Sample Of Brazilian Women Research Articles

Infecção crônica por Toxoplasma gondii está associada à diminuição de desempenho da memória de trabalho em mulheres

Abstract Objective The present study sought to investigate changes in mood, inhibitory control, and working memory associated with T. gondii infection in a sample of Brazilian women. Method Twenty-eight female participants were equally distributed into two groups, according to the serology for chronic infection by T. gondii. The participants answered a Sociodemographic questionnaire, the CES-D, and performed Simon and N-Back tasks. Results Infected participants presented less accuracy and longer response time in N-Back tasks. No significant differences were found in the Simon task performance or in the depression levels. Conclusion Our findings suggest that chronic infection by T. gondii may result in impaired working memory and point out the importance of public policies aiming at preventing this infection.

Analysis of the relationship between global breast density and maximum points of breast density in a sample of Brazilian women

Maximum points of breast density have been strongly associated with breast cancer masking than global breast density, which is a widely used measure today. The objective of this work was to verify the correlation between two measures of global breast density (VBDGLOBAL and DABGLOBAL) and a measure of maximum point breast density (VBDMP). Mammographic images of 4.020 patients were analyzed using the Volpara software, which calculated or extracted the variables needed for the study from the DICOM header. Two-tailed partial correlation tests were performed between the variable VBDGLOBAL with VBDMP and DABGLOBAL with VBDMP in the following contexts: keeping PA and CBT constant, keeping only CBT constant, and keeping only PA constant. The Pearson test was also used to verify the bivariate correlation between VBDGLOBAL with VBDMP and DABGLOBAL with VBDMP. For the two-tailed partial correlation tests between VBDGLOBAL with VBDMP, keeping the CBT and PA variables constant resulted in r = 0.845 (p < 0.05). When kept constant only the CBT, r = 0.875 (p < 0.05), and keeping only the PA constant r = 0.866 (p < 0.05). Pearson's test showed r = 0.883 (p < 0.05). For the two-tailed partial correlation tests between the DABGLOBAL with VBDMP quantities, the results were r = 0.675 (p < 0.05), r = 0.725 (p < 0.05) and r = 0.701 (p < 0.05) for constant CBT and PA, constant CBT and constant PA, respectively, while the Pearson test resulted in r = 0.738 (p < 0.05). We conclude that a woman who has high global breast density is also highly likely to have maximum points of breast density.

O-12 “Is Love Essential for a Good Sexual Relationship?”: Analysis of Sexual Beliefs in Brazilian Women

Beliefs are generalized ideas about oneself and the world that are built from early experiences and are strengthened throughout life. They shape our perception and events interpretation. Beliefs related to sexuality play an important role in sexual behavior, and can influence the occurrence of both satisfactory experiences and sexual dysfunctions. Despite the growing recognition of female sexuality as a relevant aspect for the woman's quality of life, the experience of sexual pleasure unrelated to the loving or relational aspect seems to have less legitimacy. In this sense, the present study sought to analyze, in a sample of Brazilian women, the belief that love is fundamental for a good sexual relationship.

Correlation between MCI/Sapori screening tools and DXA results and between MCI/Sapori and Frax tool for estimating fracture risk

Background: Peripheral Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can be applied to identify low bone mineral density (BMD) patients, however, DXA is not sufficiently available in many countries. Thus, the use of simpler and cheaper screening tools than DXA to detect low BMD become indispensable. Objectives: The objective of this study was to correlate São Paulo osteoporosis risk index (Sapori) and mandibular cortical index (MCI) screening tools with the femur DXA results of patients in our sample of Brazilian women. A secondary objective was to assess which of these screening tools better correlates with the results of the Frax tool. Material and Methods: Exams of women who had undergone panoramic radiographic examination at the beginning of dental treatment and peripheral DXA for screening osteoporosis from 2010 to 2014 were included. The MCI was evaluated, and Sapori and Frax were calculated with their available online software tools. Spearman correlation was performed to analyse the level of correlation between femur T-scores (and MCI and Sapori values, as well to perform the level of correlation between Frax and MCI and Sapori values. Results: The spearman correlation comparing the numerical T-score values and the categorical values of MCI (rs=-0.274), and of Sapori (rs=-0.470), showed a statistically significant inverse correlation for both equations (p&lt;0.01). The Spearman equation comparing the values obtained with Frax and MCI did not show a statistically signifcant correlation (p&gt;0.01). But the equation comparing the values obtained with Frax and Sapori showed a positive, moderate and statistically significant correlation between them (rs=0.460). Conclusion: MCI is not a reliable screening tool to identify women with low BMD or Osteoporosis, whereas more optimistic results were observed for the Sapori.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Module for Assessment of Domestic Violence, adapted from Axis I of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (OPD-2), with a sample of Brazilian women, victims of domestic violence.

Intimate partner domestic violence against women causes physical and psychological harm to victims. The relevance of this topic is indisputable and there is a need to identify in greater detail how these women experience violence, since these factors have considerable clinical implications. To develop a Portuguese version of the Module for Assessment of Domestic Violence, adapted from Axis I of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (OPD-2), considering content validity and psychometric characteristics. Cross-cultural adaptation was based on guidelines for the process of cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. OPD clinical interviews were recorded and transcribed. These interviews were analyzed by two independent judges trained in the OPD-2. The sample comprised 56 women who had been victims of domestic violence, with a mean age of 30.07 years (standard deviation = 9.65). The adapted version has content validity and good psychometric characteristics. Evaluation of semantic equivalence took into account the psychodynamic references, using the same ideas as the original instrument. Interexaminer reliability between the judges was substantial (k = 0.63) and Cronbach's alpha for the new version indicates good reliability. The OPD-2 offers a psychodynamic diagnosis of the victim that complements traditional nosological diagnosis, particularly in the context of domestic violence with the adaptation of Axis I. Certain biases could have been detrimental to aspects of this study, but they were controlled. The study objective was achieved and the Module was successfully adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The results are in line with those of the original study.

Pelvic floor muscle knowledge and relationship with muscle strength in Brazilian women: a cross-sectional study

There seems to be little knowledge about pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in the general population; however, literature confirming this assertion is scarce, especially in developing countries. The present study hypothesized a low level of knowledge about PFMs in a sample of Brazilian women and a positive relationship between that knowledge and the ability to contract the PFMs, strength, and urinary continence. This was a cross-sectional study including 133 women. A questionnaire assessing knowledge about PFMs and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) were applied. Vaginal palpation and manometry were used to assess PFM condition. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the association between PFM knowledge and continuous variables, and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the women's PFM knowledge with the categorical variables. A low level of PFM knowledge was observed in this sample, with a mean total score of 0.48 (±0.97). Vaginal manometry peak, mean, and duration values were 39.1 cmH2O (±23.7), 25.5 cmH2O (±16.1), and 21.1s (±20.8) respectively. The ICIQ-UI-SF mean score was 7.1 (± 6.8). There were weak correlations between PFM knowledge and age (r -0.2044/ p = 0.01), and parity (r -0.19568/p = 0.02). PFM knowledge was higher among women with higher education levels (p = 0.0012) and those who had previously performed PFM training (p <0.001). The participants showed a low level of PFM knowledge. No relationship between PFM knowledge and ability to contract or prevalence of UI was observed.

Atypical Squamous Cells: Cytopathological Findings and Correlation with HPV Genotype and Histopathology

Objective: We aimed to assess potential associations between atypical squamous cell (ASC) subgroups: ASC-US (undetermined significance) and ASC-H (cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), regarding cytomorphological features, high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and histological outcomes in a sample of Brazilian women. Study Design: Cross-sectional study which evaluated 1,346 liquid-based cytologies between January 2010 and July 2016 with ASC results. ASC-US and ASC-H were analyzed for frequency, diagnostic criteria, and cytological findings and compared with HR-HPV tests and histological outcomes. Results: Enlarged nucleus was the most frequent ASC-US criterion, but alternative criteria were present in 20% of the total cases. No ASC-US criteria were associated with histological outcomes or HR-HPV positivity. Parakeratosis, corneal pearl, giant cells, and binucleation were strongly associated with ASC-US while hyperkeratosis was associated with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or a superior outcome. HR-HPV was positive in 64.39% of ASC-US and 65.38% of ASC-H. HSIL or superior outcomes also occurred in 13.33% of ASC-US and 64.71% of ASC-H cases. Conclusion: Alternative criteria for ASC-US were relatively frequent. Reactive cellular changes suggestive of atypias were more abundant in ASC-US. Although ASC-H is associated with worse histological outcomes, no differences in HPV positivity were found in comparison to ASC-US.

Methodological study to evaluate the psychometric properties of FACIT-CD in a sample of Brazilian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

BackgroundThe occurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is associated with changes in health-related quality of life, including psychological factors, such as fear and shame, and changes in sexuality and sexual satisfaction, such as decreased sexual desire and frequency of sexual intercourse. Personal relationships are the most affected because CIN is sexually transmitted and many women tend to blame their partner for disease transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FACIT-CD questionnaire in Brazilian women diagnosed with CIN.MethodsThe properties of the FACIT-CD questionnaire were tested on a sample of 439 women seen at the Department of Prevention of Barretos Cancer Hospital, including 329 patients who were diagnosed with CIN and 110 women who were not diagnosed with the disease. The analysed parameters included internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient), structural validity, convergent validity (correlation with the SF-12 and EORTC QLQ-CX24 questionnaires), discriminant validity (according to disease status, and self-rating of health), sensitivity, and responsiveness.ResultsThe Cronbach alpha values ​​of the FACIT-CD scales were higher than 0.70 with the exception of the relationship scale (0.66). The FACIT-CD reproducibility was satisfactory, with variation in the intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.50 and 0.83, although the 95% confidence interval (CI) was lower than 0.40 (0.33–0.64) on the treatment satisfaction scale. Regarding structural validity, only one item on the physical well-being scale was not kept in the original domain. The expected correlations between the FACIT-CD and SF-12 were not confirmed, whereas the correlations between the FACIT-CD and EORTC QLQ-CX24 were confirmed. The questionnaire was able to discriminate the groups according to disease status and self-rating of health. The sensitivity was low for the relationship scale and moderate for the other scales. The responsiveness of the FACIT-CD questionnaire varied between the groups that denominate the self-perception of health as no change, improvement or worsening.ConclusionOur results are encouraging and indicate that the FACIT-CD questionnaire is a promising tool for the analysis of the quality of life of women with CIN.

Factors associated with Brazilian Portuguese 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) in a sample of Brazilian women

Factors associated with Brazilian Portuguese 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) in a sample of Brazilian women

Factors associated with climacteric symptoms in a sample of Brazilian women

Factors associated with climacteric symptoms in a sample of Brazilian women

Characterization of the 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS-10) and lifestyle in a sample of Brazilian women

Characterization of the 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS-10) and lifestyle in a sample of Brazilian women

Factors associated with Brazilian Portuguese 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS10) in a sample of Brazilian women

Factors associated with Brazilian Portuguese 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS10) in a sample of Brazilian women

Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS-10): Comparisons in a sample of Brazilian women

Aim: To compare both Brazilian scales: Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS-10).

CCDC22 gene polymorphism is associated with advanced stages of endometriosis in a sample of Brazilian women

Based on the assumption that genetic factors are involved in the etiology of endometriosis, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of rs498679 (TLR4 gene), rs1799964 (TNF-α gene), rs3024496 (IL-10 gene), and rs2294021 (CCDC22 gene) polymorphisms being associated with the occurrence of this disease in a sample of Brazilian women. We conducted a case-control study with 100 women with histological confirmation of endometriosis (endometriosis group) and 100 women submitted to laparoscopy for benign disorders, in whichthe absence of endometriosis was confirmed (control group). All samples were genotyped by real-time PCR technique for rs498679, rs1799964, rs3024496, and rs2294021 polymorphisms. No significant difference was observed in genotypic or allelic frequencies between control and endometriosis groups for rs498679 (TLR4 gene), rs1799964 (TNF-α gene), rs3024496 (IL-10 gene), neither when comparing endometriosis subgroups (I-II versus III-IV). On the other hand, significant difference between stages I-II and III-IV of the disease was found in genotypic and allelic frequencies for the rs2294021 (CCDC22 gene) SNP (p=0.048 and p=0.017, respectively). Our results suggest that the rs2294021 (CCDC22 gene) polymorphism could be associated with increased susceptibility to endometriosis in Brazilian women when the allele C is present. In order to clarify this result, further studies should be conducted on a larger population.

Polymorphisms of ICAM-1 and IL-6 genes related to endometriosis in a sample of Brazilian women.

This study investigated the possibility of K469E (rs5498) and G241R (rs1799969) polymorphisms, in ICAM-1 gene, and G634C (rs1800796), in IL-6 gene, being associated with the occurrence of endometriosis in a sample of Brazilian women. We genotyped 200 women (100 in control group and 100 in endometriosis group) by PCR-RFLP technique for G634C, K469E, and G241R polymorphisms. No significant difference was observed in genotypic frequency between control and endometriosis groups for G634C and K469E polymorphisms (p = 0.61 and p = 0.22, respectively). In addition, no significant difference between stages I-II and III-IV of the disease was found for both SNPs (p = 0.63 and p = 0.24, respectively). All individuals were wild homozygotes for G241R polymorphism. This study suggests that polymorphisms K469E, G241R, and G634C are not associated with increased susceptibility to endometriosis in Brazilian women.

Anabolic–androgenic steroid use among Brazilian women: an exploratory investigation

The illicit use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) is a public health problem and the prevalence of use is increasing among different populations including women. We aimed to evaluate the use of AAS in a sample of Brazilian women and to develop a user profile in order to support the development of AAS education, prevention, and treatment programs. A self-administered, anonymous, close-ended questionnaire was completed by 361 female recreational resistance training participants (29.0 ± 8.1 years). Descriptive statistics were applied. The prevalence rate of lifetime AAS use was 13.3% and the average age of AAS users (n = 48) was 25.4 ± 4.6 years. The most frequently used AAS are Stanozolol (Winstrol) and Oxandrolone. Other substances used in association with AAS are primarily alcohol and diuretics. Friends, physicians, and physical education teachers were the most common sources for obtaining AAS. Several adverse effects were noted as follows: acne, menstrual irregularities, water retention, deepening of the voice, and clitoral enlargement. In summary, the primary reason for AAS use among the women was aesthetic; the AAS used were purchased primarily through friends and from pharmacies using medical prescriptions.

Impact of dental anxiety and fear on dental care use in Brazilian women.

This study investigated the relationship between dental anxiety and fear, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and dental attendance patterns in a sample of women in Brazil. A cross-sectional study of women in healthcare centers was conducted during an immunization campaign in the city of Pelotas in southern Brazil. Interviews were conducted to assess dental anxiety and fear, education level, family income, marital status, and the use of dental services. Data were analyzed by Poisson regression models, with estimation of the prevalence ratio and the rate ratio (RR). A total of 608 women aged 16-50 years (mean age 29.3 ± 7.2 years) were included in the study. Dental anxiety and fear scores (according to Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale) ranged from 4 to 20. Of the 608 participants, 59.5 percent displayed low dental fear, 18.1 percent had moderate dental fear, and 22.4 percent displayed high dental fear. A total of 60.2 percent of the women exhibited irregular dental attendance patterns, characterized by never visiting a dentist, or only visiting when experiencing pain. After adjustments, the presence of at least moderate dental anxiety and fear was associated with low education levels (RR 1.43; 95 percent CI 1.11-1.84), low family income (RR 1.33; 95 percent CI 1.06-1.68), and irregular dental attendance patterns (RR 1.83; 95 percent CI 1.41-2.37). In this sample of Brazilian women, dental anxiety and fear were strongly associated with socioeconomic characteristics and dental attendance patterns.

Severity of temporomandibular disorders in women: validity and reliability of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index.

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (IAF), used to assess the severity of temporomandibular disorders, applied to Brazilian women. We used a probabilistic sampling design. The participants were 700 women over 18 years of age, living in the city of Araraquara (SP). The IAF questionnaire was applied by telephone interviews. We conducted Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using Chi-Square Over Degrees of Freedom (χ2/df), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) as goodness of fit indices. We calculated the convergent validity, the average variance extracted (AVE) and the composite reliability (CR). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (a).The factorial weights of questions 8 and 10 were below the adequate values. Thus, we refined the original model and these questions were excluded. The resulting factorial model showed appropriate goodness of fit to the sample (c2/df = 3.319, CFI = 0.978, TLI = 0.967, RMSEA = 0.058). The convergent validity (AVE = 0.513, CR = 0.878) and internal consistency (a = 0.745) were adequate. The reduced IAF version showed adequate validity and reliability in a sample of Brazilian women.

Validity of body adiposity index in predicting body fat in a sample of brazilian women

This study aimed to verify the validity of BAI in predicting %BF in a sample of Brazilian women A total of 102 women (average age 60.3 ± 9.8) were assessed. To determine percentage body fat (% BF), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as the "gold standard." To evaluate the association between body adiposity index (BAI) and % BF assessed by DXA, we used Pearson's correlation coefficient. Paired sample t-test was used to test differences in mean % BF between BAI and DXA. To evaluate the concordance between % BF measured by DXA and estimated by BAI, we used the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and the agreement analysis of Bland-Altman. The correlation between % BF obtained by DXA and that estimated by BAI was r = 0.65, P < 0.001. Paired t-test showed significant mean difference between methods (P < 0.0001). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was C_b = 0.73, which is classified as poor, while the Bland-Altman plots showed BAI underestimating % BF in relation to the used criterion measure in a large portion of the sample. Results of the present study show that BAI presented low agreement with % BF measured by DXA, which is not recommended for % BF prediction in this studied sample.

Aderência autorreferida a medicamentos prescritos durante a gestação Self-reported adherence to prescribed medicines during pregnancy

To assess medication adherence therapeutic during pregnancy in a sample of Brazilian women during the post-partum period. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the obstetric unit of a university hospital, Brazil, between August and November 2010. We recruited patients aged 18 years or more, with a gestational age of more than 22 weeks whose newborns weighed more than 500 g. Patients were excluded if they used sedatives or other mind-altering drugs. Data were collected after labor using a structured questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics, medication use, number of previous pregnancies, contraceptive methods, prenatal care, and medication adherence. Medication adherence was assessed using the four-item Morisky medication adherence scale - MMAS-4, groups were compared by the Fisher exact Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test and Χ2 de Pearson Test. Mean age was 22.5 years (SD=6.5), and 53.8% of the pregnant women had initiated prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy. Of the 130 patients interviewed, 96.9% had used at least one prescribed drug during pregnancy, with an average of 2.8 drugs per patient. The major classes prescribed were antianemics (55.1%), analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antipyretics (19.0%) and anti-infectives (7.2%). 71.6% took two to four drugs. Only 19.2% of patients were considered adherent. The variables that showed a negative influence on adherence were: higher level of education, having one's own income, earlier prenatal care and previous abortion. Our findings indicate that, although most of the patients used prescribed drugs during pregnancy, the rate of medication adherence was low, which indicates the need for further investigation about the impact of non-adherence during pregnancy and its causes.