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Ankara Medical Journal
Number of Followers: 2

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1303-2283 - ISSN (Online) 2148-4570
Published by Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi

[3 journals]

Is Iron Deficiency Anemia Associated with Cognitive Functions in
Reproductive-Age Women'
- Authors: Aslı Gençay Can; Serdar Süleyman Can, Murat İlhan Atagun, Emine Tuğçe Akçaer
  Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether irondeficiency anemia (IDA) in reproductive-age women affects cognitivefunctioning, physical functioning, psychiatric morbidity, fatigue and qualityof life. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three women aged between 18-50years with IDA and 32 non-anemic healthy women were included in the study.Laboratory analyses, neuropsychological tests, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI),Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), VAS fatigue, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI)and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were assessed. Results: There was nosignificant difference in demographic characteristics of the patients betweengroups. Digit Forward/Backward, Digit Span Total, HAQ-DI, BAI, BDI, SF-36,fatigue scores in IDA group were significantly lower than the controls.Correlation analysis revealed that education, serum iron, ferritin, andhemoglobin levels were associated with cognitive test scores and fatigue. Serumiron, ferritin, and hemoglobin levels were found to be associated with HAQ-DI,BAI, BDI, and SF-36 scores. Coclusion: IDA negativelyaffects cognition, physical functioning, quality of life, fatigue, symptoms ofanxiety and depression in reproductive-age women.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Evaluation of Radiological Imaging Findings and Affecting Factors in
Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
- Authors: Handan Özen Olcay; Yunsur Çevik, Emine Emektar
  Abstract: Objectives: In this study,we aimed to investigate the imaging findings of acute ischemic stroke patients andfactors affecting on these findings. Materials and Methods: This studywas conducted as a retrospective, case-control study after the approval by thelocal ethics committee. In the study, Computerized Brain Tomography (CT) andDiffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWMRG) were performed in 103patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Keçiören Training and ResearchHospital between 01.06.2013 and 31.05.2014. Demographic data, physical examinations,imaging findings were recorded. Patients' DWMRGs and CTs were compared.Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 15.0 package program. A valueof p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: No statisticallysignificant difference was found between the age groups, sex, comorbities,neurological examination and CT and DWMRG findings (p> 0.05). When the CTfindings were evaluated according to the time zones of patients' complaints, patientswhose complaints started between 00:01 - 06:00 and 18:01 - 00.00 weresignificantly more likely to have CT findings (P = 0.03). When the CT findingswere evaluated according to the time passed from the onset of the complaints;as time progresses, rate of CT findings was statistically significant. When theDWMRG findings were evaluated, no significant difference was found regarding applicationtime (p = 0.43).Conclusion: In our study, we did notfind any significant differences between the variables when the CT and MRIfindings were evaluated according to patients' age, sex, comorbidity,neurological examinations and lesion localizations. As the duration of patients’admissions increase, the rate of findings in BBTs increases and DWMRGs may notshow signs of hyperacute period.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
A Systematic Review of The Prevalence of Hepatitis B Among Blood Donors in
Ghana and Nigeria
- Authors: Abdul-Ghaffar Donkor; Namaitijiang Maimaiti
  Abstract: Objectives: This studyaims to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B among blood donors in Ghana andNigeria through a systematic review. Materialsand Methods: A comparative-systematic review was conductedon the prevalence of hepatitis B among blood donors in Ghana and Nigeria. Thearticles reviewed were conducted including years from 2010 to 2017. Results: Theprevalence rate of hepatitis B among blood donors in Ghana ranged from 7.23% to14.60%, while the prevalence rate among blood donors in Nigeria ranged from 7.50%to 19.90%. Conclusion: Therefore,the prevalence rate of hepatitis B among blood donors in Nigeria is higher thanthe prevalence rate of hepatitis B among blood donors in Ghana though bothcountries are still considered hepatitis B endemic countries.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
How Would Doctors Want to Die if They Had a Terminal Stage Illness' A
Survey Study
- Authors: Ramazan Avcu; Şervan Gökhan, Gül Pamukçu Günaydın, Ayhan Özhasenekler, Fatih Tanrıverdi, Gülhan Kurtoğlu Çelik, Alp Şener
  Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of thisstudy is to determine the treatments that physicians prefer to receive, if theyhad a terminal stage illness and to observe whether these preferences areinfluenced by parameters such as age, work years in the profession orspecialty.Materials and Methods: A surveyconsisting of 22 questions was delivered to physicians. The physicians wereasked if they were prefer to die in hospital, home, intensive care unit orpalliative care center if they were terminally ill; and they would want invasiveprocedures performed. They were also asked whether they informed theirrelatives about those preferences. Results: A total of 443 physiciansparticipated in the study, 77.42% of them stated that they would prefer to dieat home if they had a terminal illness. Regarding invasive procedures; 72.46%of the physicians did not want chest compressions, 75.62 % did not want to beconnected to the ventilator, 57.56% did not want a central catheter, 49.88% didnot want hemodialysis, and 61.17% did not want a feeding tube placement. Only17.15% of physicians stated that they had talked with their relatives about endof life decisions.Conclusion: In this study we foundthat most physicians want to die at home and do not wish to be treated withinvasive interventions in case they had a life limiting illness. However, we alsoobserved that the majority of the physicians do not share these opinions withtheir close ones.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis Neutrophil Lymphocyte and Platelet Lymphocyte
Ratio in Emergency Department Patients with Renal Colic
- Authors: Şervan Gökhan; Çağdaş Yıldırım, Gül Pamukçu Günaydın, Gülhan Kurtoğlu Çelik, Fatih Ahmet Kahraman, Fatih Tanrıverdi, Ayhan Özhasenekler, Özcan Erel
  Abstract: Objectives: This study's aim is to investigate ifusing thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters which are oxidative stressmarkers together with Neutrophile-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte ratio(NLR, PLR) is diagnostically useful in the patients who present to theemergency department with renal colic.Materials and Methods: The study wasmade prospectively with 75 patients who were admitted to the emergencydepartment between 15.05.2018 and 01.10.2018 and 47 healthy subjects who weredetermined as control group. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters (thiol,disulphide, disulphide / native thiol, disulphide / total thiol, native thiol /total thiol) which are oxidative stress markers are measured by a new methodwhich was developed by Erel and Neşelioğlu in the patient and control groups,also NLR and PLR were studied. These parameters were compared also between thepatient groups with urinary stone disease and that without.Results: NLR, PLR, disulphide, disulphide/native thiol and disulphide /total thiol average values were foundsignificantly high (respectively p= 0.010, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001,0.023, 0.012), but native thiol and total thiol average values were foundsignificantly low (respectively p=0.018 and 0.001) in the patient group.Disulphide, disulphide /native thiol, NLR and PLR average values were foundsignificantly high (respectively p <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001)in the patient group. Conclusion: Using NLR and PLR in renalcolic diagnosis together with thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters is usefulfor these patients to make a diagnosis.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Emotional Reactions to Menarch, Menstruation Perception-Knowledge and
Self-Care Practices of Adolescents Admitted to Youth Center
- Authors: Şule Özel; Aslı Oskovi, Sabriye Korkut, Tuba Memur, Yaprak Engin Üstün
  Abstract: Objectives: Adolescent periodtransition from childhood to adulthood between 10-19 years is a dynamic stagein which physical, psychological and social differentiations occur andlifestyle behaviours gained. The objectives of this study were to guidepolicies about adolescent menstruation management by studying the emotionalreactions to menarche, menstruation perception, source of menstruationknowledge, selfcare practices among adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: This descriptivecross-sectional study was conducted on Turkish postmenarcheal adolescents, aged10-19 years admitted “Youth Center” of our hospital for examination orconsultancy service between July-August 2018. Ages, father’s job, motheroccupational statuses, school statuses, menarchial age, menstruation duration,emotional reactions to menarch, the source of knowledge about menstruation, theknowledge about the source of blood during menstruation, use and disposal wayof sanitary pads, bathing habits during menstruation were asked. Adolescents whogained the knowledge about menstruation from school constitute Group I and fromother sources Group II. Results: Three hundredand six adolescent girls between 10-19 years were included in our study. Themean age of girls was 16.54±2.10 years (min 10-max 19) and menstruationdurations were 6.19±3.60 days (min 1-max 15). 139/306 (45.42%) of adolescentsexperienced negative emotional reactions to menarch. 300/306 (98.03%) girlsused sanitary pads as menstrual absorbent. Expressions of adolescents were likethese; 247/306 (80.71%) taking shower during mensturation, 153/306 (50%) gainedknowledge about menstruation from school, 203/306 (66.33%) gave ‘Uterus’ answerto the question about the source of blood. 89/306 (29.08%) of adolescentreported appetite increase during menstruation. The percentage of adolescentsgained knowledge about menstruation before menarch were 175/306 (57.18%) (Table2). 99/153 (64.70%) of Group 1 were gained knowledge about menstruation before menarch.There were statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2according to percentage of adolescents gained knowledge before menarch (p=0.01).27/153 (17.64%) of Group 1 didn’t have bathing habits and 98/153 (64.05%) ofthem gave ‘Uterus’ answer to question about menstrual blood source, and thereweren’t statistically significant differences with Group 2 (p=0.4, p=0.3) (Table3). 104/167 (%62.27) of adolescents experienced positive emotional reactions tomenarch were informed about menstruation before menarch and positive emotionalreaction probability of informed adolescents were significantly higher (p = 0.04)(Table 4). Conclusion: Disposal of sanitarypads in the scope of medical waste is important for the prevention of public health.Menstruation knowledge and attitude among fertile women are shaped duringadolescent period. Making regulations by looking over the content, timing andeffectivenes of reproductive health education as the source of restrained andaccurate knowledge at schools will lead to healthy menstrual practices offertile women.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Efficacy of Corticosteroid Injection in the Conservative Treatment of
Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
- Authors: Safa Gürsoy
  Abstract: Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy ofphysical therapy and the combination of physical therapy and subacromialcorticosteroid injection in the treatment of shoulder subacromial impingementsyndrome (SIS).Materials and Methods: 56 patients aged between 30-65, who did not have arotator cuff tear and were diagnosed with SIS, were enrolled in this study.Group 1 (n=26) constituted by patients who were only receiving physical therapyand Group 2 (n=30) constituted by patients who were receiving the combinationof physical therapy and subacromial corticosteroid injection were comparedusing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons(ASES) scores at post-treatments months 3, 6 and 12 in comparison to thepre-treatment period.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groupsin favor of Group 2 (combination of physical therapy and injection) in terms ofVAS and ASES scores at months 3 and 6 (p<0.001). The change in VAS (p=0.539)and ASES (p=0.117) measurements of the groups at month 12 was not statisticallysignificant. There was a statistically significant increase in both groupsthroughout the 3rd and 6th months follow-up period ascompared to the pre-treatment period.Conclusion: It is thought that the combination of corticosteroidinjection and physical therapy is more effective in the short-term as comparedto physical therapy only, however both methods alleviate pain and provideimprovement in functions.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Thyroid Cancer Incidence in Patients with Toxic Nodular and Multinodular
Goiter
- Authors: Didem Özdemir; Nagihan Beştepe, Fatma Dilek Dellal, Berrak Gümüşkaya Öcal, İbrahim Kılıç, Reyhan Ersoy, Bekir Çakır
  Abstract: Objectives: Toxic nodular goiter(TNG) and toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) are characterized by the presence ofone or more autonomously functinoning thyroid nodules that causes hyperthyroidism.In contrary to the previous thought that hyperthyroidism is protective againstthyroid cancer, there is increasing evidence that the risk of thyroid cancershould not be underestimated in these patients and nodules should be assessedas being in other patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroidcancer in TNG/TMNG patients that underwent thyroidectomy and evaluatepreoperative features that might be associated with cancer.Materialsand Methods:Patients diagnosed with TNG or TMNG and operated between January 2017 and December 2014 were included.The patients were scanned retropectively and clinical features, laboratuaryfindings, ultrasonography (US) reports, cytological andhistopathological results were recorded. Clinical features of patients withbenign and malignant histopathology, and preoperative US features andcytological results of benign and malignant nodules were compared. Results: There were 482 patientsof which 335 (69.50%) were female and 147(30.50%) were male and the median age was 56 (18-79). Preoperativediagnosis was TNG in 74 (15.35%) and TMNG in 408 (84.65%) patients. Histopathologically,380 (78.84%) had benign and 102 (21.16%) had malignant disease. There was nosignificant difference in age, sex distribution, antithyroid usage, antibodypositivity and median nodule number in benign and malignant patients. Ultrasonographicallypresence of thyroiditis in parenchyma was higher in malignant compared tobenign patients (87.24% vs 75.26%. p<0.001). Ratio of patients operated forcytological diagnosis was higher in malignant, while patients operated forgiant nodule was higher in benign patients. Among 1263 nodules withpreoperative US data, 1222 (96.75%) were benign, 41 (3.25%) were malignanthistopathologically. Rate of hypoechogenity was significantly higher inmalignant than benign nodules. Other US features were similar in two groups. Amongnodules with preoperative scintigraphy results, 406 (71,99%) of benign and 19 (67.86%)of malignant nodules were hot (p=0.853). Conclusion: In this study, theincidence of thyroid cancer in TNG/TMNG patients who underwent surgery was too highto be ignored. Preoperative US features of benign and malignant nodules weresimilar in these patients. We recommend that nodules in patients with TNG/TMNGshould be evaluated by fine needle aspiration biopsy according to the sameindications as for other nodules and when surgery is planned; total or neartotal thyroidectomy can be preferred particularly in the presence of TMNG.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Can Enteropathies be More Frequent Than We Think'
- Authors: Yusuf Üstü
  Abstract: Sayın Editör,Çölyakhastalığı, her yaşta ortaya çıkabilen ve toplumun yaklaşık %1’ini etkileyenglutene karşı duyarlılık ile karakterize, asemptomatik durumdan malabsorbsiyondankadar farklı klinikle (Gastrointestinal ve ekstraintestinal) seyreden,glutensiz diyetle iyileşebilen otoimmun familyal bir enteropatidir.1,2 Tanıkonmamış çölyak hastalarının bilinen çölyak hastalarının 10 katına kadarçıkabildiği düşünülmektedir.1,2 Bu yüksek oran, tipik hastalıkbulguların yanısıra, özellikle tedaviye dirençli ve/veya sürekli replasmantedavisine ihtiyaç duyan hastalarda (Demir, folat, B12, B1, vitamin D ve kalsiyumeksikliği ve ilişkili hastalıklarda) çölyak hastalığının tanıda düşünülmesinigerektiğini göstermektedir.1,3Beslenmealışkanlıklarının değişmesiyle ile birlikte daha fazla gluten ilekarşılaşmaktayız. Buğday, arpa, çavdar ve yulafta bulunan gliadinimmunpatogenezden sorumlu tutulmaktadır.1,4 Bu tahıllardan yapılanekmek dünyada bilinen en eski temel besin kaynağıdır. Gluten ekmek yapımında viskoelastikhamur oluşumu ile ilişkilidir.5 Yapılan çalışmalar ekşi hamuryöntemi ile üretilen ürünlerin gluteni yıktığını ve mineral biyoyaralanımınıarttırdığını göstermekte hatta çölyak hastalarında kullanılabileceğinidüşündürmektedir.6,7 Ekşi hamur yönteminde,normal kültür mayaları ile birlikte yabani mayalar, laktik, asetik ve sitrikasit bakterilerin laktik asit fermantasyonuna uğrayan hamur parçası, sonrakihamurda maya olarak kullanmaktır.8 Ekmek yapımında ekşi hamur tozuikame oran arttıkça gluten miktarının azaldığı görülmüştür.9 Mayalıekmek ile ekşi mayalı ekmeğin karşılaştırıldığı bir çalışmada, ekşi hamur ekmeğiile beslenen farelerde hemoglobin, hematokrit, ferritin ve demir düzeylerianlamlı derecede yüksek, vücuttan atılan demir düzeylerinde ise önemli birazalma belirlenmiştir.7,1030-40 yılöncesine kadar geleneksel doğal bir fermente ürün olan ekşi mayalı ekmeklertüketilirken günümüzde bu oran çok düşmüştür. Ekşi mayalı ekmeklerintüketiminin artırılması ile değişik seviyelerdeki saptanmamış enteropatilerinilerlemeden engellenmesi/iyileşmesi mümkün görünmektedir. Ancak ekşi hamurfermantasyonunda biyoaktif bileşen düzeylerindeki bu değişimin mekanizması halatam olarak açıklanamamıştır. Hem bu hususta hem de kullanılabilirlik konusundageniş çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
The Validity and Reliability of Type D Personality Scale in Turkish
Population
- Authors: Emine Öncü; Sümbüle Köksoy Vayısoğlu
  Abstract: Objectives: Type D personality is a risk factoraffecting health.The aim of the study to determine the validity and reliabilityof the D Type Personality Scale (D14) in healthy Turkish population which validatedand reliable in hemodialysis patients, Materials and Methods: D14 Scale, Depression Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventoryand Hostility Scale were administered to 350 subjects who were considered to behealthy between 18.01.2018 and 10.04.2018. After four weeks, the D14 Scale hadbeen repeated by the 145 individuals.Results: The prevalence of type Dpersonality was 31.7%. The scale consisting of 14 items showed a two-factorstructure as "negative affect" and "social inhibision"similar to the original form. The scale described 50% of the total variance.The factor loadings of the scale were 0.76 to 0.41, the corrected total itemcorrelations were 0.44 to 0.70 for 'negative affect' and 'social inhibision'ranges from 0.15 to 0.65. Cronbach alpha reliability was 0.85 for negativeaffect and 0.76 for social inclusion. It was stable over a 4 week period(rho=0.75 / 0.77). The structure validity of the scale were confirmed(χ2/sd=3.00, RMSEA=0.076, CFI=0.96, NFI=0.94, NNFI=0.95, GFI=0.92, AGFI=0.88).Depression, hostile attitudes and anxiety scores of individuals with type Dpersonality were higher than those without type D personality (p ≤0.001).Conclusion: The D14 Scale was areliable and valid scale for the healthy individuals in Turkish society.Modification of item 3 may increase the scale’s internal consistency. It issuggested that studies should be carried out to determine the prevalence oftype D personality in society and to evaluate the effects on physical andmental health.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Determination of the Appropriate Quality of Life Scale for Patients with
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
- Authors: Safinaz Ataoğlu; Handan Ankaralı, Seyit Ankaralı, Özge Pasin
  Abstract: Objectives: A large number of quality-of-life scales are used to assess the effects ofvarious diseases on the quality of life. The most commonly used scale is theSF-36 quality of life scale. However, in recent years various versions andshorter forms of this scale have been developed. Quality of life scales, whichcan be applied in a shorter period andwhich can be interpreted more easily and which produce reliable and validresults, are preferred more. The purpose of this study is to determine thescales that measure the quality of life better and practical would beappropriate in Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).Materials and Methods: Cronbach'salpha coefficient was used for the internal consistency of the scales, theintra-class correlation coefficient was used for relations between item-totalscore, and the agreement between SF-36 scale and other short forms, and alsothe Spearman Rank correlation analysis were used for evaluation of therelationships between the total scores of the scales. The criterion validity ofthe short forms (SF) of the quality of life scale were investigated by usingWHOQOLBref and QuickDASH scales.Results: The internalconsistency of the scales were found to be at a quite good level. In OApatients, the highest agreement in Physical Function, Bodily Pain and Vitalitysub-dimensions of the SF-6D scale were found. On the other hand, Physical Role,Emotional Role and General Health sub-dimensions in the SF-12 scale have higheragreement. In RA, Bodily Pain and Vitality sub-dimensions of the SF-6D werefound to have higher agreement, and the SF-12 scale have higher agreement inthe Physical Function, Physical Role, General Health and Emotional Role.Moreover, in both disease groups, the validity of SF-12 and SF-6D scales wassimilar to each other in many conditions, and better than the SF-8 scale. Conclusion: According tothe results, SF-12 or SF-6D scales could be used effectively to evaluate thequality of life in RA and OA patients.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Thoughts and Attitudes of Clinical Nurses on Elderly People
- Authors: Ayşegül Koç; Dilek Öztaş, Neşe Uysal, Zehra Demircan, Özgür Erdem, Eyüp Sarı
  Abstract: Objectives: The research was conducted as a descriptive study to determine the nurses' attitudes towards old people and the factors affecting their attitudes.Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with nurses working in a Training and Research Hospital. The sample of the research has been established by 100 nurses who agree to participate in the study. Data collection form and Kogan’s Attitude Towards Old People Scale were used to collect data in order to determine the nurses' demographic characteristics and their thoughts about aging. Results: The average age of the nurses is 36.76 ± 3.53. The mean score of nurses' Attitude Scale towards Old People was 91.10 ± 8.60. It has been found that nurses provide care for the elderly in their study areas and have a more positive attitude towards the care elderly. There was no statistically significant difference in the attitudes towards the elderly according to the descriptive characteristics of the nurses in the study. Conclusion: We can say that, in our study, the attitude scores obtained from the Kogan’s Attitude Towards Old People Scale are shaped according to the experiences that nurses share with the elderly. The positive attitudes of the nurses towards the elderly are very important for raising the quality of elderly care.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Relationship Among the Symptom Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis, Quality of
Life and Sleep Quality
- Authors: Sevgi İkbali Afşar; Hüma Bölük, Selin Özen
  Abstract: Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is awidespread disease that increases in the elderly and is an important cause ofmorbidity. It is common knowledge that resting and nocturnal pain is rarelyseen in patients with knee OA, however latest studies showed that it is notrare. Sleep disorders are thought to be related with nocturnal pain and it isshown that in patients with arthritis are more likely to develop sleepproblems. Nocturnal pain is also related with depression and decreased qualityof life. This study aims to evaluate sleep quality in patients with knee OA andto reveal the relationship between severity of knee OA, pain and sleepdisorders and quality of life in female and male patients. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional study includes 41 volunteer patients (27 female,14 male) between40-65 years with knee OA, who suffer from knee pain for more than 6 months, andthe study includes patients with grade 2 and 3 OA according to theKellgren-Lawrence classification. Patients were evaluated using Visual AnalogScale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC), Lequesne Index, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck AnxietyInventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Short form-36 (SF-36). Results: VAS, WOMAC, Lequesne index,PSQI, BAI and BDI scores were significantly higher in female subjects than inmale subjects. Prevalence of good sleep quality was significantly higher inmale patients. There was a positive correlation between WOMAC scores and VAS,BAI and BDI scores, but there was no significant relationship between totalPSQI scores. There was a positive correlation between Lequesne index scores andVAS, total PSQI, BAI and BDI scores. A negative correlation was found betweenWOMAC and Lequesne index and SF-36. Conclusion: Severity of knee OA isfound associated with pain, depression and anxiety, sleep quality and qualityof life. It should be considered to manage knee OA to improve quality of life.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Is There a Relationship between Clinical Symptoms of Asthmatic Children
and Serum Levels of Vitamin D and Zinc'
- Authors: Zehra Şule Haskoloğlu; Demet Altun
  Abstract: Objectives:It is reported that deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc are associated withasthma. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between clinicfindings of asthmatic children and vitamin D and zinc levels. Materials and Methods: Thisprospective study included a total of 149 asthmatics and 97 healthy childrenwith an age range of 5 to 17 years. All of the participants were evaluated forserum levels of 25 -hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and zinc, dietary habits, therate of respiratory tract infections, hospital visits and levels of sunlightexposure. Results: Serum vitamin D and zinclevels in asthmatic children (7.7±5.29 ng/ml), (64±16.3 mcg/dl) weresignificantly lower than that in healthy children (12.3±12.87 ng/ml), (69±26.2mcg/dl) (p< 0.015), respectively. A relationship was detected between thefrequency of infection and vitamin D level’s being <10ng/ml (p < 0.001),while no relationship was detected between the frequency of infection and zinclevel. No relationship was detected between pulmonary function, nutrition andthe levels of vitamin D and zinc. However, a relationship was detected betweenvitamin D levels and exposure to sunlight. Conclusion: Our results showed thatasthmatic children had lower vitamin D and zinc levels than healthy children.Very low levels of vitamin D were found to be associated with an increased rateof infection and required more medication and hospitalization
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Epidemiology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever,
West Nile Virus and Malaria in Adana Province
- Authors: Onur Acar; Burak Akbaba, Ali Tanju Altınsu, Yakup Yılancıoğlu
  Abstract: Objectives: Aim of this study wasto determine the biological and current epidemiological characteristics of somevector-borne diseases including Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), Crimean-CongoHemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), West Nile Virus (WNV) and Malaria in Adana to provideguidance for employees in public health. Materials and Methods: This studywas carried out in cooperation with Public Health Department of Çukurova Universityand Public Health Services of Adana Provincial Health Directorate. After the necessarypermissions, records of Vectorial and Zoonotic Diseases Unit includingapproximately 3 years period between 01.01.2016 and 15.11.2018 have beenexamined. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 8.0 software and χ2 binary ormultiple comparisons were used. p<0.05 was considered significant level.Results: 86.20% (n: 550) of 638cases were local cases in which contact with the agent was inside Adana and therest (n: 88) were import cases. 89.34% (n: 570) of all cases were belong to CL,followed by Malaria, WNV and CCHF with 5.32% (n: 34), 2.83% (n: 18) and 2.51%(n: 16), respectively. 50,35% (n: 287) of CL patients were male and the meanage was 23.97 years. Also 54.10% (n: 317) of CL was seen in Syrian migrants. Itwas found statistically significant that number of CL in Syrian migrants washigher than that of Turkish citizens (p=0.023) and higher in January and Maythan in other months (p<0.001). The mean age of the cases in CCHF was 35.68years, 75.00% (n: 12) was male and 6.25% (n: 1) resulted in death. It was foundstatistically significant that CCHF was seen in June-August period more thanthe other months (p<0.01). The mean age of WNV was 36.52 years, 88.9% (n:16) was male, 22.22% (n: 4) had WNV-induced neurological disease and 5.55% (n:1) resulted in death. It was also found that WNV was more common in July andSeptember than in other months (p<0.001). The mean age of malaria cases was38.54 years, 2.94% (n: 1) was foreigners and all (n: 34) were males and importcases. Conclusion: All these diseases arestill important today in our country as they have serious health effects. It isa known fact that current epidemiological studies that define the differentcharacteristics of diseases guide the implementation of preventive healthservices. We hope that the current data on these vector-borne diseases willguide all healthcare providers working in the field.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Primary Headache
- Authors: Bengü Metin; Osman Korucu, Didem Adahan
  Abstract: Objectives: The use of complementary and alternative therapies(CAT) among patients having headache has been increasing in recent years.Despite this, studies on this subject are limited in our country. The aim ofthis study was to determine the causes of CAT use in primary headache patients,the place and perspectives of these treatment methods.Materials and Methods: This prospectivestudy included 310 patients between the ages of 18-65, who had primary headacheaccording to the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria, who wereadmitted to the neurology outpatient clinic of Keçiören Training and ResearchHospital due to headache. Sociodemographic characteristics, frequency andcauses of CAT use, treatment used, benefit-satisfaction status and sources ofadvice were investigated. The CAT usage query was adapted from a study inEngland to our culture.Results: CAT use was found 19.68% inour patients. Massage therapy was the most common method with 52.45%. Women(91.80%) were mostly referring to alternative treatment (p = 0.007). Half ofthe patients stated that they tried to use CAT as a "last resort aftertrying all medical treatments". 93% of CAT patients continued theirmedical treatment and CAT satisfaction was 47.54%. 60.66% of patients indicatedthat their referral sources as self-recommendation. 67.21% of patientsoccasionally used 21.31% regularly and 11.48% had CAT once. CAT use increasedas patients age increased.Conclusion: It is a known fact thatthe frequency of CAT use changes geographically in the world. Despite thewidespread CAT use in Eastern societies, there is no clear data evaluating thefrequency and causes of use. Nevertheless, there are some publications in theUSA and Europe, where this treatment is less popular, which has a tendency todo so. In our study, we found that the patients using these therapies appliedto these treatments as a last resort and continued the high rate of medicaltreatment of the patient. This suggest that despite the positive view ofpatients, CAT is used a support rather than alternative to medical treatment.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
The Effect of Acupuncture on Pain, Quality of Life and Depression in Women
with Fibromyalgia
- Authors: Bilge Kesikburun; Nuray Gülgönül, Emel Ekşioğlu, Aytül Çakcı
  Abstract: Objectives: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a multisystemdisease characterized by chronic diffused musculoskeletal pain, accompanied bysymptoms such as fatigue, depression, sleep disorder, and anxiety. The aim ofthe study is to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on pain, depression andquality of life in women with FMS in addition to the standard treatment.Materials and Methods: 55 womenpatients aging between 18-65 years and diagnosed as having FMS according to ACRcriteria (55 female; mean age 40.65/years, mean disease duration 2.69/ years)were included in this prospective controlled study. The patients were assignedto either acupuncture or control group. Both groups continued their ongoingmedical treatment. The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment 1 session/week,each session lasted 20 minutes for 10 weeks in addition to their currentmedical treatment (a total of 10 sessions). The outcome measures were painintensity with Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), quality of life with FibromyalgiaImpact Questionnaire (FIQ), depression level with Beck Depression scale (BDI)at baseline and after the treatment.Results: Comparison of thedifference over time between the groups revealed that improvement in VAS, FIQand count of tender points was significantly higher in the acupuncture groupcompared to the control group (p=0.001, p=0.017, p=0.016, respectively). Thedifference in BDI over time did not show any significant difference between thegroups (p=0.076).Conclusion: The study showed thatacupuncture had positive results on pain, quality of life and tender points inwomen with FMS. In addition to medical treatment, acupuncture may be preferredto contribute for decreasing FMS symptoms.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Comparison of Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Polysomnographic Features in
Geriatric and Adult Patients
- Authors: Timur Ekiz; Ahmet Cemal Pazarlı
  Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study to compare the characteristics of obstructivesleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and polysomnography in geriatric and adultpatients. Materials and Methods: This study was planned as a retrospective and case-controlstudy. Patients who underwent polysomnography evaluation with a prediagnosis ofsleep disoder were divided into two groups according to the age of the patientsas <65 years and >65 years. Polysomnography was performed with the Alice6 computerized system (Respironics; Philips, Illinois, USA) for the detectionof sleep disorders.Results: A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 59.10±13.7 years(ranging between 22 and 101) were included. The mean age was significantlyhigher in the geriatric group (p <0.001), but there was no significantdifference between the groups in terms of gender, body mass index and comorbidities(p> 0.05 for all). While the normal and mild OSAS frequency was higher inadults, the middle and advanced OSAS frequency was higher in the geriatricgroup. Rate of OSAS and obesity hypoventilation syndrome coexistince was higherin both groups. Total, REM, Non-REM, supine and apnea hypopnea index scoreswere higher in geriatric patients. Epworth Score was higher in geriatricpatients. Saturation is lower in the geriatric patient group and desaturationindex is lower in the geriatric patient group. Conclusion: The characteristics of sleep disorders in geriatric patientsdiffer from those of adults and sleep disorders are more severe in geriatricpatients.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
The Effect of Night Splint Use on Hallux Valgus Angle and Functional
Scores in Patients with Hallux Valgus Deformity
- Authors: Mustafa Akkaya
  Abstract: Objectives: It was aimed to investigate the change in HV anglesand functional scores of the patients with Hallux Valgus (HV) deformity duringtheir follow-up with the conservative treatment method, i.e. night splint, inour clinic.Materials and Methods: The study group of this retrospective study wasconstituted by patients diagnosed with HV deformity who presented to theOrthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt UniversityYenimahalle Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 – May 2018.Files of 227 patients included in the study group were retrospectively screened.Among these patients, the change in HV angle and functional scores were notedfor the patients who had an HV angle higher than 25 degrees in foot radiographsand who were conservatively treated with night splints for 6 months (n=76) inorder to conduct pre- and post-treatment comparison.Results: In our study group (n=76), it was observed that theleading causes of presenting with HV deformity, which was more common in thefemale population (n=68), consisted of pain (53.94%) followed by cosmeticimpairment (46.05%), and that HV more frequently showed symptoms in patientsworking in a standing position (n=33 / 75.75%). There was no significantdecrease in HV angles (p=0.563) but a significant improvement in functionalscores (pain: p=0.022 and function: p=0.031) after using night splints for 6months.Conclusion:Effective and long-term use of night splints in middle aged and older patients,who were diagnosed with HV deformity and have high HV angles, provided apartial decrease in HV angles as well as a significant improvement infunctional scores. Long-term use of night splints can be beneficial forincreasing the quality of life in patients who do not desire to receivesurgical treatment despite having high HV angles.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Evaluation of the Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Back Pain
- Authors: Elif Serap Esen; Dilek Toprak
  Abstract: Objectives: Low back pain is acommon disorder and the prevalence changes between %60 – 80. Low back paineffects individual’s quality of life and affects the society due to the loss oflabor force. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and riskfactors of low back pain within the community.Materials and Methods: This researchwas made in the Family Medicine Polyclinic of Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training andResearch Hospital between 01/05/2016-31/07/2016. Volunteers filled thequestionnaires out via face-to- face interview questioning sociodemographicproperties as well as the frequency and affecting factors about back pain, Thedata were analyzed by using SPSS 15.0 software programme. Level of significancewas taken as p<0,05. Results: The average age was 40.91+14.20(min=18, max=80); 66% (n=330) was women, 34% (n=170) was men. The avarage ageof the patients who have low back pain was 41.90±13.63. The point prevalence oflow back pain was 18.80% (n=94), while the lifetime prevalence was 77.40% (n=387).We identified more low back pain cases in people, who had heavy load liftingstories (p=0.007) of woman gender (p=0.009), married or divorced (p=0.000) andwho had higher body mass index (BMI) (P=0.022) compared to other groups. Theduration and amount of smoking were positively correlated with the prevelanceof low back pain, number of doctor visits, need for laboratory examinations andnumber of treatments.Conclusion: In our study, wedetermined that; low back pain is more frequent in women, in married anddivorced people,in people with higherBMIs and in people with low education level.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Patient Related Disease Symptoms Suffered by Individuals Providing Home
Care for Patients Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
- Authors: Hacer Gök Uğur; Oya Sevcan Orak, Yeşim Yaman Aktaş, Özgür Enginyurt
  Abstract: Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the diseasesymptoms suffered by the caregivers of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Materials and Methods: Thestudy, which had a descriptive design, was conducted on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregiversbetween April 2015 and April 2016. The universe of the study consists of 70 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’sand their caregivers living in the city centre, while the sample of the studyconsists of 60 patients diagnosed withAlzheimer’s and their caregivers. Patient and Caregiver IntroductoryForm, Alzheimer’s Disease Symptom Screening Form and Standardized Mini MentalTest were used to collect the data. Results:Average age of the patientswas 82,92±7,17, while their average disease duration was5,37±3,09 years and their Mini Mental Test score average was 11.08±8.39. Interms of cognitive domain, 93,30% of the caregivers suffered about the symptomof ‘difficulty in remembering the past’, 83,30% in ‘remembering the present’,81,70% in ‘making a decision’ and 80,0% in’ recognizing people around’. In behavioural and psychological domain, the symptoms suffered by the caregivers were; nervousness,agitation, insomnia and hallucination by 78,30%, 73,30%, 71,70% and 60,0%,respectively. In functional domain, the symptoms suffered by the caregiverswere; not being able to do self-care, to get dressed and undressed alone, tocontrol urine and bowels and to feed oneself by respectively 80,0%, 78,30%, 68,30%and 41,70% of the caregivers.Conclusion:The results of the studyshowed that individuals providing home care to patients diagnosed withAlzheimer’s had complaints about symptoms related tocognitive, behavioural, psychological and functional domains.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Coexistence of Down Syndrome and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case
Report
- Authors: Fatma Tamara Köroğlu; Lale Yılmaz, Ahmet Keskin
  Abstract: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommondisease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The coexistence of it withDown syndrome has been defined and a few case reports have been published inthe literature. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia symptoms have similarities withthose of gastrointestinal and respiratory system diseases causing a delay indiagnosis. In our case report, a patient who have had frequent gastrointestinalcomplaints and lower respiratory tract infections from birth has been diagnosedwith Morgagni hernia at the age of eleven months. We aimed to emphasize on the clinicalfindings of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in patients especially withchromosomal anomalies who suffer from frequent respiratory tract infections viathis case report.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Prevalence and Sociodemographic, Clinical and
Lifestyle Features of Patients Admitted to Family Medicine Policlinic
- Authors: Muhammed Mustafa Uzan; Abdullah Ozan Polat, Gamze Sarıkaya Uzan, Dilek Toprak, Ezgi Karasu, Dilek Sarıkaya, Haluk Mergen
  Abstract: Objectives:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disease that affect more than 20%of general population and mostly seen after 40 years old. In this study, it wasaimed to investigate IBS prevalence in people applied to Family MedicinePoliclinics, and their socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle features.Materials and Methods: This studywas performed to 115 patients who accepted to answer the questionnaire andselected randomly among people who applied to Medicine Policlinic for anyreason. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic data, dietary andbowel habits,chronic diseases,concomitant symptoms and Rome III criteria. Thedata was analyzed by SPSS 16.00 program, using Chi-Square and p<0,005 wasaccepted statistically significant.Results: Meanage of 115 participants was 38.23±15.33 (min: 14, max: 82) and 74 of them werewomen (64.34%), 41 were men (35.66%). IBS was determined in 28 of (24.34%)participants, according to Rome III criteria. Most common problem of IBSpositive patients’ was constipation (71.42%; n=20), most common reason to comehospital was the IBS’s effect on social life (%21.42; n=6) and stress (17.85%; n=5).They mostly applied to Family Medicine and Internal Medicine policlinics. Alsothe most common tests were abdominal x-ray and gastrointestinal endoscopy. InIBS patients, who diagnosed via Rome III criteria, frequently had tension-typeheadache.Relation of constipation symptoms to those with positive Rome IIIcriteria was significant (p<0,001). Relation of diarrhea symptoms to thosewith positive Rome III criteria was significant again (p=0,020). Mucoid feceswas the least common (14.28%; n=4) symptom among Rome III criteria positivepatients. It has been determined that just 7.14% (n=2) of IBS patients takemedicine for the treatment.Conclusion: IBSis a disease that affects nearly one of four people in our population andworsen the life quality. It is very important to pay attention to query thediagnostic criteria of IBS, to motive the patients for the right treatment andto follow up them for all the physicians, especially who work in primary care.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Investigation of the University Students’ Opinions About Complementary
and Alternative Medicine Methods Used by Them for Coping Stress Perception
Levels
- Authors: Tuğba Aydın Yıldırım; Berna Köktürk Dalcalı, Elnaz Bagheri Nabel
  Abstract: Objectives: In this study, university students’ perceived stress level and theiropinions about the traditional and complementary medicine (TCAM) methods usedby them for stress coping were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The universeof the study was constituted by 2754 students who were educated in fifteenprograms (1st and 2nd education) in the Karabuk University SafranboluVocational High School. The sample was constituted by 356 students from all theprograms who accepted to participate in the study, by stratified samplingmethod. The data was collected with a sociodemographic questionnaire preparedafter going over the relevant literature (containing students’ personal data,their opinions about traditional and complementary medicine (TCAM)) and thePerceived Stress Scale. Results: As a conclusion, it wasdetermined that university students did not have enough knowledge about usingTCAM, had moderate stress, and using TCAM did not affect students' stresslevels. Conclusion: Training of the healthpersonnel is important for the young to reach satisfactory knowledge aboutTCAM. In addition, it is thought that researches with larger sample groups and including a controlgroup will contribute to the literature.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Evaluation of Retinal Microvascular Structures in Type 1 Diabetic Patients
without Diabetic Retinopathy
- Authors: Nagihan Uğurlu; Ayşe Güzin Taşlıpınar, Fatma Yülek, Didem Özdemir, Reyhan Ersoy, Bekir Çakır
  Abstract: Objectives:The aim of the present study is to evaluate the optical coherence tomographyangiography (OCTA) images in patients with type 1 diabetes who have not beendiagnosed with retinopathy.Materialsand Methods: The study included 17 eyes of 11patients with type 1 diabetes and 36 eyes of 18 healthy volunteers. Opticalcoherence tomography angiography images were evaluated for the presence ofmicrovascular changes and measurement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area andvessel density (VD) measurements in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) anddeep capillary plexus (DCP) were performed.Results:Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed microvascular changes in 7 of11 type 1 diabetes cases. There was no significant difference between the FAZmeasurements between the diabetic group and the control group at the SCP andDCP levels (p=0,647, p=0,874 respectively). There was also no significantdifference in VD measurements between the diabetic group and the control group(p> 0.05).Conclusion: In diabetic patients whoare not clinically diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, retinal microvasculardamage may occur. Optical coherence tomography angiography is a rapid,noninvasive, and safe imaging modality that is useful in the recognition ofmicrovascular findings that develop at an early stage.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Importance of Sodium Levels for Geriatric Patients Presented to the
Emergency Department with a Simple Fall
- Authors: Tolga Öz; Ayhan Özhasenekler, Gül Pamukçu Günaydın, Yavuz Otal, Gülhan Kurtoğlu Çelik, Selçuk Coşkun, Fatih Tanrıverdi, Şervan Gökhan
  Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of plasma sodiumconcentration on falls in geriatric patients age of ≥65 years who visited theemergency room for simple falls.Materials and Methods: The ages andgenders of the patients, plasma sodium values at presentation, localizations ofthe injuries, radiological examination results (radiography and computedtomography), classification of the injury, the presence of accompanyingfractures and whether the patient had been referred from a nursing home wererecorded and injuries were compared according to sodium levels.Results: There was no statisticallysignificant difference between the location of the injuries and the presence ofhyponatremia (p=0.743). The prevalence of hyponatremia was statistically significantin the patients who were referred from a nursing home for simple falls(p<0.001). The increase in the incidence of vertebral and pelvic injuries ashyponatremia became more severe was statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusion: Hyponatremia should beconsidered as an independent risk factor for falls in patients who are ≥65years. Hyponatremia is more common in the patients who are staying in nursinghomes.In our study, no direct relationshipbetween hyponatremia and fracture formation has been detected.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Evaluation of Knowledge and Opinions of Nursing Students about Addiction
- Authors: Ayşegül Koç; Esra Tayaz, Özgür Erdem, Burak Kurt, Dilek Öztaş
  Abstract: Objectives: This research was carried out to determine the thoughts and opinions of the students about the drug addiction in the Department of Nursing of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Faculty of Health Sciences.Materials and Methods: A total of 217 students from the department were administered face-to-face interviews with socio-demographic data and knowledge levels related to addiction. The questionnaire form consisted of the students' demographic information, the level of awareness of the substances causing substance dependence, the duration and awareness of addictive substances, and the questions asked to measure their knowledge of the pathophysiology of the physical and psychological dependence of drug addiction. In the evaluation of the obtained data, for statistical analysis and calculations, IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used.Results: The mean age of 105 students was 20.69 ± 1.28. Of the students, 86,67% (n = 91) were female, 13.33% (n = 14) were male, 1.90% (n = 2) were female high school graduates, 98.10% (n = 103) were mixed high school graduates. 12.38% (n = 13) of the students had a chronic disease. Of the students participated in the study, 0.95% (n = 1) reported 1-2 hours per week, 8.57% (n = 9) reported 3-5 hours per week, 15.24% reported 6-8 hours per week, % 27.62 (n = 29) reported 9-19 hours per week and 47.62% (n = 50) reported using 20 hours or more of internet or smart device per week. At the same time, in our study, the purpose of using internet and smart device, student's sociability status, student's income level and income perception, smoking in the group of friends and family, smoking and alcohol consumption status were analyzed as a percentage. The first contact agent with the substance, the reasons for starting to smoke, the starting environment to start smoking and the level of dependence were examined as well. Cigarette smoking students accounted for 15.24% (n = 16) of the sample, and none of these students received any help in smoking cessation. In our study, dependence of addictive substances was investigated. These substances were shopping, computer games, television, internet, detergent, coffee, gambling, games of chance, carbonated drinks, chocolate, tea, chips, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, tobacco, marijuana, sugar, anticholinergics, volatiles, opioids. The questionnaires included in the study were evaluated as questions about smoking-related questions and addiction questions.Conclusion: In this study, where the nursing students' knowledge about substance and addiction is measured, planning should be done in order to get students to receive training in certain periods on this subject. In order to prevent drug addiction, students should be encouraged to get help for dependence in cooperation with the units providing services in this regard.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030
Comparison of Quality of Life of Elders Living in Nursing Homes and in
Their Homes and Its Relationship with Socio-demographic Factors
- Authors: Beray Gelmez Taş; Dilek Toprak
  Abstract: Objectives: Improvingthe quality of life for the rapidly growing elderly population plays a key rolein good health standards. This study aims to compare the quality of life ofelderly people living in their home and senior centers, and to determinesocio-demographic factors that could affect their quality of life.Materials and Methods: In thisstudy, we enrolled 400 people aged ≥65 years; 198 of them were elderly whoapplied for any reason to Etfal Training and Research Hospital Family MedicinePoliclinic, between February-October 2014; and 202 of them were living inNursing Homes. The survey questioned socio-demographic features and the Turkishversion of quality of life developed by World Health Organization was applied. Results: We examined 400 people[188(47%) males and 212(53%) females]. Of these, 202 (50.50%; average age=73.3±6.7years) were living in their homes and 198(49.50%; average age: 73.2±7.3 years)in senior centers. Furthermore, the physical, psychological, social andenvironmental field scores of people living in their homes were significantlyhigher than those living in senior centers (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This studyreveals that the quality of life is higher in elderly who live in their homesthan those who live in nursing homes. The older age, marital status, highereducation level, increase in the income, and not having children negativelyaffect the quality of life in individuals living in their homes. In elderly peopleliving in senior centers, advanced age, female gender and having a chronicillness negatively affect the quality of life.
  PubDate: Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +030