Portuguese Journal of Public Health最新文献

{"title":"Supported Accommodations for People with Serious Mental Disorders: Staff’s Assessment of Work Challenges and Their Impact during COVID-19","authors":"B. Pedrosa, Graça Cardoso, S. Azeredo-Lopes, M. Gonçalves-Pereira, D. Aluh, Ugnė Grigaitė, Margarida Santos-Dias, Manuela Silva, J. Caldas-de-Almeida","doi":"10.1159/000539431","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000539431","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Few studies analysed the impact of COVID-19 on supported accommodations (SAs) for people with serious mental disorders. This study aimed to analyse staff’s assessments of work challenges in SAs during COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on staff, their perception of the impact on residents, and associated factors. Methods: To assess work challenges and the impact of the pandemic on staff and their perception of the impact on residents, a questionnaire was administered to the staff of SAs. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted, involving work challenges and staff’s sociodemographic characteristics, and impact on staff. Results: In total, 117 staff from 32 SAs responded. A challenging environment was felt by most participants (68.4%). There were significant differences in work challenges experienced by staff, namely, according to profession and years working in mental health. A negative impact of COVID-19 was reported by 26.5% of staff, which was associated with their feeling that residents were no longer getting an acceptable service (OR = 7.04, 95% CI [1.43, 34.65], p = 0.016) and with staff feeling at risk of infection at work (OR = 7.99, 95% CI [1.39, 45.86], p = 0.020). Relapse and deterioration of residents’ mental health were perceived by 43.6% of staff. Conclusions: Several work challenges occurred in SAs during COVID-19, which had a negative impact on staff and reportedly on residents. Implications range from the organisational to the clinical levels and may apply internationally and in similarly challenging situations.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141831851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemic Intelligence Threat Reporting Profile in Portugal during the COVID-19: 2 Years of Decrease in Reporting on Non-COVID-19 Threats","authors":"V. Ricoca Peixoto, Berta Grau-Pujol, Matilde Ourique, Renato Lourenço da Silva, Mariana Ferreira, Ana Firme, Alexis Sentís, Paula Vasconcelos","doi":"10.1159/000539616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000539616","url":null,"abstract":"<b><i>Background:</i></b> Epidemic intelligence (EI) ensures early detection, assessment, and communication of public health threats. Threat reporting defines priorities and mobilize resources for surveillance, prevention, and control. In Portugal, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) is responsible for EI and publishes a weekly public health threat report (RONDA). Changes in threats in regular threat reports since COVID-19 have not been previously described. We analysed changes in non-COVID threat reporting in the weekly threat report. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Using the DGS Emergency Operations Centre’s threat reporting database, we compared threats reported in RONDAs from 2016 to 2022 in three sequential periods: P1 before COVID-19 (January 2016–March 2020), P2 during acute COVID-19 restrictions (April 2020–February 2022), and P3 in post-acute COVID-19 phase (February 2022–September 2022). We described the monthly average frequency of reports on non-COVID-19 threats in those periods considering different disease groups, geographical focus, and information sources. We estimated expected non-COVID-19 reports on threats using a forecast model fitted to the time series until March 2020 and compared observed and expected values. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Non-COVID-19 threats had a decrease in the monthly average frequency of reporting in period 2 (<inline-formula><mml:math id=\"m1\" xmlns:mml=\"http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML\"><mml:mrow><mml:mover accent=\"true\"><mml:mi mathvariant=\"normal\">x</mml:mi><mml:mo>¯</mml:mo></mml:mover><mml:mn>1</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula>: 4.7 vs. <inline-formula><mml:math id=\"m2\" xmlns:mml=\"http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML\"><mml:mrow><mml:mover accent=\"true\"><mml:mi mathvariant=\"normal\">x</mml:mi><mml:mo>¯</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula>: 2.3, <i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to period 1. Using the forecast methods, there were 114 fewer non-COVID threats than the 162 expected (−70%) in period 2. In period 3, there were 105 more threats than expected (+256%). The ECDC and the WHO were the most frequent sources of information followed by national Public Health sources. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> During COVID-19, there was a decrease in reports on non-COVID threats in Portugal. COVID-19 possibly affected global EI, by shifting attention and resources from other threats to the pandemic. However, the number of threats that warrant follow-up and communication is increasing. Further research is necessary to inform the EI research and development agenda, to ensure that all relevant threats are detected, accessed, and communicated according to evolving EI objectives and priorities while resources and preparedness are guaranteed.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141835185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an Audiovisual Tool on Peripheral Arterial Disease and Preliminary Suitability Assessment","authors":"Susana Pedras, Rafaela Oliveira, Ivone Silva","doi":"10.1159/000539072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000539072","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Increasing health literacy in people with chronic illness is essential to prevent disease complications and to promote responsible and conscious decision-making. Therefore, an audiovisual tool was developed to promote literacy about peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a hospital setting, and a preliminary evaluation of the tool’s suitability was carried out. Material and Methods: The tool was developed by a multidisciplinary team. The preliminary assessment of the suitability study of an audiovisual tool was carried out with a sample of 7 patients with PAD admitted to an Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service and with a group of four professionals specialized in the subject (health literacy and PAD). The design, elaboration, and production of the audiovisual tool were based on a literature review, an informal focus group with patients, a communication model, and an empirical model of behavioral change. Through this preliminary suitability assessment study, we identified the suitability characteristics of this audiovisual tool that can be transmitted in waiting rooms and vascular surgery hospitalizations. The Suitable Assessment of Material (SAM) was used by professionals and patients to obtain different appropriateness factors for each of the 11 videos. Results: The audiovisual tool developed and built for patients with PAD proved to be accessible, understandable, and attractive for people with low levels of education. The patients were satisfied with the audiovisual tool and highlighted positive points, also reporting some suggestions for changes. Health professionals evaluated the 11 videos with a high level of adequacy ranging from 82% to 93.05% adequacy. Out of 19 factors (from the SAM), the quality of the illustrations, the presence of tables and lists, and stimulation and incentive to learning were the two dimensions scored as least appropriate/used. Conclusion: The audiovisual tool developed to improve health literacy on PAD presented preliminary suitability characteristics that make it a high-quality material to be used in future studies that evaluate the effectiveness of the tool with this population.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141343279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current Evidence for a Lung Cancer Screening Program","authors":"T. Guerreiro, Pedro Aguiar, António Araújo","doi":"10.1159/000538434","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538434","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Lung cancer screening is still in an early phase compared to other cancer screening programs, despite its high lethality particularly when diagnosed late. Achieving early diagnosis is crucial to obtain optimal outcomes. Summary: In this review, we will address the current evidence on lung cancer screening through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and its impact on mortality reduction, existing screening recommendations, patient eligibility criteria, screening frequency and duration, benefits and harms, cost-effectiveness and some insights on lung cancer screening implementation and adoption. Additionally, new non-imaging, noninvasive biomarkers with high diagnostic potential are also briefly highlighted. Key Messages: LDCT screening in a prespecified population based on age and smoking history proved to reduce lung cancer mortality. Optimization of the target population and management of LDCT pitfalls can further improve lung cancer screening efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Novel screening technologies and biomarkers being studied can potentially be game-changers in lung cancer screening and diagnosis.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140675830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Content Validation of a Pleural Mesothelioma Questionnaire to Portuguese Context – A Key Tool for Epidemiological Surveillance","authors":"C. Santos, E. Sacadura-Leite, Salvato Feijó, M. Dixe, Philippe Astoul, A. Sousa-Uva","doi":"10.1159/000538097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538097","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The main objective of this study was to describe the translation, cultural adaptation, and content validation process of the French National Surveillance Programme for Pleural Mesothelioma (FNSPPM) questionnaire for the Portuguese context. Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database and Web of Science, in the period from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 2022, to select the questionnaire. Forward and reverse translations, calculation of the content validity index (CVI) by a panel of experts (n = 9), and cognitive interviewing with individuals with at least one exposure to asbestos (n = 10) were performed. Experts rated items on a Likert scale (1-4) based on their relevance. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI), scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave), and scale-level content validity index based on the universal agreement method (S-CVI/UA) were calculated. Results: The final version of the FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context resulted from a translation and content validation process. The panel of experts considered the questionnaire relevant, with an I-CVI of up to 0.78 in 68 of 69 of the questions, an S-CVI/Ave of 0.98, and an S-CVI/UA of 0.90. The participants in the cognitive interviews reported an understanding of the questionnaire. Conclusion: A validated FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context is now available to study individuals with pleural mesothelioma (PM) and asbestos exposure.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140730528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence and Precision Public Health: A Balancing Act of Scientific Accuracy, Social Responsibility, and Community Engagement","authors":"João V. Cordeiro","doi":"10.1159/000538141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000538141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140371408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COVID-19 Pandemic and Hospitalizations due to Abortion among 10- to 14-Year-Old Girls in Brazil","authors":"Maria Isabel do Nascimentoa, Thalys Gabriel Rabelo Silva, Victor Joshua de Aguiar Mello Nascimento, Luis Patricio Ortiz Flores, Billy McBenedict","doi":"10.1159/000535227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000535227","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Various non-pharmacological interventions to prevent coronavirus dissemination were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures. The effect of these interventions on particular aspects of people’s lives such as sexual and reproductive health outcomes has not been adequately discussed. The objective of the study was to compare the monthly hospital admission rates due to abortion before and during school closure. Methods: We used an interrupted time series (IES) design to estimate the hospital admission rates before and during the school closure (intervention in March 2020) period. The analysis was performed considering all girls from age groups of interest and by stratifying the age groups according to skin color (white and non-white) in which the non-white category comprised both the black and mixed ethnicity together. Coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using segmented linear regression models. Results: The results showed positive and statistically significant coefficients, suggesting post-intervention trend changes both in the population as a whole (coefficient: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.11) and the non-white population group (coefficient: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03; 0.11), indicating that the monthly hospital admission rates increased over the post-intervention period compared to baseline pre-intervention period. The ITS analysis did not detect statistically significant trend changes (coefficient: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.01; 0.05) in abortion admission rates in the white girl population group. Conclusion: The hospitalizations in Brazil due to abortions in 10- to 14-year-old girls increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019, and the number of abortions was higher in the non-white population than the white population. Furthermore, recognizing that the implementation of school closure has affected the minority population differentially can help develop more effective actions to face other future similar situations.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140266437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nurses’ Social Representations of Men’s Sexual Health Care Access: Preliminary Results","authors":"A. Tereso, Lina Antunes, A. Brantes, João Fernandes, Rui Santos, Ricardo Antunes, Alice Curado","doi":"10.1159/000536292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000536292","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Men’s access to sexual health care is influenced by the nurses’ symbolic universes, translated into maps of signification and normative idealization that structure their practices. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze nurses’ social representations of men’s sexual health, considering the barriers and possibilities in accessing health care. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data were collected through an online focus group with 9 Portuguese nurses. Data were subjected to lexicographic analysis with the support of the interface IRaMuTeQ-R. Results: 269 text segments were analyzed, retaining 84.86% of the total in 4 classes: interactions between professionals and men, therapeutic itineraries, “talking” about sexual health, and men’s access to sexual health care. Similarity analysis led to 3 central cores: problem, saying, and patient. Conclusions: The training of professionals in men’s sexual health to demystify stereotypes about masculinity is fundamental. At the organizational level, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities of access and its visibility in electronic records and rethink the planning and provision of primary and differentiated care.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140425802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Autism Spectrum Disorder Association with Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors: A Case-Control Study","authors":"Laura Vicuña Santos Bandeira, Fernanda Dias Alves, Ionara Aparecida Mendes Cezar, Steffany Lara Nunes Oliveira, Ana Júlia Soares Oliveira, Victor Bruno da Silva, Maria Silveira Nunes, L. F. de Rezende, Marise Fagundes Silveira","doi":"10.1159/000534840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000534840","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder whose prevalence is constantly increasing. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between ASD and socioeconomic and demographic factors of parents of children/adolescents in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, consisting of 1,134 children/adolescents, 248 with ASD and 886 without ASD. A semi-structured questionnaire was used and multiple logistic regression was performed. Results: Children/adolescents with ASD are more likely to be male (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 2.67–5.68), children of mothers aged ≥25 years (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.50–3.09), who worked outside the home during pregnancy (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04–2.24) and that, at the time of the interview, they were not inserted in the labor market (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.44–5.65), white (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01–2.22), and who performed prenatal care in private institutions (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.38–2.80). Conclusion: The socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with ASD are important for the diagnosis and, consequently, for the increase in the number of reported cases. Thus, public policies are needed to allow equal access to the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140440189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Constraints in Patient Pathway and Mitigation Strategies","authors":"Ana S. Cunha, Beatriz Raposo, Filipe Dias, Susana Henriques, Hugo Martinho, Ana R. Pedro","doi":"10.1159/000535474","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000535474","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Respiratory diseases, ranking the third in Portugal, contribute significantly to illness and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death globally. Identifying high-risk individuals and implementing early treatment is crucial due to the variability of COPD symptoms and exacerbations. This study aimed to identify effective strategies for preventing exacerbations and complications. Methods: A Delphi involving 15 experts was performed. Experts included physicians, nurses, health managers, policymakers, public health experts, and patient organizations. Consensus was achieved at 73.3% for each strategy using a scale ranging from “agree” to “disagree.” Three rounds were conducted to address six questions related to early diagnosis and patient follow-up. Challenges faced by the Portuguese Health System in managing COPD, obstacles in COPD exacerbation diagnosis and management, and effective strategies to overcome barriers were identified in the first round. The second and third rounds involved analyzing the gathered information and voting on each indicator to achieve consensus, respectively. Indicators were categorized into constraints and barriers, and strategies for reducing COPD exacerbations and disease burden. Results: Out of a total of 134 valid indicators generated, 108 achieved consensus. Among the indicators agreed upon by experts, 18 pertained to barriers, challenges, and constraints, while 90 focused on action strategies for COPD. Among the strategies formulated, 25 consensus indicators target prevention strategies, 24 consensus indicators aim to enhance COPD referrals, and 41 consensus indicators focus on mitigating COPD exacerbations and reducing the overall disease burden. Discussion/Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for integrated investment in respiratory healthcare and recognition of the impact of COPD on patients, healthcare systems, and economies. Prevention and appropriate treatment of exacerbations are crucial for effective COPD management and reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Experts highlight the importance of improving coordination between different levels of care, integrating information systems, and decentralizing hospital responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of individual and collective respiratory health, necessitating investment in health promotion and COPD awareness.","PeriodicalId":37244,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese Journal of Public Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139624390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}