Alaettin Ünsal

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effect on quality of life among a group of female university students

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and determine its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a group of female university students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 March and 15 April 2009 at Dumlupinar University, Kutahya, Health High School, Western Turkey. The study group included 623 female students. The severity of dysmenorrhea was determined with a 10-point visual analog scale. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) form was used to determinate HRQoL. Chi-square test, Students t test, and logistic regression and variance analyses (ANOVA) were used for statistical analyses. The average age of the study group was 20.8 ± 1.8 years (range 17–30). Prevalence of dysmenorrhea was found to be 72.7% and was significantly higher in coffee consumers, females with menstrual bleeding duration ≥7 days, and those who had a positive family history of dysmenorrhea when compared to the others (P < 0.05, for each one). By multivariate analysis, coffee consumption (OR 2.084), menstrual bleeding duration ≥7 days (OR 1.590), and positive family history of dysmenorrhea (OR 3.043) were important risk factors for dysmenorrhea. Except for social functioning, role–emotional, and mental health domains, the SF-36 points received from the other domains were higher in females with dysmenorrhea (for each one P < 0.05). With the exception of the scores received from physical functioning and role–emotional domains, the scores received from the other domains of the SF-36 scale showed a decrease with increasing severity of dysmenorrhea (P < 0.05, for each one). Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem, having negative effects on the HRQoL among university female students.

Prevalence and predictors of dysmenorrhea among students at a university in Turkey.

To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Turkish university students and to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on the condition.

Prevalence of depression, its correlates among students, and its effect on health-related quality of life in a Turkish university

Objective.The aims were to investigate the prevalence of depression among university students, and to determine some of the risk factors connected to depression, and also to evaluate its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods.This cross-sectional survey was conducted between 1 December 2007 and 31 January 2008 at Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, in western Turkey. The study group consisted of 822 students. The questionnaire included the students’ socio-demographic characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). The data were analyzed by using chi-square, Students t test, percent (%) ratios, and backward logistic regression analysis with a significant value of P<0.05. Results. Of the students, 377 (45.9%) were males and 445 (54.1%) females. Overall, the prevalence of depression was 21.8% (n=179/822). Family history of depression, acne on face, any physical defect on body, smoking, alcohol consumption, and future-related occupational preoccupation were all deemed important risk factors for depression (P <0.05, for each one). It was found that, in those with depression, all the mean domain scores of SF-36 scale were lower than those without depression (P <0.05, for each one). Conclusions.The prevalence of depression among the university students in this region of Turkey was wide-spread, affecting negatively the HRQoL of the students. For prevention and control of depression, depression information and knowledge need to be addressed by health education programs.

Frequency and risk factors of dermatophytosis in students living in rural areas in Eskişehir, Turkey.

Our study included 2384 students from five villages around Eskişehir, Turkey. We asked every student for their personal identification and also for their sanitation in order to get an idea about dermatophytosis. Samples taken from suspicious lesion were collected and inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar slants. For identification of fungi which were grown, macroscopic appearance of colonies, microscopic examination and biochemical tests were used. We found suspicious lesions in 245 (10.3%) and diagnosed dermatophytosis in 86 (3.6%) of the students. The dermatophyte species were Trichophyton rubrum 37 (43%) at first, Trichophyton mentagrophytes 17 (19.8%), Microsporum canis 11 (12.8%), Microsporum gypseum 8(9.3%), Epidermophyton floccosum 6 (7%), Trichophyton verrucosum 6 (7%) and Trichophyton violaceum 1 (1.1%). Tinea pedis (59.3%) was the most frequent clinic form of dermatophytosis, followed by tinea corporis (22.1%), tinea capitis (9.3%), tinea manum (7.0%) and tinea unguium (2.3%). Older age, male gender, poor hygiene, living in dormitory, low level mother education, history of dermatophytosis within family and sanitary conditions were computed as independently variables associated with dermatophytosis infection. For prevention and control of dermatophyte infection in children living rural areas, field studies should be done and sanitary conditions should be improved.

Prevalence of depression among postmenopausal women and related characteristics

Objective To estimate the prevalence of depression in postmenopausal women and to evaluate the relation between postmenopausal depression and some sociodemographic characteristics. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 744 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years residing within Sivrihisar, Eskisehir, a town in western Turkey. The study was conducted between May 1 and June 30, 2009. Depression was measured with a Turkish version of the Beck Depression Inventory. Data were gathered during routine visits to the womens homes. Following the completion of the questionnaires and scales, the womens body mass indices were calculated by measuring their heights and weights. Statistical analysis used the χ2 test and the Wald backward stepwise method. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of depression was 24.7% (184/744). The average age of the women at menopause was 46 years. Significantly important risk factors for depression were primary-school education level (odds ratio (OR) 1.681), not being married (OR 1.653), having a history of psychiatric illness (OR 2.186), entering into menopause at the age of ≤39 years (OR 2.705), having irregular menstruation before menopause (OR 1.729), and having no children (OR 3.316). Conclusion Depression among postmenopausal women is an important public health problem that requires attention; furthermore, women are at risk in terms of depression after entering into menopause.

Prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among the elderly in Middle Anatolia, Turkey

The present cross‐sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly, and to examine the relationship between depression and dependency in activities of daily living.

Prevalence of disordered eating and its impact on quality of life among a group of college students in a province of west Turkey

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) among a group of college students and assess its impact on quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was conducted between December 15th, 2008 and January 15th, 2009 at a Turkish University. Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) was used to identify DE. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. RESULTS The prevalence of DE was 6.8%. Presence of any physical defect (OR: 2.657), parents living separately (OR: 3.114), mothers having an education level of secondary school and over (OR: 2.583), and families not having social health insurance (OR: 2.603) were important risk factors (f<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The HRQoL of those with DE was worse than those without it. Periodic screenings should be done to determine DE cases.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in middle anatolian population using calcaneal ultrasonography method

BACKGROUND There are a few studies on the prevalence of osteoporosis in Turkey. Most of such studies have been performed using classical diagnostic methods. Quantitative calcaneal ultrasonography is a contemporary procedure used in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the osteoporosis and risk factors in middle Anatolian population aged more than 40, using quantitative calcaneal ultrasonography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The present study was carried out in rural and urban areas of primary health care units. Evaluation of skeletal status was based on calcaneal quantitative ultrasound measurement, carried out by the Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer (Hologic Waltham, MA, USA). RESULTS There were 1437 individuals, 866 were females (60.3%) and 571 were males (39.7%), aged in between 40 and 89 years. Standardized prevalence rates using Segis population were found to be 14.0% in total, 17.1% in female and 9.2% in male. Osteoporosis prevalence increased with increasing ages. The highest prevalence value was determined in the individuals older than 70 years of age. Osteoporosis was more common among women compared to men. Osteoporosis prevalence increased in consistent with a decrease in the amount of milk, yoghurt and cheese consumption. CONCLUSION Based on current study, it is concluded that osteoporosis is an important health problem. Requiring health education about life styles (activity and nutrition) to avoid and even control osteoporosis.

Prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among married women in a semi-rural area of western Turkey

Objective : To determine the prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among married women in a semi-rural area of western Turkey. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between March 1 and April 29, 2011 on married women aged 15-49 years. Exposure to at least one of these types of violence at least one time within the past one year was regarded as the presence of domestic violence. Chi-square test and Logistic Regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of domestic violence against women was found to be 39.0%. About 38,4% and 26.8% of women reported verbal and psychological violence respectively. The risk factors found for the domestic violence included youngest age group, an educational level of secondary/high school for men, form of the first marriage, number of children, alcohol and gambling habits of the husband. Conclusion: Our study found higher prevalence of domestic violence than expected. Verbal violence is also a significant problem particularly in terms of its consequences. It was concluded that further informative studies are needed on domestic violence to find out the causative factors to chalk out preventive strategies.

Dry eye disease and depression-anxiety-stress: A hospital-based case control study in Turkey.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between dry eye disease (DED) and psychosomatic conditions, such as depression, stress, and anxiety, and the distribution of associated risk factors. Methods: In this case control study, the sample consisted of 121 DED subjects and 242 control subjects. Each subjects was diagnosed as having DED or not by an ophthalmologist. Ocular Surface Disease Index and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were administered to all subjects. Data were analysed using chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests as a univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression as a multivariate analysis. Results: Of 1,458 consecutive outpatients, clinically diagnosed DED was present in 121 individuals (8.3%). There was a significant relationship of family history of DED (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.84-2.41), chronic disease history (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.66-4.87), OSDI score (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.97–4.06), depression (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.30-3.27), anxiety (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.67-4.23), and stress (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.48-3.67) with DED. Conclusion: Individuals with depression, anxiety and stress are more likely to experience DED. In addition to confirming some well-known risk factors, this study has found new associations between DED and a family history of DED and the presence of stress.