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One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic...
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One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Patients

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Chronic Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 7 April 2026 | Viewed by 8611

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Teixeira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sciences, University’s Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal
Interests: psychodermatology; adherence to treatment
Dr. Maria Teresa Herdeiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Medical Sciences Department, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Aveiro University, Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: pharmacoepidemiology; pharmacovigilance; drug utilization studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sandra Torres

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: health psychology; positive body image in the scope of chronic illness
Dr. Vera Almeida

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University’s Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal
Interests: psychodermatology; emotional regulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increase in life expectancy and chronic disease prevalence has a high psychosocial and economic impact on patients, society, and health institutions. The development of integrated therapeutic strategies and multidisciplinary teams that allow the assessment and treatment of the patient in the physical, emotional, psychological, and social dimensions are crucial. There has been limited progress in the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses associated with chronic conditions. Most of the therapeutic strategies used do not integrate the physical, social, and mental components associated with these diseases. It is important to characterize the psychopathological symptoms associated with chronic diseases and develop therapeutic strategies that include psychological and social interventions to prevent and minimize the psychosocial and economic impact of these diseases. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the study of the psychosocial, economic, and emotional impact of chronic conditions and the development of integrated strategies, including psychological and social interventions adapted to these conditions. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ana Teixeira
Dr. Maria Teresa Herdeiro
Dr. Sandra Torres
Dr. Vera Almeida
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chronic disease
  • psychosocial factors
  • mental health
  • economic impact
  • intervention
  • therapeutic strategies
  • multidisciplinary treatment
  • therapeutic adherence
  • polymedication
  • adverse events

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 264 KiB  
Article
Type I Diabetic Patients’ Perceptions of the Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Disease
by Marta Relvas, Flávia Gomes, Filomena Salazar, Cristina Cabral, Maria Arminda Santos, Rosana Costa and Maria Gonçalves
Healthcare 2025, 13(10), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101150 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 137
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Knowledge about the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is lacking in individuals diagnosed with type I diabetes. To enhance oral health and reduce the risk of oral diseases, healthcare professionals, both dentists and endocrinologists, should educate and motivate patients to treat [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Knowledge about the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is lacking in individuals diagnosed with type I diabetes. To enhance oral health and reduce the risk of oral diseases, healthcare professionals, both dentists and endocrinologists, should educate and motivate patients to treat periodontitis and its complications as soon as possible. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of type I diabetic patients about the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional, single-center study was carried out on 80 patients from the Tâmega and Sousa Hospital Center, who were administered a questionnaire before they underwent an oral clinical examination. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and independent t-test. Results: All participants were aware of at least one of the problems associated with diabetes. Furthermore, 18.8% of the patients reported not receiving any advice from their dentist, and 31.4% stated that they had been informed of its importance. Regarding the diagnosis of diabetes, 87.5% of participants felt that dentists should be involved. Advanced age, lower education levels, and alcohol consumption were associated with a higher prevalence of periodontal disease (35.6%) (p < 0.05). Health practitioners should advise early periodontal disease diagnosis, treatment, and oral health education, particularly for people with type I diabetes. Conclusions: Factors, such as advanced age and lower education levels, were associated with a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. Although many patients recognize the relationship between diabetes and dental problems, most do not discuss this with their dentist. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Patients)
17 pages, 1477 KiB  
Article
Exploring Factors Associated with Health Status and Dietary Supplement Use Among Portuguese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey
by Sandra Leal, Ana Catarina Sousa, Rui Valdiviesso, Inês Pádua, Virgínia M. F. Gonçalves and Cláudia Ribeiro
Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070769 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 399
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dietary supplements are associated with general well-being. However, there is a growing concern about health risks from unlabeled harmful substances, contaminants, or their interactions with conventional drugs. The use of dietary supplements should also be monitored in vulnerable groups. Hence, this [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dietary supplements are associated with general well-being. However, there is a growing concern about health risks from unlabeled harmful substances, contaminants, or their interactions with conventional drugs. The use of dietary supplements should also be monitored in vulnerable groups. Hence, this study aimed to explore key factors associated with dietary supplement use and health status among Portuguese adults. Methods: An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess health, medication, and dietary supplement use. Data were collected from January to February 2023. The participants (N = 449) were categorized into age groups (18–29, 30–39, 40–60, and 60+). Descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis were performed. Results: Overall, 73% of the participants were female, with 38% in the 40–60 age group. Among male participants (27%), more than half belonged to the two older age groups. Additionally, 42% reported having a diagnosed disease, 43% reported using medication, and 66% rated their health as “good”. Participants aged 60+ with multiple diagnosed diseases and a higher BMI were associated with poorer self-rated health. Cardiovascular drug use was more prevalent among males and the 60+ age group, positively correlating with the number of medications (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Medication use (OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.10–0.60) and diagnosed diseases (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.17–0.69) were associated with a lower likelihood of avoiding supplement use. Females were more likely to use supplements, with multivitamin–mineral supplements most common among both sexes and adults aged 60+. Conclusions: As supplement use increases, developing evidence-based guidelines for safe use, especially among vulnerable populations, is crucial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Patients)
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14 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Steinert’s Myotonic Dystrophy and Utilization of Healthcare Services: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
by Leticia Hernáez, Ana Clara Zoni, María-Felicitas Domínguez-Berjón, María D. Esteban-Vasallo, Cristina Domínguez-González, Pilar Serrano and on behalf of the DM1-CM Working Group
Healthcare 2024, 12(8), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12080838 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2467
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type I (MDI) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of MDI in the Community of Madrid (CM) (Spain) and to analyze the use of public healthcare services; a [...] Read more.
Myotonic dystrophy type I (MDI) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of MDI in the Community of Madrid (CM) (Spain) and to analyze the use of public healthcare services; a population-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on patients with MDI in CM and data were obtained from a population-based registry (2010–2017). A total of 1101 patients were studied (49.1% women) with average age of 47.8 years; the prevalence of MDI was 14.4/100,000 inhabitants. In the women lineal regression model for hospital admissions, being in the fourth quartile of the deprivation index, was a risk factor (regression coef (rc): 0.80; 95%CI 0.25–1.37). In the overall multiple lineal regression model for primary health care (PHC) attendance, being a woman increased the probability of having a higher number of consultations (rc: 3.99; 95%CI: 3.95–5.04), as did being in the fourth quartile of the deprivation index (rc: 2.10; 95%CI: 0.58–3.63); having received influenza vaccines was a protective factor (rc: −0.46; 95%CI: −0.66–(−0.25)). The prevalence of MDI in the CM is high compared to other settings. Moreover, having any level of risk stratification of becoming ill (high, medium or low) has a positive association with increased PHC consultations and hospital admissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Patients)
12 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
Influence of Clinical and Psychosocial Factors on the Adherence to Topical Treatment in Psoriasis
by Ana Teixeira, Maribel Teixeira, Rita Gaio, Tiago Torres, Sofia Magina, Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis, José Sousa-Lobo, Isabel Almeida, Miguel Peixoto and Vera Almeida
Healthcare 2024, 12(8), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12080822 - 12 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2328
Abstract
(1) Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with different manifestations, affecting the quality of life at social, emotional, and professional dimensions and requiring long-term treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychosocial and clinical factors on adherence to [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with different manifestations, affecting the quality of life at social, emotional, and professional dimensions and requiring long-term treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychosocial and clinical factors on adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis. (2) Methods: Self-reported measures and weighing the medicines were used to assess adherence. Psychopathological symptoms were measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). Social and clinical factors were assessed by a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Adherence to treatment with topical medication was assessed using a sample of 102 psoriasis patients. (3) Results: The explanatory models of adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis translated into positive associations between adherence and the education level (higher education) (p = 0.03; φ = 0.23), the single-family household (p = 0.01; φ = 0.44), active employment status (p = 0.05; φ = −0.19), familiar history of psoriasis (p = 0.04; φ = −0.21), and the presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p = 0.01; d = 0.29). (4) Conclusions: In patients who present the characteristics identified that influence non-adherence, instructions should be reinforced to increase adherence. The experimental mortality (39.6%) reduced the sample size, representing a limitation of the study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Patients)
20 pages, 322 KiB  
Article
Impact of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program on the Self-Perceived Health of People in Areas of Social Vulnerability in Asturias, Spain
by Ester García-Ovejero, Marta Pisano-González, Isabel Salcedo-Diego and Pilar Serrano-Gallardo
Healthcare 2024, 12(8), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12080811 - 9 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1933
Abstract
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) focuses on a health promotion perspective with a salutogenic approach, reinforcing the pillars of self-efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the CDSMP on Self-perceived Health (SPH) in disadvantaged areas of Asturias, [...] Read more.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) focuses on a health promotion perspective with a salutogenic approach, reinforcing the pillars of self-efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the CDSMP on Self-perceived Health (SPH) in disadvantaged areas of Asturias, España. The study included vulnerable adults with experience of chronic diseases for over six months, along with their caregivers. The intervention consisted of a six-session workshop led by two trained peers. SPH was evaluated by administering the initial item of the SF-12 questionnaire at both baseline and six months post-intervention. To evaluate the variable “Change in SPH” [improvement; remained well; worsening/no improvement (reference category)], global and disaggregated by sex multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were applied. There were 332 participants (mean = 60.5 years; 33.6% were at risk of social vulnerability; 66.8% had low incomes). Among the participants, 22.9% reported an improvement in their SPH, without statistically significant sex-based differences, while 38.9% remained in good health. The global model showed age was linked to decreased “improvement” probability (RRRa = 0.96), and the “remaining well” likelihood drops with social risk (RRRa = 0.42). In men, the probability of “remaining well” decreased by having secondary/higher education (RRRa = 0.25) and increased by cohabitation (RRRa = 5.11). Women at social risk were less likely to report “remaining well” (RRRa = 0.36). In conclusion, six months after the intervention, 22.9% of the participants had improved SPH. Age consistently decreased the improvement in the different models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Life, One Health: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Patients)
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