Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study

Abstract Background: Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization. Methods: A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations. Results: Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p = 0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p = 0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.

Eventos adversos e incidentes notificados em um centro de materiais e esterilização / Adverse events and incidents reported in a materials and sterilization center

Objetivo: Caracterizar as notificações dos incidentes e eventos adversos do Centro de Material e Esterilização (CME) de um hospital de ensino. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, documental, descritivo e quantitativo em um CME classe II, em que foram analisadas as notificações contidas no banco de dados do Núcleo do Sistema de Gestão da Qualidade e Segurança do paciente, entre 2016 e 2020. Como técnica de análise dos dados coletados, utilizou-se o diagrama de causa e efeito, e a descrição das notificações foram agrupadas conforme o diagrama de 6M: método; material; mão de obra; máquina; medida; e meio ambiente. Resultados: Entre as notificações realizadas, as variáveis matéria-prima e método foram as que mais geraram incidentes durante todo o período, representando 28,54 e 26,44%, respectivamente. Além disso, o Centro Cirúrgico foi o que mais notificou e foi notificado pelo CME. Conclusão: Foi possível conhecer os incidentes que mais predominam no CME da instuição, e as variáveis materiais e método, com o centro cirúrgico, foram as variáveis e setor que mais geraram notificações no período pesquisado (AU)

Quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: With the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), life expectancy of HIV-infected persons had increased and the disease is now managed as a chronic one, but the quality of life (QOL) of the patients is now a concern. Social support enhances QOL of patients with chronic illnesses. However, no study has been done to determine the QOL of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in our environment. This study therefore assessed the QOL of PLWHA attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State of Nigeria Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Two hundred and thirty PLWHA attending the ART clinic of ISTH, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria, were systematically selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical profiles of selected participants, and the WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire was used to collect data the QOL of each participant. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20.0. Results: The overall mean QOL score for the participants was 89.13±1.18 (95% CI=87.95-90.31). The scores in three of the six life domains in the WHOQOL-HIV BREF instrument were similar and high; spirituality/ religion/personal beliefs (16.33±0.36), physical health (15.83±0.28) and psychological health (15.07±0.24). Lower mean QOL scores were observed in the social relationships (13.49±0.28) and environment (13.45±0.20) domains. Clinical HIV stage, marital status, educational status and gender were significantly associated with mean QOL scores in bivariate analysis while only HIV stage 1 and 2 were significantly associated with good QOL in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: It is pertinent that PLWHA are kept in early stages of HIV disease through combination of efforts such as prompt enrolment, commencement and monitoring compliance of HAART, and treatment of opportunistic infections, as well as public health measures including education, de-stigmatization, early diagnosis by extensive accessible screening/testing of at-risk population, social supports and economic empowerment, psychotherapy and social integration of affected individuals especially in a functional home.

Hypertension and associated factors among patients attending HIV clinic at KorleBu Teaching Hospita

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among patients attending the HIV clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at KBTH. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated among study participants, and socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, metabolic and HIV/ART-related factors associated with hypertension were determined by logistic regression modelling. Setting: Study participants were recruited from the HIV clinic at the KBTH. Participants: A total of 311 Persons Living with HIV were recruited as study participants Interventions: Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. A questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk-factor surveillance was used to collect study participants' data. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 36.7%, and the factors associated with hypertension were increasing age, positive family history of hypertension, minimal exercising, current BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 , total cholesterol level ≥5.17 mmol/L, exposure to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and increasing duration of ART exposure. Conclusions: This study shows a high prevalence of hypertension among patients attending the HIV clinic at KBTH,associated with exposure to ART and increasing duration of this exposure. Blood pressure monitoring should move from routine to a more purposeful screening of patients for hypertension. Patients with the identified risk factors should be encouraged to have regular blood pressure measurements at home and not only when they visit the HIV clinic.

Cardiovascular physical examination as a screening tool for congenital heart disease in newborns at a teaching hospital in Ghana

Objectives: To determine the usefulness of cardiovascular physical examination (CPE) as a screening tool in a lowresource setting for detecting congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns delivered at the Maternity Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study with a comparison group component. Setting: Maternity Unit of the KBTH, Accra, Ghana. Participants: Over eight months, newborns aged 1-14 days delivered at ≥ 34 weeks' gestation at the Maternity Unit, KBTH, were recruited into the study. Intervention: Each newborn was examined using a set of CPE parameters for the presence of congenital heart disease. Those with suggestive features of CHD had a confirmatory echocardiogram test. Main Outcome Measure: Abnormal CPE features and their corresponding echocardiogram findings. Results: A total of 1607 were screened, with 52 newborns showing signs of CHD on CPE, of which 20 newborns were proven on echocardiogram to have congenital heart disease. Abnormal CPE parameter that was associated with CHD was murmur (P=0.001), dysmorphism (p=0.01), newborns with chest recessions (p=0.01) and lethargy (p=0.02). CPE's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95%, 60.7%, 36.5% and 98,1%, respectively. The most common acyanotic CHD found was isolated atrial septal defect (ASD), followed by patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The only cyanotic CHD found was a case of tricuspid atresia. Conclusion: Cardiovascular physical examination at birth is an effective and inexpensive screening tool for detecting CHD in newborns, which can easily be utilised in low-resource settings.

Experiência de profissionais e residentes atuantes no centro obstétrico acerca da utilização do plano de parto / Experiencia de profesionales y residentes que trabajan en el centro obstétrico sobre el uso del plan de parto / Experience of professionals and residents working in the obstetric center on birth plan use

Resumo Objetivo conhecer a experiência de profissionais e residentes atuantes no centro obstétrico acerca da utilização do plano de parto. Método pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida com sete profissionais e cinco residentes atuantes em um centro obstétrico de um hospital de ensino localizado no sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um questionário semiestruturado, no período de novembro a dezembro de 2020. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados a carência de conhecimento ou de atualização surgiu como um dos motivos para a não utilização do plano de parto, além do dimensionamento inadequado para atender às demandas do serviço. Entre as possibilidades para a utilização do plano de parto, têm-se a elaboração durante as consultas de pré-natal e a atuação de uma equipe multiprofissional. Conclusão e Implicações para a Prática a busca pelo conhecimento é a chave principal para aumentar a viabilização e, consequentemente, a utilização desse documento durante o pré-natal e trabalho de parto. O conhecimento acerca da utilização do plano e parto promove condições para o exercício da autonomia e protagonismo da mulher durante o trabalho de parto, parto e nascimento.

Resumen Objetivo conocer la experiencia de los profesionales y residentes de la salud en el centro obstétrico sobre el uso del plano de parto. Método investigación cualitativa, con siete profesionales y cinco residentes sanitarios en un centro obstétrico de un hospital localizado en el sur de Brasil. La recopilación de datos se produjo mediante un cuestionario semiestructurado, en el período de noviembre a diciembre de 2020. Los datos obtenidos se sometieron a un análisis de contenido temático. Resultados la falta de conocimiento o de actualización surgió como una de las razones para no utilizar el plan de parto, además del inadecuado dimensionamiento para satisfacer las demandas del servicio. Entre las posibilidades para la utilización del plano de parto, está la elaboración durante las consultas prenatales y la actuación de un equipo multiprofesional. Conclusión e Implicaciones para la práctica La búsqueda de conocimiento es la clave para aumentar la viabilidad y, en cnsecuencia, la utilización de este documento durante el prenatal y el trabajo de parto. El conocimiento sobre el uso del plan de parto y nacimiento promoverá las condiciones para el ejercicio de la autonomía y el protagonismo de las mujeres durante el trabajo de parto, el parto y el nacimiento.

Abstract Objective to know the experience of professionals and residents working at an obstetric center about birth plan use. Method qualitative research, developed with seven professionals and five residents working at an obstetric center of a teaching hospital located in southern Brazil. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, from November to December 2020. The data obtained were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results the lack of knowledge or updating emerged as one of the reasons for not using the birth plan, in addition to inadequate sizing to meet the service demands. Among the possibilities for birth plan use, there is the elaboration during prenatal consultations and the performance of a multidisciplinary team. Conclusion and Implications for practice The search for knowledge is the main key to increase feasibility and, consequently, the use of this document during prenatal and labor. Knowledge about birth plan use promotes conditions for women to exercise autonomy and role during labor, childbirth and birth.

Serviço-escola de psicologia da Unifesp: campos de estágio, ações e especificidades / UNIFESP's psychology service-school: internship field, actions, and specificities / Serviço-escola de psicologia de la Unifesp: campos de prácticas profesionales, acciones y especificidades

O Serviço-Escola de Psicologia (SEP) da Unifesp foi constituído com o intuito de transcender o tradicional funcionamento das clínicas-escola, superando a atomização da Psicologia em áreas e oferecendo serviços integrados à rede. Isso possibilita uma formação interdisciplinar, pluralista, generalista, não tecnicista, crítica, permitindo a compreensão e atuação do psicólogo em diversos contextos socioculturais. O objetivo do artigo é descrever, avaliar e problematizar as ações do SEP da Unifesp, em relação à oferta de campos de estágio e ações desenvolvidas neles. É um estudo transversal, baseado em metodologia predominantemente quantitativa e descritiva. O levantamento de dados foi realizado por meio de dois questionários online respondidos por todos os supervisores. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva. Os resultados evidenciaram maior incidência das ações no município de Santos e, em menor grau, em outros municípios da Baixada Santista e na cidade de São Paulo. A maioria das atividades de estágios não se limita ao espaço físico de atendimento clínico do Serviço-Escola, ocorrendo junto às instituições públicas ou às instituições ligadas ao terceiro setor na região, relacionadas, direta ou indiretamente, com a promoção de políticas públicas. A pluralidade de recursos utilizados (grupos, atendimento individual, acompanhamento terapêutico, oficinas, matriciamento, entre outros) revela uma ampliação do repertório de competências e habilidades. A variedade de oferta de projetos e campos de estágio, públicos-alvo atendidos, assim como a diversidade e flexibilidade de ações e estratégias desenvolvidas, apontam um movimento de congruência em relação às diretrizes curriculares nacionais e ao inovador Projeto Pedagógico do curso.(AU)

UNIFESP's Psychology Service-School (SEP) was founded with the objective of going beyond the traditional functioning of school-clinics, overcoming the atomization of Psychology in areas and offering services integrated to the network. This enables an interdisciplinary, pluralist, generalist, non-technicist, and critical training, allowing psychologists' understanding and action in different sociocultural contexts. This article aims to describe, evaluate, and discuss the actions of UNIFESP's SEP regarding the offer of internship fields and the actions developed in those fields. It is a cross-sectional study, based on a predominantly descriptive and quantitative methodology. The data was surveyed with two online questionnaires answered by all supervisors. Quantitative data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. The results showed a higher incidence of actions in the municipality of Santos and, to a lesser extent, in other municipalities of the Baixada Santista and in the city of São Paulo. Most internship activities are not limited to the physical space of the service-school's clinical care and take place alongside public institutions or institutions linked to the third sector in the area, directly or indirectly related to the promotion of public policies. The plurality of resources (groups, personal care, therapeutic monitoring, workshops, matrix support, among others) reveals an expansion of competences and skills repertoire. The variety of projects and internship fields offers, of target audiences served, as well as the diversity and flexibility of the developed actions and strategies point to a congruence movement relating to national curricular guidelines and to the innovative pedagogical project of the course.(AU)

El Serviço-Escola de Psicologia (SEP) de la Unifesp (Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil) buscó trascender el funcionamiento tradicional de las clínicas universitarias, superar la atomización de la Psicología en áreas y ofrecer servicios integrados a la red. Esto permite una formación interdisciplinar, pluralista, generalista, sin tecnicismos, crítica, lo que posibilita a los/las psicólogos/as comprender y actuar en diferentes contextos socioculturales. Este artículo pretendió describir, evaluar y problematizar las acciones del SEP Unifesp respecto a la oferta de campos de prácticas profesionales y acciones desarrolladas. Es un estudio transversal, con metodología predominantemente cuantitativa y descriptiva. Los datos se recolectaron de dos cuestionarios en línea respondidos por los/las supervisores/as. Se les aplicaron un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Hubo más acciones en la ciudad de Santos (Brasil) que en otros municipios de la región metropolitana de la Baixada Santista y en la ciudad de São Paulo. La mayoría de las prácticas profesionales no se limita a la atención clínica del SEP, ocurriendo en instituciones públicas o vinculadas al tercer sector en la región, directa o indirectamente, relacionadas con la promoción de políticas públicas. La pluralidad de recursos (grupos, atención individual, acompañamiento terapéutico, talleres, soporte matricial, entre otros) revela un amplio repertorio de competencias y habilidades. La variada oferta de proyectos y campos para prácticas profesionales, los públicos destinatarios atendidos, así como la diversidad y flexibilidad de acciones y estrategias desarrolladas apuntan a una congruencia respecto a los lineamientos curriculares nacionales y al innovador proyecto pedagógico del curso.(AU)

Clima del aprendizaje y autopercepción de empatía en residencias médicas de un hospital universitario: un estudio de corte transversal / Learning climate and self-perception of empathy in a teaching hospital's medical residency programs: a cross-sectional study

Con el objetivo de explorar si existe correlación entre el clima de aprendizaje (CA) y la propia empatía percibida por residentes médicos, realizamos en un hospital universitario un estudio observacional de corte transversal, utilizando las escalas D-RECT (evaluación del clima educacional) y Jefferson (empatía), en el que participaron 140 residentes de 9 especialidades durante 2019 y 2020. Documentamos una correlación baja-moderada y estadísticamente significativa (Spearman ́s rho: 0,34 p <0,0001) entre ambos puntajes, con una confiabilidad aceptable de ambos instrumentos (>0,7). Por cada 10 puntos de diferencia en la escala D-RECT, observamos una diferencia promedio de 1,80 puntos en la escala Jefferson. Este trabajo aporta nuevos indicios respecto a la correlación entre el clima de aprendizaje y la empatía médica autopercibida durante la residencia. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren una tendencia que debería ser investigada con mayor profundidad en el futuro.

In order to explore whether there is a correlation between the learning climate (LC) and the self- perception of empathy by medical residents, we conducted an observational, cross sectional study in a teaching hospital using the D-RECT (Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test) and the Jefferson scale (empathy) in 140 residents from 9 specialties during 2019 and 2020. We documented a low to moderate and statistically significant correlation (Spearman's Rho: 0.34, p < 0.0001) between both scores, with an acceptable reliability for both instruments (> 0.7). For every 10-point difference in the D-RECT scale, an average difference of 1.80 points in the Jefferson Scale was observed. This study provides new evidence regarding the correlation between the learning climate and self-perceived medical empathy during the residency program. Our findings suggest a trend that should be further studied in the future.

Comparação de desfechos clínicos e correlação entre funcionalidade e tempo de ventilação mecânica de pacientes em uti / Comparison of clinical outcomes and correlation between functionality and time of mechanical ventilation in icu patients / Comparación de los resultados clínicos y correlación entre la funcionalidad y el tiempo de ventilación mecánica de los pacientes en uti

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os desfechos clínicos dos pacientes em suporte ventilatório invasivo por período curto e prolongado e correlacionar funcionalidade e tempo de ventilação mecânica (VM). Estudo documental retrospectivo, realizado na UTI neurocirúrgica de um hospital escola. Dos prontuários clínicos foram coletados: idade, sexo, hipótese diagnóstica de internação, tempo de internação e de VM em dias, o desfecho sucesso ou falha da extubação e o nível de funcionalidade. Os prontuários foram divididos em grupo um (GI): pacientes em VM por até três dias e grupo dois (GII): pacientes em VM por mais de três dias. Foram analisados 210 prontuários, 73% dos pacientes permaneceram menos de três dias em VM. A idade média de GI foi 51,8±15,5 anos e GII 48,7±16,3 anos (p=0,20), prevalência do sexo masculino em GI (59%) e GII (68%). O acidente vascular cerebral foi o diagnóstico mais prevalente no GI (18%) e o tumor cerebral no GII (21%) e hipertensão arterial, a comorbidade mais prevalente em GI (28%) e GII (25%). O GII permaneceu maior tempo (p<0,0001) em VM e internação na UTI que o GI e percentual de sucesso no desmame/extubação menor (p=0,01) que o GI. Não houve correlação significativa entre funcionalidade e tempo de VM em GI e GII (p>0,05). Os pacientes em suporte ventilatório invasivo por período prolongado evoluíram com maior permanência em VM, maior tempo de internação na UTI e menor taxa de sucesso no desmame/extubação. O tempo de permanência em suporte ventilatório invasivo não interferiu na funcionalidade desses pacientes.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients on short- and long-term invasive ventilatory support and to correlate functionality and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Retrospective documental study, carried out in the neurosurgical ICU of a teaching hospital. The following were collected from the clinical records: age, gender, diagnostic hypothesis of hospitalization, length of hospital stay and MV in days, the outcome of success or failure of extubation and the level of functionality. The medical records were divided into group one (GI): patients on MV for up to three days and group two (GII): patients on MV for more than three days. A total of 210 medical records were analyzed, 73% of the patients remained on MV for less than three days. The mean age of GI was 51.8±15.5 years and GII 48.7±16.3 years (p=0.20), male prevalence in GI (59%) and GII (68%). Stroke was the most prevalent diagnosis in GI (18%) and brain tumor in GII (21%) and hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity in GI (28%) and GII (25%). GII remained longer (p<0.0001) in MV and ICU admission than GI and the percentage of success in weaning/extubation was lower (p=0.01) than GI. There was no significant correlation between functionality and time on MV in GI and GII (p>0.05). Patients on invasive ventilatory support for a long period evolved with longer MV stays, longer ICU stays and lower weaning/extubation success rates. The length of stay on invasive ventilatory support did not interfere with the functionality of these patients.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con soporte ventilatorio invasivo a corto y largo plazo y correlacionar la funcionalidad y el tiempo de ventilación mecánica (VM). Se trata de un estudio documental retrospectivo, realizado en la UCI neuroquirúrgica de un hospital universitario. Se recogieron los siguientes datos de las historias clínicas: edad, sexo, hipótesis diagnóstica, duración de la estancia y tiempo de VM en días, el resultado éxito o fracaso de la extubación y el nivel de funcionalidad. Las historias clínicas se dividieron en el grupo uno (GI): pacientes bajo VM hasta tres días y el grupo dos (GII): pacientes bajo VM durante más de tres días. Se analizaron 210 historias clínicas, el 73% de los pacientes permanecieron menos de tres días con VM. La edad media de GI fue de 51,8±15,5 años y la de GII de 48,7±16,3 años (p=0,20), con prevalencia masculina en GI (59%) y GII (68%). El ictus fue el diagnóstico más prevalente en GI (18%) y el tumor cerebral en GII (21%) y la hipertensión, la comorbilidad más prevalente en GI (28%) y GII (25%). El GII permaneció más tiempo (p<0,0001) en la VM y la estancia en la UCI que el GI y el porcentaje de éxito en el destete/extubación fue menor (p=0,01) que el GI. No hubo correlación significativa entre la funcionalidad y el tiempo de VM en GI y GII (p>0,05). Los pacientes con soporte ventilatorio invasivo a largo plazo evolucionaron con una mayor estancia en la VM, una mayor estancia en la UCI y una menor tasa de éxito de destete/extubación. La duración de la estancia con soporte ventilatorio invasivo no interfirió en la funcionalidad de estos pacientes.

Experiências de discentes na assistência ao parto: projeto de extensão / Excellent experiences in child care: extension project / Experiencias de los estudiantes en cuidado del parto: proyecto de extensión

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de discentes em um projeto de extensão no Centro Obstétrico de uma maternidade de alto risco de um estado do Nordeste. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, transversal com abordagem qualitativa. Os acadêmicos relataram sobre suas experiências no período de 2018.1 a 2019.2. A análise foi feita através dos discursos dos alunos e reflexão crítica dos dados necessários para a construção deste relato. Resultados: O projeto promoveu a articulação ensino-serviço, através da integração do mesmo com uma equipe multiprofissional favoreceu a humanização da assistência ao parto e nascimento. Muitas melhorias aconteceram no ambiente de trabalho devido ao incentivo do projeto, tais como a aquisição pela instituição de tecnologias não farmacológicas para o alívio da dor, a prática dos princípios da humanização do parto e nascimento saudáveis, bem como foram desenvolvidos planos assistenciais às parturientes. Conclusão: A extensão propiciou articulação do ensino-aprendizagem no serviço, através da integração interdisciplinar e multiprofissional, constituindo uma fonte de conhecimento e desenvolvimento. (AU)

Objective: To report the experience of students in an extension project in the Obstetric Center of a high-risk maternity hospital of a northeastern state. Methods: This is a descriptive study, of the type of experience report, cross-sectional with a qualitative approach. The students reported on their experiences from 2018.1 to 2019.2. The analysis was made through the students' discourses and critical reflection of the data needed to construct this report. Results: The project promoted the teaching-service articulation, through its integration with a multiprofessional team, favoring the humanization of childbirth and birth assistance. Many improvements have occurred in the work environment due to the incentive of the project, such as the acquisition by the institution of non-pharmacological technologies for pain relief, the practice of the principles of humanization of healthy childbirth and birth, as well as assistance plans for parturients. Conclusion: The extension provided articulation of teaching-learning in the service, through interdisciplinary and multiprofessional integration, constituting a source of knowledge and development. (AU)

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia de los estudiantes en un proyecto de extensión en el Centro Obstétrico de un hospital de maternidad de alto riesgo de un estado del noreste. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, del tipo de informe de experiencia, transversal con un enfoque cualitativo. Los estudiantes informaron sobre sus experiencias de 2018.1 a 2019.2. El análisis se realizó a través de los discursos de los estudiantes y la reflexión crítica de los datos necesarios para construir este informe. Resultados: El proyecto promovió la articulación docente-servicio, a través de su integración con una equipo multiprofesional favoreció la humanización del parto y la atención al parto. Se han producido muchas mejoras en el entorno de trabajo debido al incentivo del proyecto, como la adquisición por parte de la institución de tecnologías no farmacológicas para el alivio del dolor, la práctica de los principios de humanización del parto y el nacimiento sanos, así como los planes de asistencia para los hombres parturientes. Conclusión: La extensión proporcionó la articulación de la enseñanza-aprendizaje en el servicio, a través de la integración interdisciplinaria y multiprofesional, constituyendo una fuente de conocimiento y desarrollo. (AU)

Nueva propuesta de score para el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en adultos / A New Score Proposal for Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis in Adults

Introducción: La apendicitis aguda es una de las causas más comunes de abdomen agudo quirúrgico y dado que sigue siendo un reto diagnóstico, dispone de diversas escalas diagnósticas. Objetivo: Determinar la superioridad del nuevo score resultante frente al score de Alvarado en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de pruebas diagnósticas con el uso de la base de datos del Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo, entre febrero y diciembre del año 2015. Con los datos extraídos se elaboró un nuevo score diagnóstico que fue evaluado con el informe histopatológico y luego comparado con el score de Alvarado para evaluar su aplicación. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad y los valores predictivos de ambos scores. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 312 pacientes, 177 fueron hombres (56,73 por ciento) y 135 mujeres (43,27 por ciento), con edad media de 31 años (±11,3). Con un total de 267 (85,58 por ciento) pacientes con apendicitis aguda confirmada por estudio histopatológico. El nuevo score clínico resultante de una regresión logística según la prueba de Wald, estuvo compuesto por 4 variables: sexo masculino, vómitos, automedicación previa y signo de Blumberg. Los resultados del área bajo la curva para el nuevo score clínico y el score de Alvarado fueron 0,711 y 0,707, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El nuevo score clínico es superior al score de Alvarado según el área bajo la curva, pero no en un valor significativo(AU)

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute surgical abdomen. Since it remains a diagnostic challenge, it has several diagnostic scales available. Objective: To determine the superiority of a new resulting score versus the Alvarado score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: A study of diagnostic tests was carried out using the database of the surgery service of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Trujillo, between February and December 2015. With the data collected, a new diagnostic score was elaborated and assessed with the histopathological report; and then, to assess its application, it was compared with the Alvarado score. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of both scores were calculated. Results: 312 patients were included in the study, 177 were male (56.73 percent) and 135 were female (43.27 percent), with a mean age of 31 years (±11.3). A total of 267 (85.58 percent) patients had acute appendicitis confirmed by histopathological study. The new clinical score resulting from a logistic regression according to the Wald test was made up of four variables: male sex, vomiting, previous self-medication and Blumberg's sign. The results of the area under curve for the new clinical score and the Alvarado score were 0.711 and 0.707, respectively. Conclusions: The new clinical score is better than the Alvarado score, according to the area under curve, but not by a significant value(AU)

Conhecimento sobre diretivas antecipadas de vontade em hospital-escola / Knowledge regarding advance directives in a teaching hospital / Conocimientos sobre directivas anticipadas de voluntad en un hospital docente

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento de profissionais de saúde e usuários sobre diretivas antecipadas de vontade em hospital-escola brasileiro. Aceitaram participar 145 pessoas, sendo 66,9% delas profissionais de saúde e 33,1%, usuários. A maioria dos participantes não conhecia diretivas antecipadas de vontade, com maior incidência entre usuários (61,9% dos profissionais, 91,7% dos usuários; p <0,001). Após serem instruídos acerca das diretivas antecipadas, 97,9% dos profissionais e 95,8% dos usuários ( p =0,60) afirmaram que pessoas deveriam elaborar diretivas e que a responsabilidade de iniciar a conversa era do médico (56,7%, 58,3%, respectivamente, p =0,71). Após a pesquisa, 73,2% dos profissionais e 58,3% dos usuários ( p =0,19) pensava em elaborar diretivas. Conclui-se que o conhecimento sobre o tema ainda está aquém do ideal no campo assistencial no hospital-escola avaliado, sendo menor entre usuários.

Abstract This study evaluated the knowledge of health professionals and users regarding advance directives in a Brazilian teaching hospital. The study sample comprises 145 participants - 66.9% of them health professionals and 33.1% users. Most participants had no knowledge about advance directives, with a higher incidence among users (61.9% of professionals, 91.7% of users; p <0.001). After learning about advance directives, 97.9% of professionals and 95.8% of users ( p =0.60) stated that individuals should draft directives and that physicians were responsible for initiating the conversation (56.7% and 58.3%, respectively, p =0.71). After the research, 73.2% of professionals and 58.3% of users ( p =0.19) thought about drafting directives. In conclusion, knowledge on the subject is still less than ideal in health care in the teaching hospital evaluated, especially among users.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento de profesionales de salud y usuarios sobre directivas anticipadas de voluntad en un hospital docente brasileño. Un total de 145 personas aceptaron participar, el 66,9% de ellos profesionales de la salud y el 33,1% usuarios. La mayoría de los participantes no conocían directivas anticipadas de voluntad, con mayor incidencia entre usuarios (61,9% de los profesionales, 91,7% de los usuarios; p <0,001). Después de ser instruidos acerca de las directivas anticipadas, el 97,9% de los profesionales y el 95,8% de los usuarios ( p =0,60) afirmaron que las personas deberían elaborar directivas y que la responsabilidad de iniciar la conversación era del médico (56,7%, 58,3%, respectivamente, p =0,71). Después de la encuesta, el 73,2% de los profesionales y el 58,3% de los usuarios ( p =0,19) pensaba en elaborar directivas. Se concluye que el conocimiento sobre el tema aún está lejos del ideal en el campo de la atención en el hospital docente evaluado, siendo menor entre los usuarios.

Reliability of trauma coding with ICD-10 / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#The reliability of trauma coding is essential in establishing the reliable trauma data and adopting efficient control and monitoring policies. The present study aimed to determine the reliability of trauma coding in educational hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran.@*METHODS@#In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 591 coded medical records with a trauma diagnosis in 2018 were selected and recoded by two coders. The reliability of trauma coding was calculated using Cohen's kappa. The data were recorded in a checklist, in which the validity of the content had been confirmed by experts.@*RESULTS@#The reliability of the coding related to the nature of trauma in research units was 0.75-0.77, indicating moderate reliability. Also, the reliability of the coding of external causes of trauma was 0.57-0.58, suggesting poor reliability.@*CONCLUSION@#The reliability of trauma coding both in terms of the nature of trauma and the external causes of trauma does not have a good status in the research units. This can be due to the complex coding of trauma, poor documentation of the cases, and not studying the entire case. Therefore, holding training courses for coders, offering training on the accurate documentation to other service providers, and periodically auditing the medical coding are recommended.

Impact of cataract surgery on visual acuity and quality of life assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 in a public teaching hospital in Brazil / Impacto da cirurgia de catarata na acuidade visual e na qualidade de vida usando o National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 em um hospital público de ensino no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study set out to examine the impact of surgical treatment of senile cataract on visual acuity and quality of life in patients operated in a public teaching hospital. Methods: Prospective study including patients aged over 60 years with clinical indications for cataract surgery treated at a medical residency service. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 was applied. Corrected distance visual acuity was measured before and after cataract surgery. Correlations between National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity were investigated. Surgeons in charge, and surgical complications were also reported. Results: A total of 69 patients (89 eyes) were enrolled in this study. Patients were submitted to unilateral (52) or bilateral (17) surgery. Mean patient age was 70.8 ± 7.3 (52 to 95) years. Mean preoperative and postoperative National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores were 77.4 ± 15.3 (25.7 to 98.2) and 89.7 ± 14.0 (28.2 to 100) respectively. The larger differences in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 subscale scores were associated with general vision (from 34.4 to 48.6). Mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity were 0.7 ± 0.39 (0.3 to 1.3) LogMAR and 0.24 ± 0.19 (0.1 to 1.0) LogMAR respectively. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative findings revealed significant (p<0.001) improvements in quality of life and corrected distance visual acuity. Most surgeries (70%, 74 eyes) were performed by surgeons in training. Comparative analysis between patients submitted to unilateral and bilateral surgery revealed significantly (p=0.016) larger visual acuity gains in patients requiring surgery in both eyes. However, questionnaire scores did not differ significantly (p=2.48). Complications were observed in 13 eyes (14.6%), posterior capsule tear being the most common. Even in these cases, total National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity increased significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: Cataract surgery performed in teaching hospital settings improved patient quality of life and visual acuity. Therefore, public health agencies should ensure access to cataract surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da cirurgia de catarata na acuidade visual e na qualidade de vida em adultos submetidos à cirurgia de catarata em hospital público de ensino. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, que incluiu pacientes acima de 60 anos com indicação clínica para cirurgia de catarata em um serviço de residência médica. O National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 foi aplicado, e a acuidade visual corrigida à distância foi avaliada antes e após a cirurgia de catarata. Foram realizadas correlações entre o escore do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 e a acuidade visual. Cirurgiões e complicações cirúrgicas também foram descritos. Resultados: Foram incluídos neste estudo 89 olhos de 69 pacientes, em um total de 52 cirurgias unilaterais e 17 bilaterais. A idade média foi de 70,8±7,3 anos (52 a 95), e a pontuação média do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 antes da cirurgia foi 77,4±15,3 (25,7 a 98,2) e, depois, de 89,7±14,03 (28,2 a 100). A maior diferença entre os subdomínios do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 foi a visão geral (34,4 a 48,6). A acuidade visual corrigida à distância média antes do procedimento foi de 0,70±0,39 (0,3 a 1,3) LogMAR e, depois, foi de 0,24±0,19 (0,1 a 1,0) LogMAR. Comparando os resultados antes e após a cirurgia de catarata, houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida (p<0,001) e na acuidade visual (p<0,001). Dentre as cirurgias, 70% (74 olhos) foram realizadas por cirurgiões em treinamento. A análise comparativa entre os grupos de pacientes de cirurgias unilaterais e bilaterais apresentou um ganho na acuidade visual maior no grupo que operou ambos os olhos, com significância estatística (p=0,016). No entanto, o aumento na pontuação do questionário, observado em ambos os grupos, não representou diferença estatisticamente significante (p=٢,٤٨٩). Complicações foram observadas em ١٣ olhos (١٤,٦٪), sendo a ruptura de cápsula posterior a mais frequente. Mesmo esses pacientes obtiveram aumento no escore total do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (p<0,001) e na acuidade visual corrigida à distância (p<0,001). Conclusão: A cirurgia de catarata realizada em ambiente hospitalar de ensino proporciona melhora na qualidade de vida e na acuidade visual, sendo fundamental que os órgãos de saúde pública garantam o acesso da população a esse procedimento.

Educação permanente: percepção da enfermagem à luz do pensamento da complexidade / Educación permanente: percepción de la enfermería de acuerdo con el pensamiento complejo / Permanent education: perception of nursing in the light of complex thought

Resumo Objetivo Compreender como a equipe de enfermagem percebe e vivencia a Educação Permanente em Saúde em um ambiente hospitalar, à luz do pensamento da complexidade. Métodos Estudo qualitativo ancorado no pensamento da complexidade como referencial teórico e na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados como referencial metodológico. Participaram do estudo Enfermeiros e Técnicos de Enfermagem de um hospital de ensino da região central do Rio Grande do Sul, organizados em três grupos amostrais. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto/2018 e setembro/2019, por meio de entrevistas individuais. Resultados Identificou-se um movimento prospectivo de busca pessoal e coletiva, além de um intenso processo de (re)construção de saberes e práticas profissionais. Nessa dinâmica, tanto as abordagens de intervenção quanto as condições do ambiente interno e externo foram de fundamental importância para a compreensão e a (re)significação da aprendizagem como processo educativo interminável. Conclusão A compreensão de Educação Permanente em Saúde para a equipe de enfermagem vai muito além de uma política ou cronograma de atividades periódicas. Sugere-se, para tanto, que cada serviço/instituição considere a singularidade e a multidimensionalidade de seus atores, a fim de torná-los protagonistas no processo de (re)significação da aprendizagem continua e permanente.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender de qué forma el equipo de enfermería percibe y vive la educación permanente en salud en un ambiente hospitalario, de acuerdo con el pensamiento complejo. Métodos Estudio cualitativo, basado en el pensamiento complejo como marco referencial teórico y en la Teoría Fundamentada en los Datos como marco referencial metodológico. Participaron del estudio enfermeros y técnicos de enfermería de un hospital universitario de la región central de Rio Grande do Sul, organizados en tres grupos de muestra. Los datos fueron recopilados entre agosto/2018 y septiembre/2019, por medio de encuestas individuales. Resultados Se identificó un movimiento prospectivo de búsqueda personal y colectiva, además de un intenso proceso de (re)construcción de saberes y prácticas profesionales. En esta dinámica, tanto los enfoques de intervención como las condiciones del ambiente interno y externo fueron de fundamental importancia para la comprensión y la (re)significación del aprendizaje como proceso educativo interminable. Conclusión La comprensión de educación permanente en salud para el equipo de enfermería va mucho más allá de una política o un cronograma de actividades periódicas. Para eso, se sugiere que cada servicio/institución considere la singularidad y la multidimensionalidad de sus actores para hacerlos protagonistas en el proceso de (re)significación del aprendizaje continuo y permanente.

Abstract Objective To understand how the nursing team perceives and experiences Permanent Education in Health in a hospital environment, in the light of complex thought. Methods Qualitative study based on complex thought as theoretical framework and in Grounded Theory as methodological framework. Nurses and Nursing Technicians from a teaching hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul participated in the study and were organized into three sample groups. Data were collected from August/2018 to September/2019, through individual interviews. Results A prospective movement of personal and collective search and an intense process of (re)construction of knowledge and professional practices were identified. In this dynamic, both the intervention approaches and the internal and external environmental conditions were of fundamental importance for understanding and (re)signifying learning as an endless educational process. Conclusion Permanent Education in Health for the nursing team goes far beyond a policy or schedule of periodic activities. Therefore, each service/institution should consider the uniqueness and multidimensionality of its actors to make them protagonists in the process of (re)signification of continuous and permanent learning.

Percepções dos profissionais da saúde sobre a presença do acompanhante no nascimento / Perceptions of health professionals about the presence of the accompanying party at birth / Percepciones de los profesionales de la salud sobre la presencia del acompañante al nacimiento

Objetivo: descrever as percepções dos profissionais da saúde sobre a presença do acompanhante no processo do nascimento. Método: estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado em um hospital escola, com 29 profissionais da saúde. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas, entre maio a julho de 2018, sendo analisadas com abordagem baseada no Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: após análise emergiram quatro Ideias Centrais: experiências positivas e a participação do acompanhante, o ambiente desconhecido gera sentimento de insegurança no acompanhante, a presença do acompanhante causa desconforto na equipe de saúde e o profissional barra o acompanhante pela presunção de que ele irá atrapalhar. Conclusão: as percepções dos profissionais se mostraram conflitantes, sendo que alguns percebem a importância e os benefícios do acompanhante no nascimento, e outros apontaram que ele atrapalha a equipe de saúde, pela ansiedade e estresse, prejudicando a equipe de saúde e interferindo de maneira negativa

Objective: to describe the perceptions of health professionals about the presence of a companion in the birth process. Method: a descriptive, qualitative study, carried out in a teaching hospital, with 29 health professionals. Data collection was carried out through interviews, between May and July 2018, being analyzed using an approach based on the Collective Subject Discourse. Results:after analysis, four Central Ideas emerged: positive experiences and the companion's participation, the unknown environment generates feelings of insecurity in the companion, the presence of the companion causes discomfort in the health team and the professional stops the companion due to the presumption that it will hinder. Conclusion: the perceptions of the professionals were conflicting, with some perceiving the importance and benefits of the companion at birth, and others pointed out that it disturbs the health team, due to anxiety and stress, harming the health team and interfering in a negative way

Objetivo: describir las percepciones de los profesionales de la salud sobre la presencia de un acompañante en el proceso del parto. Método: estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, realizado en un hospital universitario, con 29 profesionales de la salud. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas, entre mayo y julio de 2018, siendo analizadas con un enfoque basado en el Discurso Colectivo del Sujeto. Resultados: luego del análisis surgieron cuatro Ideas Centrales: experiencias positivas y la participación del acompañante, el entorno desconocido genera sentimientos de inseguridad en el acompañante, la presencia del acompañante provoca malestar en el equipo de salud y el profesional detiene al acompañante por presunción de que dificultará. Conclusión: las percepciones de los profesionales fueron conflictivas, algunos percibieron la importancia y los beneficios del acompañante al nacer, y otros señalaron que perturba al equipo de salud, por ansiedad y estrés, perjudicando al equipo de salud e interfiriendo de manera negativa

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica em hospital de ensino / Epidemiological profile of patients on bariatric surgery in a teaching hospital

Introdução: A obesidade é uma doença crônica de alta prevalência no Brasil associada a alta morbimortalidade, sendo a cirurgia bariátrica uma proposta válida para seu controle e tratamento. Nota-se que há uma escassez na literatura nacional de informações referentes a dados epidemiológicos, bem como das complicações que envolvem a cirurgia bariátrica. Objetivo: Investigar o perfil epidemiológico de indivíduos adultos submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica realizadas em hospital público de ensino no município de Juiz de Fora - MG. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de natureza analítica, observacional, transversal do tipo inquérito por meio do levantamento de prontuários. Resultados: Dos 466 indivíduos que realizaram a cirurgia bariátrica, a média de idade dos indivíduos foi de 40,2 anos e 85,2% eram do sexo feminino. Cerca de 84% dos pacientes classificaram-se com obesidade grau III. A comorbidade que mais prevaleceu no grupo pesquisado foi a hipertensão arterial (89%), a taxa de mortalidade foi de 1,9% e a frequência de complicações foram mais observadas em pacientes com obesidade grau III (68%). Conclusão: O perfil dos pacientes que buscaram abordagem cirúrgica para obesidade foi predominantemente de mulheres na terceira e quartas décadas de vida, brancas, com obesidade mórbida, tendo como comorbidade mais frequente DM e HAS, sendo que a presença de comorbidades não esteve associada ao aumento no risco de intercorrências do procedimento. A taxa geral de complicações foi baixa e o grau de obesidade esteve diretamente associado à sua ocorrência. A cirurgia bariátrica para tratamento da obesidade mostrou-se segura, com baixa taxa de complicações em um centro especializado, caracterizando, até o momento, a maior casuística nacional.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease of high prevalence in Brazil associated with high morbidity and mortality, and bariatric surgery is a valid proposal for its control and treatment. It is noted that there is a shortage in the national literature of information regarding epidemiological data, as well as complications involving bariatric surgery. Objective: To investigate the epidemiological profile of adult individuals undergoing bariatric surgery performed in a public teaching hospital in the city of Juiz de Fora-MG. Method: This is an analytical, observational, cross-sectional survey-type study through the survey of medical records. Results: Of the 466 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery, the average age of individuals was 40.2 years and 85.2% were female. About 84% of patients classified as having grade III obesity. The most prevalent comorbidity in the researched group was systemic arterial hypertension (89%), the mortality rate was 1.9% and the frequency of complications was more observed in patients with grade III obesity (68%). Conclusion: The profile of patients who sought a surgical approach for obesity was predominantly women in the third and fourth decades of life, white, morbidly obese, with DM and SAH as the most frequent comorbidity, and the presence of comorbidities was not associated with the increase in the risk of complications of the procedure. The overall rate of complications was low and the degree of obesity was directly associated with its occurrence. Bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity proved to be safe, with a low rate of complications in a specialized center, characterizing, to date, the largest sample in Brazil.

Evaluation of patients' compliance to recall visits after tooth extraction at the Dental Centre, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH): A two-year retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of patients' compliance with recall / follow-up visits attending the dental Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).Methods: This study adopted a descriptive retrospective study of case notes retrieved from the medical records department of the dental Centre, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The period under study covers 2019 to 2021. The data was collected by means of 1232 questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages. Results: The result showed that the participants in the age bracket of 18-40 years of age (277) complied better to recall visit in comparison with the study age distributions which are 41-65 years (218) and age above 65 years (188). As per the influence of gender on compliance of patients with post-extraction recall visits, it was observed that the male participants (288) responded better to the recall visits compared to the female participants (251). The Relationship between distance away from the hospital and compliance of patients with post-extraction recall visits was also evaluated, and it was observed that the patients closer to the hospital within 5km (442) complied better to recall revisit in comparison to the participants who were within 10km (224) from the hospital as well as the participants that were 10km & above (17). Finally, the influence of interval between procedure and recall visit was also evaluated, and the result revealed that the participants that were given 7 days of recall revisit (663) complied better compared with the participants who were given 14days duration for recall revisit (478). Conclusion: The data from this study highlighted the possible need for a paradigm shift in patient-doctor interphase especially as it concerns recall visits. Compliance to recall appointment by the patients depends largely on age, gender, distance from hospital and interval between procedures and is mainly responsible for the noncompliance of patients to recall visit

Management and outcome of colorectal cancer in a resource-limited setting: Ahmadu Bello university teaching hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies seen in the Western World. It is increasing in developing countries due to adaptation of the western lifestyle with an incidence of 6% in Nigeria. Treatment options are dependent on the stage of disease at presentation, the performance status of the patient, and increasingly the molecular makeup of the tumor. There is a dearth of data on the treatment options obtainable for the management and outcome of CRC cases in Northwestern, Nigeria. Aim: The study assessed the treatment options and outcome of colorectal cancer patients in a tertiary institution, in Northwestern, Nigeria over a 10-year period. Patients and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2015, data of one-hundred and twenty-two histologically confirmed colorectal cancer cases seen at the Surgery, Radiotherapy and Oncology Departments, ABUTH Zaria, were retrieved retrospectively from the case files and treatment cards of the patients at the health information unit of the hospital. The stage at disease presentation, treatment received, and outcome were analyzed. Results: Nearly a quarter of the patients fell within the age bracket 31­40 years with the median age being 41 years. While only 41% of the patients had their disease staged, 30.4% of the patients presented with advanced disease (Dukes'C + D). Only 95 cases received a form of surgery or the other. Colostomy however accounted for 28.4%. Eighty-nine of the patients received chemotherapy either as neoadjuvant, adjuvant or with palliative intent. External beam radiotherapy either with radical or palliative intent was received by 60 patients (49.2%). At 1-year follow-up sixty cases had been lost to follow up, and thirty-six cases had defaulted on one form of treatment. Conclusion: The study showed that stage at presentation and the available treatment options in the hospital informed treatment offered to the patients. However, surgery was readily performed due to the pattern of presentation and most patients benefited from just a diverting colostomy. Majority of the patients presented with rectal tumor which required radiotherapy as part of its treatment modality, although this is still a luxury in this part of the world. Chemotherapy is also readily available and often prescribed. Cost and limited facility for biomarker (K-ras) testing restrict the use of targeted therapy. Outcome at 1-year follow-up was poor with whereabouts of nearly half of the patients unknown.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria using the complete Amsel's diagnostic criteria

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women remains a cause for clinical concern among clinicians and health care professionals. BV has been linked to prenatal, antenatal and postnatal challenges in pregnant women. Information on prevalence of BV across trimesters of pregnancy is expected to give better clinical insight into the pathophysiology of this polymicrobial disorder. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of BV in pregnant women attending the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women (40 in each trimester of pregnancy) who had symptoms suggestive of BV, selected by systematic random sampling from among the women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) clinic of NAUTH, Nnewi. Each subject participant was examined by the attending clinician, and high vaginal swab (HVS) sample was collected for diagnostic analysis of BV using with complete Amsel's clinical criteria, which consists of three of the four criteria; (i) adherent and homogenous vaginal discharge, (ii) vaginal pH > 4.5, (iii) detection of clue cells on saline wet mount, and (iv) amine odor after the addition of potassium hydroxide (positive Whiff test). Results: The mean age of the 120 selected participants was 27.25±6.09 years. The age groups 25-29 (36.7%) and 20-24 years (33.3%) constituted the largest proportion, while age groups <20 (5.0%) and 40-45 years (5.0%) constituted the least. Of the 120 participants, 26 (21.7%) were positive for BV by the Amsel's criteria. Pregnant women in age group <20 years had the highest prevalence of BV (100%, 6/6), followed by those in the age groups 20-24 (27.5%), 40-45 (16.7%), 25-29 (15.9%), 30-34 (9.1%) and 35-39 years (0%) (X 2=28.063, p=0.0001). Prevalence of BV was significantly higher in single (unmarried) pregnant women (45.5%, X 2=4.038, p=0.045), women with primary school education level (66.7%, X 2=14.530, p=0.001), unemployed women (36.1%, X 2=13.278, p=0.0013), and nulliparous women [36.4%, X 2 (for trend) = 4.805, p=0.0274), while there was no significant difference in the prevalence of BV with relation to trimester of pregnancy (X 2=2.750, p=0.253). Conclusion: This study reveals a relatively high prevalence of BV and significant association with factors such as age group, education and occupational status among pregnant women attending NAUTH Nnewi. Regular screening of women for BV prenatally may enable appropriate interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes