Maíra Cristina Velho

Consistency and reliability of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire in undergraduate students

PurposeQuestionnaires are indispensable tools in epidemiologic studies and clinical surveys. Many questionnaires focusing on sleep disorders have been described in the literature. This cross-sectional study is aimed to assess the consistency and reliability of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ-BR).MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were given to a sample of 1,108 undergraduate students. The variables collected were age, gender, socioeconomic level, and MSQ-BR scores. A subgroup of 53 students was randomly chosen to test the test–retest reliability of the instrument. Internal consistency of total MSQ-BR and its subscales (i.e., insomnia and hypersomnia) was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.ResultsOur results showed good internal consistency of total MSQ-BR score, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.770. The insomnia subscale had an adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.749). On the other hand, the hypersomnia subscale had moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.624). The test–retest analysis showed good reliability of the instrument using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.ConclusionsThe MSQ-BR has adequate internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The MSQ-BR insomnia has adequate internal consistency for use as a separate application. However, the MSQ-BR hypersomnia demonstrated only moderate internal consistency for use as a separate application. Our intention was not to introduce modifications to the questionnaire, but to evaluate the reliability of total MSQ-BR and its subscales. Others studies are needed to assess the consistency of MSQ compared to other instruments.

Depression Subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale applied preoperatively in spinal surgery

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of the Depression Subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) in spine surgery, comparing it to Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). METHODS In a cross-sectional study, the HADS-D and the BDI were applied to patients undergoing spine surgery for lumbar (n=139) or cervical spondylosis (n=17). Spearman correlation tests for HADS-D and BDI were applied. The internal consistency of HADS-D was estimated by Cronbachs alpha coefficient. RESULTS According to the BDI, the prevalence of depression was of 28.8% (n=45). The Spearman r coefficient between HADS-D and BDI was 0.714 (p<0.001). Cronbachs alpha for HADS-D was 0.795. The area of the ROC curve was 0.845. Using a cutoff for HADS-D >10, there was a sensitivity of 71.1%, specificity of 95.4%, and positive likelihood-ratio of 15.78. CONCLUSIONS HADS-D showed a strong correlation with BDI and good reliability. HADS-D is a good alternative for screening depression and assessing its severity.

AWARENESS OF STROKE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the knowledge about stroke in Caxias do Sul. METHOD A closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about stroke among residents of Caxias do Sul. In order to verify variables associated to lack of knowledge we defined three main end points: (1) the inability to recognize that stroke is a disease that affects the brain; (2) insufficient knowledge of risk factors; (3) insufficient knowledge of signs and symptoms of acute stroke. RESULTS A total of 952 subjects answered the questionnaire. Lower income and lower educational level were independent factors associated to inability to recognize that stroke affects the brain. Lower income and being under 50 years old were independent risk factors to lack of knowledge concerning stroke risk factors. Lower educational level was the unique risk factor for insufficient knowledge about stroke warning signs. CONCLUSION There is a lack of knowledge about stroke in Caxias do Sul. People with lower socioeconomic status and lower education level should be the targets of educational campaigns.

Awareness, attitudes and perceptions on epilepsy in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE To verify awareness and attitudes toward epilepsy in Southern Brazil. METHOD A questionnaire about familiarity with the disease, awareness and attitudes toward epileptics was applied to 832 inhabitants of Caxias do Sul. The answers were analyzed in three different groups: G1, non-university students; G2, university students up to the second year; and G3, university students with more than two years education and university graduates. RESULTS University students and graduates are better informed regarding causes and treatment of epilepsy. Moreover, those interviewees present less negative attitudes toward epileptics. However, a large part of that group lacks some basic information on the disease. CONCLUSION There is lack of information on epilepsy among Brazilians. Education campaigns should be carried out in order to clarify some aspects concerning epilepsy.

Sleep disorders among undergraduate students in Southern Brazil

PurposeSleep disorders are very common in the young, being a result of the typical lifestyle lived by young people or a sleep disease that requires assistance and treatment. Furthermore, according to previous findings, sleep alterations can favor the development of depressive mood disorder. This survey aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of sleep disorders in a young population sample and their association with depressive symptoms.MethodsWith a cross-sectional study design, self-administered questionnaires were applied to 1,180 undergraduate students. The Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to evaluate sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, with the main findings being the presence of disrupted sleep (MSQ > 24), with an alpha error of 5%. The median point of the MSQ was 26 (P25–P75, 21–32 points).ResultsSleep alterations were found in 59.6%. The prevalence of depression was 9.3% (n = 110), mild depression being identified in 5.9% (n = 62), moderate in 3.4% (n = 40), and severe in 0.7% (n = 8) of the students. In logistic regression, female gender (OR, 1.48; CI 95%, 1.09–2.01; P = 0.012) and being depressed (OR, 4.42; CI 95%, 2.30–8.50; P < 0.001) were independent factors for disrupted sleep.ConclusionsSleep alterations are prevalent complaints among young people, being present in nearly 60% of the students. Female gender and being depressed are independent factors for having some form of sleep disorder.

Awareness and attitudes on epilepsy among undergraduate health care students in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the awareness on epilepsy among undergraduate health care students in a private university. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire about epilepsy was applied to 417 students at Universidade de Caxias do Sul. The answers were analyzed in two groups: group 1, medical and nursing students; group 2, psychology, physiotherapy and nutrition students. RESULTS: Most of the students were familiar with the disease. Although many of them recognize brain disease as a cause of seizure, it was observed that a quarter of them linked epilepsy with mental disease. Besides, a relevant portion of the sample presents mistaken attitudes on seizure management. CONCLUSION: There is lack of information on epilepsy among these students. The students and the health care professionals are important vectors of information. Therefore, further discussion on this subject is necessary in health care training to demystify some aspects concerning the disease.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy after spinal cord injury: systematic review

OBJETIVO: realizar una revision sistematica de estudios experimentales y clinicos que evaluaban los efectos de la terapia hiperbarica en el traumatismo raquimedular. METODOS: se identificaron noventa y tres estudios en el Pubmed. De estos, por un conjunto de criterios de inclusion y exclusion, se seleccionaron 11 articulos publicados entre 1963 y 2009. Entre los nueve estudios experimentales, se observaron diferentes formas de aplicacion del tratamiento. Los resultados mensurados fueron: funcional, histologico, bioquimico y electrofisiologico. RESULTADOS: los resultados muestran, en la mayoria de los estudios, recuperacion de la funcion locomotora, histologia y/o caracteristicas bioquimicas. Tratandose de los estudios clinicos, los resultados son controvertidos. Las muestras son heterogeneas y la aplicacion de la terapia hiperbarica no es igual para todos los pacientes en cada estudio. CONCLUSION: considerando los resultados de esta revision, se hacen necesarios mas estudios para definir el papel de la terapia hiperbarica en la lesion medular aguda.

Efectos de la terapia hiperbárica en el traumatismo raquimedular: revisión sistemática

OBJETIVO: realizar una revision sistematica de estudios experimentales y clinicos que evaluaban los efectos de la terapia hiperbarica en el traumatismo raquimedular. METODOS: se identificaron noventa y tres estudios en el Pubmed. De estos, por un conjunto de criterios de inclusion y exclusion, se seleccionaron 11 articulos publicados entre 1963 y 2009. Entre los nueve estudios experimentales, se observaron diferentes formas de aplicacion del tratamiento. Los resultados mensurados fueron: funcional, histologico, bioquimico y electrofisiologico. RESULTADOS: los resultados muestran, en la mayoria de los estudios, recuperacion de la funcion locomotora, histologia y/o caracteristicas bioquimicas. Tratandose de los estudios clinicos, los resultados son controvertidos. Las muestras son heterogeneas y la aplicacion de la terapia hiperbarica no es igual para todos los pacientes en cada estudio. CONCLUSION: considerando los resultados de esta revision, se hacen necesarios mas estudios para definir el papel de la terapia hiperbarica en la lesion medular aguda.

Efeitos da oxigenioterapia hiperbárica no tratamento da lesão medular traumática: revisão sistemática

OBJETIVO: realizar una revision sistematica de estudios experimentales y clinicos que evaluaban los efectos de la terapia hiperbarica en el traumatismo raquimedular. METODOS: se identificaron noventa y tres estudios en el Pubmed. De estos, por un conjunto de criterios de inclusion y exclusion, se seleccionaron 11 articulos publicados entre 1963 y 2009. Entre los nueve estudios experimentales, se observaron diferentes formas de aplicacion del tratamiento. Los resultados mensurados fueron: funcional, histologico, bioquimico y electrofisiologico. RESULTADOS: los resultados muestran, en la mayoria de los estudios, recuperacion de la funcion locomotora, histologia y/o caracteristicas bioquimicas. Tratandose de los estudios clinicos, los resultados son controvertidos. Las muestras son heterogeneas y la aplicacion de la terapia hiperbarica no es igual para todos los pacientes en cada estudio. CONCLUSION: considerando los resultados de esta revision, se hacen necesarios mas estudios para definir el papel de la terapia hiperbarica en la lesion medular aguda.