Search

Background: Data from the international literature have shown changes in the profile of cardiologists and in their medical practices. However, there is no data on this in Brazilian cardiologists. Objective: To evaluate professional and personal characteristics of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; a questionnaire was sent by e-mail to cardiologists, active members of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology in 2017. The results were analyzed, and the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 13,462 cardiologists, with 2,101 (15.6%) respondents, mostly men (71.8% versus 28.2%). Age distribution and marital status were significantly different between the sexes (p < 0.001). The number of cardiologists without children was higher among women (40.5% versus 16.1%; p < 0.001). The most common place of work was the public hospital (46.5%), followed by private hospital (28.5%) and private office (21.1%). The office was the main place of work for 23.9% of men and 14% of women (p < 0.001), with predominance of individuals older than 50 years (31.7% versus 10.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). Most cardiologists (64.2%) worked more than 40 hours a week (69% of them men and 51.9% of the women; p < 0.001). Eighty-eight percent of the sample earned more than BRL 11,000 (US$ 3,473.43), and 66.5% of the men earned more than BRL 20,000 (US$ 6,315.32) per month, versus 31.2% of the women (p < 0.001). A high level of work-related stress was reported by 11.3% of respondents. Conclusion: Most cardiologists were men, who showed higher workload and higher income; 11.3% of the cardiologists perceived stress as a great deal. Resumo Fundamento: Dados internacionais mostram mudanças no perfil e nas características da atuação dos cardiologistas. No entanto, não há na literatura dados acerca da realidade brasileira. Objetivo: Avaliar as características profissionais e pessoais de amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros. Método: Estudo transversal realizado por meio de questionário enviado via e-mail para os cardiologistas adimplentes da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia em 2017. Os resultados foram analisados considerando nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram enviados 13.462 questionários, havendo 2.101 (15,6%) respostas, com predominância de homens (71,8% versus 28,2%). A distribuição etária e o estado civil foram significativamente diferentes entre os gêneros (p < 0,001). O número de cardiologistas sem filhos foi maior entre as mulheres (40,5% versus 16,1%; p < 0,001). O local de trabalho mais frequente foi hospital público (46,5%), seguido por hospital privado (28,5%) e consultório privado (21,1%). O consultório é a principal atividade de 23,9% dos homens e 14% das mulheres (p < 0,001), predominantemente entre aqueles com mais de 50 anos (31,7% versus 10,1%, respectivamente; p < 0,001). A maioria (64,2%) trabalha mais de 40 horas semanais (69% dos homens e 51,9% das mulheres; p < 0,001). A renda mensal de 88% é superior a R$ 11.000 (US$ 3,473.43), e 66,5% dos homens recebem mais que R$ 20.000,00 (US$ 6,315.32) mensais, contra 31,2% das mulheres (p < 0,001). Nível elevado de estresse foi relatado por 11,3%. Conclusões: Os homens são maioria entre os cardiologistas, têm maior carga de trabalho e renda superior à das mulheres. A taxa de estresse em grande proporção foi de 11,3%.

The low or non-adherence to reduction of sodium intake has been identified as one of the main precipitating factors of heart failure (HF). The Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire (DSRQ) identifies factors that can interfere with adherence to this recommendation. However, there is still no cut-point to define adherence for this questionnaire.To identify the cut-point for satisfactory adherence to the Brazilian version of the DSRQ, (the Questionário de Restrição de Sódio na Dieta, QRSD).Multicenter study. Patients with HF in outpatient treatment (compensated) and those treated in emergency departments due to acute HF (decompensated) were included. For the cut-point definition, the DSRQ scores were compared between groups. A ROC curve was constructed for each subscale to determine the best point of sensitivity and specificity regarding adherence. A 5% significance level was adopted.A total of 206 compensated patients and 225 decompensated were included. Compensated patients exhibited scores that showed higher adhesion in all subscales (all p0.05). Scores ≥ 40 points of a total of 45 for the subscale of Attitude and Subjective Norm; scores ≤ eight of a total of 20 for Perceived Behavioral Control; and ≤ three of a total of 15 for Dependent Behavior Control were indicative of satisfactory adherence.Based on the evaluation of patients in these two scenarios, it was possible to determine the cut-point for satisfactory adherence to the reduction of sodium in the diet of patients with HF. Countries with similar culture could use this cut-point, as other researchers could also use the results as a reference for further studies.

Background Data from the international literature have shown changes in the profile of cardiologists and in their medical practices. However, there is no data on this in Brazilian cardiologists. Objective To evaluate professional and personal characteristics of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists. Methods This was a cross-sectional study; a questionnaire was sent by e-mail to cardiologists, active members of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology in 2017. The results were analyzed, and the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results The questionnaire was sent to 13,462 cardiologists, with 2,101 (15.6%) respondents, mostly men (71.8% versus 28.2%). Age distribution and marital status were significantly different between the sexes (p < 0.001). The number of cardiologists without children was higher among women (40.5% versus 16.1%; p < 0.001). The most common place of work was the public hospital (46.5%), followed by private hospital (28.5%) and private office (21.1%). The office was the main place of work for 23.9% of men and 14% of women (p < 0.001), with predominance of individuals older than 50 years (31.7% versus 10.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). Most cardiologists (64.2%) worked more than 40 hours a week (69% of them men and 51.9% of the women; p < 0.001). Eighty-eight percent of the sample earned more than BRL 11,000 (US$ 3,473.43), and 66.5% of the men earned more than BRL 20,000 (US$ 6,315.32) per month, versus 31.2% of the women (p < 0.001). A high level of work-related stress was reported by 11.3% of respondents. Conclusion Most cardiologists were men, who showed higher workload and higher income; 11.3% of the cardiologists perceived stress as a great deal.

Background Patient education is an essential part of cardiovascular patients' care targeting self-management behavior to reduce risk factors and subsequent events. Herein, a short and reliable tool to assess patients' knowledge in Brazil is warranted. Objectives To translate, culturally-adapt and psychometrically validate the Portuguese version of the Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire Short Version (CADE-Q SV). Methods The Portuguese CADE-Q SV - translated and culturally-adapted - was reviewed by five bilingual experts in cardiovascular disease. This version was then pre-tested in 21 patients, and clarity of items was checked using a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 = not clear to 10 = very clear. It was then psychometrically tested in 200 cardiovascular patients (41%women; mean age = 58.4 ± 11.6 years old). The internal consistency was assessed using Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) and Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis, and construct validity regarding educational level, family income, and time of diagnosis. Results All questions were considered clear by patients (clarity range:7.8-9.6). KR-20 was 0.70. All ICC values were > 0.70. Factor analysis revealed 6 factors, all internally consistent. Construct validity was supported by significant differences in total scores by educational level and family income (p < 0.001). The overall mean was 13.08 ± 2.61. The area with the highest knowledge was risk factors and the lowest was psychosocial risk. Conclusions The Portuguese CADE-SV was demonstrated to have good validity and reliability. This tool can be applicable in clinical and research settings, assessing cardiovascular patients' knowledge as part of an education programming.