Colorectal cancer prevention: strategies for promoting literacy

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent and deadly cancer in Portugal, prevention and early detection with screening are key factors for decreasing the incidence of CRC and improving survival rates. CRC screenings allow the detection of benign situations and their remotion, preventing the development of a malignant condition. Thus, this study aimed to identify strategies that could promote CRC literacy in order to also increase the number of screenings. Methods A systematic review (SR) was performed using PICOS methodology to define study goals and then PRISMA methodology to collect data for the review, including intervention studies published from 2010. Results A final number of 11 articles were included in this SR, which used several strategies to promote literacy. These studies included patients mostly within the age range of 50–75 years. The different strategies identified contained delivering pamphlets, seminars, using technological solutions, among others. All of these educational strategies led to the breaking down of some barriers that might exist about screening and bowel preparation, which conduced to an increase in adherence to CRC screening. Since most of the studies were performed in populations presenting low health literacy or belonging to ethnic minorities, strategies such as verbal information sessions showed better results. Conclusions Several strategies seems to be effective, since the results of different interventions have translated into increased CCR literacy and also the number of screenings. Portuguese pharmacy professionals, given easy access and user confidence can contribute directly, as a future perspective, in the education of patients with CCR.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Hepatitis C treatment in a district Hospital

Publicação sob a forma de PosterThe aim of this study was the characterization of patients with Hepatitis C (HCV) under treatment. Patients included in this study were followed in a Portuguese District Hospital between January 2012 and September 2014, have received treatment for HCV and who had at least one infectiology consultation in this period. Data were collected from the hospital computer system, and patient´s data were collected anonymously, without patient identification. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v22.0. Were included in this study 87 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 75% (n=65) were males and 25% (n=22) female, with a mean age of 45±10 years. Most patients included in this study were Portuguese, resident in the Hospital district and nearby districts. Patients were diagnosed with HCV with a mean age of 3311 years, were followed on average for 53.5 years in this Hospital, and were diagnosed with HCV on average 126.9 years ago. Among these patients, 44% (n=38) had genotype 1, 2% (n=2) genotype 2, 17% (n=15) genotype 3, 13% (n=11) genotype 4 and 24% (n=21) with unknown genotype. Most frequent treatment regimens used by patients included in the study were the association of pegylated interferon alfa 2b (100mcg/week) and ribavirin (1000 mg/day) (52%; n=45); pegylated interferon alpha 2a (180mcg/week) and ribavirin (1000 mg/day) (42%; n=36). Other associations were used but less frequently: pegylated interferon alfa 2a + ribavirin + boceprevir (2%; n=2); pegylated interferon alfa 2b + ribavirin + boceprevir (3%; n=3); and pegylated interferon alfa 2a + ribavirin + telaprevir (1%; n=1). Among included patients, 55 (63%) have performed, to date, one treatment for HCV, 19 (22%) have performed two treatments for HCV (using two different regimens or by using the same regimen twice), 9 (10%) already underwent treatment three times, 3 (3%) already underwent treatment four times and only one patient (1%) has conducted five treatments for HCV. Excluding patients who were receiving treatment at the time of data collection (September 2014), the average length of all other treatments performed by the patients was 82 months, and most (40%; n=51) of treatments performed by patients had a duration from 6 to 9 months. From the results, the standard treatment for patients with HCV appears to be in accordance with the existing guidelines for the treatment of this pathology. In the future it would be advisable further analysis and extended to other hospitals to assess the degree of compliance with currently existing national guidelines for the treatment of this pathology.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Self-medication habits during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Self-medication is a common practice worldwide. During COVID-19 pandemic, the constant fear of going outside and to use health services may have had an impact in the number of visits to Community Pharmacies. This research aimed to study self-medication habits of the Portuguese population during the current pandemic, more specifically, to understand which non-prescription drugs and food supplements were taken and the situations that conduced to the use of self-medication. Methods An online structured survey was conducted, with data obtained anonymously and included 170 participants (≥18 years). Data were processed using SPSS v26. Results Participants in this study were mainly female (81.2%), with a mean age of 38.01 ± 1.16 years old and most (84.7%) over 12 years of schooling. Answers allowed to verify that the current pandemic didn’t affect that much the frequency of visits to Pharmacy and the situations where people used self-medication were mainly minor, such as headaches (54.1%) and muscle pains (26.5%). The medications used more often were analgesics (60.0%) and anti-inflammatory (40.0%). However, many people indicated that they didńt seek for more information about medicines (49.4%) and/or supplements (7.6%) used during this period. In general, people visited the Pharmacy with a similar frequency and purpose as the previous year. Conclusions Despite all the changes, the current pandemic has not negatively affected the practice of self-medication. The role of Pharmacy professionals in the rational use of the drugs, particularly those used in self medicated situations is essential, especially when the population shows low health literacy regarding the use of medicines.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

How diabetics’ patients identify their medicines?

Publicação sob a forma de Poster.The main goal of this study was the characterization of diabetic patients´ knowledge in the identification of medicines, respectively the drug´s name, drug´s strength, and therapeutic indication. A cross-sectional study was developed at a specialized medical center in the diabetes area. Only patients that accepted to participate in this research and who gave their consent in writing before the start of the study were enrolled. In the study they were included patients aged 18 years and older, with diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and using at least one medicine. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews, which was held during a consultation in a systematic way by completion of a questionnaire. Were included in this study one hundred and seven (107) patients, 41.1% female and 58.9% male, aged between 35 and 88 years, with a mean age of 65.6±10.5 years. The most prevalent health problems, beside diabetes mellitus, were hypertension (83.2%) and dyslipidaemia (74.8%), with a mean of 4.7±1.9 health problems per patient. Each patient was using a mean of 6.9±2.9 medicines and 0.2±0.4 food supplements per day. The therapeutic group often used was C (Cardiovascular System), A (Alimentary Tract and Metabolism) and N (Nervous System) with respectively 33.8%, 32.6% and 11.5%. Patients included in this study could not indicate the name of the medicines they were taking in 50% of the medicines, but were able to read the name of the medicine in most (96.5%) of them. When patients were questioned regarding drug´s strength only in about 25% of the medicines they managed to indicate the respective value. In most medicines (67.7%), patients were able to indicate the correct therapeutic indication for each medicine, although in 16.8% of medicines patients did not know the respective therapeutic indication, in 9.2% of medicines the information about therapeutic indication was incomplete, and in 6.3% of medicines patients have indicated an incorrect therapeutic indication. The results obtained indicate that patients have some lack of ability in the basic identification of the medicines used. In the future it will be desirable to perform a more extensive analysis that includes further variables related to the knowledge of the patients about medicines, including instructions of use, possible side effects and storage conditions, in order to be able to establish an action plan that can provide patients with more and better skills to achieve a responsible use of medicines.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Diabetes self-care and disease knowledge

Diabetes mellitus (DM), presenting as a chronic metabolic pathology, is multifactorial and factors such as self-care can positively contribute to the glycemic control. Allied with patient’s behaviour, the knowledge about this disease may empower patient´s to achieve appropriate disease management including treatment adherence and avoidance of complications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Hábitos e comportamentos tabágicos dos professores do IPB

Na actualidade, o uso abusivo das substâncias psicoativas (SPA) constitui um dos mais importantes problemas de saúde pública mundial, considerando-se a magnitude e a diversidade de aspectos envolvidos1. O reconhecimento científico dos malefícios do consumo de tabaco, da poluição tabágica ambiental e as propriedades aditivas da nicotina com repercussões na efectividade das medidas de desabituação tabágica, têm estimulado o desenvolvimento e implementação de um leque alargado de medidas, programas e políticas de controlo do consumo2. Este estudo de investigação tem como objectivos, determinar a prevalência do tabagismo na população de docentes do IPB, conhecer os hábitos e comportamentos do consumidor de tabaco e determinar os factores associados ao consumo do tabaco. Para levar a cabo o estudo empírico recorreu-se ao método de investigação por questionário do qual constam perguntas fechadas, administrado por correio electrónico ao universo dos professores do IPB em Dezembro de 2008. A população de que é alvo este estudo é constituída por 377 professores de todas as escolas de ensino superior integradas no Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, designadamente, a Escola Superior de saúde (ESSa), a Escola Superior Agrária (ESA), a Escola Superior de educação (ESE), a Escola Superior de tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG) e a Escola Superior Comunicação, Administração e Turismo (EsCAT). Os dados recolhidos foram, posteriormente, tratados recorrendo a técnicas estatísticas como a estatística descritiva e a análise bivariada. Para o tratamento estatístico dos dados obtidos, foram utilizadas medidas descritivas para caracterizar a amostra e foi aplicado o teste de correlação de Spearman para relacionar duas variáveis ordinais. O programa informático usado foi o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Segundo estudos realizados assiste-se a um aumento da prevalência de mulheres fumadoras, especialmente entre as mais novas e as mais escolarizadas3,4, salientando-se que embora crescente, a proporção de mulheres portuguesas que fuma diariamente é inferior à média europeia. Neste estudo a maior parte dos inquiridos pertencem ao sexo feminino e são fumadoras, resultados que vem apoiar estudos anteriormente realizados. Ao comparar a prevalência de fumadores nas diferentes classes etárias observa-se que os consumos são mais elevados nos indivíduos entre os 34 e os 43 anos, com prevalência no sexo feminino. A idade de início de consumo de tabaco é um importante determinante do consumo regular5. Quando o consumo se inicia na infância ou nas fases mais precoces da adolescência é mais provável que resulte num consumo regular e futuramente num risco acrescido de morte por doenças habitualmente relacionadas com o tabaco6 .Em Portugal tem vindo igualmente a diminuir nas mulheres, sendo a variação menos acentuada nos homens. Neste estudo as mulheres revelam uma tendência para começar a fumar mais cedo do que os homens. Um estudo realizado no ano de 2002 revelou uma prevalência de 30,3% de fumadores nos professores do sexo masculino e 24,3% de fumadores nas professoras7. A curiosidade foi a razão mais frequentemente referida para o consumo de tabaco (69.4%)). A escola foi o local referido como o mais frequentemente usado para fumar, em ambos os sexos (33.3%). Através da tabela 4 pode verificar-se que os factores positivamente relacionados com o consumo do tabaco são, designadamente, o número de cigarros que fuma por dia (0.000), o individuo fumar dentro do carro quando está sozinho (0.000), ter irmãos fumadores (0.002), fumar dentro de casa de amigos e familiares (0.000), fumar para combater o stress (0.000), prazer em fumar (0.000), o parceiro fumar (0.000), fumar dentro de casa mesmo quando não está sozinho (0.000), fumar à frente dos filhos e de familiares (0.000), fumar para parecer mais adulto (0.000). O inquirido tem consciência que fumar pode prejudicar outras pessoas e fazer mal à saúde, contudo não abdica deste hábito

O papel da pesca comercial na conservação da população de galheta Phalacrocorax aristotelis do arquipélago das Berlengas

A galheta, ou corvo-marinho-de-crista Phalacrocorax aristotelis, é uma ave marinha residente em Portugal Continental. O efetivo populacional desta espécie no país é bastante reduzido, com menos de 400 adultos, o que lhe confere o estatuto de Vulnerável. O núcleo reprodutor mais importante situa-se no arquipélago das Berlengas, onde se estima a existência de 70-90 casais. Para além dos elevados valores biológicos presentes, a Zona de Proteção Especial (ZPE) das Ilhas Berlengas é também um local importante de exploração da pesca comercial. De forma a verificar se a pesca comercial é uma ameaça à população de galhetas do arquipélago da Berlenga, este estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar a competição trófica e espácio-temporal entre a pesca e a galheta, com recurso à análise de sobreposição de nicho. Para este fim procedeu-se 1) à análise morfológica e quantitativa da dieta de galheta com a recolha de egagrópilas; 2) à identificação de áreas de alimentação de galheta com a colocação de emissores GPS/GSM e dados de censos marinhos (ESAS); 3) à análise espácio-temporal da pesca na ZPE das Ilhas Berlengas, com a identificação das principais áreas de pesca e da quantificação de pescado removido por embarcações comerciais a operarem redes de cerco, redes de emalhar, palangre e arrasto, a partir de dados de inquéritos e de AIS (Automatic Identification System). A população de galhetas no arquipélago da Berlenga consome uma grande diversidade de espécies sendo as presas mais numerosas e frequentes as galeotas (Ammodytidae), seguidas da judia Coris julis, da faneca Trisopterus luscus, do bodião-de-bailloni Symphodus bailloni, e do bodião-vulgar Symphodus melops. O consumo de galeotas foi mais acentuado durante a época reprodutiva, onde a dieta foi mais especializada. Durante o período não reprodutivo a biomassa consumida foi constituída maioritariamente por peixes das famílias Gadidae e Sparidae. As galhetas exibiram uma distribuição restrita à área envolvente ao arquipélago, à costa de Peniche, e à faixa marítima intermédia, prospetando alimento em áreas próximas a terra e de baixa profundidade. As áreas de pesca das embarcações que operam a partir do porto de Peniche concentraram-se dentro dos limites da ZPE das Ilhas Berlengas especialmente na porção norte, em torno do arquipélago. A área da ZPE foi explorada por todas as artes consideradas, tendo o arrasto e o palangre ocupado uma maior extensão. O volume do pescado descarregado em lota, no período de um ano, rondou as 14.000 toneladas, sendo a arte do cerco a que descarregou em maior quantidade, e a polivalente a maior diversidade de espécies. Das 32 espécies consumidas pelas galhetas 17 são espécies alvo da pesca comercial, dentro dos comprimentos que podem ser capturados pelas pescas. A sobreposição trófica deveu-se maioritariamente às famílias Gadidae e Sparidae, mais especificamente à faneca, sargo Diplodus sargus, safia Diplodus vulgaris, boga Boops boops, e a choupa Spondyliosoma cantharus. A sobreposição espacial da pesca com a área de distribuição da galheta apresenta valores elevados, especialmente com embarcações de pequenas dimensões, a operar palangre e redes de emalhar. A análise de sobreposição de nicho evidencia uma potencial competição direta entre as galhetas e a pesca comercial pelas famílias Gadidae e Sparidae, especialmente durante o período não reprodutivo por embarcações inferiores a 15m a operar palangre e redes de emalhar. A pesca comercial pode estar a limitar os recursos disponíveis para as galhetas, para além de aumentar o risco de captura acidental. Estes fatores de pressão poderão causar flutuações na dinâmica e tamanho das populações de galhetas e ser a principal ameaça ao seu crescimento.The European Shag is a resident seabird in mainland Portugal. The population size of this species in the country is small with less than 400 adults. For this reason the population is evaluated as Vulnerable. The most important breeding site is located in Berlengas archipelago with 70-90 estimated pairs. Besides its high conservation values Berlengas Special Protection Area is also an important site for commercial fisheries. In order to access if fisheries are a threat to the Berlengas’ Shag population, this study aims to evaluate the trophic competition at the spatio-temporal level between fisheries and shags using the niche overlap analysis. With this purpose, we carried out 1) a morphological and quantitative analysis of Shag diet through pellets collection; 2) the identification of Shag feeding locations with the placement of GPS/GSM tracking devices and seabird at-sea surveys (ESAS); 3) and the spatiotemporal analysis of fisheries in the Berlengas’ SPA, with the identification of the main fishing areas and the quantification fish landings by commercial vessels operating purse seines, gillnets, longlines and trawls, based on surveys and AIS data (Automatic Identification System). Shag diet was varied and consisted mainly of sandeels (Ammodytidae), the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse Coris julis, the pouting Trisopterus luscus, the Baillon's wrasse Symphodus bailloni, and the corkwing wrasse Symphodus melops. The consumption of sandeels was higher during the breeding season, where diet was more specialized. During the non-reproductive period, the consumed biomass consisted mainly of the Gadidae and Sparidae families. Shags exhibited a restricted distribution to the surrounding area of the archipelago, to the coast of Peniche, and to the maritime area in between, foraging in areas near land and of low water depth. The fishing areas of vessels operating from Peniche harbour were concentrated within the boundaries of the Berlengas SPA, especially in the northern part, around the archipelago. SPA area was exploited by all gears considered, with trawling and longline occupying a greater extent. The volume of fish landings in a one-year period was around 14.000 tons, with purse seines landing a greater quantity, and the polyvalent fleet a greater diversity of species. Shags consumed 17 target species of commercial fisheries, with the same range lengths. The trophic overlap was mainly due to the Gadidae and Sparidae families, more specifically with the pouting, the white seabream Diplodus sargus, the common two-banded sea bream Diplodus vulgaris, the bogue Boops boops, and the black seabream Spondyliosoma cantharus. The spatial overlap in shag’s distribution area has high values, especially with small vessels operating longlines and gillnets. These factors can cause fluctuations in the dynamic and size of Shag population and may be the main threat limiting their growth. Commercial fisheries may be limiting the available resources for shags, in addition to increasing the risk of bycatch.LIFE13/NAT/PT/000458Mestrado em Ecologia Aplicad

A Relação entre Socialização e Comportamentos de Cidadania Organizacional: o papel mediador do Compromisso Organizacional

A socialização organizacional refere-se à forma pela qual o novo funcionário é integrado na organização e de que modo é estabelecido o processo de aprendizagem. Durante este desenvolvimento a pessoa vai consolidando os seus valores e crenças que irão determinar as suas escolhas ao longo da vida. Neste estudo, será aprofundada a relação entre socialização organizacional e os comportamentos de cidadania organizacional (CCO), tendo em conta que a socialização tem sido vista como um meio favorecido à transmissão da cultura organizacional e pode impactar nos CCO. Estes são vistos como comportamentos discricionários que não são explicitamente exigidos e reconhecidos pelo sistema de recompensas da organização, mas que são um fator fulcral na sobrevivência da mesma, pois estes podem maximizar a eficiência e o desempenho, contribuindo para o aumento da qualidade dos serviços prestados. Assim sendo, tendo por base as evidências empíricas existentes, pretende-se investigar o papel mediador do compromisso organizacional afetivo nesta relação. Este, tem uma quantidade exaustiva de estudos, que revelam ser um indicador de produtividade para a empresa e que está associado a uma atitude que revela que o indivíduo se identifica com a organização, desejando continuar a fazer parte da mesma. A amostragem deste estudo é relativa à população ativa portuguesa (n=128), quer no setor público, quer no privado. Os resultados obtidos permitiram verificar, de um modo geral, que a perceção favorável da socialização organizacional está significativamente relacionada com os CCO. Adicionalmente constatou-se o papel mediador do compromisso organizacional afetivo na relação entre socialização organizacional e CCO. As implicações destes resultados para a gestão dos recursos humanos serão aprofundadas e discutidas.Organizational socialization refers to how the new employee is integrated into the organization and how the learning process is established. During this development, the person consolidates his values and beliefs that will determine his choices throughout life. In this study, the relationship between organizational socialization and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) will be deepened, taking into account that socialization has been seen as a mechanism to the transmission of the organizational culture and may impact the OCBs. OCBs are seen as discretionary behaviors that are not explicitly required and recognized by the organization's reward system. They consist of a key factor in the organization's survival, as they can maximize efficiency and performance, contributing to increasing the quality of services provided. Therefore, based on existing empirical evidence, it is intended to investigate the mediating role of affective organizational commitment in this relationship. There is an exhaustive amount of studies on affective organizational commitment, which prove to be an indicator of productivity for the company and which is associated with an attitude that reveals that the individual identifies with the organization, wishing to continue being part of it. The sample of this study is related to the Portuguese active population (n = 128), both in the public and private sectors. The results obtained made it possible to verify, in general, that a favorable perception of organizational socialization is significantly related to the OCBs. Additionally, the mediating role of affective organizational commitment in the relationship between socialization and OCBs was found. The implications of these results for human resource management will be further explored and discussed

Os desafios da gestão de serviços funerários na contemporaneidade no município de Pinhais, estado do Paraná

Orientador : José Simão de Paula PintoProjeto Técnico (especialização) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas. Curso de Especialização em Gestão PúblicaInclui referênciasResumo : O presente Trabalho se propõe a demonstrar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelas famílias em vulnerabilidade social diante de luto violento e, enfrentamento das discriminações das funerárias de outros municípios que se prevalecem da lei municipal nº 699/2009, art. 32 § 3º da capital para desumanizar ainda mais o serviço, e a falta de políticas públicas diante da problemática