Perception of Patients on the Waiting List for Total Hip Arthroplasty on the Resumption of Elective Surgeries during the COVID-19 Pandemic / Percepção dos pacientes em lista de espera para artroplastia total do quadril sobre a retomada das cirurgias eletivas durante a pandemia COVID-19

Abstract Objective To analyze the profile and perception ofpatients on the waiting list for total hip arthroplasty (THA) about performing elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods From July to November 2021, patients on the THA waiting list were interviewed during outpatient consultations. To compare the groups regarding categorical variables, the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was applied, and for quantitative variables the Mann-Whitney test was applied. The results were calculated using the Statistica program version 7. Results 39 patients answered the questionnaire. The mean age was 58.95 years, with 53.85% male. Approximately 60% expressed concern about contracting or transmitting COVID-19 to their family members after hospitalization for THA. 58.9% of patients felt hampered by the delay in scheduling elective surgeries during the pandemic. 23% lost or had a family member who lost their job during the pandemic, with a statistical difference for the group under 60 years old (p = 0.04). Conclusion Most patients were concerned about becoming infected and exposing family members to COVID-19 after surgery and noted damage due to suspensions and delay in scheduling elective surgeries. The economic impact of the pandemic was revealed by the rate of 23% of respondents who lost or had a family member who lost their job during the pandemic, being higher in patients under 60 years of age (p = 0.04).

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o perfil e a percepção dos pacientes em lista de espera para artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ) sobre a realização das cirurgias eletivas durante a pandemia pela COVID-19. Métodos De julho a novembro de 2021, foram entrevistados pacientes em lista de espera para ATQ durante consultas ambulatoriais. Para comparar os grupos com relação às variáveis categóricas foi aplicado o Teste Qui-quadrado ou Teste exato de Fisher e para as variáveis quantitativas foi aplicado o teste de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados foram calculados utilizando o programa Statistica versão 7. Resultados 39 pacientes responderam ao questionário. A média de idade foi de 58,95 anos, sendo 53,85% do sexo masculino. Aproximadamente, 60% manifestaram preocupação em contrair ou transmitir COVID-19 aos seus familiares após internação hospitalar para ATQ. 58,9% dos pacientes sentiram-se prejudicados pelo atraso no agendamento das cirurgias eletivas durante a pandemia. 23% perderam ou tiveram algum familiar que perdeu o emprego durante a pandemia, havendo diferença estatística para o grupo com menos de 60 anos (p = 0,04). Conclusão A maioria dos pacientes sentiram preocupação em infectar-se e expor familiares à COVID-19 após a cirurgia e notaram prejuízo pelas suspensões e atraso no agendamento de cirurgias eletivas. O impacto econômico da pandemia revelou-se pela taxa de 23% de entrevistados que perderam ou tiveram algum familiar que perdeu seu emprego durante a pandemia, sendo maior nos pacientes menores de 60 anos (p = 0,04).

Difficulties reported by hiv-infected patients using antiretroviral therapy in brazil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the degree of difficulty that HIV-infected patients have with therapy treatment. INTRODUCTION: Patients' perceptions about their treatment are a determinant factor for improved adherence and a better quality of life. METHODS: Two cross-sectional analyses were conducted in public AIDS referral centers in Brazil among patients initiating treatment. Patients interviewed at baseline, after one month, and after seven months following the beginning of treatment were asked to classify and justify the degree of difficulty with treatment. Logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: Among 406 patients initiating treatment, 350 (86.2 percent) and 209 (51.5 percent) returned for their first and third visits, respectively. Treatment perceptions ranged from medium to very difficult for 51.4 percent and 37.3 percent on the first and third visits, respectively. The main difficulties reported were adverse reactions to the medication and scheduling. A separate logistic regression indicated that the HIV-seropositive status disclosure, symptoms of anxiety, absence of psychotherapy, higher CD4+ cell count (> 200/mm³) and high (> 4) adverse reaction count reported were independently associated with the degree of difficulty in the first visit, while CDC clinical category A, pill burden (> 7 pills), use of other medications, high (> 4) adverse reaction count reported and low understanding of medical orientation showed independent association for the third visit. CONCLUSIONS: A significant level of difficulty was observed with treatment. Our analyses suggest the need for early assessment of difficulties with treatment, highlighting the importance of modifiable factors that may contribute to better adherence to the treatment protocol.