Telemonitoring of the Continuum of Care of Hepatitis C During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

Introduction: To accomplish elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030, as proposed by the World Health Organization, the Brazilian Ministry of Health outlined the Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, which provides coverage of all critical steps in the continuum of care (CoC) of hepatitis C. As expected, the advent of COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the CoC of hepatitis C worldwide. The Brazilian Liver Institute launched a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program to assist the general population at risk in HCV testing and to provide linkage and retention to care for HCV-positive subjects. The RPM program was also designed to relink HCV-positive patients lost to follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their limited access to the health care system. Methods: The HCV telemonitoring number was highly advertised in Brazilian media. The RPM program was conducted by dedicated health care personnel trained to follow a predefined script designed to provide awareness, ensure consistent information for educational purposes, and recruit eligible participants to be tested for HCV. Results: From August 2020 to December 2021, 3,738 subjects entered in contact with RPM. There were 26,884 interactions (mean 7.2 interactions per participant), mostly by WhatsApp (78%). Twenty out of those 221 subjects (9%) who tested were HCV positive. Those subjects altogether with 128 other patients with HCV, tested elsewhere, were followed in the HCV CoC. Up to now, 94% of them were linked to care, 24% are undergoing treatment and 8% achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Conclusions: Our preliminary results showed that HCV CoC telemonitoring was a feasible and useful strategy to follow HCV at-risk subjects through all cascade of care until SVR during the COVID-19 health care disruption. It could be used beyond the defervescence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to ensure linkage to care of those HCV-positive patients.

Sociodemographic and academic factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle among Brazilian nursing students.

This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and academic factors associated with unhealthy lifestyles among Brazilian undergraduate nursing students. A cross-sectional study was completed by 286 nursing students in Brazil. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between sociodemographic and academic variables with the latent lifestyle indicator. The model fit's validity was assessed using Akaike information coefficient estimation, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the ROC curve. A high health risk lifestyle was 2.7 times more likely among students aged 18-24 years than students aged 25 years or older (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = [1.18, 6.54] p = 0.02); 2.3 times more likely among students with ≥400 h of semester time (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = [0.93, 5.90], p = 0.07); and 3.8 times more likely among female students (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = [0.82, 8.12], p = 0.09). A moderate health risk lifestyle was 1.8 times more likely among students from the 6th to 10th semesters (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = [-0.95, 3.75], p = 0.07). Sociodemographic and academic factors were associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Health promotion efforts are necessary to improve nursing students' health behaviors.

LIVER HEALTH IS OVERLOOKED BY ALCOHOL DRINKERS IN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Chronic excessive use of alcohol is an important risk factor for several health and social conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, in a sample representative of the Brazilian population,was conducted to evaluate the frequency of consumption of alcoholic beverages and behaviors concerning liver diseases. Participants were prospectively interviewed using a questionnaire regarding alcohol consumption and actions toward liver health. The study accepted at most one sampling error of ±2 percentage points and considered a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: One thousand nine hundred ninety-five subjects (1.048 women, mean age 44 years) from all Brazilian regions were interviewed. Most of the Brazilian subjects believe that alcohol abuse (63-87%) is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer, however, most responders (56%) had never been screened to assess liver damage related to alcohol consumption. A total of 55% of Brazilians drink alcoholic beverages. Among Brazilians who drink alcoholic beverages, 44% consume three or more drinks at a time, 11% consume more than 10 doses a day. Among those who consume 1 to 2 drinks a day, women (42%) consume more than men (32%) and more than the national average (37%). CONCLUSION: There is a high frequency of alcohol consumption, especially among young people, and individuals from lower social classes, with frequent consumption among women. Despite the knowledge of its adverse impact on liver health, less than half of the Brazilians have been evaluated at least once for liver disease. Education and prevention strategies need to be implemented to reduce theharmful use of alcohol.

Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with time spent sitting in military police.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between clinical and sociodemographic factors and time spent sitting in military police. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study, with 432 military police officers from Eastern Regional Policing Command units of the Military Police of Bahia de Feira de Santana. Data collection took place from August to December 2022 through Google Forms using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Men predominated (82.35%), race/color was black (87.04%), the head of the family had completed higher education (47.69%) and police officers with a partner (81.94%). The risk of time spent sitting ≥ 180 minutes per day was lower in males (IRR < 1). Increasing age was associated with a lower risk of time spent sitting ≥ 180 minutes per day (IRR < 1). CONCLUSION: Male police officers with more years of experience were less exposed to sedentary behavior. Specific interventions and health policies aimed at combating sedentary behavior become relevant, aiming to promote health and prevent diseases.

[Comfort of the patient's family in an Intensive Care Unit related to welcoming]. / Conforto de familiares de pessoas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva frente ao acolhimento.

This study aimed to identify the level of comfort of families of patients in a critical health condition related to the welcoming practices performed by the hospital staff. Interviews were conducted with 250 relatives in hospitals of the state Bahia, using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed as percentages and quartiles. For nine of the 12 statements of the scale, most relatives scored their comfort level between very and totally comfortable, median of 4,revealing kindness, tranquility and friendly communication with family members. More than half of the sample scored its level as not at all to more or less comfortable, median of 3, for statements about demonstration of interest towards the relative by the staff and flexible visiting of the patient. The necessity of greater interest of the team in the condition and needs of the family was observed. Promoting comfort from the dimension of welcoming demands interdisciplinary actions grounded in humanistic philosophy, in which the nurse has an important role to play.

Perceived stress by mototaxi drivers and its relationship with sociodemographic and occupational characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of sociodemographic and occupational characteristics with a high level of perceived stress in motorcycle taxi drivers. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out with motorcycle taxi drivers who answered instruments on sociodemographic and occupational variables - Perceived Stress Scale, Job Content Questionnaire and Effort-Reward Imbalance. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were used. Statistical significance was 5%. RESULTS: Of the 800 motorcycle taxi drivers, 46.8% had a high level of perceived stress. In the multivariate analysis, a high level of stress was associated with low control over work (PR=7.76; 95%CI=5.19-11.61), low social support at work (PR=3.87; 95%CI =2.95 5.08), working hours longer than eight hours a day (RP=1.47; 95%CI=1.21-1.78) and monthly income less than or equal to two minimum wages (PR=1.34;95%CI=1.13-2.58). CONCLUSION: Long working hours, occupational stressors and low income were associated with a high level of perceived stress. Public policies and interventions to minimize occupational stressors are essential.

Arrival time at a referral hospital and functional disability of people with stroke: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of death and functional disability worldwide. Knowledge of the associated factors is essential for defining education, management, and healthcare strategies. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between arrival time at a neurology referral hospital (ATRH) and functional disability in patients with ischemic stroke 90 days after the event. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study conducted at a public institution of higher education in Brazil. METHODS: This study included 241 people aged ≥ 18 years who presented ischemic stroke. The exclusion criteria were death, inability to communicate without companions who could answer the research questions, and > 10 days since ictus. Disability was assessed using the Rankin score (mR). Variables for which associations showed a P value ≤ 0.20 in bivariate analysis were tested as modifiers between ATRH and disability. Significant interaction terms were used for multivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with all variables, arriving at the complete model and adjusted beta measures. The confounding variables were included in the robust logistic regression model, and Akaike's Information Criterion was adopted to choose the final model. The Poisson model assumes a statistical significance of 5% and risk correction. RESULTS: Most participants (56.0%) arrived at the hospital within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, and 51.7% presented with mRs of 3 to 5 after 90 days of ictus. In the multivariate model, ATRH ≥ 4.5 hours and females were associated with more significant disability. CONCLUSIONS: Arrival at the referral hospital 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms or wake-up stroke was an independent predictor of a high degree of functional disability.

Factors associated with decision time to seek care in the face of ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between sociodemographic, clinical, environmental, cognitive, and emotional factors and the decision time of people with ischemic stroke to seek a health service after the onset of symptoms or wake up stroke. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out from March to October 2019, with 304 patients, in a public hospital, a reference in neurology. Data obtained through interview and from medical records. Decision time was analyzed as a geometric mean. In the bivariate and multivariate analyses, linear regression was used and the Akaike Information Criterion was used to select the best model. Statistical significance of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: The geometric mean of decision time was 0.30h (95% CI 0.23-0.39). The final model explained this time in 41%, showing an increase of 0.5 min for people with arterial hypertension; 10.8 min for those who waited for symptoms to improve; 1.4 min for those who were alone at the onset of symptoms; 3.9 min for those at home; 3.2 min for the ones at work; and 2.1 for those on the street/public space. CONCLUSION: The mean decision time for seeking a health service was high and influenced by clinical, environmental, cognitive, and emotional variables. The results guide nurses regarding health education.

Ischemic stroke mortality and time for hospital arrival: analysis of the first 90 days.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between time of arrival at a reference hospital and mortality of people with ischemic stroke. METHOD: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Modifying and confounding variables between time of arrival and mortality were observed in the multivariate analysis. The Akaike Information Criterion was used to choose the model. Statistical significance of 5% and risk correction using the Poisson Model were adopted. RESULTS: Most participants arrived within 4.5 hours of symptom onset or wake up stroke to the referral hospital and 19.4% died. The score of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was a modifier. In the multivariate model stratified by scale score ≥14, arrival time >4.5h was associated with lower mortality; and age ≥60 years and having Atrial Fibrillation, to higher mortality. In the model stratified by score ≤13, previous Rankin ≥3, and presence of atrial fibrillation were predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The relationship between time of arrival and mortality up to 90 days was modified by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Prior Rankin ≥3, atrial fibrillation, time to arrival ≤4.5h, and age ≥60 years contributed to higher mortality.

[Health beliefs regarding diet: a perspective of hypertensive black individuals]. / Crenças em saúde sobre a dieta: uma perspectiva de pessoas negras hipertensas.

The objective of this descriptive-exploratory study was to identify the health beliefs of black individuals with hypertension regarding the barriers and benefits of diet for controlling the disease, including the sociodemographic factors associated with the health beliefs surrounding diet control. One hundred and six black adults with hypertension were interviewed using a specific instrument. The data were analyzed considering the percentages, frequency of the cases, scores and prevalence ratio. The global analysis of beliefs showed a preponderance of beliefs regarding the benefits of diet control. It was observed that men, younger individuals, lack of a partner and low educational level and income were related to the beliefs regarding the benefits of adopting a healthy diet. In conclusion, health promotion among the black population requires an interdisciplinary approach and specific health policies addressing this populations' needs, aimed at preventive and curative aspects.

[Factors associated with the decision to seek health care in myocardial infarction: gender differences]. / Fatores associados à decisão para procura de serviço de saúde no infarto do miocárdio: diferenças entre gêneros.

Analyze cognitive and emotional variables between genders in terms of the decision time (DT) to seek care when experiencing symptoms of myocardial infarction. One hundred adults were interviewed at two hospitals in Salvador-BA. The analysis used percentage means, the chi-square test, and a robust linear regression model. Most participants were male, with a mean age of 58.78 years and a low socioeconomic status. The geometrical mean of the sample was 1.1h (0.9h for men, and 1.4h for women). A shorter decision time was found for those who considered their symptoms to be severe, and a longer decision time for those who expected symptoms to improve and took something to feel better, with statistically significant associations. An interaction was observed between gender and the following variables: waiting for symptoms to improve (p=0.014), concealing symptoms (p=0.016) and asking for help (p=0.050), thus an association was observed between the variables of interest and DT. The decision times were long and were affected by cognitive, emotional and gender variables. Nursing care may promote early assistance.

Nursing interventions for people in palliative care, based on the Dignity Model.

BACKGROUND: The use of the standardised nursing language aims to accurately represent clinical practice, contributing to proper documentation and the creation of evidence-based practice. AIMS: To validate nursing interventions (NI) for patients in palliative care, structuring these using the Dignity-Conserving Care Model. METHODS: A methodological study was conducted, developed according to the recommendations of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and anchored in the Dignity-Conserving Care Model. The NI were developed in four stages: 1) construction of NI, based in the International Standards Organisation's standard (18.104:2014); 2) content validation by 26 expert nurses; 3) cross-mapping with the NIs contained in the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) catalogue, Palliative Care for Dignified Dying, to identify those already existing in the catalogue; and 4) structuring the NI based on the concepts of the Dignity-Conserving Care Model. FINDINGS: 209 NI were validated and grouped into categories, namely: illness-related concerns; dignity-conservation repertoire; social dignity inventory. Of these, 183 were new and 26 already existed in the ICNP® Catalogue. CONCLUSION: The study presents new insights into palliative care in Brazil and presents 183 new NI in addition to those already published by the ICN.

[(Lack of) control of clinical and anthropometrical parameters in individuals with coronary artery disease]. / (Des)controle de parâmetros clínicos e antropométricos em indivíduos com doença arterial coronária.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the clinical and anthropometrical parameters of 100 individuals with coronary artery disease, who were assisted at preventive cardiology outpatient clinic at a public hospital in Salvador/BA. Data collection was performed through interviews and both clinical and laboratory evaluations. The results were analyzed as averages and percentages. Most participants were black men, aged <60 years, married, low education level and small income, unemployed and diagnosed with myocardial infarction. Most reported having arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, a sedentary lifestyle, and had quit smoking and drinking. All women and 82% of the men had an increased abdominal circumference, 19% had causal blood glucose>200 mg/dl, 36% was overweight, 28% were obese, 65% were in soma stage of hypertension, 65% had low HDL-C and 43% had high total cholesterol. It was observed that individuals with high cardiovascular risk and deficient socioeconomic conditions show a lack of control of several cardiovascular risk factors, thus demanding effective health care practices to control the illness.

Decision making by health professionals during COVID-19: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific production on the decision making of health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Integrative review in the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, WoS, and BVS. Inclusion criteria: original articles available in full, in any language, related to the object investigated. RESULTS: During this pandemic, health workers have been making decisions based on ethical/bioethical principles (utility, beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, proportionality, flexibility, clinical prognosis, duration of the need, and fair health attention), values (solidarity, equality, equity, utilitarianism, relational autonomy, reliability, reciprocity, maximization of the benefits and resources, and prioritization of those in worse conditions), beliefs and personal motivation, protocols, directives, tools, algorithms, recommendations, and criteria. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Decision making has never been so necessary as in this pandemic. This article is not a recipe for the professionals, since decision making is based on numerous factors. However, it provides them with a foundation that can be helpful in this difficult process.

The care offered by nurses to elders with coronary artery disease from the perspective of Transitions Theory.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the planning and implementation of the care offered by nurses to elders with coronary disease during the hospital-house transition. METHODS: Qualitative research that used the Transitions Theory as a theoretical reference. The participants were 12 nurses who work in a hospital that specializes in cardiology, in the city of Salvador-BA. A semistructured interview was carried out from January to February 2018, and the data was analyzed using the Content Analysis technique. RESULTS: Transition care takes place on the day of discharge. The presence of the family was found to be a facilitator; low adherence, poor financial situations, the low educational levels inhibited its implementation. The rehospitalization is an indicator of the results of the transition of care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The planning and implementation of transition care is not effective. It must provide safety in the management of self-care in the home of elders with coronary disease and their families.

Clinical characterization, disability, and mortality in people with strokes during 90 days.

OBJECTIVES: to describe clinical characteristics and mortality of people with ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (strokes); to compare disability before the event and 90 days after. METHODS: longitudinal study with 308 people hospitalized in Salvador-BA. Data collection took place from 03/2019 to 01/2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. RESULTS: mean age was 64.8 years, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 10.7. The median length of stay in the hospital was 11 days. Afro-descendants predominated (84%), elementary educational level (68.4%), income up to three minimum wages (89.1%), arrival within 4.5 hours of symptoms (57.9%) and admission to a specialized unit (71.8%). Prevalence of thrombolysis: 26%. The asymptomatic before the event category predominated (85.3%) as did the moderate/severe disability (41.5%) after 90 days. 19.7% of the sample evolved to death. Conclusions: the high mortality and disability generated by the event have implications for health management and care.

Nursing Comiittee to Coping with COVID-19 in Bahia.

OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of the Nursing Committee for Coping with COVID-19 in Bahia. METHODS: The experience report describes motivation, objectives, representatives, organization, working groups, activities and impact of the Committee actions. RESULTS: The Committee consists of educational institutions and class representation. It accepts demands, questions and complaints from nursing workers, acts in favor of safe care and inspection of health and safety conditions at work. Five working groups and six technical support groups were formed. These groups address Communication, Review of Health Services Contingency Plans, Assistance to Long-Term Institutions, Epidemiology and External Activities. An Instagram account was created for quick and reliable access to information, and also an email to meet demands and monitor COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSION: The results of the Committee work contribute to guide, support, value and defend nursing workers in coping with COVID-19.

Stigma perceived by overweight women.

OBJECTIVE: to understand the experience of discrimination perceived by overweight women. METHODS: a qualitative research conducted at an outpatient clinic in Salvador, Bahia, where eleven women were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and submitted to thematic content analysis. RESULTS: the analysis of the statements expressed three categories: Suffering discrimination in different social contexts: denounced disrespect, hostility, veiled and/or explicit exclusion, prejudice, injustice and insults lived in public transport, at work, in the family environment, in social events and commercial establishments; Experiencing negative feelings about discrimination: revealed inferiority, sadness, shame, fear, anger, frustration, low esteem and discouragement faced by women; Reacting to discrimination: expressed isolation of marital intimacy and social encounters, removal from work, concealment of body and feelings and even illness of women. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the discrimination experienced in various settings has caused suffering, embarrassment, negative feelings, shame, isolation and loss in women's lives.

Construction and validation of an instrument for the structural assessment of wards for urinary continence in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: to build and validate an instrument for structural assessment of wards for the preservation of urinary continence in hospitalized older adults. METHOD: this is a methodological study divided into two stages. The first corresponded to an integrative literature review that guided the construction of the instrument. The second consisted of the content validation stage of the instrument, by means of expert consensus, using the Delphi technique. The selected experts were recognized in the field and authors of the articles included in the integrative review. RESULTS: six experts participated in the content validation, which resulted in the "Instrument for Structural Assessment of Wards for the Preservation of Urinary Continence in Older Adults", composed of 27 items, distributed in three dimensions: "physical structure", "human resources", and "material resources". Two Delphi rounds were carried out for validation, resulting in a final version with 83% agreement among the experts. CONCLUSION: the instrument reached content validity, requiring application for clinical validation. However, it can be used by researchers and health staff in hospital settings, in order to identify structural weaknesses and guide the priority of interventions for the quality and safety of this care.

Stress level among undergraduate nursing students related to the training phase and sociodemographic factors.

OBJECTIVE: identify the stress level among nursing undergraduates and the associated sociodemographic and academic factors; to compare stress level among college students according to the training phase in the course. METHOD: cross-sectional study with 286 university students. The instrument of sociodemographic and academic characterization and the stress scale were applied. The overall stress level was assessed by standardized score. In the bivariate analysis, Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the Poisson model. Statistical significance of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: higher proportion of college students presented medium/high level of global stress. Students from 6th to 10th semesters presented higher levels of stress compared to those from 1st to 5th, in the Realization of practical activities, Professional Communication (p = 0.014), Environment (p = 0.053) and Vocational Training (p = 0.000) domains). In the multivariate analysis, they contributed to the highest level of stress the variables attending the 6th to 10th semesters, female gender, monthly income ≤ one minimum wage and income considered insufficient. CONCLUSION: women in a more advanced stage of education and with low economic condition present a higher level of stress in their academic education.