A dieta Mediterrânea (DM) tem sido amplamente estudada do ponto de vista epidemiológico porém, o efeito pleno específico da DM, bem como os mecanismos pelos quais esse padrão dietético contribui para redução do risco cardiovascular em prevenção secundária, são desconhecidos. Isso ocorre, em parte, devido à dificuldade de aderência observada em ensaios clínicos de intervenção dietética, especialmente estudos comparativos com dietas hipolipemiantes, por exemplo, a dieta TLC, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet (TLCD) do National Cholesterol Education Program-ATPIII. Assim, realizamos um estudo clínico, controlado, não randomizado, comparando o perfil de risco cardiovascular de dieta Mediterrânea (DM) versus dieta TLC (DTLC) em 40 pacientes com doença arterial coronariana, homogeneamente selecionados (45-65 anos de idade, homens, que tiveram ao menos um evento coronariano nos 2 últimos anos) e intensamente medicados. Uma questão paralela foi entender os efeitos de ambas as dietas nos processos de inflamação, disfunção endotelial e do estresse oxidativo, fatores-chave na aterogênese e particularmente importantes na prevenção secundária. Os hábitos culturais e dietéticos foram relevantes para alocação dos pacientes nos grupos de dieta Mediterrânea (n = 21; dieta rica em grãos integrais, vegetais, frutas, oleaginosas 10 g/dia, azeite de oliva extra-virgem 30 g/dia e vinho tinto 250 ml/dia) ou dieta TLC (n = 19; suplementada com fitosteróis 2g/dia através de creme vegetal 20 g/dia). Escores de aderência validados na literatura e específicos às dietas mostraram resultado > 90% no índice de aderência aos dois padrões dietéticos. Alguns efeitos foram comuns à dieta Mediterrânea e à dieta TLC. Com ambas, houve redução significativa de peso, índice de massa corporal (kg/m²), variáveis de composição corporal e pressão arterial. Além disso, ambas as dietas promoveram redução dos níveis plasmáticos de ADMA e da relação L-arginina/ADMA. A reatividade da artéria braquial dependente do endotélio permaneceu inalterada em ambos os grupos; no entanto, pacientes sob DM e sob DTLC melhoraram a velocidade de fluxo no momento basal (pré-hiperemia vascular). Outros efeitos foram específicos a cada padrão dietético. Com a DM, foram observados diminuição na contagem total de leucócitos versus DTLC (p =0.025) e aumento nos níveis de HDL-colesterol em 3 mg/dL (p = 0.053) versus DTLC, que mantiveram níveis de HDL-C inalterados. O diâmetro basal da artéria braquial aumentou com a DM, mas não com a DTLC. Com a DTLC, houve redução estatisticamente significante versus DM nas variáveis lipídicas colesterol total, LDL-colesterol (p < 0.05) e LDL oxidada (p = 0.009), embora a razão LDL oxidada/LDL total não tenha se alterado. Níveis séricos/plasmáticos de apolipoproteína A-1, lipoproteína(a), glicose, mieloperoxidase, sICAM, sVCAM, e as razões glutationa reduzida/oxidada em plasma e eritrócitos não se alteraram em ambos os grupos. Em conjunto, estes dados indicam um perfil de efeitos da DM e DTLC compatíveis com redução do risco cardiovascular, mesmo em pacientes intensamente medicados, em prevenção secundária. Embora estes efeitos tenham sido equivalentes entre DM e DTLC, eles parecem ser mediados tanto por alguns mecanismos comuns, como alguns mecanismos específicos de cada dieta / The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been widely studied with respect to epidemiology, but mechanisms whereby the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is cardioprotective are unclear. This is partly because of the difficulties of adherence in clinical trials of dietary intervention, particularly trials comparing it to traditional lipid-restraining diets, e.g., Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet (TLCD) from National Cholesterol Education Program ATPIII. We performed a controlled, non-randomized clinical trial comparing the cardiovascular risk profile of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) versus the TLC Diet (TLCD) in 40 selected, highly-homogeneous, and intensively medicated patients with coronary heart disease (45-65 years, males, at least one coronary event over prior 2 years). In addition, we sought to investigate both diets effects on inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, all key factors in atherogenesis and particularly important in secondary prevention. Dietary/cultural habits were the basis to allocate patients for 3 months to either MD (n = 21; rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts 10g/day, extra-virgin olive oil 30g/day, red wine 250ml/day) or TLCD (n = 19; plus phytosterols 2g/day). Specific scores showed that both diets had >90% adherence. Some effects were common to both diets. Patients in both groups showed a significant reduction in weight, body mass index, body composition and blood pressure. Also, both groups presented a reduction in plasma levels of ADMA and L-arginine/ADMA ratio. Endothelial-dependent brachial artery reactivity remained unaltered in both groups. However, patients under MD and TLCD improved flow velocity at baseline (prior to hyperemia). Nevertheless, other effects were specific to each diet. With MD, there was significant decrease in leukocyte count vs. TLCD (p = 0.03) and average increase in HDL-cholesterol by 3 mg/dL (p = 0.053) versus TLCD. The brachial arterials basal diameter increased with MD but not with TLCD. However, with TLCD there was a statistically significant reduction of lipid variables: total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) and oxidized LDL (p = 0.009) vs. MD even though the ratio of oxidized / total LDL remained unaltered. Plasma and serum levels of apolipoprotein A-1, lipoprotein(a), glucose, myeloperoxidase, sICAM, sVCAM, and glutathione reduced/oxidized ratio in plasma and erithrocytes also remained unaltered in both groups. Together, these results demonstrate a pattern of effects of MD and TLCD compatible with cardiovascular risk reduction, in secondary prevention, even in intensely medicated patients. Although these effects were equivalent between MD and TLCD, they seem to be mediated by some common mechanisms, as well as by each diets specific mechanisms

O câncer configura-se como um problema de saúde pública e seu controle depende essencialmente de ações nas áreas da promoção da saúde, proteção específica e do diagnóstico precoce da doença. A efetividade das intervenções designadas para seu controle pode contar com o auxílio do processo de persuasão empregado. O presente estudo buscou avaliar o grau de risco para apresentação de câncer contemplando os fatores de risco pertinentes, bem como, avaliar a presença e as características da persuasão na comunicação para prevenção e detecção precoce de câncer. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, com caráter transversal, onde foram empregados dois instrumentos para o alcance dos objetivos; a população abordada foi de um bairro da cidade de Ribeirão Preto/SP. Constatou-se que os altos riscos foram para os cânceres de cólon/reto, cérvico e de endométrio; e moderados riscos para estes acrescidos de pulmão e mama. Quanto à persuasão, observou-se que houve o desencadeamento das informações acerca do câncer, no entanto estas não conseguiram manter-se efetivas por longos períodos; também não se identificou o reforço dessas informações. Portanto, diante do risco de câncer e dos comportamentos preventivos levantados, considera-se que a persuasão é uma estratégia útil para diminuição desses riscos e, de incentivo e manutenção de comportamentos preventivos; porém, ela deve conter todas as etapas do processo a fim de que não se perca a oportunidade de gerar comportamentos preventivos ou de detecção precoce. / The cancer is configured as a problem of public health and its control depends essentially on action in the areas of the promotion of the health, specific protection and of the precocious diagnosis of the illness. The effectiveness of interventions assigned for its control can count with auxiliare of the process of persuasion employed. This study aims to evaluate the risk level of developing cancer, considering the pertinent risk factors, and the presence of persuasion and characteristics in the communication regarding cancer prevention and early detection. It is an observational study, conducted on 110 inhabitants of a neighborhood in the city of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was confirmed there are high risks for colon/rectum, cervical, and endometrial cancer; and moderate risks for these and also lung and breast cancer. In terms of persuasion, it was observed that cancer information was spread but was not sustained for long periods. Moreover, there was no reinforcement. In view of cancer risk and the identified preventive behaviors, persuasion is considered a useful strategy to reduce these risks as well as to encourage and sustain preventive behaviors, however it must contain all the stages of these process for doesn\'t lose the chance to develope preventive behaviors or precocious detection.

As doenças cardiovasculares se apresentam como uma das principais causas de morte e incapacidade na atualidade. Tais alterações compreendem a doença arterial coronariana ou isquêmica e apresentam etiologia multi-fatorial. No presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de uma intervenção cognitivo-comportamental sobre a qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos, ansiosos e sob fatores de risco em pacientes isquêmicos que haviam apresentado um episódio agudo da doença nos últimos três meses. Participaram do estudo 71 pacientes, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos; controle (n=35) e experimental (n=36) e avaliados em três momentos: logo após o primeiro contato com pesquisadora; após 14 semanas (reavaliação) e depois de seis meses (seguimento). Nas avaliações os pacientes responderam a uma entrevista estruturada, ao Inventário de qualidade de vida da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHOQUOL), ao Inventário de depressão de Beck (BDI) e ao Inventário de ansiedade de Beck (BAI). O grupo experimental foi submetido a um programa de intervenção cognitivo-comportamental, entre as duas primeiras avaliações. Este programa foi estruturado em oito sessões grupais semanais, com duração de duas horas cada. Durante as sessões foram trabalhadas técnicas de manejo de ansiedade, relaxamento e visualização, técnicas de resolução de problemas e discutidas informações sobre a doença cardíaca e seus fatores de risco (psicoeducação). Dentre os participantes, a maioria era do sexo masculino, tinham mais de 55 anos, era casada, haviam estudado por um período máximo de dez anos e se encontravam aposentados. Com relação aos dados sociodemográficos, não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas entre os dois grupos. Verificou-se uma diminuição significativa do peso corporal e do índice de massa corpórea dentre os sujeitos do grupo experimental no decorrer das avaliações, bem como um aumento no número de atividades de lazer. Os resultados sugerem ainda uma diminuição dos sintomas depressivos dos pacientes do grupo experimental em relação aos do grupo controle, na reavaliação e no seguimento, e uma melhora na qualidade de vida do grupo experimental no decorrer das progressivas avaliações, o que não foi observado com relação ao grupo controle. Considera-se que o programa de intervenção cognitivo-comportamental apresentou resultados positivos na reabilitação de pacientes isquêmicos e na prevenção secundária da doença arterial coronariana, promovendo alterações físicas e emocionais importantes. / Cardiovascular diseases are presented as a major cause of death and disability in actuality. These changes include coronary artery disease or ischemic etiology and present multi-factorial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on quality of life, depression, anxiety and under risk factors in ischemic patients who had shown an episode of acute illness in the last three months. Study participants were 71 patients, who were divided into two groups; control (n = 35) and experimental (n = 36) and evaluated in three times: soon after the first contact with researcher; after 14 weeks (revaluation) and after six months (follow up). In assessments the patients responded to a structured interview, the inventory quality of life of the World Health Organization (WHOQUOL), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the anxiety of Beck Inventory (BAI). The experimental group was subjected to a program of cognitive-behavioral intervention, between the top two ratings. This program has been structured into eight weekly group sessions, with duration of two hours each. During the sessions were worked techniques of management of anxiety, relaxation and visualization, techniques for solving problems and discussed information about heart disease and its risk factors. Among the participants, the majority were male, had more than 55 years, was married, had studied for a maximum period of ten years and were retired. With respect to sociodemographic data, no statistical differences were found between the two groups. There was a significant decrease in body weight and body mass index among the subjects of the experimental group in the course of the evaluations, as well as an increase in the number of leisure activities. The results also suggest a decrease in depressive symptoms of patients in the experimental group in relation to the control group, and following the revaluation, and an improvement in the quality of life of the experimental group in the course of progressive evaluations, which was not observed with respect the control group. It is considered that the programme of cognitive-behavioral intervention showed positive results in the rehabilitation of patients ischemic and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, promoting physical and emotional changes important.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudantes universitários apresentam frequências maiores de Dirigir sob efeito do álcool (DEA) e de uso pesado de álcool, assim como de uso nos últimos trinta dias, do que não-estudantes da mesma idade. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da Intervenção Preventiva (IP) relacionada a esses comportamentos entre estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), da cidade de São Paulo. Este estudo teve como objetivo secundário a tradução e a validação do Questionário baseado na Teoria de Proteção e Motivação (QPMT) para identificar aspectos cognitivos relacionados à avaliação de ameaças e de adaptação quanto ao DEA. MÉTODOS: O QPMT foi traduzido pela equipe técnica de acordo com metodologia da Organização Mundial da Saúde. A etapa de validação (EV), com desenho de estudo transversal, ocorreu entre estudantes do 1º ano da FMUSP/2007. Na Etapa de Intervenção (EI), o desenho do estudo foi o de seguimento. Estudantes do 2º ano da FMUSP/2007 responderam o QPMT e o AUDIT, para avaliação do padrão de consumo de álcool, no tempo zero (T0), no tempo um (T1) logo após as IP, e após um ano, no tempo dois (T2). Em T0, os estudantes foram divididos por sorteio em dois grupos, o grupo de intervenção (GI), que recebeu cinco IP de 15 minutos cada, e grupo controle (GC), que não recebeu IP. RESULTADOS: Todos os estudantes presentes à aula aceitaram participar da EV e responderam os questionários (n = 63). A consistência interna do QPMT foi satisfatória. Na EI, entre 106 estudantes presentes à aula, 91 concordaram em participar e responder os questionários, índice de resposta de 85,9%. Com relação ao DEA 40,5% dos estudantes do GI (n = 17/42) e 38,8% do GC (n = 19/49) referiram o comportamento, em T0 (p = 1,00). A regressão linear múltipla (RLM) demonstrou que, para o GI, aumentos na pontuação do AUDIT e menor percepção de ameaças e de respostas adaptativas para o DEA tiveram efeito preditivo na frequência da intenção de DEA (IDEA). Para o GC, apenas aumentos nas pontuações do AUDIT foram preditivos de maior IDEA. Quando comparados T0 e T2, apenas o GI apresentou redução significativa da média do AUDIT (p = 0,012). Em T2, o DEA foi referido por 45,4% dos estudantes do GI e 63,6% do GC (p = 0,027, comparando o GC entre T0 e T2) e o GI apresentou redução na IDEA. Na RLM em T2, aumentos na pontuação do AUDIT foram preditivos para a IDEA apenas para o GC. O Risco Relativo (RR) para o DEA foi 4,3% maior no GI do que no GC em T0, enquanto na avaliação em T2, o GC teve um RR 28,6% maior. CONCLUSÃO: Reduções no padrão de consumo de álcool e na proporção de IDEA são sugestivos de efetividade da IP em estudantes da FMUSP / INTRODUCTION: College students have higher rates of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI) and of heavy or last 30-days alcohol consumption than same age non-students. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Preventive Intervention (PI) related to these behaviors among university students of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo City. A secondary objective was to translate and validate a questionnaire with the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in order to recognize cognitive aspects related to threat and coping appraisals process of the DUI behavior METHODS: The PMT was translated by the research team according to the World Health Organization methodology. The Validation Phase (VP), with a cross-sectional design, assessed FMUSP 2007 first-year students. At the Intervention Phase (IP) a follow-up study was conducted. FMUSP 2007 second-year students answered the PMT and the AUDIT, to assess the pattern of alcohol consumption, at baseline, just after PI, and one year later. At baseline, students were randomly selected to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG was submitted to five PI of 15 minutes each. The CG didnt receive any intervention. RESULTS: All of the first-year students attending to a lecture accepted to participate and answered the questionnaires (n = 63). Internal consistency of the PMT was satisfactory. At the IP, from 106 students attending to a lecture, 91 accepted to participate and answered the questionnaires, a response rate of 85.9%. Rates of DUI at baseline were 40.5% for the IG (n = 17/42) and of 38.8% for the CG (n = 19/49, p = 1.00). The multiple linear regression (MLR) showed that for the IG, increasing of AUDIT scores and lower perceptions of threat and coping appraisals for DUI prevention were strong predictors of intention to DUI (IDUI). For the CG increasing of AUDIT scores were predictive of IDUI. Comparison between baseline and one-year follow-up showed that just the IG had significant reductions of the mean AUDIT score (p = 0.012). At follow-up, DUI was reported by 45.4% and by 63.6% of IG and CG students, respectively (p = 0.027 comparing CG results from baseline and follow-up), and the IG showed reductions in IDUI. MLR at follow-up showed that increasing AUDIT scores predicted IDUI just among the CG. Relative Risk (RR) for DUI among IG was 4.3% higher than for the CG at baseline, meanwhile, at follow-up, CG reached a 28.6% higher RR for DUI. CONCLUSION: Reductions in the pattern of alcohol use and in the proportion of IDUI were suggestive of effectiveness of PI among FMUSP students

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o uso de progesterona natural vaginal para a prevenção de parto prematuro em gestações gemelares. Delineamento do estudo: foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado, que avaliou 390 gestações gemelares concebidas naturalmente entre mães sem história de prematuridade que estavam recebendo cuidados pré-natais em centro único. Mulheres com gestações entre 18 e 21 semanas e 6 dias foram aleatoriamente randomizadas para o grupo progesterona vaginal diária (200 mg) ou placebo até 34 semanas e 6 dias de gestação. O desfecho primário foi a diferença de idade gestacional média no parto; os resultados secundários foram a taxa de parto espontâneo < 34 semanas de gestação e a taxa de mortalidade e morbidade neonatal composta entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: As características gerais dos grupos foram semelhantes. A análise final incluiu 189 mulheres no grupo progesterona e 191 no grupo placebo. Nenhuma diferença (p=0,095) na idade gestacional média foi observada entre o grupo progesterona (35,08 ± 3,19 [DP]) e placebo (35,55 ± 2,85). A incidência de parto espontâneo com < 34 semanas de gestação foi de 18,5% no grupo de progesterona e 14,6% no grupo placebo (OR = 1,32; 95% intervalo de confiança, 0,24 - 2,37). Nenhuma diferença no resultado neonatal composto e mortalidade foi observada entre a progesterona (15,5%) e o grupo placebo (15,9%) (odds ratio, 1,01; 95% intervalo de confiança, 0,58 - 1,75). CONCLUSÃO: Em gestação gemelar, população não selecionada, o uso de progesterona natural micronizada 200mg/dia não reduz a incidência de parto prematuro espontâneo / OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that involved 390 naturally conceived twin pregnancies among mothers with no history of preterm delivery who were receiving antenatal care at a single center. Women with twin pregnancies between 18 and 21 weeks and 6 days\' gestation were assigned randomly to daily vaginal progesterone (200 mg) or placebo ovules until 34 weeks and 6 days\' gestation. The primary outcome was the difference in mean gestational age at delivery; the secondary outcomes were the rate of spontaneous delivery at < 34 weeks\' gestation and the rate of neonatal composite morbidity and mortality in the treatment and no treatment groups. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The final analysis included 189 women in the progesterone group and 191 in the placebo group. No difference (P .095) in the mean gestational age at delivery was observed between progesterone (35.08 ± 3.19 [SD]) and placebo groups (35.55 ± 2.85). The incidence of spontaneous delivery at < 34 weeks\' gestation was 18.5% in the progesterone group and 14.6% in the placebo group (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.24 - 2.37). No difference in the composite neonatal morbidity and mortality was observed between the progesterone (15.5%) and placebo (15.9%) groups (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 -1.75). CONCLUSION: In non-selected twin pregnancies, vaginal progesterone administration does not prevent preterm delivery

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o uso de progesterona natural vaginal para a prevenção de parto prematuro em gestações gemelares. Delineamento do estudo: foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado, que avaliou 390 gestações gemelares concebidas naturalmente entre mães sem história de prematuridade que estavam recebendo cuidados pré-natais em centro único. Mulheres com gestações entre 18 e 21 semanas e 6 dias foram aleatoriamente randomizadas para o grupo progesterona vaginal diária (200 mg) ou placebo até 34 semanas e 6 dias de gestação. O desfecho primário foi a diferença de idade gestacional média no parto; os resultados secundários foram a taxa de parto espontâneo < 34 semanas de gestação e a taxa de mortalidade e morbidade neonatal composta entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: As características gerais dos grupos foram semelhantes. A análise final incluiu 189 mulheres no grupo progesterona e 191 no grupo placebo. Nenhuma diferença (p=0,095) na idade gestacional média foi observada entre o grupo progesterona (35,08 ± 3,19 [DP]) e placebo (35,55 ± 2,85). A incidência de parto espontâneo com < 34 semanas de gestação foi de 18,5% no grupo de progesterona e 14,6% no grupo placebo (OR = 1,32; 95% intervalo de confiança, 0,24 - 2,37). Nenhuma diferença no resultado neonatal composto e mortalidade foi observada entre a progesterona (15,5%) e o grupo placebo (15,9%) (odds ratio, 1,01; 95% intervalo de confiança, 0,58 - 1,75). CONCLUSÃO: Em gestação gemelar, população não selecionada, o uso de progesterona natural micronizada 200mg/dia não reduz a incidência de parto prematuro espontâneo / OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm delivery in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that involved 390 naturally conceived twin pregnancies among mothers with no history of preterm delivery who were receiving antenatal care at a single center. Women with twin pregnancies between 18 and 21 weeks and 6 days\' gestation were assigned randomly to daily vaginal progesterone (200 mg) or placebo ovules until 34 weeks and 6 days\' gestation. The primary outcome was the difference in mean gestational age at delivery; the secondary outcomes were the rate of spontaneous delivery at < 34 weeks\' gestation and the rate of neonatal composite morbidity and mortality in the treatment and no treatment groups. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The final analysis included 189 women in the progesterone group and 191 in the placebo group. No difference (P .095) in the mean gestational age at delivery was observed between progesterone (35.08 ± 3.19 [SD]) and placebo groups (35.55 ± 2.85). The incidence of spontaneous delivery at < 34 weeks\' gestation was 18.5% in the progesterone group and 14.6% in the placebo group (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.24 - 2.37). No difference in the composite neonatal morbidity and mortality was observed between the progesterone (15.5%) and placebo (15.9%) groups (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 -1.75). CONCLUSION: In non-selected twin pregnancies, vaginal progesterone administration does not prevent preterm delivery

Mental illness in the United States is a major public health problem. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2017, 18.9% of adults in the United States had a mental illness. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the perceptions held by community health workers (CHWs) regarding their integration into the behavioral health care system in Maryland. Using a social constructivism paradigm and phenomenological approach, a purposive sample of 11 CHWs who supported patients with behavioral health conditions in 17 counties in the state were interviewed. Howlett, McConnell, and Perl'€™s five stream confluence policy process theory and Lipsky's street level bureaucracy theory provided the foundation to explore the perceptions of the CHWs about their integration into the behavioral health care system; the problems, policies, processes, and programs that impacted their ability to be integrated into the behavioral health team; and their function as a street level bureaucrat to facilitate their integration. A deductive iterative coding approach was used, culminating in the identification of the following 6 themes: health system utilization of CHW behavioral health integration, official policy recognition of the CHW profession, accountability for CHW integration, CHW practice support, integrated health care team management of physical and mental health and behavior, and building the CHW profession. The social change implications of this study are that CHWs'€™ integration into the broadly defined, integrated, physical and mental behavioral health team can support having a more cost-effective way toward having healthy people and communities because they link the community to health and social services and advocate for quality care.

Background: Worksite screening programs are increasingly being provided by employers as a means to reduce cardiovascular risk in employees. A screening program that consists of fasting serum analysis of glucose plus a lipid panel is offered yearly to employees at the VA medical center in Tampa. A retrospective study was conducted to determine if a wellness clinic exposure resulted in significant changes in employees' markers of cardiovascular risk. Methods: Computerized records were used to follow serial outcomes for glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in employees whose screening results showed abnormal levels of one or more of these markers. An intervention group with 66 subjects received a wellness clinic visit including a health risk assessment and education for lifestyle change, and a reference group with 109 subjects received only serum analysis. Outcomes at repeat screening were compared for the two groups. Results: Both groups showed improvement in cardiovascular risk. In the intervention group there was significant intra-subject improvement from baseline for all markers except glucose. For triglycerides and LDL cholesterol there was a significantly greater proportion of subjects who improved in the intervention group. In addition, the improvement for triglycerides was significantly better in the intervention group. Conclusions: This investigation confirms the value of a worksite wellness program in reducing cardiovascular risk in the population studied. A differential impact of age and gender was seen for glucose and triglycerides and indicates that such modifiers should be considered through covariate analysis in assessing wellness program effectiveness. Increasing levels of employee wellness participation to targets identified in this study and adding a health risk assessment for everyone screened will help to identify the specific benefits of the face to face wellness counseling intervention.

Wartezeiten von durchschnittlich mehreren Monaten sind auch nach Inkrafttreten des Psychotherapeutengesetzes in der deutschen Psychotherapieversorgung die Regel. Behandlungsbedürftige Störungen, für die ein Behandlungswunsch besteht, unversorgt zu lassen, ist weder unter ethischen, noch praktischen und therapeutischen Gesichtspunkten vertretbar. Aus diesem Grund schlagen viele Praktiker ihren wartenden Patienten niedrigschwellige Selbsthilfeangebote vor, die von psychoedukativen Informationen über Bibliotherapie bis zu Gruppenangeboten reichen. Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über verschiedene Möglichkeiten, wartende Psychotherapiepatienten gut auf die bevorstehende Therapie vorzubereiten und während der Wartezeit zugleich sekundäre Prävention zu betreiben. Hierbei muss nach unserer Einschätzung vor allem die Maxime gelten, dass die vorgeschlagenen Maßnahmen mit dem Rational der darauf folgenden Therapie vereinbar sein sollten. / Even after the new psychotherapy law has been implemented, waiting times of several months remain rather common in the German mental health care system. For ethical, practical, and therapeutic reasons, however, patients who are in serious need of treatment should not be left unattended. Many practitioners therefore suggest self-help treatments such as psychoeducational information, bibliotherapy, or supportive groups to their waiting patients. The present study provides an overview on possibilities of preparing waiting psychotherapy patients for their upcoming therapy as well as implementing secondary prevention during the waiting time. As a basic, we suggest that the proposed methods should be in line with the treatment rationale of the subsequent therapy. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease including myocardial infarction is in recent years a widely discussed topic. Cardiovascular diseases are currently the most widespread disease among the worldwide. This thesis deals with the participation of patients after myocardial infarction in active care of their health in secondary prevention. For failure principles of secondary prevention is increased morbidity of these cardiovascular diseases and subsequently increase the costs for further treatment. Well-timed and targeted prevention is very important how to reduce the cost of treatment and the restoration of health and maintaining a good quality of life. The thesis is composed of two parts, theoretical and empirical. The theoretical part of the thesis describes cardiovascular diseases, especially acute myocardial infarction, prevention and education, including educational process of secondary prevention. The empirical part was realized by qualitative research. Information was collected by semi-standardized interview technique. The interview was composed of both closed and open-ended questions where had respondents the opportunity to express individually. The research group consisted of patients and nurses of three selected cardiocenters in Czech Republic - University Hospital Motol, České Budějovice Hospital, a.s. and Faculty Hospital Plzeň. In the first phase of the research we examined the awareness of patients of secondary prevention. In addition we inquire into the level of their activities in the care of their health and the impact of realized changes to their life satisfaction. The research sample is consisted of 12 respondents - patients who in former times have had a myocardial infarction and now were re- hospitalized due to symptoms of heart problems. For the research were patients selected by random sampling and divided into three groups, four from each cardiocenter. In the second phase of the research, we investigated the options and rate of education of nurses taking care of patients after myocardial infarction in pursuance of secondary prevention and types of nursing documentation kept by nurses of cardiology ward. This part of the study sample was consisted of nine nurses working in selected cardiocentre. For one interview were approached three nurses from each chosen department with longer experience in the field of cardiology. For the research was established six goals and eight research questions. The results of the research showed that the patients are relatively well educated in the principles of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, but not enough by nurses. The knowledge of patients of prevention of myocardial infarction and secondary prevention measures is at a relatively good level. The rate of changes in the approach to secondary prevention is unsatisfactory and doesn´t meet the rate of improvement of capabilities of modern medicine regardless of their age and length of treatment. The research also showed a positive effect of the principles of secondary prevention on the quality of life of patients.