Turan Set

Sexual activity among Turkish adolescents: Once more the distinguished male

UNLABELLED The mean age of first sexual intercourse in Western countries is around 17 years and decreasing. Although Turkey is a bridge between East and West, embracing different cultures, little data are available on sexual issues in the population. METHODS A questionnaire was administered to all students in the study year 2004-2005, collecting demographic data, sexual activities, sexual and contraceptive attitudes, and contraceptive knowledge. Of 7,657 applicants invited, 3,970 questionnaires could be analyzed. RESULTS Median age of the participants was 18 years (48.0% female, 52% male). Median age at first sexual intercourse was 17 years for females and 16 years for males. 46.5% of the males and 3.0% of the females had sexual intercourse experience. While 68% of the girls had their first sexual intercourse with their lovers, this ratio was 44.8 % for males (Chi square = 59.963, p <.001). Significantly more girls than boys were planning to have their sexual partner as future spouses (Chi square = 55.569, p <.001). Three fourth of the males approved premarital sex for males; this ratio was reversed for females (Chi square = 574.838, p <.001). Although both sexes disapproved premarital sexual intercourse of women, girls were significantly more conservative in this regard (78.6% vs. 92.5%) (Chi square = 110.460, p <.001). CONCLUSION Although the adolescent sexual intercourse rate in Turkey is low compared with Western countries, there is a tendency to increase. Therefore, sexual education is needed. When augmenting sexual education programs in undergraduate education, gender difference and cultural factors should be further evaluated.

Evaluation of smoking habits among Turkish family physicians

Smoking is still a major public health problem in Turkey. It was aimed to investigate smoking prevalence and habits among Turkish family physicians. Cross-sectional study among physicians working in primary care settings was established. A self-administered study survey was applied. The surveys of 1233 family physicians were analyzed. The study included 704 (57.1%) male and 529 (42.9%) female physicians. Mean age (SD) was 38.94 (7.01) years. The proportions of the current, the former and never smokers among family physicians were 34.1%, 14.7% and 51.3%, respectively. Mean age (SD) of smoking initiation was 21.73 (5.04) years. Mean duration (SD) of smoking use was 14.61 (7.29) years. Proportion of current smoker in male physicians was quite higher than in female counterparts (36.9% vs. 30.4%; p < 0.001). Mean age (SD) of smoking initiation in female was 21.42 (4.59) years, but in male was 22.33 (4.98) years (p = 0.36). In female physicians, mean age (SD) for quitting cigarette smoking was found higher than in male (35.85 (6.35) years vs. 33.09 (6.45) years; p = 0.004). No significant difference between nicotine dependence (mean score (SD) of 3.76 (2.48) vs. 3.65 (2.82); p > 0.05) and mean (SD) unit of cigarette a day (18.34(6.03) vs. 17.17 ± 6.79; p > 0.05) between genders was observed. The number of male physicians who started smoking before faculty was higher than female counterparts (15.5% vs. 8.6%; p = 0.023). In conclusion, the smoking prevalence among Turkish family physicians is considerably high.

The Changing Rate of Suspected Rabies Bites after Begin to Act Animal Shelter in Erzurum City

OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the relationship between establishing an animal shelter in Erzurum and the number of suspected rabies bites between the years 2005 and 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective, repeated cross-sectional study was planned in Erzurum in the year 2013. Records between the years 2005 and 2012 were obtained from the Communicable Diseases Department of the Erzurum Health Directorate. Data for 5789 cases exposed to suspected rabies bites were analyzed. RESULTS 5789 suspected rabies bites were encountered in Erzurum between the years 2005 and 2012. After establishing the animal shelter in 2009, 4239 dogs were collected from the streets within four years and 426 of them were released after immunization. Additionally, the following services were given in the animal shelter between 2009 and 2012: immunization of 2935 dogs, sterilization of 1735 dogs, and release of 2082 dogs back to the street. 4-years before the establishment of the animal shelter, the number of dog-bites had decreased from 3403 cases to 2386 cases; 4-years after the establishment of the shelter, it declined by 29.8%. While there were 1096 suspected rabies cases during the year 2008, this ratio decreased by 40.9% after the establishment of the animal shelter in the year 2009. During the year 2010, where we had the highest number of homeless dog collection to the animal shelter, the decrease in suspected rabies bites reached the maximum decrease, namely 51.0%. Spearman correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation between the number of collected animals and suspected rabies bites (r = -0,862; p=0.006). CONCLUSION Suspected rabies cases are common in Turkey and some cases of rabies are encountered. The number of suspected rabies bites in Erzurum has decreased significantly after establishing the animal shelter. It is an evident that establishing rehabilitation centers for homeless animals in all cities will have an important role in controlling zoonotic diseases including rabies.

The Effects of Auricular and Body Acupuncture in Turkish Obese Female Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Indicated Both Methods Lost Body Weight But Auricular Acupuncture Was Better Than Body Acupuncture

It was aimed to observe the efficacy of body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture for the management of obesity. Fifty female obese patients were randomized into 2 groups; a Body Acupuncture Group (GBA; n=25) and an Auricular Acupuncture Group (GAA; n=25). All patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Their anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference) were recorded for analysis in every 15 days. Patients were compared in terms of anthropometric measurements. Patients in the GAA received 6 sessions of auricular acupuncture in every 15 days. We used bilateral 2 points namely anti-aggression point and stomach point for auricular acupuncture. Bilateral L14, LIll, ST25, ST36, SP6, SP9, CV12, and CV6 points were selected for two times in a week (totally 24 sessions) in the GBA. Independent samples t test, patients in GAA completed the study. The mean age of patients was 36.2±10.5 years (GBA: 32.7±12.3; GAA: 39.1±7.9). The mean weight was 95.7±11.8 kg before acupuncture, and it decreased to 92.5±14.4 kg after acupuncture in GBA; and it was 95.1±15.6 kg before acupuncture and it decreased to 91.5±11.0 kg after acupuncture in GAA. Change in weight after acupuncture was 2.6±2.4 kg in GBA, and 4.2±3.4 kg in GAA (p<0.05). In both groups, changes in weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference were statistically significant (p<0.05). Only one patient reported side effect related to acupuncture. Body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture have the therapeutic role in the management of obesity. In this study, auricular acupuncture is more effective in reducing body weight than body acupuncture. Thus, auricular may be useful and safe, non-pharmacological treatment.

Prevalence of Blood Brotherhood among High School Students in Erzurum and the Effect of Peer-led Education on this Practice

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the prevalence of blood brotherhood (BB) in Erzurum, Turkey and to observe the effect of education interventions on this risky cultural behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was designed as a cross-sectional intervention, based on minor interventions through a peer-led awareness campaign regarding the transfer of blood-borne diseases through BB rites. This study was conducted from February through May 2007 at 29 high schools in Erzurum. RESULTS The study population was 53.8% (n=1,522) males and 46.2% (n=1,307) females. The proportion of the students who have participated in BB rituals was 24.1% (n=558). There was a statistically significant link between BB and a history of having Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection, family history of HBV and male gender (p<0.05). After the structured peer-led education the intention to participate in BB rituals decreased from 30.0% to 20.6% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The prevention of BB rituals, which can result in the transfer of blood-borne diseases, requires urgent public awareness campaigns led by healthcare professionals.

Management of Legg–Calve–Perthes disease with acupuncture: a case report

Legg–Calve–Perthes disease (LCPD) is a rare temporary hip joint deformity mostly effecting young children from 4–10 years of age. It involves mainly the head of the femur, which softens and breaks down due to interruption of blood supply (avascular necrosis). We report a case of LCPD that was treated late and had a poor prognosis, but improved significantly during a prolonged course of acupuncture. A 12-year-old boy reported to an orthopaedic clinic in 2006 with limping and was diagnosed with LCPD. Surgeons applied orthosis without improvement and decided to perform surgery in 2008. However, the parents declined the surgical option and took the boy to an acupuncture clinic the same year. Needle acupuncture for 20 min and laser acupuncture locally on the hip joint area for 5 min were applied. After 30 sessions of acupuncture, the boy started to improve clinically. Imaging studies showed that new bone cells started to develop in the femoral head. After 130 sessions in 2010 the radiographic appearance showed almost 90% improvement, and after 196 sessions, in August 2012, he was fully recovered. Needle acupuncture treatment combined with laser acupuncture may be an option for the management of LCPD.