Quality of life of older adults in Family Health Strategy: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: With the increase in the older adult population, it is essential to identify the living and health conditions that can impact the quality of life of these individuals. OBJECTIVES: To identify the domains and factors associated with the quality of life of older adults under the Family Health Strategy program. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: We assessed 449 older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program. Data were collected between April and July, 2018. World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the factors associated with QoL. RESULTS: The QoL domain with the highest score was death and dying (mean = 70.4), and the lowest score was for sensory functions (mean = 61.0 points). The factors associated with QoL were single marital status (β = -4.55; P = 0.014), level of independence for daily living activities (β = 4.92; P < 0.001), self-assessment of regular health (β = 5.35; P < 0.001), and poor health (β = -8.67; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The death and dying domain of QoL presented the highest score. Marital status, impairment in daily activities, and health self-assessment were associated with QoL.

Leprosy in children under fifteen years of age in the most hyperendemic municipality in Brazil / Hanseníase em menores de quinze anos no município mais hiperendêmico do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe leprosy involvement and physical disability profiles in children and adolescents under 15 years old. Methods: Ecological time series study, based on data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System, including new cases of leprosy residing in Palmas (TO), from 2001 to 2020. Results: A total of 471 notified cases in children and adolescents under 15 years of age were evaluated, resulting in a detection coefficient of 26.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Of these, 52% (n=243) were women, 5% (n=24) corresponded to grade two disability, and 36% (n=168) were diagnosed through spontaneous demand. The temporal trend analysis showed a 0.5% reduction in the detection coefficient. There was a significant decrease in the diagnosis of the undetermined and tuberculoid clinical forms and a significant increase in the dimorphous form. Diagnosis through contact examination increased significantly by 13.1% and that through spontaneous demand decreased by 4.9%. The detection coefficient of cases with grade two disability reduced significantly by 7.4% while those with grade one increased by 16.8%. Conclusions: Despite the downward trend in the detection coefficient in children and adolescents under 15 years of age and in cases with grade two disability, other factors indicate failure in the adequate management of leprosy in Palmas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os perfis de acometimento de hanseníase e incapacidade física em menores de 15 anos. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de série temporal, baseado em dados do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação, incluindo casos novos de hanseníase residentes em Palmas (TO), no período de 2001 a 2020. Resultados: Foram avaliados 471 casos notificados em crianças e adolescentes menores de 15 anos, resultando em um coeficiente de detecção de 26,5 por cem mil habitantes. Destes, 52% (n=243) eram do gênero feminino, 5% (n=24) correspondiam ao grau dois de incapacidade física, e 36% (n=168) foram diagnosticados por demanda espontânea. A análise de tendência temporal mostrou queda do coeficiente de detecção em 0,5%. Houve queda significativa no diagnóstico das formas clínicas indeterminada e tuberculoide e aumento significativo da dimorfa. O diagnóstico por exame de contato teve um aumento significativo de 13,1% e o por demanda espontânea, queda significativa de 4,9%. O coeficiente de detecção de casos com grau dois de incapacidade apresentou uma queda significativa de 7,4%, enquanto o de casos com grau um, apresentou um aumento de 16,8%. Conclusões: Apesar da tendência de queda do coeficiente de detecção em menores de 15 anos e do coeficiente de detecção de casos com grau dois de incapacidade, outros fatores indicam falha no manejo adequado da hanseníase em Palmas.

Quality of life of older adults in Family Health Strategy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With the increase in the older adult population, it is essential to identify the living and health conditions that can impact the quality of life of these individuals. OBJECTIVES: To identify the domains and factors associated with the quality of life of older adults under the Family Health Strategy program. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: We assessed 449 older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program. Data were collected between April and July, 2018. World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the factors associated with QoL. RESULTS: The QoL domain with the highest score was death and dying (mean = 70.4), and the lowest score was for sensory functions (mean = 61.0 points). The factors associated with QoL were single marital status (ß = -4.55; P = 0.014), level of independence for daily living activities (ß = 4.92; P < 0.001), self-assessment of regular health (ß = 5.35; P < 0.001), and poor health (ß = -8.67; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The death and dying domain of QoL presented the highest score. Marital status, impairment in daily activities, and health self-assessment were associated with QoL.

Qualidade de vida de cuidadores familiares de pessoas idosas acamadas / Calidad de vida de cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores encamados / Quality of life of family caregivers of bedridden older adults

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores familiares e sua relação com as condições socioeconômicas, de saúde e de prestação de cuidado. Métodos Estudo transversal e analítico realizado na cidade de Palmas/TO, no período de 2020-2022, com amostra de 49 cuidadores familiares de idosos acamados. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo instrumento "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). Para verificar a relação entre os componentes físico e mental e variáveis independentes, utilizou-se o Teste T. Resultados Os cuidadores apresentaram valores médios do componente físico de 43,26 pontos (IC 95%: 39,87 - 46,64) e no componente mental, de 50,98 pontos (IC 95%: 47,96 - 54,00). Encontraram-se diferenças significativas entre os escores do componente mental para disfunção familiar, consumo de bebida alcóolica e sobrecarga; e, entre o componente físico para multimorbidade, polifarmácia, índice de massa corpórea e sobrecarga. Conclusão Os achados deste estudo demonstraram relação entre condições sociais, de saúde, cuidado e qualidade de vida, concedendo assim conhecimento aos profissionais de saúde para orientá-los no planejamento de ações que visem a melhoria da qualidade de vida do cuidador.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la calidad de vida de los cuidadores familiares y su relación con las condiciones socioeconómicas, de salud y de prestación de cuidado. Métodos Estudio transversal y analítico realizado en la ciudad de Palmas, estado de Tocantins, en el período 2020-2022, con una muestra de 49 cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores encamados. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el instrumento "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). Se utilizó el test-T para verificar la relación entre los componentes físicos y mentales y las variables independientes. Resultados Los cuidadores presentaron un valor promedio del componente físico de 43,26 puntos (IC 95 %: 39,87 - 46,64) y del componente mental de 50,98 puntos (IC 95 %: 47,96 - 54,00). Se observaron diferencias significativas en la puntuación del componente mental en disfunción familiar, consumo de bebida alcohólica y sobrecarga; y en el componente físico, en multimorbilidad, polifarmacia, índice de masa corporal y sobrecarga. Conclusión Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que existe relación entre las condiciones sociales, de salud, cuidado y calidad de vida, lo que permite que los profesionales de la salud tengan conocimientos para la planificación de acciones que busquen mejorar la calidad de vida de del cuidador.

Abstract Objective To assess the quality of life of family caregivers and their relationship with socioeconomic, health and care conditions. Methods a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in the city of Palmas/TO, in the period of 2020-2022, with a sample of 49 family caregivers of bedridden older adults. Quality of life was assessed by the instrument "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). To verify the relationship between physical and mental components and independent variables, the t-test was used. Results Caregivers presented mean values of the physical component of 43.26 points (95% CI: 39.87 - 46.64) and the mental component of 50.98 points (95% CI: 47.96 - 54.00). Significant differences were found between the scores of the mental component for family dysfunction, alcohol consumption and overload, and between the physical component for multimorbidity, polypharmacy, body mass index and overload. Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrated a relationship between social conditions, health, care and quality of life, thus granting knowledge to health professionals to guide them in planning actions aimed at improving caregivers' quality of life.

Burden, satisfaction caregiving, and family relations in informal caregivers of older adults.

Introduction: Family caregivers of older persons devote much of their time and energy to caring for another person. This exposure may burden caregivers and compromise their health and quality of life. Objective: To investigate the relationship between burden, sociodemographic, caregiving, and health characteristics of informal caregivers of dependent older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, with 52 informal caregivers of older persons who need full-time help for basic living activities. Caregivers' burden was assessed by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data were analyzed using a T-test, Pearson's correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression. Results: The ZBI mean score of caregivers was 26.3 points (SD = 14.6; min = 0; max = 68). Burden scores were higher among caregivers who did not receive help from other people in care (p = 0.016), reported family dysfunction (p = 0.001), and had depression symptoms (p = 0.007). A correlation was found between the scores of burdens and satisfaction with care (r = 0.76; p < 0.001) and perceived material support (r = -0.30; p = 0.40). Satisfaction with care (ß: 0.61; p < 0.001) and family dysfunction (ß: 8.07; p = 0.033) were significantly associated with the burden score. Conclusion: Caregivers with dysfunctional families and satisfaction with the care presented the highest-burden scores. The findings reveal the need for strategies to facilitate mediation and reduce caregiver burden by strengthening the family network support or providing professional assistance.

General and Central Adiposity in Older Adults in Palmas (TO): Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and associated factors with general and central adiposity in older adults in Palmas (TO).Methods: Cross-sectional study with older adults (≥60 years) of both sexes enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program in Palmas (TO). Sociodemographic aspects, health conditions, and functionality were evaluated as independent variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) for general adiposity and Waist Circumference (WC) for central adiposity as dependent variables. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical multiple Poisson regression with robust variance were performed.Results: A total of 449 seniors (50.6% women) from 60 to 92 years of age, average of 68.3 years, were evaluated. The prevalence of general adiposity was 46.8% (95% CI: 42.2%-51.4%) and central adiposity was 78.8% (95% CI: 74.7%-82.3%). The prevalence of both outcomes was significantly higher among women and the participants with a history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and rheumatic diseases and those dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) than among men. Lower frequency of adiposity (general and central) was found with increasing age. After adjustment, the prevalence of both outcomes was significantly higher in women aged 70-79 years and hypertensive.Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the need to establish nutritional status monitoring and direct obesity prevention and control interventions in programs to promote health and quality of life of older adults and those in the stages prior to old age.

Estratégia saúde da família e uso racional de medicamentos: o trabalho dos agentes comunitários em palmas (to) / Family health strategy and the rational use of medications: work of the community agents of the municipality of palmas (to) / Estrategia slud de la familia y el uso racional de medicamentos: el trabajo de los agentes comunitarios del municipio de palmas (to)

Resumo Procurou-se analisar as ações dos agentes comunitários de saúde referentes à orientação da comunidade sobre o uso racional de medicamentos na Estratégia Saúde da Família em Palmas, capital do estado do Tocantins. Tratou-se de estudo descritivo-exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 246 agentes entre janeiro e abril de 2014. A coleta de dados foi por questionário, objetivando verificar a formação e a informação específica sobre medicamentos e os riscos da farmacoterapia no trabalho dos participantes da pesquisa. Observou-se que 88% dos agentes não realizaram curso de capacitação sobre medicamentos; 75,5% consideraram não ter conhecimento suficiente para dar orientações sobre medicamentos; 80,41% informaram que em nenhuma vez foram discutidos pela equipe temas sobre medicamentos; e 90,20% sentiam necessidade dessa formação. O estudo revelou que esses profissionais buscavam informações em várias fontes - as bulas de medicamentos constituíam a principal (71,14%). Dos agentes comunitários de saúde, respectivamente 52,46% e 50% referenciaram o enfermeiro para solucionar problemas e sanar dúvidas sobre farmacoterapia. Dentre eles, 68,03% consideraram importante orientar as famílias, mas afirmaram precisar de educação permanente. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de qualificação e formação do agente comunitário na promoção do uso racional de medicamentos, considerando o seu papel como promotor de saúde na comunidade.

Abstract An analysis was made of actions carried out by community health agents regarding community guidance on the rational use of medications in the Family Health Strategy in the municipality of Palmas, state of Tocantins, Brazil. This was a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach, done with 246 agents between January and April 2014. Data were collected via a questionnaire to verify the training and specific information on medications and on the risks of pharmacotherapy in their work. It was noted that 88%of the agents had no training on medications; 75.5% believed they did not have enough knowledge to provide guidance on medications; 80.41% said that the team never discussed topics on medications, and 90.20%felt they needed such training. The study revealed that these professionals sought information from various sources - medication insert leaflets were their main source (71.14%). Among the community health agents, respectively 52.46% and 50% asked for help from the nurse to solve issues and answer questions about pharmacotherapy. Among them, 68.03% considered it important to provide guidance to the families, but they said they need permanent education. There was a clear need for community agent qualification and training in promoting the rational use of medications, considering their role as health promoters in the community.

Resumen Por medio del estudio presentado en este artículo se buscó analizar las acciones de los agentes comunitarios de salud, referentes a la orientación de la comunidad sobre el uso racional de medicamentos en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia en Palmas, en el estado de Tocantins, Brasil. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo y exploratorio, de enfoque cuantitativo, realizado con 246 agentes entre enero y abril de 2014. La recolección de datos fue mediante cuestionario, apuntando a verificar la formación y la información específicas sobre medicamentos y los riesgos de la farmacoterapia en su trabajo. Se observó que el 88% de los agentes no realizaron curso de capacitación sobre medicamentos; el 75,5% consideraron no tener conocimiento suficiente para dar orientaciones sobre medicamentos; el 80,41% informaron que en ningún momento se discutieron en el equipo temas sobre medicamentos; y el 90,20% sentía la necesidad de esa formación. El estudio reveló que estos profesionales buscaban información en varias fuentes —los prospectos de los medicamentos constituían la principal (71,14%). De los agentes comunitarios de salud, respectivamente el 52,46% y el 50% tomaban como referencia el enfermero para solucionar problemas y evacuar dudas sobre farmacoterapia. Entre ellos, el 68,03% consideraban importante orientar a las familias, pero afirmaron precisar educación permanente. Se puso de manifiesto la necesidad de calificación y formación del agente comunitario en el fomento del uso racional de medicamentos, considerando su papel como promotor de la salud en la comunidad.

Imersão na realidade: o Sistema Único de Saúde e a organização do Programa Mais Médicos em São Paulo, Brasil / Immersion in reality: the Brazilian National Health System and the organization of the More Doctors Program in São Paulo, Brazil / Inmersión en la realidad: el Sistema Brasileño de Slaud y la organización del Programa Más Médicos en São Paulo, Brasil

Desde 2003, o Vivências e Estágios na Realidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (VER-SUS) tem dado oportunidade a universitários de vivenciar a realidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Com essa finalidade, surge a vivência em questão, ocorrida no âmbito do Programa Mais Médicos, envolvendo sua organização na realidade do Sistema de Saúde brasileiro. Para isso, um grupo composto por estudantes de várias áreas da Saúde esteve por sete dias em ambientes de planejamento e execução do programa no Estado de São Paulo. As atividades realizadas incluíram participação em reuniões, visita a unidades de Saúde, avaliação sobre a implementação do programa e espaços para debate. Assim, relata-se a experiência sob a perspectiva de um acadêmico que participou da vivência, em uma narrativa cronológica e reflexiva, com fundamentações teóricas inseridas no contexto de cada questão abordada.(AU)

Since 2003, the program Experiences and Internships in the Reality of the Brazilian National Health System (VER-SUS) has given university students the opportunity to experience the reality of the SUS. These experiences are part of the More Doctors Program framework, involving its organization in the reality of the Brazilian healthcare system. A group of students from several health areas spent seven days at planning and implementation meetings for the program in the state of São Paulo. The activities carried out included participation in meetings, tours to healthcare units, assessment of program implementation, and spaces for discussion. This paper is a report on the experience from the perspective of a student who participated in the experience, by means of a chronological and reflective narrative and theoretical grounds within the context of each issue raised.(AU)

Desde 2003, el VER-SUS ha proporcionado a universitarios la oportunidad de vivir la realidad del Sistema Brasileño de Salud. Con esta finalidad, surge la experiencia en cuestión, ocurrida en el ámbito del Programa Más Médicos, envolviendo a su organización en la realidad del sistema de salud brasileño. Para tanto, un grupo formado por estudiantes de varias áreas de la salud estuvo durante siete días en ambientes de planificación y realización del programa en el Estado de São Paulo. Las actividades realizadas incluyeron participación en reuniones, visita a unidades de salud, evaluación sobre la implementación del programa y espacios para debate. De esa forma, se relata la experiencia bajo la perspectiva de un académico que participó de la vivencia, en una narrativa cronológica y reflexiva con fundamentaciones teóricas inseridas en el contexto de cada cuestión abordada.(AU)