Perspectives of healthcare workers on the morality of abortion: a multicenter study in seven Brazilian public hospitals.

We used the questionnaire "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion" to conduct a multi-centered study to evaluate the perspectives of physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists and pharmacists on the morality of abortion. In all, 254 participants constituted the sample. The inadequate knowledge on Brazilian abortion laws was the only determinant negatively associated with the construct "Sexual and Reproductive Rights", corroborating the hypothesis that a better understanding of abortion legislation could mitigate the opposition of some professionals to the ethical perspective that access to safe abortion should be seen as a sexual and reproductive right.

The use of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) in women after pregnancies: a descriptive study / Aplicação do Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) em mulheres após gestações: um estudo descritivo

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) in women after pregnancies in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted with 705 hospitalized women. Vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and lochia were registered on medical records and transcribed into the MEOWS chart of physiological parameters. On this graphic chart, yellow alerts were used to present moderate abnormalities in vital signs, while severe abnormalities were presented in red. The presence of at least one red alert or two yellow alerts were triggered to indicate the need for medical evaluation. Results: although abnormalities were found in the physiological parameters of 49.8% of the women identified from MEOWS triggers, medical evaluation was only requested for three patients (0.8%). Conclusions: in a retrospective application of the use of MEOWS showed a significant number of patients had triggered in which the nursing team did not recognize 99.2% of cases. This finding could be attributed to the fact that MEOWS has not been yet adopted in this service as part of the nursing care. The application of this tool would result in a better care because critical situations would be recognized and corrected quickly, avoiding unfavorable outcomes.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar o modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) em mulheres após gestações, em um hospital terciário do Brasil. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo descritivo incluindo 705 mulheres internadas. Os sinais vitais (pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura) e lóquios, registrados no prontuário, foram transcritos para o gráfico de parâmetros fisiológicos do MEOWS. Neste gráfico, anormalidades moderadas nos sinais vitais eram sinalizadas por alertas amarelos, enquanto anormalidades graves eram sina-lizadas em vermelho. A presença de, pelo menos, um alerta vermelho ou dois alertas amarelos foi chamada de eventos gatilho, indicando necessidade de avaliação médica. Resultados: dentre as mulheres estudadas, 49,8% apresentaram anormalidades nos parâmetros fisiológicos, através da identificação de eventos gatilho no MEOWS, porém avaliação médica foi solicitada para apenas três pacientes, resultando num percentual de 0,8%. Conclusões: a utilização do MEOWS, de forma retrospectiva, evidenciou uma quantidade significativa de pacientes apresentando eventos gatilho, os quais não foram reconhecidos pela equipe de enfermagem em 99,2% dos casos. Este achado pode ser atribuído ao fato de o MEOWS ainda não ser adotado no serviço como parte da rotina dos cuidados de enfermagem. A aplicação dessa ferramenta resultaria numa assistência melhor, pois situações críticas seriam reconhecidas e corrigidas com maior precocidade, evitando desfechos desfavoráveis.

Measurement properties of the questionnaire "Mosaic of opinions on induced abortion": a multicenter study in seven Brazilian hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: In Brasil, abortion is legal in cases of rape, when there is a risk of maternal death, and in cases of fetal anencephaly. However, the literature reports that some doctors refuse to care for women with such demands or come to perform it in a discriminatory manner. Pretest, test and evaluate the measurement properties of the "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion," a questionnaire developed to investigate the perspectives of Brazilian healthcare professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was pretested in an intentional sample of specialists. Secondly, it was tested in a randomized sample of 32 healthcare professionals. Finally, we conducted a multi-center study in seven university hospitals to evaluate the measurement properties of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Combined samples of the three phases totalized 430 individuals. In pretest and test, all the evaluated aspects obtained satisfactory results. In the multicenter phase, confirmatory factorial analysis led to an important reduction of the questionnaire, which also obtained good indicators of reliability, beyond the validation of construct and criteria. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire has been validated and is suitable for use in other surveys in Brasil.

Measurement properties of the questionnaire "Mosaic of opinions on induced abortion": a multicenter study in seven Brazilian hospitals

SUMMARY In Brasil, abortion is legal in cases of rape, when there is a risk of maternal death, and in cases of fetal anencephaly. However, the literature reports that some doctors refuse to care for women with such demands or come to perform it in a discriminatory manner. OBJECTIVE: Pretest, test and evaluate the measurement properties of the "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion," a questionnaire developed to investigate the perspectives of Brazilian healthcare professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was pretested in an intentional sample of specialists. Secondly, it was tested in a randomized sample of 32 healthcare professionals. Finally, we conducted a multi-center study in seven university hospitals to evaluate the measurement properties of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Combined samples of the three phases totalized 430 individuals. In pretest and test, all the evaluated aspects obtained satisfactory results. In the multicenter phase, confirmatory factorial analysis led to an important reduction of the questionnaire, which also obtained good indicators of reliability, beyond the validation of construct and criteria. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire has been validated and is suitable for use in other surveys in Brasil.

RESUMO RESUMO: No Brasil, o aborto induzido é permitido por lei em casos de estupro, risco de morte para a gestante e anencefalia fetal. Entretanto, a literatura relata que alguns médicos recusam atender mulheres com tais demandas, ou o fazem de maneira discriminatória. OBJETIVO: Pré-testar, testar e avaliar as propriedades da medida do "Mosaico de opiniões sobre o aborto induzido", um questionário para investigar as perspectivas de profissionais da saúde brasileiros sobre a moralidade do aborto. MÉTODOS: Primeiro, o questionário foi pré-testado em uma amostra intencional de especialistas. Em segundo lugar, foi testado em uma amostra aleatória de 32 profissionais da saúde. Finalmente, conduziu-se um estudo multicêntrico em sete hospitais universitários para avaliar as propriedades da medida do questionário. RESULTADOS: Combinadas, as amostras das três fases totalizaram 430 sujeitos. No pré-teste e no teste, todos os aspectos avaliados obtiveram resultados satisfatórios. Na fase multicêntrica, a análise fatorial confirmatória levou a uma importante redução do questionário, que também obteve bons indicadores de confiabilidade, além da validade de construto e de critério. CONCLUSÕES: O questionário foi validado e encontra-se apto para ser utilizado em outras pesquisas no Brasil.

Clonidine versus Captopril for Severe Postpartum Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Changes during the puerperium are still unclear, particularly in women with hypertension. The choice of antihypertensives, both to control very high blood pressure episodes and to keep blood pressure stable, also requires further elucidation. Currently, there are no clear data to guide the decision for the choice of postpartum antihypertensives. Captopril plays an important role in the treatment of very high blood pressure episodes and may be used postpartum. Clonidine has been used as an alternative in pregnant or postpartum women with contraindications to captopril, with satisfactory effect. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of clonidine compared to captopril for treating severe postpartum hypertension. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A randomized, drug-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial evaluating postpartum women receiving captopril or clonidine. Inclusion criteria consisted of: women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥110 mmHg], requiring magnesium sulfate. Exclusion criteria were: heart disease, smoking, illicit drug use, contraindications to captopril, clonidine or oral medication, and having used captopril/clonidine previously. The primary outcome was the frequency of very high blood pressure episodes while in the obstetric intensive care unit. A total of 90 postpartum women met the study inclusion criteria, with 45 randomized to each group. There were fewer very high blood pressure episodes during hospitalization (2.1 ± 2.1 vs. 3.5 ± 4.7, p = 0.08), greater percentage reduction in SBP (14.0% ± 8.6% vs. 10.8% ± 8.8%, p = 0.08) and fewer women requiring sodium nitroprusside (2.3% vs. 13.3%; RR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.02-1.39; p = 0.06) in the clonidine group compared to the captopril group; however, these differences were not significant. The groups were similar regarding daily mean SBP or DBP; however, on the third postpartum day, mean SBP was lower in the clonidine compared to the captopril group (151.9 ± 11.8 mmHg vs. 158.1 ± 13.6 mmHg, p = 0.02). Although not statistically significant, adverse reactions were more common in the captopril group (28.8%) compared to the clonidine group (18.6%). CONCLUSION: Clonidine and captopril represent safe, effective treatments for severe postpartum hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: www.clinicaltrial.gov, NCT01761916.

Clonidine versus captopril for treatment of postpartum very high blood pressure: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (CLONCAP).

BACKGROUND: The behavior of arterial blood pressure in postpartum of women with hypertension and pregnancy and the best treatment for very high blood pressure in this period still need evidence. The Cochrane systematic review assessing prevention and treatment of postpartum hypertension found only two trials (120 patients) comparing hydralazine with nifedipine and labetalol for the treatment of severe hypertension and did not find enough evidence to know how best to treat women with hypertension after birth. Although studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of treatment with captopril, side effects were reported. Because of these findings, new classes of antihypertensive drugs began to be administered as an alternative therapy. Data on the role of clonidine in this particular group of patients, its effects in the short and long term are still scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of clonidine, compared to captopril, for the treatment of postpartum very high blood pressure in women with hypertension in pregnancy. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a triple blind randomized controlled trial including postpartum women with diagnosis of hypertension in pregnancy presenting very high blood pressure, and exclusion criteria will be presence of heart disease, smoking, use of illicit drugs, any contraindication to the use of captopril or clonidine and inability to receive oral medications.Eligible patients will be invited to participate and those who agree will be included in the study and receive captopril or clonidine according to a random list of numbers. The subjects will receive the study medication every 20 minutes until blood pressure is over 170 mmHg of systolic blood pressure and 110 mmHg diastolic blood pressure. A maximum of six pills a day for very high blood pressure will be administered. In case of persistent high blood pressure levels, other antihypertensive agents will be used.During the study the women will be subject to strict control of blood pressure and urine output. This proposal has already obtained approval of the local Institutional Review Board of the coordinating center (IMIP, Recife, Brazil) and of the National Council for Ethics in Research (CONEP) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Register under the number NCT01761916.

[A case-control study of factors associated with repeat teen pregnancy based on a sample from a university maternity hospital]. / Fatores associados à recorrência da gravidez na adolescência em uma maternidade escola: estudo caso-controle.

Repeat teen pregnancy is a frequent issue and is considered an aggravating factor for increased maternal and fetal morbidity and social problems. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with repeat teen pregnancy. A case-control study was conducted in 90 postpartum adolescents with more than one pregnancy (cases) and 90 adult women with a history of only one pregnancy during adolescence (controls). Statistical analysis used hierarchical logistic regression with 5% significance. Early sexual initiation (< 15 years), early age at first pregnancy (< 16 years), not raising the children themselves, and low family income (< one minimum wage) were associated with repeat teenage pregnancy, while partner change was inversely associated. Repeat teen pregnancy was mainly associated with reproductive and socioeconomic factors. Partner change appeared as a protective factor. Measures should be adopted during the postpartum period of teenage mothers in order to avoid repeat pregnancy.

Fatores associados à recorrência da gravidez na adolescência em uma maternidade escola: estudo caso-controle / A case-control study of factors associated with repeat teen pregnancy based on a sample from a university maternity hospital / Factores asociados con la recurrencia de embarazos de adolescentes en una maternidad escuela: estudio de casos y controles

Recorrência da gravidez na adolescência é uma situação frequente, sendo considerada como um fator agravante tanto para o aumento da morbidade materna e fetal quanto para aumento de problemas sociais. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar fatores associados à recorrência de gravidez em adolescentes. Realizou-se estudo caso-controle com puérperas, incluindo 90 adolescentes com mais de uma gravidez (caso) e 90 adultas, mulheres que tiveram uma gestação na adolescência, mas que não recorreram (controle). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se regressão logística hierarquizada, com nível de significância de 5%. Os fatores que permaneceram associados à recorrência da gravidez na adolescência foram: coitarca < 15 anos, idade da primeira gestação < 16 anos, mudança de parceiro, não cuidar dos filhos e renda familiar < um salário mínimo. A recorrência de gravidez na adolescência foi associada especialmente a fatores reprodutivos e socioeconômicos. A mudança de parceiro foi fator de proteção. No puerpério de adolescentes, devem ser intensificados os cuidados para que seja evitada a recorrência.

Repeat teen pregnancy is a frequent issue and is considered an aggravating factor for increased maternal and fetal morbidity and social problems. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with repeat teen pregnancy. A case-control study was conducted in 90 postpartum adolescents with more than one pregnancy (cases) and 90 adult women with a history of only one pregnancy during adolescence (controls). Statistical analysis used hierarchical logistic regression with 5% significance. Early sexual initiation (< 15 years), early age at first pregnancy (< 16 years), not raising the children themselves, and low family income (< one minimum wage) were associated with repeat teenage pregnancy, while partner change was inversely associated. Repeat teen pregnancy was mainly associated with reproductive and socioeconomic factors. Partner change appeared as a protective factor. Measures should be adopted during the postpartum period of teenage mothers in order to avoid repeat pregnancy.

La recurrencia del embarazo en la adolescencia es una situación frecuente, siendo considerada como un factor agravante, tanto para el aumento de la morbilidad materna y fetal, como para el aumento de problemas sociales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar factores asociados a la recurrencia de embarazo en adolescentes. Se realizó un estudio de caso-control con puérperas, incluyendo 90 adolescentes con más de un embarazo (caso) y 90 adultas, mujeres que tuvieron una gestación en la adolescencia, pero que no recurrieron (control). Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó la regresión logística jerarquizada, con un nivel de significancia de un 5%. Los factores que permanecieron asociados a la recurrencia de embarazo en la adolescencia fueron: coitarca < 15 años, edad de la primera gestación < 16 años, cambio de pareja, no cuidar de los hijos y renta familiar < un salario mínimo. La recurrencia de embarazo en la adolescencia fue asociada especialmente a factores reproductivos y socioeconómicos. El cambio de pareja fue un factor de protección. En el puerperio de adolescentes, se deben intensificar los cuidados para que se evite la recurrencia.