Pub Date : 2024-06-20eCollection Date: 2024-08-01DOI: 10.1159/000537870
Patrícia Caeiros, Patrícia Pita Ferreira, José Chen-Xu, Rita Francisco, Miguel Telo de Arriaga
Health literacy, the ability to obtain and comprehend health knowledge, is essential to promote health and reduce disparities. Health communication aims to improve health by ensuring an effective understanding and application of health information. Despite current challenges, there are many opportunities for improving communication in the health literacy practice. Promoting communication in health literacy is essential in empowering individuals, improving outcomes, and reducing healthcare disparities. Effective communication enables access, comprehension, and informed decision-making of individuals and communities regarding their health, strengthening their central role in promoting health literacy. This paper highlights the challenges and opportunities in today's world, especially in a post-pandemic era, dominated by infodemic and social media influencers, while providing solutions, encompassing professional training of health professionals on communication, digital skills, and an overarching strategy across health institutions. Translating knowledge into health-promoting behaviors and well-being can only be effective by accounting for communication in health literacy.
{"title":"From Health Communication to Health Literacy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Relevance and Strategies.","authors":"Patrícia Caeiros, Patrícia Pita Ferreira, José Chen-Xu, Rita Francisco, Miguel Telo de Arriaga","doi":"10.1159/000537870","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000537870","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Health literacy, the ability to obtain and comprehend health knowledge, is essential to promote health and reduce disparities. Health communication aims to improve health by ensuring an effective understanding and application of health information. Despite current challenges, there are many opportunities for improving communication in the health literacy practice. Promoting communication in health literacy is essential in empowering individuals, improving outcomes, and reducing healthcare disparities. Effective communication enables access, comprehension, and informed decision-making of individuals and communities regarding their health, strengthening their central role in promoting health literacy. This paper highlights the challenges and opportunities in today's world, especially in a post-pandemic era, dominated by infodemic and social media influencers, while providing solutions, encompassing professional training of health professionals on communication, digital skills, and an overarching strategy across health institutions. Translating knowledge into health-promoting behaviors and well-being can only be effective by accounting for communication in health literacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"42 2","pages":"159-164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11498912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Increasing health literacy in people with chronic illness is essential to prevent disease complications and to promote responsible and conscious decision-making. Therefore, an audiovisual tool was developed to promote literacy about peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a hospital setting, and a preliminary evaluation of the tool’s suitability was carried out. Material and Methods: The tool was developed by a multidisciplinary team. The preliminary assessment of the suitability study of an audiovisual tool was carried out with a sample of 7 patients with PAD admitted to an Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service and with a group of four professionals specialized in the subject (health literacy and PAD). The design, elaboration, and production of the audiovisual tool were based on a literature review, an informal focus group with patients, a communication model, and an empirical model of behavioral change. Through this preliminary suitability assessment study, we identified the suitability characteristics of this audiovisual tool that can be transmitted in waiting rooms and vascular surgery hospitalizations. The Suitable Assessment of Material (SAM) was used by professionals and patients to obtain different appropriateness factors for each of the 11 videos. Results: The audiovisual tool developed and built for patients with PAD proved to be accessible, understandable, and attractive for people with low levels of education. The patients were satisfied with the audiovisual tool and highlighted positive points, also reporting some suggestions for changes. Health professionals evaluated the 11 videos with a high level of adequacy ranging from 82% to 93.05% adequacy. Out of 19 factors (from the SAM), the quality of the illustrations, the presence of tables and lists, and stimulation and incentive to learning were the two dimensions scored as least appropriate/used. Conclusion: The audiovisual tool developed to improve health literacy on PAD presented preliminary suitability characteristics that make it a high-quality material to be used in future studies that evaluate the effectiveness of the tool with this population.
背景:提高慢性病患者的健康素养对于预防疾病并发症和促进负责任的自觉决策至关重要。因此,我们开发了一种视听工具,用于在医院环境中促进外周动脉疾病(PAD)知识的普及,并对该工具的适用性进行了初步评估。材料与方法:该工具由一个多学科团队开发。视听工具适用性研究的初步评估是在血管病学和血管外科服务处收治的 7 名 PAD 患者样本中进行的,并由四名该领域(健康知识普及和 PAD)的专业人士组成了一个小组。视听工具的设计、阐述和制作基于文献综述、与患者的非正式焦点小组、沟通模式和行为改变的实证模型。通过这项初步的适用性评估研究,我们确定了该视听工具的适用性特征,该工具可在候诊室和血管外科住院处传播。专业人员和患者使用了材料适宜性评估(SAM),以获得 11 个视频中每个视频的不同适宜性系数。结果:事实证明,为 PAD 患者开发和制作的视听工具对于受教育程度较低的人来说是易用、易懂和有吸引力的。患者对视听工具表示满意,并强调了一些积极的方面,同时也提出了一些修改建议。医疗专业人员对 11 部视频的评估结果为 82% 至 93.05% 的满意度。在 19 个因素(来自 SAM)中,插图的质量、表格和列表的存在以及对学习的刺激和激励是得分最低的两个方面。结论为提高 PAD 健康素养而开发的视听工具呈现出初步的适用性特征,使其成为一种高质量的材料,可用于未来评估该工具在这一人群中有效性的研究中。
{"title":"Development of an Audiovisual Tool on Peripheral Arterial Disease and Preliminary Suitability Assessment","authors":"Susana Pedras, Rafaela Oliveira, Ivone Silva","doi":"10.1159/000539072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000539072","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Increasing health literacy in people with chronic illness is essential to prevent disease complications and to promote responsible and conscious decision-making. Therefore, an audiovisual tool was developed to promote literacy about peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a hospital setting, and a preliminary evaluation of the tool’s suitability was carried out. Material and Methods: The tool was developed by a multidisciplinary team. The preliminary assessment of the suitability study of an audiovisual tool was carried out with a sample of 7 patients with PAD admitted to an Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service and with a group of four professionals specialized in the subject (health literacy and PAD). The design, elaboration, and production of the audiovisual tool were based on a literature review, an informal focus group with patients, a communication model, and an empirical model of behavioral change. Through this preliminary suitability assessment study, we identified the suitability characteristics of this audiovisual tool that can be transmitted in waiting rooms and vascular surgery hospitalizations. The Suitable Assessment of Material (SAM) was used by professionals and patients to obtain different appropriateness factors for each of the 11 videos. Results: The audiovisual tool developed and built for patients with PAD proved to be accessible, understandable, and attractive for people with low levels of education. The patients were satisfied with the audiovisual tool and highlighted positive points, also reporting some suggestions for changes. Health professionals evaluated the 11 videos with a high level of adequacy ranging from 82% to 93.05% adequacy. Out of 19 factors (from the SAM), the quality of the illustrations, the presence of tables and lists, and stimulation and incentive to learning were the two dimensions scored as least appropriate/used. Conclusion: The audiovisual tool developed to improve health literacy on PAD presented preliminary suitability characteristics that make it a high-quality material to be used in future studies that evaluate the effectiveness of the tool with this population.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"5 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141343279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Literacy of health professionals on patient safety aims to prevent and reduce risks and adverse events in healthcare.
Objective: The objective of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate for Portugal of the World Health Organization Questionnaire to Assess the Implementation of the Multiprofessional Guide.
Methodology: Following the cultural adaptation process, we carried out a psychometric analysis on a sample of 300 health professionals. The scale was tested for apparent and content validity. Psychometric properties were assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, and discriminant validity.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis led to a tetra factor structure that accounted for 43.0% of the variance and had an overall alpha of 0.759. The hypothesized structure was submitted to confirmatory factor analysis, and the following items were eliminated from factors 1, 2, and 3 and the respective items: 7; 5; and 3, 4, 5, and 6, due to multicollinearity problems. Overall good-of-fit indexes are reliable.
Conclusions: The "KIT TOOL-S2 TEXT" scale presents a factor structure with satisfactory validity and reliability results, adequately representing the constructs in question.
{"title":"KIT TOOL-S2 for the Portuguese Healthcare Professional: A Psychometric Analysis.","authors":"Catarina Amaral, Carlos Sequeira, Núria Albacar-Riobóo, Lara Guedes Pinho, Carme Ferré-Grau","doi":"10.1159/000538386","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000538386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Literacy of health professionals on patient safety aims to prevent and reduce risks and adverse events in healthcare.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate for Portugal of the World Health Organization Questionnaire to Assess the Implementation of the Multiprofessional Guide.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Following the cultural adaptation process, we carried out a psychometric analysis on a sample of 300 health professionals. The scale was tested for apparent and content validity. Psychometric properties were assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, and discriminant validity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exploratory factor analysis led to a tetra factor structure that accounted for 43.0% of the variance and had an overall alpha of 0.759. The hypothesized structure was submitted to confirmatory factor analysis, and the following items were eliminated from factors 1, 2, and 3 and the respective items: 7; 5; and 3, 4, 5, and 6, due to multicollinearity problems. Overall good-of-fit indexes are reliable.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The \"KIT TOOL-S2 TEXT\" scale presents a factor structure with satisfactory validity and reliability results, adequately representing the constructs in question.</p>","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"42 2","pages":"111-120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11498910/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Lung cancer screening is still in an early phase compared to other cancer screening programs, despite its high lethality particularly when diagnosed late. Achieving early diagnosis is crucial to obtain optimal outcomes. Summary: In this review, we will address the current evidence on lung cancer screening through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and its impact on mortality reduction, existing screening recommendations, patient eligibility criteria, screening frequency and duration, benefits and harms, cost-effectiveness and some insights on lung cancer screening implementation and adoption. Additionally, new non-imaging, noninvasive biomarkers with high diagnostic potential are also briefly highlighted. Key Messages: LDCT screening in a prespecified population based on age and smoking history proved to reduce lung cancer mortality. Optimization of the target population and management of LDCT pitfalls can further improve lung cancer screening efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Novel screening technologies and biomarkers being studied can potentially be game-changers in lung cancer screening and diagnosis.
{"title":"Current Evidence for a Lung Cancer Screening Program","authors":"T. Guerreiro, Pedro Aguiar, António Araújo","doi":"10.1159/000538434","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538434","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Lung cancer screening is still in an early phase compared to other cancer screening programs, despite its high lethality particularly when diagnosed late. Achieving early diagnosis is crucial to obtain optimal outcomes. Summary: In this review, we will address the current evidence on lung cancer screening through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and its impact on mortality reduction, existing screening recommendations, patient eligibility criteria, screening frequency and duration, benefits and harms, cost-effectiveness and some insights on lung cancer screening implementation and adoption. Additionally, new non-imaging, noninvasive biomarkers with high diagnostic potential are also briefly highlighted. Key Messages: LDCT screening in a prespecified population based on age and smoking history proved to reduce lung cancer mortality. Optimization of the target population and management of LDCT pitfalls can further improve lung cancer screening efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Novel screening technologies and biomarkers being studied can potentially be game-changers in lung cancer screening and diagnosis.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"68 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140675830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Santos, E. Sacadura-Leite, Salvato Feijó, M. Dixe, Philippe Astoul, A. Sousa-Uva
Objective: The main objective of this study was to describe the translation, cultural adaptation, and content validation process of the French National Surveillance Programme for Pleural Mesothelioma (FNSPPM) questionnaire for the Portuguese context. Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database and Web of Science, in the period from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 2022, to select the questionnaire. Forward and reverse translations, calculation of the content validity index (CVI) by a panel of experts (n = 9), and cognitive interviewing with individuals with at least one exposure to asbestos (n = 10) were performed. Experts rated items on a Likert scale (1-4) based on their relevance. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI), scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave), and scale-level content validity index based on the universal agreement method (S-CVI/UA) were calculated. Results: The final version of the FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context resulted from a translation and content validation process. The panel of experts considered the questionnaire relevant, with an I-CVI of up to 0.78 in 68 of 69 of the questions, an S-CVI/Ave of 0.98, and an S-CVI/UA of 0.90. The participants in the cognitive interviews reported an understanding of the questionnaire. Conclusion: A validated FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context is now available to study individuals with pleural mesothelioma (PM) and asbestos exposure.
{"title":"Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Content Validation of a Pleural Mesothelioma Questionnaire to Portuguese Context – A Key Tool for Epidemiological Surveillance","authors":"C. Santos, E. Sacadura-Leite, Salvato Feijó, M. Dixe, Philippe Astoul, A. Sousa-Uva","doi":"10.1159/000538097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538097","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The main objective of this study was to describe the translation, cultural adaptation, and content validation process of the French National Surveillance Programme for Pleural Mesothelioma (FNSPPM) questionnaire for the Portuguese context. Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database and Web of Science, in the period from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 2022, to select the questionnaire. Forward and reverse translations, calculation of the content validity index (CVI) by a panel of experts (n = 9), and cognitive interviewing with individuals with at least one exposure to asbestos (n = 10) were performed. Experts rated items on a Likert scale (1-4) based on their relevance. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI), scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave), and scale-level content validity index based on the universal agreement method (S-CVI/UA) were calculated. Results: The final version of the FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context resulted from a translation and content validation process. The panel of experts considered the questionnaire relevant, with an I-CVI of up to 0.78 in 68 of 69 of the questions, an S-CVI/Ave of 0.98, and an S-CVI/UA of 0.90. The participants in the cognitive interviews reported an understanding of the questionnaire. Conclusion: A validated FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context is now available to study individuals with pleural mesothelioma (PM) and asbestos exposure.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"223 S725","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140730528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence and Precision Public Health: A Balancing Act of Scientific Accuracy, Social Responsibility, and Community Engagement","authors":"João V. Cordeiro","doi":"10.1159/000538141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140371408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Isabel do Nascimentoa, Thalys Gabriel Rabelo Silva, Victor Joshua de Aguiar Mello Nascimento, Luis Patricio Ortiz Flores, Billy McBenedict
Introduction: Various non-pharmacological interventions to prevent coronavirus dissemination were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures. The effect of these interventions on particular aspects of people’s lives such as sexual and reproductive health outcomes has not been adequately discussed. The objective of the study was to compare the monthly hospital admission rates due to abortion before and during school closure. Methods: We used an interrupted time series (IES) design to estimate the hospital admission rates before and during the school closure (intervention in March 2020) period. The analysis was performed considering all girls from age groups of interest and by stratifying the age groups according to skin color (white and non-white) in which the non-white category comprised both the black and mixed ethnicity together. Coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using segmented linear regression models. Results: The results showed positive and statistically significant coefficients, suggesting post-intervention trend changes both in the population as a whole (coefficient: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.11) and the non-white population group (coefficient: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03; 0.11), indicating that the monthly hospital admission rates increased over the post-intervention period compared to baseline pre-intervention period. The ITS analysis did not detect statistically significant trend changes (coefficient: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.01; 0.05) in abortion admission rates in the white girl population group. Conclusion: The hospitalizations in Brazil due to abortions in 10- to 14-year-old girls increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019, and the number of abortions was higher in the non-white population than the white population. Furthermore, recognizing that the implementation of school closure has affected the minority population differentially can help develop more effective actions to face other future similar situations.
{"title":"COVID-19 Pandemic and Hospitalizations due to Abortion among 10- to 14-Year-Old Girls in Brazil","authors":"Maria Isabel do Nascimentoa, Thalys Gabriel Rabelo Silva, Victor Joshua de Aguiar Mello Nascimento, Luis Patricio Ortiz Flores, Billy McBenedict","doi":"10.1159/000535227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000535227","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Various non-pharmacological interventions to prevent coronavirus dissemination were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures. The effect of these interventions on particular aspects of people’s lives such as sexual and reproductive health outcomes has not been adequately discussed. The objective of the study was to compare the monthly hospital admission rates due to abortion before and during school closure. Methods: We used an interrupted time series (IES) design to estimate the hospital admission rates before and during the school closure (intervention in March 2020) period. The analysis was performed considering all girls from age groups of interest and by stratifying the age groups according to skin color (white and non-white) in which the non-white category comprised both the black and mixed ethnicity together. Coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using segmented linear regression models. Results: The results showed positive and statistically significant coefficients, suggesting post-intervention trend changes both in the population as a whole (coefficient: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.11) and the non-white population group (coefficient: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03; 0.11), indicating that the monthly hospital admission rates increased over the post-intervention period compared to baseline pre-intervention period. The ITS analysis did not detect statistically significant trend changes (coefficient: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.01; 0.05) in abortion admission rates in the white girl population group. Conclusion: The hospitalizations in Brazil due to abortions in 10- to 14-year-old girls increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019, and the number of abortions was higher in the non-white population than the white population. Furthermore, recognizing that the implementation of school closure has affected the minority population differentially can help develop more effective actions to face other future similar situations.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140266437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Tereso, Lina Antunes, A. Brantes, João Fernandes, Rui Santos, Ricardo Antunes, Alice Curado
Background: Men’s access to sexual health care is influenced by the nurses’ symbolic universes, translated into maps of signification and normative idealization that structure their practices. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze nurses’ social representations of men’s sexual health, considering the barriers and possibilities in accessing health care. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data were collected through an online focus group with 9 Portuguese nurses. Data were subjected to lexicographic analysis with the support of the interface IRaMuTeQ-R. Results: 269 text segments were analyzed, retaining 84.86% of the total in 4 classes: interactions between professionals and men, therapeutic itineraries, “talking” about sexual health, and men’s access to sexual health care. Similarity analysis led to 3 central cores: problem, saying, and patient. Conclusions: The training of professionals in men’s sexual health to demystify stereotypes about masculinity is fundamental. At the organizational level, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities of access and its visibility in electronic records and rethink the planning and provision of primary and differentiated care.
{"title":"Nurses’ Social Representations of Men’s Sexual Health Care Access: Preliminary Results","authors":"A. Tereso, Lina Antunes, A. Brantes, João Fernandes, Rui Santos, Ricardo Antunes, Alice Curado","doi":"10.1159/000536292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000536292","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Men’s access to sexual health care is influenced by the nurses’ symbolic universes, translated into maps of signification and normative idealization that structure their practices. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze nurses’ social representations of men’s sexual health, considering the barriers and possibilities in accessing health care. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data were collected through an online focus group with 9 Portuguese nurses. Data were subjected to lexicographic analysis with the support of the interface IRaMuTeQ-R. Results: 269 text segments were analyzed, retaining 84.86% of the total in 4 classes: interactions between professionals and men, therapeutic itineraries, “talking” about sexual health, and men’s access to sexual health care. Similarity analysis led to 3 central cores: problem, saying, and patient. Conclusions: The training of professionals in men’s sexual health to demystify stereotypes about masculinity is fundamental. At the organizational level, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities of access and its visibility in electronic records and rethink the planning and provision of primary and differentiated care.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"27 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140425802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Vicuña Santos Bandeira, Fernanda Dias Alves, Ionara Aparecida Mendes Cezar, Steffany Lara Nunes Oliveira, Ana Júlia Soares Oliveira, Victor Bruno da Silva, Maria Silveira Nunes, L. F. de Rezende, Marise Fagundes Silveira
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder whose prevalence is constantly increasing. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between ASD and socioeconomic and demographic factors of parents of children/adolescents in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, consisting of 1,134 children/adolescents, 248 with ASD and 886 without ASD. A semi-structured questionnaire was used and multiple logistic regression was performed. Results: Children/adolescents with ASD are more likely to be male (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 2.67–5.68), children of mothers aged ≥25 years (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.50–3.09), who worked outside the home during pregnancy (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04–2.24) and that, at the time of the interview, they were not inserted in the labor market (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.44–5.65), white (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01–2.22), and who performed prenatal care in private institutions (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.38–2.80). Conclusion: The socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with ASD are important for the diagnosis and, consequently, for the increase in the number of reported cases. Thus, public policies are needed to allow equal access to the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
{"title":"Autism Spectrum Disorder Association with Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors: A Case-Control Study","authors":"Laura Vicuña Santos Bandeira, Fernanda Dias Alves, Ionara Aparecida Mendes Cezar, Steffany Lara Nunes Oliveira, Ana Júlia Soares Oliveira, Victor Bruno da Silva, Maria Silveira Nunes, L. F. de Rezende, Marise Fagundes Silveira","doi":"10.1159/000534840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000534840","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder whose prevalence is constantly increasing. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between ASD and socioeconomic and demographic factors of parents of children/adolescents in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, consisting of 1,134 children/adolescents, 248 with ASD and 886 without ASD. A semi-structured questionnaire was used and multiple logistic regression was performed. Results: Children/adolescents with ASD are more likely to be male (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 2.67–5.68), children of mothers aged ≥25 years (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.50–3.09), who worked outside the home during pregnancy (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04–2.24) and that, at the time of the interview, they were not inserted in the labor market (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.44–5.65), white (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01–2.22), and who performed prenatal care in private institutions (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.38–2.80). Conclusion: The socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with ASD are important for the diagnosis and, consequently, for the increase in the number of reported cases. Thus, public policies are needed to allow equal access to the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140440189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana S. Cunha, Beatriz Raposo, Filipe Dias, Susana Henriques, Hugo Martinho, Ana R. Pedro
Introduction: Respiratory diseases, ranking the third in Portugal, contribute significantly to illness and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death globally. Identifying high-risk individuals and implementing early treatment is crucial due to the variability of COPD symptoms and exacerbations. This study aimed to identify effective strategies for preventing exacerbations and complications. Methods: A Delphi involving 15 experts was performed. Experts included physicians, nurses, health managers, policymakers, public health experts, and patient organizations. Consensus was achieved at 73.3% for each strategy using a scale ranging from “agree” to “disagree.” Three rounds were conducted to address six questions related to early diagnosis and patient follow-up. Challenges faced by the Portuguese Health System in managing COPD, obstacles in COPD exacerbation diagnosis and management, and effective strategies to overcome barriers were identified in the first round. The second and third rounds involved analyzing the gathered information and voting on each indicator to achieve consensus, respectively. Indicators were categorized into constraints and barriers, and strategies for reducing COPD exacerbations and disease burden. Results: Out of a total of 134 valid indicators generated, 108 achieved consensus. Among the indicators agreed upon by experts, 18 pertained to barriers, challenges, and constraints, while 90 focused on action strategies for COPD. Among the strategies formulated, 25 consensus indicators target prevention strategies, 24 consensus indicators aim to enhance COPD referrals, and 41 consensus indicators focus on mitigating COPD exacerbations and reducing the overall disease burden. Discussion/Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for integrated investment in respiratory healthcare and recognition of the impact of COPD on patients, healthcare systems, and economies. Prevention and appropriate treatment of exacerbations are crucial for effective COPD management and reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Experts highlight the importance of improving coordination between different levels of care, integrating information systems, and decentralizing hospital responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of individual and collective respiratory health, necessitating investment in health promotion and COPD awareness.
{"title":"Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Constraints in Patient Pathway and Mitigation Strategies","authors":"Ana S. Cunha, Beatriz Raposo, Filipe Dias, Susana Henriques, Hugo Martinho, Ana R. Pedro","doi":"10.1159/000535474","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000535474","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Respiratory diseases, ranking the third in Portugal, contribute significantly to illness and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death globally. Identifying high-risk individuals and implementing early treatment is crucial due to the variability of COPD symptoms and exacerbations. This study aimed to identify effective strategies for preventing exacerbations and complications. Methods: A Delphi involving 15 experts was performed. Experts included physicians, nurses, health managers, policymakers, public health experts, and patient organizations. Consensus was achieved at 73.3% for each strategy using a scale ranging from “agree” to “disagree.” Three rounds were conducted to address six questions related to early diagnosis and patient follow-up. Challenges faced by the Portuguese Health System in managing COPD, obstacles in COPD exacerbation diagnosis and management, and effective strategies to overcome barriers were identified in the first round. The second and third rounds involved analyzing the gathered information and voting on each indicator to achieve consensus, respectively. Indicators were categorized into constraints and barriers, and strategies for reducing COPD exacerbations and disease burden. Results: Out of a total of 134 valid indicators generated, 108 achieved consensus. Among the indicators agreed upon by experts, 18 pertained to barriers, challenges, and constraints, while 90 focused on action strategies for COPD. Among the strategies formulated, 25 consensus indicators target prevention strategies, 24 consensus indicators aim to enhance COPD referrals, and 41 consensus indicators focus on mitigating COPD exacerbations and reducing the overall disease burden. Discussion/Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for integrated investment in respiratory healthcare and recognition of the impact of COPD on patients, healthcare systems, and economies. Prevention and appropriate treatment of exacerbations are crucial for effective COPD management and reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Experts highlight the importance of improving coordination between different levels of care, integrating information systems, and decentralizing hospital responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of individual and collective respiratory health, necessitating investment in health promotion and COPD awareness.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":" 21","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139624390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}