Dry eye disease and depression-anxiety-stress: a hospital-based case control study in Turkey

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between dry eye disease [DED] and psychosomatic conditions, such as depression, stress, and anxiety, and the distribution of associated risk factors. Methods: In this case control study, the sample consisted of 121 DED subjects and 242 control subjects. Each subjects was diagnosed as having DED or not by an ophthalmologist. Ocular Surface Disease Index and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were administered to all subjects. Data were analysed using chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests as a univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression as a multivariate analysis. Results: Of 1, 458 consecutive outpatients, clinically diagnosed DED was present in 121 individuals [8.3%]. There was a significant relationship of family history of DED [OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.84-2.41], chronic disease history [OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.66-4.87], OSDI score [OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.97–4.06], depression [OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.30-3.27], anxiety [OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.67-4.23], and stress [OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.48-3.67] with DED. Conclusion: Individuals with depression, anxiety and stress are more likely to experience DED. In addition to confirming some well-known risk factors, this study has found new associations between DED and a family history of DED and the presence of stress

Prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among married women in a semi-rural area of western Turkey

Objective: To determine the prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among married women in a semi-rural area of western Turkey

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between March 1 and April 29, 2011 on married women aged 15-49 years. Exposure to at least one of these types of violence at least one time within the past one year was regarded as the presence of domestic violence. Chi-square test and Logistic Regression analysis was used for statistical analysis

Results: Prevalence of domestic violence against women was found to be 39.0%. About 38,4% and 26.8% of women reported verbal and psychological violence respectively. The risk factors found for the domestic violence included youngest age group, an educational level of secondary/high school for men, form of the first marriage, number of children, alcohol and gambling habits of the husband

Conclusion: Our study found higher prevalence of domestic violence than expected. Verbal violence is also a significant problem particularly in terms of its consequences. It was concluded that further informative studies are needed on domestic violence to find out the causative factors to chalk out preventive strategies

prevalence of infertility and loneliness among women aged 18-49 years who are living in Semi-Rural Areas in Western Turkey

Background: To determine the correlates and the prevalence of infertility in a group of women

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 570 subjects aged 18-49 years in a town of western Turkey between July and August 2012. Women who have inability to become pregnant despite regular sexual intercourse during the last year were considered to be infertile. UCLA Loneliness Scale was used to assess the severity of loneliness. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney U and Chi-square tests

Results: The mean age of the participants was 35.48 +/- 8.39 years. The frequency of the infertility in our study was 12.8% [n=73]. The prevalence of infertility was higher in those with a history of gynecological disease or gynecologic surgery and in those with menstrual irregularity [p<0.05; for each]. The mean score on the UCLA Loneliness Scale was 32.16 +/- 9.49 [from 20 to 70]. In this study, no difference was found between the level of loneliness and who is responsible for infertility among infertile/fertile women [p>/=0.05]. Level of loneliness among the women with primary infertility was higher compared to the women with secondary infertility [p<0.05]

Conclusion: The prevalence of infertility among the women was relatively high. It was concluded that prospective studies are needed in order to expose the relationship between the infertility and the level of loneliness in women

Connection between dysmenorrheal and depression among a group of Turkish high school female students

The aim was to estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrheal and also the connection between dysmenorrheal and depression among girl students. This study was conducted at both vocational high schools in a province in the west of Turkey from March 1[st] to April 30[th] 2010. The Beck Depression Scale [BDS] to determine the presence of depression, and the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] were used. In analysis of the data, Chi square and Student's t test were used, with a p value lower than 0.05 being considered significant. The extent of dysmenorrheal was 71.5%. It was higher in those with menstrual irregularity, in those with positive family history of dysmenorrheal and in those consuming coffee [p < 0.05 in each case]. The prevalence of depression was higher in girls experiencing dysmenorrheal compared to those without [p < 0.05]. There was a positive correlation between the severity of painful menstruation and mean BDS scores [p < 0.05]. Educational programs need to be considered in terms of recommendation to reduce dysmenorrheal

Prevalence of depression in patients on hemodialysis and its impact on quality of life

The aim was to address the prevalence of depression in a group of patients on hemodialys and determine its effect on quality of life [QoL]. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st March, 2007 and 28th Feb., 2008 in a district of western Turkey. The study group included 294 hemodialys patients. The questionnaire included the patients' sociodemographic characteristics, Beck Depression Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analyses were used for statistical analyses, with a p value lower than 0.05 being considered significant. The average age of the study group was 55.89 +/- 15.22 years [range=19-86]. Prevalence of depression was found to be 27.9%, and was significantly higher in women, in those with older age, in those with lower level of education and in unemployed patients [p < 0.05 in each one]. The mean scores received from all domains in the SF-36 were significantly lower in depressive patients [p < 0.001 in each one]. As the scores that patients received from the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] increased, the scores obtained from all domains in SF-36 showed decrease [p < 0.001, for each one]. Depression adversely affecting QoL is a common health problem in hemodialysis patients. Thus, periodic screenings should be done for detection, prevention and control of depression

Headache among adults and its effect on quality of life in a town of western Turkey

To determine the prevalence of headache and evaluate its effect on health related quality of life [HRQoL]. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 410 adults aged 20-64 years residing in a town of Western Turkey between 01 Sep., 2008 and 30 Nov., 2008. The evaluation of headache was scored according to the diagnosis criteria of the International Headache Society. The SF-36 scale was used to rate the HRQoL. The statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square [x[2]] and One-Way ANOVA test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean scores for subjects with headache for all the domains in the scale were significantly higher than those without [p < 0.05, for each one]. The distribution of the severity of headache was as follows: mild 41.0%, moderate 31.4%, severe 27.6%. In all the domains of SF-36, as the severity of headache increased, the scores received from the domains of SF-36 showed decrease except for the mental health [p < 0.05, for each one]. This study found that the prevalence of headache was rather high, reaching almost three quarters [71.5%]. This indicates the need for knowledge concerning headache still exists and needs to be addressed by health education programs

frequency of alcohol consumption and the relationship between alcohol dependence and depression among a group of men

To determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption and dependence and the relationship between alcohol dependence and depression. This study was a cross-sectional research conducted among men aged 30 years and over residing in a town of Eskisehir [Kaymaz] between 11 Jan., 2010 and 25 Feb., 2010. Of a total of 946 students studying in the school 816[86.3%] constituted the study group. In this study, of a total of 367 men who accepted to participate in the study 273 [64.4%] were enrolled in this study. The CAGE test as a screening test in determining alcohol dependence and the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] for depression screening test were used. The data was evaluated by Ki-square [x[2]] test. For statistical significance p <0.05 level was accepted. The mean age of the respondents was 55.22 +/- 12.39 [range=30-87]. Overall, the prevalence of depression was 22.7%. According to the test CAGE, the prevalence of suspected alcohol abuse among alcohol consumers was 30.6%. In this study, the frequency of alcohol consumption was found to be 35.9%. The frequency of alcohol consumption was higher in those whose age was 60 and over [p<0.001], in those whose education level was secondary school and above [p<0.001], in those with a job [p<0.01] and in those who were married [p<0.05]. The co-morbidity between alcohol use and depression may be considered and understanding of these relationships should be helpful to increase the chances of treatment success

survey of the knowledge about PAP smears among women aged 15 and above

To estimate the lifetime prevalence of pap smear among a group of women and assess the relationship between some possible risk factors and pap smear knowledge status. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We interviewed 1972 women in their houses in a quarter of a city in western Turkey, who agreed to participate in the study. Factors related to history of having a Pap smear and knowledge level and willingness to participate in a screening program were evaluated using a questionnaire. The questionnaire forms were filled by a face to face method. The student's t test and the chi square [x[2]] test were used for statistical analysis. Twenty one point four percent of women had a pap smear at least once in their lives [422/1972]. The rate of those having knowledge about pap smear was 42.4% [n=836/1972]. In this study, the prevalence of the women having pap smear test was lower in the women who didn't know pap smear test than the women who knew pap smear test [p<0.05]. Study results showed that prevalence of the women having pap smear test, and the prevalence of the women who did not know pap smear test are low, but is compatible with the literature

Knowledge of women on early diagnosis methods and risk factors for breast cancer in a province of Western Turkey: a descriptive study

To determine the knowledge of women on early diagnosis methods and risk factors for breast cancer [BC]. This descriptive study was conducted on all the women attending to the Eskisehir Municipality Women's Counseling and Solidarity Center in a province of western Turkey for any reasons between April 1, 2008 and April 1, 2010. The evaluation of knowledge was scored by a questionnaire formed using literature. The statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square [x[2]], and student t test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The average age of the participants was 47.21 +/- 10.46 years. The proportion of those with enough knowledge about BC was 48.7%. In younger ages, in those with higher education levels, in those living in nuclear family type, in those with higher family income level, in those smoking cigarette, in those receiving knowledge previously about BC, in those having positive family history and in those with a benign or malignant breast disease diagnosed previously, the knowledge about BC were higher [p<0.001, per one]. According to the results of this study, breast self-examination, a simple and economical diagnostic tool which protects women's privacy, should be performed regularly and properly by women themselves

Evaluation of dysmenorrhea among women and its impact on quality of life in a region of western Turkey

To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among a group of women and its effect on their quality of life [QoL]. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 729 women in reproductive age in a town of western Turkey between March and April 2009. The questionnaire form was filled in by a face to face method. The severity of menstrual pain was determined by Visual Analogue Scale. The quality of life [QoL] was assessed by the Short Form-36 [SF-36]. The Chi-square test, Student t test, Analysis of Variance and Logistic Regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. A value of p<0.05 was accepted statistically significant. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 63.6%. Not giving birth, menstrual irregularity, and a family history of dysmenorrhea were important risk factors for dysmenorrhea [p<0.05 for each one]. The domains of QoL was lower in women with dysmenorrhea when compared to women without dysmenorrhea [p<0.05]. Dysmenorrhea is a public health problem that affects quality of life

Frequency of smoking among males and its impact on the quality of life

To determine frequency of smoking among males aged 40 and above and to evaluate its impact on health related quality of life [HRQOL]. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a region of western Turkey between January, 1[st] and February, 30[th] 2009. A questionnaire concerning demographics, smoking and health related quality of life [HRQOL] was filled by the subjects. Chi Square [x[2]] test, Student's t test, variance [ANOVA] and Spearman Correlation analyses were performed when the data were being evaluated. The frequency of smoking was 47.1%. In those smoking, the scores received from the other fields of SF-36 scale except for the emotional field were significantly tower in those not smoking. As the severity of smoking increased, physical functioning, physical body pain, general health perception, and the vitality scores showed significant decrease [p<0.05, for each domain]. Smoking has a negative impact on health related quality of life. Public health education highlighting ill effects of smoking and Tobacco use need to be initiated which can be an effective preventive strategy

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms among men in a rural district of western Turkey

The aim was to determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] in men aged 40 years or older, as well as to compare characteristics of patients with and without LUTS. The paper is a cross-sectional survey conducted on men with LUTS in a district of western Turkey between November 1st and December 31st. The questionnaire was filled in by a face to face method, and consisted of the men's socio-demographic characteristics, LUTS related characteristics, and the questions pertaining to international prostate symptom score [IPSS]. The prevalence of LUTS was 51.5%. The comparative analyses between patients who had and those who did not have LUTS showed that patients in settlement area Kaymaz, those aged 70 and over, those with primary school education and below, those who were married, those who had recurrent UTI, those who were using medicines continuously, those with a history of previous surgery, those with family history of LUTS had a higher prevalence of LUTS. In conclusion the number of the respondents having LUTS was common among men in this region of Turkey

study of dysmenorrhea among female residents aged 18-45 years in semirural area of West Turkey

To determine the correlates and the prevalence of Dysmenorrhea in a group of women. This cross sectional study was carried out on the 556 subjects aged 18-45 years in a town of western Turkey between January, and March 2009. We used visual analogue scale to assess the severity of dysmenorrhea. The data were evaluated by Logistic Regression Analysis and Chi-square tests. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 66.7%. About 32.3% of the women described their dysmenorrhea as severe. When compared to the age group of 35 and over, the risk of dysmenorrhea was 2.677 fold higher in the age group of 24 and over. The risk of dysmenorrhea was nearly 2.5 fold higher in those who had family history of dysmenorrheal. The prevalence of depression among women was relatively high. This indicates the need for knowledge concerning dysmenorrhea to be addressed by menstruation-related health education programs

Prevalence of low back pain among a group of Turkish men and its effect on quality of life

To assess the prevalence of Low back pain [LBP] in a Turkish male population, and its impact on their Quality of Life [QoL]. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on people aged 30 years and above in a western town of Turkey between July, 1st and Aug., 31st 2009. The questionnaire included information about the participants' sociodemographic characteristics; information concerning the LBP, and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale [SF-36] form. The statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square [x2], student's t test, and One-Way ANOVA test, with a value of p<0.05 statistically significant. The prevalences of obesity and LBP were 17.1% and 46.3%, respectively. The mean scores for subjects with LBP from all the domains in the SF-36 scale were significantly lower than those of subjects without LBP [p<0.05, per one]. The prevalence of those with mechanical LBP was 78.7% and that of those with non mechanical was 21.3%. In all the domains of SF-36, as the severity of LBP increased, the scores received from the domains of SF-36 showed decrease [p<0.05, per one]. Low Back Pain [LBP] is very common among men, especially older ages which reduces the quality of life seriously

Vision screening among children in primary schools in a district of western Turkey: an epidemiological study

To determine the prevalence of visual impairments among children in primary schools. This cross-sectional study was conducted between from November 1st to December 31st 2006. Visual acuity was determined with the Snellen's E chart. Visual impairment was defined as visual acuity of d"20/40 in the better eye, as amblyopia if the difference in visual acuity between both eyes was 0.2d"dioptry, and as strabismus if the cover test was positive. Of the study group [n=1606], 53.7% [n=864] were boys and 46.3% [n=742] girls. The mean age of the participants was 10.52 +/- 2.28 [range 6-17]. The girls had a higher frequency of a presenting visual impairment than boys [2.4% vs. 1.0%], [p<0.05]. Twenty seven [1.7%] children presented with vision of d"20/40 in the better eye. The prevalence of presenting visual acuity for d"20/40 was significantly higher in children with glasses compared to the group of children without glasses [p<0.05]. The prevalence of amblyopia was 5.0%, whereas that of strabismus was 1.7%. The number of students with visual impairments was high, and many students were unaware of visual impairments and their risk factors

Prevalence of hypertension among individuals aged 50 years and over and its impact on health related quality of life in a semi-rural area of western Turkey / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hypertension is common, especially in individuals aged 40 years and over, and it affects about half of the population aged 60 years and over. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of hypertension among individuals aged 50 years and over, and to examine its effect on the health related quality of life (HRQOL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two settlements in a region of western Turkey between March 1 and April 30, 2007. A questionnaire concerning life habits associated with hypertension, medical histories, and demographic characteristics was filled in by a face to face interview. The SF-36 scale was used to assess HRQOL. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by measuring the weight and length of the body.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 1599 individuals living in the region, 1193 participated in the survey (48.3% men and 51.7% women). The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 59.5% (n=710), being 58.0% in men and 60.9% in women (P > 0.05). The variables that most positively influenced hypertension (P < 0.05, for each one) were older age (especially the age group of those aged 60 and over), single, no health insurance, consumption of animal fat in meals, and family history of hypertension. The HRQOL of the patients with hypertension was lower than that of those without hypertension (P < or = 0.05). The HRQOL was better in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was under control, whereas it was worse in those with at least one chronic disorder accompanying hypertension (P < 0.05, for each one).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Great emphasis should be placed on the need for a public health program for the detection, prevention, and control of hypertension, including other risk factors, as well as for the modification of foods and life habits, specifically in individuals who are most likely to be at risk of hypertension.</p>