Anticipated Stigma and Social Barriers to Communication Between Transgender Women Newly Diagnosed with HIV and Health Care Providers: A Mediation Analysis.

Purpose: We assessed whether anticipated stigma (i.e., fear of public mistreatment due to gender identity) impacts communication between transgender women (TGW) living with HIV and health care providers. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from Trans Amigas, a study conducted in Brazil, 2018. The study population consisted of TGW living with HIV, older than 18 years, residing in the São Paulo metropolitan area. We used multivariable logistic regression (α = 0.05), mediation, and bootstrapping for the analysis. Results: One hundred and thirteen participants completed the study. Fear of public mistreatment had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.42 (p = 0.003) for difficulty reporting new symptoms to providers. Concerning fear of public mistreatment, we found that unemployment had an aOR of 3.62 (p = 0.036); sex work, an aOR of 2.95 (p = 0.041); and issues related to name change in documents, an aOR of 2.71 (p = 0.033). For the indirect effect on difficulty reporting new symptoms, mediated by fear of public mistreatment, unemployment had an aOR of 1.52 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-2.24); sex work, an aOR of 1.48 (CI = 0.81-2.52); and name change issues, an aOR of 1.47 (CI = 0.96-2.43). Conclusions: Anticipated stigma was associated with communication difficulties between TGW living with HIV and providers. Our data suggest that structural factors associated with anticipated stigma could indirectly impact on difficulty reporting new symptoms. These findings indicate the importance of considering social contexts that intersect with individual experiences when analyzing communication barriers between providers and patients, and the need to strengthen social policies for TGW in Brazil. Clinical Trial Registration number: R34MH112177.

Situações difíceis e sentimentos no cuidado paliativo oncológico / Difficult situations and feelings in palliative oncology care / Situaciones difíciles y sentimientos en el cuidado paliativo oncológico

O ato de cuidar cotidianamente de pessoas com dor, falta de ar e em morte iminente pode potencializar situações difíceis para profissionais da área. Contudo, raramente são discutidas nos serviços e no processo de formação profissional. Objetivou-se, então, analisar situações difíceis e sentimentos que emergem do cuidado de saúde. Esta é uma pesquisa de perspectiva fenomenológica e qualitativa, baseada em 30 situações difíceis de profissionais de saúde que atuam exclusivamente no cuidado paliativo oncológico. As entrevistas foram realizadas de agosto de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. Os resultados mostram que as principais dificuldades foram motivadas pela identificação (quando o profissional vê semelhança com o paciente que cuida), morte ruim (com sofrimento), quando o paciente era jovem, morte de mãe com filho pequeno e quando havia divergência entre o proposto pelo profissional e a recusa do paciente. Percebeu-se relação entre tipos de situações difíceis e categoria profissional. Os profissionais expressaram tanto sentimentos desagradáveis (tristeza, impotência, angústia, medo) quanto agradáveis (compaixão, gratidão). Os resultados mostram que o ocultamento do processo de morrer ao longo do desenvolvimento civilizatório transformou-o em tabu, angustiante inclusive para quem trabalha com cuidados paliativos. Contribuem, também, para mostrar uma importante dimensão subjetiva do cuidado, geralmente negligenciada, que gera sofrimento, mas também ressignificação. Para que alguém cumpra seu propósito, é necessário encontrar sentido no trabalho, possibilitado pela modificação do estado interno do profissional pela experiência, que gera transformação e novo significado e saber a partir da práxis.

The act of caring for people in pain, shortness of breath, and imminent death on a daily basis can intensify difficult situations for health professionals. However, difficult situations are rarely discussed in the services and in the professional training process. This study aimed to analyze difficult situations and feelings that emerge from healthcare. This is a phenomenological and qualitative study based on 30 difficult situations of health professionals who work exclusively in palliative oncological care. The interviews were conducted from August to February 2020. The results show that the main difficulties were motivated by identification (when the professional recognizes similarities in the patient they are caring for), a bad death (with suffering), caring for young patients, the death of a mother with a small child, and when there was a divergence between what the professional proposed and the patient's choice. There was a relationship between types of difficult situations and professional category. The professionals expressed both unpleasant feelings (sadness, impotence, anguish, fear) and pleasant feelings (compassion, gratitude). The results show that the concealment of the dying process throughout the societies' development turned it into a taboo, causing distress even in those who work in palliative care. They also show an important subjective dimension of care, usually neglected, which generates suffering, but also resignification. To properly provide care, health professionals must find meaning in the work, made possible by the modification of the their internal mindset via experience, which generates transformation, new meaning, and knowledge from praxis.

El acto de atender diariamente a personas con dolor, dificultad para respirar y muerte inminente puede potenciar situaciones difíciles para los profesionales del área. Sin embargo, casi nunca se discuten en los servicios y en el proceso de formación profesional. El objetivo fue analizar situaciones difíciles y sentimientos que emergen del cuidado de la salud. Investigación de perspectiva fenomenológica y cualitativa, basada en 30 situaciones difíciles de profesionales de la salud que actúan exclusivamente en el cuidado paliativo oncológico. Las entrevistas se realizaron entre agosto y febrero de 2020. Los resultados enseñan que las principales dificultades se motivaron por la identificación (cuando el profesional ve similitud con el paciente que atiende), mala muerte (con sufrimiento), cuando el paciente era joven, muerte de una madre con hijo pequeño y cuando hubo discrepancia entre lo propuesto por el profesional y el rechazo del paciente. Se observó una relación entre tipos de situaciones difíciles y categoría profesional. Los profesionales expresaron tanto sentimientos desagradables (tristeza, impotencia, angustia, miedo) como agradables (compasión, gratitud). Los resultados indican que ocultar el proceso de morir a lo largo del desarrollo de la civilización lo convirtió en un tabú e, incluso, es angustiante para las personas que trabajan con cuidados paliativos. También contribuye a mostrar una importante dimensión subjetiva del cuidado, generalmente ignorada, que genera sufrimiento, pero también resignificación. Para que cumpla con su propósito es necesario encontrar sentido en el trabajo, posibilitado por la modificación del estado interno del profesional a través de la experiencia, generando transformación y un nuevo significado y conocimiento a partir de la praxis.

Conocimiento y manejo de cuidados respiratorios especializados en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares en unidades de cuidado intensivo: aproximación por encuesta a profesionales de la salud / Knowledge and management in specialized respiratory care of patients with neuromuscular diseases in intensive care units: survey to health professionals

Introducción: En las enfermedades neuromusculares la disminución de la capacidad vital se relaciona con disminución de la capacidad tusígena y luego ventilatoria, la combinación de ambas genera complicaciones graves por falla ventilatoria. En los pacientes que son intubados, limita la extubación, sino se realizan cuidados respiratorios especializados. El conocimiento y aplicación de los profesionales que atienden a estos pacientes en cuidados intensivos resulta esencial. Objetivos: Reportar el conocimiento y aplicación especializada de cuidados respiratorios en enfermedades neuromusculares en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, no probabilístico, a criterio. La población accesible fueron profesionales de la Salud de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, y el análisis de las respuestas de una encuesta estructurada, enviada a distintos profesionales a nivel mundial. Resultados: Se incluyeron los cuestionarios de 41 profesionales, el 34% de los profesionales reportaron la utilización regular de Asistente Mecánico de la Tos; 22% refirieron la utilización regular de apilamiento de aire; 31% reportaron la utilización regular de Asistencia Ventilatoria No Invasiva, 56.1% de los profesionales afirmaron conocer la diferencia entre Ventilación No Invasiva y Soporte Ventilatorio No Invasivo, 34% de los profesionales refirieron tener formación especializada en el área. Conclusión: Pese a existir una alta proporción de profesionales con conocimiento especializado, un grupo importante no los aplica rutinariamente. La justificación es principalmente por la dificultad de adquisición y financiación de los equipos necesarios.

Introduction: In neuromuscular diseases, the decrease in vital capacity relates to decreased coughing and then ventilatory capacity, the combination of both generating serious complications due to ventilatory failure. In intubated patients, the extubation process is difficult unless specialized respiratory care is provided. The knowledge and treatment application of the professionals who care for these patients in intensive care is of outmost importance. Objectives: Report the knowledge and specialized application of respiratory care in neuromuscular diseases in Intensive Care Units. Materials and methods: Qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study, at criteria. The accessible population were Health professionals from the Intensive Care Units, and the analysis of the responses of a structured survey, sent to different professionals worldwide. Results: The questionnaires of 41 professionals were included, 34% of the professionals reported the regular use of the Mechanical Cough Assistant; 22% reported the regular use of air stacking; 31% reported the regular use of Non-Invasive Ventilatory Assistance. 56.1% of the professionals stated that they knew the difference between Non-Invasive Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support, 34% of the professionals reported having specialized training in the area. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a high proportion of professionals with specialized knowledge, an important group does not routinely apply them. The justification is mainly due to the difficulty of acquiring and financing the necessary equipment.

Conocimiento y manejo de cuidados respiratorios especializados en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares en unidades de cuidado intensivo: aproximación por encuesta a profesionales de la salud

Introducción: En las enfermedades neuromusculares la disminución de la capacidad vital se relaciona con dismunición de la capacidad tusígena y luego ventilatoria, la combinación de ambas genera complicaciones graves por falla ventilatoria. En los pacientes que son intubados, limita la extubación, sino se realizan cuidados respiratorios especializados. El conocimiento y aplicación de los profesionales que atienden a estos pacientes en cuidados intensivos resulta esencial. Objetivos: Reportar el conocimiento y aplicación especializada de cuidados respiratorios en enfermedades neuromusculares en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, no probabilístico, a criterio. La población accesible fueron profesionales de la Salud de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, y el análisis de las respuestas de una encuesta estructurada, enviada a distintos profesionales a nivel mundial. Resultados: Se incluyeron los cuestionarios de 41 profesionales, el 34% de los profesionales reportaron la utilización regular de Asistente Mecánico de la Tos; 22% refirieron la utilización regular de apilamiento de aire; 31% reportaron la utilización regular de Asistencia Ventilatoria No Invasiva, 56.1% de los profesionales afirmaron conocer la diferencia entre Ventilación No Invasiva y Soporte Ventilatorio No Invasivo, 34% de los profesionales refirieron tener formación especializada en el área. Conclusión: Pese a existir una alta proporción de profesionales con conocimiento especializado, un grupo importante no los aplica rutinariamente. La justificación es principalmente por la dificultad de adquisición y financiación de los equipos necesarios.

Introduction: In neuromuscular diseases, the decrease in vital capacity relates to decreased coughing and then ventilatory capacity, the combination of both generating serious complications due to ventilatory failure. In intubated patients, the extubation process is difficult unless specialized respiratory care is provided. The knowledge and treatment application of the professionals who care for these patients in intensive care is of outmost importance. Objectives: Report the knowledge and specialized application of respiratory care in neuromuscular diseases in Intensive Care Units. Materials and methods: Qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study, at criteria. The accessible population were Health professionals from the Intensive Care Units, and the analysis of the responses of a structured survey, sent to different professionals worldwide. Results: The questionnaires of 41 professionals were included, 34% of the professionals reported the regular use of the Mechanical Cough Assistant; 22% reported the regular use of air stacking; 31% reported the regular use of Non-Invasive Ventilatory Assistance. 56.1% of the professionals stated that they knew the difference between Non-Invasive Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support, 34% of the professionals reported having specialized training in the area. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a high proportion of professionals with specialized knowledge, an important group does not routinely apply them. The justification is mainly due to the difficulty of acquiring and financing the necessary equipment.

Prevalência de insônia, comorbidades associadas e uso de benzodiazepínicos por profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde / Prevalence of chronic insomnia, associated comorbidities and use of benzodiazepines by Primary Health care professionals

Introdução: A insônia é capaz de modificar o padrão do sono e afetar a saúde e a funcionalidade das atividades desempenhadas pelo indivíduo. Os profissionais da área da saúde se apresentam como uma população em risco para a insônia, devido às características de seu trabalho. Objetivos: Este estudo analisou a prevalência de insônia e a presença de comorbidades entre esses profissionais. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, transversal, em agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS), enfermeiros (ENF), médicos (MED) etécnicos de enfermagem (TEC) que atuam nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de um município do sul de Santa Catarina (SC), no período de maio até outubro de 2021. Os dados foram coletados por meio da aplicação de um questionário on-line auto administrado, via Google Docs. Os questionários foram aplicados em 168 profissionais de saúde, os quais foram alocados em dois grupos: ACS (93) e TEC (22), totalizando 115 participantes; ENF (24) e MED (29), com 53 participantes. As variáveis analisadas foram: perfil sociodemográfico e estilo de vida dos profissionais; presença de ansiedade, depressão, dor crônica e utilização de benzodiazepínico (BZD); presença de insônia; gravidade da insônia e bem-estar mental atual. Resultados: 53% dos ACS/TEC apresentam insônia (59%insônia leve, 32,8% insônia moderada, 8,2% insônia grave), 54,8% ansiedade, 33% depressão, 31,3% dor crônica e 23,5% utilizam benzodiazepínicos (BZD). Entre os ENF e MED, a prevalência de insônia foi de 34% (61,1% insônia leve e 38,9% insônia moderada), 35,8% ansiedade, 13,2% depressão, 5,7% crônica e 5,7% utilizam BZD. Conclusão: Foi possível constatar maior prevalência de insônia, ansiedade, depressão, dor crônica e utilização de benzodiazepínicos entre os profissionais de saúde quando comparados com a população geral, especialmente entre os ACS e TEC.

Introduction: Insomnia is able to modify the sleep pattern and affect the health and functionality of the activities performed by the individual. Health professionals are a population at risk for insomnia, due to the characteristics of their work. Objectives: This study analyzed the prevalence of insomnia and the presence of comorbidities among these professionals. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out with community health agents (ACS), nurses (ENF), physicians (MED) and nursing technicians (TEC) who work in Basic Health Units (UBS) in a municipality in the south of Brazil. of Santa Catarina (SC), from May to October 2021. Data were collected through the application of a self-administered online questionnaire, via Google Docs. The questionnaires were applied to 168 health professionals, who were divided into two groups: ACS (93) and TEC (22), totaling 115 participants; ENF (24) and MED (29), with 53 participants. The variables analyzed were: sociodemographic profile and lifestyle of professionals; presence of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and use of benzodiazepines (BZD); presence of insomnia; severity of insomnia and current mental well-being. Results: 53% of the ACS/TEC have insomnia (59% mild insomnia, 32.8% moderate insomnia, 8.2% severe insomnia), 54.8% anxiety, 33% depression, 31.3% chronic pain and 23, 5% use benzodiazepines (BZD). Among ENF and MED, the prevalence of insomnia was 34% (61.1% mild insomnia and 38.9% moderate insomnia), 35.8% anxiety, 13.2% depression, 5.7% chronic and 5. 7% use BZD. Conclusion: It was possible to observe a higher prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and use of benzodiazepines among health professionals when compared to the general population, especially among CHA and TEC.

Psychometric Properties of and Measurement Invariance in the Questionnaire of Stereotypes Toward Older Adulthood in Health Care College Students and Health Professionals of Colombia: Psychometric Study.

BACKGROUND: In health professionals, negative stereotypes toward older adulthood have been associated with the difficulty in recognizing pathological processes and the refusal to care for older patients because of assuming that communication with them will be uncomfortable and frustrating. For these reasons, research on stereotypes in these groups has acquired growing importance. The usual strategy to identify and evaluate agist stereotypes is to use scales and questionnaires. Although multiple scales are currently used, in Latin America, the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Negative Stereotypes Toward Older Adulthood (Cuestionario de Estereotipos Negativos sobre la Vejez [CENVE]), developed in Spain, is widely used but without evidence of construct validity in our context. In addition, although in the original version, a factorial structure of 3 factors was found, in later studies, a unifactorial structure was obtained. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study the construct validity of the CENVE in a sample of Colombian health personnel to clarify its factorial structure and concurrent validity. Likewise, the measurement invariance according to gender and age was studied. METHODS: A nonprobabilistic sample of 877 Colombian health professionals and intern health students was obtained. The data were collected online using the LimeSurvey tool. To study the factor structure of the CENVE, 2 confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were carried out, one to test a single factor and the other to test the 3-related-factor structure. The factor measurement reliability was evaluated with the composite reliability index (CRI) and the average variance extracted (AVE). The measurement invariance was studied according to gender (men and women) and age (emerging adults, 18-29 years old, and adults, 30 years old or older). Using a structural equation model, the relationship between age and the latent CENVE total score was studied to obtain evidence of concurrent validity, since studies indicate that the younger the age, the greater the number of stereotypes. RESULTS: The 1-factor structure was confirmed. The reliability results indicated that both indices show adequate values. Likewise, the existence of a strong invariance in measurement by gender and age group was verified. After contrasting the means of the groups, the results showed that men show more negative stereotypes toward old age than women. Likewise, emerging adults also showed more stereotypes than adults. We also verified that age is inversely related to the latent score of the questionnaire, such that the younger the age, the greater the stereotype. These results are in agreement with those obtained by other authors. CONCLUSIONS: The CENVE shows good construct and concurrent validity, as well as good reliability, and it can be used to assess stereotypes toward older adulthood in Colombian health professionals and health sciences college students. This will allow us to better understand the effect of stereotypes on agism.

A Chilean survey of perinatal women and health care professionals' views towards perinatal apps.

Background: Women around the globe are increasingly engaging with pregnancy and parenting apps, almost becoming a routine part of the maternity experience. However, little is known about what perinatal women and health care professionals feel about those apps in Latin American countries, where the digital transformation has been slower but where digital technologies could also bridge gaps in access to quality health care. Methods: This study aimed to assess views towards pregnancy and parenting apps in perinatal women and perinatal health care professionals in Chile through an online survey. In perinatal women, we explored app use, what they value in the apps they use, and what an "ideal app" would be for them. In health professionals, we explored opinions about women using perinatal apps and what they think a perfect app for their clients would be. Results: The survey was completed by 451 perinatal women and 54 perinatal health care professionals. Results show that perinatal women in Chile frequently use perinatal apps, and they and health care professionals show a positive attitude towards them. The most valued attributes are information and monitoring of body changes during pregnancy, information and monitoring of the baby's development (in the uterus and after birth), information and tips on how to stay healthy, and having the possibility to interact with other women. Conclusions: Perinatal apps are accepted by perinatal women and health care professionals in Chile. Some needs for an "ideal app" emerged. Participants mentioned the need to address mental health, including the mental health of their partner, and the need for support during the transition to parenthood.

Healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions regarding health care of indigenous pregnant women in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is an important life experience that requires uniquely tailored approach to health care. The socio-cultural care practices of indigenous pregnant women (IPW) are passed along the maternal line with respect to identity, worldview and nature. The cultural differences between non-indigenous healthcare professionals (HPs) and IPW could present a great challenge in women's health care. This article presents an analysis from a human rights and gender perspective of this potential cultural divide that could affect the health of the IPW in an Andean region of Ecuador with the objective of describing the health challenges of IPWs as rights holders through the experiences and perceptions of HP as guarantors of rights. METHODS: We conducted 15 in-depth interviews with HPs who care for IPW in Chimborazo, Pichincha provinces of Ecuador. We utilized a semi-structured interview guide including questions about the experiences and perceptions of HPs in delivering health care to IPW. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis in Spanish and translated for reporting. RESULTS: We found disagreements and discrepancies in the Ecuadorian health service that led to the ignorance of indigenous cultural values. Common characteristics among the indigenous population such as illiteracy, low income and the age of pregnancy are important challenges for the health system. The gender approach highlights the enormous challenges: machismo, gender stereotypes and communication problems that IPWs face in accessing quality healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the diverse perspectives of IPW, acknowledging their human rights particularly those related to gender, has the potential to lead to more comprehensive and respectful health care delivery in Ecuador. Further, recognizing there is a gender and power differential between the provider and the IPW can lead to improvements in the quality of health care delivery and reproductive, maternal and child health outcomes.

Sleep quality and body composition in a nursing team

Recent studies have shown that nursing professionals have affected sleep quality, yet no relation between sleep quality and body composition has been established. The present study investigated the relation between body composition and sleep quality in nursing professionals. It was a transversal, quantitative, descriptive, and analytical study. Nursing workers from HC-UFU were randomly selected to participate in this study. Interviews were done with validated questionnaire to evaluate sleep quality of the professionals, and a bioimpedance exam was done with a tetrapolar device. Two hundred forty-three professionals of the nursing team participated in the survey, mostly females (n=205; 84.4%), nursing technicians (53.1%). Average abdominal circumference was 91.97±13.83 cm, body fat was 31.668.24% or 24.0711.50 kg. The body mass index (BMI) was 27.094.63. Most participants evaluated sleep quality as bad (n=99; 40.7%) and "Sleep Latency" between 31 and 60 minutes (n=74; 30.5%) in the dominion "Subjective Sleep Quality". Correlations were observed between: percentage of body water X Sleep Duration Dominion (r=-0.135; p<0.05); water resistance in the body X Dominion Sleep Efficacy (r=0.149; p<0.05); percentage of body fat X "Disfunction During the Day" (r=0.233; p<0.01); fat mass (kg) and fat percentages X "Sleep disturbance"(r=0.148; r=0.177; r=0.182; p<0.01) respectively; BMI X "Sleep Disturbance", (r=0.146; p<0.05) as well as percentage of lean mass and body water X "Sleep Disturbance" (r=-0.244; r=0.247; p<0.01). This is the first study comparing sleep quality with body composition data in a nursing team. It became clear that more studies should be done to obtain greater knowledge about the health profile of nursing teams and, therefore, establish better plans and solutions for the group studied.

Misconceptions of physical therapists and medical doctors regarding the impact of lifting a light load on low back pain.

BACKGROUND: A common misconception about low back pain (LBP) is that the spine is weak and that lumbar flexion should be avoided. Because the beliefs of health-care professionals (HCPs) influence patients, it is important to understand the attitudes of health care professionals towards LBP and lifting. OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the perceptions of different categories of HCPs regarding the safety of specific movement strategies used to lift a light load, and their beliefs regarding back pain. The secondary aim was to determine whether certain factors influenced the beliefs of HCPs. METHODS: Data were collected via an electronic survey. Student and qualified physical therapists (PTs), medical students, and general practitioner (GP) trainees were included. The questionnaire included eight photographs, depicting eight different strategies to lift a light load. Respondents were requested to select the strategy(s) they considered as "unsafe" to use for asymptomatic people with a previous history of LBP and people with chronic LBP. Beliefs and attitudes towards LBP were evaluated using the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ). RESULTS: Questionnaires from 1005 participants were included. Seventy percent of qualified PTs considered none of the strategies as harmful (versus 32% of PT students, 9% of GP trainees and 1% of medical students). Qualified PTs had higher Back-PAQ scores (mean ± SD: 13.6 ± 5.5) than PT students (8.7 ± 5.7), GP trainees (5.9 ± 5.9) and medical students (4.1 ± 5.2), indicating less misconceptions regarding LBP. Having LBP negatively influenced beliefs while taking a pain education course positively influenced beliefs. CONCLUSION: Misconceptions regarding LBP and the harmfulness of lifting a light load with a rounded back remain common among HCPs, particularly medical doctors.

Insomnia episodes, new-onset pharmacological treatments, and other sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Brazilian health care professionals.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on insomnia and other sleep disturbances in health care professionals. METHODS: A survey was distributed using social media and organizational emails to Brazilian active health care professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. We explored potential associated factors including age, sex, occupation, workplace, work hours, income, previous infection with COVID-19, recent/current contact with COVID-19 patients, regional number of incident deaths, anxiety, and burnout. We evaluated new-onset/previous insomnia worsening episodes (primary outcome), new pharmacological treatments, sleep quality, duration, nightmares, and snoring (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: A total of 4,384 health professionals from all regions of the country were included in the analysis (44 ± 12 years, 76% females, 53.8% physicians). Overall, 55.7% were assisting patients with COVID-19, and 9.2% had a previous COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome occurred in 32.9% of respondents in parallel to 13% new pharmacological treatments for insomnia. The sleep quality worsened for 61.4%, while 43.5% and 22.8% reported ≥ 1-hour sleep duration reduction and worsening or new-onset nightmares, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.008; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.015), females (OR: 1.590; 95% CI 1.335-1.900), weight change (decrease: OR: 1.772; 95% CI 1.453-2.161; increase: OR: 1.468; 95% CI 1.249-1.728), prevalent anxiety (OR: 3.414; 95% CI 2.954-3.948), new-onset burnout (OR: 1.761; 95% CI 1.489-2.083), family income reduction > 30% (OR: 1.288; 95% CI 1.069-1.553), and assisting patients with COVID-19 (OR: 1.275; 95% CI 1.081-1.506) were independently associated with new-onset or worsening of previous insomnia episodes. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a huge burden of insomnia episodes and other sleep disturbances in health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. CITATION: Drager LF, Pachito DV, Moreno CRC, et al. Insomnia episodes, new-onset pharmacological treatments, and other sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Brazilian health care professionals. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):373-382.

How Valid is the Question of Fear of a Partner in Identifying Intimate Partner Abuse? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Four Studies.

Intimate partner abuse (IPA) affects women's health, requiring accurate questions to identify the abuse. We investigated the accuracy of three questions about fear of an intimate partner in identifying exposure to IPA. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of these questions with the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS) using secondary data analysis of four existing studies. All studies recruited adult women from clinical settings, with sample sizes ranging from 1,257 to 5,871. We examined associations between demographic factors and fear through multivariate logistic regression, and analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the questions about fear and IPA (CAS), generating a receiver operating curve (ROC). The prevalence of lifetime fear of a partner ranged from 9.5% to 26.7%; 14.0% of women reported fear in the past 12 months; and current fear ranged from 1.3% to 3.3%. Comparing the three questions, the question "afraid of a partner in the past 12 months" was considered the best question to identify IPA. This question had the greatest area under the ROC (0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.78-0.81]) compared with "are you currently afraid" (range 0.57-0.61) or "have you ever been afraid" (range 0.66-0.77); and demonstrated better sensitivity (64.8%) and specificity (94.8%). Demographic factors associated with "fear of a partner in the past 12 months" included being divorced/separated (odds ratio [OR] = 8.49, 95% CI = [6.70-10.76]); having a low income (OR = 4.21, 95% CI = [3.46-5.13]); and having less than 12 years of education (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = [2.04-3.02]). The question "In the last 12 months did you ever feel frightened by what your partner says or does?" has potential to identify a majority of women experiencing IPA, supporting its utilization where more comprehensive measures are not possible.

Percepção de risco de adoecimento por COVID-19 e depressão, ansiedade e estresse entre trabalhadores de unidades de saúde / Perceived risk from COVID-19 and depression, anxiety, and stress among workers in healthcare units / Percepción de riesgo de enfermedad por COVID-19 y depresión, ansiedad y estrés entre trabajadores de unidades de salud

O objetivo foi analisar as associações entre a percepção de risco de adoecimento por COVID-19 e os sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse em profissionais atuantes em unidades de saúde. Estudo transversal com trabalhadores de diversas categorias profissionais que buscaram voluntariamente um dos primeiros Centros de Referência em Testagem de COVID-19 no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os trabalhadores foram convidados a responder a um questionário online entre maio e agosto de 2020. Foram utilizadas a escala Percepção de Risco de Adoecimento por COVID-19 e a Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21). Foram estimados razão de chance (OR) e intervalo de 95% de confiança. Do total (N = 2.996), 81,5% eram mulheres com idade média de 40,7 anos. Cerca da metade apresentava grau leve, moderado ou severo de depressão, ansiedade ou estresse, sendo a frequência de trabalhadores com sintomas severos, respectivamente, 18,5%, 29,6% e 21,5%. Observou-se que as associações entre a percepção de risco e os sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foram mais fortes à medida que aumentava a classificação de gravidade de cada sintoma. Os trabalhadores com alta percepção de risco de adoecimento por COVID-19 apresentaram OR mais elevadas para sintomas severos de depressão (OR = 4,67), ansiedade (OR = 4,35) e estresse (OR = 4,97). Os achados apontam a demanda por medidas de proteção à saúde dos trabalhadores, que não devem se restringir aos equipamentos de proteção individual. É essencial que os gestores promovam espaços coletivos de discussão e ações que favoreçam a recuperação dos trabalhadores em contexto pandêmico de longa duração.

The objective was to analyze associations between perceived risk from COVID-19 and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among workers in healthcare units. This was a cross-sectional study of workers from different professions who appeared voluntarily at one of the first COVID-19 Testing Centers in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The workers were invited to answer an online questionnaire from May to August 2020. The COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Of the total sample (N = 2,996), 81.5% were women, and mean age was 40.7 years. About half presented mild, moderate, or severe depression, anxiety, or stress, and the rates for workers with severe symptoms were 18.5%, 29.6%, and 21.5%, respectively. The associations between perceived risk and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress increased with the increase in each symptom's severity. Workers with higher perceived risk from COVID-19 showed higher OR for severe symptoms of depression (OR = 4.67), anxiety (OR = 4.35), and stress (OR = 4.97). The findings point to the demand for measures to protect workers' health and that should not be limited to personal protective equipment. It is essential for health system administrators to promote collective spaces for discussion and actions to favor workers' recovery in the context of a prolonged pandemic.

El objetivo fue analizar las asociaciones entre la percepción de riesgo de enfermedad por COVID-19 y los síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés en profesionales activos en unidades de salud. Estudio transversal con trabajadores de diversas categorías profesionales que buscaron voluntariamente uno de los primeros Centros de Referencia en Tests de COVID-19 en el municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Los trabajadores fueron invitados a responder a un cuestionario online entre mayo y agosto de 2020. Se utilizaron la escala Percepción de Riesgo de Enfermedad por COVID-19 y la Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21). Se estimaron razón de oportunidad (OR) e intervalo de 95% de confianza. Del total (N = 2.996), un 81,5% eran mujeres con una edad media de 40,7 años. Cerca de la mitad presentaba grado leve, moderado o severo de depresión, ansiedad o estrés, siendo la frecuencia de trabajadores con síntomas severos, respectivamente, 18,5%, 29,6% y 21,5%. Se observó que las asociaciones entre la percepción de riesgo y los síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés fueron más fuertes a medida que aumentaba la clasificación de la gravedad de cada síntoma. Los trabajadores con alta percepción de riesgo de enfermedad por COVID-19 presentaron OR más elevadas para síntomas severos de depresión (OR = 4,67), ansiedad (OR = 4,35) y estrés (OR = 4,97). Los resultados apuntan la demanda de medidas de protección a la salud de los trabajadores, que no se deben restringir a equipamientos de protección individual. Es esencial que los gestores promuevan espacios colectivos de discusión y acciones que favorezcan la recuperación de los trabajadores en un contexto pandémico de larga duración.

Coping religioso/espiritual e qualidade de vida dos pacientes com câncer hematológico submetidos ao transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas / Religious/spiritual coping and quality of life of patients with hematological cancer undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Resumo: O objetivo desta tese foi investigar o impacto do coping religioso/espiritual na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pacientes adultos com câncer hematológico no quinto ano após a realização do transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, longitudinal, observacional e analítico, realizado em hospital público do sul do Brasil, referência para esta modalidade de tratamento, com 55 participantes adultos, que se submeteram a esta terapia. A coleta de dados ocorreu de setembro de 2013 a janeiro de 2021, com avaliações nas etapas basal (antes de iniciar o condicionamento), pancitopenia, préalta hospitalar (quando se dá a "pega" medular), pós 100 dias, pós 180 dias, pós 360 dias e anualmente até completar cinco anos da realização do procedimento. Os instrumentos utilizados para avaliação foram sociodemográfico e clínico, Quality of life Questionnaire Core 30 e Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplant, ambos traduzidos, adaptados e validados para o português - Brasil, e a escala de coping religioso/espiritual aplicada na última etapa da avaliação. Leucemias foram o diagnóstico mais frequente (65%), assim como o transplante de células-tronco alogênico foi a modalidade predominante (71%). No tocante aos óbitos, a maior causa foi por recidiva da doença (26%) e o maior número ocorreu no primeiro ano (37%). A qualidade de vida global (56,6/100) e geral (90,7/148) apresentou os menores escores na etapa de pancitopenia, com melhores índices no quinto ano, (80,4/100) e (116,1/148), respectivamente. A análise com o modelo linear misto generalizado apontou alterações significativas dos escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e domínios entre as etapas ao longo do tempo (p<0,05). Quanto ao coping religioso/espiritual, houve média utilização (3,19/5,00), com maior uso do coping religioso/espiritual positivo (3,15/5,00), quando comparado ao coping religioso/espiritual negativo (1,77/5,00), com razão de 0,6. Observou-se associação significativa negativa entre os escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, domínios e ao coping religioso/espiritual negativo (p<0,05). A tese de que o uso de coping religioso/espiritual positivo leva a melhores índices de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde não pode ser comprovada, pois não houve associação significativa no teste de correlação. No entanto, quando realizada a análise de correlação entre o uso do coping religioso/espiritual negativo e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, observou-se correlação negativa significativa para a maioria dos domínios de ambos os instrumentos de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Este resultado indica que a utilização de estratégias de enfrentamento negativas como posição negativa frente à religiosidade/espiritualidade está associada a uma pior qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e domínios no quinto ano, o que comprova parcialmente a hipótese deste estudo. Ademais, as correlações entre os domínios dos dois instrumentos de avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde sustentam o modelo teórico utilizado, que infere haver uma interação ativa entre os domínios. O estudo poderá contribuir no reconhecimento da multidimensionalidade do constructo qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, mostrando ainda que a avaliação do domínio espiritual é necessária para detectar possíveis comprometimentos nesta área.

Abstract: The current thesis aimed to investigate the impact of religious/spiritual coping on the health-related quality of life of adult patients with blood cancer five years after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. This is a quantitative, longitudinal, observational, and analytical study, conducted in a public hospital in southern Brazil, a center for this type of treatment, with 55 adult participants who underwent this therapy. Data collection took place from September 2013 to January 2021, with assessments at baseline (before starting conditioning regimen), pancytopenia, pre-hospital discharge (when the spinal cord "engraftment" takes place), after 100 days, after 180 days, after 360 days, and annually out to five years of the procedure. For the assessment, we used sociodemographic and clinical instruments, the quality-of-life Questionnaire Core 30 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplant, both translated, adapted, and validated for Portuguese - Brazil, and the religious/spiritual coping scale applied in the latter evaluation stage. Leukemia was the most frequent diagnosis (65%), and allogeneic stem cell transplantation was the predominant modality (71%). Regarding deaths, the most frequent cause was disease relapse (26%) and the most occurred in the first year (37%). The overall (56.6/100) and general (90.7/148) quality of life had the lowest scores in the pancytopenia stage, with better rates in the fifth year, (80.4/100) and (116.1/148), respectively. The analysis with the generalized mixed linear model showed significant changes in health-related quality of life scores and domains between stages over time (p<0.05). There was an average use of religious/spiritual coping (3.19/5.00), with greater adoption of positive religious/spiritual coping (3.15/5.00), when compared to negative religious/spiritual coping (1.77 /5.00), with a ratio of 0.6. There was a significant negative association between health-related quality of life scores, domains, and negative religious/spiritual coping (p<0.05). The thesis that the adoption of positive religious/spiritual coping leads to better health-related quality of life indexes cannot be proven, as there was no significant association in the correlation test. Yet, when analyzing the correlation between the use of negative religious/spiritual coping and health-related quality of life, a significant negative correlation was observed for most domains of both health-related quality of life instruments. This result suggests that the use of negative coping strategies as a negative attitude towards religiosity/spirituality is associated with a worse quality of life-related to health and domains in the fifth year, which partially validates the hypothesis of this study. Moreover, the correlations between the domains of the two health-related quality of life assessment instruments support the theoretical model adopted, which infers that there is an active interaction between the domains. The study may contribute to the acknowledgment of the multidimensionality of the health-related quality of life construct, also showing that the assessment of the spiritual domain is necessary to detect possible impairments in this area.

Workplace violence in the Psychosocial Care Centers of a city in the state of São Paulo.

INTRODUCTION: Workplace violence against health care professionals is a highly prevalent problem and is considered a public health concern by the World Health Organization. Yet most studies on the topic focus on its negative impact on the mental health of workers rather than the causes of these incidents. OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency of workplace violence and its impact on professionals working in Psychosocial Care Centers (Centros de Atenção Psicossocial [CAPS]) in a large city in the state of São Paulo. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on a non-probabilistic sample of 193 health care workers across 11 Psychosocial Care Centers. Participants completed two self-administered instruments: a biosocial questionnaire and the Survey Questionnaire on Workplace Violence. RESULTS: The results showed that 42.4% of respondents had suffered physical violence; 64.8% had experienced psychological violence; and 29.5% had been victims of bullying/mobbing. In most cases, the victims responded to these incidents by taking no action, asking the perpetrator to stop, or speaking of the incident to a colleague or superior. A verbal warning was issued to perpetrators in only 21% of cases of physical violence. Mobbing had the greatest negative impact on respondents, followed by psychological and physical violence. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace violence is a part of everyday work in Psychosocial Care Centers. Though this violence is often naturalized and considered a collective defense against suffering, it did not prevent participants from reporting high levels of job satisfaction, reflecting the degree to which professionals at Psychosocial Care Centers are committed to their colleagues and to service users, as well as their search for professional recognition.

Síndrome de Burnout em profissionais de saúde atuantes na atenção básica: um estudo transversal / Burnout syndrome in primary health care professionals: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUÇÃO: A Síndrome de Burnout (SB) é uma condição de estresse crônico associada ao trabalho composto por três dimensões: exaustão emocional, despersonalização e redução da realização profissional. Profissionais atuantes nos Núcleos Ampliados de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF-AB) e Atenção Básica são expostos as vulnerabilidades do SUS, inseguranças e conflitos que podem levá-lo ao esgotamento profissional. OBJETIVO: Investigar a prevalência da SB em profissionais de saúde que atuam no NASF-AB de Teresina/PI, nos anos de 2018 e 2019. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, quantitativo com aplicação de questionários, conduzido com 13 profissionais atuantes no NASF-AB. Para coleta de dados e investigação foram aplicados três questionários: o primeiro referente a variáveis sociodemográficas; o segundo foi a versão reduzida do questionário Job Stress Scale (JSS); e por fim, o questionário Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) RESULTADOS: A maioria dos profissionais era do sexo feminino (92,3%) e possuíam idade ≤ 35 anos. Na aplicação do JSS, 7 (53,8%) apresentaram alta demanda e 6 (46,2%) baixa demanda; 8 (61,5%) alto controle e 5 (38,5%) baixo controle; 9 (69,2%) alto apoio social e 4 (30,8%) baixo apoio social. No MBI, 10 profissionais (76,9%) apresentaram elevado nível de exaustão emocional. Apesar disso 11 profissionais (84,6%) mostraram-se realizados profissionalmente e todos os entrevistados (100%) obtiveram baixa despersonalização. CONCLUSÃO: No estudo não foi possível verificar com precisão a prevalência da SB nos profissionais. No entanto, pode-se concluir que tais profissionais apresentam um grande risco de desenvolverem a SB por apresentaram níveis elevados de Demanda e Exaustão Emocional nos questionários JSS e MBI, respectivamente.

INTRODUCTION: Burnout syndrome (BS) is a workassociated chronic stress condition composed of three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of professional achievement. Professionals working in the Enlarged Family Health Support Centers (NASF-AB) and Primary Care are exposed to the vulnerabilities of the UHS, insecurity, and conflicts that can lead to professional exhaustion. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of BS in health professionals working in the NASF-AB of Teresina/PI, in 2019. METHOD: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted with 13 professionals working in NASF-AB. For data collection and investigation, three questionnaires were applied: the first referring to sociodemographic variables; the second was the reduced version of the Job Stress Scale (JSS); and finally, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire. RESULTS: Most professionals were female (92.3%) and aged ≤ 35 years. In the application of the JSS, 7 professionals (53.8%) presented high demand and 6 (46.2%) low demand; 8 (61,5%) high control and 5 (38.5%) low control; 9 (69,2%) high social support and 4 (30.8%) low social support. In the MBI, 10 professionals (76.9%) presented a high level of emotional exhaustion. Despite this, 11 professionals (84.6%) were professionally accomplished, and all interviewees (100%) obtained low depersonalization. CONCLUSION: The study was not able to verify accurately the prevalence of BS in professionals. Nevertheless, these professionals present a high risk of developing BS because they presented high levels of Emotional Demand and Exhaustion in the JSS and MBI questionnaires, respectively

Acciones del personal de salud del área estomatológica en relación a la COVID-19 / Actions taken by dental care providers in relation to COVID-19

Introducción: El brote de la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) ha sido declarado emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional. Los estomatólogos, entre el personal sanitario, son los más expuestos a la enfermedad porque su área de trabajo es la boca, sitio que se reconoce como el lugar a partir del cual se contagia la enfermedad. Objetivo: Esclarecer elementos relacionados con la COVID-19 y las medidas a tener en cuenta para la prevención del contagio del personal de salud del área estomatológica. Comentarios principales: No se ha descubierto un método único que cumpla con todos los requisitos con respecto a las infecciones asociadas a la atención médica. En el enfrentamiento a la COVID-19 cumplen un papel importante las precauciones estándares, o sea, medidas que se aplican a todos los pacientes, independientemente del diagnóstico o de si se conoce si tiene una infección o está colonizado por un agente. El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus envuelto, y esta característica lo hace más sensible a la acción de las sustancias desinfectantes. Consideraciones globales: La COVID-19 manifiesta síntomas no específicos. Los más comunes son fiebre, anorexia y tos seca. La transmisión probablemente ocurre a través de la propagación del virus en el aire y por contacto. Con la implementación de precauciones estándares entre las que se encuentran la higiene de las manos, uso de equipos de protección personal y el cuidado del medio ambiente, se puede disminuir la posibilidad del contagio y contribuir a controlar la diseminación. Es importante que los proveedores de atención médica, dentro de los que se encuentra el personal de salud del área estomatológica, y el público conozcan este nuevo virus para que las acciones coordinadas, oportunas y efectivas puedan ayudar a prevenir casos adicionales o malos resultados ante el enfrentamiento a esta pandemia(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a worldwide public health emergency. Dentists are the health care providers most directly exposed to this condition, since their area of activity is the mouth, a location recognized as the site through which the disease is transmitted. Objective: Clarify some notions about COVID-19 and the measures to be taken to prevent transmission to dental care providers. Main remarks: A single method has not been discovered which meets all the requirements concerning infections associated to medical care. In the struggle against COVID-19 an important role is played by standard precautions, i.e. measures applied to all patients, irrespective of their diagnosis or whether they are known to have an infection or be colonized by a given agent. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, a characteristic that makes it more sensitive to the action of disinfectants. General considerations: COVID-19 presents non-specific symptoms, the most common of which are fever, anorexia and dry coughing. Transmission probably occurs by the spread of the virus in the air and by direct contact. Implementation of standard precautions, among which are hand hygiene, the use of personal protection equipment and care for the environment, will lead to a reduction in the chances of contagion and will contribute to control the spread of the disease. It is important for medical care providers, among them dental care professionals, and the public at large to know about this new virus, so that coordinated, timely and effective actions may be taken which will help prevent the occurrence of new cases or bad results in the struggle against this pandemic(AU)

Evaluation of medical ethics competencies in rheumatology: local experience during national accreditation process.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatologists are the primary healthcare professionals responsible for patients with rheumatic diseases and should acquire medical ethical competencies, such as the informed consent process (ICP). The objective clinical structured examination is a valuable tool for assessing clinical competencies. We report the performance of 90 rheumatologist trainees participating in a station designed to evaluate the ICP during the 2018 and 2019 national accreditations. METHODS: The station was validated and represented a medical encounter in which the rheumatologist informed a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus with clinically active nephritis about renal biopsy. A trained patient-actor and an evaluator were instructed to assess ICP skills (with a focus on kidney biopsy benefits, how the biopsy is done and potential complications) in obtaining formal informed consent, delivering bad news and overall communication with patients. The evaluator used a tailored checklist and form. RESULTS: Candidate performance varied with ICP content and was superior for potential benefit information (achieved by 98.9% of the candidates) but significantly reduced for potential complications (37.8%) and biopsy description (42.2%). Only 17.8% of the candidates mentioned the legal perspective of ICP. Death (as a potential complication) was omitted by the majority of the candidates (93.3%); after the patient-actor challenged candidates, only 57.1% of them gave a clear and positive answer. Evaluators frequently rated candidate communications skills as superior (≥80%), but ≥1 negative aspect was identified in 69% of the candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical competencies are mandatory for professional rheumatologists. It seems necessary to include an ethics competency framework in the curriculum throughout the rheumatology residency.

SURVEY ON THE PERCEPTION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ON THE USE OF INTRADIALYTIC ORAL NUTRITION IN PATIENTS UNDER HEMODIALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Intradialytic oral nutrition (ION) has been shown to improve many clinical outcomes, including lowering mortality, in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Despite the benefits, ION is underused in many countries. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine the perception of health-care professionals (HCP) in our environment of the use of ION in patients undergoing HD. METHODS: Survey applied to HCP in Mexico who worked or had worked in an HD unit in their locality. RESULTS: From 272 HCP who answered the survey, 74.3% believed that the use of ION has at least one beneficial effect; of these, the most frequently mentioned were an improvement in quality of life (QoL) (54.7%) followed by an improvement in serum albumin (37.9%) and muscle anabolism (31.6%). However, 49% consider that its use involves some risks. Of the respondents, 22% reported that their HD units allowed patients to consume food or supplements during HD sessions; the main reason given to forbid the introduction of food or supplements was the clinic's policy (41%). CONCLUSIONS: The personnel surveyed heterogeneous opinions regarding ION, but most believe that it may improve the QoL or the nutritional status of the patients. Nevertheless, the use of ION is uncommon in our country as it is against the internal regulations of most HD units.

Survey on the perception of health professionals on the use of intradialytic oral nutrition in patients under hemodialysis

Abstract Background Intradialytic oral nutrition (ION) has been shown to improve many clinical outcomes, including lowering mortality, in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Despite the benefits, ION is underused in many countries. Objective The objective of our study was to determine the perception of health-care professionals (HCP) in our environment of the use of ION in patients undergoing HD. Methods Survey applied to HCP in Mexico who worked or had worked in an HD unit in their locality. Results From 272 HCP who answered the survey, 74.3% believed that the use of ION has at least one beneficial effect; of these, the most frequently mentioned were an improvement in quality of life (QoL) (54.7%) followed by an improvement in serum albumin (37.9%) and muscle anabolism (31.6%). However, 49% consider that its use involves some risks. Of the respondents, 22% reported that their HD units allowed patients to consume food or supplements during HD sessions; the main reason given to forbid the introduction of food or supplements was the clinic’s policy (41%). Conclusions The personnel surveyed heterogeneous opinions regarding ION, but most believe that it may improve the QoL or the nutritional status of the patients. Nevertheless, the use of ION is uncommon in our country as it is against the internal regulations of most HD units.