RESUMEN Introducción: Las intervenciones en la salud pública cubana tienen la función de mejorar la calidad de vida de la población y brindar salud con el mejor costo posible. Este artículo pretende evaluar la efectividad de la cronoterapia a hipertensos diabéticos tipo dos, mediante un procedimiento metodológico, desde la perspectiva de un enfoque integral. Método: Se realizó una investigación analítica observacional, longitudinal y prospectiva en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech, en el período de enero 2022 a enero 2024. La muestra de estudio fue 220 pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad, diabéticos y no diabéticos con hipertensión no controlada. Se emplearon métodos empíricos, la revisión documental, encuestas, criterios de expertos, método Delphi y el método Iadov en su validación. Se aplicó el Statistical Packageforthe Social Sciences (SPSS V.24.0) para el análisis descriptivo o inferencial. Resultados: Se diseñó el procedimiento metodológico que permitió valorar la efectividad con enfoque integral de la cronoterapia a los pacientes hipertensos diabéticos tipo 2, en el proceso de monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial. El índice de satisfacción grupal en el estudio según la técnica Iadov fue de 0,81, expresión de la aceptación y la utilidad de la propuesta. Discusión: La cronoterapia es una solución sostenible al control de hipertensos diabéticos tipo 2, la apreciación de su efectividad a partir de un enfoque integral, implica el análisis de la eficacia y eficiencia desde múltiples dimensiones como garantía de bienestar general de la población y mejor disponibilidad de los recursos destinados al sector público de la salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Interventions in Cuban public health have the function of improving the quality of life of the population and providing health at the best possible cost. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chronotherapy for type two diabetic hypertensive patients, through a methodological procedure, from the perspective of a comprehensive approach. Method: An observational, longitudinal and prospective analytical research was carried out at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital, in the period from January 2022 to January 2024. The study sample was 220 patients over 18 years of age, diabetic and non-diabetic with uncontrolled hypertension. Empirical methods, documentary review, surveys, expert criteria, Delphi method and the Iadov method were used in their validation. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS V.24.0) was applied for descriptive or inferential analysis. Results: The methodological procedure was designed to assess the effectiveness of chronotherapy with a comprehensive approach in type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients during the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring process. The group satisfaction index in the study according to the Iadov technique was 0.81, an expression of the acceptance and usefulness of the proposal. Discussion: Chronconapy is a sustainable solution to the control of type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients. The assessment of its effectiveness from a comprehensive approach implies the analysis of the efficacy and efficiency from multiple dimensions as a guarantee of general well-being of the population and better availability of resources destined to the public health sector.

SUMMARY: During the government of President Patricio Aylwin Azocar in Chile, the Dental Department of the Ministry of Health was created, directed by Dr. Olaya Fernández, allowing the creation of the Dentistry Career at the University of La Frontera in 1992. The study plan was based on the SPICES model and focused on teaching, service, and research, with an emphasis on prevention. Four curricular lines were defined: Public Health, Morphofunction, Semiology, diagnosis and treatment, and Man, culture and society. Professors Dr. Matamala, Dr. Henríquez and Dr. Thomas, have been essential in the training of students for 30 years, promoting academic excellence and an interest in anatomy. They tell us that over the years, student profile has not experienced significant changes in terms of academic excellence. However, challenges have been noted, such as poor preparation in secondary education and fewer students’ responsibilities. They also mention that impediments in training include reduced study hours in Morphological Sciences and the lack of appreciation of Neuroanatomy. Challenges include effective integration of basic sciences along with clinical sciences, comprehensive training in anatomy and availability of anatomical models. Infrastructure, cadaveric material, and audiovisual systems are essential for quality instruction in anatomy, and ongoing investment in these resources is required. In conclusion, these instructors have left an important mark on the training of dentists, and each year they face new challenges. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining the quality of dental education and preparing students for success in their future professional practice.

RESUMEN: Durante el gobierno del presidente Patricio Aylwin Azocar en Chile, se creó el Departamento Odontológico del Ministerio de Salud, dirigido por la Dra. Olaya Fernández, permitiendo la creación de la Carrera de Odontología en la Universidad de La Frontera en 1992. El plan de estudios se basó en el modelo SPICES y se centró en la docencia, servicio e investigación, con énfasis en la prevención. Se definieron cuatro líneas curriculares: Salud Pública, Morfofunción, Semiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento, y Hombre, cultura y sociedad. Los docentes de la línea de morfofunción, Dr. Matamala, Dr. Henríquez y Dr. Thomas, han sido esenciales en la formación de los estudiantes durante 30 años, fomentando la excelencia académica y el interés en la anatomía. Nos cuentan que a lo largo de los años, el perfil de los estudiantes no ha experimentado cambios significativos en términos de excelencia académica. Sin embargo, se han observado desafíos, como la preparación deficiente en la enseñanza media y el incumplimiento de las obligaciones estudiantiles. También mencionan que las amenazas en la formación incluyen la reducción de horas de estudio en Ciencias Morfológicas y la falta de reconocimiento de la Neuroanatomía. Los desafíos incluyen la integración efectiva de las ciencias básicas con la clínica, la formación completa en anatomía y la disponibilidad de modelos anatómicos. La infraestructura, el material cadavérico y los sistemas audiovisuales son esenciales para una docencia de calidad en anatomía, y se requiere una inversión continua en estos recursos. En conclusión, estos docentes han dejado una importante huella en la formación de odontólogos, y cada año van enfrentando nuevos desafíos. Abordar estos problemas es crucial para mantener la calidad de la formación odontológica y preparar a los estudiantes para el éxito en su futura práctica profesional.

Inclusive curriculum transformation is crucial in Higher Education (HE). Decolonisation is considered a necessary intervention that offers opportunities to reimagine curricula, broaden access, and foster inclusivity. However, the full potential of decolonisation remains untapped due to contradictory perceptions and the absence of substantive decolonial theory. This scoping review explored how the decolonisation of Health Sciences curricula can be used as a vehicle for transformation in HE. A systematic search of online academic databases was conducted and included 31 relevant articles. Deductive and inductive coding was used to analyse the data, through which 14 decolonial actions were identified and presented as an action framework. By identifying and organising the main concepts used in the literature and proposing an action framework to decolonise curricula within the field of Health Sciences, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse of how decolonisation can be used to bring about transformation in HE. CONTRIBUTION: Findings contribute to the development of decolonial theory and highlight the benefits of decolonising Health Sciences curricula. This scoping review sets the stage for further research to build on this action framework, develop practical guidelines to guide curriculum change and evaluate and measure decolonisation efforts

RESUMO Com foco no ensino em saúde, o objetivo do texto é apontar a aplicabilidade dos acúmulos teóricos dos marcadores sociais da diferença e da interseccionalidade para a compreensão de processos de cuidado, saúde, adoecimento e vulnerabilização. A partir da experiência docente em uma graduação em medicina, discute-se como a perspectiva de análise articulada dos marcadores sociais da diferença complexifica a compreensão da determinação social da saúde e se aplica à realidade da formação em saúde brasileira. O artigo está organizado em duas partes. Na primeira, discute-se a importância dos marcadores sociais raça e gênero, bem como da perspectiva interseccional, para pensar a constituição de corpos e sujeitos diversos. Já na segunda parte, focaliza-se o diálogo com o campo da saúde coletiva, destacando políticas do Sistema Único de Saúde que mobilizam marcadores sociais e retomando pesquisas brasileiras que elucidam a importância do tema para o ensino em saúde. Assim, por meio de perspectiva transdisciplinar na interface entre ciências sociais e saúde coletiva, o artigo busca contribuir para a organização desse amplo debate que, especialmente a partir de 2010, tomou corpo no Brasil e busca avançar para uma formação em saúde mais comprometida com a equidade, a diversidade e os direitos humanos.

ABSTRACT Focusing on health teaching, the objective of the text is to point out the applicability of theoretical accumulations of social markers of differences and intersectionality for understanding processes of care, health, illness and vulnerability. Based on teaching experience in an undergraduate medical course, it discusses how the perspective of articulated analysis of social markers complicates the understanding of the social determination of health and applies to the reality of Brazilian health training. The article is organized into two parts. The first discusses the importance of race and gender, as well as the intersectional perspective, to think about the constitution of diverse bodies and subjects. The second part focuses on direct dialogue with the field of collective health, highlighting Unified Health System (SUS) policies mobilize social markers and resuming Brazilian research that elucidates the importance of such debate for health teaching. Thus, through an interdisciplinary perspective at the interface between social sciences and collective health, the article seeks to contribute to the organization of this debate that, especially since 2010, has taken shape in the Brazil and seeks to advance towards health training that is more committed to equity, diversity and human rights.

Antecedentes: La educación en bioética es esencial para desarrollar competencias éticas en profesionales de la salud. Sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada sobre su implementación en programas de ciencias de la salud, particularmente en países en desarrollo. Objetivo: Evaluar la integración de la educación en bioética en programas de ciencias de la salud mediante el examen de los niveles de formación docente y la implementación curricular en una universidad privada de Paraguay. Métodos: Este estudio transversal analizó registros académicos de 105 docentes (tasa de respuesta del 34.7 %) y planes de estudio de siete programas de pregrado en ciencias de la salud durante 2020–2021. La recolección de datos incluyó demografía docente, formación en bioética, contenido curricular, metodologías de enseñanza y estrategias de evaluación. El análisis cuantitativo empleó estadística descriptiva y pruebas de chi-cuadrado, mientras que el análisis cualitativo examinó documentos curriculares. Resultados: Solo el 2 % de los docentes tenía calificaciones formales en bioética, mientras que el 24 % reportó formación no formal. El programa de Enfermería mostró tasas significativamente más altas de docentes con formación en bioética (71 %) en comparación con otros programas (0–22 %, P=0.03). Todos los programas, excepto Psicología, incluyeron principios éticos en sus declaraciones de misión, pero la implementación se limitó a cursos únicos obligatorios (34–85 horas) con métodos de enseñanza tradicionales basados en clases magistrales. Se encontraron variaciones significativas en el momento de la educación en bioética entre programas, desde el segundo hasta el décimo semestre. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos revelan brechas sustanciales entre las aspiraciones institucionales y la implementación real de la educación en bioética, caracterizada por una limitada formación docente y una integración curricular fragmentada. Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de mejorar el desarrollo docente, revisar el plan de estudios e implementar estrategias de enseñanza innovadoras para fortalecer la educación en bioética en los programas de ciencias de la salud.

Background: Bioethics education is essential for developing ethical competencies in healthcare professionals. However, limited evidence exists regarding its implementation in health sciences programs, particularly in developing countries. Objective: To assess the integration of bioethics education in health sciences programs by examining faculty training levels and curricular implementation at a private university in Paraguay. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed academic records from 105 faculty members (34.7% response rate) and curricula from seven undergraduate health sciences programs during 2020-2021. Data collection included faculty demographics, bioethics training, curricular content, teaching methodologies, and assessment strategies. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative analysis examined curricular documents. Results: Only 2% of faculty held formal bioethics qualifications, while 24% reported non-formal training. The Nursing program showed significantly higher rates of faculty with bioethics training (71%) compared to other programs (0-22%, P=0.03). All programs, except Psychology, included ethical principles in their mission statements, but implementation was limited to single mandatory courses (34–85 hours) with traditional lecture-based teaching methods. Significant variations were found in the timing of bioethics education across programs, ranging from second to tenth semester. Conclusions: Findings reveal substantial gaps between institutional aspirations and actual implementation of bioethics education, characterized by limited faculty training and fragmented curricular integration. Results suggest the need for enhanced faculty development, curriculum revision, and innovative teaching strategies to strengthen bioethics education in health sciences programs.

BACKGROUND: An increase in mental health problems have been documented in health sciences students globally during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of mental health problems and substance use among health and rehabilitation sciences (HRS) students during the pandemic. SETTING: The study was conducted at the University of Cape Town, Health Sciences Faculty. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 113 voluntary undergraduate participants was conducted. Participants completed self-administered electronic questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the sociodemographic and COVID-19-related determinants of mental health diagnoses. RESULTS: Substance use was common, including alcohol (54.05%), cigarettes and/or tobacco (17.27%), and illicit drugs (5.56%). Below a quarter (23.85%) self-reported a mental health condition in their lifetime and 14.81% in the past 12 months. Diagnoses included major depressive disorders (13.27%) and anxiety disorders (11.50%). A mental health diagnosis in the past 12 months was significantly associated with alcohol use (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 4.02, 1.06-15.23), prescription medication used to manage academic/social stress (AOR = 5.74, 1.68-19.69), COVID-19 diagnosis (AOR = 5.51, 1.60-18.92) and physiotherapy programme (AOR = 12.35, 1.21-126.44). Barriers to accessing mental health support included academic commitments (61.90%) and the lack of time to attend student wellness services (36.19%). CONCLUSION: The self-reported prevalence of mental health problems and substance use among HRS students was high during the pandemic. CONTRIBUTION: Institutional and public health measures should address modifiable risk factors and barriers to accessing mental health support amongst students.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the different therapeutic strategies prescribed in orofunctional rehabilitation of the tongue musculature. Research strategies Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library for Latin America and the Caribbean, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online, SciVerse Scopus and Cochrane databases were consulted, with the descriptors "exercise therapy” OR “physiology” OR “musculoskeletal physiological phenomena” OR “digestive system and oral physiological phenomena” AND “speech therapy” OR “myofunctional therapy” OR “speech language pathology” AND “tongue”. Studies indexed until October 5, 2023, were included. Selection criteria Studies with an interventionist design with exercises for tongue musculature were included. Data analysis Three reviewers selected, extracted and tabulated the information from the studies. The PEDro scale was used to measure the studies’ methodological quality. Results 1.036 studies were found, and 18 were included in this review. The samples varied between 16 and 148 subjects, aged between 4 and 95 years. Only seven studies clearly described the exercises execution, and the number of sets, repetitions, and contraction duration. Fourteen studies clearly defined the exercises’ objectives. The average score of the PEDro Scale analysis was 6.9, and 56.25% of the studies scored ≥7. Conclusion There is a lack of a clear description of the exercises’ goals and their clinical indications, which can lead to confusion and inadequate prescription. Future studies will need to provide a clear description of the outcomes, in order that we can define, according to the exercises and training program specificity, what the effects of different training methodological parameters in this musculature are.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine if endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be performed with surgery or as a different step, on acute cholecystitis, and which strategy has the least complications and morbimortality. Methods: Various databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, clinical trials, Google Scholar) were searched for randomized trials comparing the different timings for ERCP and cholecystectomy. No language or time restrictions were applied. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0 (Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2), and evidence certainty evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Data synthesis used R-4.1.0 Project for Statistical Computing for Windows, with meta-analysis via fixed-effects model and I2 for heterogeneity. Results: Eleven studies was used, and meta-analysis was performed independently for each outcome. Different outcomes were evaluated, with preoperative ERCP as an intervention and intraoperative ERCP as the control: length of stays (four trials with mean differences – MD = -1.44; 95% confidence interval – 95%CI -3,87–0,98); bile leak (odds ratio – OR = 0.67; 95%CI 0.11–4.09); cholangitis (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 0.29–5.98); bleeding from sphincterotomy (OR = 0.98; 95%CI 0.20–4.86); wound infection (OR = 0.33; 95%CI 0.04–3.14); incisional bleeding (OR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.04–5.70); elevated amylase activity (OR = 5.22; 95%CI 2.17–12.59); acute pancreatitis (OR = 4.61; 95%CI 1.72–12.38); operative time (MD = -6,26; 95%CI -37.24–24.73); failure rate (OR = 1.74; 95%CI 0.99–3.05); conversion (OR = 1.34; 95%CI 0.6–2.96); morbidity (OR = 2.75; 95%CI 1.7–4.47). Conclusions: Risk of bias was significant due to lack of blindness. The morbidity, pancreatitis, and elevated amylase activity outcomes were the only ones to find statistical significance and favored the intraoperative approach.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a combinação da adiposidade corporal (AC) e da aptidão física cardiorrespiratória (ApFCR) com fatores de risco cardiometabólico em crianças (7–10 anos). Métodos: Estudo transversal com amostra de 251 crianças cadastradas em Unidades Saúde da Família. Dados sociodemográficos, de hábitos de vida, antropométricos, bioquímicos, de pressão arterial (PA) e ApFCR foram coletados. Fatores de risco cardiometabólico avaliados: colesterol total, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglicerídeos (TG), glicemia de jejum e pressão arterial (PA). A ApFCR foi avaliada pelo teste de corrida/caminhada de 6 minutos e classificada nos grupos “fisicamente inapto” e “fisicamente apto”. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC)/idade e categorizado em grupos de AC: “sem excesso de peso [≤z-score+1]” e “com excesso de peso [>z-score+1]”. AC e ApFCR foram combinados e as crianças foram categorizadas em: “sem excesso de peso+aptidão física”, “sem excesso de peso+inaptidão física”, “excesso de peso+aptidão física” e “excesso de peso+inaptidão física”. Análises bivariadas foram realizadas e modelos de regressão de Poisson testados, utilizado o software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 21.0, adotando-se p<0,05. Resultados: Cerca de 65% da amostra apresentou baixa ApFCR e 59% excesso de peso. Foram observadas maiores ocorrências de HDL-colesterol alterado, TG alterado e da presença de ≥3 fatores cardiometabólicos agrupados em crianças com excesso de peso + inaptidão física. Conclusões: A prevalência de HDL e TG alterado e de ≥3 fatores cardiometabólicos agrupados foi significativamente maior entre as crianças com excesso de peso e que também apresentavam inaptidão física.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the association between the combination of corporal adiposity (CA) and cardiorespiratory physical fitness (CRF) with cardiometabolic risk factors in children aged 7–10 years. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study with a sample of 251 children registered in Family Health Units. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, biochemical, blood pressure, and CRF data were collected. Cardiometabolic risk factors assessed: total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose and blood pressure. CRF was assessed by the 6-minute run/walk test and classified into: “physically unfit” and “physically fit”. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI)/age and categorized into CA groups: “no excess weight [≤ z-score+1]” and “excess weight [> z-score+1]”. CRF and CA were combined, and the children were classified as “no excess weight + physically fit”, “no excess weight + physically unfit”, “excess weight + physically fit” and “excess weight + physically unfit”. Bivariate analyses were performed, and Poisson regression models were tested. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software was used, adopting p<0.05. Results: Around 65% of the children had low CRF and 59% had excess weight (overweight+obesity). After adjustment, there was a greater occurrence of having altered HDL-c, TG and presence of ≥ 3 grouped cardiometabolic factors among those who had excess weight + physically unfit. Conclusions: The prevalence of altered HDL and TG and of ≥3 grouped cardiometabolic risk factors was significantly higher among children who had excess weight and were physically unfit.

Abstract The study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) that increase the risk of QT prolongation, in a population of cardiovascular disease patients. An observational retrospective study was conducted at a cardiology ward. A total of 351 patients were included in the analysis, with almost equal gender distribution (female 48.4%) and mean age 70±10 years. In the total set of tested drug pairs (5620), QT-prolonging pDDIs were identified in 13 drug pairs on admission. The highest frequency was observed for ciprofloxacin (involved in 5 pDDIs), followed by propafenone (4 pDDIs) and beta2-agonists (4 pDDIs). The pharmacodynamic mechanism was involved in all pDDIs. The study revealed a low prevalence of QT-prolonging pDDIs on admission to the cardiology ward, about 3% in the studied population. However, given that underlying heart disease is a significant risk factor for the occurrence of QTc prolongation, the additional risk for acquired QT prolongation should not be neglected. Due to serious consequences caused by QT prolongation and TdP, the key role of health professionals is to identify predisposed patients and to recognize pDDIs involving QT-prolonging agents. Hence, patients’ modifiable risk factors for QT prolongation should be minimized, if not eliminated.

Abstract Rifampicin (RFP) is used for the treatment of chronic bone tuberculosis owing to its powerful and wide spectrum antibacterial activities. However, effective concentrations of RFP required to treat bone tuberculosis are maintained for a short time in vivo, and adverse reactions and bone defects may occur after surgery. Therefore, the construction of a new drug delivery system to overcome these problems is required. In this study, we designed, constructed, and demonstrated the applicability of a calcium phosphate cement scaffold loaded with RFP liposomes for the treatment of bone tuberculosis. RFP liposomes were prepared using a film dispersion method. The preparation method was optimized using the encapsulation rate as an indicator and the morphology, mean particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation rate, and drug loading of RFP liposomes were characterized. Calcium phosphate cement scaffolds were constructed using 3D printing technology and used as RFP liposome carriers for sustained-release drug delivery. Finally, some of the properties were verified in vivo through experiments in rabbits. The results indicated that composite scaffolds can provide sustained drug release and are a promising treatment option for bone tuberculosis.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the existence of information about deprescription in the leaflets of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications. The leaflets available on the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites for the following medications were analyzed: omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. The variables collected in each leaflet were the existence: a) about deprescribing; b) of guidance on the deprescription process; c) maximum recommended time for use; and d) risk of prolonged use. This information was analyzed in accordance with the PPI deprescription guideline, from Canada. Regarding the medication leaflets, 83.33 % from ANVISA and 100 % from the FDA did not present explicit and systematic guidance on deprescribing. Regarding the maximum time of use, 100 % of the leaflets from both agencies contained this information. Regarding the risks of prolonged use of the medication, 33.33 % of the ANVISA leaflets and 33.3 % of the FDA leaflets did not report the increased risks described in the guideline. The results highlight a large gap in information about deprescribing in PPI leaflets; this highlighting is necessary to contribute to the promotion of the rational use of medicines.

Abstract Depression has substantially increased in the last 10 years in Brazil, and mental health became a concerning issue for the public health globally, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic. The therapeutic conduct in depression mainly relies on medication and psychotherapy. However, more than one attempt in the treatment can be considered a common procedure before finding out the right medication. This conduct leads many patients to give up following pharmacological treatment. In this scenario, pharmacogenomics emerges as a possible supporting tool of the medical treatment. This paper aims to analyze the scenario of depression in Brazil and the viability of pharmacogenomic tests implementation as a part of the medical procedure. Official data bank from the Brazilian government was used to analyze the prevalence of depressive disorder, as well as Pharmacogenomic data bases and relevant articles around this topic. Additionally, pharmacogenomic tests typically take into consideration the genes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which are relevant for antidepressant treatment. Data shows that these tests could help patients achieve remission of symptoms, and they could also be economically advantageous. Thus, pharmacogenomic tests present as an interesting approach for the therapeutic conduct of depression and can significantly improve the health quality of this affected population.

Abstract Mikania glomerata (guaco) is included in Brazil’s National List of Essential Drugs (RENAME) with expectorant and bronchodilator indications. This research aims to describe the profile of patients and prescribers of guaco-based herbal medicines within the Unified Health System in the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul (RS)/Brazil, quantify the consumption and cost of this product, and assess the prescriber’s experience with guaco and herbal medicine. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted based on questionnaires applied to prescribers and guaco usage data in primary care in RS municipalities (May 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021). 44 municipalities (40%) were identified dispensing guaco syrup in the sample. The results showed a prevalence of women users (57.4%) and patients between 19 and 59 years of age (58.2%). All participating prescribers were physicians, and 37% of the responses indicated daily doses of coumarin lower than recommended. The syrup consumption per 1,000 inhabitants ranged from 0.3 to 36.6 bottles, and the monthly cost per municipality varied from $0.50 to $247.78. Only five prescribers (21.7%) were familiar with the herbal medicines in RENAME, and only one had formal training for prescribing herbal medicines, highlighting the need for instruction and dissemination of programs for using herbal medicines.