Percorrer por autor "Oliveira, Rita F."
A mostrar 1 - 8 de 8
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Antioxidant activity of Artemisia annua LPublication . Vieira, Rita; Pinho, Cláudia; Oliveira, Ana I.; Oliveira, Rita F.; Cruz, AgostinhoTea infusions of Artemisia annua are known for their prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against malaria. However, recent studies have revealed that A. annua possess a variety of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant.
- Assessment of patient knowledge on medications for irritable bowel syndromePublication . Ferreira, Maria Inês; Vieira, Catarina; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Oliveira, Rita F.; Ferraz Oliveira, RitaIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder that may involve genetic factors, as well as physiological and psychological responses. It affects approximately 10-20% of the world’s population. Although not fatal, it has a significant impact on the quality of life. Knowledge about treatment is essential, as it plays a crucial role in symptom relief [1,2]. To assess patients’ knowledge about IBS medication and emergency medication administration. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a non-probabilistic convenience sample. The pilot study included 22 patients at Padre Américo Hospital, Vale do Sousa, through an anonymous telephone survey, including medication name, action, dosage, duration, precautions, side effects, interactions, storage, and SOS use. Approved by the hospital ethics committee, participants signed informed consent and were anonymously identified using numerical codes. The sample was predominantly female (72.7%) with a mean age of 50 years. The majority (72.7%) knew what to administer and how to administer emergency medication (antidiarrheal, antiflatulents, laxatives, antispasmodics, benzodiazepines), and 63.6% demonstrated adequate knowledge about the diet that worsens symptoms. Significant gaps were found in knowledge regarding dosage, precautions, adverse reactions, contraindication, and medication storage. The present study helped identify existing gaps in patients’ knowledge, demonstrating that it can be a useful tool for assessing awareness of therapeutic interventions in larger patient samples with this condition. Health literacy is crucial to increasing medication adherence and safety. Limitations include the small sample size and the homogeneity of the participants. Future perspectives should include larger and more diverse samples.
- Combined oral contraceptives in acne: Perception of young adults in higher education in PortugalPublication . Dias, Leonor; Esteves, Inês; Oliveira, Rita F.; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Ferraz Oliveira, Rita; Oliveira, Ana IsabelAcne vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. It can persist into adulthood that possesses combined oral contraceptives (COCs) as a treatment option [1]. To assess young adults in higher education in Portugal perception regarding COCs use in acne management. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a non-probabilistic convenience sample. Female students taking COC in higher education in Portugal were included. For data collection, a questionnaire was published on Instagram® and data was processed using SPSS 29®. Most participants (61.2%) related their acne to their menstrual cycle, with a greater aggravation in the premenstrual period (36.9%). The majority (90.2%) believes that acne is related to hormones. The area of study and knowledge of the hormones involved in acne were found to be related (p < 0.001). Although the majority (57%) had no knowledge of hormone therapy, among those who did, the COCs was the most cited example (17.3%). Only 22% considered this therapy to be advantageous, the majority of whom were health students (27.1%). A relationship between study area and the effectiveness of hormonal therapy perception was verified (p < 0.001). The majority of the sample believes that COCs help to improve acne, despite the absence of relation with the study field. Health students demonstrated a higher awareness of the COCs for acne treatment. However, there was general misinformation on the subject. These findings highlight the need to enhance health literacy in order to promote a clearer and more accurate understanding of this subject.
- Comparison of antioxidant activity for Ginkgo biloba L. and Rosmarinus officinalis LPublication . Silva, Diana; França, Ana; Pinho, Cláudia; Oliveira, Ana I.; Oliveira, Rita F.; Cruz, AgostinhoNatural antioxidant products have gained popularity worldwide and are increasingly being used to treat various diseases. Leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Ginkgo biloba L. possess a variety of bioactivities, including antioxidant.
- Complexity of the therapeutic regimen in older adults with cancer: associated factorsPublication . Oliveira, Rita F.; Oliveira, Ana I.; Cruz. Agostinho; Ribeiro, Oscar; Afreixo, Vera; Pimentel, Francisco; Cruz, Agostinho; Ferraz Oliveira, Rita; Oliveira, Ana IsabelPopulation aging is a worldwide phenomenon and is often associated with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Complex medication regimens are common among older adults and contribute to the occurrence of harmful health outcomes. Age is one of the main risk factors for cancer. This study aimed to determine and characterize the therapeutic complexity in older patients with cancer, and analyze the factors associated with high complexity and the impact of the oncological context. A cross-sectional study with patients aged ≥65 years with cancer was conducted in three hospitals in northern Portugal. Data collection was obtained using self-reports. The medication regimen complexity was assessed using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Descriptive and association statistical analysis were performed. Logistic, linear, simple and multiple regression analysis were conducted, with and without automatic variable selection. A total of 552 patients were included (median age, 71; IQR, 68–76). The mean MRCI before the oncological context was 18.67 (SD 12.60) and 27.39 (SD 16.67) after the oncological context, presenting a statistically significant difference in the values obtained (p < 0.001). An elevated complexity was significantly associated with polypharmacy, chronic diseases and with the administration of high-risk medications (p < 0.05). High MRCI values showed a relationship with the occurrence of potential drug interactions (p < 0.001). There was no relationship with the existence of cardiac risk comorbidity. This study demonstrated the existence of high therapeutic complexity in older patients with cancer, suggesting the need for intervention to prevent medication-related problems in this vulnerable population.
- The effect of antihistamines on the cardiovascular system: a systematic reviewPublication . Soares, Mariana; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Oliveira, Rita F.; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Ferraz Oliveira, RitaAntihistamines are widely used for allergic diseases but have been associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. Once considered rare, these effects have gained clinical relevance due to population ageing, polypharmacy, and comorbidities [1]. Despite case reports and narrative reviews, recent systematic reviews are lacking. To critically assess current evidence on the cardiovascular effects of antihistamines. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from January 2013 to May 2025 were considered. Of 99 records identified, 18 duplicates were removed, 75 were excluded by title and abstract, and one after full-text review. Five studies were included. Designs varied (case reports, cohort studies, clinical trials, experimental research), and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, selected for their adaptability to multiple study types. Both adult and paediatric populations were included. The findings suggest a possible link between first-generation H1 antihistamines and increased risk of arrhythmias and ischaemic cardiac events, particularly in children. Some studies also noted potential therapeutic benefits in specific contexts, such as long COVID. Overall, evidence remains limited by methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. The results support caution in prescribing antihistamines, especially in vulnerable populations, and reinforce the need for further robust studies to better define their cardiovascular safety.
- The impact of social media on the choice of cosmetic products among young adults living in the district of PortoPublication . Rodrigues, Beatriz; Sousa, Bruna; Oliveira, Rita F.; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Ferraz Oliveira, Rita; Oliveira, Ana IsabelThe skin is the largest organ of the human body, fulfilling essential physiological and protective functions. In recent years, the demand for cosmetic products has risen considerably, driven not only by dermatological concerns but also by aesthetic motivations. Social media platforms have emerged as influential channels in shaping consumer behaviour, particularly among young adults. To evaluate the impact of social media on the selection of cosmetic products among young adults aged 18 to 30 residing in the district of Porto. Observational, descriptive, crosssectional study, employing a snowball sampling method. Data were collected through an online questionnaire applied between December 2024 and March 2025, and analysed using SPSS®. A total of 252 participants were included. Higher levels of trust were verified in information sources among participants with dermatological conditions with 63.6% indicating they “trust a lot” in information sources. Male respondents exhibited greater trust in social media content overall (p < 0.001). TikTok emerged as the most influential platform, with 69% of purchases made based on online recommendations. Moreover, both gender and age group influenced the type of information sought (p<0.05). An association was also observed between possible adverse reactions occurrence and subsequent search for professional advice (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that social media exerts a tangible influence on cosmetic purchasing behaviour among young adults, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to assume a more visible and credible presence within digital platforms.
- Older people’s perception of direct oral anticoagulantsPublication . Monteiro, Joana; Silva, Sofia; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Oliveira, Rita F.; Ferraz Oliveira, Rita; Oliveira, Ana IsabelAverage life expectancy has been increasing, and age is a major risk factor for thromboembolic events [1]. In 2024, Portugal had the second-highest percentage of older people in the European Union [2]. In 2008, direct oral anticoagulants, targeting specific coagulation factors, were introduced [3]. To study the knowledge of the elderly about the safe use of this class of medication and its associated risks. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a non-probabilistic convenience sample. A questionnaire was applied to individuals aged 65 and over, with questions about the use of direct oral anticoagulants. Total scores were calculated by summing the individual scores obtained for each question (0-10). Variables analyzed included gender, age, education level, duration of treatment and polymedication. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Thirty-one questionnaires were obtained, with an average perception score of 7.23/10 (minimum: 3/10, maximum: 10/10). Participants demonstrated better understanding in recognizing when symptoms are not related to anticoagulants, but had more difficulty identifying situations requiring prior medical advice. In terms of gender, age, duration of treatment and polymedication, there were no differences regarding knowledge. Only the education level showed differences between low and high education groups (p = 0.024). Most participants demonstrated correct knowledge. However, educational programs with accessible materials and clear language remain essential for the elderly. Ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals is also essential, with regular consultations addressing both clinical control and the patient’s understanding of the treatment.