Level of knowledge and behavior of family health personnel workers in Izmir about early diagnosis for breast and cervix cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study was carried out to measure knowledge level and behavior of family health personnel (FHP) in Izmir on early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population of this cross-sectional study was not selected. A questionnaire was applied to all FHP to measure knowledge level and behavior about cancer. The participation rate was 88%. Breast examination, mammography analysis, Papanicolaou smear applications were determined as dependent variables, and knowledge level about breast and cervical cancer, age, professional time as FHP as independent variables. Data were evaluated using definitive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression tests in SPSS software package for Windows 15.0. RESULTS: A total of 970 family health personnel participated in the research. The age range was 20-45 years (82.4%). Mean age was 37.9±7.4. Response rate was 87.3%. Of the participants, 88.4% performed breast self-examination. Rate of performing mammography at least once was 24.1%. Rate of performing Pap-smear examination at least once was 61.0%. In logistic regression analyses, it was determined that people with knowledge on breast and cervical cancer were those performing breast self-examination, mammography and Pap-smear examinations (p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential that the knowledge, behavior and manners of health providers on early diagnosis for cancer increases awareness in the general population and provides information on execution ofthe most effective methods for generating a healthy society.

Headache and its effects on health-related quality of life among adults.

AIM: This study was conducted with aim of determining prevalence of headache and evaluating its effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Beylikova town of Eskisehir city in the west of Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted on adults aged 20 years and over aged between May 11 and June 04 2009 in Beylikova town of Eskisehir city in the west of Turkey. A total of 587 people were selected by simple randomized method. The International Headache Society criteria were used for the determination of severity of headache. The 36-item short-form (SF-36) was used for the assessment of healthrelated quality of life. RESULTS: The number of men and women was 302 (51.4%), and 285 (48.6%), respectively. The mean age was 46.70 ± 15.26 years (range, 20-87 years). Headache prevalence was found to be 78.2% (n=459). Decreased headache prevalence was found in the ages older than 30-44 age group (p < 0.05). All domains of SF-36, the mean scores were higher in individuals without headache than those with headache (for each, p < 0.05). Migraine prevalence was found to be 7.2% (n=33). CONCLUSION: In accordance with the literature, this study found the presence of headache in adults at high frequency (78.2%). Particularly the presence of migraine and increased severity of headache were found to decrease the quality of life.

[Evaluation of risk factors in patients with candiduria]. / Kandidürisi Olan Hastalarda Risk Faktörlerinin Degerlendirilmesi.

Urinary system infections are usually bacterial, however, fungal etiology, particularly Candida spp. are encountered in about 10% of these infections. C.albicans is still the most frequently isolated species in candiduria. This study was aimed to identify the risk factors of candiduria and to determine species distribution of Candida which cause candiduria in hospitalized patients. The study was carried out in a total of 93 hospitalized patients (68 female, 25 male; age range: 17-84 yrs, mean age: 59.5 ± 1.7 yrs) of which 50 presented with candiduria (case group) and 43 with bacteriuria (control group), between January 2009 to December 2009. The most frequently isolated species was C.albicans (n= 32; 64%), followed by C.glabrata (n= 13; 26%), C.tropicalis (n= 4; 8%) and C.krusei (n= 1; 2%). All of the isolates except one, were found susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden), however, C.krusei isolate was resistant to fluconazole and susceptible to voriconazole. The mean hospitalization period and the period of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) of the case group (9.56 ± 9.09 and 4.12 ± 7.05 days, respectively) were found statistically significant compared to control group (4.42 ± 3.71 and 0.53 ± 1.78, respectively) (p< 0.005). Nosocomial origin of infection was higher in control group (n= 45, 90%) than the case group (n= 30, 69.8%), (p= 0.014). The rate of antibiotic use prior to candiduria in the case group was detected significantly higher (n= 43; 86%) than the controls (n= 14; 32.6%) (p= 0.000). The most frequently used antibiotic prior to candiduria/bacteriuria was the quinolone group of agents both in case and control groups (42% and 21%, respectively). The other risk factors for candiduria found to be higher in the case group than the controls were as follows; presence of urinary system intervention (32% and 0, respectively; p= 0.000), catheter use (76% and 46.5%, respectively; p= 0.003) and immunosuppression history (24% and 9.3%, respectively; p= 0.041). However, there was no significant relationship between candiduria and history of surgical intervention, diabetes mellitus and renal failure (p> 0.05). In conclusion, rate of candiduria might be reduced by judicious antibiotic use, by implementation of guidelines for urinary catheter use, care and maintenance, and shortening the duration of ICU and hospital stay.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Distribution of blood pressure among men in Eskisehir.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate distribution of blood pressure (BP) and high BP related to risk factors. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional. Study was done among over 40 years aged men population in primary care centers of Eskisehir city center. Participants' were 2031 men. Study period was from 1 February to 30 March in 2005. Hypertension was defined according to the recommendations of the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7). Data were analysed with SPSS for Windows software (version 11.5, Chicago, Il, USA). The Chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean age participants was 61.73+/-10.24 (range 40-94) years. The mean systolic BP measurement was 135.79+/-23.41 mmHg and the mean diastolic BP measurement was 80.31+/-13.45 mm Hg for all participants. High BP was determined in 52.2%. Older age (p<0.001), family history of hypertension (p<0.05) and obesity (p<0.05) were important risk factors for hypertension. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the measure of blood pressure over 40 years aged men population should be performed routinely in primary care centers in Eskisehir city center.