Acceptability and consumers' willingness to pay for comprehensive medication management services in Brazil.

Aim: Comprehensive medication management (CMM) is a clinical service that aims to optimize the therapeutic results of patients at the individual level. Studies carried out in Brazil and in several parts of the world have found a positive impact of the service, mainly in the resolution of drug therapy problems and in improving clinical outcomes and patients' quality of life. This service is not widespread and its acceptability and willingness to pay were not defined by the population yet. Objective: This work aims to conduct a study with users of private health services to determine the acceptability and willingness to pay for CMM services. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted through face-to-face interviews, among residents over 18 years of age of the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Results: For this study, 563 individuals were interviewed. Most respondents were female (55.1%), had completed high school (46.8%) and were employed (62.5%). The acceptability for the service was 93,25%, and among all respondents, 37 would not accept the service even if it was free. The amount of consumers' willingness to pay for the CMM service was estimated at $17.75 (40.00 BRL). Conclusion: The research results show that most people are willing to pay for the CMM service. This study can contribute to the decision-making regarding the implementation and pricing of the service in Brazil.

Cicatrização de feridas crónicas tratadas com oleorresina de copaíba / Chronic wound healing with copaiba oleoresin application / Cicatrización de heridas crónicas tratadas con oleorresina de copaiba

Resumo Enquadramento: As feridas crónicas representam um problema crescente de saúde em diversos países. Estudos etnobotânicos e pré-clínicos sugerem que a oleorresina de copaíba (Copaífera sp.) possui propriedades cicatrizantes. Objetivo: Avaliar a aplicação clínica da oleorresina de copaíba na cicatrização de feridas crónicas. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo de série de casos composta por 6 participantes com feridas crónicas tratadas com: oleorresina de copaíba a 7% com óleo de girassol ou creme de copaíba a 10%. O desfecho primário foi a percentagem de redução da área lesada ao final do seguimento. Resultados: Idade média dos participantes foi 54,5 (DP = 11,5) anos. As causas das feridas foram vasculares (n = 3), cirúrgicas (n = 2) e traumáticas (n = 1). Todos os participantes tiveram redução da área lesada variando entre 15,5% a 100%, durante o seguimento (8 a 15 semanas). Nenhuma complicação foi observada. Conclusão: O tratamento com a oleorresina de copaíba mostrou-se uma opção efetiva e segura no tratamento de feridas crónicas.

Abstract Background: Chronic wounds represent a growing health problem in several countries. Ethnobotanical and preclinical studies suggest that copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera sp.) has healing properties. Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of copaiba oleoresin in chronic wound healing. Methodology: Retrospective case series study consisting of 6 participants with chronic wounds treated with 7% copaiba oleoresin with sunflower oil or 10% copaiba ointment. The primary endpoint was the percentage reduction in wound area at the end of follow-up. Results: Mean age of participants was 54.5 (SD = 11.5) years. The causes of wounds were vascular (n = 3), surgical (n = 2), and traumatic (n = 1). All participants had a reduction of the wound area ranging from 15.5% to 100% during the follow-up (8 to 15 weeks). No complications were observed. Conclusion: Treatment with copaiba oleoresin proved to be an effective and safe option in chronic wound treatment.

Resumen Marco contextual: Las heridas crónicas representan un problema sanitario creciente en varios países. Estudios etnobotánicos y preclínicos sugieren que la oleorresina de copaiba (Copaífera sp.) tiene propiedades cicatrizantes. Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación clínica de la oleorresina de copaiba en la cicatrización de heridas crónicas. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos compuesta por 6 participantes con heridas crónicas tratadas con oleorresina de copaiba al 7% con aceite de girasol o crema de copaiba al 10%. El criterio de valoración primario fue el porcentaje de reducción de la zona lesionada al final del seguimiento. Resultados: La edad media de los participantes fue de 54,5 (DP = 11,5) años. Las causas de las heridas fueron vasculares (n = 3), quirúrgicas (n = 2) y traumáticas (n = 1). Todos los participantes presentaron una reducción de la zona lesionada que osciló entre el 15,5% y el 100% durante el seguimiento (de 8 a 15 semanas). No se observaron complicaciones. Conclusión: El tratamiento con oleorresina de copaiba ha demostrado ser una opción eficaz y segura en el tratamiento de heridas crónicas.

[Judicialization of cannabidiol-based products in Brazil: an analysis from 2019 to 2022]. / Judicialização de produtos à base de canabidiol no Brasil: uma análise de 2019 a 2022.

The study analyzed the lawsuits of patients who requested cannabidiol (CBD)-based products from the Brazilian Unified National Health System during the period from 2019 to 2022, describing sociodemographic, clinical, and legal characteristics. This is a cross-sectional study composed of the evaluation of the technical notes issued by the Center for Technical Support of the Judiciary (NatJus), which supports judicial decisions. The data were obtained from the e-NatJus system, of the Brazilian Ministry of Justice, using web scraping techniques. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We analyzed 1,115 technical notes of the CBD plaintiffs, of which 54.7% of the male patients, with a mean age of 18.4 years, mostly from the South Region of the country (38.8%), and 49.6% sought treatment for epilepsy. Regarding the actions with favorable opinions, 28.8% had no scientific evidence, 26.5% pleaded for products without registration with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, and 25.3% of those that had registration were not in compliance with the therapeutic indication. Patients from the Northeast Region had a chance of a favorable opinion increased by 3.0 times and those diagnosed with epilepsy by 2.3. The expert opinions that supported the magistrates for the judicial decisions regarding the demands of patients for cannabidiol-based products in Brazil were mostly in accordance with scientific evidence, denoting the importance of NatJus in the qualification of access to medicinal products in the country.

Este estudo analisou as ações judiciais de pacientes que solicitaram ao Sistema Único de Saúde produtos à base de canabidiol (CBD) durante o período de 2019 a 2022, descrevendo características sociodemográficas, clínicas e jurídicas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal composto pela avaliação das notas técnicas emitidas pelos Núcleos de Apoio Técnico do Judiciário (NatJus), que embasaram as decisões judiciais. Os dados foram obtidos do sistema e-NatJus, do Ministério da Justiça, utilizando técnicas de web scraping. Regressão logística foi empregada para estimar razões de chances com intervalos de 95% de confiança. Foram analisadas 1.115 notas técnicas das ações demandantes de CBD, das quais 54,7% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 18,4 anos, em sua maioria da Região Sul do país (38,8%), e 49,6% buscavam tratamento para epilepsia. Das ações com pareceres favoráveis, 28,8% não tinham evidências científicas, 26,5% pleitearam produtos sem registro na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária e 25,3% dos que tinham registro não estavam em conformidade com a indicação terapêutica. Os pacientes da Região Nordeste tiveram a chance de parecer favorável aumentada em 3 vezes; e os que tinham diagnóstico de epilepsia, em 2,3 vezes. Os pareceres técnicos que deram suporte aos magistrados para as decisões judiciais das demandas de pacientes por produtos à base de canabidiol no Brasil estavam, em sua maioria, em conformidade com evidências científicas, denotando a importância dos NatJus na qualificação do acesso a produtos medicinais no país.

El estudio analizó las acciones legales de pacientes que solicitaron al Sistema Único de Salud brasileño productos a base de cannabidiol (CBD) durante el período de 2019 a 2022, describiendo características sociodemográficas, clínicas y legales. Se trata de un estudio transversal compuesto por la evaluación de las notas técnicas emitidas por los Núcleos de Apoyo Técnico del Poder Judicial (NatJus) que basaron las decisiones judiciales. Los datos se obtuvieron del sistema e-NatJus, del Ministerio de Justicia brasileño, mediante técnicas de web scraping. La regresión logística se empleó para estimar los odds ratios con intervalos del 95% de confianza. Fueron analizadas 1.115 notas técnicas de las acciones demandantes de CBD que tenían 54,7 % de los pacientes del género masculino, con una edad media de 18,4 años, en su mayoría de la Región Sur del país (38,8%) y 49,6% buscaban tratamiento para la epilepsia. De las acciones con opiniones favorables, el 28,8% no tenían evidencias científicas, el 26,5% pleitearon productos sin registro en la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria y el 25,3% de los que tenían registro, no estaban en conformidad con la indicación terapéutica. Los pacientes de la Región Nordeste tuvieron la posibilidad de opiniones favorables aumentada en 3,0 veces y los que tenían diagnóstico de epilepsia en 2,3. Los dictámenes técnicos que dieron apoyo a los magistrados para las decisiones judiciales de las demandas de los pacientes por productos a base de cannabidiol en Brasil estaban en su mayoría en conformidad con las evidencias científicas, denotando la importancia de NatJus en la calificación del acceso a productos medicinales en el país.

Impact of implementation of front-of-package nutrition labeling on sugary beverage consumption and consequently on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity and related direct costs in Brazil: An estimate through a modeling study.

RATIONALE: Intake of sugary beverages has been associated with obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases, thereby increasing the direct health costs related to these diseases. Front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) aims to help consumers understand food composition, thereby improving food choices and preventing the development of such diseases. OBJECTIVE: To estimate, over five years, the impact of implementing FoPNL in Brazil on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity in adults who consume sugary beverages and the direct costs related to such problems. METHODS: A simulation study to performed to estimate the effect of FoPNL implementation on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity. The VIGITEL research database (2019), published in the 2020 report, was used in this study (the final sample consisted of 12,471 data points representing 14,380,032 Brazilians). The scenarios were considered: base (trend in sugary beverage intake); 1 (base scenario associated with the changes in energy content of the purchased beverages observed after the first phase of the Chilean labeling law (-9.9%); and 2 (scenario 1 associated with reformulation of beverages, total energy reduction of -1.6%). Changes in body weight were estimated using the simulation model of Hall et al. (2011) over five years. A linear trend in the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight in the Brazilian population was considered. The impact of the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight on body mass index was estimated. In addition, the direct health costs related to obesity were estimated. RESULTS: Energy consumption from sugary beverages after FoPNL implementation is expected to be reduced by approximately 28 kcal/day (95% CI, -30 to -27) considering scenario 1. In scenarios 1 and 2, without FoPNL, the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight over five years was estimated to be 25.3% and 25.2%, and 64.4% and 64.2%, respectively. By extrapolating the results to the entire Brazilian population, it was observed that the implementation of FoPNL may reduce the prevalence of obesity by -0.32 percentage points and -0.35 percentage points (scenario 1 and 2, respectively) and excess body weight by -0.42 percentage points and -0.48 percentage points (scenarios 1 and 2, respectively) in five years. It is estimated that after five years of implementation, it will be possible to save approximately US$ 5,5 millions (95% CI 4,7 to 8,8) in scenario 1, reaching approximately US$ 6,1 millions (95% CI 5,3 to 9,8) in scenario 2. CONCLUSION: The results of this modeling study indicate that FoPNL may reduce prevalence of excess body weight and obesity, representing strategic public policies for obesity prevention.

Judicialização de produtos à base de canabidiol no Brasil: uma análise de 2019 a 2022 / Judicialization of cannabidiol-based products in Brazil: an analysis from 2019 to 2022 / Judicialización de productos a base de cannabidiol en Brasil: un análisis de 2019 a 2022

Este estudo analisou as ações judiciais de pacientes que solicitaram ao Sistema Único de Saúde produtos à base de canabidiol (CBD) durante o período de 2019 a 2022, descrevendo características sociodemográficas, clínicas e jurídicas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal composto pela avaliação das notas técnicas emitidas pelos Núcleos de Apoio Técnico do Judiciário (NatJus), que embasaram as decisões judiciais. Os dados foram obtidos do sistema e-NatJus, do Ministério da Justiça, utilizando técnicas de web scraping. Regressão logística foi empregada para estimar razões de chances com intervalos de 95% de confiança. Foram analisadas 1.115 notas técnicas das ações demandantes de CBD, das quais 54,7% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 18,4 anos, em sua maioria da Região Sul do país (38,8%), e 49,6% buscavam tratamento para epilepsia. Das ações com pareceres favoráveis, 28,8% não tinham evidências científicas, 26,5% pleitearam produtos sem registro na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária e 25,3% dos que tinham registro não estavam em conformidade com a indicação terapêutica. Os pacientes da Região Nordeste tiveram a chance de parecer favorável aumentada em 3 vezes; e os que tinham diagnóstico de epilepsia, em 2,3 vezes. Os pareceres técnicos que deram suporte aos magistrados para as decisões judiciais das demandas de pacientes por produtos à base de canabidiol no Brasil estavam, em sua maioria, em conformidade com evidências científicas, denotando a importância dos NatJus na qualificação do acesso a produtos medicinais no país.

The study analyzed the lawsuits of patients who requested cannabidiol (CBD)-based products from the Brazilian Unified National Health System during the period from 2019 to 2022, describing sociodemographic, clinical, and legal characteristics. This is a cross-sectional study composed of the evaluation of the technical notes issued by the Center for Technical Support of the Judiciary (NatJus), which supports judicial decisions. The data were obtained from the e-NatJus system, of the Brazilian Ministry of Justice, using web scraping techniques. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We analyzed 1,115 technical notes of the CBD plaintiffs, of which 54.7% of the male patients, with a mean age of 18.4 years, mostly from the South Region of the country (38.8%), and 49.6% sought treatment for epilepsy. Regarding the actions with favorable opinions, 28.8% had no scientific evidence, 26.5% pleaded for products without registration with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, and 25.3% of those that had registration were not in compliance with the therapeutic indication. Patients from the Northeast Region had a chance of a favorable opinion increased by 3.0 times and those diagnosed with epilepsy by 2.3. The expert opinions that supported the magistrates for the judicial decisions regarding the demands of patients for cannabidiol-based products in Brazil were mostly in accordance with scientific evidence, denoting the importance of NatJus in the qualification of access to medicinal products in the country.

El estudio analizó las acciones legales de pacientes que solicitaron al Sistema Único de Salud brasileño productos a base de cannabidiol (CBD) durante el período de 2019 a 2022, describiendo características sociodemográficas, clínicas y legales. Se trata de un estudio transversal compuesto por la evaluación de las notas técnicas emitidas por los Núcleos de Apoyo Técnico del Poder Judicial (NatJus) que basaron las decisiones judiciales. Los datos se obtuvieron del sistema e-NatJus, del Ministerio de Justicia brasileño, mediante técnicas de web scraping. La regresión logística se empleó para estimar los odds ratios con intervalos del 95% de confianza. Fueron analizadas 1.115 notas técnicas de las acciones demandantes de CBD que tenían 54,7 % de los pacientes del género masculino, con una edad media de 18,4 años, en su mayoría de la Región Sur del país (38,8%) y 49,6% buscaban tratamiento para la epilepsia. De las acciones con opiniones favorables, el 28,8% no tenían evidencias científicas, el 26,5% pleitearon productos sin registro en la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria y el 25,3% de los que tenían registro, no estaban en conformidad con la indicación terapéutica. Los pacientes de la Región Nordeste tuvieron la posibilidad de opiniones favorables aumentada en 3,0 veces y los que tenían diagnóstico de epilepsia en 2,3. Los dictámenes técnicos que dieron apoyo a los magistrados para las decisiones judiciales de las demandas de los pacientes por productos a base de cannabidiol en Brasil estaban en su mayoría en conformidad con las evidencias científicas, denotando la importancia de NatJus en la calificación del acceso a productos medicinales en el país.

Tratamento de feridas: Efeitos in vitro de aplicações farmacoterapêuticas do óleo de girassol (Helianthus annuus) / Wound healing: In vitro effects of the pharmacotherapeutic use of sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus) / Tratamiento de heridas: Efectos in vitro de las aplicaciones farmacoterapéuticas del aceite de girasol (Helianthus annuus)

Resumo Enquadramento: Óleos vegetais apresentam ação antimicrobiana e promovem a proliferação celular. O óleo de girassol é usado como alternativa para o tratamento de feridas cutâneas, especialmente nos países subdesenvolvidos ou em desenvolvimento. Objetivo: Caracterizar o óleo de girassol e avaliar os efeitos in vitro na proliferação celular e na atividade antimicrobiana. Metodologia: Análises por cromatografia a gás acoplada à espectrometria de massas, testes de proliferação celular e atividade antimicrobiana. Resultados: Na análise cromatográfica do óleo de girassol identificaram-se os compostos maioritários - ácidos gordos insaturados (82,2%) tendo como principais lípidos os ácidos linoleico (47,8%), oleico (28,7%) e linolênico (3,9%), seguidos pelos ácidos saturados (12,70%), palmítico (8,8%) e esteárico (3,6%). Houve diferença (p < 0,001) entre os tratamentos com óleo de girassol (100 e 10 µg/ml) e controlos negativos na proliferação celular. Ineficácia na atividade antimicrobiana frente às bactérias Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis e Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusão: A composição do óleo de girassol mostrou elevada concentração de ácidos gordos essenciais, promoveu proliferação celular, mas não inibiu atividade bacteriana.

Abstract Background: Vegetable oils have antimicrobial activity and promote cell proliferation. Sunflower oil is used as an alternative for treating skin wounds, particularly in underdeveloped or developing countries. Objective: To characterize sunflower oil and evaluate the in vitro effects on cell proliferation and antimicrobial activity. Methodology: The study was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and cell proliferation and antimicrobial activity tests. Results: The chromatographic analysis identified the main components of sunflower oil, namely: unsaturated fatty acids (82.2%) with linoleic (47.8%), oleic (28.7%), and linolenic (3.9%) acids as the main lipids, followed by saturated (12.70%), palmitic (8.8%) and stearic (3.6%) acids. A difference (p < 0.001) in cell proliferation was found between treatments with sunflower oil (100 and 10 µg/ml) and the negative controls. It failed in antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: Sunflower oil contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids and promotes cell proliferation but fails to inhibit bacterial activity.

Resumen Marco contextual: Los aceites vegetales tienen acción antimicrobiana y promueven la proliferación celular. El aceite de girasol se utiliza como alternativa para tratar las heridas cutáneas, especialmente en los países subdesarrollados o en vías de desarrollo. Objetivo: Caracterizar el aceite de girasol y evaluar los efectos in vitro sobre la proliferación celular y la actividad antimicrobiana. Metodología: Análisis por cromatografía de gases acoplado a espectrometría de masas, pruebas de proliferación celular y actividad antimicrobiana. Resultados: En el análisis cromatográfico del aceite de girasol, se identificaron los compuestos mayoritarios - ácidos grasos insaturados (82,2%), los principales lípidos son el ácido linoleico (47,8%), oleico (28,7%) y linolénico (3,9%), seguidos del ácido saturado (12,70%), palmítico (8,8%) y esteárico (3,6%). Hubo una diferencia (p < 0,001) entre los tratamientos con aceite de girasol (100 y 10 µg/ml) y los controles negativos en la proliferación celular. Actividad antimicrobiana ineficaz contra las bacterias Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis e Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusión: La composición del aceite de girasol mostró una alta concentración de ácidos grasos esenciales, promovió la proliferación celular, pero no inhibió la actividad bacteriana.

Factors associated with the use of a public information system of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Fatores associados ao uso de um sistema de informação público de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a associação entre fatores socioeconômicos, organização dos serviços de saúde e a utilização de um sistema de gestão e monitoramento da dispensação de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo epidemiológico ecológico que analisou dados secundários do Sistema Integrado de Gestão da Assistência Farmacêutica (SIGAF) da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de MG, Brasil, em 2017. Treze variáveis independentes foram analisadas para testar a influência destas com a adesão dos municípios ao SIGAF das prescrições odontológicas de antibióticos. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, e a técnica de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão foi utilizada. Foram examinadas 57.279 prescrições de antibióticos prescritos por dentistas e registradas no SIGAF. Fatores socioeconômicos não foram associados ao uso do SIGAF para registro dessas prescrições. A cobertura de saúde bucal esteve positivamente associada à utilização do SIGAF para as dispensações de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas. A presença de Centro De Especialidade Odontológica, esteve negativamente associado ao desfecho. Municípios com maior cobertura de saúde bucal e sem Centro de Especialidade Odontológica foram mais propensos a utilizar o SIGAF.

Factors associated with the use of a public information system of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Risk factors associated with readmissions of patients with severe mental disorders under treatment with antipsychotics.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of readmission in patients with severe mental disorders, compare it between patients using different types of antipsychotics and determine risk factors for psychiatric readmission. METHODS: Medical records of a non-concurrent cohort of 625 patients with severe mental disorders (such as psychoses and severe mood disorders) who were first discharged from January to December 2012 (entry into the cohort), with longitudinal follow-up until December 2017 constitute the sample. Descriptive statistical analysis of characteristics of study sample was performed. The risk factors for readmission were assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Males represented 51.5% of the cohort, and 75.6% of the patients had no partner. Most patients (89.9%) lived with relatives, and 64.7% did not complete elementary school. Only 17.1% used more than one antipsychotic, 34.2% did not adhere to the treatment, and 13.9% discontinued the medication due to unavailability in public pharmacies. There was a need to change the antipsychotic due to the lack of therapeutic response (11.2% of the patients) and adverse reactions to the antipsychotic (5.3% of the patients). Cox regression showed that the risk of readmission was increased by 25.0% (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03-1.52) when used typical antipsychotics, compared to those who used atypical ones, and by 92.0% (RR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.63-2.27) when patients did not adhere to maintenance treatment compared to those who adhered. CONCLUSIONS: Use of atypical antipsychotics and adherence to treatment were associated with a lower risk of psychiatric readmissions.

What we know about antibiotics prescribed by dentists in a Brazilian southeastern state.

The objective of this study was to analyze possible associations between antibiotic dental prescriptions in the public health service, health service characteristics, and social characteristics of the municipalities. Using the register of dispensing in the public health service of a state in the Southeast region of Brazil, in 2017 we analyzed patterns of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists. Data were obtained from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Services Management System (SIGAF, in Portuguese). The outcome variable was the number of Daily Defined Doses (DDD) per 1,000 residents/year in each municipality. CART (Classification and Regression Tree) technique was used to determine the influence of the following variables: populational social characteristics (Human Development Index, Gini Index, the proportion of rural population and proportion of families benefiting from the Bolsa Família Program) and oral health services characteristics (access to individual dental care, number of dentists and oral health teams per 1,000 residents, and percentage of preventive and restorative individual dental procedures. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0. Antibiotics were the medications most prescribed by dentists in the public health service, with penicillin being the most frequently prescribed class. The average DDD/1,000 residents/year for the 421 municipalities surveyed was 96.54 (range 0.008 and 619.660). Select factors were associated with antibiotic prescriptions including access to individual dental care (Adjusted p-value ≤0.001), a number of oral health teams/1,000 inhabitants (Adjusted p-value=0.001), and Gini Index (Adjusted p-value = 0.046). Access to oral health services and inequality were associated with the use of antibiotics.

Consumer willingness to pay for a hypothetical chikungunya vaccine in Brazil and the implications.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever is an important infectious disease transmitted by the bite of the mosquitoes. Information about consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical vaccine can help with future discussions about its possible price. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted among residents of Minas Gerais, Brazil, regarding their WTP for a hypothetical chikungunya vaccine defined by the authors as having a mean effective protection of 80%. RESULTS: We interviewed 496 individuals. Among these, 23 were excluded from the analysis. Most of the respondents were female (57.3%), had completed at least high school (90.7%), were employed (87.7%) and had private health insurance (62.6%). The median value of the WTP was US$ 31.17 (120.00 BRL) for a unique dose vaccine. The WTP showed a statistical significant correlation with monthly family income and access to private health insurance. CONCLUSION: This study can contribute to decision-making about potential prices for a chikungunya vaccine once it becomes available in Brazil. We demonstrated the relevance of the anchoring effect as a possible influence applied to the maximum value of the WTP associated with respondents' preference for a new vaccine. Finally, we encourage the development of a chikungunya virus vaccine to benefit the Brazilian population.

What we know about antibiotics prescribed by dentists in a Brazilian southeastern state

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze possible associations between antibiotic dental prescriptions in the public health service, health service characteristics, and social characteristics of the municipalities. Using the register of dispensing in the public health service of a state in the Southeast region of Brazil, in 2017 we analyzed patterns of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists. Data were obtained from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Services Management System (SIGAF, in Portuguese). The outcome variable was the number of Daily Defined Doses (DDD) per 1,000 residents/year in each municipality. CART (Classification and Regression Tree) technique was used to determine the influence of the following variables: populational social characteristics (Human Development Index, Gini Index, the proportion of rural population and proportion of families benefiting from the Bolsa Família Program) and oral health services characteristics (access to individual dental care, number of dentists and oral health teams per 1,000 residents, and percentage of preventive and restorative individual dental procedures. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0. Antibiotics were the medications most prescribed by dentists in the public health service, with penicillin being the most frequently prescribed class. The average DDD/1,000 residents/year for the 421 municipalities surveyed was 96.54 (range 0.008 and 619.660). Select factors were associated with antibiotic prescriptions including access to individual dental care (Adjusted p-value ≤0.001), a number of oral health teams/1,000 inhabitants (Adjusted p-value=0.001), and Gini Index (Adjusted p-value = 0.046). Access to oral health services and inequality were associated with the use of antibiotics.

Health equity and the usage of atypical antipsychotics within the Brazilian national health system: findings and implications.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to evaluate the health equity of atypical antipsychotics users who obtain their medicines from the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) through the identification of key factors that influence their health status due to concerns with equity of care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study among patients attending state pharmacies in Brazil. Individuals were included if they used atypical antipsychotics, aged ≥18 years, and answered the EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected. The dependent variable was health status. Associations between the independent variables and the dependent variable were analyzed by adjusting a linear regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 388 individuals met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. The final multiple linear regression model demonstrated a statistically significant association between VAS and suicide attempts, private care, current antipsychotics, comorbidities, and perceived family support. EXPERT COMMENTARY: The study identified several factors both individual and collective that correlate with the health status of atypical antipsychotic users and confirmed the importance of providing medicines for treating psychotic disorders. However, other factors are involved including social support. Our results suggest additional activities and policies are necessary including strategies to address the differences in private and public health care.

Prescriptions of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in municipalities from a Brazilian Southeast state

Abstract The objective of this study was to describe dental prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), opioids, and analgesics dispensed by the Brazilian National Health System (BNHS, SUS in Portuguese) of a Southeastern state from January to December 2017, and to analyze their association with socioeconomic and oral health care services' characteristics at municipal level. Data were collected from the Brazilian Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System. Medicines were grouped according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. The total number of Defined Daily Doses (DDD) and DDD per 1,000 inhabitants (inhab.) per year were presented and compared between groups of municipalities. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25.0. The total number of NSAID, opioids, and analgesics prescriptions was 70,747 and accounted for 354,221.13 DDD. The most frequently prescribed medicine was ibuprofen (n = 24,676; 34.88%). The number of dental practitioners in the BNHS per 1,000 inhab. (p < 0.001), first dental appointment coverage (p = 0.010), oral health teams per 1,000 inhab. (p=0.022), and the proportion of rural population (p = 0.014) were variables positively associated with the number of DDD of NSAID per 1,000 inhab. per year. Bolsa Família program coverage per 1,000 inhab. (p = 0.022) was negatively associated with NSAID prescription. Regarding analgesics, first dental appointment coverage (p=0.002) and Bolsa Família program coverage per 1,000 inhab. (p = 0.012) were positively associated with DDD per 1,000 inhab. per year. In conclusion, dental prescriptions of analgesics and NSAID in the BNHS were associated with socioeconomic and oral health care services' characteristics.

Prescriptions of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in municipalities from a Brazilian Southeast state.

The objective of this study was to describe dental prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), opioids, and analgesics dispensed by the Brazilian National Health System (BNHS, SUS in Portuguese) of a Southeastern state from January to December 2017, and to analyze their association with socioeconomic and oral health care services' characteristics at municipal level. Data were collected from the Brazilian Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System. Medicines were grouped according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. The total number of Defined Daily Doses (DDD) and DDD per 1,000 inhabitants (inhab.) per year were presented and compared between groups of municipalities. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25.0. The total number of NSAID, opioids, and analgesics prescriptions was 70,747 and accounted for 354,221.13 DDD. The most frequently prescribed medicine was ibuprofen (n = 24,676; 34.88%). The number of dental practitioners in the BNHS per 1,000 inhab. (p < 0.001), first dental appointment coverage (p = 0.010), oral health teams per 1,000 inhab. (p=0.022), and the proportion of rural population (p = 0.014) were variables positively associated with the number of DDD of NSAID per 1,000 inhab. per year. Bolsa Família program coverage per 1,000 inhab. (p = 0.022) was negatively associated with NSAID prescription. Regarding analgesics, first dental appointment coverage (p=0.002) and Bolsa Família program coverage per 1,000 inhab. (p = 0.012) were positively associated with DDD per 1,000 inhab. per year. In conclusion, dental prescriptions of analgesics and NSAID in the BNHS were associated with socioeconomic and oral health care services' characteristics.

[Drug use in Psychosocial Care Centers: analysis of prescriptions and the profile of users in different modalities of the service]. / Uso de medicamentos nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial: análise das prescrições e perfil dos usuários em diferentes modalidades do serviço.

The scope of this article was to identify the profile of users and the prescription of drugs in the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) in a region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 CAPS of 5 different modalities. Sociodemographic data and information about drug use were obtained through interviews with users and analysis of prescriptions and medical records, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean number of drugs prescribed per user in CAPS was 3.38 (± 1.76) and the amounts were 4.08 (± 1.56), 3.54 (± 1.64) and 2.00 (± 1.66) for CAPS Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS ad), CAPS II and III and CAPS for children (CAPSi), respectively. The most prescribed therapeutic class was antipsychotics, with emphasis on haloperidol. Users in the economically active age group attended larger units (24h) or the CAPS ad modality and reported that in the past they had used drugs inappropriately and had a higher prevalence of prescriptions containing 5 drugs or more. The profile of drug use in the CAPS differed according to the modality of the service, and a greater degree of utilization was observed in the CAPS ad units. The differences revealed may subsidize discussion of the strategies for promoting the rational use of drugs.

O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar o perfil dos usuários e a prescrição de medicamentos nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) em uma região de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 11 CAPS de 5 diferentes modalidades. Dados sociodemográficos e informações sobre o uso de medicamentos foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas com os usuários, análise de prescrições e prontuários utilizando um formulário semiestruturado. O número médio de medicamentos prescritos por usuário dos CAPS foi de 3,38 (±1,76) e os valores foram 4,08 (±1,56), 3,54 (±1,64) e 2,00 (±1,66) para as modalidades de CAPS álcool e Drogas (CAPS ad), CAPS II e III e CAPS infantil, respectivamente. A classe terapêutica mais prescrita foi de antipsicóticos. Usuários que estavam na faixa etária economicamente ativa, frequentavam serviços de maior porte (24h) ou modalidade CAPS ad e relataram que já utilizaram os medicamentos de maneira inadequada, apresentaram maior prevalência de prescrições com 5 ou mais medicamentos. O uso de medicamentos nos CAPS diferiu segundo a modalidade do serviço, tendo sido observado um maior grau de utilização nos CAPS ad. As diferenças encontradas podem subsidiar a discussão de estratégias para a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos.

The Price of Substitute Technologies.

BACKGROUND: Only a small share of new drugs is truly innovative; 85% to 90% of all new health technologies have little or no advantage over existing therapeutic alternatives. Health economic evaluations can be used to induce acceptable prices for new technologies through threshold pricing. OBJECTIVE: This work discusses a cost-effectiveness threshold (λ) to be applied to the price regulation of substitute technologies. METHODS: Considering that substitute technologies add only small marginal benefits in terms of innovation or ethical considerations to the system, it does not make sense to allow a loss of efficiency to list them. It has been postulated that the threshold calculated from opportunity costs (κ) represents its maximum possible value and that there must be a threshold (ß) that maximizes consumer surplus. For a substitute technology to be listed, the cost of treatment associated with it must be lower than the cost of treatment of the incumbent technology added to the difference in effectiveness priced at the threshold. RESULTS: There is no reason for us to believe that the oligopolistic pharmaceutical market is currently charging prices at the cost of production. That way, the cost-effectiveness ratio of the incumbent technology, when lower than κ, is shown through a deductive process to be a plausible estimate for λ that fulfills the objective of maximizing consumer benefit, granting producers a part of the combined surplus to stimulate research and development; that is, it would be between ß and κ. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the price of substitute technologies should be limited by the cost-effectiveness ratio of the incumbent technology.

Consumer willingness to pay for a hypothetical Zika vaccine in Brazil and the implications.

ABSTRACT  Background: Zika virus is a newly emerging infection, associated with increasingly large outbreaks especially in tropical countries such as Brazil. A future Zika vaccine can contribute to decreasing the number of cases and associated complications. Information about consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical Zika vaccine can help price setting discussions in the future in Brazil, starting with the private market. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted among residents of Minas Gerais, Brazil, regarding their WTP for a hypothetical Zika Vaccine. The mean effective protection was 80%, with the possibility of some local and systemic side- effects. RESULTS: 517 people were interviewed. However, 28 would not be vaccinated even if the vaccine was free. Most of the resultant interviewees (489) were female (58.2%), had completed high school (49.7%), were employed (71.2%), had private health insurance (52.7%), and did not have Zika (96.9%). The median individual maximum WTP for this hypothetical Zika vaccine (one dose) was US$31.34 (BRL100.00). CONCLUSION: Such discussions regarding WTP can contribute to decision-making about prices once a Zika vaccine becomes available in Brazil alongside other ongoing programs to control the virus.

Brazilian Mental Health Services Assessment: user satisfaction and associated factors. / Avaliação de Serviços de Saúde Mental Brasileiros: satisfação dos usuários e fatores associados.

Patient satisfaction is an important criterion for assessing the quality of Brazilian mental health services at Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS - from the Portuguese 'Centro de Atenção Psicossocial'). The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of users at the main CAPS in a region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, as well as associated factors. This was a cross-sectional study with 11 CAPS. Patients were interviewed using the Patient Satisfaction with Mental Health Services Scale (SATIS-BR) and a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical variables. The users were satisfied with the CAPS, particularly in terms of staff competence and the welcome received and care provided. The physical facilities and comfort at the centers obtained the lowest satisfaction scores on the scale. Almost half of the users were unfamiliar with basic aspects of their drug therapy, such as the name of medicines, and one-third reported inappropriate use of medications. Users of midsize CAPS and those providing treatment for alcohol and drug addiction were more satisfied than patients at mental health or 24-hour CAPS. Although this study identified a need for improvement in physical facilities, mechanisms of participation and patient empowerment, the users were satisfied with the CAPS care model.

A satisfação dos usuários é um importante critério para avaliar a qualidade dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS). O objetivo foi avaliar a satisfação de usuários dos principais CAPS de uma região de Minas Gerais e seus fatores associados. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 11 CAPS, os usuários foram entrevistados para aplicação da Escala de Avaliação da Satisfação dos Usuários com os Serviços de Saúde Mental e um formulário semi-estruturado com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas. Os usuários estavam satisfeitos com os CAPS, sobretudo quanto à competência dos profissionais, acolhida e ajuda recebida no serviço. Condições físicas e conforto do serviço obtiveram os menores escores na escala de avaliação de satisfação. Verificou-se que quase metade dos usuários não conhecia aspectos básicos de sua terapia medicamentosa, como o nome dos medicamentos em uso, e um terço relatou que já fez uso inadequado destes. Os usuários dos CAPS álcool e drogas ou de serviços de médio porte estavam mais satisfeitos que os dos CAPS saúde mental ou serviços com funcionamento 24h. Os usuários estão satisfeitos com o modelo de atenção praticado nos CAPS, embora detectada a necessidade de melhorias na estrutura física, mecanismos de participação e empoderamento dos usuários.