Personality dimensions and treatment adherence among glaucoma patients: the role of self-transcendence.

BACKGROUND: Cloninger's psychobiosocial model of personality proposes that consistent patterns of health behavior are determined by the complex interaction of different neurobiological processes of the patient's temperament and character dimensions. Poor medication adherence is a pervasive problem among glaucoma patients and can lead to increased morbidity and disability. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between Cloninger's personality dimensions and medication adherence among glaucoma patients. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. The treatment adherence was assessed through a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire, the Culig Adherence Scale (CAS). Personality dimensions were evaluated using the abbreviated version of the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-140). Statistical analyses were performed using TIBCO Statistica 14.0.1. The study protocol was registered in the DRKS - German Clinical Trials Register; (DRKS-ID: DRKS00022081). RESULTS: According to CAS, only 39.8% of patients were adherent to glaucoma treatment. Adherence was significantly negatively related only to the character dimension of Self-Transcendence (p < 0.05). No other TCI-140 dimension was significantly associated with medication adherence (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that POAG patients with higher scores on the Self-Transcendent personality dimension are more likely to experience difficulties adhering to medication regimen. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to glaucoma treatment, which takes into account not only the biological aspects of disease but also the psychosocial factors that influence patient behavior. Healthcare providers may need to consider glaucoma patients' personality dimensions, beliefs and values when developing treatment plans and strategies to improve medication adherence.

Analysis of treatment adherence in patients undergoing phototherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Phototherapy is a convenient and effective treatment alternative for a range of skin diseases. However, a major challenge in patient adherence to phototherapy may be the necessity of visiting a phototherapy center regularly over an extended period of time. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the adherence rate to phototherapy and (ii) to determine factors associated with adherence to narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy (nbUVB) treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patient records who underwent nbUVB phototherapy between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2023, was performed. Patient records were reviewed for age, gender, skin type, diagnosis, type of phototherapy applied, duration of treatment, total number of sessions, presence of side effects, reasons for discontinuation of treatment, and perceived benefits of treatment. RESULTS: Of a total of 729 patients undergoing phototherapy, 281 (38.5%) discontinued treatment before completing 20 sessions. In particular, younger patients and those who experienced fewer side effects tended to discontinue treatment prematurely. The most common reason for discontinuing treatment was difficulty in visiting the hospital regularly. CONCLUSIONS: The patient's compliance with phototherapy was 61.5%. These results indicate that phototherapy is still one of the preferred treatment methods, although many new treatment agents have been developed in dermatology in recent years. Identifying and addressing factors that affect patient adherence will certainly help increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Adaptación transcultural al español rioplatense de la escala "Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire" y evaluación del nivel de satisfacción global de la Tele-Rehabilitación en un Servicio de Kinesiología y Terapia Ocupacional / A Cross-cultural Adaptation of the "Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire" Scale to Rioplatense Spanish and an Evaluation of the Global Satisfaction Level of Tele-Rehabilitation in a Kinesiology and Occupational Therapy Service

Introducción: el servicio de Kinesiología del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires adoptó la virtualidad para la atención de pacientes durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Se decidió realizar una adaptación transcultural del cuestionario de 17 ítems validado al español de España Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire (TSUQ) para conocer la satisfacción de los pacientes. Métodos: dos investigadores nativos realizaron una adaptación del cuestionario TSUQ al español rioplatense. Participaron pacientes atendidos entre mayo de 2021 y marzo de 2022 que habían realizado al menos cuatro sesiones de Tele-Rehabilitación (TR). Fue evaluada la correlación de la puntuación del instrumento resultante con la de un ítem agregado a modo de criterio externo concurrente. La validación del constructo fue llevada a cabo mediante sendos análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios. Resultados: obtuvimos 293 cuestionarios (media de edad 57 años, 64% sexo femenino). Luego de los resultados del AFE (Análisis factorial Exploratorio) (n = 101), consensuamos eliminar 5 ítems. El cuestionario resultante (12 ítems) fue luego validado en una nueva muestra (n = 192) a través de un AFC (Análisis factorial Confirmatorio). La fiabilidad compuesta, la varianza media extractada y la validez convergente fueron adecuadas, mientras que la validez discriminante fue escasa. Documentamos una moderada correlación (Spearman de 0,35, p < 0,0001) entre el puntaje total del cuestionario y el de la pregunta agregada como criterio externo concurrente de validación y una excelente correlación entre versiones. Conclusión: la versión abreviada del cuestionario TSUQ en español tiene propiedades psicométricas adecuadas, lo que lo vuelve un instrumento valioso para evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes que realizan Tele-Rehabilitación. (AU)

Introduction: the Kinesiology service of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires adopted virtuality for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was decided to make a cross-cultural adaptation of the 17-item Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire (TSUQ) validated for Peninsular Spanish to assess patient satisfaction. Methods: two native researchers adapted the TSUQ questionnaire to Riplatense Spanish. The participants were patients seen between May 2021 and March 2022 who had undergone at least four sessions of TR. We evaluated the correlation between the resulting instrument score and that of an item added as a concurrent external criterion. Construct validation was done with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: we obtained 293 questionnaires (mean age 57 years, 64% female). After the AFE results (n=101), we agreed on eliminating five items. The final questionnaire (12 items) was tested in a new sample (n=192) with a CEA. Composite reliability, mean-variance extracted, and convergent validity were adequate, whereas the discriminant accuracy was low. We documented a moderate correlation (Spearman of 0.35, p < 0.0001) between the total questionnaire score and the aggregate question score as a concurrent external validation criterion and an excellent correlation between versions. Conclusion: the abbreviated version of the TSUQ questionnaire in Spanish has suitable psychometric properties, which makes it a valuable instrument for evaluating patient satisfaction in persons undergoing Tele-Rehabilitation. (AU)

El control de la hipertensión arterial, una asignatura pendiente

[RESUMEN]. El adecuado diagnóstico, tratamiento y control de la hipertensión arterial (HTA) continúa siendo una asignatura pendiente en nuestro intento de reducir la incidencia de mortalidad cardiovascular prematura y discapacidades, siendo esta una realidad a nivel mundial y particularmente cierta en la región de las Américas. A pesar de contar con adecuados algoritmos diagnósticos y eficientes esquemas de tratamiento, la brecha entre el conocimiento médico y la realidad nos muestra la gran dificultad para que nuestras recomendaciones sean adoptadas por nuestros pacientes. La adherencia representa un gran desafío y la adecuada comprensión de sus dimensiones resulta básico al momento de diseñar estrategias para mejorar el control de la HTA. Es claro que disponer y diseminar información adecuada es una parte de la solución, pero no menos importante son las acciones que garanticen su implementación. Es por lo que damos la bienvenida a guías de práctica clínica que intenten abordar esta problemática. La reciente publicación de guía de la Organización Mundial de la Salud en hipertensión arterial es un claro ejemplo de este tipo de iniciativas. Los programas de implementación posiblemente sean uno de los mayores desafíos de la medicina contemporánea. El desarrollo de intervenciones multimodales en el primer nivel de atención con el objetivo de mejorar su capacidad resolutiva y promover el desarrollo de redes integradas de servicios de salud, impresiona ser el camino mas adecuado para alcanzar niveles adecuados de control de la HTA. Estamos convencidos del importante rol que nuestras sociedades científicas tienen con estas iniciativas dando apoyo, soporte y articulando la interacción con los diferentes actores involucrados.

[ABSTRACT]. Adequate diagnosis, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension (AHT) continues to be a pending issue in the attempt to reduce the incidence of premature mortality and disability due to cardiovascular disease, which is a reality worldwide and in the region of the Americas in particular. Despite having adequate diagnostic algorithms and efficient treatment schemes, the gap between medical knowledge and reality reveals the great difficulty in ensuring that patients follow recommendations. Adherence to treatment is a great challenge and a proper understanding of its dimensions is essential when designing strategies to improve control of AHT. It is clear that part of the solution is having adequate information and disseminating it, but actions that guarantee implementation are no less important. That is why clinical practice guidelines that try to address this problem are welcome. The recent publication of the World Health Organization's guidance on arterial hypertension is a clear example of this type of initiative. Implementation programs are arguably one of the biggest challenges in contemporary medicine. The development of multimodal interventions aimed at improving response capacity at the first level of care and promoting the development of integrated health services networks appears to be the most appropriate way to achieve adequate control of AHT. Scientific societies clearly play an important role in these initiatives by providing support and coordinating interactions among the different actors involved.

[RESUMO]. O diagnóstico, tratamento e controle adequados da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) continua sendo uma questão pendente em nossa tentativa de reduzir a incidência de mortalidade cardiovascular prematura e a incapacidade. Essa é a realidade no nível mundial e, particularmente, na região das Américas. Apesar de algoritmos de diagnóstico adequados e esquemas de tratamento eficientes, a lacuna entre o conhecimento médico e a realidade nos mostra como é difícil que nossas recomendações sejam adotadas por nossos pacientes. A adesão representa um grande desafio, e uma compreensão adequada de suas dimensões é essencial ao se projetar estratégias para melhorar o controle da HAS. Claramente, a disponibilidade e a divulgação de informações adequadas é parte da solução, mas não menos importantes são as ações para garantir sua implementação. Portanto, acolhemos de bom grado as diretrizes de prática clínica que visam abordar esta questão. A recente publicação das diretrizes da Organização Mundial da Saúde sobre hipertensão arterial é um claro exemplo de tais iniciativas. Os programas de implementação são indiscutivelmente um dos maiores desafios da medicina contemporânea. O desenvolvimento de intervenções multimodais na atenção primária com o objetivo de melhorar sua resolutividade e promover o desenvolvimento de redes integradas de serviços de saúde parece ser a forma mais apropriada para atingir níveis adequados de controle da HAS. Estamos convencidos do importante papel que nossas sociedades científicas desempenham nestas iniciativas ao prestar apoio, suporte e articulação aos diferentes atores envolvidos.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en pacientes con enfermedades desmielinizantes / IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PATIENTS WITH DEMYELINIZING DISEASES

Introducción: A más de un año del inicio de la pandemia, el seguimiento y la atención presencial de pacientes con enfermedades desmielinizantes se ha visto modificado. Según la evidencia, pacientes con diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple (EM), síndrome desmielinizante aislado (SDA), Síndrome Radiológico Aislado (SRA) o enfermedades del espectro de neuromielitis óptica (NMO) no parecen ser un grupo de riesgo para COVID19 por el hecho de tener la enfermedad. La presencia de ciertas condiciones puede hacerlos susceptibles de cursar infección severa. Se ha descripto una asociación de curso grave con drogas anti CD20, faltan datos sobre la respuesta a vacunas COVID19 en esta población. Objetivos: Establecer características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes con enfermedades desmielinizantes que han padecido COVID-19 y describir su evolución. Caracterizar población vacunada, evaluar acceso al seguimiento médico/ terapéutico durante la pandemia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 168 pacientes con EM, SDA y SRA y 33 pacientes con NMO correspondientes al Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martin. Mediante encuesta telefónica se evaluó adherencia al tratamiento, evolución clínica, infección COVID-19, vacunación y acceso durante la pandemia. Resultados: Se encontraron 49 pacientes que desarrollaron COVID-19 en el grupo de pacientes con EM, y 7 en el grupo de NMO. Del primer grupo ninguno requirió internación, mientras que en el segundo, 2 fueron hospitalizados y uno de ellos falleció. La complicación post-COVID más frecuente fue: astenia prolongada y 3 pacientes presentaron un brote de la enfermedad de base en los 3 meses posteriores. Cerca del 90% de nuestra población ya contaba con al menos 1 dosis de vacuna para SARS-CoV2. Se interrogó sobre el acceso a la consulta neurológica y casi el 70% de los pacientes otorgó máximo puntaje al acceso a consultas virtuales. Conclusión: Los pacientes con enfermedades desmielinizantes que cursaron COVID-19 no tuvieron complicaciones severas por la infección, con solamente 2 pacientes cursando un brote en los 3 meses posteriores. No observamos reacciones adversas severas post vaccinales, ni infección posterior, sólo 2 pacientes presentaron un brote en el período post aplicación. Gran cantidad de pacientes percibieron acceso fluido a sus neurólogos de manera virtual, lo que podría relacionarse con alta tasa de adherencia a sus tratamientos a pesar de la limitación a la consulta presencial.

Introduction: More than a year after the start of the pandemic, the follow-up and face-to-face care of patients with demyelinating diseases has been modified. According to the evidence, patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), isolated demyelinating syndrome (ADS), Isolated Radiological Syndrome (RAS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum diseases do not seem to be a risk group for COVID19 due to the fact that they have the disease. The presence of certain conditions can make them susceptible to severe infection. A severe course association with anti-CD20 drugs has been described, data on the response to COVID19 vaccines in this population are lacking. Objectives: To establish clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with demyelinating diseases who have suffered from COVID-19 and describe their evolution. Characterize the vaccinated population, evaluate access to medical/therapeutic follow-up during the pandemic. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational study. The medical records of 168 patients with MS, ADS and ARS and 33 patients with NMO corresponding to the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martin were reviewed. Through a telephone survey, adherence to treatment, clinical evolution, COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and access during the pandemic were evaluated. Results: 49 patients who developed COVID-19 were found in the MS patient group, and 7 in the NMO group. Of the first group, none required hospitalization, unlike in the second, 2 were hospitalized and one of them died. The most frequent post-COVID complication was: prolonged asthenia and 3 patients presented an outbreak of the underlying disease in the following 3 months. Close to 90% of our population already had at least 1 dose of SARS-CoV2 vaccine. Access to the neurological consultation was questioned and almost 70% of the patients gave the highest score to access to virtual consultations. Conclusion: Patients with demyelinating diseases who had COVID-19 did not have severe complications from the infection, with only 2 patients having an outbreak in the subsequent 3 months. We did not observe severe post-vaccinal adverse reactions, nor subsequent infection, only 2 patients presented an outbreak in the post-application period. A large number of patients perceived fluid access to their neurologists virtually, which could be related to a high rate of adherence to their treatments despite the limitation to face-to-face consultation

The influence of cognitive factors in relation to the patients' treatment adherence for non-specific chronic low-back pain. A case series.

INTRODUCTION: The positive effects of exercise programs in relation to chronic low-back pain have been long established and patient adherence has a fundamental role in the impact of the resulting benefits. On the other hand, cognitive factors have shown to be the predictors of poor outcomes in patient suffering from this condition to the point of possibly affecting adherence. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of cognitive factors on the adherence to a home exercise program, the patient's pain intensity and their level of disability at a two-month follow-up, specifically regarding patients with non-specific chronic low-back pain (NSCLBP). METHOD: ology: Ten patients with NSLBP underwent a home exercise program. This study was undertaken to assess their adherence rate after two months. The assessment tools included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index pre-follow-up and post-follow-up (ODI1 and ODI2), the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK-11), the Pain Catastrophism Scale (PCS), the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSS) respectively. RESULTS: There were no significant associations found between adherence and the selected cognitive factors. There was an association between GSS and VAS (R = 0.68, p = 0.031). A clinically relevant improvement of 6.8 points in the mean of ODI2 in relation to ODI1 was observed. CONCLUSION: The influence of cognitive factors on adherence has not been ruled out because the study had a low sample size. Future studies should replicate the evaluation protocol in a larger population.

Analysis approaches to address treatment nonadherence in pragmatic trials with point-treatment settings: a simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Two-stage least square [2SLS] and two-stage residual inclusion [2SRI] are popularly used instrumental variable (IV) methods to address medication nonadherence in pragmatic trials with point treatment settings. These methods require assumptions, e.g., exclusion restriction, although they are known to handle unmeasured confounding. The newer IV-method, nonparametric causal bound [NPCB], showed promise in reducing uncertainty compared to usual IV-methods. The inverse probability-weighted per-protocol [IP-weighted PP] method is useful in the same setting but requires different assumptions, e.g., no unmeasured confounding. Although all of these methods are aimed to address the same nonadherence problem, comprehensive simulations to compare performances of them are absent in the literature. METHODS: We performed extensive simulations to compare the performances of the above methods in addressing nonadherence when: (1) exclusion restriction satisfied and no unmeasured confounding, (2) exclusion restriction is met but unmeasured confounding present, and (3) exclusion restriction is violated. Our simulations varied parameters such as, levels of adherence rates, unmeasured confounding, and exclusion restriction violations. Risk differences were estimated, and we compared performances in terms of bias, standard error (SE), mean squared error (MSE), and 95% confidence interval coverage probability. RESULTS: For setting (1), 2SLS and 2SRI have small bias and nominal coverage. IP-weighted PP outperforms these IV-methods in terms of smaller MSE but produces high MSE when nonadherence is very high. For setting (2), IP-weighted-PP generally performs poorly compared to 2SLS and 2SRI in term of bias, and both-stages adjusted IV-methods improve precision than naive IV-methods. For setting (3), IV-methods perform worst in all scenarios, and IP-weighted-PP produces unbiased estimates and small MSE when confounders are adjusted. NPCB produces larger uncertainty bound width in almost all scenarios. We also analyze a two-arm trial to estimate vitamin-A supplementation effect on childhood mortality after addressing nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding finite sample characteristics of these methods will guide future researchers in determining suitable analysis strategies. Since assumptions are different and often untestable for IP-weighted PP and IV methods, we suggest analyzing data using both IP-weighted PP and IV approaches in search of a robust conclusion.

Adesão ao tratamento com terapias antirretrovirais por pacientes soropositivos atendidos no município de Catanduva-SP / Adhesion to treatment with antiretroviral therapies by seropositive patients attended in the municipality of Catanduva-SP / Adhesión al tratamiento con terapias antirretrovirales por pacientes seropositivos atendidos en el municipio de Catanduva-SP

Introdução: Após o surgimento e a evolução dos antirretrovirais para o tratamento do HIV, vidas foram transformadas, pois o que antes era uma infecção quase sempre fatal, causando muitos óbitos, hoje se tornou uma condição crônica controlável, apesar de ainda não haver cura. Nesse contexto, a adesão do paciente ao tratamento é considerada de elevada importância para garantir o sucesso da farmacoterapia. Objetivo: Verificar a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso de pacientes soropositivos para HIV, em uso de antirretrovirais, atendidos no município de CatanduvaSP. Material e Método: Pesquisa de campo quantitativa, descritiva, retrospectiva, realizada através da análise de 50 prontuários de pacientes atendidos de junho/2019 a junho/2021. Resultados: Os dados coletados indicaram que dos 50 prontuários analisados, 60% dos pacientes apresentaram adesão integral ao tratamento, com carga viral indetectável. Cerca de 70% apresentam comorbidades, como diabetes, hipertensão e dislipidemia e fazem uso de polifarmácia, 27% relataram contrair alguma infecção oportunista e apenas 16% relataram efeitos adversos durante a terapia antirretroviral, como dor de cabeça, cansaço e desconforto abdominal. Conclusão: O presente estudo constatou que sempre é preciso falar sobre a importância da prevenção do HIV e sobre a eficácia do tratamento com as terapias antirretrovirais. E que a boa adesão ao tratamento oferece mais tempo de vida ao paciente, pois mantém a carga viral indetectável, eliminando as chances de infecções oportunistas surgirem, concedendo uma vida mais segura e saudável aos pacientes e seus parceiros, inibindo a transmissão do vírus em massa.(AU)

Introduction: After the emergence and evolution of antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV, lives were transformed, because what was once an almost always fatal infection, causing many deaths, today has become a controllable chronic condition, although there is still no cure. In this context, patient adherence to treatment is considered of high importance to ensure the success of pharmacotherapy. Objective: To verify the adherence to drug treatment of HIV-positive patients using antiretroviral drugs, treated in the city of Catanduva-SP. Material and Method: Quantitative, descriptive, retrospective field research, performed through the analysis of 50 medical records of patients seen from June/2019 to June/2021. Results: The data collected indicated that of the 50 medical records analyzed, 60% of the patients showed full adherence to treatment, with undetectable viral load. About 70% have comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia and use polypharmacy, 27% reported contracting some opportunistic infection and only 16% reported adverse effects during antiretroviral therapy, such as headache, tiredness and abdominal discomfort. Conclusion: The present study found that it is always necessary to talk about the importance of HIV prevention and the effectiveness of treatment with antiretroviral therapies. And that good adherence to treatment offers more life to the patient, as it keeps the viral load undetectable, eliminating the chances of opportunistic infections arise and granting a safer and healthier life to patients and their partners, inhibiting the mass transmission of the virus.(AU)

Introducción: Tras el surgimiento y evolución de los medicamentos antirretrovirales para el tratamiento del VIH, vidas se transformaron, pues lo que antes era una infección casi siempre fatal, que causaba muchas muertes, hoy se ha convertido en una condición crónica controlable, aunque aún no tiene cura. En este contexto, la adherencia del paciente al tratamiento se considera de gran importancia para asegurar el éxito de la farmacoterapia. Objetivo: Verificar la adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico de pacientes VIH seropositivos, en uso de antirretrovirales, atendidos en el municipio de Catanduva-SP. Material y Método: Investigación de campo cuantitativa, descriptiva, retrospectiva, realizada a través del análisis de 50 prontuarios de pacientes atendidos entre junio/2019 y junio/2021. Resultados: Los datos recogidos indicaron que de las 50 historias clínicas analizadas, el 60% de los pacientes presentaban total adherencia al tratamiento, con carga viral indetectable. Cerca del 70% presenta comorbilidades como diabetes, hipertensión y dislipidemia y utiliza polifarmacia, el 27% reportó haber contraído alguna infección oportunista y solo el 16% reportó efectos adversos durante la terapia antirretroviral, como cefalea, cansancio y malestar abdominal. Conclusión: El presente estudio encontró que siempre es necesario hablar sobre la...(AU)

Effect of treatment adherence training given to patients with bipolar disorder on treatment adherence, social functioning and quality of life: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Treatment non-adherence is quite common among patients with bipolar disorder, negatively affects the social functioning of patients and reduces the quality of life. This pilot study aims to measure the effect of treatment adherence training given to patients with bipolar disorder on treatment adherence, social functioning and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pilot study was conducted with 40 bipolar disorder patients, 19 in the intervention group and 21 in the control group, using a quasi-experimental research design. The data were collected using the Participant Information Form, Medication Adherence Rating Scale, Social Functioning Scale and Short Form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Treatment adherence training was given once a week individually for a total of five sessions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the demographic characteristics and pre-test scale scores of the patients in the intervention and control groups before the treatment adherence training (p > 0.05). The mean treatment adherence, social functioning and quality of life scores of the patients in the intervention group were higher in the post-test and follow-up test compared to the patients in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The intervention had a positive effect on treatment adherence, social functioning and quality of life of patients. Considering the promising results of this pilot study, treatment adherence training should be studied further in the patients with biplor disorder.

Treatment adherence with diclofenac 3% gel among patients with multiple actinic keratoses: an integrated low-intensity intervention program versus standard-of-care.

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac 3% gel is a widely used topical treatment with proven efficacy in reducing the burden of actinic keratosis (AK); however, clinical benefit might not fully translate in clinical practice as nonadherence is substantial for prolonged treatment regimens. We evaluated the efficacy of an integrated low-intensity intervention program versus standard-of-care on treatment adherence among patients with multiple AK receiving diclofenac in hyaluronic acid gel 3%. METHODS: We designed an open label, randomized, parallel group, interventional, multicenter, longitudinal cohort study including patients with multiple, grade I/II AKs. Visits were scheduled for end of treatment (T4), follow-up 1 (T5) and follow-up 2 (T6) at 90, 180 and 365 days from baseline, respectively. Patients in the intervention group received additional visits at 30 and 60 days from baseline, a brief health education intervention, an enhanced patient-physician communication, a weekly SMS reminder to medication prescriptions. RESULTS: Patients were equally allocated between intervention (intervention group [IG], N.=86) and control group ([CG] N.=86); at baseline, both groups had similar socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Change scores from baseline showed a slight increment in quality of life related to AK in both groups (CG: ΔT4-T1=-0.079; IG: ΔT4-T1=-0.006; P=0.39) and in quality of physician-patient interaction reported by IG (ΔT3-T2=0.18; P<0.0001). Adherence rate was not statistically different between IG and CG (28.4% vs. 40.7%; P=0.11). Patients reported similar satisfaction for effectiveness, convenience and side effects of treatment. Clinical conditions improved over time and results did not differ between groups; complete clearance rate at 1 year was 18% and 29% for CG and IG, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed no difference in adherence rate between the two groups, suggesting that enhanced follow-up interventions and health care education may not be sufficient drivers to promote adherence among this clinical population. Further studies are needed to explore barriers to adherence with treatments for AKs.

Sofrimento emocional e adesão às atividades de autocuidado em idosos com diabetes mellitus / Emotional distress and adherence to self-care activities in older adults with diabetes mellitus

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar o sofrimento emocional e a adesão às atividades de autocuidado em idosos com diabetes mellitus. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado com 75 idosos diabéticos com base nos instrumentos Problem Areas in Diabetes (versão brasileira) e Questionário de Atividades de Autocuidado com o Diabetes. Para a análise dos dados, empregaram-se a estatística descritiva e o cálculo de diferença de médias entre grupos por meio do Teste de Mann-Whitney . Resultados os idosos demonstraram baixo sofrimento emocional (escore médio=29,86). Sobre o autocuidado, menor adesão para avaliação da glicemia e maior para uso da medicação conforme recomendação. Na comparação dos grupos, idosos com sofrimento emocional grave apresentaram menor adesão às dimensões alimentação específica (p=0,008) e cuidado com os pés (p=0,014). Conclusão a maioria dos idosos demonstrou baixo sofrimento emocional e adesão insatisfatória ao autocuidado com o diabetes relativo às dimensões alimentação específica, e cuidado com os pés sobressaiu entre idosos com sofrimento emocional grave. Contribuições para a prática fomentar o processo de cuidado integral ao idoso com diabetes mellitus, contribuindo para o manejo clínico e a promoção do seu bem-estar emocional, da adesão terapêutica, do autocuidado - especialmente - da alimentação específica, do cuidado com os pés e da qualidade de vida.

ABSTRACT Objective to assess emotional distress and adherence to self-care activities in older adults with diabetes mellitus. Methods cross-sectional study conducted with 75 elderly diabetics and using the instruments Problem Areas in Diabetes (Brazilian version) and Diabetes Self-Care Activity Questionnaire. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and the calculation of mean differences between groups using the Mann-Whitney test were used. Results the elderly showed low emotional distress (mean score=29.86). Regarding self-care, lower adherence to blood glucose assessment and higher adherence to medication use according to recommendations. When comparing the groups, the elderly with severe emotional distress showed less adherence to the dimensions specific food (p=0.008) and foot care (p=0.014). Conclusion most of the elderly showed low emotional distress and unsatisfactory adherence to diabetes self-care related to the dimensions specific diet, and foot care stood out among the elderly with severe emotional distress. Contributions to practice to foster the process of comprehensive care to the elderly with diabetes mellitus, contributing to the clinical management and promotion of their emotional well-being, therapeutic adherence, self-care - especially - of specific feeding, foot care and quality of life.

Adherencia al consumo de suplementos de hierro y factores asociados en gestantes peruanas / Adherence to iron supplements consumption and associated factors in Peruvian pregnant women

Introducción: La anemia durante el embarazo se considera un problema de salud pública. La estrategia para su reducción incluye la administración de suplementos de hierro. Objetivo: Analizar la adherencia al suplemento de hierro en gestantes atendidas en los establecimientos de salud del Ministerio de Salud del Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal de vigilancia centinela de adherencia a sales de hierro en 1038 gestantes del Perú, atendidas en hospitales, centros de salud y puestos de salud, que recibieron suplementos de hierro. Se aplicó una entrevista estructurada para medir los factores a la adherencia y se determinó adherencia cuando el consumo de suplementos fuera > 75 por ciento. Se aplicó la estadística descriptiva y regresión logística. Resultados: El 42,3 por ciento de las gestantes fueron adherentes al suplemento de hierro. Se asociaron a la adherencia: tener educación universitaria (ORa 3,4; IC 95 por ciento 1,5:7,7), consumir alimentos ricos en hierro (ORa 1,6; IC 95 por ciento 1,1:2,5), no suspender el tratamiento por molestias (ORa: 2,8 IC 95 por ciento 1,7:4,6) y residir en una altitud entre 1001 m s. n. m. a 2000 m s. n. m. (ORa 4,0; IC 95 por ciento 1,6:10,1). Estos factores explican entre el 12 por ciento y el 16 por ciento de la adherencia, y fueron predictivos para identificar adherencia en gestantes con un área bajo la curva del 70,4 por ciento. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con sales de hierro en gestante es insuficiente, por lo que debe incluirse en su dieta, de manera integral y simultánea, el consumo de alimentos ricos en hierro y otros fortificados dirigidos básicamente a las embarazadas. Además, se deben trazar estrategias de salud que permitan identificar determinantes sociales, como el nivel educativo, que inciden en la adherencia al tratamiento, con vista a disminuir su influencia(AU)

Introduction: Anemia during pregnancy is considered a public health problem. The strategy for its reduction includes iron supplementation. Objective: Analyze adherence to iron supplements in pregnant women treated in health facilities of the Peruvian Ministry of Health. Methods: A cross-sectional sentinel surveillance study of adherence to iron salts was conducted in 1038 pregnant women from Peru, who were treated in hospitals, health centers and health posts, and who received iron supplements. A structured interview was applied to measure the factors to adherence, and adherence was determined when supplement consumption was > 75percent. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. Results: 42.3percent of the pregnant women were adherents to the iron supplement. Adherence was associated with: having a university education (ORa 3.4; CI 95percent 1.5:7.7), consumption of foods rich in iron (ORa 1.6; 95percent CI 1.1:2.5), do not discontinue the treatment due to discomfort (ORa: 2.8 CI 95percent 1.7:4.6) and living at an altitude between 1001 m.a.s.l to 2000 m.a.s.l (ORa 4.0; CI 95percent 1.6:10.1). These factors explain between 12percent and 16percent of the adherence rates, and were predictive to identify adherence in pregnant women with an area under the curve of 70.4percent. Conclusions: Treatment with iron salts in pregnant women is insufficient, so the consumption of foods rich in iron and other fortified foods basically aimed at pregnant women should be included in their diet, in a comprehensive and simultaneous way. In addition, health strategies must be drawn up to identify social determinants, such as educational level, that affect adherence to treatment, with a view to reduce their influence(AU)

National systemic lupus erythematosus prospective cohort in Saudi Arabia: A study protocol.

ABSTRACT: Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem, multifactorial inflammatory autoimmune disease. The SLE patients have 3 times increased risk of mortality based on international data with ethnicity playing an important impact on patients' morbidity and mortality. Descriptive studies from Saudi Arabia showed variation in clinical features from one region to another. Moreover, reliable inference from these studies is limited by study methodology and lack of translational data using biological samples to understand clinical phenotypes of Saudi SLE patients.The aim of this report is to describe the prospective study protocol of the National Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this cohort study is multifold: first, to examine clinical characteristics and molecular phenotypes of Saudi SLE patients in relation to local environment and practices/lifestyles; second, to assess long-term outcomes of SLE in Saudi population and factors that influence favorable outcomes; third, to compare the effectiveness of various treatment regimens in Saudi SLE population.This study is a longitudinal prospective cohort study of adult, Saudi SLE patients using open cohort study design. Primary outcomes include disease-related outcomes (activity, improvement, and organ damage) and patient-reported outcomes (quality of life). Secondary outcomes include physiological and molecular modifications associated with changes in disease activity states.Results and analysis are in on-going study.This study provides a source of reliable data for clinical and translational research. This will allow us to have a holistic approach to SLE pathogenesis especially in Saudi population and may take us a step further toward much more personalized medicine.This protocol has been registered in NIH ClinicalTrial.gov (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT04604990) on October 27, 2020.

Challenges to nutrition management among patients using antiretroviral therapy in primary health 'centres' in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A phenomenological study.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional management is a fundamental practice of concern to all patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The nature of HIV/AIDS and malnutrition impacts are interlocked and intensify one another. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore nutrition management challenges among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in primary health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We used a hermeneutic (interpretive) phenomenological study design. The study used in-depth interviews to describe lived experiences among adult patients aged 18 and above. We selected the participants purposively until the saturation of the idea reached. We maintained the scientific rigor and trustworthiness by applying credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability, followed by translation and re-reading of the data has been achieved. The data have been analyzed through inductive thematic analysis assisted by NVIVO version 12 pro software. RESULT: Nutrition management challenges for HIV patients have been described using six significant themes. The major themes were: acceptance of the disease and the health status; facilitators and barriers to treatment adherence; behavioural changes in eating patterns; experience of food insecurity issues; nutrition knowledge; and support. The themes have explained how patients using ART have been challenged to manage their nutrition ever since their diagnosis. Of all challenges, food insecurity is found to be the core reason for poor nutrition management. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: We found that many factors in managing their nutrition challenged patients with HIV. There should be an increasing interest in managing food insecurity issues as food insecurity has been strongly related to other factors.

Assessing Inequities in Cervical Cancer Quality of Care and Survival Related to Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Factors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect that race and socioeconomic factors have on the provision of care to cervical cancer patients based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended treatment guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To do this, we completed a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeon's Nation Cancer Database from 2004 to 2016. We identified all reported cases of cervical cancer in that period. Two cohorts were created using self-reported racial demographic data, Hispanic- and White, non-Hispanic-identified patients. Our primary outcome variables were adherence to NCCN-recommended treatment and 5-year overall survival. Adherence to NCCN-recommended treatment was determined by the provision of surgical and/or radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment based on the clinical stage at time of diagnosis and the presence or absence of lymphovascular space invasion. We used bivariate analyses to compare baseline characteristics between the 2 cohorts, multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of 5-year survival, and Cox proportional hazards models to compute survival by group. RESULTS: The difference in NCCN-adherent care between the 2 cohorts was found to be not statistically significant (p = .880). A log rank (Mantel-Cox) χ2 test showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in overall survival with the Hispanic-identified patients living longer (p < .001). Our study is limited by the effect large databases confer on finding statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic-identified women with cervical cancer receive NCCN-compliant care and live longer than their White, non-Hispanic counterparts.

Barreiras e facilitadores na APS para adesão ao tratamento em adultos com hipertensão arterial ou diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Barriers and facilitators in PHC for treatment adherence in adults with arterial hypertension or type 2 diabetes mellitus

Esta síntese rápida de evidências foi comissionada e subsidiada pelo Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do projeto GEREB-010-FIO-20 e faz parte da Coleção "Rapid response for health promotion". O problema: O cuidado integral e longitudinal da pessoa com hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) estão inseridas nas práticas do SUS, sobretudo na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), sendo a adesão ao tratamento um dos seus maiores desafios. Essa revisão rápida visa descrever as barreiras e os facilitadores da adesão ao tratamento terapêutico de HAS e DM2 na APS. Busca de evidência: Foram realizadas buscas em nove bases de dados que resultaram em 222 referências, e após o processo de seleção de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade, 7 revisões sistemáticas (RS) foram incluídas nesta síntese narrativa. Na avaliação da qualidade metodológica (AMSTAR 2), uma RS foi classificada como de confiança baixa e seis de confiança criticamente baixa. As barreiras e facilitadores encontrados foram sintetizados, agrupando-se as estratégias conforme sua similaridade quanto aos usuários, profissionais de saúde e sistema de saúde. Barreiras: Sete RS apresentaram barreiras para a adesão ao tratamento de HAS ou DM. As intervenções encontradas foram: eHealth, acompanhamento clínico e tratamento farmacológico. Para os usuários, os aspectos emocionais (medo, angústia ou vergonha entre outros), aspectos sociais (acesso aos serviços, educação, custo) e aspectos individuais (estilo de vida, autocuidado, crenças, família) foram mencionados como barreiras à adesão ao tratamento. Os trabalhadores de saúde, por sua vez, referiram a falta de treinamento adequado, fluxo de trabalho, recursos humanos incipientes, além de suas emoções (medo e frustração com a baixa adesão do paciente ao tratamento) como aspectos impeditivos para a adesão dos pacientes de forma satisfatória. Recursos limitados, recursos humanos insuficiente, mão de obra desqualificada e sobrecarga de trabalho foram apontadas como barreiras ao nível do sistema de saúde. Facilitadores: Foram identificados facilitadores para a adesão ao tratamento de DM2 e de HAS em seis RS. Entre os usuários, organizar a atenção para que tenham experiências positivas no início do uso da insulina facilitou a adesão. Também, a oferta de cuidado integral, com a participação de farmacêuticos e agentes comunitários de saúde, foi benéfica inclusive por estimular ações de educação em saúde. Em relação aos trabalhadores, a adoção de abordagem centrada na pessoa e a participação de especialistas foi benéfica para adesão ao tratamento. Ações que tornam mais simples o uso de tecnologias de comunicação, melhorando sua utilização pelos usuários, aumentaram o uso dessas ferramentas para assegurar a adesão. Ademais, garantir o acesso aos medicamentos facilita enormemente que se cumpra o tratamento, bem como ter serviços com recursos físicos e equipes suficientes. Considerações finais: Esta síntese rápida de evidências encontrou barreiras e facilitadores relacionados aos usuários, aos profissionais de saúde e ao sistema de saúde. As intervenções identificadas foram eHealth, acompanhamento clínico, tratamentos farmacológicos com destaque para iniciação à insulina que podem ser aplicadas no contexto da APS. Embora algumas RS não trouxessem informações relativas ao contexto de saúde, decidiu-se incluí-las por haver um entendimento que essas estratégias poderiam ser realizadas em um ambiente de atenção primária. Além disso, houve algumas limitações metodológicas das revisões sistemáticas que devem ser consideradas. Essa síntese rápida não envolveu resultados sobre opções para enfrentamento do problema, uma vez que foram realizadas sínteses com esse foco anteriormente.

This rapid synthesis of evidence was commissioned and subsidized by the Ministry of Health, within the scope of the GEREB-010-FIO-20 project and is part of the "Rapid response for health promotion" Collection. The problem: Comprehensive and longitudinal care for people with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are part of SUS practices, especially in Primary Health Care (PHC), with adherence to treatment being one of the its biggest challenges. This quick review aims to describe the barriers and facilitators of adherence to the therapeutic treatment of SAH and T2DM in PHC. Search for evidence: Searches were carried out in nine databases that resulted in 222 references, and after the selection process according to the eligibility criteria, 7 systematic reviews (SR) were included in this narrative synthesis. In the methodological quality assessment (AMSTAR 2), one SR was classified as low confidence and six as critically low confidence. The barriers and facilitators found were synthesized, grouping the strategies according to their similarity in terms of users, health professionals and the health system. Barriers: Seven RS presented barriers to adherence to treatment for SAH or DM. The interventions found were: eHealth, clinical follow-up and pharmacological treatment. For users, emotional aspects (fear, anguish or shame, among others), social aspects (access to services, education, cost) and individual aspects (lifestyle, self-care, beliefs, family) were mentioned as barriers to treatment adherence. . Health workers, in turn, mentioned the lack of adequate training, workflow, incipient human resources, in addition to their emotions (fear and frustration with the patient's low adherence to treatment) as impediments to patient adherence to treatment. satisfactory way. Limited resources, insufficient human resources, unskilled labor and work overload were identified as barriers at the health system level. Facilitators: Facilitators were identified for adherence to DM2 and SAH treatment in six SRs. Among users, organizing attention so that they have positive experiences at the beginning of insulin use facilitated adherence. Also, the provision of comprehensive care, with the participation of pharmacists and community health agents, was beneficial, including encouraging health education actions. Regarding workers, the adoption of a person-centered approach and the participation of specialists was beneficial for treatment adherence. Actions that make the use of communication technologies simpler, improving their use by users, increased the use of these tools to ensure adherence. In addition, ensuring access to medicines greatly facilitates compliance with treatment, as well as having services with sufficient physical resources and staff. Final considerations: This rapid synthesis of evidence found barriers and facilitators related to users, health professionals and the health system. The interventions identified were eHealth, clinical follow-up, pharmacological treatments with emphasis on insulin initiation that can be applied in the context of PHC. Although some SRs did not bring information related to the health context, it was decided to include them because there was an understanding that these strategies could be carried out in a primary care environment. In addition, there were some methodological limitations of systematic reviews that should be considered. This quick synthesis did not involve results on options for coping with the problem, since syntheses with this focus were carried out previously.

Harmonizing religion and health: an exploration of religious reasons for defaulting ARVs among people living with HIV and AIDS in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

There has been a proliferation of faith healing organizations in Zimbabwe in the past decade. These organizations have been attracting many people especially those with chronic conditions as their leaders claim to have spiritual powers to heal illnesses. This has led to people with chronic conditions opting for spiritual healing over medical methods thereby defaulting ARVs. This qualitative study sought to explore religious related reasons that have led to defaulting Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) among People Living with HIV and AIDS in Gweru, Zimbabwe (PLWHIV). Fifteen participants who at one point defaulted medications, six counselors and four religious leaders were interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyze data. Themes obtained revealed that PLWHIV defaulted medications because - they believed in faith healing, alternative medicines, perceived spirituality as the main cause of HIV and AIDS and that they had an allegiance to church values. The study recommends the need to provide HIV and AIDS education to leaders of religious organizations so as to harmonize religion and HIV and AIDS treatment.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Primary Headache Sufferers: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Efficacy.

Prevention of headaches via avoidance of triggers remains the main behavioral treatment suggestion for headache management despite trigger avoidance resulting in increases in potency, lifestyle restrictions, internal locus of control decreases, pain exacerbation and maintenance. New approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), instead emphasize acceptance and valued living as alternatives to avoidance. Though ACT is an empirically supported treatment for chronic pain, there is limited evidence for headache management while preliminary outcome studies are afflicted with methodological limitations. This study compared an ACT-based group headache-specific intervention to wait-list control, in a randomized clinical trial, on disability, distress, medical utilization, functioning, and quality of life. Ninety-four individuals with primary headache (84% women; Mage = 43 years; 87.35% migraine diagnosis) were randomized into 2 groups (47 in each). Assessments occurred: before, immediately after, and at 3 months following treatment end. Only the ACT group was additionally assessed at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Results (intent to treat analyses corroborated by linear mixed model analyses) showed substantial improvements in favor of ACT compared to control, on disability, quality of life, functional status, and depression at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Improvements were maintained in the ACT group at 6- and 12-month follow-up. At 3-month follow-up, clinical improvement occurred in headache-related disability (63%) and 65% in quality of life in ACT versus 37% and 35% in control. These findings offer new evidence for the utility and efficacy of ACT in localized pain conditions and yields evidence for both statistical and clinical improvements over a years' period. PERSPECTIVE: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach focusing on acceptance and values-based activities was found to improve disability, functioning, and quality of life among patients with primary headaches.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness Meditation vs Headache Education for Adults With Migraine: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Migraine is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Most patients with migraine discontinue medications due to inefficacy or adverse effects. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may provide benefit. Objective: To determine if MBSR improves migraine outcomes and affective/cognitive processes compared with headache education. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial of MBSR vs headache education included 89 adults who experienced between 4 and 20 migraine days per month. There was blinding of participants (to active vs comparator group assignments) and principal investigators/data analysts (to group assignment). Interventions: Participants underwent MBSR (standardized training in mindfulness/yoga) or headache education (migraine information) delivered in groups that met for 2 hours each week for 8 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change in migraine day frequency (baseline to 12 weeks). Secondary outcomes were changes in disability, quality of life, self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, depression scores, and experimentally induced pain intensity and unpleasantness (baseline to 12, 24, and 36 weeks). Results: Most participants were female (n = 82, 92%), with a mean (SD) age of 43.9 (13.0) years, and had a mean (SD) of 7.3 (2.7) migraine days per month and high disability (Headache Impact Test-6: 63.5 [5.7]), attended class (median attendance, 7 of 8 classes), and followed up through 36 weeks (33 of 45 [73%] of the MBSR group and 32 of 44 [73%] of the headache education group). Participants in both groups had fewer migraine days at 12 weeks (MBSR: -1.6 migraine days per month; 95% CI, -0.7 to -2.5; headache education: -2.0 migraine days per month; 95% CI, -1.1 to -2.9), without group differences (P = .50). Compared with those who participated in headache education, those who participated in MBSR had improvements from baseline at all follow-up time points (reported in terms of point estimates of effect differences between groups) on measures of disability (5.92; 95% CI, 2.8-9.0; P < .001), quality of life (5.1; 95% CI, 1.2-8.9; P = .01), self-efficacy (8.2; 95% CI, 0.3-16.1; P = .04), pain catastrophizing (5.8; 95% CI, 2.9-8.8; P < .001), depression scores (1.6; 95% CI, 0.4-2.7; P = .008), and decreased experimentally induced pain intensity and unpleasantness (MBSR group: 36.3% [95% CI, 12.3% to 60.3%] decrease in intensity and 30.4% [95% CI, 9.9% to 49.4%] decrease in unpleasantness; headache education group: 13.5% [95% CI, -9.9% to 36.8%] increase in intensity and an 11.2% [95% CI, -8.9% to 31.2%] increase in unpleasantness; P = .004 for intensity and .005 for unpleasantness, at 36 weeks). One reported adverse event was deemed unrelated to study protocol. Conclusions and Relevance: Mindfulness-based stress reduction did not improve migraine frequency more than headache education, as both groups had similar decreases; however, MBSR improved disability, quality of life, self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, and depression out to 36 weeks, with decreased experimentally induced pain suggesting a potential shift in pain appraisal. In conclusion, MBSR may help treat total migraine burden, but a larger, more definitive study is needed to further investigate these results. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02695498.

Effect of Group Psychoeducation on Treatment Adherence, Quality of Life and Well-Being of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

Psychoeducation offers a holistic approach that focuses on the philosophy of health, cooperation, coping and empowerment, but it is known that experimental studies used in psychoeducation in schizophrenia are insufficient. The study was conducted with 42 schizophrenia patients using a quasi-experimental research design. Patients were evaluated using a pretest, post-test, follow-up test, "Medication Adherence Rating Scale", "Quality of Life Scale for Schizophrenia" and "Flourishing Scale". There was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in terms of pretest and post-test, pretest and follow-up test scores (p < 0.05). The post-test and follow-up test scores of the patients in the experimental group were determined to increase their quality of life and well-being score (p < 0.05). This study is an important contribution to the literature due to its assessment of the relationship between psychoeducation and change in treatment adherence, quality of life and levels of well-being.