Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic Research Articles

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH STATUS EVALUATION IN PATIENTS APPLYING TO FAMILY MEDICINE

AimOur study was conducted to determine whether the functional health status of patients treated at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Dursun Odabaş Medical Center differed significantly according to chronic disease status and sociodemographic characteristics.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 303 volunteer patients were evaluated. A seven-question sociodemographic information form and an 8-question COOP WONCA scale were used. The SPSS (ver: 13) package was used for the statistical calculations.ResultsWhile 53.5% (n = 162) of the participants had chronic diseases, 46.5% (n = 141) did not have chronic diseases. Higher mean COOP-WONCA scores indicate worse functional health status. The functional health status decreased as the age of the patients increased (p < 0.01). Among the sociodemographic characteristics, gender had an effect on functional health status, and women had greater mean COOP-related WONCA scores than men did for the mood, social activity and daily activity subheadings (p < 0.05). Individuals who were married or single had better functional health status than those whose spouse was deceased or divorced (p < 0.01). The mean COOP WONCA scores and mean scores for all questions were greater for people with chronic diseases than for healthy individuals (p < 0.01).ConclusionOur study revealed the importance of age, sex, marital status, education level and chronic diseases on functional health status and quality of life. Determining the functional health status of patients applying to family medicine with appropriate scales and taking necessary recommendations and measures will reduce mortality and morbidity.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Sociodemographic Factors, COVID-19 Fear Levels and Vaccination Status in Patients Applying to Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics in a University Hospital

ABSTRACT Objective: This study has aimed to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 fear levels in patients aged 18-65 years and their COVID-19 vaccination status. Methods: The study sample consists of 866 patients aged between 18-65 who applied to the Family Medicine Polyclinics of a university hospital between 01.03.2022 and 01.06.2022. Personal Information Form and Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used to collect data. As the score obtained from the scale increases, the level of fear of COVID-19 increases. The analyzes of the study were done in SPSS 21.0 package program. Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U test were used for comparisons. Results: 52.3% of the participants in the study were women and the mean age was 36.59±12.32 years. Compared to men, women's fear of coronavirus was statistically significantly higher. The coronavirus fear levels of those who received at least one dose of vaccine compared to those who did not get vaccinated at all, and those who received more doses of vaccines compared to those who received only one dose were found to be statistically significantly higher. Conclusion: As the level of fear of COVID-19 increased, it was determined that the vaccination behavior of individuals was positively affected. COVID-19 is a vaccine preventable disease. With vaccination in all healthcare institutions, it will be possible to prevent morbidity and mortality, as well as economic and social losses that may be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of Patients Applying for Medical Reports at the Family Medicine Clinic

Abstract Objective: Reports are crucial in Family Medicine, but many legal issues remain unresolved. Unnecessary examination requests cause significant costs, labor loss for physicians, and affect occupational safety. This can be prevented by informing institutions and reducing primary care physicians' workload by classifying tasks for workplace physicians to handle follow-ups. This study aims to evaluate the age, gender, and occupational distribution of people applying to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic for employment, driver's license, marriage, diaper, and drug reports, and to examine the relationship between the requested examinations and reports. Methods: In this study, the examinations requested according to the age and gender data of the people who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic between 01.01.2014-01.01.2015 to obtain employment, health, driver's license, marriage, diaper and drug reports were evaluated by retrospective file screening method.Laboratory reference intervals were determined as the intervals used by the laboratory of our hospital.After all data were collected, they were entered into the SPSS 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Illinois) program and analyzed using this program. Chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical variables. Significance level was accepted as p

Electronic Health Record Alert With Heart Failure Risk and Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Prescriptions in Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) prevent heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but prescription rates are low. The effect of an electronic health record (EHR) alert notifying providers of patients' estimated risk of developing HF on SGTL2i prescriptions is unknown. This was a pragmatic, randomized clinical trial that compared an EHR alert and usual care among patients with T2DM and no history of HF or SGLT2i use at a single center. The EHR alert notified providers of their patient's HF risk and recommended HF prevention strategies. Randomization was performed at the provider level across general and subspecialty internal medicine as well as family medicine outpatient clinics. The primary outcome was proportion of SGLT2i prescriptions within 30 days. Proportion of natriuretic peptide (NP) tests within 90 days was also assessed. A total of 1524 patients (median age 75 years, 45% women, 23% Black) were enrolled between September 28, 2021, and April 29, 2022 from 189 outpatient clinics. SGLT2i were prescribed to 1.2% (9/780) of patients in the EHR alert group and 0% (0/744) of those in the usual care group (P value = 0.009). Natriuretic peptide testing was performed within 90 days among 10.8% (84/780) of patients in the EHR alert group and 7.3% (54/744) of patients in the usual care group (P value = 0.02). In a single-center trial with low overall SGLT2i use, an EHR alert incorporating HF risk information significantly increased SGLT2i prescriptions and NP testing although the absolute rates were low.

Exploring attitudes towards infertility: insights from a primary healthcare setting

Aim: This study aimed to assess attitudes and knowledge regarding infertility among adults attending a primary healthcare facility in Turkey, along with identifying influencing factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals aged 18-49 who admitted to a Hamidiye tranining and research hospital Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Participants completed the attitudes towards infertility scale (ATIS) and the Infertility Knowledge Test (IKT). Demographic data including age, gender, marital status, educational level, and reproductive history were collected. Results: A total of 237 individuals participated in the study. The median ATIS score of the participants in the study was 50, and the median IKT score was 19. ATIS scores were lower among male (p:0,023), those who were married, had children, had experienced pregnancy, had lower education level compared to other groups (p

Sarcopenia and Associated Factors in Adults Aged 40 and Above: A Study Conducted in Primary Healthcare.

Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive skeletal muscle loss, has emerged as a significant public health concern, with a global prevalence of 10-27%. While traditionally studied in geriatric populations, recent evidence indicates its impact on individuals aged 40 and above, with early manifestations of muscle decline. Primary care settings play a pivotal role in the early identification and management of sarcopenia, facilitating timely diagnosis and intervention. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors among individuals aged 40 and above attending a family medicine outpatient clinic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a family medicine outpatient clinic, including participants aged 40 and above. Participants underwent handgrip strength measurements, calf circumference measurements, and a 4-m walking test. Based on the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EGSWOP2), individuals with sarcopenia and those at risk of sarcopenia were identified. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to assess nutritional status. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory values were recorded. A comparison was made between individuals with normal muscle strength and those at risk of sarcopenia. Among 213 individuals, 33 (15.4%) were at risk of sarcopenia (probable sarcopenia), and 12 (5.6%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. There was a negative correlation observed between age and muscle strength (r=-0,339, p<0,001), and positive correlation was found between muscle strength and MNA score (r=0.301, p<0.001). Individuals with higher education and income levels exhibited higher muscle strength. Participants at risk of sarcopenia had higher prevalence rates of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease (p=0.20, p<0.01, p=0.015, respectively). Our study highlights the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in individuals aged 40 and above emphasizing the need for screening and intervention strategies in primary care settings. The study findings support the role of primary care in addressing sarcopenia and improving patient outcomes.

Patient Satisfaction with Electronic Sick Leave Certificates: Survey of Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics

Purpose: In Slovenia, the transition from paper-based to electronic sick leave certificates (hereafter referred to as eBOLs) started at the beginning of 2020. While paper sick leave certificates are still widely used worldwide, many European countries are already reaping the benefits of using the eBOL system. This survey aimed to determine patients' satisfaction with the new eBOLs and highlight the most significant advantages and disadvantages from the patient's viewpoint. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in Maribor, Slovenia, and the surrounding area to collect quantitative data from family medicine outpatient clinics. Two hundred and fifty patients were randomly selected among those receiving either paper or electronic sick leave certificates. The survey was conducted online with a web survey link and consisted of two parts. The first part included eight items measuring patients’ experiences with electronic and paper sick leave certificates, rated on a five-point Likert scale. The second part consisted of two multiple-choice questions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of eBOLs. The data were analysed using bivariate statistical analysis. Results: Out of the 250 patients invited to participate in the study, 80 responded, resulting in a response rate of 32%. The mean age of the participants was 46.2 ± 11.2 years, with 56 (70%) women and 24 (30%) men. After more than a year of usage, 57 (71.3%) respondents expressed complete agreement that the eBOL system makes it easier for patients to manage their sick leave. Furthermore, 55 (68.8%) participants considered eBOLs as a good alternative to paper sick leave certificates. Most participants (76 (95%)) considered avoiding additional outpatient visits to manage their sick leave as the most significant advantage of using eBOLs. However, 64 (80%) respondents expressed uncertainty about the data sent by the eBOL system as the most significant disadvantage. Summary: The survey results showed that patients were already significantly satisfied with the eBOL system when it was first introduced and that their satisfaction increased with continued use. A broader survey including a larger number of Slovenian outpatient clinics and capturing both patients' and doctors' opinions would provide more precise and broader insights into the newly introduced IT system's advantages and disadvantages and its users' satisfaction.

Effectiveness of SNAPPS Implementation in the Family Medicine Residency Program in Erbil: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectives There is a crucial need to embrace modern methodologies for enhancing medical education in disciplines such as Family Medicine. The study introduces the SNAPPS (Summarize, Narrow, Analyze, Probe, Plan, and Select) model, a six-step mnemonic representing a learner-centered case presentation approach that streamlines fact reporting while encouraging clinical reasoning, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of the SNAPPS method as compared to the traditional model of case presentation in Family Medicine outpatient clinics and to gain insights into how students and preceptors perceive it. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Family Medicine outpatient clinics in Erbil, Iraq, from March 15, 2023, to August 30, 2023. Using convenience sampling, all Family Medicine board residents (n=30) in Erbiland six preceptors from the Community and Family Medicine department/College of Medicine/Hawler Medical University were randomly assigned into two groups by using the RAND function in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States). The SNAPPS method was introduced to the SNAPPS group employing approved tools and methods, while no intervention was needed in the control group. Subsequently, 30 cases were presented in each group with a total of 60 case presentations; the case presentations served as the units for data analysis. Feedback and data were gathered after each presentation using validated data recording sheets. Results The study showed a significant advantage for the SNAPPS group over the control group in terms of time efficiency, number of basic clinical attributes covered, and justified diagnoses (P value < 0.001). In the SNAPPS group,90% of the students sought clarification and information, surpassing 30% in the control group (P-value < 0.001). Almost all SNAPPS group students (96.7%) discussed case-related topics, compared to 43.3% in the controls (P-value<0.001). The SNAPPS group received superior overall ratings from both preceptors and students. Conclusion The SNAPPS method enhances clinical diagnostic reasoning in Family Medicine outpatient clinics. It is time-efficient and encourages students to articulate uncertainties, pose questions, and identify case-related topics for self-study.

The effect of patients' empowerment on satisfaction of diabetic patients attending primary care clinics.

Different approaches, especially the patient-centered approach with emphasis on the patient's empowerment, were used with diabetic patients to ensure a better quality of life. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of patient empowerment versus traditional health education models on the satisfaction of diabetic patients. A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 130 patients, aged 40-65 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and attending a family medicine outpatient clinic. Patients were blinded and randomly allocated into one of the two Groups (A and B) for a health education session with trained family physicians using the empowerment model and the traditional model, respectively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the consultation satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ). The relations between different qualitative variables were assessed by Chi-square test; differences in various quantitative variables were determined by t-test and ANOVA. Pearson correlation assessed the correlation between age and different domains as well as the total questionnaire scores of both groups. A highly statistically significant difference was found between Group A (n = 65) and Group B (n = 65) for the general satisfaction scale, professional care analysis, depth, and length of consultation (P < 0.001). In Group A, 61.5% were highly satisfied and 35.4% were moderately satisfied, while in Group B, 41.5% were moderately satisfied and 43.1% were neutral. Regarding physicians' perceptions of the communication process with patients during the health education sessions, 83% in Group A perceived it as good, while 69.2% in Group B perceived it as average. The patient empowerment model of health education was linked to higher rates of patient satisfaction and a better physician perception of the communication process during the consultation. The study was self-funded, and no harm was done to the patients.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety Level, Patient Approach and Oropharyngeal Examination in Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics: A Nationwide Study in Turkey

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety Level, Patient Approach and Oropharyngeal Examination in Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics: A Nationwide Study in Turkey

The efficacy of Nigella sativa oil in the prophylaxis and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in children

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in pediatric Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI). 230 pediatric URTI patients who were consecutively admitted to Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic between 05/12/2022 and 05/09/2023 whose parents agreed to participate were enrolled. Examinations were completed with 110 cases who were orally consuming standardized NSO exclusively, while 120 controls used no phytotherapeutics. Relationships of categorical variables were analysed by Chi-square. Group comparisons of continuous variables were performed with either t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on the normality of distribution. Time-dependent differences in continuous variables between groups were analyzed by rANOVA. Generally accepted significance was p < 0.05. There were 230 cases, 108 boys and 122 girls. The mean age was 10.76 ± 3.75 years. The case and control groups were similar (p > 0.05) in terms of age and gender. At first follow-up, severity scores (p < 0.001) and prevalence of antibiotic use (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in cases compared to controls. Prevalence of visits with URTI and severity scores were significantly reduced at the 2nd follow-up (both p < 0.001). Time-dependent changes in all outcome measures were significantly in favor of cases (p < 0.001 for all).This study showed that severity score, prevalence of antibiotic use and visits with URTI decreased with oral NSO use. This study supports the existing evidence that natural products are promising alternative treatments with their safety and versatility and hopefully may promote further research on appropriate dosage, safety and efficacy of these drugs for evidence based and safe complementary treatments.

Sleep Quality and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients Attending Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics at Cairo University

Sleep Quality and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients Attending Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics at Cairo University

The Effect of Menopause Symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of menopausal symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception (FGSP) in postmenopausal women.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive and relationship-seeking study was conducted with women aged 40 and above who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital between June and December 2022, who have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months, and who met the inclusion criteria. The Patient Information Form, The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire (VSQ), and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) were used to obtain the data.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of 203 women included in the study was 57.53±6.70. The total mean scores obtained from the scales was 15.40±7.7 for MRS, 3.75±3.96 for VSQ, and 18.99 ±4.34 for FGSIS. An inverse and statistically significant relationship were found between MRS and VSQ total and sub-dimension scores and FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all). A significant relationship was found between FGSIS score and body mass index and parity (r:-0.154, p:0.028 and r:-0.258, p:0.001). University graduates, those who had regular gynecological examinations, and people with a very good perception of general health status had significantly higher FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all).&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the scale scores, the FGSP of postmenopausal women was moderate and negatively affected by the increase in menopausal symptoms. Obesity, an increase in the number of parities, low education level, and poor health perception were the factors that negatively affected FGSP.

The effectiveness of the trans-theoretical model in managing adult obese and overweight individuals.

The prevalence of obesity is gradually increasing in our country and worldwide. Being obese and overweight are risk factors for chronic diseases. Obesity has a multifactorial etiology, so treatment should involve lifestyle changes, psychological strategies, pharmacologic treatment, and bariatric surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the trans-theoretical stages of change (TTM SOC) model in managing adult obese and overweight patients. This prospective cohort study was conducted with 133 adults who were admitted to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Adana City Research and Training Hospital between April 1, 2017, and April 30, 2019. Socio-demographic characteristics, blood pressures, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory data were compared between the baseline and the first, third, and sixth months. Body mass index (BMI) was higher among those with a low educational level. The mean age, the number of medications used, and the metabolic parameter values were significantly lower among the participants who did not have a chronic disease. Blood pressures, weight, BMI, plasma glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglyceride were statistically significantly higher at the baseline compared to follow-up values. Fasting plasma glucose was higher at the baseline in diabetic patients. The results were compared with Student t and One Way ANOVA tests. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to demonstrate the association between baseline and repeated metabolic measurements. The trans-theoretical model is effective in managing adult obese and overweight individuals and also in glycemic control in obese Type-2 diabetics.

Enacting communication cycles after prediabetes: Mothers’ stories of diabetes risk and seeking support

Background: Diabetes is a family systems experience of multiple intergenerational relationships. Communicating about diabetes as a familial risk helps individuals perceive greater control over preventing diabetes. Aim: The present study investigates how mothers disclose their prediabetes to their family and the precipitating family communication, with the goal to interrupt the multigenerational legacy of diabetes. Method: Data were collected from a Family Medicine outpatient clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to illicit information about mother-child communication about diabetes. Sort and Sift, Think and Shift analysis provided rich descriptions of mothers’ experiences. Results: The sample consisted of 9 women with prediabetes, aged 42-70, who had at least one child. Eight participants described at least 2 generations of family members with a diabetes-related diagnosis (prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes). First, we present two contextual factors that preexisted the prediabetes diagnosis, which influenced the disclosure decision: general health communication approach and personal evaluation of diabetes. Second, we present the communication cycles that supported self-management. Discussion: Continual communication cycles with family and clinicians can support mothers with prediabetes to enact self-management behaviors and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Mothers need family members to respond favorably to complete a positive communication cycle that can generate continuous emotional, social, and instrumental support.

Ensuring Continuity of Care: Effective Strategies for the Post-hospitalization Transition of Psychiatric Patients in a Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic.

In healthcare, continuity of care is a crucial element, especially for patients in the field of psychiatry who have recently been discharged from a hospital. The shift from inpatient to outpatient care poses challenges for patients and healthcare providers, including openness to treatment, competing priorities, financial insecurity, concerns and dilemmas faced by patients regarding their post-hospitalization life after improvements in symptoms, lack of social support, poor patient-doctor relationships, lack of insight, and stigma associated with mental illness. Therefore, it is vital to employ effective strategies to ensure patients receive the required care and support during this transition. This review delves into the significance of continuity of care for psychiatric patients post-hospitalization, effective strategies for the transition, and the challenges and barriers to implementation from the perspective of a family medicine practice. To analyze physicians' role in managing psychiatric patients post-hospitalization, we developed a comprehensive search strategy. This involved extracting relevant data, updates, guidelines, and recommendations. Our search spanned various online repositories, such as PubMed and Google Scholar, specifically focusing on US-based guidelines aligned with our objectives. The search was conducted using medical subject headings (MeSH) and combinations of "OR," "AND," and "WITH." We crafted keywords to optimize our search strategy, including psychiatric illness, post-hospitalization, follow-up, follow-up care, primary care follow-up, and guidelines. Exploring online repositories yielded 132 articles, and we identified some guidelines that addressed our objectives. We established inclusion and exclusion criteria for our review and reviewed 21 papers. Post-hospitalization follow-up is a critical facet of psychiatric care, aligning with guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and other relevant sources. Emphasizing continuity of care ensures a smooth transition from inpatient to outpatient settings, sustaining therapeutic momentum and minimizing the risk of relapse. This comprehensive approach involves careful medication management, regular mental health assessments, education on condition-specific coping strategies, and coordinated care between healthcare providers. It includes conducting risk assessments, safety planning, building social support and community integration, prompt post-hospitalization follow-up, and tailored treatment plans. Together, these measures enhance overall wellness for recently discharged patients. This holistic strategy tackles pressing short-term needs while facilitating long-term stability, promoting resilience and successful community reintegration, reducing readmission likelihood, and ultimately supporting sustained recovery.

Analysis of Weight Gain in Pregnant Women in the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic – Is It A Significant Problem?

Abstract Background Obesity is a multifactorial disease, difficult to treat, associated with strong social stigma. For many patients, the use of a traditional reduced‑calorie diet and physical activity is ineffective or results in only short‑term weight loss. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess changes in body weight at the time of diagnosis of pregnancy and in the 36th week of pregnancy in a group of patients in National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw (PIM MSWiA). Material and methods 40 pregnant women under the care of a general prac‑ titioner in Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic in PIM MSWiA were included into the retrospective study. The body weight of women at the time of diagnosis of pregnancy and in the 36th week of pregnancy was analyzed. Results The average age of the analyzed women was 32.9+/‑5.05 years. For 80% of the women, it was the first pregnancy. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was 21.67+/‑2.03 kg/m². The average body weight before pregnancy was 61.7+/‑7.67 kg, and at 36 weeks of gestation, it was 73.48+/‑7.64 kg. The mean weight gain at 36 weeks of gestation was 11.97+/‑3.99 kg. Two patients who were overweight in the early stages of pregnancy gained weight of 2 and 11 kg, respectively. Only three women with normal weight before pregnancy gained more than 18 kg during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in three women, whose pre ‑pregnancy body weight was 62, 53, 67 kg and BMI was 22.23, 18.55 and 22.12 kg/m², respectively. Conclusions In primary health care in PIM MSWiA, the majority of pregnant women are of normal weight and achieve normal weight gain during pregnancy. Education in the field of proper lifestyle should be an essential element of patient care especially in primary health care.

Prevalence, determinants, and fibrosis risk stratification of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in a Turkish primary care setting: A retrospective study.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition that frequently goes unnoticed as it typically remains asymptomatic until progressing to an advanced stage. As a result, it is essential to implement opportunistic screening initiatives within family medicine practices to accurately identify and refer selected at-risk patients to specialized care. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of MAFLD and advanced hepatic fibrosis among primary care patients in Turkiye by utilizing non-invasive tests. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from February 1, 2022, to April 14, 2023, at a Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. The Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) was used to identify fatty liver cases, followed by established MAFLD criteria for diagnosis. Patients were then categorized based on advanced fibrosis risk using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. Among the 450 patients who sought primary care during the study period (286 women and 164 men; mean age: 48.2±13.7 years), 295 (65.6%) were diagnosed with MAFLD using HSI values and established criteria. Diabetes mellitus emerged as the sole independent predictor of MAFLD. FIB-4 values classified 242 (82%) and 53 (18%) patients with MAFLD at low and intermediate risk of advanced fibrosis, respectively, with none at high risk. MAFLD exhibits a notable prevalence among Turkish patients who presented at a Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Given the growing impact of metabolic diseases, primary care providers and non-liver specialists should actively participate in MAFLD screening programs.

Evaluation of Serum Magnesium Levels in Patients with Hypertension: A Case-control Study

"There are conflicting data on the effects of magnesium on hypertension in the literature. Therefore we aim this study to investigate whether there is a relationship between serum magnesium levels and hypertension in newly diagnosed. This is a case-control study. The patients were selected from the records of patients who applied to the family medicine outpatient clinic between June 2016 and May 2017. A total of 276 patients, 68 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension in the case group and 208 patients without any disease in the control group were included in the study. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed between the case and control groups. The odds ratio for magnesium was 0.1 (0.012-0.810). When the value of the magnesium variable increases by 1mg/dl, the risk of hypertension decreases by 90%. However, in the presence of magnesium as an independent variable, the predictability rate of our model was expected to increase but decreased. The odds ratio for age was 1.14 (1.092-1.186). The odds ratio for exercise was 0.18 (0.03-0.99). The odds ratio for glucose was 1.03 (1.001-1.065). In our study that magnesium deficiency causes an increased risk of hypertension, the predictability rate of our model was expected to increase instead of decrease. These findings show that a cause-effect approach or incidental association cannot explain the relationship between magnesium and hypertension."

How well is acupuncture known?

In our study, we aimed to assess participants' attitudes and knowledge of the use of acupuncture among those who were 18-65 years old. During the period of May 1–June 1, 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Between the stated dates, anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who applied to the Health Sciences University Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital's Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics for any reason and who accepted to participate in the study were included. The researcher administered the 24 questioned data form face-to-face with the individuals after obtaining their sociodemographic characteristics, chronic illnesses, knowledge of various TCM treatments and acupuncture. Among the participants, 167 people (73.6%) had information about acupuncture. Acupuncture was one of the most used applications in our survey, and most of the patients who experienced it were referred by physicians. Those who previously received acupuncture treatment knew more about the practice with a statistically significant difference (p=0.004). Those who knew about acupuncture and those who had previously had acupuncture said there was no danger or damage in receiving acupuncture, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.015, p=0.0001, respectively). Although acupuncture is one of the most well-known TCM uses, its use remains in the background. The internet being the most widely used information source limits access to reliable data. Acupuncture should be performed, like all TCM applications, by qualified physicians in authorized centers while taking the outcomes into consideration.