Tobacco Harm Reduction Approach in Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Study among Multi-Specialty Healthcare Professionals in an Indian Metropolitan City

Background:Tobacco harm reduction when advocated by care providers as continuum of care towards the goal of tobacco cessation might result in long-term abstinence than it is currently seen. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the healthcare professionals approach and self-reported practices related to tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation. Methods: A purposive sample (N=36) of multi-specialty healthcare professionals providing tobacco related cessation services at six private medical teaching institutes were engaged in semi-structured qualitative interviews between July 2020 and October 2020 in Chennai. Results: The results indicated that majority of the healthcare professional抯 lack conceptual understanding about tobacco harm reduction. Harm reduction was practised and nicotine replacement therapy was prescribed by psychiatrists in this study. Majority of the healthcare professionals were found to have misconceptions that promoting harm reducing practices instead of cessation might result in continued addiction to nicotine products among the clientele. Conclusions: The findings reveal that tobacco harm reduction remains an under-utilized clinical practise in Indian setting due to knowledge and awareness gaps among multi-specialty healthcare professionals. Improved sensitization through continuous medical education updates is needed to inform effective clinician-affirmative tobacco harm reduction practices.

Bitter kola and kola nut use and their effect on treatment outcome on People Living with HIV at a Military Hospital in Benue state Nigeria: Bitter kola (Garcinia) and Cola nut (Cola nitida among PLWHIV

Introduction Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola) and kola nut, contains substances attributed to numerous effects on humans including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic properties, anti-infective and caffeinism. This study explores Bitter kola and kola nut use and its impact on treatment outcome on People Living with HIV (PLWHIV). Methods: The study was conducted at a Military Hospital in Nigeria. An analytical cross-sectional study was done using questionnaire among 700 HIV-positive clients selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected by researcher and three trained assistants. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for identifying associations and predictors, respectively. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings show that 260 (63.6%) and 179 (25.6%) have ever and currently used Bitter kola/Kola nut, respectively. Also, 14 (7.8%) used Bitter kola/Kola nut alone while 165 (92.2%) used it in addition to other substances, especially with alcohol 123 (68.7%). Bitter kola use was associated with age (p = 0.037), gender (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.001), and number of children (p < 0.011). Identified predictors were being a female (AOR 0.79; 95% CI 0.08-0.92) and earning <18,000 Naira (AOR 2.91; 95% CI 2.03-21.54). There was no association of Bitter kola/kola nut use with CD4 count and viral load suppression. Conclusion: Though Kola nut and Bitter kola use was high as in the general population we have not found any effect on treatment outcome among PLWHIV. This calls for more research to ascertain if there are other possible beneficial effects on PLWHIV.

Public Library Services to HIV/AIDS Clients in Anambra State, Nigeria

This study investigated Public Library Services to HIV/AIDS Clients in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was carried out using a descriptive survey design with two research questions and two hypotheses. The population of this study comprised of 5,385 adult male and female HIV/AIDS Clients registered in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. The sample size was 385 HIV/AIDS Clients. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample the number of respondents for this study The major findings are that some of the services provided by the public library to HIV/AIDS Clients are reading materials, chairs and tables, referral services, bibliographic services, literature search and lending services; while some of the ones not provided are: document delivery services, weekend library services, recreation services, film show services, career information service and notification of conferences, seminars and workshop services. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the government should ensure that any constraint facing the provision of adequate library services for HIV/AIDS clients should be tackled

Contraceptive Choices and Acceptability among New Clients Attending the Family Planning Unit of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background:Effective contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion and ensure adequate birth spacing. The choice of a method depends on consideration of its advantages and disadvantages based on individual perception and interpretations.Objective:To assess contraceptive choices and acceptability among new clients at the family planning clinic of a tertiary health facility in Rivers State, Nigeria.Methodology: This was a one-year retrospective review of clinical records of new clients attending the Family Planning Unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital from January 1, to December 31, 2018. Data on age, education, marital status, parity, contraceptive choice and reason for contraception were retrieved and analyzed using Epi-Info version 7.1.4.Results:A total of 124 female clients were enrolled during the time period. The mean age of the participants was 33.8±5.1 years and the median parity was 3. The most common method of contraception accepted by the clients was implants 87 (70.2%), followed by intrauterine device 32 (25.8%), then injectable 4 (3.2%) and oral contraceptive pills 1(0.8%). Reasons proffered for use of contraceptive was mainly completed family size 69 (55.6%), pregnancy prevention 53 (42.8%) and child spacing 2 (1.6%). There was no significant difference on comparism of mean age and median parity of clients by choice of contraceptive method.Conclusion: The implant methods were the most commonly accepted, while theoral contraceptive pill was the least preferred. Completed family size was the most common reason for contraception

Web counselling as a recent advancement in technology: perspectives of practitioners in India

Background: Online mental health treatment is an emerging, area and few professionals currently use the Internet to provide mental health services. At this time, mental health professions are lacking conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of these Internet services. The objective of the present study is to explore the nature and extent of online counselling in India.Methods: The study relies on data collected through semi-structured interview from e-Counsellors (n=15) and site admins (n=3) from India. The collected data were thematically coded and analyzed quantitatively.Results: Participants reported specific concerns and stereotypes related to the provision of mental health treatment online, including confidentiality of client information, liability issues, and limitations. Also, conveyed benefits of e-Counselling and suggestions for professionals for practicing on e-platforms.Conclusions: Participants reported specific concerns and stereotypes related to the provision of mental health treatment online, including confidentiality of client information, liability issues, and limitations. Also, conveyed benefits of e-Counselling and suggestions for professionals for practicing on e-platforms.

HIV prevalence and correlated factors on male clients of female sex workers in Hekou Yao autonomous county of Yunnan province, 2014-2015 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective@#To assess the prevalence and related factors of HIV infection among male clients of the female sex workers in Hekou Yao autonomous county of Honghe Hani Yi autonomous prefecture (Hekou county) in Yunnan province in China, 2014-2015.@*Methods@#Serial cross-sectional survey was conducted during June 2014 to November 2015. Convenience sampling methods were used to recruit the male clients for this study. Self-reported information on social-demographic characteristics, with sexual and drug behavior patterns, was gathered. Both blood and urine samples were collected for HIV, with for opiate testing. Multivariate logistic regression and Exhaustive CHAID method were used to determine the correlated factors associated with HIV infection. Statistical analysis was used by SPSS 22.0 software and Clementine 12.0 software.@*Results@#The overall HIV prevalence of male clients was 2.06% (16/776). Male clients who keep using condom with female sex worker was estimated as 68.81% (534/776). The last commercial sexual partner of Vietnamese male clients was all Vietnamese female sex workers. Compared with Chinese male clients, Vietnamese male clients have a higher rate of morphine positive. Factors as: age ≥50 years vs. age <30 years (OR=8.11, 95%CI: 1.26-52.16) and testing for morphine positive vs. morphine negative (OR=7.35, 95%CI: 1.42-38.06) were significantly associated with HIV infection through multiple logistic regression analysis. Through Exhaustive CHAID, it confirmed that age was the primary factor that associated with HIV infection of male clients.@*Conclusions@#Relationship between morphine and HIV infection indicated that HIV prevalence of male clients in Hekou county was influenced by the combined effect of both illegal drug use and commercial sexual behavior. Special attention should be paid to male clients over 50 years of age, on HIV intervention.

Ethical issues surrounding counselors' use of social media / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To understand counselors' use of social media from the perspective of clients, and find the relevant ethical issues. Methods: The questionnaire of how clients regarding counselors'use of social media was made as evaluation tool. Totally 434 valid questionnaires were received, including 86 males and 348 females, aged (36 ±7) years. Results: Almost 51.6％ of the clients got information of counseling and counselors through social media, and 35.9％ received online counseling through social media. Several ethical issues existed. Counselors didn't make informed consent with clients, which included the confidentiality, security and real identity about online counseling issues. Clients and counselors added WeChat or QQ friends and interacted with each other outside the counseling process. This situation led to multiple relations. Counselors' personal exposure in their social media negatively impressed clients. Counselors had over propaganda or clients'privacy expose during advertising or training through social media. Conclusion: Counselors' using social media for counseling involve many ethical issues. The confidentiality and multiple relations are more complex and subtle due to Internet features. The ethical issue of counselors' self-exposure in personal social media particularly requires being noticed.

Satisfacción de los pacientes en tratamientos por abuso de sustancias y su relación con variables de las instituciones asistenciales / Clients' satisfaction with a substance abuse treatments and its relationship with the institution characteristics

La satisfacción que los pacientes tienen con respecto a sus tratamientos es un indicador de la calidad de los mismos y un importante predictor de sus posibles resultados. Se analizaron los niveles de tal satisfacción en una muestra de pacientes con problemáticas de abuso de sustancias, tratados en instituciones del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA). Los grados de satisfacción fueron a su vez analizados en relación con las características diferenciales de las instituciones (tipo de institución, ubicación geográfica, género de los pacientes aceptados, presencia de cualidades atípicas en las instituciones) y la evolución de los tratamientos (duración y cantidad de interrupciones del proceso). A partir de un muestreo aleatorio por conglomerados y estratificado, se convocó una muestra de 216 participantes pertenecientes a 22 centros, que completaron un cuestionario de satisfacción, diseñado para este estudio. Los resultados mostraron niveles elevados de satisfacción en las distintas áreas exploradas, observando características distintivas de las instituciones asociadas a diferentes niveles de satisfacción, como es el caso del tipo de institución y el género de los participantes aceptados. No obstante, no se encontraron diferencias en los grados de satisfacción en función del tiempo de desarrollo del tratamiento y la cantidad de interrupciones del mismo. Los resultados obtenidos son discutidos en relación a los alcances del estudio, a la vez que se presentan sus limitaciones y se proponen futuras investigaciones para avanzar sobre esta temática.

The client satisfaction about his treatments it is an important indicator of its quality, but also a fundamental predictor of treatment outcome. Specifically, in patients with drug abuse disorders, the degrees of satisfaction with their treatments have presented lineal correlations with the amount of therapeutic change and the continuity in treatment (prevention of drop-out). Thus, the analysis of clients' satisfaction with their treatments is presented as an indirect and alternative strategy to analyze the effects of therapy for drug abuse disorders, a main health, social, and political problem in the world wide. In this exploratory study we analyzed the levels of satisfaction about their treatment in a sample of client's with substance abuse disorders, treated in institutions of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA). Then we explored the relationship among the levels of satisfaction with the specific features of the institutions where the treatments were conducted (type of institution, geographic location, genre of the clients accepted, and the presence of atypical characteristics) and with characteristics of the evolution of those treatments (treatments length and amount of interruptions during the therapeutic process). Based on a stratified cluster random sampling strategy, using the above-described characteristics of the institutions analyzed in this study to create the clusters, we designed a sample of 216 subjects that were treated in 22 institutions with treatments subsidized by the Argentine National Secretary for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and the Fight against Drug Trafficking (SEDRONAR by its acronym in Spanish). All the participants of this research completed a questionnaire developed ad hoc and based on previous developments, to explore patient's levels of satisfaction in six areas: Admission, General environment (divided into the sub-areas Human and physical context and Mistreatment), Satisfaction with food, Staff evaluation (divided into the sub-areas Overall staff assessment and Specific staff assessment), Satisfaction with treatment (divided into the sub-areas Treatment features, Treatments results, and Complementary therapeutic devices), and General treatment evaluation. Results showed that there were same features of the institutions related to different levels of satisfaction in the participants of the study. Regarding the type of institution, patients of the psychiatric clinics presented the lowest degrees of satisfaction while the patients of the day hospitals had the highest levels of satisfaction. Also different levels of satisfactions were observed based on the genre of the patients accepted in the institutions. Patients of the institutions that only accept male clients have greater degrees of satisfaction than patients in mixed institutions. No significant differences were found in patient's satisfaction due to institution geographical location. Also, we have not found a significant association between patient's satisfaction and treatment length or between treatment satisfaction and amount of interruptions in the therapy. The results are discussed in the context of the scopes of the study, while further research is suggested to move forward in the exploration of this issue. The differences in satisfaction due to the type of institution might be explained by the degree of openness and flexibility of the setting, but also by the severity of the patients that are included in eacht type of institutions. As well, the differences in satisfaction based on the genre of the patients accepted by the institution could be explained by the predominance of male patients in the population (85%) and the possible lack of adaptation of treatment characteristics to female specific necessities. However, the results of this research must be interpreted extremely cautious because of limitations of the study related to the sample method and the unknown psychometric properties (in terms of validity and reliability) of the instrument used.

HIV infection and associated factors in HIV-antibody positive clients of female sex workers recently reported in Shaanxi province / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the current status of HIV infection and the related factors in HIV antibody positive clients of female sex workers (FSWs) recently reported in Shaanxi province.Methods The HIV/AIDS cases newly diagnosed in males living in Shaanxi from January 1th of 2013 to June 30th of 2014 were selected and those infected through "commercial heterosexual behavior" were identified.The information about their demographic characteristics,previous unprotected heterosexual sex and the sample sources were collected,and serum or plasma samples were collected from them and tested with BED-CEIA.The proportion of recent HIV infections and associated factors were investigated.Results The proportion of recent HIV infection and HIV-antibody detection rate in 212 HIV antibody positive male clients of FSWs were 25.5％ and 6.6％ respectively.The cases who had the educational level of junior middle school or high middle school were wore likely to have long term HIV infections than those with lower educational level (aOR=0.28,95％ CI:0.08-0.93).Compared with patients identified by hospitals or sexually transmitted diseases clinics,recent HIV infections were more likely to be found through preoperative test or blood transfusion test (aOR=3.14,95％ CI:1.06-9.30) and blood donation test (aOR=4.19,95％ CI:1.01-17.42).Compared with the cases who had commercial sex only in Xi'an or other province or both in Xi'an and other province,the cases who had commercial sex in other cities in Shaanxi were more likely to be infected recently (aOR=0.19,95％CI:0.07-0.57).Compared with the cases had temporary heterosexual sex partner,those who had no temporary sex partners were more likely to be infected recently (aOR=9.03,95％CI:3.00-27.18)(P＜0.05).Conclusions The proportion of recent HIV infections among HIV antibody positive clients of FSWs was high and the HIV-antibody detection rate among them was low.The educational level,sample source,geographic area and temporary heterosexual partner were related factors for recent HIV infection.The HIV infection in the clients of FSWs,especially those with lower educational level,was serious in Shaanxi.It is necessary to strengthen behavior intervention and improve HIV defection according to the characteristics of this population

HIV infection and associated factors in HIV-antibody positive clients of female sex workers recently reported in Shaanxi province / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the current status of HIV infection and the related factors in HIV antibody positive clients of female sex workers (FSWs) recently reported in Shaanxi province.Methods The HIV/AIDS cases newly diagnosed in males living in Shaanxi from January 1th of 2013 to June 30th of 2014 were selected and those infected through "commercial heterosexual behavior" were identified.The information about their demographic characteristics,previous unprotected heterosexual sex and the sample sources were collected,and serum or plasma samples were collected from them and tested with BED-CEIA.The proportion of recent HIV infections and associated factors were investigated.Results The proportion of recent HIV infection and HIV-antibody detection rate in 212 HIV antibody positive male clients of FSWs were 25.5％ and 6.6％ respectively.The cases who had the educational level of junior middle school or high middle school were wore likely to have long term HIV infections than those with lower educational level (aOR=0.28,95％ CI:0.08-0.93).Compared with patients identified by hospitals or sexually transmitted diseases clinics,recent HIV infections were more likely to be found through preoperative test or blood transfusion test (aOR=3.14,95％ CI:1.06-9.30) and blood donation test (aOR=4.19,95％ CI:1.01-17.42).Compared with the cases who had commercial sex only in Xi'an or other province or both in Xi'an and other province,the cases who had commercial sex in other cities in Shaanxi were more likely to be infected recently (aOR=0.19,95％CI:0.07-0.57).Compared with the cases had temporary heterosexual sex partner,those who had no temporary sex partners were more likely to be infected recently (aOR=9.03,95％CI:3.00-27.18)(P＜0.05).Conclusions The proportion of recent HIV infections among HIV antibody positive clients of FSWs was high and the HIV-antibody detection rate among them was low.The educational level,sample source,geographic area and temporary heterosexual partner were related factors for recent HIV infection.The HIV infection in the clients of FSWs,especially those with lower educational level,was serious in Shaanxi.It is necessary to strengthen behavior intervention and improve HIV defection according to the characteristics of this population

CLIENTES DE PROSTITUCIÓN: REPRESENTACIONES SOCIALES DE TRATA DE PERSONAS / OS CLIENTES DA PROSTITUIÇÃO: REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS DE TRÁFICO DE PESSOAS / PROSTITUTION CLIENTS: SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Se reportan los hallazgos de una investigación realizada en la comunidad de La Merced de la Ciudad de México, donde la trata y la explotación sexual comercial se conjugan para victimizar a niñas, adolescentes y adultas, ante una comunidad pasiva, y la participación activa de clientes de prostitución, quienes no suelen cuestionar el proceso que las llevó a estar inmersas en el comercio sexual. El análisis de las entrevistas realizadas a hombres que se identificaron como clientes de prostitución, muestra en su representación social la existencia de elementos que dan cuenta de la trata y explotación sexual de mujeres prostituidas, sin embargo, no reconocen su participación en el delito, al utilizar a mujeres que han sido víctimas de trata con fines de explotación sexual...

São relatados os achados da pesquisa realizada na comunidade de La Merced, Cidade do México, onde o tráfico e exploração sexual comercial se combinam para vitimar crianças, adolescentes e adultas, ante uma comunidade passiva e a participação ativa dos clientes da prostituição, que tendem a não questionar o processo que as levou a estar imersas no comércio do sexo. A análise de entrevistas com homens que se identificaram como clientes de prostituição mostra, em sua representação social, a existência de elementos que respondem por tráfico e exploração sexual de mulheres prostituídas e, no entanto, não reconhecem o seu envolvimento no crime, ao usar as mulheres que foram traficadas para fins de exploração sexual...

This paper reports the results of a research conducted in the community of La Merced, located in Mexico City, where trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation combine to victimize girls, adolescents and adults, in face of the community's passive gaze and active participation of prostitution clients, since they usually do not question the process that led them to be immersed on sex trade. Analysis of the interviews made with men who identified themselves as prostitution clients, shows the existence of elements that account for trafficking and sexual exploitation of prostituted women in their social representation, however, they do not recognize participation in the felony, seeing that they use women trafficked for sexual exploitation purposes...

Profile of HIV positive clients in an ICTC of a private medical college, Andhra Pradesh: A situational analysis.

Background: HIV/AIDS has turned out into global pandemic. In India under National AIDS Control Program (NACP) –III Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC) were established throughout the country for providing prevention services through a holistic approach for all segments of the population. Objectives: To study the sociodemographic profile and risk behavior pattern of clients diagnosed HIV positive in the ICTC. Material & method: Study Design: Cross-sectional study (record based) Setting: Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Andhra Pradesh. Subjects- All the 448 seropositive attendees during the year 2007-2010. Data pertaining to total 8845 clients, who availed the services from the ICTC during the above period was assessed for the time trend of HIV infection .Study Variables- Year of reporting, in-referral of the clients, age, sex, educational status, marital status, occupation and pattern of risk behavior in relation to HIV/AIDS. Statistical analysis- Data was analyzed in SPSS version 17.0 . Results: HIV prevalence was found to be declining over the last 4 years, except in 2008. Among the seropositives 62.7% were males and 37.3% were females. 85% were in the reproductive age group 78.1% were married;53.1% were illiterates. Majority of them are labourers from the agricultural background and housewives. In 83.9% of the individuals it is acquired through unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Conclusion- These findings should call for greater introspection among the program managers and facilitate for more customized local planning involving various stakeholders.

A intervenção com clientes involuntários: complexidade e dilemas / Involuntary clients intervention: complexity and dilemmas

O presente artigo de revisão da literatura centra-se na temática dos clientes involuntários. Analisaram-se criticamente os trabalhos de autores que: (1) propõem a sua caracterização, designadamente no que respeita ao posicionamento do cliente na situação de ajuda, concluindo-se pela complexidade da sua identificação; (2) conceptualizam o papel dos profissionais de saúde mental, bem como as singularidades da relação terapêutica, destacando a importância da aliança, dos dilemas éticos e da motivação para a intervenção; (3) apresentam os modelos terapêuticos mais utilizados nestas situações, enfatizando-se as terapias colaborativas, e particularmente as centradas nas soluções, como as que melhor promovem o envolvimento destes clientes. Ao longo da pesquisa manteve-se a preocupação de rever obras abrangentes na área do acompanhamento psicológico que simultaneamente evidenciassem ou favorecessem uma perspectiva crítica e complexa sobre o tema. Na organização do artigo procurou-se seguir uma perspectiva diacrónica que mostrasse a evolução da conceptualização e praxis sobre a problemática.

The involuntary clients issue is the core of this literature review article. Critical analysis was carried out over the work of authors who: (1) propose their characterization, namely in what concerns the client's positioning in a help situation, leading to a notion of complexity in its identification; (2) conceptualize the role of mental health technicians, as well as the singularities of the therapeutic relationship, highlighting the importance of the alliance, ethical dilemmas and the motivation towards an intervention; (3) point out the therapeutic models mainly used in these situations, emphasizing collaborative therapies, particularly solution focused therapies, as those who better promote the involvement of clients. Reviewing extensive literature on psychological intervention that simultaneously underlined a critical and complex perspective on the matter was a constant concern throughout the research process. The article's structure is outlined diachronically so that the evolution of both conceptualization and praxis on the subject becomes clear.

Evaluación de la satisfacción del cliente de la Drogueria Villa Clara, 2008-2009 / Assessment of the client satisfaction in Villa Clara Drugstore, 2008-2009

Introducción: la Droguería Villa Clara es la encargada de la distribución de medicamentos, reactivos y otros insumos médicos en esta provincia de Cuba. Mantiene relaciones comerciales con gran variedad de clientes, pero los más importantes son los pertenecientes al Sistema de Salud. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad del servicio brindado por esta entidad a los hospitales, policlínicos y farmacias de la provincia durante el 2008 y el 2009. Métodos: se conformó una muestra representativa de estas instituciones en todos los municipios de Villa Clara y se aplicaron encuestas al personal responsable de medicamentos en cada tipo unidad. Se determinó el índice de satisfacción para cada cliente encuestado en particular, así como para policlínicos, hospitales y farmacias en sentido general. Por otra parte, se determinó el índice de satisfacción alcanzado de forma global por la droguería en cada año evaluado. Resultados: el servicio brindado por la Droguería Villa Clara durante el 2008 y el 2009 fue calificado como bueno, con una mejora palpable al obtenerse índices de satisfacción que variaron de 84,2 por ciento en el 2008 a 88,3 por ciento en el 2009. Conclusiones: los clientes del proceso de distribución de medicamentos, perciben la disponibilidad de medicamentos como el problema fundamental de la distribución en la provincia

Introduction: Villa Clara Drugstore is in charge of the distribution of drugs, reagents, and other medical inputs in this Cuban province. It has commercial relations with a wide variety of clients, but the most important ones are those within the health system. Objective: to evaluate the quality of service rendered by this entity to hospitals, polyclinics and pharmacies in the province in 2008 and 2009. Methods: a representative sample from these institutions in all Villa Clara municipalities was selected and the personnel in charge of medications in each unit was surveyed. Satisfaction index for each surveyed client was determined as well as the overall satisfaction index for policlinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. On the other hand, the overall satisfaction index in each assessed year was estimated. Results: the service offered by Villa Clara Drugstore in the years 2008 and 2009 was qualified as good, with tangible improvement since the satisfaction indexes increased from 84,8 percent in 2008 to 88,8 percent in 2009. Conclusions: the clients consider that the drug availability is the main distribution problem in the province

Perfil da clientela atendida em um serviço público de urgência psiquiátrica no município de Belo Horizonte, Brasil, no período de 2002 a 2007 / Clinical and demographical profile of patients admitted to a psychiatric emergency service of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2002-2007

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características sociodemográficas, o número e os tipos de atendimentos realizados em um serviço público de atendimento de Urgência Psiquiátrica de Belo Horizonte, Brasil, no período de 2002 a 2007. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo de séries temporais, com análises de tendência por meio de regressões lineares, em que a variável resposta foi o número anual de atendimentos (totais e por tipo) ou a proporção de atendimentos por diagnóstico e a variável preditora foi o ano. RESULTADOS: O número total de atendimentos no período pesquisado não apresentou alteração significativa, embora tenha ocorrido uma redução do número de primeiras consultas no serviço, com aumento do número de retornos. Foi observada redução dos diagnósticos associados a álcool e drogas de abuso e predominância dos transtornos psicóticos. CONCLUSÃO: No período estudado, o Hospital Galba Velloso - FHEMIG manteve o volume total de atendimentos, mas observou-se redução da proporção de pacientes oriundos da capital, bem como redução da procura por diagnósticos associados a álcool e drogas de abuso, enquanto a categoria diagnóstica mais prevalente foi a dos transtornos psicóticos. Houve redução dos primeiros atendimentos e das internações prolongadas.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the social-demographic characteristics, the number and the types of emergency visits during the period of 2002-2007 in a psychiatric public service of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: A time-series descriptive study with trend analysis through linear regressions, where the dependent variable was the annual number of visits (total and by type), or the proportion of visits for diagnosis, and predictor variable was year. RESULTS: The total number of visits presented no significant changes. Nevertheless, a reduction on the number of first visits and an increase on the number of return consultations were detected. There was a reduction on the diagnosis associated with alcohol and drug abuse and a predominance of psychotic disorders. Admissions of patients residing in the capital were also reduced. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the total number of visits during the study period remained unchanged, while there was a reduction of patients from the capital and of the proportion of first consultations and of alcohol/drug related disorders. The most frequent diagnosis was psychotic disorders and schizophrenia.

Redes sociais em comunidades de baixa renda: os efeitos diferenciais dos laços fracos e dos laços fortes / Social networks in low-income communities: the differential effects of weak and strong ties

Neste artigo demonstramos, a partir de uma replicação qualitativa de um estudo quantitativo, que os sistemas fechados de interação - aqui denominados capital social - e os abertos - laços fracos - são fenômenos de natureza distinta e, consequentemente, desempenham funções distintas na determinação da capacidade de articulação coletiva de indivíduos e no grau de eficácia de ações coletivas. A hipótese principal do artigo é que, enquanto capital social tem a ver com maior capacidade dos membros da comunidade para articular mobilização social, os laços fracos dizem respeito à capacidade de a comunidade conseguir benefícios, como saneamento básico, segurança pública, transporte coletivo, saúde e lazer - aqui denominada eficácia coletiva. A metodologia adotada baseia-se na replicação qualitativa de um survey, com três estudos de caso em comunidades periféricas da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, sobre a importância dos laços fracos para a ação eficaz da comunidade diante do poder público.

Análise do perfil da clientela de um serviço universitário de orientação profissional / Client profile analysis of an university career guidance service / Análisis del perfil de usuarios de un servicio universitario de orientación profesional

As novas exigências para ingresso e permanência no mercado de trabalho conduziram a um notável crescimento na busca por atendimento em orientação profissional, levando a alterações no perfil dos clientes. O presente estudo investigou o perfil do público que buscou atendimento no Centro de Avaliação Psicológica, Seleção e Orientação Profissional (CAP-SOP) da UFRGS, no período entre 2001 e 2004. Foram analisadas 1058 fichas de inscrição, focalizando-se itens tais como: sexo, idade, escolaridade, atividade remunerada, tipo de encaminhamento e de atendimento. Um estudo derivado foi realizado com 100 indivíduos com experiência universitária. Dentre os principais resultados observou-se uma ampliação da faixa etária dos inscritos, com mais atendimentos individuais com adultos, especialmente mulheres com diploma universitário. O mapeamento do público inscrito no CAP-SOP permite acompanhar alterações em seu perfil, e apontar aspectos que sugerem tanto a revisão de procedimentos do Serviço como novas perguntas de pesquisa sobre o perfil do orientando.

New requirements for entering and remaining in the job market led to a noticeable increase in the search for career guidance services (CG), generating changes in clients profile. This study investigated the profile of the Psychological Evaluation, Selection and Career Guidance Center (CAP-SOP) clients at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. We reviewed 1058 application forms, filled out between 2001 and 2004, focusing in items such as sex, age, educational level, employment status, and type and nature of assistance offered. A second study was conducted including 100 participants who were attending university or had attained a degree. Results indicated an increase on the age range, with more individual assistance directed to adults, especially women with university degrees. Maping clients allows the identification of changes in their profile and points to the need for revising procedures at CAP-SOP as well as evokes new research questions about clients profile.

Las nuevas exigencias para el ingreso y permanencia en el mercado de trabajo nos llevaron a un crecimiento notable de búsqueda de los servicios de orientación profesional (OP) con consecuencias en el cambio del perfil de los usuarios. Este estudio investigó el perfil del público que buscó atención en el Centro de Evaluación Psicológica, Selección y Orientación Profesional (CAP-SOP) de la Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Sul. Fueron analizadas 1058 fichas de inscripción entre 2001 y 2004, seleccionando datos como sexo del inscrito, edad, escolaridad, actividad remunerada o tipo de derivación y estatus de la atención. Un estudio correlativo fue realizado con 100 individuos con experiencia universitaria. Entre los principales resultados se observó una ampliación de los intervalos de edad de los inscritos, mayor número de atenciones individuales con adultos, especialmente mujeres con diploma universitario. La configuración obtenida del público inscrito en el CAP-SOP permite acompañar alteraciones de su perfil e indicar aspectos que sugieren tanto la revisión de los procedimientos del Servicio como nuevas preguntas de investigación sobre el perfil del orientado.

Effect of Nursing Intervention on the Knowledge, Health Beliefs, Self Efficacy and Rescreening Compliance of Cervical Cancer Screening Clients / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to determine the effect of nursing interventions on the knowledge of cervical cancer, and health beliefs, self efficacy and rate of rescreening compliance. METHOD: This was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 93 women who had experienced cervical cancer screening in S city and were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. Intervention tools were a screening record pocket book, phone-coach. and watching a video(17mins). The data was collected from April to December, 2003 and analyzed using an chi-square-test. t-test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: The 1st hypothesis, "The Posttest knowledge score of the experimental group will be significantly higher than that of the control group" was supported (F=11.16, p= .001). The 2nd hypothesis, "The Posttest health belief score of the experimental group will be significantly higher than that of the control group" was not supported(F=3.38, p= .069). The 3rd hypothesis, "The Posttest self efficacy score of the experimental group will be significantly higher than that of the control group" was supported(F=4.36, p= .040). The 4th hypothesis, "The Rescreening compliance rate of the experimental group after the nursing intervention will be significantly higher than that of the control group" was supported(chi-square=3.45, p= .050). CONCLUSION: This nursing intervention was effective in increasing the knowledge of cervical cancer, and self efficacy percentage of rescreening compliance. Therefore I think this intervention can be used for promoting the rescreening compliance of women.

Investigation of AIDS related knowledge and behaviors among female sex workers and their male clients in entertainment venues in Shenzhen / 中国艾滋病性病

Objective To understand AIDS related knowledge and behaviors among female sex workers(FSWs) and their male clients from the same community.Methods One hundred and seventy seven FSWs and one hundred and fifty four male clients were recruited from entertainment venues in the same community by random sampling,and anonymous questionnaires were administered separately.Results(1)Over 80% of FSWs and their male clients understood the basic routes of HIV transmission,but many of them were unclear about non-HIV transmission routes.(2)97.7% of FSWs and 84.2% of the male clients used condoms during their commericial sexual intercourse.The frequency of using condoms during sex with casual or regular sex partners was lower than that during the commercial sexual intercourse(P

How Long the Effect of Social Support Would Be Continued for the Patients with Hypertension? / 성인간호학회지

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of social support revealed in the time duration of sick role behavior compliance on the patients with hypertension using Quasi- experimental research design. Data collection was made through the interview survey technique from the hypertensive patients who received social support intervention (experimental group, n=41) and from those who were not exposed to the intervention(control group, n= 34). The subjects were registered in the cardiovascular outpatient clinic at the Chonnam National University Hospital from June 3, 1996 to November 30, 1997. X2-test or t- test, Repeated measures ANOVA were utilized in the data analysis. The results were as follows: 1. The effect of social support intervention on sick role behavior compliance was significant in 1 month(F=69.17, p=.000), 6 months (F=11.51, p=.001), and 12 months(F=.07, p=.789) and between two groups(1 month; F=153.70, p=.000, 6 months; F=13.94, p=.000, 12 months; F=6.72, p= .011). 2. The effect of social support intervention on blood pressure was not significant through all the periods of time (F=1.21, p=.274) between the two groups(F=.12, p=.732). In conclusion, it was showed that social support had an effect on sick role behavior compliance and the effect of social support continued for twelve months(F= 10.03, p=.002) However, the score of compliance tends to decrease after 6 months of intervention. Therefore, this study indicated that social support re-intervention would be needed between six and twelve months.