ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Seasonal agricultural workers group is one of the most disadvantageous groups of working life in Turkey same as many other countries. We aimed to determine the status of cardiovascular disease risk factors among migrant seasonal agricultural workers (MSAW) and to compare obtained data with local residents. METHODS: This study cross-sectional study was conducted among MSAW in Eskisehir, Turkey and closest town residents in 2015 during agricultural season. These 455 MSAW were living in camps composed of 20 or more tents. Local residents sample composed of 532 local residents were reached at their houses by using random sampling method with data acquired from health organization records. Both groups were subjected to same questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among MSAW women was 40.5%, hypertension 19.9%, diabetes 4.9% and hypercholesterolemia 6.5%. These prevalences were 68.0%, 38.6%, 13.9% and 20.8% respectively among local residents. The prevalence of smoking risk among local residents was 1.5 times more than MSAW. In addition, the prevalence of overweight/obese risk was 4 times more; hypertension risk 1.8 times more, diabetes risk 3.8 times more and hypercholesterolemia risk 2.7 times more among local residents than MSAW (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors of MSAW was lower than local residents in the study groups. Even though health risks that MSAW faced were more linked with environment and life conditions, cardiovascular disease risk factors should not be ignored. Health services should be guided by considering obstacles that MSAW experienced in accessing health services.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of alopecia and related factors and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in high-school students in rural areas of Eskisehir. This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was performed between March 2, 2015 and April 30, 2015. A total of 1662 (74.9%) students were included in the study. The questionnaire performed for the purpose and consisted of four sections was filled out by the students themselves under supervision. The HRQoL was evaluated by Short Form-36 (SF-36). Students' hair and scalps were examined by a dermatologist. The acquired data were analyzed by SPSS 20 statistical package program. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analyses. A p value ≤0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: In the present study, the incidence of alopecia was found to be 37.4% (n=622). Alopecia was more frequently seen in male students who have complaints about their scalps and those with a fatty scalp. In the study group, students with alopecia had poor HRQoL in general health perception, vitality, and mental health of SF-36. CONCLUSION: There is a need to provide early diagnosis and treatment to decrease the incidence of alopecia and to improve the quality of life. Health education studies must be performed to increase the awareness of students about alopecia. Integrating hair and scalp examination into school health screening studies, steering the students who have alopecia to the dermatologists, and suggesting students who have fatty scalp regular hair washing will be appropriate.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine participation rates of people living in the rural area of Eskisehir in field researches, and the factors influencing this. METHODS: This descriptive study was performed with 1,482 people aged 18 and above in two districts of Eskisehir. Data were collected with a 16 question questionnaire using the face-to-face interview technique. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi- square test, logistic regression analysis, and factors affecting rates of participation in field researches. RESULTS: The most important reason (46.9%) given by participating for participant in field researches was the intention of "helping the interviewer". The other reasons were; believing in the usefulness of the researches (35.0%), contribution to public improvement (14.9%) and taking pleasure in talking with various people (3.2%). The most important reason (34.6%) for not participating in field researches was "considering field researches a waste of time". The other important reasons for non-participation were unnecessarily long questions in the research questionnaire forms (32.7%) and being uninformed of the research results (31.9%). In logistic regression analysis, age was found to be an influential factor in participation rates. CONCLUSION: Lower rates of participation in field researches cause bias. As far as possible high participation in field researches is important. For the achievement of higher participation rates in field researches, training courses must be provided to both research workers and the public.
