Knowledge and behaviors of veterinary students about rabies: A descriptive study from Turkey.

AIMS: This study aimed to obtain data on the knowledge, behavior, and immunization status of veterinary students about rabies. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The population of this descriptive study consisted of all the 770 students of a veterinary faculty (response rate 85.7%; n = 660). A survey was conducted querying the knowledge and behaviors of the participants about rabies. RESULTS: Of the surveyed students 28.6% (n = 189) stated that they were exposed to animal bites at least once, and 50.3% (n = 95) of these students stated that they were vaccinated following the exposure. Of the participants, 23.6% (n = 156) indicated that they received protective rabies treatment (prophylactic vaccination). About 32.9% (n = 217) of the students taking part in the study had pets at home. Around 70.7% (n = 153) of these students stated that their animals were vaccinated against rabies. A significant relationship was found between having a pet and being bitten by an animal (P < 0.001). 50.5% (n = 333) of the students who participated in the study were competent in knowledge, while 48.3% were competent in behavior. Students competent in knowledge or behavior were considerably more in the clinical classes compared to preclinical classes. A significant relationship in favor of men was found between the sexes concerning both knowledge and behavior levels. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed deficiencies in the students' awareness levels regarding rabies. Ascertaining a sufficient amount of theory and practice courses on rabies in the veterinary faculty curriculum, starting from earlier classes will contribute to the knowledge and behaviors of the students.

Opinions of high school students in central Elazig about elderliness.

METHODS: Students attending five different types of high schools in central Elazig (a city in Turkey) during the 2009-2010 school year constitute the study population. One class was randomly selected from each high school. Out of 650 students, 640 participated in the study. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS program; percentage, mean, and chi-square analyses were used. FINDINGS: Of all the students, 41.7% defined the elderly as those who are 60 years of age or older. When asked the question "What does elderliness mean to you?", the majority of the students, 27.2%, responded "peace and resting". The second most common answer, given by 23.6% of students, was "sickness/tiredness"; 16.6% responded "wisdom/experience". Many students (30.3%) stated that the most difficult thing about living with the elderly was their interference in everything; 30.6% of students stated that there was no difficulty at all. According to 42.7% of the students, the greatest problem that the elderly face is health. Of all of the students, 58.3% stated that they feared growing old. CONCLUSION: Our study has concluded the following: 1) High school students have a conventional perception of elderliness and 2) They embrace the elderly and think that perspectives on elderliness will change through education.

Aspartame induces angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo models.

Angiogenesis is the process of generating new blood vessels from preexisting vessels and is considered essential in many pathological conditions. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of aspartame on angiogenesis in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and wound-healing models as well as in vitro 2,3-bis-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) and tube formation assays. In CAM assay, aspartame increased angiogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with the control group, aspartame has significantly increased vessel proliferation (p < 0.001). In addition, in vivo rat model of skin wound-healing study showed that aspartame group had better healing than control group, and this was statistically significant at p < 0.05. There was a slight proliferative effect of aspartame on human umbilical vein endothelial cells on XTT assay in vitro, but it was not statistically significant; and there was no antiangiogenic effect of aspartame on tube formation assay in vitro. These results provide evidence that aspartame induces angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo; so regular use may have undesirable effect on susceptible cases.

Effects of formaldehyde on respiratory mucosa in rats / Efectos del formaldehído sobre la mucosa respiratoria en ratas

Formaldehyde inhalation, are known to be nasal mucosa irritating feature. This study we are examined the effects histopathologic of formaldehyde inhalation on rats by using light microscopy. 16 adult wistar albino rats were used in this study. 8 rats were in control group and 8 rats were in experiment group. Experiment group was exposed to 10 ppm formaldhyde 8hours/day,5days/week for 8 week. Nasal mucosa was removed and placed in 10 percent formaline. Sections were stained with Hematoxylene-Eosine and observed under light microscopy. The lining epithelium of respiratory mucosa showed a loss of ciliated cells with metaplasia of goblet cells and hyperplasia of squamous cells.

Es conocido que la inhalación de formaldehído tiene caraterísticas irritantes para la mucosa nasal. En este estudio se examinaron los efectos histopatológicos de la inhalación de formaldehído en ratas mediante microscopía de luz. Se utilizaron en este estudio 16 ratas Wistar albinas adultas, ocho ratas como grupo control y ocho como grupo experimental. El grupo experimental fue expuesto a 10 ppm formaldehído 8 horas/día, 5 días/semana por 8 semanas. La mucosa nasal fue retirada y colocada en formalina al 10 por ciento. Las secciones obtenidas fueron teñidas con Hematoxilina-Eosina y observadas al microscopio óptico. El epitelio de revestimiento de la mucosa respiratoria mostró una pérdida de células ciliadas con metaplasia de las células caliciformes e hiperplasia de células escamosas.

The effects of cadmium chloride on the oesophagus of rats / Efecto del cloruro de cadmio sobre el esófago de ratas

Cadmium Chloride (CdC1) is a teratogen which is commonly used in industry. Although it is well known to cause toxicity in testes, kidney, heart and liver, few studies have been carried out in the digestive system. In the present study the effects of CdC1 on the esophagus of rats were investigated Wistar albino rats weighing 180 ­ 200 g were used. The animals were divided into two groups; one group was administered 2 mg/kg/day CdC1 intraperitoneally for one week. Esophagus was removed and placed in 10 percent formaline. Sections were stained with Hematoxylene-Eosine and observed under light microscopy. Hyperplasia in the epithelium, an increase in fibrotic cells under epithelium, hemorrhage in vessels, free floating erythrocytes were all observed following fetal exposure. In conclusion and most importantly, cadmium chloride was found to cause an increase in connective tissue in esophagus mucosa.

El cloruro de cadmio (CdCl2) es una sustancia teratogénica utilizada en la industria. Aunque es conocido por causar toxicidad en testículos, riñones, corazón e hígado, pocos estudios se han realizado en el sistema digestivo. Se estudió el efecto del CdCl2 en el esófago de ratas. Fueron utilizadas 24 ratas Wistar albinas de180-200 g. Los animales fueron divididos en dos grupos: a un grupo se le administró 2 mg/kg/día de CdCl2 vía intraperitoneal durante una semana, y un grupo control. Luego, el esófago fue extraído y fijado en formalina al 10 por ciento. Las secciones fueron teñidas con H-E, examinándose al microscopio óptico. Se observó después de la exposición fetal, hiperplasia epitelial, con un aumento en las células fibróticas en el epitelio y hemorragia en los vasos sin eritrocitos flotantes. Es importante destacar que el cloruro de cadmio causó incremento en el tejido fibroso de la mucosa esofágica.

Ultrastructural changes in the kidney cortex of rats treated with lead acetate / Cambios ultraestructurales en la corteza renal de ratas tratadas con acetato de plomo

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural effects of lead on the kidney cortex of rats. Wistar Albino rats (180-200g body weight) were divided into a controlled and lead acetate-exposed group. Rats received lead acetate at 500 ppm in their drinking water for 60 days. Both groups were fed with the same standard food, but lead acetate was added to the drinking water. During the experimental period, blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta of the anesthetised animals. At the end of exposure, body weight and blood lead levels were measured. The kidney tissue samples were prepared and analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Cortical renal tubules show various degenerative changes with focal tubular necrosis invaded by inflammatory cells. The ultrastructural alterations found in lead acetate-treated rats were a diminution in the amount of filtration slits, increased fusion of foot processes in epithelial cells of the glomeruli, increase of lysosomal structures and pinocytic vesicles as well as large mitochondria in proximal tubule cells.

El propósito de este estudio fue investigar los efectos ultraestructurales del plomo en la corteza renal. Ratas Wistar albinas (180-200g de peso corporal) fueron divididas en grupo control y grupo experimental. Las ratas recibieron 500 ppm de acetato de plomo en el agua potable durante 60 días. Ambos grupos fueron alimentados con el mismo alimento estándar, pero acetato de plomo se le añadió al agua potable al grupo experimental. Durante el período experimental, se tomaron bajo anestesia muestras sanguíneas desde la parte abdominal de la aorta. Al final de la exposición, fueron medidos el peso corporal y los niveles de plomo en la sangre. Fueron preparadas las muestras de tejido renal y se analizaron mediante microscopía de luz y electrónica de transmisión. Los túbulos renales corticales mostraron varios cambios degenerativos con necrosis tubular focal invadida por células inflamatorias. Las alteraciones ultraestructurales encontradas en las ratas tratadas con acetato de plomo correspondieron a una disminución en la cantidad de ranuras de filtración, aumento de la fusión de los procesos podales en las células epiteliales de los glomérulos, aumento de la estructura lisosomal y las vesículas pinocíticas, así como grandes mitocondrias en las células del túbulo proximal.

The knowledge, attitudes and practices of soldiers in a gendarmerie command headquarters about family planning and venereal diseases.

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young male soldiers about family planning. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Gendarmerie Command Headquarters, Elazig City, eastern Turkey, carried out on 14 April 2004. One hundred ninety-one of 209 soldiers who were present at the Gendarmerie Command Headquarters were included in the study. A questionnaire, developed by the researchers evaluating the goals of the study, was filled out by the subjects prior to the Family Planning Seminar given to the soldiers. Data were assessed using SPSS and the chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Defining family planning correctly, being familiar with planning methods and a knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and their prevention was found to be at low levels among soldiers. A knowledge of family planning, birth control methods, identification and prevention of STD was higher with higher levels of education. The most familiar family planning methods were condom and oral contraceptive use. Soldiers constitute one of the most significant target groups for education programs.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Elazig, Eastern Turkey.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the urban and rural areas of the Elazig Region of Turkey. METHODS: A questionnaire was conducted and spirometric measurements were made, based on the BOLD protocol. A total of 1270 individuals, over 18 years of age, were included in the study, comprising 610 individuals from the city center and 660 from the rural area. The questionnaire included demographics, symptoms and possible risk factors. The description and staging of COPD were in accordance with GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). RESULTS: Of the 1270 cases, 1206 (94.9%) were able to complete the questionnaire and undergo spirometric analysis. Of these 1206 cases, 1188 (98.5%) were used in the final assessment; the remainder were excluded due to errors in the spirometric analysis. Of the cases included in the study, 43.2% (25.9% female; 56.7% male) were current smokers. The prevalence of COPD at ≥ 18 years old was 4.5% (female 2.5%; male 6%); the prevalence at ≥ 45 years old was 11.5% (female 5.9%; male 15.1%). The majority of the COPD cases were at stages I and II (22.6% and 66%, respectively). The prevalence of COPD was higher among current and former smokers (5.8%) than non-smokers (2.8%). In general, the risk factors for COPD were found to be age, male gender, smoking, living in a rural area, and low income. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of COPD in Elazig, Turkey was highest among the elderly and smokers, and constituted primarily stages I and II of the disease.

Histopathological changes in incisive teeth of the newborn pups of cadmium-applied female rats during pregnancy / Cambios histopatológicos en dientes incisivos de crías neonatos de ratas hembras bajo suministro de cadmio durante la preñez

Cadmium Chloride is a well known teratogen compared to other metals. Cadmium affects placental function, may cross the placental barrier and modify fetal development. In this study, 12 female Wistar albino rats weighted between 180-200gr were used. They were divided into two groups as experimental and control groups each comprising 6 female animals. 2mg/kg/day cadmium chloride dissolved in 1ml isotonic solution were intravenously injected from tail vein of experimental rats during 17-21 days of pregnancy. At first day of birth, the total body weights of control and experimental newborn pups were taken. This study aims to evaluate morphologically the effects of cadmium chloride on the incisive teeth development of pups born to the cadmium-applied female rats during pregnancy.

Cloruro de cadmio es un teratógeno conocido en comparación con otros metales. El cadmio afecta la función placentaria, pudiendo atravesar la barrera placentaria y modificar el desarrollo del feto. Fueron utilizadas 12 ratas hembras Wistar albinas, entre 180-200g de peso. Se dividieron en dos grupos de seis hembras cada uno, grupo experimental y control. Se inyectó, a través de una vena de la cola de las ratas del grupo experimental por vía endovenosa 2mg/kg/día de cloruro de cadmio disuelto en 1 ml de solución isotónica, durante 17-21 días de gestación. Al primer día de nacimiento, se pesaron las crías de los grupos control y experimental. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar morfológicamente los efectos del cadmio sobre el desarrollo de los dientes incisivos de crías recién nacidas de ratas hembras a quienes se les inyectó cadmio durante la preñez.

Prevalence and factors affecting the use of tobacco, alcohol and addictive substance among university students in eastern Turkey.

This study investigated the prevalence and factors affecting the use of cigarettes, alcohol and addictive substances among university students in Eastern Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2258 students at Firat University in the city of Elazig, eastern Turkey. The subjects were students, randomly selected from each department of the university. A questionnaire was administered to the students under direct observation. The mean age of the participants was 21.36 +/- 2.93 years. Twenty-nine point three percent of the students smoked and 26.9% used alcohol. Six point six percent declared they had used an addictive substance other than cigarettes or alcohol at least once during their lifetime. Students who smoked had a higher monthly family income and allowance than nonsmokers (p < 0.05). Smoking was more prevalent among students whose fathers, siblings or close friends also smoked (p < 0.05). The use of alcohol was higher among students whose close friends used alcohol (p < 0.05). Six point three percent of participants stated they knew classmates who used addictive substances other than cigarettes or alcohol, and 12.4% declared they knew friends outside the classroom who used addictive drugs. At Firat University a large proportion of students reported using alcohol or smoking. Access to addictive drugs was also prevalent. Educational programs oriented towards young people must be prioritized in order to raise awareness regarding substance use.

Effect of nasolacrimal duct obstruction on nasal mucociliary transport.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction have dry, crusty nasal mucosa. Mucociliary clearance is modulated by the amount and biochemical composition of nasal mucus. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction disturbs the drainage of tears into the nasal cavity. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of nasolacrimal duct obstruction on the mucociliary transport of nasal mucosa, by comparing saccharine test results for epiphora patients versus healthy volunteers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, clinical trial. METHODS: Eight patients with bilateral epiphora and 10 patients with unilateral epiphora were included in the study group. Complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction was demonstrated by studying irrigation of the nasolacrimal system, and by fluorescein dye study. The control group comprised 20 healthy volunteers. Mucociliary transport was assessed by the saccharine test in both the study and control groups. The saccharine transit times of 26 impaired nasal cavities were compared with those of 20 healthy nasal cavities of controls. Also, the saccharine transit times of the healthy nasal cavities of the 10 patients with unilateral epiphora were compared with those of their diseased sides, and also with those of healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The saccharine transit times of the epiphora patients were statistically significantly greater than those of the control group. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in saccharine transit times, comparing the healthy and impaired nasal cavities of patients with unilateral epiphora. CONCLUSION: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction has a negative effect on nasal mucociliary clearance. This may be related to changes in the amount and biochemical composition of nasal mucus.

Comparison of the severity of traumatic brain injuries in pedestrians and occupants of motor vehicles admitted to Firat health center: a five-year series in an Eastern Turkish city.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death of people in motor vehicle (MV) accidents, which have been increasing in number in developing countries. A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate all cases admitted to the emergency department of the authors' institution with suspected injury after involvement in a MV-related accident between January 2000 and January 2005. MATERIAL/METHODS: During the study period a total of 2014 cases were admitted: 1258 were occupants of motor vehicles and 756 were pedestrians. Cases with traumatic brain injury were evaluated with respect to gender, age, Glasgow Coma Scales (GCS), and death. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-two of the cases (386 male, 146 female, mean age: 26.8+/-20.3 years) involved in MV accidents experienced traumatic brain injuries, of which 299 were MV occupants and 233 were pedestrians. The pediatric (< or =16 years: 65.4%) and elderly (> or =65 years: 64.7%) groups were frequently involved as pedestrians in MV accidents; adults 17-64 years of age were involved as pedestrians at a lower rate (25.4%, p<0.001). The GCS values of the pedestrian victims were significantly lower than those of the MV occupants on admission (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that improvements in car safety have reduced life-threatening conditions for occupants of motor vehicles, but this does not include pedestrian safety. There is great need for practical strategies to reduce or prevent MV accident-related injuries among pedestrians, especially for the pediatric and elderly groups who are most exposed to these injuries.

Identification of the risk factors for osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different durations of menopause at the time of bone mineral density (BMD) measurement and of different age at menopause intervals on the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among untreated postmenopausal women. We also assessed related factors leading to low BMD. METHODS: A total of 2769 postmenopausal women who had not taken any anti-osteoporosis treatment and/or hormone replacement therapy were divided into three groups according to duration of menopause at the time of BMD measurement. The women were also evaluated in four different age groups according to their age at menopause onset. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine related factors leading to low BMD. Investigated parameters include demographic characteristics, plasma glucose, lipids, and lipoproteins. RESULTS: According to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, among 2769 patients, 449 (16.2%) were identified as having osteoporosis, 1085 (39.2%) as having osteopenia, and 1235 (44.6%) as having normal BMD. Osteoporosis was determined in 10.6% and 16.2% of women with menopause duration of 0-3 years and 4-7 years, respectively, whereas this rate was 31.9% in women with menopause duration of over 7 years (p = 0.001). The percentages for osteopenia remained constant among the three different menopause durations (0-3 years: 37.2%, 4-7 years: 42.1%, and >7 years: 40.9%). Thirty percent of women with age at onset of <40 years were osteoporotic. However, the percentages of women with osteoporosis among the other age groups were similar (40-46 years: 18.3%, 47-52 years: 14.1%, and >52 years: 15.4%). The percentages for osteopenia remained relatively constant among the four age groups (36.7, 40, 39.1 and 39%). According to the multinomial logistic regression analysis, duration of menopause at the time of BMD test and parity were positively correlated with both osteoporosis and osteopenia, while glucose level was negatively correlated with both osteoporosis and osteopenia. Age at menopause was negatively correlated only for osteoporosis. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) level may be accepted as a clinically significant factor for osteopenia (OR: 1.01; CI(95%): 1.00-1.02). No differences were determined in the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in women with menopause duration of >7 years when evaluated according to the four menopause age groups as described before (p = 0.74). Contribution to the regression model was 0.8% by age at menopause, 5.6% by menopause duration at time of BMD measurement, 5.8% by both factors. CONCLUSION: According to our results, osteoporosis is related more to the duration of menopause at the time of BMD measurement rather than the age at menopause among untreated postmenopausal women. High parity was determined as another risk factor for low BMD.

"Chromohysteroscopy" for evaluation of endometrium in recurrent miscarriage.

PURPOSE: "Chromoendoscopy" results in 34 recurrent miscarriage (MR) patients in whom conventional hysteroscopy did not show any apparent endometrial pathology. METHOD: 5 ml of 1% methylene blue dye was introduced through the hysteroscopic inlet. RESULTS: The study group was classified according to the staining characteristics. Group I included 19 patients in whom focal dark staining was observed. Group II included 15 patients in whom diffuse light blue staining was observed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, smoking, status, BMI, number of miscarriages and in mean gestational age of the miscarriages. Time to hysteroscopy after the last miscarriage was shorter in Group I (63.9 vs 95.3 days). Then, the study group was classified according to the histopathology result. Group I included ten cases of endometritis while Group II included 24 cases with a normal histopathology. The mean number of miscarriages was higher in Group I (3.4 vs 2.5). CONCLUSION: Chromohysteroscopy improves the efficacy of hysteroscopy in RM cases and is warranted after three miscarriages in two cycles time.

Experience of workplace violence during medical speciality training in Turkey.

AIMS: To determine the type, extent and effects of workplace violence among residents during postgraduate speciality training in various departments of medical schools in Turkey. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven medical schools representing all geographical regions of Turkey. All physicians in speciality training in the selected medical schools were asked to complete a semi-structured 'violence questionnaire' addressing the type (emotional, physical and sexual) and extent of violence experienced, the perpetrators of the violence and the victim's reactions to the experience. RESULTS: A total of 1712 residents out of 2442 completed the questionnaire. In all, 68% indicated they had experienced some form of workplace violence, 67% had experienced verbal violence, 16% had experienced physical violence and 3% had experienced sexual violence. The victims' most prevalent reactions to violence included being deeply disturbed but feeling they had to cope with it for the sake of their career (39%), being distressed (26%) but considering that such events are common in all occupations and discounting it and being confused and bewildered and unsure how to respond (19%). The most frequently named perpetrators of verbal violence were relatives/friends of patients (36%) and academic staff (36%), followed by other residents/senior residents (21%), patients (20%), heads of department (13%) and non-medical hospital staff (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians in speciality training in medical schools in Turkey are subject to significant verbal, physical or sexual violence. Precautions to prevent such exposure are urgently needed.

Can "chromohysteroscopy" help target endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal bleeding?

A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the value of endometrial dying during diagnostic hysteroscopy. Twenty-two postmenopausal bleeding cases without hysteroscopic findings were included in the study. Before the random endometrial biopsy 5 ml of methylene blue (1%) was instilled into the uterine cavity. Staining was observed in 19 of the cases. Tissues were obtained from both stained and non-stained areas with grasping forceps. "Chromohysteroscopy" led the diagnosis of three more endometrial pathologies; two more cases of endometritis and one more case of endometrial hyperplasia. In conclusion, chromohysteroscopy seems like a new avenue worth pursuing for better diagnoses of unexplained endometrial pathologies.

A survey of rate of victimization and attitudes towards physical violence among school-aged children in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Violence of any type is a serious issue in the lives of many children from all racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, and is a topic of enormous societal concern in any society. The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of exposure to violence as victims, and attitudes towards physical violence among school-aged children in eastern Turkey. METHODS: All the basic education schools in Elazig, a typical eastern Anatolian city, were included. A total of 3725 fifth and sixth graders were asked to answer survey questions about the rate of physical violence exposure in their everyday lives and whether they thought the violence was an 'acceptable' behaviour. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 12.8 years with 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls, and their socio-economic status ranged from low-income to upper middle class. Seventy-four per cent of school-aged children reported exposure to at least one case of physical violence in their lives, and 43.4% reported experiencing physical violence within previous 12 months. Higher rates of exposure to physical violence were reported by boys than girls (P = 0.0001). Of the victims, 33.8% regarded physical violence as an acceptable or inevitable way of solution or responding to life events. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the self-report of the receiving end of violent behaviours indicate that physical violent victimization is at an alarmingly high rate among children of eastern Turkey, and a significant per cent of these victims approves violence as a way of solution.

Prevalence and consultation behavior of self-reported rectal bleeding by face-to-face interview in an Asian community.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although rectal bleeding is a common gastrointestinal symptom, there are very few community-based studies, and all of these studies were conducted in the West. So far the epidemiologic characteristics of rectal bleeding have not been defined in an Asian country. We aimed to characterize self-reported rectal bleeding and its association with functional bowel disorders in Turkey. Factors affecting healthcare-seeking behavior were reviewed as well. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, 760 subjects were chosen randomly. Questionnaires were completed by nurses during face-to-face interviews with each participant. RESULTS: Of the 707 (93%) subjects included in this study, 9.5% had functional dyspepsia, 8.6% had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), 24.5% had functional constipation, and 13.8% had functional abdominal bloating. The prevalence of rectal bleeding in the previous year was 14.7%. The recent onset of rectal bleeding was 2.7%. Rectal bleeding was more common among subjects younger than 45 years. Subjects who had functional constipation or constipation-dominant IBS reported rectal bleeding more frequently than others. The rate of consultation was only 41.3% among the subjects with rectal bleeding. Subjects aged > or =45 years and who had marked bleeding or bleeding more than twice a day or fear of cancer sought healthcare more frequently than others. CONCLUSION: Rectal bleeding is as common a symptom in Turkey as in Western countries. Advanced age and fear of cancer were independent predictors of consultation behavior in this group.