Studying the effect of infertility on marital violence in Turkish women

The aim of this descriptive study was to evaluate the level of marital violence among Turkish women and to determine whether infertility was a risk factor for marital violence. This descriptive study was conducted during January-July 2009 at a training hospital. The study groups comprised 204 fertile and 228 infertile women. We administered the Descriptive Information Questionnaire and Scale for Marital Violence against Women [SDVW] to obtain data. There was a statistically significant difference between infertile and fertile women for the total score of violence in marriage. The emotional, economic and sexual violence scores were higher in the infertile group. However, the verbal violence score was lower. We performed a detailed study aimed at uncovering the presence of any violence from the data collection stage to the end of treatment in infertile couples with the intent to include questions to this effect in the care plan

Analysis of patients followed-up at the emergency internal medicine outpatients department of Gulhane military hospital in 2003 for suicide attempt

To retrospectively evaluate the suicide attempt cases monitored and treated at a training hospitals emergency medicine department internal medicine clinic. A total of 151 cases were monitored and treated for a suicide attempt between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003. Cases were evaluated for sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses made, suicide method used and time of suicide attempts and for significant relations between these variables. Of the study group, 59.6% were male, 70.2% were single, 60.3% were retired or unemployed, 51.75% were privates [Non Professional Soldiers] and 36.4% were high school graduates. The mean age was 27.36 +/- 11 for the females and 22.27 +/- 4.56 for the males. No diagnosis was made in 54.3% of the cases while 25.2% had depressive disorder and 14.6% had antisocial personality disorder. Antidepressants made up 27.8% and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 21.2% of the drugs taken for suicide. Suicide is an increasing health problem in Turkey. Establishing a suicide surveillance program based on technology provides collection of detailed and standardized data. Analyzing this data will improve effective suicide prevention efforts

Investigation of vasoactive ion content of herbs used in hemorrhoid treatment in Turkey

The aim of the present study is to determine anion and cation contents of the herbals used in Turkish folk remedy to explore the rationale of their use in hemorrhoid treatment in the context of the vasoactivity of these elements. Herbs used in the treatment of hemorrhoid were determined by the way of literature search. These herbs were obtained from certificated herb sellers. Grinded herb samples were placed in individual tubes containing methanol and incubated for 48 hours at 30°C. At the end of the incubation, supernatants were analyzed for their ion concentrations by using ion chromatography. Results: The difference between ion levels between systemic and locally used herbs, was not statistically significant [p > 0.05]. Anion concentrations [except nitrate] of locally used herbs were slightly higher than systemically used herbs [p > 0.05]. Cation levels [except magnesium] of systemically used herbs were slightly higher than locally used herbs [p > 0.05]. It was shown that the concentration of vasoconstrictor effective ions was higher than the concentration of vasodilator effective ions [p < 0.001]. While vasoconstrictor ion concentration of systemically used herbs was 88.06 +/- 147.42mg, vasodilator ion concentration of locally used herbs was 90.15 +/- 136.94mg. The difference between vasodilator concentrations of groups was more evident; 5.39 +/- 9.80 mg and 14.32 +/- 66.48 mg for locally and systemically used herbs respectively. This study showed that herbal remedies used for the treatment of hemorrhoid in Turkey contain vasoactive and especially vasoconstrictor ions. Vasoconstrictor agents could amplify each others' effects as it has been previously shown, therefore, it is probable that the vasoconstrictor ion contents could contribute to the curative effects of herbals in the treatment of hemorrhoids

Herbal treatment usage frequency, types and preferences in Turkey

Alternative treatment usage is increasing around the world although treatment methods are becoming more modern and more drugs are made available. Related to these global changes we aimed to determine the incidence of treatment with herbs, an alternative treatment method, in Turkey and the reasons for its usage. The study was carried out with a questionnaire on the Internet which 19,022 persons who had received preliminary information, completed. After the subjects were informed of the study, the analysis of medicinal plants by the participants between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004, at the web site where they completed the questionnaire was recorded and evaluated. 75.9% of those participating in the study reported that they had used a herbal medication at least once. The main health problems leading to the usage of herbal medication for their treatment was hair loss - hair care, hemorrhoids, skin care, peptic ulcer - gastritis and infertility. The plants the participants were most interested in were nettle, St. John's wort, rosemary, garden sage and hawthorn. The main reason for interest in herbal treatments was "hoping to find a herbal medicine which could help treat their condition". Nettle, ole and er and thyme were the plants most commonly used to treat cancer patients. Turkey has a higher rate of alternative medicine usage than other countries where similar studies have been conducted and comprehensive and regular studies are required to show changes over time