BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A translated and culturally adapted, instrument with robust psychometric for measuring fatigue in Brazilian patients with IBD is needed. OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the inflammatory Bowel Disease Fatigue Scale (IBD-F) into Brazilian-Portuguese and to test its measurement properties in Brazilian patients with IBD. METHODS: Data from 123 patients with IBD were collected. In addition to IBD-F, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) was used. The measurement properties tested were: internal consistency, reproducibility (reliability and agreement), construct validity, internal and external responsiveness, and ceiling and floor effects. RESULTS: The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the IBD-F showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.95), excellent reproducibility (ICC=0.97) and a minimal detectable change of 6.0 points. The construct validity was demonstrated with a good correlation between the IBD-F and FACIT-F (r=- 0.46). Effect sizes used for measuring internal responsiveness were moderate among those with Crohn’s (0.66) disease and low in patients with ulcerative colitis (0.24). The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the IBD-F presented with high external responsiveness for Crohn’s disease (0.84) and with low external responsiveness for ulcerative colitis (0.33). The area under the curve considered for responsiveness was 0.84. Twenty-five percent of floor effects and no ceiling effect were recorded. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian-Portuguese version of IBD-F has adequate measurement properties and its use can be recommended in clinical practice and research.
Postpartum body image is a critical aspect of maternal well-being, influenced by sociocultural, psychological, and relational factors. Theoretical models offer a broader framework for understanding these influences, whereas regression analyses identify specific associations. This systematic review aimed to identify theoretical models assessing postpartum body image and to examine its association with relevant constructs using regression analysis. A search was conducted of four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and American Psychological Association) between August 2022 and March 2024. Studies including mothers over 18 years old, within 0–24 months postpartum, that applied theoretical models and/or regression analyses were included. Of 169 articles retrieved from databases and 1 identified through backward snowballing, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three theoretical models were identified, and highlighted sociocultural influences, social support, and breastfeeding as key determinants of body dissatisfaction. Regression analysis identified association between postpartum body image and maternal weight, depression, mode of delivery, sexual function, breastfeeding, and social support. Given these influences, the review emphasizes the importance of adopting holistic approaches to support maternal well-being. Interventions addressing postpartum body image should integrate strategies that consider cultural expectations, promote adequate social support, and address physical and emotional health challenges, such as weight management and mental health care. PROSPERO (CRD42022352992).
31 March 2023 in Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health burden, particularly among individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in addressing CVD outcomes among very low-SES patients in Colombia. Data from participants enrolled in a CR program in Colombia between 2022 and 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Measures included heart-healthy behaviors, physical/psychological outcomes, and quality of life assessed at 18, 36, and 60 sessions. Significant improvements were observed in exercise capacity, psychological well-being, and quality of life metrics throughout the CR program. However, barriers to CR attendance and the critical need for expanded program availability remain evident, particularly in LMIC settings like Colombia. In conclusion, structured CR programs demonstrate substantial benefits for very low-SES individuals in a LMIC country, highlighting the urgent need for increased program accessibility and equitable healthcare provision to optimize cardiovascular health outcomes.