Better Perception Of Quality Research Articles

Influence of Sexuality on the Health of the Elderly in Process of Dementia: Integrative Review

Objective: this work sought to inquire on the influence of sexuality on the health of the elderly during dementia. Materials and Methods: this was an integrative review. A careful search was conducted in nine databases; however, only five databases provided articles fulfilling the scope of the study: Medline, Lilacs, BDENF, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS). The health science descriptors (DeCS) were adopted: “sexualidad”, “demencia” and “anciano”, and the descriptors cataloged in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): “sexuality”, “dementia” and “aged”. After applying the inclusion criteria, eight articles were selected to comprise the study sample. Results: the practice of sexuality influences upon the health of the elderly with dementia with some beneficial effects, given that it provides, especially, better perception of quality of life and wellbeing. Nevertheless, it cannot be generalized due to methodological insufficiency evidenced in the studies found to construct this review. Conclusions: due to the limitation of studies addressing the theme and the methodological insufficiency of those included in this review, it is necessary to conduct research that shows in depth the influence of sexuality on this population, given that it can be constituted as another approach for the promotion and protection of health in the elderly with dementia.

Quality of life of patients with lower limb amputation with prostheses

Abstract Quality of life is often acknowledged as an important outcome of rehabilitation programs for people with amputation. Despite the importance of the subject, the number of studies focusing on the multiplicity of factors influencing this matter is still limited. These assessments are increasingly needed to demonstrate changes related to intervention over time. In order to evaluate the quality of life of patients with lower limb amputation and wearing prostheses, a study was conducted with 49 patients followed in a rehabilitation hospital in the Midwest region of Brazil. A generic instrument (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) for quality of life assessment and Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale-Revised that is specific for people with amputation were used in addition to a functional assessment measure. The results showed that the time since amputation, male gender and below-knee amputations were predictors of a better perception of quality of life and better adjustment to amputation.

The role of cultural engagement for older adults: an integrative review of scientific literature

Abstract Objective: to understand the role of cultural engagement in the lives of older adults. Method: an integrative literature review of publications from 2014 and 2019 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish was conducted. The Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, PsycNET®, LILACS, SciELO Citation Index and Science Direct databases were used as sources of information. The descriptors “aged” and the related term “cultural engagement” in the three idioms were used in the search, together with the Boolean operators “AND” or “ OR”. A total of 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria were found. These were categorized based on the theme. No Brazilian studies were found. Results: the panorama found revealed that older adults are more interested in receptive cultural activities, such as going to museums, exhibitions and the theater, as these enrich and add greater social value to their lives. Cultural engagement was associated with a reduction in the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders (dementia and depression), as well as reducing the incidence of episodes of violence. Participation in cultural activities also constituted a protective factor for cognitive abilities and for the reduction of chronic pain. There is also evidence that associates cultural engagement with a better perception of quality of life and greater well-being, happiness and positive affect, as well as the reduction of negative affect. Conclusion: engaging in cultural activities is a way of understanding and respecting cultural diversity, salvaging social identities, and enjoying and providing experiences of great social value, with beneficial impacts in the lives of older adults.

Factors associated with the work capacity of motorcycle taxi drivers.

This study evaluated the work capacity of motorcycle taxi drivers and its association with sociodemographic and work and quality of life factors. This is a cross-sectional study realized with 392 motorcycle taxi drivers that used a form containing demographic and labor data, Work Capacity Index, the WHOQOL-bref. We employed a descriptive and inferential analysis. The moderate/good prevalence work capacity was 51%. Motorcycle taxi drivers aged 40 years and over recorded a 31% increase in low work capacity (PR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.07; 1.61) compared to younger workers. Motorcycle taxi drivers aged 21-29 and 30-39 years evidenced a higher median for absenteeism (p = 0.023) and self-prognosis regarding future work capacity (p < 0.001). A greater proportion of diseases diagnosed among those with five or more years of service (p = 0.003) and of self-prognosis in those with five years or less of service (p < 0.001) was observed. Motorcycle taxi drivers with moderate/good capacity showed better perception of quality of life in the physical realm (p < 0.001). Work capacity of motorcycle taxi drivers was associated with higher exposure to noxious factors that affect their quality of life and work force. Priority public policies and educational actions are required to minimize this exposure.

Dor e qualidade de vida de profissionais intérpretes de língua brasileira de sinais

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da dor na percepção da qualidade de vida (QV) de intérpretes da língua brasileira de sinais (libras) atuantes em escolas de ensino fundamental da rede pública municipal de Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás.MÉTODOS: O estudo contou com uma amostra de 22 profissionais intérpretes de libras. Para avaliar a QV foram utilizados os questionários Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) e o World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (Whoqol-Bref) e para a mensuração de dor a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). O software estatístico SPSS versão 20 foi utilizado para descrição e a correlação entre os escores de cada domínio dos questionários de QV e EVA. A significância estatística adotada foi de p&lt;0,05.RESULTADOS: A média geral do questionário SF-36 foi de 63,88, sendo as médias dos domínios: capacidade funcional (77,72), limitação por aspectos físicos (77,27), dor (58,40), estado geral de saúde (54,27), vitalidade (50,90), aspectos sociais (68,18), limitação por aspectos emocionais (62,12), saúde mental (62,18). A média para dor da EVA foi de 4,64. A média geral do questionário Whoqol-Bref foi de 63,73, sendo as médias dos domínios: físico (65,25), psicológico (68,75), relações sociais (64,76) e meio ambiente (56,11). Na correlação entre a EVA e os domínios do SF-36: EVA e capacidade funcional (-0,410); EVA e limitação por aspectos físicos (-0,212); EVA e dor (-0,721); EVA e estado geral de saúde (- 0,606); EVA e vitalidade (-0,548); EVA e aspectos sociais (-0,402); EVA e limitações por aspectos emocionais (-0,223); EVA e saúde mental (-0,456). Na correlação entre a EVA e os domínios do Whoqol-Bref: EVA e físico (-0,593); EVA e psicológico (-0,358); EVA e relações sociais (-0,531); EVA e meio ambiente (-0,434).CONCLUSÕES: Os profissionais intérpretes de libras não apresentam uma ótima percepção de QV. A remuneração, empregos concomitantes ou extensão da carga horária, e o desgaste físico e mental durante o processo interpretativo contribuíram para uma percepção de QV pouco elevada.

Subscribers\u2019 perception of quality of services provided by Ghana\u2019s National Health Insurance Scheme - what are the correlates?

BackgroundGhana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has witnessed an upsurge in enrollment since its inception in 2003, with over 40% of the Ghanaian population actively enrolled in the scheme. While the scheme strives to achieve universal health coverage, this quest is derailed by negative perceptions of the quality of services rendered to NHIS subscribers. This paper presents an analysis on perceptions of service quality provided to subscribers of Ghana’s NHIS with emphasis on rural and urban scheme policy holders, using a nationally representative data.MethodsThe study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Ordered logistic regressions were estimated to identify the correlates of perceived quality of care of services rendered by the NHIS. Also, chi-square statistics were performed to test for significant differences in the proportions of subscribers in the two subsamples (rural and urban).ResultsRural subscribers of the NHIS were found to identify more with better perception of quality of services provided by the NHIS than urban subscribers. Results from the chi-square statistics further indicated that rural subscribers are significantly different from urban subscribers in terms of the selected socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. In the full sample; age, out-of-pocket payment for healthcare and region of residence proved significant in explaining perceived quality of services rendered by the NHIS. Age, out-of-pocket payment for healthcare, region of residence, wealth status, and access to media were found to be significant predictors of perceived quality of services provided to both rural and urban subscribers of the NHIS. The significance of these variables varied among men and women in rural and urban areas.ConclusionDifferent factors affect the perception of quality of services provided to rural and urban subscribers of Ghana’s NHIS. Health financing policies geared toward improving the NHIS-related services in rural and urban areas should be varied.

Defense mechanisms and quality of life in military personnel with burnout syndrome

Background/Aim. Professional military personnel are exposed to a number of stressors during the war as well as in peacetime conditions that can cause some hidden or manifest disorders, especially anxiety and depression, but also the development of a burnout syndrome. The aim of our investigation was to determine the defense mechanisms and subjective assessment of quality of life and anxiety in professional military personnel of the Serbian Armed Forces with the burnout syndrome. Methods. The cross-sectional study included a total of 55 professional military personnel, from 25 to 55 years of age, without current mental problem. In the investigation, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), World Health Organization Abbreviated Instrument for Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used. The statistical analysis included parametric and nonparametric descriptive statistics. Results. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were present in 10.9% of subjects and in 12.7% of subjects respectively, in moderate level, while personal accomplishment was present in 21.8% of subjects of high level. Humor was higher in the subjects with a moderate level of burnout on the personal accomplishment (PA) scale and altruism in the subjects with a low level of burnout on the depersonalization (DP) scale as well as acting-out and rationalization on the PA scale in the subjects with a moderate level of burnout. High level of anxiety was present in 14.5% of subjects. Conclusion. Professional military personnel with lower level of burnout were less anxious, use mature defense mechanisms and have a perception of better quality of life. When burnout is diagnosed, psychological interventions requires training through the adoption of mechanisms for overcoming everyday stress, which may affect the reduction of anxiety and the improvement of the quality of life. Professional assistance, including psychotherapy is required in severe cases.

Atividades motoras e qualidade de vida de adolescentes de Paranaguá, Paraná

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; O objetivo do estudo foi analisar as relações entre o envolvimento em diferentes atividades motoras, de acordo com a frequência de prática, e a percepção da qualidade de vida de adolescentes. Participaram do estudo 773 adolescentes das escolas estaduais de Paranaguá (Paraná), com idade de 14 a 19 anos. Por meio de um questionário autoaplicável, foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, a atividade motora (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents) e percepção da qualidade de vida (Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM, versão 4.0). Adolescentes que praticavam futebol (p &lt; 0,005), basquete (p &lt; 0,005), lutas (p &lt; 0,005), musculação (p &lt; 0,001), tênis/tênis de mesa (p &lt; 0,005), natação (p &lt; 0,0005), voleibol (p &lt; 0,005), ginástica na academia (p &lt; 0,005) e andavam de bicicleta (p &lt; 0,005) apresentaram percepção mais positiva de qualidade de vida em diferentes domínios. Os domínios da qualidade de vida com mais atividades motoras associadas foram “saúde e atividade” e “convívio com outras pessoas”. Envolvimento em diversas atividades motoras associou-se a melhor percepção da qualidade de vida, diferindo-se conforme frequência. Adolescentes que praticavam uma ou duas vezes por semana o futebol, basquete, lutas, natação, corrida, tênis/tênis de mesa e mus- culação, também como, os que praticavam, de três ou mais vezes na semana, a caminhada, voleibol, fazer exercício em academias de ginástica, corrida e andavam de bicicleta apresentaram percepção mais positiva da qualidade de vida que os não praticantes.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Health Perception According to the Lifestyle of University Students.

University students are characterized by having inadequate eating habits, along with an unhealthy lifestyle, which, among other factors, can affect the perception they have of their state of health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the health perception of a group of university students according to lifestyle. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 214 university students from different universities and branches of knowledge. Anthropometric data were collected. Three questionnaires were administered: PREDIMED (Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence), SF-36 (perception of health state) and GPAQ (physical activity (PA)). The differences between variables were analyzed using Student-t or Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson Chi-Square tests. Statistical significance was reached at p < 0.05. Most students were found to be normal weighted. The subjects presented an moderateMD adherence, this being better in Health Sciences students. 75.7% practiced light PA. The health perception is worse for most of the subscales analyzed than that of the reference population (except physical-function, physical-role, and emotional-role). There is an association between PA and health perception: students with intense PA have less body pain and better physical function; the less active, the less vitality. The more physically active subjects the greater MD adherence. Lifestyle and eating habits of health sciences students are healthier than that of students from other branches of knowledge. The physically active subjects have a better perception of quality of life-related to health and greater MD adherence.

Health Academies Program and the promotion of physical activity in the city: the experience of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

The objectives of this study were to describe the history and evaluation methodology of the Brazilian Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, MG and discuss it as an experience of health promotion and equity. Data from 4,048 non-users (2008-09) and 402 users (2014-15) were analyzed from two cross-sectional surveys. Socio-demographic profile and level of physical activity were described for both groups. Social interaction, satisfaction with life, quality of life, and social organization in the neighborhood were compared between < 3 and ≥ 3 monthly minimum wages income and conducted only for women aged 40 years and older . Chi-square test of Person was performed (p ≤ 0.05). Prevalence of leisure-time physical activity among non-users was of 30.2% and users of 53.7%. Better perception of quality of life, positive satisfaction with life, greater social interactions and participation in the neighborhood were observed among women with higher income compared to their counterparts (p < 0.001). In turn, for all evaluated constructs, users reported better perception of the lower income group. The PAS has opportunized physical activity to the vulnerable population and seems to act on other outcomes besides the lifestyle.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida em idosos da comunidade

Objective: To assess the quality of life of the elderly in the community linked to a family health unit. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with 98 elderly people linked to a basic health unit (BHU) in a municipality of the state of Goias, Brazil, between February and April 2016. The data were collected through a structured interview using an instrument addressing the sociodemographic aspects and morbidities reported by the elderly, and the Flanagan Quality of Life Scale, which conceptualizes the quality of life from five domains: physical and material well-being; relations with other people; social, community, and civic activities; personal development and fulfillment; and recreation. For data analysis, the study applied descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression; Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare proportions. Results: The majority of the elderly people were female 59 (60.2%), with a mean age of 69 years (SD ± 6.8), 40 (40.8%) were married and 56 (57.1%) had completed middle school. Among the participants, 52 (53.1%) were sedentary and 77 (87.8%) reported at least one medical condition. The mean Flanagan Scale total score was 86.3 (± 10) points, reflecting a high quality of life. Practicing physical activity (p=0.019) and having some level of education (p=0.012) showed a tendency for a better perception of quality of life. Conclusion: The elderly’s quality of life was considered high according to the Flanagan Quality of Life Scale, with higher satisfaction rates in the domain “listening to music, watching TV or going to the movies, reading or other entertainments.”

Quality of life and cochlear implant: results in adults with postlingual hearing loss.

IntroductionConsidering the variability of results found in the clinical population using a cochlear implant, researchers in the area have been interested in the inclusion of quality of life measures to subjectively assess the benefits of the implantation.ObjectiveTo assess the quality of life of adult users of cochlear implant.MethodsA cross-sectional and clinical study in a group of 26 adults of both genders, with mean duration of cochlear implant use of 6.6 years. The Nijmegen Cochlear Implantation Questionnaire and the generic World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire were sent electronically.ResultsThe best assessed domain in the quality of life assessment for the cochlear implantation questionnaire was the social domain, whereas for the quality of life questionnaire it was the psychological domain. The variables, gender, time of cochlear implant use and auditory modality did not influence the results of both questionnaires. Only the variable level of education was correlated with the environment domain of the quality of life questionnaire. The variable telephone speech comprehension was associated with a better perception of quality of life for all the domains of the specific questionnaire and for the self-assessment of quality of life in general.ConclusionFrom the users’ perspective, both questionnaires showed that cochlear implant brought benefits to different aspects related to quality of life.

QUALIDADE DE VIDA E SEXUALIDADE DE PACIENTES RENAIS CRÔNICOS EM HEMODIÁLISE

Introduction: Human sexuality is an integral part of the individual’s personality. It is a basic need and an aspect that cannot be separated from other aspects of life. Clinicians generally poorly value sexual dysfunctions and those interfere directly in the patients’ physical and psychosocial health as well as in his or her partner’s and they also might affect negatively their quality of life. Objective: This study carried out a comparative analysis between the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis with and without sexual dysfunction. Patients and Method: This is a comparative cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 60 participants undergoing treatment in a Renal Replacement Therapy Unit. Data were collected throu-gh individual interviews, using the following instruments: Patients’ characteristics, Male or Female Sexual Quotient, and SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: It was observed better perception in the “social aspects” from quality of life dimension. “Physical aspects” scored the lowest median value. The assessed sexual function was classified as “unfavorable to the regular” for both sexes. The participants who had the sexual function classified as regular to excellent, showed better perception of quality of life in all domains of the SF-36. There was statistical significance in the fields: Physical Aspects, Pain and Social Aspects. Conclusion: It was verified that patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis presenting better sexual function had better quality of life compared to those who reported poor sexual function.

Qualidade de vida e aspectos auditivos de trabalhadores do transporte coletivo urbano

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida de trabalhadores do transporte coletivo urbano, associadamente ao seu conhecimento e queixas sobre audição, zumbido e tontura. Métodos: descritivo, qualitativo e transversal. A coleta foi realizada no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, com amostra de 26 profissionais, submetidos à versão abreviada do questionário de avaliação de qualidade de vida - WHO Quality of Life-Bref Questionnaire (WHOQOL - Bref) - e a um questionário sobre conhecimento e queixas relacionadas a audição, tontura e zumbido. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Software Statística versão 9.0, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a amostra caracterizou-se por 100% de indivíduos do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 38,03 anos e tempo médio de serviço de 11,29 anos; 88,46% dos sujeitos trabalhavam em contato direto com o trânsito urbano e expostos a ruídos no ambiente externo à empresa. Quanto ao perfil auditivo, 88,46% referiram ouvir bem. Quanto às queixas: 23,07% relataram zumbido e 26,92% tontura. Com relação aos hábitos de prevenção de perda auditiva, 73,07% referiram não adotar nenhuma conduta. As respostas do WHOQOL-Bref evidenciaram uma boa percepção de qualidade de vida destes sujeitos. Conclusão: os trabalhadores do transporte coletivo avaliados no presente estudo apresentaram um bom nível de qualidade de vida, consideráveis conhecimentos e limitadas queixas no que diz respeito aos temas audição, zumbido e tontura.

Traumatic brain injury and its implications on cognition and quality of life

Traumatic brain injury is one of the main causes of mortality in children or young adults. Patients with moderate or severe TBI can present motor, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functionality sequelae, causing an adverse impact on the individual, his family, and on society. Objective: To investigate the impact that severe traumatic brain injury caused to the life of patients who suffered the injury during childhood and youth, considering cognitive, emotional, and quality of life questions, as well as, to verify whether there are differences with respect to age at the time of injury. Method: A quantitative, qualitative, cross-sectional study carried out at the Ibirapuera unit of the Rehabilitation Center of the Association for Assistance to Disabled Children (AACD). Thirteen patients with severe traumatic brain injury from São Paulo state, participated in the study between January of 2010 and March of 2014. The instruments utilized were: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Raven’s Progressive Matrices, and the Pfister Colored Pyramid Test. The data collected were evaluated in the overall sample and then divided into two groups based on their age at the time of injury, with group 1 (3 to 7 years and eleven months old) and group 2 (8 to 16 years and eleven months old). Results: On the Raven’s test, 76.9% of the participants showed signs of mental impairment. All participants had a good quality of life assessment. In the emotional aspects, there was good adaptability and interaction. Upon comparison, there was no difference between groups. Conclusion: The results were consistent with studies that indicate cognitive impairment and good perception of quality of life

Factors influencing decisions of Laotian patients to use health care services in Thailand

Abstract Background: Thailand has been facing a gradual increase in use of cross-border health care. Nevertheless, no evidence regarding factors influencing cross-border use of health care by Laotian patients in public Thai hospitals among this group has been established. Objectives: To assess the use of cross-border health care by Laotian patients, and factors that may influence health services in public Thai hospitals along the border. Methods: This study consisted of two parts. (1) Site-visits to 53 Thai public hospitals along the Thai-Laos border during May to July 2011 and collection of data regarding the use of health care services by Laotian patients. (2) A structured questionnaire survey was conducted via face interviews by trained researchers. Findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: The most common conditions for which treatment was sought were common diseases and basic operative procedures. All hospitals had been facing substantial financial burden, particularly for inpatient care. The analysis of use indicated that a perception of differences in the quality of health services, ability to pay for treatment anywhere, and distance to health services were three major factors affecting the decision of Laotian patients to cross the border to obtain health care in Thailand. Interviews with hospital directors and staff revealed that more financial support and a clear policy for care of Laotian patients was needed. Conclusions: The perception of better quality of health care in Thailand by Laotian patients was the major factor affecting cross-border use of health care services. Assistance to improve healthcare in Laos and financial support for subsidizing care for the indigent Laotian patients is needed.

Quality of life, cortisol blood levels and exercise in older adults: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Cortisol plays a central role in the stress response; while high stress can determine physical and psychological impairment, moderate stress, with a mild increase in cortisol level, may have a positive effect on coping and physical performance. This trial attempted to determine whether cortisol levels were associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in a sample of elderly subjects undertaking an exercise program. Methods:42 subjects aged ≥65 years were randomlyassigned in a 1:1 fashion either to a vigorous physical activity (VAG: N=21) or to a postural gimnastic group (PGG: N=21). Differences between the two groups in QoL (on SF-12), and blood cortisol levels were assessed by ANOVA at different times. Results:In both the VAG and PGG, cortisol levels rose at the end of the trial, with statistically significant differences as compared to the baseline. QoL at the end of the trial was higher than in the national normative sample. Cortisol and QoL in both groups decreased slightly 12 weeks after the end of the trial (T2); however, only in the VAG did the difference from the initial level remain statistically significant. At T1 and T2, subjects with higher SF-12 scores were found in subsamples in both groups with cortisol levels moderately increased (between 200 and 300 mg/ml). Conclusion:In a sample of elderly subjects undergoing two different kinds of exercise, a better perception of Quality of Life was associated with a moderate, non-pathological increase in cortisol. The results need to be confirmed by trials on larger samples.

Factors Affecting Consumer’s Brand Preference of Small Cars

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting consumer's brand preference of small cars in Chennai. The majority of consumers prefer Maruthi Suzki brand of small car. The value, comfortability, efficiency, accessibility, ambition and need are the factors affecting consumer's brand preference of small cars. The regression analysis shows that value, comfortability, efficiency and need are positively influencing the consumer's overall satisfaction about small cars at one per cent level of significance, while accessibility is also positively influencing the consumer's overall satisfaction about small cars at five cent level of significance. Therefore, the small car manufacturers should also focus on value-creating activities as such so that consumers will have a better perception of quality of the brand. By incorporating these factors, it also delivers a functional benefit such as creating a differentiation from industry competitors. There is cut throat competitions in the market on price front and so they have to find out better quality and low cost product. Indians are conscious about the price and fuel efficiency.

Percepción de los usuarios sobre la calidad de la atención ambulatoria en servicios de salud en México

Objetivo. Identificar la percepción de los usuarios de los servicios de salud ambulatorios en México sobre la calidad de atención y los factores asociados con dicha percepción. Material y métodos. De los datos obtenidos por las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud y Nutrición 2006 y 2012 se analizó la percepción de la atención recibida y de mejoría en salud después de la atención; se elaboró un modelo multivariado para identificar los factores de los servicios asociados con la percepción de mejoría. Resultados. La buena percepción de atención se elevó de 82 a 85%, y la de mejoría del estado de salud, de 79 a 81%, entre los años 2006 y 2012. La explicación sobre la enfermedad y tratamiento, la consulta sin cita previa, la oportunidad de elegir el servicio de salud y menor tiempo de espera se asociaron con la percepción de mejoría. Conclusiones. Existen avances en la calidad de atención percibida en la atención ambulatoria en México. Es necesario fortalecer estrategias organizacionales para brindar atención con mayor oportunidad y responder a las expectativas de los usuarios.

Quality of Life and Congenital Heart Disease in Childhood and Adolescence

Advances in cardiac surgery techniques and early diagnosis have enabled the increased survival of individuals with congenital heart disease. The investigation of the quality of life in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease provides complementary information to clinical data that can assist in decision making on the part of health professionals. Although many studies have been conducted to investigate the quality of life of children and adolescents with congenital heart disease, the results prove to be contradictory; while some studies show that congenital heart disease can impact the quality of life, others describe a better perception of quality of life among children and adolescents who suffer from the disease when compared with healthy control subjects. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the assessment of health related quality of life in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease, in order to systematize the existing knowledge on this topic today. It is observed that research seeks to investigate aspects of personality in cardiac patients, their coping strategies used and perceived social support, aiming at better understanding the association of these variables with the level of quality of life in this population.