Water consumption habits of a north-western Turkish community: a cross-sectional study.

The aim was to determine the drinking water preferences of people applied to a family health center. This cross-sectional study was carried out from 1 April to 31 May 2022. The data were evaluated using the chi-square test and percent ratios with a significance of p < 0.05. The mean age of all 432 respondents was 48.03 ± 15.86. It was determined that those aged 31-45 had drunk more bottled water (p < 0.01) and more spring water (p < 0.001), than those aged 65 and above and had more purified water (p < 0.001), than women who had more tap water (p < 0.001), than married people who had more demijohn and tap water (p < 0.001, each one), than divorced/widows who had more packaged and purified water (p < 0.001, each one), than the illiterate/literate who had bottled water (p < 0.001, per one) and than those who had no income/people who lived on the state or municipal assistance who had only carboy water (p < 0.001). This study suggests that the biggest factor that positively affected the drinking water preference was the packaging of the water. However, the drinking rates of mains water and spring water were quite low. Convincing the authorities to make the mains water drinkable is of great importance in terms of overcoming the public's distrust of mains water.

A forensic and medical evaluation of dog bites in a province of Western Turkey.

The aim was to evaluate the demographic data of dog-bite cases organized from criminal and forensic reports. This study evaluated 328 cases admitted to the Director of Forensic Medicine, Eskisehir, as a result of dog bites between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010. It was found that those in the age-group of 0-18 were most frequently exposed to dog bites (48.5%). Injuries to the lower extremity, upper extremity, and chest/abdomen/back were more frequent in men (72.6%, 76.4%, and 66.1%, respectively), while injuries to the head/neck/face were more frequent in women (52.3%) (p < 0.01). While most of those wounded in the upper extremity, the head/neck/face, and the chest/abdomen/back were in the child age-group, most of those wounded in the lower extremity were in the adult age-group (p < 0.001). Teaching children, in particular, how to behave around dogs would be useful in reducing the incidence of bite.

Cattle-caused fatalities in a province of western Turkey: 1996-2010 autopsy results.

Cattle-caused injuries and deaths are much more than predicted. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence of cattle-caused fatalities and the factors affecting it in a province of western Turkey. The court files on cattle-caused fatalities during a 15-year period between 1996 and 2010 were explored. The proportion of forensic-qualified deaths from the total of 3753 was 0.9% (35/3753). Most of the cases were between the ages of 18 and 65 (60%). Most deaths occurred in the spring and summer months compared with autumn and winter months (9 and 22 vs. 3 and 1, respectively). The mortality rate was much higher in men compared with women (94.3% and 5.7%, respectively). The majority of deaths were caused by injuries on the chest (71.4%). The reason for most deaths was due to hemopneumothorax and lung injury (71.4%). Predicting the behavior of cattle may not always be possible, as such, it is advisable that one wears protective equipment when dealing with cattle.

Prevalence of postpartum depression in mothers and fathers and its correlates.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and its connections in a group of mothers and their husbands. BACKGROUND: Although postpartum depression in mothers during the postnatal period has been extensively studied, the courses of depression from pregnancy to postpartum and risk factors among mothers and fathers together are not known. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used. METHODS: This study included 110 couples registered at a family health centre in western Turkey. For the data collection, the Mother Introduction Form, the Father Introduction Form and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale were used. The data were analysed by Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of postpartum depression was 9·1 and 1·8% for mothers and fathers, respectively. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale average score for mothers was 4·29 ± 5·33 points and 1·12 ± 2·75 points for fathers. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores were significantly higher in mothers who said that their relationship with their husbands was moderate or bad, who felt partly sufficient in the baby care, who were in difficulty in the baby care, who felt anxious for their motherhood and who said that they had not received support from anybody for baby care. The logistic analysis found that those feeling anxious about motherhood were at risk 5·6 times more than the others in developing postpartum depression. CONCLUSION: Both mothers and fathers should be given consulting services about baby care and how they can manage with postpartum depression during postpartum period. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study highlights the utility of screening for the risk of postpartum depression during pregnancy and also during the early postpartum period.

Evaluation of the adjudicated incest cases in Turkey: difficulties in notification of incestuous relationships.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and evaluation of the adjudicated incest cases in the heavy penal court in a province of western Turkey. The court files of 65 incest cases during a 10-year period between 1999 and 2008 were explored. When compared to those who lived in cities, the cases who lived in rural areas, such as villages or towns, had been exposed to penetration more frequently (94.3% and 70.0%, respectively, p<0.01). For the cases where the victim and perpetrator lived in the same house, the accused were generally members of the nuclear family (p<0.001). When compared to those who had not been exposed to penetration, most of those who had been exposed to it were determined to apply later (after 10 days) to judicial institutions (77.8%, p<0.01). The education and awareness of persons, such as teachers and physicians, who may confront incestuous relationships rather frequently are very important in the protection of children and in their adaptation to society.

An analysis of changes in cerebral blood flood velocities in depressive pseudo-dementia and Alzheimer disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with pseudo-dementia are at particular risk of being labeled as Alzheimer dementia. We thus need better diagnostic methods. In this study, we evaluated the cerebral reactivity of the posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) during visual stimulation by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. METHODS: The study group consisted of 13 and 11 patients suffering from pseudo-dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD), respectively, and 10 healthy controls. Visual reactivity was defined as the differences of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) against the visual stimulus. Mini Mental State Examination and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scales were used as psychometric tests. The transcranial Doppler ultrasonography device was applied for simultaneous recording of both PCAs. Obtained data were evaluated by Student t test, and 1-way analysis of variance tests, with a priori as P<0.05. RESULTS: Subjects with AD had a lower CBFv following visual stimuli (P<0.001). Mean CBFv throughout the procedure [P<0.001; right and left sides, in AD and depressive pseudo-dementia (DPD), respectively], velocity at rest (P<0.001 in each side for both groups), and velocity at stimulation (P<0.001; each side for both groups) on both PCAs were significantly lower in patients with AD and DPD than those of the controls. Compared with the controls, the relative (r) CBFvs (%) were found to be significantly lower in AD (P<0.05, P<0.01, for the right and left side, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that CBFv decreased in patients with AD and DPD, but vasoneuronal activity was only impaired in patients with AD. On the other hand, although the results do not show significant differences between depressive and demented groups by TCD, further studies will be needed for differentiating these diseases.

Effectiveness of foot and hand massage in postcesarean pain control in a group of Turkish pregnant women.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of foot and hand massage on reducing postoperative pain in patients who had cesarean operation. This pretest-posttest design study was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study. In the light of the results, it was reported that the reduction in pain intensity was significantly meaningful in both intervention groups when compared to the control group. It was also noted that vital findings were measured comparatively higher before the massage in the test groups, and they were found to be relatively lower in the measurements conducted right before and after the massage, which was considered to be statistically meaningful. Foot and hand massage proved useful as an effective nursing intervention in controlling postoperative pain.

Prevalence of disordered eating and its impact on quality of life among a group of college students in a province of west Turkey / Prevalencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo y su impacto en la calidad de vida de un grupo de estudiantes universitarios en una provincia del oeste de Turquía

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) among a group of college students and assess its impact on quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted between December 15th, 2008 and January 15th, 2009 at a Turkish University. Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) was used to identify DE. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. RESULTS: The prevalence of DE was 6.8 percent. Presence of any physical defect (OR: 2.657), parents living separately (OR: 3.114), mothers having an education level of secondary school and over (OR: 2.583), and families not having social health insurance (OR: 2.603) were important risk factors (f<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HRQoL of those with DE was worse than those without it. Periodic screenings should be done to determine DE cases.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) entre un grupo de estudiantes universitarios, y evaluar su impacto en la calidad de vida. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Este estudio se realizó entre el 15 de diciembre de 2008 y enero de 2009 en una universidad turca. Se utilizó el Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) para identificar CAR. La calidad de vida se evaluó por el estudio de resultados médicos Short Form-36. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de CAR fue de 6,8 por ciento. La presencia de: cualquier defecto físico (RM: 2,657), padres separados (RM: 3,ll4), madre con nivel de educación de escuela de secundaria o más (RM: 2,583), familia sin seguro social (RM: 2,603) fueron importantes factores de riesgo (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La salud y calidad de vida de las personas con CAR fue peor. Se deben hacer exámenes periódicos para determinar casos de CAR.

Prevalence of disordered eating and its impact on quality of life among a group of college students in a province of west Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) among a group of college students and assess its impact on quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted between December 15th, 2008 and January 15th, 2009 at a Turkish University. Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) was used to identify DE. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. RESULTS: The prevalence of DE was 6.8%. Presence of any physical defect (OR: 2.657), parents living separately (OR: 3.114), mothers having an education level of secondary school and over (OR: 2.583), and families not having social health insurance (OR: 2.603) were important risk factors (f<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HRQoL of those with DE was worse than those without it. Periodic screenings should be done to determine DE cases.

Menopause status and attitudes in a Turkish midlife female population: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: It is a well accepted status that socio-cultural characteristics may affect the onset of menopause and its characteristics. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence rates of menopausal symptoms and these symptoms related factors, and to assess the women's attitudes towards some climacteric issues. METHODS: This survey was conducted between Jan., 1st 2008 and March, 31st 2008 to research the menopause status of the female population in a city of western Turkey. The study group consisted of 1551 women selected with a multistage area sampling method: a random sample of individuals aged 40-65 years. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to women's sociodemographic characteristics, women's menopausal status, some statements about the climacteric, use of hormones at menopause or before menopause, and some climacteric myths. The data was analyzed by Chi-square (x2) analysis and percent (%) ratios with a significant value of P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 49.1 years. Over 90% of the women were of the negative opinion that the climacteric is "the end of youth", "the end of fecundity", and "the end of unclean days". Most women said that cessation of menstrual periods was the most positive thing because they do not have to wait for monthly bleedings, use sanitary equipment, or take birth control methods. There were significant connections between age groups and nearly all the items, with the exception of the items "the end of life" and "the end of fecundity". Among the women, hot flushes were the most common complaint occurring in 96.5% of women: being severe in 32.9%, moderate in 43.1% and mild in 20.4%. This was followed by low backache or muscle pain 95.0% (25.9% severe, 46.0% moderate and mild 23.1%), headache 91.7% (21.9% severe, 34.9% moderate and 34.9% mild) and feeling tired 91.0% (15.3% severe, 38.6% moderate and 37.1% mild). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the women in this study had mixed ideas of opinions concerning the climacteric, and the majority was also suffering from climacteric complaints. This data could assist healthcare providers in the provision of culturally competent health care to midlife Turkish women.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effect on quality of life among a group of female university students.

The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and determine its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a group of female university students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 March and 15 April 2009 at Dumlupinar University, Kutahya, Health High School, Western Turkey. The study group included 623 female students. The severity of dysmenorrhea was determined with a 10-point visual analog scale. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) form was used to determinate HRQoL. Chi-square test, Student's t test, and logistic regression and variance analyses (ANOVA) were used for statistical analyses. The average age of the study group was 20.8 +/- 1.8 years (range 17-30). Prevalence of dysmenorrhea was found to be 72.7% and was significantly higher in coffee consumers, females with menstrual bleeding duration > or =7 days, and those who had a positive family history of dysmenorrhea when compared to the others (P < 0.05, for each one). By multivariate analysis, coffee consumption (OR 2.084), menstrual bleeding duration > or =7 days (OR 1.590), and positive family history of dysmenorrhea (OR 3.043) were important risk factors for dysmenorrhea. Except for social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health domains, the SF-36 points received from the other domains were higher in females with dysmenorrhea (for each one P < 0.05). With the exception of the scores received from physical functioning and role-emotional domains, the scores received from the other domains of the SF-36 scale showed a decrease with increasing severity of dysmenorrhea (P < 0.05, for each one). Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem, having negative effects on the HRQoL among university female students.

Eating habits, lifestyle factors, and body weight status among Turkish private educational institution students.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity and to evaluate the effects of eating habits, lifestyle, and sociodemographic characteristics on students' weight. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out from February to May 2008 in the city of Eskisehir, western Turkey. A total of 2258 students 15-20 y of age (1137 boys and 1121 girls) were examined. The questionnaires, including items related to eating habits, lifestyle, and sociodemographic characteristics, were completed by the students. The data were evaluated using chi-square test and percent ratios. In addition, Student's t test for means and reliability analysis was employed to test the reliability of the questionnaire scale. Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS: About 70% of the students (69.9%) were of normal weight; more than one-fourth (25.7%) were underweight; and 4.4% were overweight/obese students, with just 0.6% being obese (n = 14). According to 21 of the 29 items in the questionnaire found to be positively significant, girls had more accurate habits than boys (13 versus 7 items, respectively). Compared with those underweight or of normal weight, the proportion of those overweight/obese was smaller for those having milk or juice at breakfast (P < 0.05), special meals prepared at least once daily at home (P < 0.05), and not selecting fast food such as hamburgers at meals (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is much lower than the prevalence of underweight in Turkish school-based adolescents, important data that merit consideration. Health professionals, teachers, and family environment may play a key role in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Prevalence of depression, its correlates among students, and its effect on health-related quality of life in a Turkish university.

OBJECTIVE: The aims were to investigate the prevalence of depression among university students, and to determine some of the risk factors connected to depression, and also to evaluate its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between 1 December 2007 and 31 January 2008 at Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, in western Turkey. The study group consisted of 822 students. The questionnaire included the students' socio-demographic characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). The data were analyzed by using chi-square, Student's t test, percent (%) ratios, and backward logistic regression analysis with a significant value of P<0.05. RESULTS: Of the students, 377 (45.9%) were males and 445 (54.1%) females. Overall, the prevalence of depression was 21.8% (n=179/822). Family history of depression, acne on face, any physical defect on body, smoking, alcohol consumption, and future-related occupational preoccupation were all deemed important risk factors for depression (P <0.05, for each one). It was found that, in those with depression, all the mean domain scores of SF-36 scale were lower than those without depression (P <0.05, for each one). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression among the university students in this region of Turkey was wide-spread, affecting negatively the HRQoL of the students. For prevention and control of depression, depression information and knowledge need to be addressed by health education programs.

Prevalence and predictors of dysmenorrhea among students at a university in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Turkish university students and to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on the condition. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of 857 students conducted by questionnaire in April 2007 at a university in Turkey. A visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed using the chi(2) test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 55.5% (444 out of 800 women). Risk of dysmenorrhea was approximately 1.5-times higher in women with a satisfactory spending allowance (OR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.05-2.13); 3.5-times higher in women with a family history of dysmenorrhea (OR 3.48; 95% CI, 2.54-4.78); 1.5-times higher in women who were underweight compared with overweight/obese women (OR 1.52; 95% CI 0.99-2.33); 1.6-times higher in women who reported a history of smoking (OR 1.57; 95% CI, 1.10-2.25); and 1.8-times higher in women with an excessive sugar intake (OR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.15-2.72). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Turkish university students is a significant health problem that requires attention.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence among women and its impact on quality of life in a semirural area of Western Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a very common and bothersome condition among women, affecting up to 50% of women during their lifetime. Older women are disproportionately affected and often view UI as a normal part of aging, thus precluding contact with medical professionals. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors of UI in women aged 20 years or older, as well as to examine its effects on women's quality of life (QOL). METHODS: The study was conducted on 1,585 women aged 20 years and over between January and March 2007. Data were obtained by a face-to-face interview, using a questionnaire consisting of questions pertaining to the women's demographic characteristics, medical and obstetric history and UI. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) scale was used to assess the QOL of the women. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI in this group of women was 49.5%. UI was significantly associated with advanced age (p < 0.05), lower education level (p < or = 0.001), recurrent urinary tract infection (p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p < or = 0.001), a history of nocturnal enuresis in childhood (p < 0.001), taking diuretics (p < 0.05) and body mass index (p < 0.001). When the QOL of the women with and without UI were evaluated, the scores for women without UI were higher than those with mild, moderate or severe UI (p < 0.001 for each). Women with UI of varying severity had lower mean domain scores on the SF-36 than women without UI (p < 0.001 for each). As the severity of UI increased, it was seen that the mean domain scores according to the scale showed a decrease (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that UI is a common disorder among women in this region of Turkey and that it also negatively affects these women's QOL, suggesting the need for more social and medical study in this area.

An investigation on nursing, midwifery and health care students' learning motivation in Turkey.

The aim was to determine differences between the dimensions of motivational learning and sociodemographic characteristics of nursing, midwifery and health care students. For the purpose of collecting data on learning-oriented motivations, occupational learning motivation scale (OLMS) was used. The OLMS was designed to assess the constructs of extrinsic, intrinsic and negative factors for learning, cognitive and lifelong learning goals. The mean levels of the items "willingness to help people", "fear of making mistakes" and "willingness to work with those likely to motivate them" were all determined to be high. Significant differences were revealed for the sex of the students (p<0.05).

Skin prick test reactivity in allergic rhinitis patients to airborne pollens.

The aim was to investigate the impact of atmospheric pollen in determining allergic rhinitis. It was conducted with 130 patients with allergic rhinitis in three different sites in Eskisehir, Turkey, in 2000-2001, using a gravimetric method with a Durham sampler. Skin prick test results, the symptoms of patients and their findings all confirmed the presence of allergic reactions to pollen allergens in the patients observed. During the period, a total of 47,082 pollen grains/cm(2) belonging to 45 taxa were recorded. Of the total pollen grains, 81.0% were arboreal and 18% non-arboreal. The majority of the investigated pollen grains were from Pinaceae, Salix spp., Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Cupressaceae and Poaceae. Pollen concentrations reached the highest level in May (54.36%). The pollen allergens provoking severe sensitization were grasscereal mixtures (58.5%), followed by arboreals (33.8%). All patients (100.0%) were sensitive to grass. This study emphasizes the significance of determining the types and concentrations of pollen with a view to comparing changes in highly concentrated allergens.

Prevalence of hypertension among individuals aged 50 years and over and its impact on health related quality of life in a semi-rural area of western Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is common, especially in individuals aged 40 years and over, and it affects about half of the population aged 60 years and over. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of hypertension among individuals aged 50 years and over, and to examine its effect on the health related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two settlements in a region of western Turkey between March 1 and April 30, 2007. A questionnaire concerning life habits associated with hypertension, medical histories, and demographic characteristics was filled in by a face to face interview. The SF-36 scale was used to assess HRQOL. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by measuring the weight and length of the body. RESULTS: Of 1599 individuals living in the region, 1193 participated in the survey (48.3% men and 51.7% women). The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 59.5% (n=710), being 58.0% in men and 60.9% in women (P > 0.05). The variables that most positively influenced hypertension (P < 0.05, for each one) were older age (especially the age group of those aged 60 and over), single, no health insurance, consumption of animal fat in meals, and family history of hypertension. The HRQOL of the patients with hypertension was lower than that of those without hypertension (P < or = 0.05). The HRQOL was better in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was under control, whereas it was worse in those with at least one chronic disorder accompanying hypertension (P < 0.05, for each one). CONCLUSIONS: Great emphasis should be placed on the need for a public health program for the detection, prevention, and control of hypertension, including other risk factors, as well as for the modification of foods and life habits, specifically in individuals who are most likely to be at risk of hypertension.

Prevalence of students with symptoms of depression among high school students in a district of western Turkey: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: To determine the factors affecting the prevalence of depression and also to present some pertinent comments concerning prevention of depression among high school students. This study was deemed important and relevant due to the increasing importance of depression among high school students. METHODS: A sample of students aged 14-19 years from the 6 high schools of 1 district of western Turkey were surveyed. The students selected were all attending the school during March and April 2006. The Beck Depression Inventory was used as a screening test. RESULTS: During the study, a total of 846 students completed the survey. Of the study group, 51.9% (439) were male and 48.1% (407) female, with an age average of 16.3 +/- 1.1 years. According to the scale, the prevalence of depression was 30.7% (n = 260), 22.6% for males (n = 99) and 39.6% for females (n = 161). The most depression was seen in males (22.6%), those with any kind of physical problem (37.3%), those with diseases necessitating the use of medication (51.1%), those with acne vulgaris (35.2%), and those having previously experienced any kind of problem (47.3%). CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight not only the need for students' parents and teachers to be well informed on the subject of depression in terms of students' health but also the need for more education programs to be aimed at students relating to the problems they may experience during the period of adolescence. Furthermore, these results show that students identified as depressed should be referred for an appropriate diagnosis to specialized psychiatry centers.

Use of emergency departments by elderly patients in a city of Western Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reasons behind the demographic characteristics of patients presented to emergency departments. METHODS: The entire patient records of all the hospitals' emergency departments in the city of Eskisehir were retrospectively assessed in this study. The study was conducted between the years 1998 and 2000. Data were evaluated using chi2, t-tests, and percent rates. RESULTS: Of 608,528 patients visiting the emergency departments, 79 123 (13.0%) were elderly patients. The treatment and discharge rate was 78.3%. Mean admission rate was 21.2%. The death rate during the visits was 0.4%. The proportion of the five most frequently seen diseases was 41.9%. CONCLUSION: Demographical trends show that emergency department visits by elderly patients would increase in time. So, in Turkey, emergency department staff should be trained to provide for the special needs of this population in emergency departments.