Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive effects on adult individuals living in this area.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields causes a variety of health problems in living systems. We investigated EMF pollution in Sanliurfa city center and also investigated anxiety-depression symptoms in individuals (18-40 years old) exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric field and magnetic field measurements were taken at Electricity Distribution Center and 44 substations (for each transformer), at 0 points, 1 meter away, 2 meters away and the house/office closest to the transformer. The experimental group was individuals living in electricity distribution center residences and individuals living near transformers (n = 55). The control group was selected from individuals who lived outside the city center of Sanliurfa, did not have transformers or high transmission lines near their homes, and did not have any chronic diseases that could cause stress (n = 50). Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI). The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. Maximum MF and EF values were recorded as 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively. All measured MF values were below standards, but EF values were above standards at some points. In conclusion, there is no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety-depression (p > 0.05). This result shows that there may be more meaningful results in places with higher EMF levels. We interpreted the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields does not cause anxiety and depression in individuals, as the measured values are below the limit values.

Electromagnetic field pollution causes various health problems in living systems. Research on this subject continues.We investigated electromagnetic field pollution in Sanliurfa city center and investigated the psychological effects on individuals exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric and magnetic field measurements were made at 0 points, 1 meter, 2 meters away and at the closest places to the transformer in 44 substations.The experimental group was individuals living near a transformer, the control group was individuals living outside the city center and without a transformer/high transmission line near their home. Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety and Depression test.The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically.As a result, no statistical change was observed regarding a relationship between electromagnetic pollution and anxiety-depression.

Development of a scale for attitude toward sexually transmitted infections based on the Health Belief Model.

OBJECTIVES: Determination of the attitudes of individuals toward sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also help identify barriers to health service-seeking behavior. Hence, this study aimed to develop a scale for determining the attitudes of individuals toward sexually transmitted diseases. STUDY DESIGN: This was a methodological study. The Health Belief Model (HBM) framework was used to elucidate the perceptions and interpretations of illnesses among individuals. After reviewing the relevant literature, an item pool was created to include 4 dimensions (perceived susceptibility (A), perceived severity (B), perceived benefit (C), and perceived barriers and self-efficacy (D)) about sexually transmitted diseases from the perspective of HBM. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the scale. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the suitability of the items in terms of factor structures. RESULTS: The final version of the scale comprised 19 items and 4 subdimensions. The first subdimension of the scale accounted for 20.11% of the total variance, whereas the second, third, and fourth subdimensions accounted for 17.83%, 12.50%, and 8.75% of the total variance, respectively. Collectively, these four subdimensions accounted for 59.19% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.74. CONCLUSIONS: Briefly, the present study led to the development of a novel assessment tool, Attitude Toward Sexually Transmitted Infections Scale. Higher scores on the scale indicated higher likelihood of taking action for a possible STI treatment according to the HBM approach.

Push and Pull Factors of Why Medical Students Want to Leave Türkiye: A Countrywide Multicenter Study.

Phenomenon: Physician immigration from other countries is increasing as developed countries continue to be desirable destinations for physicians; however, the determinants of Turkish physicians' migration decisions are still unclear. Despite its wide coverage in the media and among physicians in Türkiye, and being the subject of much debate, there is insufficient data to justify this attention. With this study, we aimed to investigate the tendency of senior medical students in Türkiye to pursue their professional careers abroad and its related factors. Approach: This cross-sectional study involved 9881 senior medical students from 39 different medical schools in Türkiye in 2022. Besides participants' migration decision, we evaluated the push and pull factors related to working, social environment and lifestyle in Türkiye and abroad, medical school education inadequacy, and personal insufficiencies, as well as the socioeconomic variables that may affect the decision to migrate abroad. The analyses were carried out with a participation rate of at least 50%. Findings: Of the medical students, 70.7% had emigration intentions. Approximately 60% of those want to stay abroad permanently, and 61.5% of them took initiatives such as learning a foreign language abroad (54.5%) and taking relevant exams (18.9%). Those who wanted to work in the field of Research & Development were 1.37 (95% CI: 1.22-1.54) times more likely to emigrate. The push factor that was related to emigration intention was the "working conditions in the country" (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.56-2.28) whereas the "social environment/lifestyle abroad" was the mere pull factor for the tendency of emigration (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.45-2.06). In addition, the quality problem in medical schools also had a significant impact on students' decisions (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.83-2.65). Insights: Although the percentage of those who want to emigrate "definitely" was at the same level as in the other developing countries, the tendency to migrate "permanently" was higher in Türkiye. Improving working conditions in the country and increasing the quality of medical faculties seem vital in preventing the migration of physicians.

The prevalence of peer bullying and psychiatric symptoms among high school students in southeast Turkey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of bullying among high school students, its associated factors, and the effects of engaging in bullying behaviors on mental health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in the province with the highest population of children in the Southeast Anatolia region of Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Questionnaire prepared by the researchers, Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS-42). RESULTS: Of the 880 students who participated in the study, 34.2% reported being a victim of bullying and 13.9% reported bullied someone. Regression analysis revealed that overweight/obesity was a risk factor for both victims and bullies. On the other hand, male gender and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with bullying. Scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly higher in both the victim and the bullying groups compared to students who did not fall into this cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that bullying in school creates problems not only for the bullying victims but also for the bullies. Health professionals assessing youth should be aware of the characteristics of young people who may be involved in bullying.

Effect of elderly individuals' perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 pandemic on rejecting COVID-19 vaccination.

Despite the fact that COVID-19 vaccines serve as an important tool for protection against COVID-19 infection, in individuals aged above 65 years, as well as the entire community, there are significant problems associated with getting vaccinated. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 epidemic in individuals over the age of 65 living in Sanliurfa, Turkey in 2021, on the situation of having COVID-19 vaccination. The study is designed as a case-control type of research. The study population was comprised of individuals aged 65 years and above located in Sanliurfa, Turkey. The Case Group consisted of individuals, who rejected the COVID-19 vaccination and the Control Group consisted of individuals who have received the vaccine. The individuals recruited in the Case and Control Groups were selected by means of the snowball sampling method. The study included a total of 240 individuals including 120 in the Case Group and 120 in the Control Group. Rate of vaccine rejection was higher in individuals who believed that the media exaggerated the pandemic, the disease had low contagiousness, the pandemic was a conspiracy, the environmental pollution had no role in the disease, the domestic measures taken against the epidemic were inadequate, the personal hygiene could not protect from disease, and who did not believe that the disease was inevitable [p < 0.05]. Governments have a lot of responsibilities in providing accurate information about vaccination to people and increasing confidence in the health system.

Women's reproductive behaviour and perspectives on fertility, and their modifying factors, in a Turkish province with a high fertility rate.

OBJECTIVES: Population growth is an important public health problem with economic, social, cultural and political consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the reproductive behaviour and perspectives on fertility of women in Sanliurfa, the city with the highest fertility rate in Turkey. METHODS: The quantitative dimension of the study was carried out using a mixed methods approach in which 300 women were interviewed and a questionnaire was completed; the qualitative dimension was carried out through in-depth individual interviews with 14 women, using a semi-structured interview form. Analysis of the qualitative data was done using a content analysis technique. RESULTS: The median number of children was three (range 0-10). Women with no or a low level of education tended to have a greater number of children. Preference for a particular sex of child was one reason behind the higher number of children. These two factors were main causes of an increased number of children. Women with no or a low level of education (odds ratio [OR] 9.1) and women who expressed a preference for a male child (OR 5.9) had more children compared with other women. Participants regarded a male child as more valuable than a female child and that having many children strengthened the family. Parents regarded their sons as insurance for their old age. Having an induced abortion was perceived as a sin. CONCLUSION: The results showed that cultural norms and values significantly affected fertility rates.

Does working in the agricultural sector affect the selection of a family planning method?

Seasonal farmworkers are one of the groups that should be examined in terms of family planning method because low socio-economic levels, limited accommodation, and living conditions in agricultural areas can restrict workers' access to information and health services. The study was carried out to determine the effect of working environment in agriculture on female seasonal workers' choice of family planning method. This cross-sectional study was performed on 300 women. It was found that the working and living conditions in the agricultural sector forced women to change their family planning method.

Urinary incontinence among women registered with a family health center in the Southeastern Anatolia Region and the factors affecting its prevalence.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In regions such as Sanliurfa, Turkey, where the fertility rate is high, suitable health policies to easily and successfully treat urinary incontinence (UI) are needed. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for UI among women in the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants in this cross-sectional study were selected by using 30 cluster sampling methods. A total of 300 women in the age group of 15-49 years were contacted to participate. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI was 39.3% among women in this sample but only 8.0% actually received treatment. The logistic regression analysis showed that UI risk is increased 1.8 times by chronic diseases, 2.7 times by menopause, 3.4 times by uterine prolapse, and 9.12 times by cystocele. CONCLUSION: UI is a common health problem among the women in the study region; however, these women do not actively seek treatment for this problem.

West nile virus infection in the Mesopotamia region, Syria border of Turkey.

We described the serological prevalence of West Nile Virus (WNV) antibodies among the human population in a historical and strategic region of Turkey. A serologic survey was conducted based on suspected cases in April, 2009, in the Mesopotamia region of Turkey, in the villages that were located alongside the Zergan River. All the sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA (Euroimmune™), and the positive samples were tested by immunofluorescent assay (IFA; Euroimmune™). As confirmation, neutralizing antibodies against WNV were tested by microneutralization assay (MNTA). In total, 307 individuals were included. The MNTA test was found to be positive among 52 individuals out of 307 (17%). In multivariate analysis, age >50 [odds ratio (OR)=5.2, confidence interval (CI) 2.76-9.97, p<0.001) and being in an occupational risk group (OR=2.02, CI 1.02-4.04, p=0.044) were found to be the risk factors for WNV seropositivity with the MNTA test. The physicians in the region should be aware of the risk of WNV infection and should be alerted to detect the clinical cases.

Management of Brucella endocarditis: results of the Gulhane study.

Brucella endocarditis (BE) is a rare but life-threatening complication of human brucellosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of BE along with the therapeutic interrelations. A total of 53 patients with BE hospitalised in 19 health institutions between 2006 and 2011 were included in the Gulhane study. Diagnosis of brucellosis was established by either isolation of Brucella sp. or the presence of antibodies, and the definition of endocarditis was made according to Duke's criteria. There were four treatment groups: ceftriaxone combined with oral antibiotics (Group 1); aminoglycosides combined with oral antibiotics (Group 2); oral antibiotic combinations (Group 3); and aminoglycoside plus ceftriaxone combined with an oral antibiotic (Group 4). Involvement rates of the aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves were 49.1%, 43.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Thirty-two patients (60.4%) had an underlying cardiac valvular problem, including previous prosthetic valve replacement (n=18). Medical treatment was provided to 32 patients (60.4%), whilst concordant medical and surgical approaches were provided to 21 patients (39.6%). Mortality in Group 1 was 15% (3/20), whilst in Group 2 it was 5.3% (1/19). In Group 3, 25.0% (3/12) of the cases died, whereas none of the cases in Group 4 died. In conclusion, mortality increased 47-fold with pericardial effusion and 25-fold due to congestive heart failure that developed after BE. Although mortality was lower in the aminoglycoside-containing arm (Groups 2 and 4), statistical analysis could not be performed owing to the small number of patients.

An operational study on implementation of mobile primary healthcare services for seasonal migratory farmworkers, Turkey.

Maternal and child health is affected by exposure to unhealthy living and working conditions, by increased exposure to health hazards, and by poor utilization of primary healthcare services. The objective of this operational study was to implement mobile primary healthcare services (MPHS) for migratory seasonal farmworkers. This study, conducted in Sanliurfa, Turkey, between March 2008 and April 2009, examined multiple stages of MPHS implementation in both a permanent settlement (336 children aged 5 and under; 580 women of reproductive age) and a working settlement (85 living units; 217 children and 257 women). The stages included: (1) identifying the problem, (2) identifying a potential solution and a quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effect of intervention, (3) utilizing and disseminating results to stakeholders, and (4) implementing sustainable MPHS county-wide. Rates of selected outcome measures, including full childhood and tetanus vaccination, phenylketonuria screening, and safer usage of pesticides, iodine salt, and sanitary toilet facilities, increased significantly following the intervention in both the permanent and temporary settlements (P < 0.05). The majority of cases of anemia (children: 16.6%, women: 17.8%) and parasitic infections (55.4%) were treated. The study results indicate that MPHS are necessary to ensure healthcare access for migratory farmworkers and to establish a stronger public health infrastructure for this risk group.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy of diltiazem, glyceryl trinitrate, and lidocaine for the treatment of anal fissure in children.

PURPOSE: Anal fissure (AF) is a common perianal condition in children. Although adult patients with AF have been treated successfully using diltiazem, it has not been studied in children. The present randomized, prospective, double-blind study assessed the response, side effects, and recurrence of diltiazem. METHODS: Ninety-three children with AF were randomly divided into three groups. Each group received topical ointment. Group GTN received 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate, group L received 10% lidocaine, and group D received 2% diltiazem ointment. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients completed the 12-month study. At the end of the first 8-week course, the healing rate in group D was significantly higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.0001, χ (2) = 19.82). Nonresponders received a second course of the same treatment. Group D showed significantly higher healing rates than the other groups (p < 0.05, χ (2) = 7.227) at the end of the second 8-week course. The group D recurrence rate was significantly different than that of the other groups (p < 0. 002, χ (2) = 12.79). CONCLUSION: Diltiazem application is effective and safe for the treatment of AF in children, and has a low recurrence rate. The smooth dose-concentration curve causes minimal side effects.

Hemostatic efficacy of folkloric medicinal plant extract in a rat skin bleeding model.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the in vivo hemostatic effect of a folkloric medicinal plant extract. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were randomized into four groups of seven. Group 1, a control group, received no pretreatment and was irrigated with saline. Group 2 received no pretreatment and was irrigated with the plant extract. Group 3, a control group, received pretreatment with heparin and was irrigated with saline. Group 4 received pretreatment with heparin and was irrigated with the plant extract. A standardized skin-bleeding model was created using full-thickness skin defects on the Wistar rats' dorsal skin. To control bleeding, compressive dressings were placed after inserting 1 mL of the plant extract or saline into the bleeding area. Hemostasis time and amount of nasal bleeding were measured in all groups to compare the treatments without and with the plant extract. RESULTS: Without heparin pretreatment, the folkloric medicinal plant extract shortened the hemostasis time by 1.29 minute and reduced the amount of bleeding by 0.63 g. With heparin pretreatment, the plant extract shortened the hemostasis time by 2.29 minutes and reduced the amount of bleeding by 0.70 g. CONCLUSION: The medicinal plant extract irrigation was more effective than saline irrigation for treating hemorrhagic skin defects in animals using a compressive dressing with or without heparin pretreatment.

Assessment of the requisites of microbiology based infectious disease training under the pressure of consultation needs.

BACKGROUND: Training of infectious disease (ID) specialists is structured on classical clinical microbiology training in Turkey and ID specialists work as clinical microbiologists at the same time. Hence, this study aimed to determine the clinical skills and knowledge required by clinical microbiologists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between June 1, 2010 and September 15, 2010 in 32 ID departments in Turkey. Only patients hospitalized and followed up in the ID departments between January-June 2010 who required consultation with other disciplines were included. RESULTS: A total of 605 patients undergoing 1343 consultations were included, with pulmonology, neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, dermatology, haematology, and endocrinology being the most frequent consultation specialties. The consultation patterns were quite similar and were not affected by either the nature of infections or the critical clinical status of ID patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that certain internal medicine subdisciplines such as pulmonology, neurology and dermatology appear to be the principal clinical requisites in the training of ID specialists, rather than internal medicine as a whole.

One-stage treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in untreated children from two to five years old. A comparative study.

A total of 38 children (49 hips) were retrospectively investigated to assess the efficacy and safety of one-stage treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in untreated children from two to five years of age. Our method consisted of open reduction, Salter innominate osteotomy, femoral shortening and derotation osteotomy. The patients were distributed into two groups according to the age at which they were operated: Group I included 19 patients aged < 3 years (24 hips) and Group II included 19 patients aged > or = 3 years (25 hips). Mean follow-up was 5.08 years for Group I and 5.76 years for group II. Clinical and radiological assessment at final followup showed that the outcome was not significantly different between the two groups. Furthermore, after this follow-up period, the rates of avascular necrosis were similar. Children with DDH between two and five years of age were treated successfully with one-stage treatment.

Decreasing oxidative stress in response to treatment in patients with brucellosis: could it be used to monitor treatment?

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with acute brucellosis before and after therapy, and to determine whether this index could be used to monitor the treatment of brucellosis. METHODS: Thirty patients with a diagnosis of acute brucellosis and 37 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in patients before and after therapy, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. These measurements were also taken for the healthy control group and the values were compared. RESULTS: Plasma levels of TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patients with brucellosis before therapy as compared to the treated group (t: 11.19, p<0.000 and t: 9.91, p<0.000, respectively). After treatment, TOS and OSI levels were lower, whereas in contrast, TAS levels were significantly higher (t: -4.17, p<0.000). TOS and OSI levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients before treatment than in the control group (t: 15.01, p<0.000 and t: 15.00, p<0.000, respectively). TAS levels in patients before treatment were lower than in the controls and the difference was significant (t: -8.03, p<0.000). TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group (t: 4.58, p<0.000 and t: 9.91, p<0.000, respectively). TAS levels in the treated group were lower than in the control group and the difference was significant (t: -3.02, p<0.004). CONCLUSION: Reduced TAS capacity and elevated TOS levels may lead to considerable oxidative stress in brucellosis. Increased oxidative stress may cause severe oxidative damage in the body, and even though this damage ameliorates considerably with 6weeks of treatment, normal healthy levels are not attained. In addition, it appears possible that these oxidant and antioxidant parameters could be used to monitor treatment.

Where do we stand in the control of rabies? Knowledge and practices among physicians in a health district in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of rabies transmission and control among physicians practicing in healthcare centers in Sanliurfa, Turkey where 2 cases of human rabies were reported in the past 12 months. Implementation issues regarding the current guidelines will also be discussed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 84 physicians practicing in healthcare centers in Sanliurfa, located in the Southeastern Anatolian region of Turkey. RESULTS: Among physicians, average duration of medical practice was 8.5 ± 6.7 years. The correct incubation period of rabies cases was known by 57.1% of the physicians. While 88.1% of physicians were aware of possible exposure routes, only 44.0% of them had the information that mucosal contact may also lead to transmission. While 96.4% of the physicians correctly indicated that cats and dogs can transmit the disease, the fact that foxes also have a role in transmission was known by only 48.8%. Post-exposure prophylaxis was correctly indicated by 65.5% of participants, but only 17.9% had correct information about pre-exposure prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: An important approach in rabies control is to increase community awareness, particularly among healthcare providers. It was found that basic management issues and insufficient awareness still exist despite the presence of legal regulations. To control rabies, the issue must be dealt with locally, through both economic and social means, by supporting rabies control efforts of local health and agricultural directorate managers and by encouraging collaboration with academics.

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and intestinal parasites among food handlers in Sanliurfa, Southeastern Anatolia.

OBJECTIVES: Food-borne diseases represent a persistent global health burden, and food handlers play a major role in their transmission. Staphylococcus aureus carriage and intestinal parasitism are important risk factors for the contamination of food and water. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and intestinal parasites among food handlers working in Sanliurfa, Southeastern Anatolia. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 299 food handlers selected randomly were enrolled. Nasal swabs, throat cultures, and stool samples were examined. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 26.7 (+/-9.6) years. Only 33.6 percent of food handlers had education beyond the elementary school level. Within this group, 50.8 percent had never previously received a carrier examination and only 31.4 percent received regular examinations. We found that 52.2 percent of food handlers carried intestinal parasites including Giardia intestinalis (26.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (10.7%), Tenya saginata (10.0%), and Staphylococcus aureus (23.1%). None of the food handlers was positive for Salmonella sp and Shigella sp. CONCLUSIONS: These findings necessitate improvements in regional carrier detection, infection control, and food hygiene. Subsequent to this study, researchers from the Department of Public Health, Harran University, instituted a series of interventions aimed at improving infection control. These included establishment of an evidence-based carrier control system, training of municipal food controllers and health professionals, creation of electronic outbreak records and follow-up procedures, and development of a source eradication system for Sanliurfa's primary healthcare center staff.