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As the Syrian crisis has reached its 10th year, this paper explores posttraumatic growth and the related factors among Syrian refugees in Turkey, with the aim of having a better understanding of the predictors of PTG and the risk factors that may play a role in the inhibition of the growth. In this cross-sectional study, 217 displaced Syrian refugees completed the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), Brief COPE, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and sociodemographic information form by a self-reported online survey. Risk and protective factors were associated in bivariate analysis with growth p<0.05 and were retained in multiple regression models to control the confounders. Participants' 60.7% were females, and the mean age was 32.6± 9.4 years. Growth was found to be highest in the Personal Strengths, New Possibilities and Appreciation of Life, Relating to Others, and Spiritual Change. While the consistency of job education, economic status, education level, number of children, level of self-efficacy, level of Turkish, active coping style, religious coping, and self-distraction (p<0.05) were protective factors, the number of traumatic events, and the PTSD symptoms and self-blame were risk factors (p<0.05) in multiple analysis. However, no significant relationship was found for the variables of marital status, taking support, self-distraction, emotional and instrumental support, positive reframing, planning, cultural perception, working type, and age (p>0.05). In conclusion, the findings have provided valuable insight into the domains of the growth among Syrian refugees and discussed both clinical and research-based future recommendations that could be made to improve the mental health of the refugees based on the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human communities suffered a vast socioeconomic burden in dealing with the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally. Real-word data about these burdens can inform governments about evidence-based resource allocation and prioritization. The aim of this scoping review was to map the cost-of-illness (CoI) studies associated with COVID-19. Methods: This scoping review was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021. We searched cost-of-illness papers published in English within Web of Sciences, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and ProQuest. For each eligible study, extracted data included country, publication year, study period, study design, epidemiological approach, costing method, cost type, cost identification, sensitivity analysis, estimated unit cost and national burden. All of the analyses were applied in Excel software. Results: 2352 records were found after the search strategy application, finally 28 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Most of the studies were done in the United States, Turkey, and China. The prevalence-based approach was the most common in the studies, and most of studies also used Hospital Information System data (HIS). There were noticeable differences in the costing methods and the cost identification. The average cost of hospitalization per patient per day ranged from 101$ in Turkey to 2,364$ in the United States. Among the studies, 82.1% estimated particularly direct medical costs, 3.6% only indirect costs, and 14.3% both direct and indirect costs. Conclusion: The economic burden of COVID-19 varies from country to country. The majority of CoI studies estimated direct medical costs associated with COVID-19 and there is a paucity of evidence for direct non-medical, indirect, and intangible costs, which we recommend for future studies. To create homogeneity in CoI studies, we suggest researchers follow a conceptual framework and critical appraisal checklist of cost-of-illness (CoI) studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent technological developments in medicine, including modern radiology have promoted the impact of scientific researches on social life. The scientific outputs such as article and patents are products that show the scientists' attempt to access these achievements. Objectives: In the current study, we evaluate the current situation of Iranian scientists in the field of radiology and compare it with the selected countries in terms of scientific papers. For this purpose, we used scientometric tools to quantitatively assess the scientific papers in the field of radiology. Materials and Methods: Radiology papers were evaluated in the context of medical field audit using retrospective model. We used the related databases of biomedical sciences for extraction of articles related to radiology. In the next step, the situation of radiology scientific products of the country were determined with respect to the under study regional countries. Results: Results of the current study showed a ratio of 0.19% for Iranian papers in PubMed database published in 2009. In addition, in 2009, Iranian papers constituted 0.29% of the Scopus scientific database. The proportion of Iranian papers in the understudy region was 7.6%. Conclusion: To diminish the gap between Iranian scientific radiology papers and other competitor countries in the region and achievement of document 2 025 goals, multifold effort of the society of radiology is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the exchange rate on stock market indices of four main sectors in Turkey. For this purpose, the paper uses monthly data spanning the period between 06/2008-11/2020 and employs the panel GMM estimation method. This method instrumentalizes the past observation values of the dependent variable to control the endogeneity and provides efficient results. Considering that firms operating in many sectors in Turkey are affected by the volatility of the exchange rate, the paper takes initiative in understanding how stock market indices of four sectors react to the fluctuation in USD and Euro prices. This study contributes to the current literature, performing the panel GMM estimation method, unlike studies that only examine the causality relationship on the link between exchange rate and the stock market. The results show that there is unidirectional causality from the exchange rate to stock market indices. According to our findings, the USD/TRY exchange rate negatively affects stock market indices, and the Euro/TRY exchange rate positively affects stock market indices. The findings obtained from the analysis results confirm prior knowledge acquired from Turkey's foreign trade structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Language has been well documented to be a key determinant of accessing healthcare. Most of the literature about language barrier in accessing healthcare is in the context of miscommunication. However, it is critical to consider the historical and political contexts and power dynamics underlying actions. The literature in this matter is short. In this paper we aimed to find out how first-language affects access to healthcare for people who do not speak the official language, with a particular focus on language oppression. Methods: We conducted this qualitative study based on patient-reported experiences of the Kurds in Turkey, which is a century-long oppressed population. We conducted 12 in-depth interviews (all ethnically Kurdish, non-Turkish speaking) in Şırnak, Turkey, in 2018–2019 using maximum variation strategy. We used Levesque's 'Patient-Centred Access to Healthcare' framework which addresses individual and structural dimensions to access. Results: We found that Kurds who do not speak the official language face multiple first-language related barriers in accessing healthcare. Poor access to health information, poor patient-provider relationship, delay in seeking health care, dependence on others in accessing healthcare, low adherence to treatments, dissatisfaction with services, and inability to follow health rights were main issues. As an unusual outcome, we discovered that the barrier processes in accessing healthcare are particularly complicated in the context of oppression and its internalization. Internalized oppression, as we found in our study, impairs access to healthcare with creating a sense of reluctance to seek healthcare, and impairs their individual and collective agency to struggle for change. Conclusions: A human-rights-based top-down policy shift, and a bottom-up community empowerment approach is needed. At the system level, official recognition of oppressed populations, acknowledgement of the determinants of their health; and incorporating their language in official capacities (particularly education and healthcare) is crucial. Interventions should include raising awareness among relevant professions and stakeholders that internalized oppression is an issue in accessing healthcare to be considered. Given that internalized oppression can be in other forms than language or ethnicity, future research aimed at examining other aspects of access to healthcare should pay a special attention to internalized oppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Congresses are important for physicians to access up-to-date information. The papers presented in congresses provide access to current research topics in the field in a short time. In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of oral presentations (OP) that were presented at the Turkish National Neurology Congress (TNNC) organized by the Turkish Neurological Society to the literature. Materials and Methods: OP presented in TNNCs between 2000-2017 were reviewed. The distribution of papers in terms of the main headings and their institutions were determined. Then, the names and presentation titles of the researchers were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar databases in Turkish and English and their publication rates were determined. Results: In 17 years, a total of 1682 oral and 8065 poster presentations were accepted. Fourteen OPs were withdrawn. Of the OPs, 318 were in the field of demyelinating diseases (DMD), 305 on cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), 205 on epilepsy, 202 on neuromuscular diseases (NMD), 199 on headache, 183 on movement disorders, 112 on behavioral neurology, 20 on sleep disorders, 13 on pediatric neurology, and 119 on other diseases. Of the studies, 1253 were clinical studies, 226 were case reports, 130 were basic science studies, 84 were questionnaire studies, 70 were genetic studies, and 852 were prospective studies. One thousand two hundred eighty-six were from university hospitals and 338 from training and research hospitals. Six hundred six were published as articles. One hundred seventy-one were published in Turkish journals and 416 were published in SCI-E journals. Of the publications, 481 were presentations from university hospitals. Comparing the 2000-2009 and 2010-2017 presentations, presentations of NMD and sleep disorders increased, and the highest number of presentations were in the CVD and DMD groups in both periods. Presentations of headache and epilepsy were mostly published in journals. Conclusion: To our knowledge, our study is the first to analyze neurology congress presentations in Turkey. It is noted that such analyses are performed in the literature mostly for 1-5 years, and our results are similar to those of other disciplinary studies conducted in our country and lower than those of international meetings. Incentive methods should be developed to increase the number of publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effect of self-management support given to patients diagnosed with hypertension on the hypertension knowledge level, treatment adherence and self-care management, and to examine the changes in patients' blood pressure after the self-management support. Background: The rise of chronic diseases such as hypertension necessitates the equipment of patients with sufficient knowledge and skills necessary to manage their disease and self-care. Methods: This randomised controlled research was conducted with a total of 137 patients, including 69 intervention and 68 control patients. Data were collected using the "Patient Information Form", "Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale", "Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale" and "Self Care Management Process in Chronic Illness Scale" at the first interview and the last interview three months after the first interview. One week after the first interview, the patients in the intervention group received self-management support including information about hypertension and its management and blood pressure measurement skills. results: After self-management support, a significant improvement was found in hypertension knowledge level (p=0.000), treatment adherence (p=0.000), and self-care management (p=0.000) of patients in the intervention group A significant decrease was determined in systolic (p=0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.000) of patients in the intervention group. conclusion: Self-management support has shown positive effects in increasing hypertension knowledge level, adherence to hypertension treatment, self-care management, and blood pressure control in patients diagnosed with hypertension. This study also provides nurses with an approach in which they can effectively use training and counselling roles for patients. implications for research, policy, and practice: Patients diagnosed with hypertension should be educated by nurses about the disease. Nurses should teach the patients who are diagnosed with hypertension the ability to monitor their blood pressure at home. Cardiovascular rehabilitation nursing units should be established in hospitals to provide more effective self-management support to hypertensive patients. What is already known about the topic? * Education and support programs offered by nurses are important in controlling chronic diseases such as hypertension. * Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension emphasise the importance of self-management support in controlling hypertension. What this paper adds * Self-management support is an effective approach to increasing hypertension knowledge level, adherence to treatment, and self-care management. * Self-management support helps patients to achieve blood pressure control and optimal blood pressure values. * Self-management support empowers patients by increasing their control over the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine views and experiences of intensive care unit nurses and patients on the issue of protecting patient privacy. Background: Intensive care should be delivered to protect the privacy of intensive care patients because these patients experience a loss of personal identity and significant limitations in physical activity and emotional expression. Intensive care patients may not be able to dress themselves; they may not communicate effectively without glasses and hearing aids; they cannot control the environment; they may not govern their actions, and they may not advocate for themselves. For these reasons, nurses should assume a primary role to protect patient privacy because they spend many hours with them and witness patients' loneliness, pain, and death as their primary caregivers. Study design and methods: This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological method with data gathered through interview. The study was conducted with nurses (n = 14) and patients (n = 14) in the intensive care units of a state hospital in a metropolitan city in Turkey between 12 March 2018 - 4 October 2019. Data were collected from nurses and patients using semi-structured interview forms. Content analysis revealed categories, themes, and sub-themes. We have followed the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Results: The categories explored in the study for both nurses and patients were the concepts of privacy, privacy protection and privacy violation. Some of the sub-themes were physical privacy, not sharing personal information, using screens or curtains, using aprons or sheets, insufficient number of nurses or excessive number of patients, and a lack of inspection and equipment. Conclusion: This study shows that the acquired information and the awareness of privacy, protection of privacy, and violations of privacy were adequate among both nurses and patients. Some of the nurses in the study stated that institution-related violations occurred because of the inadequate numbers of nurses to provide care to an exceedingly large number of patients. The implications for research, policy, and practice: Increasing awareness of nurses and patients on patients' rights and protection of privacy and violations of privacy and taking adequate measures to protect patient privacy increase both patient satisfaction and service quality in health. What is already known about the topic? * Privacy is a fundamental human right. * Protection of patient privacy is the responsibility of healthcare professionals. What this paper adds: * The awareness of patient rights for privacy and privacy protection has been well established among patients and nurses, and both participating patients and nurses were knowledgeable of respective privacy violations. * Institution-related factors such as the insufficient numbers of nurses, exceedingly large numbers of patients, problems with the main door access control systems in intensive care units, and the provision of care in smaller units than optimum ones are significant factors involved in the privacy violations of patients. * Patients were reluctant to report privacy violations because they believed this could negatively affect their treatment and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the treatment patterns and associated clinical outcomes in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients initiating a second-line glucose-lowering therapy. Material and Methods: This paper presents a preliminary subgroup analysis of the baseline data collected from 536 patients [mean (standard deviation) age: 55.1 (10.0) years, 50.2% were males] in the Turkey arm of global observational DISCOVER study among T2D patients initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy. Patient demographics, disease (duration, complications) and treatment (type of regimens, modifications) characteristics, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and systolic blood pressure (BP) target achievement rates and the patient-reported outcomes were recorded at the initiation of second-line therapy. Results: Overall, 11.7% of patients were HbA1c target of <7% at baseline, 62.5% were systolic BP target of <140 mmHg and 21.2% were LDL-C target of <100 mg/dL. Major and minor hypoglycemic events were noted in 5.5% and 10.7% of patients, while macro and microvascular complications in 17.2% and 20.1% of patients, respectively. Metformin monotherapy (47.9%) and metformin+sulfonylurea combination (22.6%) were the two most common first-line therapies. However, insulin (32.3%) was the most commonly prescribed second-line agent. Lifestyle assessment revealed a healthy lifestyle in 50.7% of patients. Conclusion: Our finding revealed a failure to achieve HbA1c, LDL-C, and systolic BP targets and a high rate of diabetes-related complications before initiation of second-line therapy in a significant proportion of Turkish T2D patients. Thus, emphasizing a need for more aggressive risk factor screening and modification at early disease stages and earlier treatment intensification among T2D patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to identify the sleep quality between smokers and non-smokers within Turkish research published in the last 10 years. Turkish studies on the sleep quality and smoking published from 2010 to 2020 in the national thesis centre were systematically screened. The effect size was calculated according to the odds ratio and analysed with CMA V3 program. Cochrane Q statistics and I2 value for heterogeneity analysis and funnel plot, Egger's Linear Regression test, Begg and Mazumdar rank correlations statistics, trim-and-fill method for publication bias were performed. Of 132 papers in ten years, 26 coding on smoking and good sleep quality were evaluated using a forest plot graph. By using the fixed effects model, a small effect in favour of good sleep quality (d=1.697, 95% confidence interval 1.501-1.920, p=0.000) was found in non-smokers. Heterogeneity test and I2 value found a significant and moderate heterogeneity between studies (Q=59,672, p=0.000, I2=58,104). In the subgroup analysis, the mixedgender group (p=0.001 I2=55,807) and medicine field studies (p=0.001 I2=60,874) had a moderator role. No study had significantly found that non-smokers had poorer sleep than smokers (p>0.05). The results suggest that one of every four people is a smoker, and one of every two people had a poor sleep quality. Moreover, 69.7% of the non-smokers (approximately 1.7 times) had a better sleep quality than smokers. Promoting smoking cessation for good sleep has been proposed based on national research data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational risks faced by operating room nurses, their working conditions and health problems, and the protective measures adopted. Background: Since operating rooms are high-risk environments, the nurses working in them are exposed to correspondingly greater health risks. Method: This qualitative descriptive study design involved 17 operating room nurses and was performed in a public hospital in Turkey. Data were collected by the author during face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured form constructed on the basis of the study aims. Theme establishment continued until new data emerged from the analysis of all interviews. Data were then subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Three main themes were determined in the study, worker safety, working conditions, and training. At interview, operating room nurses reported being exposed to several occupational risks, including radiation, sharp implements, long working hours, and working standing up. They also reported experiencing, or were anxious about encountering in the future, various health problems associated with these risks. They also identified activities associated with education and protective measures as inadequate. Discussion and conclusion: Several occupational risk factors in the operating room environment adversely affect the health of nurses working in the unit. We recommend that standards aimed at protecting against occupational risks be applied on a regular basis in order to preserve the personal health and safety of operating room staff. Implication for nursing and health policy: Nurses are responsible for the constant care of their patients under all conditions and environments but may face the risk of compromise of their own health as a result. Training, certification, and nursing policies aimed at protecting the health of employees in clinical settings should be implemented. What is already known about the topic? Operating room nurses are known to experience severe health problems arising from their working environment. Many nurses have to cope or live with these health problems. What this paper adds: The study reveals the need for operating room nursing education programs. It also stresses the importance of legislation and monitoring to ensure a safe working environment for nurses in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational risks faced by operating room nurses, their working conditions and health problems, and the protective measures adopted. Background: Since operating rooms are high-risk environments, the nurses working in them are exposed to correspondingly greater health risks. Method: This qualitative descriptive study design involved 17 operating room nurses and was performed in a public hospital in Turkey. Data were collected by the author during face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured form constructed on the basis of the study aims. Theme establishment continued until new data emerged from the analysis of all interviews. Data were then subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Three main themes were determined in the study, worker safety, working conditions, and training. At interview, operating room nurses reported being exposed to several occupational risks, including radiation, sharp implements, long working hours, and working standing up. They also reported experiencing, or were anxious about encountering in the future, various health problems associated with these risks. They also identified activities associated with education and protective measures as inadequate. Discussion and conclusion: Several occupational risk factors in the operating room environment adversely affect the health of nurses working in the unit. We recommend that standards aimed at protecting against occupational risks be applied on a regular basis in order to preserve the personal health and safety of operating room staff. Implication for nursing and health policy: Nurses are responsible for the constant care of their patients under all conditions and environments but may face the risk of compromise of their own health as a result. Training, certification, and nursing policies aimed at protecting the health of employees in clinical settings should be implemented. What is already known about the topic? Operating room nurses are known to experience severe health problems arising from their working environment. Many nurses have to cope or live with these health problems. What this paper adds: The study reveals the need for operating room nursing education programs. It also stresses the importance of legislation and monitoring to ensure a safe working environment for nurses in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The abundance of easy and accessible information and the rapid development of social networking sites (SNSs) have proven that the world is small and within reach. The great implication of this interconnectivity is attributable to the change in the learning and sharing environment, which for the most part is something that classrooms are lacking. Considering the potential implications of SNSs in nursing education reveals the benefits of SNSs in allowing students to communicate and interact with a wider audience and beyond the classroom. The aim of this study is to identify the extent of SNS utilization, the perceived benefits of SNSs and the potential of SNSs for improving the study habits of nursing students in five countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, the Philippines and Turkey). Methods: This study is a quantitative cross-sectional study that determined the relationship between the utilization of SNSs, the perceived benefits of SNSs, and the potential of SNSs for improving the study habits of nursing students in the five participating countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, the Philippines, and Turkey). This paper is based on carefully analysing the survey responses of a sample of 1137 students from an online hosting site. The online instrument focuses on the extent of the utilization and benefits of SNSs according to their accessibility, usability, efficiency and reliability. Results: Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) our findings, reveal a significant positive correlation between the extent of a possible improvement in study habits and the extent of SNS utilization in terms of the four domains, namely, accessibility (r = 0.246), usability (r = 0.377), reliability (r = 0.287) and efficiency (r = 0.387). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a significant positive correlation between students' study habits and the extent of SNS utilization, meaning that the more students devote themselves to their study habits, the higher the level of SNS utilization. The use of SNSs by nursing students has positive and negative implications, and there is greater potential for further improving approaches to nursing education through the adaptation of curricula based on the proper utilization of SNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the male urethra that is becoming increasingly prevalent. In this paper, we share the results of our series of 45 distal hypospadias cases treated with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) at a single center in Şanlıurfa, Turkiye. Materials and Methods: Hypospadias repairs were made by two urologists who had completed their urology residencies at the same clinic in a state hospital. The TIPU technique was used for all 45 patients. To prevent bladder contractions and reduce anal itching during hospitalization, the patients were administered low-dose oxybutynin and 2 mg/mL hydroxyzine hydrochloride; they were also followed up postoperatively for a mean duration of 9.3 (6-12) months. Results: The average age of the patients was 9.5±0.5 (2-24) years. Ten patients had been circumcised previously, preoperative skin chordee was observed in 35, and none experienced preoperative complications. Postoperative catheterization lasted seven days. Postoperatively, one patient developed a fistula and two developed meatal strictures. No other complications were observed in the other patients. Conclusion: Hypospadias is an anomaly frequently seen in pediatric urology practice and requires considerable attention and experience. TIPU is an ideal technique for correcting hypospadias, especially distal hypospadias, due to its low complication rate and favorable cosmetic results. Although hypospadias surgery requires experience, it can be done quite easily in peripheral hospitals by surgeons who have trained in clinics experienced in this field, provided that they follow the rules pertaining to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide. Transmission to humans usually occurs by mucosal inoculation of the bacteria or exposure of non-intact skin via contact with water or soil contaminated with urine or feces of rodents. Occupational groups such as farmers, rice plant workers, sewer workers, miners, hunters, military personnel, mariners, shepherds, milkers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians and laboratory personnel are under risk for leptospirosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in coal miners in Zonguldak region. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from total 185 volunteer coal miners, who worked in 5 coal mines of Turkish Hard Coal Authority in Zonguldak and Bartın provinces, during June and July 2013. Serum samples were stored at -80°C. Additionally, we conducted an interview with each miner about demographical and epidemiological data such as age, location, duration of mining, other occupations, observing rodent or rodent excreta in the mine, noticing rodent contact with personal belongings or drinks or food in mine and hand hygiene compliance. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT), the reference diagnostic test for seroepidemiological studies of leptospirosis, was conducted in Spirochetal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Control Central Research Institute, Etlik, Ankara in June 2014. Anti-Leptospira antibody levels for 8 serotypes (Leptospira grippotyphosa Moskva V, L. australis Bratislava Jez Bratislava, L. canicola Hund Utrech IV, L. hardjo Hardjoprajitno, L. pomona Pomona, L. icterohaemorrhagiae Ictero 1, L. hebdomadis Hebdomadis ve L. patoc Patoc 1) was investigated with MAT. Results: All the miners were male and the mean age was 36±6. The mean duration of working in underground part of the mine was 11±6 years, the mean working hours was 44±6 hours a week on average. Distribution of the miners according to inhabiting location was 18.5% village, 50.3% county and 30.8% city. In addition to mining, some of the miners were also occupied with farming (7%), hunting (2.7%), seafaring (0.5%) and livestock raising (0.5%). 82.7% of the miners confirmed seeing rodents in the mine every day and 35.7% of the miners confirmed seeing rodent excreta in the mine. 68.1% reported observing sign of rodent bite on their clothes or food saving box. 91.9% of the miners reported that they saved their food in plastic or paper bags up to meal time. Hand washing rate in the mine was 76.2% among the miners and 94.3% of those were washing their hands without soap. Although, a risky environment for leptospirosis was defined, no seropositivity was detected in any of the serum samples of the miners. Conclusions: Miners reported risky environmental conditions and risky behavioral models for transmission of leptospirosis. However, no seropositivity was detected in any of the serum samples obtained from 185 miners in Zonguldak region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Substantial controversy exists regarding anesthetic management for patients with preeclampsia or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. Experts, researchers, clinicians, and residents in Turkey were surveyed about their practices. Material and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to attendees at a national conference, and they were filled out immediately. Anonymous 10-item paper surveys were administered to both residents and non-residents. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. Agreement among ≥75% of the respondents was considered a majority opinion. Surveys with missing responses were used to analyze the non-response bias. The Chi-square test was used for comparisons. A historical cohort of obstetricians--gynecologists was used for comparison with anesthesiologists. Results: Of 339 surveys distributed, 288 were returned (84.9% response rate). Among the returned surveys, the completion rate was 96.1%. The job experience in years among clinicians and residents was 9±5 and 3±1, respectively. General anesthesia was still significantly preferred by 36.1% among patients with preeclampsia with platelet counts of ≥100,000/µL. Compared to obstetricians--gynecologists, anesthesiologists more often preferred general anesthesia. With platelet counts of <50,000/µL or eclampsia, most respondents preferred general anesthesia 94.4% for very low platelets and 89.5% for eclampsia. Conclusion: A preferential trend toward general anesthesia for patients with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome exists among anesthesiologists in Turkey, particularly for patients with severe thrombocytopenia and/or eclampsia. There exists a need for well-designed and well-executed prospective clinical trials to provide evidence for the best consensus practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level in neonates is recommended as an indicator for presence of iodine deficiency (ID) at a population level and as a monitoring tool in programs of iodine supplementation. The purpose of this study, based on data from the National Newborn Screening Program (NNSP) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in 2014, was to analyze neonatal TSH levels to predict the current status of iodine nutrition in Turkey. Methods: According to screening methodology, heel-prick blood samples of newborns were collected on filter paper cards usually on day 3-5 after birth (or shortly before discharge). Results of samples collected >48 h after birth were analyzed. The degree of severity of ID was assessed by using the epidemiologic criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Elevated TSH levels (>5 mIU/L) were processed and classified according to province, region, birth season, and sampling time. Results: A total of 1,298531 newborns were registered in the NNSP for the CH database. Of those, 1,270311 newborns had screening results collected >48 h after birth and were included in the statistical analyses. The national prevalence of elevated TSH was 7.2%. While the Gaziantep sub-region had the highest TSH elevation rate (15.9%), the Tekirdağ sub-region had the lowest rate (4.0%; p<0.001). Seasonal variations were also significant, and the elevated TSH prevalence rate was highest in winter (7.4%; p<0.001). Conclusion: National CH screening results suggest that Turkey may still be mildly iodine deficient. Nationwide studies should be performed for direct assessment and monitoring of iodine status in vulnerable populations to confirm accuracy of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Tape (KT) application to quadriceps muscles on isokinetic muscle strength, gait, and functional parameters in patients with stroke. Twenty-four patients were allocated into KT and control groups. All patients participated in the same conventional rehabilitation program 5 times/wk for 4 wk. In addition, KT was applied to quadriceps muscles bilaterally to the patients in the KT group. Compared with baseline, peak torque levels increased significantly in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, change levels were significantly higher in the KT group than the control group at 60 degrees/second angular velocity (AV) in extension (p = 0.04) and 60 and 180 degrees/ second AV in flexion (both p = 0.02) on the paretic side. Moreover, the change levels were more prominent in the KT group at 60 and 180 degrees/second AV in extension (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) on the nonparetic side. Gait, balance, mobility, and quality of life values improved significantly in both groups (all p < 0.05), yet the change levels between the groups did not reach significance (p > 0.05). KT application to quadriceps muscles in addition to conventional exercises for 4 wk is effective on isokinetic but not functional parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Turkey has implemented family practice on a pilot basis as part of the reform in health care, since 2005. This paper aims to understand and describe the prevalent practice patterns and clinic characteristics during the transition period. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Subjects: An online survey was conducted among Turkish GPs working as primary care doctors (without vocational training) during the reform period. Clinic and GP characteristics are analysed with descriptive statistics. Results: List size is an important factor; larger lists lead to shorter consultation time and a longer wait for patients. GPs are generally satisfied with the reform. Conclusion: During the transition to family practice access of patients to health care has improved and GPs are satisfied with their job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]