Tularemia outbreaks in Kayseri, Turkey: an evaluation of the effect of climate change and climate variability on tularemia outbreaks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of tularemia outbreak and the effect of climate variability on this outbreak in Kayseri. The outbreak places, infection dates, source of infection, and the number of cases were recorded and analyzed. This information was obtained from the Regional Public Health Department. Climate data were supplied by the Regional Meteorological Service. The first case in Sariz was recorded in 2005. Thereafter, 2 cases were reported in 2006 and 1 case in 2007. During 2010, 21 cases were recorded in 7 towns, 62 cases in 2011 and 27 cases in 2012. A total number of 110 cases were recorded in 12 out of 16 towns in Kayseri Province between 2010 and 2012. The majority of cases were seen in the north-eastern, east and south-eastern parts of Kayseri Province; located in higher altitudes [over 1000 m from sea level]. It was accepted that the outbreak was originated from water sources and was confirmed by few number of water samples collected from outbreak areas. Considering climate variations, the outbreak occurred between 1988 and 2009 during a dry, low humid, high temperature period after rainy season. A tularemia outbreak was observed between 2010 and 2012 with the initiation of rainy years. High temperature for a long period accompanied by low rainfall and low humidity may affect the vector's biology and initiate a tularemia outbreak in high plateaus in Kayseri Province and around.

Preferences and related factors for postpartum contraception in pregnant women

The postpartum period is a time of transition for a pregnant woman and her new family. In this period many pregnant women are in search about the family planning methods. But contraceptive options differ depending on women's desires such as cultural and religious believes, partner attitudes, previous contraceptive experiences. This study was conducted to identify status of using a contraceptive method before pregnancy and the factors associated with preferences of contraception in postpartum period. The descriptive research was conducted in a State Hospital March-May 2012 in Turkey. The population of study was formed with 200 pregnant women who applied follow-up pregnant clinics. We took permissions from local authorities and participants.182 voluntary pregnant women were surveyed. We prepared a 20 item question are form which was asking socio-demographic futures, contraceptives methods before-after delivery and the factors related with using contraceptives after screening literatures related with subject. The 49.5% of women reported that they didn't use any methods before. There was a significant relation between using contraceptives before pregnancy with the idea of using contraceptive during the postpartum period and receiving contraception counseling during pregnancy [p=0.004, p=0.035 respectively]. The 86.4% of pregnant implied that they would use a contraceptive method in postpartum period. IUD was the most preferred method. Status of using contraceptive before and receiving contraception counseling in pregnancy were the effective variables on thoughts about using a contraceptive method. To achieve desired goals for maternal and child health in our country health professionals should be more focused on postpartum contraception in antenatal care programs

incidence of domestic violence, the causative factors and their effects on the family

The research was conducted among low socio-economic level families to determine the incidence of domestic violence and affecting factors. It is a descriptive study. The population of the research consisted of 1455 students at a primary school. According to the statements of the children, 22.6% of the fathers and 6.2% of the mothers used violence against their partners. About 46.3% of the children were exposed to violence from fathers and 51% from mothers. Father's being unemployed, father's use of alcohol and smoking, presence of a handicapped family member low economic status and being a young child-mother were the factors that affected domestic violence. We may conclude that domestic violence in the neighborhood was high. Most of the children were exposed to violence from both fathers and mothers