Use of complementary and alternative medicine among people with multiple sclerosis in Eastern Turkey

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) living in eastern Turkey as well as the factors affecting the use of CAM modalities. Methods:This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from 130 patients with MS at the neurology clinics of Ataturk University. Results: Out of all patients surveyed, 61.5% reported use of at least one form of CAM. The most common three modalities used by these patients were herbs taken orally, relaxation therapies and prayer, with rates of 55.5%, 26.3% and 18.8%, respectively.Massage and relaxation therapies were perceived as very effective by more than half of study participants.It was determined that variables such as education level, residential area and duration of disease affected the use of CAM (P < .05). Conclusions: CAM therapy is widely used by patients with MS in eastern Turkey.

Quality of life in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

To describe quality of life [QOL] and the factors that affect QOL in people with multiple sclerosis [MS]. The sample consisted of 60 MS patients from neurology outpatient clinics of Yakutiye Hospital in eastern Turkey; they were included in the study between December 2008 and June 2009. The mean score of the physical health composite of QOL was 46.25 +/- 23.95, of mental health composite was 46.63 +/- 24.34. QOL was affected by factors such as age, gender, education, employment status, income level, place of residence and duration of illness. There is a negative.and significant correlation between the fatigue severity and the areas of QOL, such as, physical health and mental health. Also, there is a negative and significant correlation between depression and QOL. Reduction of depressive symptoms and fatigue may be the decisive factors in improving QOL. Increased use of active coping strategies may put patients at risk of decreased fatigue and depressive symptoms

factors affecting the quality of life of patients who have undergone kidney transplants

This study was carried out with the purpose of determining the factors affecting the quality of life of patients who have undergone kidney transplants. The study followed 42 patients registered as having undergone kidney transplants in the nephrology polyclinic of a university hospital in Erzurum. The research was conducted between July and October of 2008. There was a statistically significant distinction between the well-being, and global quality of life average scores, general health perception and gender of the patients. It was found that the quality of life average scores in those who received information about postoperative process were higher than those didn't and there was statistically significant distinction between [p<0.05]. It was concluded that giving information about postoperative process, gender, marital status, and the post-transplantation period had a positive impact on the patients' quality of life. It is thought that these findings will be a guide in the nursing care of the patients who have undergone kidney transplants