Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the main diseases affecting the elderly population, and the evaluation of adherence to the elderly self-care practices in diabetes is essential to reduce the occurrence of events considered preventable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-care activities for elderly people with diabetes mellitus and check the gender differences in adherence to these activities. Methods:Descriptive study conducted with 50 elderlies of both genders, assisted by a Family Health Unit in a city of Paraíba within November 2013 to January 2014. The data collection used the Diabetes Questionnaire of Self-Care Activities, adapted and validated for the Brazilian context from the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire. Results:The elderly population studied showed satisfactory adherence to self-care activities proposed by the instrument. There were no statistically significant differences between men and women in mean adherence to the activities of self-care with diabetes. Older women had higher scores for the dimensions "general and specific food" and

Introduction: palliative care are a type of care directed to people with diseases without therapeutic possibility of cure, guided by a philosophy that emphasizes comprehensive care to the person, as opposed to actions that only seek a cure. According to the WHO, palliative care seeks quality of life of both patients and their families, from measures aimed at the prevention and relief of suffering.Objective: to verify nursing professionals' concept on palliative care and determine how nursing professionals use palliative care in patients without therapeutic possibilities of cure.Method: field study, exploratory, qualitative, conducted with 30 nursing professionals from a public hospital, using a questionnaire, during July and August 2013. This study was approved by the CEP of the HULW/UFPB, CAAE number: 16841113.6.0000.5183.Results: four core ideas were extracted: Care focused on improving the quality of life of patients and families in coping terminal diseases; Essential care regardless of diagnosis; Palliative care is aimed at pa-

Objective: To describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of elderly living in long-stay institutions in the municipality of João Pessoa. Method:Cross-sectional study, descriptive, population character.This study consisted of 324 elderly, living in six long-stay institutions for elderly in the municipality of João Pessoa. Data was collected by means of questionnaires to the elderly and/or responsible people, and analysis of patient records, and it was analyzed through descriptive statistics.Results: 75.31% (244/324) are female. The average age between genres as 81.17 years, most unmarried, white; 53.69% unnaducated; 57.95% have an average of only 2.16 years of formal education; 64.46% were referred by relatives. Hypertension, osteoarticular and neurological diseases were the most prevalent medical conditions. Conclusion:It highlighted the importance of qualified healthcare professionals, the pressing need for public healthcare policies directed to the particularities of this population, and a greater presence of the State in the institutions.

Objective: Investigate how nurses from a teaching hospital understand the nursing process, the NCS and their applications; and verify the need for improve and/or implementation of the nursing process.Method: Exploratory, descriptive study, with a qualitative approach.The sample consisted of 42 nurses who answered a questionnaire. The empirical material was analyzed and categorized based on the content analysis technique and discussed in the light of the literature. Results:From the participants' discourses, two categories of analysis emerged: 1) understanding of NCS as a tool to organize the Nursing work process and improve the quality of care; and 2) applicability of the nursing process at the various hospitalization units of the institution. Conclusion:The implementation and applicability of that method depend on not only the knowledge and motivation of the nursing professionals, but also on a strategic planning involving management and staff, from the recognition of their importance in order to obtain adherence and effective operationalization in practice.