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Background Follow-up calls in the oncology setting are frequently used to augment care and encourage oral antineoplastic adherence. However, limited data are available on patient populations that would benefit from this intervention versus populations that may require alternative interventions. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics among patients on oral antineoplastic agents that influence their likelihood to respond to follow-up calls. Methods Patients receiving care from one of the eight community oncology clinics within the same branch were analyzed. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years, received a new oral antineoplastic agent that was electronically prescribed between August 2018–October 2018, and picked up their first fill from their pharmacy of choice. Patients received up to six follow-up calls after picking up their first prescription. Calls were categorized as adherent (≥3 monthly interactions) or non-adherent (<3 monthly interactions). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with follow-up call adherence. Factors included demographics, cancer stage, marital status, employment, pharmacy setting (internal pharmacy versus external pharmacy), and insurance used by the patient. Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze response rates, cancer diagnosis, and to determine the best time and day patients responded to follow-up calls. Results Data from 125 patients were analyzed, of which 65 patients (52%) were adherent to follow-up calls and the mean response rate over six months was 45% (range: 35% -- 54%). High success rates for follow-up calls were seen between 12–3 pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After adjusting for covariates, patients with stage III-IV were 89% less likely to respond to follow-up calls compared to those with stage 0-II (95% CI: 0.02–0.64; p = 0.01), patients with commercial insurance were 79% less likely to adhere to follow-up calls compared to those on government insurance (95% CI: 0.06-0.71; p = 0.01), and patients using an external pharmacy had a 2.8 times increase odds of being adherent (95% CI 0.98-8.34; p = 0.05). All other factors were not significant. Conclusions For patients taking oral antineoplastics, non-adherence to follow-up calls was observed in more than 45% of patients receiving care from a community oncology clinic. Findings demonstrated that those with advanced stages of cancer, on commercial insurance, and going to an internal pharmacy were at higher risk for not adhering to follow up calls. Therefore, alternative methods for managing adherence and side effects in these populations are warranted.

Introduction: For a long time the health of the male population has been forgotten, however men have individualities that need to be respected. Thus, in 2009, the Ministry of Health published the National Policy for Integral Attention to Men's Health (PNAISH). However, the dissemination and knowledge about such a policy have been questioned in the current health context. Objective: To analyze the nurses' knowledge about the National Policy for Integral Attention to Men's Health. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place through a semi-structured interview. Data analysis was done based on Bardin (through coding) and the discussion in the light of the available literature. The research was carried out in the municipality of Itaitinga in the State of Ceará-Brazil, within the scope of the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Results and Discussion: From the interviews conducted, two categories can be inferred in the light of the relevant and updated literature: 1) Definition and characterization of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health Care for Men and 2) Importance of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health Care for Man. These categories guided the Nurses' Knowledge about PNAISH. Final considerations: A still simple understanding of nurses on the politics and health of men was evidenced, which influences non-integral and singular assistance, as the particularities and singularities of the socio-cultural process of insertion of men in the health sector are not valued, and so it does not satisfy its demands peculiar to this audience. Therefore, PNAISH still needs to be better disseminated and debated in academic and health circles so that it actually brings about effective changes in men's health.

In 2009, the Ministry of Health published the National Policy for Integral Attention to Men's Health (PNAISH). This policy calls for holistic attention and attentive to the singularities of health behaviors inherent to the male audience. However, the presence of men and the services offered are still meaningless when compared to other priority populations in Primary Care. To analyze male behavior in relation to primary health care services and recommended by PNAISH in the perception of Nurses. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place through a semi-structured interview with Nurses of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the municipality of Itaitinga in the state of Ceará-Brazil. Data analysis was done based on Bardin (through coding) and the discussion in the light of the available literature. From the interviews conducted, two categories can be inferred from the light of the pertinent and updated literature: 1) Search, presence and access of men to the health service offered in Primary Care; 2) Factors involved in health care provided to the male population. These categories guided the understanding of how the reality of attention to men's health has been experienced. It is concluded that there are several obstacles that need to be overcome so that good practices in human health are feasible. For that, health practices and intersectoral and transdisciplinary discussions are needed to promote the singular approach and the individualized reception of men in health services. In order to develop together with the male population, the deconstruction of gender stereotypes that conceptualize them as invulnerable beings, provide open spaces to speak about their weaknesses and needs, having their demands welcomed and resolved, in order to approach and insert men in primary care services.