Social and individual vulnerability factors associated with syphilis among populations living on islands in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The repercussions of the syphilis epidemic differ according to populations. Identifying and acknowledging the differences and specificities of populations is fundamental in the design and implementation of policies aimed at assisting the groups most vulnerable to syphilis. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum and associated vulnerability factors among riverside populations of a capital city in the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of the periurban islands in Belém, northern Brazil, from August 2020 to January 2021. The inclusion criterion was being a resident of the riverside communities of the Combú Environmental Protection Area, aged 18 years or over. The participants responded to questionnaire and were tested for syphilis using rapid test. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression by Minitab version 20® software. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 325 riverine were included. Age varied from 18 to 91 years (average 40 years). Prevalence of markers for syphilis was 5.9% (95% CI: 3.3%-8.4%). The multiple regression showed that as age increases, the chances of having syphilis also increase (p = 0.001; aOR: 1.04) and riverside dwellers with more than one sexual partner in the last 6 months had more than four chances of having syphilis compared to people who had only one sexual partner (p = 0.007; aOR: 4.20). CONCLUSION: Syphilis circulates among traditional populations in the Amazon and is associated with factors of social and individual vulnerability.

LEARNHIV: development and validation of a mobile application for primary health care nurses focused on HIV care/prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a relevant public health problem is worldwide. From the change in the health care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Primary Health Care (PHC), nurses gained autonomy in their workflow, which requires a significant technological arsenal for the planning, organization and functioning of services. It is believed that the development of a mobile application for the care/prevention of HIV will contribute to the strengthening of care, resulting in greater autonomy and empowerment of nurses in Primary Health Care. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a content script for a mobile application for nurses in PHC containing information about PLHIV management/care in PHC. METHODS: This is a methodological study developed in three phases: exploratory study, content elaboration process and validation by the 16 judges. RESULTS: The application was evaluated and validated satisfactorily in terms of content and appearance, with an average Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.99 (99%), Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Medium Content Validity (S-IVC/AVE) also obtained satisfactory levels. CONCLUSIONS: The construction of the prototype of an application called LearnHIV, is considered a valid instrument in terms of content and appearance, according to the judges. TRIAL REGISTRATION: None because it is not an intervention study.

Providing a Nursing Care Plan as a Requirement for Secondary Prevention for People Living With HTLV-1.

Introduction: The absence of nursing care plans aimed at people living with HTLV-1 (PLHTLV) led us to develop and test a proposed nursing care plan based on the evaluation of 55 PLHTLV to outline interventions according to the clinical stage. Methods: After interviews with symptomatic patients, nursing diagnoses were made using the NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses (The International Nursing Knowledge Association). Subsequently, interventions were selected through the Classification of Nursing Interventions (NIC), and expected results were selected through the Classification of Nursing Outcomes (NOC). Results: The actual diagnoses included (ii) chronic pain, (iii) impaired urinary elimination, and (iv) sexual dysfunction; the health promotion diagnosis was (i) risk-prone health behavior; and the risk diagnoses were (i) risk of feeling powerless and (ii) risk of falls in adults. Nursing care must prevent the lack of adherence to monitoring, establish goals and promote family involvement. A safe home environment requires intervention for fall prevention. Full support in understanding pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain is needed. Interventions allow patients with impaired urinary function to be reintroduced to society. For sexual dysfunction, it is necessary to discuss safe sex and behavioral changes. Regarding risk behaviors, it is necessary to guide the patient/family, adapt language to the education level of these individuals, and help them better accept the condition, among other guidelines. Conclusion: The development of a nursing care plan for PLHTLV is essential for preventing the rapid progression of disease and the improvement of the quality of life of PLHTLV and should be included in the multidisciplinary approach to the secondary level of prevention of HTLV-1.

Occupational Therapy for People Living With Human T-Lymphotropic Virus 1: Importance and Effectiveness of an Intervention Plan at the Level of Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) restricts activities of daily living (ADLs), affecting health and quality of life. Occupational therapy is used to promote independence during ADL in people living with HTLV (PLHTLV). Objective: To quantify the clinical aspects, levels of functionality, performance in ADLs and occupational roles of PLHTLV and propose an occupational therapeutic intervention. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was designed with 40 PLHTLV monitored at two referral laboratories of the Federal University of Pará. The Evandro Chagas Research Institute Neurological Disability Scale (EIPEC-2), the Barthel Index and the Occupational Roles Identification List were applied. The G test and Fisher's exact test (to identify associations between qualitative variables), the Mann-Whitney test (to identify associations between quantitative variables) and Pearson correlation analysis (to identify associations between the total Barthel Index and EIPEC-2 scores) were performed with Microsoft Excel and BioEstat 5.0, and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Motor aspects, the presence of spasticity, sensory aspects, and pain in the lumbar region and lower limbs were significantly (p = 0.0002) higher among symptomatic individuals, who also had more difficulties urinating, traveling up and down stairs and transferring from a chair to a bed. Being a worker, performing housework and socializing (with friends or family members) were the most affected activities among HAM patients. Conclusion: The impact of HAM on PLHTLV should include an intervention plan with occupational therapists in rehabilitation programs to create an important third-level prevention initiative, which may help achieve short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Asymptomatic PLHTLV should also be able to prevent future ADL impairment.

Determinants of gestational syphilis among women attending prenatal care programs in the Brazilian Amazon.

Background: There was a high proportion of pregnant women who were attending prenatal care who were not tested for syphilis or tested but not treated, among priority countries. The coverage for prenatal care visits, syphilis screening, and treatment are priority indicators for monitoring of the elimination of syphilis. The aim was to determine the factors associated with gestational syphilis among postpartum women who were in a prenatal care program in the Brazilian Amazon. Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted at the hospital in Brazil. Data collection was carried out from November 2020 to July 2021 during hospitalization using a pretested structured questionnaire. The criteria for selection of cases and control followed the guidelines established by the Ministry of Health of Brazil; postpartum women with a laboratory diagnosis based on treponemal and/or nontreponemal tests, symptoms of syphilis or asymptomatic, treatment or not treated, and in a prenatal care program. Gestational syphilis cases were identified as women who tested positive for syphilis, and those who tested negative were controls, at minimally one prenatal care visit, childbirth, and/or the puerperium. The sample size encompassed 59 cases and 118 controls (1: 2 ratio of cases to controls). Data were analyzed using Minitab 20® and BioEstat 5.3® software. The odds ratio was calculated by multiple logistic regression. Results: One hundred and seventy-seven postpartum women were included in the study, 59 cases and 118 controls. Among all participants, 95.5% (169) were tested for syphilis in any trimester during pregnancy and at the delivery and 4.5% (8) were tested in the maternity only, at the time childbirth and/or puerperium. The final multiple logistic regression model evidenced that cases had higher odds compared to controls if they had past history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR: 55.4; p: 0.00), difficulty talking about condom use with their sexual partner (AOR: 4.92; p: 0.01), one to six prenatal care visits (AOR: 4.93; p: 0.01), had not received a sexually transmitted infections test result in the maternity hospital (AOR: 4.09; p: 0.04), lower monthly income (AOR: 4.32; p: 0.04), or one to three miscarriages (AOR: 4.34; p: 0.01). Conclusion: The sociodemographic, programmatic, obstetric, and sexual factors are associated with gestational syphilis among postpartum women.

Limitations in daily activities, risk awareness, social participation, and pain in patients with HTLV-1 using the SALSA and Participation scales.

BACKGROUND: Tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) may prevent, limit or restrict the performance of daily living activities, and as a consequence, several aspects of life are affected. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate activity limitations, risk awareness, social participation, quality of life, and pain in individuals infected with HTLV-1. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. An interview questionnaire, the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) scale, the Participation scale, a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) and the Brief Pain Inventory were used. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with HTLV-1 were interviewed (62% asymptomatic and 38% symptomatic). In both groups, there was a higher frequency of patients aged 41-50 years old (35.3% asymptomatic and 38.1% symptomatic), with complete secondary education (47.1% asymptomatic and 42.9% symptomatic), and married (64.7% asymptomatic and 52.4% symptomatic). Of the symptomatic patients, 33.3% were retired; among asymptomatic patients, 20.6% performed domestic activities. The majority of patients in both groups had not received blood transfusions. Sexual intercourse was still practiced by patients. After assessment, asymptomatic patients had no activity limitations (64.7%), and symptomatic patients presented limitations (90.5%). None of the groups showed good risk awareness. There was no restriction on social participation in 97.1% of asymptomatic patients and in 52.4% among symptomatics. Both groups complained of pain, being more frequent in the lumbar spine in asymptomatic patients and in the knees in symptomatic patients. Pain was more severe in symptomatic patients and affected aspects of quality of life. CONCLUSION: The clinical follow-up instruments must be adopted by healthcare professionals to monitor new symptoms so as to avoid the onset of limitations identified in symptomatic patients, in addition to enabling continuous surveillance of asymptomatic patients.

Assessment of the sensory and physical limitations imposed by leprosy in a Brazilian Amazon Population.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy often results in sensory and physical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate these limitations using a quantitative approach in leprosy patients in Belém (Pará, Brazil). METHODS: This epidemiological, cross-sectional study measured the sensory impairment of smell and taste through the use of a questionnaire and evaluated activity limitations of daily life imposed by leprosy through the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale. Data were collected from 84 patients and associations between the degree of disability and clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: The majority of patients were men (64.3%), married (52.4%), age 31-40 years old (26.2%), had primary education (50%), and were independent laborers (36.9%). The multibacillary operational classification (81%), borderline clinical form (57.1%), and 0 degrees of physical disability (41.7%) were predominant. SALSA scores ranged from 17 to 59 points, and being without limitations was predominant (53.6%). The risk awareness score ranged from 0 to 8, with a score of 0 (no awareness of risk) being the most common (56%). Evaluation of smell and taste sensory sensitivities revealed that 70.2% did not experience these sensory changes. Patients with leprosy reactions were 7 times more likely to develop activity limitations, and those who had physical disabilities were approximately four times more likely to develop a clinical picture of activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients showed no sensory changes, but patients with leprosy reactions were significantly more likely to develop activity limitations. Finally, further studies should be performed, assessing a higher number of patients to confirm the present results.

Avaliação do Conhecimento dos Acadêmicos de Enfermagem em Genética/Genômica sobre o Câncer de Mama / Assessment of the Knowledge of Nursing Academics in Genetics/Genomics about Breast Cancer / Evaluación del Conocimiento de Academias de Enfermería en Genética/Genómica sobre el Cáncer de Mama

Introdução: As universidades de enfermagem não têm acompanhado as demandas relativas às disciplinas de genética, genômica ou oncologia para aperfeiçoar o conhecimento dos acadêmicos no manejo do câncer de mama, que é o mais comum entre as mulheres brasileiras, exigindo maior eficácia das políticas de detecção precoce, tratamento oportuno e aconselhamento genético. Isso se deve em parte à não obrigatoriedade de oferecer essas disciplinas na grade curricular, o que pode levar a um déficit de conhecimento e possível prejuízo da futura qualidade desses profissionais. Objetivo: Analisar se o conhecimento dos acadêmicos de enfermagem sobre os conceitos de genética e genômica aplicados ao câncer de mama está associado à grade curricular das instituições onde estudam. Método: Estudo multicêntrico, transversal, norteado pela ferramenta STROBE, realizado entre agosto/outubro de 2018. Resultados: Acadêmicos de instituições públicas apresentaram correlação entre a ausência das disciplinas genética/genômica (p=0,0001) e pouco conhecimento dos respectivos conceitos (p=0,0045). Alternativamente, os de instituições privadas mostraram maiores erros em relação ao exame clínico de mama anual a partir dos 40 anos (p=0,0009) e à periodicidade do rastreio mamográfico na população sob risco geral (p=0,0021). Os dois grupos convergiram na recomendação da mamografia à população sob risco familiar entre 35-69 anos. Conclusão: Os acadêmicos das instituições de ensino superior privadas apresentaram maiores acertos sobre conceitos de genética/genômica, pois continham a disciplina genética na grade curricular, enquanto os das instituições públicas se destacaram nos acertos relacionados ao câncer de mama sobre políticas de saúde, em razão da maior vivência prática no estágio curricular

Introduction: Nursing universities have not kept up with the demands related to the disciplines of genetics, genomics, or oncology to improve the knowledge of students in managing breast cancer, which is the most common among Brazilian women, demanding greater effectiveness of policies for early detection, timely treatment, and genetic counseling. This is partly due to the fact that it is not mandatory to offer these subjects in the curriculum, which can lead to a deficit of knowledge potentially harmful to the future quality of these professionals. Objective: To analyze whether the knowledge of nursing students about the concepts of genetics and genomics applied to breast cancer is associated with the curriculum of the institutions where they study. Method: Multicenter, cross-sectional study, guided by the STROBE tool, carried out between August-October 2018. Results: Students from public institutions showed correlation between the absence of genetics/genomics disciplines (p=0.0001) and poor knowledge of the respective concepts (p=0.0045). Alternatively, those from private institutions showed more errors in relation to the annual clinical breast exam from the age of 40 (p=0.0009) and the frequency of mammographic screening in the population at general risk (p=0.0021). The two groups concurred in recommending mammography to the population at risk between 35 and 69 years of age. Conclusion: Students from private universities where genetics is included in the disciplines were more cognizant about concepts of genetics and genomics, while those from public institutions stood out regarding correct responses on breast cancer related health policies because of their internship practice

Introducción: Las universidades de enfermería no se han mantenido al día con las demandas relacionadas con las disciplinas de genética, genómica u oncología para mejorar el conocimiento de los académicos en el manejo del cáncer de mama, que es el más común entre las mujeres brasileñas, exigiendo una mayor efectividad de las políticas de detección precoz. tratamiento oportuno y asesoramiento genético. Esto se debe en parte a que no es obligatorio ofrecer estas asignaturas en el plan de estudios, lo que puede conllevar un desconocimiento y posibles daños a la calidad futura de estos profesionales. Objetivo: Analizar si el conocimiento de los estudiantes de enfermería sobre los conceptos de genética y genómica aplicados al cáncer de mama está asociado al currículo de las instituciones donde cursan estudios. Método: Estudio multicéntrico, transversal, guiado por la herramienta STROBE, realizado entre agosto y octubre de 2018. Resultados: Los académicos de las instituciones públicas mostraron una correlación entre la ausencia de disciplinas de genética/ genómica (p=0,0001) y el escaso conocimiento de los conceptos respectivos (p=0,0045). Alternativamente, las de instituciones privadas mostraron mayores errores en relación al examen clínico de mama anual a partir de los 40 años (p=0,0009) y la frecuencia de cribado mamográfico en la población de riesgo general (p=0,0021). Los dos grupos convergieron en la recomendación de la mamografía a la población de riesgo entre los 35 y los 69 años. Conclusión: Los académicos de las instituciones privadas de educación superior fueron más correctos sobre los conceptos de genética y genómica, ya que incluyeron la disciplina genética en el plan de estudios, mientras que los de las instituciones públicas se destacaron en las respuestas correctas relacionadas con el cáncer de mama en las políticas de salud, debido a la mayor experiencia práctica en la pasantía curricular

Conhecimento de enfermeiros sobre genética e genômica aplicado ao câncer de mama / Conocimiento de enfermeros sobre genética y genomas aplicados al cáncer de mama / Nurse's knowledge about genetics and genomics applied to breast cancer

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento de enfermeiros em genética e genômica aplicado ao câncer de mama. Método: estudo transversal com a aplicação de um questionário desenvolvido pelos autores a enfermeiros assistenciais, maiores de 18 anos, atuantes na atenção secundária e terciária, no município de Belém do Pará, região Norte do Brasil. Realizada técnica de amostragem por conveniência em relação aos locais de coleta e amostragem aleatória simples para o número amostral mínimo de 71 participantes. Resultados: foram abordados 80 enfermeiros com idade média de 42 anos, sendo a maior parte de especialistas. Verificaram-se diferenças entre o nível da atenção em que os enfermeiros atuam e o primeiro contato com genética e/ou genômica (p<0,001); entre o conceito de DNA (p<0,0001); o conhecimento sobre o heredograma (p=0,004); conhecimento sobre a faixa etária do rastreamento mamográfico com risco familiar (p=0,027); o exame clínico realizado por um médico ou enfermeira treinados, anualmente, a partir de 40 anos (p=0,005). A maioria dos casos de CA de mama ocorre devido a alterações genéticas hereditárias (p=0,0004) e da menarca precoce, menopausa tardia, nuliparidade, alterações hormonais, sedentarismo, sobrepeso, tabagismo e terapia hormonal, que são os principais fatores de risco para o câncer de mama esporádico (p=0,0039). Conclusão: identificou-se uma lacuna de conhecimento sobre os conceitos de genética e genômica aplicados ao câncer de mama entre os dois grupos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar los conocimientos de enfermeros en genética y genómica aplicadas al cáncer de mama. Método: estudio transversal con la aplicación de un cuestionario desarrollado por los autores a enfermeros asistenciales, mayores de 18 años, que trabajan en la atención secundaria y terciaria, en la ciudad de Belém do Pará, región norte de Brasil. Se realizó una técnica de muestreo por conveniencia con relación a los sitios de recolección y muestreo aleatorio simple para una muestra mínima de 71 participantes. Resultados: se abordó a 80 enfermeros con una edad promedio de 42 años, la mayoría especialistas. Hubo diferencias entre el nivel de atención en el que trabajan los enfermeros y el primer contacto con la genética y / o genómica (p <0,001); entre el concepto de ADN (p <0,0001); conocimiento sobre el árbol genealógica (p = 0,004); conocimiento sobre el grupo de edad de cribado mamográfico con riesgo familiar (p = 0,027); el examen clínico realizado por un médico o enfermero capacitado, anualmente, a partir de los 40 años (p = 0,005). La mayoría de los casos de CA de mama se producen por alteraciones genéticas hereditarias (p = 0,0004) y menarquia precoz, menopausia tardía, mujeres que nunca han parido, cambios hormonales, sedentarismo, sobrepeso, tabaquismo y terapia hormonal, que son los principales factores de riesgo de cáncer de mama esporádico (p = 0,0039). Conclusión: entre los dos grupos se identificó una brecha de conocimiento sobre los conceptos de genética y genómica aplicados al cáncer de mama.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify nurse's knowledge in genetics and genomics applied to breast cancer. Method: a cross-sectional study with the application of a questionnaire developed by the authors to clinical nurses, over 18 years old, working in secondary and tertiary care, in the city of Belém do Pará, the northern region of Brazil. Convenience sampling technique was performed in the collection places and simple random sampling for a minimum sample number of 71 participants. Results: Eighty nurses with an average age of 42 years old were approached, most of the experts. There were differences between the level of care in which nurses work and the first contact with genetics and/or genomics (p<0.001); between the concept of DNA (p<0.0001); knowledge about the genogram (p=0.004); knowledge about the age group of mammographic screening with familial risk (p=0.027); the clinical examination performed by a trained physician or nurse, annually, from 40 years old (p=0.005). Most cases of breast cancer occur due to hereditary genetic changes (p=0.0004) and early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, hormonal changes, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, smoking, and hormonal therapy, which are the main risks factors for sporadic breast cancer (p=0.0039). Conclusion: a knowledge gap about the concepts of genetics and genomics applied to breast cancer was identified between the two groups.

Assessment of the sensory and physical limitations imposed by leprosy in a Brazilian Amazon Population

Abstract INTRODUCTION Leprosy often results in sensory and physical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate these limitations using a quantitative approach in leprosy patients in Belém (Pará, Brazil). METHODS This epidemiological, cross-sectional study measured the sensory impairment of smell and taste through the use of a questionnaire and evaluated activity limitations of daily life imposed by leprosy through the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale. Data were collected from 84 patients and associations between the degree of disability and clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed. RESULTS The majority of patients were men (64.3%), married (52.4%), age 31-40 years old (26.2%), had primary education (50%), and were independent laborers (36.9%). The multibacillary operational classification (81%), borderline clinical form (57.1%), and 0 degrees of physical disability (41.7%) were predominant. SALSA scores ranged from 17 to 59 points, and being without limitations was predominant (53.6%). The risk awareness score ranged from 0 to 8, with a score of 0 (no awareness of risk) being the most common (56%). Evaluation of smell and taste sensory sensitivities revealed that 70.2% did not experience these sensory changes. Patients with leprosy reactions were 7 times more likely to develop activity limitations, and those who had physical disabilities were approximately four times more likely to develop a clinical picture of activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS Most patients showed no sensory changes, but patients with leprosy reactions were significantly more likely to develop activity limitations. Finally, further studies should be performed, assessing a higher number of patients to confirm the present results.