Objectives: Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) have been negatively associated with several mental health problems, including delinquency. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between R/S and interpersonal violence using a systematic review. Methods: We conducted a descriptive systematic review followed by meta-analyses using seven different databases. We included observational studies that assessed the relationship between R/S and different types of interpersonal violence (physical and sexual aggression and domestic violence). Results: A total of 16,599 articles were screened in the databases and, after applying the eligibility criteria, 67 were included in the systematic review and 43 were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that higher levels of R/S were significantly associated with decreased physical and sexual aggression, but not domestic violence. All selected studies evidenced sufficient methodological quality, with 26.8% being cohort studies. In the subanalyses, the role of R/S was more prevalent among adolescents. Conclusion: There is an inverse relationship between R/S and physical and sexual aggression, suggesting a protective role. However, these results were not observed for domestic violence. Healthcare professionals and managers should be aware of their patients’ beliefs when investigating interpersonal violence to create tailored interventions for reducing violent behavior.

Objective: To review the most common mental health strategies aimed at alleviating and/or preventing mental health problems in individuals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other coronavirus pandemics. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature assessing three databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO). A meta-analysis was performed with data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). For non-RCT studies, a critical description of recommendations was performed. Results: From a total of 2,825 articles, 125 were included. Of those, three RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the interventions promoted better overall mental health outcomes as compared to control groups (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.87 [95%CI 0.33-1.41], p < 0.001, I2 = 69.2%), but did not specifically improve anxiety (SMD = 0.98 [95%CI -0.17 to 2.13], p > 0.05; I2 = 36.8%). Concerning the systematic review, we found a large body of scientific literature proposing recommendations involving psychological/psychiatric interventions, self-care, education, governmental programs, and the use of technology and media. Conclusions: We found a large body of expert recommendations that may help health practitioners, institutional and governmental leaders, and the general population cope with mental health issues during a pandemic or a crisis period. However, most articles had a low level of evidence, stressing the need for more studies with better design (especially RCTs) investigating potential mental health interventions during COVID-19. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020190212.

Abstract Objective To investigate the use of healthcare services and factors associated with accessing them among Chinese immigrants living in Southern Spain. Method A mixed methodology was used. A cross-sectional survey was first administered to Chinese immigrants (n=133), and they were asked about their visits to the doctor, use of emergency services, and hospitalization. A phenomenological approach was then used with key informants (n=7). In the interviews, additional information, such as barriers and facilitators to improving accessibility, was explored. Results In the previous year, 51% had visited a doctor and 34% had visited an Emergency Department. The main reasons for hospitalization were pregnancy (37.5%) and surgery (25%). At least 20% of the sample reported having never visited a doctor. Language difficulties and time constraints were identified as important barriers to accessibility. Sex differences were found among the reasons for lack of time, which, in men, were related to work (odds ratio [OR]=7.7) and, in women, were related to childcare (OR=12). The majority of Chinese immigrants preferred to use Traditional Chinese Medicine as their first treatment rather than visiting a doctor. Conclusions A lower use of health services was found among Chinese immigrants in Spain compared to the native population. When using health services, they choose acute care settings. Communication and waiting times are highlighted as major barriers. Adapting these demands to the healthcare system may help immigrants to trust their healthcare providers, thus increasing their use of health services and improving their treatment.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar el uso y los factores asociados al acceso a los servicios de salud en inmigrantes chinos residentes en el sur de España. Método Se utilizó una metodología mixta. Primero se administró una encuesta transversal a inmigrantes chinos (n=133). Se les preguntó sobre sus visitas al médico y el uso de servicios de emergencia y de hospitalización. Luego se utilizó un enfoque fenomenológico con informantes clave (n=7), explorando información adicional, como barreras y facilitadores para mejorar la accesibilidad. Resultados El último año, el 51% había visitado al médico y el 34% un servicio de urgencias. La hospitalización se debió principalmente a embarazo (37,5%) y cirugía (25%). El 20% informó que nunca había visitado al médico. Las dificultades de lenguaje y las limitaciones de tiempo fueron barreras importantes para la accesibilidad. Se encontraron diferencias de sexo para la falta de tiempo; en hombres se relacionaron con el trabajo (odds ratio [OR]=7,7) y en mujeres con el cuidado infantil (OR=12). La mayoría prefirió usar medicina tradicional china como primer tratamiento en lugar de visitar al médico. Conclusiones Se encontró un menor uso de los servicios de salud entre los inmigrantes chinos en España en comparación con la población autóctona. Al utilizar los servicios de salud, eligen los cuidados agudos. La comunicación y los tiempos de espera destacan como barreras principales. Adaptar estas demandas al sistema de salud puede ayudarles a confiar en sus proveedores de atención médica, aumentando el uso de los servicios de salud y mejorando su tratamiento.

Abstract Objective To investigate the use of healthcare services and factors associated with accessing them among Chinese immigrants living in Southern Spain. Method A mixed methodology was used. A cross-sectional survey was first administered to Chinese immigrants (n=133), and they were asked about their visits to the doctor, use of emergency services, and hospitalization. A phenomenological approach was then used with key informants (n=7). In the interviews, additional information, such as barriers and facilitators to improving accessibility, was explored. Results In the previous year, 51% had visited a doctor and 34% had visited an Emergency Department. The main reasons for hospitalization were pregnancy (37.5%) and surgery (25%). At least 20% of the sample reported having never visited a doctor. Language difficulties and time constraints were identified as important barriers to accessibility. Sex differences were found among the reasons for lack of time, which, in men, were related to work (odds ratio [OR]=7.7) and, in women, were related to childcare (OR=12). The majority of Chinese immigrants preferred to use Traditional Chinese Medicine as their first treatment rather than visiting a doctor. Conclusions A lower use of health services was found among Chinese immigrants in Spain compared to the native population. When using health services, they choose acute care settings. Communication and waiting times are highlighted as major barriers. Adapting these demands to the healthcare system may help immigrants to trust their healthcare providers, thus increasing their use of health services and improving their treatment.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar el uso y los factores asociados al acceso a los servicios de salud en inmigrantes chinos residentes en el sur de España. Método Se utilizó una metodología mixta. Primero se administró una encuesta transversal a inmigrantes chinos (n=133). Se les preguntó sobre sus visitas al médico y el uso de servicios de emergencia y de hospitalización. Luego se utilizó un enfoque fenomenológico con informantes clave (n=7), explorando información adicional, como barreras y facilitadores para mejorar la accesibilidad. Resultados El último año, el 51% había visitado al médico y el 34% un servicio de urgencias. La hospitalización se debió principalmente a embarazo (37,5%) y cirugía (25%). El 20% informó que nunca había visitado al médico. Las dificultades de lenguaje y las limitaciones de tiempo fueron barreras importantes para la accesibilidad. Se encontraron diferencias de sexo para la falta de tiempo; en hombres se relacionaron con el trabajo (odds ratio [OR]=7,7) y en mujeres con el cuidado infantil (OR=12). La mayoría prefirió usar medicina tradicional china como primer tratamiento en lugar de visitar al médico. Conclusiones Se encontró un menor uso de los servicios de salud entre los inmigrantes chinos en España en comparación con la población autóctona. Al utilizar los servicios de salud, eligen los cuidados agudos. La comunicación y los tiempos de espera destacan como barreras principales. Adaptar estas demandas al sistema de salud puede ayudarles a confiar en sus proveedores de atención médica, aumentando el uso de los servicios de salud y mejorando su tratamiento.

Objectives: To investigate the most common sources of stress faced by medical students and the degree to which different stressors impact their lives. As a secondary objective, a new instrument, Medical Student Stress Factor Scale (MSSF), was developed based on these stressors. Methods: The MSSF was applied to 431 medical students. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was administered to investigate the relationship between these stressors and the students’ mental health. Results: The five greatest stressors were the extensive content, lack of time to study, sleep deprivation, excessive self-pressure for good grades, and lack of leisure time. The MSSF showed good psychometric characteristics, resulting in a 28-item scale with five subscales. The Relationships and Health subscales were associated with depressive symptoms; Relationships, Health, and Learning Environment/Academic Performance were associated with anxiety symptoms, while Health, and Learning Environment/Academic Performance were associated with stress symptoms. Conclusions: Our study presents important data about the most important stressors that affect medical students’ lives and cause mental health issues. The factors are generally related to academic performance and the learning environment and should be targeted in future interventions.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: It is not uncommon for medical residents to deal with critically ill patients who frequently show several ethical and human dilemmas, highlighting the need for a consultation with ethical specialists. The objective of this article is to present a description of a Brazilian Ethics Consultation group designed to attend psychiatry residents. METHODS: This article reports a case of a critically ill patient with Borderline Personality Disorder with multiple intervention failures and several ethical conflicts who was seen by a resident and supported by an ethics consultation group. RESULTS: When medical residents and medical staff face severe and unusual ethical dilemmas, they might feel unprepared and have ones’ mental health impaired. Thus, this article reports a successful ethics consultation and discusses its development in other academic institutions. CONCLUSION: Medical educators and staff from academic hospitals should pay attention to the needs of the medical residents. The development and support of ethics consultation groups must be provided to fulfill the need of those residents who face serious ethical and human dilemmas.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O presente estudo tem como objetivo comparar a qualidade de vida (QV) de estudantes de medicina de duas instituições brasileiras com diferentes concepções pedagógicas. MÉTODOS Estudo comparativo incluindo estudantes do 1o ao 4o ano do curso de medicina de duas instituições no Brasil (uma usando metodologias ativas e pequenos grupos e a outra aulas expositivas tradicionais e grandes grupos). Utilizou-se um questionário demográfico e o instrumento WHOQOL-Bref. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 820 estudantes de medicina. Nenhuma diferença significativa na qualidade de vida foi encontrada no geral e na avaliação por fase do curso, com exceção do WHOQOL físico, que mostrou ser mais baixo para os estudantes da da instituição com aulas tradicionais, mesmo quando ajustado para o gênero. CONCLUSÃO Nossos achados revelaram que apesar de terem concepções e características pedagógicas bem distintas, não se observaram diferenças significativas nos escores de QV dos estudantes de medicina das duas instituições. Esses resultados são surpreendentes e diferem da nossa principal hipótese, uma vez que esperávamos uma melhora de QV para aqueles que usam métodos mais ativos e centrados no estudante.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The present study aims to compare medical students’ quality of life (QoL) at two Brazilian institutions with different pedagogical conceptions. METHODS We studied students during the first four years of medical school at two institutions (one using active methodologies and small groups and the other using traditional lectures and large groups). We used a demographic questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF. RESULTS 820 medical students were included. No significant differences in quality of life were found in general, nor while evaluating the course phase, except for the physical WHOQOL, which was lower for 2nd-year students at the institution with traditional lectures, even when adjusted for gender. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that, despite having very distinct pedagogical conceptions and characteristics, there were no significant differences in medical students’ QoL scores between both institutions. These results are surprising and differ from our initial hypothesis, which expected better QoL for those using more active and student-centered methods.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Investigar quantas escolas médicas e de fisioterapia brasileiras possuem iniciativas e cursos relacionados à EIP nos currículos, avaliando as barreiras e fatores associados com essa implementação e comparando as diferenças entre esses dois cursos. MÉTODOS Essa pesquisa nacional foi conduzida em 2017 e incluiu representantes das escolas médicas e de fisioterapia no Brasil. As ofertas de atividades interprofissionais, assim como as opiniões e barreiras para implementação, foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS Um total de 76 (33,9%) escolas médicas e 159 (41.4%) escolas de fisioterapia respondeu aos questionários. Pelo menos 68,4% das escolas médicas e 79,2% das escolas de fisioterapia possuem iniciativas de EIP, embora o número de cursos obrigatórios e estágios ainda seja baixo. Apesar de reconhecer a importância da EIP na educação em saúde, os representantes das escolas percebem como barreiras a falta de integração entre os cursos, associada a cronogramas incompatíveis e uma falta de suporte institucional. Na fisioterapia, existe menor percepção de barreiras e uma grande incorporação de cursos obrigatórios no currículo. CONCLUSÃO Esses resultados auxiliarão no desenvolvimento de futuras intervenções que promovam a EIP no currículo dos países em desenvolvimento.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES To investigate how many Brazilian medical and physical therapy schools have initiatives and courses related to IPE in their curricula, assessing the barriers and factors associated with their implementation and comparing the differences between both programs. METHODS This nationwide survey was carried out in 2017 and included representatives of all physical therapy and medical schools in Brasil. Offers of interprofessional activities and related opinions and barriers were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 76 (33.9%) of the medical and 159 (41.4%) of the physical therapy schools answered the questionnaires. At least 68.4% of the medical schools and 79.2% of the physical therapy schools have IPE initiatives, although the number of mandatory courses and clerkships is still low. Despite recognizing IPE’s importance in health education, school representatives see the lack of integration of programs, conflicting schedules, and the lack of institutional support as barriers. In physical therapy, there is a smaller perception of barriers and greater incorporation of mandatory programs in the curriculum. CONCLUSION These results will help in the development of future interventions that can enhance IPE in curricula in developing countries.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Buscou-se entender o panorama dos artigos publicados sobre os ambientes de aprendizagem (AA) das escolas médicas em todo o mundo, com um foco explícito nos aspectos potencialmente negativos do AA como um esforço para identificar áreas especificamente necessitadas de remediação ou intervenção que poderiam evitar futuros comportamentos não profissionais, violência e maus-tratos entre estudantes e médicos. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise bibliométrica em seis bases de dados eletrônicas (PubMed / Medline, Web of Science, Biblioteca Cochrane, SCOPUS, ERIC-ProQuest e PsycINFO) até 31 de dezembro de 2016, incluindo 12 temas: ambiente de aprendizagem - geral, currículo oculto (negativo), comportamentos antiéticos, bullying/trote, violência, discriminação sexual, homofobia, racismo, discriminação social, discriminação de minorias, má conduta profissional e “outros” aspectos negativos. RESULTADOS: Dos 9.338 artigos encontrados, 710 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os temas mais comuns foram LE geral (233 artigos), comportamentos não profissionais (91 artigos) e discriminação sexual (80 artigos). Aproximadamente 80% dos artigos foram publicados no século XXI. CONCLUSÃO: Há um claro aumento em artigos científicos sobre aspectos negativos da escola de medicina LE em periódicos de alta qualidade, especialmente no século XXI. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para investigar aspectos negativos do LE com maior atenção aos desenhos de estudos experimentais, longitudinais e transculturais.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the landscape of published articles regarding medical schools’ learning environments (LE) worldwide, with an explicit focus on potentially harmful aspects of the LE as an effort to identify areas specifically in need of remediation or intervention that could prevent future unprofessional behaviors, burnout, violence and mistreatment among students and physicians. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, ERIC-ProQuest, and PsycINFO) up to December 31, 2016, including 12 themes: learning environment – general, hidden curriculum (harmful), unethical behaviors, bullying/hazing, violence, sexual discrimination, homophobia, racism, social discrimination, minorities discrimination, professional misconduct, and other negative aspects. RESULTS: Of the 9,338 articles found, 710 met the inclusion criteria. The most common themes were general LE (233 articles), unprofessional behaviors (91 articles), and sexual discrimination (80 articles). Approximately 80% of articles were published in the 21st century. CONCLUSION: There is a definite increase in scientific articles on negative aspects of the medical school LE in high-quality journals, especially in the 21st century. However, more studies are needed to investigate negative LE aspects with greater attention to experimental, longitudinal, and cross-cultural study designs.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Buscou-se entender o panorama dos artigos publicados sobre os ambientes de aprendizagem (AA) das escolas médicas em todo o mundo, com um foco explícito nos aspectos potencialmente negativos do AA como um esforço para identificar áreas específicamente necessitadas de remediação ou intervenção que poderiam evitar futuros comportamentos não profissionais, violência e maus-tratos entre estudantes e médicos. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise bibliométrica em seis bases de dados eletrônicas (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Biblioteca Cochrane, Scopus, Eric-ProQuest e PsycInfo) até 31 de dezembro de 2016, incluindo 12 temas: ambiente de aprendizagem - geral, currículo oculto (negativo), comportamentos antiéticos, bullying/trote, violência, discriminação sexual, homofobia, racismo, discriminação social, discriminação de minorias, má conduta profissional e “outros" aspectos negativos. Resultados: Dos 9.338 artigos encontrados, 710 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os temas mais comuns foram LE geral (233 artigos), comportamentos não profissionais (91 artigos) e discriminação sexual (80 artigos). Aproximadamente 80% dos artigos foram publicados no século XXI. Conclusão: Há um claro aumento em artigos científicos sobre aspectos negativos da escola de medicina LE em periódicos de alta qualidade, especialmente no século XXI. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para investigar aspectos negativos do LE com maior atenção aos desenhos de estudos experimentais, longitudinais e transculturais.

SUMMARY Objective: We sought to understand the landscape of published articles regarding medical schools’ learning environments (LE) worldwide, with an explicit focus on potentially negative aspects of the LE as an effort to identify areas specifically in need of remediation or intervention that could prevent future unprofessional behaviours, burnout, violence and mistreatment among students and physicians. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, ERIC-ProQuest and PsycINFO) through December 31, 2016, including 12 themes: learning environment - general, hidden curriculum (negative), unethical behaviours, bullying/hazing, violence, sexual discrimination, homophobia, racism, social discrimination, minorities’ discrimination, professional misconduct, and "other" negative aspects. Results: Of 9,338 articles found, 710 met the inclusion criteria. The most common themes were general LE (233 articles), unprofessional behaviours (91 articles), and sexual discrimination (80 articles). Approximately 80% of articles were published in the 21st century. Conclusion: There is a clear increase in scientific articles on negative aspects of the medical school LE in high-quality journals, especially in the 21st century. However, more studies are needed to investigate negative LE aspects with greater attention paid to experimental, longitudinal, and cross-cultural study designs.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O conhecimento sobre a motivação dos estudantes possibilita aos educadores ampliar sua compreensão e estabelecer estratégias que possam potencializá-la. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a motivação do estudante em diferentes momentos da formação médica, comparando-se a motivação de alunos ingressantes e do final do curso, assim como nas diferentes fases pré-clínica, clínica e internato. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal incluindo estudantes de uma universidade pública brasileira. O questionário incluiu dados sociodemográficos e a Escala de Motivação Acadêmica (EMA). A motivação dos estudantes foi comparada nas diferentes fases do curso. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 710 estudantes de medicina. Houve diferenças significantes entre a motivação nas diferentes fases do curso de medicina. Estudantes nas fase pré-clínica (1o e 2o anos) possuíam maiores níveis de EMA regulação integrada (e.g. "Educação é um privilégio"), EMA regulação introjetada (e.g. “venho porque é isso que esperam de mim") e EMA motivação intrínseca (e.g. "universidade é um prazer"). já estudantes da fase clínica (3o e 4o anos) possuíam maiores níveis de EMA desmotivação (e.g. "estou perdendo meu tempo na universidade") e EMA regulação externa (e.g. “venho à universidade para conseguir o diploma"). Os estudantes do internato (5o e 6o anos) obtiveram resultados não significantes em relação ao período clínico, mas diferentes em relação ao pré-clínico na EMA regulação externa, EMA regulação introjetada e EMA regulação Integrada. Comparando-se apenas o primeiro com o último semestre do curso, os alunos ingressantes possuíam maiores níveis de EMA regulação integrada e menores níveis de EMA desmotivação e EMA regulação externa. CONCLUSÃO: Foram encontradas mudanças motivacionais importantes entre as diferentes fases da formação médica, tendo maiores níveis de motivação nos períodos iniciais do curso. Esses achados podem auxiliar o desenvolvimento de estratégias educacionais que estimulem a educação autodeterminada.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Knowledge about student motivation allows educators to broaden their understanding and to establish strategies that make it possible to enhance motivation. OBJECTIVES To investigate the levels of student motivation at different phases of medical education, comparing incoming students' motivation with that of those at the end of their studies, as well as during the different preclinical, clinical, and clerkship cycles. METHOD: Cross-sectional study including students from a Brazilian public university. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data and the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Student motivation was compared at different phases of the medical course. RESULTS: 710 students were included. Students in the preclinical phase (1st-2nd years) had higher levels of integrated regulation AMS (e.g.,"Education is a privilege."), introjected regulation AMS (e.g."I come because it is what is expected of me."), and intrinsic motivation AMS (e.g."School is a pleasure"). Students in the clinical phase (3rd-4th years) had higher levels of amotivation (e.g., "I'm wasting my time at school.") and external regulation AMS (e.g., "I'm coming to school to earn a degree"). AMS levels of external regulation, introjected relation, and integrated regulation were different for Clerkship students (5th-6th years) compared to preclinical students, but not for clinical students. Comparing only the first and last years, incoming students had higher levels of integrated regulation AMS and lower levels of amotivation AMS and external regulation AMS. CONCLUSION: Important motivational changes were found during different phases of medical school, with higher levels of motivation during the course's initial semesters. These findings can aid in developing educational strategies to stimulate self-determined education.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Different approaches to learning can exert considerable influence on the teaching-learning process in medical education. This study aimed to investigate the association of surface and deep learning with study patterns, preferred type of assessment, practices of cheating and quality of sleep among medical students. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on medical students enrolled in all six years of a medical school in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. METHODS: Questionnaires were applied to evaluate learning approaches (R-SPQ-2F), study patterns, sources and choices, and quality of sleep. Students’ learning approaches (deep or surface) were assessed in relation to their study patterns, study resources, quality of sleep and whether they cheated in tests. RESULTS: Among the 710 students included, 43% frequently studied on the night before an exam, 65% had used psychostimulants to study and more than 46% had cheated in an exam. Regarding quality of sleep, most students (53.4%) reported that their quality of sleep was poor, such that 45.3% slept for fewer than five hours before an exam. Those who studied just prior to an exam, used class summaries, preferred multiple-choice questions and cheated during the test had a more surface-learning approach. On the other hand, those who read books, preferred practical exams and slept better had a deeper approach. CONCLUSION: The type of learning approach was associated with study patterns and choices among medical students. Educators need to be attentive to the type of learning their students use and think of measures that impact teaching and assessment methods.

RESUMO Devido ao custo alto de tratamento, existe uma legislação autorizando a distribuição sem custo de anticolinesterásicos para pacientes com doença de Alzheimer no Brasil. Entretanto, a existência dessa distribuição gratuita nem sempre garante uma distribuição adequada. Objetivos O presente estudo objetiva investigar a distribuição e desigualdades no uso de anticolinesterásicos (AChE) dispensados pelo Sistema de Saúde Público do Brasil. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo que coletou dados do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. Foram avaliados todos os anticolinesterásicos distribuídos sem custo no Brasil durante o ano de 2014, assim como o número estimado e a porcentagem de pacientes que usavam essa medicação. Esses dados foram comparados com o ano de 2008. Resultados Estima-se que 9,7% da população que possui síndromes demenciais usa anticolinesterásicos, assim como 16,1% dos pacientes com doença de Alzheimer. Uma clara desigualdade entre o uso e a distribuição dos anticolinesterásicos foi encontrada, variando de acordo com a região. Houve um aumento na distribuição de anticolinesterásicos ao longo do tempo. Em 2008, o uso era de 12% e, em 2014, foi de 16,1%, resultando em um aumento de 34% em 6 anos. Conclusão Estima-se que 16,1% dos pacientes com doença de Alzheimer no Brasil usam anticolinesterásicos. Esses valores tiveram um aumento e, embora ainda não sejam satisfatórios, eles indicam um potencial de melhora. Entretanto, ainda foi evidenciada uma significante desigualdade entre as regiões.

ABSTRACT In light of the high cost of dementia treatment, there is legislation authorizing free distribution of cholinesterase inhibitors to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in Brazil. However, the existence of this free distribution does not guarantee adequate distribution. Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the trends of prescriptions and the coverage of Alzheimer’s disease treatment using cholinesterase inhibitors from public pharmacies dispensing high-cost drugs in Brazil. Methods This was a retrospective study that collected data from the Brazilian public Unified Health System. All cholinesterase inhibitors distributed at no cost to Brazilians during the year 2014, as well as the estimated number and percentages of patients who used these medications, were evaluated and compared to data from the year 2008. Results Our estimates indicated that 9.7% of the population having dementia syndromes used cholinesterase inhibitors, as well as 16.1% of those with Alzheimer’s disease in Brazil. A clear disparity was noted between the use and distribution of cholinesterase inhibitors, depending on the region in which they were found. Over time, an increase in the distribution of cholinesterase inhibitors has been noted. In 2008, that use was 12.0% whereas, in 2014, it was 16.1%, an increase of 34% in six years. Conclusion It was estimated that 16.1% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease in Brazil use cholinesterase inhibitors. These values have increased and, in spite of not being satisfactory, they indicate a potential for improvement. However, there is still a significant disparity among the regions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre crenças religiosas/espirituais, ansiedade e depressão em estudantes dos cursos de medicina e enfermagem. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com estudantes de medicina e enfermagem de uma universidade brasileira. Estudantes foram sorteados de forma aleatória e preencheram um questionário que continha dados sociodemográficos, de religiosidade (Duke Religion Index), espiritualidade (Self-spirituality rating scale) e saúde mental - depressão e ansiedade (Hospital Anxietyand Depression Scale). Foram usados modelos de regressão linear para avaliar a associação de R/E com saúde mental ajustando para as variáveis sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS: Um total de 187 estudantes abordados (90,7%) foi incluído no estudo, sendo 56,1% do sexo feminino, média de 23 anos de idade e 69% fazendo parte do curso de medicina. Dos estudantes, 29,4% frequentavam serviços religiosos uma vez ou mais por semana, 10,7% realizavam atividades privadas religiosas uma ou mais vezes ao dia e os índices de religiosidade intrínseca e espiritualidade foram moderados. Na regressão linear, ajustada para variáveis sociodemográficas, a frequência religiosa foi a única que esteve associada a menores níveis de ansiedade (Beta: −0,178, p = 0,026). As demais dimensões de religiosidade ou espiritualidade não estiveram associadas a níveis de ansiedade e depressão. CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo evidenciou que apenas a frequência religiosa esteve associada à saúde mental do estudante de medicina e enfermagem. Esses resultados demonstram que alguns estudantes utilizam suporte religioso na tentativa de minimizar os efeitos negativos de sua vida universitária. Esse suporte parece ser mais efetivo quando envolve a participação em atividades sociais religiosas em relação a atividades privadas.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between religious and spiritual beliefs, anxiety and depression in medical and nursing students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with medical and nursing students from a Brazilian university. Students were randomly selected and filled out a questionnaire that contained sociodemographic, religious (Duke Religion Index), spirituality (Self-spirituality rating scale) and mental health - depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) data. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of R/E with mental health, with adjustments for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 187 students (90.7%) were included in the study, 56.1% female, an average of 23 years old, and 69% were enrolled in the medical program. Of the students, 29.4% attended religious services once a week or more often, 10.7% had private religious activities once a day or more often, and the indexes of intrinsic religiosity and spirituality were moderate. In the linear regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, the religious attendance was the only factor associated with lower levels of anxiety (Beta: −0.178, p=0.026). The other dimensions of religiousness or spirituality were not associated with levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that only the religious attendance was associated with the mental health of the medical and nursing students. These results demonstrate that some students use religious support in an attempt to minimize the negative effects of their university life. This support seems to be more effective when it involves participation in religious social activities in relation to private activities.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a distribuição geográfica e a trajetória dos médicos e fatores associados à escolha para o local da prática médica. Método: Estudo transversal envolvendo graduados entre 2001 a 2010, utilizando-se questionário autoaplicado com dados sociodemográficos, informações de localização geográfica (local de nascimento, local onde residia quando entrou na faculdade de medicina, local onde realizou a residência médica e local de prática profissional), e as razões para escolha do local de sua fixação. Análises estatísticas avaliaram as tendências da distribuição dos egressos e os fatores associados com a escolha do local para a prática médica. Resultados: 563 egressos completaram o questionário. Destes, 4,3% (n=24) eram médicos de família, 19,9% (n=112) tinham especialidades em grandes áreas (medicina interna, pediatria, cirurgia e ginecologia-obstetrícia), enquanto os outros escolheram subespecialidades. Houve predomínio da escolha de cidades de grande porte para a prática profissional. Convites para trabalhar recebidos durante a residência médica aumentaram a escolha de cidades de maior densidade populacional. Por outro lado, os convites recebidos durante a graduação influenciaram a escolha de cidades de mais baixa densidade populacional. Para estes últimos, a presença da família no local foi fator de influência, enquanto, para os que escolheram cidades de maior densidade populacional, os fatores de influência foram melhor infraestrutura e mais opções de diversão. Conclusão: A maioria dos médicos deste estudo fixou-se em grandes cidades e escolheu subespecialidades. Conhecer os múltiplos fatores que influenciaram a escolha do local para prática profissional pode auxiliar no planejamento de estratégias para reduzir a má distribuição do trabalho médico.

Summary Objective: To evaluate the geographic distribution and career trajectory of medical graduates and the factors associated with their choice of practice location. Method: A cross-sectional study involving graduates from December 2001 to December 2010 was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire collected demographics and geographic information (place of birth, place of residence at the time of medical school admission, place of residency training and practice location), and reason for choosing the current location. Statistical analyses assessed trends in geographic distribution of graduates, and identified factors associated with location choice (through the population density of the location chosen for professional practice). Results: A total of 563 graduates completed the questionnaire. Of those, 4.3% (n=24) reported family medicine as their medical specialty, 19.9% (n=112) reported other primary care specialties (internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery and obstetrics-gynecology) and the others chose subspecialties. Larger cities were more likely to be chosen for practice, particularly for newly-graduated doctors. Job invitations received during medical residency training increased the likelihood of choosing high-populated cities. In contrast, job invitations received during medical school increased the likelihood of choosing cities less populated. Amongst those in cities with lower population density, proximity to family members was an additional influencing factor; those who chose more densely populated cities did so because of better infrastructure and recreational options. Conclusion: Most of the physicians included in this study pursue subspecialties training and were practicing medicine in large cities. Knowing the multiple factors that influenced the choice of practice location can assist in planning future strategies to reduce physician workforce misdistribution.