Factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome in pregnant/postpartum women with COVID-19 receiving care at referral centers in northeastern Brazil: Secondary analysis of a cohort study.

Background: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greater risks associated with the new SARS-CoV-2 pathogen in pregnant women were as yet unclear. This study analyzed factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in pregnant/postpartum women with COVID-19. Methods: A prospective and retrospective cohort study was conducted in eight referral centers in northeastern Brazil between April 2020 and December 2021 involving pregnant/postpartum women with a positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test. A multivariate analysis was then conducted using a hierarchical logistic regression model to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the presence of SARS. Findings: Of 611 patients included, 522 were pregnant and 83 were postpartum, at the time of admission. Criteria for SARS were present in 215 patients (35·2%). Factors associated with SARS included overweight and/or obesity (adjusted odds ratio/AOR: 1·95; 95%CI: 1·21-3·12; p = 0·0054), parity ≥2 (AOR: 1·72; 95%CI: 1·21-2·45; p = 0·0025), gestational age <34 weeks (AOR: 3·54; 95%CI: 2·47-5·07; p < 0·0001) and duration of symptoms >7 days (AOR: 1·97; 95%CI: 1·35-2·89; p = 0·0004). SARS increased the likelihood of requiring oxygen therapy (RR = 8·80; 95%CI: 6·25-12·40; p = 0·0000), mechanical ventilation (RR = 8·15; 95%CI: 4·67-14·21; p = 0·0000), and admission to an ICU (RR = 6·54; 95%CI: 4·70-9·11; p = 0·0000), and of maternal near miss (RR = 10·82; 95%CI: 1·20-22·47; p = 0·0000) and maternal death (RR = 8·12; 95%CI: 3·11-21·09; p = 0·0000). Interpretation: In patients with COVID-19, parity ≥2, overweight/obesity, gestational age <34 weeks and duration of symptoms >7 days increased the risk of SARS. Cesarean sections, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation were more common in patients with SARS.

Analysis of the Measurement Properties of the Female Sexual Function Index 6-item Version (FSFI-6) in a Postpartum Brazilian Population.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Female Sexual Function Index 6-item Version (FSFI-6) for postpartum women. METHODS: Therefore, questionnaires were applied to 100 sexually active women in the postpartum period. The Cronbach α coefficient was used to evaluate the internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was analyzed by Kappa for each item of the questionnaire and by the Wilcoxon parametric test, comparing the total scores of each evaluation. For the assessment of criterion validity, the FSFI was used as the gold standard and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). It was found that the internal consistency of the FSFI-6 questionnaire was considerably high (0.839). RESULTS: The test-retest reliability results were satisfactory. It can also be stated that the FSFI-6 questionnaire presented excellent discriminant validity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.926). Women may be considered as having sexual dysfunction if the overall FSFI-6 score is < 21, with 85.5% sensitivity, 82.2% specificity, positive likelihood ratio of 4.81 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.18. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the Brazilian Portuguese version of FSFI-6 is valid for use in postpartum women.

OBJETIVO: Avaliamos a consistência interna, a confiabilidade teste-reteste e a validade de critério do questionário FSFI-6 para a população brasileira no pós-parto. MéTODOS: Foram aplicados questionários em 100 mulheres sexualmente ativas no pós-parto. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi utilizado para avaliar a consistência interna. A confiabilidade teste-reteste foi analisada pelo Kappa para cada item do questionário e pelo teste paramétrico de Wilcoxon, comparando-se os escores totais de cada avaliação. Para avaliar a validade de critério, o FSFI foi utilizado como padrão-ouro e a curva característica de operação de receptor (ROC, na sigla em inglês) foi construída. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se o software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, versão 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTADOS: Os resultados da confiabilidade teste-reteste foram satisfatórios. O FSFI-6 apresentou uma excelente validade discriminante (área sob a curva [AUC, na sigla em inglês] = 0,926). Considera-se presente a disfunção sexual se o escore geral do FSFI-6 for < 21, com sensibilidade de 85,5%, especificidade de 82,2%, razão de verossimilhança positiva de 4,81 e razão de verossimilhança negativa de 0,18. CONCLUSãO: Concluímos que a versão em português do FSFI-6 se mostrou válida para uso em mulheres no pós-parto.

Analysis of the Measurement Properties of the Female Sexual Function Index 6-item Version (FSFI-6) in a Postpartum Brazilian Population / Análise das propriedades de medição do female sexual function index 6-item version (FSFI-6) em uma população brasileira de pós-parto

Abstract Objective We evaluated internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Female Sexual Function Index 6-item Version (FSFI-6) for postpartum women. Methods Therefore, questionnaires were applied to 100 sexually active women in the postpartum period. The Cronbach α coefficient was used to evaluate the internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was analyzed by Kappa for each item of the questionnaire and by the Wilcoxon parametric test, comparing the total scores of each evaluation. For the assessment of criterion validity, the FSFI was used as the gold standard and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). It was found that the internal consistency of the FSFI-6 questionnaire was considerably high (0.839). Results The test-retest reliability results were satisfactory. It can also be stated that the FSFI-6 questionnaire presented excellent discriminant validity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.926). Women may be considered as having sexual dysfunction if the overall FSFI-6 score is < 21, with 85.5% sensitivity, 82.2% specificity, positive likelihood ratio of 4.81 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.18. Conclusion We conclude that the Brazilian Portuguese version of FSFI-6 is valid for use in postpartum women.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliamos a consistência interna, a confiabilidade teste-reteste e a validade de critério do questionário FSFI-6 para a população brasileira no pós-parto. Métodos Foram aplicados questionários em 100 mulheres sexualmente ativas no pós-parto. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi utilizado para avaliar a consistência interna. A confiabilidade teste-reteste foi analisada pelo Kappa para cada item do questionário e pelo teste paramétrico de Wilcoxon, comparando-se os escores totais de cada avaliação. Para avaliar a validade de critério, o FSFI foi utilizado como padrão-ouro e a curva característica de operação de receptor (ROC, na sigla em inglês) foi construída. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se o software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, versão 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Resultados Os resultados da confiabilidade teste-reteste foram satisfatórios. O FSFI-6 apresentou uma excelente validade discriminante (área sob a curva [AUC, na sigla em inglês] = 0,926). Considera-se presente a disfunção sexual se o escore geral do FSFI-6 for < 21, com sensibilidade de 85,5%, especificidade de 82,2%, razão de verossimilhança positiva de 4,81 e razão de verossimilhança negativa de 0,18. Conclusão Concluímos que a versão em português do FSFI-6 se mostrou válida para uso em mulheres no pós-parto.

Vocalization during the second stage of labor to prevent perineal trauma: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Most women suffer some degree of perineal trauma during vaginal delivery. Second stage management strategies, including vocalization, to protect the perineum have been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency and degree of perineal trauma at vaginal delivery, with and without use of the vocalization maneuver during the second stage of labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an open-label, randomized controlled trial. We conducted the study at the Center for Normal Deliveries of IMIP. We included low-risk women without prior cesarean deliveries. Women who met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent form were randomized to one of two groups: Group A (experimental) and Group B (control). A physical therapist encouraged women in Group A to maintain an open glottis during pushing and to emit sounds when exhaling (vocalization). Women in Group B underwent routine humanized vaginal deliveries. The outcomes of the study were perineal integrity and degree of perineal laceration. These were measured by the study team immediately after completion of the third stage of labor. RESULTS: Women in Group A tended to have less severe perineal tear (less second and third degree lacerations) and smaller lacerations than women in group B. The vocalization maneuver reduced the risk of a perineal tear greater than 2 cm by 68% (NNT 2.2). There was no difference in other outcomes. CONCLUSION: Encouraging women to follow a vocalization protocol coached by a physical therapist during the second stage of labor can be a helpful labor assistance technique, since this study showed that vocalization is associated with less extensive perineal tears. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (www. CLINICALTRIAL: gov) registration number: NCT03605615.

Perception of women about telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) / Percepção de mulheres sobre o teleatendimento durante o período de pandemia do coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2)

Abstract Introduction Since the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was declared a pandemic, health care was one of the fields that underwent significant changes. Telemedicine, that uses technological and communication resources to provide health care, was deemed a safe alternative to continue patient care while quarantine and social isolation measures were in place. Objective To analyze the perception of women treated at an outpatient clinic in relation to remote health care implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Descriptive research conducted at the Women's Physiotherapy Outpatient Clinic of the Prof. Fernando Figueira Comprehensive Medicine Institute (IMIP) in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The study included women above the age of 18 years who were being remotely treated and excluded those who discontinued treatment. Data were collected from November 2020 to July 2021, using a questionnaire which was sent to the participants via WhatsApp. Results Twenty-six women with an average age of 52 ± 10.1 years were interviewed. Most (61.54%) were being treated for urinary incontinence at the outpatient clinic and 38.5% had been undergoing physiotherapy for at least six months. A total of 92.3% of the participants reported feeling safe with remote health care and 70.4% noticed an improvement in their symptoms. Conclusion Most patients noticed an improvement in their symptoms, felt comfortable and safe with teleservices and would agree to continue even after returning to in-person care. However, to ensure more effective results, patients need to be well informed and have some prior knowledge about the proposed treatment.

Resumo Introdução Desde que foi declarada a pandemia do novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2), a área da saúde foi um dos campos que sofreu significativas modificações. O teleatendimento em saúde, que consiste na utilização de recursos tecnológicos e de comunicação para prestar assistência em saúde, foi uma alternativa encontrada para continuar, de maneira segura, o cuidado com os pacientes enquanto vigoravam as medidas de quarentena e isolamento social. Objetivo Analisar a percepção de mulheres assistidas em um hospital-escola do nordeste do Brasil referente ao teleatendimento implantado durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos Estudo descritivo transversal realizado no Ambulatório de Fisioterapia da Mulher do Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), em Recife/PE. Foram incluídas mulheres maiores de 18 anos, em assistência remota via teleatendimento, excluindo aquelas que não deram continuidade ao atendimento por telessaúde. Para a coleta de dados, realizada de novembro de 2020 a julho de 2021, utilizou-se um questionário próprio, que foi enviado via WhatsApp para as participantes do estudo. Resultados Foram entrevistadas 26 pacientes com idade média de 52 ± 10,1 anos. A maioria (61,5%) foi atendida no ambulatório para tratar incontinência urinária e 38,5% estavam em tratamento fisioterapêutico há pelo ao menos seis meses. A maioria (92,3%) relatou se sentir segura com a assistência remota e 70,4% perceberam melhora dos sintomas. Conclusão A maior parte das participantes percebeu melhora dos sintomas, sentindo-se confortável e segura com o teleatendimento, e aceitaria continuar com o tratamento à distância mesmo após o retorno das atividades presenciais. Para uma resposta mais efetiva, contudo, as pacientes precisam ser bem orientadas e ter algum conhecimento prévio acerca do tratamento a ser proposto pela fisioterapia.

Assessment on the measurement properties of the Brazilian Portuguese language version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Sexual Matters Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTSsex) / Avaliação das propriedades de medida da versão em português do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Sexual Matters Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTSsex)

Abstract Objectives: to assess internal consistency and reliability in providing a Portuguese version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Sexual Matters Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTSsex). Methods: a validation study was conducted by applying questionnaires for 56 women over 18 years old with active sexual life and presenting urinary incontinence, excluding those who had urinary infection in the past 6 months. Three questionnaires were used, one for personal identification; the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the ICIQ-FLUTSsex. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Cronbach's alpha was used to verify reliability of the items on the questionnaires and Kappa coefficient was used to assess the agreement between the questionnaires applied in the test-retest. Results: the median age was 49.1 years old, mostly were mixed colored skin and married, with a high prevalence of mixed urinary incontinence. Cronbach's alpha score was 0.80, which was considered good. Kappa value was moderate, ranging from 0.36 to 0.76. Conclusion: internal consistency was considered good and reliability moderate. The Portuguese version of ICIQ-FLUTSsex was proven to be valid to use on women with urinary incontinence, contributing for clinical practice, as it provides as a quick tool for research on sexual dysfunction.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a consistência interna e a confiabilidade e disponibilizar a versão em português do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Sexual Matters Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTSsex). Métodos: estudo de validação, realizado por meio de questionários em 56 mulheres, maiores de 18 anos, com vida sexual ativa e apresentavam incontinência urinária, excluindo as que tiveram infecção urinária nos últimos 6 meses. Foram utilizados três questionários para coleta, um de identificação pessoal; o International Consultationon Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) e o ICIQ-FLUTSsex. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o software SPSS. Para verificar a confiabilidade dos itens do questionário utilizou o Alfa de Cronbach e para avaliar a concordância entre o questionário aplicado no teste-reteste foi utilizado o coeficiente de Kappa Ponderado. Resultados: a idade média foi de 49,1 anos, sendo a maioria parda e casada, com maior prevalência da incontinência urinaria mista. O resultado do Alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,80, considerado bom. O valor de Kappa Ponderado foi moderado, variando de 0,36 a 0,76. Conclusão: a consistência interna foi considerada boa e a confiabilidade moderada. A versão do ICIQ-FLUTSsex em português mostrou-se válida para ser utilizada em mulheres com incontinência urinária, contribuindo para a prática clínica, uma vez que fornece uma ferramenta rápida para a pesquisa sobre disfunção sexual.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions and their Associated Factors in Pregnant Women in an Outpatient Prenatal Care Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors in pregnant women. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study including 262 pregnant women aged 18 years or older with gestational age between 10 and 35 weeks. Women with urinary tract infections and conditions of gestational risk were excluded. The Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory (PSRI) questionnaire was used. We performed a univariate descriptive analysis, and comparisons between the mean values of the sexual function domains were made using the Student t-test. The chi-squared test was used to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables. The prevalence ratios, with their respective 95% confidence intervals, were also estimated, and a multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 64.9% of women reported a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity during pregnancy. Slightly more than half of the women (50.8%) were satisfied, and arousal was reported as excellent/good by 30.5% of them. The frequency of sexual difficulties/dysfunctions increased with pregnancy, rising from 5.7% to 58.8%, and pain during sexual intercourse was reported by 45.8% of them. Having higher education degree decreased the chance of being sexually dissatisfied by 50%. The total PSRI score showed a significant decrease from the prepregnancy period (mean score = 89.8, "excellent") to the pregnancy period (mean score = 59.2, "good"). CONCLUSION: The mean sexual function score during pregnancy was classified as good, although most pregnant women reported at least one type of alteration in the sexual function domains, and the report of dissatisfaction was more frequent in women with lower schooling.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e fatores associados de disfunção sexual em gestantes. MéTODOS: Estudo descritivo, transversal, incluindo 262 gestantes com idade de 18 anos ou mais, e idade gestacional entre 10 e 35 semanas. Mulheres com infecção de trato urinário e gestação de alto risco foram excluídas. O Inventário de Resposta Sexual na Gestação (Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory, PSRI) foi utilizado. Procedeu-se à análise univariada, e as comparações entre as médias dos domínios de função sexual foram avaliadas pelo teste t de Student. Associações entre as variáveis dependentes e independentes foram determinadas por teste do qui-quadrado. Também estimou-se a razão de prevalência, com intervalo de confiança de 95%, e realizou-se análise multivariada. RESULTADOS: Um total de 64,9% das mulheres relataram diminuição na frequência de atividade sexual durante a gravidez. Pouco mais da metade das mulheres (50,8%) estavam satisfeitas, e a excitação foi relatada como excelente/boa por 30,5% delas. A frequência de dificuldades/disfunções sexuais aumentou com a gravidez, subindo de 5,7% para 58,8%, e dor na relação sexual foi relatada por 45,8% delas. Ter Ensino Superior diminuiu em 50% a chance de insatisfação sexual. O escore total do PSRI diminuiu significativamente entre o período pré-gestacional (escore médio = 89,8, "excelente") e o período gestacional (escore médio = 59,2, "bom"). CONCLUSãO: O escore médio da função sexual durante a gestação foi classificado como bom, embora a maioria das gestantes tenha relatado pelo menos um tipo de alteração nos domínios da função sexual. O relato de insatisfação foi mais frequente nas mulheres de baixa escolaridade.

Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and their associated factors in pregnant women in an outpatient prenatal care clinic / Prevalência de disfunções sexuais e seus fatores associados em gestantes de uma clínica de pré-natal

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors in pregnant women. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study including 262 pregnant women aged 18 years or older with gestational age between 10 and 35 weeks. Women with urinary tract infections and conditions of gestational risk were excluded. The Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory (PSRI) questionnaire was used. We performed a univariate descriptive analysis, and comparisons between the mean values of the sexual function domains were made using the Student t-test. The chi-squared test was used to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables. The prevalence ratios, with their respective 95% confidence intervals, were also estimated, and a multivariate analysis was performed. Results A total of 64.9% of women reported a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity during pregnancy. Slightly more than half of the women (50.8%) were satisfied, and arousal was reported as excellent/good by 30.5% of them. The frequency of sexual difficulties/dysfunctions increased with pregnancy, rising from 5.7% to 58.8%, and pain during sexual intercourse was reported by 45.8% of them. Having higher education degree decreased the chance of being sexually dissatisfied by 50%. The total PSRI score showed a significant decrease from the prepregnancy period (mean score = 89.8, "excellent") to the pregnancy period (mean score = 59.2, "good"). Conclusion The mean sexual function score during pregnancy was classified as good, although most pregnant women reported at least one type of alteration in the sexual function domains, and the report of dissatisfaction was more frequent in women with lower schooling.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a prevalência e fatores associados de disfunção sexual emgestantes. Métodos Estudo descritivo, transversal, incluindo 262 gestantes com idade de 18 anos ou mais, e idade gestacional entre 10 e 35 semanas. Mulheres com infecção de trato urinário e gestação de alto risco foram excluídas. O Inventário de Resposta Sexual na Gestação (Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory, PSRI) foi utilizado. Procedeu-se à análise univariada, e as comparações entre as médias dos domínios de função sexual foram avaliadas pelo teste t de Student. Associações entre as variáveis dependentes e independentes foram determinadas por teste do qui-quadrado. Também estimou-se a razão de prevalência, com intervalo de confiança de 95%, e realizou-se análise multivariada. Resultados Um total de 64,9% das mulheres relataram diminuição na frequência de atividade sexual durante a gravidez. Pouco mais da metade das mulheres (50,8%) estavam satisfeitas, e a excitação foi relatada como excelente/boa por 30,5% delas. A frequência de dificuldades/disfunções sexuais aumentou com a gravidez, subindo de 5,7% para 58,8%, e dor na relação sexual foi relatada por 45,8% delas. Ter Ensino Superior diminuiu em 50% a chance de insatisfação sexual. O escore total do PSRI diminuiu significativamente entre o período pré-gestacional (escore médio = 89,8, "excelente") e o período gestacional (escore médio = 59,2, "bom"). Conclusão O escoremédio da função sexual durante a gestação foi classificado como bom, embora a maioria das gestantes tenha relatado pelo menos um tipo de alteração nos domínios da função sexual. O relato de insatisfação foi mais frequente nas mulheres de baixa escolaridade.