Gülbu Tanriverdi

Subjective sleep quality in premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclical disorder observed in late luteal phase and presenting with behavioral changes that can affect interpersonal relationships and normal daily activity. Sleep disturbances are also common. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between PMS and subjective sleep quality with Pitsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in the Medical Academy students, whom have considerable information about menstruation. PMS was detected with “Premenstrual Syndrome Scale”, and PSQI was used to evaluate subjective sleep quality. Chi-square test and Kendall’s rank correlation analysis were used in statistical analysis. p values (p < 0.05) were considered as statistical significant. Poor sleep quality was found in the 75.6% of the participants with PMS, and 58.8% of the participants without PMS (p < 0.05). Only component 5 (sleep disorder component) of the PSQI components revealed statistically significant difference (1.7 ± 0.6 in participants with PMS, and 1.5 ± 0.6 without PMS, p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between total PSQI score and all of its’ components, except component 6 (sleeping pill usage component) (p < 0.05). The strongest association was found to be in the component 5 (r = 0.528; p = 0.0001). Results of our study suggested the poor sleep quality due to sleep disorders in women with PMS.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and the anxiety levels of mothers of children with chronic diseases

AIMS This study aimed to determine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by mothers with a chronically ill child and their anxiety levels. METHODS This study used a descriptive design. The study was conducted with 135 mothers of a chronically ill child at a general pediatric and oncology unit in Uludağ University Hospital, Bursa, Turkey. A questionnaire, including sociodemographic items and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, were given to the mothers. RESULTS In the study, 42.29% of the mothers reported using one or more CAM therapies for their child with a chronic disease, including herbal medicine, taking the child to hodja (prayers), a special diet, and a special massage. The mothers experienced anxiety and the presence of a disease within the close family circle increased the anxiety level of the mothers. CONCLUSION Herbs and other alternative supplements were used by some children with a chronic disease in Turkey. The most commonly used CAM therapies included oral herbal medicine, taking the child to hodja, massage, and diets. Therefore, it is important to consider the implications of the popularity of complementary therapies. Most of the mothers used more than one of these therapies for their child and the anxiety level of the mothers was found to be moderate.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Married Women in Turkey and Associated Risk Factors

218 iolence against women is violation of human rights. It has impacts on women’s productivity, anatomy, life quality, physical and mental well-being. Despite national and international ameliorations, although prevalence and types vary, violence against women is still one of the most important issues that is yet to be addressed in the 21st century.1-3 Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Married Women in Turkey and Associated Risk Factors

Case Study: Domestic Violence of an Elderly Migrant Woman in Turkey

Fatma is a 67-year-old Kurdish Muslim woman, who practices in the Shafi’i Muslim sect. She is married with three children and literate and works as a housewife. Fatma’s husband is 70 years old, Kurdish, and also practices in the Shafi’i Muslim sect. He completed his primary school education. Fatma and her husband were both born and raised in a village located in the easternmost part of Turkey. This is also where they married and had their children. Forty-five years ago, Fatma and her husband and children migrated to an urban area in western Turkey due to financial reasons. Fatma’s husband was a construction foreman. Because the weather in eastern Turkey is cold and snowy in winters, it was impossible for construction workers to find a permanent job year-round. However, the climate conditions were appropriate for construction in almost every season when they moved to their new location in western Turkey.