Perceived quality of life and associated factors in long COVID syndrome among older Brazilians: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to: (a) determine the personal, sociodemographic, clinical, behavioural, and social characteristics of older Brazilians with clinical evidence of long COVID; (b) evaluate perceived quality of life and determine its association with personal, sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical and social variables; and (c) assess significant predictors of high perceived QoL. BACKGROUND: Given the inherent vulnerabilities of the ageing process, the older people are an at-risk group for both contagion of SARS-CoV-2 and the perpetuation of residual symptoms after infection, the so-called long COVID or post-COVID syndrome. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design using the STROBE checklist. METHODS: Brazilian older people with long COVID syndrome (n = 403) completed a phone survey measuring personal, sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical, and social characteristics, and perceived Quality of Life (QoL). Data were collected from June 2021-March 2022. A multiple linear regression model was performed to identify salient variables associated with high perceived QoL. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 67.7 ± 6.6 years old. The results of the multivariate regression model showed that race, home ownership, daily screen time, musculoskeletal and anxiety symptoms, and work situation were the significant predictors of QoL among COVID-19 survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the persistence of physical, emotional, and social symptoms of COVID-19 can help nurses and other healthcare providers to improve the management of survivors, bringing benefits to the whole society. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Given the novelty of long-COVID and its heterogeneous trajectory, interventions focusing on the repercussions and requirements unique to more vulnerable older persons should be developed and these aspects should be included in public health recommendations and policymakers' concerns. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution was required to design, to outcome measures or undertake this research. Patients/members of the public contributed only to the data collection.

Accessibility to the treatment of hypertension in the family health strategy. / Acessibilidade ao tratamento da hipertensão arterial na estratégia saúde da família.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the satisfaction about the accessibility to the treatment of people with hypertension accompanied by the Family Health Strategy. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, conducted with 417 people living in a city in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The data collection was performed between February and June of 2016, using a satisfaction instrument regarding the services provided by the Primary Health Care, using issues related to treatment accessibility. A descriptive and inferential analysis to treat the variables was adopted. RESULTS: 417 people participated in the study, from which 62.4% were elderly, 67.8% were female and 55.2% were retired/pensioners. The economic accessibility was the best evaluated indicator. The regular evaluation of the services characteristic of the geographical and organizational accessibility was significantly associated to the inadequate monitoring of these users in the Family Health Strategy. CONCLUSION: The services offered to people with arterial hypertension were evaluated as regular, presenting the main barriers related to geographical and organizational aspects.

Giving meaning to internalized violence throughout life by older adults living in rural areas.

OBJECTIVES: to understand the meanings of violence internalized throughout life by older adults living in rural areas. METHODS: a qualitative study, anchored in the Symbolic Interactionism theoretical framework and the Grounded Theory methodological framework in the constructivist aspect. Data collection occurred through individual interviews. Data were coded using the Atlas.ti software. RESULTS: it was possible to identify that the context of rural areas strengthens patriarchy culture as well as contributing to violence silence and naturalization. It was also found that violence is a product of social inequality and gender inequality. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: older adults living in rural areas internalized the violence suffered in a unique way, and this scenario's specific aspects can increase intra-family abuse, as there is a patriarchal culture that promotes social and gender inequality.

The experiences of daily smartphone use among older adults in Brazil: A grounded theory analysis.

Background: Digital inclusion of older people is an important agenda for the future and well-being of the older population, as it represents a form of social inclusion with significant gains for healthy aging. The present study aimed to understand the experiences of Brazilian older adults who use smartphones and the implications in their daily lives. Method: A qualitative study was developed using a constructivist grounded approach. Older people (≥60 years) with prior access to a smartphone were invited to participate in the study. Participation took place through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously using a constant comparative approach. Data management and analysis used the Atlas.ti® software. Results: Overall, 37 older people participated, with an average age of 70.60 ± 6.95 years, predominantly female (n = 33), white (n = 25), married (n = 26) and retired (n = 27). The first sample group included 27 older people with family support and the second group included 10 older people without family support (who lived alone in their homes). A core category emerged from the data analysis-"Expanding the personal and social development of older adults through smartphone communication"-around which three main categories emerged: 1) The smartphone as "a window to the world"; 2) The problem of misinformation and fake news on virtual networks; 3) Technological paradoxes in the use of smartphones. Conclusions: The digital transition associated with smartphone use brings unimaginable benefits to older adults who adopt positive habits to improve their well-being and expand their social connections, following efforts proposed by the Decade of Healthy Aging. However, older adults still face disparities and experience a significant digital divide, which represents a major challenge. Barriers to access are further aggravated in developing countries. We hope this study contributes to public health policies on digital inclusion and healthy aging.

Pregnancy loss in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Grounded Theory.

OBJECTIVE: to learn the meanings attributed to pregnancy loss by women with Lupus. METHOD: qualitative research, based on Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory. Data collection took place between January and August 2022 through in-depth interviews. Data analysis went through the stages of initial and focused coding. RESULTS: seventeen women participated. The central phenomenon "The climb to motherhood: falls and overcoming" was constructed, consisting of three categories: "Falling to the ground during the climb: the experience of pregnancy loss"; "Getting up and following the path: new attempts to conceive"; and "Remembering the journey: meanings attributed to pregnancy losses". FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: experiencing pregnancy is, analogously, like climbing a mountain, where obstacles need to be overcome to reach the summit. The experience of pregnancy loss is seen as complex, especially when there is fragility in healthcare and a lack of awareness regarding feelings of loss and grief.

Managing long COVID symptoms and accessing health services in Brazil: A grounded theory analysis.

Background: The worldwide community has shown significant interest in researching the management of Long COVID. However, there is scarce evidence about the daily experiences of people living with Long COVID and their insights into the healthcare services provided to them. Aims: This study aims to understand the experience of Long COVID sufferers with their symptoms and in accessing health services. Method: We employed Charmaz's grounded theory methodology, informed by constructivism, and applied the COREQ guidelines for qualitative research. Sixty-six Brazilians living with Long COVID participated in the study. The data was collected using semi-structured telephone interviews and analyzed using a constant comparative process. Findings: The findings refer firstly to the consequences of persistent Long COVID symptoms. Secondly, they describe how the disease trajectory required Long COVID sufferers to reorganize their routines and develop adaptive strategies. Lastly, they reflect a diverse array of both positive and negative interactions inside the healthcare system conveyed by individuals suffering from Long COVID. These elements converge towards the core category of the study: "The limbo of Long COVID sufferers: between the persistence of symptoms and access to health services". Conclusions: Long COVID is characterized by its varied nature, including a range of physical and emotional repercussions experienced by individuals. There is a need for enhanced comprehension and discourse about Long COVID across several domains, including the general public, policy-making entities, and healthcare professionals. In this sense, the development of specialized services or the reinforcement of existing services to support long COVID sufferers is imperative.

Prevalence and factors associated with the death of older people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in the state of Paraná.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and to analyze the factors associated with the death of older people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in the state of Paraná. METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from older people with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 living in the State of Paraná, collected from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Prevalence ratios were obtained by adjusting the regression model. RESULTS: A total of 16,153 deaths of older people hospitalized in the State of Paraná were analyzed. The adjusted model revealed an association between death and some factors such as: belonging to the age group of 75 to 84 years (PR = 1.28; CI95% = 1.24-1.32) and 85 years or over (PR = 1.52; CI95% = 1.45-1.59); male (PR = 1.17; CI95% = 1.13-1.21); obesity (PR = 1.23; CI95% = 1.16-1.29); other morbidities (PR = 1.25; CI95% = 1.20-1.30); and having used ventilatory support (PR = 2.60; CI95% = 2.33-2.86). Older people vaccinated against influenza had a probability of death reduced by 11% (PR = 0.89; CI95% = 0.86-0.93). CONCLUSION: The association of age, sex, and diagnosis of previous comorbidities with unfavorable outcomes from Covid-19 was identified. Having received the flu vaccine provided protection to elderly people who contracted SARS-CoV-2.

Physical Activity and Associated Factors among Brazilian Adult Inmates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Previous studies on health in prison facilities have determined that imprisonment has adverse effects on both physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, the introduction of public health measures is encouraged. This study aimed to (a) evaluate the levels of physical activity and the health condition of a sample of Brazilian prisoners and (b) determine the predictors of low physical activity. An observational and cross-sectional study was developed following the STROBE checklist. Data collection took place between June and November 2019 in a maximum-security Brazilian prison institution. This study's final sample included 220 people selected through convenience sampling, of which 115 (53.2%) were aged 18 to 29 years, followed by 79 (36.6%) aged 30 to 44 years and 22 (10.2%) aged 45 to 59 years old. Overall, 64.3% of participants failed to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for physical activity [at least 150-300 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week]. The majority reported unhealthy food consumption (116; 53.7%). Regarding body mass index (BMI), 50.2% of individuals were classified as eutrophic, 38.1% were overweight and 11.6% were obese. Older age (AOR: 0.95; CI95%: 0.92-0.99; p = 0.01) and sitting time (AOR: 0.74; CI95%: 0.65-0.85; p < 0.01) were associated with low adherence to physical activity. Our results highlight the importance of practicing physical activity within the prison context and the need for institutional programs that promote regular physical activity.

Experiencing pregnancy in the context of lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome: a grounded theory.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the meanings attributed to pregnancy in the context of Lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome by women and healthcare professionals. METHOD: Qualitative research, using Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical framework and Grounded Theory, a constructivist perspective. Data were collected between January and August 2022, through online interviews with 27 women with Lupus located on the social network Facebook and in-person or remote interviews with 12 healthcare professionals. RESULTS: The theoretical model constructed has two categories: "Equal conditions, distinct experiences: experiencing the gestational process" shows that obstetric complications and lack of connection with healthcare professionals trigger negative meanings to the experience; and "Therapeutic management interfering in the attribution of meanings to the experience", demonstrates that the way women interact with healthcare professionals and how they manage treatment favors a positive reframing. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The meanings attributed to pregnancy are elaborated and modified according to the interpretation of previous and current experiences, healthcare trajectory and interactions with healthcare professionals. Previous guidance, planning, bonding and trust in healthcare professionals enable positive meanings, while obstetric complications, unqualified assistance and lack of bonding with professionals provide negative meanings.

Factors associated with hospitalizations and deaths of pregnant women from Paraná due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with hospitalization in the ward and intensive care unit (ICU), and with death from COVID-19 in pregnant women with confirmed cases. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study, carried out with data from pregnant women with a confirmed case of COVID-19 from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System and the Paraná's state COVID-19 notification system. The association between the independent and dependent variables (hospitalization in the ward and ICU, and death) was investigated using the Poisson regression model with robust variance. RESULTS: 4,719 pregnant women comprised the study population. 9.6 and 5.1% were hospitalized in wards and ICU, respectively. 1.9% died. There was an association between advanced maternal age and hospitalization in wards (PR=1.36; 95%CI 1.10-1.62) and ICU (PR=2.25; 95%CI 1.78-2.71), and death (PR=3.22; 95%CI 2.30-4.15). An association was found between the third trimester and hospitalization in wards (PR=5.06; 95%CI 2.82-7.30) and ICU (PR=6.03; 95%CI 3.67-8.39) and death (PR=13.56; 95%CI 2.90-24.23). The second trimester was associated with ICU admission (PR=2.67; 95%CI 1.36-3.99). Pregnant women with cardiovascular disease had a higher frequency of hospitalization in wards (PR=2.24; 95%CI 1.43-3.05) and ICU (PR=2.66; 95%CI 1.46-3.87). Obesity was associated with ICU admission (PR=3.79; 95%CI 2.71-4.86) and death (PR=5.62; 95%CI 2.41-8.83). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced maternal age, the end of the gestational period and comorbidities were associated with severe COVID-19.