Relación del estrés laboral con la satisfacción del personal administrativo del Hospital General Riobamba / Relationship between job stress and job satisfaction of the administrative staff of the General Hospital Riobamba

RESUMEN Introducción: el estrés laboral es considerado la enfermedad del siglo XXI. Incide en la satisfacción laboral, que es importante en el desempeño del trabajador. La COVID-19 afecta el ámbito laboral de los trabajadores de la salud -incluido el personal administrativo-, por lo que resulta meritorio estudiar esta población. Objetivo: determinar la relación entre el estrés y la satisfacción laboral del personal administrativo del Hospital General Riobamba, de Ecuador, durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, correlacional y descriptivo en el personal administrativo que trabajó durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios: el "Cuestionario sobre estrés laboral de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo y la Organización Mundial de la Salud", y el "Cuestionario de satisfacción laboral S20/23". Resultados: el 76 % de la población estudiada presentó un bajo nivel de estrés, pero se encontró una relación representativa entre los diferentes estresores y la variable nominal del área de trabajo. No hubo relación en el análisis de configuración entre el estrés y la satisfacción laboral; lo que se encontró fueron inferencias entre los diferentes factores de ambos cuestionarios. No existió una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el estrés y la satisfacción laboral. Conclusiones: se evidenció que estresores como el clima organizacional, el territorio organizacional y la influencia del líder, aumentaron la probabilidad de afectar la satisfacción particular y los beneficios recibidos en el personal administrativo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: jobal stress is considered the disease of the 21st century. It strikes on the job satisfaction that is important in the performance of the worker. COVID-19 affects the working environment of the health care workers-including the administrative staff-therefore it is worthy to study this population. Objective: to determine the relationship between stress and jobnal satisfaction of the administrative staff of the General Hospital Riobamba, of Ecuador, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, correlational and descriptive study of the administrative staff that worked during the COVID-19 pandemic was carried out. Two questionnaires were applied: ILO-WHO Job stress questionnaire and the Job satisfaction questionnaire S20/23. Results: 76 % of the studied population presented a low stress level, but a representative relationship was found between the different stressors and the nominal variable of the work area. There was no relationship in the configuration analysis between stress and job satisfaction; what was found were inferences between the different factors of both questionnaires. There was no statistically significant relationship between stress and job satisfaction. Conclusion: it was found that stressors such as organizational climate, organizational territory and leader's influence increased the probability of affecting individual satisfaction and benefits received in the administrative staff.

Gender imbalance in executive management positions at the Mexican National Institutes of Health.

BACKGROUND: Around the world, there is a significant difference in the proportion of women with access to leadership in healthcare with respect to men. This article studies gender imbalance and wage gap in managerial, executive, and directive job positions at the Mexican National Institutes of Health. METHODS: Cohort data were described using a visual circular representation and modeled using a generalized linear model. Analysis of variance was used to assess model significance, and posterior Fisher's least significant differences were analyzed when appropriate. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that there is a gender imbalance distribution among the hierarchical position at the Mexican National Health Institutes and also exposed that the wage gap exists mainly in the (highest or lowest) ranks in hierarchical order. CONCLUSIONS: Since the majority of the healthcare workforce is female, Mexican women are still underrepresented in executive and directive management positions at national healthcare organizations.

[Manager profile and practices of county health management in the Unified Health System (SUS) according to population size in the municipalities of the Rio Grande do Sul state]. / Perfil do gestor e práticas de gestão municipal no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) de acordo com porte populacional nos municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

This study intended to gather who are the county health managers and the practices performed in management. It is based on a cross-sectional design. The methodology involved the use of electronic questionnaire, which was sent to the health departments of the 497 municipalities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Of these, 297 were answered (59.75%). However, only those with more than 50% of valid answers (n = 264) were included in the statistical analysis. The analysis included the calculation of the distribution of variables and chi-square testes, taking population size as an independent variable. Most managers were women; graduated; from different professional backgrounds; average age of 43.76 years-old, and white. The average health expenditure in the municipalities was ≈ 20% of revenues. There was a consensus on the insufficiency of resources. With regards to population size, 79.92% presented with ≤ 20,000 inhabitants. Statistically significant differences were found in the management of municipalities of different sizes, both in terms of priorities and difficulties. The study allowed to partially understanding the reality of municipal management. These results indicate the need to further investigate the feminization of health management, working process assessment, and the impacts of economical austerity policy.

O estudo buscou conhecer quem são os gestores municipais de saúde e práticas realizadas no âmbito de gestão. Possuiu delineamento transversal. A metodologia contou com o envio de um questionário eletrônico às secretarias de saúde dos 497 municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Destes, 297 retornaram (59,75%). Contudo, foram considerados na análise estatística apenas os questionários com mais de 50% de respostas válidas (n = 264). A análise contou com o cálculo da distribuição das variáveis e com testes de qui-quadrado, onde o porte populacional foi considerado variável independente. A maioria foi composta por mulheres, com escolaridade alta e distintas formações, média de idade de 43,76 anos, cor branca. A média de gastos com saúde foi de ≈20% das receitas. Houve consenso quanto na insuficiência dos recursos. Quanto ao porte populacional, 79,92% possuíam ≤ 20.000 habitantes. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na gestão de municípios de distintos portes, tanto nas prioridades, quanto nas dificuldades. O estudo permitiu conhecer parcialmente a realidade da gestão municipal. Além disso, os resultados sugeriram a necessidade de novas pesquisas sobre a feminilização da gestão, avaliação de processos de trabalho e impactos da política de austeridade.

Knowledge of managers on the National Mental Health Policy.

OBJECTIVE: Identify the knowledge of mental health service managers about the national mental health policy. METHOD: This is a qualitative study conducted with 20 coordinators, who were submitted to a structured interview. Data were categorized in a thematic analysis using ALCESTE software. RESULTS: The results produced the following categories: Back to society: protagonism and autonomy of patients; Interprofessional team: assignments and activities; Structuring of a psychosocial care network; Challenges affecting the service; Distance between policy and practice. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Public managers demonstrated they are aware of the key concepts for effective structuring of a psychosocial care network based on patient protagonism and autonomy, the assignments and activities performed by interprofessional teams, and the challenges found while structuring a psychosocial care network.

Perfil do gestor e práticas de gestão municipal no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) de acordo com porte populacional nos municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Manager profile and practices of county health management in the Unified Health System (SUS) according to population size in the municipalities of the Rio Grande do Sul state

Resumo O estudo buscou conhecer quem são os gestores municipais de saúde e práticas realizadas no âmbito de gestão. Possuiu delineamento transversal. A metodologia contou com o envio de um questionário eletrônico às secretarias de saúde dos 497 municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Destes, 297 retornaram (59,75%). Contudo, foram considerados na análise estatística apenas os questionários com mais de 50% de respostas válidas (n = 264). A análise contou com o cálculo da distribuição das variáveis e com testes de qui-quadrado, onde o porte populacional foi considerado variável independente. A maioria foi composta por mulheres, com escolaridade alta e distintas formações, média de idade de 43,76 anos, cor branca. A média de gastos com saúde foi de ≈20% das receitas. Houve consenso quanto na insuficiência dos recursos. Quanto ao porte populacional, 79,92% possuíam ≤ 20.000 habitantes. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na gestão de municípios de distintos portes, tanto nas prioridades, quanto nas dificuldades. O estudo permitiu conhecer parcialmente a realidade da gestão municipal. Além disso, os resultados sugeriram a necessidade de novas pesquisas sobre a feminilização da gestão, avaliação de processos de trabalho e impactos da política de austeridade.

Abstract This study intended to gather who are the county health managers and the practices performed in management. It is based on a cross-sectional design. The methodology involved the use of electronic questionnaire, which was sent to the health departments of the 497 municipalities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Of these, 297 were answered (59.75%). However, only those with more than 50% of valid answers (n = 264) were included in the statistical analysis. The analysis included the calculation of the distribution of variables and chi-square testes, taking population size as an independent variable. Most managers were women; graduated; from different professional backgrounds; average age of 43.76 years-old, and white. The average health expenditure in the municipalities was ≈ 20% of revenues. There was a consensus on the insufficiency of resources. With regards to population size, 79.92% presented with ≤ 20,000 inhabitants. Statistically significant differences were found in the management of municipalities of different sizes, both in terms of priorities and difficulties. The study allowed to partially understanding the reality of municipal management. These results indicate the need to further investigate the feminization of health management, working process assessment, and the impacts of economical austerity policy.

Knowledge of managers on the National Mental Health Policy / Conocimiento de los gestores respecto de la Política Nacional de Salud Mental / Conhecimento de gestores sobre a Política Nacional de Saúde Mental

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the knowledge of mental health service managers about the national mental health policy. Method: This is a qualitative study conducted with 20 coordinators, who were submitted to a structured interview. Data were categorized in a thematic analysis using ALCESTE software. Results: The results produced the following categories: Back to society: protagonism and autonomy of patients; Interprofessional team: assignments and activities; Structuring of a psychosocial care network; Challenges affecting the service; Distance between policy and practice. Final Considerations: Public managers demonstrated they are aware of the key concepts for effective structuring of a psychosocial care network based on patient protagonism and autonomy, the assignments and activities performed by interprofessional teams, and the challenges found while structuring a psychosocial care network.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar el conocimiento de los gestores de servicios de salud mental acerca de la política nacional de salud mental. Método: Investigación cualitativa, realizada con 20 coordinadores, sometidos a entrevista estructurada. Datos categorizados de acuerdo a análisis temático, con ayuda del software ALCESTE. Resultados: Los resultados determinaron las siguientes categorías: De vuelta a la sociedad: protagonismo y autonomía de los pacientes; Equipo multiprofesional: atribuciones y actividades; Estructuración de la Red de Atención Psicosocial: Trabas que afectan el servicio; Distancia entre la política y la práctica. Consideraciones Finales: Los gestores demostraron conocimientos sobre los conceptos clave para la efectiva construcción de la red de atención psicosocial a partir del protagonismo y la autonomía de los pacientes, de las atribuciones y actividades desempeñadas por el equipo multiprofesional, y de las dificultades para estructurar la red de atención psicosocial.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar o conhecimento dos gestores de serviços de saúde mental sobre a política nacional de saúde mental. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada com 20 coordenadores, submetidos à entrevista estruturada. Os dados foram categorizados sob a análise temática, auxiliada pelo software ALCESTE. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram as seguintes categorias: De volta à sociedade: protagonismo e autonomia dos usuários; Equipe multiprofissional: atribuições e atividades; Estruturação da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial; Entraves que afetam o serviço; Distanciamento entre a política e a prática. Considerações Finais: Os gestores demonstraram conhecimento sobre os conceitos-chave para a efetiva construção da rede de atenção psicossocial a partir do protagonismo e autonomia dos usuários, das atribuições e atividades desempenhadas pela equipe multiprofissional, e das dificuldades em estruturar a rede de atenção psicossocial.

Perceptions of Community Involvement in the Peruvian Mental Health Reform Process Among Clinicians and Policy-Makers: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The global burden of mental health conditions has led to the implementation of new models of care for persons with mental illness. Recent mental health reforms in Peru include the implementation of a community mental health model (CMHM) that, among its core objectives, aims to provide care in the community through specialized facilities, the community mental health centers (CMHCs). Community involvement is a key component of this model. This study aims to describe perceptions of community engagement activities in the current model of care in three CMHCs and identify barriers and potential solutions to implementation. METHODS: A qualitative research study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with clinicians from three CMHCs and with policy-makers involved in the implementation of the mental health reforms was conducted in two regions of Peru. The interviews, conducted in Spanish, were digitally recorded with consent, transcribed and analyzed using principles of grounded theory applying a framework approach. Community engagement activities are described at different stages of patient care. RESULTS: Twenty-five full-time employees (17 women, 8 men) were interviewed, of which 21 were clinicians (diverse health professions) from CMHCs, and 4 were policy-makers. Interviews elucidated community engagement activities currently being utilized including: (1) employing community mental health workers (CMHWs); (2) home visits; (3) psychosocial clubs; (4) mental health workshops and campaigns; and (5) peer support groups. Inadequate infrastructure and financial resources, lack of knowledge about the CMHM, poorly defined catchment areas, stigma, and inadequate productivity approach were identified as barriers to program implementation. Solutions suggested by participants included increasing knowledge and awareness about mental health and the new model, implementation of peer-training, and improving productivity evaluation and research initiatives. CONCLUSION: Community engagement activities are being conducted in Peru as part of a new model of care. However, their structure, frequency, and content are perceived by clinicians and policy-makers as highly variable due to a lack of consistent training and resources across CMHCs. Barriers to implementation should be quickly addressed and potential solutions executed, so that scale-up best optimizes the utilization of resources in the implementation process.

Safety attributes in primary care: understanding the needs of patients, health professionals, and managers.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were (1) to identify attributes for patient safety at a primary healthcare level and (2) to analyze conceptions of patients, professionals, and managers about how these attributes are being addressed. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study. METHODS: Participants were recruited from three primary care settings in Brazil. A total of 37 subjects (four physicians, three nurses, three dentists, three managers, five community assistants, and 19 patients) participated on interviews about their perceptions of safety attributes at the primary care settings involved in the study. Some of these participants attended a focus group meeting. A thematic categorical analysis was carried out to interpret the interviews. RESULTS: The main attributes for patient safety were valued by the participants. However, barriers such as discontinuity of care, interruptions during consultations, breakdowns in the communication, and ineffective teamwork were reported as frequent sources of patient safety issues. Reports of patients left unattended for excessive time because of the lack of accurate information and disruptions that took up to 35 min show that there is still a long way to go for primary care to be safe and effective in the study settings. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary that the strategies meet the patient safety needs more effectively and efficiently. Further research is needed to understand the complex nature of the problems that affect patient safety in these settings so that appropriate decisions can be made.

Burnout Syndrome in Middle and Senior Management in the Industrial Manufacturing Sector of Mexico.

Due to globalization and the accelerated growth of technology, ever more employees of companies are affected by burnout syndrome, the psychological nature of which requires a prolonged response to chronic interpersonal stressors in work environments. The present research aims to validate the operability of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) using a sample of 378 professionals belonging to middle and senior management working in companies within the IMMEX sector (comprising the industrial-manufacturing, maquiladora and export services) located in the state of Baja California, Mexico. Firstly, an exploratory factor analysis using the principal components method and Varimax rotation was performed and the results revealed the existence of three factors representing more than 67 percent of the total variance. Secondly, a confirmatory factorial analysis was carried out performing appropriate results for the indices Chi-square goodness-of-fit model, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Relative Fit Index (RFI), Parsimony Ratio (PRATIO) and Parsimony Normed Fit Index (PNFI), which are highly recommended by literature in these types of studies. Additionally, construct validity was satisfactorily verified. The factorial solution coincided with the Maslach Burnout Inventory original proposal so that this instrument can be considered a valid and reliable option to analyze the burnout levels in people pertaining to middle and senior management in these types of industries.

[Access to information for evidence-based decision-making from the perspective of Municipal Health Secretaries in the State of Paraná, Brazil, 2014]. / Acesso à informação para tomada de decisão com base em evidências segundo a percepção de Secretários Municipais de Saúde do Estado do Paraná, no ano de 2014.

The study aimed to identify information sources for decision-making and barriers to access in the use of scientific journals by Municipal Health Secretaries in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Study participants included Secretaries of Health from 181 municipalities in the year 2014. Interviews focused on the frequency of consultation of resources for obtaining evidence, including from scientific journals. 40.9% of the participants were 18 to 39 years of age (mean age was 43±10.2 years; median 42 years). More than two-thirds (69.1%) had held the office of health secretary for less than five years. The majority were males (56.4%), and only one in three had a graduate degree in public health. The main sources of information were "non-scientific periodicals" (76.2%), "print/online journals" (71.4%), and "Ministry of Health guidelines" (71.3%). The main barriers to use of scientific journals were "lack of time for reading" (72.9%), "periodical's high cost" (69.1%), and "difficulty in identifying the best periodicals" (63.5%). The main information sources were non-scientific periodicals and Ministry of Health guidelines. The use of scientific journals is hindered by lack of time and limited familiarity with scientific language. Access to scientific information should be facilitated by the use of more accessible sources and training for municipal administrators in the use of open-access periodicals. Such measures can foster knowledge of current evidence among municipal health secretaries.

O objetivo foi identificar fontes de acesso a informações para a tomada de decisão e barreiras para o uso de periódicos científicos entre Secretários Municipais de saúde do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Participaram do trabalho Secretários Municipais de Saúde de 181 municípios do Estado do Paraná, no ano de 2014. Foram realizadas entrevistas sobre a frequência e o uso de recursos, para obter informação sobre as evidências científicas relacionadas ao uso de periódicos científicos. Em geral, 40,9% dos participantes tinham entre 18 e 39 anos (média 43 ± 10,2; mediana 42 anos), ocupavam o cargo por um período menor de cinco anos (69,1%), eram do sexo masculino (56,4%) e apenas um a cada três possuía pós-graduação em saúde pública. As principais fontes de informação utilizadas foram "revistas não científicas" (76,2%), "jornais impressos/online" (71,4%)" e "diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde" (71,3%). As principais barreiras reportadas para o uso de periódicos científicos foram a "falta de tempo para leitura" (72,9%), o "custo elevado de periódico" (69,1%) e a "dificuldade de identificar os melhores periódicos" (63,5%). As principais fontes de acesso à informação utilizadas são veículos não científicos e as diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde. O emprego de periódicos científicos é dificultado pela falta de tempo e baixa familiaridade com a linguagem científica. O acesso a informações científicas deve ser facilitado com o emprego de fontes mais acessíveis, assim como o treinamento dos gestores para o uso de periódicos de livre acesso. Tais ações podem auxiliar no conhecimento de evidências atualizadas entre os secretários municipais de saúde.

El objetivo fue identificar fuentes de acceso a la información para la toma de decisiones y las barreras existentes, para el uso de periódicos científicos entre Secretarios Municipales de Salud del estado de Paraná, Brasil. Participaron en el trabajo Secretarios Municipales de Salud de 181 municipios del estado de Paraná, durante el año 2014. Se realizaron entrevistas sobre la frecuencia y el uso de recursos, con el fin de obtener información sobre las evidencias científicas relacionadas con el uso de periódicos científicos. En general, un 40,9% de los participantes tenían entre 18 y 39 años (media 43 ± 10,2; mediana de 42 años), ocupaban el cargo por un período menor de cinco años (69,1%), eran de sexo masculino (56,4%), y solamente uno de cada tres contaba con posgrado en salud pública. Las principales fuentes de información utilizadas fueron "revistas no científicas" (76,2%), "periódicos impresos/online" (71,4%) y "directrices del Ministerio de Salud" (71,3%). Las principales barreras informadas para el uso de periódicos científicos fueron la "falta de tiempo para lectura" (72,9%), el "coste elevado del periódico" (69,1%) y la "dificultad de identificar los mejores periódicos" (63,5%). Las principales fuentes de acceso a la información utilizadas son vehículos no científicos y las directrices del Ministerio de Salud. El empleo de periódicos científicos está dificultado por falta de tiempo y baja familiaridad con el lenguaje científico. El acceso a información científica debe ser facilitado con el empleo de fuentes más accesibles, así como el entrenamiento de gestores para el uso de periódicos de libre acceso. Tales acciones pueden ayudar en el conocimiento de evidencias actualizadas entre los secretarios municipales de salud.

Acesso à informação para tomada de decisão com base em evidências segundo a percepção de Secretários Municipais de Saúde do Estado do Paraná, no ano de 2014 / Access to information for evidence-based decision-making from the perspective of Municipal Health Secretaries in the State of Paraná, Brazil, 2014 / Acceso a la información para la toma de decisiones en base a evidencias, según la percepción de Secretarios Municipales de Salud del estado de Paraná, Brasil, 2014

O objetivo foi identificar fontes de acesso a informações para a tomada de decisão e barreiras para o uso de periódicos científicos entre Secretários Municipais de saúde do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Participaram do trabalho Secretários Municipais de Saúde de 181 municípios do Estado do Paraná, no ano de 2014. Foram realizadas entrevistas sobre a frequência e o uso de recursos, para obter informação sobre as evidências científicas relacionadas ao uso de periódicos científicos. Em geral, 40,9% dos participantes tinham entre 18 e 39 anos (média 43 ± 10,2; mediana 42 anos), ocupavam o cargo por um período menor de cinco anos (69,1%), eram do sexo masculino (56,4%) e apenas um a cada três possuía pós-graduação em saúde pública. As principais fontes de informação utilizadas foram "revistas não científicas" (76,2%), "jornais impressos/online" (71,4%)" e "diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde" (71,3%). As principais barreiras reportadas para o uso de periódicos científicos foram a "falta de tempo para leitura" (72,9%), o "custo elevado de periódico" (69,1%) e a "dificuldade de identificar os melhores periódicos" (63,5%). As principais fontes de acesso à informação utilizadas são veículos não científicos e as diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde. O emprego de periódicos científicos é dificultado pela falta de tempo e baixa familiaridade com a linguagem científica. O acesso a informações científicas deve ser facilitado com o emprego de fontes mais acessíveis, assim como o treinamento dos gestores para o uso de periódicos de livre acesso. Tais ações podem auxiliar no conhecimento de evidências atualizadas entre os secretários municipais de saúde.

The study aimed to identify information sources for decision-making and barriers to access in the use of scientific journals by Municipal Health Secretaries in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Study participants included Secretaries of Health from 181 municipalities in the year 2014. Interviews focused on the frequency of consultation of resources for obtaining evidence, including from scientific journals. 40.9% of the participants were 18 to 39 years of age (mean age was 43±10.2 years; median 42 years). More than two-thirds (69.1%) had held the office of health secretary for less than five years. The majority were males (56.4%), and only one in three had a graduate degree in public health. The main sources of information were "non-scientific periodicals" (76.2%), "print/online journals" (71.4%), and "Ministry of Health guidelines" (71.3%). The main barriers to use of scientific journals were "lack of time for reading" (72.9%), "periodical's high cost" (69.1%), and "difficulty in identifying the best periodicals" (63.5%). The main information sources were non-scientific periodicals and Ministry of Health guidelines. The use of scientific journals is hindered by lack of time and limited familiarity with scientific language. Access to scientific information should be facilitated by the use of more accessible sources and training for municipal administrators in the use of open-access periodicals. Such measures can foster knowledge of current evidence among municipal health secretaries.

El objetivo fue identificar fuentes de acceso a la información para la toma de decisiones y las barreras existentes, para el uso de periódicos científicos entre Secretarios Municipales de Salud del estado de Paraná, Brasil. Participaron en el trabajo Secretarios Municipales de Salud de 181 municipios del estado de Paraná, durante el año 2014. Se realizaron entrevistas sobre la frecuencia y el uso de recursos, con el fin de obtener información sobre las evidencias científicas relacionadas con el uso de periódicos científicos. En general, un 40,9% de los participantes tenían entre 18 y 39 años (media 43 ± 10,2; mediana de 42 años), ocupaban el cargo por un período menor de cinco años (69,1%), eran de sexo masculino (56,4%), y solamente uno de cada tres contaba con posgrado en salud pública. Las principales fuentes de información utilizadas fueron "revistas no científicas" (76,2%), "periódicos impresos/online" (71,4%) y "directrices del Ministerio de Salud" (71,3%). Las principales barreras informadas para el uso de periódicos científicos fueron la "falta de tiempo para lectura" (72,9%), el "coste elevado del periódico" (69,1%) y la "dificultad de identificar los mejores periódicos" (63,5%). Las principales fuentes de acceso a la información utilizadas son vehículos no científicos y las directrices del Ministerio de Salud. El empleo de periódicos científicos está dificultado por falta de tiempo y baja familiaridad con el lenguaje científico. El acceso a información científica debe ser facilitado con el empleo de fuentes más accesibles, así como el entrenamiento de gestores para el uso de periódicos de libre acceso. Tales acciones pueden ayudar en el conocimiento de evidencias actualizadas entre los secretarios municipales de salud.

The relationship between occupational stress, burnout, and turnover intention among managerial staff from a Sino-Japanese joint venture in Guangzhou, China.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between occupational stress, burnout and turnover intention and explore their associated factors among managerial staff in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 288 managerial employees from a Sino-Japanese joint venture automobile manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, drinking and physical activity and the Chinese versio ns of the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The response rate was 57.6%. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between burnout and occupational stress and turnover intention and related factors. RESULTS: The respondents had a high level burnout on the personal accomplishment subscale and had a high prevalence of turnover intention. Neuroticism, psychoticism, job satisfaction, occupational stress and social support were strong predictors of emotional exhaustion. Psychoticism, passive coping, occupational stress, objective support, utilization of support, male gender and job satisfaction were strong predictors of depersonalization. Active and passive coping and job satisfaction were strong predictors of personal accomplishment. Job dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion were strong predictors of turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS: High occupational stress and low job satisfaction were associated with high burnout, particularly in the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions. Low job satisfaction and high emotional exhaustion were associated with high turnover intention among employees. Personality traits, social support and coping style were also found to be associated with burnout.

Ministers of Health: short-term tenure for long-term goals?

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Healthcare investments should consider short and long-term demands. The objectives here were to compare the average tenures of ministers of health in Brazil and in another 22 countries and to evaluate the relationship between ministers' tenures and a number of indicators. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study conducted at Centro Paulista de Economia da Saúde (CPES). METHODS: Twenty-two countries with the highest Human Development Indices (HDIs) and Brazil were included. The number of ministers over the past 20 years was investigated through each country's Ministry of Health website. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare the number of ministers in each country with that country's indicators. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare ministers' tenures in Brazil and other countries. RESULTS: The mean tenure (standard deviation, SD) of Brazilian ministers of health was 15 (12) months, a period that is statistically significantly shorter than the mean tenure of 33 (18) months in the other 22 countries (P < 0.05). There was a moderate and statistically significant positive correlation between the number of ministers and mortality rates for several conditions. The number of ministers also presented moderate and statistically significant negative correlations with per capita total healthcare expenditure (r = -0.567) and with per capita government healthcare expenditure (r = -0.530). CONCLUSION: On average, ministers of health have extremely short tenures. There is an urgent need to think and plan healthcare systems from a long-term perspective.

Ministers of Health: short-term tenure for long-term goals? / Ministros da Saúde: pouco tempo no cargo para objetivos de longo prazo?

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Healthcare investments should consider short and long-term demands. The objectives here were to compare the average tenures of ministers of health in Brazil and in another 22 countries and to evaluate the relationship between ministers' tenures and a number of indicators. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study conducted at Centro Paulista de Economia da Saúde (CPES). METHODS: Twenty-two countries with the highest Human Development Indices (HDIs) and Brazil were included. The number of ministers over the past 20 years was investigated through each country's Ministry of Health website. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare the number of ministers in each country with that country's indicators. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare ministers' tenures in Brazil and other countries. RESULTS: The mean tenure (standard deviation, SD) of Brazilian ministers of health was 15 (12) months, a period that is statistically significantly shorter than the mean tenure of 33 (18) months in the other 22 countries (P < 0.05). There was a moderate and statistically significant positive correlation between the number of ministers and mortality rates for several conditions. The number of ministers also presented moderate and statistically significant negative correlations with per capita total healthcare expenditure (r = -0.567) and with per capita government healthcare expenditure (r = -0.530). CONCLUSION: On average, ministers of health have extremely short tenures. There is an urgent need to think and plan healthcare systems from a long-term perspective.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Investimentos em saúde deveriam considerar as demandas de curto e longo prazo. Os objetivos foram comparar o tempo médio no cargo dos ministros da saúde no Brasil e em outros 22 países e avaliar a relação entre o tempo médio dos ministros no cargo e alguns indicadores. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo descritivo realizado no Centro Paulista de Economia da Saúde (CPES). MÉTODOS: Vinte e dois países com os Índices de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDHs) mais altos e o Brasil foram incluídos. O número de ministros da saúde nos últimos 20 anos foi pesquisado na página eletrônica do Ministério da Saúde de cada país. Coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (CCP) foi utilizado para comparar o número de ministros em cada país com os indicadores daquele país. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi usado para comparar o tempo de permanência do ministro da saúde no Brasil com os outros países. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio (desvio padrão, DP) no cargo dos ministros brasileiros foi de 15 (12) meses, um período estatisticamente significante menor do que a média observada nos outros 22 países, 33 (18) meses (P < 0,05). Foi observada uma moderada e também estatisticamente significante correlação positiva entre o número de ministros e taxas de mortalidade para várias condições. Houve uma moderada e significante correlação negativa entre o número de ministros e o investimento em saúde per capita total (r = -0.567) e o investimento em saúde público per capita (r = -0.530). CONCLUSÃO: O ministro da saúde permanece, na média, pouco tempo no cargo. Há uma premente necessidade de se pensar e planejar o sistema de saúde para o longo prazo.

Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in a Brazilian southeastern state.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze dental caries experience of adults living in the southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil, according to some socio-demographic conditions of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,159 school teachers and workers (35 to 44 years old) from 29 cities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 92.3% were dentate and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) was 21.0 and the mean number of decayed teeth was 1.1, with no significant difference among adults from regions with and without fluoridation. Male subjects presented the highest mean values of 'D' (decayed teeth) and 'M' (missing teeth) components. The percentage of caries-free subjects was higher among white subjects, as well as the mean number of teeth present in the mouth. The mean values of the 'F' component (filled teeth) [9.81] and present teeth [19.3] were higher for adults from fluoridated water regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the worse condition observed was the early tooth loss in all groups. In addition, people with worse socio-demographic conditions had worse oral health conditions. It is expected that oral health programs targeted to this population could be established with the goal of improving the oral health conditions of this population and hence the maintenance of the teeth for a longer period in function.

Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in a Brazilian southeastern state

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze dental caries experience of adults living in the southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil, according to some socio-demographic conditions of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,159 school teachers and workers (35 to 44 years old) from 29 cities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 92.3 percent were dentate and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) was 21.0 and the mean number of decayed teeth was 1.1, with no significant difference among adults from regions with and without fluoridation. Male subjects presented the highest mean values of "D" (decayed teeth) and "M" (missing teeth) components. The percentage of caries-free subjects was higher among white subjects, as well as the mean number of teeth present in the mouth. The mean values of the "F" component (filled teeth) [9.81] and present teeth [19.3] were higher for adults from fluoridated water regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the worse condition observed was the early tooth loss in all groups. In addition, people with worse socio-demographic conditions had worse oral health conditions. It is expected that oral health programs targeted to this population could be established with the goal of improving the oral health conditions of this population and hence the maintenance of the teeth for a longer period in function.

[Non-pharmacological treatment among patients with hypertension from a school health center]. / Adesão ao tratamento não-farmacológico entre hipertensos de um centro de saúde escola.

Our objective was to describe the adhesion to the non pharmacological anti hypertensive treatment among users of a school health center (SHC) in the city of Umuarama, Parana state, Brazil. This was an observational, transversal, and descriptive study for all the hypertensive people with a confirmed diagnosis of primary arterial hypertension, registered and accompanied in the SHC in Umuarama, until year 2003. Data were obtained through a structured interview with closed questions related to dietary inputs, smoking and alcoholism, stress, and practice of physical activities. The percentage of adhesion to the nonpharmacological treatment was identified, as well as the characterization of the hypertensive patients. It was concluded that the adhesion to the non-pharmacological treatment did not occur among most of the interviewed patients, especially concerning to diet and physical activities.

[Prevalence and factors associated with dental pain that prevents the performance of routine tasks by civil servants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à ocorrência da dor de dente que impediu a realização de tarefas habituais em uma população de funcionários públicos no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of dental pain preventing the performance of routine tasks and to assess its association with socioeconomic factors, minor psychiatric disorders, number of missing teeth, and dental consultation patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-completed questionnaire answered by 4,030 administrative employees at a university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (the Pró-Saúde Study). Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Prevalence of toothache preventing the performance of routine tasks in the two weeks prior to the interview was 2.9% (95%CI: 2.5-3.6). Men (OR = 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1-2.4), individuals with minor psychiatric disorders (OR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2-2.6), individuals with extensive tooth loss (OR = 3.4; 95%CI: 1.5-7.8), and those failing to appear for regular dental checkups (OR = 2.5; 95%CI: 1.8-17.3) showed increased odds of experiencing dental pain. Dental pain was an important problem in this population. Unfavorable living conditions and lack of regular dental checkups increased the odds of dental pain.

Prevalence of cigarette smoking among employees of the Mexican National Institutes of Health.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking at the National Institutes of Health in Mexico (NIHM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was performed among workers who voluntarily answered a questionnaire. Smokers were identified with two specific questions, and type of employment was classified as physicians, administrative staff, investigators and support personnel. RESULTS: Total prevalence smoking was 28% (of 4,422 answered questionnaires). It was significantly higher among females, among administrative staff, and common-law and separated workers. It was significantly higher at the Mexican Institute of Psychiatry than at the remaining Institutes, even after adjusting for confounding. The prevalence was also higher among physicians from the same Institute. Of the smokers, 46% do so in their work areas and 78% of them would like to quit. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smokers at the NIHM is as high as in the general population and a broad educational program for tobacco control and prevention is needed.