Cross-cultural adaptation of the eHealth Literacy Scale for Brazilian adolescents.

The aim of this study was to undertake a cross-cultural adaptation of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) instrument to measure digital health literacy of Brazilian adolescents. eHEALS is a scale consisting of 8 items that measure self-perception related to the consumption of electronic health information. This is a methodological study of cross-cultural adaptation, conducted out from February 2022 to June 2022. The following steps were carried out: a) assessment and adequacy of cultural equivalence by a committee of experts; b) back-translation; c) synthesis of back-translations; d) cognitive testing with 42 Brazilian adolescents, using cognitive interviews with probing questions. All items that were difficult to understand were adapted to the (language) context of Brazilian adolescents. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for eHEALS-BrA was 0.81 and, if one of the items were excluded from the instrument, it ranged from 0.75-0.81. This version of the eHEALS proved to be culturally well-adapted to the context of Brazilian adolescents, and has the potential to measure digital health literacy in this population after having its validation confirmed through psychometric analyses.

Assessing the Reliability, Dimensions, and Variance of Young's Internet Addiction Test by Applying it to Adolescents at the National Psychiatric Hospital in Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was the first instrument created specifically to assess Internet addiction (IA). Although it was not validated during its creation, its validity has since been confirmed thanks to subsequent studies. The IAT is the first global psychometric measure tested worldwide that has been used in several studies as a research tool. Regarding the dimensions of the IAT, they were not reported by the creator of the test, during the performed factor analysis. Nonetheless, different studies have defined the test as being one-dimensional and others as having three, four, five, and six dimensions. METHODS: In the present study, seven dimensions were identified; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the number of dimensions that accurately define this test. RESULTS: Hence, Young's Internet Addiction Test presents a shortcoming that may be explained by the influence of several factors such as how it was applied, the place where it was applied, and the population to which it was applied. All of these are factors that could be linked to the sociocultural aspects of the adaptations that have been made to the test. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover, the first dimension of the IAT found, the loss of self-control, is extremely important because it explains 34% of the variance of the data. However, 74% of the variance is explained by applying the 7 dimensions identified in this research. Also, the reliability analysis showed that the IAT is 89% reliable, which indicates that the elements comprising the test used in this research are suitable for measuring the construct of Internet addiction.

Psychometric Properties of the Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Eating Decision-Making Scale among Brazilian Adult Women.

The Preference for Intuition and Deliberation in Food Decision-Making Scale (E-PID) was developed to evaluate both intuitive and deliberative food decision-making within a single instrument. However, its psychometric properties have only been assessed among German-speaking participants. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate evidence of validity and reliability of the E-PID among 604 Brazilian adult women. Exploratory (n = 289) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 315) were conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the E-PID. Convergent validity was assessed correlating the E-PID with measures of eating behaviors (Tree-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18), intuitive eating (Intuitive Eating Scale-2), and a measure of beliefs and attitudes towards food (Food-Life Questionnaire-SF). McDonald's Omega coefficient (ω) was used to test the internal consistency of the E-PID. Results from an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure with seven items. We found good internal consistency (McDonald's ω = 0.77-0.81). Furthermore, the E-PID demonstrated adequate convergent validity with measures of intuitive, restrictive, emotional and uncontrolled eating, and beliefs and attitudes towards food. Results support the use of the E-PID as a measure of intuition and deliberation in food decision-making among Brazilian adult women, expanding the literature on eating decision-making styles.

[Quality assessment conferences in surgery] / Ateneos de evaluación de calidad en cirugía.

Background: Surgical complications are preventable in up to 50% of cases, actually are various tools to avoid them, one of these are morbidity and mortality conferences. However, there are no guides that define their structure for them to be effective. Objective; Analyze the impact of a new modality of surgical conferences in a sector of benign biliary pathology, called quality evaluation conferences. Methodology: Descriptive observational study where the overall improvement of the sector, the decrease in complications and the quality of patient care are compared. For 6 months, a weekly quality evaluation conference was carried out. It had 5 stages; 1. Analysis of all discharged patients. 2. Review of adverse events. 3. Review of the list and order of patients in the surgical plan. 4. Reproduction of recorded surgeries and review of scientific articles. 5. Review of own scientific works in development. Results: after implementing the conferences, there was a decrease in the number and severity of complications, as well as an improvement in the correct and timely surgical indication. Conclusion; Quality evaluation workshops as an evolution of morbidity and mortality workshops are a novel tool that, when well implemented, can help improve quality standards and in turn be used as a learning option in training centers.

ANTECEDENTES: Las complicaciones quirúrgicas son prevenibles hasta en un 50% de los casos, de allí que existan diversas herramientas para evitarlas, una de estas son los ateneos de morbimortalidad. Sin embargo, no existen guías que definan su estructura para que estos sean efectivos. Objetivo; Analizar el impacto de una nueva modalidad de ateneos quirúrgicos en un sector de patología biliar benigna, denominados ateneos de evaluación de calidad. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo donde se compara el mejoramiento global del sector, la disminución de complicaciones y la calidad de atención de los pacientes. Durante 6 meses de realizó un ateneo semanal de evaluación de calidad que contaba con 5 etapas; 1. Análisis de todos los pacientes dados de alta. 2. Revisión de eventos adversos. 3. Revisión de la lista y orden de pacientes en plan quirúrgico. 4. Reproducción de cirugías grabadas y revisión de artículos científicos. 5. Revisión de trabajos científicos propios en desarrollo. RESULTADOS: después de implementar los ateneos se evidenció disminución en número y severidad de las complicaciones, mejoría en la correcta y oportuna indicación quirúrgica. Conclusión; Los ateneos de evaluación de calidad como una evolución de los ateneos de morbilidad y mortalidad son una herramienta novedosa y que bien implementada puede ayudar a mejorar los estándares de calidad y a su vez ser utilizada como opción de aprendizaje en centros de formación.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the Argentine version of the trunk control test in subjects with sequelae of spinal cord injury] / Adaptación transcultural y fiabilidad del trunk control test versión argentina en sujetos con secuela de lesión medular espinal.

Background: spinal cord injury leaves as a sequel in the acute and chronic period, deficiencies in the stability of joint functions and in the function of voluntary movement control. Those with good trunk control have a greater probability of carrying out activities of daily living by themselves; up to now, we do not have reliable tools in Argentina that evaluate trunk control in these subjects. Objectives: to cross-culturally adapt the trunk control test to Argentinean Spanish in subjects with sequelae of spinal cord injury and to establish interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Methodology: the subjects were admitted using a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Subjects who were between 15 and 75 years old and had a diagnosis of spinal cord injury were included. Subjects who had: another neurological diagnosis, alteration in sensory organs, conditions that prevent the performance of the test, and psychiatric illness were excluded. Results: 30 subjects were included for cross-cultural adaptation and 55 for reliability. Semantic modifications were made to all items and response options. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the scale or subdomains did not achieve a sufficient score. Conclusion: the trunk control test was adapted cross-culturally to Argentine Spanish and interobserver and intraobserver reliability was established. The adaptation was achieved through semantic changes and the reliability was not sufficient. In the future, studies should be carried out to improve the reliability and study the validity of the tool.

Introducción: la lesión de la médula espinal deja como secuela en el período agudo y crónico, deficiencias en la estabilidad de las funciones articulares y de la función del control de los movimientos voluntarios. Aquellos con buen control de tronco poseen una mayor probabilidad de realizar por sí mismos  actividades de la vida diaria, hasta el momento, no contamos en Argentina con herramientas fiables  que evalúen el control de tronco en estos sujetos. Objetivos: adaptar transculturalmente al castellano argentino el trunk control test  en sujetos con secuela de lesión medular espinal y establecer la fiabilidad interobservador, intraobservador. Metodología: los sujetos fueron ingresados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico  por conveniencia. Se incluyeron sujetos que: posean entre 15 años a 75 años y tengan diagnóstico de lesión medular espinal, se excluyeron sujetos que posean: otro diagnóstico neurológico, alteración en los órganos sensoriales, condiciones que impidan la realización de la prueba y enfermedad psiquiátrica. Resultados: 30 sujetos fueron incluidos para la adaptación transcultural y 55 para la fiabilidad. Se realizaron modificaciones semánticas en todos los ítems y opciones de respuesta. La fiabilidad intraobservador e interobservador de la escala o de los subdominios no logró un puntaje suficiente. Conclusión:  se adaptó transculturalmente al castellano argentino el trunk control test y se estableció la fiabilidad interobservador, intraobservador. La adaptación se logró a través de cambios semánticos y la fiabilidad no fue suficiente. A futuro se deberán realizar estudios para mejorar la fiabilidad y estudiar la validez de la herramienta.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey in Brazilian Older People Psychometric Evaluation of MOS-SSS.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of different factorial models of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and screen the frequency of social support in older Brazilians. METHOD: Methodological study. Five factorial models of the MOS-SSS were tested for their validity and reliability using three Brazilian samples from different locations in the country. The factorial invariance was assessed across locations using multigroup analysis. The global average score was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1574 older people participated in the study. For all models, there was adequate factorial and convergent validity and good reliability; the discriminant validity was not achieved. Therefore, a second-order hierarchical model was proposed and showed validity, reliability and invariance across samples. In the three Brazilian samples, participants presented high frequency of social support. CONCLUSION: A second-order hierarchical model was fitted the Brazilian samples, allowing the calculation of the global score of social support, which was high among the participants. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The MOS-SSS assesses social support levels among older individuals in community or clinical settings. Nurses can tailor interventions based on scale outcomes for personalised care for older people.

Development and validation of a mobile application prototype for postoperative cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: to develop and validate the content, appearance, and semantics of a prototype application for monitoring patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. METHODS: this is a technological development study based on Contextualized Instructional Design. The content and appearance evaluation was conducted by a committee of specialists, and semantic validation was carried out by patients from a cardiac surgery outpatient clinic. RESULTS: the application prototype consisted of 43 screens, validated by 17 health specialists, with content validity ratio and appearance validity index results of 0.86 and 0.99, respectively. For semantic validation, 10 patients participated in data collection, with a total content validity index of 0.978. CONCLUSIONS: the prototype of the "VivaCor PósOp" application demonstrated evidence of content, appearance, and semantic validity, with the potential to stimulate self-care in patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

[Reevaluation of penicillin allergy labeling, appropriate use of ß-lactam antibiotics, and multidrug resistance]. / Reevaluación del rótulo de alergia a penicilina, el uso adecuado de antibióticos ß-lactámicos y la multirresistencia.

Approximately 10% of the population reports being allergic to penicillin, although usually less than 1% really are. In addition, people with proven allergies over the years may no longer be allergic. Unconfirmed penicillin allergy and use of alternative antimicrobials result in more treatment failures; more severe adverse effects. Higher cost; longer hospitalizations; increase in the emergence of multi-resistant germs associated with health care. The risk of cross-allergy between ß-lactam groups is usually <2%, depending on the similarity of the side chains, so prescribing antibiotics from another ß-lactam group is safe as long as we take into account the structural similarity. Incorporating the reassessment of allergies and improving the prescription of antibiotics in this group of patients reduces the generation and spread of multi-resistant germs, and the associated costs. There are simple methods and specific scores that simplify allergy reassessment. The objective of this review is to expose how, through these methods, the delabeling of patients erroneously labeled as allergic and the safe prescription of ß-lactam antibiotics can be achieved.

Aproximadamente el 10% de la población refiere ser alérgico a la penicilina, aunque habitualmente menos del 1% lo es; además las personas con alergia demostrada con el paso de los años pueden dejar de ser alérgicos. La alergia a la penicilina sin confirmación y el uso de antimicrobianos alternativos tienen como efecto más fallas en el tratamiento; más efectos adversos graves; mayor costo; internaciones más prolongadas; incremento en la emergencia de gérmenes multirresistentes asociados a los cuidados de la salud. El riesgo de alergia cruzada entre grupos de ß-lactámicos suele ser <2%, dependiendo de la similitud de las cadenas laterales, por lo que prescribir antibióticos de otro grupo de ß-lactámicos es seguro siempre que tengamos en cuenta la similitud estructural. Incorporar la reevaluación de alergias y mejorar la prescripción de antibióticos en este grupo de pacientes, disminuye la generación y propagación de gérmenes multirresistentes, y los costos asociados. Existen métodos sencillos y escalas específicas que permiten simplificar la reevaluación de la alergia. El objetivo de esta revisión es exponer cómo a través de estos métodos, puede lograrse el desrotulado de pacientes erróneamente etiquetados como alérgicos y la prescripción segura de antibióticos ß-lactámicos.

Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Matter and Mortality: An Update of the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: For the development of the 2021 global air quality guidelines, the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the association between exposure to air pollution and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. One of these reviews, which we aim to update, focused on the effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 on all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Methods: The protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023425327). We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies published between September 2018 and May 2023. Study-specific effects were pooled using random-effects models. Results: We included 106 studies in the meta-analysis, 46 studies from the previous review and 60 from this update. All exposure-outcome pairs analysed showed positive and significant associations, except for PM10 and cerebrovascular mortality. The certainty of the evidence was rated as high for the majority of exposure-outcome pairs. Conclusion: We included a large number of new cohorts, and provided new concentration-response functions that will inform WHO advice on the use of this information for air pollution health risk assessments.

Implementation of bedside medication preparation in intensive care: post-improvement cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the implementation of the bedside medication preparation process in an Intensive Care Unit, following a quality improvement cycle. METHOD: A quasi-experimental study with non-paired samples, pre- and post-implementation, conducted in an Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in southern Brazil, from September 2022 to April 2023, following the guidelines of the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence 2.0. Adherence to bedside medication preparation, interruptions during preparation, adequate storage, identification and validity of multidose medications, and recording of storage refrigerator temperature were evaluated. Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis, and Carter's Positivity Index was used to determine compliance with observed practices. RESULTS: Forty-five audits were conducted pre-intervention and 122 audits three months after the implementation of the improvement cycle. All variables showed significant improvements. Overall compliance increased from 46% to 80% in the pre- and post-implementation periods, respectively, indicating a transition from "undesirable" to "safe" care stratum. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a positive relationship between the implementation of a quality improvement cycle focused on medication preparation and improvements in patient safety.

Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Disaster Preparedness in Federally Qualified Health Centers in the United States: A Mixed Methods Study.

OBJECTIVE: Severe weather events exacerbate existing health disparities due to poorly managed non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our objective is to understand the experiences of staff, providers, and administrators (employees) of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) in providing care to patients living with NCDs in the setting of recent climate-related extreme events. METHODS: We used a convergent mixed-methods study design. A quantitative survey was distributed to employees at 2 FQHCs in Puerto Rico and the USVI, assessing experience with disasters, knowledge of disaster preparedness, the relevance of NCDs, and perceived gaps. Qualitative in-depth interviews explored their experience providing care for NCDs during recent disasters. Quantitative and qualitative data were merged using a narrative approach. RESULTS: Through the integration of quantitative and qualitative data, we recognize: (1) significant gaps in confidence and preparedness of employees with a need for more training; (2) challenges faced by persons with multiple NCDs, especially cardiovascular and mental health disorders; and (3) most clinicians do not discuss disaster preparedness with patients but recognize their important role in community resilience. CONCLUSION: With these results, we recommend strengthening the capacity of FQHCs to address the needs of their patients with NCDs in disasters.

Evaluation of the structure of primary maternal and infant healthcare in the state of Roraima, the North region of Brazil, and Brazil, 2012-2017. / Avaliação de estrutura da atenção primária à saúde materno-infantil. Roraima, região Norte e Brasil, 2012-2017.

Primary healthcare is the main gateway and priority for healthcare management in Brazil. However, there are significant challenges in the quality of care, particularly for those most vulnerable, especially maternal and infant healthcare. This fact is exacerbated by regional inequalities, which have historically left the North and Northeast regions at a relative disadvantage. The study involves an analysis of the resources available for maternal and infant healthcare in the state of Roraima, the North region, and Brazil as a whole in 2012, 2014, and 2017, using data from Module I of the National Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB). There was a significant improvement in physical infrastructure indicators (e.g., ventilation and air conditioning) as well as improvement in the distribution of supplies and equipment needed for maternal and infant care between 2014 and 2017. However, the availability of medicines and the number of human resources and hours worked diminished. The study offers a crucial longitudinal analysis, comparing the situation in Roraima and Brazil, whose findings could contribute to the development of programs and public policymaking for reproductive rights and maternal and infant health.

A atenção primária à saúde é a principal porta de entrada e prioridade na gestão de saúde no Brasil. Contudo, existem desafios importantes na qualidade da atenção, em particular aos mais vulneráveis, especificamente na rede de saúde materna-infantil (RASMI). Esse fato é agravado pelas já conhecidas desigualdades regionais, que historicamente afetam mais as regiões Norte e Nordeste. O objetivo é avaliar no espaço-tempo a estrutura da RASMI em Roraima, na região Norte e no Brasil nos anos de 2012, 2014 e 2017. Para isso, a fonte de dados será o Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), Módulo I. Observou-se melhoria significativa nos indicadores de infraestrutura física, como ambiência/climatização; e na distribuição de insumos/equipamentos necessários à assistência materno-infantil, percebeu-se um crescimento progressivo entre 2014 e 2017. Por outro lado, notou-se piora na disponibilidade de medicamentos e diminuição de quantidade/carga-horária de recursos humanos. O estudo configurou uma importante análise longitudinal, comparativa entre a realidade estadual e nacional, que contribui para a formulação de políticas e programas relativos aos direitos reprodutivos e à assistência materno-infantil.

Development and validation of a questionnaire (QSPC-Q) for assessment of quality and strengthening of primary care in Brazil.

The performance evaluation of services through instruments is relevant, as it can support thoughts, actions and political approaches to meet a social need. The objective of the article was to develop and validate the Quality and Strengthening of Primary Care Questionnaire (QSPC-Q) for professionals and users based on Starfield attributes and Donabedian pillars. A mixed sequential study was performed to develop the QSPC-Q. The test was applied to 149 doctors and 795 users of basic health units. Psychometric properties was assessed by testing internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis. Reproducibility od scale was assessed using intraclass cognitive and test-retest correlation. The final version of the follow-up consisted of 45 items aimed at physicians (Cronbach's alpha = 0.921) and 33 at users (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86); the intraclass respiratory capacity was 0.88. An exploratory factor analysis identified 13 factors associated with the pattern components. A short version with 29 items for professionals was also elaborated. Professional QSPC-Q (short and braided versions) and user QSPC-Q were valid.

Feasibility of increasing calcium content of drinking tap water following quality regulations to improve calcium intake at population level.

Background: Calcium intake is below recommendations in several parts of the world. Improving calcium intake has benefits not only for bone health but also helps to prevent pregnancy hypertension disorders. Calcium concentration of tap water is usually low The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum amount of calcium that can be added to tap water while complying with drinking water Argentine regulations. Methods: Tap water samples were collected from the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Physicochemical properties and saturation index were measured. Different incremental concentrations of calcium chloride were added to the experimental aliquots. Results: Baseline water had a mean calcium concentration of 22.00 ± 2.54 mg/L, water hardness of 89.9 ± 6.4 mg/L CaCO 3, and a saturation index of -1.50 ± 0.11. After the addition of 0.4554 ± 0.0071 g of salt, water hard-ness reached 355.0 ± 7.1 mg/L CaCO 3, a calcium concentration of 140.50 ± 2.12 mg/L, and a saturation index -0.53 ± 0.02. Conclusions: This study shows that at laboratory level it is feasible to increase calcium concentration of drinking water by adding calcium chloride while complying with national standards. Calcium concentration of drinking tap water could be evaluated and minimum calcium concentration of tap water regulated so as to improve calcium intake in populations with low calcium intake.

Researchers' experience in data collection with families of femicide victims.

OBJECTIVES: to describe researchers' experience in collecting data from families of femicide victims. METHODS: this descriptive, qualitative study took the form of an experience report and was conducted in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. It involved documentary consultation, training researchers, scheduling and conducting interviews, and using a field diary to record the researchers' perceptions and experiences. RESULTS: the descriptions and photographs of the crime scene were both distressing and impactful for the researchers. The mementos of the victims (including clothing, objects, and childhood photos) shown by their families were deeply moving. Identifying with these experiences facilitated listening to the stories told by the relatives. It was essential to maintain a non-judgmental attitude, acknowledge the loss, provide support for the suffering, and demonstrate a willingness to help. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the experience encompassed both theoretical and methodological aspects that were planned and executed in data collection, fostering the development of skills and sensitivity towards the cases. Beyond knowledge and preparation, researchers are expected to exhibit ethical conduct and empathetic capacity.

Sociocognitive factors determining compliance with standard precautions by nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the socio-cognitive factors determining adherence to standard precautions by nursing professionals in care practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out with 9,039 nursing professionals in Brazil, using an electronic form containing participant sociodemographic, training and work variables, and the Brazilian version of the Standard Precautions Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used using the statistical software R. RESULTS: participants recognize standard precautions as effective measures to reduce infections and report intention to perform them. Training regarding standard precautions was evidenced as a facilitator of adherence (4.72; SD: 0.73), and problems related to materials (3.78; SD: 1.45) were a hindrance. CONCLUSIONS: among the determining factors, facilitating organization presented the highest score, followed by intention to perform. Facilitating and hindering factor identification makes it possible to develop intervention strategies to strengthen patient safety and reduce occupational risks among professionals.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool in Brazilian culture.

OBJECTIVES: to adapt and validate the content of the Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool for Brazilian culture, and evaluate the practical aspects of its application. METHODS: methodological study that followed six stages: translation; synthesis; back translation; content validation by a group of experts, pre-testing and approval of the process by the author of the original instrument. RESULTS: the first three stages were carried out by contracted companies. In the committee, two items and the title of a subscale were evaluated in a second round, when consensus was reached among experts. In the pre-test, more than 93% of professionals agreed that the tool was easy to understand. The average completion time was 8.53 minutes. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses authorized publication of the results. CONCLUSIONS: the adaptation of the tool to Brazilian culture was completed following the adopted framework. In addition to the evidence of content validity, the tool appears promising for managerial use.