Transdermal Opioids and the Quality of Life of the Cancer Patient: A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of transdermal opioids in managing cancer pain and their impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature review conducted following the PRISMA protocol, focusing on randomized clinical trials found in the Lilacs, Embase, PubMed, and SciELO databases over the last 20 years. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: We included randomized clinical trials, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, which assessed the impact of transdermal opioids on the QoL. Data extraction was facilitated using the Rayyan app. DATA SYNTHESIS: Six articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. These studies covered a population ranging from 24 to 422 cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe pain. The risk of bias was assessed in each study, generally being categorized as uncertain or high. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings indicate that the analgesic effectiveness and side effects of transdermal formulations (specifically buprenorphine and fentanyl) for managing moderate to severe cancer pain are comparable to, or in some cases superior to, those of oral opioids traditionally employed. CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal therapy was suggested to have several advantages over oral opioid therapy in enhancing cancer patients' QoL. These benefits span various dimensions, including pain management, physical functioning, mental health, vitality, overall patient improvement, anger/aversion, strength/activity, general QoL, cognitive and emotional functions, fatigue, and insomnia.

Outcomes of severely ill patients with AIDS treated with efavirenz or dolutegravir: a multicenter, observational study.

Background: Currently, integrase inhibitors (INIs)-based ART regimens are the preferred initial therapy for AIDS patients. There is scarce information on the use of dolutegravir (DTG) among late-presenter people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objectives: To compare the effect of DTG- or efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens on the outcomes of patients with advanced AIDS. Methods: We compared two cohorts of consecutive symptomatic AIDS patients (WHO stage 4, CD4 count<50 cells/mL) starting therapy with DTG-based (2018-2021, prospective cohort) or EFV-based regimens (2013-2016, retrospective cohort) from five Brazilian cities. The main endpoints were early (all-cause) mortality, viral suppression at 24 and 48 weeks, changes in CD4 count, and changes in initial therapy (for any reason). Results: We included all eligible patients in a consecutive way (in both groups) until we reached 92 individuals per arm. The median baseline CD4 count (20 vs. 21 cells/mL) and the median HIV plasma viral load (5.5 copies/mL log10) were identical across the groups. Viral suppression rates were higher in the DTG group than in the EFV group at 24 (67.4% vs. 42.4%,) and 48 weeks (65.2% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). More patients in the DTG group presented with CD4 > 200 cells/mL compared to the EFV group at 48 weeks (45% vs. 29%, p = 0.03). Treatment changes (ITT, M = F) were significantly more frequent in the EFV group (1% vs. 17%, p < 0.0001). The relative mortality rate was 25% lower in the DTG group, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: We detected a higher rate of virological suppression and greater treatment durability in patients with advanced AIDS treated with DTG than in those treated with EFV.

Variability in the perception of palliative care and end-of-life care among hematology professionals from the same reference center in Bahia, Brazil: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are several illness-specific cultural and system-based barriers to palliative care (PC) integration and end-of-life (EOL) care in the field of oncohematology. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the variability in the perceptions of PC and EOL care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hematology Division of our University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty physicians responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire and an adaptation of clinical questionnaires used in previous studies from October to December 2022. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 44 years, 80% of the participants identified as female, and 75% were hematologists. Participants faced a hypothetical scenario involving the treatment of a 65-year-old female with a poor prognosis acute myeloid leukemia refractory to first-line treatment. Sixty percent of the participants chose to follow other chemotherapy regimens, whereas 40% opted for PC. Next, participants considered case salvage for the patient who developed septic shock following chemotherapy and were prompted to choose their most probable conduct, and the conduct they thought would be better for the patient. Even though participants were from the same center, we found a divergence from the most probable conduct among 40% of the participants, which was due to personal convictions, legal aspects, and other physicians' reactions. CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable differences in the perception of PC and EOL care among professionals, despite following the same protocols. The study also demonstrated variations between healthcare professionals' beliefs and practices and persistent historical tendencies to prioritize aggressive interventions.

Health-Related quality of life of oral health workers in primary health care in Salvador, Brazil / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de trabalhadores de saúde bucal da atenção primária à saúde em Salvador, Brasil / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de trabajadores de salud bucal de la atención primaria de salud en Salvador, Brasil

This study aimed to identify and determine the level of factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of oral health professionals working in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 96 dentists and 65 dental assistants working in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in six municipalities in the metropolitan area of Salvador (BA), Brazil. The HRQoL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Higher mean scores in the SF-36 physical component summary were associated with younger age, post-graduate education in public health, and frequent leisure time. The mental component summary was associated with frequent leisure time, > 40 weekly working hours, suitable dental offices, satisfaction with colleagues, and satisfaction with working in PHC. The HRQoL level of oral health professionals working in primary health care in PHC in Brazil was comparable to those found in the available literature and associated with several modifiable factors. Incidentally, a literature search found few studies using the SF-36 to assess the HRQoL of oral health workers, and those found were produced outside the main scientific centers.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e determinar o nível de fatores associados à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) de profissionais de saúde bucal que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal com 96 cirurgiões-dentistas e 65 auxiliares em saúde bucal que atuam na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) em seis municípios da região metropolitana de Salvador (BA), Brasil. A QVRS foi avaliada usando o 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Escores médios mais altos no resumo do componente físico do SF-36 foram associadas a idade mais jovem, pós-graduação em saúde pública e tempo de lazer frequente. O resumo do componente mental foi associado a tempo de lazer frequente, > 40 horas semanais de trabalho, consultórios odontológicos adequados, satisfação com os colegas e satisfação em trabalhar na APS. O nível de QVRS dos profissionais de saúde bucal que atuam na APS no Brasil foi comparável aos encontrados na literatura disponível e associado a vários fatores modificáveis. Incidentalmente, uma pesquisa bibliográfica encontrou poucos estudos que utilizam o SF-36 para avaliar a QVRS de trabalhadores da saúde bucal; e os encontrados foram produzidos fora dos principais centros científicos.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y determinar el nivel de los factores asociados a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de los profesionales de salud bucal que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 96 cirujano dentista y 65 auxiliares de salud bucal que actúan en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia en seis municipios de la región metropolitana de Salvador, Brasil. La CVRS se evaluó mediante el 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Las puntuaciones medias más altas en el resumen del componente físico del SF-36 se asociaron con una edad más joven, títulos de posgrado en salud pública y tiempo libre frecuente. El resumen del componente mental se asoció con tiempo libre frecuente, > 40 horas de trabajo por semana, consultorios dentales adecuados, satisfacción con los colegas y satisfacción con el trabajo en la Atención Primaria de Salud. El nivel de CVRS de los profesionales de la salud bucal que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Brasil fue comparable a los encontrados en la literatura disponible y se asoció a varios factores modificables. Una búsqueda bibliográfica encontró pocos estudios que utilizan el SF-36 para evaluar la CVRS de los trabajadores de la salud bucal; y los encontrados estaban fuera de los principales centros científicos.

Evaluation of Mandibular Bone Microstructure in CT Scans of People with Sickle Cell Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common inherited disease, and is characterized by a genetic modification that determines the production of a hemoglobin with altered morphology. This anatomical change of hemoglobin leads to vaso-occlusive disorders and premature hemolysis of the cell, causing chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperplasia due to increased hematopoietic demand. As a consequence, several skeletal changes are reported in the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis, femur, and metatarsals. In the craniofacial region, dentofacial deformities are described, especially maxillary protrusion. However, studies evaluating bone microarchitecture are scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mandibular bone microstructure of people with SCD on computed tomography (CT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Morphometric parameters were analyzed on CT scans of the mandible of people with SCD and people without this disease or any other disease affecting bone metabolism, matched for sex and age. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results were compared by Student's t-test for paired samples and for an error probability of 5%. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the mandibular bone of people with SCD presents significantly less number, connectivity and thickness of bone trabeculae, as well as having a lower fractal dimension and greater porosity. CONCLUSION: Mandibular bone of people with SCD has lower bone density and more widely spaced trabeculae.

Variability in the perception of palliative care and end-of-life care among hematology professionals from the same reference center in Bahia, Brazil: A descriptive cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are several illness-specific cultural and system-based barriers to palliative care (PC) integration and end-of-life (EOL) care in the field of oncohematology. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the variability in the perceptions of PC and EOL care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hematology Division of our University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty physicians responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire and an adaptation of clinical questionnaires used in previous studies from October to December 2022. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 44 years, 80% of the participants identified as female, and 75% were hematologists. Participants faced a hypothetical scenario involving the treatment of a 65-year-old female with a poor prognosis acute myeloid leukemia refractory to first-line treatment. Sixty percent of the participants chose to follow other chemotherapy regimens, whereas 40% opted for PC. Next, participants considered case salvage for the patient who developed septic shock following chemotherapy and were prompted to choose their most probable conduct, and the conduct they thought would be better for the patient. Even though participants were from the same center, we found a divergence from the most probable conduct among 40% of the participants, which was due to personal convictions, legal aspects, and other physicians' reactions. CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable differences in the perception of PC and EOL care among professionals, despite following the same protocols. The study also demonstrated variations between healthcare professionals' beliefs and practices and persistent historical tendencies to prioritize aggressive interventions.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease, comprising hepatic steatosis, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Periodontal disease (PD) may be a risk factor for the evolution of liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD and PD.We searched in Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases with descriptors (Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease OR (non-alcoholic AND Fatty Liver AND disease) OR Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis) AND (Periodontal Disease OR Gingivitis OR Periodontitis) from January 2021 to September 2021. We selected, by the abstract, cross-sectional, cohort (prospective and retrospective), and case-control studies that address periodontal disease in patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and aged ≥ 18 years. The search was without the restriction of language and publication time.The search resulted in 954 articles. After applying the selection criteria, five cross-sectional studies remained. A metanalysis combined the study estimates of periodontal disease in NAFLD, by using the random effects. The Odds Ratio (1.91; 95% CI 1.21-3.02; P = 0.006) indicates that the chance of presenting Periodontal disease is 91% higher in individuals with NAFLD when compared with individuals without NAFLD. There are few studies with appropriate methodology to produce sound evidence about the causal relationship between the use of NAFLD and PD, however, studies support the association. So, dental staff must be aware of this association for better management of periodontal disease in patients with NAFLD.

Burnout among Brazilian Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: This article identifies the factors associated with burnout among dentists in the state of Bahia, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2020 and February 2021, of 251 dentists, selected by snowball sampling. Sociodemographic, occupational, and epidemiological information was collected in an electronic form. Burnout was evaluated through the Maslach Burnout Inventory; anxiety through the Beck Anxiety Inventory; and quality of life through the WHOQol-BREF questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with variations in levels of the three burnout dimensions. Results: The mean levels of the burnout dimensions were: Emotional Exhaustion: 28.9 ± 8.9 (SD); Depersonalization = 8.2 ± 6.3; and Personal Accomplishment: 28.0 ± 6.2. The proportion of professionals with high Emotional Exhaustion (≥ 30 cut-off score), high Depersonalization (≥ 12 cut-off score), and low Personal Accomplishment (≤ 33 cut-off score) were 43.4%, 26.3% and 81.3%, respectively. Burnout components were associated with high anxiety; lower levels of the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental dimensions of quality of life; less time working as a dentist; increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, feeling safe when using personal protective equipment, and support from work fellows. Conclusion: The dentists investigated showed moderate levels of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization, and very low levels of Personal Accomplishment. The prevention and mitigation of burnout syndrome among dentists during a pandemic should consider several factors, such as quality of life, amount of time in the profession, use of personal protective equipment, support from fellow dentists, and alcohol consumption.

Development and Validation of a Transgender Health Care Humanization Scale.

Purpose: Stigma and discrimination against transgender people can lead to their segregation. Fighting stigma and discrimination is a crucial strategy to expand access to health services. The goals of the present study were to develop and validate a transgender health care humanization scale (THcH scale) to evaluate the perception of humanization in health care for transgender individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 340 health care providers aged ≥18 years. Participants answered a structured questionnaire when attending HIV/AIDS scientific meetings or at their place of work. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, using a polychoric matrix and robust diagonally weighted least squares extraction method. The number of retained factors was defined through the parallel analysis technique, with random permutation of the observed data and the use of Robust Promin rotation. Results: The interpretability of correlation matrix items was suggested by the Bartlett's sphericity tests (1633.7, df=91; p<0.001) and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Test (0.875). The factor structure showed adequate adjustment indices (χ2=44,200, df=52; root mean square error of approximation p<0.05; comparative fit index=0.968; Tucker-Lewis index=0.945; goodness-of-fit index = 0.995). Only one factor was retained by parallel analysis, explained by 54.17% of the variance of the construct and confirmed by the following indices: unidimensional congruence=0.902, explained common variance=0.828, and mean of item residual absolute loadings=0.279. Good reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha test (0.899). Conclusion: The THcH scale showed good psychometric properties. This self-report questionnaire, which can be completed in 5 min, may be useful in scientific research and could guide health care providers in expansion of a Health Humanization Policy and in deconstructing prejudice against transgender people in health care settings.

Oral health related-quality of life before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of medical appointments and the offer and use of oral health services have decreased sharply with the lockdown period. Restriction to regular dental care can increase the risk of oral diseases, capable of affecting general health and oral health-related quality of life, particularly among medically compromised patients. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: Prospective cohort of 58 patients with NAFLD followed up from March 2020 (before the pandemic) to December 2021 (during the pandemic). RAND 36-Item Health Survey and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) questionnaires were used to assess HRQoL and OHRQoL, respectively, in the two points of time. Results: The scores of all scales HRQoL and of the question about health change in the last year decreased substantially with the advent of the pandemic. Large (>0.50) effect sizes were estimated for the scales Role functioning/physical, Pain, General health, and Energy/fatigue. Patients who had COVID-19 presented better HRQoL and OHIP-14 mean scores than those who did not have the disease. The OHIP-14 total score increased 3.6 points with the advent of the pandemic, representing a large effect size (0.62). Patients presented high probability (84.3%) of increasing OHIP14 score during the pandemic. Conclusions: The HRQoL and the OHRQoL scores of NAFLD patients decreased substantially with the advent of the pandemic. However, these decreases were not associated with the COVID-19 disease by itself, but probably to other factors related to the deep social changes brought by the social isolation measures to combat the pandemic. (AU)

Desordens orais potencialmente malignas: o que o cirurgião-dentista precisa saber? / Oral potentially malignant disorders: what do dentists need to know?

Introdução:as desordens orais potencialmente malignas (DOPMs) são condições que podem preceder o aparecimento do câncer em cavidade bucal. Objetivo: descrever os principais aspectos clínicos, histológicos e tratamento da leucoplasia, eritroplasia, queilite actínica e líquen plano oral. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão da literatura atual, em que foram consultados artigos nas bases do MEDLINE/PUBMED e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Os descritores foram localizados usando o vocabulário controlado do MeSH, sendo eles: Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia, Actinic cheilitis, Oral lichen planus, Diagnosis, Therapeutics. Resultados: asapresentações clínicas das DOPMs são diversas. A leucoplasia é a mais comum e deve ser distinguida da leucoplasia verrucosa proliferativa que tem uma apresentação clínica generalizada e uma tendência à recorrência após a excisão; a eritroplasia, embora rara, tem maior chance de malignização. A queilite actínica acomete com frequência o lábio inferior, tem forte relação com exposição solar e pode progredir para o carcinoma escamocelular labial; o líquen plano oral tem uma variedade de apresentações clínicas, sendo a forma reticular a mais comum. O tipo erosivo, atrófico ou bolhoso é acompanhado de sintomatologia dolorosa variável. A biópsia é essencial para confirmar a suspeita clínica das DOPMs e o encaminhamento oportuno para um especialista é indicado. Conclusão: as DOPMs podem ser encontradas durante o exame bucal, possibilitando assim, o diagnóstico precoce, e o correto encaminhamento a um especialista e a intervenção adequada, podendo reduzir a taxa de progressão dessas condições para câncer.

Introduction: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) are conditions that may precede the onset of cancer in the oral cavity. Objective: To describe the main clinical features, histological aspects and treatment of leukoplakia, erythroplakia, actinic cheilitis and oral lichen planus. Methodology: this is a review of the current literature, in which articles in the databases of MEDLINE/PUBMED and the Virtual Health Library, published in the last 10 years, were consulted. The descriptors were located using the MeSH controlled vocabulary, namely: Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia, Actinic cheilitis, Oral lichen planus, Diagnosis, Therapeutics. Results:the clinical presentations of OPMDs are diverse. Leukoplakia is the most common and must be distinguished from proliferative verrucous leukoplakia which has a generalized clinical presentation and a tendency to reoccur after excision; erythroplakia, although rare, has a greater chance of becoming malignant. Actinic cheilitis frequently affects the lower lip, is strongly related to sun exposure and can progress to labial squamous cell carcinoma; oral lichen planus has a variety of clinical presentations, with the reticular form being the most common. The erosive, atrophic or bullous type is accompanied by different levels of pain. Biopsy is essential to confirm the clinical suspicion of OPMDs and timely referral to a specialist is indicated. Conclusion: OPMDs can be found during oral examination, thus enabling early diagnosis, correct referral to a specialist and appropriate intervention, which may reduce the rate of progression of these conditions to cancer.

Impact of Anxiety on Health-Related Quality of Life and Symptoms of Burnout in Multi-Professional Residents in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and to identify associated factors among multi-professional residents in Brazil during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study included a sample of 752 multi-professional residents selected by snowball technique. Symptoms of anxiety were measured by the Beck anxiety inventory scale (≥ 16 cut-off). We used WHOQOL-BREF to access the health-related quality of life and the Maslach Burnout Inventory to measure the burnout syndrome. PR and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the Poisson regression model. The prevalence of anxiety was 41.2% (310/752). Some variables were strongly associated with anxiety: afraid of getting COVID-19; extra work demand during COVID-19 pandemic; sweating/wheezing/increased heart rate during work; feeling safe when using personal protective equipment at work, and psychological support from residence preceptors. Residents with symptoms of anxiety showed high emotional exhaustion at work (36.6 ± 9.6 vs. 24.7 ± 10.7, P = 0.001) and depersonalization (8.9 ± 6.0 vs. 5.6 ± 4.9, P = 0.001). Correlations coefficients between emotional exhaustion versus Physical WHOQOL-BREF and between emotional exhaustion versus Psychological WHOQOL-BREF were significantly lower among residents without anxiety (P = 0.027 and P = 0,03, respectively). The prevalence of anxiety was high and strongly associated with several variables, particularly with being afraid of getting COVID-19, the perception of workload, somatization (sweating, wheezing and increased heart rate during work), feeling unsafe when using personal protective equipment, and lack of psychological support from residence preceptors. Anxiety was associated with increased emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and low health-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Low WHOQOL-BREF environment domain, and high emotional exhaustion MBI domain increased the chances of presenting symptoms of anxiety.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in demobilized ex-combatants from illegal armed groups in Colombia: Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the psychological and quality of life outcomes in demobilized Colombian ex-combatants. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 58 ex-combatants from the Colombian government's reintegration program. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was measured by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. We applied the Beck-II Depression Inventory, Resilience Scale, Everyday Discrimination Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Version (WHOQOL-BREF) for measuring symptoms of depression, resilience, discrimination, and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of PTSD was 63,8%, principally on ex-combatants with ≤10 years in the reinstatement program. Females with primary/elementary school, extremely low social status, unipersonal family type, family income <1 minimal wage, and symptoms of depression showed a higher prevalence ratio (>1.30). The mean scores of depression symptoms, resilience, and quality of life were systematically poorer in the group with PTSD. Significant differences were found Resilience scale domains Personal Competence (p = .043) and Acceptance of Self and Life (p = .012), WHOQOL-BREF Psychological (p = .029) and Environment domains (p = .015). CONCLUSIONS: Colombian ex-combatants with PTSD attending a reinstatement program presented a higher frequency of depression symptoms, lower quality of life, and lower resilience than those without PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Validation of the brazilian version of the Penn State College of Medicine Professionalism Questionnaire / Validação da versão brasileira do Questionário de Profissionalismo da Penn State College of Medicine

Abstract Introduction: Assessing professionalism represents a challenge for medical educators given the nature of its construct, which comprises diverse values, beliefs, and principles. Understanding this psychological phenomenon is fundamental for reaching the goals in medical education. Objective: This study aimed to translate into Brazilian Portuguese and to validate the Penn State College of Medicine Professionalism Questionnaire. Method: The questionnaire was translated, and cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese using data from 249 medical students. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, using a polychoric matrix and the Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares method of extraction. The following model adequacy indexes and criteria were used: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) adjustment indexes <0.08, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) >0.90. Result: The exploratory factor analysis obtained a KMO = 0.920, and a significant Bartlett's test of sphericity (2719.0, gl = 630; P <0.001). The parallel analysis yielded a three-factor solution, which showed adequate levels of reliability: Professional-Patient Relationship, Professional Development and Ethical Commitment. The three-factor solution was the best one found to represent the data. Conclusion: The questionnaire evidenced good psychometric properties and appropriateness to evaluate medical students' professionalism, contributing to reach more desirable ethical standards in medical education.

Resumo Introdução: Avaliar o profissionalismo representa um desafio para os educadores médicos dada a natureza de seu construto que compreende diversos valores, crenças e princípios. A compreensão desse fenômeno psicológico é fundamental para o alcance dos objetivos da educação médica. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos traduzir para o português brasileiro e validar o Questionário de Profissionalismo da Penn State College of Medicine. Método: O questionário foi traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente para o português brasileiro com dados de 249 estudantes de Medicina. Na condução da análise fatorial exploratória, utilizaram-se uma matriz policórica e o método de extração Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares. Os seguintes índices e critérios de adequação do modelo foram usados: índices de ajuste da raiz quadrada da média do erro de aproximação (RMSEA) < 0,08, índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI) e índice de Tucker-Lewis (TLI) > 0,90. Resultado: A análise fatorial exploratória obteve um KMO = 0,920 e um teste de esfericidade de Bartlett significativo (2719,0, gl = 630; P < 0,001). A análise paralela resultou em uma solução de três fatores que apresentou níveis adequados de confiabilidade: relacionamento profissional-paciente, desenvolvimento profissional e compromisso ético. A solução de três fatores foi considerada a melhor para representar os dados. Conclusão: O questionário evidenciou boas propriedades psicométricas e adequação para avaliar o profissionalismo dos estudantes de Medicina, contribuindo para o alcance de padrões éticos mais desejáveis na educação médica.

Work ability and associated factors in people living with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1.

BACKGROUND: Infection with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) affects an estimated 10-15 million people worldwide. However, knowledge of the impact of HTLV-1 infection on work ability is lacking. This study aimed to measure the frequency and identify factors associated with poor work ability in patients living with HTLV-1. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 207 individuals infected with HTLV-1 who attended the University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. HTLV-1 antibodies were detected in the participants' blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blotting. Participants answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, personal habits, clinical data, health-related quality of life, and work ability, evaluated using the work ability index questionnaire. A Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimate was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of poor work ability. RESULTS: Patients mean age was 55.2, ranging from 19 to 84 years, 73.0% were females, 100% had monthly family income less than US$ 394, and 33.8% presented HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). No individual was classified as having excellent work ability. Poor work ability prevalence was strongly associated (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval [CI]) with sedentarism (1.30; 1.03-1.65), neurological symptoms (1.25; 1.02-1.52), and low physical (0.95; 0.94-0.96) and mental (0.98; 0.97-0.99) component summaries of health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Poor work ability among people living with HTLV-1 is associated with sedentarism, neurologic symptoms, and low health-related quality of life.