Relationship between quality of life and characteristics of patients hospitalised with tuberculosis.

SETTING: Atatürk Lung Diseases and Chest Surgery Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships between differences in socio-demographic and family characteristics and changes that occur within the family and social environment in hospitalised patients with tuberculosis (TB) and levels of quality of life (QOL). DESIGN: TB in-patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and a QOL instrument. RESULTS: Findings indicated that the patients had a lower QOL level, and that those with low levels of education, no social insurance coverage and insufficient housing conditions had lower QOL scores. Patients who experienced negative changes in family life and social environment had lower QOL levels. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis, changes in family life and social milieu, the illness process and beliefs about the illness have diverse affects on the QOL of TB patients.

Surgeons' attitudes toward HIV/AIDS in Turkey.

Currently HIV/AIDS is one of the most difficult challenges for health care professionals. As primary medical care providers, attitudes of the physicians towards HIV/AIDS are of utmost significance. The aim of this research is to determine the attitudes of the surgeons towards HIV/AIDS in their working environment. Data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire given to 128 surgeons. Results revealed that gender, age and professional experience are not significant. This study demonstrated that doctors are worried about contracting HIV/AIDS from the patients. In some circumstances doctors' attitudes, are not clear which may lead to some ethical problems. It is concluded that doctors overestimate the risks and they need special education about HIV/AIDS, as well as professional help to handle their attitudes toward HIV/AIDS.