Sex-Related Differences in Post-Stroke Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in a Cohort of Smokers.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study anxiety, depression and quality of life in smokers after stroke by sex. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study with a 24-month follow-up of acute stroke patients who were previously active smokers. Anxiety and depression were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, and quality of life was evaluated with the EQ-5D questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty patients participated (79.4% men); their mean age was 57.6 years. Anxiety was most prevalent at 3 months (18.9% in men and 40.5% in women) and depression at 12 months (17.9% in men and 27% in women). The worst perceived health occurred at 24 months (EQ-VAS 67.5 in men and 65.1 in women), which was associated with depression (p < 0.001) and Rankin Scale was worse in men (p < 0.001) and depression in women (p < 0.001). Continued tobacco use was associated with worse perceived health at 3 months in men (p = 0.034) and at 12 months in both sexes. Predictor variables of worse perceived health at 24 months remaining at 3 and 12 months were tobacco use in men and neurological damage in women. CONCLUSION: Differences by sex are observed in the prevalence of anxiety and depression and associated factors and in the predictive factors of perceived health.

Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Differences by Sex: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: The experience of chronic low back pain has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected people, resulting in difficulties in performing basic activities of daily living. AIM: To study the perceived quality of life of people affected by chronic low back pain and the associated factors by sex. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal and observational design was used. RESULTS: A total of 129 people (58.1% women) with chronic low back pain were studied. The mean pain intensity scores were of moderate severity (6.42 points), with a modest improvement at follow-up (6.17 points). Epidural nerve blocks were the most effective therapeutic intervention in reducing the intensity of pain. Participants described a negative perception of their health with regard to quality of life, with low scores for the two constructs both at baseline (health index, 0.444; perception of health, 38.76 points) and at follow-up (health index, 0.447; perception of health, 40.43 points). Participants had severe functional limitation scores (50.79 points). The results were significantly better among men. There was an inverse relationship between the average pain intensity (ß = -0.304; p < 0.001), functional limitation (ß = -0.466; p < 0.001) and mental health (ß = -0.565; p < 0.001) and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The chronification of low back pain complicates people's biopsychosocial adaptation to life. There is a longitudinal inverse association between pain and functional limitation and health-related quality of life.

Assessment of Standardized Care Plans for People with Chronic Diseases in Primary Care Settings.

BACKGROUND: Aging populations are driving a shift in emphasis toward enhancing chronic disease care, reflected in Catalonia's regional plan which prioritizes standardized nursing care plans in primary care settings. To achieve this, the ARES-AP program was established with a focus on harmonizing standards and supporting routine nursing clinical decision-making. This study evaluates nurses' perceptions of ARES-AP's standardized care plans for chronic diseases. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach based on an ad hoc questionnaire (n = 141) and a focus group (n = 14) was used. Quantitative data were statistically analysed, setting significance at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were explored via content analysis. RESULTS: ARES-AP training was assessed positively. The resources for motivational interviewing and care plans for the most prevalent chronic diseases were rated very positively. This study identified key factors influencing program implementation, including facilitators such as structured information and nursing autonomy, barriers such as resistance to change, motivators such as managerial support, and suggested improvements such as technological improvements and time management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies areas for improvement in implementing standardized nursing care plans, including additional time, motivation, enhanced IT infrastructure, and collaboration among primary care professionals. It enhances understanding of these plans in primary care, especially in managing chronic diseases in aging populations. Further research should assess the program's long-term impact on chronic patients. This study was not registered.

The Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis Focused on Age and Gender.

Emotional intelligence is a health predictor as it has an effect on quality of life, given that it affects a person's capacity to use and regulate emotions and consequently has an influence on their physical and mental condition. The aim of this study is to analyze emotional intelligence, quality of life, and associated correlation factors in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, differentiating age and gender differences. A multicenter study of one hundred and thirty-eight hemodialysis patients was conducted using a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional design. A battery of questionnaires, including Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24), Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF), and an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, were administered. The Chi-squared test, the Student's t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used to compare categorical, independent, and continuous variables, respectively. A linear regression model was used to compare variables associated with quality of life. Gender differences existed when assessing the three dimensions of emotional intelligence: ranked by order, the highest scores in males were in clarity, repair, and attention. However, in females, the highest scores were in repair, clarity, and attention. Males had higher scores than females in emotional roles (p = 0.045). Younger participants had better scores in all physical functions (p = 0.001) and vitality (p = 0.038). Participants who had a higher level of education presented better physical function (p = 0.027) and higher scores in emotional wellbeing (p = 0.036). Finally, in females, emotional attention (p = 0.046) and repair (p = 0.000) were strongly associated with general health perception. The assessment of emotional intelligence considering gender differences in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis can be an indicator of quality of life, including for use in health interventions.

The effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on functional ambulation after stroke: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on functional ambulation in stroke patients, yet no systematic overview has yet been published. This study aims to synthesize the available evidence describing changes in stroke patients after RAS intervention for functional ambulation and the use of walking assistive devices, and to find out if the effect of RAS and music-based RAS differs depending on the lesioned area. METHODS: The PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL electronic databases were searched for reports evaluating the effect of RAS on walking in stroke patients, applying the PICOS criteria for the inclusion of studies. RESULTS: Twenty one articles were included (948 stroke survivors). Most studies were of good methodological quality according to the PEDro scale, but they had a high risk of bias. The most consistent finding was that RAS improves walking and balance parameters in stroke patients in all phases compared to baseline and versus control groups with conventional treatment. Functional ambulation and the use of walking assistive devices were inconsistently reported. Several studies also suggest that RAS may be as good as other complementary therapies (horse-riding and visual cueing). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the beneficial effects of RAS, the question remains as to whether it is better than other complementary therapies. Given the heterogeneity of the interventions, the interventions in control groups, the varied durations, and the different outcome measures, we suggest that care should be taken in interpreting and generalizing findings. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021277940.

Prehospital care process and hospital outcomes in stroke-code cases: comparison of basic and advance life support ambulance attendance. / Proceso de atención prehospitalaria y resultados hospitalarios del código ictus: estudio comparativo entre unidades de soporte vital básico y avanzado.

OBJECTIVES: To study prehospital care process in relation to hospital outcomes in stroke-code cases first attended by 2 different levels of ambulance. To analyze factors associated with a satisfactory functional outcome at 3 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective multicenter observational cohort study. All stroke-code cases attended by prehospital emergency services from January 2016 to April 2022 were included. Prehospital and hospital variables were collected. The classificatory variable was type of ambulance attending (basic vs advanced life support). The main outcome variables were mortality and functional status after ischemic strokes in patients who underwent reperfusion treatment 90 days after the ischemic episode. RESULTS: Out of 22 968 stroke-code activations, ischemic stroke was diagnosed in 12 467 patients (54.3%) whose functional status was good before the episode. Basic ambulances attended 93.1%; an advanced ambulance was ordered in 1.6% of the patients. Even though there were differences in patient and clinical characteristics recorded during the prehospital process, type of ambulance was not independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.1; 95% CI, 0.77-1.59) or functional status at 3 months (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0,72-1,47). CONCLUSION: The percentage of patient complications in stroke-code cases attended by basic ambulance teams is low. Type of ambulance responding was not associated with either mortality or functional outcome at 3 months in this study.

OBJETIVO: Comparar el proceso asistencial prehospitalario y los resultados hospitalarios de los pacientes categorizados como Código Ictus (CI) en función del tipo de ambulancia que realiza la primera valoración, y analizar los factores asociados con un buen resultado funcional y la mortalidad a los 3 meses. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes prospectivo multicéntrico. Incluyó todos los CI atendidos por un sistema de emergencias prehospitalario desde enero del 2016 a abril del 2022. Se recogieron variables prehospitalarias y hospitalarias. La variable de clasificación fue el tipo de ambulancia que asiste el CI: unidad de soporte vital básico (USVB) o avanzado (USVA). Las variables de resultado principal fueron la mortalidad y el estado funcional de los ictus isquémicos sometidos a tratamiento de reperfusión a los 90 días del episodio. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 22.968 pacientes, de los cuales 12.467 (54,3%) presentaron un ictus isquémico con un buen estado funcional previo. El 93,1% fueron asistidos por USVB y se solicitó una USVA en el 1,6% de los casos. A pesar de presentar diferencias en el perfil clínico del paciente atendido y en los tiempos del proceso CI prehospitalario, el tipo de unidad no mostró una asociación independiente con la mortalidad (OR ajustada 1,1; IC 95%: 0,77- 1,59) ni con el estado funcional a los 3 meses (OR ajustada 1,05; IC 95%: 0,72-1,47). CONCLUSIONES: El porcentaje de complicaciones de los pacientes con CI atendidos por USVB es bajo. El tipo de unidad que asistió al paciente inicialmente no se asoció ni con el resultado funcional ni con la mortalidad a los 3 meses.

Ictus isquémico y factores de riesgo vascular en el adulto joven y el adulto mayor. Estudio retrospectivo de base comunitaria (2011-2020) / Ischemic stroke and vascular risk factors in young and older adults. Community-based retrospective study (2011-2020)

Objetivo: Analizar la presencia de factores de riesgo vascular (FRV) entre pacientes adultos jóvenes y adultos mayores con ictus isquémico, con y sin seguimiento en atención primaria tras el alta hospitalaria. Diseño: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico. Emplazamiento: Centros de salud de atención primaria y hospital Verge de la Cinta, Tortosa, España. Participantes: Pacientes con ictus isquémico de dos grupos de edad (≤55 y ≥65años) distribuidos en dos grupos (grupoA: sin seguimiento en atención primaria; grupoB: con seguimiento en atención primaria), entre 2011 y 2020. Mediciones principales: Datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y de FRV codificados según la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (CIE-10). Estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 2.054 participantes. En el grupo de adulto joven, el 94,9% de los participantes del grupoA presentaban entre 1-2FRV, frente al 60% del grupoB. En el adulto mayor, el 84,4% del grupoA presentaban entre 1-2FRV, frente al 43,9% del grupoB. Los FRV más frecuentes entre pacientes adultos jóvenes y mayores con ictus isquémico fueron la hipertensión y la dislipemia en ambos grupos de seguimiento. No había registros sobre obesidad, ni tabaquismo ni consumo de alcohol en el grupoA. Se observó una asociación significativa entre realizar seguimiento en atención primaria tras el ictus y ser adulto joven y presentar entre 3 y 4FRV (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Los resultados refuerzan la necesidad de continuidad asistencial y seguimiento en las personas con ictus agudo en la atención primaria y la mejora de la calidad de los registros.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the presence of vascular risk factors (VRF) among young adult and older adult patients with ischemic stroke, with and without follow-up in primary care after hospital discharge. Design: Observational, retrospective, multicenter study. Setting: Primary care health centers and Hospital Verge de la Cinta, Tortosa, Spain. Participants: Patients with ischemic stroke of two age groups (≤55 and ≥65years) distributed in two groups (GroupA: without follow-up in primary care; and GroupB: with follow-up in primary care), between 2011-2020. Main measurements: Sociodemographic, clinical, and VRF data coded according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Descriptive, and inferential statistics. Results: Data from 2054 participants were analyzed. In the young adult group, 94.9% of the participants in groupA had between 1-2VRFs, compared to 60% in groupB. In the older adult group, 84.4% of groupA had between 1-2VRFs, compared to 43,9% of groupB. The most frequent VRFs among younger and older adult patients with ischemic stroke were hypertension and dyslipidemia in both follow-up groups. There were no records of obesity, smoking, or alcohol consumption in groupA. There was a significant association between being followed up in primary care after stroke and being a young adult and presenting between 3-4 VRFs (P<0.001). Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for continuity of care and follow-up in people with acute stroke in primary care and the need to improve the quality of registries.(AU)

Accumulated incidence of falls in people hospitalised with cancer and related factors.

AIM: To study the accumulated incidence of falls of people hospitalised with cancer and analyse the related intrinsic and extrinsic factors. DESIGN: A prospective study of people hospitalised with cancer at the Catalan Institute of Oncology. METHODS: Intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors related to the fall have been studied. The data were gathered from the clinical history and a specific adverse events notification programme and patients were followed during hospitalisation. RESULTS: A total of 117 of 6090 patients admitted during the period of study were included, with an accumulated incidence of falls of 0.019. Mean age 63.4 years (SD 11.5) and 65.5% men. Patients with lung cancer accounted for 25.6% of the total number of falls, followed by haematological cancer at 24.8%. Most falls were without consequences (71.8%). The data reveal that people hospitalised with cancer are at greater risk of falling, even though the accumulated incidence observed in the present study is low.

[Ischemic stroke and vascular risk factors in young and older adults. Community-based retrospective study (2011-2020)]. / Ictus isquémico y factores de riesgo vascular en el adulto joven y el adulto mayor. Estudio retrospectivo de base comunitaria (2011-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presence of vascular risk factors (VRF) among young adult and older adult patients with ischemic stroke, with and without follow-up in primary care after hospital discharge. DESIGN: Observational, retrospective, multicenter study. SETTING: Primary care health centers and Hospital Verge de la Cinta, Tortosa, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with ischemic stroke of two age groups (≤55 and ≥65years) distributed in two groups (GroupA: without follow-up in primary care; and GroupB: with follow-up in primary care), between 2011-2020. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic, clinical, and VRF data coded according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Descriptive, and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Data from 2054 participants were analyzed. In the young adult group, 94.9% of the participants in groupA had between 1-2VRFs, compared to 60% in groupB. In the older adult group, 84.4% of groupA had between 1-2VRFs, compared to 43,9% of groupB. The most frequent VRFs among younger and older adult patients with ischemic stroke were hypertension and dyslipidemia in both follow-up groups. There were no records of obesity, smoking, or alcohol consumption in groupA. There was a significant association between being followed up in primary care after stroke and being a young adult and presenting between 3-4 VRFs (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the need for continuity of care and follow-up in people with acute stroke in primary care and the need to improve the quality of registries.

Mortality and Quality of Life with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Five-Year Cohort Study with a Sample Initially Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis.

The quality of life, morbidity and mortality of people receiving renal replacement therapy is affected both by the renal disease itself and its treatment. The therapy that best improves renal function and quality of life is transplantation. OBJECTIVES: To study the quality of life, morbidity and mortality of people receiving renal replacement therapy over a five-year period. DESIGN: A longitudinal multicentre study of a cohort of people with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: Patients from the Girona health area receiving peritoneal dialysis were studied, gathering data on sociodemographic and clinical variables through an ad hoc questionnaire, quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire, and social support with the MOS scale. RESULTS: Mortality was 47.2%. Physical functioning was the variable that worsened most in comparison with the first measurement (p = 0.035). Those receiving peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.068) and transplant recipients (p = 0.083) had a better general health perception. The social functioning of transplant recipients improved (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: People with chronic kidney disease had a high level of mortality. The dimension of physical functioning worsens over the years. Haemodialysis is the therapy that most negatively effects general health perception. Kidney transplantation has a positive effect on the dimensions of energy/vitality, social functioning and general health perception.

Vascular Risk Factors in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Study in Catalonia, Spain.

Background: The distribution of vascular risk factors (VRFs) and stroke management vary by geographic area. Our aim was to examine the percentage of the VRFs according to age and sex in ischemic stroke survivors in a geographical area on the Mediterranean coast of Southern Catalonia, Spain. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective, community-based study of a cohort, the data of which we obtained from digital clinical records of the Catalan Institute of Health. The study included all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke who were treated between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. Patients met the following inclusion criteria: residing in the study area, age ≥ 18 years, and presenting ≥1 modifiable vascular risk factor. The exclusion criteria were as follows: death patients (non-survivors) and patients without modifiable VRFs. We collected the demographic, clinical, and VRF variables of the total of 2054 cases included, and we analyzed the data according to age groups, sex, and number of VRFs. Results: Most of the patients included were in the 55−80 age group (n = 1139; 55.45%). Of the patients, 56.48% (n = 1160) presented ≤ 2 modifiable VRFs, and the age group <55 years old (67.01%) presented more VRFs. Hypertension and (>80 years old (38.82%)) and dyslipidemia (<55 years (28.33%)) were the most prevalent VRFs. In the age group 55−80 (69.59% men), the prevalence of VRFs was higher ((3−4 VRF (42.76%) and >4 VRF (5.35%)). Conclusions: These results suggest the presence of many VRFs in people diagnosed with ischemic stroke­although with a lower percentage compared to other studies­and the need for specific individualized interventions for the control of modifiable RFs related to primary and secondary prevention of stroke.

Control of Therapeutic Levels of Anticoagulation and Associated Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Maintaining therapeutic levels of anticoagulation is essential to avoid health complications in people who take vitamin K antagonists. This study aimed to analyze the influence of people's characteristics and the presence of changes in their lives in the control of therapeutic levels of anticoagulation. A longitudinal multicenter study with a 1-year follow-up of a cohort of 199 people receiving anticoagulant therapy was performed. The effect of biological, clinical, social, lifestyle, and changes in life on the international normalized ratio (INR) was analyzed. During the follow-up, 46.7% of participants presented good INR control. At baseline, a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (P = .00), the lack of comorbidities (P = .03), absence of depression (P = .04), and not following a pharmacological treatment with hypoglycemia drugs (P = .01) were associated with good INR control. During the follow-up, the variable of making changes to the usual diet was associated with poor INR control (P = .05). In the binary multiple regression model, factors associated with poor control were taking hypoglycemia drugs (P = .02) and the presence of depression (P = .04), and only the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was associated with good control (P = .03). People with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation had good INR control. Having comorbidities, suffering depression, taking hypoglycemia drugs, and making changes to the diet have a negative effect on INR control.

Evaluation and perceptions of a nursing discharge plan among nurses from different healthcare settings in Spain.

PURPOSE: The exchange of information between different healthcare settings through a nursing discharge plan is essential for safe care. However, the factors contributing to achieving the most efficient exchange have not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate and explore the perceptions of a nursing discharge plan from the perspective of nurses in different healthcare settings. METHODS: A mixed methods approach comprising a specifically designed ad hoc questionnaire (n = 437) and a focus group session (n = 8). FINDINGS: Overall, 66.1% out of 437 nurses, and especially those working in nursing homes, were satisfied with the nursing discharge plan. Lack of time to complete the report and poor information about both nursing diagnoses and patients' social assessment were identified as problem areas. Some proposals emerged from the focus group: providing sufficient time for its completion, giving the nursing discharge plan a more flexible structure permitting more open-ended responses, requiring more information to be provided about the social and psychological situation of the patients, training nurses to use standardized language to avoid possible misinterpretations, and getting nurses from the different health care settings to work together in designing continuity of care plans. Elderly and low-income patients are found to need greater attention when filling out nursing discharge plans. CONCLUSIONS: The study has revealed key aspects that need to be improved and some recommendations in implementing the nursing discharge plan in our health area. These include that there should be more time provided to complete the NDP, and also specific details regarding the format, structure, content of the information that is communicated, and the prioritization of the patient profile.

The Effect of Music-Based Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Balance and Functional Outcomes after Stroke.

PURPOSE: the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effects of music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation on balance and motor function after stroke and whether there are differences depending on the affected hemisphere, lesion site and age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was an observational and longitudinal study. Adult stroke survivors (n = 28), starting no later than 3 weeks after a stroke, conducted 90 min sessions of music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation 3 days a week, in addition to 60 min a day of conventional physiotherapy. Balance ability was evaluated using the Mini Best Test and the Tinetti Test; motor function was evaluated using the Motor Assessment Scale. RESULTS: All of the participants significantly improved their balance ability and motor function variables upon comparing scores at discharge and admission. Intragroup differences were observed upon comparing subgroups of patients by lesion site and by the degree of motor impairment. Age, stroke type and affected hemisphere seemed not to be directly related to the amount of improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the effects of music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on balance ability and motor function varies depending on the scale or test used for evaluation and on the variables that the tests measure. Patients with hemiparesis seemed to improve more than those with hemiplegia.

Pain, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis Treatment: A Multicentre Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a considerable health concern that interferes with hemodialysis treatment outcomes and can lead to a patient developing anxiety and depression. AIMS: To examine the perception of pain in patients on chronic hemodialysis therapy, and to analyze the relationship between their pain, anxiety, depression, and sociodemographic data. METHOD: The research was conducted using a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional design. The study recruited 138 patients from multicentered hemodialysis units. A battery of questionnaires, including the visual analog scale (VaS) as pain intensity scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and an ad hoc sociodemographic data questionnaire, were given to patients to answer during their hemodialysis sessions. A linear regression analysis was conducted to obtain the results. RESULTS: The mean of pain to all participants was generally low, as per AVS scale (0-10) it was 3.6 (stanard deviation [SD] = 3.07). Women manifested lower levels of pain than men (p = .015). One in five participants in both sexes suffered from clinical anxiety and one in six participants in both sexes suffered from clinical depression. Women scored higher on both the anxiety (4.8 versus 4.2) and depression scale (6.8 versus 6.5). Those participants who manifested clinical anxiety were younger compared with those who did not (aged 56.8 versus 66.8 years). Finally, older patients (aged 68.5 years) manifested higher levels of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The level of pain perceived by patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis therapy was generally low, especially in women. The study also demonstrated a positive association between levels of pain and anxiety and depression.

A Clinical Trial Comparing Smoking Cessation Interventions at Two Levels of Intensity in Stroke Patients, Stratified by the Presence of Insular Cortex Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a stroke risk factor but the most efficient way to promote cessation is unknown. The smoking behavior in patients during the first 2 years post-stroke is studied comparing brief advice and intensive behavioral counseling interventions, taking into consideration biological, psychological, and social factors. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial of 196 stroke patients, stratified by the presence or not of an insular cortex lesion, with two levels of smoking cessation intervention. RESULTS: The study retention rate was 85.2%. Abstinence point prevalence at three months after stroke was 50% in the brief advice group and 51.7% in the intensive behavioral counseling group (p = .82) and at 24 months, 48.3% in the brief group and 47.5% in the intensive group (p = .92). Most relapses occurred in the first weeks. After 3 months the curves separated with fewer events in the intensive group and at 24 months the Hazard Ratio was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.61 to 1.37; p = .67). Twenty-four months after stroke, patients with an insular lesion were more likely to be abstinent (OR 3.60, 95% CI = 1.27 to 10.14), as were those who lived with a partner (OR 2.31, 95% CI = 1.17 to 4.55) and those who were less dependent (OR 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of patients gave up smoking in both intervention groups with no significant differences between the two. The effect of the insular lesion on smoking cessation, which is early and continued after two years, is particularly notable. IMPLICATIONS: This two-year clinical trial compares for the first time the efficacy of two different intensities of smoking cessation intervention in stroke patients, taking into consideration the effect of the insula. Good results are obtained both in the short and medium-term in people with stroke, especially when this is accompanied by an insular cortex lesion, but there is no evidence that better results are obtained with longer, more time-intensive, and possibly more costly follow-ups obtain better results than are obtained with briefer interventions.

The Impact of a Peer Social Support Network from the Perspective of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a chronic and complex disease whose management by patients requires a high level of commitment. Patient empowerment therefore represents an important milestone in chronic disease treatment and control. We explored the impact of a peer social support network from the perspective of women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: A generic qualitative design was proposed for the study, for which women who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia were purposefully selected. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the collected data were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged regarding the peer social support network: (1) empowerment (facilitating acceptance of the diagnosis and acting as a source of information); (2) effects on well-being and quality of life (attenuated the stigma, improved physical well-being, provided emotional support and was a socialization medium); and (3), valuable aspects (transmitted feelings of being understood and listened to and increased personal feelings of satisfaction). CONCLUSIONS: A peer social support network for women with fibromyalgia exerts positive effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being and empowers them to better manage their disease. Healthcare for women with fibromyalgia should include strategies that connect them through peer social support networks.