Showing papers in "Cadernos De Saude Publica in 2004"
TL;DR: Use of the quality of life concept can actually help improve both the quality and the integrated, multidimensional nature of health care from a perspective that views the latter as a basic citizen's right.
Abstract: The quality of life (QL) concept has led to extensive scientific research and has been increasingly used by health care professionals treating a wide range of diseases. This paper addresses the historical use of the concept and specific issues linked to conceptual and methodological aspects of the QL construct within the health care context. Reviewing the literature, two aspects stand out: subjectivity and multidimensionality. In the methodological field, the construction and/or adaptation of QL measurement instruments appear as a significant trend. Theoretical and methodological efforts have helped clarify and improve the concept's adequacy. The QL construct is definitely interdisciplinary, encompassing contributions by different areas of knowledge and research, thereby improving its conceptual and methodological potential as a research instrument. Therefore, use of the concept can actually help improve both the quality and the integrated, multidimensional nature of health care from a perspective that views the latter as a basic citizen's right.
684 citations
TL;DR: The article shows that the concept of access is becoming more comprehensive and is changing its focus from entry into the health system to outcome of care, and how health determinants differ from those of health services utilization.
Abstract: The purposes of this article are to review the concepts of health services access and utilization and to analyze how these concepts interrelate. Access is a complex concept (often used inaccurately) which changes over time and according to the context. Health services utilization is at the core of health systems functioning. Despite some disagreement, according to this review the prevailing perspective is that access is related to characteristics of services supply. Health care services utilization can be applied as a measure of access, but use of services depends on other factors. Individual and contextual factors influence the use of services. The article shows that the concept of access is becoming more comprehensive and is changing its focus from entry into the health system to outcome of care. Access is valued in relation to its impact on health and depends on the effectiveness of care delivered. As an outcome measure, access becomes multidimensional and difficult to operationalize. Finally, the article discusses how health determinants differ from those of health services utilization, which impacts directly on illness, but only indirectly on health.
604 citations
TL;DR: The issue of legal, technical, and political legitimacy for formulating a public policy aimed at organizing the training of health professionals in accordance with the population's health needs is discussed, while highlighting the competencies of the education and health sectors in this construction.
Abstract: This article discusses the issue of legal, technical, and political legitimacy for formulating a public policy aimed at organizing the training of health professionals in accordance with the population's health needs, while highlighting the competencies of the education and health sectors in this construction. Comprehensiveness is viewed as the main thrust for proposing and supporting the changes needed in the training of professionals in education and health, since it involves an expanded understanding of health, the linkage among multi-professional and interdisciplinary knowledge and practices, and dialogue/exchange with health system users, aimed at innovation of practices in all scenarios of health care and health sector management.
360 citations
TL;DR: This article reflects on the manifestations or signs of comprehensiveness in health practice, seeking to facilitate recognition of experiences that are advancing in this direction and allowing them to be analyzed subsequently.
Abstract: This article reflects on the manifestations or signs of comprehensiveness in health practice, seeking to facilitate recognition of experiences that are advancing in this direction and allowing them to be analyzed subsequently. The article is also intended to spawn increasing involvement by actors in practices based on comprehensiveness. The point of departure is the principle that what characterizes comprehensiveness is an expanded grasp of the needs and ability to recognize the adequacy of the health care supply in the specific context where the subject meets the health team; in addition, to foster comprehensiveness means defending the notion that health actions be attuned to the specific context of each encounter.
349 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss two innovative methodological approaches: problem-based learning (PBL) and problematization, which lead to breaks with the traditional way of teaching and learning, stimulating participatory management by actors.
Abstract: Considering the changes in teaching in the health field and the demand for new ways of dealing with knowledge in higher learning, the article discusses two innovative methodological approaches: problem-based learning (PBL) and problematization. Describing the two methods' theoretical roots, the article attempts to identify their main foundations. As distinct proposals, both contribute to a review of the teaching and learning process: problematization, focused on knowledge construction in the context of the formation of a critical awareness; PBL, focused on cognitive aspects in the construction of concepts and appropriation of basic mechanisms in science. Both problematization and PBL lead to breaks with the traditional way of teaching and learning, stimulating participatory management by actors in the experience and reorganization of the relationship between theory and practice. The critique of each proposal's possibilities and limits using the analysis of their theoretical and methodological foundations leads us to conclude that pedagogical experiences based on PBL and/or problematization can represent an innovative trend in the context of health education, fostering breaks and more sweeping changes.
320 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of indicators associated with changes in eating habits and physical activity patterns in the Brazilian population in the last 30 years suggests internal migration and dining out appear to play an important role in the process.
Abstract: Data from Brazilian national surveys conducted since the 1970s have indicated an increase in the prevalence of overweight/obesity. The two most frequently cited causes of this trend have been dietary changes and reduction in physical activity, characterizing a "contemporary Western lifestyle". The objective of this paper is to identify and assess some indicators associated with changes in eating habits and physical activity patterns in the Brazilian population in the last 30 years. Despite the lack of detailed data, the following factors appear to play an important role in the process: internal migration; dining out; increased consumption of fast food; labor changes; transportation; and the use of home appliances. More information on dietary and physical activity patterns in association with anthropometric data on the Brazilian population are needed for a better understanding of each factor's role in these relationships. Meanwhile, inter-sector programs and projects with well-defined targets and outcomes are needed for the population's adherence to a healthier lifestyle, in order to control the increase in overweight/obesity.
251 citations
TL;DR: Prevalence of CLBP is important as it limits normal activities and increases the use of health care services and there may be differences in the ergonomic risk factors for CLBP and low back pain in general.
Abstract: To identify the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and examine factors associated with this condition in a Southern Brazilian adult population, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted, including 3,182 subjects of both sexes, aged 20 years or over, living in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. The questionnaire included socio-demographic, behavioral, and nutritional variables, as well as characterization of exposure to ergonomic factors in daily activities. CLBP prevalence was 4.2%. The variables sex, age, marital status, schooling, smoking, body mass index, working in a lying position, heavy physical work, and repetitive movements were associated with CLBP. Prevalence of CLBP is important as it limits normal activities and increases the use of health care services. There may be differences in the ergonomic risk factors for CLBP and low back pain in general.
244 citations
TL;DR: The author contends that community "empowerment" helps define health promotion as a proposal aimed at transforming the status quo and the production of healthy subjects.
Abstract: Starting with a review of the literature and documents pertaining to health promotion in the developed countries, highlighting the Canadian output, the author reflects on the multiple meanings ascribed to the "empowerment" category/strategy. After a summary of the conceptual development of health promotion ideals, the paper analyzes the theoretical aspects of "empowerment", suggesting its classification into two main approaches: psychological and community-based. The author contends that community "empowerment" helps define health promotion as a proposal aimed at transforming the status quo and the production of healthy subjects. The paper concludes by exploring the potential contributions of social/community "empowerment" to health education practices and reorganization of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS).
240 citations
TL;DR: This study analyzes the work by a Family Health Program (FHP) team, identifying the potential for developing receptiveness by the team and fostering links between the health professionals and clients, and proposing greater nursing staff involvement in clinical activities and receptiveness to users of the program.
Abstract: This study analyzes the work by a Family Health Program (FHP) team, identifying the potential for developing receptiveness by the team and fostering links between the health professionals and clients. This was a case study with a qualitative approach. The data were collected through free observation, a semi-structured interview, and documents. A dialectic approach was used to analyze the material. A relationship was observed between the organization of the work process and the achievement of receptiveness and links to clients. There are gaps in receptiveness to health services clients, especially in the openness to demand, accountability for the population's health problems, and encouragement for client autonomy. Production of links is related to the development of clinical activities. According to FHP team members, health services clients are viewed alternately as subjects and objects. The principles and guidelines of the Unified National Health System (SUS) do not represent a project as conceived by the health professionals. The study concludes by proposing greater nursing staff involvement in clinical activities and receptiveness to users of the program.
236 citations
TL;DR: The literature on the concept and measurement of race is reviewed and how the findings apply to the United States and Brazil are compared and recommendations are made about the measurement ofrace in medical records and public health research.
Abstract: Race has been widely used in studies on health and healthcare inequalities, especially in the United States. Validity and reliability problems with race measurement are of concern in public health. This article reviews the literature on the concept and measurement of race and compares how the findings apply to the United States and Brazil. We discuss in detail the data quality issues related to the measurement of race and the problems raised by measuring race in multiracial societies like Brazil. We discuss how these issues and problems apply to public health and make recommendations about the measurement of race in medical records and public health research.
210 citations
TL;DR: Evaluating the implementation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Program for Humanization of Prenatal and Childbirth Care using data generated by the SISPRENATAL/DATASUS database from the Unified National Health System finds low percentages attest to the need for permanent evaluation aimed at improving quality of care.
Abstract: This article evaluates the implementation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Program for Humanization of Prenatal and Childbirth Care using data generated by the SISPRENATAL/DATASUS database from the Unified National Health System. From its beginning in June 2000 until December 2002, 3,983 municipalities joined the Program, and 71% of participating municipalities (3,183) reported their health care activities, constituting a database with 720,871 women. Nearly 20% of the women had six or more prenatal visits, and approximately half of them had the postpartum follow-up visit and required lab tests performed in 2002. In addition, 41% of the women had been vaccinated against tetanus. The number of HIV antibody tests was twice that of syphilis during the two-year period. Only a small percentage of women (2% in 2001 and 5% in 2002) received the entire set of prenatal and childbirth care services. The low percentages attest to the need for permanent evaluation aimed at improving quality of care and guaranteeing both high-quality maternal and perinatal results and the inalienable right of women to safe care and well-being during pregnancy and delivery.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the labor conditions of private school teachers in Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil, collecting information on 250 teachers from the ten largest schools in the municipality through a self-applied questionnaire.
Abstract: The scientific literature on teachers' health is scarce, recent, and focuses predominantly on stress and burnout. This study describes the labor conditions of private school teachers in Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia State, Brazil. Information on 250 teachers from the ten largest schools in the municipality was collected through a self-applied questionnaire. The most relevant characteristics of teachers' work, evaluated by the Job Content Questionnaire were: speed of work, creativity at work, and relations with colleagues. The most frequent complaints related to posture, mental strain, and voice problems. Prevalence of minor psychological disorders according to the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 was 41.5%, strongly associated with long periods of intense concentration on the same job and excessive work. Results suggest an association between the prevalence of minor psychological disorders and certain characteristics of teaching work, emphasizing teachers' exposure to stress.
TL;DR: The premise of this paper is that comprehensive health care is a major component in the investigation and evaluation of health services and systems, structured as inter-organizational health care networks articulating clinical, functional, normative, and systemic dimensions in their operationalization.
Abstract: The premise of this paper is that comprehensive health care is a major component in the investigation and evaluation of health services and systems, structured as inter-organizational health care networks articulating clinical, functional, normative, and systemic dimensions in their operationalization and based on the understanding that no organization combines all the necessary resources and capabilities to solve the health problems of a population with its various life cycles. Given the complex nature of this "system without walls", eliminating barriers to access in the various health care levels in response to local and regional health, we take this opportunity to share a few "preliminary lessons" from our experience and from the literature on integrated health services which may interest researchers and managers concerned with the implementation of such services.
TL;DR: The study particularly focuses on work conditions of family health teams in Brazil, including strategies for revitalizing health care work and coping with alienating conditions in the work process.
Abstract: This literature review focused on the work process in health care, particularly issues linked to the Family Health Program. Since 1994, the Program has rapidly expanded health coverage for the Brazilian population, and as a result the Program's work force has also increased. The Program thus requires attention, allocation of responsibilities, and contributions of various types by stakeholders and institutions. The work occurs in the services sector, within a neoliberal scenario. Work in health care shares some characteristics with other occupations in the services sector, such as bureaucratization, the influence of capitalist division of labor, and difficulties in teamwork, in addition to little regard for the subjectivity of health system clients and workers. The study particularly focuses on work conditions of family health teams in Brazil, including strategies for revitalizing health care work and coping with alienating conditions in the work process. Finally, the study reiterates the dialectic condition of the work process in health care under the Family Health Program, with its possibilities for success, conceived and functioning in the midst of contradictions and difficulties.
TL;DR: The results confirmed the need for improved professional training, adequacy of health services, and effective public policy to provide qualified health care for the elderly population in Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in 2003.
Abstract: This study focuses on the health profile of the elderly population in Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in 2003. The study population consisted of a sample over 60 years of age (n = 523) registered with the Family Health Program and the Unified National Health System. Point and interval prevalence of disabilities and chronic non-communicable diseases and cognitive status were estimated (95%CI). The study population was predominantly female with low education; 24.8% lacked any kind of retirement pension; 43.6% presented a low level of social integration; 46.7% required some form of help for 1 to 3 routine activities; 74.9% presented 1 to 5 chronic non-communicable diseases; and 56.2% scored under 24 on a cognitive test. Some 87.0% had sought health care and 22.4% required some kind of inpatient care. The results confirmed the need for improved professional training, adequacy of health services, and effective public policy to provide qualified health care for the elderly population.
TL;DR: The Brazilian version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview shows sufficient reliability, comparable to the original version.
Abstract: The object of this article is to examine the reliability of the Brazilian version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). The instrument is a 22-item scale assessing the extent to which caregivers view their responsibilities as having an adverse impact on their social life, health, emotional well-being, and finances. We assessed 50 primary informal caregivers of demented patients coming from 3 different health care centers, using the test-retest method. Analysis of the results showed an intraclass reliability coefficient of 0.88, while Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.77 for the test and 0.80 for the retest items. The Brazilian version of ZBI shows sufficient reliability, comparable to the original version.
TL;DR: The stratum consisting of public Federal and State maternity hospitals received women with greater morbidity, had lower neonatal transfer rates, and received a more positive assessment by clients of the Unified National Health System (SUS).
Abstract: Este estudo compara os fatores socio-demograficos, caracteristicas biologicas das maes e a qualidade da assistencia prestada em maternidades do Municipio do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram da amostra 10.072 gestantes que se hospitalizaram para o parto em 47 instituicoes selecionadas, no periodo 1999-2001. Dados foram coletados de entrevistas com as maes no pos-parto e de consulta aos prontuarios medicos. Utilizou-se o teste chi2 para analisar a homogeneidade das proporcoes. Sao diferenciadas as condicoes de vida, de atencao ao parto e nascimento no Municipio do Rio de Janiero, sendo mais favoraveis no grupo social que utiliza os servicos de saude das maternidades privadas, embora persistindo ali uma excessiva proporcao de cesareas e de transferencia de recem-nascidos. O estrato composto pelas maternidades federais e municipais recebe a clientela materna e infantil com maior morbi-mortalidade, oferece acompanhamento de familiares na internacao, obtendo das maes uma avaliacao da atencao recebida mais positiva do que o outro segmento do SUS. As maternidades do estrato 2, representadas majoritariamente pelas instituicoes particulares conveniadas com o SUS, sao as que mais recusam parturientes, produzindo um retardo no acompanhamento do trabalho de parto.
TL;DR: The research focused on the identification of different types of self-medication practiced by the interviewee or by a relative, and then "ways of thinking and behaving" associated with this practice were investigated.
Abstract: Representations related to self-medication were investigated, seeking to identify contextual elements that can reinforce or inhibit such practice. An anthropological approach based on the model of signs, meanings, and actions was used. Twenty-nine inhabitants from the town of Bambui, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, were interviewed (17 women and 12 men), selected among participants in a health survey that had been on medication in the previous 90 days. The research focused on the identification of different types of self-medication practiced by the interviewee or by a relative, and then "ways of thinking and behaving" associated with this practice were investigated. The influence of pharmacists/drugstore sales attendants as well as family and friends, perception of the health problem as transitory and a minor issue, familiarity with and easy access to certain pharmaceuticals, as well as difficulties in access to (and negative assessment of) health care were determinant factors for self-medication.
TL;DR: It is concluded that while there is room for further improvement, IMCI case management training significantly improves health worker performance, and that parts of Brazil that have not yet introduced IMCI should be encouraged to do so.
Abstract: A multi-country evaluation is being carried out in Brazil and four other countries to determine the effectiveness, cost, and impact of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI). We examine the effect of IMCI on the quality of health care provided to children under five visiting health facilities. A health facility survey was conducted at 24 facilities (12 with IMCI) in each of four States in the Northeast. We assessed the quality of care provided to children between 2 months and 5 years attending the facilities. Health workers trained in IMCI provided significantly better care than those not trained. Significant differences between health workers who were trained or not trained in IMCI were found in the assessment of the child, disease classification, treatment, and caretaker communication. Nurses trained in IMCI performed as well as, and sometimes better than, medical officers trained in IMCI. We conclude that while there is room for further improvement, IMCI case management training significantly improves health worker performance, and that parts of Brazil that have not yet introduced IMCI should be encouraged to do so.
TL;DR: The quality of diagnosis of canine epidemic surveys is analyzed against the backdrop of a visceral leishmaniasis epidemic in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State from 1993 to 1997 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kala Azar Control Program.
Abstract: In Brazil, visceral leishmaniasis poses a serious endemic and epidemic problem. In recent years the disease has spread to several States that had not previously reported any human or animal cases. For canine surveys, the Ministry of Health currently recommends use of the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF), with a sensitivity of 90-100% and specificity of 80%. Use of IIF may decrease the effectiveness of the Kala Azar Control Program by not detecting, and thus failing to sacrifice, false-negative infected animals. On the other hand, the program incorrectly identifies and leads to the unwarranted sacrifice of false-positive uninfected animals. Such uncertainties have already led to disagreement over the Program's objectives, such as the recommendation by some veterinarians that infected animals be treated. This work analyzes the quality of diagnosis of canine epidemic surveys against the backdrop of a visceral leishmaniasis epidemic in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, from 1993 to 1997.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors applied a questionnaire for health system users' representatives in municipal health Councils and found that older males with more schooling and higher income than the community average were more likely to be elected to the Councils.
Abstract: This article was based on the results of research concerning health policy in municipalities that achieved the most extensive development of decentralization and innovation in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study applied a questionnaire for health system users' representatives in Municipal Health Councils. The central issues were: the Councils' political role; social control by the Councils, viewed as surveillance by organized society over government actions; the nature of social representation exercised by the Council members; and the type of mandate they serve. Community representatives in the Councils reinforce aspects pertaining to the exercise of representation in unequal societies. There is a predominance of a differentiated elite consisting of older males with more schooling and higher income than the community average. The notion of "social control" as the basis for the Councils is difficult for the members to grasp. Exercise of representation is diffuse, occurring by way of designation by community associations, election in assemblies, or designation by institutional health policy agencies.
TL;DR: The authors avaliar as propriedades psicometricas da versao brasileira do Perfil de Saude de Nottingham (PSN), an instrumento generico de avaliacao da qualidade de vida.
Abstract: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades psicometricas da versao brasileira do Perfil de Saude de Nottingham (PSN), um instrumento generico de avaliacao da qualidade de vida. O PSN foi traduzido para o portugues, segundo metodologia recomendada, e aplicado em 215 individuos, sendo 170 idosos da comunidade (66,3 ± 8,5 anos), 30 hemiplegicos cronicos (56,4 ± 10,9 anos) e 15 parkinsonianos (59,6 ± 10,2 anos). Os dados foram submetidos a analise Rasch. Dos 38 itens do PSN, apenas dois itens (5%) nao se enquadraram no modelo estatistico, indicando que os itens colaboram para medir um constructo unidimensional. Alguns itens do PSN, no entanto, foram muito faceis para os idosos, hemiplegicos e parkinsonianos, caracterizando um efeito teto, o que pode limitar o uso da escala para individuos com niveis mais altos de habilidade. Apesar dos resultados indicarem que o instrumento se enquadra no modelo estatistico de Rash, ha necessidade de revisao dos itens, de forma a tornar o instrumento mais util clinicamente.
TL;DR: The study analyzes the variations in obesity estimates based on different criteria, highlighting the need for clinical and population studies to support the development of a single criterion.
Abstract: To compare the prevalence of child obesity according to three criteria, a cross-sectional study was performed with 6-to-11-year-old children in eight elementary public schools in the city of Sao Paulo. Z scores for weight-for-height (W/H) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated from the weight and height variables. Prevalence rates for overweight in males, according to Must, Cole, and WHO criteria, were 10.92%, 10.29%, and 11.94%, respectively, and for obesity 8.17%, 13.67%, and 10.29%. For females, prevalence rates for overweight according to Must, Cole, and WHO criteria were 13.51%, 13.83%, and 13.67%, respectively, and for obesity 8.25%, 16.50%, and 11.73%. The study analyzes the variations in obesity estimates based on different criteria, highlighting the need for clinical and population studies to support the development of a single criterion. Such studies, in addition to identifying individuals with a higher probability of excess body fat, could also correlate body fat to risk of illness and death (similar to the 25 and 30 BMI cutoff points in adults).
TL;DR: It is suggested that guidelines for humanization/satisfaction, in bringing together the critique of society's general questions concerning the daily difficulties of healthcare services, may keep the comprehensiveness of the right to healthcare open beyond the limits of current social relations.
Abstract: This article discusses the possibilities and limits of proposals for the humanization of healthcare. The theoretical references utilized are the concept of "reification" as a causative explanation for the process of man's estrangement from his world and the concept of "radical needs" as a possible way of overcoming traditionalist humanism to achieve transformative practice. From these notions, an understanding of the difficulties and contributions of the movement towards humanization is sought, highlighting the interdependence and limits of sectoral changes within healthcare in light of society's concepts and general values. The article concludes by suggesting that guidelines for humanization/satisfaction, in bringing together the critique of society's general questions concerning the daily difficulties of healthcare services, may keep the comprehensiveness of the right to healthcare open beyond the limits of current social relations, thereby favoring a stance that opposes the restrictive trend of minimal public policies towards healthcare.
TL;DR: Based on the findings, preventive programs should aim to decrease both mortality and morbidity, with special emphasis on homicides, traffic accidents, and falls.
Abstract: Since the early 1980s, external causes have been the second greatest cause of death in Brazil. They also place a growing demand on health care services. The current study analyzes morbidity and mortality from external causes in Brazil. The study material consists of 118,367 deaths and 652,249 hospitalizations due to external causes during the year 2000. The data are from the National Mortality Information System and Hospital Information System. The mortality coefficient from external causes was 69.7/ 100 thousand (119.0/100 thousand for males and 21.8/100 thousand for women). Homicides were the leading cause of death (38.3% of the total), with a high coefficient of 26.7/100 thousand, while falls were the leading cause of hospitalizations (42.8% of the total). Motor vehicle accidents were a major cause of both morbidity and mortality. Fractures, mostly occurring in the upper and lower limbs, accounted for 42.6% of hospitalizations. Based on the findings, preventive programs should aim to decrease both mortality and morbidity, with special emphasis on homicides, traffic accidents, and falls.
TL;DR: Adequate utilization of prenatal care in the City of Rio de Janeiro contributed to the prevention of low BW, and the mothers who used prenatal services less presented worse conditions in terms of socioeconomic status, schooling, family support, and obstetric risk.
Abstract: The Kotelchuck index (KI) was modified and used to evaluate prenatal care provided in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a sample of 9,920 post-partum women following singleton deliveries. Ordinal logistic regression (OLR) and multivariate linear regression (LMR) were used to estimate the importance of demographic, psychosocial, and obstetric factors for modified KI and the effects on birth weight (BW), respectively. Only 38.5% of the sample was classified as having received adequate or intensive prenatal care. After adjusting for other predictors, the explanatory variables for KI were: mother's schooling, living with the newborn's father, attempted abortion, diabetes mellitus, satisfaction with pregnancy, skin color, parity, age, and place of residence. BW was associated with the modified KI, even after controlling for socio-demographic, behavioral, and biological variables. Adequate utilization of prenatal care in the City of Rio de Janeiro contributed to the prevention of low BW, and the mothers who used prenatal services less presented worse conditions in terms of socioeconomic status, schooling, family support, and obstetric risk.
TL;DR: The results showed high satisfaction with childbirth care (67%), determined mainly by short labor time, good treatment by staff, low level of distress, absence of complications for the mother and baby, and presence of a family companion.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with women's satisfaction with vaginal delivery at the Leila Diniz Maternity Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 1999, using interviews with women who had undergone vaginal delivery. In order to analyze women's satisfaction, the following were used: (a) a scale to evaluate overall satisfaction with the birthing process; (b) description of the woman's reasons for this evaluation; and (c) analysis of factors associated with the evaluation of childbirth satisfaction. Chi-square for trend with a 5% significance level was used to analyze the results. The results of the study showed high satisfaction with childbirth care (67%), determined mainly by short labor time, good treatment by staff, low level of distress, absence of complications for the mother and baby, and presence of a family companion. The study also verified the association between women's satisfaction with information received during perinatal care and positive perceptions of the professionals responsible for providing care.
TL;DR: This paper analyzes how clients of the public health system in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, "give meaning" to their situation as "patients", basically focusing on three aspects: evaluation of care, awareness of their rights as citizens and role in improvement of the service, and expectations regarding the encounter with health professionals.
Abstract: This paper analyzes how clients of the public health system in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, "give meaning" to their situation as "patients", basically focusing on three aspects: (1) evaluation of care, (2) awareness of their rights as citizens and role in improvement of the service, and (3) expectations regarding the encounter with health professionals. The results point to many deficiencies in the health system, besides demonstrating the population's passivity and resignation towards the present situation. The need to consider clients' subjectivity is important, as is the health professional-client relationship, with their encounter considered a prime moment for establishing a humanizing process in health practice, besides fostering the development of a critical awareness among clients concerning their rights and their role as agents of change in the health system.
TL;DR: Assessment of coverage and reliability of data from the Information System on Live Births in the City of Rio de Janeiro, based on an analysis of live birth certificates issued by the various hospitals, and the system's use as a tool to help define maternal and child health policies.
Abstract: The objective of this article is to assess coverage and reliability of data from the Information System on Live Births in the City of Rio de Janeiro, based on an analysis of live birth certificates issued by the various hospitals and compared to information from the "Study on Neonatal and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality and Care in the City of Rio de Janeiro". A total of 9,608 interviews with post-partum women were paired case-by-case with the respective birth certificates. The statistical analysis consisted of calculating the Kappa index adjusted to the prevalence of categorical variables and the intra-class correlation coefficient for continuous variables, with a 95% significance level. The study showed excellent coverage (96.5%) for hospital births in the City of Rio de Janeiro during the period studied. The variables presenting the highest concordance levels (over 0.90) were the infant's sex, birth weight, mother's age, type of delivery, and type of pregnancy. The variables marital status, mother's schooling, and number of prenatal visits showed lower reliability indices (Kappa < 0.70). The article discusses the importance of data quality in the Information System on Live Births (SINASC) and the system's use as a tool to help define maternal and child health policies.
TL;DR: It is necessary to expand the discussion on culturally constructed patterns of masculinity and femininity to achieve more effective STD control, according to a model sustained by traditional gender values that demarcate the male and female spheres.
Abstract: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are frequent in adolescence and contribute to the increase in the number of AIDS cases. Early sexual initiation, multiple sex partners, and lack of condom use are considered risk factors and are influenced by a male-dominated gender system. We interviewed 356 adolescent patients at the Adolescent Health Research Center in Rio de Janeiro State University to identify possible STD risk factors in adolescence. Young men reported more partners and early sexual initiation. Females used condoms less frequently and were more subject to sexual abuse. The results confirm a model sustained by traditional gender values that demarcate the male and female spheres, with male supremacy. We conclude that to achieve more effective STD control, it is necessary to expand the discussion on culturally constructed patterns of masculinity and femininity.