2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

Abstract Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research

Uso de anti-hipertensivos e antidiabéticos por idosos: inquérito em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil Use of anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic drugs by the elderly: a survey in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

A preocupação com efeitos prejudiciais do uso de medicamentos por idosos tem motivado estudos com o objetivo de identificar problemas nessa utilização. Realizou-se um inquérito domiciliar entre aposentados, com idade > 60 anos, residentes em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil (2003), que declararam ter diabetes ou hipertensão arterial. A qualidade do uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos e antidiabéticos foi avaliada com base em redundância, associações medicamentosas e fármacos inapropriados. Entre os 283 (89%) idosos autodeclarados hipertensos, em uso de farmacoterapia, 68,2% utilizavam diuréticos, e 37,8% utilizavam IECA. Entre os 22 (64,7%) autodeclarados diabéticos sob farmacoterapia, 45,5% utilizavam insulina, e 77,3%, antidiabéticos orais. Entre os 89 autodeclarados diabéticos hipertensos, 80 (90%) utilizavam anti-hipertensivos, e 51 (57,3%), antidiabéticos. Observou-se o uso de associações medicamentosas, medicamentos redundantes ou inadequados, o que indica a necessidade de seguimento de protocolos terapêuticos e maior atenção à saúde dos pacientes idosos.<br>Concern over the harmful effects of drug use by the elderly has motivated studies aimed at identifying problems in such utilization. This was a household survey with retirees aged > 60 years living in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 2003, who reported having a diagnosis of diabetes and/or hypertension. Quality of anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medication was measured by redundancy, combinations of drugs, and inappropriate drugs. Among 283 elderly patients (89%) with self-reported hypertension and use of anti-hypertensive pharmacotherapy, 68.2% were using diuretics and 37.8% ACE inhibitors. Among the 22 (64.7%) self-reported diabetic patients under pharmacotherapy, 45.5% were using insulin and 77.3% oral anti-diabetic agents. Among the 89 self-reported diabetic and hypertensive patients, 80 (90%) were using anti-hypertensive drugs and 51 (57.3%) anti-diabetic agents. The study revealed the use of dose combinations, redundant use, and inappropriate medicines, thus indicating the need to monitor treatment protocols and improve healthcare for elderly patients

Promoção de saúde em unidades básicas: análise das representações sociais dos usuários sobre a atuação da fisioterapia Health promotion in the basic units: analysis of the users' social representations about the role of the physical therapy

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as representações sociais dos usuários de grupos operativos sobre saúde e a atuação da fisioterapia no processo saúde/doença, além de verificar como as representações dos usuários relacionam-se com os propósitos destes grupos. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido numa abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se a entrevista semi-estruturada. Foram entrevistados os usuários que participam de grupos operativos coordenados por fisioterapeutas em quatro Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município de Divinópolis (MG). As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas de forma a recuperar a integralidade dos depoimentos. A análise dos dados foi feita com base em unidades temáticas. Os principais temas que surgiram foram saúde como ausência de doença, dependência do grupo, fisioterapia ligada à reabilitação física e à promoção da saúde, fisioterapia ligada à melhora psicológica e humanização da assistência fisioterapêutica. O conhecimento das representações sociais dos usuários de grupos operativos reforça a necessidade de participação da população no desenvolvimento, realização e avaliação dos programas de saúde, de forma a alcançar uma coerência entre as expectativas do usuário e os propósitos do programa.<br>The aim of this article is to identify the social representations of the users of operative groups about health and the physical therapy role in the health/disease process, as well as to verify how the representations of the users are related to the purposes of these groups. The present study was developed under a qualitative approach using the semi-structured interview. Users of the "Quality of Life" project from four basic health units of the city of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais State, were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in order to preserve the totality of the statements. The analysis of the data was performed based on the thematic units. The main themes that emerged were: health as absence of disease, dependency of the group, physical therapy linked to physical rehabilitation and to health promotion, physical therapy linked to the psychological improvement and humanization of the physical therapy assistance. The knowledge of the social representations of the users from the "Quality of Life" project reinforces the need of the participation of the population in the development, accomplishment and evaluation of the health programs in order to reach coherence between the user expectations and the purposes of the program