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Determinantes da adesão terapêutica na diabetes mellitus canina e felina em Portugal
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Abstract(s)
A Diabetes mellitus define-se como um grupo heterogéneo de doenças com múltiplas etiologias
caracterizadas por uma produção e/ou ação ineficiente de insulina o que resulta em hiperglicemia, cada
vez mais prevalente na prática clínica de animais de companhia.
Embora exista tratamento e a qualidade de vida do animal possa ser assegurada, o diagnóstico é
recebido com preocupação pelos tutores. Estudos revelaram que um em cada 10 animais são
eutanasiados no momento do diagnóstico ou cessam o tratamento após um ano por incapacidade de
compromisso do cuidador com o esforço terapêutico.
O presente estudo pretendeu esclarecer os fatores que influenciam a adesão terapêutica na Diabetes
mellitus canina e felina em Portugal. Para tal, recorreu-se a um questionário online dirigido a tutores de
cães ou gatos diabéticos em tratamento e/ou eutanasiados na sequência da doença. Foram recebidas
42 respostas entre dezembro de 2022 e março de 2023 que, após aplicação dos critérios de exclusão,
resultaram em 34 inquéritos que foram submetidos a análise estatística.
Foi identificada uma relação significativa entre o nível de compreensão da doença por parte dos
tutores após explicação pelo Médico Veterinário no momento do diagnóstico e o grau de escolaridade,
a região de Portugal onde reside, o número de hospitalizações do animal diabético e, ainda, a decisão
de eutanasiar.
Como possíveis razões para que os atuais tutores de animais com Diabetes mellitus possam ponderar
abandonar o tratamento, salienta-se a perceção de perda de qualidade de vida do animal diabético,
os custos envolvidos na doença, entre outras, que refletem as suas preocupações diárias na
abordagem à doença. Quanto à decisão de eutanásia, uma diminuta proporção de participantes
respondeu ponderá-la. A ponderação desta decisão foi associada designadamente à perceção de
fragilidade do animal e ao receio da perda de vínculo com este.
Por fim, os resultados sugeriram um impacto importante do diagnóstico da Diabetes melltius na
disponibilidade dos tutores em continuar a adquirir animais de companhia, o que é preocupante e
deve ser explorado em linhas de investigação futuras.
Diabetes mellitus is defined as a heterogeneous group of diseases with multiple etiologies characterized by inefficient production and/or action of insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia. It is increasingly prevalent in the clinical practice of companion animals. Although there is treatment available and the quality of life of the animal can be ensured, the diagnosis is received with concern by owners. In fact, one out of 10 animals is euthanized at the time of diagnosis or discontinues treatment after one year due to the caregiver’s inability to commit to therapy. This study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing treatment adherence in canine and feline diabetes in Portugal. An online questionnaire was used to survey owners of diabetic cats and dogs currently undergoing treatmet and/or euthanized due to the disease. We received 42 responses between december 2022 and march 2023. After applying the exclusion criteria, 34 cases were analyzed. A significant association was detected between the caregiver’s level of understanding of the disease after explanation by the Veterinarian at the time of diagnosis and the caregiver’s level of education, the region of Portugal where they reside, the number of hospitalizations of the diabetic animal and the decision to euthanize. Possible reasons for current owners of animals with Diabetes mellitus to consider abandoning treatment included perceived loss of quality of the animal’s life, the costs associated with therapy, among others concerns reflecting their daily challenges in managing the disease. Regarding the decision of euthanasia, a small proportion of participants reported considering it, which was stastically significantly associated with the perception of the animal’s fragility and the fear of losing the bond, among other factors. Furthermore, the results suggest a significant impact of Diabetes mellitus diagnosis on the willingness of caregivers to continue having companion animals, which is concerning and should be further investigated.
Diabetes mellitus is defined as a heterogeneous group of diseases with multiple etiologies characterized by inefficient production and/or action of insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia. It is increasingly prevalent in the clinical practice of companion animals. Although there is treatment available and the quality of life of the animal can be ensured, the diagnosis is received with concern by owners. In fact, one out of 10 animals is euthanized at the time of diagnosis or discontinues treatment after one year due to the caregiver’s inability to commit to therapy. This study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing treatment adherence in canine and feline diabetes in Portugal. An online questionnaire was used to survey owners of diabetic cats and dogs currently undergoing treatmet and/or euthanized due to the disease. We received 42 responses between december 2022 and march 2023. After applying the exclusion criteria, 34 cases were analyzed. A significant association was detected between the caregiver’s level of understanding of the disease after explanation by the Veterinarian at the time of diagnosis and the caregiver’s level of education, the region of Portugal where they reside, the number of hospitalizations of the diabetic animal and the decision to euthanize. Possible reasons for current owners of animals with Diabetes mellitus to consider abandoning treatment included perceived loss of quality of the animal’s life, the costs associated with therapy, among others concerns reflecting their daily challenges in managing the disease. Regarding the decision of euthanasia, a small proportion of participants reported considering it, which was stastically significantly associated with the perception of the animal’s fragility and the fear of losing the bond, among other factors. Furthermore, the results suggest a significant impact of Diabetes mellitus diagnosis on the willingness of caregivers to continue having companion animals, which is concerning and should be further investigated.
Description
Keywords
Diabetes mellitus Questionário Adesão Terapêutica Eutanásia Cão Gato Qualidade de Vida Cat Diabetes mellitus Dog Euthanasia Quality of Life Questionnaire Treatment Adherence