Presence Of Chronic Disease Research Articles

The Evaluation of the Burden and Burnout Levels of the Caregivers of the Inpatients in Palliative Care

The study was conducted to evaluate the care burden and burnout levels of caregivers for patients hospitalized in palliative care. This descriptive study was conducted with 76 caregivers who were hospitalized in the palliative care services of a university and state hospital between 02.12.2019 and 02.06.2022 in Turkey. After obtaining the permissions of the ethics committee and the institution, the data were collected with the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Palliative Performance Scale, Caregivers Burden Inventory, and Maslach Burnout Inventory. The total score of the Caregivers Burden Inventory was 50.31±15.37, sub-dimensions of time-dependency burden, developmental burden, physical burden, social burden, and emotional burden scores were 18.30±3.23, 10.94±6.03, 13.54±5.99, 4.09±4.68, and 3.42±3.89, respectively. The Maslach Burnout Inventory sub-dimensions were emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, with mean scores of 24.78±10.33, 11.59±4.20, and 28.64±5.67, respectively. The mean Palliative Performance Scale score of the patients was 32.76±16.86. As the burden of caregivers increased, so did their exhaustion scores. Caregivers had moderate care burdens, high time dependency and physical burdens, high emotional exhaustion, and low personal accomplishment burnout. All patients who were cared for were bedridden. The presence of incontinence in the patient affected the time dependency burden of the caregivers, and the presence of chronic disease in the caregiver and living with the patient also affected the caregivers' emotional exhaustion. These results show that studies must be conducted to develop multidisciplinary interventions to reduce caregivers’ care burden and burnout.

Evaluation of Pediatric Cases Followed in Burn Center

Objective: Burn injuries are among the most important causes of unintentional death in young children. Although most pediatric burns do not cause serious clinical problems, severe burns have a higher mortality rate than adult patients with similar burns. In this study, we aimed to discuss the clinical features of pediatric burn patients hospitalized in the Burn Center of Eskisehir City Hospital. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients between 0 and 18 years of age were followed up since August 2023 and were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to age, gender, presence of chronic diseases, parenteral treatment rates, types of burns, total body surface area and the area affected by the burn. Results: The most common burn type was scald burn with 89.5% (n=246). According to the types of burns, especially scalding and flame burns were found to have a longer hospitalization period than electrical burns. While there was a significant correlation between the percentage of burns and the duration of intensive care unit stay and hospitalization (p=0.001), the number of operations increased as the percentage of burns increased (p=0.072). Conclusion: Exposure to burns was mostly observed in children aged 0-24 months. Burns may cause more serious consequences in pediatric cases. By looking at the types of burns in pediatric patients according to age groups, we think that burn cases in this age group can be reduced by raising awareness of families and taking precautions.

Determinants of Covid-19 vaccine uptake among the elderly aged 58 years and above in Kericho County, Kenya: Institution based cross sectional survey.

Hesitancy to Covid-19 vaccine is a global challenge despite the compelling evidence of the value of vaccine in preventing disease and saving lives. It is suggested that context-specific strategies can enhance acceptability and decrease hesitancy to Covid-19 vaccine. Hence, the study determined uptake and determinants of Covid-19 vaccine following a sustained voluntary vaccination drive by Kenyan government. We conducted institution based cross-sectional survey of 1244 elderly persons aged 58 to 98 years in the months of January, February and March, 2022. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to investigate determinants of Covid 19 vaccine uptake. The predictor variables included socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, convenience and ease of access of the vaccine, collective responsibility, complacency and the three dimensions of confidence; trust in safety, trust in decision makers and delivery system. The findings are reported as the adjusted odd ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Significant level was considered at p <0.05. The results from the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that advanced age and presence of chronic disease were associated with increased odds of doubt on Covid 19 vaccine, while long distance from vaccination centers was associated with increased odds of delay in vaccination. Overall, the findings of this study provided valuable insights into the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among the elderly population in Kenya and will inform the development of targeted interventions to increase vaccine acceptance and uptake in this population.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the North of Mato Grosso: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Studies have shown that obesity, age, presence of chronic disease, respiratory disease and cancer are risk factors for COVID-19, increasing the risk of hospitalization, complications, and the mortality rate. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients admitted to the nursery or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Hospital Regional Jorge de Abreu (HRJA) in Sinop-MT. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected from medical records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted between March 2020 and March 2021. Results: Data from 399 patients hospitalized in a nursery and 389 in ICU were evaluated. Days of symptoms, age and body weight were significantly higher in ICU patients compared to nursery. Furthermore, it was observed that patients admitted to the ICU had a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-transmitted chronic diseases (NTCD). There was no difference between the groups regarding the presence of previous respiratory diseases. 82.2% of ICU patients and 18.8% of nursery patients required assisted mechanical ventilation. Percentage of patients requiring tracheostomy and presenting complications was also higher in the ICU. The mortality rate was significantly higher in ICU patients (75.2%) compared to nursery patients (13.9%). Conclusion: It was observed that the clinical and epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU was more severe compared to those admitted to the nursery which can be associated with age, obesity and NTCD in these patients.

Development of an Attitude Scale for the Use of Telemedicine Services.

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to develop a scale to assess attitudes toward the use of telemedicine services, to study the reliability and validity of the developed scale, and to determine the characteristics that may be associated with the scores obtained from the scale. Methods: This study, which was conducted with 600 people older than 18 years, who applied to Family Health Centers in Meram district of Konya province, was designed in a methodological type. The sociodemographic characteristics form and the candidate scale form designed in a 5-point Likert structure were used to collect data in the study. The data collection forms were applied to the participants under observation. SPSS and R programs were used for data analysis. Statistically, cases with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Two hundred fifty people (n = 250) for reliability and explanatory factor analysis and 350 people for confirmatory factor analysis, 600 people in total, were included in the study. The results of all reliability and validity analyses of the candidate scale were found to be sufficient. The explained variance of the one-dimensional 18-item scale was 53.8% and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.947. There was a significant difference between the score obtained from the scale and work status and presence of chronic disease (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As a result of the research, a new measurement tool called "Attitude Scale Towards the Use of Telemedicine Services" consisting of 18 questions was developed, reliability and validity analyses were performed, and it was shown that it is suitable for use in individuals older than 18 years.

Magnitude and predisposing factors of intestinal parasitosis and tuberculosis coinfection at five health institutions in Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Intestinal parasites affect the tuberculosis disease outcome by shifting the cell-mediated to humoral immune response and host immune system suppression. However, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection favors the immune escape of parasites. Hence, exploring the rate of intestinal parasitic coinfection with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and its predisposing factors to take better preventive, control, and management measures. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2020 at five health institutions in Hawassa city. A total of 214 PTB patients were diagnosed using the GeneXpert assay and enrolled in this study. Demographic, clinical, and risk factors data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected using a clean, labeled, and leak-proof stool cup. Stool samples were examined using direct saline microscopy and the formal-ether concentration technique. The data were entered and coded in SPSS software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to identify the associated risk factors. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall rate of intestinal parasitic-MTB coinfection was 36.9%. The most dominant intestinal parasite was Gardia lamblia (17.8%, 38), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.3%, 20). Intestinal parasitosis coinfection of PTB was associated with being rural resident (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-4.8), not washing of fruits and vegetables before eating [AOR = 4.14; 95% CI: 1.92-9], being at the early stage of anti-TB treatment [AOR = 3; 95% CI: 1.5-6.3] and presence of chronic diseases [AOR = 7; 95% CI: 3.4-14]. The burden of intestinal parasites-MTB coinfection was high. Those who wash fruits and vegetables before eating should be encouraged, early treatment of PTB patients and avoiding the practice of open-field defecation, especially in rural communities, is necessary. The dual effect of coinfection on disease severity and treatment success needs further cohort study.

Impact of out-of-pocket medical expenditure after major illness in the family on food consumption of a household

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to see the impact of increased out-of-pocket expenditure oh health care exerting budget pressure on households, which leads to change in dietary consumption.Design/methodology/approachIt was a hospital-based cross-sectional study comprising 414 patients with a chronic or major illness attending a large tertiary care public hospital at Delhi, India. Each patient represented a household with total number of family members of 2,550 in the study. Questionnaire was used to gather data on factors responsible for changes in consumption of 12 major food items.FindingsModerate decrease in food consumption of a household after major illness is associated with: rural residence (p < 0.001), decrease in savings (p < 0.001), more number of household items sold (p < 0.001), education of the children affected (p < 0.001), upper socio-economic status (SES) (p < 0.001) and children started working after illness in family (p = 0.043). In addition to decrease in food items, there was also deterioration in quality of food preparation. More than 80% of the families did not change the intake of cereals (rice and wheat), pulses and sugar. Food items that were decreased by most families were fruits, followed by milk and its products, vegetables, meat and egg, oils and ghee.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is a subset of other two studies previously published. The authors had not been able to cover this aspect fully in those two studies but understood the importance of impact of expenditure on illness on food consumption. The authors studied change in food consumption pattern (not amount) in subjects after illness. The impact of weather changes in food consumption on the impacted nutritional status of family has not been studied. The authors only collected cross-sectional, observational data and recall bias cannot be completely ruled out and corrected. With such data, only associations could be concluded, not causality. The illness condition of a household was measured by presence of chronic disease and inpatient treatment. Such measures did not take into account the types of illness and number of episodes. Data of this study cannot capture whether food intake of family prior to illness was sufficient/in excess/deficient. The Kuppuswamy scale, mostly used in urban and peri-urban settings, was also used for rural subjects in the study, which might have resulted in impaired capture of rural SES. The authors did not assess whether families were allocated food grains by schemes like public distribution system, which might have resulted in biased decrease in food consumption. Questionnaire used was not validated.Practical implicationsThis study demonstrates the various factors that act as barriers to proper food consumption, including non-financial factors. The policy of user fee in government is hitting poorer section, and equity and access to health are compromised. Health expenditure should be increased by public sector policies to implement uniform healthcare. There is need for more studies to identify measures that could be put in place when designing policies and interventions for the uniform distribution of benefits.Social implicationsThe policy of user fee in government is hitting poorer section, and equity and access to health are compromised. Health expenditure should be increased by public-sector policies to implement uniform healthcare.Originality/valueMajor or chronic illness affects money acquisition and priorities of expenditure, resulting in deterioration in quality of food consumption and by a household.

Prediction model of quality of life using the decision tree model in older adult single-person households: a secondary data analysis.

Attention is drawn to the subjective health status and quality of life of older adult single-person households, whose number is gradually increasing as factors including low fertility, increased life expectancy, aging, and household miniaturization interact. The study was to identify predictors that affect the quality of life of single-person households aged 65 years or older and living in South Korea. A secondary data analysis design was used. Data included physical, mental, social, and demographic characteristics, subjective health status, and quality of life parameters of 1,029 older adult single-person households surveyed by the Korea Health Panel in 2019. For analysis, the predictive model was evaluated using split-sample validation and the ROC curve. The area under the curve after the decision tree analysis was calculated. Final nodes predicting the quality of life of older adult single-person households were derived. Significant predictors were identified in this order: subjective health status, chronic disease, income, and age. Subjective health status was the most important factor influencing quality of life (△ p < 0.001, x2 = 151.774). The first combination that perceived high quality of life of older adult single-person households was the case of high subjective health status and no chronic disease, followed by the case of high subjective health status, presence of chronic disease, and high income. This study confirmed that subjective health status and chronic disease are essential factors for quality of life among the four related indicators of quality of life presented by the OECD. In nursing practice, nurses need to pay attention the factors influencing quality of life of older adult single-person households. Especially, nursing practice for older adult single-person households needs to be focused on improving subjective health status and on relieving chronic disease.

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS REGISTERED TO THE OBESITY CENTER: SAMSUN PROVINCE EXAMPLE

Objective: Obesity centers are established centers that enable people to reach and maintain their ideal weight by offering lifestyle changes. The aim of this study was to determine the physical activity and quality of life levels of patients registered in the obesity center and to examine their relationship with obesity.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material and Methods: Of 652 patients admitted to an obesity center between October 1, 2019, and January 30, 2020, 118 met the inclusion criteria. Patients whose informed consent was obtained were evaluated through the medium of a questionnaire containing socio-demographic data, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the SF-36 Quality of Life Form.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Of the patients enrolled in the study, 81.4% were female. The mean age of the patients was 46.7±11.5 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 37.7±6.2 kg/m². A statistically significant difference was found between obese classes and educational status, occupational groups, presence of chronic disease; hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (respectively; p=0.040, p=0.026, p=0.031, p=0.011, p=0.001 and p

Sleep Quality and Fatigue during Exam Periods in University Students: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

The aim of our study was to assess university students' sleep quality and fatigue before and during the academic exam period and identify potential associated factors. A Web-based survey was completed by 940 students of 20 different Tertiary Institutions including demographics, sleep habits, exercise, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol use, subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI), and fatigue (Fatigue severity scale-FSS) at the beginning of the semester and during the examination period. During the exam period, PSQI (8.9 vs. 6.1, p < 0.001) and FSS scores (36.9 vs. 32.7, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated compared to the pre-exam period. An increase in the PSQI score was associated with age (β = 0.111, p = 0.011), presence of chronic disease (β = 0.914, p = 0.006), and depressive symptoms (β = 0.459, p = 0.001). An increase in the FSS score was associated with female gender (β = 1.658, p < 0.001), age, (β = 0.198, p = 0.010), increase in smoking (β = 1.7, p = 0.029), coffee/energy drinks consumption (β = 1.988, p < 0.001), decreased levels of physical exercise (β = 1.660, p < 0.001), and depressive symptoms (β = 2.526, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our findings indicate that exam periods have a negative impact on the sleep quality and fatigue levels of university students. Potential factors were identified that could contribute to the formulation of strategies for improved sleep quality and wellness.

Nasopharyngeal Meningococcal Carriage among Older Adults in Türkiye (MeninGOLD Study).

Introduction: While there is a significant amount of information about invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), meningococcal carriage, and meningococcal vaccines in children and adolescents, data in older adults are limited. Studies of meningococcal carriage and transmission modeling can be utilized to predict the spread of IMD and guide prevention and treatment strategies. Our study's main objective was to assess the prevalece of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) carriage, serogroup distribution, and associated risk factors among older adults in Türkiye. Methods: Nasopharyngeal samples were collected between December 2022 and January 2023 from a total of 329 older adults (65 years of age and above). The samples were tested via PCR for Nm, and a serogroup (A, B, C, Y, W, X, E, Z, H) analysis of the positive samples was performed. Results: In total, 329 adults over 65 years of age (150 females and 179 males; 69% were 65-75 years old and 31% were 75 years of age and older) were included in the study. Nm carriage was detected in 46 participants (13.9%), and the serogroup distribution was as follows: 2.4% MenY (n = 8), 1.8% MenB (n = 6), 0.2% MenW (n = 2), and 9.4% non-groupable (n = 31). Other serogroups were not detected. Between the meningococcal carriers and the non-carriers, there were no differences between previous vaccination histories (meningococcal, pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19), travel history for Hajj and/or Umrah, and the presence of chronic disease. Of the 16 cases positive for the serogroups Y, B, and W, 13 patients were between the ages of 65 and 74 and three patients were over 75 years old, and these three cases represented MenY. Conclusion: In our study, the percentage of meningococcal carriage was found to be 13.9%, the carriage rate for encapsulated strains was 4.8%, and the most common serogroup was MenY. Men Y was also the only serogroup detected in patients over 75 years of age. The MenY serogroup, which is one of the most important causes of IMD (especially in pneumonia cases) in people older than 65 years, was the most frequently carried serogroup in people over 65 years of age in our study. Adequate surveillance and/or a proper carriage study would help to define potential vaccination strategies for older adults.

Public Awareness of Healthy Lifestyle among Iraqi Population

Background: A healthy lifestyle is a way of life that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early. It includes making wise choices that can help people thrive as they move through their life's journey, like eating a healthy diet and being physically active. Objective: This study aims to assess public knowledge and awareness regarding healthy lifestyles. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 people relative to primary healthcare center visitors in Wasit province in Iraq. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire derived from a previously published article consisting of two parts. Results: In this study, around 66.4% of the sample knew about the food pyramid, and about 44.5% of them used it in their daily lives. The majority (60.6%) were eating three meals during the day, and only 44.6% skipped some meals during the day. Only one (0.8%) mentioned drinking alcohol, and 46.1% have a smoking habit. The majority (64.8%) of the sample never exercised for at least 30 minutes a day. A significant association was detected between gender and knowledge about the food pyramid (p=0.001), and a significant association was also found between smoking and the presence of chronic disease (p=0.029). Conclusion: It is important for the public to be aware of healthy lifestyles. Iraqi people still need to increase their knowledge and awareness by implementing health education.

Determination of Anxiety Levels and Factors Affecting Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background/aim: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk for surgery. Determine the anxiety levels of patients, who will undergo TAVI surgery, and factors affecting anxiety in the pre- and postoperative period. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sifa hospital in Izmir, Turkey between September 2014 and June 2015. Data were collected in the cardiology outpatient clinic for preoperative data, and in the coronary intensive care unit and cardiology outpatient clinic for postoperative data. The data were collected by interviewing patients who presented with aortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency and underwent TAVI surgery. Stress status of the patients before and after TAVI was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The mean age of 34 patients participating in the study was 78.21(±6.67), and 61.8 % of the patients were women. The mean state anxiety scores of all patients were 45.5(±12.1) before the surgery, 36.4(±10.6) after the surgery. The anxiety experienced before the operation was moderate to high; and after the operation was lower. Conclusion: The patients were experiencing moderate to high and levels of anxiety. The factors affecting the state anxiety scores in the preoperative period were the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases. The factors affecting the stress of the patients in the pre- and post-TAVI period were subjective fear felt due to the stressful situation in the preoperative period were found to be age and the presence of chronic disease.

Evaluation of the Serum Zinc Level in Patients Followed in Hospital with the Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Samsun Province, Türkiye

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak has not yet ended and poses a persistent hazard to individuals, communities, and healthcare systems globally. Similar to numerous other diseases, the immune system of the patient is intricately associated with the advancement and mortality rates of COVID-19. In general, the immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the host against infections and neoplastic cells, and a well-balanced diet can enhance the immune system's ability to effectively defend against infectious agents. There have been suggestions that the administration of zinc supplements may decrease the occurrence of lower respiratory tract infections in children who are deficient in zinc. This study will thus examine the potential of zinc as a preventive and therapeutic agent, either on its own or in conjunction with other techniques, as zinc fulfills all the requirements outlined above. The study cohort was stratified into three distinct groups, namely critical care patients, service patients, and a healthy control group; a total of 24 COVID-19 patients in critical care, 27 ward-treated COVID-19 patients, and 26 healthy individuals. The groups exhibited a notable disparity in age distribution (p&lt;0.001). A statistically significant difference was seen among the groups in relation to the survey results, presence of chronic disease, and length of hospital stay (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001, and p=0.007, respectively). COVID-19 patients (n=51) exhibited markedly reduced zinc levels in comparison to a control group of healthy individuals (n=26). It was observed that the average zinc level in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was 89 μg/dl (range: 43-123 μg/dl). In comparison, the median zinc level in individuals without COVID-19 was found to be 99.5 μg/dl (range: 79-125 μg/dl). A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (p=0.023). The study revealed that a total of 13 individuals, accounting for 25.5% of the COVID-19 patients, exhibited a deficiency in zinc levels. The findings of our study indicate that zinc potentially plays a significant role in the context of COVID-19. However, additional research is required to get a comprehensive understanding of the association between COVID-19 and zinc.

Musculoskeletal pain, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in obese patients

Objectives: This study aims to examine musculoskeletal pain, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in individuals with normal body mass index and in individuals with obesity, and to determine the relationship between the variables. Methods: In the study; individuals aged between 20-65 years, with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 and above (Group obesity) with obesity, and individuals with a range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 (Group normal) were included. General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire, Orebro Musculoskeletal Screening Questionnaire, Short Form-12 Health Survey, and Kinesiophopia Causes Scale were applied to the participants for primary care. Results: When the descriptive characteristics of the individuals in the sample which were divided into two groups as the Group normal (n = 82; 22.6 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and Group obesity (n = 92; 33.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2 were analyzed; while a difference was determined in terms of sex, education level and presence of chronic disease (p ˂ 0.05), no difference was found in terms of age, marital status and regular drug use for the treatment of chronic disease (p ˃ 0.05). Although the activity level rates of Group obesity were lower according to the physical activity questionnaire classification for primary care, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.090). More musculoskeletal pain was found in the individuals of the obesity group (p = 0.003), the physical sub-dimension score of the general quality of life questionnaire was negatively affected (p = 0.014), and a difference in favor of phobia was determined in all domains of the kinesiophobia causes scale (p &amp;lt; 0.001). There was a weak positive correlation between body mass index and musculoskeletal pain, while a moderate positive correlation with kinesiophobia. Conclusions: Although physical activity level is similar to individuals with normal body mass index, musculoskeletal pain and kinesiophobia are higher in individuals with obesity, and their quality of life is negatively affected.

Development of Functional Prebiotic Nutraceutical Supplement Mix for Geriatrics

This study aims to develop a functional prebiotic nutraceutical supplement mix for geriatrics and evaluate its nutritional and sensory characteristics. Prebiotics are non-digestible food nutrients that selectively stimulate the activities of beneficial probiotic organisms in the colon and maintain intestinal microbial balance. Nutraceutical includes functional foods, dietary supplements, and medical foods. Geriatrics is a medical practice that addresses older patients' complex needs and maintains functional independence even in the presence of chronic diseases. Elderly people are at risk for macro and micronutrient deficiencies due to various social, physical, and economic obstacles. This research product aims to promote the ideal blend of grains, legumes, and nuts for elderly people and enhance their nutritional energy. Foxtail millets, oats, garlic, almonds &amp; cashew nuts possess high prebiotic content. This study formulated ten formulations using Response Surface Method – Design Expert 12.0. The third sample (Trial 3) containing foxtail millet (25%), green pea protein isolate (10%), oats (15%) and carrot (15%), pomegranate (15%), garlic (5%), almond &amp; cashew nut (5%), skim milk solids (10%) had the highest score for sensory attributes. The developed combination was high in nutrients and provide ample protein and energy for daily needs. Its nutritional value for 100g is of total protein (11.5%), fat (4.36), carbohydrate (67.57), vitamins, minerals, and total energy (360.17 K/Cal).

Assessment of the quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal women living in Yerevan based on Women's Health Questionnaire

Objective: To assess the impact of peri- and postmenopause and some social-demographic and medical factors on scales of the quality of life (QoL) of women living in Yerevan. Material and methods. Across-sectional study was conducted among 353 women in the &gt;40 age group. WHQ (Women Health Questionnaire) was used for the assessment of quality of life. Results. Negative indicators in peri- and postmenopausal women compared to women with a regular cycle were revealed on the scales "Vasomotor disorders" (0.46±0.05 and 0.51±0.03 vs. 0.17±0.03, p&lt;0.001) and "Anxiety/fears" (0.40±0.04 and 0.38±0.02 vs. 0.27±0.03, p=0.013). The difference only between the groups of postmenopausal women and those with a regular cycle was registered on the scales "Somatic symptoms" (0.53±0.02 vs. 0.49±0.04, p=0.003), "Memory and concentration of attention" (0.47±0.03 vs. 0.39±0.04, p=0.015), Sexual Behavior (0.43±0.03 vs. 0.21±0.03, p&lt;0.001) and "Attractiveness" (0.37±0.03 vs. 0.24±0.04, p=0.015). The presence of chronic diseases had a negative impact on QoL. From socio-demographic characteristics, negative was impact of age, low level of education, lack of employment, unfavorable family and financial status. Conclusions. There was a deterioration in all indicators of the QoL, except "Depressed mood", "Sleep problem", "Menstrual symptoms", in women of peri- and postmenopausal age. Age, low level of education, lack of employment, unfavorable family and financial status, the presence of chronic diseases had a negative impact on the QoL of the study participants.

Факторы риска и качество жизни женщин в периодах пери- и постменопаузы в городе Ереван, Армения

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is associated with various somatic, vasomotor, sexual and psychological symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life of women in peri- and postmenopausal periods. AIM: To assess the quality of life (QoL) of women in peri- and postmenopausal periods, to identify factors producing a negative effect on him during these periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: А cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey of 353 women above 40. To assess QoL, the SF 36 questionnaire was used. Sociodemographic factors and peculiarities of health status of the participants were considered risk factors. The data were introduced and analyzed using SPSS 23 statistical package. Statistical significance of the results was evaluated by Kruskal–Wallis test with the subsequent a posteriori analysis, and Mann–Whitney test. RESULTS: Peri- and post menopause had negative impact on the parameters of physical component of QoL and all its domains. Participants with regular menstruation had a reliably higher score of physical component of QoL compared to peri- and postmenopausal women (p &lt; 0.001). The scores of physical component of QoL were higher in women at the age under 50 compared to women of older age groups. The scores were higher in women with higher and secondary special education compared to participants with general secondary education (p &lt; 0.05). Higher scores of physical and psychological components of QoL were recorded in working women compared to the retired group (p &lt; 0.05). The parameters of psychological component of QoL were the highest among married and single women. Parameters of physical and mental components of QoL were higher in groups with the income above and at the level of the living minimum compared to those who reported the income below the minimum wage (p &lt; 0.001). A reliably higher scores of physical and mental components of QoL were recorded in participants with favorable microclimate in families compared to the group with an unfavorable one (p &lt; 0.01). A reliable relationship was found between the evaluation of the health and parameters of both components of QoL by the participants. Higher scores were recorded in women who evaluated their health as excellent and above average compared to all other groups (p &lt; 0.05). The presence of chronic diseases had a negative impact on both components of QoL. CONCLUSION: The factors producing negative effects on QoL of women in peri- and postmenopausal periods were the older age, general health status, low educational level, retirement, unfavorable family status and family microclimate, low family income.

DETERMINATION OF PERCEIVED STRESS LEVELS AND COPING WITH HUMOR IN CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY

This study aims to determine perceived stress levels and coping with humor in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. This descriptive study was conducted in a single center in Turkey and involved a total of 135 patients who had been diagnosed with cancer. The patients receiving chemotherapy had high levels of perceived stress and their use of humor as a coping strategy in stressful situations was below average. The perceived stress scale score was statistically significantly associated with age, employment status, presence of chronic disease, frequency of chemotherapy sessions and receipt of radiotherapy (p &lt;0.05). The coping humor scale score was statistically significantly associated with age, education, economic status, previous hospitalization and time since diagnosis (p &lt;0.05). Increasing the awareness of patients about humor and the use of humor starting from the time of cancer diagnosis can positively affect treatment and follow-up.

Frequency and Awareness of Diabetes Mellitus in Participants of Primary Healthcare in the Capital of Turkey

Introduction: Awareness-based approaches are proven to reduce disease-related complications, depressive symptoms, anxiety during the disease process, economic losses due to disease, and improve quality of life in diabetes patients. This study aims to present the frequency and awareness of diabetes mellitus in patients who applied to a primary health care institution in the capital city of Turkey. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the capital city of Turkey. In statistical analysis; descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis and logistic regression analysis methods were employed for the statistical analysis part of this research. Results: 24.4% of the participants had diabetes. Regarding diabetes awareness level, statistically significant differences were found in age, education level, marital status, income, attention to healthy nutrition, BMI and presence of chronic disease. Employment variable has been identified as the factor that affected the diabetes awareness score the most in multiple logistic regression analysis. When only the participants with diabetes were examined in the multiple logistic regression analysis, it was found that the factor affecting the diabetes awareness score the most was diabetes type. Other influencing factors were determined as diet for diabetes and receiving diabetes education, respectively. Conclusion: Despite of many research that were carried out under the roof of diabetes awareness in the world and in Turkey, the desired level of knowledge and awareness is yet to be reached. Further research needs to be conducted in order to reach this goal