É Brantmüller

Development of Walking and Self-sufficiency Ability Related to Nutrition among People with Down Syndrome

Abstract Development of the walking ability and self-care of patients with Down syndrome is affected by their body weight determining their lifestyle to a great extent. Objectives: The study aimed at the determination of body mass index for persons living in residential institutions and families, exploration its impact on walking and self-care as two, objective factors of life quality. Method: Data collection of persons aged 3-35 with Down syndrome living in families covered seven counties, while those of living in residential institutions covered thirteen counties in Hungary. In the 183 cases studied 76 people in residential institutions, 107 people lived in families. The cross-sectional study was processed by non-random sample selection. The questionnaires were filled out by health visitors and care takers edited by their own. Results: 50.6% of adults and 26.1% of children belonged to the overweight or obese category. Their residence showed a significant correlation with the body mass index (p< 0.001). Overweight and obese persons in families, while thin ones were more prevalent in institutions. Regarding the walking ability and self-care of the persons living in families a significantly higher level of development was achieved (p< 0.001). Walking ability (p = 0.001) and self-care (p = 0,008) were worsened by less body weight significantly, while overweight or obesity influenced it less negatively. Discussion: The claim is not further acceptable whereas persons with Down syndrome are more prone to obesity than average people. However unfavourable weight gain in adults draws attention to the necessity to a healthy diet and regular exercise. The people living in residential institutions with significantly lower body mass index and the associated low development of walking ability and self-care envisages an urgent reform of residential institutions. Life in the institutions negatively affects the walking ability and self-care, and thus significantly reduces the quality of life of persons with Downs syndrome.

Postpartum Mental State of Mothers of Twins.

Abstract Twin birth is a relevant risk factor for postnatal depression (PND). The primary objective of our study is to reveal the prevalence of suspected cases of depression and to identify some background factors among mothers of twins. We applied convenience sampling method within a retrospective, quantitative study among mothers given birth to twins for six months, but, at least, three years. The participants completed the self-administered, modular questionnaire and the standard EPDS questionnaire anonymously. 35% of mothers of twins reached or exceeded the threshold value for depression following the first six months after delivery. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of the suspected cases among the primipara and multipara (p=1.000). At the same time, artificial conception proved to be a significant risk factor (p= 0.019). Distraught family life (p=0.001) and unfavorable changes in a domestic partnership (p=0.009) increased the prevalence of the suspected cases of depression significantly. The health visitor is the only person who knows the hierarchy of families with their weaknesses and strengths in the Hungarian primary health care; therefore, her role is unquestionable in the recognition of maternal mood disorders. The health visitor compares the scores of the EPDS questionnaire with the experiences during family visits, and with all of these facts, she refers the person in need to a specialist.

Reasons for Non-Appearance on Organized Cervical Screening in Hungary.

Abstract The occurrence of cervix cancer is outstandingly high in Zala County, which is situated in the Western Transdanubian region of Hungary. The aim of our study was to reveal why women do not take the opportunity offered by the state and what reasons there are for the nonattendance at screenings. A total of 1000 Hungarian women aged 15 to 60 years were included in the sample. The results of our study revealed that 13.8% of women participating in our research program have never been to a gynaecological cancer screening. Concerning this fact, the following groups deserve greater attention: 15-19 years old, those only with basic school qualifications, the unmarried and the unemployed. To improve our national mortality indexes, it is necessary to continue the cancer screenings in a well motivated target population. Achieving this in cervix cancer screening, there are available conception and infrastructure alike provided by the health administration. The weakness of the system is the low participation rate of the population.

Attitude Examination Related to Breast Cancer Among Women in Bács-Kiskun County, Hungary

Abstract Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and a leading cause of mortality among women both in developed and developing countries all over the world. Our research questions were the following: 1. What is the ratio of women participating in mammography screening? 2. What factors influence the attendance of the screening? A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study (2013) examined women aged 35-65 without a history of breast cancer from Kecskemét City and its region. Non-random, convenience sampling method was applied in the study. The self-edited and self-administered questionnaire included the following groups of questions: socio-demographic data, attitude examination related to screening, reasons for absence. Besides SPSS Statistics, 20.00 test, x2 test, t-test, and ANOVA were used (p<0.05). During the Principal Component Analysis, 23 variables of the motivational scale were grouped into six theoretical subgroups, and the Cronbach-alpha value was 0.758. The mean age of the participants was 49.96±8.91 years.71% of the interviewees never attended breast cancer screening. Regarding the sample, the mean age of women participating in the screening for the first time was 39.66±12.21 years. Women with college/university degree attained high scores on the knowledge test (p<0.05). A significant part of women went to the screening because they feel responsibility for their health status or due to the family history of breast cancer. Fear, shame, or inconveniencies during examination did not affect participation in screening. Prevention programs play a significant role in the improvement of the health status of the Hungarian population. Mortality and morbidity indicators can be reduced by regularly organized, preventive activities based on appropriate knowledge. Thus, the number of healthy years can be increased.

Possibilities in Anaemia Prevention during Pregnancy through the Basic Health Care System.

Abstract In case of pregnancies, one of the most common pathological conditions in internal medicine is aneamia with iron-deficiency. Furthermore, iron deficiency may also affect the mother and the fetus negatively. We wanted to find out which group of expectant mothers are mostly affected, which factors influence the development of aneamia. It was also observable in the case of those living at higher living standards that they take fetus-protecting vitamins with a significantly higher frequency before the pregnancy than those living at lower living standards. According to our research data, 67% of the sample developed aneamia. In our research the risk group consisted of young, vegetarian expectant mothers with low education and the multiparas. After conception, the timing of gynaecological consultation was appropriate and the majority of the sample had a clear idea of the ways of preventing aneamia. However, prevention was only realized in practice - based on the criteria - only with a frequency of 12%. It would be important to consciously plan pregnancy. After taking expectant mothers into care, they should - as soon as possible - be screened for the deficiency and in need, supplements should be started. Risk groups should be given greater attention. In their case, a routine supplement of iron would be desirable even before the development of a deficiency. During pregnancy care, awareness must be raised and an iron-rich diet should be established at the beginning. Beyond these, general practitioner, health visitors have the opportunity - through the close relationship with the expectant mothers - to control laboratory tests, provide appropriate information, recommend vitamin preparations as well as check taken medications.