Knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS among Turkish students

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs amongst students of high school, medical school and non-medical university towards human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV/AIDS]. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst students of Davutpasa high school and Cerrahpasa Medical School and the faculty of arts and sciences in Istanbul University. A structured questionnaire of 50 different statement concerning basic knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], its modes of transmission, diagnosis, risk behaviors, prevention, treatment, belief as well as attitudes towards AIDS patient were distributed to 1800 students [900 females and 900 males]. This study evaluated during the period December 2003 through to April 2004. Results: 95% of students were aware of AIDS by its definition and its causation. More than 88% had knowledge that HIV could be detected through blood test. The respondents were aware that transfusion of blood and blood components [96%]. The respondents had the knowledge that HIV infection could be prevented by using condom during sexual intercourse and having sex only with an HIV-negative faithful partner [86%], and with AIDS education [92%]. 6-42% of students had misconceptions about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. More than 18% of the students had the attitude that HIV-infected persons should not be allowed to work. The students identified television as their most important source of information about AIDS. The findings of the study suggest that the students have a satisfactory level of essential knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Most of them have good attitudes toward person with HIV/AIDS. However, there are some misconceptions about the routes of transmission. These misconceptions should be corrected. So that we will be able to preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS

Risk factors for Tooth loss in an adult population from Istanbul, Turkey

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with tooth loss in adult population from Istanbul, Turkey. A sample of 2183 Turkish adults was randomly selected. Information was collected about socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, sweet consumption habits, face-to-face interviews and then clinically examined by a single examiner. Bivariate analysis were conducted using chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the simultaneous impact of risk factors on tooth loss. The subjects' mean age was 39.4 years. Average tooth loss was found as 7.05. The overall educational level of subjects was low. 49% of the subjets reported not brushing their teeth regularly.The mean number of remaining teeth decreased significantly with age. Statistically significant difference was ascertained in chi-square analysis related to age,marital status,origin of birth place, education, occupation, number of children, tooth-brushing and sweet consumption. Logistic regression analysis showed age and irregular tooth-brushing as the risk factor affecting tooth loss. Tooth loss in an adult population from Istanbul, Turkey is related to age and irregular toothbrushing. Improve on oral care habits can decrease the tooth loss and improve the dental health of adults