Treatment Centers Research Articles

Epidemiological and clinical profiles of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective study

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by Leishmania parasites. Ethiopia is one of the top ten countries with high CL load. Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) is one of the CL hotspot areas in Ethiopia. This study determined the epidemiology and clinical profiles of CL in ANRS. This study was conducted from April to October 2023 in eight Leishmaniasis Treatment Centres (LTCs). A data review was done from patients presenting to these centres between June 2018 and July 2023. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed using SPSS-23. A total of 1729 CL patients were recorded. The overall burden of CL per 10,000 outpatients was 900. Most of the patients (71.1%) presented with localised cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL). The patients were from 112 districts. About 12% of the patients lived with the disease for over a year without treatment. Multiple-time comer patients accounted for 13.2% of the patients. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a major public health problem in ANRS. One-third of CL patients presented with the MCL clinical form. There was longer delay among CL patients for seeking diagnosis and treatment. Large scale community based study and traditional and modern treatment centers focused studies should be included to estimate the actual number of CL in the region. Follow-up and molecular studies are important to better understand the clinical features of the disease. Moreover, awareness of the community about the CL prevention and control help the patients to get early diagnosis and treatment.

Ожирение и депрессия у детей и подростков: проблема коморбидности и профилактики

<p><strong>The relevance:</strong> currently, scientists talk about the epidemic of obesity among children and adolescents, which is associated with significant risks and deterioration of mental and physical health of the young generation. <strong>Objective:</strong> to study association between depression and obesity in children and adolescents. The paper presents a literature review of the widely discussed problem of the relationship between depression and obesity, as well as the results of our own empirical study obtained on a sample of patients from the Center for Treatment and Prevention of Metabolic Diseases and Obesity, FGBU «National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology» of the Ministry of Health of Russia. <strong>Sample.</strong> The study involved respondents aged 7 to 17 years (M=12,5, SD=2,5), a total of 153 people with SDS BMI from 1,2 to 4,2 (M=2,8, SD=0,5), of which 52% were female and 48% were male. The study included a diagnostic interview with the child and parents, each child was asked to fill out the Children's Depression Inventory (Maria Kovacs 1992). The <strong>results</strong> suggest a high level of comorbidity of obesity and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents ¾ 52% of girls and 27% of boys who participated in the study have symptoms of depression of varying degrees of severity. Also, more severe forms of obesity were recorded in boys compared to girls at the initial application for specialized care, which indirectly indicates a greater concern for health and appearance on the part of girls and their families. The overwhelming majority of parents of children note unhealthy eating habits, low physical activity and sleep disorders in their children. It is <strong>concluded</strong> that it is necessary to raise awareness of children, parents, teachers and child specialists of different profiles about the relationship between depressive symptoms and obesity, as well as the importance of appropriate diagnosis and the development of comprehensive treatment and prevention programs for both obesity and depression.</p>

Investigating the relationship between the anxiety of contracting corona virus and the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder with the mediating role of mental confusion and emotion regulation in health care center employees

Introduction: anxiety caused by the Corona virus transmission are highly prevalent among medical staff, so this study aims to determine the relationship between the anxiety of affected by infectious diseases and the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder with the mediating role of mental confusion and emotion regulation. MethodS and Materials: This study was carried out based on correlational method in the form of modeling of structural equations, in which 350 male and female employees working in the health and treatment centers of Neyshabur city were selected through available sampling. Data collection tools included Madsley Practical Obsession Scale, Corona Alipour Anxiety Questionnaire, Criver, Solly and Esomil's Deliberate and Automatic Disorientation Questionnaire, and Gross and John's Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. After completing the questionnaires, data analysis using Modeling of structural equations was done with Lisrel and SPSS softwares. Results: between the anxiety and obsessive symptoms with r = 0.576, between mental confusion and obsessive symptoms with r = 0.553, between mental confusion and anxiety with r = 0.481, There is a significant direct relationship at the level p>0.01. But between emotional regulation and obsessive symptoms with r = -0.643, between emotional regulation and anxiety with r = -0.495, between emotional regulation and mental confusion with r = -0.611 there is an inverse significant relationship. Also, the results showed the role of two mediating variables of mental confusion and emotional regulation in the relationship between corona anxiety and obsessive symptoms. Conclusion: The model of the relationship between the anxiety caused by the transmission of the corona virus and the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder according to the mediation of mental disorientation and emotion regulation has a good fit that with the increase in the number of emotions and defeat in regulating one's emotions, the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and confusion mental health also increases in the treatment staff. According to these findings, it is expected that health managers and medical centers will pay special attention to the psychological well-being of the personnel working in different parts of this profession.

Recovery schools move to adapt to higher‐need student cohort

Academically focused recovery high schools for youths with substance use disorders aren't considered treatment programs and usually aren't affiliated with treatment centers, but several recent trends have forced some of these programs to include more treatment‐like components. Chief among these developments, according to the executive director of one of the nation's oldest recovery high schools, is the relative absence of adolescent treatment services in most communities, meaning that youths often arrive to these academic settings with limited skills for recovery.

A Qualitative Investigation into the Determinants of Unfulfilled Needs in Caregivers of Patients with Phenylketonuria.

To conduct an in-depth exploration of the factors influencing unfulfilled needs in caregivers of patients with phenylketonuria. A rapid qualitative analysis approach was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 16 caregivers of patients with phenylketonuria undergoing specialized dietary interventions, along with 5 medical professionals, within a designated phenylketonuria diagnosis and treatment center in Shanxi Province. Interview data were systematically organized, analyzed, and thematically extracted. Four primary themes were extracted: self-imposed constraints (including insufficient caregiver engagement, economic limitations, and stigma); interpersonal constraints (encompassing social isolation, inadequate social support networks, and lack of doctor-patient interactions); structural limitation factors (inadequate provision of specialized professional support systems, lack of medical dietary supplements, and deficiencies in national policies); and experiential limitation factors (encompassing sensory perceptions of medical dietary supplements and insufficient continuity in psycho-emotional care). The unfulfilled needs of caregivers of patients with phenylketonuria primarily manifest across four dimensions. Greater emphasis on addressing these needs is warranted, necessitating increased attention to patients with phenylketonuria and their caregivers. Specifically, the focus should be directed toward addressing their emotional requirements, along with proactive development of the medical service infrastructure. Such measures are imperative for reducing unfulfilled needs among caregivers of patients and enhancing their prognosis.

Impact of substance type and patient characteristics on the choice of treatment setting for substance use disorder in Belgium

BackgroundSpecialised addiction treatment centers (SAC) and general mental health centers (GMHC) both offer care to people with substance use disorders (SUD) in Belgium, but these sectors often operate in parallel, with little collaboration. This fragmented system may lead to inefficiencies, particularly in the treatment of individuals with dual diagnoses. Despite the recognized challenges, there is limited understanding of the factors that influence whether patients with SUD are treated in SAC or GMHC. ObjectivesThis observational study has two main objectives:1.To examine whether and how the primary substance of abuse influences the choice of either SAC or GMHC.2.To assess whether other factors (e.g. sociodemographics, institution or person who orientated the patient to treatment) play a significant role in determining the type of center where the patient is treated. MethodsThe study used routinely collected data from treatment centers in Belgium from 2019 (Belgian Treatment Demand Indicator). Logistic regression evaluated the weight of drug use and sociodemographic variables for people entering treatment for SUD for the first time (n = 8322). A random forest algorithm was used to study all patients' orientation toward both sectors, across all treatment episodes (n = 29,658). ResultsThe study found that the primary substance significantly influences sector choice. Patients using illicit substances like cannabis, opiates, cocaine, and stimulants are 6–12 times more likely to be treated in an SAC than those using alcohol. Factors such as income source and referral source (e.g. self-referral, general practitioner, etc) also significantly impact patient orientation. ConclusionThese findings highlight the need for better integration between SAC and GMHC to adequately address the complex needs of people with SUD, especially with dual diagnosis.

Etiology and Characteristics of Pseudotumoral Lesions and Tumefactive Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis

IntroductionCerebral pseudotumoral lesions (CPTL) (>2cm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may pose a clinical challenge. A majority will occur in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) – also referred to as tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDL). The aim of this study was to define and analyze clinical, MRI, and paraclinical data for MS and non-MS patients. MethodsThis prospective study included adult patients with CPTL on brain MRI referred to the Neurology Clinic, Belgrade as a tertiary University Center (2019-2023) for clinical workup and treatment. Demographic, clinical, MRI, and paraclinical data were reviewed. ResultsThis study included 75 patients, of which 58.7% had MS. Fourteen patients had previously been diagnosed with MS, while 30 (68.2%) received the diagnosis of MS in the later course. The concordance of initial and final diagnoses was 52%. Relapsing disease (p<0.001) and brainstem presentation (p=0.039) were significantly more common in MS patients. Headache (p= 0.008) and lethal outcome (p=0.014) were significantly more common in the non-MS group. Lesions were ring-like more frequently in the MS group (p<0.001), while patients in the non-MS group frequently displayed infiltrative (p=0.001) and nonspecific lesions (p=0.002). The presence of headache and megacystic morphology was associated with the presence of pathology other than MS while the relapsing disease was in favor of MS. ConclusionMultiple sclerosis was the most common cause of CPTL. Headache, relapsing course of disease, and megacystic morphology may help discern MS from non-MS pathology. These findings should be challenged in future studies examining larger cohorts.

Effects of the surface properties and particle size of hydrated lime on desulfurization

In the gas treatment center in smelters, hydrogen fluoride (HF) is separated from the outlet gases of electrolysis cells, which are used to produce aluminum from alumina. However, SO2 largely remains in the effluent gas. Another method has to be developed to separate this gas which is harmful to the environment. In this study, semi-dry desulfurization of a SO2 containing gas was performed at low SO2 concentrations using hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] as a catalytic desulfurizer under specific humidity conditions. The low reaction temperature of 100 °C and minimal use of the Ca-based desulfurizer under 17 % relative humidity achieved more than 95 % removal of SO2. The morphological changes and presence of sulfur in different lime samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed changes in the surface properties of hydrated lime after desulfurization. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis provided the phase and composition identification of the sulfur species on hydrated lime and the CaSO3/CaSO4 product ratio. Based on the experimental results, the optimum catalyst surface area with a specific particle size is critical to the effective conversion of Ca(OH)2 into CaSO3 and CaSO4. The practicality of a Ca-based desulfurizer and its ability to convert into the required product may be the key to reducing the overall cost of desulfurization in aluminum industry.

Editorial Comment: Urologist Administered MRI-Guided Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation of the Prostate Using a Mobile Treatment Center: A Case Series

Editorial Comment: Urologist Administered MRI-Guided Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation of the Prostate Using a Mobile Treatment Center: A Case Series

Epidemiological and virological characteristics of people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment for more than 6 months in virological failure in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Introduction. Virological failure is one of the main causes of failing to treat, and better management of HIV infection requires understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The main objective was to characterize the patients of the active file of the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center in virological failure to identify predictive factors leading to virological failure. Methods. Conducted between June and December 2020, this was a cross-sectional study. Patients enrolled were HIV-1-infected patients from the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center receiving a potent combination therapy for at least 6 months but experiencing virological failure. Viral load was measured using the automated Abbott Real-time HIV-1 m2000rt System. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from a computerized patient record software called Santia. For the identification of the independent predictors of virological failure, statistical analysis was performed. Results. A total of 109 patients with virological failure were recruited. The median age of the patients was 45 years (interquartile range: 37–52 years) and women were more represented (74%). More than half of the patients had World Health Organization stage IV HIV and the median duration of antiretroviral treatment was 96 months. The most followed treatment regimen was AZT+3TC+EFV (or nevirapine) with 48%, while the median viral load was 12985 copies ml−1. Conclusion. In our study, we did not identify any sociodemographic or clinical variables predictive of virological failure. However, we felt that it would be desirable to carry out a study with temporal follow-up and the possibility of sequencing in order to identify the different circulating genotypes and resistance mutations.

Medications for opioid use disorder and other evidence-based service offerings in faith-affiliated treatment centers: Implications for implementation partnerships

IntroductionAmidst an ongoing surge of opioid use disorder (OUD) incidence, clinicians and policymakers are seeking partnerships with faith communities – including with faith-affiliated treatment centers (FATCs) – to expand access to evidence-based OUD treatment. However, little is known whether FATCs differentially offer such evidence-based treatment services, particularly medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and co-occurring mental health care. MethodsWe use the 2021 National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS) to examine differences in provision of several OUD services, including MOUD, psychological treatments, mental health services, medical services, recovery support services, and services related to treatment accessibility, between self-identified FATCs and non-FATCs. We also explored differences in characteristics related to insurance, licensure, and accreditation. ResultsFATCs were less likely than non-FATCs to offer almost all measure of MOUD and more likely to refuse to accept clients who use MOUD. They were also less likely to report using telemedicine. However, they were more likely to offer residential treatment, Twelve Step facilitation, and transitional housing. We find little evidence that FATCs offer co-occurring mental health treatments at different rates than non-FATCs. ConclusionMore research is needed to examine the factors that drive these differences, especially in MOUD and transitional housing. When partnering with FATCs, clinicians and policymakers should seek common ground with FATCs and recognize the philosophies, values, and concerns that may potentially be driving these differences.

Assessment of COVID-19 severity levels and associated factors among patients admitted to the treatment centers in Southern Ethiopia.

COVID-19, a highly impactful infectious disease, has been observed to result in psychological distress, organ impairment, and mortality. The severity and consequences of the illness appear to vary based on geographical location and individual characteristics. Understanding the disease and optimizing resource distribution through early classification depend on having data on the severity of COVID-19 patients. There is a dearth of information in this particular region regarding the severity of COVID-19 patients and related factors. Therefore, this study used an ordinal logistic regression model to determine the severity levels of COVID-19 and its associated components. A retrospective follow-up study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted between May 30, 2020, and October 15, 2021, at care centers in southern Ethiopia. 845 patients were included in this research. The mean (standard deviation) and median (interquartile range) were used to summarize the data. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model was used to study the association between independent variables and COVID-19 severity levels. In terms of the severity of the disease, 12.07% of patients had severe COVID-19, 7.81% had critical disease, and 6.39% had moderate disease. 8.28% of the 845 patients died, while 88.88% of them made a full recovery. Older age (> = 40 years) (AOR = 5.75, 95% CI = 3.99, 8.27), comorbidities (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI = 3.03, 5.88), and low oxygen saturation (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 2.23, 5.56) were significantly linked to higher odds of experiencing more severe levels of COVID-19 compared to their counterparts. 7.81% of patients were critically ill, while more than one-tenth (12.07%) were considered severely ill. Low oxygen saturation, comorbidities, and advanced age were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 severity. Therefore, it is crucial to manage comorbidities, provide special treatment, and provide COVID-19 patients with underlying medical issues more attention due to the higher risk of poor outcomes. To speed up their recovery, medical professionals should regularly monitor and provide specialized care to older COVID-19 patients. In order to identify patients who are more likely to experience a severe illness and to better manage their treatment, it is imperative that oxygen saturation levels in COVID-19 patients be promptly identified and monitored.

Evolution of Ebola and Marburg Treatment Centers Design, a Review of the Last Ten Years of Outbreaks in Africa

During Ebola and Marburg outbreaks, treatment centers are essential for patient care and controlling transmission. While clinical care advancements have been well-documented, the design of these centers has been less explored. This study addresses this gap by analyzing technical drawings of 48 treatment centers constructed between 2014 and 2023, using a reverse-engineering approach. The findings highlight a shift toward smaller, more manageable centers, with improved privacy and infection control features. This review offers a framework for the future development of treatment center designs to enhance outbreak management. Key contributions include the identification of trends in center size and layout, providing a foundation for future design standards that can be applied in managing infectious disease outbreaks. The study emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation in treatment center design to meet outbreak demands and calls for future research to develop indicators that measure the impact of design on health outcomes and patient experiences.

Collaborative work processes in establishing a MiniMaria treatment center for youth substance addiction: a qualitative inquiry of county council healthcare and municipal efforts

BackgroundThis article is part of a larger study exploring the collaborative dynamics between key stakeholders in providing care to youths suffering from alcohol or substance use and their families in formulating policies and operational practices for county and country-wide application in similar settings. The focus of this article is to describe the collaborative processes between two stakeholders, a municipality, and a county council, in establishing a MiniMaria treatment center. While collaborative efforts between municipalities and county councils in health service provision are often acknowledged, little is known about how communication and decision-making processes between these entities shape the success of such initiatives. This study aims to fill this gap by providing insights into the communicative processes that foster organizational cohesion, agility, and innovation. The guiding research question is: What communicative processes occur between the county council and municipal stakeholders during the planning phase of the MiniMaria treatment center?MethodsThe municipality and county council were selected based on purposive sampling, owing to the proximity and accessibility of the field. An exploratory and descriptive design, incorporating a participatory research approach, was employed for this qualitative investigation.ResultsTwo central themes, each underpinned by specific subthemes sum up the essence of our findings. The first theme underscores the collaborative dynamics and shared objectives that have emerged through the project, thus showing the importance of a unified vision and mutual understanding in driving the initiative forward. The second theme points to the practical aspects of implementing the project, including recruitment strategies, and the significance of interpersonal communication.ConclusionsThis article sheds light on the establishment of a MiniMaria treatment center through collaboration between a municipality and county council, using the Four Flows Model to interpret communicative processes. Membership negotiation was crucial for defining roles and building a unified team identity, while activity coordination ensured aligned stakeholder efforts. Self-structuring facilitated internal organization and operational clarity, and institutional positioning aligned the initiative with broader healthcare norms, enhancing its credibility and impact. These communicative practices were central to get a grip on inter-organizational complexities, emphasizing communication’s constitutive role in organizational development and innovation.

Health-related quality of life and associated factors among children with Transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia: a cross-sectional study in Guangxi Province

BackgroundTransfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) is a severe inherited disorder. Without regular treatment, patients with TDT experience complications that can significantly shorten life expectancy and severely impact both their quality of life and that of their families. The condition has attracted significant attention in global health discussions. Due to the challenges of blood supply shortages, the high costs of iron chelation therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), TDT presents a serious health risk to patients and imposes a substantial burden on families and society. However, research on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of thalassemia patients in China remains limited. This study evaluated the factors affecting the HRQoL of these patients, with the goal of developing strategies to improve their quality of life.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, children with TDT were recruited from five treatment centers in Guangxi, a province with a high prevalence of thalassemia in China. Structured questionnaires were employed to gather relevant data on sociodemographic variables, disease characteristics, treatments, and associated costs. The HRQoL was assessed using the Transfusion-Dependent Quality of Life (TranQoL) questionnaire, with a proxy version for patients aged 0–11 years and a child version for those aged 12–18 years.ResultsThe study included 418 participants, yielding an overall TranQoL score of 60.6 ± 16.3 among thalassemia patients. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation (P < 0.05) between overall TranQoL scores and several factors: increasing patient age, the presence of multiple thalassemia patients within a family, and undergoing HSCT. Conversely, adherence to regular treatment was positively correlated with higher TranQoL scores (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study demonstrates that HRQoL among Chinese patients with TDT is at a low level. Age, treatment adherence, family support, and socioeconomic status were identified as key determinants influencing HRQoL. It is essential to further enhance and optimize health insurance policies and medical services to support comprehensive treatment strategies for these patients.

Strengths and weaknesses of computerized clinical decision support systems: insights from a digital control center (C3 COVID-19) for early and personalized treatment for COVID-19.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are computer-based tools that leverage the analysis of large volumes of health data to assist healthcare professionals in making clinical decisions, whether preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic. This review examines the impact of CDSS on clinical practice, highlighting both their potential benefits and their limitations and challenges. We detail the experience of clinical medical professionals in the development of a virtual control center for COVID-19 patients (C3 COVID-19) in Spain during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This tool enabled real-time monitoring of clinical data for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, optimizing personalized and informed medical decision-making. CDSS can offer significant advantages, such as improving the quality of inpatient care, promoting evidence-based clinical and therapeutic decision-making, facilitating treatment personalization, and enhancing healthcare system efficiency and productivity. However, the implementation of CDSS presents challenges, including the need for physicians to become familiar with the systems and software, and the necessity for ongoing updates and technical support of the systems.

Confidence on COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors among people living with HIV: a cross-sectional survey in selected regions of Tanzania

BackgroundSeveral vaccines were introduced in Tanzania to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. While studies have explored the acceptability and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccines within the general population, there is limited research focusing on the confidence and associated factors among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). This study aims to fill that gap by investigating vaccine confidence and its determinants in this demographic group.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in centres for care and treatment in four regions of mainland Tanzania using structured questionnaires. A generalized linear mixed model was fitted to determine the factors associated with confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsA total of 1,100 participants were interviewed; 761 (69.2%) were female. The mean age and standard deviation were 41.6 ±12.1 years. The overall level of confidence in COVID-19 vaccines was 55.3%. Females were less likely to express confidence compared to males (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.72–0.84). Participants with primary (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.65–1.94), secondary (aOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.57–2.09), and university-level education (aOR = 2.14; 95% CI: 0.17–26.54) were more likely to report confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Attending a dispensary-level health facility (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.27–1.38) and living in rural areas (aOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.23–1.66) were significantly associated with confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.ConclusionAlthough COVID-19 is no longer a global public threat, these findings highlight the significance of being prepared in public health and the necessity of continuous efforts to comprehend and enhance vaccine acceptance and confidence among people living with HIV. By tackling the factors that impact vaccine attitudes in this group, we can improve our preparedness for future public health challenges where vaccine uptake may once again become crucial.

Proportion of secondary bacterial infections among the SARS-COV-2 patients admitted in the selected health facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi counties in Kenya

Background: There is still scarcity of evidence on proportion of secondary bacterial infections among SARS-COV-2 patients in Kenya. This study therefore sought to determine the proportion of secondary bacterial infections among SARS-COV-2 patients in ICUs in the selected health facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi Counties. Methods: The retrospective cross-sectional sampled the records of 385 SARS-COV-2 patients admitted and administered antibiotics during treatment in the intensive care units (ICU) in the six health facilities that acted as isolation and treatment centers for SARS-COV-2 patients between 13th March 2020 and 31st December 2021. The research team reviewed the medical records of the SARS-COV-2 positive patients and extracted the patient demographic data, medical history, underlying co-morbidities, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, management and treatment measures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: 47.3% of the patients in the study had secondary bacterial infections. Significant majority of patients of these patients were smokers (n=158, 86.8%, p≤0.05), had very high fever at admission in the ICU (n=139, 76.4%, p=0.033) and were administered iron supplement during the hospital stay (n=125, 68.7%, p=0.027). Conclusions: SARS-COV-2 patients who smoke, report high fever at admission in the ICU and given iron supplement during their stay in the health facility tend to have a high prevalence of secondary bacterial infections.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Treatment on Emotional Self-Regulation and Its Components in Patients Suffering from Bipolar Depression

Background: Bipolar disorder is associated with chronic symptoms that impair cognitive abilities and executive functions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention on elements of emotional self-regulation in patients with bipolar disorder. Methods: This research utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments. The study population included patients with bipolar disorder who were referred to the rehabilitation and treatment center for chronic mental patients in Hayat from 2021 to 2022. A total of 30 participants were randomly selected and divided into two groups: An experimental group (15 participants) and a control group (15 participants). The experimental group underwent 8 sessions of mindfulness training, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The Emotional Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRI-25) was administered for evaluation. Data analysis was conducted using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANOVA) in SPSS version 16. Results: The results of covariance analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the components of emotional self-regulation after mindfulness training (P &lt; 0.05). Thus, the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in emotional regulation component scores compared to the control group after the eight mindfulness sessions (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Given the effectiveness of mindfulness training in enhancing the dimensions of emotional regulation, health practitioners are encouraged to use such interventions to improve emotional self-regulation in patients suffering from bipolar disorder.

Colorectal screening program implementation in primary health care, in Loures-Odivelas, Portugal

Abstract Problem In 2020, Portugal had the highest cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the European Union (103 new cases/100,000 inhabitants). The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (CRCS) is based on fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) as the primary screening method. With the delivery of the stool sample collection device; instruction on its use is provided by the Primary Health Care team. The sample is processed at the Clinical Pathology laboratory of the Hospital Center (HC). In case of a positive result, the general practitioner communicates the result and refers the individual to the Follow-up and Treatment Center. Description The general objective of this project was to implement the CRCS in the 19 Family Health Units (FHU) of Loures-Odivelas Health Center Group, between September 2022 and April 2023. The following activities were carried out: 1. Sessions to present the patient pathway, record platform, and stool sample collection device; 2. Application of a checklist of essential points for the start of screening; 3. Preparation and dissemination of monitoring reports to the FHU; 4. Follow-up visits to clarify doubts. Results By March 2023, CRCS had been implemented in 15 of the 19 FHU (79%). Between September 2022 and March 2023, 1,430 devices were delivered and 959 FOBT samples were received (67%). Among the devices received with biological samples, it was not possible to issue a result for 5%. Lessons The activities carried out allowed for the initiation of CRCS in most FHU. The involvement of professionals in these activities contributes to increased patient adherence and proper collection technique, reducing inconclusive FOBT results. It is necessary to continue this strategy of personalized support for the FHU to consolidate the implementation of CRCS in LO HCG. Ensuring that the necessary materials are available and that result issuance and referral deadlines are met are important factors for maintaining professional motivation. Key messages • The objective was to implement the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (CRCS) in 19 Family Health Units (FHU) in Loures-Odivelas. By March 2023, CRCS had been implemented in 15 of 19 FHU (79%). • It is important to continue these activities in order to put into operation the CRCS in all FHU and to tackle the problem of colorectal cancer.