Acceptability and feasibility of a comprehensive fall prevention model for independent older adults: A qualitative evaluation.

Background: Falls amongst the elderly represent a global public health challenge because of their potential to cause illness, death, and reduce the autonomy of this group. They also impact the emotional, family, social and economic well-being of those involved. Various strategies to prevent falls have been reported in the literature, focusing mainly on addressing individual risk factors, and on the continuous assessment of the risk of falls in older people. Objective: This study evaluated user satisfaction and acceptability of a comprehensive model, implemented in the community, to prevent falls amongst independent older adults aged 65 years and above. It sought to capture both the perceptions of the individuals who received the intervention and of the interventionists who implemented it. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in November 2020 (ID: NCT04313062). Design: Qualitative, exploratory study using a case study design. The evaluation of the intervention followed the recommendations proposed by the Medical Research Council for complex interventions. Methods and participants: In the period between April 2021 to April 2022, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with independent older adults between 65 and 80 years of age who participated in the implementation of the comprehensive model in Santiago, Chile. Data were also collected with eight interventionists through: three semi-structured interviews at the beginning of the intervention; and two focus groups with seven interventionists at the end of the implementation of the model. The team members undertook a content analysis of the data collected. Results: Three themes emerged to account for the satisfaction and acceptability of the intervention with the model on the part of the participants and interventionists: (1) Previous experience of older persons and interventionists; (2) The older person-interventionist encounter and its context; and (3) Identification of facilitators, strengths and challenges for the implementation of the model. The results show a positive assessment of the model, highlighting the value of the social contact derived from the intervention by both participants and interventionists. Although the model involved an individual intervention, the participants' accounts indicate that it reached out to others, including family members and other elderly acquaintances. Moreover, the interventionists helped identify challenges in implementation and made recommendations to strengthen the model. Conclusion: The evaluation of satisfaction and feasibility of implementing the model showed positive results that will nurture the next phase of development of this model, which involves scaling up the intervention.

Perceptions of an educational intervention for family caregivers of palliative care patients.

BACKGROUND: Nursing interventions aimed at family caregivers of palliative cancer patients require not only an objective evaluation, but also subjective consideration of their contributions, and a qualitative evaluation that provides an in-depth understanding of these interventions. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the perceptions that family caregivers of palliative cancer patients had of the nursing intervention, PalliActive Caregivers, in reducing the uncertainty associated with illness and improving the caregiver's quality of life. METHODS: A qualitative approach with content analysis was used. Telephone interviews were conducted with 23 caregivers who participated in the intervention. FINDINGS: Five themes emerged from the content analysis: consolidating physical care, adopting a positive attitude, strengthening the support available to the caregiver, strengthening spirituality and strengthening relationships. CONCLUSION: The themes showed a positive impact of the intervention on aspects such as the caregiver's ability to cope, spirituality and social support of caregivers. The results also indicated the possibility of conducting this type of study to identify other assessment variables for future interventions.

Avaliação qualitativa das preparações servidas em um restaurante popular e os impactos do cenário pandêmico da covid-19 / Qualitative assessment of preparations served in a popular restaurant and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario / Evaluación cualitativa de las preparaciones servidas en un restaurante popular y los impactos del escenario de pandemia COVID-19

Introdução:A chegadadapandemia da COVID-19 afetou diretamente o planejamento alimentar de instituições municipais, estaduais e de demais âmbitos, dentre eles as refeiçõesofertadas peloprograma restaurante popular, importante na garantia da segurança alimentarda população mais vulnerável.Objetivo:Avaliar de forma qualitativa as preparações do cardápio do almoço do Restaurante Popular do município de Santa Cruz-Rio Grande do Nortee os impactos do cenário pandêmico da COVID-19.Metodologia:Para tanto, avaliou-se os cardápios referentes aos meses de março, abril, maio, agosto e setembro de 2021, pelo método avaliação qualitativa das preparações do cardápio. Além disso, por meio da adaptação dométodosupracitado, designou-se as preparações de acordo com as recomendações do tipo de processamento segundo o Guia Alimentar para população Brasileira. Resultados:Identificou-se uma baixa oferta de frutas e folhosos, alta de carnes gordurosas e doce, regular de preparações ricas em enxofre e as cores iguais, todavia, quanto à fritura e ao conjunto de fritura + doce apresentou-se em apenas umdiada semana (n=109). Além disso, nos dois últimos meses de análisehouve aumento na oferta de folhosos, diminuição da monotonia, alimentos ricos em enxofre e doces, e ainda, as preparações com alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados + processados fizeram-se presentestodos os dias. Conclusões:Com a utilizaçãodométodo estudadofoipossível identificar ajustesno cardápiopara o período analisado, a fim de ofertar qualidade para os comensais.Ressalta-se que foi observadoque com a adaptação e redução dos casos da COVID-19, houve aumento na oferta de in natura e minimamente processados. Espera-se que melhorias e ajustes sejam realizadosnos cardápios, visto a necessidadede ser mais enfático em seu princípiode garantir a segurança alimentar (AU).

Introduction:The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic affected directly the food planning of municipal, state and other institutions, including the meals offered by the popular restaurant program, which is important in guaranteeing the food security of the vulnerablepopulation. Objective: To qualitatively evaluate the preparations of the lunch menu at Restaurante Popular in the municipality of Santa Cruz-Rio Grande do Norteand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario.Methodology:To this, the menus for the months of March, April, May, August and September 2021 were evaluated by the methodqualitative evaluation of menu preparations. Furthermore, through the adaptation of the methodaformentioned, preparations were designated according to the recommendations for type of processing following the Food Guide for the Brazilian population.Results:A low supply of fruits and leafy vegetables was identified, high supply of fatty and sweet meats, regular supply of preparations rich in sulfur and the same colors. However, regarding the frying and the frying + sweet combination, it was presented in just one daythe week(n=109).Moreover, in the last two months of analysis there was an increase in the supply of hardwoods, decrease in monotony,foods rich in sulfur and sweets, and even, preparations in natura or minimally processed + processed foods were presentsevery day. Conclusions:With the use of the method studied it waspossible to adjust the menufor the analyzed periodto offer qualityto diners. It should the increase in the supply of in natura and minimally processed foods stands out with the adaptation and progression of the reduction of COVID-19cases.It is expected that improvements and adjustments will be madethe menus,given the need to be more emphatic in its principleof ensuring food safety (AU).

ntroducción: La llegada de la pandemia del COVID-19 afectó directamente la planificación alimentaria de las instituciones municipales, estatales y otras, incluyendo las comidas que ofrece el programa de restaurantes populares, importante para garantizar la seguridad alimentaria de la población más vulnerable. Objetivo:Evaluar cualitativamente las preparaciones del menú del almuerzo en el Restaurante Popular del municipio de Santa Cruz-Rio Grande do Nortey los impactos del escenario de pandemia del COVID-19.Metodología:Para ello, se evaluaron los menús de los meses de marzo, abril, mayo, agosto y septiembre de 2021 por el método evaluación cualitativa de la elaboración de menús. Además, al adaptar el métodocitado, las preparaciones fueron designadas de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del tipo de procesamiento según la Guía de Alimentos para la población brasileña.Resultados: Se identificó una baja oferta de frutas y hortalizas de hoja, alta oferta de carnes grasas y dulces, regular oferta de preparaciones ricasen azufre y los mismos colores,aún,en cuanto a la fritura y la combinación fritura + dulce, se presentó en un solo díade lasemana(n=109). Además, en los últimos dos meses de análisishubo un aumento en la oferta de maderas duras, una disminución de la monotonía, alimentos ricos en azufre y dulces, y aun, las preparaciones con alimentos in natura o mínimamente procesados + procesados presentes todos los días. Conclusiones: Con el uso del método estudió fueposible identificar ajustes en el menúpara el período analizado, con el fin de ofrecer calidad a los comensales. Cabe señalar que se observó que con la adaptación y reducción delcasosCOVID-19, hubo un aumento en la oferta de productos in natura y mínimamente procesados. Se espera que se realicenmejoras y ajustesa los menús, dada las necesidades más enfáticasen su principiode garantizar la seguridad alimentaria (AU).

Experiências em divulgação científica e sensibilização da população: importância do controle mecânico do vetor Aedes aegypti / Experiences in scientific outreach and public awareness: the importance of mechanical control of the Aedes aegypti vector / Experiencias en divulgación científica y sensibilización de la población: importancia del control mecánico del vector Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti é o principal vetor dos agentes etiológicos de dengue, zika e chikungunya, doenças para as quais não existem vacinas totalmente eficazes. Alternativas de controle visando mitigar essas arboviroses são primordiais. Entre essas, o controle mecânico aborda práticas de eliminação e/ou limpeza de criadouros do vetor. Neste relato, apresentamos e avaliamos criticamente ações realizadas pelo grupo, ocorridas entre 2016 e 2019, nas quais divulgamos informação científica clara através do diálogo com a população. Os métodos utilizados foram: 1) palestras em escolas (público infantojuvenil) utilizando slides, fotos e vídeos; 2) oficinas (público misto), estande com material in vivo do ciclo de vida do Aedes, jogos e desenhos. Analisamos dez palestras em escolas do ensino fundamental e médio e vinte oficinas realizadas em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Concluímos que tais ações e suas análises críticas devem ser realizadas continuamente para que sejam bem-sucedidas

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, zika, and chikungunya etiological agents, diseases for which no effective vaccines are available. Control alternatives aimed at mitigating these arboviruses are essential. Among such, mechanical control addresses practices of elimination and/or cleaning of vector breeding sites. Here, we presented and critically evaluated actions carried out by ourselves. These actions took place between 2016 and 2019, where we disseminated clear scientific information through dialogue with the population. The following methods were employed: 1) lectures in schools (children and youth audiences) using slides, photos, and videos; 2) workshops (mixed audience), stand with in vivo material from the Aedeslife cycle, games, and drawings. Ten lectures in elementary and high schools and twenty workshops held in different regions of Brazil were analyzed. It was concluded that such actions and their critical analyzes must be carried out continuously to be successful

Aedes aegypti es el principal vector de los agentes etiológicos del dengue, zika y chikungunya, enfermedades para las que no existen vacunas totalmente eficaces. Las alternativas de control para mitigar estas arbovirosis son fundamentales. El control mecánico, representa una de estas alternativas, aborda prácticas de eliminación y/o limpieza de criaderos del vector. En este informe presentamos y evaluamos de manera crítica las acciones realizadas por el grupo entre los años 2016 y 2019. Presentamos información científica clara a través del diálogo con la población mediante los siguientes métodos: 1) conferencias en escuelas (público infantil) utilizando diapositivas, fotos y videos; 2) Talleres (público mixto), stand con material in vivo del ciclo de vida del Aedes, juegos y dibujos. Analizamos diez conferencias en escuelas (primarias y secundarias) y veinte talleres realizados en diferentes regiones de Brasil. Concluimos que tales acciones y el análisis crítico de las mismas deben llevarse a cabo de manera continua para que resulten exitosas.

Lessons learned from implementing the parenting Program P in Bolivia to prevent family violence.

Parenting programs are an increasingly used strategy to prevent family violence and promote gender equality in the household. Yet, there is limited understanding of the processes and pathways to change through such programs, especially from the Global South. This paper presents key findings of a qualitative evaluation of the parenting 'Program P', which was implemented in El Alto, Bolivia. The study complements and aims to provide additional insights to an experimental evaluation of this program, which found limited impact on the intended objectives, including a reduction in violence against children and women and more gender equitable attitudes among parents. Thirty-six qualitative interviews and 6 focus groups were conducted with men and women that attended Program P, and facilitators of the program. Findings were analyzed thematically and organized around key successes and challenges of the program including motivations and ability to engage with the program, opportunities for supportive group-based processes, addressing hegemonic gender and social norms, and learning and applying skills as a platform to change behaviours. We use these findings to offer implications for more effective design and implementation of gender transformative, parenting programs in Bolivia and globally.

Evaluación del proceso de implementación de un programa en habilidades para la vida en escuelas públicas de Córdoba (Argentina) / Evaluation of the Implementation Process of a Program on Skills for Life in Public Schools in Cordoba (Argentina) / Avaliação do processo de implementação de um programa de habilidades para a vida em escolas públicas de Córdoba (Argentina)

Los programas en habilidades para la vida son una de las estrategias más utilizadas en el ámbito escolar para la prevención de conductas que afectan la salud. Si bien la ciencia de la implementación señala que estos procesos deben ser evaluados para asegurar el alcance de los objetivos, pasados más de 30 años de desarrollo de estos programas, en América Latina ha sido poco el avance de esta área. En este trabajo se presenta una evaluación del proceso de implementación de un programa en habilidades para la vida orientado a la prevención del consumo de sustancias ­implementado en el 2010­, documentando aspectos complejos para formular recomendaciones a futuras aplicaciones. Para realizar la evaluación, se seleccionaron 30 salones de clase en los cuales se efectuó la intervención. De la experiencia participaron 60 docentes y 940 alumnos (entre 11 y 19 años), pertenecientes a un nivel socioeconómico medio-bajo de escuelas públicas del nivel secundario de la ciudad de Córdoba (Argentina). Se emplearon técnicas cualitativas de recolección de información ­observación no participante, registro de producciones de las actividades y entrevistas semiestructuradas­, y se realizó un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de los datos. Los resultados demuestran la complejidad del proceso de implementación, las dificultades contextuales y la necesidad de incrementar el conocimiento de las relaciones entre las dinámicas escolares y la implementación de programas en habilidades para la vida con estrategias eficaces. Así, se destaca la necesidad de superar la tensión entre los enfoques pedagógicos participativos de estos programas y la lógica escolar tradicional.

Life skills programs are one of the most used strategies in the school environment for health prevention. Although implementation science indicates that im-plementation processes must be evaluated to ensure achievement of objectives, after more than thirty years of development of these programs in Latin America, there has been little progress in this area. This report presents an evaluation of the implementation process of a life skills program oriented towards the prevention of substance use ­implemented in 2010­, documenting complex aspects to make rec-ommendations for future applications. To perform the evaluation, 30 courses were selected. 60 teachers and 940 students participated. The students belonged to a medium-low socioeconomic level and were in public secondary schools in Córdoba city, Argentina. Qualitative data collection techniques ­non-participant observation, records of productions of the activities, and semi-structured interviews­ were used, selecting a qualitative and quantitative approach to this data. The results demonstrate the complexity of the im-plementation process, the contextual difficulties, and the need to increase knowledge of the relationships between school dynamics and the implementation of life skills programs to design effective strategies. This highlights the need to overcome the tension between the participatory pedagogical approaches of these programs and the traditional school logic.

Os programas de habilidades para a vida são uma das estratégias mais utilizadas no ambiente escolar para a prevenção de comportamentos que afetam a saúde. Embora a ciência da implementação indique que os processos de implementação devem ser avaliados para garantir o alcance dos objetivos, após mais de 30 anos de desenvolvimento desses programas na América Latina, essa área está subdesenvolvida. Este artigo apresenta uma avaliação do processo de implementação de um programa de habilidades para a vida voltado à prevenção do uso de substâncias, que foi implementado em 2010, documentando aspectos complexos para formular recomendações para aplicações futuras. Para realizar a avaliação, foram selecionadas 30 salas de aula nas quais foi realizada a intervenção. O experimento envolveu a participação de 60 professores e 940 alunos (entre 11 e 19 anos) de nível socioeconômico médio-baixo, de escolas públicas secundárias da cidade de Córdoba (Argentina). Foram utilizadas técnicas qualitativas de coleta de dados ­observação não participativa, registro das produções das atividades e entrevistas semiestruturadas­ e foi realizada uma análise qualitativa e quantitativa dos dados. Os resultados demonstram a complexidade do processo de implementação, as di-ficuldades contextuais e a necessidade de ampliar o conhecimento das relações entre a dinâmica escolar e a implementação de programas de habilidades para a vida para o desenho de estratégias eficazes. Isso evidencia a necessidade de superar a tensão entre as abordagens pedagógicas participativas desses programas e a lógica escolar tradicional.

Qualitative evaluation of a scalable early childhood parenting programme in rural Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Integrating early childhood parenting programmes into existing government services is a key strategy for reducing the loss of children's developmental potential in low- and middle-income countries. There is limited evidence of participants' perceptions of these programmes, especially when implemented at scale. We integrated an intervention into an existing government programme targeting pregnant women and mothers of children up to 2 years of age and their families in rural Colombia. METHODS: As part of a cluster randomized trial, 171 government workers (facilitators) implemented the intervention. The intervention included four components: (1) structured curricula, (2) play materials, (3) nutrition and (4) training and supervision. In this qualitative evaluation of the programme, we conducted semi-structured interviews with beneficiary mothers (n = 62), facilitators (n = 40) and supervisors (n = 8). Topic guides were developed to collect information on participants' perspectives of the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention and the enablers and barriers to implementation. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and data were analysed using the framework approach. RESULTS: Participants' responses indicated that the intervention was acceptable, feasible and effective. Key enablers to implementation were (1) the use of evidence-based behaviour change techniques leading to interactive, fun and participatory sessions; (2) structured curricula with easy to use, simple activities and materials; (3) the focus on positive, supportive relationships; and (4) the perceived benefits of the programme to the beneficiary mothers, children and families, facilitators and programme supervisors. The main barriers were (1) facilitators took time to become comfortable and competent in using the new participatory methodology and (2) the logistics related to making and distributing the play materials. CONCLUSION: Providing structured curricula and play materials with training and ongoing supervision to enhance an existing programme targeting mothers, families and children was reported as acceptable, feasible and effective by beneficiary mothers and programme staff.

Interventions to Improve Clinical Coordination between Levels: Participatory Experience in a Public Healthcare Network in Xalapa, Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Coordination of care can be improved through an intervention or a combination of several ones. In addition, it is recommended to encourage the active involvement of professionals in the design, implementation and assessment of coordination mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the factors that influence the implementation of participatively designed interventions and their effects on clinical coordination between levels of care in a public healthcare network of health services in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study, for which individual interviews and discussion groups with a criterion sample of participants: Local Steering Committee and the Professional Platform. A content analysis, with mixed category generation and segmentation by intervention and topics, was carried out. According to the problem analysis, participants designed two sequential interventions: offline virtual consultation, and joint training meetings on maternal health and chronic diseases. RESULTS: Respondents perceived a differentiated impact on clinical coordination according to intervention: greater in the case of joint maternal health trainings and limited for the chronic diseases meetings, as they were the offline virtual consultation was rarely used. CONCLUSION: The involvement of professionals in designing the interventions, as well as institutional support and reflexive methods for training, all decisively improved clinical coordination between levels.

"No one should be alone in living this process": trajectories, experiences and user's perceptions about quality of abortion care in a telehealth service in Chile.

Self-managed abortion is a common self-care practice that enables pregnant people to exercise their rights to health, bodily autonomy and to benefit from the advances of science even when living in contexts that do not guarantee these rights. In this interpretative qualitative study, we aimed to understand women's abortion trajectories, experiences with self-managed abortion and assessments of the quality of care provided by Women Help Women (WHW, an international activist non-profit organisation working on abortion access). Grounded in feminist epistemology and health inequalities approaches, we conducted eleven semi-structured interviews in Santiago, Chile. We found that illegality, stigma and expectations surrounding motherhood and abortion determined women's experiences. Participants perceived the WHW service as good, trustworthy, fast and affordable, and valued confidentiality and privacy; the quantity and quality of information; having direct, personalised and timely communication with service staff; being treated with respect; and feeling safe, cared for and supported in their decisions. Most participants considered self-managed abortion appropriate and acceptable given their circumstances. Fear was the dominant feeling in women's narratives. Some participants mentioned missing instant communication, in-person support and professional care. We conclude that support, information and company are key to improving abortion seekers' experiences and enabling their decisions, particularly in legally restrictive settings. Centring care in pregnant people's needs and autonomy is fundamental to ensure safe, appropriate and accessible self-care interventions in reproductive health. Social and legal changes, such as public funding for abortion, destigmatisation and decriminalisation, are needed to realise people's right to higher standards of healthcare.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis control in Alta Verapaz (northern Guatemala): evaluating current efforts through stakeholders' experiences.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), endemic in Guatemala, mostly affects poor people living in the northern region. A national control program that includes surveillance, diagnose, and treatment offered free of cost by the Ministry of Health (MoH) has been in place since 2003. However, the incidence is increasing and treatment rates are not optimal, suggesting that current efforts are not being effective. This study aimed to understand barriers and facilitators of CL control in Guatemala as experienced and perceived by key stakeholders in order to comprehend what works well and does not and suggest evidence-informed interventions. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Cobán municipality, the most endemic of Guatemala, situated in the Department of Alta Verapaz. Data were collected during May and June 2019 via focus groups and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including local and national health personnel and residents of four communities of the endemic region. Thematic and content analysis of the collected data was conducted using NVIVO. RESULTS: Three overarching issues hamper the effectiveness of current CL efforts: resource scarcity, treatment challenges, and knowledge-action gaps. Scarce economic resources from the MoH and community residents negatively impact incidence, detection of cases and treatment rates in that preventive action is insufficient and healthcare access is low. In addition, local health workers often lack specialized CL training and access to the national CL control guidelines. With regards to the population living in the study area, misunderstanding of disease causation, shame associated with CL lesions, treatment pain fear, and long (often uncertain) waiting times for diagnose and treatment negatively affect people's willingness to seek help, treatment adherence, and their trust on the healthcare provided. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally sensitive CL preventive action must be developed. Given the scarce economic resources available for CL control in the country, the involvement of trained community health workers and the inclusion of thermotherapy as a treatment option is also advised. Other cost-effective actions include: ensuring all health workers receive CL training and have access to national CL control guidelines, improving national procurement system to avoid treatment shortages, and provision of motorized vehicles to increase active surveillance and treatment rates.

An expert study on hierarchy comparison methods applied to biological taxonomies curation.

Comparison of hierarchies aims at identifying differences and similarities between two or more hierarchical structures. In the biological taxonomy domain, comparison is indispensable for the reconciliation of alternative versions of a taxonomic classification. Biological taxonomies are knowledge structures that may include large amounts of nodes (taxa), which are typically maintained manually. We present the results of a user study with taxonomy experts that evaluates four well-known methods for the comparison of two hierarchies, namely, edge drawing, matrix representation, animation and agglomeration. Each of these methods is evaluated with respect to seven typical biological taxonomy curation tasks. To this end, we designed an interactive software environment through which expert taxonomists performed exercises representative of the considered tasks. We evaluated participants' effectiveness and level of satisfaction from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Overall quantitative results evidence that participants were less effective with agglomeration whereas they were more satisfied with edge drawing. Qualitative findings reveal a greater preference among participants for the edge drawing method. In addition, from the qualitative analysis, we obtained insights that contribute to explain the differences between the methods and provide directions for future research.

Brazilian Portuguese version of financial risk-taking and tolerance scales: validity evidence within and between measures / Versão brasileira das escalas de propensão e tolerância ao risco financeiro: evidências de validade intra e entre medidas

Abstract Objectives To construct and validate a psychological measure called the Financial Risk-Taking Scale (FRTakS) and to translate, adapt, and validate a psychological measure called the Financial Risk Tolerance Scale (FRTolS) with a Brazilian sample. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess evidence of the validity of the scales' internal structures. We also tested the convergent validity between FRTakS and FRTolS. Method After construction (FRTakS) and adaption (FRTolS), the instruments were evaluated by expert judges for the relevance of their items to the scales, followed by pretesting. A cross-sectional study was then conducted using a convenience sample of 834 people who responded to invitations sent to a mailing list or to an online invitation on the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission website (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários [CVM]). Results Mean age of participants was 39.27 years (standard deviation [SD] = 10.82), they had high educational level (60.9% post-graduate), were married or living together (60%), and their spending power was 41.36 (SD = 13.27). Exploratory and confirmatory analysis identified two factors in FRTakS (Investment and Spending Money), both with 4 items; and identified a single factor in FRTolS, comprising 7 items. Conclusion Reliability indexes for the goodness of fit of the factor structure were satisfactory. There was a positive and significant correlation between the FRTakS Investment factor and FRTolS, confirming convergent validity. The results suggest the existence of a two-dimensional factor structure for FRTakS, and a one-dimensional factor structure for FRTolS. The instruments also exhibited convergent validity with each other.

Resumo Objetivos Construir e validar uma medida psicológica denominada Escala de Propensão ao Risco Financeiro (FRTakS), e também traduzir, adaptar e validar uma medida psicológica denominada Escala de Tolerância ao Risco Financeiro (FRTolS) em uma amostra brasileira. Evidências de validade interna foram avaliadas com base em análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória. Além disso, verificamos a validade convergente entre FRTakS e FRTolS. Método Após a construção (FRTakS) e adaptação (FRTolS), os instrumentos passaram pela etapa de avaliação por juízes especialistas sobre a relevância dos itens para a escala e estágio de pré-teste. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com uma amostra de conveniência de 834 pessoas que responderam a convites enviados para uma lista de e-mails, ou a convites on-line publicados no site da Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM). Resultados Os participantes tinham idade média de 39,27 anos [desvio padrão (DP) = 10,82], alta escolaridade (60,9% pós-graduação), eram casados ou viviam juntos (60%), e tinham poder de compra de 41,36 (DP = 13,27). A análise exploratória e confirmatória identificou dois fatores para FRTakS, cada um com 4 itens (Investimento e Gastar Dinheiro); e indicou 1 fator para FRTolS composto por 7 itens. Conclusão A estrutura fatorial apresentou boa adequação, com índices de confiabilidade satisfatórios. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva e significativa entre o fator FRTakS Investimento e a FRTolS, confirmando a validade convergente. Os resultados sugerem a existência de uma estrutura fatorial bidimensional para FRTakS, e uma estrutura fatorial unidimensional para FRTolS. Além disso, os instrumentos mostraram validade convergente entre eles.

Qualitative evaluation of spatial complementarity between renewable energy resources with complementarity roses.

Energetic complementarity is a subject that has been concentrating more and more attention of the researchers around the world in the last years, a concept that can be applied both in energy planning and in operation of energy systems based on renewable energy resources. Spatial complementarity is the energetic complementarity evaluated between two renewable resources in different locations and, as well as the complementarity evaluated between resources in the same location, has three components: time-complementarity, energy-complementarity and amplitude-complementarity. At the same site, however, complementarity assessment can involve multiple resources simultaneously, and the study of these circumstances requires appropriate tools to handle such information.This method paper describes a method to build complementarity roses expressing the spatial complementarity between two or more renewable energy resources throughout a region, appropriate for the expression of this complementarity through maps.

Avaliação de quarta geração: revisão integrativa sobre sua aplicação na pesquisa em saúde / Fourth-generation assessment: integrative review about its application in health research

O presente estudo objetivou identificar na produção científica existente, como vem sendo utilizado o referencial metodológico avaliação de quarta geração nas pesquisas em saúde. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa a partir de publicações levantadas nas bases de dados PubMed, Banco de Dados em Enfermagem, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e Scientific Electronic Library Online, no período de 2005 a 2015. Utilizou-se a combinação dos descritores avaliação de quarta geração e avaliação qualitativa, em todos os idiomas, totalizando 27 estudos analisados. O processo de análise permitiu a construção de duas categorias temáticas: Potencialidades e desfechos da avaliação de quarta geração e Limitações da metodologia atreladas com estratégias no campo da pesquisa. Observou-se predomínio de estudos brasileiros na área de saúde mental e escassez de estudos internacionais. Aspectos positivos foram encontrados devido à escolha do referencial metodológico, principalmente no que se refere em dar voz aos grupos de interesses estudados. As publicações evidenciam a relevância do rigor metodológico a ser seguido quando se trabalha com a avaliação de quarta geração, uma vez que é necessário adotar os critérios estabelecidos pelos autores deste referencial.

The present study aimed to identify in the existing scientific production, how has been used the methodological reference fourth generation evaluation in health research. It is an integrative review based on publications published in the PubMed, Banco de Dados em Enfermagem, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases, from 2005 to 2015. The combination of the four-generation evaluation descriptors and qualitative evaluation was used in all languages, totaling 27 studies analyzed. The analysis process allowed the construction of two thematic categories: Potentials and outcomes of the fourth generation evaluation and Limitations of the methodology coupled with strategies in the field of research. It was observed a predominance of Brazilian studies in the area of mental health and a shortage of international studies. Positive aspects were found due to the choice of methodological reference, especially in what refers to giving voice to the interest groups studied. The publications show the relevance of the methodological rigor to be followed when working with the fourth generation evaluation, since it is necessary to adopt the criteria established by the authors of this reference.

El presente estudio objetivó identificar en la producción científica existente, como viene siendo utilizado el referencial metodológico evaluación de cuarta generación en las investigaciones en salud. Se trata de una Revisión integrativa a partir de publicaciones levantadas en las bases de datos PubMed, Banco de Dados em Enfermagem, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e Scientific Electronic Library Online. Se utilizó la combinación de los descriptores evaluación de cuarta generación y evaluación cualitativa, en todos los idiomas , totalizando 27 estudios analizados. El proceso de análisis permitió la construcción de dos categorías temáticas: Potencialidades y resultados de la evaluación de cuarta generación y Limitaciones de la metodología vinculadas con estrategias en el campo de la investigación. Se observó predominio de estudios brasileños en el área de salud mental y escasez de estudios internacionales. Los resultados positivos fueron encontrados debido a la elección del referencial metodológico, principalmente en lo que se refiere en dar voz a los grupos de intereses estudiados. Las publicaciones evidencian la relevancia del rigor metodológico a seguir cuando se trabaja con la evaluación de cuarta generación, una vez que es necesario adoptar los criterios establecidos por los autores de este referencial.

Validación de la Encuesta de Percepción de Enfermedad Revisada (Illness Perception Questionnaire) entre pacientes con patologías crónicas médicas y psiquiátricas / Validation of Illness Perception Survey Revised (Illness Perception Questionnaire) among patients with medical and psychiatric chronic diseases

MARCO TEÓRICO: La Percepción de Enfermedad es una variable importante en la evolución de los pacientes. Existen métodos de evaluación cualitativa de éste parámetro, sin embargo, no son aplicables a la población chilena por no estar adaptados al lenguaje local y cotidiano. OBJETIVO: Realizar una traducción del Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised, conservando la validez y fiabilidad original. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Traducción y retraducción de la escala por experto. Piloteo de evaluación a 33 pacientes con enfermedades crónicas. Encuesta a 112 pacientes (49 diabéticos, 37 hipertensos y 33 esquizofrénicos) todos pertenecientes al CRS Hospital El Pino. CONCLUSIONES: En base al porcentaje de concordancia obtenido (95%) entre la versión original y la traducida a la lengua española y al reporte de los entrevistadores con respecto a la comprensibilidad manifestada por los pacientes, podemos concluir que la traducción por nosotros aplicada cumple con los criterios de validez.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: The perception of disease is an important variable in the patient evolution. There are methods of qualitative evaluation of this parameter, however, are not applicable to the Chilean people for not being adapted to the local and everyday language. OBJECTIVE: A translation of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, preserving the original set reliability and validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Translation and back translation of the scale by an expert. Piloting assessment to 33 patients with chronic diseases. Survey of 112 patients (49 diabetic and 33 hypertensive schizophrenics 37) all belonging to the CRS Hospital Pino. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the percentage of concordance obtained (95%) between the original version and the translated version in the Spanish language and the interviewers' report regarding the comprehensibility expressed by the patients, we can conclude that the translation applied by us meets the criteria of validity

Qualitative Contributions to a Randomized Controlled Trial Addressing HIV/AIDS-Stigma in Medical Students.

Specialized training for healthcare professionals (HCP) in order to reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma must be part of a public health model for HIV/AIDS. Tested interventions to reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma among HCP have been mostly absent from these efforts. A qualitative approach was used to assess stigma reduction within a traditional randomized controlled design in order to better understand how our current stigma intervention worked and was understood by 2nd year medical students. After conducting a quantitative follow up survey one-year post intervention we conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with a subsample of our intervention group participants as part of the overall evaluation process. Once the interviews were finished, we transcribed them and used NVivo (v.8) to organized the qualitative data. In the process of analyzing the qualitative data we identified core intervention areas participants described as useful for their training and development: (1) acquiring more HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, (2) increased skills for management of high stigma situations, and (3) the ability to identify socio-structural factors that foster HIV infection among clients. The gathered information is important in order to have a deep understanding of how attitudinal change happens as part of our intervention strategies.

Estudio exploratorio de higiene industrial en ambientes de trabajo donde se producen o utilizan nanopartículas / Exploratory study of industrial hygiene in work areas where nanoparticles are produced or used

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio con los objetivos de identificar empresas que produzcan o manipulen nanopartículas en Chile, evaluar los riesgos para la salud de estas actividades y entregar recomendaciones para su control. Se encontró que la nanotecnología está en una etapa incipiente, con un reducido número de aplicaciones en procesos industriales, concentrándose el desarrollo y aplicación principalmente en centros de investigación de las universidades, donde los investigadores y estudiantes son el principal grupo de potenciales expuestos. Para evaluar la exposición en las empresas e instituciones identificadas, se utilizó un método cualitativo simplificado y un método cuantitativo que se basa en las técnicas tradicionales de higiene ocupacional complementadas con la caracterización de las nanopartículas mediante microscopía electrónica. Se evalúa la exposición a nanopartículas de cobre, carbonato de calcio y partículas ultrafinas de humos de soldadura. La metodología de evaluación cualitativa, si bien requiere algún grado de acondicionamiento, demostró ser una herramienta particularmente útil para definir sistemas de protección en el caso de las nanopartículas, cuya toxicidad es incierta y de las cuales no se tienen establecidas técnicas de medición ni límites permisibles. Los métodos de medición tradicionales de la higiene industrial no entregan la información suficiente para evaluar la exposición, debiendo ser complementados con microscopía electrónica para caracterizar el tamaño y composición química, parámetros claves en la toxicidad de las nanopartículas. El trabajo realizado entrega una base de información y conocimiento a nivel exploratorio, que se estima útil para evaluar el riesgo de exposición en aplicaciones que pudieran surgir en el contexto actual del desarrollo de la nanotecnología en nuestro país.

An exploratory research was developed in order to identify companies which produce or handle nanoparticles in Chile, evaluate the risks for health from these activities and give suggestions for controlling them. It was found that nanotechnology is in an incipient stage, with a reduced numbers of applications in industrial processes, focusing the development and application mainly on research centers in Universities, where researchers and students are the main exposed potential groups. To evaluate the exposure in identified companies and institutions, it was used a qualitative simplified method and a quantitative method which is based in traditional technique of occupational hygiene complemented by the characterization of nanoparticles with electronic microscopy. It was evaluated the exposure to nanoparticles of copper, calcium carbonate and welding smoke ultrafine particles. The methodology of qualitative evaluation, although requires some degree of conditioning, showed being a especially useful tool to define protection systems in nanoparticles case, whose toxicity is uncertain and we do not have established techniques of measuring them or permissible limits. Traditional measuring methods of industrial hygiene do not bring enough information to evaluate the exposure, and they must be complemented with electronic microscopy to characterize the size and chemical composition, key parameters in nanoparticles toxicity. This work provides a base of information and knowledge in a exploratory level, which is estimated as a useful tool to evaluate the exposure risk in applications that may appear in the current nanotechnology development in our country.

A qualidade da educação infantil: um estudo em seis capitais Brasileiras / Quality of early childhood education: a study in six Brazilian state capitals

artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa de avaliação sobre a qualidade da educação infantil no Brasil, desenvolvida em parceria com a Fundação Carlos Chagas, o Ministério da Educação e o Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento. Os dados foram colhidos em 147 instituições de educação infantil em seis capitais brasileiras, durante o segundo semestre de 2009. Para a observação dos ambientes de creches e pré-escolas foram utilizadas versões adaptadas das escalas Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition e Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition. Foram também aplicados questionários a diretores das instituições e professoras das turmas avaliadas. Os principais resultados revelaram que: creches e pré-escolas apresentam em média níveis de qualidade insatisfatórios; os níveis de qualidade mais comprometidos se referem às atividades (creche e pré-escola), rotinas de cuidado pessoal (creche) e estrutura do programa (pré-escola); mudanças em determinadas características das instituições poderiam levar à melhoria da qualidade da educação infantil nos municípios investigados.(AU)

This article presents results from a research on the quality of Early Childhood Education in Brazil that was conducted in a collaborative effort between Fundação Carlos Chagas, the Ministry of Educations and the Inter-American Development Bank. Data were collected in 147 crèches and preschools in six state capitals, during the second semester of 2009. The instruments applied for the observation of classes were the translated versions of the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised Edition and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised Edition. Questionnaires for principals and for teachers of the observed classes were also applied. The main results are: crèches and preschools average scores were in the basic level; the lowest scores received were related to Activities (crèche and preschool), Personal care routines (crèche), and Program structure (preschool); if changes were promoted in some of the institutions characteristics, those scores could be significantly improved.(AU)

Avaliação qualitativa no contexto da reforma psiquiátrica / Qualitative Evaluation in the Psychiatric Reform Context / Evaluación cualitativa en el contexto de la reforma psiquiátrica

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as bases teóricas do campo da avaliação de quarta geração e da metodologia de análise de redes do cotidiano que tem orientado pesquisas realizadas por um grupo de pesquisa de enfermagem em saúde mental e saúde coletiva. Apresentamos no espaço deste artigo construções teóricas que nos permitem refletir sobre as concepções, os caminhos e desenhos de estudos de avaliação qualitativa em saúde mental, no contexto da reforma psiquiátrica.(AU)

The purpose of this article is to present the theoretical foundations of the fourth-generation evaluation and the network analysis method that has guided a nursing research group in their studies on mental and collective health. In this article, we present the theoretical constructions that allow us to reflect upon the conceptions, paths and designs of qualitative evaluation studies on mental health, in the psychiatric reform context.(AU)

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar las bases teóricas del campo de la evaluación de cuarta generación y de la metodología de análisis de redes del cotidiano que ha orientado investigaciones realizadas por un grupo de investigación en enfermería de salud mental y salud colectiva. Presentamos en el espacio de este artículo construcciones teóricas que nos permiten reflexionar sobre las concepciones, los caminos y diseños de estudios de evaluación cualitativa en salud mental, en el marco de la reforma psiquiátrica.(AU)

Avaliação qualitativa no contexto da reforma psiquiátrica / Qualitative evaluation in the psychiatric reform context / Evaluación cualitativa en el contexto de la reforma psiquiátrica

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as bases teóricas do campo da avaliação de quarta geração e da metodologia de análise de redes do cotidiano que tem orientado pesquisas realizadas por um grupo de pesquisa de enfermagem em saúde mental e saúde coletiva. Apresentamos no espaço deste artigo construções teóricas que nos permitem refletir sobre as concepções, os caminhos e desenhos de estudos de avaliação qualitativa em saúde mental, no contexto da reforma psiquiátrica.

The purpose of this article is to present the theoretical foundations of the fourth-generation evaluation and the network analysis method that has guided a nursing research group in their studies on mental and collective health. In this article, we present the theoretical constructions that allow us to reflect upon the conceptions, paths and designs of qualitative evaluation studies on mental health, in the psychiatric reform context.

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar las bases teóricas del campo de la evaluación de cuarta generación y de la metodología de análisis de redes del cotidiano que ha orientado investigaciones realizadas por un grupo de investigación en enfermería de salud mental y salud colectiva. Presentamos en el espacio de este artículo construcciones teóricas que nos permiten reflexionar sobre las concepciones, los caminos y diseños de estudios de evaluación cualitativa en salud mental, en el marco de la reforma psiquiátrica.