Teachers' Negative Attitudes and Limited Health Literacy Levels as Risks for Low Awareness of Epilepsy in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: For students with epilepsy, schools are a critical environment for managing the disease properly. This study examined awareness of epilepsy, attitudes toward epilepsy, and health literacy among school teachers in Turkey. METHODS: This study was conducted in a city in Turkey with 1408 public school teachers from June 2021 to September 2021. RESULTS: The median scores of the scales were 5, 29, and 32 for epilepsy awareness, epilepsy attitudes, and health literacy, respectively. Epilepsy awareness was higher in women, and epilepsy attitudes were more positive in women than men (p<0.05). While epilepsy awareness was higher in primary school teachers, epilepsy attitudes were more positive in secondary school teachers (p<0.05). Epilepsy awareness was lower in secondary school teachers (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; p<0.05), those who did not have an individual with epilepsy in their family/social environment (OR, 1.57; p<0.001), those who did not have a student with epilepsy in their class (OR, 1.45; p<0.05), and in those who had not witnessed an epilepsy seizure (OR,1.19; p<0.05). Compared to those with positive attitudes regarding epilepsy, epilepsy awareness was 1.36 times lower in those with negative attitudes (p<0.001). Epilepsy awareness was 1.92 times lower in those with limited health literacy than those with adequate health literacy (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, low epilepsy awareness, negative epilepsy attitudes, and limited health literacy were common among teachers. The findings from this study suggest that panels, workshops, and health training on epilepsy should be organized for school teachers and included at regular intervals in certified first-aid practices.

Are health promotion activities and preventive health practices predictors of adolescent eHealth literacy?

Adolescents' general health status and health behaviors have been closely monitored in recent years. It is estimated that adolescents comprise one-sixth of the world's population. This study examined whether eHealth literacy was predicted via health promotion activities and preventive health practices among Turkish adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2022 with 706 adolescents in Çorum, Turkey. A face-to-face questionnaire form was used, including socio-demographic characteristics, preventive health practices, eHealth literacy scale and Adolescent Health Promotion Scale. The data of the research were analyzed with the SPSS 22.0 program. Percentage, mean, Pearson Correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used in the analyzes. The p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant in the evaluations. In the study, 55.8% were female, and the mean age of the whole group was 16.09 ±â€…2.63 years. The mean score on the eHealth literacy scale was 29.40 ±â€…6.29. The mean of the total scores obtained from the Adolescent Health Promotion Scale was 137.97 ±â€…21.87. There was a significant positive correlation between eHealth literacy and the Adolescent Health Promotion Scale (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to predict eHealth literacy using the variables of Adolescent Health Promotion and preventive health practices. eHealth literacy positively and significantly predicts health promotion activities (ß = 0.27, t (695) = 7.54, p < 0.001). eHealth literacy increased annual weight measurement by more than 0.13 (ß = 0.13), annual blood iron measurement by more than 0.16 (ß = 0.16) and annual dental examination by more than 0.11 (ß = 0.11). Developing eHealth literacy interventions will be necessary for environments with a high concentration of adolescents (schools and courses). Also, primary health care services should be integrated with the school environment.

Musculoskeletal disorders increases the insomnia severity in nurses.

Objectives: To determine prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the relationship between insomnia severity among nurses working in a training and research hospital. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out with 293 nurses. Cornell musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire for musculoskeletal disorders and insomnia severity index were used to determine the insomnia severity. Results: In our study, the severity of the discomfort was mostly moderate and mild in painful areas. There was a significant difference in terms of gender, educational status, marital status, seniority, types of working, and presence of chronic diseases for musculoskeletal disorders in different body regions (p<0.05). It was determined that the threshold level of insomnia was significantly higher in those with musculoskeletal disorders in other body regions except the knee and lower leg region (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, it was determined that musculoskeletal disorders were common in the upper body areas and the severity of insomnia was at the threshold level. Neck, right shoulder and right upper arm were risky body areas for insomnia.

Orthorexia tendency and social media addiction among candidate doctors and nurses.

PURPOSE: To determine orthorexia tendency and social media addiction among candidate doctors and nurses. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with 969 candidate doctors and nurses training in a peripheral public university. Data were collected via ORTO-15 and Social Media addiction scales and analyzed by using percentage, mean, χ 2 test, and binary logistic regression. FINDINGS: Of the study population, 78.8% were social media addicts and 62.2% had orthorexic tendencies. The ratio of orthorexic tendency was 31.0% among high/very high addicts (p < 0.05). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In preclinical years, both groups should be screened for early detection of orthorexia tendency and social media addiction. A combination of therapy and nutrition education should be used and social media literacy should be promoted to raise awareness of orthorexia.

Determination of anxiety levels and perspectives on the nursing profession among candidate nurses with relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the anxiety level of candidate nurses and capture their perspective on the nursing profession in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive study consisted of 322 nursing students in Turkey after the pandemic announcement of the World Health Organization. A web-based survey was used and anxiety levels was determined via State Anxiety Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. FINDINGS: Positive perspectives (63.4%) on the nursing profession before the pandemic decreased to 50.6%, whereas the negative (26.7%), and the undecided (9.9%) perspectives increased to 32.3% and 17.1%, of the total respectively. A significant increase was found in the anxiety scores with negative perspectives combined with an unwillingness to practice their profession in the future (P < .05). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pregraduate training should be provided to candidate nurses about pandemic nursing and professional difficulties they may possibly encounter in infection epidemics.

Low health literacy, poor knowledge, and practice among Turkish women patients undergoing cervical cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate health literacy level, cervical cancer knowledge, and practice among women patients undergoing screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 455 women family health center patients. Health literacy level was evaluated by Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine. Patients characteristics, health behaviors, cervical cancer knowledge, and practice were assessed by a questionnaire form. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: This study has found that 19.3% women were in adequate health literacy level and 80.7% of were in low (inadequate or marginal) level. Health literacy levels were showed significant differences by age, education status, employment, self-perception of health, health condition and having health profession, smoking status, physical activity, body mass index, taking health care, skills and concern on materials. Inadequate health literacy was significantly higher among women patients with poor cervical cancer knowledge and practice. Based on binary regression analyses, adequate health literacy was significantly associated with younger ages. CONCLUSION: Adequate health literacy was poor among women patients. Health literacy levels were affected by patient characteristics, health behaviors, and cervical cancer knowledge and practice.

Health Literacy, Mammogram Awareness and Screening Among Tertiary Hospital Women Patients.

In spite of high mortality rates and prevalence, breast cancer awareness and screening is low among Turkish women. This study aimed to determine level of health literacy, mammogram awareness, and screening among tertiary hospital women patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 519 patients aged between 40 and 69. A questionnaire was applied to women patients including demographic characteristics, health behaviors, mammogram awareness and screening, and health literacy tool. Mammogram awareness and screening were questioned according to the Turkish Breast Cancer Screening Standard. To assess health literacy level, the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine was used. Over half of the women were aware of the mammogram age and 23.1 % had a mammogram within 2 years. Limited health literacy was high among patients, and it was significantly associated with lower mammogram awareness (OR 6.53; 95% CL 1.46-9.13) and screening (OR 1.12; 95% CL 0.45-2.80). Health literacy can be an advantageous opportunity on focal point of national cancer screening. Breast cancer education program and public health campaigns should be arranged according to women health literacy level.

Relation between Health Literacy Levels, Hypertension Awareness and Control among Primary-secondary School Teachers in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Health literacy plays a critical role in chronic disease self-management. This study aimed to determine the relation between health literacy levels, hypertension awareness and control among primary-secondary school teachers in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted among school teachers with the participation of 500 volunteer teachers of both genders. The response rate was 86.2%. To determine health literacy levels, the Newest Vital Sign Scale and Blood Pressure Concept Test were used. RESULTS: The mean scores of all individuals were 2.12 ± 1.82 over six points although this showed "limited" levels of health literacy. The mean scores obtained from the scale were 2.13 ± 1.83 in non-hypertensives, while it was 2.06 ± 1.77 in hypertensives. Nonetheless, disease knowledge and awareness were low in teachers. Adequate health literacy levels were low according to disease awareness and control. The measured health literacy levels of teachers didn't overlap with their own assessments about health literacy skills. RECOMMENDATIONS: Limited health literacy levels in educators gave an impression that our education system was poor in terms of health education programs.

Hazardous Health Behaviour among Medical Students: a Study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Hazardous health behaviour in young people is an important factor that affects the individual risk for non-communicable diseases and other disorders later in life. This study aimed to determine the hazardous health behaviour of first and last class medical students of Erciyes University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was carried out with 240 medical students from the first and 130 students from the last (sixth) class. Data were obtained by questionnaire between March-April 2012. In total, 339 students were included with a response rate of 91.6%. Socio-demographic characteristics, school success, self-reported economic difficulties, health perceptions, hazardous health behaviour related to chronic disease, tobacco, alcohol, substance use, body weight, height, traffic, violence and nutrition were assessed in line with the literature. RESULTS: Of the participants; 64.0% were from first and 36.0% were from the last class. Mean ages for the first and last classes were 19.4 ± 1.5 and 24.0 ± 1.5 years, respectively. In the current study, males exhibited more hazardous behaviour than females. Sime 19.8% of the students in the study group used alcohol, 35.4% used a waterpipe, and 24.8% used tobacco at least once. These rates increased in both genders in the last class and the increase in males was significant. Some 3.8% of the students in the current study used pleasure-inducing illegal substances at least once. All the students participating in the current study were single, the number of males reported not using condoms (8.6%) was 4.56 times higher compared to females. Some 64.0% of the students did not perform physical activity lasting at least 30 minutes for five times a week, 13.0% did not sleep for mean 7-8 hours daily, males having a 2.9 times higher risk. More than 1/3 of the students did not consume cooked vegetable dishes and 1/4 did not consume fresh fruits and salads, the rates were higher among males. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, hazardous health behaviour was prevalent among medical students, with higher risks among males and last class students. According to these results, medical curriculum may be focused on decreasing hazardous health behaviour. In addition, in order to prevent unhealthy behaviour, the number of youth-friendly health facilities should be increased.

Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about cervical cancer and human papilloma virus vaccination with related factors in Turkish university students.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes and believes about cervical cancer and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination with related factors in Turkish university students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive and cross sectional study was conducted between June-July 2013 in Hitit University located in Corum, a rural area to the East of Ankara. The population consisted of 550 university students who were training in first and last year from Faculties of Economics, Theology and Health. We reached 463 volunteer students without selection. The study of data was collected with a 44 item questionaire covering socio-demographic features, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about cervical cancer, HPV and vaccination. Also for this study ethic committee report was taken from Bozok University. Data were evaluated with the SPSS 17.0 programme using the Ki kare test with P<0.05 accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: It was seen that there was a statistically significant variation between classrooms and departments of students with knowledge about cervical cancer and human papilloma virus and vaccine (p<0.001; p<0.01; p<0.05). Also we found low attitudes to thinking about taking HPV vaccination of girls and their children in the future. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the study findings; it was concluded that knowledge levels, beliefs and attitudes of the university students about cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccination were low.

Preferences and related factors for postpartum contraception in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is a time of transition for a pregnant woman and her new family. In this period many pregnant women are in search about the family planning methods. But contraceptive options differ depending on women's desires such as cultural and religious believes, partner attitudes, previous contraceptive experiences. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify status of using a contraceptive method before pregnancy and the factors associated with preferences of contraception in postpartum period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive research was conducted in a State Hospital March-May 2012 in Turkey. The population of study was formed with 200 pregnant women who applied follow-up pregnant clinics. We took permissions from local authorities and participants. 182 voluntary pregnant women were surveyed. We prepared a 20 item question are form which was asking socio-demographic futures, contraceptives methods before-after delivery and the factors related with using contraceptives after screening literatures related with subject. RESULTS: The 49.5% of women reported that they didn't use any methods before. There was a significant relation between using contraceptives before pregnancy with the idea of using contraceptive during the postpartum period and receiving contraception counseling during pregnancy (p=0.004, p=0.035 respectively). CONCLUSION: The 86.4% of pregnant implied that they would use a contraceptive method in postpartum period. IUD was the most preferred method. Status of using contraceptive before and receiving contraception counseling in pregnancy were the effective variables on thoughts about using a contraceptive method. To achieve desired goals for maternal and child health in our country health professionals should be more focused on postpartum contraception in antenatal care programs.