Turkish Adults Research Articles

The impact of community pharmacists on older adults in Turkey

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of theory-based, structured, standardized pharmaceutical care services led by community pharmacists (CPs) on patient-related outcomes in older Turkish adults. Practice descriptionThis prospective, quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted at the national level at community pharmacies in Turkey. After virtual training of CPs, pharmaceutical care services including medicine bag check-up, medication review, patient medicine card, patient education, and counseling services (including motivational interviewing) were delivered to promote medication adherence in older adults. Practice innovationTheory-based, structured, standardized pharmaceutical care services addressing medication adherence problems in older Turkish adults with noncommunicable diseases. Evaluation MethodsDescriptive data (including demographic and clinical data, medication-related problems by using the DOCUMENT classification, potential inappropriate prescribing by using the Ghent Older People’s Prescriptions Community Pharmacy Screening- (GheOP3S) tool, and pharmacy service satisfaction) were presented. Pre- and post-evaluation were compared by using the Wilcoxon test (for continuous variables) and McNemar’s or McNemar-Bowker chi-square test (for categorical variables). ResultsOne hundred and thirty-eight medication-related problems were identified among 52 older adults. The medication adherence rate was significantly increased from 51.9% to 75%, and the mean of total quality of life (QoL) score rose significantly from 51.7 to 53.4 (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant change in the median of necessity-concern differential (baseline: 7 [2.2–10.0] vs. final: 8.0 [5–11]; P < 0.05). At baseline, all patients had at least 1 potential inappropriate prescribing according to the GheOP3S tool, and the rate was 73.1% at the final assessment. ConclusionCommunity pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care services significantly improved patient-related outcomes (such as medication adherence, beliefs about medication, and QoL) in older adults with noncommunicable diseases. No statistically significant change was detected in their lifestyle behaviors (such as physical activity and diet program) or health awareness.

Do sociodemographic factors and anthropometric measurements affect eating behavior patterns?

PurposeObesity is a chronic disease and it is very important to determine the underlying factors at the early stage. Disturbance in eating behaviors may predict the obesity risk.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, it was aimed to investigate eating behavior of Turkish adults by using The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18) and to analyze the association between anthropometric measurements and socio-demographic factors.FindingsIndividuals composed of 698 males, aged 28.6 ± 10.3 years and 1,736 females, aged 25.1 ± 7.8 years. Demographic characteristics participants were obtained via a questionnaire. TFEQ-R18for assessing eating behavior was used. Results claim that the usage of TFEQ-R18 was appropriate for non-obese individuals (Cronbach’s α value 0.83 for underweight group (n = 180, 7.4%), 0.76 for normal group (n = 1604, 65.9%), 0.69 for overweight group (n = 492, 20.2%), 0.69 obese group (n = 158, 6.5%). Gender seems to effect emotional eating scores (p = 0.026) and employment status seem to affect all TFEQ-R18 sub-group dimensions (cognitive eating scores, p = 0.022, uncontrolled eating scores, p < 0.001, emotional eating scores, p < 0.001). Divorced individuals tend to have higher cognitive restraint scores (16.2 ± 3.7). Although, single people have higher emotional eating scores (7.5 ± 2.6) (p = 0.006). There is a positive correlation among waist–height ratio, waist and neck circumference and cognitive restraint and uncontrolled eating scores (p < 0.001). However, body weight and height correlate negatively with cognitive restraint scores (p < 0.001).Originality/valueAccording to the authors’ knowledge, this study gives brief results for the usage of TFEQ-R18 and the ability to predict eating behaviors in the general population.

CT angiography evaluation of intracranial aneurysms: Distribution, characteristics, and association with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

To investigate the distribution, characteristics, and association with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of aneurysms identified in Turkish adult patients with computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed with suspicion of intracranial aneurysms and/or SAH. A total of 356 patients (164 male, and 192 female) with a mean age of 55.6 ± 4.0 (range, 18-90) years were analyzed retrospectively. The dimension in millimeters, localization, type, and multiplicity of aneurysms were noted. The differences in these parameters between females and males were investigated. The correlations of sex, aneurysm size, multiplicity, and size with SAH were researched. On 356 CTA, 140 cases were identified to have aneurysm (39.3%) (56 males [40.0%], 84 females [60.0%]). The incidence of aneurysms and SAH in females was high relative to males. In 140 patients, a total of 187 aneurysms were present (mean size, 7.25 ± 2.56 mm). The highest number of aneurysms was found in the middle cerebral artery 64 (34.2%) while the least was in posterior circulation 20 (10.7%). There was no significant difference between genders in terms of aneurysm size, type, and multiplicity. Individuals with aneurysm site on the internal carotid artery had lower SAH incidence. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis results determined that individuals with aneurysm size >13.5 mm had increased incidence of SAH. The general properties of intracranial aneurysms investigated with CTA in Turkish adults had similarities to information defined in the literature. These results will likely be beneficial to direct approaches to aneurysm diagnosis and treatment in routine practice.

The Mediating Role of Death Anxiety on The Relationship Between Successful Aging and Life Satisfaction

This study aimed to test the mediating role of death anxiety on the relationship between Turkish older adults’ levels of successful aging and life satisfaction. The study group consisted of 243 individuals (130 females, 113 males) aged 60 years and older. The Successful Aging Scale, Adult Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Death Anxiety Scale were used for data collection. The Pearson product-moment correlation technique and the standard multiple regression technique were used to analyze the data. Preliminary analysis showed the existence of significant relationships among the variables discussed in the study. The regression analysis results indicated that a significant relationship exists among elderly individuals’ levels of life satisfaction and death anxiety, with these variables significantly predicting their level of successful aging. Another important finding from this study was that the variables of death anxiety and life satisfaction together explain 36% of the total variance in successful aging. It was concluded that death anxiety was a mediating variable in the relationship between successful aging and life satisfaction. In this context, in order to obtain more detailed information, it is recommended to increase the studies in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods within the framework of the concepts of death anxiety, successful aging and life satisfaction.

Effectiveness of Booster Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination in Lower COVID-19 Infection Rates: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Turkish Adults.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of booster vaccination of adults with measles-mumps-rubella in the COVID-19 infection rates.MethodsIn order to investigate this hypothesis, we tested COVID-19 positivity rate through PCR assay on the participants (n=245; male), who had to share the same student accommodation together with the same dining hall to provide governmental service. Participants were divided into two groups based on their booster vaccination status with measles-mumps-rubella: the non-vaccinated group (n=207) and the vaccinated group (n=38). The rate of COVID-19 seropositivity, age, body mass index (BMI), active smoking and presence of comorbidity were also measured and recorded.ResultsAll of the participants were healthy, and age distribution, comorbidity rates, active smoking status and BMI did not vary significantly among the two groups (p=0.305, p=0.594, p=0.280, and p=0.922, respectively). About 36.7% (n=90) of the participants were found to be COVID-19 positive by PCR among which the non-vaccinated cases had higher rates of COVID-19 seropositivity than the vaccinated cases (40.6% vs 15.8%) (OR=3.6, 95%CI: 1.5–9.0, p=0.004).ConclusionBased on these results, we cautiously predict that immunity produced by MMR vaccination boosters may provide some degree of protection against COVID-19 in the adult population.

The effects of COVID-19 continuous traumatic stressors on mental health and cognitive functioning: A case example from Turkey.

There is a need to accurately assess the specific impacts of the various traumatic stressors caused by COVID-19 on mental health. The goal was to evaluate the impact of different types of COVID-19 stressors (infection fears, lockdown, and economic stressors) on mental health and cognitive functioning. We used a sample of 262 Turkish adults. We administered an online questionnaire that included measures of COVID-19 traumatic stressors, PTSD, depression, anxiety, executive function deficits, and cumulative stressors and traumas (CST). The analyses included correlations, hierarchical regression, path analysis, and PROCESS mediation analysis. All COVID-19 traumatic stressors types and their cumulative load predicted PTSD, depression, anxiety, and executive function deficits after controlling for previous cumulative stressors and traumas and COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 lockdown’s stressors were the strongest predictors, compared to COVID-19 fears and economic stressors. Path analysis and PROCESS mediation results indicated that COVID-19 traumatic stressors had direct effects on working memory deficits, direct and indirect effects on PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and indirect effects on inhibition deficits. Anxiety, depression, and inhibition deficits mediated its indirect effects on PTSD. The results have conceptual and clinical implications. COVID-19 continuous posttraumatic stress syndrome that includes comorbid PTSD, depression, anxiety, and executive function deficits is different and does not fit within the current trauma frameworks. There is a need for a paradigm shift in current stress and trauma frameworks to account for the COVID-19 continuous global stressors and for clinical innovations in intervention to help its victims.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-01743-2.

Meaning-Based Coping and Spirituality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mediating Effects on Subjective Well-Being.

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected the Turkish population. During the pandemic, people with high coronavirus stress are at risk of experiencing poor subjective well-being. There is no research investigating the role of meaning-based coping and spirituality in explaining the link between coronavirus stress and subjective well-being. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning-based coping and spiritual well-being in the link between coronavirus stress and subjective well-being in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 427 young adults (71% female), ranging in age between 18 and 48 years (M = 21.06; SD = 2.62). Turkish young adults completed an online survey, including measures of coronavirus stress, subjective well-being, meaning-based coping, and spiritual well-being. The results indicate that greater meaning-based coping and spiritual well-being mediated decreases in the adverse impacts of coronavirus stress on subjective well-being. These results suggest that the importance of a combination of meaning-based coping and spirituality processes mitigate the adverse effects of stress on well-being during the coronavirus pandemic. Interventions focusing on meaning-based coping and spirituality in those experiencing high coronavirus stress are urgently needed to improve the mental health and well-being of young adults.

Sex addiction in Turkey: A large-scale survey with a national community sample

Prior studies on sex addiction have mostly relied on a narrow range of risk factors among small and heterogeneous samples. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychological markers related to sex addiction in a large-scale community sample of Turkish adults. A total of 24,380 individuals completed a survey comprising the Sex Addiction Risk Questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Personal-Wellbeing Index Adult Form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (50% males; mean age = 31.79 years; age range = 18 to 81 years). Utilizing hierarchical regression analysis, sex addiction was associated with being male, being younger, having a lower education level, being single, being an alcohol and nicotine user, psychiatric distress, low personal wellbeing, positive and negative affect, alexithymia, and anxious attachment. This study suggests that socio-demographic factors and aforementioned detrimental psychological factors exacerbate higher engagement in addictive sexual behaviors among the Turkish community. However, more studies are needed to better understand the factors associated with sex addiction in Turkey.

Relationships Between the Life Satisfaction, Meaning in Life, Hope and COVID-19 Fear for Turkish Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

The current study investigated whether there are significant relationships between life satisfaction and meaning in life, hope and COVID-19 fear and the extent to which life satisfaction is predicted by these variables. The study group of this research consists of 1,186 adults with the mean age of 41.04. Study group participants are consists of different cities of different regions of Turkey. As the data collection tools, the life satisfaction scale, the meaning in life scale, the dispositional hope scale and the COVID-19 fear scale were used. The results of the analyses have revealed that meaning in life, hope (actuating thinking and alternative ways thinking) are significant predictors of life satisfaction as positively. Besides, it is seen COVID-19 fear, age, gender and the presence of people infected with COVID-19 around aren’t significant predictors of life satisfaction in adults.

Mindful eating, obesity, and risk of type 2 diabetes in university students: A cross-sectional study.

Understanding gender differences in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity risk among university students is critical for the development of health promotion interventions. Mindful eating focuses on how and why eating behavior occurs rather than what is eaten. Current research on this topic is limited in the university-aged population. The aim of this study was to (1) assess gender differences in risk of developing T2DM and elevated body mass index (BMI)/obesity; (2) explore the mindful eating levels according to the gender perspective; and (3) evaluate the relationship between mindful eating, BMI, and the risk of T2DM among young Turkish adults. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Karabuk University University, Turkey, during the 2017-2018 university calendar year. Eight hundred young adults were selected by the convenience sampling method. Data analyses used were the independent t test and Pearson correlational statistics. BMI values of males were significantly higher than those of females (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between males and females regarding the risk of developing T2DM (p > 0.05). Mindful eating was significantly associated with BMI and the risk of developing T2DM in the young adult populations (p < 0.01). Our findings can provide a basic reference for developing interventions that improve healthy eating habits and weight-loss strategies.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Eating and Meat Consumption Habits of Turkish Adults

Animal originated proteins have great importance in meeting the daily protein need in a healthy and balanced diet due to their high protein content, amino acid pattern and good digestibility. Also, when included in a diet, they play an important role in the protection of individuals‘ health and improving the life quality with their vitamin and mineral content. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in meat and meat products consumption habits of people and whether they are concerned about reaching meat and meat products during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that purpose, a 24-question survey of 1000 people from several cities of Turkey was carried out. The majority of the participants stated that their consumption of red meat (77%), poultry meat (81%) and fish (66%) did not change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while 10%, 8%, and 3% of the participants said their red meat, poultry meat and fish consumption increased, respectively. In addition, 13%, 11%, and 31% of the participants said there was a decrease in their red meat, poultry meat and fish consumption, respectively. The major reason for the decrease in red and white meat consumption was economic reasons, however, the reason for the decrease in consumption of fish was difficulties in reaching. During the COVID-19 pandemic, until the date that the survey was done, 12% of the participants had concerns about reaching meat and meat products. The main cause of their concern was being unemployed or losing their job after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meaningful living, resilience, affective balance, and psychological health problems among Turkish young adults during coronavirus pandemic.

The present study sought to investigate the mediating effect of the affective balance and resilience on the association between meaningful living and psychological health problems among Turkish young adults in the context of COVID-19. The participants were 359 Turkish young adults, comprising of primarily female (68.2%), and their age ranged between 18 to 43 (age M = 20.67, SD = 3.62). Findings from this study indicated that meaningful living had a positive predictive effect on resilience and positive affect, as well as a negative predicative on psychological health challenges and negative affect. Resilience and affective balance also mediated the effect of meaningful living on psychological health of young adults. These results suggest that resilience and affective balance are important aspects of meaning-focused preventions and interventions designed to build up resilience, positive affectivity, and psychological health.

Estimation of Tibia Length in Turkish Adults Using the Artificial Neural Network Method

Estimation of Tibia Length in Turkish Adults Using the Artificial Neural Network Method

Lockdown Changed Us in Turkey Eating Behaviors, Depression Levels, and Body Weight Changes during Lockdown

Nationwide lockdown is a proven strategy to decrease inter-human transmission of the COVID-19. Prolonged home stay may be associated with some potential side effects as weight gain, depression, physical inactivity, unbalanced diet, and behavioral addiction disorders. During March-May of the social lockdown, Turkish adults (n:2955) completed an online sociodemographic form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ)-21. During lockdown, 51.1% of the participants gained weight and TFEQ-21, emotional and uncontrolled eating scores were increased (p<0.001). Analysis showed that incraese in body weight was significantly related to the TFEQ-21 score, depression level, having a disease, decreased exercise, increased alcohol consumption, dismissal from work and reduced smoking (p<0.001). There were significant changes in uncontrolled and emotional eating, and cognitive restriction during the lockdown period. Additionally, changes in eating habits and physical activity may influence weight gain.

The use of medial clavicular epiphysis ossification stages for bone age determination

Introduction. Bone age determination is a radiological method investigating the compatibility of ossification processes of bones with chronological ages. Aim. We aimed to investigate the use of CT staging of the medial clavicular epiphyseal ossification in bone age determination in Turkish adolescents and young adults. Material and methods. Chest CT exams of 2018 patients between 11 and 35 years of age were retrospectively evaluated for epiphyseal ossification stages of the bilateral medial clavicles (4036 clavicles) on both axial&amp;coronal images and compared with the sex and chronologic age of the individuals in Turkey. Results. For stage 2,3 and 4 the ages of women were greater than men and it was statistically significant. For an individual classified as stage 4,it can be said with certainty that he or she has already reached the age of 18.There was no statistically significant difference between left&amp;right sides and between the axial&amp;coronal images.In addition, it was found that the medial clavicular head epiphyses showed a lot of variation. Conclusion. CT evaluation of the medial clavicular epiphysis ossification stages is helpful in determination of the individuals over the age of 18. Regardless of the sex, the stage 4 can be used as a criterion to make the prediction that an individual is older than 18 years.

Cut-Off Value of Serum Uric Acid for Development of Gout Disease in Patients with Multiple Co-Morbidities.

Objective:This study aimed to determine the association between hyperuricemia, comorbid diseases and risk of developing gout disease in a Turkish population in a long follow-up period.Methods:A total of 2000 Turkish adults were cross-sectionally analysed for serum urate levels in 2009 at the Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine. All patients on regular follow-up at our tertiary health center (n=1322) were included in this study. Demographic features (age and gender), comorbid clinical conditions, and medication use were noted. The risk of developing gout and the determinant factors were investigated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse causative effects of factors while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify optimal cut-off values of uric acid level for predicting the development of gout.Results:Among 1322 patients, the mean age was 56.9 (SD:14.68) years. 57.3% (n=758) of the patients were female. The most common co-morbid disease was chronic kidney disease (581, 43%), followed by hypertension (522, 39.4%). Gout developed in 25 patients (1.8%). Gout development risk and presence of all the above comorbidities were significantly higher in patients with serum urate ≥7mg/dl compared with <7mg/dl. Male gender and not using urate lowering drugs were the main risk factors for developing gout disease. ROC analysis of serum uric acid levels identified a cut-off value of >7 (AUC: 0.776, sensitivity 86.96%, specificity 66.74%).Conclusion:There is still a dilemma concerning the culprit effects of both comorbidities and hyperuricemia on the risk of developing gout disease.

Birleşik Krallık'ta Yaşayan Türk Yetişkinler Arasında Sosyal Etkileşimlere Öz-Yeterlik

There is a wealth of evidence on the relationship between self-efficacy and social anxiety. However, little is known about the relationship between self-efficacy, social anxiety, and social avoidance in Turkish adults living in the United Kingdom. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between general self-efficacy and social anxiety in a sample of young adults over the age of 18. The sample consisted of 66 (46 males and 20 females) young adults aged between 18 and 41. Participants completed the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale on-line. Males reported higher overall avoidance behaviours and avoidance of social interaction than females. The results did not reveal a statistically significant correlation between self-efficacy and social anxiety. A significant positive relationship was found between social anxiety and avoidance behaviours. Implications and limitation of the findings are discussed.

CHANGES IN THE ONLINE FOOD AND MEAT SHOPPING HABITS OF TURKISH ADULTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In the current study, food and meat shopping/online shopping behavior of Turkish adults were investigated and analyzed comprehensively, during COVID-19 pandemic. For that purpose, a survey with 19 questions was administered with the attendance of 494 people from Turkey. According to the findings, 42.8% of the participants did online shopping for food and 28.5% of them bought meat and meat products online, before the COVID-19 pandemic. These figures rose to 44.7% and 44.32%, respectively, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Online meat shopping has increased during COVID-19 pandemic. However, more than half of the participants did not prefer to buy meat products online, because of the concerns about the spoilage of meat until the products were delivered. If there was a mobile tracking system which allows users to track the conditions of the product during transportation, 56% of the participants who did not initially prefer to do online meat shopping reported that they would have ordered meat online. This study has shown that; it is very important to implement mobile tracking systems in terms of the continuity of the food chain in processes such as pandemics. This study will contribute to the creation of mobile tracking systems to be established in the future, for the food industry

Evaluation of emotional (depression) and behavioural (nutritional, physical activity and sleep) status of Turkish adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

To evaluate emotional (depression) and behavioural (nutritional behaviours, physical activity status and sleep patterns) of Turkish adult individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Cross-sectional online survey. The participants filled out a questionnaire (developed by using Google Forms) that contained descriptive characteristics, nutritional behaviours, sleep patterns, physical activity status, anthropometric measurements, COVID-19-related level of knowledge and the questions of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale through e-mail or social media (WhatsApp). Turkey. Totally, 1120 adult individuals who completed an online survey between April and May 2020. It was determined that 29·1 % of the individuals showed mild, 34·2 % moderate and 23·4 % severe depression symptoms during the pandemic period. A significant relationship was found between gender, age and educational status, marital status and depression levels of the individuals, respectively (χ2 = 35·292, χ2 = 103·46, χ2 = 24·524 and χ2 = 86·208, P < 0·05). The top three foods consumed most during the pandemic period are tea and coffee (66·6 %), pastry (e.g. cake and cookie) (56·4 %) and desserts (49·6 %). During the pandemic period, 42·5 % of the individuals stated that they slept more and 40·2 % stated that there was no change in their sleep patterns. Daily physical activity durations were determined as 8·25 ± 1·77 h for sleep, 4·21 ± 2·68 h for lying down, 5·42 ± 2·64 h for sitting and 6·16 ± 4·82 h for standing activities. It was determined that the individuals showed different levels of depression symptoms during the pandemic period. Especially, carbohydrate food consumption increased, and physical activity status and sleep patterns changed due to the increased time spent sitting and lying.

Face anthropometry of Turkish population

Aim: Analysis of facial anthropometry of modern Turkish population is important for cosmetic or reconstructive facial surgeries. In this study, it is aimed to make multiple measurements of the face in the Turkish population.Materials and Methods: In this study, the measurements were performed on 93 Turkish adult individuals (54 males, 39 females). 13 direct facial anthropometric measurements were performed. A total set of anthropometric data was collected for each gender.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between Turkish male and Turkish female individuals. All values except forehead height were found to be higher in males than females. Ear length was found to be higher than nose length in both males and females. Mouth width value was found to be greater than left eye fissure length and nose width values in both genders.Conclusion: In the study, statistically significant differences were found in head and face regions between both genders when facial norms were applied for Turkish adults.