Patients In Turkey Research Articles

Health Behavior Intervention in Early Weight Loss Success to Prevent Diabetes: Role of Gender Differences

Objectives: In the pursuit of healthier lives and the prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes, the role of health behavior interventions has become increasingly significant. There are approximately 9 million diabetic patients in Turkey. The aim of this study was to explore the dynamics of health-related behaviors, focusing on the role of gender differences, and study their influence on weight management, and the potential of intervening early to achieve weight loss and prevent diabetes. Methods: A total sample of 200 was selected to conduct the study which included 50 males and 150 females. In order to determine the role of gender differences in weight loss mechanism, mediation analyses were done.Results: It was evident that gender had a direct and significant impact on weight loss (-.688, p= 0.061). Moreover, self-monitoring of calorie and food intake was found to have a significant impact on weight loss. Conclusions: The study concludes that along with the differences between gender, health behavior interventions play a critical role in affecting the percentage of weight loss and preventing diabetes. It was also evident that diabetes was more frequently seen in females when compared to males.

Comprehensive evaluation of patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1: A nationwide study.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is characterized by increased endogenous oxalate production and deposition as calcium oxalate crystals. The main manifestations are nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis, causing impaired kidney function. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and overall outcomes of paediatric PH1 patients in Turkey. This is a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective study evaluating all available paediatric PH1 patients from 15 different paediatric nephrology centres in Turkey. Detailed patient data was collected which included demographic, clinical and laboratory features. Patients were classified according to their age and characteristics at presentation: patients presenting in the first year of life with nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis (infantile oxalosis, Group 1), cases with recurrent nephrolithiasis diagnosed during childhood (childhood-onset PH1, Group 2), and asymptomatic children diagnosed with family screening (Group 3). Forty-eight patients had a mutation consistent with PH1. The most common mutation was c.971_972delTG (25%). Infantile oxalosis patients had more advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure necessitating dialysis (76.9% vs. 45.5%). These patients had much worse clinical course and mortality rates seemed to be higher (23.1% vs. 13.6%). Patients with fatal outcomes were the ones with significant comorbidities, especially with cardiovascular involvement. Patients in Group 3 were followed with better outcomes, with no kidney failure or mortality. PH1 is not an isolated kidney disease but a systemic disease. Family screening helps to preserve kidney function and prevent systemic complications. Despite all efforts made with traditional treatment methods including transplantation, our results show devastating outcomes or mortality.

Towards a standardized program of transitional care for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis for Turkey: a national survey study

BackgroundJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a prevalent childhood chronic arthritis, often persisting into adulthood. Effective transitional care becomes crucial as these patients transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems. Despite the concept of transitional care being recognized, its real-world implementation remains inadequately explored. This study aims to evaluate the thoughts and practices of healthcare providers regarding transitional care for JIA patients.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric and adult rheumatologists in Turkey. Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ six core elements of transitional care, the survey included 86 questions. The respondents’ demographic data, attitudes towards transitional care, and practical implementation were assessed.ResultsThe survey included 48 rheumatologists, with 43.7% having a transition clinic. The main barriers to establishing transition programs were the absence of adult rheumatologists, lack of time, and financial constraints. Only 23.8% had a multidisciplinary team for transition care. Participants agreed on the importance of coordination and cooperation between pediatric and adult healthcare services. The timing of the transition process varied, with no consensus on when to initiate or complete it. Participants advocated for validated questionnaires adapted to local conditions to assess transition readiness.ConclusionsThe study sheds light on the challenges and perspectives surrounding transitional care for JIA patients in Turkey. Despite recognized needs and intentions, practical implementation remains limited due to various barriers. Cultural factors and resource constraints affect the transition process. While acknowledging the existing shortcomings, the research serves as a ground for further efforts to improve transitional care and ensure better outcomes for JIA patients transitioning into adulthood.

Results of patch testing to the European Baseline Series in adult patients in Turkey: a five-year experience at a tertiary reference center

Results of patch testing to the European Baseline Series in adult patients in Turkey: a five-year experience at a tertiary reference center

The Effect of Spiritual Well-Being on Self-care Agency in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Patients in Turkey: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience.

The aim of the present study was to determine the mediator role of psychological resilience in examining the effect of spiritual well-being on self-care agency in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Patients (COPD). The present cross-sectional and correlational study has a descriptive design, and it was conducted with 200 COPD patients admitted to the chest diseases outpatient clinic of a university hospital. "Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT Sp-12)," "Brief Resilience Scale (BRS)" and "Self-Care Agency Scale (SCAS)" were used in the study for collecting the research data. STROBE recommendations were followed while reporting this study. FACIT Sp-12 total score average, the BRS total average score and the ASAS total average score of the patients were found to be 29.88 ± 1.44, 21.47 ± 66.31, and 84.81 ± 14.69, respectively. In addition, it was determined that both spiritual well-being (β = 0.170) and psychological resilience (β = 0.777) positively affected self-care agency. SCAS mediates the effect of FACIT-Sp-12 on self-care agency and strengthens the positive effect of FACIT-Sp-12 on self-care agency (β = 0.843). It was seen that the predictive effect of these two variables in explaining self-care power was 60%. Spiritual well-being and self-care agency of the COPD patients were found to be moderate, and the psychological resilience was found to be high. In addition, spiritual well-being was found to affect self-care agency directly and the mediating role of psychological resilience indirectly.

The effect of a mobile education application (MobilMS) developed for multiple sclerosis patients in Turkey on symptom management and quality of life: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and is caused by immune dysfunction. MS results in a variety of symptoms that affect physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. Effective symptom management is a critical factor in improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients with MS. PurposeTo determine the effects of a comprehensive mobile education application developed for Turkish patients with MS on symptom management and QoL. MethodsThe study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial and included 63 patients with MS older than 18 years who had an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≤6 and were actively using smart phones (intervention group, n = 31; control group, n = 32). Data were collected using a patient information form, the Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptom (MS-RS) checklist, the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale (MSQoL-54), and the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Adherence Questionnaire (MS-TAQ). The scales were administered three times: at baseline, first month, and third month. Patients with MS in the intervention group were followed up for three months using MobilMS. ResultsIn the intervention group, the mean rating of MobilMS was 8.74±1.29. Most patients indicated that MobilMS was an “informative and useful application”. None of the patients in the study reported any side effects or difficulties when using MobilMS application. The mean MSQL-54 score of the intervention group was significantly higher compared to that of the control group at the first and third months (p = 0.001). The mean scores on the MS-RS checklist (p = 0.985), MS-TAQ subscale, Disease modifying therapies (DMT) barriers (p = 0.237), DMT side effects (p = 0.994), DMT coping strategies (p = 0.469), and Missing Doze Rate (MDR) (p = 0.765) were lower in the intervention group than in the control group, but these results were not statistically significant. ConclusionThe results of the study showed that MobilMS was highly appreciated, accepted, and used by patients with MS. MobilMS has the potential to meet the requirements for a free and accessible symptom management tool for patients with MS. The innovative MobilMS-based education intervention for support and symptom management is recommended as part of supportive care for this patient population. It is hoped that this study will pave the way for future studies on the utility of mobile applications for symptom management in patients with MS.

EE417 Budget Impact of Efmoroctocog Alfa in Treatment of Severe Haemophilia a Patients in Turkey

EE417 Budget Impact of Efmoroctocog Alfa in Treatment of Severe Haemophilia a Patients in Turkey

EE42 Comparison of Cost of Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Turkey with Selected European Countries

EE42 Comparison of Cost of Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Turkey with Selected European Countries

EE265 Cost-Effectiveness of Efmoroctocog Alfa in Treatment of Severe Hemophilia A Patients in Turkey

EE265 Cost-Effectiveness of Efmoroctocog Alfa in Treatment of Severe Hemophilia A Patients in Turkey

The Relationship Between Religious Coping, Spirituality, and Disease Self-Management Among Parkinson's Patients in Turkey.

Religion and spirituality can be important motivational tools in the management of Parkinson's disease. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between religious coping methods, spirituality, and disease self-management levels in Parkinson's patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 294 Parkinson's patients. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and structural equation modeling were used in the analysis of the data. This study showed that Parkinson's patients adopted both positive and negative religious coping styles, demonstrated good levels of spirituality, and had high levels of disease self-management. A statistically significant relationship was found between the positive and negative religious coping levels of Parkinson's patients and their levels of spirituality and disease self-management (p < 0.05). Health professionals may consider and support Parkinson's patients' use of religion as a coping mechanism, as this may help manage Parkinson's disease.

Factors Influencing Recurrence Rates and Surgical Outcomes in Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Retrospective Study of 130 Patients in Turkey.

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation surgery, specifically lumbar microdiscectomy, shows recurrence in 3-24% of patients, necessitating potential re-operations. This study focuses on the outcomes and recurrence causes in 130 cases of lumbar disc herniations. These cases were managed by a single surgeon at a single center, offering a unique perspective on a common issue in neurosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 130 patients treated for lumbar disc herniations. Analysis considered various factors: age, sex, symptoms, surgical level, complications, pre- and postoperative pain levels, and quality of life indices. RESULTS Of the 130 cases analyzed, all underwent initial surgery by the same surgeon or sought treatment from this surgeon after recurrence. Inclusion criteria were based on radiologic and clinical indications for re-operation. The demographic split was 76 males (56.4%) and 54 females (43.6%). A notable finding was a higher recurrence rate in males and patients under 45 years, although the sex difference was not statistically significant. The average age was 47.5 years. Significant changes were noted in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) levels during follow-ups (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the effectiveness of lumbar microsurgery in treating recurrent lumbar disc herniations. Techniques such as medial facet utilization and laminectomy border expansion show promise. However, determining instability rates requires long-term patient follow-up. Our findings contribute valuable insights into surgical approaches and patient outcomes in recurrent lumbar disc herniation cases.

Baseline Factors Affecting the Prognosis of Ischemic Cerebellar Stroke Patients in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cerebellar infarcts are encountered commonly in clinical practice; however, they are likely to be misinterpreted. They cannot be adequately evaluated on scales such as the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), which can have fatal consequences. To evaluate the baseline features, prognosis, and 6-month survival in patients with cerebellar stroke. A total of 200 patients with cerebellar ischemia were included in the study. Patients were analyzed retrospectively from 10 years of data. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were evaluated. Mean age was 68 years old, and men were more frequently affected. The most common symptoms were dysarthria and vertiginous sensations. Ischemic lesions were usually cortical/juxtacortical, multiple, hemispheric, and small (below 1.5 cm). The most commonly affected artery was the medial branch of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Cardioembolism was the more frequent etiology. Gait ataxia was associated with a more favorable prognosis and 6-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (OR: 0.15, 95% CI, P = 0.03). Older age (OR: 1.75, 95%, P = 0.02), female gender (OR: 6.72, 95%, P = 0.02), multiple (OR: 10.92, 95%, P = 0.01) and large lesions (OR: 6.56, 95% CI, P = 0.01), posterior circulation ischemic lesions extra-cerebellum (OR: 8.33, 95% CI, P = 0.01), left ventricular apical hypokinesia or AF (OR: 5.58, 95% CI, P = 0.02), and a high mRS score on admission (OR: 5.21, 95% CI, P < 0.001) was correlated with higher 6-month mRS and a lower survival rates. The study found that some baseline clinical, neurovascular imaging findings, and the mRS score on admission are useful predictors of cerebellar stroke prognosis and outcome.

Are Refugee and Native Patients’ Self-Care Agencies the Same?-A Cross-sectional Study in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Turkey

Are Refugee and Native Patients’ Self-Care Agencies the Same?-A Cross-sectional Study in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Turkey

Correlation Between Fear of Postoperative Pain and the Use of Analgesics Among Elderly Patients in Turkey

Correlation Between Fear of Postoperative Pain and the Use of Analgesics Among Elderly Patients in Turkey

Atrial Fibrillation Management in Acute Stroke Patients in Türkiye: Real-life Data from the NöroTek Study

Atrial Fibrillation Management in Acute Stroke Patients in Türkiye: Real-life Data from the NöroTek Study

Özel Bir Hastanenin Kadın Hastaları Arasında Meme Kanseri Farkındalığı: Türkiye'de Risk Faktörleri, Semptomlar ve Tutumlar Üzerine Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Background/Aims: The global prevalence of breast cancer continues to rise, necessitating heightened awareness, early detection, and effective management strategies. This study aimed to assess differences in breast cancer awareness, risk factors, symptoms, and attitudes among economically well-off female patients in Turkey.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A single-center survey was conducted at a private hospital, involving 189 economically well-off patients. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis.&#x0D; Results: Participants had a mean age of 50.2 years, with the highest awareness of risk factors and symptoms observed in the 31-50 age group. Marital status and education were associated with breast cancer awareness, risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods. Education level correlated with enhanced knowledge of risk factors and symptoms. The prevalence of breast cancer risk awareness was 41.2%, with the most recognized risk factors being smoking and family history. Palpable lump (36.4%) and redness of breast skin (16.9%) were identified as common symptoms. Screening methods included self-breast examination (12.2%), physician examination (13.2%), ultrasonography (19%), magnetic resonance imaging (15.9%), and mammography (23.3%).&#x0D; Discussion: Breast cancer remains a critical global health concern, necessitating increased awareness and early detection. In Turkey, breast cancer poses a significant health burden. Socioeconomic factors impact awareness and outcomes, with education and marital status influencing awareness levels. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions and accessible screening programs to enhance awareness and early detection.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study sheds light on breast cancer awareness and attitudes among economically well-off female patients in Turkey. Education, marital status, and age play pivotal roles in shaping awareness levels. Targeted interventions and education are crucial for improving early detection, reducing mortality rates, and effectively addressing breast cancer.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among kidney transplant patients in Turkey; prevalence, clinical features and outcomes

IntroductionOur aim in this study to evaluate the prevalence, types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and outcomes among patients kidney transplant recipients in our country. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2020 in the nephrology outpatient clinics of five different university hospital. They answered a self-administered a survey questionnaire, this form is included questions on socio-demographic and clinical features and on the CAM therapies. ResultsA total of 830 patients (496 [59.8%] males, 334 [40.2%] females; mean age 43.9 ± 9.4 years) kidney transplantation recruited for the study. One hundred ninety-two (22.8%) of the patients reported the use of one or more forms of CAM. Meanwhile, 64.5% of CAM users did not report their CAM therapies to their physicians. There was a significant correlates for CAM users were older age (P = 0.00; odds ratio (OR) = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.88–0.93), occupational status (P = 0.045) and monthly income (P = 0.021; odds ratio (OR) = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.42–3.3). ConclusionsWe determined that every five of one kidney transplant patients were using one type of CAM. Some of these CAMs are potentially harmful and may affect patient compliance to immunosuppressive therapies. Physicians should ask questions about CAM to patients on visit days and should explained their knowledge about CAM therapies.

Characteristics and course of patients with AA amyloidosis: single centre experience with 174 patients from Turkey.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, laboratory and genetic characteristics and outcomes of patients with AA amyloidosis. Patients followed up in a tertiary referral centre in Turkey with the diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and immunohistologically proven AA amyloidosis were included in the study and retrospectively analysed. Among 184 patients with the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis, 174 (83 female, 91 male) were included in the analysis. The most common cause of AA amyloidosis was FMF (78.7%), and 91% of FMF-AA amyloidosis patients were carrying the p.M694V variant (74.1% homozygous). AA amyloidosis was identified earlier in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous MEFV exon 10 variants compared with the heterozygous patients (27, 30 and 41 years, respectively). Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min at admission had a higher frequency of progression to end-stage renal disease (P < 0.001). The overall mortality rate was 15.3% and it increased gradually in association with the amyloid burden (10% in patients with renal, 15% in renal + gastrointestinal and 43% in those with additional cardiac involvement). Renal findings responded completely to treatment in 31% of the patients, a partial response was observed in 4%, a stable course in 23.6% and progression in 38.5%. Amyloid storm was identified in nine patients and was found to be associated with increased mortality within 1 year. FMF patients still constitute the majority of AA amyloidosis patients in Turkey. The MEFV genotype and associated inflammatory load may affect the age of onset of AA amyloidosis, and earlier diagnosis and stricter follow-up and treatment may delay progression of the disease.

A point prevalence study of medical device-associated pressure injuries: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the point prevalence and associated risk factors of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPI) in intensive care patients in Turkey. MDRPI remain a clinical problem that has garnered the attention of healthcare professionals. This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted over a single day in all intensive care units. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observation, skin examination and detailed diagnosis of MDRPI development and influencing factors. Presence of pressure injuries on the skin in the areas where the patient's medical device was placed was defined. The study was reported according to the STROBE declaration. MDRPI developed in 65 out of 200 patients included in the study (32.5%). The most frequent locations were on the face (71%). The MDRPIs were commonly associated with nasogastric tube (29.2%), endotracheal tube (18.5%) and CPAP mask (15.4%). A significant proportion of these injuries were mucosal (53.8%, n = 35). The majority of the skin pressure injuries were classified as Stage II (18.5%, n = 12). The risk increased 14 times in patients who were hospitalised for 9-16 days and 13 times in those who received mechanical ventilator support. The study findings suggest that MDRPI developed in approximately one of three patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit, and the length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilator support were important determining risk factors. The high prevalence of MDRPI may indicate inadequate nursing care quality. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses be aware of risk factors and evaluate the suitability and safety of medical devices. No patient or public contribution was involved in this study.

Experience with direct-acting antivirals in genotype 1-5 infected chronic hepatitis C patients in Turkey.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause chronic liver disease, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and death. Early diagnosis and treatment are thus vital. We aimed to investigate the sustained virological response (SVR) rates in chronic hepatitis C patients infected with different genotypes, receiving different direct-acting antiviral treatments (DAAs). Retrospective, observational SETTING: Clinic for infectious diseases and clinical microbiology PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C who applied to our outpatient clinic between January 2016 and November 2022 and were treated with a DAA were included in the study. Treatment responses were evaluated after each patient was treated with either ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), LDV/SOF + ribavirin (RBV), SOF+RBV, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/r±DSV) ±RBV, or glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB). Sustained virological response (SVR) rates at 12 weeks (SVR12) post-treatment. 360 patients. Of 360 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 218 (60.6%) were male and 142 (39.4%) were female with no statistically significant differences in SVR between sexes (P=.252). Nearly all had a SVR (n=353, 98.1%). The median (IQR) age of the patients was 56 (30.3) years. There were 42 (11.7%), 199 (55.3%), 4 (1.1%), 106 (29.4%), 8 (2.2%) and 1 (0.3%) patient with genotypes 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, and SVR12 did not differ significantly between genotypes (P=.066). SVR12 response was higher in 246 (68.3%) non-injecting drug users compared to 114 (31.7%) injecting drug users (P=.005). The SVR12 response was achieved in 100% of patients with genotypes 1a, 2, 4, and 5. SVR12 response could not be obtained in 1 of 199 genotype 1b patients and 6 of 106 genotype 3 patients. The common feature of 6 reinfection patients with genotype 3 was that they were using intravenous drugs. These 6 patients were reinfected due to their continued intravenous drug use. In conclusion, DAAs provide high SVR12 rates in cirrhotic/non-cirrhotic, pegylated interferon-naive/experienced patient groups and in patients infected with all genotypes. DAAs have a high SVR12 rate in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Retrospective, single-center.