Trabzon Region Research Articles

Freshwater Malacofauna and Distribution of Trabzon, Türkiye

In this study, freshwater molluscs and their zoogeographical distributions in Trabzon were investigated. During the period of June-December 2021, samples were collected from 38 freshwater river localities. From the study area, Ancylus fluviatilis from Gastropoda class, Planorbidae family, non-native species Physella acuta from Physidae family, and Dreissena polymorpha from Bivalvia class and Dreissenidae family were identified. While A. fluviatilis specimens were found from all freshwater systems in Trabzon region, the non native P. acuta could be identified from Fol Stream, Yıldızlı Stream, Sera Lake and Manahoz River. Empty shells belonging to the D. polymorpha species were identified from the area where Çatalzeytin Stream joins the sea. P. acuta and D. polymorpha are new records for the freshwater streams of Trabzon region.

Morphogenetic variations of Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings depending on altitude

Scotch pine is a primary species that spreads from sea level to very high altitudes in Turkey and has a very wide distribution area in the world. For this reason, it is important to investigate the variations of the species depending on the altitude. The research aims to determine the morphogenetic variations of the seedling characters in populations representing the vertical distribution area of Scotch pine and to reveal the within and among population variations in the vertical distribution areas. In the study, seedlings (three, four and five-year-old) grown from the seeds collected from five populations in the altitudinal zones up to 2,250 m from sea level in the natural distribution area of Scotch pine in Trabzon region were used. The seedling’s height, root collar diameter, the number of side branches and crown buds and sturdiness quotient were determined. As a result of the study, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences (p

Determination of the phenolic compound profile, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity of Siberian kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) grown in Trabzon Region

Bu çalışmada, literatürde hakkında sınırlı sayıda çalışma bulunan Sibirya kivisi meyvesinin farklı çözgenler (etanol ve metanol) kullanılarak elde edilen ekstraktlarında toplam fenolik madde içerikleri ve bu bileşiklerin dağılımı, antioksidan aktivite ve antimikrobiyal aktivitelerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, ilk aşamada bitkinin fenolik bileşikleri ekstrakte edilerek en etkin çözgen sistemi tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmanın ikinci aşamasında ise elde edilen ekstraktların çözgenleri uçurularak kalan kuru maddede kromatografik olarak fenolik bileşiklerinin dağılımı ile spektrofotometrik olarak antioksidan aktiviteleri ve son olarak önemli gıda patojenlerine karşı antimikrobiyal aktiviteleri belirlenmiştir. Meyvelerin etanol ve metanol ekstraktlarında toplam fenolik içeriği ve antioksidan aktivitesi Folin-Ciocalteu ve ABTS antioksidan aktivite metotlarına göre tespit edilmiştir. Kivi örneklerinin fenolik profili HPLC-UV ile belirlenmiştir. 2017 yılında hasat edilen etanol ve metanol ile ekstrakte edilen Sibirya kivi örneklerine ait toplam fenolik madde sonuçları sırasıyla 761.7 ve 899.7 mg GAE.100g-1 iken 2018 yılında hasat edilen örneklerin etanol ve metanol ile ekstraktları ise 783.5 ve 931.6 mg GAE.100g-1 olarak bulunmuştur. 2017 hasat edilen etanol ve metanol ile ekstrakte edilen Sibirya kivi örneklerine ait ABTS antioksidan aktivite değerleri ise sırasıyla 87.6, 94.2 µM TE.g-1 TA iken 2018 yılında hasat edilen örneklerin ise 111.4 ve 118.1 µM TE.g-1 TA olarak tespit edilmiştir. Antimikrobiyal aktive sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde kivi meyvesinin metanol ekstraktları, etanol ekstraktlarına kıyasla daha yüksek bir antimikrobiyal etki göstermiştir. 2017 yılının hasatı olan kivi metanol ekstraklarının en yüksek antimikrobiyal etkiyi 40 µL emdirilen disk ile, Vibrio parahemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Typhimurium ve Proteus vulgaris’e (12.5±0.7 mm) gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. 2018 yılın hasatı olan kivi etanol ekstraktlarının ise Listeria monocytogenes’e (13.5±0.7 mm) karşı en yüksek antimikrobiyal aktiviteyi 40 µL emdirilen disk ile gösterdiği belirlenmiştir.

Visitors’ Perceptions towards Traditional and Regional Products in Trabzon (Turkey) and Podhale (Poland)

Gastronomy tourism is defined as a type of tourism that deals with the relationship between food and beverages and culture in the context of the local culinary culture. Local dishes, recipes, and culinary culture, which express the lifestyle of cities, are an important part of tourists’ choice of destinations. According to many studies undertaken in recent years, tourists have seen an increase in the number of trips conducted to taste a cultural dish and to learn cooking techniques and cooking skills. In this study, the Trabzon (Turkey) and Podhale (Poland) regions were selected as a study area. These regions are characterised by unique, very interesting culture and art and, especially, folklore. The cuisines from Podhale and from the Trabzon region are equally attractive. The study was conducted on 151 people in Trabzon and 102 respondents in the Podhale region. The study revealed that only 15 out of 253 respondents had not heard about regional and traditional products. The authors analyzed whether people from different age groups had specific habits concerning the place of purchasing regional products in the analysed regions of Poland and Turkey. Regarding the question of whether the motivation to buy regional products was the same in households with a larger and smaller number of residents, it was found that only one correlation proved to be statistically significant: the correlation between household size and buying regional products because of their price.

Seçilen Bitkilerin DMSO Özütlerinin Antibiyotik Dirençli Klinik İzolatlara Karşı Antibakteriyel Aktivitesi

In this study, we aimed to find out new herbal materials that are able to inhibit the growth of the P. aeruginosa and E.coli clinical isolates that has antibiotic resistance. Clinical isolates used in this research are E. coli (n=1) and P.aeruginosa (n=1). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of E. coli and P. aeruginosa were determined using e-test. Plants were collected in Trabzon region of Turkey are Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum and Glycyrrhiza glabra. DMSO were used as solvent and solid-liquid extraction was employed. Micro-dilution method was preferred fo the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). MIC results were obtained through observation of turbidities. According to E-test results, while P. aeruginosa was resistant to piperacillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem and ceftazidime, E. coli was resistant to piperacillin, cefotaxime and ceftazidime. DMSO extract of Calendula officinalis showed very strong activity against PA1 with the best MIC (5 mg/mL). DMSO extract of three plant had lower MIC values (5-10 mg/ml) for EC1 and PA1 than ampicillin. In future studies antibacterial activity of different solvents extracts of these plants and other plants against antibiotic resistant clinical isolates will be examined. Natural products from plants are promising in fighting with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

ORGANİK OLARAK YETİŞTİRİLEN ÇİLEK VE YABANMERSİNİ MEYVELERİNİN FENOLİK BİLEŞEMİNİN İNCELENMESİ

The present study aimed to investigate phenolic compounds of strawberry which is organically-grown in Bursa region and blueberry in Trabzon region. The phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected by RP-HPLC according to their retention times with the help of diode array detector at 280 nm, 320 nm and 360 nm. Investigated compounds were gallic acid, epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, 2 coumaric acid, 3 coumaric acid, 4 coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cafeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, trans resveratrol, ferulic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin. According to results it was determined that bluberry fruit contains high amounts of chlorogenic acid (644.25 mg/kg) and among the phenolic acids in strawberries, 4 coumaric acid is regarded as major phenolic compound (3.76 mg/kg). The highest level of myricetin compounds was measured in blueberry (14.41 mg/kg), on the contrary, myricetin was not identified in strawberry fruits but this fruit is especially rich in catechins (58.34 mg/kg).

Investigation of Relevance Between Landslide and Stand Areas on Open Source Web Map (Openlayers): Case Study in Trabzon Region

In recent years, the developments in computer technology are as effective in forestry as in many sectors. Open source web map based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer a significant advantage in investigating forest structure. When using in open source web maps, the relationships between the data of different features can be evaluated effectively and accurately. In this study, the relationship between online landslide data and online stand data was investigated by coding a web interface with OpenLayers which is one of the common open source web maps. OpenLayers based landslide areas and ArcGIS Web Services based stand areas have been evaluated in the solution process. The parameters of the landslide stands have been evaluated in a case study conducted in Trabzon Regional Directorate of Forestry. Landslide data were obtained from the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, while stands data were obtained from General Directorate of Forestry. The results indicated that most of the active landslide areas consisted of pure stands (26.71%), mixed stands (20.50%), and agricultural areas (38.51%). It was found that 14.29% of active landslide areas consisted of degraded forest and open areas while 38.51% consisted of agricultural lands. The results also indicated that stands with sparse crown closure covered 32.30% of the active landslide areas, while moderate and dense crown closures covered 12.42% and 2.48%, respectively. It was revealed that percentages of landslide areas were high in stands with low crown closure due to effects of heavy rain on the soil. It was also found that mostly tree species with narrow canopy and shallow root formation are subject to landslide incidents. This study suggested that OSWMs can be effectively used to investigate landslide activities in forest areas. It is anticipated that sharing open source data through online databases will provide great opportunity for practitioners and researchers in the field of forestry.

The Entrance to Trabzon from East Gate: Tabakhane and Ortahisar

The city of Trabzon, was established on a plenary hillside which remains in between Tabakhane and Zagnos valleys horizontally. In resources, it is mentioned that the first usage of the city’s name was “Trapezus” which means “table” and this usage was a result of the city’s position, since it is established on a decent hillside which rises between two valleys. The east border of the study, which is the East Gate (Tabakhane Gate) of the historical walls, is important as it is the entrance point to the city through “Gavur Square”, which became the second centre of the city in time. The west border (Fatih Grand Mosque) of the study is also important since it is the oldest church of the city and it was the first example which was transformed into mosque due to Ottoman conquest procedures after the city was conquered by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The border of the study is determined as the curled artery, which continues between these two historical elements and the public, and civil architectural examples in the artery from Tabakhane Mosque and Bridge to Fatih Grand Mosque are studied with a framework of historical chronology. In the first phase of the study, brief information about the history of Ortahisar is composed and data about the historical structures in the determined area (Tabakhane Gate, Bridge and Mosque, Ortahisar and Old Government House, Fatih Grand Mosque) are compiled. In the second phase of the study, the space between the city’s east gate (Tabakhane Gate) and the Fatih Grand Mosque (Panaghia Chrysokephalos Church), which is one of the most important sacred structures, transformed from church and still exists today, is evaluated by comparing the oldest photos that can be reached, archive documents from the Directorate of Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation Board in Trabzon region, historical plans and the recent photos that are taken from close points. Evaluation of the subject is made through legal regulations, conscious of protection and Architectural approach. With this study, it is shown that how the area, which is determined as a 2nd degree urban protected area, exposed to interventions in the historical context. The evolution of the consciousness of protecting history in Ortahisar, the oldest centre of the city, from Republic to today, is analysed and argued. In this study, it is evaluated how the historical urban fabric of Trabzon resist towards deformations and illegal structuring, in the historical continuity. Interventions to historical fabric, violation of the legal borders and unqualified spots mixed in the historical memory in an urban protected area are emphasized. Upon the light of the consequences that are reached, the study aims to contribute to the architectural protection conscious and to set an example for studies of city history and protection in local/regional means. As a result of observations and studies made in the field, it is seen that public structures are more important than civil architecture in terms of conservation approach in and around Ortahisar. Because of the several legal regulations and interventions made unconsciously, it is seen that the functional continuity interrupted in the historic city centre. On the other side, it is observed that the protection practices carried out in the field remain at the regional level, can not be integrated with other parts of the city, and the visual, social and functional relations can not be established. It is also seen that, the reconstructed buildings are not in harmony with the historical background, and the use of green space is becoming inefficient. In the study, it is concluded that the Legal regulations, which are the 1965 Property Law and the 1985 Construction Law, are among the important factors affecting the mentioned transformation and change process.

Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in Turkish women: the Trabzon GDM Study.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Turkish pregnant women in the Trabzon Region and further to identify population-specific risk factors for GDM.Material and methodsIn this prospective cross-sectional survey, universal screening for GDM was performed in 815 pregnant women. Screening was done with a 50-g oral glucose challenge test (GCT) with a 140 mg/dl cut-off point, then a diagnostic 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed according to Carpenter and Coustan (CC) criteria.ResultsThe GCT was positive in 182 (22.3%) cases. The OGTT was performed on the 182 screen-positive pregnant women. Thirty-five were diagnosed with GDM on the basis of their results for a prevalence of 4.3% (35/815). Of the pregnancies with negative GCT but having high risk factors for GDM (n = 31), 4 were diagnosed with GDM (0.5%). Prevalence of GDM was found to be 4.8% (n = 39) for all pregnant women. Gestational diabetes mellitus was positively associated with advanced maternal age (p < 0.001), prepregnancy body mass index (p < 0.001), cessation of cigarette smoking (p < 0.001), excessive weight gain during pregnancy (p = 0.003), previous history of GDM (p < 0.001), history of selected medical conditions (p = 0.018), family history of diabetes (FHD) (p < 0.001), and existence of at least one high risk factor for GDM (p < 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for GDM were maternal age, cessation of cigarette smoking, increasing prepregnancy body mass index, weight gain of more than 8 kg during pregnancy, GDM history in previous pregnancies and a history of diabetes in first-degree relatives of pregnant women.ConclusionsThe prevalence of GDM in Trabzon province was found as moderate. Commonly recognized risk factors including older age, prepregnancy obesity, FHD and past history of GDM, are valid for our urban Turkish population. Also, excessive weight gain in pregnancy and cigarette cessation were observed to be nontradional risk factors of GDM. It was concluded that all pregnant women should be screened for GDM if prevalence was not low.

GeoFIS: An integrated tool for the assessment of landslide susceptibility

In this study, requirements of landslide susceptibility mapping by a Mamdani fuzzy inference system (FIS) are identified, and a single standalone application (GeoFIS) is developed. GeoFIS includes two main open source libraries, one for GIS operations and the other for creating Mamdani FIS. As a result, it is possible to construct a landslide susceptibility map based on expert opinion, to visualize maps instantly and to measure model performance. GeoFIS supports all steps of the landslide susceptibility mapping process, starting from data deployment and ending with performance measurement. In GeoFIS, visual controls allow use of the inferred results and actual landslide occurrence information, and ROC–AUC values are calculated automatically. Moreover, a confusion matrix is produced, and alternative measurement schemes such as recall are suggested, to reveal those performance details not observable with ROC–AUC and to create trust in the inferred results. GeoFIS is applied to the Trabzon region of northern Turkey, and the recall and ROC–AUC values were .902 and .602, respectively.

Re-evaluation of the genus Phonochorion (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)

Phonochorion Uvarov (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae) is a little known genus consisting of three species: Ph. satunini, Ph. artvinensis and Ph. uvarovi. The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough distributional, taxonomic and system- atic revision of the genus Phonochorion using both bioacustic and external morphological characters. Field surveys indicate that the genus is distributed from the Trabzon region of Turkey to the Khulo province of Georgia however the exact limit of the eastern dis- tribution of the genus remains unknown. Phonochorion species occur only on the northern slopes of the East Black Sea and Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The Coruh Valley, which seprates the East Black Sea and Lesser Caucasus Mountain ranges, seems to be an effective physical and climatic barrier and determines the distribution of these species. Ph. uvarovi can clearly be distinguished from Ph. satunini and Ph. artvinensis by the calling songs of males and external morphological characters. Ph. artvinensis and Ph. satunini differ in several taxonomic characters but the males have virtually identical calling songs. From a character evolution per- spective, although geographically more distant, Ph. satunini is more closely related to Ph. uvarovi than Ph. artvinensis. Morpho- logical similarities in several characters indicate Phonochorion to be most closely related to Polysarcus zacharovi and the Poecilimon heroicus-group. Within the genus Phonochorion, song structure and morphological characters clearly indicate Ph. uvarovi to be the basal taxon.

Prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension and associated risk factors among Turkish adults: Trabzon Hypertension Study

To estimate the prevalence, awareness and control of prehypertension (preHT) and hypertension (HT) as defined by JNC-7 criteria in the Trabzon Region and its associations with demographic factors (age, sex, obesity, marital status, reproductive history in women and level of education), socioeconomic factors (household income and occupation), family history of selected medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease), lifestyle factors (smoking habits, physical activity and alcohol consumption) in the adult population. In this cross-sectional survey, a sample of households was systematically selected from the central province of Trabzon and its nine towns. A total of 4809 adult subjects (2601 women and 2208 men) were included in the study. Demographic and socioeconomic factors, family history of selected medical conditions, and lifestyle factors were obtained for all participants. Systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP levels were measured for all subjects. The persons included in the questionnaire were invited to the local medical centers for blood examination between 08:00-10:00 following 12 hours of fasting. The levels of serum glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (Total-C), high density cholesterol (HDL-C), low density cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides were measured with autoanalyzer. Definition and classification of HT was performed according to guidelines from the US JNC-7 report. Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of HT were assessed. The prevalences of HT and preHT were 44.0% (46.1% in women and 41.6% in men) and 14.5% (12.6% in women and 16.8% in men), respectively. Overall, only 41% of the hypertensive individuals had been previously diagnosed. Furthermore, 54.5% of the hypertensive subjects were being treated with antihypertensive drugs (AHD), but only 24.3% of treated subjects had their BP adequately controlled. Among all hypertensive subjects (known and newly diagnosed), only 5.43% had their BP under control. The prevalence of HT increased with age, being highest in the 60- to 69-year-old age group (84.4%) but lower again in the 70+ age group. Interestingly, the prevalence was 16.9% in the 20-to 29-year old age group. HT was associated positively with marital status, parity, cessation of cigarette smoking, and negatively with level of education, alcohol consumption, current cigarette use, and physical activity. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that HT were significantly associated with age, male gender, BMI, low education level, nonsmoking, positive family history of selected medical conditions, occupation, and parity. The Trabzon Hypertension Study data indicated that HT is very common and is an important health problem in the adult population of Trabzon. Patients who are unaware of their status and treated uncontrolled hypertensives are at high risk of early cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To control preHT and HT, effective public health education and urgent precautions are needed. The precautions include serious health education, a well-balanced diet and increasing physical activity.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors among Turkish adults: Trabzon MetS study

In order to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as defined by NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria in the Trabzon Region and its associations with demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, reproductive history in women, and level of education), socioeconomic factors (household income and occupation), family history of selected medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking habits, physical activity, and alcohol consumption) in the adult population. In this cross-sectional survey, a sample of households was systematically selected from the central province of Trabzon and its nine towns. A total of 4,809 adult subjects > or = 20 years (2,601 women and 2,208 men) were included in the study. Blood pressure levels were measured for all subjects. The persons included in the questionnaire were invited to the local medical centers for blood examination between 08:00 and 10:00 following 12 h of fasting. Fasting serum glucose (FBG) levels and lipid profile were measured with autoanalyzer. MetS was defined according to guidelines from the NCEP ATP III diagnostic criteria. The prevalence of MetS was 26.9%: 31.3 in women and 21.7% in men. The prevalence increased with age, being highest in the 60-69-year-old age group (53.4%) but lower again in the > or = 70 age group. MetS was associated positively with marital status, parity, cessation of cigarette smoking, and negatively with the level of education, alcohol consumption, current cigarette use, household income, and physical activity. Hypertension was found as the most common MetS component in our study (57.4%). Others in decreasing order were abdominal obesity (40.9%), low high-density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) (31.8%), hypertriglyceridemia (30.7%), and high FBG levels (9.2%). Similarly, in the subjects diagnosed with MetS, HT had the highest prevalence (91.9%). This was followed by abdominal obesity (82.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (74%), low HDL-C (68.6%), and high fasting blood glucose levels (28.6%). MetS is moderately common and an important health problem in the adult population of Trabzon. In order to control MetS and its components, effective public health education and taking urgent steps are needed. These steps include serious education, providing a well-balanced diet and increasing physical activity.

Elemental concentration analysis in some plant samples by EDXRF at Trabzon

The elemental analysis of some plant samples have been carried out in Trabzon region (Turkey) using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. We have analyzed plant samples for nine stations using 1.85 GBq 55Fe radioactive sources. We have found that potassium and calcium within 0.3–1.4% and 0.3–2.8% were present in concentration in plants for every station, respectively. The concentration of Cl and Ti generally changed according to the plant species and the sampling station.

An Investigation on Nutritional Problems of Hazelnut Grown on Acid Soils

The purpose of the study was to determine the nutritional problems of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) grown on acid soils. For this purpose, soil and leaf samples were taken from 30 different hazelnut growing areas from Trabzon Region in Turkey. Some physical and chemical properties and some nutrient element contents of soil and leaf samples were determined. These determined values were compared with critical values, and the degree of sufficiency was evaluated. In general, organic matter, total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) contents of soil samples were sufficient. Calcium (Ca) deficiency was obtained in 93.4% of the soil, because of acid property of the soils. Available iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) contents of the soils were found to be sufficient. In 70% of the soils, Zn deficiency was found. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn deficiencies of leaf samples were 20.0, 26.7, 6.7, 73.4, 50.0, and 66.7%, respectively. Iron, Cu, and Mn contents of leaf samples were found to be sufficient.

An investigation on nutritional status of hazelnut (Corylus Avellana L.) grown in acid soils of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional problems of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) grown in acid soils. For this purpose, soil and leaf samples were taken from 30 different hazelnut growing areas from Trabzon Region. Some physical and chemical properties and some nutrient element contents of soil and leaf samples were determined. The determined values were compared with the critical values and degree of sufficiency were evaluated. According to the results, organic matter, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Mg contents of soil samples were sufficiently high, but Ca deficiency was observed in 93.4% of samples, because of the acid property of the soils. Available Fe, Cu and Mn contents of the soils were sufficient. In 70% of the soils, Zn deficiency was observed, whereas N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn deficiency of leaf samples was found in the leaf samples up to 20.0%; 26.7%; 6.7%; 73.4%; 50.0% and 66.7%, respectively. Fe, Cu and Mn contents of leaf samples were in sufficiency range.

Determination of trace elements in cole ( Brassica oleraceae var . acephale) at Trabzon region in Turkey

The elemental analysis of cole ( Brassica oleraceae var . acephale) has been carried out in the Trabzon region (Turkey) using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. Cole is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables by people living in that region. The reason for this is its abundance and easy growth in four seasons. We have analyzed cole samples for 11 stations using 50 mCi Fe-55 and Am-241 radioactive sources. We have found that potassium was present in the highest concentration in cole for every station. The concentration of Cl generally changed according to the distance between the sea and the sampling station.

Prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors in a Turkish population (trabzon city, Turkey).

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity (general and central) in the Trabzon Region and its associations with demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, reproductive history in women, and level of education), socioeconomic factors (household income and occupation), family history of selected medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking habits, physical activity, and alcohol consumption), and hypertension in the adult population. A sample of households was systematically selected from the central province of Trabzon and its five towns, namely, Sürmene, Vakfikebir, Maçka, Hayrat, and Tonya. A total of 5016 subjects (2728 women and 2288 men) were included in the study. Individuals more than 20 years old were selected from their family health cards. Demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, family history of selected medical conditions, and lifestyle factors were obtained for all participants. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels were measured for all subjects. Study procedures were carried out in the local health centers in each town over an 8-month period. Obesity was defined as BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 and overweight as BMI = 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity was 23.5%: 29.4% in women and 16.5% in men. The combined prevalence of both overweight and obesity was 60.3%. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 29.4%: 38.9% among women and 18.1% among men. The prevalence of obesity increased with age, being highest in the 60- to 69-year-old age group (40.8%) but lower again in the 70+ age group. Obesity was associated positively with marital status, parity, cessation of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and household income and inversely with level of education, cigarette use, and physical activity. Also, obesity was associated positively with hypertension. In the Trabzon Region, 60.3% of the adult population presents with some excess weight. Obesity is a major public health problem that requires generalized interventions to prevent it among the adult population.

The role of local mass media in promoting the consumption of iodized table salt.

Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is currently an important public health problem in Turkey. The use of iodized salt is a sample and cheap solution. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of iodized salt use in the Trabzon region and the effect of a local mass-media education program in increasing usage. The overall aim was to use the findings to inform future health management and health education activities, and shape further development of the IDD program. Prior to the intervention, the prevalence of iodized salt consumption was 54.5%. Following the 3-month education program it increased to 62.4%. There was a significant difference in the pre- and post-intervention findings (P = 0.00237). The results show that the use of local mass media is effective in raising the prevalence of iodized salt use. Local mass media could therefore be used as part of a national strategy to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

Abundance and Ecology of the Freshwater Fish in Trabzon Region

Abundance and Ecology of the Freshwater Fish in Trabzon Region