Method and sample: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed

Method and sample: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed. mTOR kinase assay A volunteer sample (n = 8) of men 15 years or less post radical prostatectomy was recruited through a prostate cancer support group MAC. (Men Against Cancer). Interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis.

Key results: Men identified a number of themes related to their prostate cancer diagnosis, subsequent surgery and life

post surgery. These included the process of diagnosis, support, normalisation, the importance of information, defining moments and primary concerns.

Conclusions: Qualitative, descriptive research provides a platform for men to share their experiences of the prostate cancer journey. Healthcare professionals

should be alert to the factors which patients consider important during their treatment trajectory.

These qualitative interviews provide much needed knowledge in relation to men’s experience of the prostate cancer treatment trajectory. In a healthcare system which increasingly values the ‘patients view’ this type of information is vital in order to tailor healthcare services to Givinostat concentration meet the unique needs of each patient. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction: Adherence, which is crucial to the success of antiretroviral therapy (HAART), is currently a major challenge in the care of children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of nonadherence to HAART using complementary instruments in a cohort of children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS followed in a reference service in Campinas, Brazil.

Methods: The level of adherence of 108 patients and caregivers was evaluated by an adapted standardized questionnaire and HKI-272 datasheet pharmacy dispensing records (PDR). Non-adherence was defined as a drug intake lower than 95% (on 24-hour or seven-day questionnaires), or as an interval of 38 days or more for pharmacy refills. The association between adherence and clinical, immunological, virological, and psychosocial

characteristics was assessed by multivariate analysis.

Results: Non-adherence prevalence varied from 11.1% (non-adherent in three instruments), 15.8% (24-hour self-report), 27.8% (seven-day self-report), 45.4% (PDR), and 56.3% (at least one of the outcomes). 24-hour and seven-day self-reports, when compared to PDR, showed low sensitivity (29% and 43%, respectively) but high specificity (95% and 85%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, medication intolerance, difficulty of administration by caregiver, HAART intake by the patient, lower socioeconomical class, lack of virological control, missed appointments in the past six months, and lack of religious practice by caregiver were significantly associated with non-adherence.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of HAART non-adherence was observed in the study population, and PDR was the most sensitive of the tested instruments.

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