Do Adult Attachment Style or Personality Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Late-Life Depression in Poor Communities?

OBJECTIVE: Childhood maltreatment is associated with late-life depression. Preliminary evidence indicates that personality characteristics, in particular neuroticism and extroversion, and an anxious attachment style mediate this association. The objective is to evaluate 3 models, in which personality and attachment are considered mediators between childhood maltreatment and late-life depression in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Brazilian population. METHODS: This study included participants (n = 260) from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Porto Alegre, Brazil, who completed measures of childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - CTQ), personality characteristics (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), attachment styles (Relationship Scales Questionnaire), and geriatric depression (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus). General multiple and sequential mediation analyses were used to test for possible associations. RESULTS: Attachment anxiety but not attachment avoidance is a mediator between childhood maltreatment and geriatric depression. Neuroticism is a full mediator. At that, attachment anxiety was found to be a predictor of neuroticism. Finally, sequential mediation analysis shows a path from childhood maltreatment to geriatric depression through attachment anxiety and neuroticism. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a pathway from childhood maltreatment to anxious attachment, which in turn predicts higher neuroticism that itself may favor late-life depression. This hypothesis could have implications for older adults living in low socioeconomic settings in that treating the high-risk group of maltreated children may help prevent late-life depression.

Association between Big Five personality factors and medication adherence in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to medications can be associated with circumstances related to the patient, with the pathology, with cultural health beliefs, with habits, and with quality of life. Behavioral patterns can also directly influence a patient's pharmacological adherence, since they are related to their perception and understanding of their own health status and of their drug and non-drug treatments. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between adherence to pharmacological treatment and personality factors, sociodemographic variables, and economic data in the elderly. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. The population studied were elderly people registered with the Family Health Strategy of Porto Alegre and enrolled on the Brain Aging Program (PENCE), from March 2013 to November 2015. Sociodemographic data, pharmacological adherence, and personality traits were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were incomplete data in the personality and pharmacological adherence assessments; cognitive impairment, evaluated using the instrument Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), or not having carried out this assessment. RESULTS: A total of 123 individuals were included with a mean age of 71.35±7.33 years, 58.6% of whom reported some level of non-adherence to their medication regime (low and moderate adherence). Elderly people with low adherence had significantly higher mean scores in the Neuroticism factor, while those with high adherence had significantly higher mean scores in the Agreeableness and Conscientiousness factors. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that pharmacological adherence among the elderly is negatively associated with the Neuroticism personality trait, while the Agreeableness and Conscientiousness traits are positively associated.

Association between Big Five personality factors and medication adherence in the elderly

Abstract Introduction Adherence to medications can be associated with circumstances related to the patient, with the pathology, with cultural health beliefs, with habits, and with quality of life. Behavioral patterns can also directly influence a patient's pharmacological adherence, since they are related to their perception and understanding of their own health status and of their drug and non-drug treatments. Objective To investigate the association between adherence to pharmacological treatment and personality factors, sociodemographic variables, and economic data in the elderly. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study. The population studied were elderly people registered with the Family Health Strategy of Porto Alegre and enrolled on the Brain Aging Program (PENCE), from March 2013 to November 2015. Sociodemographic data, pharmacological adherence, and personality traits were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were incomplete data in the personality and pharmacological adherence assessments; cognitive impairment, evaluated using the instrument Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), or not having carried out this assessment. Results A total of 123 individuals were included with a mean age of 71.35±7.33 years, 58.6% of whom reported some level of non-adherence to their medication regime (low and moderate adherence). Elderly people with low adherence had significantly higher mean scores in the Neuroticism factor, while those with high adherence had significantly higher mean scores in the Agreeableness and Conscientiousness factors. Conclusion The study suggests that pharmacological adherence among the elderly is negatively associated with the Neuroticism personality trait, while the Agreeableness and Conscientiousness traits are positively associated.

The process of deprescribing in older adults: a methodological protocol / Processo de desprescrição em idosos: protocolo metodológico

Objective: To report, by means of a methodological protocol, the process of deprescribing implemented in a geriatric psychiatry outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital. Methods: The topic of interest was comprehensively reviewed in the scientific literature. Instruments and tools necessary to develop the protocol were selected, including the Treatment Adherence Measure, Beers criteria, the EURO-FORTA List, the Brazilian Consensus on Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Persons, Drugs.com, and deprescribing algorithms. Results: The protocol consists of the following steps: 1) Review: Assess older patients' physical and behavioral status and family context and list all medications used; 2) Analyze: Review patients' drug therapy; 3) Act: Initiate deprescribing (if indicated); 4) Adjust: Discuss patients' expectations, beliefs, and preferences and adjust the prescription to their real possibilities; 5) Monitor: Identify responses to treatment, assess adherence to the deprescribing process, and detect return of symptoms or worsening of the underlying disease. Conclusions: Health care professionals need to work together to provide comprehensive care for older persons. The inclusion of deprescribing in more research groups focused on the geriatric population will increase attention to the safety of pharmacological treatment for older patients.

Objetivo: Relatar como ocorre o processo de desprescrição em um ambulatório de Psiquiatria Geriátrica de um hospital universitário, por meio de um protocolo metodológico. Metodologia: O assunto foi revisado na literatura científica e foram selecionados instrumentos e ferramentas necessários para desenvolver o protocolo, incluindo a Medida de Adesão aos Tratamentos, o Critério de Beers, a Lista Fit for the Aged (EURO-FORTA), o Consenso Brasileiro de Medicamentos Potencialmente Inapropriados para Idosos, Drugs.com e algoritmos de desprescrição. Resultados: O protocolo elaborado é composto das seguintes etapas: 1) revisar: avaliar o estado físico e comportamental e o contexto familiar do idoso e listar todos os medicamentos utilizados; 2) analisar: revisar a farmacoterapia do paciente; 3) agir: iniciar a desprescrição (se tiver indicação); 4) ajustar: pactuar expectativas, crenças e preferências do paciente, adaptando a prescrição às suas reais possibilidades; 5) monitorar: verificar as respostas ao tratamento, avaliar a adesão à desprescrição, detectar ressurgimento dos sintomas ou agravamento da doença de base. Conclusões: Os profissionais da saúde precisam trabalhar em conjunto para proporcionar atenção completa ao idoso. A inserção da desprescrição em mais grupos de pesquisa com o foco na população geriátrica possibilitará maior atenção à segurança dos tratamentos farmacológicos dos pacientes.

AMP hydrolysis reduction in blood plasma of breast cancer elderly patients after different treatments.

Adenine nucleotides are important signaling molecules that mediate biological functions in many conditions, including cancer. The enzymes CD39 and CD73 produce adenosine in the extracellular milieu that has a very important role in tumor development. This study aimed to evaluate nucleotide hydrolysis in the plasma blood of breast cancer elderly patients. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the ectonucleotidases activity in breast cancer elderly patients, at the moment of diagnosis and after treatment. Control group consisted of elderly women without cancer diagnostic. The nucleotide hydrolysis assay was performed by the malachite green method and used ATP, ADP, or AMP as substrates. Paired t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used. Our data showed that breast cancer patients presented high levels of ATP and AMP hydrolyses when compared to control group at the moment of diagnosis. When analyzing the differences between the samples at the time of diagnostic and 6 months after treatment, we observed a significant reduction on CD73 activity after all treatments used: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy. The results with APCP, a specific CD73 inhibitor, showed that the AMP hydrolysis was inhibited in all conditions evaluated. We observed a diminished ADPase activity in the patients without metastasis when compared to metastatic breast cancer patients. The results showed that AMP hydrolysis was reduced in the blood plasma of breast cancer elderly patients after different treatments. This study strengthens the potential role of CD73 enzyme as a biomarker for breast cancer treatment response.

Prevalence and correlates of generalized anxiety disorder among elderly people in primary health care / Prevalência e correlatos do transtorno de ansiedade generalizada em idosos atendidos em atenção primária

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its associations with sociodemographic and health factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a population-based sample of 578 individuals aged 60 years or older from the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Home visit screening and general data collection were made by trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). Diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were made by board-certified psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview plus (MINIplus) in the Hospital São Lucas of the Pontifical University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). RESULTS: GAD was found in 9% of the sample (n = 52; CI 95% = 6.9-11.6). The main results of the multivariate analysis show associations between GAD and retirement (PR: 0.43, CI: 0.25-0.76), history of falls (PR: 2.52, CI: 1.42-4.49), cohabitation with four or more people (PR: 1.80, CI: 1.04-3.13), having more than one hospitalization in the last year (PR: 2.53, CI: 1.17-5.48) and self-perception of health as regular (PR: 2.75, CI: 1.02-7.47). Retirement in the elderly shows 2.32x less risk of GAD, although confounding factors may have overestimated this finding and underestimated the association with female gender (PR: 1.61, CI: 0.83-3.10). CONCLUSIONS: We estimate a high prevalence of GAD in this population. Associations were found between GAD and health self-perceived as regular, cohabitation with four or more people, history of falls and more than one hospitalization in the last year. These epidemiological data from the Family Health Strategy are important to develop further strategies for this age group that could improve the health care practice.

OBJETIVO: Examinar a prevalência do transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (TAG) em idosos e suas associações com fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, composto por uma amostra de base populacional de 578 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais, participantes do programa Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Agentes de saúde treinados realizaram coleta de dados dos indivíduos durante as visitas domiciliares. A avaliação diagnóstica psiquiátrica foi realizada por psiquiatras, no Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), por meio da aplicação do Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview plus (MINIplus). RESULTADOS: O TAG foi encontrado em 9% (n = 52; IC 95% = 6,9-11,6) da amostra. Os principais resultados da análise multivariada evidenciaram associações entre TAG e aposentadoria (RP: 0,43; IC: 0,25-0,76), história de quedas (RP: 2,52; IC: 1,42-4,49), coabitação com quatro ou mais pessoas (RP: 1,80; IC: 1,04-3,13), ter mais de uma hospitalização no último ano (RP: 2,53, IC: 1,17-5,48) e autopercepção de saúde avaliada como regular (RP: 2,75, IC: 1,02-7,47). Idosos aposentados apresentaram risco 2,32 menor de TAG, embora fatores confundidores possam ter superestimado esse achado e subestimado a associação com gênero feminino (RP: 1,61; IC: 0,83-3,10). CONCLUSÕES: Estimou-se uma alta prevalência de TAG nessa população de idosos. Foram encontradas associações de TAG com autopercepção de saúde regular, coabitação com quatro ou mais pessoas, mais de uma hospitalização no último ano e história de quedas. Esses dados oriundos da Estratégia Saúde da Família são importantes para o desenvolvimento de estratégias adicionais que possam melhorar a prática de assistência à saúde na população idosa.

Evaluation of nuclear NF-κB, transglutaminase2, and ERCC1 as predictors of platinum resistance in testicular tumors

ABSTRACT Purpose: Testicular germ cells tumor (TGCT) are associated with a high cure rate and are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. However, a group of testicular cancer patients may have a very unfavorable evolution and insensitivity to the main therapeutic agent chemotherapy (CT) cisplatin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of recurrence and overall survival related to the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) in patients with TGCT treated with platinum combinations. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was performed with TGCT patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed and the expression was correlated with clinical and laboratory data. Results: Fifty patients were included, the mean age was 28.4 years (18 to 45), and 76% were non-seminoma. All patients were treated with standard cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin or cisplatin, and etoposide. Patient's analyzed immunodetection for NF-κB, TG2, and ERCC1 were positive in 76%, 54% and 42%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that positive expressions to ERCC1 and NF-κB are independent risk factors for higher recurrence TGCT after chemotherapy (RR 2.96 and 3.16, respectively). Patients with positive expression of ERCC1 presented a poor overall survival rate for 10-year follow (p=0.001). Conclusions: The expression of ERCC1 and NF-κB give a worse prognosis for relapse, and only ERCC1 had an influence on the overall survival of TGCT patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. These may represent markers that predict poor clinical outcome and response to cisplatin.

Evaluation of nuclear NF-κB, transglutaminase2, and ERCC1 as predictors of platinum resistance in testicular tumors.

PURPOSE: Testicular germ cells tumor (TGCT) are associated with a high cure rate and are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. However, a group of testicular cancer patients may have a very unfavorable evolution and insensitivity to the main therapeutic agent chemotherapy (CT) cisplatin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of recurrence and overall survival related to the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) in patients with TGCT treated with platinum combinations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with TGCT patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed and the expression was correlated with clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included, the mean age was 28.4 years (18 to 45), and 76% were non-seminoma. All patients were treated with standard cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin or cisplatin, and etoposide. Patient's analyzed immunodetection for NF-κB, TG2, and ERCC1 were positive in 76%, 54% and 42%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that positive expressions to ERCC1 and NF-κB are independent risk factors for higher recurrence TGCT after chemotherapy (RR 2.96 and 3.16, respectively). Patients with positive expression of ERCC1 presented a poor overall survival rate for 10-year follow (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of ERCC1 and NF-κB give a worse prognosis for relapse, and only ERCC1 had an influence on the overall survival of TGCT patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. These may represent markers that predict poor clinical outcome and response to cisplatin.

Potentially inappropriate medication and associated factors such as depression and dementia: An analysis of middle-aged and elderly people / Prevalência de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados e fatores associados, como depressão e demência: uma análise de pessoas de meia-idade e idosos

AIMS: To establish the frequency potentially inappropriate medications use and the associated factors, such as signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit among middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: A cross-sectional population study was performed with 2,350 people, aged between 55-103 years, registered in the primary health care. Potentially inappropriate medications were defined by updated 2019 Beers criteria. Studied variables were sociodemographic, lifestyle and health, and signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit. Multinomial regression analysis was executed. RESULTS: The frequency of potentially inappropriate medications use was 65.4%. Former and current smokers, regular self-perception of health, polypharmacy, and individuals with signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit were significantly associated with potentially inappropriate medications use. Antiarrhythmics, antihistamines and antiadrenergic agents were the highest potentially inappropriate medications classes used for individuals with signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of use of potentially inappropriate medications is high among middle-aged people, a population that was previously under-researched, as well as among elderly people. Cognitive impairment alone or together with depression symptoms were associated factor for a potentially inappropriate medications use. Knowledge of the pharmacoepidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications is an important for the promotion of the rational use of drugs in public health.

OBJETIVOS: Estabelecer a frequência de uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados e fatores associados, tais como sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo, em indivíduos de meia-idade e idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com 2.350 indivíduos, de idade entre 55 e 103 anos, cadastrados na atenção primária à saúde. Medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados foram definidos pelos Critérios Beers atualizados em 2019. As variáveis estudadas foram sociodemográficas, estilo de vida, clínicas, bem como sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo. Foi realizada análise de regressão multinomial. RESULTADOS: A frequência de uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados foi de 65,4%. O uso de medicações potencialmente inapropriadas foi significativamente associado a indivíduos ex-fumantes e fumantes atuais, com autopercepção de saúde regular, usuários de polifarmácia e com sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo. Antiarrítmicos, anti-histamínicos e antiadrenérgicos foram as classes de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados mais utilizada pelos indivíduos com sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência de utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados é alta em pessoas de meia-idade, faixa etária pouco pesquisada, bem como em idosos. O comprometimento cognitivo, isoladamente ou em conjunto com sintomas de depressão, foi um fator associado ao uso de medicações potencialmente inapropriadas. O conhecimento da farmacoepidemiologia de utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados é importante para a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos na saúde pública.

Relationship between childhood maltreatment and geriatric depression: the mediator effect of personality traits.

BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment is an important factor associated with adverse mental health outcomes including geriatric depression and the "big five" personality characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate a model where personality characteristics mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and geriatric depression. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, elderly subjects from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Porto Alegre, Brazil (n = 260) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI plus). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the mediation hypothesis. RESULTS: The five personality factors (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness) were related to childhood maltreatment and depression. Mediation analysis revealed that neuroticism and extraversion are complete mediators, agreeableness and conscientiousness are partial mediators, and openness is not a mediator. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis in which childhood maltreatment is associated with geriatric depression and mediated by personality factors. These results suggest that reducing the maladaptive personality trait in elderly people who suffered childhood maltreatment could prevent geriatric depression.

Performance of Anthropometric Indicators in the Prediction of Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly.

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated the relevance of anthropometric indicators in the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, researches involving older people are still scarce. Therefore, the objective was to describe the frequency of MetS and to determine the performance of anthropometric indicators as predictors of MetS in the total sample, in men and women. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 479 elderly individuals attended in primary health care. The revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) guidelines were used for the MetS diagnosis. The anthropometric indicators evaluated were neck circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), SAD/height, sagittal index, and conicity index (C-Index). The predictive performance of the MetS anthropometric indicators was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A cutoff point >0.700 was used to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results: The frequency of MetS was 60.5%. The anthropometric indicators demonstrating adequate performance were in total sample: SAD/height (auROC = 0.810), SAD (auROC = 0.777), and C-Index (auROC = 0.706); in women: SAD (auROC = 0.820), SAD/height (auROC = 0.810), neck circumference (auROC = 0.782), and C-Index (auROC = 0.727); in men: SAD/height (auROC = 0.768), SAD (auROC = 0.760), and C-Index (auROC = 0.724). Conclusions: A high frequency of MetS was observed. Of the five anthropometric indicators investigated, three presented good performance in the total sample (SAD, SAD/height, and C-Index), four in women (SAD, SAD/height, neck circumference, and C-Index), and three in men (SAD, SAD/height, and C-Index). The anthropometric indicators, SAD, SAD/height, and C-Index, proved to perform adequately in all the three segments investigated.

Hydrolysis of ATP, ADP, and AMP is increased in blood plasma of prostate cancer patients.

Prostate cancer is among the major malignancies that affect men around the world. Adenine nucleotides are important signaling molecules that mediate innumerous biological functions in pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. These molecules are degraded by several ectoenzymes named ectonucleotidases that produce adenosine in the extracellular medium. Some of these ecto-enzymes can be found in soluble in the blood stream. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and AMP) in the plasma blood of patients with prostate cancer. Peripheral blood samples were collected, and questionnaires were filled based on the clinical data of the medical records. The nucleotide hydrolysis was performed by Malachite Green method using ATP, ADP, and AMP as substrates. Plasma from prostate cancer patients presented an elevated hydrolysis of all nucleotides evaluated when compared to healthy individuals. NTPDase inhibitor (ARL67156) and the alkaline phosphatase inhibitor (levamisole) did not alter ATP hydrolysis. However, AMP hydrolysis was reduced by the CD73 inhibitor, APCP, and by levamisole, suggesting the action of a soluble form of CD73 and alkaline phosphatase. On microvesicles, it was observed that there was a low expression and activity of CD39 and almost absent of CD73. The correlation of ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis with clinic pathological data demonstrated that patients who received radiotherapy showed a higher AMP hydrolysis than those who did not, and patients with lower clinical stage (CS-IIA) presented an elevated ATP hydrolysis when compared to those with more advanced clinical stages (CS-IIB and CS-III). Patients of all clinical stages presented an elevated AMPase activity. Therefore, we can suggest that the nucleotide hydrolysis might be attributed to soluble ecto-enzymes present in the plasma, which, in a coordinate manner, produce adenosine in the blood stream, favoring prostate cancer progression.

Influence of childhood abuse and neglect subtypes on late-life suicide risk beyond depression.

The association of childhood maltreatment and suicide has been extensively examined within the population. Depression figures as a main cause for the elevated suicide rate in advanced ages and is often related to childhood maltreatment. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment subtypes and suicide risk, testing geriatric depression as a moderator. This is a cross-sectional study looking at a sample of 449 individuals 60 year s old or older from the Multidimensional Study of the Elderly of Porto Alegre Family Health Strategy, Brazil (EMI-SUS/POA). Childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), geriatric depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), and suicide risk (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) were assessed. The subtypes of childhood abuse and neglect were significantly associated with suicide risk. In the multivariate analysis, controlling for age, gender, income, marital status, ethnicity, smoking, and geriatric depression symptoms, all trauma subtypes remained associated with suicide risk with the exception of physical neglect (EA = 3.65; PA = 3.16; SA = 5.1; EN = 2.43; PN = 1.76). The present study showed that childhood maltreatment subtypes predicted suicide risk, and geriatric depression does not directly mediate this relation.

Descarte Correto de Medicamentos: construção de uma cartilha educativa / Correct Drug Disposal: Educational Booklet Building

Objetivo: contribuir na orientação do descarte adequado de medicamentos através da elaboração de uma cartilha educativa direcionada a idosos. Método: Estudo descritivo e exploratório desenvolvido através da construção e validação de uma cartilha educativa realizado no serviço de geriatria de um hospital universitário da cidade de Porto Alegre. A construção da cartilha objetiva levar ao conhecimento dos idosos o impacto ambiental que os medicamentos descartados em locais inapropriados geram ao meio ambiente e assim conscientizá-los da importância do descarte em locais adequados. Para a validação, foram convidados idosos atendidos no serviço de geriatria de um hospital universitário e membros da equipe multiprofissional de saúde. Resultados: Participaram 6 membros da equipe da saúde e 45 idosos no processo de validação. Os idosos elogiaram a cartilha, mas não fizeram comentários adicionais ou de algum item do texto ou das imagens. Já os membros da equipe de saúde deram sugestões com exclusão de imagens, transformando a informação em texto, melhora na cor da letra para visualização e inclusão de conteúdo, tanto em relação aos locais de descarte quanto ao material que é descartado. Conclusão: Instrumentos educativos, como a cartilha elaborada e validada, auxiliam de forma concreta na conscientização do impacto que os medicamentos podem causar no meio ambiente, trazendo, a longo prazo, um grande benefício para a sociedade em geral.(AU)

Objective: Contribute to the orientation of the proper disposal of medications through the preparation of a educative booklet targeted at the elderly. Method: Descriptive and exploratory study developed through the construction and validation of a educative booklet carried out in the department of Geriatrics at a university hospital in the city of Porto Alegre. The booklet construction was developed considering the education about the environmental impact of the medicines and its appropriate disposal sites. Elderly patients that attended geriatrics department of the university hospital and members of the multiprofessional health team were invited for validation. Results: Six health team members and 45 non-validation participants have provided information to this ressearch. The seniors have only praised the primer, with no additional comments or exclusion exclusion of any item. Members of the health team, however, provided suggestions like the exclusion of images, to change the information into text, improvement on the colour scheme for better visualization and the inclusion of infomation content, about the propper disposal sites and also about the material which is discarted. Conclusion: Educational tools, such as the booklet designed and validated, help in a practical way in raising awareness of the impact that drugs can cause in the environment bringing, in the long term, a great benefit to society in general. (AU)

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e fatores sociodemográficos associados a sintomas de depressão em idosos / Non-communicable chronic diseases and sociodemographic associated with symptoms of depression in elderly

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a associação das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e fatores sociodemográficos com sintomas de depressão em idosos. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 1.391 idosos cadastrados na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Os dados sociodemográficos e de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis foram coletados pelos agentes comunitários de saúde. A Escala de Depressão Geriátrica abreviada foi utilizada para investigar os sintomas de depressão. Resultados Aproximadamente 81% referiram ao menos uma doença crônica não transmissível. Os sintomas depressivos foram associados com sexo feminino, doença coronariana, insuficiência cardíaca e acidente vascular cerebral; ≥ 8 anos de estudo e ter companheiro foram protetores. Dentre as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, as cardiovasculares e as cerebrovasculares têm associação independente com sintomas de depressão. Conclusões Esses resultados corroboram a hipótese de que a doença vascular seja um fator de risco para o comprometimento encefálico associado à depressão. Evidencia-se o importante papel dos agentes comunitários de saúde, na Estratégia Saúde da Família, com potencial utilidade nas políticas públicas para a saúde mental do idoso.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between non-communicable chronic diseases and sociodemographic factors with symptoms of depression in elderly. Methods Transversal study conducted with 1,391 elderly patients registered in the Family Health Strategy. Social-demographic and non-communicable chronic diseases data were collected by community health agents. Geriatric Depression Scale abbreviate was used to investigate symptoms of depression. Results About 81% of all patients reported at least one non-communicable chronic disease. Symptoms of depression was associated with women, coronary disease, cardiac insufficiency and cerebrovascular accident; education ≥ 8 years and having a companion were shown to be protecting factors. Conclusions Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular non-communicable chronic diseases are independently associated with depression. These results support the hypothesis that vascular disease is a risk factor for brain impairment associated with depression. This research illustrates the role of community health agents within Family Health Strategy as a tool for public mental health policy.

Prevalência de diabetes mellitus e adesão medicamentosa em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Porto Alegre/RS / Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and medication adherence in elderly of the Family Health Program in Porto Alegre

Resumo Introdução Com o envelhecimento populacional, há o aparecimento de doenças crônicas incapacitantes, entre as quais se destaca a diabetes mellitus (DM). O objetivo do estudo é descrever a prevalência de DM em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de Porto Alegre, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, de acordo com o tratamento, a adesão medicamentosa e variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado em indivíduos acima de 60 anos. Os dados foram coletados por instrumento (dados sociodemográficos, condições de saúde, hábitos de vida e informações de medicamentos). A adesão medicamentosa foi avaliada pela escala de Morisky. Resultados Foram analisados 763 idosos, com idade média de 69,1±7,5 anos, dos quais 63,7% eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de DM foi de 23,5%, principalmente nas mulheres (27,2%), na faixa etária de 60 a 79 anos (24,6%), nos viúvos (28,4%) e nos que relataram ter cuidador (27,6%). Nas variáveis de saúde, idosos com maior índice de massa corporal (IMC) e aqueles com doença cardíaca apresentaram maior prevalência de DM. A metformina foi o hipoglicemiante que apresentou maior frequência de uso (76,5%). Conclusão A atenção ao idoso diabético vem crescendo nas ESF, por isso este estudo contribuirá para o desenvolvimento de estratégias para melhor atenção a essa população.

Abstract Introduction With an aging population also come disabling chronic diseases, the diabetes mellitus (DM) is among them. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of DM in the elderly of the Family Health Program in Porto Alegre, according to the sociodemographic and health variables, and describe the treatment used and medication adherence. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted in individuals above 60 years old. Data were collected by a questionnaire (sociodemographic, health status, lifestyle and drug information). Morisky scale was assessed for the medication adherence. Results We analyzed 763 older adults with a mean age of 69.1 ± 7.5 years, 63.7% were female. The prevalence of DM was 23.5% and was higher in women (27.2%), in people aged 60-79 years (24.6%), in the widowed (28.4%) and those who reported having caregiver (27.6%). On the health variables, elderly with higher BMI and those reporting heart disease presented a higher prevalence of DM. Metformin was the mostly used hypoglycemic drug (76.5%). Conclusion The elderly care has increased in ESF diabetic patients’ and this study will help in developing strategies to better care for this population.

Patterns of chronic benzodiazepine use in the elderly

Abstract Background In several countries, prevalence studies demonstrate that chronic use of BZD in the elderly population is very high. This scenario has reached pandemic proportions for decades and is an important public health problem. Objectives To examine the independent association between chronic benzodiazepine use in depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, as well as other clinical and sociodemographic factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was developed from a population-based survey and conducted from March, 2011 to December, 2012 using a random sample of 550 elderly people who were enrolled in the Family Health Strategy in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Data was collected from identifying epidemiological and health data (sociodemographic, self-perception health, self-reported diseases, smoking, alcohol and pharmacotherapeutic evaluation) and from the diagnoses of mood and anxiety disorders. Results Elderly patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, concomitant depression/anxiety and bipolar disorders, and those who were using antidepressants have a higher risk of benzodiazepine use. Individuals who self-reported drinking alcohol had a lower risk of benzodiazepine use. Discussion Benzodiazepines are often used by the elderly for long periods, which has a direct impact on the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders and on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, who may be unnecessarily taking these drugs.

Estudo do uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Study of the use of potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly from Family Health Strategy / Estudio del uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados a los mayores en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia

Os objetivos foram estimar a prevalência de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI); e examinar associações de MPI com variáveis socioeconômicas e de saúde. O estudo foi transversal e realizado em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família, do município de Porto Alegre, RS. Os medicamentos foram classificados por princípio ativo e, para avaliação dos MPI, foram utilizados os critérios de Beers. Fizeram parte deste estudo 761 idosos. A média de medicamentos utilizada foi de 4, a prevalência de MPI foi de 32,2%, e foram identificados 41 diferentes MPI.

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and examine associations of PIM with socioeconomic and health variables. It was a cross-sectional study in elderly from Family Health Strategy in the city of Porto Alegre.Drugs were classified by substances and for PIM evaluation were used the Beers Criteria. This study included 761 elderly. The average number of drugs used were 4, the prevalence of PIM was 32.2% and were identified 41 different MPI.

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados (PIM) y examinar asociaciones de PIM con variables socioeconómicas y de salud. Se trató de un estudio transversal en mayores de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia en la ciudad de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Los fármacos se clasificaron por sustancias y para la evaluación PIM se utilizaron los Criterios de Beers. Este estudio incluyó a 761 ancianos. El número promedio de fármacos utilizados fue 4, la prevalencia de PIM fue del 32,2% y se identificaron 41 diferentes IPM.

[Consumption of nutrients among the elderly living in Porto Alegre in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a population-based study]. / Consumo de nutrientes em idosos residentes em Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil: um estudo de base populacional.

A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted on a random sample of 427 elderly individuals living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, to establish the nutrient consumption profile and verify its association with sociodemographic and health variables. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour Food Recall Survey and the Dietetic Research Investigation technique. Seventy percent of the elderly respondents were women: 48.5% were between 60 and 69 years old; 68.8% had less than 8 years of schooling; 39% had a family income of between 2 and 5 minimum wages and 58.4% took no physical exercise. Hypertension was the most prevalent disease among the elderly and 54.9% were underweight. Men consumed more calories, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins than women. Carbohydrate and calcium intake increases with advancing age, while zinc intake decreases. Physical exercise increased the intake of calories, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. The higher the schooling the greater the intake of vitamins B6 and B12; the higher the family income, the greater the consumption of vitamin B6 and folic acid. The results show that there are nutritional deficiencies in the daily diet of the Brazilian elderly population, especially among women and individuals over 80 years of age.

Consumo de nutrientes em idosos residentes em Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil: um estudo de base populacional / Consumption of nutrients among the elderly living in Porto Alegre in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a population-based study

Resumo Para descrever o perfil de consumo de nutrientes e verificar a sua associação com as variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde, desenvolveu-se um estudo transversal, de base populacional em uma amostra aleatória de 427 idosos residentes em Porto Alegre, Brasil. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado através do Inquérito Recordatório de 24 Horas e Investigação da História Dietética. Dos idosos entrevistados, 70% eram mulheres; 48,5% possuíam entre 60 e 69 anos; 68,8% possuíam menos de 8 anos de escolaridade; 39,0%, renda familiar entre 2 e 5 salários mínimos; e 58,4% não praticava exercício físico. A hipertensão foi a doença mais prevalente, e 54,9% dos idosos estavam abaixo do peso. Os homens consumiam mais calorias, proteínas, fibras, minerais e vitaminas do que as mulheres. O consumo de carboidrato e cálcio aumentou conforme o avanço da idade, assim como diminuiu a ingestão de zinco. A prática de exercício físico elevou o consumo de calorias, magnésio, potássio e fósforo. Quanto maior a escolaridade, maior é o consumo de vitaminas B6 e B12; quanto maior a renda familiar, maior o consumo de vitamina B6 e ácido fólico. Os resultados demonstram que há deficiências nutricionais na alimentação diária da nossa população de idosos, principalmente entre as mulheres e os indivíduos acima de 80 anos.

Abstract A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted on a random sample of 427 elderly individuals living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, to establish the nutrient consumption profile and verify its association with sociodemographic and health variables. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour Food Recall Survey and the Dietetic Research Investigation technique. Seventy percent of the elderly respondents were women: 48.5% were between 60 and 69 years old; 68.8% had less than 8 years of schooling; 39% had a family income of between 2 and 5 minimum wages and 58.4% took no physical exercise. Hypertension was the most prevalent disease among the elderly and 54.9% were underweight. Men consumed more calories, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins than women. Carbohydrate and calcium intake increases with advancing age, while zinc intake decreases. Physical exercise increased the intake of calories, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. The higher the schooling the greater the intake of vitamins B6 and B12; the higher the family income, the greater the consumption of vitamin B6 and folic acid. The results show that there are nutritional deficiencies in the daily diet of the Brazilian elderly population, especially among women and individuals over 80 years of age.