Epidemiological aspects of individuals with mental disorders in the referral system: the experience of a Community Mental Health Center in the northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) offer affordable mental health services in a less stigmatized environment, in a domiciliary setting. This study aimed to shed light on the epidemiological factors of patients attending CMHCs of Mashhad, their referral status, and treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted over the medical records of patients seen by psychiatrists between January 2014 and December 2021 in Mashhad's CMHC, the northeast of Iran. A detailed questionnaire was used to extract data from medical records about the epidemiological characteristics, diagnosed mental illnesses, referral status, and how often they visited the psychiatrist. The association between epidemiological findings and patient referral (referral system or self-referral) as well as the association between epidemiological findings and the number of psychiatric revisits were examined using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of 662 patients, 472 (71%) were female and 190 (29%) were male, with an average age of 29 years. Among the 475 adult patients, 367 (77.3%) were married, with the majority being homemakers (56.4%). Major Depression Disorder (MDD) (32%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (18.3%) were the most prevalent mental health conditions among patients. The majority of patients (74.9%) were referred to the CMHC of Mashhad from Primary Healthcare centers (PHCs) and psychiatric hospitals. Furthermore, female gender and patients with lower level of education were associated with more referral through from referral system. Of note, 431 patients (65.1%) did not return for a second visit, the ratio of treatment dropout was higher for patients with lower education levels. CONCLUSIONS: Referral system should be more practical in Iran to enhance health services in CMHCs. It is recommended that PHCs undergo certain modifications to enhance the referral process for patients with mental health conditions, focusing on common mental disorders and individuals with low socioeconomic level.

Disengagement from the Ribeirão Preto early intervention program for psychosis: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment discontinuation within Early Intervention Services (EIS) for psychosis poses a significant challenge to achieving better outcomes in the early stages of psychotic disorders. Prevalence and predictors of early disengagement from EIS located in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain poorly investigated. We aimed to examine the rates and predictors of disengagement from the Ribeirão Preto Early Intervention Program for Psychosis (Ribeirão Preto-EIP) in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from patients referred to the Ribeirão Preto-EIP between January 01, 2015, and December 31, 2018. Exclusion criteria were individuals with a single consultation, a diagnosis other than a psychotic disorder, and documented cases of death. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 234 patients, with an overall median follow-up time of 14.2 months. Early treatment disengagement was observed in 26.5 % (n=62), with a median time to disengagement of 5.25 months. Univariable analysis identified non-white skin color (HR=2.10, 95 %CI 1.26-3.49), positive THC screening (HR=2.22, 95 %CI 1.23-4.01), and substance-induced psychosis (HR=2.15, 95 %CI 1.10-4.21) as significant predictors. In multivariable analysis, only non-white skin color remained a significant predictor of early disengagement (HR=1.87, 95 %CI 1.08-3.27). CONCLUSIONS: The observed rates of early disengagement in our sample are similar to those reported in wealthy countries, but higher than previously reported for LMICs. Non-white skin color predicted early disengagement in our sample, probably due to social disadvantages. Our data highlights the need for enhanced research elucidating the specific features of EIS in LMICs.

The burden of very early dropout in infertility care: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the frequency and the associated factors of very early dropout following unsuccessful clomiphene citrate (CC)/gonadotropin treatment in the context of full coverage of treatment cost. SUMMARY ANSWER: Despite free treatment, almost one in four women had a very early dropout following unsuccessful CC/gonadotropin treatment, with patients below the poverty line being more likely to drop out early. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Success of infertility care is tarnished by very high dropout rates. Infertility care dropout has been considered as resulting principally from financial barriers because of the high cost of treatment. Nearly all previous work addressed dropout following IVF/ICSI. Factors associated with dropout following CC/gonadotropins may be different and also need to be investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Nationwide population-based cohort study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Using the French national health insurance and hospital databases, we included in the cohort 27 416 women aged 18-49 years unsuccessfully treated with CC/gonadotropins in 2017. The main outcome was very early dropout, defined as discontinuation of all infertility treatment after unsuccessful treatment for 1-3 months. Very early treatment dropout was analysed by multivariate logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Among women unsuccessfully treated with CC/gonadotropins, 22% dropped out of infertility care within 3 months. In multivariate analysis, higher early dropout following unsuccessful CC/gonadotropin treatment was associated with older and younger ages (≥35 and <25 years), being below the poverty line, being treated with CC prescribed by a general practitioner and lack of infertility tests or monitoring. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study is based on health administrative data that do not include reasons for dropout and record only a limited amount of information. It is thus not possible to analyse the reason for early dropout. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Despite full coverage of all infertility treatment, women under the poverty line have a higher risk of very early dropout following unsuccessful CC/gonadotropin treatment. Better understanding is needed of the non-financial barriers and difficulties faced by these patients. To address disparities in infertility treatment, practitioner training could be reinforced to adapt to patients from different social and cultural backgrounds. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the ANR StimHo project, grant ANR-17-CE36-0011-01 from the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Abandono de la terapia antirretroviral entre adolescentes y jóvenes con VIH/SIDA durante el COVID-19: un estudio de casos y controles / Antiretroviral therapy abandonment among adolescents and young people with HIV/AIDS during COVID-19: A case-control study / Abandono da terapia antirretroviral entre adolescentes e jovens com HIV/aids durante a COVID-19: estudo caso-controle

Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados al abandono de la terapia antirretroviral entre adolescentes y jóvenes que vivían con VIH/sida durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudio de casos y controles realizado entre 2020 y 2021 en Maringá, Paraná. Los casos fueron: adolescentes y jóvenes (10 a 24 años) diagnosticados con VIH/sida y que abandonaron el tratamiento, mientras que el grupo de controles fue compuesto por personas con características sociodemográficas semejantes, diagnosticadas con VIH/sida, sin historia de abandono del tratamiento. El emparejamiento de casos y controles se hizo por conveniencia, con cuatro controles por cada caso. El instrumento de investigación presentó variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, entre otras y la asociación con el abandono del tratamiento se analizó por regresión logística. Resultados: se incluyeron 27 casos y 109 controles en el estudio (proporción 1/4). La variable asociada con mayor probabilidad de abandono fue la edad próxima a 22,8 años (ORaj:1,47; IC 95%:1,07-2,13; p=0,024). El uso esporádico del preservativo (ORaj:0,22; IC 95%:0,07-0,59; p=0,003) y padecer una infección oportunista (OR:0,31; IC 95%:0,10-0,90; p=0,030) fueron factores protectores. Conclusión: la edad próxima a los 23 años en la última visita se asoció al abandono de la terapia antirretroviral. La presencia de infección oportunista y el uso de preservativos son factores determinantes para la continuidad del tratamiento durante el COVID-19.

Objective: to identify the factors associated with antiretroviral therapy abandonment among adolescents and young people living with HIV/AIDS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: a case-control study carried out between 2020 and 2021 in Maringá, Paraná. The cases corresponded to the following: adolescents and young people (aged from 10 to 24 years old) diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and who abandoned treatment, while the Control Group consisted of people with similar sociodemographic characteristics, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and with no history of treatment abandonment. Pairing of the cases and controls was by convenience, with four controls for each case. The research instrument presented sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics and others, whose association with treatment abandonment was analyzed by means of logistic regression. Results: a total of 27 cases and 109 controls were included in the study (1/4 ratio). The variable associated with an increased chance of abandonment was age close to 22.8 years old (ORadj: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.07-2.13; p=0.024). Sporadic condom use (ORadj: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.59; p=0.003) and having an opportunistic infection (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.10-0.90; p=0.030) were protective factors. Conclusion: age close to 23 years old at the last consultation was associated with antiretroviral therapy abandonment. The presence of opportunistic infections and condom use are determining factors for treatment continuity during COVID-19.

Objetivo: identificar os fatores associados ao abandono da terapia antirretroviral entre adolescentes e jovens vivendo com HIV/aids durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudo caso-controle realizado entre 2020 e 2021 em Maringá, Paraná. Os casos foram: adolescentes e jovens (10 a 24 anos) diagnosticados com HIV/aids e que abandonaram o tratamento, enquanto o grupo dos controles foi composto por pessoas com características sociodemográficas semelhantes, diagnosticadas com HIV/aids, sem histórico de abandono de tratamento. O pareamento dos casos e controles foi por meio de conveniência, sendo quatro controles para cada caso. O instrumento de pesquisa apresentou variáveis sociodemográficas, características clínicas e outras, cuja associação com o abandono do tratamento foi analisada por meio de regressão logística. Resultados: 27 casos e 109 controles foram incluídos no estudo (proporção 1/4). A variável associada à maior chance de abandono foi idade próxima de 22,8 anos (ORaj.:1,47; IC95%:1,07-2,13; p=0,024). O uso esporádico de preservativo (ORaj:0,22; IC95%:0,07-0,59; p=0,003) e ter infecção oportunista (OR:0,31; IC95%:0,10-0,90; p=0,030) foram fatores de proteção. Conclusão: idade próxima a 23 anos na última consulta foi associada ao abandono da terapia antirretroviral. A presença de infecção oportunista e o uso de preservativo são fatores determinantes para continuidade do tratamento durante a COVID-19.

A Qualitative Exploration of Barriers to Treatment Among HPV-Positive Women in a Cervical Cancer Screening Study in Western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer screening through self-collected high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has increased screening uptake, particularly in low-resource settings. Improvement ultimately depends, however, on women with positive results accessing follow-up treatment. Identifying the barriers to timely treatment is needed to tailor service delivery for maximum impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted within a self-collected HPV screening trial in Migori County, Kenya. HPV-positive women were referred for no-cost cryotherapy treatment at the county hospital. Women not attending within 60 days of receiving HPV-positive results were randomly selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs). IDIs were coded and analyzed to develop an analytical framework and identify treatment barriers. RESULTS: Eighty-one women were interviewed. IDIs showed a poor understanding of HPV and cervical cancer, impacting comprehension of screening results and treatment instructions. All 81 had not undergone treatment but reported intending to in the future. Eight reported seeking treatment unsuccessfully or not qualifying, primarily due to pregnancy. Transportation costs and long distances to the hospital were the most reported barriers to treatment. Other obstacles included work, household obligations, and fear of treatment. Impacts of social influences were mixed; some women reported their husbands prevented seeking treatment, others reported their husbands provided financial or emotional support. Few women experienced peer support. CONCLUSIONS: Women faced many barriers to treatment following HPV screening in rural Kenya. Transportation barriers highlight a need for local treatment capacity or screen-and-treat approaches. Ensuring women understand their results and how to seek treatment is essential to improving cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings.

Marker events associated with adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment in a cohort study / Eventos marcadores associados à adesão ao tratamento para HIV/aids em um estudo de coorte

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze how clinical and social events may impact adherence to antiretroviral treatment for HIV. METHODS This is a historical cohort study with 528 patients who underwent treatment for HIV in a specialized care service in Alvorada, RS. A total of 3429 queries executed between the years 2004 and 2017 were analyzed. For each visit, data on treatment characteristics and the patients' clinical picture were collected. Adherence, as measured by patients' self-report, was the endpoint of the study. The logistic regression model via generalized estimating equations was used for estimating the associations. RESULTS 67.8% of the patients analyzed have up to 8 years of education and 24.8% have a history of crack and/or cocaine use. Among men, being asymptomatic [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95%CI 1.05-1.93], having more than 8 years of education (OR= 2.32; 95%CI 1.27-4.23), and never having used crack (RC = 2.35; 95%CI 1.20-4.57) were associated with adherence. For women, being older than 24 years (CR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.09-3.02), never having used cocaine (CR = 2.54; 95%CI 1.32-4.88) and being pregnant (RC = 3.28; 95%CI 1.83-5.89) increased the odds of adherence. CONCLUSIONS In addition to defined sociodemographic characteristics, one-off events that may occur in the trajectory of patients on long treatment, such as starting a new pregnancy and not having symptoms, can impact patients' chances of treatment adherence.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar como eventos clínicos e sociais podem impactar na adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral para o HIV. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo de coorte histórica com 528 pacientes que realizaram o tratamento para o HIV em um serviço de assistência especializada em Alvorada, RS. Foram analisadas 3429 consultas executadas entre os anos de 2004 e 2017. Para cada consulta, foram coletados dados de características do tratamento e do quadro clínico dos pacientes. A adesão, aferida pelo autorrelato dos pacientes, foi o desfecho do estudo. O modelo de regressão logística via equações de estimação generalizadas foi utilizado para estimação das associações. RESULTADOS 67,8% dos pacientes analisados possuem até 8 anos de estudos e 24,8% têm histórico de uso de crack e/ou cocaína. Entre os homens, estar assintomático [razão de chances (RC) = 1,43; IC95% 1,05-1,93], possuir mais de 8 anos de estudo (RC = 2,32; IC95% 1,27-4,23) e nunca ter usado crack (RC = 2,35; IC95% 1,20-4,57) estiveram associados à adesão. Para as mulheres, possuir mais de 24 anos (RC = 1,82; IC95% 1,09-3,02), nunca ter usado cocaína (RC = 2,54; IC95% 1,32-4,88) e estar em gestação (RC = 3,28; IC95% 1,83-5,89) aumentaram as chances de adesão. CONCLUSÕES Além de características sociodemográficas definidas, eventos pontuais que podem ocorrer na trajetória de pacientes em tratamentos longos, como início de uma nova gestação e não apresentar sintomas, podem impactar nas chances de adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento.

The Influencing Contexts and Potential Mechanisms Behind the Use of Web-Based Self-management Support Interventions: Realistic Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Self-management can increase self-efficacy and quality of life and improve disease outcomes. Effective self-management may also help reduce the pressure on health care systems. However, patients need support in dealing with their disease and in developing skills to manage the consequences and changes associated with their condition. Web-based self-management support programs have helped patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but program use has been low. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the patient, disease, and program characteristics that determine whether patients use web-based self-management support programs or not. METHODS: A realistic evaluation methodology was used to provide a comprehensive overview of context (patient and disease characteristics), mechanism (program characteristics), and outcome (program use). Secondary data of adult patients with CVD (n=101) and those with RA (n=77) were included in the study. The relationship between context (sex, age, education, employment status, living situation, self-management [measured using Patient Activation Measure-13], quality of life [measured using RAND 36-item health survey], interaction efficacy [measured using the 5-item perceived efficacy in patient-physician interactions], diagnosis, physical comorbidity, and time since diagnosis) and outcome (program use) was analyzed using logistic regression analyses. The relationship between mechanism (program design, implementation strategies, and behavior change techniques [BCTs]) and outcome was analyzed through a qualitative interview study. RESULTS: This study included 68 nonusers and 111 users of web-based self-management support programs, of which 56.4% (101/179) were diagnosed with CVD and 43.6% (78/179) with RA. Younger age and a lower level of education were associated with program use. An interaction effect was found between program use and diagnosis and 4 quality of life subscales (social functioning, physical role limitations, vitality, and bodily pain). Patients with CVD with higher self-management and quality of life scores were less likely to use the program, whereas patients with RA with higher self-management and quality of life scores were more likely to use the program. Interviews with 10 nonusers, 10 low users, and 18 high users were analyzed to provide insight into the relationship between mechanisms and outcome. Program use was encouraged by an easy-to-use, clear, and transparent design and by recommendations from professionals and email reminders. A total of 5 BCTs were identified as potential mechanisms to promote program use: tailored information, self-reporting behavior, delayed feedback, providing information on peer behavior, and modeling. CONCLUSIONS: This realistic evaluation showed that certain patient, disease, and program characteristics (age, education, diagnosis, program design, type of reminder, and BCTs) are associated with the use of web-based self-management support programs. These results represent the first step in improving the tailoring of web-based self-management support programs. Future research on the interaction between patient and program characteristics should be conducted to improve the tailoring of participants to program components.

How to Retain Participants in User-Centered Design? Towards Recommendations for Minimizing Dropouts.

Dropout and fatigue is present in most research projects. The present project Chronic Pain includes Fibromyalgia patients and applies a user-centered design approach. Surprisingly to the research group, two years into the project there is zero dropout. As a step towards designing a survey to investigate the patient adherence to the project, the characteristics of the user-centered design process are described in this paper.

Adenocarcinoma cervical e abandono terapêutico: a ótica dos enfermeiros em uma cidade do extremo norte brasileiro / Cervical adenocarcinoma and therapeutic dropouts: the perspective of nurses in a city in the extreme north of brazil / Adenocarcinoma cervical y abandono terapéutico: la perspectiva de los enfermeros de una ciudad del extremo norte de brasil

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever, na perspectiva do enfermeiro, as causas de abandono das usuárias em tratamento do adenocarcinoma cervical e analisar as propostas para diminuir esse abandono. Método: o estudo é descritivo, qualitativo, do tipo investigação narrativa. Participaram sete enfermeiros assistencialistas, atuantes em uma unidade de alta complexidade oncológica, na cidade de Macapá, capital do estado do Amapá, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado no período de três a 20 de dezembro de 2019. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática categorial. Resultados: emergiram duas categorias: principais causas de abandono das usuárias em tratamento do adenocarcinoma cervical e estratégias do enfermeiro para a diminuição do abandono do tratamento pelas usuárias. Conclusão: para favorecer o resgate das usuárias, os enfermeiros participantes propõem consulta de Enfermagem e um plano de ação multiprofissional, respeitando as singularidades de cada mulher.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe, from the perspective of nurses, the causes of dropout of users in treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma and analyze the proposals to reduce this dropout. Method: the study is descriptive, qualitative, of narrative research type. Seven care nurses, working in a high complexity oncology unit in the city of Macapá, capital of the state of Amapá, Brazil, participated. The study was conducted in the period from December three to 20, 2019. Data were submitted to categorical thematic analysis. Results: two categories emerged: main causes of dropout of users in treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma and nurse strategies for the reduction of treatment dropout by users. Conclusion: to promote the rescue of the users, the participating nurses propose a Nursing consultation and a multi-professional action plan, respecting the singularities of each woman.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir, desde el punto de vista del enfermero, las causas de abandono de las usuarias en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de cuello uterino y analizar las propuestas para disminuir dicho abandono. Método: El estudio es una investigación descriptiva, cualitativa y narrativa. Participaron siete enfermeros asistenciales, que trabajan en una unidad de oncología de alta complejidad en la ciudad de Macapá, capital del estado de Amapá, Brasil. El estudio se realizó en el periodo comprendido entre el 3 y el 20 de diciembre de 2019. Los datos se sometieron a un análisis categórico temático. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías: principales causas de abandono de las usuarias en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma cervical y estrategias de los enfermeros para reducir el abandono del tratamiento por parte de las usuarias. Conclusión: para favorecer el resguardo de las usuarias, los enfermeros participantes proponen una consulta de Enfermería y un plan de acción multiprofesional, resaltando las singularidades de cada mujer.

Strategies Associated with Retaining Participants in the Longitudinal National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set Study.

BACKGROUND: Best approaches for retaining research participants in Alzheimer's disease cohort studies are understudied. OBJECTIVE: Using data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set, we evaluated the associations of unique strategies with participant retention across Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers and explored potential effect modification by race, ethnicity and diagnostic group. METHODS: We examined retention at the first follow-up visit among participants enrolled during 2015-2017. Structured surveys ascertained 95 retention tactics among 12 strategies. Strategy-specific summary scores were created based on the number of implemented tactics for each strategy and grouped into tertiles. Generalized estimating equations were constructed to evaluate associations between strategy scores and the odds of retention, controlling for age, sex, education, study partner type, marital status, visit length, battery length, diagnostic group, race and ethnicity. Separate models were stratified by race, ethnicity and diagnostic group. Effect modification was formally tested with interaction terms. RESULTS: Among 5,715 total participants enrolled, 4,515 were Non-Hispanic White (79%), 335 were Hispanic/Latino (6%), 651 were Non-Hispanic Black (11%), and 214 were Non-Hispanic Asian (4%). Compared to the lowest tertile of scores, the highest tertile of scores involving improvement in study personnel and communication of study requirements and details were associated with 61% higher odds of retention in fully adjusted models (adjusted Odds Ratios [aOR] = 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.05-2.47 and aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.03-2.35, respectively). We did not find evidence for effect modification. CONCLUSION: In the setting of limited resources, specific retention strategies may be more valuable than others.

Motivos de adesão, aderência e desistência de adultos com obesidade em um programa de exercícios físicos / Reasons for adhesion, adherence and dropout of obese adults in a exercise program

O estudo teve como objetivo determinar os motivos de adesão, aderência e desistência de adultos com obesidade em um programa de intervenção de exercícios físicos. Trata-se de uma estudo descritivo com 69 adultos com obesidade, os quais estiveram envolvidos em um ensaio clínico controlado. Nos grupos de exercícios físicos, as sessões continham treinamento aeróbio e de força, totalizando 60 minutos, durante 16 semanas. Os motivos de adesão, aderência e desistência foram determinados por questionário e uma análise descritiva (quanti-qualitativa) foi realizada, de acordo com a frequência em que os motivos foram relatados pelos participantes. Verificou-se baixa aderência ao treinamento, bem como altos índices de desistência. A saúde, a qualidade de vida e a estética foram os principais motivos de adesão. Para a aderência, os aspectos mais prevalentes foram a saúde, o comprometimento e à motivação. Contudo, para a desistência, trabalho e a desmotivação foram mais relatados. É importante a intervenção profissional no campo da atividade física e saúde considere estes diferentes motivos e as mudanças neles durante o processo e direcione ações a fim de aumentar a adesão e a aderência e reduzir as desistências

The study aimed to determine the reasons for adherence, adherence and dropout of adults with obesity in a physical exercise intervention program. This is a descriptive study with 69 adults with obesity, who were involved in a controlled clinical trial. In the physical exercise groups, the sessions contained aerobic and strength training, totaling 60 minutes, during 16 weeks. The reasons for adhesion, adherence and dropout were determined by questionnaire and a descriptive analysis (quantitative and qualitative) was carried out, according to the frequency with which the reasons were reported by the participants. There was low adher-ence to training, as well as high dropout rates. Health, quality of life and aesthetics were the main reasons for adhesion. For adherence, the most prevalent aspects were health, commitment and motivation. However, for dropout, work and lack of motivation were more reported. It is important for professional intervention in the field of physical activity and health to consider these different reasons and the changes in them during the process and direct actions in order to increase adhesion and adherence and reduce dropouts

Treatment interruption is a risk factor for sickness presenteeism: A large-scale cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between interruption to routine medical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and sickness presenteeism among workers in Japan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data obtained from an internet monitor questionnaire was conducted. Interruption to medical care was defined based on the response "I have not been able to go to the hospital or receive treatment as scheduled." The fraction of sickness presenteeism days in the past 30 days was employed as the primary outcome. A fractional logit model was used for analysis to treat bounded data. RESULTS: Of the 27 036 participants, 17 526 (65%) were workers who did not require routine medical care, 8451 (31%) were using medical care as scheduled, and 1059 (4%) experienced interrupted medical care. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of sickness presenteeism was significantly higher among workers who experienced interrupted medical care (3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.04-3.89) than those who did not require routine medical care. In terms of symptoms, the highest aOR was observed among workers with mental health symptoms (aOR: 5.59, 95% CI: 5.04-6.20). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the importance of continuing necessary treatment during a pandemic to prevent presenteeism.

Engagement Strategies to Improve Adherence and Retention in Web-Based Mindfulness Programs: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Web-based mindfulness programs may be beneficial in improving the well-being outcomes of those living with chronic illnesses. Adherence to programs is a key indicator in improving outcomes; however, with the digitization of programs, it is necessary to enhance engagement and encourage people to return to digital health platforms. More information is needed on how engagement strategies have been used in web-based mindfulness programs to encourage adherence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop a list of engagement strategies for web-based mindfulness programs and evaluate the impact of engagement strategies on adherence. METHODS: A narrative systematic review was conducted across the MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, and Embase databases and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Articles were screened using the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework. Adults aged >18 years with chronic health conditions were included in the study. Mindfulness interventions, including those in combination with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, delivered on the web through the internet or smartphone technology were included. Interventions lasted at least 2 weeks. Studies with a randomized controlled trial design or a pilot randomized controlled trial design were included. Engagement strategies, including web-based program features and facilitator-led strategies, adherence, and retention, were included. RESULTS: A total of 1265 articles were screened, of which 19 were relevant and were included in the review. On average, 70.98% (2258/3181) of the study participants were women with a mean age of 46 (SD 13) years. Most commonly, mindfulness programs were delivered to people living with mental health conditions (8/19, 42%). Of the 19 studies, 8 (42%) used only program features to encourage adherence, 5 (26%) used facilitator-led strategies, and 6 (32%) used a combination of the two. Encouraging program adherence was the most common engagement strategy used, which was used in 77% (10/13) of the facilitator-led studies and 57% (8/14) of the program feature studies. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the studies provided a definition of adherence, which varied between 50% and 100% completion across studies. The overall mean participant compliance to the mindfulness programs was 56% (SD 15%). Most studies (10/19, 53%) had a long-term follow-up, with the most common follow-up period being 12 weeks after intervention (3/10, 30%). After the intervention, the mean retention was 78% (SD 15%). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement strategies in web-based mindfulness programs comprise reminders to use the program. Other features may be suitable for encouraging adherence to interventions, and a facilitator-led component may result in higher retention. There is variance in the way adherence is measured, and intervention lengths and follow-up periods are inconsistent. More thorough reporting and a standardized framework for measuring adherence are needed to more accurately assess adherence and engagement strategies.

Five-year attrition, active enrollment, and predictors of level of participation in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS-2) study.

BACKGROUND: Reporting high-quality bariatric surgery outcomes depends on participant attrition and level of study participation among enrolled participants. OBJECTIVES: Our aims are to report participant attrition, active enrollment, and level of participation, and to evaluate pre-surgery sociodemographic, physical health, and psychosocial factors as predictors of attrition and level of participation through 5 years. SETTING: The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 study which enrolled 2458 adults undergoing a first bariatric surgical procedure at 1 of 6 US cites from 2006 through 2009. METHODS: In-person research assessments were conducted pre-surgery and annually for five years. Extensive retention strategies including offering remote assessments (telephone, email, mail, or a combination) were fully implemented in 2009. Among living participants, including those inactivated, annual follow-up assessments were categorized as in-person, remote or missed through 5 years. RESULTS: By year 5, 1.7% of participants had died and 3.2% had withdrawn or were inactivated by the study staff; thus, attrition was 4.9% (n = 121). Controlling for site and calendar year, missed assessments increased from 14.7%-21.8% between years 1 and 2 and then stayed relatively stable (20.8%-19.6%) for years 3-5. Younger age, male sex, White race, lower body mass index, smoking, illicit drug use, and higher weight loss expectations preoperatively were independently associated with a higher likelihood of a missed versus in-person assessment across follow-up. CONCLUSION: The LABS-2 participant attrition was low. The percentage of missed assessments did not increase after year 2, perhaps due to implementation of a comprehensive retention plan. Predictors of missed assessments highlight subgroups to target for focused retention efforts.

Placebo and nocebo responses in randomized controlled trials of Janus kinase inhibitor monotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis : A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this meta-analysis was to assess the frequency and magnitude of placebo and nocebo responses in placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor monotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis on the rates of placebo response, adverse effects (AEs), severe AEs (SAEs) and withdrawal due to AEs in placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of JAK inhibitor therapy for RA. RESULTS: Five RCTs contained a total of 1422 patients (746 trial participants and 676 controls). The pooled incidence of an American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response rate was 33.0% (95% CI 19.6-44.9%) in placebo-treated patients and 68.3% (95% CI 61.4-74.1%) in active drug-treated patients. A strong negative correlation was observed between drug efficacies (ACR20 response) and AE rates in the placebo arm, indicating that the stronger the placebo response, the weaker the nocebo response (r = -0.906, P = 0.034). The pooled estimate of at least one AE was 54.1% (95% CI 44.6-63.4%) in placebo-treated patients and 54.5% (95% CI 46.2-62.6%) in active drug-treated patients. The pooled SAE rate was 3.9% (95% CI 2.7-5.7%) in placebo-treated patients and 3.8% (95% CI 2.5-5.7%) in active comparator-treated patients. The pooled estimate of withdrawal owing to an AE was 4.1% (95% CI 1.4-11.3%) in placebo-treated patients and 2.1% (95% CI 0.8-5.4%) in active drug-treated patients. However, there were no differences in the pooled risk of AE, SAEs, or withdrawal owing to AEs between the active comparator and placebo groups. A strong positive correlation was observed in AE rates between the placebo and active arms, indicating that the stronger the nocebo response, the higher the AE rate in the active arm (r = 0.957, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The frequency of placebo and nocebo responses was 33.0 and 54.1%, respectively, in JAK monotherapy trials for RA. The findings indicated that the strengths of placebo and nocebo responses are inversely proportional and that clinically significant differences were absent between AE, SAE, and dropout owing to AEs.

Referral mechanism and beneficiary adherence in cervical cancer screening program in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu state, India, 2012-2015.

Background: A screening program for cervical cancer was established in 2011 in Tamil Nadu. Since the inception of the program, coverage, and dropout of screening has not been analyzed. We conducted a study to describe the referral mechanism in the cervical cancer screening program implemented in Tamil Nadu, to estimate the level of adherence to the referral process by the beneficiaries, and to identify strengths and weaknesses related to the referral mechanism in the program. Methods: ">This descriptive study was conducted during 2015-2016 in the Tiruchirappalli administrative district of Tamil Nadu. All women aged 30 years and above, who were screened in public health facilities, were the participants. Using a structured form, we collected the data maintained in the registers at the district health administration. We estimated the screening coverage, follow-up evaluation, and dropout rates at different stages of the referral mechanism. We used SPSS and Epi Info software for analysis. Results: Coverage of cervical cancer screening was 4,838(41.6%). We estimated 4,838(41.6%) of screened positives were lost to follow-up for a colposcopy examination. Biopsy samples were obtained from 3425(84%) of those who required a biopsy. Cervical cancer was diagnosed in 159(4.6%) and precancerous lesions in 528(15.4%) women. Conclusion: More than half of the target population was screened in public health facilities. The dropout rate was less than half of those screened at the colposcopy evaluation level. Major pitfalls of the program were human resource issues at referral centers and poor maintenance of meaningful data.

Monitoring of high-risk children in health services: A geospatial mixed-methods study / Acompanhamento de crianças de alto risco em serviços de saúde: estudo de método misto geoespacial / Seguimiento de niños de alto riesgo en los servicios de salud: estudio de método geoespacial mixto

Abstract Objective: to analyze adherence, non-adherence and abandonment of the monitoring of children referred to the high-risk reference centers of Rede Mãe Paranaense. Method: a parallel and convergent mixed-methods study, in which both approaches have the same weight. The study loci were two high-risk outpatient services from the South of the country. In the quantitative part, 3,107 medical charts of high-risk children were analyzed and the spatial distribution was performed. In the qualitative part, interviews were conducted with 29 health professionals, in addition to 34 family members, and content analysis was performed. Two databases were produced, which were analyzed separately and eventually integrated. Results: the rates regarding adherence to monitoring are decreasing, mainly in the municipalities that are far away from the high-risk outpatient services, and the non-adherence and abandonment rates are increasing. In the reports by the representatives and the manager, a failure was observed between the transportation offer and the active search flow of the absent patients, which contributes to the increase in the non-adherence and abandonment rates and to the consequent decrease in adherence. Conclusion: in high-risk children, adherence is decreasing and the non-adherence and abandonment rates increased.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a adesão, não adesão e abandono do acompanhamento das crianças encaminhadas aos centros de referência de alto risco da Rede Mãe Paranaense. Método: estudo de método misto paralelo convergente, no qual ambas as abordagens possuem o mesmo peso. O cenário do estudo foram dois ambulatórios de alto risco do sul do país. Na parte quantitativa, analisou-se 3.107 prontuários de crianças de alto risco e realizou-se distribuição espacial. Na parte qualitativa, realizou-se entrevistas com 29 profissionais de saúde, além de 34 familiares e se procedeu com a análise de conteúdo. Houve a produção de dois bancos de dados analisados separadamente e com integração ao final. Resultados: as taxas de adesão ao acompanhamento estão diminuindo, principalmente nos municípios distantes dos ambulatórios de alto risco, e as taxas de não adesão e abandono estão em ascensão. Observou-se nos relatos dos representantes e do gestor, falha entre a oferta de transporte e o fluxo de busca ativa dos pacientes faltosos, o que contribui para o aumento das taxas de não adesão e abandono, e a consequente diminuição da adesão. Conclusão: a adesão das crianças de alto risco está em decréscimo ao mesmo tempo em que as taxas de não adesão e abandono aumentaram.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la adherencia, no adherencia y el abandono del seguimiento de niños derivados a los centros de referencia de alto riesgo de la Rede Mãe Paranaense. Método: estudio del método convergente paralelo mixto, en el que ambos enfoques tienen el mismo peso. El escenario de estudio fueron dos consultorios externos de alto riesgo del sur del país. En la parte cuantitativa se analizaron 3.107 historias clínicas de niños de alto riesgo y se realizó una distribución espacial. En la parte cualitativa, se realizaron entrevistas a 29 profesionales de la salud y a 34 familiares, y se realizó el análisis de contenido. Se crearon dos bases de datos que se analizaron por separado y se integraron al final. Resultados: las tasas de adherencia al seguimiento están disminuyendo, fundamentalmente en los municipios alejados de los consultorios externos de alto riesgo, y las tasas de no adherencia y abandono van en aumento. Se observó en los relatos de los representantes y del gestor, un problema entre la oferta de transporte y el flujo de búsqueda activa de pacientes ausentes, lo que contribuye al aumento de las tasas de no adherencia y abandono, y, por ende, a la disminución de la adherencia. Conclusión: la adherencia de los niños de alto riesgo está disminuyendo y, a su vez, aumentan las tasas de no adherencia y abandono.

Fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento da tuberculose: estudo de casos e controles / Factors associated with abandonment of tuberculosis treatment: a case-control study

Resumo Introdução O abandono do tratamento da tuberculose (TB) está associado à manutenção da doença, resistência medicamentosa e morbimortalidade. Objetivo Avaliar a tendência da TB e identificar os fatores de risco associados ao abandono do tratamento no município de Sapucaia do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul, nos anos de 2006 a 2012. Método Estudo de casos e controles com dados secundários notificados no Sistema de Informação. Os casos foram de pacientes que abandonaram o tratamento. Como controles, foram sorteadas pessoas que completaram o tratamento e obtiveram cura. O pareamento foi realizado de acordo com a data do diagnóstico da doença. Foram incluídos quatro controles para cada caso. Resultados Foram notificados 660 casos de TB no período. O abandono manteve-se acima dos 5%, com aumento a partir de 2009. Na análise ajustada, idade de 16 a 29 anos (OR = 16,9; IC95%: 3,78-76,0; p < 0,001), idade de 30 a 49 anos (OR = 9,9; IC95%: 2,25-43,8; p < 0,001), entrada como recidiva após cura (OR = 2,83; IC95%: 1,30-6,14; p < 0,01) e drogadição (OR = 3,94; IC95%: 1,13-13,6; p = 0,03) permaneceram associadas com o abandono do tratamento. Conclusão Indivíduos jovens, que já haviam apresentado a doença e se curado e que faziam o uso de drogas ilícitas, abandonaram o tratamento.

Abstract Background The abandonment of tuberculosis (TB) treatment is associated with maintenance of the disease, drug resistance, and morbidity and mortality. Objective To evaluate the tendency of TB and identify the risk factors associated with the abandonment of treatment in the city of Sapucaia do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul state, from 2006 to 2012. Method This is a case-control study carried out with secondary data reported in the Information System. The case study had the patients who abandoned treatment. The control study had individuals that completed the treatment and were cured. The pairing was performed according to the date of diagnosis of the disease. Four controls were included for each case. Results 660 cases of TB were reported in the period. The abandonment remained above 5%, with an increase from 2009 on. In the adjusted analysis, age 16 to 29 years (OR = 16.9; 95% CI: 3.78 - 76.0; p <0.001), age 30 to 49 years (OR = 9.9; 95% CI: 2.25 - 43.8; p <0.001), type of entry as relapse after cure (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.30 - 6.14; p <0.01) and drug addiction (OR = 3.94; 95% CI: 1.13 - 13.6; p = 0.03) remained associated with abandonment of treatment. Conclusion Young individuals, who had already presented the disease and cured, who used illicit drugs, were those who abandoned treatment.

Reasons for no-show to referrals at a university eye clinic after eye examination via a mobile ophthalmic unit in a Brazilian region / Razão de não comparecimento à clínica oftalmológica da universidade após triagem em uma unidade móvel oftalmológica em uma região brasileira

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to identify patient's reason for no-show at a university eye clinic after ophthalmic examination via a mobile ophthalmic unit, which provides comprehensive ophthalmic care to underserved communities in a region of Brazil. Methods: In 2017/2018, this prospective observational study searched for no-shows at referrals to a university eye clinic after an outreach program screening via a mobile ophthalmic unit in 10 municipalities in the central-western region of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 1,928 patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination at no cost, and 37.1% of them needed referral to a university eye clinic for specialized examinations or surgeries. We used the following two main tools: (1) comparative analysis between patients who attended the referral and those who did not; (2) active search using a questionnaire to assess reasons for no-show. Results: Attendance to referrals was not influenced by age, gender, distance from the university hospital, number of ophthalmologists in the municipality, average family income, and visual acuity. The main cause for referrals was cataract (350 cases). No-show was most common among glaucoma/suspected glaucoma (54.1%) cases, followed by strabismus (45%) and anterior segment disease (33.6%) cases. Many patients who did not attend the referral sought another service. Conclusion: Patient's issues and lack of knowledge regarding their ophthalmic condition are the main reasons for no-show at referrals for free ophthalmic care. Thus, educational campaigns are needed to achieve consistently high attendance to prevent avoidable blindness.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as razões para não comparecimento à clínica oftalmológica da universidade após triagem oftalmológica realizada usando uma unidade móvel oftalmológica que fornece exame oftalmológico para comunidades não assistidas em uma região do Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional prospectivo no ano de 2017/2018 para avaliar as razões que fizeram com que os indivíduos triados usando uma unidade móvel oftalmológica e referenciados para a clínica oftalmológica da universidade não comparecessem à consulta agendada. A triagem foi feita em 10 municípios da região centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Todos os 1.928 participantes fizeram o exame oftalmológico sem custo e 37,1% deles necessitaram de encaminhamento para a clínica oftalmológica da universidade para exames especializados ou cirurgias. O estudo usou duas ferramentas: (1) análise comparativa entre os dados dos indivíduos encaminhados que compareceram ao agendamento com os que não compareceram; (2) busca ativa dos indivíduos que não compareceram à consulta agendada, aplicando-se um questionário para avaliar os motivos para o não comparecimento. Resultados: Fatores como idade, sexo, distância entre a cidade de origem e o hospital universitário, número de oftalmologistas na cidade de procedência, renda familiar média e acuidade visual não influenciaram no comparecimento ao encaminhamento. Catarata foi a maior causa para o encaminhamento (350 casos). O não comparecimento foi maior nos portadores de glaucoma/glaucoma suspeitos (54,1%), estrabismo (45%) e afecções do segmento anterior (33,6%). Muitos indivíduos que não compareceram ao serviço de referência procuraram por outro local para o atendimento oftalmológico. Conclusão: O não comparecimento para tratamento oftalmológico sem custo depende de fatores relacionados ao paciente ou à falta de conhecimento das próprias condições oftalmológicas. Campanhas educativas nas comunidades assistidas devem ser feitas para alcançar maior comparecimento às consultas e melhor prevenir a cegueira evitável.

"I just keep quiet about it and act as if everything is alright" - The cascade from trauma to disengagement among adolescents living with HIV in western Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: There are approximately 1.7 million adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV, ages 10 to 19) globally, including 110,000 in Kenya. While ALHIV experience poor retention in care, limited data exist on factors underlying disengagement. We investigated the burden of trauma among disengaged ALHIV in western Kenya, and its potential role in HIV care disengagement. METHODS: We performed in-depth qualitative interviews with ALHIV who had disengaged from care at two sites, their caregivers and healthcare workers (HCW) at 10 sites, from 2018 to 2020. Disengagement was defined as not attending clinic ≥60 days past a missed scheduled visit. ALHIV and their caregivers were traced through phone calls and home visits. Interviews ascertained barriers and facilitators to adolescent retention in HIV care. Dedicated questions elicited narratives surrounding traumatic experiences, and the ways in which these did or did not impact retention in care. Through thematic analysis, a conceptual model emerged for a cascade from adolescent experience of trauma to disengagement from HIV care. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 42 disengaged ALHIV, 34 caregivers and 28 HCW. ALHIV experienced a high burden of trauma from a range of stressors, including experiences at HIV disclosure or diagnosis, the loss of parents, enacted stigma and physical or sexual violence. A confluence of factors - trauma, stigma and isolation, and lack of social support - led to hopelessness and depression. These factors compounded each other, and resulted in complex mental health burdens, poor antiretroviral adherence and care disengagement. HCW approaches aligned with the factors in this model, suggesting that these areas represent targets for intervention and provision of trauma-informed care. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma is a major factor underlying disengagement from HIV care among Kenyan adolescents. We describe a cascade of factors representing areas for intervention to support mental health and retention in HIV care. These include not only the provision of mental healthcare, but also preventing or addressing violence, trauma and stigma, and reinforcing social and familial support surrounding vulnerable adolescents. In this conceptualization, supporting retention in HIV care requires a trauma-informed approach, both in the individualized care of ALHIV and in the development of strategies and policies to support adolescent health outcomes.