The Effects of Nitrofurazone on Wound Healing in Thoracoabdominal Full-thickness Skin Defects.

INTRODUCTION: The use of topical antibiotics on wound healing has been a matter of debate for many years because of the effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effects of topical nitrofurazone, an antibacterial agent, on the healing of full-thickness skin defects created in a laboratory setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: group A (control group; n = 21) and group B (nitrofurazone group; n = 21). Circular full-thickness skin defects about 1 cm x 1 cm in size were formed in the left thoracoabdominal regions of all rats. Local physiological saline was applied to the wound once daily in the control group, and a thin layer of nitrofurazone cream was applied to the wound topically once daily in the nitrofurazone group. The defect sizes of all rats were photographed at baseline and days 3, 7, and 10 of the experiment, and wound size reduction was measured macroscopically on the computer to calculate the healing rates. A total of 7 rats from each group were euthanized on days 3, 7, and 10, and their defected regions were resected. The removed specimens were evaluated histopathologically and scored for inflammatory cells, collagen accumulation, granulation tissue formation, reepithelization, and features of the skin defect (eg, layers of the skin affected, size, whether it involves any abscess-necrosis). Statistical significance was set at P ⟨ .05. RESULTS: The healing rate had higher values in group B at days 7 and 10 of the experiment (P ⟨ .001). A comparison of the group scores showed that there were statistically significant differences in favor of group B. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to granulation tissue formation. CONCLUSIONS: Topically applied nitrofurazone produced positive effects accelerating the wound healing process.

Assessment of mothers' measures against home accidents for 0-6-year-old children.

AIM: Home accidents are one of the important public health problem, especially in childhood, because all can be avoided. We aimed to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers with a child aged 0-6 years in terms of the safety measures they have taken against home accidents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study was performed between July and December 2017 in the Trabzon, Kalkinma Family Health Center. Two hundred forty-four female volunteer mothers were included in the study. We evaluated the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and scores from the 'Scale for Identification by Mothers of the Safety Measures Taken by Mothers to Prevent Home Accidents in Children in the 0-6 Age Group.' RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 30.8±5.4 years. The frequency of home accidents was 42.6% (n=104). We found significant differences between the scale scores in terms of educational status and income levels (p=0.049, p=0.015). There was no significant correlation between the number of children and scale score (r=-0.067, p=0.299). There was a statistically significant difference between the total score of the scale and the person responsible for the care of the child at home (p=0.027). CONCLUSION: The childhood home accidents are important since they are preventable. The present study reveals the risk factors that may form a basis for the studies on preventing the childhood home accidents. In the scale used here, the score of participant determines the risk of home accident. The increase in the number of children in the house increases the risk of home accident.

Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis, Ischemia Modified Albumin, and Ferroxidase as Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Obesity with Insulin Resistance.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine oxidative stress-related plasma thiol/disulphide, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and ferroxidase activity among women with obesity in insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant groups in comparison with an overweight group. METHODS: We compared plasma thiol/disulphide, IMA levels, and ferroxidase activity between the study groups. We analyzed plasma thiol/disulphide homeostasis with a newly developed automated measurement method; IMA with Albumin Cobalt Binding Test and ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin) levels with an automated, colourimetric method. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant women with obesity in terms of plasma native thiol, total thiol, disulphide, disulphide/native thiol ratio, disulphide/total thiol or native thiol/total thiol values. Ferroxidase activity was higher in insulin-resistant than in non-insulin-resistant women with obesity and higher in the total women with obesity group than in the overweight subjects (p<0.001, and p=0.014, respectively). IMA was lower in the insulin-resistant group than in the non-insulin-resistant group and overweight groups (p=0.011, and p=0.042, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The significantly greater increase in ferroxidase activity in insulin-resistant subjects with obesity may reflect its role as a positive acute phase protein. These findings may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease. Changes in oxidative status occur in women with obesity, and partially in overweight subjects. The ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin plays a crucial role in iron homeostasis and lowers oxidative stress by reducing the detrimental effects of iron.

A Comparison of the Efficacy of Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy in Patients With Migraine.

This study investigated the effect of acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and pharmacotherapy in migraine treatments among 90 patients. They were divided into 3 groups of 30 persons each. Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were treated with acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, respectively. Changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores from baseline were monitored. Reductions in the percentages of the VAS and MIDAS scores at the end of the third month were significantly higher in the acupuncture and hypnotherapy groups than those of the pharmacotherapy group (p < .01). Acupuncture and hypnotherapy can be developed as treatment options alone as an equivalent to conventional treatment.

Insulin initiation status of primary care physicians in Turkey, barriers to insulin initiation and knowledge levels about insulin therapy: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate the insulin initiation status, barriers to insulin initiation and knowledge levels about treatment administered by primary care physicians (PCP). METHODS: We conducted our study in accordance with a multicenter, cross-sectional design in Turkey, between July 2015 and July 2016. A questionnaire inquiring demographic features, status of insulin initiation, obstacles to insulin initiation and knowledge about therapy of the PCPs was administered during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: 84 PCPs (19%) (n=446, mean age=41.5±8.4years, 62.9% male and 90.0% ministry certified family physicians) initiated insulin therapy in the past. Most of the stated primary barriers (51.9%, n=230) were due to the physicians. The most relevant barrier was "lack of clinical experience" with a rate of 19% (n=84 of the total). The average total knowledge score was 5.7±2.0 for the family medicine specialist, and 3.8±2.1 for the ministry certified family physicians (p=0.000, maximum knowledge score could be 10). CONCLUSIONS: The status of insulin initiation in Turkey by the primary care physicians is inadequate. Medical education programs and health care systems may require restructuring to facilitate insulin initiation in primary care.

Beneficial Effects of Ozone Therapy on Oxidative Stress, Cardiac Functions and Clinical Findings in Patients with Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction.

The aim of study was to determine the effects of ozone therapy on the oxidative stress, cardiac functions and clinical findings in patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A total of 40 patients with New York Heart Association 2 and 3 HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, and 40 subjects without HF as control group were included in the study. Patients with HFrEF were given additional ozone therapy of major and minor administrations along with conventional HF treatment for 5 weeks. Before and after ozone therapy, left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes (LVESV, LVEDV) and the 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) and blood levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured. Ozone therapy significantly reduced the serum levels of NO and MDA (p < 0.001, respectively) and significantly increased the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH and GSHPx (p < 0.001, respectively). LVEDV and LVESV were found to be significantly reduced; however, LVEF was not found to be significantly increased (p = 0.567). As the biochemical improvement marker of HF, NT-proBNP was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). The clinical HF improvement marker of 6 minute walk distance was also modestly increased (p < 0.001). Ozone therapy might be beneficial in terms of activating antioxidant system and merit further therapeutic potential to conventional HF treatment in patients with HFrEF.

What do trainers think about trainer training courses?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the training-of-trainer courses given to medical school faculty members, and to ensure the standardisation of training.. METHODS: The study comprised faculty members attending seven training-of-trainer courses held at the Ataturk University, Turkey, from November 2010 to May 2011. Tests were administered to the participants evaluating their level of knowledge on course content before and after the five-day course, which covered topics including concepts of teaching/learning, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, training methods, and training skills. Oral and written feedbacks were obtained from all participants on the last day of each course. Volunteers from among the participants evaluated the impact of training through a questionnaire after at least two months. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 136 faculty members participated in the 7 training-of-trainer courses. The mean scores for the pretest and post-test were 6.6 +/- 2.2 vs. 13.9 +/- 3.7, (p < 0.001). Questions with highest percentage of correct answers in the pre-test were those about learning style 78 (70.9%) and the one about presentation skills (66.4%). CONCLUSION: A structured training-of-trainer course is effective in increasing faculty members' level of knowledge about training. Such programmes are necessary for faculty members who work in the academic field without receiving formal training in teaching as it is the case with medical education in several countries.

Effects of ear acupuncture therapy for obesity on the depression of obese women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the leading health risks worldwide, and depression is among the leading causes of the burden of disease. These disorders are increasingly prevalent as comorbidities. Depressive symptoms are associated with obesity, and are more common in women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of ear acupuncture for obesity on the depression of obese women. METHODS: After baseline testing, 30 eligible patients with body mass index (BMI) >29.9 kg/m(2) were included. The Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC) was used to assess changes in depression. BMI was also measured. Patients had six ear acupuncture sessions, every 15 days and were followed up for 3 months. Twenty four patients completed the study. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of patients was 42.9±9.0 years. Their mean±SD BMI was 39.0±4.7 kg/m(2) before acupuncture, decreasing to 37.2±4.3 kg/m(2) after acupuncture therapy (p<0.001). The mean depression score was 4.4±2.3 before acupuncture, decreasing to 2.7±1.4 (p<0.001) after treatment. There was no significant correlation between BMI and depression score before acupuncture therapy (p=0.104). After acupuncture therapy, no significant correlation was found between the percentage reduction of BMI and percentage reduction of the depression score (p=0.119). CONCLUSIONS: Further research into the effects of ear acupuncture in the management of obesity and depression is justified.

Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the risk factors, clinical features and outcomes of surgery for traumatic wound dehiscence (TWD) following penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with TWD following PK were evaluated retrospectively in terms of factors related to the trauma, types of reconstructive surgery, final graft clarity, and visual acuity. RESULTS: There were 26 patients with a mean age of 40.7±19.6 years. In 12 (46.1%) patients, the better eye was affected by the trauma. The most frequent type of trauma was blunt trauma by various objects (9). In all cases, the dehiscence was at the graft host junction. The mean extent of detachment was 135.4°±57.6°. Crystalline or intraocular lens damage was present in 42.3% of cases. Median follow-up time after the reconstructive surgery was 36 months. The graft remained clear in 13 (50%) patients, whereas graft insufficiency/graft rejection developed in 13 (50%) patients. Final visual acuity was over 20/200 in 13 (50%) patients. CONCLUSION: TWD may occur at any time after PK, most frequently within the first postoperative year. Low visual acuity in the other eye seems to be a major risk factor. In patients without major complications such as posterior segment damage, visual outcomes and graft survival can be favorable.

Evaluation of smoking habits among Turkish family physicians.

Smoking is still a major public health problem in Turkey. It was aimed to investigate smoking prevalence and habits among Turkish family physicians. Cross-sectional study among physicians working in primary care settings was established. A self-administered study survey was applied. The surveys of 1233 family physicians were analyzed. The study included 704 (57.1%) male and 529 (42.9%) female physicians. Mean age (SD) was 38.94 (7.01) years. The proportions of the current, the former and never smokers among family physicians were 34.1%, 14.7% and 51.3%, respectively. Mean age (SD) of smoking initiation was 21.73 (5.04) years. Mean duration (SD) of smoking use was 14.61 (7.29) years. Proportion of current smoker in male physicians was quite higher than in female counterparts (36.9% vs. 30.4%; p < 0.001). Mean age (SD) of smoking initiation in female was 21.42 (4.59) years, but in male was 22.33 (4.98) years (p = 0.36). In female physicians, mean age (SD) for quitting cigarette smoking was found higher than in male (35.85 (6.35) years vs. 33.09 (6.45) years; p = 0.004). No significant difference between nicotine dependence (mean score (SD) of 3.76 (2.48) vs. 3.65 (2.82); p > 0.05) and mean (SD) unit of cigarette a day (18.34(6.03) vs. 17.17 ± 6.79; p > 0.05) between genders was observed. The number of male physicians who started smoking before faculty was higher than female counterparts (15.5% vs. 8.6%; p = 0.023). In conclusion, the smoking prevalence among Turkish family physicians is considerably high.

The changing rate of suspected rabies bites after begin to act animal shelter in erzurum city.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between establishing an animal shelter in Erzurum and the number of suspected rabies bites between the years 2005 and 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, repeated cross-sectional study was planned in Erzurum in the year 2013. Records between the years 2005 and 2012 were obtained from the Communicable Diseases Department of the Erzurum Health Directorate. Data for 5789 cases exposed to suspected rabies bites were analyzed. RESULTS: 5789 suspected rabies bites were encountered in Erzurum between the years 2005 and 2012. After establishing the animal shelter in 2009, 4239 dogs were collected from the streets within four years and 426 of them were released after immunization. Additionally, the following services were given in the animal shelter between 2009 and 2012: immunization of 2935 dogs, sterilization of 1735 dogs, and release of 2082 dogs back to the street. 4-years before the establishment of the animal shelter, the number of dog-bites had decreased from 3403 cases to 2386 cases; 4-years after the establishment of the shelter, it declined by 29.8%. While there were 1096 suspected rabies cases during the year 2008, this ratio decreased by 40.9% after the establishment of the animal shelter in the year 2009. During the year 2010, where we had the highest number of homeless dog collection to the animal shelter, the decrease in suspected rabies bites reached the maximum decrease, namely 51.0%. Spearman correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation between the number of collected animals and suspected rabies bites (r = -0,862; p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Suspected rabies cases are common in Turkey and some cases of rabies are encountered. The number of suspected rabies bites in Erzurum has decreased significantly after establishing the animal shelter. It is an evident that establishing rehabilitation centers for homeless animals in all cities will have an important role in controlling zoonotic diseases including rabies.

Management of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease with acupuncture: a case report.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a rare temporary hip joint deformity mostly effecting young children from 4-10 years of age. It involves mainly the head of the femur, which softens and breaks down due to interruption of blood supply (avascular necrosis). We report a case of LCPD that was treated late and had a poor prognosis, but improved significantly during a prolonged course of acupuncture. A 12-year-old boy reported to an orthopaedic clinic in 2006 with limping and was diagnosed with LCPD. Surgeons applied orthosis without improvement and decided to perform surgery in 2008. However, the parents declined the surgical option and took the boy to an acupuncture clinic the same year. Needle acupuncture for 20 min and laser acupuncture locally on the hip joint area for 5 min were applied. After 30 sessions of acupuncture, the boy started to improve clinically. Imaging studies showed that new bone cells started to develop in the femoral head. After 130 sessions in 2010 the radiographic appearance showed almost 90% improvement, and after 196 sessions, in August 2012, he was fully recovered. Needle acupuncture treatment combined with laser acupuncture may be an option for the management of LCPD.

Prevalence of Blood Brotherhood among High School Students in Erzurum and the Effect of Peer-led Education on this Practice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of blood brotherhood (BB) in Erzurum, Turkey and to observe the effect of education interventions on this risky cultural behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional intervention, based on minor interventions through a peer-led awareness campaign regarding the transfer of blood-borne diseases through BB rites. This study was conducted from February through May 2007 at 29 high schools in Erzurum. RESULTS: The study population was 53.8% (n=1,522) males and 46.2% (n=1,307) females. The proportion of the students who have participated in BB rituals was 24.1% (n=558). There was a statistically significant link between BB and a history of having Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection, family history of HBV and male gender (p<0.05). After the structured peer-led education the intention to participate in BB rituals decreased from 30.0% to 20.6% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevention of BB rituals, which can result in the transfer of blood-borne diseases, requires urgent public awareness campaigns led by healthcare professionals.

Efeitos do levosimendan sobre TNF-alfa, PNB e MMP-1 em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com anemia / Effects of levosimendan on TNF-alpha, BNP and MMP-1 in patients with heart failure with anemia

FUNDAMENTO: O levosimendan é conhecido pelo seu efeito bilateral de fortalecimento contração das miofibrilas sem aumentar a demanda de oxigênio no miocárdio. A anemia é uma deterioração que causa aumento da dosagem de fármacos em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. OBJETIVO: No presente estudo comparamos a eficácia do tratamento com levosimendan em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada com ou sem anemia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 23 pacientes anêmicos com insuficiência cardíaca classe 3 ou 4, segundo a New York Heart Association (NYHA) e fração de ejeção abaixo de 35%. Outros 23 pacientes com o mesmo diagnóstico cardíaco, mas sem anemia, serviu como grupo controle. Ao tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca tradicional desses pacientes foi acrescido um tratamento de 24 horas de levosimendan. Amostras foram tomadas para dosar os níveis séricos do fator de necrose tumoral alfa sérico (TNF-alfa), peptídeo natriurético cerebral aminoterminal (NT-proPNB) e metaloproteinase da matriz 1 (MMP-1), antes e após a administração. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa e MMP-1, antes e depois do tratamento (p > 0,05). Embora o nível de NT-proBNP tenha diminuído em ambos os grupos após o tratamento, não foi estatisticamente significativo (p = 0,531 e p = 0,913 para os grupos de anemia e de controle, respectivamente). Uma restauração significativa da capacidade funcional foi observada em ambos os grupos avaliados, de acordo com a NYHA (p < 0,001 e p = 0,001 para os grupos de anemia e controle, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com levosimendan apresenta efeitos semelhantes em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, com anemia e sem anemia. No entanto, o efeito precoce desse tratamento sobre os níveis de TNF-alfa, NT-proPNB e MMP-1 não é evidente. Ele oferece uma melhora significativa na capacidade funcional, sem a influência da anemia.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan is known with its two-sided effects of strengthening myofibril contraction without increasing myocardial oxygen demand. Anemia is a deteriorating situation that causes increase of drug dosing in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared the effectiveness of levosimendan treatment in decompensated heart failure patients with or without anemia. METHODS: Twenty-three anemic patients having class 3 or 4 heart failure according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) and an ejection fraction of below 35% were included to the study. Another 23 patients with the same cardiac diagnosis but without anemia served as control group. Twenty-four hours levosimendan treatment was added to the traditional heart failure treatment of these patients. Samples were taken to measure serum tumor necrotizing factor alpha (TNF-alpha), aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels before and after the administration. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between serum TNF-alpha and MMP-1 levels before and after the treatment (p>0.05). Although NT-proBNP level decreased in both groups after the treatment this was not statistically significant (p=0.531 and p=0.913 for anemia and control groups respectively). Significant restoration of functional capacity was seen in both groups assessed according to NYHA (p<0.001 and p=0.001 for anemia and control groups respectively). CONCLUSION: Levosimendan treatment shows similar effects in heart failure patients with anemia to that of patients without anemia. However, the early effect of this treatment on TNF-alpha, NT-proBNP and MMP-1 levels is not evident. It provides significant improvement in functional capacity without influence from anemia.

Effects of levosimendan on TNF-alpha, BNP and MMP-1 in patients with heart failure with anemia.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan is known with its two-sided effects of strengthening myofibril contraction without increasing myocardial oxygen demand. Anemia is a deteriorating situation that causes increase of drug dosing in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared the effectiveness of levosimendan treatment in decompensated heart failure patients with or without anemia. METHODS: Twenty-three anemic patients having class 3 or 4 heart failure according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) and an ejection fraction of below 35% were included to the study. Another 23 patients with the same cardiac diagnosis but without anemia served as control group. Twenty-four hours levosimendan treatment was added to the traditional heart failure treatment of these patients. Samples were taken to measure serum tumor necrotizing factor alpha (TNF-alpha), aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels before and after the administration. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between serum TNF-alpha and MMP-1 levels before and after the treatment (p>0.05). Although NT-proBNP level decreased in both groups after the treatment this was not statistically significant (p=0.531 and p=0.913 for anemia and control groups respectively). Significant restoration of functional capacity was seen in both groups assessed according to NYHA (p<0.001 and p=0.001 for anemia and control groups respectively). CONCLUSION: Levosimendan treatment shows similar effects in heart failure patients with anemia to that of patients without anemia. However, the early effect of this treatment on TNF-alpha, NT-proBNP and MMP-1 levels is not evident. It provides significant improvement in functional capacity without influence from anemia.

An intervention study for viral hepatitis. Peer-led health education among high school students.

OBJECTIVE: To check the effectiveness of peer-led education in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of high school students regarding viral hepatitis (VH). METHODS: This study was conducted at 29 high schools in Erzurum city center, Turkey between February and May 2007. The study design is a prospective before-and-after intervention trial. In this study, 2930 students from 29 different schools were included. A total of 559 volunteer students were trained as peer educators. These students applied a standard education to their peers. RESULTS: The total knowledge scores of peer educators before was 7.99 ± 2.73, and 13.91 ± 3.85 after peer-training (p=0.000). The total knowledge scores of other students increased from 7.27 ± 2.85 to 11.20 ± 4.21 (p=0.000). There was an increase in all correct answers to the knowledge questions after the intervention (p=0.000). Response to the questions exploring attitude of students towards people infected with hepatitis virus significantly changed after the training (p=0.002). There was also a significant positive change in the behaviors after the intervention (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The significant increase in the knowledge of students trained by their peers proves this method is effective to be utilized in the prevention strategies regarding VH infections. Further studies with long term follow-up would be useful to demonstrate the long term value of peer education.

An increased prevalence of fibromyalgia in iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia minor and associated factors.

In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia minor (TM) patients and associated factors. In addition, we investigated the prevalence of IDA in outpatients with fibromyalgia, and its effect on clinical findings. The study included 205 IDA, 40 TM patients and 100 healthy controls. FM was diagnosed according to 1990 ACR criteria. Whole blood count, biochemical tests, and serum iron parameters were determined. Pain, fatigue, and FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) functional item scores were assessed in FM subjects. In addition, the prevalence of IDA in FM patients diagnosed at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic was determined. The prevalences of FM in IDA (17.6%) and TM (20%) groups were higher than in controls (6%; p values 0.006 and 0.025, respectively). When IDA patients with FM were compared to those without FM, it was seen that a higher percentage were females, married, and a higher percentage had history of pica (all p values < 0.05). Serum hemoglobin and iron parameters did not differ between IDA patients with and without FM. IDA was detected in 48 (24.5%) of 196 FM patients. FM patients without IDA had higher sleep disturbance scores (p = 0.012) and longer duration of FM (p = 0.045). FM was a common finding in patients with IDA and TM. FM was associated with female sex and history of pica in IDA patients, and not associated with serum hemoglobin and selected iron parameters. The presence of FM in TM had no association with any of the above-mentioned parameters.

Sexual activity among Turkish adolescents: once more the distinguished male.

UNLABELLED: The mean age of first sexual intercourse in Western countries is around 17 years and decreasing. Although Turkey is a bridge between East and West, embracing different cultures, little data are available on sexual issues in the population. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to all students in the study year 2004-2005, collecting demographic data, sexual activities, sexual and contraceptive attitudes, and contraceptive knowledge. Of 7,657 applicants invited, 3,970 questionnaires could be analyzed. RESULTS: Median age of the participants was 18 years (48.0% female, 52% male). Median age at first sexual intercourse was 17 years for females and 16 years for males. 46.5% of the males and 3.0% of the females had sexual intercourse experience. While 68% of the girls had their first sexual intercourse with their lovers, this ratio was 44.8 % for males (Chi square = 59.963, p <.001). Significantly more girls than boys were planning to have their sexual partner as future spouses (Chi square = 55.569, p <.001). Three fourth of the males approved premarital sex for males; this ratio was reversed for females (Chi square = 574.838, p <.001). Although both sexes disapproved premarital sexual intercourse of women, girls were significantly more conservative in this regard (78.6% vs. 92.5%) (Chi square = 110.460, p <.001). CONCLUSION: Although the adolescent sexual intercourse rate in Turkey is low compared with Western countries, there is a tendency to increase. Therefore, sexual education is needed. When augmenting sexual education programs in undergraduate education, gender difference and cultural factors should be further evaluated.