The Flavonoid Agathisflavone Directs Brain Microglia/Macrophages to a Neuroprotective Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant State via Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Agathisflavone, purified from Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) has been shown to be neuroprotective in in vitro models of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and inflammatory damage. However, the potential role of microglial regulation by agathisflavone in these neuroprotective effects is unclear. Here we investigated the effects of agathisflavone in microglia submitted to inflammatory stimulus in view of elucidating mechanisms of neuroprotection. Microglia isolated from cortices of newborn Wistar rats were exposed to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 µg/mL) and treated or not with agathisflavone (1 µM). Neuronal PC12 cells were exposed to a conditioned medium from microglia (MCM) treated or not with agathisflavone. We observed that LPS induced microglia to assume an activated inflammatory state (increased CD68, more rounded/amoeboid phenotype). However, most microglia exposed to LPS and agathisflavone, presented an anti-inflammatory profile (increased CD206 and branched-phenotype), associated with the reduction in NO, GSH mRNA for NRLP3 inflammasome, IL1-ß, IL-6, IL-18, TNF, CCL5, and CCL2. Molecular docking also showed that agathisflavone bound at the NLRP3 NACTH inhibitory domain. Moreover, in PC12 cell cultures exposed to the MCM previously treated with the flavonoid most cells preserved neurites and increased expression of ß-tubulin III. Thus, these data reinforce the anti-inflammatory activity and the neuroprotective effect of agathisflavone, effects associated with the control of NLRP3 inflammasome, standing out it as a promising molecule for the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Interações entre usuários brasileiros sobre enfrentamento e apoio social durante pandemias: um estudo de análise de mídia / Interacciones sobre el apoyo social de afrontamiento durante la pandemia por parte de usuarios brasileños: un estudio de análisis de medios / Interactions about Coping-Social Support during Pandemics by Brazilian Users: a Media Analysis Study

Objective: explore how the Brazilian online community mobilized its own coping resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to deal with mass vaccination concerns, manage and cope with personal stressors brought on by the pandemic, and seek social support. Method: the Canadian Population Health Promotion Model and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping framed this media content analysis focusing on a socially impactful event: the authorization of COVID-19 vaccinations in Brazil. Results: the retrieval of posts (January-May 2021) found 488 contents distributed as modus operandi (n=117; 24%), coping strategies focused on emotion (n=175; 35.8%), on problem (n=40; 8.1%), on reflection (n=67; 13.7%), and offer of social support (n=89; 18.2%). Among the top-five (n=393; 80.5%) actions and coping strategies, 255 contents about coping strategies with a predominant discourse on emotion-focused coping (n=160; 63.2 %). Conclusion: interactions sustained a feeling of connection and created a context for belonging, support, and motivation.

Objetivo: explorar como a comunidade online brasileira mobilizou seus próprios recursos de enfrentamento durante a pandemia de COVID-19 para lidar com as preocupações com a vacinação em massa, gerenciar e lidar com os estressores pessoais provocados pela pandemia e buscar apoio social. Método: o Modelo Canadense de Promoção da Saúde da População e o Modelo Transacional de Estresse e Coping enquadraram esta análise de conteúdo midiático com foco em um evento de impacto social: a autorização da vacinação contra a COVID-19 no Brasil. Resultados: a recuperação das postagens (janeiro-maio de 2021) encontrou 488 conteúdos distribuídos como modus operandi (n=117; 24%), estratégias de enfrentamento focadas na emoção (n=175; 35,8%), no problema (n=40; 8,1%), na reflexão (n=67; 13,7%) e na oferta de apoio social (n=89; 18,2%). Entre as cinco principais (n=393; 80,5%) ações e estratégias de enfrentamento, 255 conteúdos sobre estratégias de enfrentamento predominaram com discurso de enfrentamento focado na emoção (n=160; 63,2%). Conclusão: as interações mantiveram um sentimento de conexão e criaram um contexto de pertencimento, apoio e motivação.

Objetivo: explorar cómo la comunidad brasileña en línea movilizó sus propios recursos de afrontamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19 para hacer frente a las preocupaciones sobre la vacunación masiva, gestionar y hacer frente a los factores estresantes personales provocados por la pandemia y buscar apoyo social. Método: el Modelo Canadiense de Promoción de la Salud de la Población y el Modelo Transaccional de Estrés y Afrontamiento enmarcaron este análisis de contenido mediático centrándose en un evento de impacto social: la autorización de la vacunación contra la COVID-19 en Brasil. Resultados: la recuperación de publicaciones (enero-mayo de 2021) encontró 488 contenidos distribuidos como modus operandi (n=117; 24%), estrategias de afrontamiento centradas en la emoción (n=175; 35,8%), en el problema (n=40; 8,1%), en la reflexión (n=67; 13,7%) y en la oferta de apoyo social (n=89; 18,2%). Entre las cinco acciones y estrategias de afrontamiento más destacadas (n=393; 80,5%), 255 contenidos sobre estrategias de afrontamiento con un discurso predominante sobre el afrontamiento centrado en las emociones (n=160; 63,2 %). Conclusión: las interacciones mantuvieron un sentimiento de conexión y crearon un contexto de pertenencia, apoyo y motivación.

Neuroimmunomodulatory Properties of Flavonoids and Derivates: A Potential Action as Adjuvants for the Treatment of Glioblastoma.

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are tumors that have a high ability to migrate, invade and proliferate in the healthy tissue, what greatly impairs their treatment. These characteristics are associated with the complex microenvironment, formed by the perivascular niche, which is also composed of several stromal cells including astrocytes, microglia, fibroblasts, pericytes and endothelial cells, supporting tumor progression. Further microglia and macrophages associated with GBMs infiltrate the tumor. These innate immune cells are meant to participate in tumor surveillance and eradication, but they become compromised by GBM cells and exploited in the process. In this review we discuss the context of the GBM microenvironment together with the actions of flavonoids, which have attracted scientific attention due to their pharmacological properties as possible anti-tumor agents. Flavonoids act on a variety of signaling pathways, counteracting the invasion process. Luteolin and rutin inhibit NFκB activation, reducing IL-6 production. Fisetin promotes tumor apoptosis, while inhibiting ADAM expression, reducing invasion. Naringenin reduces tumor invasion by down-regulating metalloproteinases expression. Apigenin and rutin induce apoptosis in C6 cells increasing TNFα, while decreasing IL-10 production, denoting a shift from the immunosuppressive Th2 to the Th1 profile. Overall, flavonoids should be further exploited for glioma therapy.

Motivação para mudança no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas: intervenção breve como estratégia motivacional / Motivation for change in alcohol consumption: brief intervention as a motivational strategy / Motivación para el cambio en el consumo de alcohol: la intervención breve como estrategia motivacional

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o efeito da intervenção breve na motivação para mudança do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Método: estudo experimental, de follow-up, realizado com 43 participantes em duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Foi aplicado o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a Régua de Prontidão para Mudança e um questionário socioeconômico. Resultados: o grupo experimental apresentou mediana igual a 10 pontos (fase de manutenção) no início e após 30 dias. No segmento, mediana igual a oito pontos (estágio de ação). O grupo- controle, mediana igual a oito pontos no início e após 30 dias (fase de ação). No segmento, a mediana igual a sete pontos (fase de planejamento). Na avaliação intermediária de 30 dias, notou-se que houve diferença estatística na motivação entre os dois grupos (p=0,029). Conclusão: concluiu-se que a Intervenção Breve foi eficaz para manter a motivação nos estágios de ação e manutenção da mudança no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the effect of brief intervention on motivation to change alcohol consumption. Method: experimental, follow-up study, conducted with 43 participants in two Basic Health Units. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Change Readiness Ruler, and a socioeconomic questionnaire were applied. Results: The experimental group showed a median equal to 10 points (maintenance stage) at the beginning and after 30 days. In the segment, the median was equal to eight points (action stage). The control group had a median equal to eight points at the beginning and after 30 days (action stage). In the segment, median equal to seven points (planning stage). In the 30-day intermediate evaluation, it was noted that there was a statistical difference in motivation between the two groups (p=0.029). Conclusion: it was concluded that the Brief Intervention was effective in maintaining motivation in the stages of action and maintenance of change in the consumption of alcoholic drinks.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el efecto de una intervención breve sobre la motivación para el cambio en el consumo de alcohol. Método: Estudio experimental, de seguimiento, realizado con 43 participantes en dos Unidades Básicas de Salud. Se aplicó el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, la Regla de Disposición al Cambio y un cuestionario socioeconómico. Resultados: el grupo experimental mostró una mediana igual a 10 puntos (fase de mantenimiento) al principio y después de 30 días. En el segmento, la mediana era igual a ocho puntos (etapa de acción). El grupo de control tenía una mediana igual a ocho puntos al principio y después de 30 días (etapa de acción). En el segmento, la mediana es igual a siete puntos (fase de planificación). En la evaluación intermedia de 30 días, se observó que había una diferencia estadística en la motivación entre los dos grupos (p=0,029). Conclusión: se concluyó que la Intervención Breve fue eficaz para mantener la motivación en las etapas de acción y mantenimiento del cambio en el consumo de alcohol.

Intergenerational thyroid hormone homeostasis imbalance in cerebellum of rats perinatally exposed to glyphosate-based herbicide.

Agrochemicals became a public health concern due to increased human exposure and possible endocrine disruption effects in several organs, including the brain. Thyroid hormones controls neurodevelopment, which turn them sensitive to endocrine disruptors (EDs). In this work, we evaluated the effect of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) as an intergenerational endocrine disrupter on thyroid homeostasis in cerebellar cells. Female pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to Roundup Transorb® solution at 5 and 50 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 18 to post-natal day 5 (P5). Cerebellum of male offspring was used to evaluate gene expression. The mRNA levels of thyroid hormone receptors, hormonal conversion enzymes, hormone transporters, as well as, de novo epigenetic regulators were altered, with some of these genes presenting a non-monotonic dose response. Furthermore, metabolomic profile correlation with tested dose demonstrated altered metabolic profile, in agreement with cerebellar gene alterations. Moreover, cerebellar primary cultures exposed to non-toxic GBH concentration presented a decrease level in glial fibrillary acidic protein, a protein regulated by endocrine signals. In conclusion, our results indicate that animals exposed to non-toxic GBH doses during perinatal phase carry intergenerational alterations in key regulators of cellular thyroid hormone homeostasis and epigenetic controllers in adulthood, indicating the possible ED effect of GBH based on epigenetic alterations.

Percepção da equipe de enfermagem acerca da avaliação da dor em recém-nascidos prematuros / Perception of the nursing team about pain evaluation in premature newborns / Percepción del equipo de enfermería en la evaluación del dolor en recién nacidos prematuros

Objetivo: Compreender as ações do enfermeiro na avaliação e no manejo da dor nos recémnascidos prematuros internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Método: Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido com sete enfermeiras atuantes em uma maternidade. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e as informações analisadas pelo método de análise de conteúdo temática. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: A partir da análise emergiram-se duas categorias temáticas: "Como o enfermeiro avalia a dor no recém-nascido prematuro" e "Ações do enfermeiro diante da dor no recém-nascido prematuro". As enfermeiras afirmaram terem percepção de situações dolorosas, porém, nota-se que sua identificação ocorria de forma fragmentada e superficial. As técnicas empregadas no estudo evidenciaram a necessidade de estabelecer uma sistemática na assistência. Conclusão: Na equipe de enfermagem ainda existe uma grande distância entre o conhecimento teórico, o uso de escalas e a conduta prática quanto à avaliação e manejo da dor de recém-nascidos prematuros (Au).

Objective: To understand the actions of nurses in the assessment and management of pain in premature newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Method: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed with seven nurses working in a maternity hospital. The data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and the information was analyzed using the thematic content analysis method. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: From the analysis, two thematic categories emerged: "How the nurse assesses pain in the premature newborns" and "Actions of the nurse in the face of pain in the premature newborns". The nurses stated that they were aware of painful situations, however, it is noted that their identification occurred in a fragmented and superficial way. The techniques employed study showed the need to establish a system of assistance. Conclusion: In the nursing team, there is still a great distance between theoretical knowledge, the use of scales and practical conduct regarding the assessment and management of pain in premature newborns (Au).

Objetivo: Conocer las acciones del enfermero en la evaluación y manejo del dolor en recién nacidos prematuros ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales. Método: Estudio descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo, desarrollado con siete enfermeras que laboran en una maternidad. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y la información se analizó mediante el método de análisis de contenido temático. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: Del análisis surgieron dos categorías temáticas: "Cómo valora el enfermero el dolor en el recién nacidos prematuos" y "Acciones del enfermero ante el dolor en el recién nacido prematuro". Las enfermeras manifestaron conocer situaciones dolorosas, sin embargo, se observa que su identificación ocurrió de manera fragmentada y superficial. Las técnicas empleadas estudio mostraron la necesidad de establecer un sistema de asistencia. Conclusión: En el equipo de enfermería, aún existe una gran distancia entre los conocimientos teóricos, el uso de escalas y la conducta práctica en la evaluación y manejo del dolor en recién nacidos prematuros (Au).

Group Brief Intervention: effectiveness in motivation to change alcohol intake.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of the group brief intervention (GBI), performed by nurses in  motivational stages to change the pattern of alcohol intake. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial with 3-month follow-up. The ruler of readiness for change was applied in 180 individuals with risk or harmful alcohol intake pattern in basic health unit. Only the experimental group (EG) was submitted to the intervention. Both groups (experimental and control [CG]) participated in the follow-up. RESULTS: EG had a mean score before GBI=6.55 (SD=3.41) points (preparation). After GBI=8.00 (SD=2.88) points (action) and in the follow-up 7.92 (SD=3.06) points (action). CG presented a mean score before GBI=5.42 (SD=3.26) points (preparation); after GBI=6.67 (SD=3.05) points (preparation) and in the follow up had a mean score of 4.80 (SD=2.86) points (contemplation). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the motivational stages (p≤ 0,03). CONCLUSION: It was evidenced that GBI was effective in increasing the motivation to change harmful alcohol intake.

The flavonoid rutin and its aglycone quercetin modulate the microglia inflammatory profile improving antiglioma activity.

Microglia cells are the immune effector in the Central Nervous System (CNS). However, studies have showed that they contribute more to glioma progression than to its elimination. Rutin and its aglycone quercetin are flavonoids present in many fruits as well as plants and have been demonstrated to bear anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties also to human glioblastoma cell lines. Previous studies also demonstrated that rutin, isolated from the Brazilian plant Dimorphandra mollis Bent., presents immunomodulatory effect on astrocytes and microglia. In this study, we investigate the antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of rutin and its aglycone quercetin on the viability of glioma cells alone and under direct and indirect interaction with microglia. Flavonoid treatment of rat C6 glioma cells induced inhibition of proliferation and migration, and also induced microglia chemotaxis that was associated to the up regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the down regulation of Interleukin 10 (IL-10) at protein and mRNA expression levels, regulation of mRNA expression for chemokines CCL2, CCL5 and CX3CL1, and Heparin Binding Growth Factor (HDGF), Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) growth factors. Treatment of human U251 and TG1 glioblastoma cells with both flavonoids also modulated negatively the expression of mRNA for IL-6 and IL-10 and positively the expression of mRNA for TNF characterizing changes to the immune regulatory profile. Treatment of microglia and C6 cells either in co-cultures or during indirect interaction, via conditioned media from glioma cells treated with flavonoids or via conditioned media from microglia treated with flavonoids reduced proliferation and migration of glioma cells. It also directed microglia towards an inflammatory profile with increased expression of mRNA for IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18 and decreased expression of mRNA for nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), arginase and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), as well as Insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Treatment of U251 cells with flavonoids also reduced tumorigenesis when the cells were xenotransplanted in rat brains, and directed microglia and also astrocytes in the microenvironment of tumor cell implantation as well as in the brain parenchyma to a not favorable molecular inflammatory profile to the glioma growth, as observed in cultures. Together these results demonstrate that the flavonoid rutin and its aglycone quercetin present antiglioma effects related to the property of modulating the microglial inflammatory profile and may be considered for molecular and preclinical studies as adjuvant molecules for treatment of gliomas.

A qualidade de vida do estudante universitário e sua relação com o uso de substâncias psicoativas / The quality of life of university students and its relationship with the use of psychoactive substances

O ingresso no ambiente acadêmico representa uma nova etapa de vida, sendo classificada como uma fase crítica permeada por desafios pessoais, contextuais e sociais. O objetivo desta tese foi: avaliar a associação entre o consumo de substâncias psicoativas e a qualidade de vida do estudante universitário. O estudo foi de natureza epidemiológica, seccional e analítico. O cenário foi o Centro de Ciências em Saúde localizado no município do Rio de Janeiro. A população foi formada por universitários de 09 cursos de graduação, totalizando 604 estudantes entre ingressantes e concluintes. Os dados foram coletados através dos instrumentos Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), The World Health Organization Quality of Life - bref (WHOQOL-bref) e formulário de informações sociodemográficas e analisados no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS). As análises univariadas foram expressas como médias, desvios-padrão, valores brutos e relativos. As análises se basearam na análise de variância (ANOVA) no teste qui-quadrado de Pearson, sendo adotado o nível de significância estatística de 5%. E análises de regressão linear conduzidas para estimar a relação de cada substância com as dimensões da qualidade de vida. Sendo cinco os modelos multivariados de regressão linear: quatro predizendo cada dimensão do WHOQOL-bref e um predizendo o escore total. O estudo seguiu a Resolução 466/2012 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde / Ministério da Saúde (CNS/MS), submetido e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery sob o no 1.695.170. Os resultados apontaram que parte dos universitários considera sua qualidade de vida boa ou muito boa. Contudo, os domínios psicológico, físico e meio ambiente foram avaliados de forma regular e baixa. Somente no domínio relações pessoais, os universitários apresentaram qualidade de vida boa ou muito boa. A maior prevalência de uso de substâncias psicoativas foi observada para o álcool, seguido da maconha, tabaco e hipnóticos. Morar com os amigos/repúblicas associou-se ao maior consumo de tabaco e álcool. Também foi observado que os estudantes do sexo masculino apresentaram maior uso da maconha quando comparados às mulheres. Já os estudantes que referem não ter uma religião apresentaram maior uso de álcool quando comparados aqueles que referem ter religião. Os estudantes do primeiro período (vs último período), com renda maior renda familiar (vs menor) e com mais de 22 anos (vs >22 anos) referiram com maior qualidade de vida para os domínios físico, relações pessoais e para o escore geral de qualidade de vida. Observou-se a associação entre o consumo de álcool, hipnóticos e maconha e baixa qualidade de vida para os domínios físico, psicológico e ao escore geral de qualidade de vida. Conclui-se que o uso de substâncias psicoativaparticularmente ao uso de álcool, hipnóticos e maconha, pode estar associado à baixa qualidade de vida.

Entering the academic environment represents a new stage in life, being classified as a critical phase permeated by personal, contextual and social challenges. The objective of this thesis was: to evaluate the association between the consumption psychoactive substance and the quality of life of the university student. The study was epidemiological, sectional and analytical in nature. The setting was the Health Sciences Center located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The population was formed by university students from 09 undergraduate courses, totaling 604 students between freshmen and graduates. Data were collected using the instruments Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement (ASSIST), The World Health Organization Quality of Life - bref (WHOQOL-bref) and sociodemographic information form and analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS). Univariate analyzes were expressed as means, standard deviations, gross and relative values. The analyzes were based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Pearson's chi-square test, with adopting a level of statistical significance of 5%. And linear regression analyzes conducted to estimate the relationship of each substance to the dimensions of quality of life. There are five multivariate linear regressions models: four predicting each dimension of the WHOQOL-bref and one predicting the total score. The study followed Resolution 466/2012 of the National Heath Council / Ministry of Health (CNS / MS), submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Anna Nery Nursing School under No. 1.695.170. The results showed that part of the university students considered their quality of life to be good or very good. However, the psychological, physical and environmental domains were regularly and poorly assessed. Only in the personal relationships domain, the university students had a good or very good quality of life. The highest prevalence of psychoactive substance use was observed for alcohol, followed by marijuana, tobacco and hypnotics. Living with friends/ republics was associated with greater consumption of tobacco and alcohol. It was also observed that male students showed greater use of marijuana when compared to women. Students who report not having a religion had a higher use of alcohol when compared to those who report having a religion. The students of the first period (vs last period), with higher income family income (vs lower) and over ≥22 years old (vs <22 years old) reported with higher quality of life for the physical domains, personal relationships and for the general score quality of life. There was an association between alcohol consumption, hypnotics and marijuana and low quality of life for the physical, psychological and general quality of life scores. It is concluded that the use of psychoactive substances, particulary the use of alcohol, hypnotics and marijuana, may be associated with low quality of life.

Entrar en el entorno académico representa una nueva etapa en la vida, que se clasifica como una fase crítica impregnada de desafíos personales, contextuales y sociales. El objetivo de esta tesis fue: evaluar la asociación entre el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y la calidad de vida del estudiante universitario. El estudio fue de naturaleza epidemiológica, seccional y analítico. El escenario fue el Centro de Ciencias de la Salud ubicado en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. La población estaba formada por estudiantes universitarios de 09 cursos de pregrado, con un total de 604 estudiantes entre estudiantes de primer año y graduados. Los datos se recolectaron usando la Prueba de detección de Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement (ASSIST), The World Health Organization Quality of Life - bref (WHOQOL-bref) y el formulario de información sociodemográfica y se analizaron usando el Paquete estadístico para las ciencias sociales (IBM-SPSS). Los análisis univariados se expresaron como medias, desviaciones estándar, valores brutos y relativos. Los análisis se basaron en el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) en la prueba de chi-cuadrado de Pearson, con un nivel de significación estadística del 5%. Y análisis de regrésion lineal realizados para estimar la relación de cada sustancia con las dimensiones de la calidad de vida. Hay cinco modelos de regresión lineal multivariante: cuatro predicen cada dimensión del WHOQOL-bref y uno predicen la puntuación total. El estudio siguió la Resolución 466/2012 del Consejo Nacional de Salud / Ministerio de Salud (CNS / MS), presentada y aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Escuela de Enfermería Anna Nery con el número 1.695.170. Los resultados mostraron que parte de los estudiantes universitarios consideraban que su calidad de vida era buena o muy buena. Sin embargo, los dominios psicológicos, físicos y ambientales fueran evaluados de manera regular y deficiente. Solo en el ámbito de las relaciones personales, los estudiantes universitarios tenían una buena o muy buena calidad de vida. La mayor prevalencia de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas se observó para el alcohol, seguido de la marihuana, tabaco y los hipnóticos. Vivir con amigos/ repúblicas se asoció con un mayor consumo de tabaco y alcohol. También se observó que los estudiantes varones mostraron un mayor uso de marihuana en comparación con las mujeres. Los estudiantes que informaron no tener una religión tuvieron un mayor consumo de alcohol en comparación con aquellos que informaron tener una religión. Los estudiantes del primer período (vs al último período), con mayores ingresos familiares (vs > 22 años) informaron con mayor calidad de vida para los dominios físicos, las relaciones personales y el puntaje general de calidad de vida. La asociación entre el consumo de alcohol, los hipnóticos y el cannabis y la baja calidad de vida para los dominios físico, psicológicos y general de calidad de vida. Se concluye que euso de sustancias psicoactivas, particularmente el uso de alcohol, hipnóticos y marihuana, puede estar asociado con una baja calidad de vida.

Group Brief Intervention: effectiveness in motivation to change alcohol intake / Intervención grupal breve: efectividad de motivación para cambios en el consumo de alcohol / Intervenção breve grupal: efetividade na motivação para a mudança do uso de álcool

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the effectiveness of the group brief intervention (GBI), performed by nurses in motivational stages to change the pattern of alcohol intake. Method: Randomized controlled trial with 3-month follow-up. The ruler of readiness for change was applied in 180 individuals with risk or harmful alcohol intake pattern in basic health unit. Only the experimental group (EG) was submitted to the intervention. Both groups (experimental and control [CG]) participated in the follow-up. Results: EG had a mean score before GBI=6.55 (SD=3.41) points (preparation). After GBI=8.00 (SD=2.88) points (action) and in the follow-up 7.92 (SD=3.06) points (action). CG presented a mean score before GBI=5.42 (SD=3.26) points (preparation); after GBI=6.67 (SD=3.05) points (preparation) and in the follow up had a mean score of 4.80 (SD=2.86) points (contemplation). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the motivational stages (p≤ 0,03). Conclusion: It was evidenced that GBI was effective in increasing the motivation to change harmful alcohol intake.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar efectividad de intervención grupal breve (IGB) realizada por enfermeros en etapas motivacionales para cambios del estándar de consumo alcohólico. Método: Ensayo clínico randomizado controlado, con seguimiento de 3 meses. Se aplicó regla de aproximación para el cambio en 180 individuos con estándar de consumo riesgoso o nocivo de alcohol, en una unidad básica de salud. Solamente el grupo experimental (GE) recibió la intervención. Ambos grupos (experimental y control-GC) participaron del seguimiento. Resultados: El GE presentó puntaje promedio previo a IGB=6,55 (SD=3,41) puntos (preparación). Después, IGB=8,00 (SD=2,88) puntos (acción), y en seguimiento 7,92 (SD=3,06) puntos (acción). El GC presentó puntaje promedio previo=5,42 (SD=3,26) puntos (preparación); después=6,67 (SD=3,05) puntos (preparación) y en seguimiento, el puntaje promedio de 4,80 (SD=2,86) puntos (contemplación). Hubo diferencia entre ambos grupos en etapas motivacionales, estadísticamente significativa (p≤0,03). Conclusión: Se evidenció que la IGB fue efectiva, aumentando la motivación para cambios del consumo nocivo de alcohol.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade da intervenção breve grupal (IBG), realizada por enfermeiros, nos estágios motivacionais para a mudança do padrão de consumo de álcool. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado controlado com follow-up de 3 meses. Foi aplicada a régua de prontidão, para a mudança em 180 indivíduos com padrão de uso de risco ou nocivo de álcool em uma unidade básica de saúde. Somente o grupo experimental (GE) foi submetido à intervenção. Ambos os grupos (experimental e controle-GC) participaram do follow-up. Resultados: O GE apresentou escore médio antes da IBG=6,55 (dp=3,41) pontos (preparação). Após, a IBG=8,00 (dp=2,88) pontos (ação) e no seguimento 7,92 (dp=3,06) pontos (ação). O GC apresentou escore médio antes=5,42 (dp=3,26) pontos (preparação); após=6,67 (dp=3,05) pontos (preparação) e, no seguimento, o escore médio de 4,80 (dp=2,86) pontos (contemplação). Houve diferença entre os dois grupos, nos estágios motivacionais, estatisticamente, significativa (p≤ 0,03). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que a IBG foi efetiva ao aumento da motivação para a mudança do consumo nocivo de álcool.

Effectiveness of brief group intervention in the harmful alcohol use in primary health care / Efetividade da intervenção breve grupal no uso nocivo de álcool na atenção primária à saúde

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To verify the effectiveness of brief group intervention, performed by nurses, in reducing the hazardous or harmful alcohol use in users of a primary health care service. METHODS Clinical and randomized trial with follow-up of three months. The sample had 180 individuals with a pattern of hazardous or harmful alcohol use, recruited in a Basic Health Unit in the city of São Paulo. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Audit) were applied. The experimental group underwent the Brief Group Intervention, which had four group sessions, with weekly meetings. The control group received an information leaflet about issues related to alcohol consumption. Both groups participated in the follow-up of three months. The linear mixed model was used for data analysis, in which a 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS Forty-four individuals under hazardous or harmful alcohol use completed all phases of the research. The experimental group had a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.01) of about 10 points in Audit score after the brief group intervention [before BGI = 15.89 (SD = 6.62) - hazardous use; after BGI = 6.40 (SD = 5.05) - low hazardous use] maintaining the low hazardous use in follow-up [6.69 (SD = 6.38) - low hazardous use]. The control group had a statistically significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) of about three points in Audit score [before BGI = 13.11 (SD = 4.54) - hazardous use; after BGI = 9.83 (SD = 5.54) - hazardous use] and in follow-up presented the mean score of 13.00 (SD = 5.70), indicative of hazardous use. Differences between the two groups (experimental group versus control group) in reduction of consumption were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our evidence showed that the brief group intervention performed by the nurse in the primary health care context was effective to reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with patterns of hazardous or harmful use.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Verificar a efetividade da intervenção breve grupal realizada por enfermeiros, na redução do uso de risco e nocivo de álcool em usuários de um serviço de atenção primária à saúde. MÉTODOS Ensaio clínico, randomizado, comfollow-up de três meses. A amostra foi composta de 180 indivíduos que apresentaram padrão de uso de risco ou nocivo de álcool, recrutados em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do município de São Paulo. Foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Audit). O grupo experimental foi submetido à Intervenção Breve Grupal, a qual foi composta por quatro sessões grupais, com encontros semanais. O grupo controle recebeu um folheto informativo sobre problemas relacionados ao consumo de álcool. Ambos os grupos participaram do seguimento de três meses. O modelo linear misto foi utilizado para análise dos dados, em que foi adotado nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS Quarenta e quatro indivíduos que faziam uso de risco ou nocivo de álcool, completaram todas as fases da pesquisa. O grupo experimental apresentou redução estatisticamente significativa (p ≤ 0,01) de cerca de 10 pontos no escore do Audit após a intervenção breve grupal [antes IBG = 15,89 (dp = 6,62) - uso de risco; após IBG = 6,40 (dp = 5,05) - uso de baixo risco] mantendo o uso de baixo risco no seguimento [6,69 (dp = 6,38) - uso de baixo risco]. O grupo controle apresentou redução estatisticamente significativa (p ≤ 0,01) de cerca de três pontos no escore do Audit [antes = 13,11 (dp = 4,54) - uso de risco; após = 9,83 (dp = 5,54) - uso de risco] e no seguimento apresentou o escore médio de 13,00 (dp = 5,70) indicativo de uso de risco. As diferenças entre os dois grupos (grupo experimental versus grupo controle) na redução do consumo foram estatisticamente significativas (p ≤ 0,01). CONCLUSÕES Evidenciou -se que a intervenção breve grupal realizada pelo enfermeiro no contexto da atenção primária à saúde foi efetiva para a redução do consumo de álcool em indivíduos com padrão de uso de risco ou nocivo.

Why Should Psychiatrists and Neuroscientists Worry about Paraoxonase 1?

BACKGROUND: Nitro-oxidative stress (NOS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. The activity of the polymorphic antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is altered in diseases where NOS is involved. PON1 activity may be estimated using different substrates some of which are influenced by PON1 polymorphisms. OBJECTIVES: 1) to review the association between PON1 activities and psychiatric diseases using a standardized PON1 substrate terminology in order to offer a state-of-the-art review; and 2) to review the efficacy of different strategies (nutrition, drugs, lifestyle) to enhance PON1 activities. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched using the terms paraoxonase 1 and psychiatric diseases. Moreover, the database was also searched for clinical trials investigating strategies to enhance PON1 activity. RESULTS: The studies support decreased PON1 activity as determined using phenylacetate (i.e., arylesterase or AREase) as a substrate, in depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and schizophrenia, especially in antipsychotic-free patients. PON1 activity as determined with paraoxon (i.e., POase activity) yields more controversial results, which can be explained by the lack of adjustment for the Q192R polymorphism. The few clinical trials investigating the influence of nutritional, lifestyle and drugs on PON1 activities in the general population suggest that some polyphenols, oleic acid, Mediterranean diet, no smoking, being physically active and statins may be effective strategies that increase PON1 activity. CONCLUSION: Lowered PON1 activities appear to be a key component in the ongoing NOS processes that accompany affective disorders, GAD and schizophrenia. Treatments increasing attenuated PON1 activity could possibly be new drug targets for treating these disorders.

Effectiveness of brief group intervention in the harmful alcohol use in primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of brief group intervention, performed by nurses, in reducing the hazardous or harmful alcohol use in users of a primary health care service. METHODS: Clinical and randomized trial with follow-up of three months. The sample had 180 individuals with a pattern of hazardous or harmful alcohol use, recruited in a Basic Health Unit in the city of São Paulo. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Audit) were applied. The experimental group underwent the Brief Group Intervention, which had four group sessions, with weekly meetings. The control group received an information leaflet about issues related to alcohol consumption. Both groups participated in the follow-up of three months. The linear mixed model was used for data analysis, in which a 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: Forty-four individuals under hazardous or harmful alcohol use completed all phases of the research. The experimental group had a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.01) of about 10 points in Audit score after the brief group intervention [before BGI = 15.89 (SD = 6.62) - hazardous use; after BGI = 6.40 (SD = 5.05) - low hazardous use] maintaining the low hazardous use in follow-up [6.69 (SD = 6.38) - low hazardous use]. The control group had a statistically significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) of about three points in Audit score [before BGI = 13.11 (SD = 4.54) - hazardous use; after BGI = 9.83 (SD = 5.54) - hazardous use] and in follow-up presented the mean score of 13.00 (SD = 5.70), indicative of hazardous use. Differences between the two groups (experimental group versus control group) in reduction of consumption were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence showed that the brief group intervention performed by the nurse in the primary health care context was effective to reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with patterns of hazardous or harmful use.

Enfermeiros de serviços de urgência e emergência psiquiátrica: análise de perfil profissional e educacional / Psychiatric urgency and emergency care nurses: an analysis of their professional and educational profile / Enfermeros de servicios de urgencia y emergencia psiquiátrica: análisis de perfil profesional y educacional

O estudo caracterizou o perfil profissional e educacional de enfermeiros de urgência e emergência psiquiátrica, identificando sua associação com a prática clínica. Estudo transversal realizado com 184 enfermeiros, em 17 serviços de atendimento de urgências e emergências psiquiátricas no estado de São Paulo, entre fevereiro e outubro de 2012. Evidenciou-se associação significativa entre o perfil dos enfermeiros e a prática clínica no atendimento de urgências e emergência psiquiátrica e os maiores preditores dessa associação foram: sexo masculino (OR=9,05), tempo de profissão maior que 10 anos (OR=2,67) e ser egresso de instituições públicas de ensino (OR=2,14). Enfermeiros do sexo masculino continuam sendo a linha de frente dos atendimentos em urgência e emergência psiquiátrica, sugerindo a perpetuação do modelo embasado na força física. A experiência profissional e maior carga horária durante a graduação são fatores que podem se constituir em melhor prática clínica em emergências psiquiátricas (AU).

The present study characterized the professional and educational profile of nurses working at psychiatric urgency and emergency services, identifying its association with clinical practice. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 184 nurses in 17 psychiatric urgency and emergency healthcare services in the state of São Paulo from February to October 2012. A significant association was found between the profile of nurses and clinical practice in psychiatric urgency and emergency care, and the greatest predictors of this association were: male gender (OR=9.05), length of time in the profession longer than 10 years (OR=2.67), and having graduated at public educational institutions (OR=2.14). The prevalence of male nurses in psychiatric urgency and emergency care services suggests the perpetuation of the model based on physical strength. Professional experience and increased workload during undergraduate studies are factors that may lead to a better clinical practice in psychiatric emergency services (AU).

El estudio caracterizó el perfil profesional y educacional de enfermeros de urgencia y emergencia psiquiátrica, identificando su asociación con la práctica clínica. Estudio transversal realizado con 184 enfermeros en 17 servicios de atención de urgencias y emergencias psiquiátricas del estado de São Paulo, entre febrero y octubre de 2012. Se evidenció asociación significativa entre el perfil de los enfermeros y la práctica clínica en atención de urgencias y emergencias psiquiátricas, los mayores predictores de esta asociación fueron: sexo masculino (OR=9,05), tiempo desde graduación superior a 10 años (OR=2,67) y ser egresado de instituciones públicas de enseñanza (OR=2,14). Los enfermeros de sexo masculino continúan constituyendo la primera línea de atención en urgencias y emergencias psiquiátricas, sugiriendo la continuidad del modelo basado en la fuerza física. La experiencia profesional y mayor carga horaria durante el curso de grado son factores que pueden constituirse en mejor práctica clínica en emergencias psiquiátricas (AU).

Indices of insulin resistance and glucotoxicity are not associated with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, but are differently associated with inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity and may occur in mood disorders and tobacco use disorder (TUD), where disturbances of immune-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways are important shared pathophysiological pathways. METHODS: This study aimed to a) examine IR and ß-cell function as measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity and ß cell function (HOMA-B) and glucotoxicity (conceptualized as increased glucose levels versus lowered HOMA-B values) in 74 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, with and or without MetS and TUD, versus 46 healthy controls, and b) whether IR is associated with IO&NS biomarkers, including nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp) and uric acid. RESULTS: Mood disorders are not associated with changes in IR or glucotoxicity, although the number of mood episodes may increase IR. 47.8% of the variance in HOMA-IR is explained by AOPP and body mass index (BMI, both positively) and NOx, Hp and TUD (all inversely). 43.2% of the variance in HOMA-B is explained by NOx, Hp and age (all inversely associated) and higher BMI and sex. The glucotoxic index is strongly associated with NOx, Hp and BMI (positively), male gender and lower education. LIMITATIONS: This is a cross-sectional study and therefore we cannot draw firm conclusions on causal associations. CONCLUSIONS: Activated IO&NS pathways (especially increased Hp and NOx) increase glucotoxicity and exert very complex effects modulating IR. Mood disorders are not associated with increased IR.

O tratamento como motivo para prevenção da recaída do alcoolismo / Treatment as a reason to prevent relapse of alcoholism / El tratamiento como una razón para la prevención de recaídas del alcoholismo

Objetivo: analisar o tratamento como motivo para a prevenção da recaída do alcoolismo. Método: estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. Os participantes foram 31 sujeitos, com idade entre 18 e 65 anos. Realizado na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e Defesa Civil do Rio de Janeiro (SMDC-RJ), entre julho e setembro de 2009, por meio de grupo focal. A análise foi mediante a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Projeto aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP) em 02 de março de 2009, com Certificado de Apresentação para Apreciação Ética (CAAE): 0019.0.314.000 - 09 sob protocolo 25/09. Resultados: emergiram cinco categorias que retratam o tratamento na prevenção da recaída: o tratamento prevenindo a recaída; dificuldade diante da abstinência; a religião como apoio complementar ao tratamento na prevenção da recaída; intervenção multidisciplinar junto à família; intervenção multidisciplinar no ambiente social. Conclusão: a prevenção da recaída pode ser motivada pelo tratamento, sendo algo complexo e de cunho pessoal.

Objective: to analyze treatment as a reason to prevent relapse of alcoholism. Method: this qualitative descriptive study involved 31 participants aged 18 to 65 years at the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Department of Health and Civil Defense (SMDC-RJ), between July and September 2009, through a focus group. Data was analyzed by content analysis. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee on March 2, 2009 (Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Assessment CAAE - 0019.0.314.000 - 09, protocol 25/09). Results: five categories emerged that portray treatment to prevent relapse: treatment preventing relapse; difficulty with abstinence; religion as support complementing relapse prevention treatment; multidisciplinary intervention in the family; and multidisciplinary intervention in the social environment. Conclusion: the prevention of relapse can be motivated by treatment, and is complex and personal.

Objetivo: analizar el tratamiento como una razón para la prevención de la recaída en el alcoholismo. Método: estudio descriptivo con un enfoque cualitativo. Los participantes fueron 31 sujetos de edades comprendidas entre 18 y 65 años. Realizado en la Secretaría Municipal de Salud y Defensa Civil de Río de Janeiro (RJ-SMDC) entre julio y septiembre de 2009, a través de grupos focales. El análisis fue realizado por medio de la técnica de análisis de contenido. Proyecto aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación el 2 de marzo de 2009, con el Certificado de Presentación para Evaluación Ética (CPEE): 0019.0.314.000 ­ 09, bajo el protocolo 25/09. Resultados: surgieron cinco categorías que muestran el tratamiento en la prevención de la recaída: el tratamiento para prevenir la recaída; dificultad ante la abstinencia; la religión como apoyo al tratamiento complementario en la prevención de recaídas; intervención multidisciplinaria con la familia; intervención multidisciplinaria en el entorno social. Conclusión: la prevención de la recaída puede estar motivada por el tratamiento, teniendo una naturaleza compleja y personal.

Conceptions of mid-level nursing professionals facing those with a chemical dependency.

OBJECTIVE: to describe and understand the conceptions of nursing assistants working in Psychosocial Care Centers for alcohol and drugs (CAPS ad), about the patient with addictions. METHOD: sixteen nursing assistants and technicians from nine of the CAPS ad in São Paulo were interviewed, and data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: performing the functions in the CAPS ad enabled the change in staff's conception from a stigmatizing and prejudiced view, to the concept of chemical dependence as a disease and those who are chemically dependent as patients with comorbidities and family problems, in need of help and treatment. CONCLUSION: professional practice in specialized services for alcohol and other drugs enables changes in the staff's conceptions about chemically dependent individuals, highlighting the need to include the subject of alcohol and drugs in the school curriculum.

Concepções de profissionais de enfermagem de nível médio perante o dependente químico / Concepciones de técnicos y auxiliares de Enfermería frente al dependiente químico / Conceptions of mid-level nursing professionals facing those with a chemical dependency

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever e compreender as concepções dos profissionais de nível médio em enfermagem dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial álcool e drogas (CAPS ad), perante o dependente químico. Método: foram entrevistados 16 auxiliares e técnicos de enfermagem de 9 CAPS ad do município de São Paulo, e os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o método de comparação constante. Resultados: o desempenho das funções no CAPS ad possibilitou a mudança de concepção dos trabalhadores, de uma visão estigmatizante e preconceituosa, para a concepção da dependência química como doença e dos dependentes químicos como pessoas doentes que possuem comorbidades e problemas familiares, que necessitam de auxílio e tratamento. Conclusão: a prática profissional em serviços especializados em álcool e outras drogas favorece a mudança nas concepções dos trabalhadores sobre o dependente químico, destacando-se a necessidade da inclusão do tema álcool e drogas no currículo escolares.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir y comprender las concepciones de técnicos y auxiliaries de Enfermería de los Centros de Atención Psicosocial alcohol y drogas (CAPS ad), frente al dependiente químico. Método: fueron entrevistados 16 auxiliares y técnicos de enfermería de 9 CAPS ad del municipio de São Paulo, los datos fueron analisados utilizando el método de comparación constante. Resultados: el desempeño de las funciones en el CAPS ad facilitó el cambio de la concepción de los trabajadores, de una vision estigmatizante y prejuiciosa, hacia una comcepción de la dependencia química como una enfermerdad, y de los dependientes químicos como personas enfermas que poseen co-morbilidades y problemas familiars, que necesitan de auxilio y tratamiento. Conclusión: la práctica professional en servicios especializados en alcohol y otras drogas favorece el cambio en las concepciones de los trabajadores sobre el dependiente químico, destacandose la necesidad de la inclusion del tema de alcohol y drogas en los curriculos escolares.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe and understand the conceptions of nursing assistants working in Psychosocial Care Centers for alcohol and drugs (CAPS ad), about the patient with addictions. Method: sixteen nursing assistants and technicians from nine of the CAPS ad in São Paulo were interviewed, and data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: performing the functions in the CAPS ad enabled the change in staff’s conception from a stigmatizing and prejudiced view, to the concept of chemical dependence as a disease and those who are chemically dependent as patients with comorbidities and family problems, in need of help and treatment. Conclusion: professional practice in specialized services for alcohol and other drugs enables changes in the staff’s conceptions about chemically dependent individuals, highlighting the need to include the subject of alcohol and drugs in the school curriculum.

Reliability and validity of the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale (MAVAS-BR) for use in Brazil

Abstract Background Aggression and violent behavior against health care professionals is a serious problem today and has aroused the interest of researchers and authorities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale – Brazil (MAVAS-BR) for use with Brazilian nurses. Method The MAVAS-BR was applied in a convenience sample of 262 nurses, the data were submitted to an exploratory factor analysis, and reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha. Results The MAVAS-BR is composed of 23 items distributed among four factors, and the Cronbach’s alpha was σ = 0.75. Discussion The MAVAS-BR is a reliable instrument for measuring the attitudes of Brazilian nurses facing aggression and violent behavior. The scale has shown to possess validity and the recommended reliability criteria; however, additional studies using this scale should be performed to offer further evidence of its validity in the context of Brazilian nursing.

O primeiro contato com as drogas: análise do prontuário de mulheres atendidas em um serviço especializado / The first contact with drugs: analysis of medical records of women cared in a specialized service

O estudo objetivou caracterizar e compreender o contexto em que se dá o primeiro contato de mulheres com problemas relacionados ao uso de substâncias psicoativas que procuraram atendimento em um serviço especializado em álcool e outras drogas. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo de abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Utilizaram-se informações contidas em 412 prontuários de mulheres atendidas num serviço especializado em álcool e outras drogas. Realizou-se uma análise exploratória dos dados quantitativos, e os dados qualitativos foram agrupados e analisados segundo a análise de conteúdo, originando cinco temáticas. Resultados: A idade média de primeiro contato com as drogas foi 16 anos e as substâncias mais usadas foram álcool, tabaco e maconha. Concluiu-se que, na adolescência, as mulheres ficam mais vulneráveis ao primeiro contato com substâncias psicoativas e que o contexto social e familiar exerce influência na iniciação do uso de drogas.

This study aimed to characterize and understand the circumstance under wich women carrying problems related to psychoactive substance use had their first contact with a specialized service in alcohol and other drugs. Exploratory and descriptive study of quantitative and qualitative approach. We retrieved of the information contained in medical records of 412 women cared in a service specializing in alcohol and other drugs. We held a quantitative data exploratory analysis and grouped qualitative data, wich were analyzed as for their content analysis, resulting in five themes. Results: the average age of women first contact with the drugs was 16 years, being alcohol, tobacco and marijuana the most commonly used substances. We concluded that, during adolescence, women are more vulnerable to the first contact with psychoactive substances, and that social and family contexts exert influence on the initiation of drug use.