Burden of asthma among inner-city children from Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of asthma in a population of inner-city Brazilian children. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we selected children with asthma and healthy controls from public schools (8-16 years) from a capital city of Southern Brazil. Divided into three phases, questionnaires were administered, assessing lung function, body mass index and allergic sensitization. RESULTS: From 2500 children initially included in the study (48.4% males; mean age of 11.42 ± 2.32 years), asthma prevalence was detected in 28.6% (715/2500). The disease was not controlled in 42.7% (305/715) of the children, with 7.6% of hospitalization rate. School absenteeism (at least one day of missing school because of asthma) and sedentary behavior were high (57.1 and 67.2%, respectively), with 47.9% of subjects requiring oral steroids in the previous year, and physical well-being significantly lower than controls, directly interfering with quality of life, and therefore in the daily activities of these students. Moreover, 38% of the parents admitted to being non-adherent to treatment with their children and 31.1 and 53.6%, respectively, believed that rescue medication and exercise might be harmful. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of asthma in Brazilian children seems to be substantial. New international guidelines with a special focus in developing countries settings, with more pragmatic approaches, should be a priority for discussion and implementation actions.

[Family caregivers' perception about a program of hospital discharge]. / Percepção de cuidadores familiares sobre um programa de alta hospitalar.

The preparation of hospital discharge, seen as a strategy in Health Education, may help the family to continue household care after hospital discharge. This descriptive study with qualitative approach aims at analyzing how the family caregiver who assists elderly patients with CVA (cerebrovascular accident) sees a discharge planning program in a university hospital. Twelve family caregivers were interviewed. Data were analyzed according to the Content Analysis Technique, and four categories emerged: opinion about the program; adequacy of guidance according to the demands for care; improvement points; and repercussions of the caregiver. It is suggested the implementation of similar programs in health care services regarding the elderly patient with CVA and his/her family.

[Families in charge of health care for elderly people: their relationship with social and health care institutions]. / Famílias cuidadoras de pessoa idosa: relação com instituições sociais e de saúde.

This research has a quality approach that aims at understanding the relationship between low-income families who provide fragile elderly people with health care at their own homes and social and health institutions. The methodology used is a case study of the ethnographic kind. Data were collected by means of participating observation and interview with four families. Three themes were identified in a content analysis: social support, relationship with health institutions, and relationship with the local health service. The families stress that access to health care services is appalling and that solidification of the Brazilian Public Health System is urgent, if it is to meet its function.

[Programs of nursing home care]. / Programas de cuidado de enfermagem domiciliar.

Home care is an assistance strategy that emphasizes patient autonomy, as well as self-care in the domiciliary setting. This strategy involves planning, coordination, and performance of several services. This study is of a descriptive type, contemplating a qualitative approach by means of a bibliographical review. Data were analyzed through the Content Analysis technique, with two categories being identified: home care programs and systematization of care. Home care reduces the number of clinical complications, additional hospitalizations, and hospital costs. Upon outlining a home care program, objectives must be established with the purpose of effecting the desired changes. When carrying out the systematization, nurses must build ties and a partnership with the patient and his/her family.