Evaluation of Relationship Between Cyberchondria and Obsessive Beliefs in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cyberchondria and obsessive beliefs and determine the potential risk of the former. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 777 individuals. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale and the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire were applied to the participants. Univariate and hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of the study group 382 (49.2%) were male, 395 (50.8%), female. Their ages ranged from 18 to 63 years, with an average of 32.6 (± 9.6) years. Multiple linear regression analysis found that the frequency of internet use (several times a day; n = 670), using the internet as a source of health-related information (n = 320), using the internet to research a doctor before making and/or attending an appointment with same (n = 363), halting the use of prescribed medication based on information obtained on the internet (n = 177), and obsessive beliefs were factors linked to cyberchondria. Cyberchondria and obsessive beliefs were positively related and in the final model were found to be the strongest determinants of cyberchondria. CONCLUSION: Obsessive beliefs may be a potential risk factor for cyberchondria. Since cyberchondria affects people's health related behaviors, it is important to ensure the safety of health-related information on the internet. The results of this study may guide future ones that thoroughly investigate the factors associated with cyberchondria. More comprehensive studies are needed to reveal the relationship between cyberchondria and obsessive beliefs.

Analysis of the relationship among health awareness and health literacy, patient satisfaction levels with primary care in patients admitting to primary care health centers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between health literacy, primary care satisfaction levels and health awareness of the patients who were admitted to primary care centers (Family Health Centers). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on individuals who were admitted to Family Health Centers (n = 1.055) in Eskisehir province. The study data were collected by using Turkish Health Literacy Scale, the European Patients Evaluate General/Family Practice Scale and Health Awareness Scale. RESULTS: As health literacy of participants increases, health awareness and satisfaction with primary care also increases (for each, p < .001). Health awareness increases health literacy by 0.55 points, health literacy increases satisfaction in primary care by 0.26 points. CONCLUSION: In the province of Eskisehir, the health literacy level of 7 out of 10 patients, who admitted to the primary care institution, is inadequate or problematic. As health awareness of participants increases, their level of health literacy also increases. As health literacy of participants increases, their satisfaction with family physicians also increases. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: As an integral part of preventive health services, studies should be performed to increase and improve the level of health literacy of patients who are admitted to primary care services.

Distribution of blood pressure among men in Eskisehir.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate distribution of blood pressure (BP) and high BP related to risk factors. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional. Study was done among over 40 years aged men population in primary care centers of Eskisehir city center. Participants' were 2031 men. Study period was from 1 February to 30 March in 2005. Hypertension was defined according to the recommendations of the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7). Data were analysed with SPSS for Windows software (version 11.5, Chicago, Il, USA). The Chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean age participants was 61.73+/-10.24 (range 40-94) years. The mean systolic BP measurement was 135.79+/-23.41 mmHg and the mean diastolic BP measurement was 80.31+/-13.45 mm Hg for all participants. High BP was determined in 52.2%. Older age (p<0.001), family history of hypertension (p<0.05) and obesity (p<0.05) were important risk factors for hypertension. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the measure of blood pressure over 40 years aged men population should be performed routinely in primary care centers in Eskisehir city center.

Comparison of meperidine plus midazolam and fentanyl plus midazolam in procedural sedation: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

This double-blind, randomized, prospective study was conducted to compare the analgesic and sedative efficacy of fentanyl and meperidine in orthopedic closed reduction of fractures and dislocations undertaken in the emergency department. Seventy consecutive adult patients with fractures or dislocations suitable for reduction were randomized to receive fentanyl (1 mcg/kg; n = 36) or meperidine (0.5 mg/kg; n = 34) in combination with midazolam (0.02 mg/kg). Vital signs and alertness scale scores of the patients were monitored. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the degree of pain. There was no statistically significant difference between the VAS mean scores of the fentanyl and meperidine groups (t test, P = .772). The need for additional analgesic drugs was significantly more frequent in patients receiving meperidine (P = .018). No adverse events, such as hypotension or respiratory depression, were noted. Euphoria occurred in one patient in the fentanyl group. Although dose requirements differ, fentanyl and meperidine provide effective and reliable analgesia in closed reduction of fractures and dislocations.