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Introduction: Drug-drug interactions among people with suicidal behavior is a challenging topic, considering the harm it poses for patients already vulnerable and the lack of literature on the thematic. This aspect must not be neglected in research and clinical practice, and thus requires thorough investigation., Objective: to investigate predictors of drug-drug interaction of prescribed drugs and the prescription of two or more drugs for people admitted due to suicidal behavior in a psychiatric emergency department (short-stay hospital ward)., Method: A cross-sectional study with retrospective approach, carried out in a Brazilian psychiatric emergency unit in 2015. Data about first and last medical prescriptions were collected from 127 patients' files. Descriptive statistics and the Zero Adjusted Logarithmic Distribution (ZALG) model were adopted, with the significance level α = 0.05., Results: Potential drug-drug interactions were found in most of the first and last prescriptions. The sample majority were female, with previous suicide attempts, being discharged from the hospital with three drugs (or more) prescribed, and without referral to any health service. Age and comorbidities were predictors of more drug prescriptions and the amount of prescribed drugs was the most important predictor of drug-drug interactions (quantity and severity)., Conclusions: the variables associated with drug-drug interactions and prescription of two or more drugs among people with suicidal behavior needs to be investigated in different contexts and addressed in interventions with the aim to promote patient safety., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The main goal of this study was to identify the prevalence of alcohol use and associations with selected variables among clients in a primary healthcare setting. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out using structured questionnaires to measure the pattern of alcohol consumption, quality of life and common mental disorders. The results showed that men, people between 18 and 40 years old, with income between $300.00 and 1200.00 and smokers were at a higher risk of problematic alcohol use. Healthcare professionals should include alcohol screening questions to identify the hazardous consumption of alcohol at an early stage and prevent negative consequences., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We provide an integrative review of non-pharmacological interventions for children with mental health problems. A total of 262 studies were found in three databases, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria, indicating a shortage of research on the subject. The most frequently used type of intervention was cognitive-behavioural therapy-based interventions, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was the most frequent problem. Non-pharmacological interventions help to improve the symptoms of childhood mental health problems, so there is a need to carry out further research on this issue in Brazil and the rest of Latin America.

Background: Considering the high incidence of cancer in Brazil and worldwide, the high prevalence and relevance of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in the treatment of cancer patients, and the use of psychiatric drugs without reliably proven effectiveness, studies that contemplate this topic are needed to understand and provide rationale for the treatment of CMD in these individuals., Objectives: This study identified prevalence and factors associated with Common Mental Disorders (CMD) and psychotropic use in cancer outpatients., Method: This is a cross-sectional study with descriptive correlational design. It was developed in the chemotherapy sector of a hospital specialized in cancer. The tools used were: Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and structured questionnaires., Findings: Among 403 respondents, CMD prevalence was 31.5% and psychotropic use was 25.8%. CMD were associated with gender, education, family income, psychotropic use and cancer surgery. Psychotropic use was associated with gender, employment status, cancer surgery, treatment period and other physical health conditions. Logistic regressions showed CMD were associated with gender and other physical health conditions; psychotropic use was associated with gender, employment status and other conditions., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

It is important to investigate the care given to people with suicidal behavior, as it is an important predictor of future death by suicide and there is a lack of studies on this issue in Brazil. This study had the objective of investigating assistance related to suicidal behavior at a mobile emergency service and sociodemographic and clinical associated factors. This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study based on documental information. The data were collected through manual consultation of nursing records in which call-outs for suicidal behavior in the year 2014 were documented. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, correlation tests, and comparison of means tests. In the 313 records analyzed there was a predominance of adult women with self-inflicted drug poisoning, attended to in their own residence and referred to pre-hospital emergency medical services. There was a lack of documentation on signs, symptoms, and grievances in most cases. The interventions most carried out by the nurses were related to monitoring of clinical parameters. There were differences related to the victim's sex and lethality, suicide attempt method, referral to emergency services, and semester of occurrence (January-June, July-December). Suicide attempts through self-poisoning or self-inflicted injuries differed in relation to time of call-out, waiting time, lethality, documentation on clinical assessment and interventions, and referral to emergency services. This study enabled the charting of factors linked with suicidal behavior and associated factors; it offers reflections on limitations and nursing care potential in the prevention of reoccurrence of suicidal behavior., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Physical restraint in psychiatric units is a common practice but extremely controversial and poorly evaluated by methodologically appropriate investigations. The cultural issues and professionals' perceptions and attitudes are substantial contributors to the frequency of restraint that tend to be elevated. Aim In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand the experiences and perceptions of nursing staff regarding physical restraint in psychiatric units., Method: Through theoretical sampling, 29 nurses from two Brazilian psychiatric units participated in the study. Data were collected from 2014 to 2016 from individual interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis, employing theoretical presuppositions of symbolic interactionism., Results: Physical restraint was considered unpleasant, challenging, risky, and associated with dilemmas and conflicts. The nursing staff was often exposed to the risks and injuries related to restraint. Professionals sought strategies to reduce restraint-related damages, but still considered it necessary due to the lack of effective options to control aggressive behavior., Conclusions: This study provides additional perspectives about physical restraint and reveals the need for safer, humanized and appropriate methods for the care of aggressive patients that consider the real needs and rights of these patients., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The meaning ascribed to suicidal behaviours may influence the quality of the care provided to people at risk of suicide. Such a phenomenon has yet to be properly investigated amongst nursing undergraduate students, the aim of this study being to gain an understanding of the meanings of suicidal behaviour for a particular group of nurses. The study, which utilized grounded theory, was conducted in Brazil in 2016-2017 with 30 undergraduate students. The findings indicated that suicidal behaviour, classified according to the individual beliefs and judgements of the participants, presented a significant barrier to the delivery of care and was complex and multifaceted care phenomenon. Participants were often reluctant to discuss the topic, seemingly wanting to distance themselves from the care of persons exhibiting suicidal behaviour, and to avoid professional engagements relating to suicide prevention. Significant work is required in raising both an awareness and knowledge of suicidal behaviour befitting the promotion of tolerance, emotional competency, resilience, and empathy amongst nursing students., (© 2017 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.)

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Older individuals constitute an increasing proportion of the population, and therefore, are the major consumers of drugs. The elderly, especially those with mental disabilities, frequently develop chronic diseases and start using numerous drugs. Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are a major clinical problem in the elderly population, and previous studies have focused only on antidepressants and others types of drugs used to treat mental health conditions. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study shows that in hospitalized elderly patients with mental disorders (aged 60-69 years), polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) and the use of drugs that act on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems can lead to potential drug-drug interactions. Moreover, it was reported that the prevalence of drug-drug interactions in elderly patients with mental disorders was high during their hospitalization in a public hospital in Brazil. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses should know the factors associated with drug-drug interactions in hospitalized elderly patients with mental disorders to choose appropriate strategies for avoiding treatment failure and adverse events in patients., Abstract: Introduction Despite the impact on patient safety and the fact that prevalence is higher in older patients, previous research did not analyse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in view of nursing care of elderly psychiatric patients. Aim To identify potential drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy in prescriptions of aged inpatients with psychiatric disorders and analyse associated factors. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analysed the medical records of institutionalized patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (n = 94), aged >60 years, and prescribed multiple medications. Drug prescriptions were checked at admission, midway through and the last prescription. Factors associated with DDI occurrence were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A DDI prevalence potential of 67.0%, 74.5% and 80.8% occurred in patients at admission, midway through hospitalization and the last prescription, respectively. Most of the prescribed drugs were nervous system agents. A high percentage of serious and contraindicated potential DDIs occurred. Age between 60 and 69 years, use of cardiovascular and respiratory system drugs, and the number of medications contributed significantly to DDI. Implications for mental health nursing Knowledge on the factors associated with DDIs in patients with mental disorders can contribute to the improvement of effectiveness and safety of nursing care., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To understand the meaning of stigma for people with mental disorders., Method: A qualitative study with 46 Brazilian adults with mental disorders. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and nonparticipant observation and submitted for a thematic analysis with symbolic interactionism., Results: Stigma was considered as an experience of incomprehension and suffering. The society has difficulty in empathizing, respecting differences and understanding the extent of the suffering of people with mental disorders. Participants recommended anti-stigma strategies that included promoting knowledge and respecting differences., Conclusions: The present study contributes new insights to be addressed in interventions to reduce the suffering and impact of stigma.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Self-confident health professionals with positive and understanding attitudes can take better care of people with suicidal behaviour, but the factors associated with these attitudes are not known. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The majority of nursing professionals had no experience or training in mental health or suicide. They were less self-confident and had more negative attitudes. Nurses and nursing assistants who worked before in mental health services were more understanding with people with suicidal behaviour. Nurses and nursing assistants who were working in prehospital services were less self-confident to taking care of people with suicidal behaviour. Some members of the nursing team had already seriously considered committing suicide. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The practicing, support and training in mental health may improve the nurses' attitudes and emotional competencies. It is important to know why few nurses had suicide-related training, despite the relevance of this issue. Training in mental health or suicide need to include attitudinal and emotional competencies. It is important to offer emotional support to emergency nursing professionals., Abstract: Background The attitudes towards suicide of emergency nurses may affect the care provided. However, the factors associated with these attitudes remain unclear. Objective To investigate attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and associated factors among nursing professionals working in emergency settings. Methods A cross-sectional observational study including 28 nurses and 118 who were nursing assistants employed at two emergency services in Brazil was conducted. Data were collected in 2015 using a self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire and the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire (SBAQ). Results The majority of participants reported having no experience or training in mental health or suicide. They reported more negative feelings towards the patient and a lower self-perception of professional competence regarding suicidal behaviours, and these attitudes seemed to reinforce each other. Nurses who worked in mental health services reported less moralistic/judgemental attitudes. Working in prehospital services was associated with having a lower self-perception of professional competence. There were professionals who reported thinking seriously about committing suicide. Conclusion When combined with support and training, practicing mental health nursing may serve as an opportunity to develop favourable attitudes and emotional competences, and these issues need to be addressed in suicide education strategies., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

There were no Brazilian studies regarding potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in primary health care (PHC) analysing common mental disorders (CMDs) and psychotropic medication., Objectives: To identify DDI prevalence in that setting; to classify DDI; to verify correlations with demographics, pharmacotherapeutics, psychotropic medication and CMDs. Among 430 patients interviewed 190 had more than two medications prescribed, 58.4% had DDI. Factors associated were age and number of medications. Nine types of severe DDI composed 28% patients' prescriptions, 71.9% involving psychotropic medication. Only the number of types of drugs contributed to the regression model. Results raise important aspects regarding patient safety in PHC units in Brazil are where patients with psychological complaints have to seek for health care firstly.

Aim: To understand emergency nursing experiences in assisting people with suicidal behavior., Method: Grounded theory study with symbolic interactionism conducted in 2015 to 2016 in Brazil with 19 nurses., Results: Assistance for people with suicidal behavior is critical, challenging, evokes different feelings and requires knowledge, skills and emotional control. Nurses did not feel prepared or supported, and identified recurrent gaps and problems. Nurses occupied a limited role, restricted to attending to physical needs. They predominantly manifested opposition, judgments and incomprehension about patients., Conclusion: This study presents key elements to be addressed in interventions and investigations regarding nursing support, training and supervision., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The current descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the rate of psychotropic medication use and its association with sociodemographic factors, pharmacotherapy, health history, and presence of common mental disorders in individuals in Brazilian primary health care (PHC) units. A sample of 442 individuals was interviewed in 10 PHC units. Tools used included a structured questionnaire and the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20. The rate of psychotropic medication use was 38.7%. Demographic characteristics associated with psychotropic medication use were age 60 or older with common mental disorders and physical illness, a primary-level education or less, no occupation, and family income greater than three times the minimum wage. The strongest predictor of psychotropic medication use was monthly family income. The results highlight the need for interventions to improve patient outcomes. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(3), 38-45.]., (Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the patients' quality of life in Brazil's Family Health Strategy and its association with sociodemographic factors, presence of common mental disorders, and use of psychotropic drugs. Were interviewed 442 patients. Tools were: World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Bref and Self Reporting Questionnaire. Male and low education were strongly associated with higher quality of life. Use of psychotropic drugs and the presence of CMD were strongly associated with poor quality of life. There is a pressing need for primary health care professionals to invest in tracking, and in holistic interventions that are able to cover the healthcare needs of these vulnerable groups., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The study aims were to analyze patients' adherence to psychotropic medications and its association with sociodemographic factors, therapeutic regimen, presence of common mental disorders, and illness factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in ten Primary Health Care units in Brazil. The tools were the Measurement of Treatment Adherence Test and the Self Reporting Questionnaire. Nonadherence to psychotropic drugs was 88.9%. There was association between adherence and age and among patients positive for Common Mental Disorders (97.8%). In the multivariate analysis this association was not maintained. Findings indicate strategies are needed to improve medication adherence in the Primary Health Care services. However, no strategy will be effective if patients and their families are not involved in the process.

Background: Considering the high worldwide prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs), characterizing the association between CMD and quality of life (QoL) constitute a valuable measure to gauge patient's functional impairment due to CMD symptoms., Objective: To investigate factors associated with the incidence of CMD and its impact on the QoL in primary health care (PHC) patients., Design: Cross-sectional study completed in a municipality in Brazil. Standardized tools included the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 to detect CMDs and the WHOQOL-brief to assess QoL, in addition to a sociodemographic and treatment-related questionnaire., Results: A total of 41.4% of the patients met cutoff scores for a CMD, and the presence of a CMD was associated with female gender and marital status. Patients with CMDs had lower QoL scores than patients who were negative for a CMD., Conclusions: CMDs are highly prevalent in PHC settings and affect patients' QoL. The high frequency of CMD in those that seek care through PHC necessitate incorporating mental health services into the range of available services., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

Medication adherence is related to patient satisfaction with family support. This research aimed to understand the meaning of pharmacotherapy to families of people with major depressive disorder. This qualitative study employed Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interactionism. Seventeen families of people with depression from a Brazilian clinic were included. Data was collected from 2013 to 2014, using open interviews, which were analyzed by open, axial, and selective coding. Medication represented "Tranquility and worry" because it re-established tranquility in family routine, but generated concerns. Thus, families were conflicted and ambivalent about medications, and they interfered with the promotion or impairment of adherence.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) in women consulting at primary health care units in a Brazilian urban area, as well as to determine the impact of CMD on quality of life (QoL), the association of sociodemographic factors with CMD and QoL, and the prevalence and pattern of psychotropic medication use in the study sample., Methods: In this quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational-descriptive study, a stratified sample of 365 women was interviewed between May 2012 and January 2013 in five primary health care units in Brazil. Data were collected using sociodemographic and drug use questionnaires. The self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to estimate the prevalence of CMD; and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-bref instrument was used to assess quality of life. To evaluate the impact of CMD on QoL, the t test and linear regression models were employed. The chi-square test was used to verify associations between CMD and sociodemographic variables. Descriptive analysis was used for psychotropic drug use., Results: The prevalence of CMD was 44.1%. The prevalence of psychotropic medication use was 27.1%. Only 5.6% of participants had a psychiatric diagnosis recorded in their medical chart. Psychotropic drugs were used by 41.6% of participants with CMD according to the SRQ-20 and by 15.7% of those without CMD. There was no association between CMD and sociodemographic variables, but CMD and QoL were significantly associated. Women with CMD had the worst QoL, without impact of sociodemographic variables., Conclusions: Further attention should be given to the pattern of psychotropic medication use and prescription in primary care settings. Women with CMD had functional impairment, as shown by significantly lower QoL scores. The fact that sociodemographic factors did not impact the present results seems to support the notion of a different basis for CMD in women.