Characteristics of Spirituality and Religion Among Suicide Attempters.

Spirituality and religiousness are associated with a lower risk of suicide. A detailed assessment of spirituality among 88 suicide attempters hospitalized after a suicide attempt was performed. Factors associated with the recurrence of suicide attempts over 18 months were looked into. Spirituality was low among most suicide attempters in comparison with the general population. Two groups were identified: those with a high score of depression who featured "low" in spirituality and those with a more heterogeneous profile, for example, involving personality disorders, characterized by a "high" spirituality. At the follow-up, the "meaning in life" score appeared to correlate with recurrence of suicide. Clinical implications are discussed herein.

Spirituality and religion among French prisoners: an effective coping resource?

The aim of this study was to describe the role of spirituality and religiousness (SR) among detainees. Thirty detainees from a French short-stay prison were assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Spirituality Religion and Personal Beliefs questionnaire (WHOQOL-SRPB) and with open questions about SR. Forty percent of detainees described SR as an important way of coping with incarceration and stressful events, as a means of finding inner peace, showing altruism, and gaining the respect of others. SR involvement was associated with reports of decreased suicide risk and of the prevention of future offences. SR appears to be an important coping mechanism and may help the transition to the community following incarceration. This study endorses the view that SR should be considered when treating this population.

French-language version of the World Health Organization quality of life spirituality, religiousness and personal beliefs instrument.

BACKGROUND: A valid assessment of spirituality and religiousness is necessary for clinical and research purposes. We developed and assessed the validity of a French-language version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Spirituality, Religiousness and Personal Beliefs Instrument (WHOQOL-SRPB). METHODS: The SRPB was translated into French according to the methods recommended by the WHOQOL group. An Internet survey was conducted in 561 people in 2010, with follow-up 2 weeks later (n = 231, 41%), to assess reliability, factor structure, social desirability bias and construct validity of this scale. Tests were performed based on item-response theory. RESULTS: A modal score of 1 (all answers="not at all") was observed for Faith (in 34% of participants), Connectedness (27%), and Spiritual Strength (14%). All scales had test-retest reliability coefficients ≥0.7. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were high for all subscales (0.74 to 0.98) and very high (>0.9) for three subscales (Connectedness, Spiritual Strength and Faith). Scores of Faith, Connectedness, Spiritual Strength and Meaning of Life were higher for respondents with religious practice than for those who had no religious practice. No association was found between SRPB and age or sex. The Awe subscale had a low information function for all levels of the Awe latent trait and may benefit from inclusion of an additional item. CONCLUSIONS: The French language version of the SRPB retained many properties of the original version. However, the SRPB could be improved by trimming redundant items. The strength of SRPB relies on its multinational development and validation, allowing for cross-cultural comparisons.

[Factors of cardiovascular risk for hypertensive patients followed during primary care]. / Composantes du risque cardiovasculaire chez les patients hypertendus suivis en première ligne (Sousse, Tunisie).

AIM: To describe the elements of cardiovascular risk in order to calculate global cardiovascular risk in primary care hypertensive patients in Sousse Tunisia. METHODS: Cross sectional study including 456 hypertensive patients followed in 7 public health centers. Cardiovascular risk was assessed according the World Health Organization/International health society recommendations. RESULTS: Average age was 65.6 +/- 9.8 years, Sex Ratio was 0.18. Sixth of the patients had at least three risk factors, the most frequent of them were getting advanced in years, mild hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Targer organ damages was showed in 13.8%; 8.3% presented an associated cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular risk was very high in about 20% of patients. CONCLUSION: Primary care hypertensive patients show a heterogeneous cardiovascular risk. Patients with very high risk should be referred to specialists in order to benefit by a better care.

[Neuroleptic treatment and neurological soft signs in schizophrenic patients]. / Traitement neuroleptique et signes neurologiques mineurs chez les patients schizophrènes.

OBJECTIVES: To appreciate the impact of the neuroleptic treatment on the neurological soft signs (NSS) in schizophrenic patients and to examine their relation with the treatment response based on the level of CGI-improvement. METHODS: A cross-sectional study bearing on 66 schizophrenic patients: untreated patients (N = 13) and treated patients (N = 53). All patients were assessed by the Krebs et al. Neurological Soft Signs Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI). RESULTS: No difference has been noted concerning the NSS total score between treated and untreated schizophrenic patients. Concerning the NSS sub-scores, we have noted a significantly difference in the sensory integration sub-score. In treated patients, no correlation was found between NSS and daily dosage or duration of exposure of neuroleptic treatment, extrapyramidal symptoms and level of CGI-improvement. CONCLUSION: The excess of NSS in schizophrenic patients is independent of the neuroleptic treatment, suggesting that NSS represent a neurodevelopmental risk factor for schizophrenia.

[Audit of management of arterial hypertension in primary health care in Sousse]. / Audit de la prise en charge de l'hypertension arterielle dans les structures de sante de premiere ligne a Sousse.

A medical audit has been carried out on a representative sample of 456 hypertensive patients followed in the health care facilities of Sousse during 2002, to evaluate the quality of management of hypertension in primary health care. The study yielded the following results: the patients selected for a first line follow-up did not represent more than 79% of the studied population. The minimal recommended balance was achieved in 8% of cases only. Adequate drug therapy was prescribed in 64% of cases. 59% of patients were considered compliant. Controls of blood pressure was achieved in 5,5% of patients. The quality of management of hypertension in primary health care was considered satis factory in 28,7% of patents with a significant difference between urban and rural areas (24,9% versus 40,5%). These results indicate that increased attention should be paid by the national program of Struggle against the Chronic Diseases to the quality of management of hypertension in primary health care institutions.

[Evaluation of the quality of medical records in the Monastir regional hospitals--Tunisia]. / Evaluation de la qualité des dossiers médicaux dans les hôpitaux régionaux de Monastir-Tunisie.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of medical records throughout a sample of 380 records at the medicine ward of three regional hospitals in Monastir. The medical audit was performed using a reference standard previously developed by foreign teams and adapted to the health care features of our country. The results showed that the quality of medical records should be improved. It depends on the hospital and in 2/3 of cases there was a lack of information or sheets important for the coordination and the continuity of medical care. The quality improvement of medical records could be reached by the professional education, which should emphasise the importance of medical and administrative data in the health care management. This could be included in a continuous quality improvement program.