Sleep disturbances in children with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia at the beginning and in the first year of COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lifestyle and sleep habits of children with chronic lung disease have changed. Aims and objectives: To evaluate the differences in sleep habits in the first year of the pandemic in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Method(s): Primary caregivers of children with CF and PCD aged 3-16 years who were evaluated for sleep habits at the beginning of the pandemic were re-evaluated at the end of the first year of the pandemic. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) was used and questions were asked about sleep habits and weight changes during the first year of the pandemic. Result(s): Primary caregivers of 31 children with CF and 14 children with PCD were included in the study. The median age of the children were 10.0 (7.5-12.0) years, 42.2% of the children were female. The mean BMI of children with CF was 15.8+/-1.8, and 20.0+/-3.5 in children with PCD (p:0.001). The mean daily screen time was 2h (1-3) at the beginning and 5h (4-6) in the first year of the pandemic among children with CF, 2h (1-2.2) at the beginning and 5h (4.7-6) in the first year of the pandemic among children with PCD (p<0.001, p:0.001, respectively). There were no differences in terms of disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep, sleep breathing disorders, disorders of arousal, sleep-wake transition disorders, disorders of excessive somnolence, sleep hyperhidrosis scores between two groups during first year of pandemic. Conclusion(s): While daily screen time increased in children with CF and PCD, sleep disturbances and changes in daily habits continued in the first year of the pandemic.

How did the Pandemic Affect Health Utilization for Non-COVID-19 People? Mixed Methods Study in Primary and Tertiary Care from Ankara, Turkey?

Aim: We aim to determine the effect of the pandemic on the characteristics of health utilization of non-COVID 19 people. Method(s): Quantitative research was conducted on those who applied to two family health centers (n=200) and Gazi Hospital (n=210) in Ankara. Qualitative research was conducted on health workers or managers from primary care (PC) and tertiary care (TC) (Gazi and Gulhane hospital) and consultants of the Ministry of Health. We also used the health records of Gazi hospital. Result(s): Making an appointment is the most common problem faced by people applying for both PC (19,0%) and TC (32,9%) during the pandemic. The follow-up percentages for PC and TC during the pandemic were 60%-56.3% in DM, 54.2%-54.9% in hypertension, 28.6%-46.2% in COPD, and 16.7%-48.5% in mental health problems, respectively. For all diseases investigated, these percentages were above 80% before the pandemic. During the pandemic period, a sharp decrease between 5% and 85% was observed in outpatients and inpatients due to DM, HT and COPD in Gazi hospital. Participants of the qualitative study stated that delayed admission to the health institution causes more complicated case diagnoses. According to health workers, the groups most affected by the lack of access to healthcare services are demographic group elderly patients and medical group cancer patients. It was emphasized that PC plays an important role in the continuity of health services. Conclusion(s): In the short term, it may be suggested to develop informative materials about conditions that require urgent treatment and follow-up processes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during the pandemic. Interruptions in NCDs follow-up and treatment may create the potential for increased morbidity and mortality. Countries should make their plans considering the long-term effects of pandemic on the health system. The pandemic has revealed the importance of PC for accessible and sustainable health care. ©Copyright 2023 by Gazi University Medical Faculty.

Factors Affecting Negative Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccines

The aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting negative attitudes (vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination) towards vaccines. Data of 4004 people were collected online. Although vaccine hesitancy and anti vaccination attitudes are two different concepts, there is a strong positive relationship between them. In this study, explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis are used for vaccine questions. Then, quantile regression models at 10p, 50p and 90p values were calculated separately for these two variables (vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination). As a result of the estimation, age, gender, education, household income, belief in conspiracy theories, political views, religious involvement are significant predictors. In addition, trust in science, doctors, the government, vaccine companies, COVID-19 vaccines and herbal treatments are other predictive variables. Negative attitudes towards vaccines are relatively higher among the poor, unemployed and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. To reduce negative attitudes towards vaccines, it is important to inform society based on the results of reliable scientific research, to follow transparent policies that will reduce the doubts in people's minds, and to maintain effective communication policies.

Update on the First Year of COVID-19

The current outbreak of the Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2, which originated in the Wuhan province of the People's Republic of China became a pandemic. Although the clinical findings of the infection vary in adults, the most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. The diagnosis of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is made by clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and radiological methods. Many drugs such as antivirals, antibiotics, and corticosteroids are used in the treatment of COVID-19. For the successful control of the pandemic, prevention strategies are the key. There is strong consensus that, in addition to wearing masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing, an effective COVID-19 vaccine is probably the most effective approach to sustainably control the pandemic. In this article, current information about the pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk groups, diagnosis, treatment, prevention strategies, and vaccination of the disease in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

The social effects of COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to measure people's perceptions, attitudes, and behavior regarding the New Coronavirus Pandemic and the process itself in our country, to examine social tendencies towards the pandemic, and to develop recommendations for policymakers based on the findings. METHODS: According to the survey, 40 percent of the participants said their anxiety about death and dying has increased. In comparison, 51 percent reported that their anxiety about getting the virus has increased, and 79 percent stated that their anxiety about losing their loved ones has increased. Especially the existential anxiety of women, those in the lowest income group working in jobs that require close contact, is much higher than men. Strong social ties are an influential factor in alleviating people's anxiety. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of the respondents stated they feared that they will not be able to meet their basic needs in the future, and 58 percent reported that their income has decreased after the pandemic;only 14.80 percent stated that they find people to be generally trustworthy. As the variables of age, income, and education level decrease, so does trust. The findings reveal that the level of trust is lower among women than men. The percentage of those who see coronavirus as "a conspiracy of the great powers" is 56.5 percent in Turkey. Twenty-seven percent of the respondents reported that verbal violence, and 17 percent said physical violence has increased around them after the coronavirus. On the other hand, 11 percent stated that verbal violence, while 4 percent stated that physical violence against them has increased during the same period. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This research shows that existential anxiety in society increases as the duration of the pandemic increases. Over time the people have become tired. The pandemic has triggered some negative attitudes such as indifference, weariness, and denial, resulting in developing a type of come-what-may mood in some people. Those who have relatively strong social ties (high level of trust) and those who rely on state institutions cope more easily with the uncertainty and anxiety posed by the pandemic. Social policies to be followed by the state are of vital importance to reduce the economic and psycho-social problems of the society.".

Comparative analysis of filtration ability of different cloth masks

Introduction: The effectivity of cloth masks is one of the major concerns during pandemic. In this study, the filtration ability of different cloth masks was compared. Materials and Methods: We examined the filtration ability of different cloth masks in "Touch Screen Aerosol Photometer"DOP3500 machine by testing 0,3-0,5 μm diameter standart "aerosol"particle at mask factory (MAKSAM) of Mechanical and Chemical Industry Company located in Ankara. In order to show the difference in filtration ability of the cloth maskes clearly, particule size was defined as 0,3-0,5 μm. Pure silk 100%, 80% silk + 20% polyester, 100% satin, 100% polyester, 100% cotton, 100% bamboo and 50% cotton + 50% polyester were compared. Cloth masks made from these materials were tested three times;before washing, after ten times washing and combined using with a medical mask. Results: N95/FFP-2 respirator was used as a "positive control"with a filtration ability of 99.7%. Measurable filtration ability of total particle counts was 18.2% of three layered medical mask. When we tested double medical mask, reduction of total particle counts reached to 31.6%. According to our result, we conclude that wearing double medical mask is more protective than wearing a single medical mask. Measureable reduction of total particle counts were different for all tested cloth masks. Cloth masks were tested second time after 10 times washing. Un-washed cloth mask made from 80% silk + 20% polyester was found to be protective, however after ten times washing particle counts of the same mask reduced markedly. Measurable reduction of total particle counts were also reduced after ten times washing of cloth masks made from 100% satin and 100% polyester. The most efficient cloth mask for blocking particules was 100% cotton after ten times washing. Conclusion: Our study offers evidence in favor of synthetic and polyester materials are not suitable for cloth masks since their filtration ability is reduced after multiple washing. Instead, use of cotton masks is more preventive than the others because of its increased filtration ability after washing. Combined wearing of medical mask and cloth mask together resulted in increased efficacy of filtration ability of both masks. We conclude that, wearing double mask is more effective than wearing a single mask when we consider the actual status of the pandemic with widespread distribution of mutant viruses and the high number of infected individuals in the public.

The new normal transition process in the Covıd-19 pandemic: World and Turkey

The Covid-19 outbreak that emerged in the world at the end of 2019 turned into a pandemic by affecting the whole world at the beginning of 2020. Measures such as domestic / international travel restrictions, curfew, quarantine implementation, closure of schools / universities, and closure of some workplaces against the Covid-19 pandemic have changed the daily life routines of many people in the world. The mitigation of these measures has been considered due to their social and economic adverse effects. Maintaining the basic principles such as the use of masks, compliance with the social distance rules, paying attention to personal hygiene, and continuing with limited life is almost a new normal. Therefore, normalization processes have started in the countries. © Copyright 2021 by Gazi University Medical Faculty - Available on-line at web site http://medicaljournal.gazi.edu.tr/

The New Normal Transition Process in the Covid-19 Pandemic: World and Turkey

The Covid-19 outbreak that emerged in the world at the end of 2019 turned into a pandemic by affecting the whole world at the beginning of 2020. Measures such as domestic / international travel restrictions, curfew, quarantine implementation, closure of schools / universities, and closure of some workplaces against the Covid-19 pandemic have changed the daily life routines of many people in the world. The mitigation of these measures has been considered due to their social and economic adverse effects. Maintaining the basic principles such as the use of masks, compliance with the social distance rules, paying attention to personal hygiene, and continuing with limited life is almost a new normal. Therefore, normalization processes have started in the countries.

COVID-19 epidemiology and intervention strategies in Turkey

Turkey is one of the countries which have taken precautions against the COVID-19. The precautions taken brought the first case in our country to be seen later than many countries and to spread the epidemic less. After the first COVID-19 case was detected in our country on March 11, 2020, the four periods of 14 days have been examined separately about the course of the epidemic and the public health interventions implemented in these periods. And the results it has generated between the periods have been evaluated. The steady decline in case of increase shows we have controlled the epidemic.

Optimal personal protective equipment use in healthcare workers during corona virus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

COVID-19 infection is mainly spread by droplets and contact routes. In aerosol generating processes such as intubation and mask ventilation, the contamination risk of COVID-19 is greatly increased. It is important to use PPE during hospital care or outpatient services in the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to its frequent and necessary use during pandemic, PPE deficiency is an important problem worldwide. To prevent this problem, current information about optimal PPE use in hospitals has been evaluated. In this review, the correct use of PPE and reuse conditions of the same PPE are discussed. In addition, about the requirements and conditions of use of PPE health practices in Turkey were compiled.