RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: A breast cancer diagnosis with all that it entails is a highly stressful moment for women. Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for this type of cancer, and it also brings several side effects and physical changes that often lead to emotional distress and adjustment difficulties. This study aims to analyse the quality of life and psychosocial variables in women with breast cancer submitted to different chemotherapy procedures. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: We used a convenience sample of 50 women with breast cancer submitted to adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Women were interviewed after obtaining their informed consent. The instruments used were: a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being-12-Item, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated reasonable levels of all dimensions analysed, except for resilient coping, which was relatively low. Neither treatment significantly improves quality of life or any other psychosocial variable more than the other. Most of the variables were correlated, especially quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the choice of treatment according to the most favourable objective criteria (e.g., stage, patients' characteristics) and multidisciplinary work with the integration of a psychologist are vital to achieve good outcomes and the best possible quality of life. Interesting insights were obtained, such as the need for health literacy to make informed decisions and the variation of needs during the cancer course. Future research could use a longitudinal approach and a more representative sample.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Myofascial release (MFR) comprises a set of manual therapeutic techniques applied to many conditions, but specific evidence concerning its effects on body posture, muscle tension and voice has been lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of MFR in teachers' posture, muscular tension and voice quality. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial - crossover. METHODS: Twenty-four teachers, after completing a Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire and providing written informed consent, were randomly distributed into two groups designated Group 1 (G1; n = 12; received MFR first) and Group 2 (G2; n = 12; belong to control group first). All participants received treatment and were into control group, since, after a 14 day period, procedures were switched between groups. Photogrammetry, muscle tension assessed through palpation, algometry, aerodynamic assessment of voice, acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis of voice were performed before and after interventions. RESULTS: Regarding voice, statistically significant differences were found when intervention was applied to both groups for maximum phonation time (MPT) (G1 P = 0.019; G2 P = 0.004). The acoustic variables did not differ. Concerning the auditory-perceptual analysis of voice statistically significant differences were found when intervention was applied in both groups for Grade in G2 (P = 0.046) and for Roughness in G1 (P = 0.025). Regarding the photogrammetry assessment statistically significant differences were found when intervention was applied to both groups in many parameters while as control group they did not. Concerning the algometry and muscle tension assessed through palpation statistically significant differences were found when intervention was applied in all muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated that MFR seems to be an effective therapy in improving MPT, two subscales (Grade and Roughness) of the GRABASH scale, muscle tension assessed through palpation and algometry. Regarding photogrammetry, MFR had an immediately effect in improvement of the posture, especially related with head.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed to verify if there were any differences in autonomic nervous system function and voice parameters of teachers with and without voice complaints. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Questionnaire of Autonomic Dysfunction was answered by 24 teachers, 6 males, and 18 females, whose heart rate variability was also assessed. Aerodynamic assessment of voice, acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis of voice were done. Participants were divided into two groups: without voice complaints (WVCG; n = 11) and with voice complaints (VCG; n = 13) based on the completion of the Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire. RESULTS: For auditory-perceptual analysis, VCG showed significantly higher values on GRBASH subscales Grade (P < 0.001) and Roughness (P = 0.011). Regarding the heart rate variability, it was found that in the VCG, the square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR intervals (RMSSD) and the percentage of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 milliseconds (pNN50) were significantly lower than in the WVCG (P = 0.023 and P = 0.032, respectively). The VCG presented a higher occurrence of neurovegetative symptoms directly related to voice, namely in fluctuating nose obstruction (P = 0.011), neck pain (while or after speaking) (P = 0.017) and in fatigability when speaking (P = 0.004). Concerning the aerodynamic assessment of voice, acoustic analysis of voice and neurovegetative symptoms not directly related to voice, no statistically significant differences between groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated significantly lower values in RMSSD and pNN50 of teachers VCG when compared with teachers WVCG and that the teachers VCG presented a higher occurrence of neurovegetative symptoms directly related to voice than the ones WVCG.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The interaction between muscle tension, posture, and vocal use is very complex as clinical research suggests that abnormal laryngeal posture can be associated with muscle adaptive changes, although specific evidence concerning body posture and voice disorders has been lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify if there were differences in posture, muscle tension and voice between teachers with and without voice complaints. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Twenty-four teachers, 6 males and 18 females, were submitted to photogrammetry, muscle tension assessed trough palpation and algometry assessment. Aerodynamic assessment of voice, acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis of voice were done. Participants were divided into without voice complaints group (WVCG; n = 11) and voice complaints group (VCG; n = 13) based on Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire completion. RESULTS: For auditory-perceptual analysis, VCG showed a significant higher values on GRBASH subscales Grade (p < 0.001) and Roughness (p = 0.011). The VCG showed statistically significant higher values on muscle tension of suprahyoids (p = 0.001), thyrohyoids (P = 0009) and cricothyroids muscles (p = 0.040) and statistically significant lower values on algometry of the cricothyroid (p = 0.023 left and p = 0.026 right), suprahyoids (p = 0.017 left & p = 0.018 right), thyrohyoids (p = 0.006 left and p = 0.007 right) and pharyngolaryngeal (p = 0.016 left and p = 0.021 right) muscles of both sides. Concerning the aerodynamic assessment of voice and acoustic analysis of voice, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated statistically significant differences in muscle tension in laryngeal intrinsic muscles and auditory-perceptual analysis between teachers with and without voice complaints.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to verify the relation between autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions, voice, and dysphonia. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a systematic review. METHODS: According to the PRISMA flowchart, a search on Pubmed/Medline, SciELO, RCAAP, LILACS, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Isi Web of Knowledge was performed up to April 2019 using the following key words: autonomic nervous system and voice or dysphonia. Inclusion criteria were full-text articles published in French, English, Portuguese, or Spanish, exploring the relationship between ANS and voice or dysphonia, in human adults. Exclusion criteria were additional treatments for voice disorders, literature reviews and meta-analysis, case studies, and opinion articles. All studies were analyzed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Nine papers met the inclusion criteria, all with high methodological quality. The review shows that ANS is related to voice and dysphonia. Individuals with dysphonia tend to show more symptoms of ANS dysfunction concurrent with laryngeal muscles activation and that heartbeat modulates the F0 of human voice. CONCLUSION: Changes in ANS function are associated with voice as well as with dysphonia.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A comunicação apresenta-se gravemente afetada em crianças e jovens com multideficiência e surdocegueira, constituindo-se como uma área de intervenção prioritária. Objetivo: Analisar e sistematizar a literatura no que diz respeito a intervenção com comunicação aumentativa / alternativa com crianças e jovens com multideficiência e surdocegueira, considerando o modo de implementação e avaliação da eficácia destas intervenções. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura baseada no PRISMA Statement. A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS, PubMed e B-On, até à data de 31 de maio de 2018, utilizando os termos "multideficiência", "surdocegueira" e "comunicação aumentativa e alternativa", em português e em inglês, combinados entre si. Resultados: Um total de nove artigos foram selecionados após cuidadosa análise e atendendo a rigorosos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Conclusão: Algumas discrepâncias foram identificadas quanto ao modo de implementação e avaliação da eficácia de comunicação aumentativa e alternativa, tendo-se concluído que é necessário desenvolver mais investigação que evidencie o impacto do uso desta ferramenta relativamente aos múltiplos contextos naturais, funcionalidade comunicativa mais complexa, instrução de parceiros de comunicação, frequência da intervenção e percepções de pais / profissionais.

Communication is seriously affected in children and young people with multiple disabilities and deafblindness, which makes it a priority area of intervention. Objective: Analyse and systematise the literature regarding the intervention with augmentative and alternative communication in children and young people with multiple disabilities and deafblindness, considering the mode of implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of that intervention. Methods: Systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA Statement. The research was carried out in the databases SciELO, LILACS, PubMed and B-On, until May 31st, 2018, using the terms "multiple disabilities", "deafblindness" and "augmentative and alternative communication" in Portuguese and in English, combined between them. Results: A total of nine articles were selected after careful analysis and the application of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conclusion: Some differences have been identified concerning the implementation and evaluation of augmentative and alternative communication effectiveness, revealing that further research is needed in order to demonstrate the impact of the use of this tool in the following aspects: multiple natural settings, complex communicative function, communicative partners, frequency of intervention and perceptions of parents / professionals.

Introduccion: La comunicación se ve gravemente afectada en niños y jóvenes con multideficiencia y sordoceguera, constituyéndose como una área de intervención prioritaria. Objetivo: Analizar y sistematizar la literatura en lo que se refiere a la intervención con comunicación aumentativa y alternativa con niños y jóvenes con multideficiencia y sordoceguera, en lo que se relaciona con el modo de implementación y evaluación de la eficacia en estas intervenciones. Metodos: Revisión sistemática de la literatura atendiendo a las conceptualizaciones establecidas por el PRISMA Statement. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos SciELO, LILACS, PubMed y B-On, al 31 de mayo, 2018, com los términos "multidiscapacidad", "sordoceguera" y "comunicación aumentativa y alternativa" en portugués y en inglés, combinados entre sí. Resultados: Un total de nueve artículos fueron seleccionados después de un cuidadoso análisis y atendiendo a rigurosos criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Conclusión: Algunas discrepancias se identificaron en lo que se refiere al modo de aplicación y evaluación de la eficacia de la comunicación aumentativa y alternativa y se concluyó que es necesario desarrollar más investigación que evidencie el impacto del uso de esta herramienta en lo que respecta a los múltiples contextos naturales, funcionalidad comunicativa compleja, de socios de comunicación, frecuencia de la intervención y percepciones de padres / profesionales.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to systematize the associations between posture, voice, and dysphonia in order to support future research directions and possible clinical interventions. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a systematic review. METHODS: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flowchart, a search on PubMed/Medline, SciELO, RCAAP, LILACS, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Isi Web of Knowledge was performed from their inception through January of 2017 using the key words "posture" and ("voice" or "dysphonia"). The inclusion criteria were full-text journal articles in French, English, Portuguese, or Spanish, exploring the relationship between posture and voice or dysphonia, in adult human beings. The exclusion criteria coupled treatments for voice disorders, literature reviews and meta-analyses, case studies, opinion articles, and studies linking breathing with posture without assessing voice. Studies were analyzed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS: Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria with high methodological quality through the NOS. The review shows that a correct posture is necessary for an efficient voice production; however, the relation between dysphonia and posture seems to be contradictory. CONCLUSION: An effective posture allows a subject in a static posture or while moving to more easily shift the tension between muscles, allowing for a free movement of the larynx without blockages and with benefits to voice production.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The treatment of voice disorders includes physiotherapy and complementary therapies. However, research to support these treatments is scarce. OBJECTIVE: to verify the effectiveness of physiotherapy and complementary therapies on voice disorders. Research on electronic databases PubMed/Medline, SciELO, and LILACS was performed using the combination: voice AND (treatment OR intervention) according to PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review. Studies were analyzed using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale and the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine's Levels of Evidence scale. Eight papers met the inclusion criteria. From the RCTs included in this review, six assessed massage, one transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), one refer to spinal manipulative therapy, and one to acupuncture. The literature regarding the effectiveness of physiotherapy and complementary therapies was good in both quality and results, indicating that massage, TENS, and acupuncture seem to be effective treatments to reduce voice complaints and improve voice quality, supporting the inclusion of complementary therapies but mostly physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of patients with voice disorders.

RESUMEN

Introdução: A não adesão à medicação na epilepsia é prevalente, pelo que a compreensão dos fatores associados deve ser promovida. Objetivos: Analisar a capacidade preditiva das estratégias de coping e da espiritualidade em relação à adesão à medicação ao longo do tempo. Metodologia: Foram avaliados 60 indivíduos através de um Questionário Sociodemográfico e Clínico, a Medida de Adesão aos Tratamentos, o COPER e a Escala de Avaliação de Espiritualidade em Contextos de Saúde, em dois momentos. Resultados A espiritualidade Momento 1 não se relacionou com adesão à medicação no Momento 3, e as estratégias de coping: Desinvestimento Comportamental e Aceitação no Momento 1 predizem negativamente a adesão à medicação no Momento 2. Conclusão: A relação entre a adesão à medicação, estratégias de coping e espiritualidade varia emfunção do tempo, o que deve ser considerado ao nível da intervenção...

Introduction: The nonmedication adherence in epilepsy is prevalent by which the understanding of associated factors shouldbe promoted. Objectives: To analyze the predictive capacity of the coping strategies and spirituality in relationto medication adherence over time. Methodology: A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, medical adherence to treatment, COPER and spirituality evaluation scale in health contexts was undertaken to evaluate 60 individuals with epilepsy, in three moments. Results: Spirituality at Moment 1 is not related to medication adherence at Moment 3, and the coping strategies: behavioral disinvestment and acceptance at Moment 1 predict medication adherence at moment 2. Conclusion: The relation between medication adherence, coping strategies and spirituality change according to time, which should be considered on the level intervention...

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: optimism is an important variable that has consistently been shown to affect adjustment to quality of life in chronic diseases. This study aims to clarify if dispositional optimism exerts a moderating or a mediating influence on the personality traits-quality of life association, in Portuguese chronic patients. METHODS: multiple regression models were used to test the moderation and mediation effects of dispositional optimism in quality of life. A sample of 729 patients was recruited in Portugal's main hospitals and completed self-reported questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical variables, personality, dispositional optimism, quality of life (QoL) and subjective well-being (SWB). RESULTS: the results of the regression models showed that dispositional optimism did not moderate the relationships between personality traits and quality of life. After controlling for gender, age, education level and severity of disease perception, the effects of personality traits on QoL and in SWB were mediated by dispositional optimism (partially and completely), except for the links between neuroticism/openness to experience and physical health. CONCLUSION: dispositional optimism is more likely to play a mediating, rather than a moderating role in personality traits-quality of life pathway in Portuguese chronic patients, suggesting that "the expectation that good things will happen" contributes to a better quality of life and subjective well-being.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective: optimism is an important variable that has consistently been shown to affect adjustment to quality of life in chronic diseases. This study aims to clarify if dispositional optimism exerts a moderating or a mediating influence on the personality traits-quality of life association, in Portuguese chronic patients. Methods: multiple regression models were used to test the moderation and mediation effects of dispositional optimism in quality of life. A sample of 729 patients was recruited in Portugal's main hospitals and completed self-reported questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical variables, personality, dispositional optimism, quality of life (QoL) and subjective well-being (SWB). Results: the results of the regression models showed that dispositional optimism did not moderate the relationships between personality traits and quality of life. After controlling for gender, age, education level and severity of disease perception, the effects of personality traits on QoL and in SWB were mediated by dispositional optimism (partially and completely), except for the links between neuroticism/openness to experience and physical health. Conclusion: dispositional optimism is more likely to play a mediating, rather than a moderating role in personality traits-quality of life pathway in Portuguese chronic patients, suggesting that "the expectation that good things will happen" contributes to a better quality of life and subjective well-being. .

Objetivo: o otimismo tem sido demonstrado como uma variável importante no ajustamento da qualidade de vida de pessoas com doenças crônicas. O estudo tem como objetivo verificar se o otimismo exerce um efeito moderador ou mediador entre os traços de personalidade e a qualidade de vida, em portugueses com doenças crônicas. Métodos: os modelos de regressão linear múltipla foram usados para avaliar o efeito de moderação e mediação do otimismo na qualidade de vida. A amostra, constituída por 729 doentes, recrutados nos principais hospitais de Portugal responderam a questionários de autorresposta avaliando questões sócio-demográficas e clínicas, personalidade, otimismo disposicional, qualidade de vida e bem-estar subjetivo. Resultados: os resultados encontrados mostraram que o otimismo disposicional não exerce um papel moderador entre os traços de personalidade e a qualidade de vida. Controlando por idade, sexo, nível de escolaridade e percepção da severidade da doença, o efeito dos traços de personalidade na qualidade de vida e no bem-estar subjetivo foi mediado pelo otimismo (parcial e total), expecto para as associações, neuroticismo/abertura à experiência e à saúde física. Conclusão: o otimismo disposicional exerce apenas um papel mediador entre os traços de personalidade e qualidade de vida, em pessoas com doenças crônicas, sugerindo que 'a expectativa de que coisas boas vão acontecer' contribui para uma melhor qualidade de vida e melhor bem-estar subjetivo. .

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Chronic illnesses are diseases of long duration and generally of slow progression. They cause significant quality of life impairment. The aim of this study was to analyse psychosocial predictors of quality of life and of subjective well-being in chronic Portuguese patients. METHODS: Chronic disease patients (n = 774) were recruited from central Portuguese Hospitals. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing socio-demographic, clinical, psychosocial and outcome variables: quality of life (HRQL) and subjective well-being (SWB). MANCOVA analyses were used to test psychosocial factors as determinants of HRQL and SWB. RESULTS: After controlling for socio-demographic and clinical variables, results showed that dispositional optimism, positive affect, spirituality, social support and treatment adherence are significant predictors of HRQL and SWB. Similar predictors of quality of life, such as positive affect, treatment adherence and spirituality, were found for subgroups of disease classified by medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: The work identifies psychosocial factors associated with quality of life. The predictors for the entire group of different chronic diseases are similar to the ones found in different chronic disease subgroups: positive affect, social support, treatment adherence and spirituality. Patients with more positive affect, additional social support, an adequate treatment adherence and a feel-good spirituality, felt better with the disease conditions and consequently had a better quality of life. This study contributes to understanding and improving the processes associated with quality of life, which is relevant for health care providers and chronic diseases support.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Spontaneous complaints of outpatients with focal epilepsy often stress the relationship between cognitive deficits and Quality of Life (QOL). Consequently, the aim of the present study was to find the best neuropsychological predictors of QOL in individuals with focal epilepsy, in order to guide their ambulatory health care. A sample of 71 Portuguese patients was studied: 40 female, 47 married, with a mean age of 37.48 years (S.D.=11.79, 16-62), mean education of 7.93 (S.D.=4.05, 3-17), and focal epilepsy of moderate severity. A Socio-demographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the SF-36 v1, the Cognitive Functioning Scale from the ESI-55, a Seizure Control scale (items from the Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale), and several neuropsychological tests were used. Semantic Fluency was the only predictor of Physical Functioning, Role Functioning - Physical, and Mental Health; I.A. Test predicted Bodily Pain; and Attentive Matrices predicted General Health, Vitality, and Role Functioning - Emotional. The Mental Component of the SF-36 v1 was predicted by Attentive Matrices, and the Physical Component was predicted by Semantic Fluency. Cognitive Functioning was predicted by the Token Test. Social Functioning and Seizure Control presented no statistically significant correlation with the neuropsychological indicators used. These results underscore the importance of cognitive performance to the QOL of individuals with focal epilepsy, supporting the systematic screening of cognitive performance in this population. Additionally, they suggest cognitive rehabilitation has the potential to improve these individuals' QOL.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A identificação de preditores modificáveis da qualidade de vida (QDV) de indivíduos com epilepsia poderá ser usada para desenvolver estratégias eficazes de promoção da QDV destes mesmos indivíduos. Assim, o objectivo do presente estudo é comparar a capacidade preditiva de diferentes indicadores de ansiedade e depressão (scores vs. itens). Para o efeito, foram avaliados 99 indivíduos com clínica sugestiva de epilepsia focal, através de um Questionário Sócio-demográfico e Clínico, do SF-36 v1.0, da Escala de Função Cognitiva, da Escala de Controlo das Crises (QDV) e da Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; ansiedade/depressão). A capacidade preditiva (R quadrado ajustado) dos scores de ansiedade e/ou depressão da HADS oscilou entre 0,161 (Desempenho Emocional) e 0,568 (Saúde Mental), não sendo nenhum destes scores da HADS preditor do Controlo das Crises; a capacidade preditiva de subgrupos de itens da HADS oscilou entre 0,115 (Controlo das Crises) e 0,683 (Saúde Mental). Os resultados indicam que os scores tradicionais/globais de ansiedade e de depressão da HADS não são tão bons preditores da QDV da amostra como subconjuntos de itens da HADS. Estes resultados apoiam um modo diferente de explorar os dados recolhidos em contextos clínicos e de investigação.(AU)

The identification of changeable quality of life (QOL) predictors could be used to develop adequate QOL promotion strategies for epilepsy patients. Consequently, the aim of the present study is to compare the predictive power of different anxiety and depression indicators (scores vs. items). To do so, 99 individuals with clinical evidence of focal epilepsy were assessed with a Socio-demographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the SF-36 v1.0, the Cognitive Function Scale, the Seizure Control Scale (QOL), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; anxiety/depression). The predictive power (adjusted R square) of the HADS anxiety and/or depression scores varied between .161 (Role Emotional) and .568 (Mental Health); none of these HADS scores was a predictor of Seizure Control. The predictive power (adjusted R square) of subgroups of HADS items varied between .115 (Seizure Control) and .683 (Mental Health). The results indicate that the traditional/global HADS anxiety and depression scores are not as good QOL predictors as subgroups of HADS items. This results support a different way of exploring the data collected in clinical and research settings.(AU)

RESUMEN

A preocupação e interesse pela obesidade infantil e aspectos psicológicos associados conduziram ao presente estudo. Este estudo, transversal, teve como objectivo comparar o auto-conceito em crianças obesas e não obesas. Administraram-se um questionário sócio-demográfico e clínico e o Perfil de Auto-Percepção da versão Portuguesa de Martins, Peixoto, Mata e Monteiro (1995) do Self-Perception Profile for Children de Harter (1986) a uma amostra de 100 crianças (n=58 do género feminino), entre os 8 e os 12 anos (M=10,19; DP=1,26), maioritariamente residentes em meio urbano (n=54) e com NSE médio (n=78), das quais 45 eram obesas. Verificou-se que os sujeitos não obesos apresentavam valores médios significativamente mais elevados nas subescalas Competência Atlética e Aparência Física, enquanto que os sujeitos obesos apresentavam valores médios significativamente mais elevados na subescala Atitude Comportamental. Os resultados corroboram parcialmente a literatura revista, sublinhando a necessidade de replicação e ampliação futura do presente estudo.(AU)

The present study was motivated by the concern and interest for childhood obesity and the psychological aspects associated with it. This transversal study aimed to compare the self-concept of obese and non-obese children. A socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire and the Portuguese version by Martins, Peixoto, Mata and Monteiro (1995) of the Self-Perception Profile of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children (1986) were administered to a sample of 100 children (n=58 female), between 8 and 12 years of age (M=10,19; SD=1,26), mainly living in a urban context (n=54) and of median Socio-Economical Level (n=78), 45 of which were obese. Non-obese children had significantly higher mean scores in the subscales Athletic Competence and Physical Appearance. Obese children had significantly higher mean scores in the subscale Behavioural Attitude. The results partially support the literature, emphasizing the need to replicate this study with a bigger sample.(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A preocupação e interesse pela obesidade infantil e aspectos psicológicos associados conduziram ao presente estudo. Este estudo, transversal, teve como objectivo comparar o auto-conceito em crianças obesas e não obesas. Administraram-se um questionário sócio-demográfico e clínico e o Perfil de Auto-Percepção da versão Portuguesa de Martins, Peixoto, Mata e Monteiro (1995) do Self-Perception Profile for Children de Harter (1986) a uma amostra de 100 crianças (n=58 do género feminino), entre os 8 e os 12 anos (M=10,19; DP=1,26), maioritariamente residentes em meio urbano (n=54) e com NSE médio (n=78), das quais 45 eram obesas. Verificou-se que os sujeitos não obesos apresentavam valores médios significativamente mais elevados nas subescalas Competência Atlética e Aparência Física, enquanto que os sujeitos obesos apresentavam valores médios significativamente mais elevados na subescala Atitude Comportamental. Os resultados corroboram parcialmente a literatura revista, sublinhando a necessidade de replicação e ampliação futura do presente estudo.

The present study was motivated by the concern and interest for childhood obesity and the psychological aspects associated with it. This transversal study aimed to compare the self-concept of obese and non-obese children. A socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire and the Portuguese version by Martins, Peixoto, Mata and Monteiro (1995) of the Self-Perception Profile of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children (1986) were administered to a sample of 100 children (n=58 female), between 8 and 12 years of age (M=10,19; SD=1,26), mainly living in a urban context (n=54) and of median Socio-Economical Level (n=78), 45 of which were obese. Non-obese children had significantly higher mean scores in the subscales Athletic Competence and Physical Appearance. Obese children had significantly higher mean scores in the subscale Behavioural Attitude. The results partially support the literature, emphasizing the need to replicate this study with a bigger sample.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

People with epilepsy of comparable severity may differ widely in quality of life (QOL), suggesting a role for unexplored individual aspects. This study considered the possible role of spirituality. Thirty-two patients with focal epilepsy completed scales for QOL (World Heath Organization QOL, WHOQOL 100), spirituality (WHO Spirituality, Religiousness, and Personal Beliefs), depression, anxiety, and cognitive efficiency, as well as neuropsychological testing. The QOL and spirituality scales exhibited satisfactory internal consistency. Factor analyses of the scale and test scores yielded separate spiritual (Personal Meaning, Inner Energy, Awe and Transcendence, and Openness), affective (Mood), and cognitive (Cognition, Memory, and Perceived Cognitive Efficiency) factors. The total WHOQOL 100 score was significantly predicted by the Awe and Transcendence and Mood factors. The spiritual, Mood, and Cognition factors significantly predicted single QOL domains. These preliminary results highlight the contribution of spirituality to QOL in epilepsy, encouraging future studies. This could influence the conceptualization and assessment of QOL in these patients.

Asunto(s)