ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTIONS

Objective: To evaluate the functional status of elderly residents in long-term institutions. Methods: Exploratory-descriptive study, developed in two long-term care institutions for the elderly (LTC), in city of Fortaleza, Ceará. The instruments utilized were: 1) Sociodemographic form, 2) Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and 3) International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Data was descriptively analyzed through the calculation of frequency, mean and standard deviation. Results: There was a predominance of males (n=47; 59.49%), with mean age of 74.58 (± 8.89) years, 68.35% (n=54) have been or are married, and 49.37% (n=39) are illiterate. In reference to the FIM, it was observed that the elderly perform the activities in a complete or modified mode and 18.99% (n=15) have difficulty climbing stairs. As to the association between the FIM and the ICF, in relation to self-care, it was seen that 96.20% (n=76) have no difficulty in performing tasks; 92.40% (n=73) move around without difficulty; and 98.73% (n=78) have preserved the cognition. In relation to the capacity of maintaining and controlling social interactions, all exhibit this domain preserved. Conclusion: The surveyed elderly presented good cognitive status and little dependence in activities regarding personal care, mobility and communication. The use of the ICF allows the visualization of the functionality scenario among the elderly, what can facilitate more effective health promotion strategies for this population.

Tobacco and alcohol use in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies: relation with family structure, tobacco and alcohol use at home and by friends.

Background: Recent publications show that smoking and alcohol use among adolescents with unplanned pregnancy is increasing and the causes need to be further studied. Objective: To determine the association between living in a non-intact family household and the presence of smokers and consumers of alcoholic beverages in the adolescents’ environment with smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 785 pregnant adolescents, aged 13-19 years. Data was collected by trained interviewers using a self-administered questionnaire. The association was determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In adolescents with unplanned pregnancies, the prevalence of active smoking was 21.2% and of alcohol consumption, 41.5%. The percentage of smoking at home was 57.4% and alcohol consumption, 77.5%. Approximately, 80.3% of adolescents with unplanned pregnancies had friends who smoked and 90.6% consumed alcoholic beverages. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that having friends who smoke or who consume alcoholic beverages is the most important risk factor for substance use in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies. Smoking and alcohol consumption at home are not associated with smoking in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies. Conclusion: Socializing with friends who smoke and/or consume alcoholic beverages constitutes the most important risk factor for substance use among adolescents with unplanned pregnancies.

Analysis of root canal organic tissue dissolution capacity according to the type of irrigation solution and agitation technique

Aim: To analyze the root canal organic tissue dissolution capacity promoted by irrigating solutions, with or without the use of different agitation techniques. Methods: Bovine pulp tissue fragments were initially weighed. The following irrigating solutions were tested: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution, and distilled water. The irrigating protocols were: immersion, mechanical agitation with endodontic files, and ultrasonic or sonic systems (Endoactivactor® and Easy Clean®). At the end of the protocols, the pulps were weighed to determine their final weight. For comparison, the average percentage of tissue dissolution in relation to the groups was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test complemented by multiple comparisons test. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Among the irrigation solutions, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite showed a higher dissolving power than 2% chlorhexidine digluconate and distilled water. Furthermore, ultrasonic and sonic systems were more effective irrigating protocols than immersion and mechanical agitation with endodontic files. Conclusions: The combination of sodium hypochlorite with an agitation system promotes a greater degree of tissue degradation.