The effects of adequate dietary calcium intake in patients with hypoparathyroidism non-adherent to treatment: a prospective randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A significant problem that compels clinicians in the conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism is patients' non-adherence to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adequate Ca intake with dietary recommendations among hypoparathyroidism patients who persistently use Ca supplementation irregularly on plasma Ca and phosphate levels. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt Ca supplementation therapy and therefore have a hypocalcemic course. Patients with a total daily Ca intake below 800 mg were randomized. All patients were advised to keep the doses of active vitamin D and Ca supplements they were currently using. The patients in the study group (n=32) were advised to consume 1,000-1,200 mg of Ca daily, and the patients in the control group (n=35) were advised to continue their diet according to their daily habits. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the patients' laboratory values were compared between groups to assess treatment goals. RESULTS: The mean of the total Ca level was 8.56±0.36 mg/dL in the study group and was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group, which was 7.67±0.48 mg/dL (p<0.001). The mean serum phosphate and serum Ca-P product levels were significantly higher in the study group (p<0.001) but did not exceed the safe upper limits in any patient. CONCLUSION: A suitable increase in dietary Ca intake could effectively control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt the recommended calcium supplementation.

Representações sociais de pessoas vivendo com hiv: do abandono do tratamento à motivação para a retomada / Representaciones sociales de las personas que viven con vih: del abandono del tratamiento a la motivación para reanudar / Social representations of people living with hiv: from treatment abandonment to motivation for resuming

Introdução: O uso contínuo da terapia antirretroviral é eficiente para interromper a replicação viral causada pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana impedindo o comprometimento do sistema imunológico e o aparecimento das infecções oportunistas. Estima-se que em 2021, 10,2 milhões de pessoas infectadas pelo HIV não se beneficiaram com o uso dos antirretrovirais em todo o mundo. No mesmo ano esse indicador atingiu 333 mil pessoas, e na esfera municipal de Londrina, 288 pessoas vivendo com HIV encontravam-se em abandono do tratamento. Objetivo: Apreender as representações sociais de pessoas vivendo com HIV acerca do abandono do tratamento e a motivação para a retomada. Percurso metodológico: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo pautado na Teoria das Representações Sociais de Serge Moscovici. O cenário foi um Serviço de Atendimento Especializado em HIV/aids localizado na região Sul do Brasil. A população foi composta por 288 pessoas diagnosticadas com HIV em abandono do tratamento por período superior a 100 dias. Destas, 250 foram excluídas em função de critérios relacionados a informações cadastrais incompletas ou equivocadas, e aspectos impeditivos do comparecimento ao serviço e de contato. Outras 18 pessoas foram consideradas perdas por desistência. A amostra foi composta por 20 pessoas que se enquadraram aos critérios de elegibilidade e aceitaram participar do estudo. A coleta das informações ocorreu entre junho de 2021 e junho de 2022 em entrevistas semiestruturadas audiogravadas e transcritas na íntegra. Para análise das falas foi utilizado o discurso do sujeito coletivo. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 20 pessoas vivendo com HIV, sendo 12 homens e oito mulheres, com idade entre 27 e 55 anos. O tempo de abandono variou entre 210 e 1580 dias. A análise das entrevistas permitiu a emersão de 18 ideias centrais e duas ancoragens, as quais foram agrupadas em quatro grandes temas: 1) Abandono do tratamento por questões intrínsecas à pessoa vivendo com HIV; 2) Abandono do tratamento por questões ligadas à terapia medicamentosa; 3) Abandono do tratamento por dogmas sociais; 4) Forças propulsoras para a retomada do tratamento. Considerações finais: A análise qualitativa das representações sociais das pessoas vivendo com HIV indicou que o abandono da terapia antirretroviral é multifatorial, e envolve questões socioculturais, geográficas, familiares e biológicas. É essencial considerar todas as questões que permeiam e impactam as vidas das pessoas vivendo com HIV em abandono do tratamento para além das questões biológicas, viabilizando a implementação de ações que contribuam para a efetividade das políticas públicas de saúde no intuito de estimular a adesão e encorajar a retomada ao tratamento. Almeja-se que esta investigação possa despertar para as questões subjetivas ao universo da pessoa que vive com HIV e estas respeitadas na prática humanizada, voltadas ao incentivo do tratamento contínuo para controle da infecção e promoção da qualidade de vida.

Introduction: The continuous use of antiretroviral therapy is efficient to interrupt viral replication caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, preventing the compromise of the immune system and the appearance of opportunistic infections. It is estimated that in 2021, 10.2 million people infected with HIV did not benefit from the use of antiretrovirals worldwide. In the same year, this indicator reached 333,000 people, and at the municipal level of Londrina, 288 people living with HIV were abandoning treatment. Objective: To apprehend the social representations of people living with HIV about abandoning treatment and the motivation for resuming it. Methodological path: This is a qualitative study based on Serge Moscovici's Theory of Social Representations. The setting was a Specialized Care Service for HIV/AIDS located in the south of Brazil. The population consisted of 288 people diagnosed with HIV who had abandoned treatment for more than 100 days. Of these, 250 were excluded due to criteria related to incomplete or wrong registration information, and aspects that impeded attendance at the service and contact. Another 18 people were considered dropout losses. The sample consisted of 20 people who met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data collection took place between June 2021 and June 2022 in semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed in full. For the analysis of the speeches, the collective subject discourse was used. Results: 20 people living with HIV participated in the study, 12 men and eight women, aged between 27 and 55 years. The abandonment time varied between 210 and 1580 days. The analysis of the interviews allowed the emergence of 18 central ideas and two anchors, which were grouped into four major themes: 1) Abandonment of treatment due to issues intrinsic to the person living with HIV; 2) Abandonment of treatment due to issues related to drug therapy; 3) Abandonment of treatment by social dogmas; 4) Driving forces for the resumption of treatment. Final considerations: The qualitative analysis of the social representations of people living with HIV indicated that the abandonment of antiretroviral therapy is multifactorial, and involves sociocultural, geographic, family and biological issues. It is essential to consider all the issues that permeate and impact the lives of people living with HIV who abandon treatment in addition to biological issues, enabling the implementation of actions that contribute to the effectiveness of public health policies in order to stimulate adherence and encourage resumption of treatment. It is hoped that this investigation may awaken to the subjective issues of the universe of the person living with HIV and these respected in humanized practice, aimed at encouraging continuous treatment to control the infection and promote quality of life.

Introducción: El uso continuo de la terapia antirretroviral es eficaz para interrumpir la replicación viral provocada por el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana, previniendo el compromiso del sistema inmunológico y la aparición de infecciones oportunistas. Se estima que en 2021, 10,2 millones de personas infectadas por el VIH no se beneficiaron del uso de antirretrovirales en todo el mundo. En el mismo año, este indicador alcanzó a 333.000 personas, ya nivel municipal de Londrina, 288 personas viviendo con VIH estaban abandonando el tratamiento. Objetivo: Aprehender las representaciones sociales de personas viviendo con VIH sobre el abandono del tratamiento y la motivación para retomarlo. Camino metodológico: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales de Serge Moscovici. El escenario fue un Servicio de Atención Especializada en VIH/SIDA ubicado en el sur de Brasil. La población estuvo conformada por 288 personas diagnosticadas con VIH que habían abandonado el tratamiento por más de 100 días. De estos, 250 fueron excluidos por criterios relacionados con información de registro incompleta o incorrecta, y aspectos que impidieron la asistencia al servicio y contacto. Otras 18 personas fueron consideradas pérdidas por deserción. La muestra estuvo conformada por 20 personas que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad y aceptaron participar en el estudio. La recolección de datos ocurrió entre junio de 2021 y junio de 2022 en entrevistas semiestructuradas que fueron grabadas en audio y transcritas en su totalidad. Para el análisis de los discursos se utilizó el discurso del sujeto colectivo. Resultados: Participaron del estudio 20 personas viviendo con VIH, 12 hombres y ocho mujeres, con edades entre 27 y 55 años. El tiempo de abandono varió entre 210 y 1580 días. El análisis de las entrevistas permitió el surgimiento de 18 ideas centrales y dos anclas, que fueron agrupadas en cuatro grandes temas: 1) Abandono del tratamiento por cuestiones intrínsecas a la persona que vive con VIH; 2) Abandono del tratamiento por cuestiones relacionadas con la farmacoterapia; 3) Abandono de tratamiento por dogmas sociales; 4) Fuerzas impulsoras de la reanudación del tratamiento. Consideraciones finales: El análisis cualitativo de las representaciones sociales de las personas viviendo con VIH indicó que el abandono de la terapia antirretroviral es multifactorial, e involucra cuestiones socioculturales, geográficas, familiares y biológicas. Es fundamental considerar todas las cuestiones que permean e impactan la vida de las personas que viven con el VIH que abandonan el tratamiento además de las cuestiones biológicas, posibilitando la implementación de acciones que contribuyan a la efectividad de las políticas públicas de salud para estimular la adherencia y alentar la reanudación. De tratamiento se espera que esta investigación pueda despertar a las cuestiones subjetivas del universo de la persona que vive con VIH y estas respetadas en la práctica humanizada, con el objetivo de incentivar el tratamiento continuo para el control de la infección y promover la calidad de vida.

A equipe de saúde diante do paciente não aderente ao tratamento / The health team in face of the patient not adhering to treatment / El equipo de salud ante el paciente que no se adhiere al tratamiento

O objetivo deste estudo foi refletir sobre os efeitos da não adesão ao tratamento para a equipe de saúde e sobre as ações/reações da equipe que podem causar a não adesão ao tratamento. A amostra foi composta por 10 profissionais de saúde. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi uma entrevista semiestruturada. O material coletado foi submetido à análise temática, e discussão foi baseada na psicanálise. Como resultado, verificou-se que os profissionais relacionaram a não adesão às carências percebidas nos pacientes. Também foi identificada a presença de um ciclo de encaminhamentos, o qual, por vezes, significava uma tentativa de eliminar um incômodo (a não adesão), mas, em contrapartida, o causava. Verificou-se também a presença de confusão entre cuidado e controle, produzindo relações permeadas por desconfiança, verificação e correção. Percebeu-se, ainda, relação entre não adesão e frustração, seja porque o tratamento é insuficiente para evitar o sofrimento do paciente, seja pelo desconforto advindo da não cooperação do paciente. Ao final, como efeitos para a equipe, evidenciou-se a presença de profissionais envolvidos por um discurso de frustração, desvalorização e impotência. Como efeitos da equipe, verificou-se que profissionais também podem produzir aquilo de que se queixam, pelos lugares subjetivos que delineiam e cristalizam. A partir disso, problematiza-se o sentido que a não adesão pode assumir, e é importante considerá-la como um sinal que pode revelar os percalços (e as possíveis resoluções) do contrato relacional entre paciente e equipe.(AU)

The objective of this study was to reflect about the effects of non-adherence to the treatment for the health team and about the actions/reactions of the team that may can cause the non-adherence to the treatment. The sample consisted of 10 health professionals. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured interview. The material collected was submitted to thematic analysis, and the discussion was based on psychoanalysis. As a result, it was verified that the professionals related non-adherence to needs perceived on patients. The presence of a referral cycle was also identified, which, sometimes, meant an attempt to eliminate a nuisance (the non-adherence) but, instead, caused it. It was also verified the presence of confusion between care and control, producing relations permeated by distrust, verification, and correction. The link between non-adherence and frustration was also observed, either due to the treatment being insufficient to avoid the suffering of the patient; or by the discomfort from the non-cooperation of the patient. At the end, as effects for the team, professionals involved by a discourse of frustration, devaluation, and impotence were evidenced. As effects of the team, it has been found that professionals can also produce what they complain about, by the subjective places that were delineate and crystallize. Thus, we problematize the meaning non-adherence may assume, and considering it a signal that can reveal the mishaps (and possible resolutions) of the relational contract between patient and team is important.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue reflexionar sobre los efectos de la no adherencia al tratamiento para el equipo de salud y sobre las acciones/reacciones del equipo que pueden causar la no adherencia al tratamiento. La muestra estuvo conformada por diez profesionales de la salud. El instrumento de recolección de datos fue una entrevista semiestructurada. El material recolectado fue sometido a análisis temático, y se utilizó el psicoanálisis para discutir el material. El resultado constató que los profesionales entendieron la no adherencia como una carencia/necesidad de los pacientes. También se identificó la presencia de un ciclo de derivación, que a veces significó un intento de eliminar una molestia (falta de adherencia), pero que puede generar el problema. También se verificó la presencia de confusión entre cuidado y control, produciendo relaciones permeadas de desconfianza, verificación y corrección. También se observó el vínculo entre la no adherencia y la frustración, ya sea porque el tratamiento es insuficiente para evitar el sufrimiento del paciente o por la incomodidad que produce la falta de cooperación del paciente. Al final, como efectos para el equipo, se evidenciaron profesionales envueltos por la frustración, la devaluación y la impotencia. Como efectos del equipo, se constató que los profesionales también pueden producir lo que quejan desde los lugares subjetivos que fueron delineados y cristalizados. Así se discute el sentido que puede asumir la no adherencia, y es importante considerarla como señal de los percances (y posibles resoluciones) del contrato relacional entre paciente y equipo.(AU)

Esplenomegalia masiva en el curso de reactivación de histoplasmosis diseminada en paciente de sida / Massive splenomegaly in the course of disseminated histoplasmosis reactivation in an AIDS patient

Introducción: La histoplasmosis diseminada es la forma de presentación más frecuente de esta micosis endémica en pacientes de sida. La esplenomegalia consecuente es muy frecuente, pero generalmente no es masiva. Objetivo: Describir un caso no frecuente de esplenomegalia masiva por histoplasmosis diseminada en un paciente de sida. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sida diagnosticado hacía 14 años. Desde entonces cumplió tratamiento antirretroviral en forma irregular. Tuvo un primer evento de esta micosis 10 años atrás. En esa ocasión, tuvo tratamiento antimicótico por 4 meses sin continuar con profilaxis secundaria. Inició con síntomas sugestivos de reactivación de la enfermedad 6 meses después. Se mantuvo sintomático en forma recurrente por todos esos años y acudió en fecha actual en estadio avanzado con linfadenopatías grandes y hepatoesplenomegalia masiva. Se confirmó el diagnóstico mediante biopsia ganglionar y se impuso tratamiento antimicótico, con lo cual los síntomas desaparecieron y hubo una reducción ostensible de los órganos que estaban aumentados de tamaño. Conclusión: La esplenomegalia masiva puede presentarse en esta enfermedad. En este caso debe haber sido originada por el largo periodo de reactivación, a su vez determinado por el estado de inmunodepresión oscilante, ya muy avanzado en el momento de su presentación, por la irregularidad del tratamiento antirretroviral y la falta de profilaxis secundaria de la micosis(AU)

Introduction: Disseminated histoplasmosis is the most frequent form of presentation of this endemic mycosis in AIDS patients. Splenomegaly commonly occurs as a consequence of it, but it is not usually massive. Objective: To describe an uncommon case of massive splenomegaly caused by disseminated histoplasmosis in an AIDS patient. Clinical case: The case of an AIDS patient diagnosed 14 years ago is presented. Since diagnosis, the patient has been under antiretroviral treatment irregularly. The first event of this mycosis was 10 years ago. In that occasion, antimitotic treatment was prescribed for four months without secondary prophylaxis. Six months later, symptoms suggestive of reactivation of the disease started. The patient remained symptomatic on a recurrent basis over these years, and attended recently to the hospital in an advanced stage of the disease with large lymphadenopathies and massive hepatosplenomegaly. Diagnostic was confirmed by node biopsy, and antimycotic treatment was indicated, resulting in the resolution of the symptoms and an evident reduction of the enlarged organs. Conclusions: Massive splenomegaly can be present in this disease. In this case, it should have been originated due to a long reactivation period which was determined by the varying and advanced immunosuppressed state, the irregularity with the antiretroviral treatment, and the lack of secondary prophylaxis for the mycosis(AU)

Factors associated with nonadherence to the use of coumarin derivatives or direct oral anticoagulants: A systematic review of observational studies.

Nonadherence to thromboprophylaxis treatment with oral anticoagulants (OAC) is a public health problem and may be associated with high mortality rates. We sought to synthesize the factors associated with nonadherence to therapy with coumarin derivatives or direct oral anticoagulants. A systematic review was performed at electronic databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Lilacs and grey literature (Google Scholar, MedNar, OpenGray, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and hand search). This study was conducted according to Cochrane's method and PRISMA. The registration on PROSPERO is CRD42020223555. Overall, 1270 studies were identified and nine studies were selected for this review. In hand searching, 77 studies were found, but none included. The associated factors with nonadherence were heterogeneous, and some factors were described as both risk and protection for nonadherence, with few variables showing consistent results among the studies. Variables reported only as risk factors were "male sex", "hospitalization", "Charlson score" and "bleeding", while "white race", CHA2 DS2 VASc (score range 2-9)" and "polypharmacy" were reported only as protective factors. Most studies did not present details in the description of concepts and methods to assess nonadherence. In clinical practice, the knowledge on factors associated with nonadherence is helpful to identifying patients at higher risk of complications that would benefit from individualized interventions.

Adherence to treatment in Parkinson's disease: A multicenter exploratory study with patients from six Latin American countries.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is compromised due to the need for multiple therapies, comorbidities related to aging, and the complexity of therapeutic schemes. In the present study, we aimed to explore adherence to treatment in groups of PD patients from six Latin-American (LA) countries and identify its associated demographic and clinical parameters. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted from September 2016 to March 2017. Treatment adherence was assessed using the simplified medication adherence questionnaire (SMAQ), applied to patients and caregivers. Sociodemographic and clinical variables (MDS-UPDRS Part III-IV, MMSE, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)) were recorded. RESULTS: Eight hundred patients from six LA countries were evaluated. Nonadherence was reported in 58.25% of the population, according to patients. The most frequent issues were forgetfulness and correct timing of doses. A high level of agreement in adherence prevalence and most SMAQ items were observed between patients and their caregivers. The nonadherent population had a significantly higher proportion of unemployment, free access to medication, troublesome dyskinesias and off-periods, lesser years of education, and worse motor, cognitive, and mood scores. In multiple logistic and linear regression analyses, MDS-UPDRS Part III, BDI-II, gender, free access to medication, treatment with dopamine agonists alone, years of education, excessive concerns about adverse effects, and beliefs about being well-treated remained significant contributors to adherence measures. CONCLUSION: Educational strategies, greater involvement of PD patients in decision-making, and consideration of their beliefs and values might be of great need to improve medication adherence in this PD population.

COVID-19 Pandemic on Fire: Evolved Propensities for Nocturnal Activities as a Liability Against Epidemiological Control.

Humans have been using fire for hundreds of millennia, creating an ancestral expansion toward the nocturnal niche. The new adaptive challenges faced at night were recurrent enough to amplify existing psychological variation in our species. Night-time is dangerous and mysterious, so it selects for individuals with higher tendencies for paranoia, risk-taking, and sociability (because of security in numbers). During night-time, individuals are generally tired and show decreased self-control and increased impulsive behaviors. The lower visibility during night-time favors the partial concealment of identity and opens more opportunities for disinhibition of self-interested behaviors. Indeed, individuals with an evening-oriented chronotype are more paranoid, risk-taking, extraverted, impulsive, promiscuous, and have higher antisocial personality traits. However, under some circumstances, such as respiratory pandemics, the psychobehavioral traits favored by the nocturnal niche might be counter-productive, increasing contagion rates of a disease that can evade the behavioral immune system because its disease cues are often nonexistent or mild. The eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis presented here suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the evening-oriented psychobehavioral profile can have collectively harmful consequences: there is a clash of core tendencies between the nocturnal chronotype and the recent viral transmission-mitigating safety guidelines and rules. The pandemic safety protocols disrupt much normal social activity, particularly at night when making new social contacts is desired. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is contagious even in presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, which enables it to mostly evade our evolved contagious disease avoidance mechanisms. A growing body of research has indirectly shown that individual traits interfering with social distancing and anti-contagion measures are related to those of the nocturnal chronotype. Indeed, some of the social contexts that have been identified as superspreading events occur at night, such as in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Furthermore, nocturnal environmental conditions favor the survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus much longer than daytime conditions. We compare the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis with other factors related to non-compliance with pandemic safety protocols, namely sex, age, and life history. Although there is not yet a direct link between the nocturnal chronotype and non-compliance with pandemic safety protocols, security measures and future empirical research should take this crucial evolutionary mismatch and adaptive metaproblem into account, and focus on how to avoid nocturnal individuals becoming superspreaders, offering secure alternatives for nocturnal social activities.

The prevalence and associated factors of nonadherence to antihypertensive medication in secondary healthcare.

PURPOSE: Non-adherence (NA) to medication is a major contributor to treatment failure in hypertensive patients. Factors of the ecological model, at family/healthcare professional, service, and system levels, are rarely evaluated as correlates of NA in hypertensive patients. METHODS: This crossectional study assessed the prevalence of and associated factors of NA to antihypertensive medication among 485 hypertensive patients upon receiving secondary healthcare. The Morisky Green Levine Scale (MGLS) measured the implementation phase of adherence, and the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese-speaking Adults (SAHLPA) instrument, health literacy. Multivariate analysis to NA included variables according to the levels of the ecological model. RESULTS: Most patients were female (56.3%), white (53.2%), mean age of 62.0 ± 12.6 years, illiterate (61.6%), with low health literacy (70.9%), and low income (65.4%). Uncontrolled BP was frequent (75.2%); 57.1% of patients were nonadherent. In multivariate analysis based on the ecological model, adjusted for micro, meso- and macro-level correlates, NA was associated only with variables of patient-level: low health literacy (OR 1.62, CI 1.07-2.44, p = 0.020), income ≥ two reference wages (OR 0.46, CI 0.22-0.93, p = 0.031), lack of homeownership (OR 1.99, CI 1.13-3.51, p = 0.017), sedentarism (OR 1.78, CI 1.12-2.83, p = 0.014), and complexity of treatment (number of medications taken ≥ two times/day) (OR 1.56, CI 1.01-2.41, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: In this group of severely hypertensive patients with high cardiovascular risk, only patient-related characteristics were associated with NA. Our findings highlight the need for effective actions to optimize clinical outcomes in similar healthcare programs.

Violent behavior by involuntarily committed female offenders with mental disorders: A population-based case series.

The goal of the current study was to investigate the socio-demographic, psychiatric, and criminological characteristics of female violent offenders with mental disorders involuntarily committed to a forensic psychiatric hospital. The present study was a population-based retrospective case series including all female offenders with mental disorders found not guilty by reason of insanity by the criminal courts in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and involuntarily committed to a forensic psychiatric facility (n = 27). Patients were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. We found that most offenders were Afro-Brazilian, uneducated unmarried women. Schizophrenia with active psychotic symptoms was the most common clinical condition. Relatives were the frequent victims of aggressive behavior. Most patients had already been diagnosed with a mental disorder and placed under psychiatric treatment, but poor adherence and treatment dropout were common. Violent behavior in psychiatrically ill female patients is associated with a specific socio-demographic and clinical profile and is thus potentially amenable to prevention particularly if the mental health and social services are to provide the much-needed support for economically, socially, and psychologically vulnerable women.

Nonadherence to immunosuppressives and treatment in kidney transplant: Adhere Brazil Study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence and variability of nonadherence to immunosuppressives and nonpharmacological treatment across kidney transplantation centers and two health access-disparate regions in Brazil. METHODS In a cross-sectional design, a random multistage sample of 1,105 patients was included, based on center transplantation activity (low/moderate/high) and region (R1: North/Northeast/Mid-West; and R2: South/Southeast). Nonadherence to immunosuppressives (implementation phase) was assessed using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS)©. Self-report questionnaires assessed nonadherence to physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol intake, and appointment keeping. We compared regions using the adjusted-χ2 or t-test. RESULTS Most patients were men (58.5%), white (51.4%), and had a mean age of 47.5 (SD = 12.6) years. Regarding kidney transplantation centers, 75.9% were from R2 and 38.2% had low activity. The patients in R2 were older, white-majority, had more frequently steady partners, and received peritoneal dialysis. Nonadherence to immunosuppressives ranged from 11-65.2%; 44.5-90% to physical activity; 0-23.7% to appointment keeping; and 0-14% to smoking cessation. The total prevalence of nonadherence and by region (R1 versus R2) were: for immunosuppressives, 39.7% (44.9% versus 38.1%, p = 0.18); for smoking, 3.9% (1% versus 5%, p < 0.001); for physical activity, 69.1% (71% versus 69%, p = 0.48); for appointment keeping, 13% (12.7% versus 12%, p = 0.77); and for alcohol consumption, 0%. CONCLUSION Despite differences among centers and high variability, only the nonadherence to smoking cessation was higher in the region with greater access to kidney transplantation. We suppose that differences in healthcare access may have been overcome by other positive aspects of the post kidney transplantation treatment.

How to understand and address the cultural aspects and consequences of diagnosis of epilepsy, including stigma.

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent serious neurological diseases. It is unique, being the only severe and disabling neurological disease that is fully treatable in the majority of cases, but on the other hand, associated with stigma, prejudice and discriminatory practices, which negatively impact people's everyday life in important areas, such as access to education, employment, marriage and social integration. For centuries, people with epilepsy (PWE) were stigmatized in all societies, with the consequences of prejudice and discrimination adding to the medical burden of the disease. Myths and misconceptions about this disease still occur, mostly in low-resources settings, however, in many industrialized countries, the knowledge regarding epilepsy is still limited in the population. The stigma is perceived as a negative attribute that is undesirable for the community to which the individual belongs. PWE are intrinsically undervalued, both by themselves ("felt stigma") and by the others. Actual discrimination by peers and institutions generates what is referred to as "enacted stigma". Misconceptions, stigma and negative attitudes towards PWE dramatically decrease quality of life, affecting the most sensitive areas, such as marriage, employment and driving. The Resolution 68.28 of the World Health Assembly (2015), the WHO-ILAE-IBE Global Report "Epilepsy: a public health imperative", advocates for strengthening and implementing national policies and legislation to promote and protect the rights of PWE, reducing misconceptions about epilepsy and improving access to care. Consolidated efforts are required from different organizations, public health managers, healthcare providers, PWE and their families to work together to improve socialization and quality of life of PWE. Educational programs and awareness to support activities among the general population, health service providers and PWE are the best way to reduce all types of stigma and discrimination.

Evaluation of nonadherence to treatment among patients with schizophrenia attending psychosocial care centers in the south region of Brazil

Abstract Introduction The treatment of schizophrenia aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and promote recovery from debilitating effects. Nonadherence to treatment is related to several factors and may lead to persistence of symptoms and relapse. Worldwide, the rate of nonadherence to treatment in individuals with schizophrenia is around 50%. Objectives To compare the clinical profile of nonadherent and adherent patients among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia receiving treatment at psychosocial care centers in a city in southern Brazil. Method The clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with schizophrenia was retrospectively analyzed based on medical records entered into the system between January and December 2016, evaluating data at one-year follow-up. Results 112 patients were included. The disease was more prevalent in men; mean age was 40.5 years, being lower among men. Most of the sample had a low level of education, was unemployed/retired, did not have children and resided with relatives. The highest rate of diagnosis was among young adults. Psychotic symptoms were most frequently described, and the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic was haloperidol. The nonadherence rate was 15.2%; only one patient required admission to a psychiatric hospital. Among nonadherent patients, the mean time of attendance was 6 months; there were more nonadherent women than men. The most prevalent age range of nonadherence was 41-64 years. Psychosocial and clinical data were similar across the whole sample. Conclusion A nonadherence rate of 15.2% was found among individuals receiving treatment for schizophrenia, suggesting that psychosocial care centers were effective in treating and monitoring these patients.

Elucidating factors associated with non-adherence among Type 1 diabetes patients in primary care setting in Southeastern Brazil.

AIMS: To explore the factors associated with adherence and non-adherence to the pharmacological treatment of patients with T1DM in primary care setting southeast Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 158 patients attending in the primary health care in the city of Franca southeast Brazil and measure adherence to antidiabetic medication. Adherence was measure using Morisky-Green Test modified. RESULTS: The majority of patients was adherence to antidiabetic medication (63.2%). More than one third of patients were non-adherent treated pharmacologically and comorbidities most prevalent were hypertension (63.8%), dyslipidemia (43.1%) and depression (32.8%). Depression were strongest predictor OR=2.8 (1.2-6.5) of non-adherence. CONCLUSION: Depression is a factor associated with non-adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients with T1DM, and in clinical practice, screening for depression and intervention as well as pharmaceutical care may improve adherence to pharmacotherapy.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to viral replication and development of antiretroviral resistance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with nonadherence to ART among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Intake of less than 90% of the antiretroviral drugs prescribed in the last week prior to the interview was defined as nonadherence. Intake was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the study population, with estimation of the respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonadherence was 28.4%. Significant associations were found regarding the following variables: age less than 35 years, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, lack of medication and lack of knowledge regarding the patient's HIV status, on the part of the patient's partner or family. CONCLUSIONS: Encouragement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy is one of the fundamental pillars of treatment for HIV-infected patients. The high proportion of nonadherence (28.4%) and the predictive factors related to this indicate that it is necessary to improve patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Non-adherence to Haemodialysis, Interdialytic weight gain and cardiovascular mortality: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) on haemodialysis (HD) have high morbidity and mortality rates, which are also due to the inherent risks associated with nephropathy. Non-adherence (NA) to the different demands of the treatment can have consequences for the outcome of patients undergoing HD; nevertheless, there are still doubts about such repercussions. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between NA to conventional HD and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated mortality in a 6-year period in a cohort of 255 patients on HD in northeast Brazil. The evaluated parameters of NA to HD were interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) ≥ 4% of dry weight (DW), hyperphosphatemia and regular attendance at treatment, assessed as the correlation between the periods on HD completed and those prescribed. We used the Cox multivariate regression model to analyse survival and the predictors of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: With a median follow-up period of 1493 days and a mortality rate of 9.1 per 100 people-years, there were 87 deaths, of which 54% were cardiovascular deaths. IDWG ≥4% of DW was associated with a risk of all-cause mortality however presenting a borderline outcome for cardiovascular mortality, with hazard ratios of 2.02 (CI 95% 1.17-3.49, p = 0.012) and 2.09 (CI 95% 1.01-4.35, p = 0.047), respectively. No significant association was found between other parameters of NA and mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that for patients with IDWG ≥4% of DW, malnutrition, age and diagnosis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were associated with higher all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: IDWG ≥4% of DW was identified as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and demonstrated a borderline outcome for cardiovascular mortality in patients on conventional HD. The occurrence of excessive IDWG in the presence of malnutrition represented a significant increase in the risk of death, indicating a subgroup of patients with a worse prognosis.

Prevalence and correlates of non-adherence to immunosuppressants and to health behaviours in patients after kidney transplantation in Brazil - the ADHERE BRAZIL multicentre study: a cross-sectional study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is a prevalent risk factor for poor clinical and after kidney transplantation (KT), and has contributed to the lack of improvement in long-term graft survival over the past decade. Understanding the multilevel correlates and risk factors of non-adherence is crucial to determine the optimal level for planning interventions, namely at the patient, health care provider, KT centre, and health care system level. Brazil, having the largest public transplantation program in the world and with regional differences regarding access to health services and service implementation, is in a unique position to study this multilevel approach. Therefore, the Adhere Brazil Study (ADHERE BRAZIL) was designed to assess the prevalence and variability of non-adherence to immunosuppressants and to health behaviours among adult KT recipients in Brazil, and to assess the multilevel correlates of non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication. We describe the rationale, design, and methodology of the ADHERE BRAZIL study. METHODS/DESIGN: This is an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study that includes 20 Brazilian KT centres. A stratified sampling approach is used, based on strata, with the following characteristics considered: geographical region and transplant activity (number of KTs per year). A random sample of patients (proportional to the size of the centre within each stratum) is selected from each centre. The prevalence of different health behaviours is assessed through self-report. The assessment of multilevel correlates of non-adherence is guided by the ecological model that considers factors at the level of the patient, health-care professional, and transplant centre, using established instruments or instruments developed for this study. Data will be collected over an 18-month period, with information obtained during the regular follow-up visits to the transplant outpatient clinic and directly entered into the Research Electronic Data Capture (RedCap) system. Data entry is performed by a trained professional who is part of the transplant team. The data collection began in December 2015. DISCUSSION: This multicentre study is the first to evaluate multilevel correlates of non-adherence in KT patients and will provide a reliable estimate of non-adherence in Brazilian KT patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/10/2013, NCT02066935 .

Reasons for Nonadherence to Psychiatric Medication and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Treatment Among Latino Bipolar Disorder Patients Living in Puerto Rico: A Qualitative Study.

Latinos with bipolar disorder (BD) have a high rate of nonadherence to psychiatric medication and treatment for other medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors than non-Latinos with BD. The aim of this study is to identify patients' perspectives on the reasons for nonadherence to psychiatric medication and for CVD risk factors conditions in outpatients with BD. Three focus group sessions were held for a total of 22 adults ranging from 23 to 60 years old. Participants had BD, Type I/II and CVD risk factors. Audio-recordings of focus groups were transcribed and a content analysis was performed. Reasons identified as barriers to adherence were somewhat different for BD medications in comparison to CVD risk factors suggesting the need for integrated interventions targeting these barriers to adherence for both BD and CVD risk factors.

Factores de riesgo para la no adherencia al tratamiento, de cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer / Risk factors for non-adherence to treatment of family caregivers of children with cancer

La situación, de los factores de riesgo para la no adherencia a los tratamientos, ha sido abordada por la OMS, como un problema multifactorial. Es así, como en el caso de los niños con cáncer, siendo una enfermedad crónica no transmisible, se hace necesario intervenir a los cuidadores familiares, sobre la toma de conciencia acerca de la importancia de seguir el tratamiento y que el temor no sea un motivo para perder el contacto con el equipo de salud. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo para la no adherencia al tratamiento, de cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer. Método: Estudio de abordaje cuantitativo, descriptivo y corte transversal, en el cual se incluyeron 110 cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer, con edades comprendidas entre 0 y 14 años, con mínimo 3 meses de tratamiento, en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Se aplicó la ficha de caracterización de pacientes con enfermedad crónica del grupo "Cuidado de Enfermería al Paciente Crónico y su familia" y el Instrumento para evaluar los Factores que Influyen en la Adherencia a los Tratamientos Farmacológicos y no Farmacológicos en Pacientes con Riesgo de Enfermedad Cardiovascular (tercera Versión). Análisis: se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados El factor socioeconómico, para los cuidadores familiares, se ubicó como elemento de riesgo para la no adherencia a los tratamientos, mientras que el factor relacionado con el proveedor se encontró en el rango de ventaja para adherencia. Conclusiones: Los cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer, presentaron comportamientos que indican que su adherencia es buena y como factor influyente los relacionados con el equipo de salud.

The situation of the risk factors for the non-adherence to treatments has been tackled by the OMS, like a multifactorial problem. For that, as in the case of children with cancer, being a chronic non-transmissible disease, it´s necessary intervene the family Caregivers, about the awareness relating to the importance of follow the treatment and that fear is not a reason to lose the contact whit the health team. Objective: Determine the risk factors for the no adherence to treatment of family Caregivers of children with cancer. Method: Study of quantitative, descriptive and cross-section approach, in which one were include 110 family Caregivers of children with cancer, with ages between 0 and 14 year, with minimum 3 months of treatment, in the National Institute of Cancerology. The characterization card of patients with chronic disease of the group "Care of Nursing to the Chronic Patient and his family" and the Instrument to evaluate the Factors that Influence the Adherence to Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Treatments in Patients at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease was applied. (Third Version). Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used. Results: The socioeconomic factor for family caregivers was assign like the risk element for no adherence to treatments, while the factor related to the supplier was found in the range of advantage for adherence. Conclusions: The family Caregivers of children with cancer presented behaviors that indicate that their adherence is good and as an influential factor, the related with the health team

Quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study in Salvador, Brazil

Abstract The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence. Objective To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire "Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire", the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Results 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35). Conclusion The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients' quality of life.

Quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study in Salvador, Brazil.

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence. OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire "Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire", the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. RESULTS: 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35). CONCLUSION: The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients' quality of life.