Validating the Effectiveness of the Patient-Centered Cancer Care Framework by Assessing the Impact of Work System Factors on Patient-Centered Care and Quality of Care: Interview Study With Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer who have recently been diagnosed have distinct requirements compared to cancer survivors. It is crucial to take into account their unique needs to ensure that they make informed decisions and are receptive to the care provided. OBJECTIVE: This study suggested a framework titled Effectiveness of Patient-Centered Cancer Care that considers the needs of newly diagnosed patients with cancer and related work system factors. This study investigated how work system factors influence the perceptions of patient-centered care, quality of care, and associated outcomes among newly diagnosed patients with cancer. Patient-centered care is defined in terms of workload and communication considerations, whereas the quality of care is assessed through indicators such as trust in physicians, satisfaction with care, and perceptions of technology. METHODS: This study used qualitative data collected through interviews with newly diagnosed patients with cancer (N=20) right after their first visits with their physicians. Thematic analysis was conducted to validate the 5 hypotheses of the framework, mapping the interactions among quality of care, patient-centered care, and work system factors. RESULTS: We found that workload and patient-centered communication impact the quality of care and that the work system elements impact the patient-centeredness (workload and communication) and the quality of care (trust in physicians, satisfaction with care, and perception of technology use). CONCLUSIONS: Qualitatively validating the proposed Effectiveness of Patient-Centered Cancer Care framework, this study demonstrated its efficacy in elucidating the interplay of various factors. The framework holds promise for informing interventions geared toward enhancing patients' experiences during their initial visits after diagnosis. There is a pressing need for heightened attention to the organizational design, patient processes, and collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders and providers to optimize the overall patient experience.

"It Can Be Confusing": Family Perspectives on Food Insecurity Screening in Urban Pediatric Primary Care Clinics.

Food insecurity, for which families are routinely screened at medical visits, has deleterious health consequences. This study sought to understand the lived experiences of families with lower incomes participating in food insecurity screening at two urban pediatric primary care clinics. Forty-three semi-structured interviews were performed in English and Spanish with families with public insurance after well visits where food insecurity screening was documented. Immersion-crystallization analysis was used to identify salient themes. Families reported discomfort with food insecurity screening, but nonetheless found screening acceptable when performed universally and privately. Families shared confusion about how their screening responses would be used and expected that resources would be available promptly for those who screen positive. Food insecurity screening may be improved for families through explanations of how responses will be used, allowing families to opt out, soliciting family preferences for resource referral, and offering promptly available resources for families with food insecurity.

Factors influencing integration of mental health screening and treatment at HIV clinic settings in Cameroon: a qualitative study of health providers' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are common among people with HIV (PWH) and are associated with poor HIV outcomes. Despite high unmet mental health needs among PWH, use of evidence-based mental health screening and treatment protocols remains limited at HIV treatment facilities across low-resource settings. Integrating mental health services into HIV care can reduce this gap. This study's objective was to explore factors that influence integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV clinics in Cameroon. METHODS: We analyzed 14 in-depth interviews with clinic staff supporting PWH at three urban HIV treatment clinics in Cameroon. Interviews focused on current processes, barriers and facilitators, and types of support needed to integrate mental health care into HIV care. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. French transcripts were translated into English. We used thematic analysis to identify factors that influence integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV care in these settings. Ethical review boards in the United States and Cameroon approved this study. RESULTS: Respondents discussed a lack of standardized mental health screening processes in HIV treatment facilities and generally felt ill-equipped to conduct mental health screening. Low community awareness about mental disorders, mental health-related stigma, limited physical space, and high clinic volume affected providers' ability to screen clients for mental disorders. Providers indicated that better coordination and communication were needed to support client referral to mental health care. Despite these barriers, providers were motivated to screen clients for mental disorders and believed that mental health service provision could improve quality of HIV care and treatment outcomes. All providers interviewed said they would feel more confident screening for mental disorders with additional training and resources. Providers recommended community sensitization, training or hiring additional staff, improved coordination to manage referrals, and leadership buy-in at multiple levels of the health system to support sustainable integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV clinics in Cameroon. CONCLUSIONS: Providers reported enthusiasm to integrate mental health services into HIV care but need more support and training to do so in an effective and sustainable manner.

The role of social support among caregivers of people with cancer from Chinese and Arabic communities: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Cancer caregivers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities have reported significant unmet emotional support needs. This study aimed explore the role of social support to manage emotional wellbeing among cancer caregivers from Arabic and Chinese communities in Australia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese (n = 12) and Arabic (n = 12) speaking cancer caregivers. Participants' mean age was 40.6 years; majority were female (83%) and providing care to a parent (41.67%). RESULTS: Using thematic analysis to analyse interview data, five overarching themes emerged describing caregivers' perspectives on social support. Themes were related to the following: (1) receiving emotional support from social networks, (2) barriers to accessing emotional support from social networks, (3) isolation and loss of connection following the cancer diagnosis, (4) faith as a source of support, and (5) utility of support groups and caregiver advocates. Several caregivers relied on social networks for emotional support; however, caregivers identified key cultural and generational barriers to seeking support from their social networks which prevented caregivers from disclosing their emotions and caregiving situation. Caregivers also reported being isolated from their support system. CONCLUSION: Empirical testing of culturally appropriate strategies that improve social support seeking among caregivers from CALD communities is recommended.

Problems and Barriers Related to the Use of mHealth Apps From the Perspective of Patients: Focus Group and Interview Study.

BACKGROUND: Since fall 2020, mobile health (mHealth) apps have become an integral part of the German health care system. The belief that mHealth apps have the potential to make the health care system more efficient, close gaps in care, and improve the economic outcomes related to health is unwavering and already partially confirmed. Nevertheless, problems and barriers in the context of mHealth apps usually remain unconsidered. OBJECTIVE: The focus groups and interviews conducted in this study aim to shed light on problems and barriers in the context of mHealth apps from the perspective of patients. METHODS: Guided focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with patients with a disease for which an approved mHealth app was available at the time of the interviews. Participants were recruited via self-help groups. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a qualitative content analysis. The content analysis was based on 10 problem categories ("validity," "usability," "technology," "use and adherence," "data privacy and security," "patient-physician relationship," "knowledge and skills," "individuality," "implementation," and "costs") identified in a previously conducted scoping review. Participants were asked to fill out an additional questionnaire about their sociodemographic data and about their use of technology. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were interviewed in 5 focus groups (3 onsite and 2 web-based) and 5 individual web-based interviews. The additional questionnaire was completed by 32 of the participants. Patients presented with a variety of different diseases, such as arthrosis, tinnitus, depression, or lung cancer. Overall, 16% (5/32) of the participants had already been prescribed an app. During the interviews, all 10 problem categories were discussed and considered important by patients. A myriad of problem manifestations could be identified for each category. This study shows that there are relevant problems and barriers in the context of mHealth apps from the perspective of patients, which warrant further attention. CONCLUSIONS: There are essentially 3 different areas of problems in the context of mHealth apps that could be addressed to improve care: quality of the respective mHealth app, its integration into health care, and the expandable digital literacy of patients.

Exploring the Experiences of Undergraduate Medical Students on Surgical Placement - A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple elements in the clinical learning environment have been found to influence medical students' learning experiences. A rich area of research, many factors are already known to influence students' experiences of learning which go on to impact later training choices. However, there is a knowledge gap specifically related to undergraduate medical students' experiences of surgical placement. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of medical students in their surgery rotation(s). DESIGN: A phenomenological study using semistructured interviews was conducted. Transcribed interview recordings were thematically analyzed using an iterative approach. SETTING: Participants were studying in a large medical school in the north of England. PARTICIPANTS: Fitting with the method, 6 undergraduate medical students, with at least 1 surgery placement took part in the study. RESULTS: Participants described issues including knowing the details of clinical opportunities, the clinical environment, and the portfolio; having a sense of involvement and previous surgical experiences; teaching and assessments; observation; and interactions. These experiences were also found to influence later career aspirations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that undergraduate surgical learning experiences can be influenced by various themes: knowing the details of progression, the clinical environment, having a sense of involvement and previous experiences, constructive alignment of teaching and assessment, and professional identity formation. Future studies can explore methods such as personalized learning outcomes to enhance the overall learning experience of medical students.

Measuring patient activation: the utility of the Patient Activation Measure administered in an interview setting.

BACKGROUND: Patient activation is an emerging field in healthcare research concerning knowledge, skills, and confidence of patients in managing their health. This is particularly important for patients with chronic diseases, who often require more complex care management and self-care skills. However, due to temporary or longer-lasting visual impairments, certain patient groups cannot answer a questionnaire independently. The main objective is to investigate the psychometric properties of the German Patient Activation Measure® (PAM) survey in an everyday clinical setting where it has to be read aloud. METHODS: Outpatients with macular edema participated in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The study assessed patient activation by the PAM® survey, self-rated health, self-efficacy, quality of life, and general mood. Interviewers read questionnaires aloud to patients. Psychometric properties of the PAM® survey were investigated by item response theory (IRT), Cronbach's α and trait-trait correlations. RESULTS: The analysis included N = 554 patients. Median age was 69 (IQR 62.0-76.0) years and mean overall activation score 74.1 (SD 13.7). All items showed ceiling effects. Empirical reliability from the IRT model and Cronbach's α were 0.75. The PAM® survey showed a Spearman correlation of 0.54 with self-efficacy, 0.51 with quality of life and 0.34 with general mood. CONCLUSION: The read-aloud PAM® survey has been shown to provide to adequate measurement precision and convergent validity to be used as a screening tool in an everyday clinical setting. Objective assessment in an interview setting with the PAM® survey is possible. PAM® items are good in distinguishing lower to middle activated patients, but not patients with high activation. Further, issues with structural validity need more investigation.

Sexual health in Belgian cervical cancer survivors: an exploratory qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To assess experiences of sexuality and of receiving sexual healthcare in cervical cancer (CC) survivors. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study using semistructured one-on-one interviews was conducted with 15 Belgian CC survivors recruited in 5 hospitals from August 2021 to February 2022. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. COREQ and SRQR reporting guidelines were applied. RESULTS: Most participants experienced an altered sexuality after CC treatment with often long-term loss/lack of sex drive, little/no spontaneity, limitation of positions to avoid dyspareunia, less intense orgasms, or no sexual activity at all. In some cases, emotional intimacy became more prominent. Physical (vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, menopausal symptoms) and psychological consequences (guilt, changed self-image) were at the root of the altered sexuality. Treatment-induced menopause reduced sex drive. In premenopausal patients, treatment and/or treatment-induced menopause resulted in the sudden elimination of family planning. Most participants highlighted the need to discuss their altered sexual experience with their partner to grow together toward a new interpretation of sexuality. To facilitate this discussion, most of the participants emphasized the need for greater partner involvement by healthcare providers (HPs). The oncology nurse or sexologist was the preferred HP with whom to discuss sexual health. The preferred timing for information about the sexual consequences of treatment was at treatment completion or during early follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both treatment-induced physical and psychological experiences were prominent and altered sexuality. Overall, there was a need for HPs to adopt proactive patient-tailored approaches to discuss sexual health.

Patient and caregiver perceptions of the possibility of home blood transfusions.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) often develop transfusion dependence. The patient and caregiver burdens associated with the need for frequent transfusions are high. Home blood transfusions has the potential to reduce these burdens, but is not widely practiced in the United States. We designed a qualitative study to evaluate the patient and caregiver perceptions of the potential for a home blood transfusion program. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eligible patients included Adult (≥18 years) patients who were English speaking and met the definition for transfusion dependence within 3 months of study enrollment. We identified and interviewed eligible participants (patients and caregivers), using a semi-structured interview guide to elicit patient perceptions of the acceptability, barriers, and benefits related to home blood product transfusions. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Results were imported into NVivo 12 (version 12; QSR International, Burlington, VT) for coding and analysis. RESULTS: We recruited participants until we reached thematic saturation, which occurred at 29 participants (20 patients, 9 caregivers). Among the 20 patient participants, nine had MDS (45%) and 11 had acute leukemia (55%). Most of the patients (60%) reported getting one transfusion per week. Four themes emerged when the participants discussed their perception regarding the potential of a home blood transfusion program: (1) current in-person experience, (2) caregiver burden, (3) perceptions of home blood transfusions, and (4) interest in participating in a home blood transfusion program. CONCLUSION: The concept of home blood transfusions was well received and further research to study its implementation is warranted.

General practitioners' representation of early-stage CKD is a barrier to adequate management and patient empowerment: a phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: In high-income countries, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the population. Identifying these patients early is a priority, especially as new treatments are available to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal morbidity. We aimed at understanding the management and care pathway of patients with early-to-moderate CKD defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD-EPI), by analyzing the experience of general practitioners in a region in France. METHODS: This qualitative semiopragmatic phenomenological study analyzed in-depth interviews held with a purposive sample (age, gender, training, type of practice, rural/urban context) of 24 general practitioners, with triangulation of research until data saturation. RESULTS: From diagnostic, etiological and prognostic viewpoints, the general practitioners enrolled in our study perceived CKD as a complex, poorly-defined clinical entity in asymptomatic and multimorbid patients. They distinguished it from a rare condition they considered as 'mainly renal'. The fact that they did not perceive early-stage CKD as a disease was a hindrance to patient care, which should protect the kidneys with a preventive approach. Indeed, general practitioners perceived CKD patient management as a pathway requiring a personalized, integrative model, common to all chronic diseases, without necessarily involving a nephrologist, at least in the early stages. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows how the general practitioners' representations influence their attitudes and interventions. Clarifying the concept of early-stage CKD by taking factors like age and etiology into account would facilitate personalized management of this heterogeneous, often multimorbid, population. Finally, organizational models to support patient empowerment in an integrative care pathway must be established and validated.

Autogestão do diabetes na adolescência: experiência de jovens adultos e pais portugueses / Autogestión de la diabetes en la adolescencia: experiencias de jóvenes adultos y padres portugueses / Self-management of diabetes in adolescence: experience of Portuguese young adults and their parents

Resumo Objetivo Identificar os fatores que facilitam ou dificultam a construção da autonomia na adolescência através da experiência de jovens adultos com diabetes tipo 1 e seus pais. Métodos Estudo de natureza qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória. Foram realizadas duas entrevistas de grupo focal, uma com nove jovens adultos peritos na gestão de sua doença e outra com sete pais. Para análise dos dados, foram usados análise de conteúdo temática e categorial, com particularidades de entrevista de grupo focal, e recurso ao software NVIVO 12. Resultados Emergiram duas grandes categorias e dez subcategorias relativas aos fatores que facilitaram (sistemas de suporte, conhecimentos, alimentação, bomba de insulina, responsabilização precoce pela gestão da terapêutica, características dos jovens), e dificultaram (regime terapêutico, estigma, atitude dos profissionais de saúde, características dos jovens, conhecimento) o desenvolvimento da autonomia na gestão da doença. Conclusão A autonomia na gestão do diabetes envolve vários desafios aos adolescentes, o que requer adequação de atitudes e intervenções de profissionais. Além da gestão tradicional da condição de saúde, é essencial abordar temas relacionados com a socialização dos adolescentes, procurando estratégias inovadoras que promovam o coping e a qualidade de vida. Os resultados deste estudo possibilitam refletir sobre a relação terapêutica com os adolescentes, salientando a importância de individualizar cuidados e respostas inovadoras às suas necessidades específicas.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar los factores que facilitan o dificultan la construcción de la autonomía en la adolescencia a través de la experiencia de jóvenes adultos con diabetes tipo 1 y sus padres. Métodos: Estudio de naturaleza cualitativa, descriptiva y exploratoria. Se realizaron dos entrevistas de grupo focal, una con nueve jóvenes adultos expertos en la gestión de su enfermedad y otra con siete padres. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó el análisis de contenido temático y categorial, con particularidades de entrevista de grupo focal y recurso del software NVIVO 12. Resultados Surgieron dos grandes categorías y diez subcategorías relativas a los factores que facilitaron el desarrollo de la autonomía en la gestión de la enfermedad (sistemas de apoyo, conocimientos, alimentación, bomba de insulina, responsabilización temprana de la gestión de la terapéutica, características de los jóvenes) y los que la dificultaron (régimen terapéutico, estigma, actitudes de los profesionales de la salud, características de los jóvenes, conocimientos). Conclusión La autonomía en la gestión de la diabetes incluye muchos desafíos para los adolescentes, lo que requiere adaptación de actitudes e intervenciones de profesionales. Además de la gestión tradicional del estado de salud, es esencial abordar temas relacionados con la socialización de los adolescentes y buscar estrategias innovadoras que promuevan el coping y la calidad de vida. Los resultados de este estudio permiten reflexionar sobre la relación terapéutica con los adolescentes y destacar la importancia de individualizar los cuidados y las respuestas innovadoras para sus necesidades específicas.

Abstract Objective To identify the factors that facilitate or hinder the construction of autonomy in adolescence through the experience of young adults with type-1 diabetes and their parents. Methods This was a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study. Two focus group interviews were conducted: one with nine young adults who were experts in managing their illness and the other with seven parents. Thematic and categorical content analysis was used for data analysis, with particularities of a focus group interview and the use of the NVIVO 12 software. Results Two major categories and ten subcategories related to factors that facilitated (support systems, knowledge, diet, insulin pump, early responsibility for managing therapy, and characteristics of young people) and hindered (therapeutic regimen, stigma, attitude of health professionals, characteristics of young people, and knowledge) the development of autonomy in disease management emerged. Conclusion Autonomy in the management of diabetes involves several challenges for adolescents, which requires adaptation of attitudes and interventions by professionals. In addition to the traditional management of the health condition, addressing issues related to the socialization of adolescents is essential, looking for innovative strategies that promote coping and quality of life. The results of this study make it possible to reflect on the therapeutic relationship with adolescents, emphasizing the importance of individualizing care and innovative responses to their specific needs.

Indagações sobre experiência de quase morte, memória episódica e o psicóide na visão da psicología / Inquiries about near-death experiences, episodic memory and the psychoid from the view of analytical

Busca-se discutir a relação da Experiência de Quase Morte (EQM) a partir dos conceitos junguianos, particularmentea Individuação e a Espiritualidade. Pretende-se ainda, explorar possíveis relações entre a memória da EQM e Neuropsicologia, analisando o arquétipo psicóide e possíveis relações entre ele e a memória episódica, procurando-se possibilidades viáveis de pesquisas exploratórias que possam trazer maiores esclarecimentos na relação entre a experiência de quase morte, o conceito do psicóide da Psicologia analítica de C. G. Jung e a memória episódica tratada em neuropsicologia AU

We seek to discuss the relationship of the Near Death Experience (NDE) from the Jungian concepts, particularly Individuation and Spirituality. It is also intended to explore possible relationships between NDE memory and Neuropsychology, analyzing the psychoid archetype and possible relationships between it and episodic memory, looking for viable possibilities for exploratory research that can bring further clarification on the relationship between the experience of almost death, the psychoid concept from C. G. Jung's Analytical Psychology and the episodic memory treated in neuropsychology AU

Escala de estratégias de enfrentamento para pacientes oncológicos: desenvolvimento de uma medida / Coping strategies scale for cancer patients: development of a measurement / Escala de estrategias de enfrentamiento para pacientes oncológicos: desarrollo de una medida

O objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver um instrumento capaz de avaliar o enfrentamento de pacientes oncológicos. Foram construídos 112 itens que passaram por análise teórica de juízes especialistas e pré-teste com o público-alvo. Os 42 que restaram após essas etapas foram respondidos por 392 pacientes oncológicos. A análise de validade de estrutura interna foi realizada por análise fatorial exploratória. Denominada como Escala de Estratégias de Enfrentamento para Pacientes Oncológicos (E3PO), os resultados indicaram uma estrutura de 20 itens divididos em dois fatores que explicam 36,05% da variância total. Engajamento no Tratamento, 14 itens (confiabilidade composta de 0,83), avalia compromisso orientado para mudança do estressor. Reações Emocionais, seis itens (confiabilidade composta de 0,75), avalia enfrentamento baseado na expressão de sentimentos negativos advindos do estressor. A E3PO pode futuramente auxiliar na elaboração de planos terapêuticos e avaliação de intervenções comportamentais que tenham como foco o desenvolvimento ou melhoramento do enfrentamento ao câncer.(AU)

This study aimed to develop a scale to evaluate coping strategies in cancer patients. Initially, 112 items were created and subjected to theoretical analysis by expert judges, followed by a trial with the target population. After these steps, 42 items remained and were answered by 392 cancer patients. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the scale's Internal structure validity. The resulting Coping Strategies Scale for Cancer Patients (E3PO) consists of 20 items grouped into two factors, explaining 36.05% of the total variance. The first factor, Treatment Engagement, includes 14 items (with a composite reliability of .83), which measure commitment to addressing the stressor. The second factor, Emotional Reactions, includes six items (with a composite reliability of .75) that evaluate coping based on the expression of negative emotions coming from the stressor. In the future, E3PO may help in the development of therapeutic plans and the evaluation of behavioral interventions aimed at enhancing coping strategies among cancer patients.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar una herramienta para evaluar el afrontamiento de pacientes oncológicos. Se construyeron 112 ítems que fueron sometidos a análisis teórico por parte de jueces especialistas y prueba piloto con la población objetivo. Los 42 ítems restantes tras esta etapa fueron contestados por 392 pacientes oncológicos. El análisis de la validez de la estructura interna se hizo por análisis factorial exploratorio. Denominad Escala de Estrategias de Afrontamiento para Pacientes Oncológicos (E3PO), los resultados señalaron una estructura de 20 ítems divididos en dos factores que explican 36.05% de la varianza total. Compromiso con el Tratamiento con 14 ítems (fiabilidad compuesta .83) evalúa el compromiso orientado hacia el cambio del estresor. Reacciones Emocionales con seis ítems (fiabilidad compuesta .75) evalúa el afrontamiento basado en la expresión de sentimientos negativos derivados del estresor. En el futuro, E3PO puede ser útil en la elaboración de planes terapéuticos y en la evaluación de intervenciones conductuales que se centren en el desarrollo o la mejora del afrontamiento del cáncer.(AU)

Social skills, behavioral problems, and academic competence of students with intellectual disabilities / Habilidades sociais, problemas de comportamento e competência acadêmica de alunos com deficiência intelectual / Habilidades sociales, problemas de conducta y competencia académica de estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual

This study had as general objective to characterize and associate social skills, behavior problems, and academic competence of students with intellectual disabilities in school inclusion and; as specific objectives to verify predictive values for social skills and differences between groups diagnosed with intellectual disability and other associated diagnoses. This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational, predictive, and comparative study. Forty-four students with intellectual disability participated (11 of them presented other associated diagnoses), who were evaluated by 42 guardians and 34 teachers. The instruments used were Social Skills Rating System (SSRS-BR) and the Parental Educative Social Skills Interview Script (RE-HSE-P). The evaluation from guardians and teachers were different. Social skills were negatively associated with behavior problems and positively associated with academic competence; behavior problems and diagnosis were negative predictors to social skills. There were significant differences in the groups. The results highlight the importance of intervention programs to develop social skills.(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo geral caracterizar e associar habilidades sociais, problemas de comportamento e competência acadêmica de alunos com deficiência intelectual em inclusão educacional e; como objetivos específicos verificar valores preditivos para habilidades sociais e diferenças entre grupos com diagnóstico de deficiência intelectual somente e com outros diagnósticos associados. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo, correlacional, preditivo e comparativo. Participaram 44 alunos com deficiência (11 apresentavam outros diagnósticos associados), que foram avaliados por 42 responsáveis e 34 professoras. Os instrumentos utilizados foram Social Skills Rating System (SSRS-BR) e Roteiro de Entrevista de Habilidades Sociais Educativas Parentais (RE-HSE-P). A avaliação de responsáveis e professores foi diferente. Habilidades sociais foram negativamente associadas aos problemas de comportamento e positivamente associadas a competência acadêmica; problemas de comportamento e diagnósticos associados foram preditores negativos de habilidades sociais. Houve diferença significativa entre grupos. Resultados evidenciam a importância de programas para promoção de habilidades sociais.(AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo general caracterizar y asociar las habilidades sociales, los problemas de conducta y la competencia académica de estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual en la inclusión escolar; y como objetivos específicos verificar los valores predictivos de las habilidades sociales y las diferencias entre grupos diagnosticados con discapacidad intelectual y otros diagnósticos asociados. Se trató de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, descriptivo, correlacional, predictivo y comparativo. Participaron 44 estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual (11 de ellos presentaban otros diagnósticos asociados), quienes fueron evaluados por 42 tutores y 34 docentes. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Sistema de Evaluación de Habilidades Sociales (SSRS-BR) y el Guion de Entrevista de Habilidades Sociales para Educación de los Padres (RE-HSE-P). Las evaluaciones de los tutores y docentes fueron diferentes. Las habilidades sociales se asociaron negativamente con problemas de conducta y positivamente con la competencia académica; los problemas de conducta y el diagnóstico fueron predictores negativos de las habilidades sociales. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Los resultados destacan la importancia de los programas de intervención para desarrollar habilidades sociales con la población estudiada.(AU)

Clinician perspectives on patient-centered conversations about weight management with patients with early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to gather detailed insights from breast cancer (BC) clinicians on how to have patient-centered conversations about weight and weight management with women diagnosed with early BC. A high body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for female BC, and many women diagnosed with BC experience unhealthy weight gain after their primary treatment. The oncology team has the opportunity to discuss the importance of healthy weight for BC prognosis and survival. METHODS: The sample of community-based BC clinicians included the following: three Black clinicians, three White clinicians, and two clinicians who were neither Black nor White; six females and two males; and six MDs and two physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with these clinicians regarding their experience with and insights into having healthy weight conversations during routine clinic visits. RESULTS: Clinicians noted that weight-related conversations should focus less on BMI and weight loss and more on "healthy behavior." Clinicians looked for cues from their patients as to when they were ready for "healthy weight" counseling, receptive to diet/nutrition counseling and referrals, and ready to attempt behavioral change. Clinicians noted that encouraging physical activity could be especially challenging with patients accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Clinic-based conversations about healthy weight are likely to be most productive for both patients and their treating oncologists during the post-primary treatment phase when patients are most receptive to behavioral change that enhances their prognosis and survival.

Solidão e sobrecarga materna em tempos de pandemia de COVID-19 à luz da escuta psicanalítica dos vínculos / Loneliness and maternal burden of care in times of COVID-19 pandemic in the light of psychoanalytic listening to bonds / Soledad y sobrecarga materna en tiempos de pandemia COVID-19 a la luz de la escucha psicoanalítica de los vínculos

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar o impacto do confinamento doméstico provocado pela pandemia de COVID-19 sobre o exercício da maternidade em mulheres trabalhadoras em situação de home office. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, com delineamento longitudinal e referencial teórico da psicanálise dos vínculos. Entre abril e julho de 2020 foram realizadas entrevistas on-line com 20 mães de camadas sociais médias, de 29 a 45 anos. Um ano depois foram realizadas novas entrevistas com 10 participantes, todas transcritas e analisadas por meio da análise temática. Os resultados apontaram que, em comparação com o período inicial da pandemia, as mães mostraram-se próximas do esgotamento físico e psíquico devido ao excesso de trabalho contínuo e falta de apoio social e familiar, com impactos deletérios na saúde mental das participantes, relatos de sofrimento e desamparo psicológico. A busca pela medicalização revela uma percepção individualizada do problema e uma tentativa de demonstrar estoicismo para atenuar o sofrimento decorrente dessa experiência. (AU)

This study aimed to analyze how domestic confinement resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic impacted motherhood among working women in a home office situation. This was an exploratory study, employing a longitudinal design and the theoretical framework of the psychoanalysis of bonds. Between April and July 2020, online interviews were conducted with 20 mothers from middle social strata, aged 29 to 45. One year later, new interviews were conducted with 10 participants, all transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. The results showed that, compared to the initial period of the pandemic, mothers were close to physical and psychological exhaustion due to continuous overwork and lack of social and family support. These factors had deleterious impacts on the participants' mental health, leading to reports of suffering and psychological helplessness. The search for medicalization reveals an individualized perception of the problem and an attempt to demonstrate stoicism to mitigate the suffering resulting from this experience. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el impacto del confinamiento doméstico debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 en la maternidad de mujeres trabajadora en situación de teletrabajo. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio, con diseño longitudinal y marco teórico del psicoanálisis de los vínculos. Entre abril y julio de 2020 se realizaron entrevistas online a 20 madres de clases sociales medias, de 29 a 45 años; un año después, se realizaron nuevas entrevistas con 10 participantes. Las entrevistas fueron transcritas y analizadas mediante análisis temático. Los resultados mostraron que, en comparación con el período inicial de la pandemia, las madres experimentaron un acercamiento al agotamiento físico y psicológico por el exceso de trabajo y la falta de apoyo social y familiar, con impactos deletéreos en la salud mental de las participantes, relatos de sufrimiento e impotencia psicológica. La búsqueda de la medicalización revela una percepción individualizada del problema y un intento de demostrar estoicismo para aliviar el sufrimiento resultante de esta experiencia. (AU)

Resisting racism: life and career narratives of black undergraduate students / Resistindo ao racismo: narrativas de vida e carreira de universitários negros / Resistiendo al racismo: narrativas de vida y carrera de estudiantes universitarios negros

The present study aimed to identify how racism appears in the lives and careers of Black undergraduate students in a Brazilian Public Higher Education Institution. For this purpose, this study conducted 27 narrative interviews with self-declared black undergraduates, which were analyzed using the technique of thematic Biography and Narrative Analysis. The results indicated that despite the existence of distinctions between the undergraduates' trajectories, usually caused by socioeconomic differences, racism similarly impacts their lives and careers, presenting itself in three frequent themes, named by the researchers as: "Experiences with Racism", "Awareness of Racism", and "Management of Racism". It was found that, although there are distinctions between experiences, motivated especially by socioeconomic origin and available opportunities, all participants manage the effects of racism, individually and collectively, leading them to changes in career prospects, to enable the construction of viable professional trajectories to achieve their ambitions. (AU)

O presente estudo objetivou identificar como o racismo se presentifica na vida e na carreira de universitários negros de uma Instituição Pública de Ensino Superior brasileira. Para tanto, foram conduzidas 27 entrevistas narrativas com graduandos autodeclarados negros, analisadas por meio da técnica de Análise de Biografias e Narrativas do tipo temática. Os resultados indicaram que, apesar da existência de distinções entre as trajetórias dos universitários, habitualmente ocasionada por diferenças socioeconômicas, o racismo impacta similarmente suas vidas e carreiras, apresentando-se em três temas frequentes, nomeados pelos pesquisadores como: "Experiências com o Racismo", "Conscientização sobre o Racismo" e "Manejo ao Racismo". Constatou-se que, embora existam distinções entre as vivências, motivadas, sobretudo, pela origem socioeconômica e oportunidades disponíveis, os efeitos do racismo são manejados por todos os participantes, individual e coletivamente, levando-os a alterações nas perspectivas de carreira, a fim de possibilitar a construção de trajetórias profissionais viáveis às suas ambições. (AU)

El presente estudio objetivó identificar cómo el racismo está presente en la vida y carrera de universitarios negros de una Institución Pública de Educación Superior brasileña. Para ello, se realizaron 27 entrevistas narrativas con universitarios autoproclamados negros, analizadas mediante la técnica de Análisis de Biografías y Narrativas del tipo temática. Los resultados indicaron que, aunque hay distinciones entre las trayectorias de los universitarios, generalmente causadas por diferencias socioeconómicas, el racismo impacta de manera similar sus vidas y carreras, presentándose en tres temas frecuentes, denominados como: "Experiencias con el Racismo", "Concientización sobre el racismo" y "Manejo del racismo". Se encontró que, aunque existen distinciones entre las experiencias, motivadas, especialmente, por el origen socioeconómico y las oportunidades disponibles, los efectos del racismo son manejados por todos los participantes, individual y colectivamente, llevándolos a cambios en las perspectivas de carrera, a fin de posibilitar la construcción de trayectorias profesionales viables para cumplir sus ambiciones. (AU)

Quality of life of COVID-19 recovered patients: a 1-year follow-up study from Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic posed a danger to global public health because of the unprecedented physical, mental, social, and environmental impact affecting quality of life (QoL). The study aimed to find the changes in QoL among COVID-19 recovered individuals and explore the determinants of change more than 1 year after recovery in low-resource settings. METHODS: COVID-19 patients from all eight divisions of Bangladesh who were confirmed positive by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from June 2020 to November 2020 and who subsequently recovered were followed up twice, once immediately after recovery and again 1 year after the first follow-up. The follow-up study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 among 2438 individuals using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). After excluding 48 deaths, 95 were rejected to participate, 618 were inaccessible, and there were 45 cases of incomplete data. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample analyses, generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test the mean difference in participants' QoL scores between the two interviews. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 1710, 70.1%) were male, and one-fourth (24.4%) were older than 46. The average physical domain score decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up, and the average scores in psychological, social, and environmental domains increased significantly at follow-up (P < 0.05). By the GEE equation approach, after adjusting for other factors, we found that older age groups (P < 0.001), being female (P < 0.001), having hospital admission during COVID-19 illness (P < 0.001), and having three or more chronic diseases (P < 0.001), were significantly associated with lower physical and psychological QoL scores. Higher age and female sex [adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-1.6] were associated with reduced social domain scores on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Urban or semi-urban people were 49% less likely (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7) and 32% less likely (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) to have a reduced QoL score in the psychological domain and the social domain respectively, than rural people. Higher-income people were more likely to experience a decrease in QoL scores in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Married people were 1.8 times more likely (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4) to have a decreased social QoL score. In the second interview, people admitted to hospitals during their COVID-19 infection showed a 1.3 times higher chance (aOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) of a decreased environmental QoL score. Almost 13% of participants developed one or more chronic diseases between the first and second interviews. Moreover, 7.9% suffered from reinfection by COVID-19 during this 1-year time. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that the QoL of COVID-19 recovered people improved 1 year after recovery, particularly in psychological, social, and environmental domains. However, age, sex, the severity of COVID-19, smoking habits, and comorbidities were significantly negatively associated with QoL. Events of reinfection and the emergence of chronic disease were independent determinants of the decline in QoL scores in psychological, social, and physical domains, respectively. Strong policies to prevent and minimize smoking must be implemented in Bangladesh, and we must monitor and manage chronic diseases in people who have recovered from COVID-19.

Women's health access in the context of forced migration in portugal: vulnerabilities and adaptation / Acesso à saúde de mulheres em contexto de migração forçada em Portugal: vulnerabilidades e adaptação / Acceso a la salud de las mujeres en el contexto de la migración forzada en Portugal: vulnerabilidades y adaptación

This article presents, the vulnerabilities related with regarding access to health services facedby refugee women, of a research project conducted in Portugal between 2020 and 2022 as part of the Masters in Intercultural Relations program at Universidade Aberta. Objective: The overall goal was to gain a better understanding of the psychosocial reality of women who arrived in Portugal as a result of forced migration, focusing on the main difficulties of the migratory and adaptation journey -highlighting vulnerabilities related to health and access to health services at the present article -and the protective factors that facilitated their processes of resilience, adaptation, and social integration. Methodology:The meaningsof the protagonists' experiences were disclosed through nine semi-structured and in-depth interviews with a woman from Iraq, seven from Syria, and one from Libya, which were conducted separately, recorded and transcribed. Following the transcription and translation of the interviews, the content analysis began with the coding and categorization of the obtained data. Results:The investigationuncovered a number of vulnerabilities triggered by the migratory experience and gender belonging, such as prejudice, social isolation, and cultural shock (mostly linked to religion and clothing), which validated the intersectional analysis. The findings highlight a number of obstacles in the host nation, including access to health care, the quality of institutional interactions, and knowledge of the Portuguese language.Conclusions:The current investigation led to theconclusion that there are flawsin Portugal in terms of ensuring full access to health care for forced migrant women, highlighting as major obstacles: a lack of information in languagesother than Portuguese, a lack of offers tolearn and masterthe Portugueselanguage, a lack of knowledge about how health institutions work, and a lack of sensitivity and intercultural skills inhealthcareservices (AU).

Este artigo apresenta as vulnerabilidades relacionadas no acesso aos serviços de saúde sentidas por mulheres refugiadas, de um projeto de investigação realizado em Portugal entre 2020 e 2022 no âmbito do Mestrado em Relações Interculturais da Universidade Aberta. Objetivo:O objetivo geral foi conhecer melhor a realidade psicossocial das mulheres que chegaram a Portugal como resultado da migração forçada, focando as principais dificuldades do percurso migratório e de adaptação,destacando as vulnerabilidades relacionadas com a saúde e acesso aos serviços de saúde, além dos fatores de proteção que facilitaram seus processos de resiliência, adaptação e integração social. Metodologia:Os significados das vivências das protagonistasforam relevados por meio de nove entrevistas semiestruturadas e em profundidade, realizadas individualmente, gravadas e transcritas, com umamulher do Iraque, seteda Síria e umada Líbia. Após transcrição e tradução das entrevistas, a análise de conteúdopartiu da codificação e categorização da informação recolhida.Resultados:A investigação desvelou uma série de vulnerabilidadescausadas pela experiência migratória epertença de gênero,como a discriminação sentida sob a forma de preconceitos, o isolamento social e o choque cultural (sobretudo relacionado com a religião e o vestuário utilizado), o que justificou a análise intersecional. Os resultados revelam umconjuntode desafiosno país de acolhimento, como o acesso à saúde, a qualidade das relações institucionais e o domínio da língua portuguesa.Conclusões: A presente investigação permitiu concluir que existem algumas carências em Portugal no que diz respeito à garantia do pleno acesso aos cuidados de saúde sentidas pelasmulheres migrantes forçadas, destacando-se como principais obstáculos: a falta de informação numa língua que não o português, a falta de domínio da língua portuguesa, o desconhecimento sobre o funcionamento das instituições de saúde e falta de sensibilidade e de competências interculturais nos cuidados de saúde (AU).

Este artículo presenta, las vulnerabilidades relacionadasconen el acceso a los servicios de salud que sienten las mujeres refugiadas, de un proyectorealizado en Portugal entre 2020 y 2022 en el ámbito del Máster en Relaciones Interculturales de la Universidade Aberta.Objetivo: El objetivo fue comprender la realidad psicosocial de las mujeres que llegaron a Portugal como resultado de la migración forzada, centrándose en las principales dificultades del viaje de migración y adaptación, destacandovulnerabilidades relacionadas con la salud y el acceso a los servicios de salud, además de los factores de protección que facilitaron sus procesos de resiliencia, adaptación e integración social. Metodología: Los significados de las experiencias fueron revelados através de nueve entrevistas semiestructuradas y en profundidad, realizadas individualmente, grabadas y transcritas, con una mujer de Irak, siete de Siria y una de Libia. Luego de la transcripción y traducción, se inició el análisis de contenido con la codificación y categorización de la información.Resultados: La investigación reveló vulnerabilidades provocadas por la experiencia migratoria y la pertenencia de género,como la discriminación sentida en forma de prejuicio, el aislamiento social y el choque cultural (principalmente relacionado con la religión y la vestimenta), que justificaron el análisis interseccional.Los resultados revelan desafíos en Portugal,como el acceso a la salud, la calidad de las relaciones institucionales y el dominio de la lengua portuguesa.Conclusiones: La presente investigación llevó a la conclusión de que existen fallas en Portugal en cuanto a garantizar el pleno acceso a la atención de la salud de las refugiadas,destacándose: falta de información en un idioma diferenteal portugués, falta de dominio de la lengua portuguesa, falta de conocimiento sobre el funcionamiento de las instituciones de salud y falta de sensibilidad y habilidades interculturales en la atención de la salud (AU).

The motives and methods of methamphetamine and 'heroin' co-use in West Virginia.

BACKGROUND: Opioid and methamphetamine co-use is increasing across the USA with overdoses involving these drugs also rising. West Virginia (WV) has led the US in opioid overdose death rates since at least 2013 and rising co-use of methamphetamine with opioids has played a greater role in deaths over the last 5 years. METHODS: This study used rapid ethnography to examine methods and motivations behind opioids and methamphetamine co-use from the viewpoint of their consumers. Participants (n = 30) were people who injected heroin/fentanyl also using methamphetamine who participated in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: We found multiple methods of co-using opioids and methamphetamine, whether alternately or simultaneously and in varying order. Most prioritized opioids, with motives for using methamphetamine forming three thematic categories: 'intrinsic use', encompassing both inherent pleasure of combined use greater than using both drugs separately or for self-medication of particular conditions; 'opioid assisting use' in which methamphetamine helped people manage their existing heroin/fentanyl use; and 'reluctant or indifferent use' for social participation, reflecting methamphetamine's low cost and easy availability. CONCLUSIONS: Methamphetamine serves multiple functions among people using opioids in WV. Beliefs persist that methamphetamine can play a role in preventing and reversing opioid overdose, including some arguments for sequential use being protective of overdose. 'Reluctant' uptake attests to methamphetamine's social use and the influence of supply. The impact on overdose risk of the many varied co-use patterns needs further investigation.