ciTechCare - Artigos
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Avaliação da dor na pessoa não comunicante em contexto de cuidados pós-anestésicosPublication . Oliveira, João Pedro; Costeira, CristinaIntrodução: No processo de heteroavaliação de dor em contexto de cuidados pós-anestésicos, os enfermeiros deparam-se com diversas dificuldades. Acresce a este desafio a falta de uniformização e treino neste processo. Objetivos: Identificar as dificuldades dos enfermeiros na avaliação de dor em pessoas não comunicantes; implementar a utilização de instrumentos de heteroavaliação; comparar a satisfação dos enfermeiros na avaliação de dor após implementação de medidas. Métodos: Projeto de melhoria contínua da qualidade realizado num serviço de cuidados pós anestésicos de uma instituição de Saúde de Portugal. Desenvolvido em 3 fases: I: identificação do problema e avaliação; II: implementação de medidas; III: avaliação após implementação de medidas. Participaram 37 enfermeiros. Dados colhidos nas fases I e III através de aplicação de questionários eletrónicos, analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial. Cumpridos pressupostos éticos. Resultados: Principais dificuldades identificadas na heteroavaliação: défice de conhecimento (32,87%), défice de treino (26,03%) e recursos materiais/logísticos desadequados (23,29%). Correlação positiva de 97% entre o tempo de experiência profissional e a satisfação na utilização de instrumentos de heteroavaliação. Após implementação de medidas verifica-se diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,002) na satisfação dos enfermeiros na heteroavaliação de dor. Conclusões: A avaliação de dor é afetada por diversos fatores (profissionais, organizacionais e mistos). A heteroavaliação de dor exige formação contínua, melhorando o conhecimento, treino e satisfação dos profissionais, suportada por políticas institucionais que uniformizem práticas clínicas.
- Influence of Jump and Ball Release Parameters on Shooting Accuracy in Basketball Under Varying ConstraintsPublication . Amaro, Catarina M.; Castro, Maria António; Mendes, Rui; Rice, Hannah; Gomes, Beatriz B.Background: This study investigates how both jump-related (jump height and flight time) and ball-related parameters (release height, release angle, and velocity) influence shooting accuracy in basketball under different contextual constraints. Methods: Eighteen senior players competing in the national championship (11 females and 7 males; 22.0 ± 3.7 years) performed 90 shots each across three positions (left 45°, middle 90°, right 45°) and three shooting conditions (baseline, simulated gym audience noise, and simulated opposition). Jump variables were derived from force platforms, while ball kinematics were extracted using a high-speed Qualisys camera system. Results: A three-way ANOVA revealed no systematic effects of position or opposition, and only a small effect of noise on flight time (p = 0.019), which was not confirmed by the Linear Mixed Model. Comparisons between successful and missed shots indicated significantly higher flight time, jump height, and release height, and a tendency for higher release velocity in successful attempts, with no differences in release angle. Spearman correlation showed weak associations between biomechanical variables and shooting accuracy (R2 = 0.005–0.012). Conclusions: These findings suggest that while adaptive biomechanical changes occur under contextual constraints, their isolated impact on shot success is limited. Successful performance appears to rely more strongly on release-related parameters, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to training that integrates technical, perceptual, and psychological dimensions.
- Parents’ Perceptions of Screens, Addiction and the Impact on Teenagers’ SleepPublication . Gomes, Laetitia; Simplício, Frederica; Litvinchuck, Anna; Rica, Amélia; Cioga, ElisabeteObjective: This study aimed to analyze parents’ perceptions regarding adolescents’ screen use, signs of screen dependency, and its impact on sleep among 10- to 16-year-olds in the district of Leiria, Portugal. A descriptive–correlational, cross–sectional study was conducted in April 2024 using an online questionnaire completed by a non-probabilistic accidental sample of 616 parents or legal guardians. Nearly half of the respondents (48.2%) perceived adolescents as dependent on screens, while 68.7% believed that their screen time was excessive. Several behavioural signs consistent with digital dependence were reported. Increased screen use was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and difficulties initiating sleep. Although many adolescents still achieved the recommended number of hours of sleep, those perceived as screen-dependent were more likely to experience compromised sleep quality and quantity. These findings reinforce the growing concern about adolescents’ digital habits and underscore the importance of implementing targeted health promotion strategies focused on responsible screen use and sleep hygiene among school-aged youth.
- Digital Play Addiction Tendency and Aggressive Behaviors Among Turkish Preschoolers: Evidence from Parent ReportsPublication . Semiz, Selahattin; Aykanat, Yüksel Büşra Yüksel; Çoksağır, Büşra Somuncu; Ali, Amira Mohammed; Laranjeira, Carlos; Yıldırım, MuratThe escalating exposure of young children to digital gaming necessitates a critical examination of its behavioral impacts. However, evidence regarding its influence on aggressive behavior remains limited. This study investigated the relationship between digital play addiction tendency and our dimensions of aggression: physical aggression, relational aggression, self-directed aggression, and aggression against objects. This study employed a cross-sectional design, gathering data through parent assessments. The sample consisted of 744 children aged 4 to 6 years. The average age of the participants was 33.5, with 82% of the sample being female. The participants came from a lower (27%), middle (37%), and high (36%) socioeconomic background. The data were analyzed using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach to test the hypothesized relationships. The main findings from the SEM analysis indicated that a higher digital play addiction tendency was a significant positive predictor of all four dimensions of aggression. These results highlight the potential adverse effects of digital play addiction tendency on the development of maladaptive behaviors in early childhood. This study underscores the urgent need to develop strategies that foster healthier digital media consumption and mitigate the adverse effects of digital gaming on children’s developmental outcomes.
- Conhecimento dos enfermeiros sobre nutrição entérica na pessoa em situação crítica: estudo de diagnósticoPublication . Joaquim, Rui; Costeira, CristinaIntrodução: A pessoa em situação crítica apresenta alterações metabólicas, significativas, associadas à gravidade da doença, que resultam no aumento das exigências nutricionais e na perturbação da homeostasia, devido ao aumento do metabolismo proteico e calórico. O enfermeiro, como profissional que detém um papel relevante na administração da Nutrição Entérica (NE), deve mobilizar conhecimentos específicos que permitam assegurar cuidados seguros e de qualidade, com ganhos em saúde e redução de custos. Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento dos enfermeiros sobre NE na pessoa em situação crítica e identificar a influência de características sociodemográficas e profissionais nesse conhecimento. Métodos: Estudo de diagnóstico, com abordagem quantitativa, com enfermeiros de uma unidade de cuidados intensivos de especialidade cardíaca, de uma Unidade Local de Saúde de Portugal. Foram colhidos dados através de um questionário eletrónico e a análise realizada através de software estatístico. Resultados: Participaram 36 enfermeiros, com idade média de 42,72±10,70 anos. A maioria não detinha especialidade em enfermagem (66,7%) e 77,8% relataram perceção de conhecimento insuficiente sobre NE. A média de respostas corretas foi de 26,5±6,07 (num máximo de 43), existindo diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) de respostas corretas por idade dos enfermeiros e o deter especialidade em enfermagem. Conclusão: O nível de conhecimentos revelou-se inadequado, pelo que a implementação de um programa formativo no domínio da NE será relevante para ampliar conhecimentos e proporcionar uma gestão nutricional apropriada, melhorando a prática clínica e assegurando a prestação de cuidados seguros.
- HIV/AIDS length of stay in Portugal under financial constraints: a longitudinal study for public hospitals, 2009–2014Publication . Augusto, Gonçalo; Abrantes, Alexandre V.; Martins, Maria R.; Dias, SaraThe global financial crisis and the economic and financial adjustment programme (EFAP) forced the Portuguese government to adopt austerity measures, which also included the health sector. The aim of this study was to analyse factors associated with HIV/AIDS patients' length of stay (LOS) among Portuguese hospitals, and the potential impact of the EFAP measures on hospitalizations among HIV/AIDS patients. METHODS: Data used in this analysis were collected from the Portuguese database of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG). We considered only discharges classified under MCD 24 created for patients with HIV infection. A total of 20,361 hospitalizations occurring between 2009 and 2014 in 41 public hospitals were included in the analysis. The outcome was the number of days between hospital admission and discharge dates (LOS). Hierarchical Poisson regression model with random effects was used to analyse the relation between LOS and patient, treatment and setting characteristics. To more effectively analyse the impact of the EFAP implementation on HIV/AIDS hospitalizations, yearly variables, as well as a variable measuring hospitals' financial situation (current ratio) was included. RESULTS: For the 5% level, having HIV/AIDS as the principal diagnosis, the number of secondary diagnoses, the number of procedures, and having tuberculosis have a positive impact in HIV/AIDS LOS; while being female, urgent admission, in-hospital mortality, pneumocystis pneumonia, hepatitis C, and hospital's current ratio contribute to the decrease of LOS. Additionally, LOS between 2010 and 2014 was significantly shorter in comparison to 2009. Differences in LOS across hospitals are significant after controlling for these variables. CONCLUSION: Following the EFAP, a number of cost-containment measures in the health sector were implemented. Results from our analysis suggest that the implementation of these measures contributed to a significant decrease is LOS among HIV/AIDS patients in Portuguese hospitals
- Cor triatriatum sinistrum in adulthood: A case reportPublication . Cabral, Margarida; Santos, Luís Graça; Ruivo, Catarina; Morais, JoãoA case is presented of cor triatriatum sinistrum , which has been diagnosed in an adult. The findings of invasive and noninvasive studies have resulted in a diagnosis, which can be confirmed by using two-dimensional echocardiography.
- Burnout protective patterns among oncology nurses: a cross-sectional study using machine learning analysisPublication . Rocha, Ana; Costeira, Cristina; Barbosa, Raul; Gonçalves, Florbela; Castelo-Branco, Miguel; Viana, Joaquim; Gaudêncio, Margarida; Ventura, FilipaBackground: Oncology nurses face unique and intense demands due to the nature of their work, caring for patients with life-threatening illnesses. The emergence of professional burnout among these nurses is influenced by several factors, highlighting the importance of identifying protective and risk factors to mitigate its impact. This study aims to identify burnout profiles and protective socio-demographic and work-related patterns associated with reduced burnout among oncology nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 oncology nurses at a specialized hospital exclusively dedicated to adult oncology treatment in Portugal. Data collection included a self-administered questionnaire incorporating the validated Portuguese version of Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and machine learning tools, specifically KMeans clustering and Random Forest algorithms. Results: Six protective patterns against burnout were identified, characterized by conditions of permanent contracts, work-life balance, and supportive work environments. Moreover, factors such as holding management roles and being a parent of two or more children might even be protective in some circumstances, suggesting a nuanced relation between personal and professional factors. Machine learning analyses made apparent the unpredictability of burnout and highlighted the critical role of protective factors in mitigating its impact. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of resilience-building strategies and promoting protective factors, such as job stability, learned experience, and adequate rest, to reduce burnout risk among oncology nurses. Future research should validate these findings through hypothesis-driven analyses to inform targeted and context-specific burnout prevention programs. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
- Cultural adaptation and content validation of the RAC (Rodríguez-Almeida-Cañon) adult infection risk assessment scale for portuguese from PortugalPublication . Martins, Mónica; Paiva-Santos, Filipe; Bom, Luís Todo; Dixe, Maria dos Anjos; Costeira, CristinaIntroduction: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) have been a concern in the healthcare field due to their impact on public health. Therefore, risk stratification of hospitalized populations, using validated instruments, is essential for implementing effective measures to prevent HAIs. Objective: Aimed to culturally adapt the RAC Infection Risk Assessment Scale (Rodríguez-Almeida-Cañon) for adult patients. This article describes the following steps: preparation, preliminary translation, back-translation, review of the back-translation, and content validation through a panel of experts. Methods: After translating and back-translating the scale using bilingual translators, content validation was carried out through a Delphi panel involving 11 experts in the field of HAIs, of both sexes, with clinical experience and/or previous involvement in infection prevention and control research. The items of the RAC scale were evaluated for clarity, theoretical relevance, and practical pertinence. La validez de contenido se determinó mediante el índice de validez de contenido. Results: Based on the feedback from the experts, there was consensus to retain the 15 assessment items, grouped into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The Portuguese (Portugal) version of the scale achieved a 95% agreement level. Conclusion: The RAC scale proved to be valid in terms of content. The use of infection risk assessment instruments is essential for infection prevention, contributing to improved quality of care and guiding healthcare professionals’ interventions. To ensure the validity of the scale, a psychometric validation will also be conducted.
- Validation of the Eight‐Item Paranoid Thoughts Scale (GPTS‐8) in Tunisian Arab AdultsPublication . Fekih‐Romdhane, Feten; Ghorbel, Ons; Laranjeira, Carlos; Cheour, Majda; Harb, Frederic; Hallit, SouheilBackground Growing research indicated that it is highly valuable and clinically beneficial to quantitatively measure and detect the potential presence of paranoid thinking. Among the various existing self-report instruments to measure paranoia, the Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scale (GPTS) was recommended as having the most well-defined, clearly articulated construct underlying its items, and the strongest psychometric qualities in general and clinical population samples. Yet, the psychometric performance of the GPTS remains unknown in the Arab language and culture. To address this gap, our study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the shortest version of the scale (i.e., the GPTS-8). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected during the period September 1st 2024 to January 31th 2025. A total of 552 Arabic-speaking general population adults from Tunisia aged 25.81 ± 4.86 years participated. Results Analyses provided support for a bidimensional model, with a first dimension referring to ideas of persecution and a second one corresponding to ideas of reference. The internal consistency reliability coefficients were high, with both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's ω reported to be 0.83 for ideas of persecution and 0.83 for ideas of reference. Measurement invariance was established for both subscales, implying that the Arabic GPTS-8 measures the same underlying construct of paranoia in the same way across male and female respondents. Finally, paranoia scores correlated positively with psychotic experiences scores, indicating convergent validity, as well as with depression, anxiety and insomnia scores, supporting the concurrent validity of the scale. Conclusion By translating and validating GPTS-8 for the first time in Arabic, this study contributes to rendering the tool available to a broader array of clinicians and researchers who work with Arabic-speaking people. We believe the new Arabic version of the GPTS-8 will provide further encouragement to research and development in this yet-unexplored field among Arabic-speakers.