[Health-related quality of life among patients with advanced cancer: an integrative review]. / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes com câncer avançado: uma revisão integrativa.

This integrative literature review aimed to characterize scientific articles on health-related quality of life - HRQoL - among patients with advanced cancer from national and international literature, and summarize those factors evidenced in the literature that contributed to the improvement or worsening of HRQoL among patients with advanced cancer. The search for materials was conducted in the following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, SciELO and LILACS. Among the 21 articles in the sample, 13 showed an improvement of HRQoL among patients with advanced cancer related to the development of physical, emotional and spiritual interventions. In eight studies, we identified predictive symptoms of low HRQoL, such as pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, nutritional changes, and others. The results showed that clinical manifestations, which many times were inherent in cancer, such as factors that can lower patients' HRQoL, while physical, psychological and spiritual benefits resulting from therapeutic interventions may promote its improvement.

[Quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury]. / Qualidade de vida em pacientes com lesão medular.

It was aimed to measure the quality of life of adults with spinal cord injury and identify domains that affect the quality of life of these individuals. Epidemiological study, conducted in 2007-2008 in Health Basic Units of Campina Grande/PB. There were 47 participants. It was used a questionnaire composed by: sociodemographic variables, etiology of injury; validated instrument to measure quality of life containing four domains: Physical Health, Environmental, Social Relationships and Psychological with their respective facets. The data collected were processed using descriptive and statistical analysis. The domains with lowest scores were: Environmental (55.20 points), Physical health (58.59 points). The facets that compromise the domains: mobility (55.3%), work capacity (55.3%), Financial resources (80.9%), Opportunities for acquiring new information and skills (51%), Participation in and opportunities for recreation/leisure activities (68.1%) and Sexual activity (34%). Results express the dissatisfaction of participants with quality of life. Nurses should contribute to rehabilitation and social reinsertion of those people, respecting their limitations, emphasizing the remaining potential and capacity for self-care.

[Ability for self-care and its association with sociodemographic factors of people with spinal cord injury]. / Capacidade de autocuidado e sua associação com os fatores sociodemográficos de pessoas com lesão medular.

This study aimed to verify the association between self-care ability and sociodemographic factors of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2012, in all 58 Basic Health Units of Natal/RN, Brazil. Seventy-three subjects completed a sociodemographic form and Self-Care Agency Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS,including Cronbach's Alpha, Chi-square, Fisher's and contingency coefficient tests. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.788. The result verified that sex (p = 0.028), religion (p <0.001), education (p = 0.046), current age (p = 0.027), SCI time (p = 0.020) and the SCI type (p = 0.012) were variables associated with self-care ability of the subjects. It was concluded that sociodemographic factors may interfere with the self-care ability of persons with SCI, and nurses should consider this aspect during the execution of the nursing process.

[Quality of life of adults with spinal cord injury: a study using the WHOQOL-bref]. / Qualidade de vida de adultos com lesão medular: um estudo com WHOQOL-bref.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of adults with spinal cord injury and to identify the domains that may influence QOL. Data was collected using the WHOQOL-bref and a questionnaire with sociodemographic variables. Participants were 47 subjects, with a mean age of 42.95 years, 91.5% males and 8.5% females. The domains obtained the following scores: physical (58.59), psychological (63.82), social (68.79), and environmental (55.20). Through multiple linear regression, it was verified the correlation between domain scores and the perception of QOL: physical (p <0.187), psychological (p <0.399), social (p <0.000), and environmental (p <0.008). In conclusion, most participants (55.3%) are unsatisfied with their QOL, and the social and environmental domains showed a higher correlation with QOL.

[Social inclusion of disabled people: achievements, challenges and implications for the nursing area]. / Inclusão social da pessoa com deficiência: conquistas, desafios e implicações para a enfermagem.

This study aimed to understand the testimonies of disabled people about the concreteness of the social inclusion process, as well as to articulate their testimonies with the directives of Law 3289/99. Eighteen people were interviewed, six of which were physically disabled, six visually disabled, and six had hearing disabilities. Data were standardized and categorized in two meaning cores: pre-inclusivist and inclusivist guidelines of the disabled person. The methodological perspective was discourse analysis. In conclusion, these subjects had achievements in legislation that guarantees their rights to citizenship, but there are challenges in the areas of healthcare, education, professional training and insertion in the job market. The rehabilitation nurses must know the experiences of these subjects and their relatives to help them with strategies of coping for the problems affecting their inclusion, and consequently their health.

[Popular medicine: benefits and drawbacks of medicinal plants]. / Medicina popular: benefícios e malefícios das plantas medicinais.

Descriptive study which aims to verify if the herbalist offer the information correct for the use of the medicinal plants; if they give for the customers concerning the possible poisonings or interaction with the allopathic guide and also if there is a criteria for the commercialization of the phytotherapics. A questionnaire was used containing open and closed questions involving aspects of the performance of the herbalists with the phytotherapics. The herbalists know the majority of the medicinal plants, however, there are some gaps concerning the correct indication of these products, of the collateral effect and toxicities. The herbalist lack to better know the principles of the grass, the therapeutically indications active, to guide the users concerning the possible pharmacological interactions or medicaments poisonings and regarding the cleanness, storage, time of useful life and contraindications of the product.

[The cultural construction of the Brazilian sexuality: nursing implications]. / A construção cultural da sexualidade brasileira: implicaçoes para a enfermagem.

This paper presents a descriptive study which focuses on cultural construction of sexuality, media influences on human sexuality, and how nurses should consider the sexual education process. The investigation considered texts in the field of humanities and health. It was utilised the analytical construction to categorize the discursives retails. The analysis has been supported by differents references. It was concluded that gender relations are based on categorizations which crosses the social order and it determinates the symbolic domination. The symbolics systems are still unaltered and it centred on the male domination. There are some movements regarding as a uncomun which try to validate a cartography of sexuality which subverts the identity idea historically as known as pathriarchal. The nurse needs contribute to improve the knowledge of the population regarding human sexuality.

[Nursing and sport practices: learning with ethical dilemas]. / Enfermagem e práticas esportivas: aprendendo com os dilemas éticos.

This study aimed to identify the difficulties related to the first aids during one students competition and also it correlates the experience learned regarding technician aspects, cientifics and ethical approaches when the performance of the first-aid nurse. The report was taking into account the production basis regarding the performance of the first aids professionals and a workshop of consensus to solve ethical dilemmas. It was described the taking decision ethical, the material resources available and also the harms which might affected the physical integrity of the athletes and the interventions executed. It was concluded that the sports has a feature of preventive and curative medicine that demands the moral commitment of the organizers to provide the necessary material resources for occasion of some damage suffered for the athletes.

Sociodemographic factors associated with the quality of work life of adults with physical disabilities.

BACKGROUND: The quality of work life (QWL) of individuals with physical disabilities is not satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors and QWL among individuals with physical disabilities. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with quantitative approach conducted in 2014 at two institutions that help individuals with disabilities find jobs. A total of 38 subjects who responded a sociodemographic questionnaire and a QWL scale participated in the study. Cronbach's alpha, χ2 and Fisher's tests were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The ethical requirements in force were met. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the scale used was satisfactory (α=0.792); relative to QWL, 44.7% (n=17) participants reported dissatisfaction. Association was found between QWL and sociodemographic factors income (p=0.010), education (p=0.036) and race (p=0.027). CONCLUSION: The participants' QWL was not satisfactory and was influenced by sociodemographic factors.

CONTEXTO: A qualidade de vida no trabalho (QVT) de pessoas com deficiência física (PcDs) não é satisfatória. OBJETIVO: Investigar as associações entre os fatores sociodemográficos e a QVT de PcDs. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 2014, em duas instituições que gerenciam a colocação de PcDs no mercado de trabalho. Participaram da investigação 38 sujeitos que responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e a uma escala sobre qualidade de vida no trabalho. Utilizou-se o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) para realização dos testes alfa de Cronbach, do χ2 e Fisher. Os preceitos éticos foram considerados. RESULTADOS: O índice de consistência interna da escala se mostrou satisfatório (α=0,792). No tocante à QVT, 44,7% (n=17) dos participantes relataram insatisfação. Verificou-se associação entre a QVT e os fatores sociodemográficos renda (p=0,010), escolaridade (p=0,036) e raça (p=0,027). CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a QVT dos participantes não é satisfatória e é influenciada por fatores sociodemográficos.

A content validity study of signs, symptoms and diseases/health problems expressed in LIBRAS.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the content of signs, symptoms and diseases/health problems expressed in LIBRAS for people with deafness. Method: Methodological development study, which involved 36 people with deafness and three LIBRAS specialists. The study was conducted in three stages: investigation of the signs, symptoms and diseases/health problems, referred to by people with deafness, reported in a questionnaire; video recordings of how people with deafness express, through LIBRA, the signs, symptoms and diseases/health problems; and validation of the contents of the recordings of the expressions by LIBRAS specialists. Data were processed in a spreadsheet and analyzed using univariate tables, with absolute frequencies and percentages. The validation results were analyzed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). RESULTS: 33 expressions in LIBRAS, of signs, symptoms and diseases/health problems were evaluated, and 28 expressions obtained a satisfactory CVI (1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The signs, symptoms and diseases/health problems expressed in LIBRAS presented validity, in the study region, for health professionals, especially nurses, for use in the clinical anamnesis of the nursing consultation for people with deafness.

Quality of life of caregivers of octogenarians: a study using the WHOQOL-BREF.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of octogenarians and to identify the domains related to quality of life and health. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted in 2010 in the Family Health Units of Campina Grande/PB, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 52 subjects that met the eligibility criteria of: 18 years or older, being a lay caregiver of octogenarians, and having no apparent cognitive problem. A questionnaire containing a sociodemographic section and the WHOQOL-BREF that is composed of two questions about the perceptions of quality of life and health, and 24 on the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains. The Cronbach's-alpha test and the logical regression analysis of the data were conducted using SPSS. The project was approved by the Research Committee of the Center for Development and Higher Education (CAAE nº0490.0.133.000-08). RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha was 0.72, attesting to the reliability of the instrument used. The domain scores were: environmental (59.43), psychological (59.01), social relationships (46.77) and physical (43.86), whose values indicate dissatisfaction of subjects with regard to aspects related to quality of life. The environmental domain was correlated with quality of life (p=0.014) and the physical domain with perceptions of health (p=0.019); the daily safety and pain aspects had the highest correlations with quality of life (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The perception of the caregivers regarding quality of life was not good. The environmental and physical domains had the highest correlations with quality of life and health.

[Usefulness and significance of King's theory of goal attainment]. / Utilidade e significância social da Teoria do Alcance de metas de King.

The present research focuses on the analysis model of three theories: Meleis Theory, Goal Achievement Theory (King, 1981) and on a study by Silveira. Its objective is to analyze the usefulness and social significance of King's Theory. After a comprehensive reading of the theories mentioned, the excerpt "Theory Criticism" was selected from Melei's model to serve as the analytical support. The study "To be naked in the intensive therapy unit: perceptions and an encounter" (Silveira, 1996), which has as its theoretical framework the theories mentioned above, was chosen. Through critical analysis, and based on the interaction of those constructs, we concluded that: King's Theory is useful in research because it propitiates perception and interpretation of objective-subjective data from concrete reality. Its social significance is related to the application of the theory by representatives of several social segments. It encourages re-socialization of people and groups aiming at a more humane and solidary world.

The importance of communication in pediatric oncology palliative care: focus on Humanistic Nursing Theory.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate and analyze communication in palliative care contexts from the perspective of nurses, based on Humanistic Nursing Theory. METHOD: this is a field study with a qualitative approach, in which ten nurses working in the pediatric oncology unit of a Brazilian public hospital participated. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The testimonies were qualitatively analyzed using Humanistic Nursing Theory and based on the five phases of Nursing Phenomenology. RESULTS: two thematic categories emerged from the analysis of the study's empirical material: "strategy to humanize nursing care, with an emphasis on relieving the child's suffering" and "strategy to strengthen ties of trust established between nurse and child." CONCLUSION: communication is an efficacious element in the care provided to the child with cancer and is extremely important to promoting palliative care when it is based on Humanistic Nursing Theory.

[Symbolical violence in the access of disabled persons to basic health units]. / Violência simbólica no acesso das pessoas com deficiência às unidades básicas de saúde.

A descriptive study which aimed to characterize the conditions of people with disabilities (PD) in the Basic Health Units-UBS. Data were collected in January 2009 in 20 UBSF. It was used digital camera and check list based on the 9050-NBR ABNT. The results showed: Access town - no traffic lights (100%) of lanes for pedestrians (100%), bumpy sidewalks (90%); Access in UBS: non-standard ports (30%) staircases without banisters (20%); floor outside the standard (75%), in disagreement with standard mobile (20%), drinking at odds with standard (55%), making it difficult to people with disabilities to use a filter (30%), has no drinking or filters (15%); telephones installed inadequately (55%); inaccessible restrooms (96%). Access to UBS of PD is permeated by the symbolic violence.

Quality of life of caregivers of octogenarians: a study using the WHOQOL-BREF / Calidad de vida de los cuidadores de octogenarios: un estudio utilizando el Whoqol-Bref / A qualidade de vida dos cuidadores de octogenários: um estudo com o Whoqol-Bref

Objective.To evaluate the quality of life of octogenarians and to identify the domains related to quality of life and health.Methodology. A cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted in 2010 in the Family Health Units of Campina Grande/PB, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 52 subjects that met the eligibility criteria of: 18 years or older, being a lay caregiver of octogenarians, and having no apparent cognitive problem. A questionnaire containing a sociodemographic section and the WHOQOL-BREF that is composed of two questions about the perceptions of quality of life and health, and 24 on the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains. The Cronbach's-alpha test and the logical regression analysis of the data were conducted using SPSS. The project was approved by the Research Committee of the Center for Development and Higher Education (CAAE nº0490.0.133.000-08). Results. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.72, attesting to the reliability of the instrument used. The domain scores were: environmental (59.43), psychological (59.01), social relationships (46.77) and physical (43.86), whose values indicate dissatisfaction of subjects with regard to aspects related to quality of life. The environmental domain was correlated with quality of life (p=0.014) and the physical domain with perceptions of health (p=0.019); the daily safety and pain aspects had the highest correlations with quality of life (p=0.001). Conclusion. The perception of the caregivers regarding quality of life was not good. The environmental and physical domains had the highest correlations with quality of life and health.

Objetivo.Evaluar la calidad de vida de los cuidadores de octogenarios e identificar los dominios relacionados con la calidad de vida y la salud.Metodología. Investigación de tipo transversal, realizada en 2011 en las Unidades de Salud de la Familia de Campina Grande/PB, Brasil. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 52 personas que cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad: edad > 18 años, ser cuidador informal de octogenarios y no presentar problemas cognitivos aparentes. Se aplicó un formulario sobre datos sociodemográficos y el instrumento Whoqol-bref, el cual contiene dos preguntas sobre la percepción de la calidad de vida y de la salud y de 24 referentes a los dominios físico, psicológico, relaciones sociales y ambiental. Resultados. El alfa de Cronbach total fue 0.72, mostrando la alta confiabilidad del instrumento utilizado. Los dominios obtuvieron los siguientes puntajes: ambiental (59.4), psicológico (59.0), aspectos sociales (46.8) y físico (43.8), cuyos valores indican la insatisfacción de los cuidadores en los aspectos relacionados con la calidad de vida. Se encontraron correlaciones con significancia estadística entre el dominio ambiental y la calidad, y entre el dominio físico y la salud, teniendo los ítems de seguridad diaria y dolor las mayores correlaciones con la calidad de vida y salud. Conclusión. La percepción de los cuidadores de octogenarios sobre su calidad de vida no es satisfactoria. Enfermería debe preparar a estas personas para que puedan cumplir con su función de cuidar al octagenario y, a la vez, para que puedan disponer de tiempo para cuidar de sí mismos.

Objetivo.Avaliar a qualidade de vidados cuidadores de octogenários e identificar os domínios correlacionados com a qualidade de vida e saúde.Metodologia. Pesquisa transversal, quantitativa, realizada em 2011, nas Unidades de Saúde da Família de Campina Grande/PB. A amostra compôs-se de 52 sujeitos que atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade: idade > 18 anos, ser cuidador informal de octogenários e não apresentar problema cognitivo aparente. Aplicaram-se um formulário sobre dados sócio-demográficos e o questionário Whoqol-bref, composto de duas questões referentes à percepção da qualidade de vida e da saúde e 24 referentes aos domínios: físico, psicológico, relações sociais e ambiental. Os dados foram analisados no SPSS, sendo efetuados os testes Alfa de Cronbach e regressão logística. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de ética do Centro de Ensino Superior e Desenvolvimento (CAAE nº0490.0.133.000-08). Resultados. O Alfa de Cronbach total foi 0.72, atestando a confiabilidade do instrumento utilizado. Os domínios obtiveram os seguintes escores: ambiental (59.43), psicológico (59.01), aspectos sociais (46.77) e físico (43.86), cujos valores indicam a insatisfação dos sujeitos no tocante às facetas relacionadas com a qualidade de vida. O domínio ambiental possui maior correlação com a qualidade de vida (p=0.014) e o domínio físico com a saúde (p=0.019), tendo as facetas segurança diária e dor as maiores correlações com a qualidade de vida e saúde (p=0.001). Conclusão. A percepção dos cuidadores de octogenários sobre sua qualidade de vida não é satisfatória. Os domínios mais relacionados com a qualidade de vida e a saúde são, respectivamente, Ambiental e Físico.