Correlation between levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms in the functional disability of patients with fibromyalgia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that are most correlated with the levels of functional disability in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 42 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology reported their status using the following questionnaires: the Beck Depression Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale 14, the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Visual Analog Pain Scale, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS: Moderate to severe levels of depression (Beck Depression Inventory: 22.35±10.39), moderate to severe functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire: 1.28±0.58), and high levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale 14: 31.59±10.02) were found. The correlation adjusted by multiple regression as a function of the Health Assessment Questionnaire indicated a negligible to weak positive correlation with perceived stress (r=0.11), while a moderately strong positive correlation was observed with the Visual Analog Pain Scale (r=0.55). Regarding physical exercise, one of the pillars of the treatment, a moderate negative correlation was found with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (r=-0.4). CONCLUSION: The pain levels were moderately influenced by depression severity. The factors most linked to functional disability are due to the pain levels but not to the perception of stress.

Association between disease activity and quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract The aim of this study is the association between the scores of disease activity, functional capacity and quality of life among patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, under clinical treatment at the Regional University Hospital of Campos Gerais - Wallace Thadeu de Mello and Silva. The sample was composed by volunteer patients, who freely underwent 3 research questionnaires. With the results of the survey, the disease activity score was correlated to the functional capacity and the quality-of-life scores. A mean of 3.87 and 1.2 was observed for the disease activity and the functional capacity scores, respectively, yet not achieving a correlation between those two variables. A strong correlation between the disease activity and the "functional capacity", "general health status" and "mental health" domains was found. The lowest average observed corresponded to "physical limitation", from the quality-of-life questionnaire. There was no statistically significant correlation between disease activity and functional capacity, although disease activity seems to affect the mental health, general health status and functional capacity of patients.

Quality of sleep and use of computers and cell-phones among university students

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Evaluate the quality of sleep and its association with the use of computers and cell-phones among medicine and dentistry students. METHODS Cross-sectional and comparative study, which evaluated 425 students through a socioeconomic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), and a questionnaire on their use of computers and cell phones. RESULTS Poor sleep quality was observed in 61.4% of medical students and in 60.1% of dentistry students. Medical students with poor sleep quality had a higher mean time of computer use at night when compared to those with good sleep quality (p=0.04), as well as for computer (p<0.001) and cell phone use (p<0.01) immediately before bedtime. Dentistry students with poor sleep quality had a higher average time of computer use before bedtime than those with good sleep quality (p=0.03). CONCLUSION Students should receive guidance on prevention strategies and quality of sleep care.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a qualidade de sono e sua associação com uso de computadores e celulares em estudantes de medicina e odontologia. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal e comparativo, que avaliou 425 estudantes por meio de questionário socioeconômico, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI) e uso de computador e telefone celular. RESULTADOS Sono de má qualidade foi observado em 61,4% dos estudantes de medicina e em 60,1% de odontologia. Para os estudantes de medicina, os tempos médios de uso de computador durante a noite (p=0,04) e computador (p<0,001) e celular (p<0,001) imediatamente antes de dormir foram maiores para os estudantes com má qualidade de sono. Para os estudantes de odontologia, o tempo médio de uso do computador imediatamente antes de dormir foi maior para aqueles com má qualidade de sono (p=0,03). CONCLUSÃO Os estudantes devem receber orientações sobre estratégias de prevenção e cuidados com a qualidade do sono.

Avaliação da qualidade do sono e atores associados em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 / Evaluation of sleep quality and associated factors in type 2 diabetespatients

Analisar a qualidade do sono e possíveis fatores associados em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2. Estudo descritivo transversal e quantitativo com 74 pacientes. Foram utilizados o Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI) para avaliação da qualidade do sono e um questionário com informações socioeconômicas e clínicas. As análises multivariadas foram conduzidas por meio de regressão logística. A maioria dos pacientes tinha 50 anos ou mais de idade (54,1%). Quase 80% tinham diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial, 60,3% eram obesos e 61,6% usavam insulina. Observou-se que 64,9% dos pacientes referiram má qualidade do sono. Ter diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus por 10 anos ou mais esteve associado à má qualidade do sono (OR=3,0;IC=1,045-8,394). A hemoglobina glicada apresentou correlação positiva e significativa para frequência de uso de medicamentos para dormir (r=0,27; p=0,02). Os resultados demonstraram alto percentual de pacientes diabéticos com má qualidade do sono. Ressalta-se a importância de direcionar ações de prevenção e enfrentamento ao cuidado desses pacientes, principalmente aqueles com maior tempo de diagnóstico e os que utilizam medicamentos para dormir

To analyze the sleep quality and possible associated factors in patients diagnosed with type II Diabetes, a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study involving 74 patients was performed. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for the evaluation of Sleep Quality, and a questionnaire was applied for socioeconomic and clinical information. Multivariate analyses were conducted through logistic regression. Most patients were 50 years old or older (54.1%). Almost 80% were diagnosed with arterial hypertension, 60.3% were obese, and 61.6% used of insulin. The results showed that 64% of patients reported poor sleep quality. Having type II Diabetes diagnosed for 10 years or more was associated with poor sleep quality (OR=3.0; CI=1.045-8.394). Glycated haemoglobin showed a positive and significant correlation with the frequency of sleep medication use (r=0.27; p=0.02). The results demonstrated a high percentage of diabetic patients reporting poor sleep quality. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of directing preventive actions and facing the challenges concerning the care of these patients; especially of those who have been diagnosed for a longer period and those using sleep medication