Shoulder Internal Rotator Strength as Risk Factor for Shoulder Pain in Volleyball Players.

The aim of this study was to identify the intrinsic factors that could increase risk of shoulder pain in adolescent volleyball players. Twenty-eight young male volleyball players (between 14 and 18 years old) participated in this study. Athletes were submitted to: isokinetic muscle strength assessment of shoulder rotator muscles, ball service speed assessment, anterior and posterior drawer test, apprehension test, groove sign and scapular dyskinesia test. Athletes were followed for 16 weeks to monitor the presence of shoulder pain. All athletes were submitted to the same training protocol. During the 16 weeks, 28.5% of the athletes (n=8) experienced shoulder pain in the dominant limb higher than 3 according to Numerical Rating Scale criteria; 71.5% of the athletes (n=20) did not experience pain, or pain equal or lower than 3. The main result of our study was that the odds of feeling pain higher than 3 was significantly higher among players who presented higher values for internal rotation peak torque (OR=1.113, CI 95%=1.006 to 1.232 and p=0.038). The odds of feeling pain increased by 11% for every N·m of the internal rotator muscles. Pre-season isokinetic rotator strength assessments can help identify adolescent volleyball players at increased risk of a shoulder injury.

Assessment Methods of Body Fat in Recreational Marathon Runners: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis versus Skinfold Thickness.

The aim of the present study was to examine (a) the relationship of body fat (BF) assessed by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness (SKF) and (b) the variation of BF by age depending on the assessment method. Participants were 32 women and 134 men recreational marathon runners, who were tested for BF using both assessment methods (BIA and SKF). Rc between BIA and SKF assessment methods was 0.803 (95% CI; 0.640, 0.897) in women and 0.568 (95% CI; 0.481, 0.644) in men. A large main effect of the assessment method on BF was observed (p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.156) with SKF presenting higher BF than BIA by 2.9%. The difference between SKF and BIA was 3.9 ± 2.7% (95% confidence intervals, CI; 3.4; 4.3, p < 0.001) in men, whereas no difference was found in women (-0.9 ± 2.9%; 95% CI; -1.9; -0.2, p = 0.101). BF correlated with age with small magnitude (BIA, r = 0.18, p = 0.036; SKF, r = 0.23, p = 0.007) in men, i.e., the older the age, the higher the BF. A similar trend of moderate magnitude was observed in women for BIA (r = 0.45, p = 0.011), but not for SKF (r = 0.33, p = 0.067). In conclusion, practitioners involved in the training of recreational runners would be advised to consider that BIA elicits a lower BF value than the SKF method in men.

Knowledge and Prevalence of Supplements Used by Brazilian Resistance Training Practitioners Before Coronavirus Outbreak.

INTRODUCTION: The use of dietary supplements and ergogenic aids (DSEA) is popular among physical activity enthusiasts. Particularly, resistance training (RT) practitioners represent important DSEA consumers due to its easy access and the appeal of claims related to muscle hypertrophy, aesthetics, and physical performance improvements. METHODS: Our aim was to study knowledge, prevalence, and profile of DSEA used by Brazilian recreational RT practitioners. For this, RT practitioners of both sexes (n=129, female=58 and male=71) answered a paper-based questionnaire. The questionnaire was specifically created for the studied population to assess different aspects of the DSEA used and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of the participants (n=99) declared that they had already used DSEA. The majority (53%) searched the internet to obtain information about DSEA. Whey protein (66%) was the most used followed by branched chain amino acids (48%). CONCLUSION: The use of DSEA, before coronavirus outbreak, was popular among RT practitioners; protein and amino acids were the most used DSEA. Most users used internet to obtain information about DSEA. The results suggest the need for appropriate attitude and guidance by health professionals who deal with this population, especially dietitians, nutritionists, and physical training professionals in order to promote best and security practices.

Sleep During "Lockdown" in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The aim of this study was to determine if the lockdown measures applied due to the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the sleep of the general population and health professionals in six different countries (Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and Brazil). We used a web-based survey with a short questionnaire of 13 questions, translated into four languages (Greek, German, French, and Portuguese). The questionnaire included information about demographic and professional data, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sleep, degree of abidance in lockdown measures, and data about illness or close contact with active confirmed cases of COVID-19. Initially, 2093 individuals participated. After exclusion of those who did not report their duration of sleep, the final sample comprised 1908 participants (Greek, n = 1271; German, n = 257, French, n = 48; Portuguese, n = 332), aged 42.6 ± 12.7 years, who were considered for further analysis. A main effect of the lockdown week on sleep duration was observed (+0.25 h; 95% confidence intervals, CI, 0.17, 0.32; p < 0.001), with the total sleep time of the lockdown week being longer than that under normal conditions. A week*occupation interaction on sleep duration was demonstrated (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.012). Sleep duration remained stable in health professionals (-0.18 h; 95% CI -0.36, 0.01; p = 0.063), whereas it increased in other occupations by 0.31 h (95% CI, 0.24, 0.39; p < 0.001). In terms of sleep quality, 15% of participants characterized their sleep as bad and 37.9% as average during the lockdown week. Almost 1 in 3 individuals (31.3%) reported worse quality of sleep during the lockdown week than under normal conditions. Sleep during the lockdown week was characterized as good by 47.1%, but only 38% of the health professionals group. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown affected sleep in different ways, depending on age, level of education, occupation, and country of residence.

The effects of exergames on anxiety levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There are currently many different approaches to performing exergames and there is still no consensus as to whether exergames are able to reduce anxiety levels, as well as whether exergames provide greater reductions on anxiety levels when added to traditional forms of clinical interventions. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to access data from studies that evaluated the effects of exergames on anxiety levels in humans. PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched up to 22 February 2019. Inclusion criteria were acute and chronic (short-term and long-term interventions) studies which evaluated the effects of exergames in anxiety levels as primary or secondary aim. Of the 1342 studies found, 17 and 10 were included in qualitative analyses and meta-analyses, respectively. The within-group analysis found that exergames (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.57 [95% Confidence interval (CI): -0.86 to -0.28], P < .001) and usual care (SMD: -0.21 [95% CI: -0.34 to -0.08], P = .002) resulted in significant improvements on anxiety levels. However, the between-group meta-analysis on the effects of control interventions vs exergames (SMD: 0.02 [95% CI: -0.55 to 0.60], P = .939) found no significant difference between groups in anxiety levels reductions. There was also no significant difference (SMD: -0.04 [95% CI: -0.32 to 0.25], P = .805) between usual care vs exergames plus usual care interventions in anxiety levels reductions. Although exergames demonstrated within-group improvements in anxiety levels across different clinical populations, it was not greater than the effects from non-exercise interventions. Also, given the paucity of studies, small sample sizes, different research designs, and different population investigated, the existing evidence is insufficient to support the advantages of usual care supplemented by exergame intervention over usual care standalone in anxiety levels reduction.

Frequency and associated factors of poor knee alignment in young Brazilian volleyball players.

Objectives: Poor knee alignment during the deceleration phase of closed kinetic chain movements, such as landings, is a relevant risk factor for injuries in sports. This study assessed the knee alignment and possible associated factors in young Brazilian volleyball athletes Methods: One hundred and seventeen athletes of both genders (9-19 years old) were assessed during a drop jump for the observation of knee alignment. Chi-square test was used to describe the association between poor knee alignment and: gender, age category (≤14 years and ≥15 years), sports experience, participation in competitions, the presence of knee pain during training, and history of lower limb injury Results: Seventy percent of athletes presented poor knee alignment, which was slightly associated with a sports experience lower than one year. Conclusion: Thus, considering the high number of volleyball practitioners and its strong presence in physical education classes, preventive measures should be adopted for young volleyball athletes of both genders, especially in the sports initiation phase.

Profiling the Use of Dietary Supplements by Brazilian Physical Education Professionals.

A survey was designed to examine the use of dietary supplements by Brazilian physical education professionals. The study included 131 Brazilian physical education professionals (83 men and 48 women). A descriptive statistical analysis was performed (mean, standard deviation, and absolute and relative frequencies). A chi-square test was applied to evaluate differences in use of dietary supplements according to particular variables of interest (p < .05). Forty-nine percent of respondents used dietary supplements. Approximately 59% of dietary supplement users took two or more kinds of supplements. Among users of supplements, men professionals (73%) consumed more dietary supplements than women (27%). The most-consumed dietary supplement was whey protein (80%). The results showed a higher use of dietary supplements by men. The most-consumed supplements were rich in protein. The consumption of dietary supplements by almost half of the participants in this study suggests that participants did not consider their dietary needs to be met by normal diet alone.

Benefícios da prática da espiritualidade e religiosidade para pessoas com epilepsia / Benefits of spiritual and religious practices for people with epilepsy

A epilepsia é considerada uma doença neurológica enigmática pela forma de manifestação de seus sinais e sintomas. É importante notar que a prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade pode impactar positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenças neurológicas, em particular a epilepsia, sendo considerada uma forma de enfrentamento e tratamento complementar da doença. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar informações referentes aos possíveis benefícios da prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade como forma de tratamento alternativo de pacientes com essa condição. Esta pesquisa consistiu de ampla revisão de literatura realizada na base de dados PubMed. Para a seleção dos artigos, dentro da temática de interesse (27 no total), foram utilizados os descritores "epilepsy", "spirituality", "religiosity", "quality of life" e "religion" bem como seus cruzamentos. Além disso, foram utilizados outros artigos que apontavam as definições, a classificação, os aspectos históricos e epidemiológicos e as diretrizes do manejo da epilepsia. Foi possível concluir que a prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade somada ao tratamento convencional pode ser uma alternativa a ser recomendada pelos profissionais da saúde, pois impacta positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com epilepsia.

Epilepsy is an enigmatic neurological disease, due to the manner its signs and symptoms are manifested. The practice of spirituality/religiosity can positively impact the quality of life of patients with neurological diseases, particularly epilepsy, and it is considered a form of coping and complementary treatment of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to present information regarding the possible benefits of the spirituality/ religiosity practices as alternative treatments for patients with epilepsy. This article consisted of a broad literature review carried out in the database PubMed. For the selection of articles within the theme of interest (27 in total), the descriptors used were "epilepsy", "spirituality", "religiosity", "quality of life", and "religion" as well as their intersections. In addition, other articles that pointed definitions, classifications, historical and epidemiological aspects, and the guidelines of epilepsy management were used. It was possible to conclude that the spirituality/religiosity practice in addition to conventional treatment may be an alternative to be recommended by health professionals, since it positively impacts epilepsy patients' quality of life.

Characterization of cardiac arrest in the emergency department of a Brazilian University Reference Hospital: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Sudden cardiac arrest (CA) represents one of the greatest challenges for medicine due to the vast number of cases and its social and economic impact. Despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, mortality rates have not significantly decreased over decades. This study was undertaken to characterize patients that have suffered CA and to identify factors related to mortality. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at Emergency Department of São Paulo Hospital, Brazil. Two hundred and eighty five patients were followed for one year after treatment for CA. The mean age was 66.3±17.2 yr, and they were predominantly male (55.8%) and Caucasian (71.9%). Mortality rate and factors associated with mortality were the primary and secondary outcome measures. Data were collected using an in-hospital Utstein-style report. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables were related to mortality. RESULTS: Regarding the characteristics of CPR, 76.5 per cent occurred in hospital, respiratory failure was the most common presumed immediate cause of CA (30.8%) and pulseless electrical activity was the most frequent initial rhythm (58.7%). All attempts at CPR utilized chest compressions and ventilation and the most utilized interventions were epinephrine (97.2%) and intubation (68.5%). Of all patients treated, 95.4 per cent died. Patients with pulseless electrical activity had a higher risk of death than those patients with ventricular fibrillation. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study highlighted that the mortality rate among CA patients was high. The variable that best explained mortality was the initial CA rhythm.

Cohort study on the factors associated with survival post-cardiac arrest / Estudo de coorte dos fatores associados à sobrevivência pós-parada cardiorrespiratória

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiac arrest is a common occurrence, and even with efficient emergency treatment, it is associated with a poor prognosis. Identification of predictors of survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation may provide important information for the healthcare team and family. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the survival of patients treated for cardiac arrest, after a one-year follow-up period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study conducted in the emergency department of a Brazilian university hospital. METHODS: The inclusion criterion was that the patients presented cardiac arrest that was treated in the emergency department (n = 285). Data were collected using the In-hospital Utstein Style template. Cox regression was used to determine which variables were associated with the survival rate (with 95% significance level). RESULTS: After one year, the survival rate was low. Among the patients treated, 39.6% experienced a return of spontaneous circulation; 18.6% survived for 24 hours and of these, 5.6% were discharged and 4.5% were alive after one year of follow-up. Patients with pulseless electrical activity were half as likely to survive as patients with ventricular fibrillation. For patients with asystole, the survival rate was 3.5 times lower than that of patients with pulseless electrical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The initial cardiac rhythm was the best predictor of patient survival. Compared with ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity was associated with shorter survival times. In turn, compared with pulseless electrical activity, asystole was associated with an even lower survival rate.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A parada cardiorrespiratória é comum e, mesmo com tratamentos de emergência eficientes, associa-se a prognósticos ruins. A identificação de fatores preditores de sobrevivência após ressuscitação cardiopulmonar pode fornecer informações importantes para equipe de saúde e familiares. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar fatores associados à sobrevivência, após um ano de seguimento, de pacientes atendidos em parada cardiorrespiratória. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário. MÉTODOS: O critério de inclusão foi o atendimento de paciente em parada cardiorrespiratória no serviço de emergência (n = 285). Os dados foram coletados por meio do modelo In-hospital Utstein Style. Para verificar quais variáveis associaram-se à sobrevida, utilizou-se regressão de Cox (nível de significância 95%). RESULTADOS: Após um ano, a sobrevida foi baixa. Dos pacientes atendidos, 39,6% tiveram retorno da circulação espontânea, 18,6% sobreviveram até as primeiras 24 horas, sendo que, destes, 5,6% obtiveram alta hospitalar e 4,5% permaneceram vivos após um ano de seguimento. Pacientes com atividade elétrica sem pulso apresentaram duas vezes menos chances de sobreviver que aqueles com fibrilação ventricular. Nos pacientes com assistolia, as taxas de sobrevida foram 3,5 menores quando comparados aos com atividade elétrica sem pulso. CONCLUSÕES: O ritmo cardíaco inicial foi o fator preditor que melhor explicou a sobrevida. O ritmo de atividade elétrica sem pulso associou-se a menor sobrevida quando comparado a fibrilação ventricular, enquanto o ritmo de assistolia relacionou-se a ainda menor sobrevivência em relação à atividade elétrica sem pulso.

Workplace exercise and educational program for improving fitness outcomes related to health in workers: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a workplace fitness and education program intervention on physical fitness of workers. METHODS: Employees from a chemical plant (n = 60) participated in a 4-month longitudinal study. They were randomly distributed in control and experimental groups. The experimental group had 4 months of exercise training in 15-minute sessions. The following evaluations were performed before and after the training period: body composition, localized muscle strength, and flexibility. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant decrease in body fat (24.7%) and a significant increase in lean mass (6.1%), flexibility (17.9%), sit-up test performance (39.8%), and push-up test performance (29.8%) after the workplace fitness and education program compared with initial values. CONCLUSIONS: A structured program of physical exercise was effective in improving body composition, abdominal strength, upper limb strength, and flexibility in workers.

Low levels of maximal aerobic power impair the profile of mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHOD: Individuals with TLE (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (C, n = 20) were evaluated. Self-rating questionnaires were used to assess mood (POMS) and habitual physical activity (BAECKE). Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by a maximal incremental test. RESULTS: People with TLE presented lower cardiorespiratory fitness; higher levels of mood disorders; and lower levels of vigor when compared to control health subjects. A significant negative correlation was observed between the levels of tension-anxiety and maximal aerobic power. CONCLUSION: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may modify the health status of individuals with TLE and it may be considered a risk factor for the development of mood disorders.

Low levels of maximal aerobic power impair the profile of mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy / Os baixos níveis de potência aeróbia máxima prejudicam o perfil do estado de humor em indivíduos com epilepsia do lobo temporal

Objective To investigate the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Method Individuals with TLE (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (C, n = 20) were evaluated. Self-rating questionnaires were used to assess mood (POMS) and habitual physical activity (BAECKE). Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by a maximal incremental test. Results People with TLE presented lower cardiorespiratory fitness; higher levels of mood disorders; and lower levels of vigor when compared to control health subjects. A significant negative correlation was observed between the levels of tension-anxiety and maximal aerobic power. Conclusion Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may modify the health status of individuals with TLE and it may be considered a risk factor for the development of mood disorders. .

Objetivo Investigar a correlação entre aptidão cardiorrespiratória e variáveis de estado de humor em indivíduos com epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT). Método Indivíduos com ELT (n = 20) e controles saudáveis (C, n = 20) foram avaliados. Administraram-se questionários para avaliar o estado de humor (POMS) e nível de atividade física habitual (BAECKE). Avaliou-se a aptidão cardiorrespiratória por teste incremental máximo. Resultados Pessoas com ELT apresentaram menor aptidão cardiorrespiratória; elevados níveis de transtornos do humor; e menor nível de vigor, quando comparadas ao grupo C. Observou-se correlação negativa significativa entre os níveis de tensão-ansiedade e a potência aeróbica máxima. Conclusão O baixo nível de aptidão cardiorrespiratória pode modificar o estado de saúde de indivíduos com ELT e pode ser considerado fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de transtornos de humor. .

Cohort study on the factors associated with survival post-cardiac arrest.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiac arrest is a common occurrence, and even with efficient emergency treatment, it is associated with a poor prognosis. Identification of predictors of survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation may provide important information for the healthcare team and family. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the survival of patients treated for cardiac arrest, after a one-year follow-up period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study conducted in the emergency department of a Brazilian university hospital. METHODS: The inclusion criterion was that the patients presented cardiac arrest that was treated in the emergency department (n = 285). Data were collected using the In-hospital Utstein Style template. Cox regression was used to determine which variables were associated with the survival rate (with 95% significance level). RESULTS: After one year, the survival rate was low. Among the patients treated, 39.6% experienced a return of spontaneous circulation; 18.6% survived for 24 hours and of these, 5.6% were discharged and 4.5% were alive after one year of follow-up. Patients with pulseless electrical activity were half as likely to survive as patients with ventricular fibrillation. For patients with asystole, the survival rate was 3.5 times lower than that of patients with pulseless electrical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The initial cardiac rhythm was the best predictor of patient survival. Compared with ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity was associated with shorter survival times. In turn, compared with pulseless electrical activity, asystole was associated with an even lower survival rate.

The influence of acute hypoxic exposure on isokinetic muscle force production.

To investigated whether an acute hypoxic stimulus affects muscle strength development assessed by isokinetic dynamometry during maximal knee extension. A total of 15 healthy young men participated in this study (61.9 ± 6.1 kg; 1.72 ± 0.08 m; 20.9 ± 2.6 years). We evaluated knee extension and flexion isokinetic dynamometer performance in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The analyzed parameters, for concentric contraction, were peak torque and total work measured at 1.05 and 5.23 rad/s; and fatigue index measured at 5.23 rad/s. During isokinetic testing, heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored. Hypoxic conditions (3,600 m) were simulated, via a mixing chamber, with the dilution being constantly controlled by a PO2 probe. Test reproducibility results (test-retest) for all isokinetic knee parameters were classified as moderate to almost perfect (ICC = 0.694 to 0.932). SpO2 was 88.4 ± 3.4% in the hypoxic condition and 97.1 ± 0.7% in the normoxic condition (p = 0.000, effect size = 0.87). Heart rate was not significantly different between normoxic and hypoxic conditions at the end of the test. There were no significant differences in isokinetic variables evaluated for the extensor and flexor muscles at concentric contraction between the normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Our findings indicate that reduced arterial oxygenation per se has no effect on the muscular isokinetic strength of the knee extensors.

Knowledge, perceptions and use of generic drugs: a cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of knowledge, perceptions and usage profile for generic drugs among laypersons. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 volunteers (180 women and 98 men, aged 37.1±15.8 years). A questionnaire was drawn up with questions on their use, perceptions and knowledge of generic drugs. RESULTS: Most respondents (99.6%) knew that generic drugs exist, but only 48.6% were able to define them correctly, while 78.8% of the respondents had some information about generics. This information was obtained mainly through television (49.3%). In terms of generic drug characteristics, 79.1% stated that they were confident about their efficacy, 74.8% believed that generic drugs have the same effect as branded medications, 88.8% said that generics were priced lower than branded medications, and 80.2% stated that they bought generic drugs because of price. With regard to drugs prescribed by medical practitioners, 17.6% of the participants said that their doctors never prescribed generics and only 7.5% confirmed that their doctors always prescribed generics. CONCLUSION: For the lay public, the sample in this study has sufficient knowledge of generic drugs in terms of definition, efficacy and cost. Consequently, the volunteers interviewed are very likely to use generics. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that programs should be implemented in order to boost generic drug prescriptions by medical practitioners.

Knowledge, perceptions and use of generic drugs: a cross sectional study / Conhecimento, percepções e utilização de medicamentos genéricos: um estudo transversal

Objective To assess the level of knowledge, perceptions and usage profile for generic drugs among laypersons. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 volunteers (180 women and 98 men, aged 37.1±15.8 years). A questionnaire was drawn up with questions on their use, perceptions and knowledge of generic drugs. Results Most respondents (99.6%) knew that generic drugs exist, but only 48.6% were able to define them correctly, while 78.8% of the respondents had some information about generics. This information was obtained mainly through television (49.3%). In terms of generic drug characteristics, 79.1% stated that they were confident about their efficacy, 74.8% believed that generic drugs have the same effect as branded medications, 88.8% said that generics were priced lower than branded medications, and 80.2% stated that they bought generic drugs because of price. With regard to drugs prescribed by medical practitioners, 17.6% of the participants said that their doctors never prescribed generics and only 7.5% confirmed that their doctors always prescribed generics. Conclusion For the lay public, the sample in this study has sufficient knowledge of generic drugs in terms of definition, efficacy and cost. Consequently, the volunteers interviewed are very likely to use generics. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that programs should be implemented in order to boost generic drug prescriptions by medical practitioners. .

Objetivo Avaliar nível de conhecimento, percepções e perfil de utilização dos medicamentos genéricos entre leigos. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo transversal com 278 voluntários (180 mulheres e 98 homens, com idade de 37,1±15,8 anos). Criou-se um questionário com perguntas em relação à utilização, à percepção e ao conhecimento sobre genéricos. Resultados A maioria dos entrevistados (99,6%) conhecia a existência dos genéricos, e apenas 48,6% souberam definir corretamente o que os mesmos são. Do total de entrevistados, 78,8% tiveram algum tipo de informação com relação aos genéricos. Essas informações foram obtidas, principalmente, por meio da televisão (49,3%). Com relação às características dos medicamentos genéricos, 79,1% afirmaram ter confiança em sua eficácia, 74,8% acreditavam que o medicamento genérico possuía um efeito igual ao do medicamento de marca, 88,8% informaram que o genérico possuía um preço menor que o medicamento de marca, e 80,2% afirmaram comprar o medicamento genérico por conta do preço. Quanto à prescrição de medicamentos por parte dos profissionais médicos, 17,6% dos participantes afirmaram que seu médico nunca prescreveu medicamentos genéricos e apenas 7,5% disseram que seus médicos sempre prescreviam genéricos. Conclusão Para um público leigo, a amostra estudada apresentou suficiente conhecimento com relação aos genéricos, no que concerne à definição, eficácia e custo. Dessa forma, os voluntários entrevistados apresentaram elevada propensão à utilização de genéricos. Adicionalmente, os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que se faz necessário implantar programas para ...