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.

The prevalence of obesity and related factors among primary and secondary school students.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity was previously seen as a problem in high-income countries. It is also a problem in low and middle-income countries today. The sedentary lifestyle has made this situation more pronounced. Childhood obesity continues in adulthood. Adequate and balanced nutrition and mobile lifestyle have a great role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity among primary and secondary school students and related factors. METHODS: The sample size was calculated as 1278 (213 × 6) for the gender distribution to be appropriate and for the primary and secondary school students to be included in the district center and villages. Considering 15% of the students' non-response rate, the number of students planned to be reached is 1500. Selection was made after the students were ranked by class, gender and place of residence. Of the 1500 students who were sampled, 1298 (86.53%) were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no difference in body mass index between gender and place of residence. The prevalence of being overweight or obesity among secondary school students (25.2%) was significantly higher than primary school students (20.5%). CONCLUSION: In the childhood age group; sedentary lifestyle, having breakfast and obesity in parents had a significant effect on obesity. It is considered important for children and family members to have proper nutrition and mobile life behaviors.

Effect of the number of portal area on modified histological activity index of viral hepatitis and histological findings.

AIM: Viral hepatitis is one of the most important causes of chronic hepatitis. Liver biopsy is used to verify clinical diagnosis and to evaluate necroinflammation and fibrosis. Biopsy is the guide for therapy and can be performed also after treatment to assess the effect of therapy on liver. This paper aimed to explore histopathological characteristics of biopsy samples, which had been referred to our department with the clinical diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis, in reference to Ishak Modified Hepatic Activity Index (IMHAI), as well as to compare inflammatory scores and stages in the groups created according to the number of portal area (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 107 patients that underwent liver biopsy in 2011 being diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis. Age, gender and type of viral hepatitis were retrospectively reviewed and histological findings such as IMHAI inflammatory score and stage, hepatosteatosis and ground glass hepatocytes were re-assessed by two pathologists. RESULTS: Of the present cases, 97 had chronic hepatitis B, 5 had chronic hepatitis C, and 5 had chronic hepatitis BDThe group with PA number of 2-4 consisted of 8 cases and the group with PA number of 11 and over consisted of 37 cases. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis performed by comparing IMHAI inflammatory score and stage with PA revealed that score and stage were significantly higher in PA ≥ 11 groups as compared to PA 2-4 group.