Spirituality in Brazilian family caregivers of patients with cancer from the end-of-life care to bereavement.

Although spirituality can be a source of support during end-of-life and engage a transformative experience after loss, few studies report family members' spiritual and existential needs considering their experiences over time. We conducted a longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis from audio-recorded interviews of 10 family caregivers while providing end-of-life care for cancer patients and during bereavement. Participants' spirituality experiences were presented in three superordinate themes: connectedness with religious beliefs and the deceased; re-signifying relationships, life, and loss; suffering and the family caregiver's needs. Finding connection through relationships, greater existential and spiritual suffering post-loss were important issues involved in expressing their spirituality.

Body image experience of women with breast cancer: A meta-synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Body image is a multidimensional concept that involves the mental image of the human body and the feeling of being oneself throughout existence. Treatment for breast cancer causes several bodily changes that affect women's body image. AIMS: This meta-synthesis aims to synthesise and interpret primary qualitative studies on the experience of body image in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted employing systematic searches in six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and LILACS). Data analysis was performed according to thematic synthesis. RESULTS: Forty studies were included. Five descriptive themes were identified: (1) actively saying goodbye to body image; (2) the rupture of body image; (3) the sacrifice of body image in exchange for life; (4) body image as a vehicle for social expression; and (5) resignation of the alterated body image. These themes were understood through one analytical theme: Half-woman: body image of the woman with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: The experience of body image in the context of breast cancer is a dynamic phenomenon, which involves dismissal, rupture, and resignation and occurs mediated by interpersonal contact.

Pre-death grief in patients requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

This study aimed to understand the pre-death grief experienced by patients requiring Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. The sample consisted of nine adult patients. A semi-structured interview was applied individually, and audio was recorded and analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The results were organized into two categories, namely: Pre-death grief: Receiving the diagnosis, and Pre-death adjustment: Adaptation to the new condition. It was observed that there was a shock and a need to deal with the losses stemming from a serious illness, but then there was openness to reflection, and from this a new way of being and living emerged.

Consumo de tabaco y alcohol y comportamientos de salud entre estudiantes de enfermería / O consumo de tabaco e álcool e os comportamentos de saúde em estudantes de enfermagen / Tobacco and alcohol consumption and health behaviors among nursing students

Objective: To evaluate the association between attitudes, health behaviors, and the use of tobacco and alcohol among nursing students. Materials and method: Exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with 182 undergraduate nursing students in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Sociodemographic Information Form, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test ­ C (AUDIT-C), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Attitudes and Health Behaviors Questionnaire (AHBQ), and Patient Health Questionnaire ­ 2 (PHQ-2) were applied. Results: More than half of the students showed appropriate health behaviors and positive attitudes. Approximately 50% of the participants had consumed alcoholic beverages in the last month. Experimental use of illicit drugs and smoking were also observed. In addition, students who reported excessive alcohol use presented a deficit in self-care. Conclusions: The precariousness in health attitudes and behaviors identified in this study was associated with various patterns of psychoactive substance use. Thus, the results indicate the need for interventions aimed at promoting well-being and a healthy lifestyle in the university environment.

Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre las actitudes, los comportamientos de salud y el uso de tabaco y alcohol entre un grupo de estudiantes de enfermería. Materiales y método: estudio exploratorio, descriptivo y transversal realizado con 182 estudiantes de pregrado en enfermería en São Paulo, Brasil. Se aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos: Formulario de Información Sociodemográfica, Prueba de Identificación de Trastornos Derivados del Consumo de Alcohol ­ C (AUDIT-C), Test de Fagerström para Adicción a la Nicotina (FTND), Cuestionario sobre Actitudes y Conductas de Salud (CACS) y Cuestionario de Salud del Paciente ­ 2 (PHQ-2). Resultados: más de la mitad de los estudiantes mostraron comportamientos de salud apropiados y actitudes positivas. Aproximadamente 50 % de los participantes había consumido bebidas alcohólicas en el último mes. También se observó el uso experimental de drogas ilícitas y tabaco. Además, los estudiantes que reportaron el consumo excesivo de alcohol presentaron un déficit en el autocuidado. Conclusiones: la precariedad en las actitudes y los comportamientos de salud identificados en este estudio fue asociada con diversos patrones de uso de sustancias psicoactivas. Los resultados señalan la necesidad de intervenciones destinadas a promover el bienestar y un estilo de vida saludable en el ámbito universitario.

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre as atitudes, os comportamentos de saúde e o uso de tabaco e álcool num grupo de estudantes de enfermagen. Materiais e método: estudo exploratório, descritivo e transversal realizado com 182 estudantes de graduação em enfermagem em São Paulo, Brasil. Foram aplicados os seguintes instrumentos: Formulário de Informação Sociodemográfica, Teste de Identificação de Transtornos Derivados do Consumo de Álcool-C (AUDIT-C), Teste de Fagerström para a Dependência de Nicotina (FTND), Questionário sobre Atitudes e Condutas de Saúde (CACS) e Questionário de Saúde do Paciente-2 (PHQ-2). Resultados: mais da metade dos estudantes mostraram comportamentos de saúde apropriados e atitudes positivas. Aproximadamente 50 % dos participantes tinham consumido bebidas alcoólicas no último mês. Também foi observado o uso experimental de drogas ilícitas e tabaco. Além disso, os estudantes que relataram o consumo excessivo de álcool apresentaram um déficit no autocuidado. Conclusões: a precariedade nas atitudes e comportamentos de saúde identificados neste estudo foi associada com diversos padrões de uso de substâncias psicoativas. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de intervenções destinadas a promover o bem-estar e um estilo de vida saudável no contexto universitário.

The meaning of life after a suicide attempt.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the meaning of life after a suicide attempt experience provides greater knowledge about the process of resignification, connections and commitment to life, which can be useful in different therapeutic approaches. OBJECTIVE: Understand the meaning of life after a suicide attempt. METHOD: Qualitative study with eight Brazilian adults assisted in mental health service. The data were collected in 2018 by semi-strutured interviews and group meetings that used artistic resources to facilitate expression.The Symbolic Interactionism was the theoretical reference used and the data were submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: "Searches in the affective, relational and spiritual field" (manifestations of affection, zeal, understanding and welcome and seemed to increase the link and commitment to life, as well as the openness to resignify it); "Life and the constancy of impermanence" (life as an alternation between weakness and strength, crisis and well-being, problems and overcoming); and "Discoveries and relationship with one's own self" (a self previously self-destructive could be resigned as capable of overcoming, resisting and developing resilience). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides important insights to be addressed in clinical practice, in the protocol design, institutional policies, as well as in the training of professionals.

"You begin to give more value in life, in minutes, in seconds": spiritual and existential experiences of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer receiving end-of-life care in Brazil.

PURPOSE: Facing the end of life may trigger significant distress in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. However, few studies have addressed the spiritual and existential concerns of these family caregivers in their end-of-life care journey. This study aimed to understand the spiritual and existential experience of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer facing the end of life in Brazil. METHODS: A purposive sample of 16 family caregivers of hospitalized terminally ill cancer patients in Brazil participated in in-depth interviews. Data collection and analysis were based on interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Three superordinate themes in their spiritual and existential experience were identified: (i) connectedness through caregiving, personal relationships, and spiritual beliefs; (ii) shifting hope: from death as a possibility to preparation for impending death; (iii) reframing suffering and meaning. For these caregivers, the relationship with the patient and with others, their spiritual beliefs, and hope were significant sources of meaning. Hope was sustained by death avoidance, oscillating with death acceptance and hope that it would occur with comfort. Family caregivers also experienced existential and spiritual suffering in the form of guilt, suppressed emotions, and loneliness. CONCLUSION: Health care providers should address and support caregivers' spiritual needs and their relationships with the patient and others during end-of-life care and facilitate reflection regarding existential concerns, meaning, and preparation for impending death.

Factors associated with violence against women by an intimate partner in Northeast Brazil.

This study examined the prevalence, and associated factors, of violence against women by an intimate partner amongst 369 women who attended nursing consultations at primary care centres in Northeast Brazil. Socio-demographic variables, substance use, mental health and the forms of violence were analysed. IPV was a reality for 65.4% of the women of reproductive age seen in the centres. IPV, including psychological violence, is associated with age, education and religion, particularly amongst female cannabis users whose partners were also substance users. Primary care providers are in a position to detect, screen, counsel and treat women who experience IPV.

Risk factors associated with stress symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: integrative literature review.

Stressful events during prenatal and postpartum have been associated with an increase in the susceptibility to the onset of various diseases, threatening mental and physical health of mother and baby. The aim of this study was to synthesize and analyze the literature related to risk factors associated with stress symptoms during pregnancy and immediate postpartum by means of an integrative review. The search was conducted from January 2013 to July 2020, consulting the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and LILACS. In total, 1,677 studies were identified, resulting in 38 articles included in this review. The risk factors most associated with stress in pregnancy and postpartum were related to emotional factors (including mental health, traumatic events and obstetric complications); social and economic factors; mother's health conditions and life style behaviors, and social support and partner related stress. The results are discussed under the light of the biopsychosocial model, which proposes that biological, psychological, and social domains should be considered in order to minimize psychosocial risk conditions. It is concluded that strategies to promote psychological care, education, additional social support and health behaviors should be considered to prevent adverse birth outcomes and to increase maternal well-being.

Experience of Sexuality in Women with Gynecological Cancer: Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies.

Gynecological cancers have an impact on women's psychosexual health in which results vary from adjuvant cancer therapy, such as loss of pleasure, to anxious symptoms. This study aimed to present a meta-synthesis of qualitative primary studies on the sexual experience of women with gynecological cancer. The SPIDER tool and the PRISMA guidelines were used to recover evidence from the databases Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed/MedLine, CINAHL, PsycINFO and LILACS. Twenty articles were included. The thematic synthesis showed that alterations in sexual functions can be mitigated by direct involvement and dialogue with a sexual partner and the resignification of sexual intimacy.

'The experience of spirituality in family caregivers of adult and elderly cancer patients receiving palliative care: A meta-synthesis'.

INTRODUCTION: Spirituality is a multidimensional aspect of human experience. In the context of palliative care, it is an individual resource that can be used to cope with illness and to assign new meanings to suffering. Qualitative studies that aim to investigate the experience of spirituality and the needs of family caregivers in this context are rare. OBJECTIVE: This meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise qualitative studies on the experience of spirituality in family caregivers of adult and elderly cancer patients receiving palliative care. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in six databases, and 14 studies were included in this meta-synthesis. RESULTS: The results are presented as a thematic synthesis divided into two analytical themes: (1) The interweaving of spirituality with end-of-life care and (2) The dimensions of suffering and spirituality in the dying process of the loved one. Each analytical theme is explained by two descriptive themes. The results showed that family caregivers express their spirituality in a multidimensional way, giving meaning to the care provided and reassessing the meanings of their lives and their suffering. CONCLUSION: Investigating the suffering and spiritual needs of family members in this context may be of value to inform comprehensive and multi-professional psychosocial care.

The emotional and psychiatric problems of adolescents on parole whose parents are substance users: A Brazilian cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between having parents with substance use problems, and having suffered neglect within the family, and behavioral problems (psychological and drug use) among adolescents. All the participants were enrolled on the socio-educational parole scheme, 'Assisted Freedom'. In this cross-sectional study, 150 adolescents were interviewed using the Drug Abuse Screening Test, Teen Addiction Severity Index, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Ninety-five percent of the participants were male (n = 143), aged 13-17. Thirty percent of adolescents had a parent who used substances and had experienced neglect from their families. Those adolescents who were living with both parents (odds ratio adjusted (ORA) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13-6.37), from a low-income family (ORA = 6.7, 95% CI = 1.85-24.22), experienced hallucinations (ORA = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.25-6.14), had problems controlling violent behavior (ORA = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.12-5.87), and were physically neglected (ORA = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.24-7.49) were more likely to have parents who used substances and to have experienced parental neglect. This article concludes that adolescents, who are on parole, come from families with high level of psychosocial vulnerabilities, including substance use, experience neglect by their families leading to adverse emotional and psychological states.

Confluências das relações familiares e transtornos alimentares: revisão integrativa da literatura / Confluences of family relationships and eating disorders: integrative literature review / Convergencias de las relaciones familiares y trastornos alimentarios: revisión integrada de la literatura

Este estudo teve por objetivo sintetizar e analisar a produção científica brasileira e estrangeira sobre as relações familiares, com ênfase no vínculo mãe-filha, no contexto dos Transtornos Alimentares (TAs). A revisão integrativa da literatura foi o método de pesquisa que permitiu reunir e sintetizar os estudos disponíveis sobre esse tema específico. Os dados foram recuperados a partir de buscas nas bases BVS-Psi, PsycINFO e PubMed, delimitando-se o período de 2012 a 2018 e os idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Foram selecionados os descritores: relações familiares, transtornos alimentares, relação mãe e filha, e seus correspondentes em inglês. No total, 29 estudos foram selecionados para análise. Constatou-se que a etiologia dos TAs é multifatorial, sendo a relação mãe-filha um dos aspectos mais proeminentes, que parece atuar tanto como fator precipitador como mantenedor dos sintomas nos quadros de anorexia nervosa. Padrões rígidos de interação familiar representam risco potencial para manutenção dos TAs. Concluindo, os estudos demonstraram a existência de estreita associação entre sintomas de TAs e os padrões de relacionamento estabelecidos nas famílias. A síntese dos resultados reforça a necessidade de inclusão dos familiares e de outras redes de apoio social no tratamento.

This study aimed to synthesize and analyse Brazilian and foreign scientific output about family relations, emphasizing the mother-daughter relationship, in the context of Eating Disorders (ED). The integrative literature review was the research method that allowed gathering and synthesizing available literature on this specific topic. The search was conducted through BVS-Psi, PsycINFO and PubMed databases. The data were retrieved from the databases comprising the period from 2012 to 2018 and the Portuguese, English and Spanish languages were delimited. The following descriptors were selected: family relations, eating disorders, mother and daughter relationship, and their equivalents in the other languages. A total of 29 studies were selected for analysis. The results showed the etiology of the EDs is multifactorial, with the mother-daughter relationship being one of the most relevant aspects, which seems to act as both a precipitating factor and a symptom maintainer in anorexia nervosa. Rigid patterns of family interaction represent a potential risk for maintenance of EDs. In summary, the studies demonstrated a close association between EDs and established patterns of relationships among family members. The synthesis of results reinforces the need to include family members and other social support networks in the treatment.

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo sintetizar y analizar la producción científica brasileña y extranjera sobre las relaciones familiares, con énfasis en la relación madre-hija, en el contexto de los Trastornos Alimentarios (TAs). La revisión integrada de la literatura fue el método de investigación que permitió reunir y sintetizar los estudios disponibles sobre ese tema específico. Los datos fueron recuperados de las búsquedas de BVS-Psi, PsycINFO y PubMed en el período comprendido entre 2012 y 2018, y se delimitó los idiomas portugués, inglés y español. Fueron seleccionados los siguientes descriptores: relaciones familiares, trastornos alimentarios, relación madre e hija, y los correspondientes en los otros idiomas. En total, 29 estudios fueron seleccionados para el análisis. Se constató que la etiología de los TAs es multifactorial, con la relación madre-hija un de los aspectos mas prominentes, que parece actuar tanto como factor precipitante como conservador de los síntomas en los cuadros de anorexia nerviosa. Padrones rígidos de interacción familiar representan riesgo potencial para el mantenimiento de los TAs. Concluyendo, los estudios demostraron la existencia de una estrecha asociación entre síntomas de TAs y los patrones de relación establecidos en las familias. La síntesis de los resultados refuerza la necesidad de incluir a los familiares y otras redes de apoyo social en el tratamiento.

[Systematic review on bullying and family: an analysis based on bioecological systems]. / Revisão sistemática sobre bullying e família: uma análise a partir dos sistemas bioecológicos.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the relationships between family context and involvement in school bullying. METHODS: The following databases were searched: Web of Science, PsycoInfo, Pub-Med, Lilacs and SciELO virtual library, using the terms bullying, family and parents. A total of 61 papers met the eligibility criteria. The corpus was analyzed through the Bioecological Development Framework. RESULTS: The experiences of students experiencing situations of bullying are multifaceted and are related to the family context. Elements from the microsystem, such as violence in the family, parental practices, environment and type of family arrangements, were the elements more frequently explored and related to bullying, though the relationships of parents with the children's friends, the parents' education and socioeconomic conditions, along with the exo, meso and macro systems were also related to bullying. CONCLUSION: The review contributes to the literature by broadening the approach to this phenomenon that affects the health and development of children and adolescents.

Considerations for the cross-cultural adaptation of an advance care planning guide for youth with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent and young adults' (AYAs) involvement in advance care planning and end-of-life discussions may enhance the decision-making process, reduce stress and improve the patient's quality of life. Given the importance of establishing adequate communication and having culturally-appropriate tools to introduce advance care planning, our paper will describe the cross-cultural adaptation of the advance care planning guide, Voicing My CHOiCES ™ in Australia and in Brazil. METHODS: In Brazil, the process involved initially translating the document to Portuguese followed by evaluation by a group of providers and patients (aged 18-39) undergoing cancer treatment. The document was revised based on the feedback received, then back-translated to English and discussed with Voicing My CHOiCES ™ ' authors to refine the final version in Portuguese. In Australia, a multi-perspective interview-based study was undertaken with AYA cancer patients/survivors (aged 15-25), siblings, parents, and a range of healthcare providers from the oncology setting, to determine the perceived acceptability of the tool within the Australian clinical context. RESULTS: These interviews pointed to a variety of recommended adaptations ranging from the aesthetic and linguistic, through to the re-structuring of content within the tool. Adaptations for the Australian setting were then revised in an iterative capacity within several focus groups of AYA participants and healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: The processes used in both countries highlight ways to engage youth living with a life-limiting illness in conversations about advance care planning and how to develop culturally-appropriate clinical tools.

Emotional Meanings Assigned to Eating Disorders: Narratives of Women with Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa / Significados emocionales atribuidos a trastornos alimentarios: narrativas de mujeres con anorexia y bulimia nerviosa

Abstract This study aimed to investigate emotional meanings assigned to eating disorders (ED) through the narratives of women affected with these psychopathological conditions. Participants were patients in a Brazilian service specialized in treatment of ED. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. The verbatim transcription of interview data was analyzed through thematic content analysis, which was employed by two researchers. Results showed that, after the occurrence of ED, participants began to experience feelings of distress, anxiety, and loneliness, which were related to lowered self-esteem and social isolation. Family dynamics was characterized as confrontational, but in contrast, was considered as participants' primary social support network. These data underlined that the emotional meanings attributed to ED need to be addressed and explored by health care professionals to gain a detailed understanding of patients' illness experiences.

Resumen La finalidad fue investigar los significados emocionales atribuidos a trastornos alimentarios (TA) en las narrativas de mujeres con esas condiciones psicopatológicas. Los participantes fueron pacientes en un servicio brasileño especializado en TA. Fue utilizada entrevista semiestructurada para la recolecta de datos. El reclutamiento continuó hasta alcanzar la saturación de los datos. La transcripción literal de las entrevistas fue analizada mediante el análisis temático de contenido por dos investigadores. Los resultados mostraron que, tras TA, los participantes empezaron a vivir sentimientos de desesperanza, ansiedad y solitud, relacionados al autoestima inferior y aislamiento social. La dinámica familiar fue caracterizada como de confrontación más, aun así, fue considerada la principal red de apoyo social de los participantes. Esos datos subrayaron que los significados emocionales atribuidos a los TA deben ser tratados y explorados por profesionales de la salud para alcanzar una comprensión detallada sobre las experiencias de enfermedad de los pacientes.

Brazilian study of adaptation and psychometric properties of the Coping Health Inventory for Parents.

The Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP) evaluates coping patterns of parents of chronically ill children and assesses different coping strategies using three subscales. This study aimed to translate and transculturally adapt the CHIP for a Brazilian sample and investigate the preliminary psychometrics of the scale. Rating scale Rasch analysis was performed on CHIP responses, and the psychometric performance of each of the three subscales was tested. Two hundred twenty parents of individuals with health problems participated in the study, answering a sociodemographic questionnaire-the Brazilian version of the CHIP-and Folkman and Lazarus's coping questionnaire. All items exhibited good fit to the measurement model, although response categories were not used as intended and little variability on person parameter estimates was obtained. These preliminary results suggested that each construct being measured by the three subscales should be treated separately, corroborating the theoretical model of the original instrument. Suggestions to address the psychometric limitations of the instrument were made in order to improve measurement precision.

Common Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care Units: Associated Factors and Impact on Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Considering the high worldwide prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs), characterizing the association between CMD and quality of life (QoL) constitute a valuable measure to gauge patient's functional impairment due to CMD symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with the incidence of CMD and its impact on the QoL in primary health care (PHC) patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study completed in a municipality in Brazil. Standardized tools included the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 to detect CMDs and the WHOQOL-brief to assess QoL, in addition to a sociodemographic and treatment-related questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 41.4% of the patients met cutoff scores for a CMD, and the presence of a CMD was associated with female gender and marital status. Patients with CMDs had lower QoL scores than patients who were negative for a CMD. CONCLUSIONS: CMDs are highly prevalent in PHC settings and affect patients' QoL. The high frequency of CMD in those that seek care through PHC necessitate incorporating mental health services into the range of available services.

Criminality and Sexual Behaviours in Substance Dependents Seeking Treatment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the link between violence, crime, and sexual behavior among patients with substance-related disorder admitted to a specialized inpatient care unit. This was a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, drug of choice (DOC), questions about sexual behavior, and instruments to evaluate the severity of dependence (SADD, DAST, FTND), level of impulsivity (BIS-11), and a screening sex addiction scale. The sample consisted of 587 adult subjects, of which 82.3% were men, 66.4% had used cocaine (sniffed and smoked) as their DOC, 24.4% had a history with the criminal justice system, 26.8% had committed crimes, 19.3% had engaged in violent behavior, and 12.2% had been involved in drug trafficking. In this sample, crime was strongly associated with various sexual behaviors and the severity of substance dependence.

Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms in Female Drug Users: Standardized vs. Unstandardized Methods.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a difference in the identified prevalence between the assessment of symptoms of sexual dysfunction in female drug users using a standardized scale and by means of a nonstandardized set of questions about sexual dysfunctions. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with two groups of substance-dependent women using the Drug Abuse Screening Test, the Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence for the evaluation of the severity of dependence, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. FINDINGS: In both groups, the severity of dependence and the prevalence of symptoms of sexual dysfunctions in women were similar. CONCLUSION: The use of standardized and nonstandardized instruments to assess sexual dysfunction symptoms is an essential resource for the provision of good-quality care to this clientele.

Sexual Dysfunction and Sexual Behaviors in a Sample of Brazilian Male Substance Misusers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between self-reported sexual dysfunction, sexual behavior, and severity of addiction of drug users. A cross-sectional design study was conducted at an inpatient addiction treatment unit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a sample of 508 male drug users. Sociodemographic data, sexual behavior, and severity of dependence were evaluated.The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 37.2% and premature ejaculation was 63.8%. Men with sexual dysfunction presented from moderate to severe level of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs of dependence. The findings from this study are particularly relevant identifying those sociodemographic factors, severity of drug use, and sexual behavior are related to men who experience sexual dysfunction. Health promotion and motivational interventions on sexual health targeted to male drug users can contribute in reducing these at-risk behaviors. More interdisciplinary research is desirable in future in considering men's sexual health.