THE EFFECT OF KNOWLEDGE SHARING, ATTITUDE, AND SATISFACTION ON NOVICE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ONLINE LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT

In the academic year 2020-2021, students who had been accepted onto a university in Turkiye began their studies with the use of emergency remote teaching (ERT). The aim of this study is to examine the causal relationship between academic achievement, online course satisfaction, attitudes towards online learning and knowledge sharing behaviors of these novice university students in terms of the emergency remote teaching process. This research was designed to make use of correlational research methods. The study group consisted of 437 freshmen students studying in the Faculty of Education at a public university in Turkiye. Research data were collected using the Knowledge Sharing Behavior scale, the Online Course Satisfaction scale, the Online Learning Attitude scale, and a learning achievement test. Research data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and path analysis. The results showed that general acceptance, knowledge receiving, individual awareness and perceived usefulness significantly affected online course satisfaction. On the other hand, knowledge giving and application effectiveness factors did not significantly affect online course satisfaction. It is noteworthy that individual awareness, which compares face-to-face teaching activities with ERT to identify the preferences and awareness of the students, had a negative impact on their satisfaction. Finally, it was determined that online course satisfaction had a significant but low-level effect on learning achievement. In order to increase student satisfaction with regard to the ERT process, it is recommended that the university makes the opportunities more visible and provide support for students' acceptance of the process. Future avenues and precautions about designing the ERT courses have been suggested in light of the research findings © 2023,Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. All Rights Reserved.

Covid-19: Possible vertical transmisson and inreased still birth ratio

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), that was later declared pandemic by World Health Organization, had led to panic and fear worldwide. Like many outbreaks caused by viruses, in cheif reason for fear was the infectious agent's potential to be transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses and newborns. In our study, the hospital records of 117 pregnant women who delivered stillbirths in our clinic between 01.01.2015 and 31.12.2020 were examined. The pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcomes were examined by making retrospective analysis of the records. Considering six year of the study data, it was observed that the stillbirth rates increased in the pandemic period. One hundred seventeen stillbirth cases that occurred in the last six years were analyzed. The mean age of the pregnant women was 29.64+6 (18-44) and parity was 2.54+1.58 (1-8). Body mass index was calculated as 21.36+3.40 (16-27) average and smoking consumption rate was 9.40% (11/117). Maternal diabetes was detected in 8.54% of the patients (10/117) and pregnancies were complicated by maternal hypertension in 5.12% of the patients (6/117). The average birth weight was 1597+1038 (500-4700) gram. Sixty percent of the deliveries (n=71) were performed by vaginally. Fetal sex was 52.1% male (n=61). The number of deliveries in the past six years was 11780. Almost 1% of the deliveries occurred as stillbirths (117/11780). The unusual stillbirth ratio during the pandemic was 3.1 times higher than the average of pre-pandemic period (2.5vs0.80). In our study, we investigated stillbirth rates before and during the pandemic. Although vertical transmission of Covid-19 has not been reported, the adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes have been provided in many studies. Undoubtedly, in obstetrical practice stillbirth is one of the most destructive consequences for pregnant women. Considering the increase in stillbirth rates, we think that pregnant women with adverse perinatal outcomes should be routinely tested for Covid-19, especially during the outbreak.Copyright © 2021 Necati Ozpinar. All rights reserved.

COVID-19: booster(s) vs. hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit admission.

OBJECTIVE: As the pandemic continues, different vaccine protocols have been implemented to maintain the protection of vaccines and to provide protection against new variants. The aim of this study was to assess hospitalized patients' vaccination status and document the efficacy of boosters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients that were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were enrolled from 28 hospitals in Turkey for five months from September 2021. 5,331 confirmed COVID-19 patients from collaborating centers were randomly enrolled to understand/estimate the distribution of vaccination status in hospitalized patients and to compare the efficacy of vaccination/booster protocols. RESULTS: 2,779 men and 2,552 women of which 2,408 (45.2%) were admitted to Intensive Care Units participated in this study. It was found that the highest risk reduction for all age groups was found in groups that received 4 doses. Four doses of vaccination for every 3.7 people under 50 years of age, for every 5.7 people in the 50-64 age group, and for every 4.3 people over 65 years of age will prevent 1 patient from being admitted to intensive care. Regardless of the type of vaccine, it was found that the risk of ICU hospitalization decreased in those who were vaccinated compared to those who were not vaccinated. Regardless of the type of vaccine, the ICU risk was found to decrease 1.25-fold in those who received 1 or 2 doses of vaccine, 1.18-fold in those who received 3 doses, and 3.26-fold in those who received 4 doses. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the addition of a fourth dose is more effective in preventing intensive unit care even in disadvantaged groups.

Long COVID among Children: Persistence of Symptoms 12 Weeks and More in a Cohort Study from Turkey : Öykü Turunç

Background COVID-19 usually cause a mild infection among children with a low fatality rate. On the other hand, increasing evidence suggests that children may have prolonged symptoms related to COVID-19. This study aims to describe the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms up to 12 or more weeks among children and to investigate associated factors including perceived socioeconomic status and parents’ education level. Methods The study group consisted of 759 cases aged <18 years detected as SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive in DEU Hospital between March 2020, and May 2021. Interviews were conducted at 1st 3rd and 6th month of diagnosis. The ongoing self-reported symptoms 12 or more weeks after infection was the dependent variable. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate associated factors with long COVID, and robust clustering using links algorithm was used to assess long COVID symptoms clusters. Results Among 759 COVID-19 cases, 22 children were hospitalized, and 4 died. 9.6% of the children had at least one symptom related to COVID-19 after 12 weeks of the diagnosis, Symptom duration was minimum 84 days, maximum 344 days (mean±SD: 160±68 days). The most frequent symptoms were fatigue, muscle-joint pain, headache, and loss of smell and/or taste. In multivariate analysis, female gender (OR:2,3 95%CI:1.1-3.6) and symptomatic onset (OR:2,7 95%CI:1.7-20.9) were related to increased risk of long COVID. Age, long-term health conditions, socioeconomic status and mother's education level did not predict the risk of long COVID. No cluster of symptoms was found. Conclusions About 10% of children suffer from symptoms related to COVID-19 for up to six months. Female gender and symptomatic onset of disease increased the risk of prolonged symptoms. Socioeconomic status and mother's education level was not associated with the risk of long COVID, but the evidence of the effect of social determinants of health on the outcomes of COVID-19 among children is still needed. Key messages • One out of ten children may suffer from long COVID represents symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Girls and children with symptomatic onset have a higher risk of long COVID. • The effects of social determinants on the susceptibility and outcomes of COVID-19, including death, were well studied among the adult population. There is a need for sound evidence for children.

Self-reported anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients: A prospective cohort study from Turkey : Öykü Turunç

Background It has been shown that COVID-19 can cause symptoms and diseases such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. This study aimed to describe prevalence of feeling anxious or depressive among COVID-19 patients in six months of follow-up time and its association with baseline independent factors. Methods This prospective cohort study included patients aged ≥18 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Turkey between November 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021. Participants were interviewed by telephone calls on the 1st, 3rd and 6th months after diagnosis. The dependent variable of the study was self-reported moderate or severe anxiety or depression based on EQ-5D-3L general quality of life scale. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify the factors associated with feeling anxious and depressive after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results In total 5446 patients agreed to participate in the study. Frequency of feeling anxious or depressive at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months after diagnosis were 18.5%, 17.9% and 15.4%, respectively. Older age (≥65 years;odds ratio-OR:1.17, 95% confidence interval-CI: 0.95-1.44), female gender (OR:1.76 (1.58-1.96)), bad economic status (OR: 1.62 (1.34-1.97)), having more symptoms (4-5, OR:1.48 (1.21-1.81);≥5, OR:1.65 (1.35-2.01)), having more underlying health conditions (1-2, OR:1.35 (1.19-1.54);≥3: OR:1.50 (1.13-1.99)), intensive care unit admission (OR: 2.58 (1.70-3.90)) were associated with self-reported anxiety and depression. Conclusions Feelings of anxiety and depression are common in COVID-19 patients and may persist in the long term. Anxiety and depression were associated with gender, economic status and disease severity. Determination of vulnerable groups for anxiety and depression after COVID-19 can be helpful for early diagnosis and initiation of mental care services. Key messages • As a consequence of Covid-19, anxiety and depression in Covid-19 survivors are common generally. It shouldn't be overlooked or underestimated for the public mental well-being. • Covid-19 mental effects on the population have a correlation with social determinants of health. Therefore, determining vulnerable groups is a key to planning mental care services.

Characterizing post-covid conditions in a Turkish cohort: A prospective study : Öykü Turunç

Background Investigating the people who suffer from post-COVID health conditions is necessary to accommodate the demand for accessing healthcare. This study aims to describe post-COVID health conditions within six months after diagnosis. Methods This study was conducted at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Ä°zmir-Turkey. Participants aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed as SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive in the hospital from November 1st, 2020 to May 31st were interviewed by phone at one, three and six months after diagnosis. Symptom frequencies were stratified by demographic and clinical characteristics. The dependent variable was having post-COVID condition according to World Health Organization's definition. We estimated logistic regression models to identify associated factors for post-COVID condition in the patients who had symptoms at baseline. Results A total of 5083 people completed the third month's interview. The prevalence of post-COVID condition was 21.8% (n = 1108). Tiredness/fatigue (10.2%), muscle or body aches (7.3%) and dyspnea/difficulty breathing (4.8%) were the most common symptoms. Older age (65-74 aged groups versus 18-24 aged group, odds ratio-OR:1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.25), female gender (OR: 1.97, 1.71-2.28), bad economic status (OR: 1.44, 1.13-1.84), having more health conditions (≥3 conditions, OR: 1.82, 1.28-2.55), having more symptoms (>5 symptoms, OR: 2.59, 2.20-3.07) and hospitalization (intensive care unit, OR: 1.98, 1.13-3.37) were found to be associated with reporting of post-COVID condition. Conclusions This study identifies the prevalence and risk factors for post-COVID conditions in a large cohort of patients. The results of the study would guide the healthcare organizations in the planning of post-COVID management strategies. Key messages • The prevalence of post-COVID conditions was 21.8%. Older age, female gender, having more health conditions, disease severity in the acute phase and bad economic status were risk factors. • Clinical management strategies and country-specific healthcare planning should be devised for the post-COVID condition burden.

How have the obstetricians and gynecologists struggled in the clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As all branches of the medicine, the obstetrical and gynecological clinical approach has been greatly affected by the pandemic. In our study, we aimed to reveal the effect of the pandemic on current obstetrics and gynecologic clinical approach and urgency/semi-urgency evaluations of physicians related with both obstetrical and gynecological cases. The obstetricians in Turkey from different hospitals and clinics have completed our online questionnaire-based survey using 'docs.google.com'. The survey questionnaire was created in three sections: Demographic, occupational analysis and thoughts about outbreak, clinical approach scale and clinical urgency scale. SPSS 22 program was used to analyze the validity and reliability of the scales. The outbreak has affected the clinical approach according to our study. The effect degree was 3.79, 3.15, 3.72 respectively at clinical effect, clinical functioning and struggle and prevention. The specialists regardless of the year in the occupation were more affected than research assistants in terms of clinical effect (p=0.017) and also postponed obstetrical (p=0.000) and gynecological (p=0.000) conditions more frequently. As the effect of the pandemic on clinical functioning increases, the delay of gynecological cases increases. With the postponement of obstetrics cases, the probability of delaying gynecological cases increases. In the current study, it was concluded that the pandemic has affected the clinical approach in obstetrics and gynecology clinics. We think that the study will help in determining our approach to obstetrical and gynecological cases in the future. Scenarios should be made patient-centered without neglecting the burden and possible damages on healthcare professionals.

Mental statuses of nursing students in the Covid-19 pandemic period: A systematic review

This research is a systematic review conducted to evaluate nursing students' mental status in theCOVID-19 pandemic period. The study was conducted by scanning Cochrane, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Academic databases. The index of COVID-19 and Nursing Students, Nursing Students in the Pandemic, Anxiety M Nursing Students were the English keywords. Thirteen articles meeting the evaluation criteria were reviewed. According to the results obtained from the studies evaluated, nursing students experienced mental problems such as anxiety, stress, depression, decreased self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion in the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Persistent symptoms after three months follow-up of in and out-patient COVID-19 cases

Background and aim There is limited research on how common the longer-term effects of COVID-19. This study aimed to describe changes in symptoms of COVID-19 patients at the 1st and 3rd months after diagnosis. Methods Patients older than 18-years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Dokuz Eylül University Hospital-Turkey in December 2020 (n = 1434) were included in this prospective cohort study. Overall, 1029 patients (71.8%) completed the 1st month and 3rd-month follow-up. Data on demographic characteristics, chronic disease history, symptom history and hospitalization were collected via telephone interviews. Based on the relapsing nature of the disease, the presence or absence of any COVID-19 related symptoms within a week before the 1st and 3rd-month interview was questioned. Categorical variables (n, %) were compared using the chi-square test. Results Of the 1029 patients, 92.8% were symptomatic. The most common initial symptoms were muscle or body aches (58.5%), fatigue (57.8%) and loss of smell (53.1%). Among the symptomatic patients, 40.8% and 27.6% reported at least one symptom in the 1st and 3rd months, respectively. Mean number of symptoms was 4.5±2.6 at diagnosis, 2.3±1.7 at the 1st month and 2.5±2.3 at the 3rd month. The most common persistent symptoms by the 1st month were muscle or body aches (11.1%), heart palpitations (6.4%), and shortness of breath (5.8%). Muscle or body aches (9.5%), shortness of breath (4.2%) and fatigue (4.2%) were reported as persistent by the 3rd month. Persistent symptoms up to the 3rd month were more common in women (33.3% vs 21.3%, p < 0.001), in the patients aged >50 years (32.8% vs 25%, p = 0.01) and in the patients with comorbidities (31.8% vs 25.1%, p = 0.03). Conclusions Over a quarter of patients (27.6%) reported persistent symptoms even after 3 months of diagnosis. Rehabilitation and long-term monitoring programs for patients aged >50 years with comorbidities could be useful in responding to this problem. Key messages Over a quarter of patients report persisting symptoms even after 3 months of initial diagnosis. Follow-up programs could be useful in appropriately managing any persistent or emerging long-term sequelae.

Three months follow-up of children infected with COVID-19

Background There is limited research on children infected with Covid-19 after initial diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe changes in symptoms in children infected by Covid-19 after 1st and 3rd months of diagnosis. Methods Covid-19 patients age under 18 admitted to the Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey during December 2020 (n = 144) and completed three months follow-up (n = 123) were included in this prospective cohort study. Data on age, sex, parents' educational status, perceived economic status, presence of Covid-19 patient at household, chronic diseases history, initial and existing symptoms and perception of recovery were collected via telephone interviews. Persistent symptom was defined as any symptom reported within a week of the interview. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U Test were used for univariate analyses. Results Out of 124 patients, 89.3% reported a symptom at time of diagnosis, 21.0% at 1st month and 11.4% at the 3rd-month follow-up. Median number of symptoms was 2 at diagnosis, 0 at 1st and the 3rd month. The most common initial symptoms were fever (52.4%), weakness (40.3%), flu like symptoms (25.8%) and cough (24.4%). The most common persistent symptoms by the 1st month were fatigue (5.7%), cough (4.1%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (4.1%), and by the 3rd month were fatigue (2.4%), weakness (2.4%), respiratory symptoms and chest pain (2.4%). 10.6% of the patients were not fully recovered by the 3rd month. Persistent symptoms at the end of 1st month were more common in children with chronic diseases (36.6% vs 13.3%, p = 0.003) and who were not recovered fully (63.6% vs 15.5%, p = 0.001). Parents' education level, perceived economic status, and presence of Covid-19 patients at household were not associated with persisting symptoms. Conclusions COVID-19 symptoms may persist by three months of infection, especially in children with chronic conditions. Health care providers should consider following up those children with special care. Key messages COVID-19 symptoms may persist by three months of infection, especially in children with chronic conditions. Health care providers should consider following up those children with special care.

Impact of social contacts on SARS-CoV-2 exposure among healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure. Strict measures generally focus on the patient-to-HCW contacts. However, interactions between the HCWs also pose a high risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. AIMS: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of social contacts on the level of SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk among workers by broadening the current risk assessment algorithm. METHODS: Contact tracing records of the workers in a large university hospital between 19th March and 31st December 2020 were analysed. Multivariate conditional logistic regression models were estimated to evaluate factors associated with high-risk exposure for contacts among workers. RESULTS: Of the 329 exposed clusters, 260 (79%) were HCW-to-HCW contacted clusters. High-risk exposure was higher in the HCW-to-HCW contacts (44%), when compared to the patient-to-HCW contacts (5%) (P < 0.001). A total of 1827 HCWs contacted a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-positive co-worker. Among the HCW-to-HCW contacts, high-risk exposure was higher in the support staff (49%, P < 0.001), in non-patient care settings (47%, P < 0.001) and in the social contacts (57%, P < 0.001). Social contacts between workers increased the high-risk exposure (adjusted odds ratio: 3.50, 95% confidence interval 2.62-4.69) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between social contacts among workers and high-risk exposure of SARS-CoV-2 was observed. The results of the study emphasize the need for policies regarding the improved protection of HCWs in social settings in addition to patient care services.

Covid-19: Possible vertical transmisson and inreased still birth ratio

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), that was later declared pandemic by World Health Organization, had led to panic and fear worldwide. Like many outbreaks caused by viruses, in cheif reason for fear was the infectious agent's potential to be transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses and newborns. In our study, the hospital records of 117 pregnant women who delivered stillbirths in our clinic between 01.01.2015 and 31.12.2020 were examined. The pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcomes were examined by making retrospective analysis of the records. Considering six year of the study data, it was observed that the stillbirth rates increased in the pandemic period. One hundred seventeen stillbirth cases that occurred in the last six years were analyzed. The mean age of the pregnant women was 29.64+6 (18-44) and parity was 2.54+1.58 (1-8). Body mass index was calculated as 21.36+3.40 (16-27) average and smoking consumption rate was 9.40% (11/117). Maternal diabetes was detected in 8.54% of the patients (10/117) and pregnancies were complicated by maternal hypertension in 5.12% of the patients (6/117). The average birth weight was 1597+1038 (500-4700) gram. Sixty percent of the deliveries (n=71) were performed by vaginally. Fetal sex was 52.1% male (n=61). The number of deliveries in the past six years was 11780. Almost 1% of the deliveries occurred as stillbirths (117/11780). The unusual stillbirth ratio during the pandemic was 3.1 times higher than the average of pre-pandemic period (2.5vs0.80). In our study, we investigated stillbirth rates before and during the pandemic. Although vertical transmission of Covid-19 has not been reported, the adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes have been provided in many studies. Undoubtedly, in obstetrical practice stillbirth is one of the most destructive consequences for pregnant women. Considering the increase in stillbirth rates, we think that pregnant women with adverse perinatal outcomes should be routinely tested for Covid-19, especially during the outbreak.

‘Tele-education’ in the COVID-19 pandemic process in Turkey: A mental diaspora research specific to Turkish Language Teaching students

This study tries to map educational processes that have to be transformed into the extraordinary history of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to the ‘new normal’ with a relational and metaphoric approach. In the study, the existing physical and mental conditions of the students who are "scattered/dispersed" geographically due to the mandatory "return home" in the pandemic process are conceptualized with the metaphor of the "diaspora". The study aims to draw attention to student-centered social problems by questioning the functionality of tele-education processes, which are designed to compensate for interrupted educational relationships and make them sustainable again. It is aimed to measure the effects of online consciousness that were deterritorialized by human-computer interaction and computer-mediated communication on student performances and to understand student motivations during the tele-education process. Therefore, a survey was conducted at ten universities in Turkey and reached 150 students through the snowball sampling technique. The results of the study show that the student self-perception of the tele-education process coincides with the diasporic identity and this unusual technology integration that cannot be fully compensated triggers mental diaspora feelings. © 2020 JLLS and the Authors - Published by JLLS.