The effectiveness of a promotora-led intervention for Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes

Purpose. The purpose of this randomized control repeated measures trial was to determine the effectiveness of a self-management intervention led by community lay workers called promotoras on the health outcomes of Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes living in a major city on the Texas - Mexico border. The specific aims of this study, in relation to the intervention group participants, were to: (1) decrease the glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) blood levels at the six-month assessment, (2) increase diabetes knowledge at the three and six-month assessments, and (3) strengthen the participants' beliefs in their ability to manage diabetes at the three and six-month assessments.^ Methods. One hundred and fifty Mexican American participants were recruited at a Catholic faith-based clinic and randomized into an intervention group and a usual-care control group. Personal characteristics, acculturation and baseline A1c, diabetes knowledge and diabetes health beliefs were measured. The six-month, two-phase intervention was culturally specific and it was delivered entirely by promotoras. Phase One of the intervention consisted of sixteen hours of participative group education and bi-weekly telephone contact follow-up. Phase Two consisted of bi-weekly follow-up using inspirational faith-based health behavior change postcards. The A1c levels, diabetes knowledge and diabetes health beliefs were measured at baseline, and three and six months post-baseline. The mean changes between the groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance. ^ Results. The 80% female sample, with a mean age of 58 years, demonstrated very low: acculturation, income, education, health insurance coverage, and strong Catholicism. No significant changes were noted at the three-month assessment, but the mean change of the A1c levels (F (1, 148 = 10.28, p < .001) and the diabetes knowledge scores (F (1, 148 = 9.0, p < .002) of the intervention group improved significantly at six months, adjusting for health insurance coverage. The diabetes health belief scores decreased in both groups.^ Conclusions. This study demonstrated that an intervention led by promotoras could result in decreased A1c levels and increased diabetes knowledge in spite of the very low acculturation, educational level and insurance coverage of the intervention group participants. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are suggested. ^

Psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms in a vulnerable working population in Nicaragua

This research is a secondary data analysis of the CUPID-INCA Nicaragua study, a cross-sectional study comparing psychosocial and physical factors on musculoskeletal symptoms among nurses, office workers and maquiladoras in Nicaragua. There were three objectives for this thesis. (1) To describe the study population according to their socio-demographic, psychosocial (i.e. work organization and health beliefs) and physical factors. (2) To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the study population (nurses, office workers and maquilas). (3) To analyze and compare the trends of association between psychosocial factors and MSDs to that of physical factors and MSDs in the study population. Trends of association between MSDs and psychosocial factors were also compared between nurses, office workers and maquilas. ^ Majority of the total study population were females, middle aged, non smokers and had been on the job for more than five years. Prevalence rates of low back pain and upper extremity pain were 28% and 37% respectively in nurses, 17% and 34% in office workers and 18% and 31% in maquilas. Workers' health belief was significantly associated with MSDs in all three occupational groups. Psychosocial factors were not consistently associated more with MSDs than physical factors. Maquilas had more psychosocial factors statistically significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms than nurses and office workers. ^ The findings of this research suggest that both psychosocial and physical risk factors play a role on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the three working populations in Nicaragua. Future research in this area should explore further, the risk of developing MSDs from workers' exposure to psychosocial factors as well as physical factors.^

Social and economically influenced factors associated with breast cancer treatment among blacks and whites. A qualitative study

Background: Despite the fact breast cancer mortality has declined in recent years, the mortality gap between African-American and white women continues to grow. A part of these disparities may be due to either inadequately following guideline recommended treatment or treatment delays. Although racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer treatment and mortality have been extensively documented, the mechanisms by which these disparities occur remain largely unknown. Social and economically influenced factors such as choice of providers, distance of treatment facility, transportation, health insurance, and job related factors may also contribute to racial differences in breast cancer treatment; however, these have not been explored sufficiently in previous research. ^ Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of social and economically influenced factors that may contribute to racial disparities in the receipt of guideline recommended treatment using the Health Disparities Model. ^ Methods: In this qualitative comparative case study, data from medical records, structured telephone interviews, and in-depth patient interviews explored the relationship between social and economically influenced factors and breast cancer treatment. Transcripts were analyzed using standard iterative process followed by immersion/crystallization approach. Participants were identified through rapid ascertainment from the New Jersey Cancer Registry and this study included 8 African-American and 8 white women aged 20-85 years old diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 2003-2007, matched on age, race, and physician recommended treatment. ^ Results: We did not identify differences by race in factors that influenced the receipt of breast cancer treatment among the individual matched pairs. Four prominent themes emerged among women from both groups who experienced similar difficulties influenced by socioeconomic factors. Choice of providers, distance of facility, health insurance, and job related factors all contributed to breast cancer treatment experience among these women. Conclusions: We identified common issues influenced by socioeconomic factors and its relation with the receipt of breast cancer treatment, regardless of race. However, more research is needed to study the additional factors conveying racial differences affecting breast cancer treatment. ^

Modelado experimental de un sistema de e-Salud aplicado en cooperación al desarrollo

Los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio comprometieron a los países con una nueva alianza mundial de alcanzar gradualmente una cobertura universal de los niveles mínimos de bienestar en los países en desarrollo (reducir la pobreza y el hambre y dar respuesta a problemas como la mala salud, las desigualdades de género, la falta de educación, el acceso a agua salubre y la degradación ambiental). Para dar continuidad a esta iniciativa, recientemente en septiembre de 2015, la ONU promulgó la declaración de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. Los ODM sitúan la salud en el corazón del desarrollo y establecen un novedoso pacto mundial que vincula a los países desarrollados y los países en desarrollo por medio de obligaciones claras y recíprocas. En este sentido, diversos organismos de cooperación a través de sus programas de cooperación internacional, tratan de mejorar el acceso a la asistencia sanitaria, especialmente a la población vulnerable que vive en zonas rurales de países en desarrollo. Con el fin de ayudar a cumplir los ODM que apoyan los temas de salud en dicha población, estos organismos desarrollan proyectos que despliegan sistemas de e-salud. Las intervenciones se enfrentan a múltiples retos: condicionantes de los países en desarrollo, las necesidades y demandas de los sistemas sanitarios y la complejidad de implantar las TIC en entornos complejos y altamente dinámicos como son los países en desarrollo. Estos condicionantes ocasionan la mayoría de proyectos fallidos que terminan convirtiéndose en soluciones aisladas, que anteponen la tecnología a las necesidades de la población y no generan el impacto esperado en su desarrollo. En este contexto tuvo origen esta tesis doctoral, que persigue como objetivo analizar, planificar, diseñar, verificar y validar un marco arquitectónico de implantación de sistemas de e-salud en áreas rurales de países en desarrollo, que promueva el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de la población vulnerable de estas regiones y la efectividad de las intervenciones de e-salud en el marco de proyectos de cooperación al desarrollo. Para lograrlo, tomé como punto de partida, diversas estrategias, modelos, metodologías de implantación de e-salud, modelos de gestión de proyectos propuestos por distintos organismos internacionales y propuse una instanciación de estos modelos a proyectos de implantación de sistemas de e-salud en países en desarrollo. Apliqué la metodología action research y los enfoques twin track, middle out y design thinking que me permitieron el refinamiento iterativo del modelo propuesto en la tesis doctoral mediante el trabajo de campo realizado en dos zonas rurales de países de Centroamérica: Jocotán (Guatemala) y San José de Cusmapa (Nicaragua). Como resultado obtuve un modelo experimental basado en cuatro componentes: un modelo de referencia tipo, un modelo conceptual de e-salud, los procesos de gestión y de implantación de sistemas de e-salud en países en desarrollo y una arquitectura de referencia. El modelo experimental resultante aporta herramientas importantes para el despliegue de sistemas de e-salud en países en desarrollo. Se ha propuesto un modelo de referencia que proporciona una visión holística del contexto del país en desarrollo donde se desarrollarán las intervenciones. Un modelo conceptual de e-salud que representa los principales conceptos involucrados en un sistema de e-salud. Los procesos ii- de gestión del proyecto y de implantación del sistema que proporcionan a los grupos de cooperación, herramientas para el análisis, diseño, desarrollo y despliegue de los sistemas de e-salud en áreas rurales de países en desarrollo. Y finalmente la arquitectura de referencia que sienta las bases para la aplicación de estos procesos a un contexto en particular. Las líneas futuras de trabajo sugieren extender el modelo a más casos de estudio que permitan su refinamiento y evaluar los futuros usos que pueden surgir de los sistemas de e-salud resultantes. ABSTRACT Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) committing the countries with a new global partnership to achieve universal coverage of minimum levels of well-being in Developing Countries (for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate housing, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability). From September 2015, these goals are replaces with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The MDG place health at the heart of development and establish a novel global compact, linking developed and developing countries through clear, reciprocal obligations. Many public and private institutions promote international cooperation programs to support in achieving the MDGs. Some of these cooperation programs deal improving access to healthcare to poor people living in isolated areas from developing countries. In order to accomplish this goal organizations perform projects (interventions or cooperation projects) that deploy e-health systems in these zones. Nevertheless, this kind of projects face multiple challenges that dismiss the effectiveness of the projects results. In particular, cooperation teams face issues such as constraints in developing countries, lack of electrical and ICT infrastructure, scarce transport, extreme climate conditions, lack ICT capacity, lack of access to healthcare and inefficient delivery methods, etc. Hence, these issues increase the complexity of implementing e-health in developing countries and then causes the most projects fail. In other words, the solutions do not meet population needs and do not generate the expected impact on development. This context is the starting point of this doctoral thesis, which deals with analysing, planning, designing, testing and validating an architectural framework in order to implement e-health systems in rural areas from developing countries, promote development of the population in these regions, and thus improve the impact of interventions of development cooperation projects. To achieve this goal, I took as a starting point the strategies, models, e-health implementation methodologies and projects management models proposed by various international agencies. Then I proposed an instantiation of these models to manage the intervention and implement e-health systems in developing countries. I applied the action research methodology and the approaches twin track, middle out and design thinking which allowed me the iterative refinement of the model proposed in this doctoral thesis. The proposed framework was validated by running two cases studies in rural areas of Central America: Jocotán (Guatemala) and San José de Cusmapa (Nicaragua). As a result, I obtained an experimental model based on four components: a Type reference model, an e-health conceptual model, both process management and implementation e-health systems in developing countries and a reference architecture. The resulting experimental model provides important tools for the deployment of e-health systems in developing countries. The model become as reference model that provides a holistic view of the developing countries context where the interventions will be running. The conceptual model of e-health represents the main concepts involved into an e-health system. The project management and implementation processes of the iv- system provide to the cooperation teams with tools for analysing, designing, developing and deploying e-health systems in rural areas from developing countries. Finally, the reference architecture provides the basis for the implementation of these processes into a particular context. The future research suggest the extension the model to other cases studies in order to refine and evaluate the viability the model.

Colaboração interprofissional na Estratégia Saúde da Família e a produção do cuidado em saúde durante o pré-natal

Introdução: Uma das mudanças mais importantes na produção do cuidado à saúde é a reorganização do processo de trabalho para a atuação de equipes multiprofissionais com abordagens interdisciplinares. A colaboração interprofissional tem sido apontada como um recurso que pode ser mobilizado para elevar a efetividade dos sistemas de saúde, e como estratégia inovadora, ela pode desempenhar um importante papel para enfrentar problemas do modelo de atenção e da força de trabalho em saúde. Objetivo: Descrever as percepções e atitudes de profissionais de saúde da Estratégia de Saúde da Família sobre as relações interprofissionais na atenção ao pré-natal, construir coletivamente e testar um protocolo de atenção à gestante para impulsionar as competências no trabalho colaborativo com vistas ao incremento da qualidade do cuidado. Métodos: Para isso, realizou-se previamente um estudo observacional descritivo para seleção de duas unidades de saúde. Na sequência foi realizado um estudo de intervenção do tipo antes e depois, com um grupo de controle pós-teste, incluindo métodos mistos. A população do estudo compreendeu oito profissionais de saúde (médicos, dentistas, enfermeiros e técnicos em saúde bucal) e 60 gestantes cadastradas em duas unidades de saúde da família do município de Uberlândia, sendo 36 incluídas no grupo intervenção e 24 no grupo controle. Dados numéricos, narrativas provenientes de entrevistas e registros de diário de campo foram usados para identificar mudanças na autoavaliação da saúde bucal, na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal medida pelo OHIP-14, na percepção das gestantes sobre o trabalho em equipe e nas práticas profissionais. Testes estatísticos para detectar diferenças de significância e análise temática de conteúdo foram empregados para interpretar os desfechos. Resultados: Em geral, observou-se percepção/atitude favorável dos profissionais em relação à colaboração interprofissional. Diferenças entre as categorias profissionais podem representar uma barreira subjetiva à implementação de protocolos que demandariam maior grau de trabalho colaborativo. Diferenças entre as unidades de atenção primária mostraram que a interação entre membros das equipes multiprofissionais pode sobrepujar dificuldades decorrentes do modo isolado e distinto no qual cada categoria profissional é formada. Foi produzido um Protocolo de Atenção à Gestante abrangendo o fluxo e a dinâmica dos processos de trabalho dentro de uma perspectiva de colaboração interprofissional. Segundo os profissionais, a intervenção apesar do seu caráter desafiador, estimulou o comprometimento da equipe para reorientar o processo de trabalho resultando em maior interação profissional colaborativa. Em relação às gestantes, a maioria era jovem (menos de 26 anos de idade) e tinha ensino médio incompleto ou completo sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos teste e controle. Gestantes do grupo intervenção perceberam que os profissionais trabalhavam mais em equipe do que as gestantes do grupo controle. De modo geral, as gestantes avaliaram que a saúde bucal e a qualidade de vida decorrente da saúde bucal melhoraram após a intervenção. Conclusões: Concluiu-se que apesar da percepção geral dos profissionais favorável à colaboração interprofissional, recursos formais e organizacionais não estavam sendo empregados. O método ZOPP se mostrou flexível e adequado para o desenvolvimento de competências para o trabalho colaborativo e para a construção de um protocolo de organização de serviços na atenção primária à saúde. O Protocolo de Atenção à Gestante testado provocou tensões e produziu efeitos positivos na colaboração interprofissional e na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal contribuindo para qualificar a atenção ao pré-natal oferecido.

Do psicólogo no programa de residência multiprofissional em saúde: posição-sujeito, análise de discurso e psicanálise lacaniana

A residência multiprofissional em saúde é uma modalidade de ensino de pós graduação lato sensu, voltada para a educação em serviço. Emerge no contexto brasileiro como uma proposta complementar a fim de se atingir as metas e os princípios preconizados pelo sistema único de saúde (SUS), principalmente quanto à integralidade. Além de trazer implicações e lançar desafios ao exercício profissional do psicólogo, inserindo-o no entrelaçamento de campos densos e complexos (saúde, educação e políticas públicas), a modalidade propõe que profissionais com formações diferentes atuem num mesmo campo, com discussões e intervenções conjuntas. A questão que move a pesquisa é a posição-sujeito no programa de residência multiprofissional face ao modelo de educação-saúde vinculado. Assevera-se que a posição-sujeito é objeto discursivo deslizante (de tessitura simbólica) que toma em consideração o sujeito constituído no claudicar da linguagem e interpelado pelo inconsciente e que se manifesta como efeito de significantes em direção ao grande Outro. Para tal, vale-se da interface dos aportes teóricos da análise de discurso pêchetiana e da psicanálise lacaniana. A análise de discurso sustenta o discurso como efeito de sentidos mediados pela ideologia e ocupa-se, especialmente, da incursão da alteridade do discurso-outro sobre o mesmo. A psicanálise lacaniana, por sua vez, reitera a primazia do inconsciente estruturado como linguagem diante de um eu imaginário e versa para o sujeito marcado como falta que, dividido, faz do discurso o estatuto do significado. Assim, é proeminente na análise do objeto a metodologia indiciária dada ao caráter simbólico e cambiante da posição-sujeito no discurso. A análise se realizou mediante o dispositivo da interpretação como gesto analítico, que acompanha as elações próprias do objeto. O corpora é constituído por uma materialidade escrita e por uma oral. A escrita compõe-se de recortes de leis, portarias e resoluções que fundam a modalidade de residência multiprofissional e reforçam os ideias do sistema único de saúde; a materialidade oral compõe-se de recortes e fragmentos discursivos advindos da transcrição de supervisões realizadas mediante a prática clínica do psicólogo-residente na cena hospitalar. Da análise, conclui-se que a materialidade escrita se posta como campo-Outro que ordena a estrutura política da residência multiprofissional e direciona a manutenção da ordem e reprodução das relações hierárquicas mediante ideologia assujeitante. Essa materialidade, por sua vez, age como intradiscurso e reverbera-se na memória discursiva e na prática clínica. A posição-sujeito, no plano da articulação significante, faz deslizar e produzir sentidos que denotam ora a manutenção e reprodução de uma posição fusionada ao discurso médico, científico-positivista; ora a posição-sujeito é marcada pelo saber condicionado ao fetiche da mercadoria, deflagrando a ordem do capital nas insígnias da multiprofissionalidade e da educação permanente. O trabalho propiciou, enfim, acompanhar as transmutações da posição-sujeito, independentemente do indivíduo ou da naturalização de sentidos provenientes da função que exerce. O objeto posição-sujeito reiterou a construção da realidade a partir da condição faltante. É essa condição faltante e incompleta que outorga ao desejo o modo de o sujeito se posicionar desta e outra maneira - na formação, no trabalho, na vida.

Sentidos de família construídos por profissionais de saúde na estratégia de saúde da família

Na construção de políticas sociais atribuiu-se um papel central à família na proteção social e no cuidado com os seus membros. Na saúde, a família assume essa centralidade na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF), sendo compreendida como objeto da atenção em saúde. Essa centralidade se deu a partir de uma pretensão de mudança no modelo assistencial que visasse a integralidade do cuidado e um olhar para as condições de vida como fundamentais no processo saúde-doença. Tais transformações nos sentidos e práticas de saúde têm sido desafiadoras. A partir da perspectiva Construcionista Social, que orienta esse estudo, compreendemos que os sentidos são construídos nas interações entre as pessoas e que esses configuram práticas sociais. Diante deste quadro de desafios na ESF e a partir da perspectiva adotada, temos como objetivo compreender os sentidos produzidos por profissionais de equipes de saúde sobre famílias em contextos de reuniões de discussão de família/caso na ESF, buscando analisar como esses configuram a produção de práticas de cuidado e também como se dá a dinâmica de construção desses sentidos a partir das negociações entre os participantes. A constituição do corpus foi feita a partir da observação e registros em áudio de 16 reuniões de duas equipes de saúde da família, contando com 26 participantes, dentre eles profissionais e estagiários de diferentes especialidades. A análise foi feita a partir da perspectiva das práticas discursivas, com os seguintes passos: 1) transcrição do material; 2) leitura intensiva e organização do material; 3) construção de sentidos sobre a família, e análise dos repertórios interpretativos, discursos usados, e implicações para ação; e 4) narrativa ilustrativa da dinâmica dos sentidos. Os sentidos construídos na análise foram: a) Família como pessoas que moram juntas: os repertórios usados descreviam os modos de ser família a partir do ambiente em que ela vive, entendendo a família como informante e cuidadora dos seus membros; b) Família como responsável pelo cuidado: repertórios de família como aquela que dá suporte aos seus membros e é responsável por eles; e, por vezes, está sobrecarregada com esses cuidados; c) Família como problema: repertórios que configuravam a família como aquela que é responsável pelo problema de saúde dos seus membros, como aquela que funciona como um estressor para eles ou como aquela que está em situação de risco; e d) Família como rede de relações, sentido que foi usado, mais comumente, em conversas sobre casos complexos, com discussões voltadas para configurações, estruturas e dinâmicas familiares. A partir da análise do processo de discussão da equipe em torno de um \"caso\", foi possível ilustrar o dinamismo desses sentidos nas conversas e como esses são negociados a todo momento. A análise nos permite considerar que há esforços dos profissionais em voltar a atenção do cuidado para a família, porém ainda são comuns práticas centradas no indivíduo e pouco pautadas no contexto e nas condições de vida das famílias. Compreendemos que dar visibilidade a esses diferentes sentidos e seu uso permite reflexões sobre como cada forma de descrever as famílias possibilita a construção de práticas distintas, o que pode contribuir para uma maior reflexão dos profissionais de saúde sobre sua prática cotidiana (Apoio Capes e Fapesp- 2014/08618-6).

Planos de saúde e envelhecimento populacional: um modelo viável?

O presente trabalho versa sobre a relação presente e futura dos planos de saúde com os idosos. Tem como pressupostos iniciais a existência de uma janela demográfica de oportunidades que será encerrada, conforme estimativa do IBGE, em 2020 e o fato de o modelo de atenção à saúde por planos de saúde se encontrar em expansão. Diante da realidade de envelhecimento populacional, pergunta-se: Os planos de saúde são um modelo viável para a garantia da atenção à saúde dos idosos? As respostas a essa questão foram construídas adotando-se como método de trabalho a análise de doutrina, jurisprudência, legislação e, quando necessário, fontes não tradicionais do Direito como os dados de órgãos de pesquisa demográficos e econômicos, a imprensa e as associações setoriais. Inicialmente tratou-se do funcionamento do setor de planos de saúde, desde a sua origem, indicando-se que historicamente sempre manteve uma relação simbiótica com o Estado, em especial com os recursos públicos. Para tanto, foram explorados temas como o ressarcimento ao SUS, o uso da estrutura dos hospitais públicos pelos planos de saúde e a existência de subsídios, abatimentos e outras formas de financiamento público das atividades deste setor. No capítulo seguinte se detalhou a questão do envelhecimento populacional, apresentando-se a legislação pertinente, os dados que revelam a composição presente e estimada da população brasileira, os principais problemas de saúde que afetam os idosos e os impactos da mudança de perfil demográfico para a política de saúde. No capítulo 3 evidenciou-se a já problemática relação dos planos de saúde com os idosos, permeada por discriminações na contratação, cobrança de mensalidades proibitivas e reajustes expulsivos, presença de cláusulas abusivas em contratos antigos, judicialização dos reajustes por mudança de faixa etária e conflitos decorrentes da prevalência da contratação na forma coletiva. Por fim, no derradeiro capítulo concluiu-se que o modelo de planos de saúde não é viável para a garantia da atenção à saúde do idoso, sendo urgente que haja uma discussão sobre qual modelo de saúde o país deseja sob pena de que as conquistas decorrentes da afirmação da saúde como direito fundamental se percam. Há características inerentes ao setor que o aparta dos idosos e, portanto, da nova realidade demográfica do país, como a prática da seleção de risco, a cobrança de mensalidades com preços insustentáveis para os idosos, o foco no modelo curativo de atenção à saúde e o afastamento da prevenção. Por outro lado, o cenário se agrava por conta das recorrentes falhas na regulação e na regulamentação, e pelo tratamento cindido, na prática, da política de saúde como se não fosse una e não devesse funcionar em harmonia, independentemente da fonte de financiamento. Há, portanto, um alto risco de que a situação dos idosos nos planos de saúde se torne insustentável, dando margem a medidas imediatistas ampliadoras dos subsídios públicos aos planos de saúde. A contrarreforma sanitária, entendida como o retrocesso das ações e dos serviços de saúde ao modelo anterior à Constituição Federal, é um perigo a ser considerado e combatido.

Investigation of the benefits of HIV/AIDS caregiving and relations among caregiving adjustment, benefit finding, and stress and coping variables

The present study explored the nature of benefit finding in HIV/AIDS caregiving, and examined relations among caregiver adjustment, benefit finding, and stress and coping variables. A total of 64 HIV/AIDS caregivers and 46 care recipients completed interviews and questionnaires. First, the study aimed to explore the types of benefits associated with HIV/AIDS caregiving. Content analyses of caregiver responses to an interview question inquiring about gains from caregiving revealed eight benefit themes. Second, the study aimed to examine relations between caregiver adjustment and both benefit finding and stress and coping variables. We hypothesized that number of caregiver reported benefits, social support, challenge and control appraisals, and problem focused coping would be inversely related to poorer adjustment, whereas care recipient reported global distress and illness, caregiver threat appraisal and passive-avoidant emotion-focused coping would be positively associated with poorer adjustment. Correlations indicated that poorer adjustment (measured by global distress, depression, caregiving impact, social adjustment and health status) was positively correlated with care-recipient distress, threat appraisals and passive avoidant coping and inversely correlated with social support, and number of reported benefits. Unexpectedly, problem-focused coping, controllability and challenge appraisals, and care recipient illness were unrelated to adjustment. Third, the study aimed to examine relations between benefit finding and stress and coping variables. Correlations indicated that benefit finding was related to social support use, seeking social support coping and problem-solving coping. Findings indicate that the benefit finding and stress/coping frameworks have utility in guiding research into adaptation to HIV/AIDS caregiving. Results also indicate targets for intervention in the provision of services for HIV/AIDS caregivers.

Relations between coping and positive and negative outcomes in carers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS)

This study examined relations between stress and coping predictors and negative and positive outcomes in MS caregiving. A total of 222 carers and their care-recipients completed questionnaires at Time 1 and three months later, Time 2 ( n = 155). Predictors included care-recipient characteristics ( age, time since diagnosis, course and life satisfaction), and Times 1 and 2 carer problems, stress appraisal and coping. Dependent variables were Time 2 negative ( anxiety, depression) and positive outcomes ( life satisfaction, positive affect, benefits). Regressions indicated that, overall, the hypothesised direct effects of stress appraisal and coping strategies on positive and negative outcomes were supported. The hypothesised stress-buffering effects of positive reframing coping were also supported. All but one of the coping strategies were related to both positive and negative outcomes; specifically, practical assistance coping emerged as a unique predictor of distress. Of the model predictors, care-recipient life satisfaction emerged as the strongest and most consistent predictor of both positive and negative outcomes except benefit finding. Findings support the role of care-recipient characteristics and the carer's appraisal and coping processes in shaping both positive and negative outcomes. The guiding framework and findings have the potential to inform interventions designed to promote well-being in carers.

The experience of living with age related macular degeneration:A longitudinal study into the impact of age related macular degeneration on quality of life

In this thesis I contribute to the understanding of the experience of living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and its impact on quality of life through the use of a pragmatically guided mixed methods approach. AMD is a condition resulting in the loss of central vision in old age which can have a huge impact on the lives of patients. This thesis includes: literature reviewing; qualitative meta-synthesis; surveys and descriptive statistics; observation; and analysis of in-depth interviewing, in order to build a picture of what it is like for older people to live with AMD. I present the findings from six separate studies each designed to answer specific research questions. I begin with a mixed methods study to determine how well the most commonly used measure of quality of life for AMD patients’ represents patient experiences. I then go on to investigate the experiences of patients with AMD through a meta-synthesis of qualitative research and finally present four of my own empirical studies three of which investigate the experiences of patients with different types of AMD: early dry AMD, treatable wet AMD and advanced wet AMD and the final study investigates what it is like for a couple living together with AMD. Throughout the qualitative studies I use Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to develop an understanding of the experiences and life contexts of patients with AMD. Through rigorous analysis, I identify a range of themes which highlight the shared and divergent experiences of individuals with AMD and the need to acknowledge patients’ past, present and potential future life contexts and experiences when providing services to older people with AMD. I relate the findings of the six studies to the wider psychological literature on chronic illness and make recommendations for services for patients with AMD to be provided holistically within a lifeworld-led health care model.

Influence of gender and life stressors on longitudinal depression treatment outcomes among older primary care patients

Purpose: Depression in older females is a significant and growing problem. Females who experience life stressors across the life span are at higher risk for developing problems with depression than their male counterparts. The primary aim of this study was (a) to examine gender-specific differences in the correlates of depression in older primary care patients based on baseline and longitudinal analyses; and (b) to examine the longitudinal effect of biopsychosocial risk factors on depression treatment outcomes in different models of behavioral healthcare (i.e., integrated care and enhanced referral). Method: This study used a quantitative secondary data analysis with longitudinal data from the Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for Elderly (PRISM-E) study. A linear mixed model approach to hierarchical linear modeling was used for analysis using baseline assessment, and follow-up from three-month and six-month. Results: For participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder female gender was associated with increased depression severity at six-month compared to males at six-month. Further, the interaction between gender and life stressors found that females who reported loss of family and friends, family issues, money issues, medical illness was related to higher depression severity compared to males whereas lack of activities was related to lower depression severity among females compared to males. Conclusion: These findings suggest that gender moderated the relationship between specific life stressors and depression severity similar to how a protective factor can impact a person's response to a problem and reduce the negative impact of a risk factor on a problem outcome. Therefore, life stressors may be a reliable predictor of depression for both females and males in either behavioral health treatment model. This study concluded that life stressors influence males basic comfort, stability, and survival whereas life stressors influence females' development, personal growth, and happiness; therefore, life stressors may be a useful component to include in gender-based screening and assessment tools for depression. ^

Avaliação da estrutura e processo de trabalho dos centros de atenção psicossocial

Objective: Evaluate the work structure and process in Psychos ocial Care Centers (CAPS) and the professionals profile, the satisfaction, conditions and work overload. Methods: Cross - sectional study conducted in five CAPS in Campina Grande city. The study sample consisted of five coordinators, 42 graduate professional s, 26 mid - level (technical and auxiliary nurses, and caregivers), and the medical records pertaining to 413 users followed up. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (CAPSUL - rating CAPS in southern Brazil) and adapted to the study, between July and October 2014. The questionnaires were double entered and submitted to validation in the sub - program “Validate Epi Info 3.5.4” , used along with the “SPSS 17.0” for processing the statistical analyzes. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were ap plied to the descriptive analyzes; “Fisher's” exact test to check the CAPS impact on hospital admissions and the “Bonferroni” adjusted to verify the diagnoses according to sex. 5% significance level was adopted. The study was approved by the Ethics Committ ee of the Rio Grande do Norte Federal University (UFRN), protocol 719.435, of 05.30.2014. Results: From the structure analysis were identified contextual factors that influenced the work process of CAPS professionals, such as: deficiencies with regard to h uman resources; forms of health professionals employment and qualifications; temporary contract existence. As to process dimension, it was found that the home visits performance by health professionals shows to be ineffective, given its insufficiency and i rregularity, which can be explained by the high demand, reduced staff and transportation lack. It was low coverage of items inherent to Therapeutic Individual Project, as the income generation program, insertion at work and home visit. The reference and co unter reference flow are still not satisfactorily organized. There was statistically significant difference for the diagnosis, with a predominance of mood disorders related to stress among women and those related to alcohol and other drugs among men (p <0. 05). There was an association between the degree of health professionals satisfaction and working conditions, overload and factors related to the content and working conditions, the security measures, comfort and CAPS appearance, contact between the teams and users, families treatment by the teams, temporary employment relationship. Conclusion: The data collected indicate the need for the CAPS organization through increased investments in the sector in order to enhance the infrastructure as potentiating el ement of practices with a view to changing the care model for mental health proposed by the Psychiatric Reform. It is hoped therefore that this research will contribute to better planning in CAPS unit management, with another tool to improve the dimensions involving the structure and the professional work process and improve this mental health care model.

Acompanhamento coletivo do crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil: participação de mães/cuidadores

This study aimed to analyze the participation of mothers/caregivers from the perspective of the health care model that directs the collective monitoring of child growth and development. This is an exploratory and descriptive research with qualitative approach, carried out in two Family Health Units located in the city of Natal/RN. Data were collected between August and September 2014, through participant observation and semi-structured interview technique, with mothers of infants seen at follow-up visits collective child growth and development. A total of 13 mothers were included who met the following inclusion criteria: being a mother/caregiver responsible for the care of children who have attended one or more meeting of collective monitoring of child growth and development. Exclusion criteria was established: users outside the area covered by the Health Unit Family and who did not use the National Health System as the primary health care service. For the treatment of the collected material, the content analysis was used, thematic Bardin. The study followed the ethical and legal principles governing the scientific research on human subjects recommended by Resolution nº. 466/2012 of the National Health Council and its realization occurred with the approval of the project in the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do North, which was approved by Opinion Embodied nº. 719 949, of June 27, 2014, and Certificate Presentation of Findings Ethics No 32510514.7.0000.5537. Although not conceptualize theoretically mothers demonstrated that collective consultations of child growth and development are actions aimed at health surveillance model, since most pointed monitoring your child to actions that can be measured. Even with that, it was established the existence of health promotion actions by reporting the exchange of experience and leadership of the subjects in collective action, factor facilitated by the link established between users and professionals and users. In this action there is the induction of permanent horizontal relationship where we seek to combine popular knowledge to scientific knowledge in order to promote the integral care for the child. However, it is still possible to find professionals who directs its assistance only to pathological processes and fail to create comprehensive care alternatives. In addition, there is still embezzlement in multi that should provide care to the child population. This factor may be related to their professional training, and thus an issue that can last for a few years. We conclude that it is necessary to incorporate alternatives and models of care that support overcoming limitations and enhancing the health of the population, involving it in the prospect of a better quality of life and therefore health.

Promoção da alimentação saudável na atenção primária à saúde: contribuição para construção coletiva do saber-fazer

The recognition of the food as determinant and health-disease process etching requires new explanations and interventions of the food and nutrition policy action and demand health care model based on the completeness of the actions and focused on health promotion. This study, characterized as research-action of interventionist character, sought to develop strategies to support the transverse insertion of healthy eating promotion in professionals practices a core of support for the health of the family and a family health strategy Unit in the city of Natal, capital of Rio Grande do Norte, from the analysis of perceptions and work processes of these teams. Several methodological strategies were adopted: Dialectical Hermeneutical Circle, direct observation, reflective and Thematic Meetings Workshop "Rethinking the educational practices for promoting healthy eating". For data logging, search diaries - SD were used and moments. The analysis of procedural form occurred in conjunction with research participants, in constant movement of reflection-action-reflection, based on hermeneutics-dialectic. About the results, in relation to the promotion of health, showed the following insights: health promotion and disease prevention-related harms; health promotion related to quality of life and well-being, in its various dimensions; health promotion as a responsibility of the State; health promotion related to the actions of health education; health promotion as an expression of efficaciousness and accessibility to health services. Regarding healthy nutrition, predominated the perceptions relating to nutritional aspects. With regard to food and nutritional education - FNE, it was observed a predominance of perception of FNE as information, guidance and knowledge transfer for changes of dietary practices. As regards the working process, it was observed that among the actions for health promotion, educational activities predominate, such as lectures, conversations, groups that mostly occur in fragmentary form, without joint planning teams, varying according to the professionals and the moment of work in which they are carried out. The results pointed to the need for reorganization of the work processes, in the context of intra-and intersectoral coordination and the construction of new technologies, such as: Health project of the territory – HPT, Unique Therapeutic Project- UPT, Expanded Clinic and educational practices, Shared with active teaching and learning methodologies. From the results we believe that it is necessary to "thought reform", from changes in vocational training and strengthening of the permanent education spaces, whereas the complexity that involves feeding, food and nutrition education and health promotion. The reformation of thought must be articulate and closely tied to the production of knowledge and practices that encourage intersectoral approach, the transversality, dialogue and democratic and supportive attitude, based on the collective construction of know-how. We hope that this study can contribute with reflections and initiatives that encourage building practices that promote healthy eating in primary health care, in terms of completeness of the care and the attainment of food security and nutrition.