Disengagement from the Ribeirão Preto early intervention program for psychosis: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment discontinuation within Early Intervention Services (EIS) for psychosis poses a significant challenge to achieving better outcomes in the early stages of psychotic disorders. Prevalence and predictors of early disengagement from EIS located in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain poorly investigated. We aimed to examine the rates and predictors of disengagement from the Ribeirão Preto Early Intervention Program for Psychosis (Ribeirão Preto-EIP) in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from patients referred to the Ribeirão Preto-EIP between January 01, 2015, and December 31, 2018. Exclusion criteria were individuals with a single consultation, a diagnosis other than a psychotic disorder, and documented cases of death. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 234 patients, with an overall median follow-up time of 14.2 months. Early treatment disengagement was observed in 26.5 % (n=62), with a median time to disengagement of 5.25 months. Univariable analysis identified non-white skin color (HR=2.10, 95 %CI 1.26-3.49), positive THC screening (HR=2.22, 95 %CI 1.23-4.01), and substance-induced psychosis (HR=2.15, 95 %CI 1.10-4.21) as significant predictors. In multivariable analysis, only non-white skin color remained a significant predictor of early disengagement (HR=1.87, 95 %CI 1.08-3.27). CONCLUSIONS: The observed rates of early disengagement in our sample are similar to those reported in wealthy countries, but higher than previously reported for LMICs. Non-white skin color predicted early disengagement in our sample, probably due to social disadvantages. Our data highlights the need for enhanced research elucidating the specific features of EIS in LMICs.

Factors of abandonment of tuberculosis treatment in the public health network / Factores de abandono al tratamiento de la tuberculosis en la red pública de salud

ABSTRACT This study determines the factors of abandonment of tuberculosis treatment in the public health network of Cali, Colombia, during years 2016 to 2018. We conducted an operational case-control investigation including 224 patients with tuberculosis (112 abandoned treatment and 112 completed it). We found that treatment abandonment for tuberculosis is driven by factors related to the individuals and health services that facilitate non-adherence and drive them away from the care provided in medical institutions.

RESUMEN Este estudio determina los factores de abandono al tratamiento de la tuberculosis en la red pública de salud de Cali, Colombia, durante los años 2016 a 2018. Se realizó una investigación operativa de casos y controles en la que se incluyeron 224 pacientes con tuberculosis (112 abandonaron el tratamiento y 112 lograron completarlo). Se encuentra que el abandono del tratamiento para la tuberculosis está impulsado por factores relacionados con el individuo y los servicios de salud que facilitan la no adherencia y los alejan de la atención brindada en las instituciones médicas.

Barriers to treatment for mental disorders in six countries of the Americas: A regional report from the World Mental Health Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Mental health treatment is scarce and little resources are invested in reducing the wide treatment gap that exists in the Americas. The regional barriers are unknown. We describe the barriers for not seeking treatment among those with mental and substance use disorders from six (four low- and middle-income and two high-income) countries from the Americas. Regional socio-demographic and clinical correlates are assessed. METHODS: Respondents (n = 4648) from seven World Mental Health surveys carried out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, who met diagnostic criteria for a 12-month mental disorder, measured with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and who did not access treatment, were asked about treatment need and, among those with need, structural and attitudinal barriers. Country-specific deviations from regional estimates were evaluated through logistic models. RESULTS: In the Americas, 43% of those that did not access treatment did not perceive treatment need, while the rest reported structural and attitudinal barriers. Overall, 27% reported structural barriers, and 95% attitudinal barriers. The most frequent attitudinal barrier was to want to handle it on their own (69.4%). Being female and having higher severity of disorders were significant correlates of greater perceived structural and lower attitudinal barriers, with few country-specific variations. LIMITATIONS: Only six countries in the Americas are represented; the cross-sectional nature of the survey precludes any causal interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of disorder or treatment need in various forms is one of the main barriers reported in the Americas and it specially affects persons with severe disorders.

Instruments to assess adherence to medication in people living with HIV: a scoping review / Instrumentos para avaliar a adesão medicamentosa em pessoas vivendo com HIV: uma revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compile the instruments validated in Brazil for assessing adherence of people living with HIV to antiretroviral therapy. METHODS Scoping review using the Web of Science, Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Embase, BDENF, CINAHL and Lilacs databases. In addition, the Preprints bioRxiv, Google Scholar and OpenGrey servers were checked. There was no language restriction for the search, and it considered articles published from the year 1996 onwards. RESULTS Three publications were included in the qualitative synthesis. Following were the instruments identified "Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral" (Questionnaire for Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment) developed in Porto Alegre (RS) and published in 2007; the "Escala de autoeficácia para adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes com HIV/Aids" (Self-efficacy Scale for Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in Children and Adolescents with HIV/Aids) developed in São Paulo (SP) and published in 2008; and the "WebAd-Q, um instrumento de autorrelato para monitorar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em serviços de HIV/Aids no Brasil" (WebAd-Q, a self-report instrument to monitor adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV/Aids services in Brazil) developed in São Bernardo do Campo (SP) and published in 2018. The instruments were validated in Brazil, and presented statistically acceptable values for psychometric qualities. CONCLUSION The instruments to assess adherence of people living with HIV to antiretroviral therapy are validated strategies for the Brazilian context. However, their (re)use in different settings and contexts of the nation should be expanded. The use of these instruments by health professionals can improve the understanding of factors that act negatively and positively on antiretroviral therapy adherence, and the proposition of strategies intended to consolidate good adherence and intervene in the treatment of people with low therapeutic engagement.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Compilar os instrumentos validados no Brasil para avaliação da adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV à terapia antirretroviral. MÉTODOS Revisão de escopo, utilizando as bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Embase, BDENF, CINAHL e Lilacs. Em complementação, os servidores Preprints bioRxiv, Google Scholar e OpenGrey foram verificados. Para a busca, não houve restrição de idioma e considerou artigos publicados a partir do ano de 1996. RESULTADOS Três publicações foram incluídas na síntese qualitativa. Os instrumentos identificados foram o "Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral", desenvolvido em Porto Alegre (RS) e publicado em 2007; a "Escala de autoeficácia para adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes com HIV/Aids", desenvolvida em São Paulo (SP) e publicada em 2008; e o "WebAd-Q, um instrumento de autorrelato para monitorar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em serviços de HIV/Aids no Brasil", desenvolvido em São Bernardo do Campo (SP) e publicado em 2018. Os instrumentos foram validados no Brasil e apresentaram valores estatisticamente aceitáveis para as qualidades psicométricas. CONCLUSÃO Os instrumentos para avaliar a adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV à terapia antirretroviral são estratégias validadas para o contexto do Brasil. Todavia há que se expandir a (re)utilização em diferentes cenários e contextos da nação. A utilização desses instrumentos por profissionais da saúde pode melhorar a compreensão dos fatores que atuam negativa e positivamente na adesão à terapia antirretroviral, e a proposição de estratégias com o objetivo de consolidar a boa adesão e intervir no tratamento das pessoas com baixo engajamento terapêutico.

Barriers to Informed refusal in Korea / Obstáculos al rechazo informado en Corea / Barreiras à recusa informada na Coreia

Abstract In South Korea, the legal and cultural environment keeps terminally ill patients from making an informed refusal to a treatment the discontinuation of which can cause death. Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients in Hospice and Palliative Care or at the End of Life allows several forms of informed refusal, but it is not enough. There is no explicit guarantee, at least under this law, of the right to refuse a treatment given during a period that has not reached an end-of-life process prescribed in the law. Dori, which the family of a terminal patient feels obligated to follow, makes them commit to doing what they believe is right as a family member without asking the patient's intention. Because it reduces the family's motivation to have a difficult talk about death and end-of-life with the patient, the patient is deprived of an opportunity to make a decision based on accurate information. In making a decision for the patient while patient is excluded, the family often ends up choosing a safe decision that puts physical survival first. In conclusion, the culture and the culturally influenced law are making it impractical for terminal patients to make an informed refusal.

Resumen: En Corea del Sur, el entorno legal y cultural impide a los pacientes terminales rechazar con conocimiento de causa un tratamiento cuya interrupción puede causar la muerte. La Ley de Decisiones sobre el Tratamiento de Mantenimiento de la Vida para Pacientes en Hospicio y Cuidados Paliativos o al Final de la Vida permite varias formas de rechazo informado, pero no es suficiente. No se garantiza explícitamente, al menos en esta ley, el derecho a rechazar un tratamiento administrado durante un periodo que no ha llegado a un proceso de final de vida prescrito en la ley. La ley Dori, que la familia de un paciente terminal se siente obligada a seguir, les hace comprometerse a hacer lo que creen correcto como familiares, sin preguntar la intención del paciente. Dado que reduce la motivación de la familia para tener una charla difícil sobre la muerte y el final de la vida con el paciente, éste se ve privado de la oportunidad de tomar una decisión basada en información precisa. Al tomar una decisión por el paciente mientras se le excluye, la familia suele acabar eligiendo una decisión segura que antepone la supervivencia física. En conclusión, la ley, influenciada por la cultura, está haciendo que sea poco práctico para los pacientes terminales hacer un rechazo informado.

Resumo Na Coreia do Sul, o ambiente legal e cultural mantém pacientes com doença terminal à parte de fazer uma recusa informada a um tratamento cuja descontinuação pode causar morte. O Ato sobre Decisões a respeito de Tratamento de Suporte à Vida para Pacientes em Lares de Idosos e Cuidados Paliativos ou ao Fim da Vida permite diversas formas de recusa informada mas não é suficiente. Não há uma garantia explícita, pelo menos sob esta lei, do direito de recusar um dado tratamento durante um período que não alcançou um processo de fim-da-vida prescrito na lei. Dori, que a família de um paciente terminal sente-se obrigada a seguir, faz com que eles se comprometam a fazer o que eles acreditam ser certo como um membro da família, sem perguntar a intenção do paciente. Na medida em que isto reduz a motivação da família em ter uma conversa difícil sobre morte e fim-da-vida com o paciente, o paciente é privado de uma oportunidade de tomar uma decisão baseada em informação precisa. Ao tomar uma decisão pelo paciente enquanto ele é excluído, a família frequentemente termina escolhendo uma decisão segura que coloca a sobrevivência física em primeiro lugar. Em conclusão, a cultura e a lei influenciada pela cultura estão tornando impraticável para pacientes terminais fazer uma recusa informada.

Eutanasia: aclarando conceptos / Clarifying concepts on euthanasia

Euthanasia is a subject of permanent discussion everywhere, mainly about its ethical appropriateness and about its legalization in different countries. This debate includes many ethical, legal, social, political, spiritual, religious, and public health issues. A relevant problem is the frequent misunderstanding that many have about the meaning of the terms and concepts used in different ethical and clinical end of life settings. Many views and even texts are affected by such mistakes, rendering a constructive discussion almost impossible. The goal of this article is to contribute to an improvement of the social and legislative discussion about euthanasia through an elucidation of the main terms and notions linked to this topic. We present definitions and explanations for euthanasia, assisted suicide, withdrawal or foregoing of therapy, treatment rejection, palliative sedation, dignified death and others.

Hesitation and Refusal Factors in Individuals' Decision-Making Processes Regarding a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination.

Introduction: Considering the global prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a vaccine is being developed to control the disease as a complementary solution to hygiene measures-and better, in social terms, than social distancing. Given that a vaccine will eventually be produced, information will be needed to support a potential campaign to promote vaccination. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the variables affecting the likelihood of refusal and indecision toward a vaccine against COVID-19 and to determine the acceptance of the vaccine for different scenarios of effectiveness and side effects. Materials and Methods: A multinomial logistic regression method based on the Health Belief Model was used to estimate the current methodology, using data obtained by an online anonymous survey of 370 respondents in Chile. Results: The results indicate that 49% of respondents were willing to be vaccinated, with 28% undecided or 77% of individuals who would potentially be willing to be inoculated. The main variables that explained the probability of rejection or indecision were associated with the severity of COVID-19, such as, the side effects and effectiveness of the vaccine; perceived benefits, including immunity, decreased fear of contagion, and the protection of oneself and the environment; action signals, such as, responses from ones' family and the government, available information, and specialists' recommendations; and susceptibility, including the contagion rate per 1,000 inhabitants and relatives with COVID-19, among others. Our analysis of hypothetical vaccine scenarios revealed that individuals preferred less risky vaccines in terms of fewer side effects, rather than effectiveness. Additionally, the variables that explained the indecision toward or rejection of a potential COVID-19 vaccine could be used in designing public health policies. Conclusions: We discovered that it is necessary to formulate specific, differentiated vaccination-promotion strategies for the anti-vaccine and undecided groups based on the factors that explain the probability of individuals refusing or expressing hesitation toward vaccination.

Refusal of medical treatment by older adults with cancer: a systematic review.

The literature about the factors associated with cancer treatment refusal, especially by the older patients is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictive factors associated with treatment refusal by older patients with cancer. A systematic review was conducted using three databases, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus with the key concepts, "refusal treatment" and "cancer" and "decision making" and "elderly" or "aged". The search took place in July 2020 and it included articles published in the last 5 years. Of the 211 articles found, 22 were included in the review. Most studies have focused on head and neck and breast cancer treatment decisions and used a quantitative design. The majority of studies evaluated refusal of surgery interventions. Important factors associated with refusal cancer treatment include gender, marital status, race, having government insurance, advanced cancer, poor performance status (cancer stage III or IV) and Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2. Thus, there are socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with treatment refusal. More studies with the elderly are needed. Understanding these factors may be useful to recognize situations where active education and support can help elderly patients accept optimal care.

Médico como arquiteto da escolha: paternalismo e respeito à autonomia / Physicians as choice architects: paternalism and respect for autonomy / El médico como arquitecto de elección: paternalismo y respeto por la autonomía

Resumo A relação médico-paciente difere significativamente das demais interações sociais. Não por acaso, cresce expressivamente o número de estudos voltados exclusivamente à referida área. O fortalecimento da concepção de autonomia passou também a abranger a figura do paciente, com notória ampliação de sua esfera de participação e de influência na tomada de decisão em tratamentos e em procedimentos clínicos, mitigando aquela concepção exacerbadamente paternalista que recaía sobre a figura do profissional médico. Porém, daí insurge grave problemática: quais são os limites dessa autonomia? Acredita-se que a solução se encontra na ideia do paternalismo libertário, tese de Richard Thaler e Cass Sunstein, em que o médico atua como arquiteto da escolha do paciente. A partir do método hipotético-dedutivo, o objetivo do presente ensaio é verificar a possibilidade de adequar o método do paternalismo libertário à prática médica, mormente em relação aos hard cases , estabelecendo o alcance e os limites da autonomia do paciente.

Abstract The doctor-patient relationship differs significantly from other social interactions, and in the last years studies on this subject have grown significantly. The concept of autonomy now also encompasses patients, with notable expansion of their sphere of participation and influence in decision-making in treatments and clinical procedures, mitigating that overly paternalistic role of the physician. But this change poses a serious question: what are the limits of this autonomy? This article believes in the solution of libertarian paternalism, an idea proposed by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, in which the doctor acts as a choice architect for the patient. Based on the hypothetico-deductive method, this study verifies the possibility of adapting libertarian paternalism to current medical practices, mainly in hard cases, establishing the scope and limits of patient autonomy.

Resumen La relación médico-paciente difiere significativamente de otras interacciones sociales. No es coincidencia que haya un aumento expresivo de estudios centrados exclusivamente en esta área. El fortalecimiento del concepto de autonomía ha abarcado también la figura del paciente, con una notable ampliación de su esfera de participación y influencia en las decisiones sobre tratamientos y procedimientos clínicos, mitigando la concepción extremadamente paternalista que recae en la figura del profesional médico. Sin embargo, esto plantea un problema grave: ¿dónde están los límites de esta autonomía? El artículo argumenta que la solución radica en la idea de paternalismo libertario propuesta por Richard Thaler y Cass Sunstein, según la cual el médico actuaría como el arquitecto de elección del paciente. Con base en el método hipotético-deductivo, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la posibilidad de adaptar la metodología del paternalismo libertario a la práctica médica, especialmente con relación a los casos difíciles ( hard cases ), para establecer el alcance y los límites de la autonomía del paciente.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento da tuberculose / Prevalencia y factores asociados al abandono del tratamiento de la tuberculosis / Prevalence and associated factors of tuberculosis treatment abandonment

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de abandono do tratamento da tuberculose e seus fatores associados. Método Estudo transversal que utilizou os casos de tuberculose do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação entre 2001 e 2017 no Ceará. Fizeram parte desse estudo 74.006 casos e o desfecho foi a situação de encerramento "abandono do tratamento". Foi realizada análise multivariada para estimar associação entre as variáveis com o abandono. Resultados Durante todo o período, a taxa de abandono foi de 12,54%. Verificou-se maior prevalência de abandono entre as pessoas que residem na zona urbana (RP = 2,45; IC95%: 2,20-2,74), que dão entrada como reingresso pós-abandono (RP = 2,84; IC95%: 2,68-3,01), entre aqueles notificados como recidiva (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,10-1,35) e entre os etilistas (RP = 1,50; IC95%: 1,42-1,58). Aqueles que apresentaram baciloscopia de escarro positiva (RP = 1,11; IC95%: 1,03-1,19) ou não realizada (RP = 1,30; IC95%: 1,20-1,40), coinfecção (RP = 2,04; IC95%: 1,89-2,21) e que não realizaram sorologia (RP = 1,62; IC95%: 1,53-1,71) também possuem maior prevalência de abandono do tratamento para tuberculose. Conclusão O abandono do tratamento da tuberculose está associado a fatores biológicos, sociais, hábitos e à estrutura dos serviços de saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo Estimar la prevalencia del abandono del tratamiento de la tuberculosis y sus factores asociados. Método Estudio transversal que utilizó los casos de tuberculosis del Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación entre 2001 y 2017 en Ceará, Brasil. Un total de 74.006 casos fueron incluidos en este estudio y el resultado fue la conclusión "abandono del tratamiento". Se realizó un análisis multivariante para estimar la asociación entre las variables con el abandono. Resultados Durante todo el periodo, la tasa de abandono fue del 12,54%. Se encontró una mayor prevalencia de abandono entre las personas que viven en zonas urbanas (RP = 2,45; IC95%: 2,20-2,74), los que ingresan como reingreso tras el abandono (RP = 2,84; IC95%: 2,68-3,01), los que se declararon reincidentes (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,10-1,35) y los alcohólicos (RP = 1,50; IC95%: 1,42-1,58). Los que tenían una baciloscopia de esputo positiva (RP = 1,11; IC95%: 1,03-1,19) o para los cuales no se realizó baciloscopia de esputo (RP = 1,30; IC95%: 1,20-1,40), coinfección (RP = 2,04; IC95%: 1,89-2,21) y que no se sometieron a serología (RP = 1,62; IC95%: 1,53-1,71) también presentaron una mayor prevalencia de abandono del tratamiento de la tuberculosis. Conclusión El abandono del tratamiento de la tuberculosis está asociado a factores biológicos y sociales, a los hábitos y a la estructura de los servicios sanitarios.

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis treatment abandonment and its associated factors. Method Cross-sectional study which used cases of tuberculosis in the System of Information on Notification Aggravations (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) from 2001 to 2017 in Ceará state. This study included 74,006 cases and the outcome was the closing situation "treatment abandonment". A multivariate analysis was performed to estimate the association between the variables with abandonment. Results Throughout the period, the abandonment rate was 12.54%. A higher abandonment prevalence was verified among people who live in the urban zone (PR = 2.45; 95%CI: 2.20-2.74), who are readmitted after abandonment (PR = 2.84; 95%CI: 2.68-3.01), among those notified as recurrent (PR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.10-1.35) and among drinkers (PR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.42-1.58). Those who were sputum smear-positive (PR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.03-1.19) or for whom sputum smear was unperformed (PR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.20-1.40), coinfection (PR = 2.04; CI95%: 1.89-2.21) and who were not submitted to serology (PR = 1.62; 95%CI: 1.53-1.71) have also a higher prevalence of tuberculosis treatment abandonment. Conclusion Tuberculosis treatment abandonment is associated to biological and social factors, habits, and health service structure.

Adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso de adultos autorreferidos com diagnóstico de hipertensão / Adhesion to medicinal treatment of adults with hypertension

O objetivo deste estudo é identificar o nível de adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso de adultos autorreferidos com diagnóstico de hipertensão. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-transversal envolvendo 213 indivíduos autorreferidos com diagnóstico de hipertensão participantes em campanhas de hipertensão arterial realizadas em cidade do interior paulista. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados utilizados foram entrevistas semiestruturadas e questionário de Morisky e Green. Foram aplicados o teste qui-quadrado e análise de correspondência múltipla. A maioria dos participantes do estudo relatou não aderir ao tratamento medicamentoso (84%). O sexo feminino apresentou maior adesão. As barreiras à adesão foram dificuldade para mudança de hábitos de vida, irregularidade às consultas médicas e aos horários das medicações. A adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso constitui-se de um processo complexo e multifatorial que merece atenção especial da equipe multiprofissional em saúde com o objetivo de aumentar as taxas de adesão e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos.

Adhesion level to medicinal treatment by adults diagnosed with hypertension is identified by a descriptive and transversal study involving 213 people diagnosed with hypertension and participating in arterial hypertension campaign in a town in the hinterland of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected by half-structured interviews and by Morisky & Green questionnaire. Most participants (84%) failed to adhere to medicinal treatment, with females complying most with adhesion. Adhesion impairments comprised difficulties in changes in lifestyle, irregular visits to the doctor´s and medicine timetable. Adhesion to medicine treatment is a complex and multifactor process that needs special attention by the multiprofessional health team to increase adhesion rates and life quality of patients.

How can new technologies help reduce absenteeism in pediatric consultation? / Como as novas tecnologias podem auxiliar na redução do absenteísmo em consulta pediátrica?

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the most effective form of contact, as a possible intervention to reduce absenteeism in consultations of children with suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with prospective data collection, between March 2017 and February 2018. Patients were randomized into three groups to be reminded about the appointment: telephone contact, SMS or WhatsApp, or no intervention. A convenience sample was obtained, with a significance level of 5%. Results: 78 children were included, with a median age of four years old (zero to 14); 59.0% of them were in treatment for a latent infection and 6.4% had active tuberculosis. Among the 78 children, 74.4% lived in Curitiba (Sourhern Brazil); 62.8% lived with both parents; 38.5% of the parents had formal employment and 47.4% of the mothers were housewives; 50.8% of the fathers and 55.7% of the mothers had more than nine years of schooling. In 78.2% of the families, per capita income was up to 0.5 minimum wages; 27.3% were enrolled in social programs; 28.2% lived in homes provided by the government. There was a total of 238 interventions made: 85 (35.7%) by telephone contact, 78 (32.8%) by text message (WhatsApp was 97.2% of these) and 75 (31.5%) had no further contact. There was no statistical difference among the sociodemographic and cultural characteristics studied. The absenteeism rate was 24.0% and the abandonment rate was 16.7%. Giving a reminder to the patient's guardian prior to the consultation, regardless of the intervention (p=0.021) and specifically by WhatsApp message (p=0.032) was associated with no absenteeism, though it was not associated with abandonment of the treatment. Conclusions: Using new tools, such as WhatsApp, to remind guardians of appointments reduces absenteeism. Consequently, it may lead to a reduction in abandoning treatment and it may improvetreatment outcome of children with a tuberculosis infection or disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a forma mais efetiva de contato, como possibilidade de intervenção, para diminuir o absenteísmo em consultas de crianças com suspeita ou com tuberculose pulmonar. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado com coleta de dados prospectiva, entre março de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Os pacientes foram aleatorizados em três grupos para relembrar a consulta: contato telefônico; mensagens curtas (SMS) ou WhatsApp; e nenhuma intervenção. Amostra de conveniência, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Incluídas 78 crianças, mediana de idade quatro anos (zero a 14); 59,0% em tratamento para infecção latente e 6,4% com tuberculose ativa; 74,4% moravam em Curitiba, Paraná; 62,8% residiam com ambos os pais; 38,5% dos pais possuíam emprego formal e 47,4% das mães eram do lar; 50,8% dos pais e 55,7% das mães possuíam mais de nove anos de estudo; em 78,2% das famílias a renda per capita foi de até 0,5 salário mínimo; 27,3% estavam inscritas em programas sociais; e 28,2% residiam em casa cedida. Foram 238 intervenções: 85 (35,7%) por contato telefônico, 78 (32,8%) por mensagem de texto (WhatsApp 97,2%) e 75 (31,5%) sem nenhum contato adicional. Nas características sociodemográficas e culturais estudadas não houve diferença estatística. O absenteísmo foi de 24,0% e o abandono, de 16,7%. Lembrar o responsável previamente à consulta, independente da intervenção (p=0,021) e especificamente por mensagem por WhatsApp (p=0,032) foi associado ao não absenteísmo, porém não associado ao abandono. Conclusões: O uso de novas ferramentas, como o aplicativo WhatsApp, pode reduzir o absenteísmo, diminuir a possibilidade de abandono no seguimento e melhorar o desfecho do tratamento de crianças com tuberculose, seja a infecção ou a doença.

Complejidad de la transición de los esquemas antirretrovirales en un programa de atención de VIH en Bogotá durante el periodo de 2015-2017 / Complexity of the transition of antiretroviral regimens in a HIV care program in Bogota during the period of 2015-2017

RESUMEN Cuando se decide cambiar una terapia antirretroviral se puede llegar a limitar futuras opciones, y es allí donde las conductas del personal tratante deben ser las más acertadas. Se realizó un estudio transversal-descriptivo, revisando las principales causas de cambios de esquema en los pacientes VIH de la IPS CEPAIN de Bogotá (Colombia) durante el periodo 2015-2017. Los cambios de tratamiento se estimaron en 8,1%; 8,8% y 5,8% durante los 3 años, el principal motivo de cambio fueron las reacciones adversas con 53,1%; 46%, y 49,6% respectivamente, seguidos de simplificación con 17,5; 25,1 y 26,5% y fracaso terapéutico en 19,8; 20,9 y 14,8% para cada año. Durante el primer año de tratamiento existió la necesidad de cambiar los esquemas en 12,9; 18,5, y 7,6% de los pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento en esos respectivos años. Las decisiones en los cambios de tratamiento antirretroviral involucran la introducción de nuevos antirretrovirales, la necesidad de reducir el número de tabletas o medicamentos, distintos perfiles de eficacia, tolerancia, efectos secundarios, toxicidad, barrera genética e interacciones. Otros factores a tener en cuenta son: el costo creciente de los medicamentos antirretrovirales, la dinámica en la transición y aplicación de los nuevos esquemas para garantizar un enfoque clínico, y económico sustentable.

SUMMARY At the time of making changes in the antiretroviral therapy, future options may be limited, and this is the time when the behavior of the treatment staff should be the most appropriate. A transversal-descriptive study was conducted, studying the main causes of scheme changes in HIV patients of the IPS CEPAIN in Bogotá (Colombia) during the 2015-2017 period. Treatment changes were estimated at 8.1%, 8.8% and 5.8% during the 3 years, the main reason for change were adverse reactions with 53.1%, 46% and 49.6% respectively, followed by simplification with 17.5, 25.1 and 26.5% and therapeutic failure in 19.8, 20.9 and 14.8% for each year. During the first year oftreatment, there was a need to change the regimens in 12.9, 18.5, and 7.6% of the patients who started treatment in those years. Decisions on antiretroviral treatment changes involve the introduction of new antiretrovirals, reduce the number of tablets or drugs, different profiles of efficacy, tolerance, side effects, toxicity, genetic barrier and interactions. Other factors to take into account are rising cost of antiretroviral drugs, the dynamics in the transition and the application of the new schemes to ensure a clinical and sustainable economic approach.

Análise epidemiológica da hanseníase no nordeste brasileiro: vulnerabilidade individual, programática e social / Epidemiological analysis of leprosy in the Brazilian Northeast: individual, programmatic and social vulnerability

A hanseníase é uma doença curável, mas que continua sendo um problema de saúde pública em vários países. É uma doença negligenciada, que tem forte relação com as características do indivíduo, do contexto social e dos serviços de saúde. A incapacidade física e o abandono são indicadores importantes para manter a transmissão da doença. O objetivo do estudo é de analisar o comportamento epidemiológico da hanseníase no Nordeste e estimar. a associação da vulnerabilidade programática, social e individual com a incapacidade física grau 2 no diagnóstico e ao abandono do tratamento dos doentes de hanseníase residentes no Nordeste. Dois tipos de estudo foram utilizados: o ecológico misto de múltiplos grupos e de séries temporais, cuja unidade de análise são os nove estados nordestinos, de corte transversal, mas com variáveis de nível ecológico e individual, para analisar a associação das dimensões da vulnerabilidade individual, social e programática ao diagnóstico de hanseníase com grau 2 de incapacidade e o abandono de tratamento, com a amostra primária de 238.164 indivíduos e no nível secundário 1.794 municípios. Utilizaram-se dados de hanseníase do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Foi realizada análise de tendência por regressão linear generalizada por meio do método de Prais-Winsten dos indicadores epidemiológicos da hanseníase para a população geral e menores de 15 anos. Para selecionar os indicadores socioeconômicos que se associavam à hanseníase e, posteriormente, criar um indicador de vulnerabilidade social, procedeu-se a uma revisão integrativa. Esses indicadores foram selecionados pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, seguida de análise fatorial. Para analisar a estrutura multinível, foram utilizadas regressões logísticas com efeitos mistos, que contemplam modelos com variáveis de nível individual, social e programáticas. O nível 1 foi o indivíduo, e o 2, o município. Verificou-se que o Nordeste apresenta tendência anual decrescente para detecção geral mas estacionária para menores de 15 anos. Apenas Maranhão, Piauí, Paraíba e Pernambuco apresentam tendência decrescente para os dois indicadores. Quanto à proporção de grau 2 de incapacidade no diagnóstico, Piauí (p=0,011), Alagoas (p=0,049), Bahia (p=0,004) e Maranhão (p=0,038) apresentam tendência crescente. Verificou-se tendência crescente da proporção de grau 2 entre indivíduos com menos de 15 anos de idade no Maranhão (p=0,031) e Sergipe (p=0,44). O grau 2 de incapacidade no diagnóstico de hanseníase e o abandono de tratamento se relacionam à vulnerabilidade individual e programática. As variáveis individuais e programáticas se associaram aos desfechos na regressão logística com efeitos mistos, mas no modelo final, a vulnerabilidade social não demonstrou associação estatística com as variáveis dependentes estudadas. Teoricamente, considera-se que as variáveis individuais e relacionadas aos serviços de saúde representam o contexto social, uma vez que são um retrato dele. Evidenciou-se, ainda, a transmissão ativa do bacilo, diagnóstico tardio e subnotificação na região. A atenção básica com bons indicadores de qualidade da atenção à hanseníase reduz iniquidades no acesso aos serviços de saúde e diminui o abandono, ainda que, para o diagnóstico precoce, demonstre fragilidades, o que aumenta o número de diagnósticos de hanseníase com grau 2 de incapacidade nos serviços de referência. Sugerem-se a integração das ações dos serviços de saúde e a ampliação de programas sociais, já que a melhoria das condições de vida da população é fundamental para interromper a transmissão continuada da hanseníase e controlar a endemia.(AU)

Leprosy is a curable disease but remains a public health problem in many countries. It is a neglected disease, which has a strong relation with the characteristics of the individual, the social context and health services. Physical incapacity and cessation of treatment are important indicators for maintaining the disease transmission chain. The objective of the study is to analyze the epidemiological behavior of leprosy in the Northeast and estimate. the association of programmatic, social and individual vulnerability with physical disability grade 2 in relation to diagnosis and treatment abandonment of leprosy patients residing in the Northeast. Two types of studies were used: the mixed ecological of multiple groups and time series, whose unit of analysis are the nine Northeastern states, and the mixed epidemiological, cross-sectional, but with ecological and individual level variables, to analyze the association of the dimensions of individual, social and programmatic vulnerability to the diagnosis of leprosy with grade 2 disability and abandonment of treatment, with the primary sample of 238,164 individuals and at the secondary level 1,794 municipalities. Leprosy data from the Notification Disease Information System were used. A generalized linear regression trend analysis was performed using the Prais-Winsten method of epidemiological indicators of leprosy for the general population and younger than 15 years. In order to select the socioeconomic indicators that were associated with leprosy and later to create an indicator of social vulnerability, an integrative review was carried out. These indicators were selected by the Spearman correlation coefficient, followed by factorial analysis. To analyze the multilevel structure, logistic regressions with mixed effects were used, which include models with individual, social and programmatic variables. Level 1 was the individual, and the 2, the municipality. It was verified that the Northeast shows a decreasing annual trend for general detection but stationary for children under 15 years. Only Maranhão, Piauí, Paraíba and Pernambuco show a downward trend for both indicators. As for the proportion of grade 2 disability in diagnosis, Piauí (p = 0.011), Alagoas (p = 0.049), Bahia (p = 0.004) and Maranhão (p = 0.038) presented an increasing trend. Regarding the proportion of grade 2 among individuals with less than 15 years of age, Maranhão (p = 0.031) and Sergipe (p = 0.44) have an increasing tendency. Grade 2 disability in the diagnosis of leprosy and abandonment of treatment are related to individual and programmatic vulnerability. The individual and programmatic variables were associated to logistic regression outcomes with mixed effects, but in the final model, social vulnerability did not demonstrate a statistical association with the dependent variables studied. Theoretically, it is considered that the individual variables and related to the health services represent the social context, since they are a picture of him. The active transmission of the bacillus, late diagnosis and underreporting in the region were also evidenced. Family health coverage with good indicators of quality of care for leprosy reduces inequities in access to health services and reduces abandonment, although for early diagnosis it shows weaknesses, which increases the number of leprosy diagnoses with degree 2 of disability in referral services. The integration of health services and the expansion of social programs is suggested, since improving the population's living conditions is essential to stop the continued transmission of leprosy and control the endemic disease.(AU)

[Postura de la Academia Nacional de Medicina de México en relación con las decisiones sobre el final de la vida].

There are decisions at the end of life that currently are relevant as humanistic values. Respect for human life and dignity are part of human rights. The National Academy of Medicine of Mexico declares its posture about end-of-life decisions that include treatment refusal, limitation of the therapeutic effort, advance directives and palliative sedation, among others, with the purpose to favor a peaceful death.

Hay decisiones relacionadas con el final de la vida que actualmente son relevantes como valores humanísticos. El respeto y la dignidad de la vida humana están incluidos en los derechos humanos. La Academia Nacional de Medicina de México declara su postura acerca de las decisiones sobre el final de la vida que incluyen rechazo a un tratamiento, limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico, voluntad anticipada y sedación paliativa, entre otros, con la finalidad de propiciar una muerte en paz.

Aspectos sociodemográficos e clínico-epidemiológicos do abandono do tratamento de tuberculose em Pernambuco, Brasil, 2001-2014 / Aspectos sociodemográficos y clínico-epidemiológicos del abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso en Pernambuco, Brasil, 2001-2014 / Sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological aspects of Tuberculosis treatment abandonment in Pernambuco, Brazil, 2001-2014

OBJETIVO: descrever as proporções de abandono do tratamento segundo características sociodemográficas e clínico-epidemiológicas dos casos novos de tuberculose no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo ecológico descritivo, com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) referentes ao período 2001-2014; a Gerência Regional de Saúde (GERES) calculou a proporção de abandono. RESULTADOS: dos 57.015 novos casos, 6.474 (11,3%) abandonaram o tratamento, representando decréscimo de 16,4% (2001) para 9,3% (2014); as GERES I Recife, III Palmares, IV Caruaru, VIII Petrolina e IX Ouricuri ainda apresentavam proporção de abandono >5% em 2014; essa proporção foi maior para homens (11,9%), de 20-39 anos (12,7%), com Ensino Fundamental incompleto (12,1%), negros (13,7%), institucionalizados (12,5%) e da forma clínica pulmonar + extrapulmonar (14,1%). CONCLUSÃO: apesar do decréscimo, a proporção de abandono continuava elevada; homens, adultos, com baixa escolaridade, negros, institucionalizados e portadores de tuberculose pulmonar mais extrapulmonar demonstram maior predisposição ao abandono.

OBJETIVO: describir las proporciones de abandono según características sociodemográficas y clínico-epidemiológicas de los nuevos casos en tratamiento para tuberculosis, en Pernambuco, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudio ecológico descriptivo con datos del Sistema de Información sobre enfermedades de notificación obligatoria, en el período 2001-2014; la Gerencia Regional de Salud (GERES) calculó la proporción de abandono. RESULTADOS: de los 57.015 nuevos casos, 6.474 (11,3%) abandonaron el tratamiento, disminución del 16,4% (2001) al 9,3% (2014); las GERES I Recife, III Palmares, IV Caruaru, VIII Petrolina y IX Ouricuri tenían una proporción de abandono >5% en 2014; la proporción fue mayor en hombres (11,9%), entre 20-39 años (12,7%), con educación primaria incompleta (12,1%), negros (13,7%), institucionalizados (12,5%) y con presentación clínica pulmonar + extra pulmonar (14,1%). CONCLUSIÓN: a pesar de la disminución, la proporción de abandono se mantuvo alta; hombres, adultos con bajo nivel de educación, negros, institucionalizados y con tuberculosis pulmonar + extra pulmonar demuestran mayor predisposición al abandono.

OBJECTIVE: to describe abandonment rates according to sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of new tuberculosis cases being treated in Pernambuco State, Brazil. METHODS: this is a descriptive ecological study using data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases from 2001 to 2014; the abandonment rate was calculated by the Regional Administration on Health (GERES). RESULTS: of the 57,015 new cases, 6,474 (11.3%) abandoned treatment, although abandonment decreased from 16.4% (2001) to 9.3% (2014); the abandonment rate in GERES I Recife, III Palmares, IV Caruaru, VIII Petrolina and IX Ouricuri was still >5% in 2014; the rate was higher in males (11.9%), people aged 20-39 (12.7%), people with incomplete elementary school (12.1%), black-skinned people (13.7%), institutionalized people (12.5%) and those with pulmonary + extrapulmonary tuberculosis (14.1%). CONCLUSION: despite the decrease, the abandonment rate remained high; males, adults with low education level, black-skinned people, institutionalized patients and patients with pulmonary + extrapulmonary tuberculosis seemed more prone to abandoning treatment.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND PEOPLE WITH TUBERCULOSIS AND TREATMENT ABANDONMENT / RELACIÓN ENTRE LAS REPRESENTACIONES SOCIALES DE PROFESIONALES DE LA SALUD Y DE LAS PERSONAS CON TUBERCULOSIS EN EL ABANDONO DE TRATAMIENTO / A RELAÇÃO DAS REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS DOS PROFISSIONAIS DA SAÚDE E DAS PESSOAS COM TUBERCULOSE COM O ABANDONO DO TRATAMENTO

ABSTRACT Objective: to relate the social representations of health professionals and people with tuberculosis with treatment abandonment. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study with qualitative approach. Twelve health professionals and eight patients participated from Health Centers in Lima, Peru. Data were collected, between June and July 2012, through semi-structured interviews, analyzed according to content analysis technique. Results: similar content emerged from the analysis of the categories representations of both actors. They present similar aspects such as the treatment of tuberculosis generates suffering, tuberculosis is contagious and causes distancing and isolation, and the lack of knowledge generates treatment abandonment. These representations interfere with the conduct of care and adherence of tuberculosis treatment. Conclusion: there is need for education strategies in a psychosocial approach, considering the multidimensionality of treatment adherence, contributing to the reduction of treatment abandonment rates and the tuberculosis transmission chain.

RESUMEN Objetivo: relacionar las representaciones sociales de los profesionales de la salud y las personas con tuberculosis en el abandono del tratamiento. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio y cualitativo. Participaron doce profisionales de la salud y ocho pacientes de centros de salud de Lima, Perú. Los datos fueron recolectados, entre junio y julio de 2012, mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, y analizadas de acuerdo con la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: surgió representaciones de ambos actores que muestran contenidos similares, siendo la más importante: la falta de conocimiento genera el abandono del tratamiento. Esas representaciones interfieren en los comportamientos del cuidado y la adhesión del tratamiento de la tuberculosis. Conclusión: existe la necesidad de estrategias de educación psicosocial, teniendo en cuenta la multidimensionalidad de la adherencia al tratamiento, que reduciría las tasas de abandono y la cadena de transmisión de la tuberculosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: relacionar as representações sociais dos profissionais de saúde e das pessoas com tuberculose com o abandono de tratamento. Método: estudo exploratório-descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. Participaram 12 profissionais de saúde e oito pacientes de centros de saúde de Lima, Peru. Os dados foram coletados, entre junho e julho de 2012, mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados conforme a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: da análise das categorias, emergiram representações de ambos os atores. Elas apresentam aspectos semelhantes, tais como: o tratamento da tuberculose gera sofrimento; a tuberculoses é contagiosa e afasta as pessoas; a falta de conhecimento gera abandono de tratamento. Essas representações interferem no comportamento relacionado ao cuidado e à adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose. Conclusão: há necessidade de desenvolver estratégias de educação psicossocial, considerando a multidimensionalidade da adesão ao tratamento, para a diminuição das taxas de abandono e da cadeia de transmissão da tuberculose.

Avaliação da adesão aos colírios em pacientes com glaucoma através da Escala de Morisky de 8 itens: um estudo transversal / Adherence assessment of eye drops in patients with glaucoma using 8 item Morisky Score: a cross sectional study

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a adesão aos colírios antiglaucomatosos em pacientes do Projeto Glaucoma (Ministério da Saúde) por meio da escala de Morisky de 8 itens. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal por meio de questionário aplicado a 237 pacientes diagnosticados com glaucoma inscritos regularmente no Projeto Glaucoma do Instituto de Olhos de Maceió, adaptando a escala de Morisky já validada em português para colírios. As variáveis foram a adesão aos colírios antiglaucomatosos, idade, sexo, raça, tempo de diagnóstico do glaucoma, número de colírios utilizados, doenças sistêmicas, escolaridade, perfil de visão (ruim, razoável ou boa) e os fatores correlacionados com a adesão. A análise estatística entre as variáveis foi realizada com os testes estatísticos do Quiquadrado para as variáveis categóricas e Teste U de Mann-Whitney para as contínuas, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A adesão aos colírios foi de 54%. A idade e o número de colírios (p=0,02 e 0,03 respectivamente) foram estatisticamente relevantes, assim como a qualidade de visão também foi (p<0,001) para o não uso adequado do tratamento. O motivo mais comum tanto no grupo de aderentes como no de não aderentes foi o esquecimento (23% e 76,15% respectivamente). Conclusão: Utilizando a escala de Morisky adaptada para colírios antiglaucomatosos a adesão aos colírios foi de 54% .

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine adherence to glaucoma eye drops in patients from Glaucoma Project (Ministry of Health) by Morisky scale of 8 items. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study through a questionnaire applied to 237 patients diagnosed with glaucoma regularly enrolled in the Glaucoma Project at Institutode Olhos de Maceio, adapting the Morisky scale, already validated in Portuguese, for eyedrops. The variables were adherence to antiglaucoma eyedrops, age, sex, race, glaucoma diagnosis time, eyedrops number used, systemic diseases, education, subjective vision (categorized in bad, reasonable or good) and the factors correlated with poor adherence. Statistical analysis between variables was performed with the statistical test Chi-square test for categorical variables and test Mann-Whitney test for continuous outcomes, considering a 5% significance level. Results: The rate of adherence to the glaucoma drops was 54%. The age and number of drops (p = 0.02 and 0,03 respectively), and quality of vision (p<0,001) were statistically significant for the inappropriate use of the therapy and the most common reason both adherent group as the non-adherent was forgetfulness (23% and 76,15% respectively). Conclusion: Using the Morisky scale adapted to antiglaucoma eyedrops the adherence was 54%.

Factores asociados con el proceso de salud y enfermedad en San Antonio (Catamarca, Argentina): un enfoque antropológico / Factors associated with the health system and disease in San Antonio (Catamarca, Argentina): an anthropological approach

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar los procesos de salud y enfermedad entre los pobladores de El Cajón (Catamarca, Argentina) y su vinculación con la biomedicina. Asimismo, estudiar las articulaciones entre la biomedicina y el sistema de salud tradicional. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cualitativa, mediante un abordaje etnográfico en el que la observación participante, la corresidencia y las entrevistas abiertas de sesiones múltiples cumplen un rol primordial. La pesquisa se ha centrado en los pobladores locales que regularmente asisten a la posta sanitaria, los enfermeros, los agentes sanitarios y los miembros del equipo de salud itinerante. La población total del lugar es aproximadamente 235 habitantes. Resultados: Se ha constatado que los procesos de salud y enfermedad no se limitan al cuerpo humano, sino que también en ellos intervienen el paisaje y los seres que lo pueblan. Se ha identificado que en la resolución de numerosas patologías resulta central la figura del especialista ritual. Se ha determinado que la gente valora y utiliza la biomedicina, aunque la asistencia a la institución hospitalaria suele ser rehuida. Conclusiones: Se ha identificado un uso combinado de ambos sistemas. En él influyen las valoraciones de las personas sobre la enfermedad de que se trate, pero también otros factores como la distancia hasta el centro asistencial y las relaciones interpersonales con los profesionales de la salud. Se resalta la relevancia del enfoque cualitativo para dar cuenta de las especificidades de las categorías locales, que resultan esquivas para un abordaje construido a partir de conceptos derivados del dualismo cartesiano.

Abstract Objective: Identify the processes of health and disease among the people of San Antonio del El Cajón (Catamarca, Argentina), and the linkage of these dynamics to biomedicine. Additionally, study the articulations between the two systems. Materials and methods: Qualitative research, with an ethnographic approach in which participant observation, co-residence and multiple session open interviews play a primary role is privileged. The research has focused on local people who regularly attend the health center, nurses, health workers and members of the itinerant health team. The total population of the place is about 235 inhabitants. Results: It was found that the processes of health, disease and cure are not limited to the human body, but also the landscape and the creatures that inhabit it are involved. It has been identified that the figure of the ritual specialist is central in the resolution of many diseases. It has been determined that people value and use biomedicine, although attendance to the hospital institution is often shunned. Conclusion: A combined use of both systems has been identified. People's valuations about the disease in question are influential, but other factors such as distance to the medical center and interpersonal relationships with health professionals are too. The relevance of a qualitative approach is emphasized in accounting for the specificities of local categories, which are elusive to an approach built from concepts derived from the Cartesian dualism.