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- Colorectal cancer prevention: strategies for promoting literacyPublication . Espírito-Santo, Margarida; Gomes, Tânia; Nascimento, TâniaBackground Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent and deadly cancer in Portugal, prevention and early detection with screening are key factors for decreasing the incidence of CRC and improving survival rates. CRC screenings allow the detection of benign situations and their remotion, preventing the development of a malignant condition. Thus, this study aimed to identify strategies that could promote CRC literacy in order to also increase the number of screenings. Methods A systematic review (SR) was performed using PICOS methodology to define study goals and then PRISMA methodology to collect data for the review, including intervention studies published from 2010. Results A final number of 11 articles were included in this SR, which used several strategies to promote literacy. These studies included patients mostly within the age range of 50–75 years. The different strategies identified contained delivering pamphlets, seminars, using technological solutions, among others. All of these educational strategies led to the breaking down of some barriers that might exist about screening and bowel preparation, which conduced to an increase in adherence to CRC screening. Since most of the studies were performed in populations presenting low health literacy or belonging to ethnic minorities, strategies such as verbal information sessions showed better results. Conclusions Several strategies seems to be effective, since the results of different interventions have translated into increased CCR literacy and also the number of screenings. Portuguese pharmacy professionals, given easy access and user confidence can contribute directly, as a future perspective, in the education of patients with CCR.
- Laxative use by community pharmacy users in southern PortugalPublication . Lourenço, Laura; De Sousa-Coelho, Ana Luísa; Nascimento, Tânia; Assunção, Lucília; Espírito Santo, MargaridaThe aim of this study was the characterization of laxative use by Pharmacy users, including the prevalence of use, types of laxatives used, and places for acquiring and obtaining advice on laxatives. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried, using a structured questionnaire, in a Community Pharmacy located in Faro, Portugal. During a period of 3 weeks, all Pharmacy users (≥18 years) who agreed to voluntarily participate in this study, were enrolled. Our study sample included 50 users, mainly women (74%), aged from 22 to 94 years (median of 59 years). RESULTS: Most of the participants (88%) reported to be suffering or to have previously suffered from constipation, whereas 62% indicated to be suffering with symptoms for more than 3 years. From those, 64% had presented symptoms of constipation more than once a week in the previous year. Whenever users felt constipated, more than half (58%) indicated to use a laxative. Contact laxatives were the more often used (63%), while 18% and 8% of the participants indicated to have used bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives, respectively, during the previous year. Over half of the participants (54%) indicated to use laxatives at least on a weekly basis, with 38% presenting a daily consumption. Elderly users, ≥60 years, were who used laxatives more often (65% daily; p<0.001). Whereas Pharmacies were the preferred place to purchase laxatives (85%), only about 40% of the users indicated to ask for health professional advise at the time of acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate and frequency of laxative use was identified in the study sample, particularly contact laxatives. It is imperative, therefore, to provide users with more information on non-pharmacological measures to avoid and approach constipation and its symptoms, as well as further information such as overuse complications, allowing the appropriate selection of the laxative. Pharmacy professionals have a key role on this area, and related education campaigns should be implemented.