Disciplinarum Scientia | Saúde

Health of the elderly woman: a physiotherapy approach

2023-10-19T16:28:53-03:00

Objective: To evaluate the sociodemographic profile, functional capacity and cognitive level of elderly women. Method: Quantitative study, carried out with 15 women aged 60 years or over. Results: The sociodemographic results demonstrated that elderly women had a mean age of 70.73 ± 8.4 years, nine of whom (70%) were retired, six (40%) were married and five (35.7%) were illiterate. Among the comorbidities that most affect this population are hypertension (56%), heart failure (20%) and type II diabetes mellitus (16%). It was identified that twelve (80%) do not practice physical activities. In the data referring to the Mini Mental State Examination, six elderly women (42.9%) were identified with scores between 16 and 20 points, suggesting moderate cognitive loss. In the Timed Up and Go test, it was identified that five elderly women (33.3%) had impaired gait as they indicated a time greater than or equal to 30 seconds. Regarding the Tinetti test, (66.7%) were identified with scores between 19 and 24 points, categorizing a moderate risk of falls. Final considerations: It is concluded that elderly women in this age group present a reduction in functional and cognitive capacity, especially after the application of the tests, which is in line with other studies on this topic. However, the importance of the role of the physiotherapist in the Family Health Strategy was noted.

Medication autonomy in children and adolescents: a study in a psychosocial care center for children and adolescents

2023-12-18T16:39:15-03:00

Medications are present in the patients’ treatments in mental health and, with that, it is necessary to develop medication autonomy in these patients. To ease this task, pharmaceutical care contributes many benefits to the patients. This article is an action-research study following a qualitative and quantitative model, classified as descriptive and exploratory according to the objective, with its sample selected for convenience. The objective of this study was to identify children’s and adolescents’ autonomy and knowledge in relation to the medications they use. It can be seen that some users are able to use medications independently and that others need the help of those responsible. We conclude that autonomy is extremely important for the development and future of children and adolescents.

Impact of cooking methods on the availability of nutrients in foods of plant origin

2024-04-05T08:53:18-03:00

Cooking methods can affect the nutrients in food, a practice that can improve the availability of seasonal products, but also affect quantities such as original nutritional and sensory properties. The objective of this work was to provide an overview of the impact of different cooking methods on the availability of nutrients and sensory aspects in products of plant origin. For the review, a bibliographical search was carried out in some databases using the descriptors “cooking methods”, “cooking treatments”, “domestic processing”, “vegetables”, in the period from 2012 to 2023. 7459 articles were found, which after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 25 articles. The tubers showed better results when boiling compared to steaming, due to the characteristics of starch, which requires water to gelatinize, thus increasing digestibility. Cooking with skins improved antioxidants, reducing the fact that consuming potatoes with skins can preserve essential nutrients. However, processing legumes can lead to loss of micronutrients due to chemical changes or leaching by water. In relation to sensory aspects, it is stated that the cooking process, in general, causes shine, increases softness and promotes darkening of the color. In short, food preparation methods directly influence the availability and preservation of nutrients. The careful choice of cooking methods can be an effective strategy to preserve the essential nutrients in foods of plant origin, contributing to a healthier and more balanced diet.

Access and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in the city of Santa Maria, RS

2024-03-22T08:29:24-03:00

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) began to be offered in the city of Santa Maria, in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), in November 2020, and until August 2022 it was intended for key populations considered more exposed to HIV infection. Due to the short time of PrEP use in the city, limited information on access and utilization of prophylaxis is available. Thus, this study aimed to identify the sociodemographic profile and PrEP use in the city of Santa Maria. Data from 180 users who initiated prophylaxis between November 2020 and August 2022 were analyzed. Of these, 103 (57.3%) were correctly adhering to prophylaxis, while 77 (42.7%) discontinued its use. The sociodemographic profile of users consisted of cisgender men, homosexuals, white, aged between 18 and 24 years old, with ≥12 years of education, without a stable relationship, and residing in the central region. Regarding PrEP use, 78.8% (n=142/180) belonged to the population of gays and other men who have sex with men, 62.8% (n=113/180) were regularly using the medication, and 75% (n=135/180) reported no adverse events related to PrEP. A low incidence of sexually transmitted infections was observed. The results underscore the need for strategies aimed at reaching the population most vulnerable to HIV infection in the city and understanding the factors leading to its discontinuation.

Nursing assistance in childcare consultation for child development assessment

2024-04-05T08:33:43-03:00

During childcare, conducting consultations for childcare plays a crucial role in identifying potential neurodevelopmental delays in infants. Objective: To explore the relevance of nursing support in assessing child development for neurological deficits during childcare consultations in literature published between 2018 and 2023. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using the databases “Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde” and “Scientific Electronic Library Online.” The keywords used were: “childcare advice,” “care,” and “infantile development”; the Boolean operators “or” and “and” were also utilized. Results: A total of 70 articles were found in the Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde and 44 in the Scientific Electronic Library Online. However, only 5 articles from the Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde and 2 from the Scientific Electronic Library Online met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in a selection of 7 articles for the study. This narrative review reveals vulnerabilities in the approach to childcare and infant development, including the absence of a comprehensive assessment of the child and various barriers that impact the quality of childcare advice. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the significance of ongoing childcare consultations involving health professionals and caregivers to adequately address the child’s needs and ensure healthy growth and development.

The role of primary health care nurses in the care of women victims of violence

2024-04-05T08:44:15-03:00

Violence Against Women (VAW) is recognized as a significant violation upon human rights, specifically encroaching upon women’s entitlements to life, health, and physical well-being. It has the potential to impact women across different social classes, age groups, beliefs, marital statuses, and sexual orientations, regardless of geographical location. This study aims to determine the specific responsibilities and contributions of primary health care nurses in providing care for women who have experienced violence. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a preliminary investigation using a quantitative methodology in April 2022. This investigation involved administering a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions to a sample of 25 primary health care nurses in the municipality of Bento Gonçalves/RS - in the south of Brazil. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. The primary findings indicate a deficiency in the understanding of existing legislation pertaining to violence against women among nurses, as well as a lack of adequate training provided by higher education institutions for future professionals. It is crucial to provide comprehensive training to healthcare professionals on legislation, enabling them to effectively inform victims about their rights and relevant support services.

Sun exposure and photoprotection habits among rural workers in the municipality of Guaraciaba

2023-12-22T15:55:27-03:00

Brazilians are frequently exposed to the effects of intense and prolonged sun exposure through recreational and occupational activities. Rural workers, who are exposed to the sun on a daily basis, are particularly at risk of developing skin cancer. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the sun exposure habits and photoprotection measures adopted by rural workers living in a small municipality in western Santa Catarina. This exploratory research administered questionnaires to rural workers between November 2022 and March 2023. Most participants (75%) were over 50 years old, with 79% having a low level of education and only having completed elementary school. Moreover, 96% have worked in the field for more than 10 years, and almost half of those interviewed (47%) are exposed to the sun for 4-8 hours a day. Additionally, several gaps were identified in terms of adopting photoprotection measures. The majority of interviewees (85%) reported using wide-brimmed hats as a protective measure, followed by wearing long clothing (60%) and using sunscreen (52%). It is worth noting that 49% of respondents do not reapply sunscreen, compromising its effectiveness. Based on the findings, this study highlights the potential risk of occupational skin cancer among this population and emphasizes the need to raise awareness about the risks of excessive sun exposure and the importance of individual protection measures.

Potentialities and fragilities in first contact access as perceived by nurses

2024-04-23T11:57:30-03:00

Objective: To evaluate the attribute First Contact Access in the perception of the professional nurse. Methodology: Descriptive, qualitative study carried out with nurses from the Family Health Strategy in a city in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Results and discussion: The nurse professional’s perception of the first contact access attribute was evident, in view of its strengths and weaknesses. Final considerations: According to the perception of health professionals, the essential attribute first-contact access has potentialities such as welcoming, bonding and spontaneous demand and weaknesses such as lack of access, lack of professionals and social vulnerability.

Organizational and occupational psychology: practice and use of assessment instruments and psychological testing

2024-04-29T09:35:06-03:00

Occupational and Organizational Psychology (OOP) has gone through changes over the years, therefore, understanding its historical concept and associating it to the contemporary processes is of paramount importance, especially regarding the use of Assessment Instruments and Psychological Testing as a mechanism that contributes to the performance of psychologists in the organizations. Thus, the objective of this article was to understand the work of Occupation and Organizational Psychologists while managing Psychological Assessments and using Psychological Testing, emphasizing their importance in the business organization. To develop this work, a bibliographic, qualitative narrative review was used, based on the LILACS, MedLine, and Psychology Index databases, through BVS and Sciello, in addition to books for conceptual support. As a result, 14 articles were obtained, duly evaluated by Minayo’s content analysis (2012). These data revealed that currently the importance of Occupational and Organizational Psychologists has been evident, since on average 30% of psychologists are taking up space in organizations, working in the Human Resources sector, a fact that points to an evolution of the profession and shows the importance of being anchored in both theory and practice. Considering their performance, the use of Psychological Assessment Instruments and Psychological Testing provides support to the professional in order to validate the Psychologists’ hypotheses, interpretations and perceptions, thus bringing responsible and reliable results to the organizations. Based on what was analyzed, it can be concluded that, to keep up with the changes in the modern world, it is necessary to understand the historical evolution of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (OOP) in order to relate it to social, economic and technological changes in the work environment. To this end, the work of Psychology professionals within business organizations must be supported by innovative tools that contribute to their performance, considering that these instruments support and assist the work of organizational psychologists by increasing its effectiveness and reliability through indicators that assess the interventions carried out.

Deep brain stimulation and complementary practices as a treatment of Parkinson’s disease

2023-11-11T20:18:05-03:00

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two forms of treatment for Parkinson’s disease: Deep Brain Stimulation and Integrative and Complementary Practices. To this end, an integrative review of the literature was carried out with the following guiding question: “Deep brain stimulation is more effective in treating Parkinson’s disease when compared to Integrative and Complementary Practices. After comparison, it was identified that Deep Brain Stimulation is not more effective than Integrative and Complementary Practices, due to the possibility of having an adverse effect after surgery, progressing the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, while Integrative Practices do not have harmful effects when complementary to drug treatment. The need for more studies on Deep Brain Stimulation and Integrative and Complementary Practices as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease was identified.

Evaluation of biosafety knowledge among professionals at the material and sterilization center of a reference Hospital

2024-03-08T10:02:01-03:00

Objective: to assess the knowledge and perception of biosafety among Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) professionals at a reference university hospital in Paraíba in 2022. Methods: descriptive observational study. The study population was formed by health professionals working in the CSSD at the hospital studied. The sample consisted of professionals who agreed to take part in the study and sign the informed consent form. The data was analyzed descriptively. Results: a total of 42 CSSD employees were interviewed. Of those interviewed, 52.4% had already taken a course on biosafety. Only 59.5% of the participants said they were aware of biosafety legislation in Brazil. Furthermore, around 80% of the professionals rated their knowledge and application of biosafety standards as at least satisfactory. Conclusion: CSSD professionals have satisfactory knowledge of biosafety standards, but there is still a need for greater educational investment in this area.

Contribution of monitoring in the academic training of health professionals: a review

2024-07-18T08:16:51-03:00

Interactions with the environment, social stimulation, and environmental conditions drive intellectual progress. Academic monitoring profoundly impacts building new knowledge, thus providing educational enrichment and significantly affecting future health professionals. The purpose of the study was to carry out a literature review on the importance of monitoring experiences and their contribution to the academic training of health students. This is a literature review. Journals were selected using the Pubmed, Scholar Google, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. The studies reviewed show beneficial changes in learning, such as improving situational skills, including active listening, empathy, and humanized care. The experiences refine interpersonal skills, requiring students to be creative, investigate, and think logically when solving problems. They also raise awareness of didactic-pedagogical sensitivity and self-expression, fostering confidence in understanding one’s weaknesses and encouraging autonomy in constructing knowledge. It is also the first step towards teaching practice. These findings refer to nutrition, nursing, physiotherapy, dentistry, medicine, and physical education students. It can be concluded that the monitoring activity leads to promising results in the social and behavioral spheres, which include interpersonal skills, reflecting on empathetic conduct that favors humanized care, as well as boosting skills in the academic and scientific context, such as logical reasoning, autonomy in the construction of knowledge, security, development of weaknesses, strengthening of theoretical expertise and independence in the construction of new knowledge.

Effect of running wheel as environmental enrichment for Balb/c mice on anxiolytic-type behavior

2024-06-14T17:33:30-03:00

Since ancient times, the animals have been used to advance scientific development. However, the management of these animals might trigger unwanted behavioral and physiological changes. Therefore, there has been a lot of discussion about the environmental enrichment. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the running wheel on the anxiolytic-type behavior in Balb/c mice. Thirty mice were used, distributed in 2 groups, Control and Enriched Group, with 15 animals each. In the beginning of the research, the animals were fasted for 12 hours and the glucose measurement and weighing were performed. After that, the animals were kept in mini-insulators for 30 days and the fasting, the measurement and weighing procedures were performed again. After 24 hours, the Open Field test and the Elevated Plus Maze test were performed. The statistic analysis Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon, Student-newman-keuls were performed. When evaluating glucose and body weight, a decrease in values was noted in the Enriched Group (p<0.05). In the Elevated Plus Maze test, a longer period of time spent in the open arm was also observed (p<0.05) in this group. There was no statistical difference in the number of entries (p>0.05). In the Open Field, a longer center time and a greater number of rearings (p<0.05) were found in the Enriched Group. Regarding the distance traveled, there was statistical difference (p<0.0001), however, defecations and groomings there was no difference (p>0.05). It is concluded that the running wheel showed positive results in blood glucose levels and body weight. In addition, the stress caused by housing was minimized through environmental enrichment.

Children with chronic conditions in the school context: trends in brazilian scientific production

2024-04-08T11:53:51-03:00

Objective: to identify and characterize trends in Brazilian scientific production in postgraduate programs regarding children with chronic conditions in the school context. Method: this is a narrative review of the literature in the Thesis and Dissertation Catalog of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, conducted between June and July 2022, using the combination of two strategies: children AND “chronic diseases” AND school* with 157 records, and children AND school* AND “special needs” with 170 records. National theses or dissertations concerning children with chronic conditions in the school context were included, regardless of the line of research or area of knowledge. The selected studies were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: 35 studies were included and the evidence was organized into three categories: limitations in the experience of children with chronic conditions in the school context, possibilities, and strategies. Conclusion: the trend in Brazilian scientific production regarding children with chronic conditions in the school context is recent. Emerging issues include difficulties in social interaction, school performance, and absence from school and possibilities such as the creation of bonds, implementation of teaching programs for child development, and strategies for improving professional training, government actions, and coordination between schools and health services.

The identification of the risk factors for cesarean sections in pregnant women

2024-05-24T11:21:18-03:00

This study aimed to understand the results of cesarean sections performed in a Teaching Hospital that receives most high-complexity cases, to identify the risk factors related to the choice of this type of childbirth. Binary logistic regression models were built to estimate the odds ratio, with the support of SPSS software. We analyzed 4726 medical records of pregnant women from 2017 to 2018, and 2020 to 2021, with a prevalence of 51.0% and 57.4%, respectively, of cesarean sections. The multiple models found that women over 35 years who have had previous cesarean deliveries, diabetes, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, and twin pregnancies were more likely to have a c-section than women who have had multigestational pregnancies. This comprehension enables a more thorough and informed analysis in decision-making, particularly to guarantee the relevance and necessity of cesarean birth.

Urban accessibility in the Historic Center of Santa Maria for people with physical disabilities and/or reduced mobility

2024-05-17T09:47:57-03:00

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the accessibility conditions on sidewalks in the Historic Center of Santa Maria, focusing on the inclusion of people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility. Method: This is an exploratory field research with a qualitative approach. A bibliographical survey, photographic records of the sidewalks and interviews with members of the Associação Santa Mariense Paradesportiva were carried out. Data analysis was carried out using the content analysis technique. Results: The results highlighted the difficulties faced by people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility due to the lack of accessibility on sidewalks. This impacts their occupational performance and quality of life. Conclusion. Accessibility is fundamental to guarantee the inclusion and social participation of all people in the city. Urban planning must consider the needs of all citizens, providing a safe and inclusive environment. The Creative District project in Santa Maria aims to improve accessibility, reflecting the importance of inclusion for the city’s growth and sustainable development. This study contributes to identifying problems and suggesting improvements to the competent authorities, promoting inclusion and improving quality of life in a fair and conscious way.

Use of music therapy in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle by brazilian nursing professionals: a review of the literature

2024-08-05T11:09:08-03:00

Introduction: Strengthening the bond between mother and baby is extremely important for healthy development. Music therapy has been applied as a therapeutic alternative in obstetric nursing. Objective: To analyze, in the light of national literature, nursing practices with music therapy in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle Methodology: This is a literature review, carried out between August and October 2023, using the Virtual Health Library (VHL) for the bases LILACS and BDEnf, in addition to Google Scholar. Of the 600 articles initially identified, four met the inclusion criteria. Results: The studies analyzed, published between 2018 and 2022, showed that the use of music therapy during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle is beneficial for the woman and the baby. The highlighted benefits of music therapy include reducing anxiety, improving vital parameters, promoting a respectful and humanized birth, as well as positive impacts on the maternal-fetal relationship and neonatal behavior. Conclusion: Music therapy is a promising approach in obstetric nursing, offering a non-invasive, low-cost intervention with the potential to improve care during the pregnancy-puerperal period. The method contributes not only to the physical and emotional well-being of the pregnant woman, but also to the healthy development of the fetus and the promotion of a more humanized birth experience.

Prevalence of deciduous tooth decay in vulnerable population

2024-09-26T17:47:31-03:00

The primary objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of dental caries in primary molars among a vulnerable population in a municipality in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. This is an observational cross-sectional study in which 49 individuals aged 2 to 12 years were included and assessed through an epidemiological survey using a dental condition assessment form. The prevalence of untreated caries in primary molars in this population was 46.94%, with at least one decayed tooth. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the cause-and-effect relationship of dental caries in this community. Finally, this study can serve as a basis for formulating effective local public policies and can also provide a framework for research in similar populations.

Teenagers knowledge about teenage pregnancy prevention

2024-05-31T08:53:58-03:00

The present study aimed to assess teenagers’ knowledge about teenage pregnancy prevention. Since pregnancy during this period becomes a condition that increases the prevalence of maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications, as well as exacerbating existing socioeconomic problems. Therefore, nurses, through the School Health Program, should develop actions that promote prevention, autonomy, and self-care, encouraging adolescents to act in the name of their health and well-being, and in guaranteeing their rights. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, involving students aged 15 to 17 from a public school in the city of São Luís Gonzaga do Maranhão, totaling 20 teenagers. Data were collected through the application of a questionnaire with 19 closed questions on the study topic to the students, which were then analyzed and organized into Excel 2016 spreadsheets using the statistical frequency calculation method and presented in tables and graphs. The results highlight that 70% of the participants are female; 25% reported being sexually active, and 85% demonstrated knowledge of contraceptive methods, with condoms being the most mentioned. It is concluded that the implications of this research may contribute to the reconsideration of many actions within the municipality, encouraging nurses to provide assistance beyond Basic Health Units, as well as to analyze more effectively the pregnancy rates and the attitudes being taken to address this problem.

Analysis of the epidemiological profile of patients treated at the dermatology outpatient clinic of a public hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul

2024-08-19T11:56:29-03:00

Skin diseases are influenced by different factors, allowing the association of the prevalence of certain dermatological pathologies with the epidemiological profile of the patients. This is an observational, retrospective, and descriptive study, with analysis of medical records and care forms, in a Dermatology outpatient clinic of a medium-sized hospital, located in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The data refer to the period from January 2020 to December 2022. From the sample of 264 patients, 173 (65.5%) were female, and 91 (34.5%) were male. Regarding the most prevalent diagnoses in the consultations, 16 (6.1%) corresponded to seborrheic keratosis, followed by 15 (5.7%) of acne and actinic keratosis and 12 (4.5%) of psoriasis. There is a possibility of demand bias because this is a low-complexity outpatient clinic, i.e., more serious cases, especially those with suspected malignant skin neoplasms, may be referred to another high-complexity referral center in the city. The analysis of the epidemiological profile of this study allowed us to conclude that the patients seen at the outpatient clinic are mostly women, have a mean age of 45 years, come from all regions of the city, and have systemic arterial hypertension as their main comorbidity.

Epidemiological and medication profile of pediatric bacterial pneumonia hospitalizations: a narrative review

2024-09-30T11:58:36-03:00

Introduction: Among the infections that affect the lower respiratory tract, pneumonia stands out. Factors such as low birth weight, living in daycare centers, incomplete vaccination, previous episodes of pneumonia and environmental and socioeconomic issues lead to greater susceptibility to this disease and, consequently, an increase in infant morbidity and mortality. Objective: To identify the epidemiological and medication profile of hospitalizations for bacterial pneumonia in children, in order to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Methodology: This is a narrative, qualitative and descriptive review, using articles published between 2021 and 2023 that contain information on the epidemiological and drug profiles of pediatric bacterial pneumonia hospitalizations, searched in the following databases: BVS, Embase and PubMed. The following descriptors were used in the search: Clinical Epidemiology, Drug Therapy, Chemotherapy, Bacterial Pneumonia, Bacterial Pneumonia, Pediatrics, Hospitalization and Hospitalization. Results: 15 studies were included in this review. Regarding the epidemiological profile, there was a predominance of males and a mean age of 4.2 years, with heart disease and asthma as the most prevalent pre-existing comorbidities. As for the medication profile, treatment with macrolides prevailed, mainly azithromycin, for pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and with aminopenicillins (amoxicillin and ampicillin) and cephalosporins for pneumonia caused by other bacteria. Conclusion: Pneumonia is a difficult disease to diagnose and often requires empirical treatment based on the possible causative agents. Therefore, knowledge of factors such as gender, age, immune status, the most common pathogens for the age group, the origin of the infection and pre-existing comorbidities is essential.