Sermin Timur Taşhan

Maternal smoking and newborn sex, birth weight and breastfeeding: a population-based study

Abstract Objective: Today, it is acknowledged that smoking during pregnancy and/or the postnatal period has significant risks for a foetus and newborn child. This research examines the relationship between smoking only postnatally, both during pregnancy and postnatally, and the newborn sex, birth weight and breastfeeding. Methods: Total 664 women of randomly selected five primary healthcare centres between the dates 20 February 2010 and 20 July 2010 were included in the research. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS for Windows 19.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences software package). Data were described as mean, standard deviation, percentages and Chi-square tests and backward stepwise logistic regression were analysed. Results: It was found that the percentage of smoking women with daughters is 2.5 times higher than women with sons. Women who smoke are 3.9 times more likely to start feeding their baby with supplementary infant foods at 4 months or earlier than those who do not smoke. Finally, the risk of a birth weight under 2500 g is 3.8 times higher for maternal smokers. Conclusions: This study suggests that women who expect a girl smoke more heavily than those who expect a boy. The birth weight of maternal smokers’ newborns is lower. Those women who smoke while breastfeeding start feeding their babies with supplementary infant foods at an earlier age.AbstractObjective: Today, it is acknowledged that smoking during pregnancy and/or the postnatal period has significant risks for a foetus and newborn child. This research examines the relationship between smoking only postnatally, both during pregnancy and postnatally, and the newborn sex, birth weight and breastfeeding.Methods: Total 664 women of randomly selected five primary healthcare centres between the dates 20 February 2010 and 20 July 2010 were included in the research. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS for Windows 19.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences software package). Data were described as mean, standard deviation, percentages and Chi-square tests and backward stepwise logistic regression were analysed.Results: It was found that the percentage of smoking women with daughters is 2.5 times higher than women with sons. Women who smoke are 3.9 times more likely to start feeding their baby with supplementary infant foods at 4 months or earlier than those who do not smoke. Finall...

The perspective of health professionals on the factor of 3rd persons in assisted reproductive techniques

This study was planned with the aim of determining the perspective of health professionals on the factor of 3rd persons in assisted reproductive therapy techniques. The study, which is cross-sectional and descriptive, was conducted at a university hospital in the province of Malatya between the dates April and June 2016. After a power analysis, the sample size was determined as 405 health professionals. In the statistical analysis of the data, the study used means, standard deviations and percentage distributions. Among the participants with the mean age of 2.77371, 62.7% were women and 83.5% were nurses. 27.2% stated that legal permission should be provided in assisted reproduction for oocyte donation with a 3rd person, surrogacy and sperm banks. On the other hand, 50.4% of the participants stated that they may recommend their patients other countries for operations that concern 3rd persons. It was found that the reason participants did not find these techniques appropriate was morals/ethics for 69.6% and religious reasons for 77.3%. 39.7% of the participants stated that, in a case where the only choice left for having a child is assisted reproductive methods that require a 3rd person, they would accept infertility and do nothing. The ratio of people who stated they would accept treatment was 19%. Among the participants who said they would accept treatment, 83.1% would absolutely choose someone they do not know. Additionally, 52.3% stated that they would not want themselves or their spouses become donors. Consequently, only 27.2% of health professionals stated that assisted reproductive techniques with 3rd persons should be legal. On the other hand, 50.4% stated they may forward their patients to other countries for these methods. It was seen that health professionals experienced a dilemma regarding this subject especially on grounds of morals/ethics and religious concerns.

Traditional practices used by the infertile women to become pregnant and their effects on the quality of life: Traditional practices and infertility

The present research was planned to determine the traditional practices used by infertile women to become pregnant and their effects on the quality of life. A hospital-based, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Participant Information Forms and SF-36 quality of life scales were applied to 269 women diagnosed as infertile. Some of the infertile women (32.7%) were determined to use a traditional method. The traditional methods used by women included herbal remedies (those edible and drinkable) (87.5%), sitting on the herbal mixtures (8%) and using both practices (4.5%). The SF-36 Mental Health component was determined to be better in infertile women not using traditional practices than those using traditional practices (P < 0.05). Considering the results of the study, health professionals can question women about the traditional practices and guide them about their damages.

Traditional practices used by the infertile women to become pregnant and their effects on the quality of life.

The present research was planned to determine the traditional practices used by infertile women to become pregnant and their effects on the quality of life. A hospital-based, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Participant Information Forms and SF-36 quality of life scales were applied to 269 women diagnosed as infertile. Some of the infertile women (32.7%) were determined to use a traditional method. The traditional methods used by women included herbal remedies (those edible and drinkable) (87.5%), sitting on the herbal mixtures (8%) and using both practices (4.5%). The SF-36 Mental Health component was determined to be better in infertile women not using traditional practices than those using traditional practices (P < 0.05). Considering the results of the study, health professionals can question women about the traditional practices and guide them about their damages.