Frailty and Its Association with Health Related Quality of Life in Older HIV Patients, in Salvador, Brazil.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that may develop earlier in the presence of HIV. Frail individuals are more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes and poorer quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with frailty and to define the impact of frailty on quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 adults living with HIV, aged 50 or older, receiving outpatient care between April and November of 2017 at a referral center in Salvador, Brazil. Frailty was assessed using Fried frailty phenotype. Factors related to frailty were identified using multinomial logistic regression. The association between frailty and quality of life was tested through multiple linear regression. All but one patient were on antiretroviral therapy. The median age was 55 years (range 50-83 years), 63.7% were males, and 91.6% self-identified as black or racially mixed. The median CD4 cell count was 673 cells/mm3 (IQR 470-900), and 88.1% were virally suppressed. The prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was 19.4% and 49.3%, respectively. Female sex, unemployment, and pain were associated with frailty. Unemployment and the use of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were associated with prefrailty. Frailty was associated with a decrease in health-related quality of life. The prevalence of frailty was higher than the prevalence found in general population which was at least 10 years older. Half of the participants were prefrail, indicating the need for improved long-term care. Pain management is a potential target for interventions to prevent frailty and to improve quality of life.

Quality of life of medical students in Brazil. A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: VERAS survey multicenter project, carried out in 2011-2012, evaluated the quality of life (QoL) of students from 22 Brazilian medical schools. AIM: To evaluate QoL of undergraduate medical students, taking Veras-q national data as comparison. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the QoL of 197 medical students in a Brazilian private medical school at Salvador, Bahia, Brazil in 2014. Students in the first two years were grouped in Phase I; those in years three and four were grouped in Phase II. Those in the internship (fifth and sixth years) were grouped in Phase III. RESULTS: Students from Phase I group had better QoL averages than those from Phase II. Phase I students presented significantly (p < 0.05) better scores in the Psychological and Use of Time domains. Compared to Phase II students, those in Phase III obtained better scores in the Physical and Environmental domains. Female students had significantly lower (p < 0.01) scores than male students in Physical, Psychological and Use of Time domains. Compared to the national sample survey, these students had higher (p < 0.01) scores in all domains, except for the Physical domain in Phase II (p < 0.4352). CONCLUSIONS: These students had a better quality of life than those surveyed in the national Veras-q study. Female students had lower scores. Adjusted schedules and lower work overload, as consequences of effective interdisciplinarity in curricular components, may have contributed to higher students' QoL.

Melhor no passado: a verdadeira saúde da família / It was better before: the real family health

Resumo Buscou-se avaliar os limites da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) a partir do cotidiano de trabalho de seus profissionais. Neste estudo qualitativo, realizaram-se entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas com 16 profissionais da equipe de Saúde da Família de um município da região metropolitana de Salvador, Bahia. O exame dos dados utilizou a análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin e os referenciais da Política Nacional de Atenção Básica e da Política Nacional de Humanização para Atenção Básica. Identificaram-se duas categorias: a atenção básica (AB) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e a cogestão e humanização na AB. Na primeira categoria, evidenciou-se o contexto atual que permeia a AB, caracterizando os desafios que se apresentam no cotidiano de trabalho dos profissionais da ESF e as dificuldades encontradas para mudar o modelo de atenção à saúde. Na segunda categoria, destacaram-se as condições concretas em que se realizam as práticas no cotidiano de trabalho, indo de encontro aos pressupostos da humanização. Os problemas apresentados evidenciam descaracterização da AB, contradizem os preceitos da ESF e revelam dificuldades na proposta de reorientação do modelo de saúde.

Abstract The aim of this qualitative study was at evaluating the limitations of the Family Health Strategy (FSH) based on the daily work of its professionals. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 professionals from the Family Health team of a municipality in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia. Content analysis, as proposed by Bardin, and the references of the National Policy of Primary Care and the National Policy of Humanization for Primary Care were used. Two categories were identified: primary care (PC) of the Unified Health System (SUS), and co-management and humanization in PC. For the first category, the current context of the PC was emphasized, characterizing hardships present in the daily work of FHS professionals and the challenges in changing the health care model. For the second category, the concrete conditions wherein these practices take place in daily work were highlighted, going against humanization premises. The problems presented demonstrated lack of characterization in PC, contradicted the precepts of the FHS, and revealed challenges in the proposal for reorienting the health care model.

Quality of life of medical students in Brazil: a comparative study / Calidad de vida de estudiantes de medicina en Brasil: un estudio comparativo

ABSTRACT Background: VERAS survey multicenter project, carried out in 2011-2012, evaluated the quality of life (QoL) of students from 22 Brazilian medical schools. Aim: To evaluate QoL of undergraduate medical students, taking Veras-q national data as comparison. Material and Methods: We evaluated the QoL of 197 medical students in a Brazilian private medical school at Salvador, Bahia, Brazil in 2014. Students in the first two years were grouped in Phase I; those in years three and four were grouped in Phase II. Those in the internship (fifth and sixth years) were grouped in Phase III. Results: Students from Phase I group had better QoL averages than those from Phase II. Phase I students presented significantly (p < 0.05) better scores in the Psychological and Use of Time domains. Compared to Phase II students, those in Phase III obtained better scores in the Physical and Environmental domains. Female students had significantly lower (p < 0.01) scores than male students in Physical, Psychological and Use of Time domains. Compared to the national sample survey, these students had higher (p < 0.01) scores in all domains, except for the Physical domain in Phase II (p < 0.4352). Conclusions: These students had a better quality of life than those surveyed in the national Veras-q study. Female students had lower scores. Adjusted schedules and lower work overload, as consequences of effective interdisciplinarity in curricular components, may have contributed to higher students' QoL.

Antecedentes: El proyecto multicéntrico VERAS evaluó la calidad de vida de estudiantes de medicina en los años 2011-2012. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de vida de un grupo de estudiantes de medicina y compararla con los datos del proyecto VERAS. Material y Métodos: Se evaluó calidad de vida en 197 estudiantes de medicina de universidades privadas de Salvador, Bahía, Brasil en 2014. Los estudiantes de los dos primeros años fueron agrupados en la fase I, aquellos de tercer y cuarto año en fase II y los del internado en fase III. Resultados: Los estudiantes en fase I tuvieron mejor calidad de vida que aquellos en fase II. Los estudiantes en fase I tuvieron mejores puntajes en los dominios psicológico y uso del tiempo. Los estudiantes en fase III tuvieron mejores puntajes en los dominios físico y ambiental que los estudiantes en fase II. Las mujeres obtuvieron menores puntajes en los dominios físico, psicológico y uso del tiempo, que los hombres. Al comparar con el estudio nacional, estos estudiantes tuvieron mejores puntajes en todos los dominios, excepto el físico en estudiantes en fase II. Conclusiones: Estos estudiantes tuvieron mejor calidad de vida que sus pares estudiados previamente. Las mujeres tuvieron puntajes más bajos que los hombres. Una menor carga de trabajo, como consecuencia de un currículo multidisciplinario, puede haber influido en esta mejor calidad de vida.

Uso de documentário no curso de medicina e a reflexão sobre temas éticos associados ao aborto / The use of documentary in medical course and a reflection on ethical issues associated with abortion / Uso de documental en la carrera de medicina y reflexión sobre temas éticos asociados al aborto

Resumo O ensino das humanidades na graduação de medicina, principalmente da ética e bioética, é imprescindível para o sucesso da futura relação médico-paciente. A arte cinematográfica vem se destacando como instrumento eficaz de ensino-aprendizagem, pois prepara o aluno para refletir e lidar com diversos conflitos da prática médica. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, com método qualitativo e emprego da técnica de análise temática a partir do documentário "À margem do corpo" como recurso didático para identificar as principais temáticas éticas abordadas pelos alunos e seus posicionamentos em relação a elas. Participaram deste estudo 50 alunos do segundo período de curso de medicina. Quatro temáticas principais foram discutidas: vulnerabilidade e redução da autonomia; objeção de consciência; desumanização e negligência na assistência à saúde; e aborto.

Abstract The teaching of the humanities in medical education, especially ethics and bioethics, is essential for the future doctor-patient relationship. The use of cinematographic art as a teaching-learning instrument has emerged as an effective and contributory method in this process, as it makes the student more reflective and prepared to deal with the various conflicts of medical practice. This is a descriptive study, with uses a qualitative methodology, applying the thematic analysis technique that aimed to evaluate the use of the film "À Margem do Corpo" as a teaching-learning instrument of medical ethics and also to identify the main ethical issues faced by the students and their positions in front of them. A group of 50 students from the second period of the medical course participated in the study. Four main themes were discussed: vulnerability and reduced autonomy; objection of conscience; dehumanization and neglect in health care; abortion.

Resumen La enseñanza de las humanidades en la carrera de grado de medicina, principalmente de la ética y la bioética, es imprescindible para la futura relación médico-paciente. La utilización del arte cinematográfico como instrumento de enseñanza-aprendizaje viene destacándose como un método eficaz y contributivo en este proceso, pues torna al alumno más reflexivo y preparado para lidiar con los diversos conflictos de la práctica médica. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, con metodología cualitativa, aplicando la técnica de análisis temático que tuvo como objetivo evaluar la utilización de la película "Al Margen del Cuerpo" como instrumento de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la ética médica e identificar las principales temáticas éticas abordadas por los alumnos y sus posicionamientos frente a éstas. Participó de este estudio un grupo-clase del segundo período de la carrera de medicina compuesta por 50 alumnos. Se discutieron cuatro temáticas principales: vulnerabilidad y reducción de la autonomía; objeción de conciencia; deshumanización y negligencia en la asistencia sanitaria; y aborto.

Association Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Functioning in Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Poor functional status can significantly affect Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of HIV patients. However, there is scarce information on the functional profile of such patients before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between health-related quality of life and physical functioning in Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-infected patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with HIV-infected patients older than 18 years, and naïve to antiretroviral therapy. The patients were evaluated for functional profile by pulmonary function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, and Tiffeneau index), handgrip strength, and six-minute walk test in a cross-sectional study. HRQoL was evaluated by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and its Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summaries. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of predictor variables with PCS and MCS scores. RESULTS: We found lower HRQoL among females patients, with far below average impairment of mental health component. Both male and female patients presented lower 6MWD function test values. Patients with dynapenia were older than patients without it, presented lower PCS mean score, lower family income, poor 6 MWD function test, lower FVC, and lower FEV1 t. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that Grip Strength, age and family income were predictor variables for Physical component of HRQoL. Female gender and smoking habit were predictive for the mental component of HRQoL. CONCLUSION: HRQoL in HIV, drug-naïve patients is predicted by level of dynapenia, smoking, income and gender. Therefore, lifestyle changes and active exercising can help to improve HRQoL in such patients.

Soil Contamination by a Lead Smelter in Brazil in the View of the Local Residents.

A primary lead smelter operated in Santo Amaro City in Brazil from 1960 to 1993, leaving approximately 500,000 tons of industrial dross containing 2⁻3% of lead and other toxic elements that contaminated the industry grounds and the urban environment. This study aimed to present the local residents' perception towards soil contamination by the smelter. In a cross-sectional study, 208 residents from randomly selected households were interviewed about dross hazards and proposals for its management. A city map depicts the distribution and concentration of lead, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, nickel, and antimony, measured in the soil of the 39 households with visible smelter dross. Only one site complies with the soil quality reference values; 27 (69.2%) call for preventive measures, and 11 (28.2%) require intervention. The smelter dross continues widely spread over the city. Thirty (76.9%) out of the 39 residents were able to recognize the smelter dross on household surroundings. However, this ability was not associated with the concentrations of toxic elements in the soil of their residences and surroundings. The smelter and the local Prefecture were most frequently held liable for taking soil cleanup actions. The most frequently (38.0%) cited solution for managing the dross found in the households was "to provide the residents with information about health risks related to the dross".

Qualidade de vida, capacidade para o trabalho e deformidades faciais / Quality of life, work ability, and facial deformities

Introdução: A face exerce papel central nas relações interpessoais. Pessoas com deformidades faciais adquiridas ou congênitas tendem a apresentar dificuldades nas relações interpessoais. O tratamento desses pacientes deve visar à melhoria de sua qualidade de vida e da capacidade para o trabalho. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e a capacidade para o trabalho de pessoas com deformidades faciais. Método: Estudo misto de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Entrevistas semiestruturadas sobre qualidade de vida em saúde e implicações no trabalho foram realizadas com 16 pessoas com deformidades faciais, oito congênitas e oito adquiridas, procedentes de serviços de atenção especializada de Salvador, Bahia. Aplicaram-se os questionários Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT) e 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Resultados: A análise temática permitiu identificar duas categorias associadas às deformidades faciais: relações interpessoais e capacidade para o trabalho; e qualidade de vida e acesso a tratamento. Indivíduos com deformidades faciais adquiridas apresentaram menor escolaridade, renda e índices mais baixos nos indicadores de qualidade de vida e ICT, quando comparados aos do grupo com deformidades congênitas. Todos com deformidades congênitas receberam algum tipo de reabilitação e apresentaram menor comprometimento das relações sociais. Conclusões: Pessoas com deformidades faciais adquiridas apresentam maior comprometimento da sua capacidade para o trabalho e qualidade de vida do que aquelas com deformidades faciais congênitas. A reabilitação precoce das anormalidades congênitas parece exercer papel importante na melhora dos índices de ICT e de qualidade de vida em saúde

Background: The face plays a central role in interpersonal relationships. Individuals with congenital or acquired facial deformities might experience difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Treatment should seek to improve their quality of life and work ability. Objective: To analyze the health-related quality of life and work ability of individuals with facial deformities. Method: Study with mixed, quantitative and qualitative methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews on health-related quality of life and its implications for work with 16 individuals with facial deformities, eight cases of congenital and eight of acquired deformities, cared at specialized services in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The Work Ability Index (WAI) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were administered. Results: Thematic analysis led us to detect two categories of themes associated with facial deformities: interpersonal relationships and work ability; and quality of life and access to treatment. The participants with acquired facial deformities exhibited lower educational level and income, and lower quality of life and WAI scores compared to the ones with congenital deformities. All the participants with congenital deformities had received some form of rehabilitation and their social relationships were less impaired. Conclusions: Individuals with acquired facial deformities exhibited poorer work ability and quality of life compared to the ones with congenital deformities. Early rehabilitation of congenital deformities seems to considerably improve work ability and health-related quality of life

Oral health and health-related quality of life in HIV patients.

BACKGROUND: Oral health care may improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of HIV/AIDS patients. We aimed to evaluate oral health and HRQoL of HIV/AIDS patients using antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 120 HIV-infected patients, aged ≥18 years, from February, 2016 to September, 2017. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to evaluate the HRQoL. We assessed dental caries status using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Information about demographic, socioeconomic status, depression, and other comorbidities were collected. All patients with depression had a medical diagnosis. Comorbidities were defined as medical diagnoses of arterial hypertension, type-2 diabetes, tuberculosis, syphilis, cardiopathy, chronic renal failure, lymphoma, HCV infection, HBV infection and fatty liver disease. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences between mean levels of HRQoL, age, and DMFT and its components according to groups of sex, comorbidities and depression. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the Mental Component Summary (MCS) and DMFT, and a multiple regression equation investigated depression, age, MCS, and comorbidities as predictors of DMFT. RESULTS: The mean DMFT index was 12.4 ± 8.2. A linear regression equation estimated a significant (p = 0.022) decrease of 0.25 unit (%) in MCS for each unit increase in DMFT. Among depressed patients, a significant (p = 0.008) decrease of 0.67% in MCS for each unity increase in DMFT was estimated. Depressed patients showed worse oral health indicators (DFMT index; p ≤ 0.001; and mean Missing Teeth; p ≤ 0.052) and lower HRQoL domains than non-depressed patients. DMFT remained associated with depression (P < 0.005) after controlling for age, MCS, and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: We found association between poorer oral health (higher DMFT index) and lower Mental Health Component Summary in HIV-infected patients with depression. Patients with depression deserve especial attention to their HRQoL and oral care.

"As intermitências da morte" no ensino da ética e bioética / "Death With Interruptions" in the teaching of Ethics and Bioethics / "Las intermitencias de la muerte" en la enseñanza de la Ética y Bioética

Resumo As diretrizes curriculares para o curso de graduação em medicina preconizam formação médica humanista, reflexiva e ética. Determinam também que o profissional médico esteja apto para acompanhar o processo de morte, sendo fundamental para isso a avaliação de métodos ativos de ensino-aprendizagem das humanidades e da ética e bioética no curso de medicina. Este artigo propõe avaliar o uso da obra "As intermitências da morte" de José Saramago como ferramenta de ensino da ética e bioética, abordando essencialmente reflexões individuais e coletivas ao lidar com o tema da morte. Trata-se de estudo descritivo com análise qualitativa de avaliação da obra em questão por alunos de medicina da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública. Conclui-se que esse instrumento é recomendado no ensino das humanidades, comprovando que sua leitura atribuiu capacidades subjetivas ao estudante para lidar com situações relacionadas à morte respeitando os princípios da bioética.

Abstract The curriculum guidelines for undergraduate medical courses recommend that medical training should be humanistic, reflective, and ethical. Furthermore, medical professionals should be able to provide support in the process of death, with the evaluation of active methodologies for the teaching and learning of humanities, ethics, and bioethics a fundamental part of medical courses. The present study evaluates the use of the novel "Death with interruptions" as a teaching tool for ethics and bioethics, addressing individual and collective reflections when dealing with the theme of death. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, analyzing the evaluation of a literary work by medical students from the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (the Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health). The study concluded that this instrument is recommended for the teaching of humanities, finding that its reading encouraged the development of subjective abilities in students to deal with situations related to death, respecting the principles of bioethics.

Resumen Las directrices del plan de estudios de la Licenciatura en Medicina abogan por una formación médico-humanista, reflexiva y ética. También determina que el profesional de medicina es capaz de acompañar el proceso de la muerte, siendo fundamental la importancia de la evaluación de métodos activos de enseñanza en las humanidades, la ética y la bioética en la carrera de medicina. El estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el uso de la obra literaria "Las intermitencias de la muerte" como herramienta de enseñanza de la Ética y Bioética, de las reflexiones para enfrentar el tema de la muerte. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, con análisis cualitativo de la evaluación por parte de los estudiantes de medicina de una obra literaria. El estudio reveló la recomendación de este instrumento en la enseñanza de las humanidades, lo que demuestra que la lectura asigna capacidades subjetivas de los estudiantes para enfrentar situaciones relacionadas con la muerte.

Quality of life, work ability, and facial deformities.

BACKGROUND: The face plays a central role in interpersonal relationships. Individuals with congenital or acquired facial deformities might experience difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Treatment should seek to improve their quality of life and work ability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the health-related quality of life and work ability of individuals with facial deformities. METHOD: Study with mixed, quantitative and qualitative methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews on health-related quality of life and its implications for work with 16 individuals with facial deformities, eight cases of congenital and eight of acquired deformities, cared at specialized services in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The Work Ability Index (WAI) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were administered. RESULTS: Thematic analysis led us to detect two categories of themes associated with facial deformities: interpersonal relationships and work ability; and quality of life and access to treatment. The participants with acquired facial deformities exhibited lower educational level and income, and lower quality of life and WAI scores compared to the ones with congenital deformities. All the participants with congenital deformities had received some form of rehabilitation and their social relationships were less impaired. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with acquired facial deformities exhibited poorer work ability and quality of life compared to the ones with congenital deformities. Early rehabilitation of congenital deformities seems to considerably improve work ability and health-related quality of life.

INTRODUÇÃO: A face exerce papel central nas relações interpessoais. Pessoas com deformidades faciais adquiridas ou congênitas tendem a apresentar dificuldades nas relações interpessoais. O tratamento desses pacientes deve visar à melhoria de sua qualidade de vida e da capacidade para o trabalho. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e a capacidade para o trabalho de pessoas com deformidades faciais. MÉTODO: Estudo misto de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Entrevistas semiestruturadas sobre qualidade de vida em saúde e implicações no trabalho foram realizadas com 16 pessoas com deformidades faciais, oito congênitas e oito adquiridas, procedentes de serviços de atenção especializada de Salvador, Bahia. Aplicaram-se os questionários Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT) e 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. RESULTADOS: A análise temática permitiu identificar duas categorias associadas às deformidades faciais: relações interpessoais e capacidade para o trabalho; e qualidade de vida e acesso a tratamento. Indivíduos com deformidades faciais adquiridas apresentaram menor escolaridade, renda e índices mais baixos nos indicadores de qualidade de vida e ICT, quando comparados aos do grupo com deformidades congênitas. Todos com deformidades congênitas receberam algum tipo de reabilitação e apresentaram menor comprometimento das relações sociais. CONCLUSÕES: Pessoas com deformidades faciais adquiridas apresentam maior comprometimento da sua capacidade para o trabalho e qualidade de vida do que aquelas com deformidades faciais congênitas. A reabilitação precoce das anormalidades congênitas parece exercer papel importante na melhora dos índices de ICT e de qualidade de vida em saúde.

Problemas bioéticos no cotidiano do trabalho de profissionais de equipes de saúde da família / Bioethical issues in the daily work of family health team professionals / Problemas bioéticos en el trabajo cotidiano de profesionales de equipos de salud de la familia

Resumo A pesquisa buscou identificar e avaliar os problemas bioéticos envolvidos no cotidiano de trabalho de profissionais de duas equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Neste estudo qualitativo, realizaram-se entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas com 16 profissionais da equipe de saúde da família de Salvador, Bahia, de fevereiro a outubro de 2015. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin, assim como a bioética principialista e o pensamento complexo de Edgar Morin. Identificaram-se duas categorias: 'Problemas bioéticos no cotidiano de trabalho da equipe de saúde da família' e 'A relação interprofissional na equipe de saúde da família'. Na primeira categoria, evidenciaram-se falta de companheirismo e colaboração entre os membros da equipe; ações verticalizadas da gestão; dificuldades em preservar a privacidade do usuário e dos profissionais. Na segunda, destacaram-se a disparidade de poder nas relações interprofissionais e o encontro 'frio' entre núcleo de apoio e assistência à saúde da família e equipe. Concluiu-se que a equipe de saúde da família não tem avançado no aperfeiçoamento do trabalho em equipe interdisciplinar. Os problemas identificados ferem os princípios do enfoque principialista da bioética, esgarçam o tecido social do trabalho na Estratégia Saúde da Família e contribuem para a descaracterização da atenção básica.

Abstract This study sought to identify and evaluate the bioethical issues involved in the daily work of professionals comprising two Family Health Strategy teams. In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 16 professionals from the Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, family health team from February to October 2015. Content analysis proposed by Bardin was used, as was mainstream bioethics and the complex thinking of Edgar Morin. Two categories were identified: 'Bioethical issues in the daily work of the family health team' and 'Interprofessional relationships in the family health team.' In the first category, there was evidence of a lack of fellowship and collaboration among team members; vertical management actions, and difficulties in preserving the privacy of users and professionals. In the second one, standing out were power disparity in interprofessional relations and the 'cold' meeting between the support center and family health care and team. It was concluded that the family health team has not advanced in improving interdisciplinary teamwork. The issues that were identified undermine the principles of the mainstream approach of bioethics, they tear the social fabric of work in the Family Health Strategy, and contribute to the de-characterization of basic care.

Resumen La investigación buscó identificar y evaluar los problemas bioéticos involucrados en el trabajo cotidiano de profesionales de dos equipos de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. En este estudio cualitativo, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con 16 profesionales del equipo de salud de la familia de Salvador, Bahía, Brasil, de febrero a octubre de 2015. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido propuesto por Bardin, así como la bioética principalista y el pensamiento complejo de Edgar Morin. Se identificaron dos categorías: "Problemas bioéticos en el trabajo cotidiano del equipo de salud de la familia" y "La relación interprofesional en el equipo de salud de la familia". En la primera categoría, se pusieron de manifiesto la falta de compañerismo y colaboración entre los miembros del equipo; acciones verticales de gestión; dificultades en preservar la privacidad del usuario y de los profesionales. En la segunda, se destacaron la disparidad de poder en las relaciones interprofesionales y el encuentro 'frío' entre núcleo de apoyo y asistencia a la salud de la familia y equipo. Se concluyó que el equipo de salud de la familia no ha avanzado en el perfeccionamiento del trabajo en equipo interdisciplinario. Los problemas identificados lesionan los principios del enfoque principalista de la bioética, desgarran el tejido social del trabajo en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia y contribuyen para la descaracterización de la atención básica.

Quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study in Salvador, Brazil

Abstract The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence. Objective To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire "Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire", the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Results 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35). Conclusion The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients' quality of life.

Increased expression of CD38 and HLADR in HIV-infected patients with oral lesion.

Persistent immune actiation is associated with innadequate immune recovery in HIV-patients. This study assessed the relationship between frequency of expression of cell activation markers (CD38 and HLADR) and presence of oral lesions in HIV-1 infected patients. Fifty-seven HIV-infected persons, undergoing antiretroviral treatment, were divided into three groups, according to the number of CD4+ T cells and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio: adequate, partial, and inadequate immune restauration. All patients underwent full mouth assessments for saliva flow measurement, oral mucosal lesion, periodontal disease, and severity of periodontitis. Immune activation markers levels were compared according to three groups of periodontal disease ("No periodontal disease," "gingivitis," and "periodontitis"). Oral mucosal lesions (P = 0.03) and peridodontal disease (P = 0.03) were associated with lower CD4+ /CD8+ ratio. Patients with oral mucosal lesions had significantly higher median levels of HLADR and CD38 markers in all T-lymphocytes populations than patients without oral lesions. Patients with gingivitis and with periodontitis presented significantly higher median levels of CD3+ HLADR+ , CD4+ HLADR+ , CD8+ HLADR+ , and CD3+ CD38+ and significantly lower CD4+ /CD8+ ratio than patients with no periodontal disease. Increased levels of HLADR and CD38 expressions in peripheral blood were associated with oral lesions in HIV-positive patients. Periodontal disease was associated with HLADR expression.

Quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study in Salvador, Brazil.

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence. OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire "Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire", the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. RESULTS: 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35). CONCLUSION: The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients' quality of life.

A Literatura como Estratégia para Reflexões sobre Humanismo e Ética no Curso Médico: um Estudo Qualitativo / Literature as a Reflexive Strategy on Humanism and Ethics in Medical Education: A Qualitative Study

RESUMO A educação, pilar social caracterizado pela nobreza e complexidade, tem passado por um processo de transição paradigmática: do modelo unilateral e vertical de ensino para outro mais dinâmico, que permite o diálogo aberto entre docente e discente. Analogamente, a medicina contemporânea também vivencia um momento de mudanças, em que há uma necessidade crescente de preparar o futuro médico para lidar cada vez mais com os dilemas e conflitos presentes no cotidiano da área da saúde. A literatura de ficção constitui um recurso didático que segue a linha da metodologia ativa e permite a reflexão, o debate e o confronto de ideias. O presente estudo pretendeu identificar as contribuições do uso da literatura, em especial do livro Ensaio sobre a cegueira, de José Saramago, na formação humanística do estudante de Medicina. Para isto, desenvolveu-se um estudo descritivo, de análise qualitativa e com a participação dos alunos do primeiro ano de Medicina no componente curricular Ética e Bioética da Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública. Com base na leitura da obra de Saramago, os alunos responderam a uma avaliação processual desse componente. Segundo o conteúdo das respostas dos alunos, foram obtidos quatro temas: observação do mundo e do exercício profissional pelo estudante de Medicina; humanização na prática médica diante da invisibilidade social; prática médica tecnocêntrica e humanização; percepção do estudante de Medicina sobre a importância da literatura em sua formação. A diversidade, a riqueza e a verticalidade das respostas apresentadas permitem concluir que a leitura do livro Ensaio sobre a cegueira contribuiu de maneira positiva na aprendizagem dos princípios éticos e bioéticos (beneficência, não maleficência, autonomia e justiça), tendo acrescentado à formação pessoal e profissional dos estudantes. Entretanto, como a experiência da leitura foi de caráter individual, não há meios de assegurar que a contribuição tenha sido de mesma magnitude para todos os alunos.

ABSTRACT Education is a social pillar characterized by its nobility and complexity and has undergone a paradigmatic shift from the unilateral and vertical teaching model to a more dynamic one, facilitating an open dialogue between teachers and students. Contemporary medicine has experienced a similar period of change, creating a growing need to better prepare medical students for dealing with dilemmas and conflicts in the healthcare field. Literary fiction is a teaching tool that follows the line of the active methodology and allows for reflection, debate, and a confrontation of ideas. This study aimed to identify the benefits of using literature as part of the medical degree, with a particular focus on “Blindness” by José Saramago. To this end, we developed a descriptive study featuring qualitative analysis, involving participation of first-year medical students who have attended the Ethics and Bioethics course at the Bahía School of Medicine and Public Health. After reading Saramago’s work, students answered a procedural evaluation of the said component. Four themes emerged upon our thematic analysis of student responses: observation of the world and professional practice by medical students; humanization of medical practice in the face of social invisibility; technocentric medical practice and humanization; and medical students’ awareness of the importance of literature in their training. The diversity, richnes and verticality of the responses submitted suggest that the reading of “Blindness” contributed positively to the students’ learning of ethical and bioethical principles (beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice) and added to their personal and professional formation. As reading is an individual experience, however, there is no way to ensure that the contribution was of the same magnitude for all students.

SF-36 total score as a single measure of health-related quality of life: Scoping review.

According to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire developers, a global measure of health-related quality of life such as the "SF-36 Total/Global/Overall Score" cannot be generated from the questionnaire. However, studies keep on reporting such measure. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and to describe some characteristics of articles reporting the SF-36 Total/Global/Overall Score in the scientific literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method was adapted to a scoping review. We performed searches in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, BVS, and Cochrane Library databases for articles using such scores. We found 172 articles published between 1997 and 2015; 110 (64.0%) of them were published from 2010 onwards; 30.0% appeared in journals with Impact Factor 3.00 or greater. Overall, 129 (75.0%) out of the 172 studies did not specify the method for calculating the "SF-36 Total Score"; 13 studies did not specify their methods but referred to the SF-36 developers' studies or others; and 30 articles used different strategies for calculating such score, the most frequent being arithmetic averaging of the eight SF-36 domains scores. We concluded that the "SF-36 Total/Global/Overall Score" has been increasingly reported in the scientific literature. Researchers should be aware of this procedure and of its possible impacts upon human health.

Aspectos éticos dos transplantes de órgãos na visão do estudante de medicina: um estudo comparativo / Ethical aspects of organ transplantation from medical students perspective: a comparative study / Aspectos éticos de los trasplantes de órganos en la visión del estudiante de medicina: un estudio comparativo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o conhecimento e a opinião dos estudantes de medicina acerca dos aspectos éticos relacionados à temática dos transplantes de órgãos em diferentes períodos (1º e 4º ano) do curso médico e compará-los. Por meio da aplicação e análise de questionário pré-codificado a amostra composta por 190 estudantes de medicina (95 do 1º ano e 95 do 4º ano) em uma faculdade da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, abrangendo aspectos sociodemográficos e relacionados a transplantes e doação de órgãos, concluiu-se que o nível de conhecimento dos participantes acerca desses temas foi insatisfatório em ambos os grupos. Houve notável predileção por aspectos práticos dos transplantes em detrimento dos antropológicos, e, em alguns momentos, os estudantes manifestaram atitude antiética perante os dilemas relacionados à temática.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge and opinion of medical students from different years (1st and 4th year) of medical school regarding the ethical aspects related to the topic of organ transplantation. A pre-coded questionnaire covering sociodemographic aspects and matters related to transplants and organ donation was applied to a sample of 190 medical students (95 from 1st year and 95 from 4th year) from a college in Salvador (Brazil). It was concluded that the level of students’ knowledge regarding transplantation and organ donation was unsatisfactory in both groups. There was remarkable preference for practical aspects of transplantation to the detriment of anthropological ones, and at times students expressed unethical attitudes towards the dilemmas related to the theme in question.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento y la opinión de los estudiantes de medicina sobre los aspectos éticos relacionados con el tema de los trasplantes de órganos y compararlos de acuerdo a los diferentes períodos (primero y cuarto año) de la escuela de medicina. Mediante la aplicación y el análisis de un cuestionario pre-codificado para una muestra compuesta por 190 estudiantes de medicina (95 de 1º año y 95 de 4º año), en una facultad de la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, incluyendo aspectos sociodemográficos y relacionados a los trasplantes y a la donación de órganos, se concluyó que el nivel de conocimiento de los estudiantes sobre el trasplante y la donación de órganos fue insatisfactorio en ambos grupos. Hubo una notable predilección por los aspectos prácticos de los trasplantes en detrimento de los antropológicos y, en ocasiones, los estudiantes manifestaron una actitud antiética frente a los dilemas relacionados con la temática en cuestión.

Health-related quality of life of medical students in a Brazilian student loan programme.

This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life of medical students participating in a large Brazilian government loan programme for undergraduate students in private schools.A cross-sectional study in a stratified sample of students from a private medical school in Salvador, Brazil, evaluated their health-related quality of life by using a Brazilian Portuguese version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36).Students supported by the loan programme consistently presented lower mean scores in all SF-36 domains and in the physical and mental component summary scores than those who were not in the programme. Students supported by the loan programme presented systematically lower physical and mental component mean scores, after stratification by age, gender, school year, physical activity, sleepiness, headache, having a car, having a housemaid, living with family, and living in a rented house.The loan programme has enabled less wealthy undergraduate students to attend private medical schools in Brazil. However, this support is insufficient to improve students' health-related quality of life during medical school, as compared with students who do not participate in the programme. Because of a poorer health-related quality of life, students supported by the loan programme deserve special attention from private medical schools.

Health-related quality of life of students from a private medical school in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and to describe factors associated with its variation among undergraduate medical students at a Brazilian private medical school. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a sample (n=180) of medical students at a private medical school in Salvador, Brazil, stratified by year of medical course. Data about age, sex, year of course, physical activity, sleepiness, headaches, participation in a student loan program supported by the Brazilian government (FIES) and living arrangements were collected using a self-administered form. HRQOL was assessed by using a Brazilian Portuguese version of the SF-36 form. The eight domains of SF-36 and the Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component (MCS) Summaries scales were calculated. RESULTS: The medical students showed poor HRQOL, mainly because of the mental component. Lower mean scores were found among those with FIES support, females, those suffering from sleepiness, headaches and lacking physical activity. No clear trend was observed in the variation of the SF-36 mean scores according to the year of medical school. However, students in the fifth year of the course had the highest HRQOL mean scores. CONCLUSIONS: Health-related quality of life of students at this private medical school was poor, mainly because of its mental component. Lower HRQOL was associated with FIES support, females, sleepiness, headaches and lack of regular physical activity. Higher scores were found among fifth year students.