) sofreram modificações significativas após o período de um ano de inserção no mercado de trabalho. O HDL aumentou de 82,30 para 98,60 mg/dL (p<0,01). Já o LDL apresentou uma redução de 54,50 para 44,45 mg/dL (p<0,02). Os triglicerídeos e o colesterol total mantiveram-se estáveis. Com relação aos nitritos e nitratos, houve diminuição significativa de 15,20 para 14,48 µmol (p<0,01). Discussão: A participação no programa de emprego apoiado pode ter influenciado positivamente no perfil lipídico dos sujeitos e em sua função endotelial. Além disso, os nitritos também têm sido apontados como mediadores do processo inflamatório neural e sua diminuição está associada à melhora no prognóstico de doenças crônicas como a esquizofrenia

Background: The social function of individuals with schizophrenia is usually poor and this population exhibits a sedentary lifestyle. Social participation, inclusion in the world of work in particular, might favorably interfere with the lives of these individuals by reducing sedentarism and improving their state of health. Objective: To analyze the lipid profile and endothelial function markers among individuals with schizophrenia enrolled in a supported employment program. Methods: Quantitative quasi-experimental study conducted with 14 individuals with schizophrenia enrolled in a labor inclusion program. Participants were assessed before enrolment (time-point 1) and one year later (time-point 2). Total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, serum nitrates and nitrites (endothelial function markers) were measured. The data were analyzed with software SPSS 20. Results: The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels exhibited significant changes one year after inclusion in the labor market. HDL increased from 82.30 to 98.60 mg/dL (p<0.01) and LDL decreased from 54.50 to 44.45 mg/dL (p<0.02). The triglyceride and total cholesterol levels remained stable. The nitrate and nitrite level exhibited significant reduction from 15.20 to 14.48 µMol (p<0.01). Conclusion: Participation in the supported employment program might have favorably influenced the participants' lipid profile and endothelial function. Nitrites have been described as mediators in the neural inflammatory process, and reduction of their levels is associated with better prognosis of chronic diseases such as schizophrenia.

Standardised measures of needs, stigma and informal care in schizophrenia using a bottom-up, cross-cultural approach.

Background There is a lack of instruments to measure the needs, stigma and informal care of people with schizophrenia that take account of sociocultural variation and patients' and formal and informal carers' opinions and experiences. Aims To develop questionnaires to measure stigma, needs and informal (non-professional) care for people with schizophrenia. Method We undertook the study in seven countries and in English, Spanish and Portuguese. We first held focus group discussions with patients, formal carers (professionals) and informal carers (family and friends) in Spain, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Venezuela to elicit the main dimensions of needs, stigma and informal care. We then held nominal group discussions about these dimensions with patients, family members and professionals in Spain, Portugal and the UK, to develop the instruments. Results Three hundred and three people participated in 46 focus groups and results were discussed in three nominal groups, each involving eight participants. Three instruments were developed in this iterative process: needs for care (46 items), stigma (38 items) and informal care (20 items). Conclusions These instruments are based on service users' and carers' views and experiences and have cross-cultural validity. They will have application in assessment of outcomes for people with schizophrenia and their families.

Existential questions in schizophrenia: perception of patients and caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine existential questions in the daily life of people with schizophrenia and their caregivers. METHODS: Qualitative study with focus groups. 146 people with schizophrenia (55% men) and 80 caregivers (75% women) participated. They came predominantly from primary and secondary health services of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain, England and Venezuela. Each group had between six and ten participants. The data was explored through a content analysis process. RESULTS: Four omnipresent existential themes were identified from the discussions: the need for personal development and to find meaning in life; the need to be respected and not suffer discrimination or stigma; the conflict resulting from the loss of autonomy; the importance of understanding the illness and recognizing it as an illness. The existential questions were closely associated with objective needs, such as the lack of occupational opportunities and employment, which generally result in a life without meaning. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop a new type of health care in which both the consideration for the person with schizophrenia and their subjectivity are as important as biological treatment. Health promotion strategies need to combat stigma and use mechanisms of occupational inclusion.

[Mental health care: perceptions of people with schizophrenia and their carers]. / Cuidado en salud mental: percepción de personas con esquizofrenia y sus cuidadores.

The current study aims to discover the opinions of patients and their (informal and formal) carers concerning the mental health care of individuals with long term schizophrenic disorders within different contexts and cultures. It's a qualitative study with focus groups,in which 6 research centers (from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain, England and Venezuela) participated. Eight focus groups were conducted in each center, totaling 303 individuals in 46 groups. The data were analyzed with the aid of the Qualitative Solutions and Research/Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing program (QSR NUD*IST 4.0). The perception regarding the quality of care is influenced by the professional-patient relationship and the availability of resources. Poor quality of care is also perceived as discrimination. People with schizophrenia in general consider themselves to be ostracized by professionals and services and lacking in more humanized care. In the contexts in which community care is less advanced, the complaints center on resources and services that do not meet demands. On the other hand, in more developed contexts criticism centers more on the attitude of the professionals and the professional patient relationship. Over and above the need for resources and services, people with schizophrenia require more humanized health care.

Inclusão ocupacional: perspectiva de pessoas com esquizofrenia / Occupational inclusion: perspective of people with schizophrenia / Inclusión ocupacional: perspectiva de personas con esquizofrenia

O estudo investigou sujeitos com esquizofrenia, familiares e colegas de atividade/trabalho na busca do entendimento dos fatores que dificultam ou contribuem para a inclusão ocupacional de pessoas com este transtorno mental. Utilizou-se a metodologia qualitativa, por meio de entrevistas narrativas, na busca de conhecer a percepção destes sujeitos sobre a temática de interesse. Foram feitas entrevistas individuais com 20 sujeitos. Estas foram gravadas e, posteriormente, transcritas para análise de conteúdo. Três temáticas emergiram dos discursos. Na categoria aderência ao tratamento, os participantes falam da importância do diagnóstico e do tratamento clínico/medicamentoso para a manutenção de um funcionamento saudável. Na categoria estigma e exclusão, os sujeitos apontam para as dificuldades de participar da vida social após o diagnóstico; o preconceito e as dificuldades funcionais são relacionados a este achado; assim como sentimentos de inutilidade e baixa autoestima. Na categoria ocupação e sentido da vida, os participantes apontam para o resgate do desejo de desfrutar a vida e se realizar como pessoa a partir da possibilidade de exercer atividades significativas; os sujeitos refletem sobre o impacto da atividade ocupacional nos relacionamentos familiares e comunitários, além de enfatizarem a melhora no padrão de funcionamento e desempenho após a experiência de inclusão. Conclui-se que devem ser feitos esforços no sentido de ampliar as oportunidades de inclusão ocupacional para pessoas com esquizofrenia e outros transtornos mentais graves e de longa evolução.

The study investigated people with schizophrenia along their family members and activity / work colleagues to understand the factors that difficult or contribute to the occupational inclusion of subjects with this mental health disorder. We used a qualitative methodology through narrative interviews, seeking to know the perception of these subjects on the topic of interest. Individual interviews with 20 subjects were conducted. These were recorded and later transcribed for content analysis. Three themes emerged from the speeches. In the category adherence to the treatment, the participants speak of the importance of the diagnosis and clinical / drug treatment for maintaining a healthy functioning. On stigma and exclusion category, the subjects point to the difficulties of participating in the social life after the diagnosis; prejudice and functional difficulties are related to this finding; as well as feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. In the category occupation and meaning of life, the participants point to the rescue of the desire to enjoy life and to develop as a person since the possibility of participating of meaningful activities; the subjects reflect on the impact of the occupational activity in the family and in the community relationships, in addition to emphasizing the improvement in standard of functionality and performance after the inclusion experience. It is concluded that efforts should be made to expand the occupational inclusion opportunities for people with schizophrenia and other severe and long term mental health disorder.

El estudio ha investigado personas con esquizofrenia, familiares y compañeros de actividad/trabajo para comprender los factores que dificultan o contribuyen para la inserción ocupacional de sujetos con este trastorno mental. Se utilizó la metodología cualitativa, a través de entrevistas narrativas, con el objetivo de conocer la percepción de estos sujetos sobre la temática de interés. Las entrevistas individuales se llevaron a cabo con 20 sujetos. Estas fueron grabadas y posteriormente transcriptas para análisis de contenido. Tres temáticas emergieron de los discursos. En la categoría adherencia al tratamiento, los participantes hablan de la importancia del diagnóstico y del tratamiento clínico/medicamentoso para el mantenimiento de un funcionamiento saludable. En la categoría estigma y exclusión, los sujetos apuntan para las dificultades de participar de la vida social tras el diagnóstico; prejuicios y problemas funcionales están relacionados con este hallazgo, así como los sentimientos de inutilidad y baja autoestima. En la categoría ocupación y sentido de la vida, los participantes señalan el rescate del deseo de disfrutar de la vida y realizarse como persona a partir de la posibilidad de ejercer actividades significativas; los sujetos reflexionan sobre el impacto de la actividad ocupacional en las relaciones familiares y sociales, y hacen hincapié en la mejora del nivel de su funcionamiento y desempeño después de la experiencia de inclusión. Se concluye que deben ser hechos esfuerzos para ampliar las oportunidades de inclusión ocupacional para personas con esquizofrenia y otros trastornos mentales graves y de larga evolución.

Cuidado en salud mental: percepción de personas con esquizofrenia y sus cuidadores / Mental health care: perceptions of people with schizophrenia and their carers

El presente trabajo pretende conocer la percepción de personas que sufren esquizofrenia y de sus cuidadores respecto a los cuidados ofrecidos por profesionales y servicios de salud en distintos contextos socioculturales. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo con grupos focales. Los participantes (303 individuos) provenían de servicios primarios y secundarios de salud de Argentina, Brasil, Chile, España, Inglaterra y Venezuela. Los datos fueron explorados a través del proceso de análisis de contenido, con el auxilio del programa Qualitative Solutions and Research/Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing (QSR NUD*IST 4.0). La percepción sobre la calidad del cuidado es influenciada por la relación profesional-paciente y por la disponibilidad de recursos. La precariedad de la atención también es entendida como discriminación. Personas con esquizofrenia en general se perciben desvalorizadas por profesionales y servicios y sienten falta de un cuidado más humanizado. En los contextos en que el cuidado comunitario es poco desarrollado, las quejas se centran en la falta de recursos y servicios. Mientras en los contextos más desarrollados las críticas están más relacionadas con la actitud de los profesionales y a la relación médico-paciente. Mas allá de la necesidad de recursos y servicios, personas con esquizofrenia requieren un cuidado más humanizado.

The current study aims to discover the opinions of patients and their (informal and formal) carers concerning the mental health care of individuals with long term schizophrenic disorders within different contexts and cultures. It's a qualitative study with focus groups,in which 6 research centers (from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain, England and Venezuela) participated. Eight focus groups were conducted in each center, totaling 303 individuals in 46 groups. The data were analyzed with the aid of the Qualitative Solutions and Research/Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing program (QSR NUD*IST 4.0). The perception regarding the quality of care is influenced by the professional-patient relationship and the availability of resources. Poor quality of care is also perceived as discrimination. People with schizophrenia in general consider themselves to be ostracized by professionals and services and lacking in more humanized care. In the contexts in which community care is less advanced, the complaints center on resources and services that do not meet demands. On the other hand, in more developed contexts criticism centers more on the attitude of the professionals and the professionalpatient relationship. Over and above the need for resources and services, people with schizophrenia require more humanized health care.

Cuestiones existenciales en la esquizofrenia: percepción de portadores y cuidadores / Questões existenciais em esquizofrenia: percepção de portadores e cuidadores / Existential questions in schizophrenia: perception of patients and caregivers

OBJETIVO: Examinar los temas y cuestiones existenciales del cotidiano de personas con esquizofrenia y de sus cuidadores. MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo con grupos focales. Fueron incluidos 146 sujetos con esquizofrenia (55 por ciento hombres) y 80 cuidadores (75 por ciento mujeres) que provenían de servicios primarios y secundarios de salud de Argentina, Brasil, Chile, España, Inglaterra y Venezuela. Cada grupo tenía de 6 a 10 participantes. Los datos fueron explorados por el proceso de análisis de contenido. RESULTADOS: Fueron identificadas cuatro cuestiones existenciales omnipresentes en los discursos: la necesidad de realización como persona y de encontrar un sentido en la vida; la necesidad de ser respetado y no sufrir discriminación; el conflicto decurrente de la pérdida de autonomía; la importancia de comprender la enfermedad y de reconocerse como enfermo. Las cuestiones existenciales aparecieron fuertemente conectadas a necesidades objetivas, como la falta de ocupación y trabajo, que generalmente resultan en una vida sin propósito y sentido. CONCLUSIONES: Hace falta desarrollar un nuevo tipo de cuidado en salud, en que la consideración por la persona con esquizofrenia y la valoración de su subjetividad sean tan importantes cuanto el tratamiento biológico, así como crear estrategias de promoción de la salud que comprendan mecanismos de inclusión laboral y combato al estigma.

OBJETIVO: Examinar os temas e questões existenciais do cotidiano de pessoas com esquizofrenia e de seus cuidadores. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo com grupos focais. Foram incluídos 146 sujeitos com esquizofrenia (55% homens) e 80 cuidadores (75% mulheres) que procediam predominantemente de serviços primários e secundários de saúde de Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Espanha, Inglaterra e Venezuela. Cada grupo tinha de seis a dez participantes. Os dados foram explorados em processo de análise de conteúdo.RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas quatro questões existenciais onipresentes nos discursos: a necessidade de realização pessoal e de se encontrar um sentido para a vida; a necessidade de ser respeitado, não sofrer discriminação e preconceito; o conflito decorrente da perda de autonomia; a importância de compreender a doença e se reconhecer como enfermo. As questões existenciais apareceram fortemente vinculadas a necessidades objetivas, como a falta de ocupação e trabalho, que geralmente resultam em uma vida sem finalidade e sentido. CONCLUSÕES: É necessário desenvolver um novo tipo de cuidado em saúde, em que a consideração pela pessoa com esquizofrenia e a valorização de sua subjetividade sejam tão importantes quanto o tratamento biológico, além de criar estratégias de promoção de saúde que compreendam mecanismos de inclusão laboral e combate ao estigma.

Existential needs of people with psychotic disorders in Pôrto Alegre, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Needs for care in service users with schizophrenia are often defined by professionals and focus on basic needs for health and social care rather than broader existential issues. AIMS: To examine the perceptions of users and formal and informal carers of the needs of people with non-affective psychosis. METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted involving focus groups of service users and informal and formal carers in a major Brazilian city. RESULTS: Existential needs were the most important theme for people with psychotic disorders. Informal and formal carers mainly regarded such needs as secondary to needs for health, housing, leisure and work. Carers usually reduced the existential questioning of the ill person to symptoms or the result of a privation such as lack or failure of medication and its consequences. CONCLUSIONS: We require an approach to service users wherein respect and understanding are prized as the first needs from which all others will naturally follow. We also need to give greater priority to existential issues in validated schedules that measure needs in clinical work and research.

Long-stay patients in a psychiatric hospital in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic profile, social functioning, and quality of life of a population of long-stay care patients in a psychiatric hospital. METHODS: A study was carried out in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, in 2002. A total of 584 (96 percent) long-stay patients were assessed by means of the following instruments: the World Health Organization Quality of Life, the Social Behavior Schedule, the Independent Living Skills Survey, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and another instrument for assessing disability (Questionnaire for Assessing Physical Disability). RESULTS: The average hospital stay was 26 years (SD: 15.8) and 46.6 percent of inpatients had no physical disability. Patients had their social functioning skills and autonomy largely impaired. Few of them (27.7 percent) answered the instrument for assessing quality of life, and showed significant impairments in all domains. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale evidenced a low prevalence of positive symptoms in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The institutionalized population studied presented significantly impaired social functioning, autonomy, and quality of life. These aspects need to be taken into consideration while planning for their deinstitutionalization.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características demográficas, funcionamento social e qualidade de vida de uma população de pacientes recebendo cuidados de longa duração em hospital psiquiátrico. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado em Porto Alegre, RS, em 2002. Foram avaliados 584 (96 por cento) indivíduos sob hospitalização de longa duração usando quatro questionários validados (World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Social Behaviour Schedule, the Independent Living Skills Survey, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) e um outro (Questionnaire for assessing Physical Disability Degree) para avaliar grau de incapacidade. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de hospitalização foi de 26 anos (DP: 15,8) e 46,6 por cento dos indivíduos não apresentavam incapacidade física. Os pacientes tiveram suas habilidades de funcionamento social e autonomia acentuadamente afetados. Poucos (27.7 por cento) conseguiram responder o questionário de avaliação de qualidade de vida, apresentando importante comprometimento em todos os domínios. A Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale evidenciou prevalência baixa de sintomas positivos na população estudada. CONCLUSÕES: Os achados revelaram haver importante grau de comprometimento no funcionamento social, nível de autonomia e qualidade de vida dos idosos. Tais aspectos devem ser considerados no planejamento da internação de longa duração de pacientes idosos.

Autonomy of long-stay psychiatric inpatients / Autonomia de pacientes em internação prolongada em hospital psiquiátrico

OBJECTIVE: To assess personal autonomy of long-stay psychiatric inpatients, to identify those patients who could be discharged and to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic variables, social functioning, and physical disabilities on their autonomy was also assessed. METHODS: A total of 584 long-stay individuals of a psychiatric hospital (96 percent of the hospital population) in Southern Brazil was assessed between July and August 2002. The following instruments, adapted to the Brazilian reality, were used: independent living skills survey, social behavioral schedule, and questionnaire for assessing physical disability. RESULTS: Patients showed severe impairment of their personal autonomy, especially concerning money management, work-related skills and leisure, food preparation, and use of transportation. Autonomy deterioration was associated with length of stay (OR=1.02), greater physical disability (OR=1.54; p=0.01), and male gender (OR=3.11; p<0.001). The risk estimate of autonomy deterioration was 23 times greater among those individuals with severe impairment of social functioning (95 percent CI: 10.67-49.24). CONCLUSIONS: In-patients studied showed serious impairment of autonomy. While planning these patients' discharge their deficits should be taken into consideration. Assessment of patients' ability to function and to be autonomous helps in identifying their needs for care and to evaluate their actual possibilities of social reinsertion.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a autonomia de uma população de pacientes com internação prolongada em um hospital psiquiátrico, identificar indivíduos com possibilidades de desinternação e avaliar o impacto de variáveis sociodemográficas, do funcionamento social e de incapacitações físicas sobre a autonomia. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliado o total de 584 indivíduos de um hospital psiquiátrico de Porto Alegre, RS, com internação prolongada (96 por cento dois pacientes), entre julho e agosto de 2002. Foram utilizados os instrumentos, adaptados para a realidade brasileira: independent living skills survey (inventário de habilidades de vida independente), social behavioral schedule (escala de avaliação do comportamento social) e questionário de avaliação do grau de invalidez física. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram grande comprometimento de sua autonomia, principalmente com relação à administração de dinheiro, ocupação, lazer, preparo de alimentos e transporte. A deterioração da autonomia esteve associada com o tempo de internação (OR=1,02), com severa incapacitação física (OR=1,54; p=0,01) e com o sexo masculino (OR=3,11; p<0,001). A estimativa do risco de ter um comprometimento moderado a grave da autonomia foi 23 vezes mais alta entre os indivíduos com severo prejuízo no funcionamento social (IC 95 por cento: 10,67-49,24). CONCLUSÕES: A população avaliada apresentou sua autonomia seriamente deteriorada. Concluiu-se que no planejamento da desinternação prolongada desse tipo de paciente deve-se levar em conta seus déficits funcionais. A avaliação do funcionamento social e autonomia auxilia na identificação das necessidades e na determinação da viabilidade do processo de desinternação e reinserção social desses indivíduos.

Inquérito intradérmico com histoplasmina e paracoccidioidina em duas regiöes do Rio Grande do Sul / Intradermal inquest with histoplasm and paracoccidioidin in two regions of Rio Grande do Sul

From August to October 1992 a study of prevalence of cutaneous positivity to histoplasmin and paracoccidioidin was carried out in the cities of Cachoeira do Sul (Valley of Jacuí River) and Santo Angelo (western hillside of the PlateAn), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Skin tests were made in 193 soldiers from Cachoeira do Sul and 161 soldiers from Santo Angelo, both groups of 17 to 19 years of age. In Cachoeira do Sul the prevalence of positive tests to histoplasmin was 89 per cent and to paracoccidioidin 82 per cent. In Santo Angelo 48 per centof the intradermical reactions were positive to histoplasmin and 39 per centto paracoccidioidin.