Effect of Breathing Exercise During Peripheral Venous Catheterization on Pain, Anxiety, and Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to determine the effect of a breathing exercise during peripheral venous cathetererization on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction. DESIGN: Randomized Controlled Study. METHODS: The study was completed with a total of 130 individuals. Individuals in the intervention group performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises during catheterization. FINDINGS: The mean pain, anxiety, and satisfaction scores of the individuals in the intervention group were 0.29 ± 0.70, 3.18 ± 2.29, and 7.66 ± 2.20, respectively. In the control group, the mean pain score was 1.30 ± 1.47, the anxiety score was 4.35 ± 2.42, and the satisfaction score was 4.87 ± 1.63. The pain and anxiety levels of the individuals in the intervention group were lower and the satisfaction scores were higher than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Breathing exercises reduced individuals' pain and anxiety levels and increased individuals' satisfaction. In addition, it reduced the application time, pulse rate, and blood pressure.

Deployment of dentists in COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing: An example from Turkey.

Aim: In Turkey, dentists working in public dental care centers were deployed in COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) teams during the pandemic. This study aims to explore the experiences of the dentists assigned to teams undertaking COVID-19 CICT practices to determine how healthcare workers should be supported when working in pandemic response and other crises. Material and method: The sample of this qualitative, phenomenological study consisted of thirty four public dentists assigned to COVID-19 CICT practices in four metropolitan areas of Turkey. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews that were conducted online in August and September 2020. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Six themes were revealed: preparation for CICT, basic requirements, work relations, working conditions, being a dentist assigned to CICT and COVID-19 pandemic management. The dentists complained that they were not appropriately assigned to CICT, as they lacked the preparations and sufficient training. They had to acquire personal protective equipment and other basic needs at their own expense. The working conditions were severe, and they had negative relations at work. The State and the Ministry of Health were criticized for inadequate implementation of institutional measures for COVID-19 pandemic management. Conclusions: The study showed that dentists were motivated to participate in the management of pandemics and similar crisis situations, but in a negative work environment - where they were deployed without adequate training, preparation, and ensuring their basic needs and requirements were met - they lost this motivation, and experienced stress and feelings of inadequacy.

Evaluation of choroidal vascularity index in systemic sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the comparison of choroidal vascularity index (CVI) between patients with systemic sclerosis and healthy individuals. METHODS: This study was designed prospective non-randomized cross-sectional study. Eighty-six eyes (43 patients) with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), 60 eyes (30 patients) with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and 60 eyes (30 subjects) of age-and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited. Subfoveal choroidal thickness, CVI and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) were evaluated. Enhanced depth imaging- optical coherence tomography scans were binarized using Niblack's autolocal threshold and CVI was determined as the luminal choroidal area/total choroidal area ratio. RESULTS: The mean CCT values were 268.00±68.59 µm, 286.90±70.88 µm, 321.73±94.13 µm in lcSSc group, dcSSc group and control group, respectively. The mean CVI was 61.84±2.84% in lcSSc group, 54.62±5.84% in dcSSc group and 62.41±4.13% in control group (p=0.001). The mean CVI of the SSc patients was 58.91±5.58 and there was significant difference between control group (p<0.001). The mean mRSS was 3.84±2.50 in lcSSc group and 14.07±6.81 in dcSSc group (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between mRSS and CVI (r=-0.448, p<0.001) CONCLUSION: Choroidal vascularity index provides valuable information to monitor the disease progression and lower CVI values seem to be related to the disease severity in patients with systemic sclerosis.

The feasibility of anthropometric measurements for evaluation of abdominal obesity in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study / La viabilidad de las mediciones antropométricas para la evaluación de la obesidad abdominal en pacientes con enfermedad renal poliquística autosómica dominante: un estudio transversal

Introduction: total kidney volume (TKV) increases in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which perturbs anthropometric measurements. Objectives: the primary objectives were to investigate the accuracy of waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) for determining abdominal obesity in patients with ADPKD by comparison with magnetic resonance images. The secondary objectives were to investigate the associations of energy/macronutrient intake with WC and WHR. Methods: sixty patients with ADPKD were recruited from a nephrology outpatient clinic in this cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures were: TKV, total subcutaneous fat (TSF), total intraperitoneal fat (TIF), WC, WHR, body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness (SFT), and energy/macronutrient intake. Results: mean age was 48.6 ± 11.3 years, 38 of 60 were women, median TKV was 1486 (IQR, 981-2847) mL. The patients classed as obese by the BMI had higher WC, TSF, TIF, and SFT than did non-obese; however, WHR was similar in obese and non-obese men. In the all-patients group, the WHR of obese and non-obese patients were also similar. TKV was positively correlated with WC and WHR in women, but not in men. In the multivariate analysis, TKV was an independent factor affecting WC and WHR in women. Dietary fat intake was similar in groups with and without abdominal obesity according to WC and WHR. Conclusions: in women with ADPKD, WC and WHR may not be accurate anthropometric measurements for evaluation of abdominal obesity; however, they may be associated with TKV (AU)

Introducción: el volumen total del riñón (TKV) crece en los pacientes con enfermedad poliquística autosómica dominante del riñón (ADPKD), la cual perturba las mediciones antropométricas. Objetivos: los principales objetivos eran investigar la precisión de la circunferencia de la cintura (WC) y del cociente cintura-cadera (WHR) para determinar la obesidad abdominal en pacientes con ADPKD en comparación con imágenes de resonancia magnética. Los objetivos secundarios eran investigar las asociaciones entre consumo de energia/macronutrientes y WC y WHR. Métodos: sesenta pacientes con ADPKD fueron reclutados por una clínica ambulatoria de nefrología en este estudio transversal. Las medidas resultantes principales fueron: TKV, grasa subcutánea total (TSF), grasa intraperitoneal total (TIF), WC, WHR, índice de masa corporal (BMI), espesor del pliegue cutáneo (SFT) y consumo de energía/macronutrientes. Resultados: la edad media era de 48,6 ± 11,3 años, 38 de 60 eran mujeres, la media de TKV era 1486 (IQR: 981-2847) mL. Los pacientes clasificados como obesos por el BMI tenían niveles más altos de WC, TSF, TIF and SFT que los no obesos; sin embargo, el WHR era similar en los hombres obesos y no obesos. En el grupo de todos los pacientes, el WHR de obesos y no obesos era también similar. El TKV se correlacionó positivamente con la WC y el WHR en las mujeres pero no en los hombres. En el análisis multivariado, el TKV era un factor independiente que afectaba a la WC y el WHR en las mujeres. La ingesta de grasas en la dieta era similar en los grupos con y sin obesidad abdominal de acuerdo con la WC y el WHR. Conclusiones: en las mujeres con ADPKD, la WC y el WHR quizá no son las medidas antropométricas más apropiadas para evaluar la obesidad abdominal; sin embargo, quizá esté relacionada con el TKV (AU)

The feasibility of anthropometric measurements for evaluation of abdominal obesity in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Introduction: total kidney volume (TKV) increases in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which perturbs anthropometric measurements. Objectives: the primary objectives were to investigate the accuracy of waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) for determining abdominal obesity in patients with ADPKD by comparison with magnetic resonance images. The secondary objectives were to investigate the associations of energy/macronutrient intake with WC and WHR. Methods: sixty patients with ADPKD were recruited from a nephrology outpatient clinic in this cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures were: TKV, total subcutaneous fat (TSF), total intraperitoneal fat (TIF), WC, WHR, body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness (SFT), and energy/macronutrient intake. Results: mean age was 48.6 ± 11.3 years, 38 of 60 were women, median TKV was 1486 (IQR, 981-2847) mL. The patients classed as obese by the BMI had higher WC, TSF, TIF, and SFT than did non-obese; however, WHR was similar in obese and non-obese men. In the all-patients group, the WHR of obese and non-obese patients were also similar. TKV was positively correlated with WC and WHR in women, but not in men. In the multivariate analysis, TKV was an independent factor affecting WC and WHR in women. Dietary fat intake was similar in groups with and without abdominal obesity according to WC and WHR. Conclusions: in women with ADPKD, WC and WHR may not be accurate anthropometric measurements for evaluation of abdominal obesity; however, they may be associated with TKV.

Introducción: Introducción: el volumen total del riñón (TKV) crece en los pacientes con enfermedad poliquística autosómica dominante del riñón (ADPKD), la cual perturba las mediciones antropométricas. Objetivos: los principales objetivos eran investigar la precisión de la circunferencia de la cintura (WC) y del cociente cintura-cadera (WHR) para determinar la obesidad abdominal en pacientes con ADPKD en comparación con imágenes de resonancia magnética. Los objetivos secundarios eran investigar las asociaciones entre consumo de energia/macronutrientes y WC y WHR. Métodos: sesenta pacientes con ADPKD fueron reclutados por una clínica ambulatoria de nefrología en este estudio transversal. Las medidas resultantes principales fueron: TKV, grasa subcutánea total (TSF), grasa intraperitoneal total (TIF), WC, WHR, índice de masa corporal (BMI), espesor del pliegue cutáneo (SFT) y consumo de energía/macronutrientes. Resultados: la edad media era de 48,6 ± 11,3 años, 38 de 60 eran mujeres, la media de TKV era 1486 (IQR: 981-2847) mL. Los pacientes clasificados como obesos por el BMI tenían niveles más altos de WC, TSF, TIF and SFT que los no obesos; sin embargo, el WHR era similar en los hombres obesos y no obesos. En el grupo de todos los pacientes, el WHR de obesos y no obesos era también similar. El TKV se correlacionó positivamente con la WC y el WHR en las mujeres pero no en los hombres. En el análisis multivariado, el TKV era un factor independiente que afectaba a la WC y el WHR en las mujeres. La ingesta de grasas en la dieta era similar en los grupos con y sin obesidad abdominal de acuerdo con la WC y el WHR. Conclusiones: en las mujeres con ADPKD, la WC y el WHR quizá no son las medidas antropométricas más apropiadas para evaluar la obesidad abdominal; sin embargo, quizá esté relacionada con el TKV.

Does weight loss affect the parameters that are metabolically related to cardiovascular diseases?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the differences in the parameters that are metabolically related to cardiovascular diseases after weight loss in obese people with coronary artery diseases (CADs). METHODS: This study was conducted on 184 patients who were diagnosed with CADs in Istanbul University Cardiology Institute Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. The levels of leptin, fibrinogen, homocysteine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and uric acid of the obese patients who were put on calorie restricted diet were evaluated retrospectively and compared before and after weight loss. For comparison, non-obese control patients were also studied. Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Levels of homocysteine, glycated hemoglobin, and leptin were significantly higher in the obese patients than in the non-obese patients. Diabetic obese patients with CADs lost (11.1%) and non-diabetic obese patients with CADs lost (10.5%) of their body weight in 6 months. The levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, and fibrinogen were significantly improved in both groups. Conclusion: The obese patients lost weight after being on calorie-restricted diets and showed significant improvement in the levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, fibrinogen. There was no significant difference in the levels of homocysteine, hs-CRP, and leptin before and after weight loss in both diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients.

Incidence and outcomes of school-based injuries during four academic years in Kocaeli, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: School-based injuries are an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence as well as outcomes of school-based injuries at a public primary and secondary school. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 2956 students enrolled at a public primary and secondary school in the central district of Kocaeli province in Turkey from the academic year 2010-2011 to 2013-2014. The data were collected by intern public health nurses at school health units using a school-based injury form. RESULTS: The total incidence of school-based injuries during 4 academic years was 10.52% person-year. The majority of the injured students were aged 10-15 years (73.3%), and boys (65%). Around one-tenth of the injuries were serious, such as burn, fracture-dislocation and soft-tissue injuries. Outdoor injuries were more prevalent for girls while boys had more indoor injuries (50.5%, 53.0%, P > 0.05). The number of the incidence of ≥two injuries increased as the academic year progressed, and there was a weak positive association between the variables (P < 0.05, Cramer's V = 0.311). One out of six injuries were intentional, with the highest incidence in the 6-9 year age group (20.5%) and boys sex (19.8%; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: School-based injuries at primary and secondary school still challenge the health as well as the security of the students. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.

Outcomes of Planned Home Visits of Intern Public Health Nurses: An Example from Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating the outcomes of planned home visits of intern public health nurses enrolled to a school of health over 8 educational years. METHOD: The descriptive research consisted of 181 families (N = 745 individuals) who received primary services through the planned home visits undertaken by 431 intern public health nurses at Kocaeli province in Turkey. The data were collected from Family Nursing Process Records and Family Health Achievement Forms. Both of these data collection forms were classified according to North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) Taxonomy II. RESULTS: Intern public health nurses provided primary health services to 181 families (N = 745 persons) with a total of 8771 planned home visits undertaken over 802 days and 14.874 student/practice days. A total of 1539 nursing diagnoses were identified and 1677 achievements about these diagnoses were reported. Nursing diagnosis per family and per individual turned out to be 8.50 and 2.1, respectively, and achievements were 9.3 per family and 2.3 per individual. Among the nursing diagnosis domains, health promotion (20.3%), safety/protection (16.8%), and activity/rest (16.0%) were the top 3 domains identified. The most common diagnoses turned out to be ineffective health maintenance (47.4%) in health promotion domain and risk for trauma (18.2%) in safety/protection domain. The achievements were reported most in health promotion (37.9%), activity/rest (17.6%), and safety/protection (9.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Planned and continuous home visits by intern public health nurses resulted in positive health achievements in families, especially for women and children.

[The Prevalence and Management of Pediculosis Capitis in Turkey: A Systematic Review]. / Türkiye'de Pedikulozis Kapitis Prevalansi ve Yönetimi: Sistematik Derleme.

This study aimed to examine scientific articles performed in Turkey on the prevalence and management of PK (diagnosis, contagion, prevention, treatment) from a critical perspective. The population of the systematic review consisted of total 63 published and unpublished theses or dissertations and peer-reviewed articles published in Turkish or English in national or foreign scientific journals from studies performed in Turkey between 1982 and 2012 years. It reached 578,938 people in 63 studies. Seventy-eight percent of the studies were related to the prevalence of PK and/or associated factors. The number of the studies was limited regarding diagnosis, prevention, contagion, treatment compliance, difficulties and causes of failure. Of the studies, 90.5% had been performed in public schools, almost exclusively elementary schools. The prevalence of PK was 0.3-34.1%, 0-35.4%, and it was 0.3-34.1% in elementary school children. It increased with years of education. It was double that of the boys in the girls (p<0.05). The prevalence among the subjects with low economic status were 1.9-42.3%, and it increased with worsening economic status (p<0.05). The prevalence reached up to 44.1% among children with illiterate mother. Basic recommendations include increasing the number of studies on the diagnosis, prevention, contagion, treatment compliance and efficacy, treatment failures and difficulties; public health workers also should prioritize investigation of head lice infestation.

Opposition to organ donation and transplant by midwifery, nursing, and social work students.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the individual and social factors of students enrolled in undergraduate programs of midwifery, nursing, and social work, regarding their negative attitudes on organ donation and transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was descriptive research, consisting of 29 first- and second-year students from the departments of midwifery, nursing, and social work at the Kocaeli School of Health, Kocaeli University, in Kocaeli, Turkey, who expressed that they were opposed to organ donation and transplant. Data were collected in June 2012 during focus group discussions with a semistructured questionnaire and analyzed by thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Regarding negative attitudes toward organ donation and transplant, 7 themes were identified: fear, lack of knowledge, religious belief, loss of bodily integrity, the degree of recipient relationship, the decision 's effect on the family, and fulfilment of certain criteria for a recipient. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the most important determinants of students' negative attitudes regarding organ donation and transplant are fear, lack of knowledge, and religious beliefs. Adding courses to the undergraduate curricula of midwifery, nursing, and social work programs about organ donation and transplant would increase these students ' knowledge.

Difficulties experienced by families following unsuccessful treatment of Pediculosis capitis: the mothers' perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the psychological and social difficulties faced by primary school children and their families, particularly from the mothers' perspective, when treatment for Pediculosis capitis fails. METHODS: This descriptive study comprised 14 mothers of 19 children in the primary school in Kocaeli. The children and families were infested with lice and nits and were unsuccessfully treated with pediculicides. Data were collected by a semi-structured questionnaire with in-depth individual interviews with a qualitative approach from mothers. RESULTS: Seven social difficulties were experienced by children and families during treatment from the mothers' perspective, lack of support from other family members; children's exposure to verbal and physical violence; exclusion from the school and society due to stigma; children's refusal to be treated; difficulties in the physical removal of the nits; inability to pay for the pediculicide; and inappropriate physical conditions of the house. Eight psychological difficulties were experienced by children and their families: worry, upheaval, embarrassment/shame, guilt, being overwhelmed, disgust, scorn and despair. CONCLUSION: Parents and children, whose treatment for Pediculosis capitis failed, experienced many psychological and social difficulties. Further studies should be conducted to determine the relation to pediculosis management and their difficulties of chidren and families from different socio-economic levels.

The prevalence of hopelessness among adults: disability and other related factors.

BACKGROUND: Hopelessness has become an important issue in the fields of health and social care. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hopelessness and its association with the current health condition, disability, and other socio-demographic characteristics. METHOD: The cross-sectional study sampled a population of 501 adults in Bolu, Turkey. Questionnaires included the Household Questionnaire, the Health Condition Questionnaire, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Brief Disability Questionnaire. Data were collected through face-to-face home interviews between September 29 and October 11, 2003. RESULTS: The prevalence of hopelessness was 30.9%. It was higher among the literate (60.0%) (p < 0.05), males (35.0%) (p > 0.05), and agricultural workers and peasants (50.0%, 41.9%) (p < 0.05). Almost half of the participants were disabled, and 44.6% of the subjects with disabilities were hopeless (p < 0.05). Being without hope was statistically significant with gender, social class, perceived health, and disability (p < 0.05). The risk of hopelessness increased in subjects with perceived bad health, lowered social class, and disability, compared with the reference groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, hopelessness prevalence was high and it was also associated with the current state of health, perceived health, disability, and some socio-demographic variables. It will be important to increase the number of studies related to hopelessness and associated factors for improved mental health services planning at population level.

Use of analgesics in adults with pain complaints: prevalence and associated factors, Turkey / Uso de analgésicos por adultos com queixas de dor: prevalência e fatores associados, Turquia / Uso de analgésicos em adultos que padecen dolores: prevalência y factores asociados, Turquia

OBJECTIVE: Use of analgesics has been increasingly recognized as a major public health issue with important consequences in Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of analgesics usage and associated factors in adults with pain complaints. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 cities selected from five demographic regions in Turkey. The study sample population comprised 1.909 adults 18-65 age groups suffering from pain. The sampling method was multi-step stratified weighted quota-adjusted sampling. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured survey questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. Odds ratios were produced by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of analgesic use was 73.1 percent, and it was higher in females (75.7 percent; p<0.05), in subjects 45-54 years (81.4 percent; p<0.05), in subjects in rural areas (74.6 percent; p<0.05), in subjects in northern region (84.3 percent; p<0.05), in illiterate subjects (79.1 percent; p>0.05), and in subjects of lower socioeconomic status (74.1 percent; p>0.05). One in ten of the participants used non-prescription analgesics. Non-prescription analgesics were more prevalent among the 55-65 age groups (18.1 percent; p<0.05), among female (11.6 percent; p>0.05), among the urban population (10.7 percent; p>0.05), and in subjects of lower middle socioeconomic status (13.2 percent; p<0.05). Logistic regression showed statistically significant ORs only for age groups, duration of education, socioeconomic status, and demographic regions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the prevalence of analgesic use and prescription analgesic use is high in Turkey, and their use is related to sociodemographic characteristics.

OBJETIVO: O uso de analgésicos tem sido amplamente reconhecido com um grande problema de saúde pública com importantes conseqüências na Turquia. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a prevalência e os padrões de uso de analgésicos por adultos e os fatores associados às queixas de dores. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal conduzido em 15 cidades selecionadas de cinco regiões demográficas da Turquia. A amostra estudada incluiu grupos etários de 1.909 adultos (18-65 anos) que sofrem de dores. O método de amostragem seguiu estratificação com pesos ajustados para cada estrato amostrado. Os dados foram coletados em entrevistas face-a-face, usando um questionário de levantamento semi-estruturado, composto por 28 questões. Foram calculados os odds raios por meio de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de uso de analgésicos foi de 73,1 por cento, sendo significativamente (p<0,05) maior em mulheres (75,7 por cento; p<0,05), em sujeitos de 45-54 anos (81,4 por cento; p<0,05), naqueles residentes em área rural (74,6 por cento; p<0,05), na região norte (84,3 por cento; p<0.05), em analfabetos (79,1 por cento; p>0,05), e em sujeitos de status socioeconômico mais baixo (74,1 por cento; p>0,05). Um em cada dez participantes usou analgésico sem prescrição médica. A não-prescrição foi mais prevalente entre sujeitos do grupo etário 55-65 (18,1 por cento; p<0,05), entre mulheres (11,6 por cento; p>0,05), entre a população urbana (10,7 por cento; p>0,05), e em sujeitos de classe econômica média-baixa (13,2 por cento; p<0,05). A regressão logística mostrou OR significantes apenas para grupos etários, anos de estudo, status socioeconômico e região demográfica (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostraram que a prevalência de uso de analgésico e sua prescrição de uso são altas na Turquia, e esses usos são relacionados a características sociodemográficas.

OBJETIVO: El uso de analgésicos ha sido reconocido como el mayor problema de salud pública con importantes consecuencias en Turquía. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia y patrones de uso de analgésicos y factores asociados en adultos que padecen de dolores. MÉTODOS: Se condujo un estudio transversal en 15 ciudades seleccionadas de cinco regiones demográficas en Turquía. La muestra poblacional comprendió 1.909 adultos agrupados en edades entre 18-65 años que sufrían de dolor. Se realizó un muestreo multi-etapa estratificado ajustado. Los datos fueron colectados en entrevistas cara a cara usando un cuestionario semi-estructurado que consistía de 28 preguntas. Los Odds ratio fueron obtenidos por análisis de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia en el uso de analgésicos fue de 73,1 por ciento y fue superior en mujeres (75,7 por ciento; p<0,05), en individuos con edades entre 45-54 años (81,4 por ciento; p<0,05), en individuos de áreas rurales (74,6 por ciento; p<0,05), en individuos de la región norte (84,3 por ciento; p<0,05), en analfabetas (79,1 por ciento; p<0,05) y en individuos de clase social baja (74,1 por ciento; p<0,05). Uno de cada diez de los participantes usa analgésicos sin prescripción médica. La no prescripción médica fue más prevalente en los grupos entre 55-65 años (18,1 por ciento; p<0,05), entre mujeres (11,6 por ciento; p<0,05), entre la población urbana (10,7 por ciento; p<0,05) y en individuos de clase media y baja (13,2 por ciento; p<0,05). La regresión logística mostró ORs significativos estadísticamente sólo para grupos etarios, duración de la educación, status socioeconómico, y regiones demográficas (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados mostraron que la prevalencia del uso de analgésico y prescripción para el uso de analgésicos es alta en Turquía, y su uso esta relacionado con características sociodemográficas.

Use of analgesics in adults with pain complaints: prevalence and associated factors, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Use of analgesics has been increasingly recognized as a major public health issue with important consequences in Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of analgesics usage and associated factors in adults with pain complaints. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 cities selected from five demographic regions in Turkey. The study sample population comprised 1.909 adults 18-65 age groups suffering from pain. The sampling method was multi-step stratified weighted quota-adjusted sampling. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured survey questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. Odds ratios were produced by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of analgesic use was 73.1%, and it was higher in females (75.7%; p<0.05), in subjects 45-54 years (81.4%; p<0.05), in subjects in rural areas (74.6%; p<0.05), in subjects in northern region (84.3%; p<0.05), in illiterate subjects (79.1%; p>0.05), and in subjects of lower socioeconomic status (74.1%; p>0.05). One in ten of the participants used non-prescription analgesics. Non-prescription analgesics were more prevalent among the 55-65 age groups (18.1%; p<0.05), among female (11.6%; p>0.05), among the urban population (10.7%; p>0.05), and in subjects of lower middle socioeconomic status (13.2%; p<0.05). Logistic regression showed statistically significant ORs only for age groups, duration of education, socioeconomic status, and demographic regions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the prevalence of analgesic use and prescription analgesic use is high in Turkey, and their use is related to sociodemographic characteristics.

Hickman Catheter-Related Bacteremia with Kluyvera cryocrescens: a Case Report.

This report describes a 2-year-old child with neuroectodermal tumor presenting with febrile neutropenia. Blood cultures drawn from the peripheral vein and Hickman catheter revealed Kluyvera cryocrescens growth. The Hickman catheter was removed and the patient was successfully treated with cefepime and amikacin. Isolation of Kluyvera spp. from clinical specimens is rare. This saprophyte microorganism may cause serious central venous catheter infections, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Clinicians should be aware of its virulence and resistance to many antibiotics.

The prevalence of latex allergy among health care workers in Bolu (Turkey).

Allergic reactions to latex have become a significant public health problem, particularly among health care workers (HCWs). The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of latex allergy and risk factors for latex sensitization among HCWs in Bolu in Turkey. The prevalence of latex allergy or hypersensitivity among HCWs was 19.1%. HCWs with atopic disease, contact dermatitis, and increased glove use were at increased risk of sensitization. Increased awareness of the problem by HCWs is important to identify those at risk.

Incidence and causes of home accidents at Ankara Cigiltepe apartments in Turkey.

This is a 3-month prospective study aimed at determining the incidence and causes of home accidents in an Ankara military staff resident with 637 households. The study also determined risk factors in the home environment and the families' need of health education. Of all families, 1.5% were exposed to home accidents and the incidence of home accidents was found to be 0.104/person/years. Among the accidents, falls were most common at 44%, whereas cuts constituted 22% and burns 19%. About one quarter of the interventions made by mothers for epistaxis and poisoning (by gasoline, acetone and bleach) were found to aggravate the problems, whereas three quarters of the adults came up with practicable solutions. Well-educated mothers acted better than mothers with less schooling.