Primary School Graduates Research Articles

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Parents Presenting to a Hospital Emergency Department with a Complaint of Fever in a Child

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents presenting to a hospital emergency department with a complaint of fever in a child. Methods: A total of 504 pediatric admissions for fever were included in this study. A 21-item questionnaire form was applied to caregivers via face-to-face interview method. Results: Overall, 37.1% of the mothers were primary school graduates and 81.5% were housewives. Only 11.7% of parents reported that they use a thermometer in measuring fever, 41.3%reported that they check fever with less than 30-min intervals and 85.7% stated the risk of seizure as the most fearful condition related to high fever. Mothers with higher vs. lower educational level were more likely to use thermometer in fever measurement (p = 0.046), use a 30-min interval between subsequent fever measurements (p = 0.041), and use antipyretic drugs (p = 0.045) rather than warm shower (p = 0.027) for the management of fever. Fathers with higher vs. lower educational level were more likely to accompany their wife in hospital admission (p = 0.008), to use thermometer in fever measurement (p = 0.045), use a 30-min interval between subsequent fever measurements (p = 0.002) and use antipyretic drugs (p < 0.001) rather than warm shower (p = 0.003) or emergency admission (p = 0.003) in the management of fever. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicate a need for improved practice among caregivers regarding the approach to febrile child in terms of objective measurement and better management of high fever. Given the direct association of educational attainment with caregivers’ approach to febrile child, healthcare professionals should be able to carry out more effective training activities to improve the approach of parents to a febrile child to prevent inappropriate practices by reducing the unnecessary fear and to ensure better practice regarding identification, interpretation and management of fever in a child.

Analysis of toxic plant and mushroom poisoning in children

Aim: The aim is to evaluate geographical, sociodemographic, laboratory, clinical features and follow-up and treatment outcomes of children with toxic plant and mushroom poisoning.Material and Methods: From 2015 to 2017, cases aged between 1 month and 18 years and diagnosed with toxic plant and mushroom poisoning were retrospectively evaluated.Results: The mean age of the patients was 6.0±3.2 and the male/female ratio was 2.8. Mushrooms were the most common factors for poisoning (36.8%). The average time for application to the health facility was 2.4±1.9 hours. Poisoning was most commonly seen in summer (42.1%) and the most common complaint was vomiting. Most of the family members were primary school graduates. Treatment methods were activated charcoal (53%), activated charcoal and gastric lavage (26%), gastric lavage, activated charcoal and acetyl cysteine (11%) and acetyl cysteine (5%). One patient (5%) was applied followed up. Extracorporeal treatment was applied to two patients who developed liver and renal failure during treatment and follow-up. During the laboratory comparisons before and after hospitalization, white blood cell, creatinine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were found to be significant (p 0,05).Conclusion: In childhood age group, more informative, symptomatic and supportive treatments can lead to positive results in toxic plant and mushroom poisonings. Sometimes more aggressive treatment methods such as extracorporeal treatment may be needed. Close monitoring of laboratory parameters in mushroom and plant intoxication cases due to late manifestations has an important role in patient follow-up and treatment.

The role of education levels on patients' treatment in type 2 diabetes

One of the main problem in the treatment of diabetes is difficulty of achieving treatment target levels. In recent years, despite the improvements in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up methods, target hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetic individuals cannot be reached to the desired extent. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of the education status (levels) of patients on diabetes treatment. Four hundred and thirty-six diabetic individuals who applied to the internal medicine and endocrinology clinics between September 2017 and December 2017 were asked to fill in a questionnaire. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to their education status. The groups were compared in terms of age, gender, cholesterol, hemogram parameters, hemoglobin A1c, and urinary microalbumin levels. The primary school graduate group consisted of the most crowded group (302 patients). Significant differences were found between education status groups in terms of age, gender distribution, body-mass index, and hematocrit values. Fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid parameters, and urinary microalbumin levels were similar between groups. There was no relationship between education status and hemoglobin A1c. And also there was no relationship between education status and lipid levels. While we could not observe any relation between education level and the course of diabetes treatment we recommend to observe all diabetic patients closely.

Yetişkinlerin Ruhsal Hastalığa/Hastalara Yönelik Tutumları

Çalışmada yetişkinlerin ruhsal hastalığa/hastalara yönelik tutumlarının incelenmesi amaçlandı. Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel tipte tasarlanan bu araştırmada, veriler 15 Mart-15 Mayıs 2016 tarihleri arasında, bir il merkezindeki Aile Sağlığı Merkezi’nden sağlık hizmeti alan ve çalışmaya gönüllülük esasıyla katılan, 312 yetişkin bireyden anket yöntemi ile yüz yüze görüşerek toplandı. Bu araştırmadaki veriler, Tanımlayıcı Özellikler Formu ve Ruhsal Sorunlu Bireylere Yönelik Toplum Tutumları Ölçeği kullanılarak toplandı. Veriler, SPSS 20.0 programıyla değerlendirildi. Tanımlayıcı istatistikler (sayı, yüzde, ortalama, standart sapma) ve nonparametrik testler (Kruskall-Wallis Testi, Mann-Whitney U Testi) kullanıldı. Araştırmaya katılan kişilerin %51.3’ü kadın ve katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 39.32±11.51’dir. Toplum ruh sağlığı ideolojisi alt ölçek puan ortalaması 29.0±4.0, iyi niyet alt ölçek puan ortalaması 27.8±3.8, korku/dışlama alt ölçek puan ortalaması 6.1±1.7 ve toplam ölçek puan ortalaması 63.0±7.3’tür. Kadınların, iyi niyet, korku/dışlama ve toplam ölçek puan ortalamalarının; erkeklere göre, üniversite mezunu olanların toplam puan ortalamasının, ilkokul ve lise mezunu olanlara göre, kentsel çevrede yetişenlerin korku/dışlama alt ölçek puan ortalamasının, kırsal çevrede yetişenlere göre anlamlı düzeyde yüksek olduğu ve bu sonuçların istatistiksel açıdan anlamlılık taşıdığı saptandı (p<0.05). Araştırmaya katılanlardan kadınların ruhsal hastalığı erkeklere göre daha çok kabullendiği, erkeklere göre ruhsal hastalıklardan daha çok korktuğu, kentsel çevrede yetişenlerin kırsal çevrede yetişenlere göre, ruhsal hastalığa karşı daha çok olumsuz tutum gösterdikleri, üniversite ve lise mezunlarının ruhsal hastalığı daha çok kabullendiği belirlendi. Toplumun ruhsal hastalıklar konusunda görüşlerinin belirlenmesi ve olumsuz görüşlerinin değişimine yönelik bilgilendirici eğitimlerin yapılması önerilmektedir.

Educate, Re-educate, Then Re-educate: Organ Donation-centered Attitudes Should Be Established in Society

The objectives of the study are to evaluate knowledge and attitudes toward organ and tissue donation, to pursue a deeper understanding of attitudes toward organ donation, and to gain an understanding of the underlying, personal reasoning for the desired action in organ donation among the adult population. Four thousand people were interviewed who were selected by the simple random sample type. A survey was conducted by voluntary, face-to-face interviews using a printed 25-item questionnaire form presented to street-recruited individuals over 18 years of age. In the study, where male/female distribution was represented equally, the majority of participants consisted of young and middle-aged, primary school graduates between the ages of 25 to 44 years. Although 91.1% of the respondents stated that they support organ donation, only 75.3% stated they wanted to donate organs. Organ donation-centeredness rates were low in those who did not finish a primary school education, people with a low household income, and those ≥65 years age group. A majority of the respondents (91.2%) were found to be against financial incentives for organ donation. Although 91.4% of the participants stated that organ donation is important if the recipient is a relative, this ratio decreased to 86.7% for a nonrelative. In our study, the level of accepting an organ as a recipient from an unknown person was 9.1% higher than the rate of willingness to donate to an unknown person. Surprisingly, despite 84% saying their religion is not against organ donation, 38.4% of the respondents cited religious concerns as the main reason for unwillingness and 58% of them indicated that they were reluctant to donate organs due to religious beliefs. It is important to know that it is not certain that anyone who is hypothetically in favor of organ donation will donate when faced with a real choice. Increasing the number of donors is the most important issue in order to benefit more patients in transplantation, which has achieved a very important success level through serious efforts. The majority of Turkey's population know about organ donation, support transplantation, and would be willing to donate their organs. Most of the respondents find it religiously correct and believe that it is an acceptable lifesaving procedure. However, a high percentage did not know how to donate, and they indicated that the information available on the subject is insufficient. Mass media campaigns and educational activities could resolve this matter and increase organ donation. According to the results of our study, when considering the number of patients who died while waiting for transplantation, organ donation awareness projects that are focused on converting knowledge to behavior are believed to be very critical. It is important to provide organ donation-oriented training at every educational level.

Medeni Kanun Kapsamında Erken Evlilik Yapan Olguların Sosyodemografik Özellikleri: Tek Merkez Çalışması

Amaç: Türk Medeni Kanunu göre erkek ve kadın on yedi yaşını doldurmadıkça evlenemez. Ancak, hâkim olağanüstü durumlarda ve pek önemli sebeple on altı yaşını doldurmuş olan erkek veya kadının evlenmesine izin verebilir. Bu çalışmada Medeni Kanun’a göre erken evlilik için müracaat ederek, adli tıbbi değerlendirmesi yapılan olgulara ait sosyodemografik özelliklerin incelenmesi amaçlandı.
 Gereç ve Yöntem: Türk Medeni Kanun’un 124. Maddesine göre erken evlilik için müracaat eden ve adli tıbbi değerlendirmesi yapılan 39 olgu çalışma kapsamında ele alınarak, yaş, cinsiyet, eğitim ve evlilik ile ilişkili sosyodemografik özellikleri araştırıldı. 
 Bulgular: Olguların tümü kadın olup, %53,8’i (n=21) gerçek doğum tarihleri ile nüfus kayıtlarının farklı olduğunu belirtti. Tüm olguların kemik yaş tespiti yapıldı ve %43,6’sının (n=17) kimlikteki yaşlarından ortalama 1,9 (±0,9; min:1, maks:4) yaş büyük bulundu. Olguların %69,2’si (n=27) ilköğretim mezunu olup, %94,9’u (n=37) eğitimini evlilik sürecinden bağımsız olarak daha önceden bırakmıştı. Olguların %46,2’sinin (n=18) evlilik yaptığı ve %48,7’sinin (n=19) gebe olduğu belirlendi.
 Sonuç: Bölgemizde medeni kanun kapsamında erken evlilik için müracaat eden olguların tümü kadın olup, önemli bir kısmı eğitimlerini ilköğretim seviyesinde bırakmıştır. Olguların neredeyse yarısının gerçek doğum tarihleri ile kimlik yaşları farklı olup ortalama iki yaş küçüktür.

Hemodiyaliz Hastalarının Demografik Özelliklerine Göre Beslenme Durumlarının Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, hemodiyaliz hastalarının beslenme alışkanlıklarının belirlenmesi ve sosyo-demografik özellikleri ile beslenme durumları arasındaki ilişkinin irdelenmesidir.
 Bireyler ve Yöntem: Çalışma 23-85 yaş arasında 128 (71 kadın, %55.5) hemodiyaliz hastası üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Hastaların demografik özellikleri ve beslenme alışkanlıkları anketle belirlenmiştir. Antropometrik ölçümleri araştırmacı tarafından alınmış ve biyokimyasal parametreler hasta dosyasından elde edilmiştir. Subjektif Global Değerlendirme (SGD), Nutrisyonel Risk Taraması-2002 (NRS-2002) ve Malnütrisyon Inflamasyon Skoru (MİS) kullanılarak malnütrisyon durumu saptanmıştır.
 Bulgular: SGD’ye göre hastaların %8.6’sı ağır, %15.6’sı ise hafif-orta derecede malnütrisyonlu iken, NRS-2002’ye göre hastaların %21.9’unun beslenme riskine sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Malnütrisyon inflamasyon skoruna göre (MİS) kadın ve erkek hastaların MİS ortanca değeri sırasıyla 6 ve 5 puan olarak bulunmuştur (p>0.05). NRS-2002’ye göre malnütrisyon riski olan hastaların %64.2’si ilkokul ve altı eğitim düzeyine sahiptir. SGD’ye göre ise hafif-orta derece malnütrisyonlu olan hastaların %50’sinin ilkokul ve altı eğitim düzeyine sahip olduğu, ağır derece malnütrisyonlu olan hastaların %45.5’inin okur yazar olmadığı, %36.4’ünün ilkokul mezunu olduğu saptanmıştır. Hastaların eğitim düzeylerine göre malnütrisyon durumunun istatistiksel olarak farklı olduğu bulunmuştur (p<0.05). MİS puanları ile yaş, eğitim ve gelir düzeyleri arasında ilişki saptanmamıştır (p>0.05).
 Sonuç: Hemodiyaliz hastalarının büyük bir çoğunluğunun eğitim ve gelir düzeyi düşüktür. Eğitim düzeyi düşük hastalarda malnütrisyon riski ve varlığı daha yüksektir. Hastalarda malnütrisyon riskinin belirlenmesinde ve yapılacak beslenme müdahalelerinde hastaların sosyo-demografik özelliklerinin de dikkate alınmasının gerekli olduğu düşünülmektedir.

Retrospective Analysis of Vaginismus Patients Referred to Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in a University Hospital

Background: In this study, we have aimed to reveal the socio-demographic characteristics of vaginismus patients and to determine the underlying causes. In addition, we have also aimed to examine the contribution of group therapy to vaginismus treatment.Materials and Methods: The participants of this study consist of 30 patients who came to the outpatient psychiatry clinic of Harran University Medical Faculty between December 2014 and August 2016 and who were diagnosed with vaginismus. These patients were composed of patients who received vaginismus group psychotherapy in groups of 5 people on average. Patients' files were reviewed retrospectively and socio-demographic data were obtained.For statistical analysis, a Windows-compatible IBM SPSS 23.0 (Chicago, USA) package program was used. Dates were calculated as mean ± standard deviation (SD).Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was found to be 23,1 ± 4,02. Eight of the patients were younger than 20 years (26.7%), 15 were between 21-25 years (50%), and 7 were 26 years or older (23.3%). The youngest patient was 17 and the oldest was 31 years old. Only two patients had a child (6.7%). All patients underwent gynecological examination (100%). In our study, there were 3 patients (10%) who received vaginismus therapy in the external center and discontinued the treatment. Eighteen of the patients were primary school graduates; housewife (60%). The remaining 12 patients were university graduates; (40%). All of the patients in our study were primary vaginismus; never had penile penetration before (100%). In our study, there were 4 women with an additional psychiatric disease (13.3%). Three of the patients had sexual dysfunction in their husbands (10%). The mean marriage duration of the patients included in our study was 8.8 ± 9.3 months. Conclusion: Since vaginismus can affect many aspects of marriage, it is important to diagnose and treat this sexual dysfunction as early as possible. According to our clinical observations, vaginismus group psychotherapy has been significantly easier and faster than individual psychotherapy. If diagnosis and treatment are made in the time of vaginismus, we can help more patients to overcome this kind of disease.

Владение русским языком – основа национальной самоидентификации граждан России

The article discusses the problem of teaching the Russian language in modern conditions of the functioning of educational organizations. The reasons for the decline in literacy of the younger generation and Russian citizens are described, among which are population migration, insufficient attention to teaching methods, etc. The requirements for primary school graduates in terms of mastering the Russian language are outlined in the draft new version of the Federal State Educational Standard for Primary General Education. Approaches to their implementation are being outlined, which will make it possible to positively affect literacy in our country. The article evaluates the discussion on the support and development of the Russian language, which took place at a meeting of the Russian Language Council under the President of the Russian Federation in September 2019.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Patients About Cancer Screenings in Primary Care.

Incidence of cancer is increasing in the developing countries such as Turkey. Screenings are important part of preventive medicine practices which can reduce deaths due to cancer. Our aim was to identify patient's awareness and knowledge level of cancers and screenings and to create a road map of what we need to do to increase screening rates. This study was a descriptive type, and the research population was the patients between the age of 30 and 75, who went to 18 different Family Health Centres in different places in Turkey for any reason in July-September 2016. The survey was completed by face-to-face interview and consisted of 20 questions about the socio-demographic attributes, level of cancer and cancer screenings knowledge, causes of screening, and reasons for not doing. Screening rates was self-reported by patients. A total of 643 patients, 394 women (61.3%) and 249 men (38.7%), participated in the study. The average age was 45.67 ± 11.49. The most well-known cancer type was breast cancer (79%). Having no screening was high in general population (64.7%). Having a screening was statistically significantly higher in women, over 50 year olds group, divorced/widower group, housewives, primary school graduates, the group who have green-card (having very low or no income) as social security, and in the group who have a history of family member with cancer. 55.8% of patients received the information about screenings from healthcare professionals. The reasons for not having a screening were "not seeing themselves as under risk" (27.4%), not having knowledge (22.8%), and fear of the results (15%). First of all, the importance of cancer screening as an important part of the preventive health services should be understood by family doctors through in-service training. Then family doctors would share the information and experience, clear the lack of knowledge of them and by doing this rates of screening would increase.

Factors associated with patient activation in a Turkish population with diabetes and/or hypertension

Abstract Background Patient activation (PA), which is known to improve health outcomes, describes the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing their own health care. We investigated the extent of PA and associated factors in adults with diabetes (DM) and/or hypertension (HT). This study is the first in Turkey evaluating PA, using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scale. The results of the study provide practitioners with information on the characteristics of patients who need support to increase their activation. Methods We conducted this cross-sectional study in 14 Family Health Centers in Istanbul. The participants were DM and/or HT patients. A questionnaire including the PAM, questions on patient characteristics, life style behaviors, healthcare utilization and health status was applied to 431 patients. Based on PAM score, patients were classified into two activation levels: level 1-2 (poor activation) and level 3-4 (good activation). χ2, t-test and logistic regression (LR) analysis were used. LR analysis was performed for all participants and for women and men separately. Results Of 431 patients (mean age: 63.6), 65% were women; 45% had a poor activation level (PAL). Based on LR analysis; low socioeconomic status (SES) (OR = 1.6; 95% CI:1.01-2.5), being illiterate (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.5-10.7), being primary school graduate (OR = 2.1, 95% CI:1.1-4.2), lack of adult vaccination (OR = 1.9, 95% CI:1.1-3.1), higher BMI (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.09-1.13) and worse self-reported health (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.3) were factors associated with low PAL. The latter was associated with low PAL for both sexes; high BMI was an associated factor only among women, while low SES and lack of vaccination were factors only in men. Conclusions Almost half of the patients had low activation level in our sample. Associated factors may serve as the basis for the development of interventions needed to enhance activation for patients with DM/HT. Key messages Low patient activation is associated with low level of education, low SES, high BMI, lack of vaccination and worse self-reported health. The factors associated with patient activation vary by gender. A qualitative study with patients having different levels of activation would be useful to understand the underlying motivations.

AŞI STANDINA BAŞVURAN HASTA ve HASTA YAKINLARININ AŞI HAKKINDAKİ BİLGİ ve TUTUMLARININ İRDELENMESİ - EVALUATION of THE KNOWLEDGE and ATTITUDES on VACCINATION of THE PATIENTS and THEIR RELATIVES WHO ADMITTED to THE VACCINE STAND

Tüm dünyada, Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (DSÖ) tarafından önerilen aşılarla önlenebilir hastalıklardan ölen çocuk sayısı yaklaşık 1.5 milyondur. Son yıllarda artan aşı redleri ile birlikte, bu sayının daha da artmasından endişe duyulmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Fırat Üniversitesi Hastanesine başvuran hasta ve hasta yakınlarının aşı hakkındaki bilgi ve tutumlarının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Kesitsel tipte olan bu çalışmaya Prof. Dr. M. Said Berilgen Poliklinikleri girişinde, 2018 yılında Dünya Aşı Haftası nedeniyle açılan standa bilgi almak amacıyla gelen hasta ve hasta yakınları alınmıştır. Anket uygulamasında 283 kişiye ulaşıldı. Araştırmaya katılanların %34.6’sı kadın, %83.0’ü evli, %80.6’sı çocuk sahibi idi. Katılımcıların %28.6’sı ilkokul, %27,2’si lise mezunuydu. “Aşı ile kim/kimler korunur?” sorusuna; eğitim düzeyi lise ve üzeri olanların %85.9’u, ortaokul ve altı olanların %73.1’i “ben ve toplum” cevabını vermiş ve aralarında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark olduğu görülmüştür (p<0.05). Sağlık Bakanlığının aşılar konusunda halkı aydınlattığını düşünenler, eğitim düzeyi ortaokul ve altı olanlarda %55.4 iken; lise ve üzeri olanlarda %38,7’dir ve aralarındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlıdır (p<0.05). Katılımcıların %31.4’ü aşıların yapılmasının ailenin isteğine bırakılması gerektiğini belirtmiştir. Toplumun aşılar konusunda bilgilendirilmesinin artırılması, medya ve internetin daha doğru bilgi sağlaması yolunda teşvik edilmesi ve denetlemelerin artırılması gerekmektedir.

Non-Government Organization Practices on Peace Building Process

Generally, this study aimed to determine the influence and contribution of the socio-demographic profile of the NGO officers and practices on the peace-building process. Specifically, it aimed to determine the socio-demographic profile of the NGO officers, the level of practices of NGO activities, the level of conduct of different initiatives on the peacebuilding process, and the effect of the socio-demographic profile and NGO practices on the peacebuilding process. 47 NGO officers who served as respondents of the study. Percentage and frequency were used to describe the socio-demographic profile of the officers. Mean was used to determine the level of practices of NGO and peace-building processes; multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses of the study. It was found out that most of the NGO officers were under the age bracket of 26 – 30 years old male, Maguindanaon, married, primary and high school graduate in Arabic and English Education, had 11,000 – 20,000 monthly income and gave 600 – 1,500 weekly to support the operation of the organization. Findings further revealed that the NGO officers fully practiced relational dimension, peace-building agents, and communication and consultation.

Factors Related to the Number of Existing Teeth among Korean Adults Aged 55-79 Years.

This study aimed to determine the association between the number of existing teeth (NET) and socioeconomic status (SES), oral health-related behaviours, and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults aged 55–79 years. The study included 3255 adults who underwent oral health examinations and answered questionnaires regarding SES, oral health-related behaviours, and metabolic diseases in the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015). The dependent variable was the binary status based on the median NET in each age group. The independent variables were based on SES, oral health-related behaviours, and the presence of metabolic syndrome. The study findings showed that the factors associated with the NET were sex, household income, education level, region of residence, daily toothbrushing frequency, dental visit within 1 year, smoking, and metabolic syndrome. NET was lower in males (adjusted OR: 0.74), in low household income group (adjusted OR: 0.77), in primary school graduates (adjusted OR: 0.53) and in rural residents (adjusted OR: 0.78). The interventions aimed at preserving existing teeth in elderly population should consider their SES, oral health-related behaviours, and metabolic syndrome and overhauling current oral healthcare system and redefining the roles of oral health professionals.

Effect of kinesiophobia on functional level and quality of life in multiple sclerosis

This study was planned to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and functional quality and quality of life in MS patients. The investigation was carried out in Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University Research Hospital between September 30 and December 5, 2018. The participants of the study was composed of MS patients who were registered in Neurology Polyclinic and healthy voluntary people. The personal data form that developed by the researcher reviewing the literature on this subject, BBS, IPAQ, FSS, FIS, SF-36, VAS, McGill, EDSS scores and performance based 6MWT. Expert opinion was obtained for the scope validity of the data collection tool. The analysis of the data in this study wasevaluated with IBM SPSS.22 package program. The mean age of 74 patients was 37.81 ± 11.62 years, the mean age of 11 healthy individuals was 35,90 ± 12,17 years. 68.9% of the patients were female and 31.1% were male. 41.9% of the patients were primary school graduates, 17.6% were high school graduates and 40.5% were university graduates. Pain and fatigue in patients and healthy individuals were found to be related to kinesiophobia. It was found that kinesiophobia affected many parameters of quality of life and the quality of life affected the physical function of the patients. Balance and fall were found to be associated with a low level of kinesiophobia. In MS patients, functional status, especially pain and fatigue, is related to kinesiophobia. At the same time, increased kinesiophobia affects the quality of life.

CN14 - Turkish cancer patients’ preference for information and communication technologies

BackgroundThe use of ICTs has become widespread in recent years. There is little information available in Turkey about the level of usage of ICTs for and by cancer patients. MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted to determine the level of ICTs use and patterns of preferences among cancer patients in Ankara, Turkey. The survey was started on March 2019 and the data collection process is continuing. The sample size was determined as 334 and 173 patients were reached. In data collection, a questionnaire including 38 questions about patient demographics, use of cell phones, the interest of patients in using ICTs to receive information about cancer, and the interest of patients in using ICTs to communicate with health care providers about cancer. The study was approved by university research and ethics committees and informed consent were obtained from patients. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 60.19±12.60 (range 27-89 years), 68.2% were female, 45.7% were primary school graduate. Mean duration of diagnosis was 24.12± 28.56 (range 1-120) months, 26% were breast cancer, 21.4 % had metastasis. Of the total, 78.6% of participants reported that they had access to the internet. The ICTs used at least once a week was found to be respectively WhatsApp (63.5%), Facebook (60.7%), instagram (34.1%), youtube (32.3%) and short message service (SMS) text messaging (31.7%). With regard to the preferences on how patients would like to use ICTs to receive information about diseases, Internet (63.0%), SMS (21.3%) and WhatsApp (19.6%) were widely reported as interesting communication channels. Participants 61.8% rely on information obtained through ICTs. Internet (36.4%), SMS (17.3%) followed by WhatsApp (15.0%, 26/173) were reported as the preferred ICTs through which patients would like to ask health providers about diseases. Adjusted regression analysis showed that patients aged between 45-64 years were more likely to be interested in receiving information through SMS than the oldest group. ConclusionsIn this study, we have determined that SMS text messaging presented the highest rate of interest for receiving information and communicating with health providers, followed by WhatsApp. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Evaluation of knowledge and perception regarding pneumonia among the mothers of under-ten children in Tangail, Bangladesh

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Childhood pneumonia is a serious infection and the single largest infectious cause of death in children. The study aims to evaluate knowledge and perception among mothers on pneumonia diseases among the children.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A hospital based study was conducted to describe socio-demographic factors of mothers, their knowledge and perception of pneumonia disease. Study was conducted at Sheikh Hasina Medical College Hospital in Tangail from June to July 2018 by interviewing 215 mothers of children under-ten years attending a pediatric clinic by using structured questionnaire. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The parents were predominantly primary school graduates (70.7%). The majority of the father worked as daily laborer (61.9%) with about 5-10K BDT of family income per month. Around 88.4% of the mothers had fair knowledge about pneumonia. For children treatment, 90.2% parents consulted with qualified doctor, about 10% utilized self-medication. About 44.7% children were suffered from fever during pneumonia, about 42.8% was experienced shortness of breath, and about 28.4% experienced of wheezing. About 90.2% parents believed that the indoor temperature, humidity and air movement has effect on pneumonia. About 92.6% cares of reducing indoor smoke and dust, about 40.5% families have a smoker. The lack of knowledge among mothers about simple signs and symptoms of pneumonia and also about its causes and factors related with it has become important findings of this study.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Community based public health education and training for health providers at all levels have to be provided about correct and applicable prevention and assessments of pneumonia.</p>

Determination of Risk Factors and Awareness Levels in Predialysis Patients

DOI :10.176811/hsp.473863 Purpose: This present study aimed to determine risk factors and awareness levels in predialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study performed in the nephrology clinic of a university hospital between 01.04.2017-01.07.2017. The population of the study consisted of 185 patients who were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and admitted to the outpatient clinic between the dates mentioned, the sample consisted of 155 patients who had no communication problems and accepted to answer the questionnaire. Data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of 34 questions which were prepared by the researchers and questioned the sociodemographic and disease characteristics of the patients. Data was analyzed using percentiles, frequency, chi-square test. p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.96±12.83, 56.8% were male, 64.5% were primary school graduates and 11.6% were smokers. The majority (38.7%) are overweight / obese and 40.0% are diagnosed with stage 2 renal failure. 50.3% of the cases were referred from other polyclinics and 15.5% of them stated that they experienced fatigue and pain as a complaint. It was found that 56.1% of the patients did not know the cause of their disease, most of them (92.9%) used their medicines regularly and 93.5% of them did not use the drug without prescription. 70.3% of the patients stated that they had information about their diet and 43.2% of them had less salt. The mean systolic blood pressure was 139.09 ± 25.61 and diastolic blood pressure was 82.06 ± 14.21. Patients with chronic kidney disease stage; the difference between sex, education level, body mass index and smoking status was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the male gender, another comorbid disease, low education level, overweight / obesity status constitute the majority in our study and the awareness of patients is low.

The Status, Problems and Solution Suggestşions of the Aquarium Sector in Ordu Province (Turkey)

Bu çalışma, Ordu’da akvaryum işletmelerinin durumunu ortaya çıkarmak, sorunlarını belirlemek ve çözüm önerileri sunmak amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada 11 adet işletmeye tam sayım anket yöntemi uygulanmıştır. İşletmelerin 1 tanesinin akvaryum balığı üretim tesisi, 10 tanesinin ise akvaryumcu olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Mevcut işletmelerin %55’inin Ordu merkezde, %18’inin Ünye, %18’inin Fatsa ve %9’unun ise Perşembe ilçesinde bulunduğu belirlenmiştir. Akvaryum işletmelerinin %73’ünün kiracı olduğu, %27’sinin ise kendi mülkünde faaliyet gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Akvaryum işletmelerinde tüm personelin %87’sinin erkek, %13’ünün ise kadın personelden oluştuğu, personelin %46,6’sının ilkokul, %46,6’sının lise ve %6,6’sının ise üniversite mezunu olduğu belirlenmiştir. Satılan balıkları işletmecilerin %91’inin yurt içinden, %9’unun ise yurt içi ve yurt dışından temin ettikleri tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma bölgesinde 5 familyaya ait 15 balık türünün ve 9 familyaya ait 9 bitki türünün satıldığı belirlenmiştir. Akvaryum işletmelerinde görülen hastalıkların %50’sinin mantar hastalığı, %45’inin beyaz benek hastalığı ve %5’inin ise diğer hastalıklar olduğu saptanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda işletmelerin en büyük sorunları arasında; merdiven altı satıcıların varlığı, kaçak balık satışı, balık hastalıkları, yüksek kira giderleri, akvaryum kooperatifçiliğinin kurulamaması ve veteriner hekim ile çalışma zorunluğunun getirilmesi olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma ile, akvaryum işletmelerinde öne çıkan mevcut sorunların çözümünde üniversite ve kamu kurumlarının ilgili paydaşları ile birlikte hareket etmenin, taleplerin ve önerilerin dikkate alınmasının önemine vurgu yapılmıştır.

How Important Are Parental Age and Educational Level in Nonurgent Admissions to the Pediatric Emergency Department?

The aims of the present study were to investigate the reasons parents prefer the pediatric emergency department for nonurgent admissions and to evaluate the effect of parental age and educational level on nonurgent admissions and the relationship between the reasons for nonurgent admissions and child age. We conducted a cross-sectional survey at an emergency department of a tertiary care pediatric referral center. A questionnaire that was prepared to understand the reasons underlying nonurgent admissions was administered to the parents of 1033 children who were classified as nonurgent cases using the Pediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (4-5). The most common reasons for nonurgent admissions were the concern for progression in child's complaints, the complaints with an onset outside working hours, and the parental perception that more cautious and better care is provided in the emergency department. The most urgent complaints from the parental perspective included fever (23.1%), vomiting (11.0%), and diarrhea (10.5%), respectively. The mean age of the mothers was 31.1 ± 5.9 years (17-51 years), and the mean age of the fathers was 34.94 ± 6.1 years (20-60 years). Parents younger than 30 years were more likely to prefer the emergency department due to convenience and economic reasons. Nonurgent admissions due to confidence in the emergency department were more frequent among parents who were primary school graduate. It is critically important to examine why parents prefer the emergency department for nonurgent conditions of their children and to develop solution offers in this regard. The improvements to be made in the emergency department would both prioritize patients requiring urgent care and increase the productivity of emergency department staff.