Dentists’ actions about oral health of individuals with Down Syndrome

Aim: To investigate the knowledge and actions of dentists for treatment of individuals with Down syndrome. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to all the dentists (n=90) working at the FHS (Family Health Strategy) modules in the urban limits of Parnaíba, PI, Brazil. Four of the questions in the questionnaire were written according to the Theory of Planned Behavior Table and Likert scale (questions 6,7,9 and 15), in order to analyze the professionals’ intentions. Sixteen objective questions were elaborated with the purpose of collecting information about the degree of the dentists’ knowledge as regards the intention of attending courses in the patients with special needs area including DS, and interaction with other professionals and families. The option was to use a questionnaire applied to the dentists of the region, from August to November 2014. Results: It was found that most professionals were women and they considered themselves able to identify these patients. Among the professionals, 70% showed they had no difficulty in identifying the patient with DS, and 5.2% had no opinion about the subject. Only 6.6% of the professionals showed to be certain about their aptitude to attend to these patients; 70% were partially apt, that is, they were not absolutely sure about their aptness. There was a statistical relationship between the variables understanding and difficulty in the treatment. There was no statistical relationship between the variable capacity to identify, understanding of the needs and fitness variable in attendance. Conclusions: Patients with Down syndrome need more attention and care of dentists, they must also be involved in a multidisciplinary approach. Most of the professionals do not follow the procedures laid down by the Ministry of Health, but showed interest in attending a course in this area and there is a low number of SD patients being cared in Parnaíba, PI.

FAMÍLIA: SIGNIFICADO PARA OS PROFISSIONAIS DA ESTRATÉGIA DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA

Objetivo: Apreender o significado de família que permeia a prática de enfermeiros, médicos e dentistas da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado entre julho e agosto de 2012 em quatro Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família localizadas nas quatro zonas da cidade de Mossoró-RN. Utilizou-se para a coleta de dados uma entrevista semiestruturada, sendo ouvidos 24 profissionais. Os dados foram analisados com base na Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: Constatou-se que enfermeiros e dentistas são graduados há mais tempo que os médicos. Ambos têm mais tempo de atuação na Estratégia e são, em sua maioria, especializados na área. Todos os profissionais entrevistados apresentaram dificuldades em conceituar família, trazendo em suas falas aspectos conceituais vagos que não dão esteio a uma atenção à saúde efetiva. No entanto, os profissionais reconhecem que uma abordagem em saúde voltada às necessidades físicas, sociais e econômicas, não só do indivíduo, mas de toda a sua família, apresenta maiores potencialidades se comparada às abordagens tradicionais. Conclusão: Os conceitos de família que permeiam a prática dos profissionais estudados são vagos e não dão suporte a ações reais de promoção à saúde da família. Esses conceitos apresentam-se, muitas vezes, com uma carga de preconceito que leva à descrença no trabalho com modelos de famílias específicas que não estão dentro dos padrões entendidos de família estruturada pelos profissionais.

PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF BEDRIDDEN ELDERLY

Objective: To know the perceptions and experiences of family caregivers of bedridden elderly. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study conducted in January 2015 with four caregivers in a Family Health Center in the municipality of Araripe, CE. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the information was organized using the content analysis technique. A total of three categories emerged from the analysis of the reports of caregivers: the dependence process of the elderly; daily difficulties experienced by the caregiver; and satisfaction with the home care service. Results: The dependence process of the elderly took place as a consequence of pathological processes such as neoplasm, cerebrovascular accident and dementia. However, it could also be observed that physiological phenomena – common in old age – can also make individuals dependent on caregivers. As to the difficulties faced by the caregivers, they reported the need for greater involvement by the family, given that the centralization of work generates an overload and hence affects the care of the elderly. Teamwork in the home care context is fundamental, given that it allows a complementary and comprehensive care to the ledrely/caregiver binomial. Conclusion: Healthy aging is a major challenge to be overcome given that the development of a healthy lifestyle is difficult in all social strata. It is necessary to improve home care in order to provide support to caregivers so that the quality of life of bedridden elderly and caregivers is improved.

CAREGIVING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Objective: To know the perception of informal caregivers regarding the care for a family member with head and neck cancer. Methods: Qualitative study conducted between March and May 2014 in the radiotherapy outpatient center of the Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia – CACON (Oncology High Complexity Center) of the Hospital Universitário de Brasília – HUB (University Hospital of Brasília) using semi-structured interviews with nine caregivers about the experience of caring for family members. Data underwent Content Analysis and four units of meaning were identified: “Representation of cancer in the Family”, “The care as debt, individual reward or reconstruction of family ties”, “Repercussions of cancer on the caregiver’s personal life” and “Social support and network used by caregivers”. Results: Feelings of sadness and surprise at the moment of diagnosis were attributed to cancer, as well as the idea of punishment. The care was seen as personal satisfaction, accomplishment and opportunity for family rapprochement. Work overload and change in routine were altered functions. Religiosity, exchange of experience in the waiting room and institutional support appeared as coping strategies. Conclusion: The experience of caring for family members with head and neck cancer directly interferes in the lives of caregivers. Pointing out the institutional embracement as a strategy within the social network reinforces the importance of integrating the caregivers as a significant part of the health care plan developed by the health team.