Cancer survivors' views on digital support for smoking cessation and alcohol moderation: a survey and qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Digital interventions may provide low-threshold support for smoking cessation (SC) and alcohol moderation (AM) to the growing population of cancer survivors. The objective was to explore preconditions of successful AM and SC digital interventions for cancer survivors. METHODS: Using a multi-method approach we conducted a survey (n = 240), a qualitative study consisting of four focus groups (n = 15) and semi-structured interviews with Dutch cancer survivors (n = 8). To help interpretation of our results we interviewed experts in the field of eHealth and cancer survivors (n = 6) and we organized an expert meeting (n = 7). Qualitative data were analysed using the Framework approach and were double-coded by two coders. RESULTS: Survey results show the majority of drinkers had not previously considered AM (n = 158, 84.9%), often because they deemed their alcohol use to be non-problematic. All current smokers in the survey had considered SC before. In focus groups and interviews it became clear that SC efforts did not always stem from their own willingness to quit smoking, but originated from a wish to please their social environment. Main themes to be addressed in digital SC and AM that emerged from the interviews and focus groups, centred on the different ways of identification as cancer survivors, need for autonomy, differential beliefs about SC and AM, and the importance of a positive, non-patronizing tone-of-voice. Several specific preferences for digital interventions were formulated, although some cancer survivors prefer no support or face-to-face contact. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors are a diverse group with diverse preferences for AM and SC support. Digital AM and SC interventions for cancer survivors are perceived to be of value by some, especially when they incorporate a positive, non-judgemental and non-patronizing tone-of-voice, address concerns specifically relevant to cancer survivors, offer possibilities for personalization, and emphasize autonomy throughout. To encourage AM specifically, problem recognition and awareness of the health benefits of AM should be improved.

Molecular typing of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Appropriate antibiotic therapy and prevention of cross-contamination are the most important subjects in tuberculosis (TB) control. The aim of this study was to investigate the major phylogenetic clades and transmission rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (n = 200) from patients with TB in Sivas and Konya Provinces of Turkey. METHODS: The phylogenetic relationship among the isolates was investigated by spoligotyping method. In addition, the 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing method was used to reveal cross-contamination. RESULTS: Spoligotyping revealed 13 different spoligotypes. A total of 188 strains (94.0%) were included in the cluster. The most prominent spoligofamily was the T family (43.0% of strains), followed by LAM (26.0%), H (8.0%), X and S (both 6.0%) and U (5.0%). Also, 12 strains (6.0%) belonged to the Beijing profile. MIRU-VNTR results showed 176 (88.0%) different genotypes among the isolates. In total, 24 strains (12.0%) were in the cluster. CONCLUSIONS: According to spoligotyping, there is a heterogeneous M. tuberculosis population in Turkey. MIRU-VNTR results showed that cross-contamination observed between MDR M. tuberculosis isolates in Turkey is controllable.

[Analysis of intestinal ameobiasis in patients with diarrhea by adhesin antigen test and direct microscopy]. / Ishalli Hastalarda Baðýrsak Amebiyazýnýn Adezin Antijen Testi ve Direkt Mikroskopi ile Incelenmesi.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to research the frequency of intestinal amebiasis in patients who applied with diarrhea retrospectively for a year and compare direct microscopic analysis and ELISA adhesin antigen test for Entamoeba histolytica procedures. METHODS: The fecal matter sample of 259 patients with diarrhea who applied to the Sivas Numune Hospital Microbiology Laboratory between February 2012 and March 2013 were studied. Samples were evaluated with direct microscopic analysis and Entamoeba histolytica adhesin antigen test (E. histolytica II, Techlab, Blacksburg, USA). RESULTS: In the patients who applied to our laboratory with an amebiasis diagnosis, the mean age was detected as 40.12±19, and the positivity range of the Entamoeba histolytica adhesin antigen test was detected as 25.1% (n=65). In ELISA adhesin test-positive patients 24.6% (n=16) trophozoites, cyst, abundant leukocytes and erythrocytes were detected, and in 6 patients (3.1%), ELISA adhesin antigen test was negative. There was no difference between males and females (p>0.05), but between-season difference was detected (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Direct microscopic analysis may be inadequate in the differential diagnosis of E. histolytica/ and E. dispar and discrimination of Entamoeba cyst and/or trophozoites from other cellular elements (esp. leukocytes). Furthermore, we thought that the E. histolytica monoclonal ELISA adhesin test is useful for the differential diagnosis of pathogenic E. histolytica and nonpathogenic E. dispar.

[The frequency of intestinal parasites in primary school children in urban and rural regions]. / Sehir, Ilçe ve Köy Ilkögretim Okulu Ogrencilerinde Bagirsak Parazitleri Görülme Sikligi.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children in Sivas and to consider the changes in frequency and variety of intestinal parasites in the light of previous studies carried out since 1985. Specimens were examined by direct microscopy and staining. In addition, the relationship of intestinal parasites with physical development, success and socio-economic situation was investigated using surveys. Intestinal parasites were found in 191 (26.2%) of 730 stool specimens, 88 (12.9%) of cellophane tape specimens and parasites were found in both types of specimens obtained from 251 (37.1%) out of 677 students. The most common five parasite species were Giardia intestinalis (13.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.8%), Entamoeba coli (7.4%), Blastocystis hominis (2.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (1.2%). Intestinal parasites were most frequently detected in the Celtek Village Primary School (50.0%). This school was followed by Imranli YIBO School (45.7%), 60.Yil Primary School (36.3%) and Koyulhisar YIBO (21.3%) School. We found that there was no statistically important relationship between the occurrence of parasites with weight, length and success. It was related to the socioeconomic situation. Furthermore, in this region when the previous studies in similar age groups are considered, a decrease in intestinal parasites frequency and variety was revealed.