Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among dental students in Brazil.

This study aimed to estimate prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and associated factors among dental students. In this cross-sectional study, 230 students answered a questionnaire and instruments to assess CMD (Self Reporting Questionnaire-20), hazardous alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), social support (Social Support Scale), perceptions of academic life (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure), coping (Ways of Coping Inventory) and resilience (Resilience Scale). Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic regression included all explanatory variableswith p<0.20 in the bivariate analysis, besides sex and academic year. The explanatory variables were analyzed in five successive blocks (backward-stepwise), until all variables presented statistical significance in the final model (p<0.05). The prevalence of CMD was 45.2% (95%CI: 38.7-51.6), with no significant differences between sexes. Students with no extracurricular activities, who had negatively self- assessed their health status and their academic performance, were about four times more likely to present CMD, followed by receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment during university (AOR: 2.65; 95%CI: 1.1-6.1) and those with high scores for confrontive coping (AOR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.0-1.4). Resilience was a protective factor for CMD among dental students (AOR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.9-1.0). Aspects related to academic performance, health status and confrontive coping strategies were risk factors to students' mental health. Individuals with high levels of resilience showed lower prevalence of CMD. Further prospective studies could contribute to understanding the role of resilience among this population.

Hazing and the Mental Health of Medical Students / O Trote e a Saúde Mental de Estudantes de Medicina

ABSTRACT Introduction: The practice of hazing is a phenomenon that began in the Middle Ages and persists in many universities around the world. In Brazil, although the problem is widely recognized, it has been insufficiently studied. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and to identify factors associated with the occurrence of hazing in a public Medical School, located in the interior of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 477 medical students from the first to the sixth year of the course. The self-reporting questionnaire included questions and structured instruments to access: socio-demographic and academic life characteristics, social support, symptoms of depression, harmful alcohol use (using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test — Audit), common mental disorder (using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire — SRQ) and if the participant had suffered any form of hazing that he/she considered abusive or if the participant had practiced hazing about which he/she felt guilty or regretful afterwards. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were conducted to identify factors independently associated with each of the outcomes (having suffered abusive hazing or having participated in hazing and feeling regretful afterwards). Results: The response rate was 87.0%. Among the students, 39.8% (95% Cl: 35.4% — 44.2%) reported having suffered abusive hazing, while 7.5% (95% CI: 5.2% — 9.9%) reported having practiced hazing of which they repented. Being subjected to abusive hazing was associated with: male gender, not being adapted to the city, presenting lower scores on the social support scale and psychiatric and/or psychological treatment after admission to university. Having practiced hazing, in turn, was associated with male gender, older age and higher score in the Audit. Conclusion: Hazing was associated with male gender, and with the pursuit of mental health treatment among those who received it and with harmful alcohol use among the perpetrators. It is essential that medical schools discuss and better understand the problem of hazing in order to adopt effective preventive measures.

RESUMO Introdução: A prática do trote é um fenômeno que teve início na Idade Média e ainda persiste em muitas universidades pelo mundo. No Brasil, embora seja um problema amplamente reconhecido, tem sido insuficientemente estudado. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e identificar fatores associados à ocorrência de trote numa faculdade de Medicina pública, localizada no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal do qual participaram 477 estudantes de Medicina do primeiro ao sexto ano do curso. O questionário autopreenchido continha questões e instrumentos estruturados que permitiram avaliar: características sociodemográficas e da vida acadêmica, apoio social, sintomas depressivos, uso problemático de álcool (por meio do Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test — Audit), transtorno mental comum (por meio do Self Reporting Questionnaire — SRQ) e se o participante sofreu trote que considerou abusivo ou se aplicou trote do qual se arrependeu posteriormente. Foi realizada análise bivariada e regressão logística para identificar fatores independentemente associados a cada um dos desfechos (ter sofrido trote que considerou abusivo ou ter aplicado trote do qual se arrependeu posteriormente). Resultados: A taxa de resposta foi de 87,0%. Relataram ter sofrido trote abusivo 39,8% (IC95% 35,4% — 44,2%) dos estudantes, enquanto afirmaram ter aplicado trote do qual se arrependeram 7,5% (IC95% 5,2% — 9,9%) deles. Ter sofrido trote abusivo associou-se a: sexo masculino, não estar adaptado à cidade, apresentar menor escore na escala de apoio social e ter feito ou estar fazendo tratamento psiquiátrico e/ou psicológico após o ingresso na universidade. Ter aplicado trote, por sua vez, também se associou a sexo masculino, assim como a maior idade e maior pontuação no Audit. Conclusão: Trote associou-se a sexo masculino e à procura por tratamento de saúde mental entre os que o receberam e a uso problemático de álcool entre os que o praticaram. É fundamental que as instituições debatam e compreendam melhor o problema do trote, a fim de adotar medidas efetivas para que este seja prevenido.

O Trote e a Saúde Mental de Estudantes de Medicina / Hazing and the Mental Health of Medical Students

RESUMO Introdução A prática do trote é um fenômeno que teve início na Idade Média e ainda persiste em muitas universidades pelo mundo. No Brasil, embora seja um problema amplamente reconhecido, tem sido insuficientemente estudado. Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e identificar fatores associados à ocorrência de trote numa faculdade de Medicina pública, localizada no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Método Foi realizado um estudo transversal do qual participaram 477 estudantes de Medicina do primeiro ao sexto ano do curso. O questionário autopreenchido continha questões e instrumentos estruturados que permitiram avaliar: características sociodemográficas e da vida acadêmica, apoio social, sintomas depressivos, uso problemático de álcool (por meio do Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test - Audit), transtorno mental comum (por meio do Self Reporting Questionnaire - SRQ) e se o participante sofreu trote que considerou abusivo ou se aplicou trote do qual se arrependeu posteriormente. Foi realizada análise bivariada e regressão logística para identificar fatores independentemente associados a cada um dos desfechos (ter sofrido trote que considerou abusivo ou ter aplicado trote do qual se arrependeu posteriormente). Resultados A taxa de resposta foi de 87,0%. Relataram ter sofrido trote abusivo 39,8% (IC95% 35,4% - 44,2%) dos estudantes, enquanto afirmaram ter aplicado trote do qual se arrependeram 7,5% (IC95% 5,2% - 9,9%) deles. Ter sofrido trote abusivo associou-se a: sexo masculino, não estar adaptado à cidade, apresentar menor escore na escala de apoio social e ter feito ou estar fazendo tratamento psiquiátrico e/ou psicológico após o ingresso na universidade. Ter aplicado trote, por sua vez, também se associou a sexo masculino, assim como a maior idade e maior pontuação no Audit. Conclusão Trote associou-se a sexo masculino e à procura por tratamento de saúde mental entre os que o receberam e a uso problemático de álcool entre os que o praticaram. É fundamental que as instituições debatam e compreendam melhor o problema do trote, a fim de adotar medidas efetivas para que este seja prevenido.

ABSTRACT Introduction The practice of hazing is a phenomenon that began in the middle ages and persists in many universities around the world. In Brazil, although the problem is widely recognized, it has been insufficiently studied. Objective To estimate the prevalence of hazing among medical students of a public university in São Paulo state - Brazil, and investigate factors associated with this problem. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 477 medical students from the first to the sixth year of the course. The self-reporting questionnaire included questions and structured instruments to access: socio-demographic characteristics, aspects of academic life, social support, symptoms of depression, harmful alcohol use (using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test - AUDIT), common mental disorder (using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire - SRQ), whether the participant had suffered any form of hazing that he/she considered abusive or whether the participant had practiced hazing about which he/she felt guilty or regretful afterwards. Bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by logistic regression analyses to identify independent predictors of these two outcomes (having suffered abusive hazing or having participated in hazing and feeling regretful afterwards). Results The response rate was 87.0%. Among the participants, 39.8% (95% CI: 35.4% - 44.2%) reported having suffered abusive hazing and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.2% - 9.9%) reported having practiced hazing. Those who reported having suffered abusive hazing were more likely to be male, to report difficulties in adaptation to the city, lower social support and psychiatric and/or psychological treatment after entering university. Those who practiced hazing and felt regretful afterwards were also more likely to be male, were older and presented higher mean scores in the AUDIT. Conclusion Hazing was associated with the male sex and mental health treatment among the victims, and with harmful alcohol use among the perpetrators. It is essential that medical schools discuss and better understand the problem of hazing in order to adopt effective preventive measures.

Burden and Distress in Caregivers of Patients With Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia.

We estimated the prevalence, severity, and correlates of burden and distress in caregivers of patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. The instruments used in this cross-sectional study with 40 caregivers and 40 outpatients were Carer Burden Interview (CBI), Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS-BR), Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ), Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS), and Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview. Bivariate analyses were followed by regression analyses. The patients' mean PAS score was 29.6, and the mean scores in the caregivers' burden scales were 27 (CBI) and 1.64 (FBIS-BR). Distress (or common mental disorder [CMD]) occurred in 37.5% and was associated with higher burden. In the multivariate analysis, the SRQ score was predicted by female sex and worse self-evaluation of health, the CBI score by CMD and public service, the FBIS-BR score by CMD and not living with the patient, the FBIS-objective score by CMD and being employed, the FBIS-subjective score by CMD, and the level of worry by the severity of patients' avoidance and panic attacks.

Uso de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual por idosos: estudo SABE - saúde, bem- estar e envelhecimento / Hearing aids use among elderly: SABE study - health, well-being and aging survey

OBJETIVO: Descrever o uso do aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) pela população idosa do município de São Paulo e fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo, integrante do Estudo SABE (Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento), desenvolvido no ano de 2006. Foram entrevistados 1115 sujeitos com 65 anos ou mais. A amostra foi obtida de setores censitários em dois estágios, com reposição e probabilidade proporcional à população, complementando-se para acima de 75 anos. Utilizou-se questionário estruturado e instrumentos validados. Os dados foram ponderados e a análise foi realizada no software Stata 10®, através do teste de Rao-Scott para análise univariada e regressão logística tipo stepwise backward para análise multivariada. RESULTADOS: Trezentos e setenta e sete sujeitos (30,4%) apresentaram deficiência auditiva autorreferida e destes, 10,1% declararam utilizar o AASI. Dentre as formas de aquisição do dispositivo, 78,8% utilizaram recursos particulares e 16,9% adquiriram via Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Dentre os não protetizados, 16,6% relataram indicação prévia. Entretanto, 8,6% não se acostumaram e 8,0% não adquiriram, por problemas financeiros. O uso do AASI associou-se à menor prevalência de provável demência. CONCLUSÃO: O baixo número de usuários de AASI indica dificuldades dos idosos em adquiri-lo e/ou dos serviços de saúde em adaptá-los de forma efetiva. Esse achado pode influenciar a qualidade de vida do idoso deficiente auditivo, visto a associação com a provável demência, revelada pelo presente estudo.

PURPOSE: Describe hearing aid use by the elderly population in the city of São Paulo and identify associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study integrated with the SABE (health, well-being and aging) project developed in 2006. A total of 1.115 individuals aged 65 or over were interviewed. Sample selection occurred in two stages, with replacement and probabilities proportional to the population to complement those aged 75 or over. Structured questionnaires and validated instruments were used. The data were weighted, the Rao-Scott test was used for univariate analysis and backward stepwise logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, performed on Stata 10® software. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-seven subjects (30.4%) were classified as hearing impaired and 10.1% of these reported using hearing aids. To acquire the devices, 78.8% used their own resources and 16.9% acquired them through the Brazilian public health system (SUS). Among non-users of hearing aids, 16.6% reported prior indication; however, 8.6% were unable to adapt to the device and 8.0% could not afford to acquire one. Hearing aid use was associated with lower prevalence of probable dementia. CONCLUSION: The low number of hearing aid users indicates the difficulties elderly people face in acquiring them and/or that the health services face in effectively helping them to adapt. These findings may influence the quality of life of elderly with hearing impairment, given the association with probable dementia revealed by this study.

Incidence of self-reported hearing loss and associated risk factors among the elderly in São Paulo, Brazil: the SABE survey.

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of self-reported hearing loss among the elderly in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and identify associated risk factors. A longitudinal study based on a representative sample of individuals aged 60 years and over interviewed in 2000 was conducted in 2006. The sample was obtained in two stages using the cluster sampling method, adopting the criterion distribution proportional to size, and replacement with probability proportional to population for subjects aged 75 years and over. Statistical analysis was performed using the likelihood ratio test to compare survival curves based on the Cox regression model. A total of 765 individuals were interviewed. The hearing loss incidence rate was 28.9/1,000 persons/year and proportional incidence was 17.4%. Associated risk factors were being aged 80 years and over, being male, having an occupation related to agricultural, industrial or maintenance sectors and having osteoporosis. Steps must be taken to reduce incidence by ameliorating the risks identified, particularly those related to occupational noise and specific diseases, notably osteoporosis.

Incidence of self-reported hearing loss and associated risk factors among the elderly in São Paulo, Brazil: the SABE survey / Incidência de deficiência auditiva referida em idosos no Município de São Paulo, Brasil, e fatores associados: Estudo SABE / La incidencia de pérdida de la audición auto-reportada entre los ancianos en São Paulo, Brasil, y factores asociados: Estudio SABE

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of self-reported hearing loss among the elderly in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and identify associated risk factors. A longitudinal study based on a representative sample of individuals aged 60 years and over interviewed in 2000 was conducted in 2006. The sample was obtained in two stages using the cluster sampling method, adopting the criterion distribution proportional to size, and replacement with probability proportional to population for subjects aged 75 years and over. Statistical analysis was performed using the likelihood ratio test to compare survival curves based on the Cox regression model. A total of 765 individuals were interviewed. The hearing loss incidence rate was 28.9/1,000 persons/year and proportional incidence was 17.4%. Associated risk factors were being aged 80 years and over, being male, having an occupation related to agricultural, industrial or maintenance sectors and having osteoporosis. Steps must be taken to reduce incidence by ameliorating the risks identified, particularly those related to occupational noise and specific diseases, notably osteoporosis.

O objetivo foi estimar a incidência de deficiência auditiva referida por idosos em São Paulo, Brasil, e fatores de risco associados. Realizou-se estudo longitudinal em 2006, baseado na população com 60 anos ou mais entrevistada em 2000. A amostra foi obtida pelo método de amostragem por conglomerados, em dois estágios, sob critério de partilha proporcional ao tamanho, com reposição e probabilidade proporcional à população, para sujeitos com 75 anos ou mais. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de razão de verossimilhança para a igualdade das curvas de sobrevivência e regressão de Cox. Foram entrevistados 765 idosos, com taxa de incidência de deficiência auditiva referida de 28,9/1.000 pessoas-ano e proporção da mesma de 17,4%. Os fatores de risco associados foram idade igual ou maior a 80 anos, sexo masculino, ocupações nos setores agropecuário, industrial ou de manutenção e osteoporose. Medidas de atenuação de risco devem ser elaboradas para a diminuição da incidência da deficiência auditiva entre os idosos, principalmente as relacionadas à prevenção do ruído ocupacional e de doenças, em especial a osteoporose.

El objetivo fue estimar la incidencia de pérdida de audición auto-reportada por ancianos en São Paulo, Brasil, y factores de riesgo asociados. Se realizó estudio longitudinal en 2006, con base en la población de 60 años o más entrevistada en el año 2000. La muestra se obtuvo por el método de muestreo por conglomerados en dos etapas, según el criterio de reparto proporcional a su tamaño, y la sustitución con una probabilidad proporcional a la población, para los sujetos de 75 años o más. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba de razón de verosimilitud para la igualdad de las curvas de supervivencia y regresión de Cox. Se entrevistaron 765 ancianos, con una tasa de incidencia de pérdida de audición auto-reportada de 28,9/1.000 personas-año y una proporción de 17,4%. Los factores de riesgo son la edad mayor o igual a 80 años, sexo masculino, ocupaciones en los sectores industrial, agrícola o de manutención, y la osteoporosis. Se deben desarrollar medidas de mitigación de riesgos para disminuir la incidencia de pérdida de audición entre los ancianos, especialmente las relacionadas con la prevención de ruido en el trabajo y de las enfermedades, especialmente, la osteoporosis.

[Self-reported hearing loss among elderly individuals in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors (SABE Study, 2006)]. / Deficiência auditiva referida por idosos no Município de São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados (Estudo SABE, 2006).

This article describes the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in an elderly population in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and associated factors, based on a cross-sectional descriptive and quantitative study. The sample consisted of individuals over 65 years of age selected from census tracts in two stages, with replacement and probability proportional to the population 75 years of age or older. Statistical analysis used Stata 10 with weighted data, Rao-Scott test, and backward stepwise Poisson regression. 1,115 elders were interviewed. Prevalence of self-reported hearing loss was 30.4%, and higher levels were associated with age over 75 years, male gender, self-reported musculoskeletal conditions, dizziness, visual impairment, and difficulty using the telephone. Increased knowledge of factors associated with hearing loss would support public policies on hearing. The high prevalence found in this study underlines the importance of addressing this issue among the elderly.

Deficiência auditiva referida por idosos no Município de São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados (Estudo SABE, 2006) / Self-reported hearing loss among elderly individuals in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors (SABE Study, 2006)

O objetivo foi estimar a prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida numa população de idosos de São Paulo, Brasil e verificar os fatores associados, mediante pesquisa transversal, descritiva e quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por sujeitos acima de 65 anos derivada de setores censitários em dois estágios, com reposição e probabilidade proporcional à população para pessoas com 75 anos ou mais. A análise estatística foi realizada no software Stata 10, com dados ponderados, utilizando-se o teste de Rao-Scott e a regressão de Poisson do tipo stepwise backward. Foram entrevistados 1.115 idosos com prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida de 30,4%, maior em idades mais avançadas, no sexo masculino, em sujeitos com doenças osteoarticulares referidas, queixa de vertigem e/ou tontura, deficiência visual referida e com dificuldades para o uso do telefone. O conhecimento da prevalência e dos fatores associados à deficiência auditiva pode auxiliar na elaboração das políticas públicas relacionadas à audição, sendo imprescindível a abordagem deste tema com a população idosa, por conta da importante ocorrência encontrada.

This article describes the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in an elderly population in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and associated factors, based on a cross-sectional descriptive and quantitative study. The sample consisted of individuals over 65 years of age selected from census tracts in two stages, with replacement and probability proportional to the population 75 years of age or older. Statistical analysis used Stata 10 with weighted data, Rao-Scott test, and backward stepwise Poisson regression. 1,115 elders were interviewed. Prevalence of self-reported hearing loss was 30.4%, and higher levels were associated with age over 75 years, male gender, self-reported musculoskeletal conditions, dizziness, visual impairment, and difficulty using the telephone. Increased knowledge of factors associated with hearing loss would support public policies on hearing. The high prevalence found in this study underlines the importance of addressing this issue among the elderly.

Dimensional analysis of burden in family caregivers of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

AIMS: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) also generates emotional burden in the patient's family members, but no study has evaluated the specific dimensions of burden. The objectives were to evaluate the dimensions of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and possible correlates. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 47 patients and 47 caregivers, using a sociodemographic questionnaire; the ZBI; the Self Reporting Questionnaire; the Family Accommodation Scale; and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. The ZBI factor analysis was conducted using Varimax Rotation. RESULTS: Six factors were identified, explaining 74.2% of the total variance: factor 1, interference in the caregiver's personal life (36.6% of the variance); factor 2, perception of patient's dependence (10.8%); factor 3, feelings of irritation or intolerance (9.2%); factor 4, guilt (7.2%); factor 5, insecurity (5.6%); and factor 6, embarrassment (4.8%). The six ZBI factors were associated with greater OCD severity and with greater accommodation to the patient's symptoms, and factors 1, 2, 5 and 6 with caregiver's psychological morbidity. Caregiver's sex (female) was associated with factors 5 and 6, relationship with the patient (being a parent or son/daughter) with factor 5, higher educational level with factor 6, living with the patient with factor 3, worse self-evaluation of health with factors 1, 5 and 6, and occupational status (not working) with factors 1, 2, 5 and 6. CONCLUSION: The dimensions of burden identified indicate the most affected aspects of a caregiver's life and could guide the planning of more specific interventions. Thus, the caregiver could participate more effectively in the OCD patient's treatment, with a lower impact on his/her life.

Prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment among the elderly in a general hospital.

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment (CI) among the elderly in a general hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, including 200 Brazilian inpatients aged 60 years or over, using the Mini Mental State Examination to evaluate CI (dependent variable), and the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Katz and Lawton Index to evaluate basic (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). RESULTS: 56% were women, 29% were dependent for BADL and 77.5% for IADL. The prevalence of CI was 29% and, in the logistic regression, it remained associated with higher age (>74 years old), number of previous hospitalizations (>3) and dependency for BADL (being dependent raised the odds of being cognitively impaired). CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to train the hospital staff to properly assist these patients, and to orient and support their caregivers.

Um estranho à minha porta: preparando estudantes de medicina para visitas domiciliares / A stranger at my door: preparing medical students for home visits

Este trabalho descreve a experiência de preparação de alunos do primeiro ano da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-Unesp para as visitares domiciliares da disciplina Interação Universidade-Serviço-Comunidade. Docentes de Psicologia e Psiquiatria coordenaram a atividade, realizada com dois grupos de 45 alunos por meio da técnica de sociodrama, que inclui as etapas de aquecimento, dramatização e compartilhamento. Os principais temas trazidos pelos alunos nas dramatizações foram: a) briga e violência; b) miséria e carência; c) desapontamento e desinteresse; d) impotência e fracasso; e) rejeição e desconfiança. Assim, muitas situações temidas e emoções raramente abordadas nos cursos médicos puderam ser vivenciadas e elaboradas em poucas horas. Esta experiência reforça a necessidade de preparar o graduando para entrar em contato com os múltiplos e complexos determinantes do processo saúde-doença e para atuar no cuidado à saúde segundo uma perspectiva interdisciplinar e intersetorial. É fundamental que o aluno tenha uma visão ampliada do paciente inserido na sua família e contexto sociocultural, se dispondo a um trabalho de parceria, colaboração e mútuo aprendizado.

This study describes the experience in training first-year students at the Botucatu School of Medicine/UNESP to conduct home visits as part of the course on University-Health Service-Community Interaction. Faculty members from the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry coordinated the activity, with two groups of 45 students each, by means of the sociodrama technique, which includes warm-up, dramatization, and shared reflections. The main themes brought up by students in the dramatizations were: a) strife and violence; b) poverty and need; c) disappointment and disinterest; d) disempowerment and failure; and e) rejection and distrust. In just a few hours, it was thus possible to experience and elaborate on numerous potentially frightening situations and emotions that are rarely approached during undergraduate medical training. This experience emphasizes the need to prepare undergraduates to make contact with multiple, complex determinants of the health-disease process and act in health care from an interdisciplinary and inter-sector perspective. It is essential for students to have an expanded view of patients within the family and socio-cultural context, drawing on partnership, collaboration, and mutual understanding.

Quem "liga" para o psiquismo na escola médica? A experiência da Liga de Saúde Mental da FMB - Unesp / Who "cares" about the psyche in medical school? The experience with the Mental Health League at the school of medicine, State University of São Paulo, Brazil

A importância da saúde mental nas práticas em saúde fez surgir nas escolas médicas a demanda por uma capacitação aprimorada dos graduandos nessa área. Este artigo tem como principal objetivo descrever a experiência da Liga Acadêmica de Saúde Mental (LISM) da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - Unesp como atividade de ensino extracurricular. Relatam-se sua formação, objetivos, dificuldades iniciais, composição, modo de funcionamento e principais atividades desenvolvidas desde 2004. Acredita-se que a LISM tem tido êxito em complementar a formação médica nessa área, pois atua na prevenção e promoção da saúde, incluindo atividades voltadas à saúde mental dos estudantes. Discute-se também criticamente a atuação das Ligas de Saúde Mental nas escolas médicas, incluindo alguns riscos, como o de favorecer a especialização precoce em Psiquiatria, de aumentar a falsa dicotomia entre saúde física e mental ou simplesmente reproduzir atividades acadêmicas oficiais. Tais atividades extracurriculares não devem desmobilizar a comunidade acadêmica na luta pela valorização, integração e inserção sistemática e longitudinal de temas de saúde mental no currículo oficial dos cursos de graduação, indispensáveis à adequada formação dos médicos generalistas.

Considering the importance of mental health for general health practice, there has been an increasing demand by medical students for better training in this area. The main aim of the present article is to describe the experience of the Students' League on Mental Health (LISM) at the Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), in teaching mental health contents as extracurricular activities. The article describes the initial difficulties in the league's organization, as well as its structure and functioning and the main activities developed by the students since it was founded in 2004. The LISM has been successful in complementing medical training in this area, since it encompasses preventive and health promotion activities, including those targeting the students' own mental health. Some concerns regarding the role of students' leagues in mental health in medical schools are also discussed, including the risks of favoring early specialization in psychiatry, fueling the false dichotomy between physical and mental health, and simply reproducing regular curricular activities. These leagues should not discourage the academic community from struggling to value, integrate, and systematically include mental health themes in the official curriculum, which are indispensable to proper training of general practitioners.

Sex differences in the phenotypic expression of obsessive-compulsive disorder: an exploratory study from Brazil.

Previous studies have shown differences in clinical features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) between men and women, including mean age at onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), types of OCS, comorbid disorders, course, and prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare male and female Brazilian patients with OCD on several demographic and clinical characteristics. Three hundred thirty outpatients with OCD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition [DSM-IV], criteria) who sought treatment at 3 Brazilian public universities and at 2 private practice clinics in the city of São Paulo were evaluated. The assessment instruments used were the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale to evaluate OCD severity and symptoms, the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Axis I Disorders to assess psychiatric comorbidity. Fifty-five percent of the patients (n = 182) were men who were significantly more likely than women to be single and to present sexual, religious, and symmetry obsessions and mental rituals. They also presented earlier onset of OCS and earlier symptom interference in functioning, and significantly more comorbid tic disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Women, besides showing significantly higher mean scores in the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, were more likely to present comorbid simple phobias, eating disorders in general and anorexia in particular, impulse control disorders in general, and compulsive buying and skin picking in particular. No significant differences were observed between sexes concerning family history of OCS or OCD, and global symptoms severity, either in obsession or compulsive subscale. The present study confirms the presence of sex-related differences described in other countries and cultures. The fact that the OCS start earlier and probably have a worse impact in men can eventually lead to more specific and efficacious treatment approaches for these patients.

Emotional burden in caregivers of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the emotional burden, psychological morbidity, and level of family accommodation in caregivers of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, according to sociodemographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Fifty Brazilian DSM-IV OCD patients and their caregivers were evaluated using the Family Accommodation Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Self-Report Questionnaire (caregivers), the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory (patients). Most caregivers (80%) were aged between 30 and 59 years and lived with the patient (88%). RESULTS: Forty-two percent presented a common mental disorder and their mean ZBI score was 28.9. Family accommodation was moderate in 26% and severe or very severe in 24%. Caregivers' levels of psychological morbidity, accommodation, and emotional burden were associated with each other and with the severity of patient obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that caregivers of OCD patients have important levels of burden and psychological morbidity and should receive orientation and support to minimize this emotional impact.

Qualidade de vida no transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo: uma revisão / Quality of life in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review

CONTEXTO: O transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) foi considerado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como a 10ª causa de anos vividos com incapacidade, mas pesquisas sobre qualidade de vida (QV) nesse transtorno ainda são relativamente raras. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer uma revisão convencional da literatura a respeito de estudos sobre qualidade de vida no TOC, publicados em português e inglês. MÉTODOS: A busca de artigos foi feita pelos sistemas MEDLINE, PsicoInfo e LILACS, cobrindo o período de 1980 a 2007, utilizando-se como palavras-chave: qualidade de vida, transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo, prejuízo funcional e incapacidade. RESULTADOS: Estudos populacionais apresentam indicadores indiretos de comprometimento na QV em pessoas com TOC, como mais desemprego, menor renda e menor índice de união conjugal estável, além de taxas relativamente altas de ideação e tentativas de suicídio. Estudos clínicos encontraram mais comprometimento na QV no TOC em comparação com algumas doenças clínicas crônicas, outros transtornos de ansiedade, quadros depressivos e mesmo esquizofrenia, em alguns aspectos. CONCLUSÃO: O impacto negativo do TOC sobre a QV de seus portadores pode ser grande, afetando vários domínios da vida e repercutindo também nos familiares. A reabilitação psicossocial deve ser vista como parte integrante essencial do tratamento e é preciso aumentar a conscientização da população sobre o problema, assim como o acesso a tratamentos adequados, para minimizar tal impacto, por vezes devastador.

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been considered by the World Health Organization as the 10th leading cause of years lived with disability, but studies on quality of life (QOL) in OCD are still scant. OBJECTIVES: A literature review of studies on quality of life in OCD. METHOD: A MEDLINE, Psychoinfo and LILACS literature review from 1980 to 2007 was conducted, using the following key-words: obsessive-compulsive disorder, quality of life, functional impairment and disability. RESULTS: Population-based studies have shown indirect indicators of QOL impairment in OCD sufferers, such as more unemployment, lower income, lower number of marriages, besides considerably high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Clinical studies found more QOL impairment in OCD patients compared to individuals with some chronic physical conditions, other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and even schizophrenia, in some aspects. CONCLUSION: The negative impact of OCD on QOL can be severe, affecting several life domains and affecting family members as well. Psychosocial rehabilitation should be an essential part of OCD treatment and it is necessary to increase both public awareness of this disorder and the availability of appropriate treatments to minimize such impact, which can be devastating.

[Risk of repeated hospitalizations in elderly users of an academic health center]. / Risco de hospitalizações repetidas em idosos usuários de um centro de saúde escola.

The aim of this study was to stratify 305 elderly (> 65 years) treated at an academic health center (Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil) according to risk of repeated hospitalization. Data collection used an instrument to evaluate risk of repeated hospital admissions, including eight health indicators: self-rated health, hospitalizations, doctor visits, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gender, social support, and age. 56.4% of interviewees presented low probability of repeated hospitalization, as compared to 26.9% medium, 10.5% medium-high, and 6.2% high probability. Combining health indicators with the probability of repeated hospitalization, for elderly classified as medium, medium-high, and high risk compared to low, the relative risk was significant: medium or bad health (2.31); hospitalization (2.38); > 3 doctor visits (1.75); diabetes (2.10); cardiovascular disease (2.76); male gender (1.68); and > 75 years of age (1.62). The instrument was able to stratify elderly at risk of repeated hospitalization and is thus useful for reorganizing public health services.

Risco de hospitalizações repetidas em idosos usuários de um centro de saúde escola / Risk of repeated hospitalizations in elderly users of an academic health center

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estratificar 305 idosos com 65 anos ou mais, atendidos em um Centro de Saúde Escola (Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil), quanto à probabilidade de admissão hospitalar repetida. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um instrumento de avaliação do risco de admissão hospitalar repetida, constituído por oito indicadores de saúde: autopercepção da saúde, hospitalização, consultas médicas, diabetes, doença cardiovascular, sexo, apoio social e idade. Verificou-se que 56,4 por cento dos entrevistados apresentaram baixa probabilidade de admissão hospitalar repetida; 26,9 por cento, média; 10,5 por cento, média-alta; e 6,2 por cento, alta. Na associação dos indicadores de saúde com a probabilidade de admissão hospitalar repetida, observou-se que, para idosos classificados como sendo de riscos médio, médio-alto e alto, em relação àqueles com baixo, os riscos relativos foram significativos: saúde média ou ruim (2,31); hospitalização (2,38); mais de três consultas médicas (1,75); diabetes (2,10); doença cardiovascular (2,76); homens (1,68); e 75 anos ou mais (1,62). Constatou-se que o instrumento utilizado possibilitou a estratificação dos idosos quanto ao risco de serem hospitalizados repetidas vezes, o que pode contribuir para propostas de reorganização dos serviços de saúde.

The aim of this study was to stratify 305 elderly (> 65 years) treated at an academic health center (Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil) according to risk of repeated hospitalization. Data collection used an instrument to evaluate risk of repeated hospital admissions, including eight health indicators: self-rated health, hospitalizations, doctor visits, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gender, social support, and age. 56.4 percent of interviewees presented low probability of repeated hospitalization, as compared to 26.9 percent medium, 10.5 percent medium-high, and 6.2 percent high probability. Combining health indicators with the probability of repeated hospitalization, for elderly classified as medium, medium-high, and high risk compared to low, the relative risk was significant: medium or bad health (2.31); hospitalization (2.38); > 3 doctor visits (1.75); diabetes (2.10); cardiovascular disease (2.76); male gender (1.68); and > 75 years of age (1.62). The instrument was able to stratify elderly at risk of repeated hospitalization and is thus useful for reorganizing public health services.

Era uma vez contos de fadas e psicodrama auxiliando alunos na conclusão do curso médico / Once upon a time fairy tales and psychodrama to help students at the end of the medical course

O término do curso representa um período especialmente estressante para estudantes de Medicina, colocando-os perante diversas angústias: deixar de ser aluno, ter novas responsabilidades e enfrentar o exame de residência. Com o intuito de auxiliá-los nesta fase, foi desenvolvida na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (FMB) uma série de estratégias de acolhimento para os estudantes. Este trabalho descreve uma atividade na qual se utilizou o Psicodrama como facilitador da expressão dos sentimentos e emoções experimentadas ao final do curso. Por dois anos consecutivos foram realizadas sessões de Sociodrama com o conjunto de alunos do 6º ano do curso médico da FMB. Utilizaram-se Contos de Fadas como recurso para que os estudantes identificassem sua trajetória na instituição e o momento que estavam vivendo. A dramatização dos contos possibilitou a troca de experiências entre os alunos e o acolhimento de suas angústias, muitas delas coletivas e próprias daquele contexto. A análise dos contos privilegiou aspectos projetivos grupais, concluindo na direção da necessidade de mais espaços de encontro e troca entre professores e alunos

A formaçäo da identidade do médico: implicaçöes para o ensino de graduaçäo em Medicina / The establishment of the physician's identity: implications for undergraduate medical teaching

O artigo discute a constituiçäo da identidade do médico tendo como pontos de partida sua escolha e formaçäo profissionais. A partir da experiência das autoras no ensino médico, em especial na dsiciplina de Psicologia Médica, e da literatura na área säo enfocadas: a idealizaçäo do papel do médico, as motivaçöes conscientes e inconscientes na opçäo profissional, as dificuldades dos primeiros anos na escola médica, o início das atividades didáticas no hospital e os mecanismos psicológicos defensivos acionados no contato com pacientes. É muito importante que as Escolas Médicas e seus professores tenham conhecimento desses aspectos, devendo preocupar-se näo apenas com questöes curriculares e pedagógicas, mas também com o modelo de relaçäo professor-aluno, considerando o seu papel fundamental na formaçäo da identidade médica.