Guzin Zeren Ozturk’s research while affiliated with Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital and other places

INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major preventable cause of mortality, and smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, many patients continue smoking despite their CVD diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the impact of CVD and associated factors on smoking cessation success in patients who attempted to quit smoking at least one year ago. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients who applied to the Smoking Cessation Clinic (SCC) between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023. A total of 539 eligible patients were analyzed. Data on demographics, CVD status, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence score, treatment modality (bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling), and smoking cessation outcomes were collected from medical records and confirmed via telephone interviews. Smoking cessation success was defined as complete abstinence after one year. RESULTS Among the participants, 145 (26.9%) had a history of CVD. The overall self-reported smoking cessation success rate after one year was 16.7%, and 17.2% in the CVD group. Bupropion users had significantly higher treatment completion rates (p=0.015). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (AOR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), higher level of education (AOR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.03–3.26), lower nicotine dependence score (AOR=0.85; 95% CI: 0.77–0.94), and treatment completion (AOR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.07–0.23) were significantly associated with smoking cessation success in the total sample. Among patients with CVD, older age (AOR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.12) and treatment completion (AOR=0.15; 95% CI: 0.05–0.43) were also associated with higher cessation success. Patients with CVD were more likely to receive non-pharmacological interventions, and behavioral counseling alone showed the highest success rate (25.0%). CONCLUSIONS Older age and treatment adherence were significantly associated with smoking cessation success, yet overall cessation rates remained low. A CVD diagnosis alone did not significantly enhance success, highlighting the need for tailored behavioral support and structured follow-up. Optimizing cessation programs with individualized interventions may improve outcomes, particularly in high-risk CVD patients.

This study aims to determine if mean platelet volume (MPV) can predict maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women during their third trimester. A retrospective case-control study was conducted at Medipol Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, involving 200 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 200 healthy pregnant women. Data collected included age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI), and complete blood count parameters such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, thrombocyte count, and MPV values. The results indicated that the GDM group had significantly higher age, BMI, cesarean rates, and MPV values compared to the healthy group. Maternal complications like preeclampsia, preterm labor, shoulder dystocia, and fetal growth restriction were more frequent in the GDM group. Neonatal complications, including hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), and increased admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit, were also significantly higher. A notable finding was the significant association between elevated maternal MPV values and the occurrence of TTN in newborns (p=0.043). Mothers of infants with TTN had higher third-trimester MPV values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis established a cut-off MPV value of >11.35 ft for predicting TTN. The study concludes that elevated MPV in women with GDM is strongly associated with an increased risk of TTN in their newborns. MPV, being a simple and cost-effective parameter obtained from routine blood counts, could serve as a predictive marker for TTN. However, due to limitations such as the retrospective design and single-center data, further multi-center cohort studies are recommended to validate these findings and establish MPV as a reliable predictor for adverse neonatal outcomes in GDM pregnancies.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the risk conditions for postpartum depression in mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the factors influencing these conditions. Methods: A total of 642 mothers who gave birth between March 10 and May 15, 2020, were included. Data were collected through phone interviews using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Participants were categorized into risky and non-risky groups based on their Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores. Statistical analyses, including student-t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Pearson/Spearman correlation analyses, were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.93±5.03 years. The prevalence of postpartum depression risk was 14.5%. Statistically significant correlations were found between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores and factors such as educational background, history of mental illness in the family or self, birth week, delivery method, and postpartum follow-up attendance. High-risk factors included higher education, employment, higher income, cesarean section delivery, preterm birth, and feelings of inadequacy in baby care. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of postpartum depression. Early diagnosis and initiating treatment in mothers prone to postpartum depression can minimize negative outcomes. Identifying risk factors facilitates close follow-up and targeted preventive measures, underscoring the critical role of comprehensive care approaches in family medicine, especially during global health crises. Keywords: anxiety, pandemics, postpartum depression, pregnancy, Sars-Cov-2

In our study, we aimed to assess participants' attitudes and knowledge of the use of acupuncture among those who were 18-65 years old. During the period of May 1–June 1, 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Between the stated dates, anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who applied to the Health Sciences University Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital's Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics for any reason and who accepted to participate in the study were included. The researcher administered the 24 questioned data form face-to-face with the individuals after obtaining their sociodemographic characteristics, chronic illnesses, knowledge of various TCM treatments and acupuncture. Among the participants, 167 people (73.6%) had information about acupuncture. Acupuncture was one of the most used applications in our survey, and most of the patients who experienced it were referred by physicians. Those who previously received acupuncture treatment knew more about the practice with a statistically significant difference (p=0.004). Those who knew about acupuncture and those who had previously had acupuncture said there was no danger or damage in receiving acupuncture, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.015, p=0.0001, respectively). Although acupuncture is one of the most well-known TCM uses, its use remains in the background. The internet being the most widely used information source limits access to reliable data. Acupuncture should be performed, like all TCM applications, by qualified physicians in authorized centers while taking the outcomes into consideration.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complaints of health workers after the use of masks. Methods: Individuals who were actively working at the hospital and who agreed to participate in the study were included in the study. The questionnaire form was created by the researchers with respect to recent literature and was applied by the face-to-face inquiry method. Results: The study included 1557 health workers. Experiencing at least one side effect related to the mask was reported to be 72.7% (n=1135). While systemic side 40% effects (n=625) were seen; local side effects concerning the nose were 67.3% (n=1051). The most common skin-related side effect was defined as acne 38.6% (n=603). The most common systemic side effect was dyspnea (37.5%; n=585). There was a relationship between having at least one side effect and the total mask load. In addition, there was a relationship between total mask load with systemic side effects and local effects. Conclusion: The most common side effects were mostly local effects, and most of them were scar formation in the nose. A correlation was found between mask load and side effects, calculated by the type and duration of mask use. Keywords: COVID-19, healthcare workers, masks

Background: Patients with prediabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; therefore, early detection is important. Objective: The present study aimed to reveal the usability of serum endocan levels as a biomarker in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with prediabetes, based on CIMT measurements. Methods: Participants were classified according to the presence (n=42) or absence (n=42) of prediabetes. Serum endocan, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values of patients were examined, and CIMT was measured. The level of significance for statistical analysis was 0.05. Results: While serum endocan levels were found to be lower in patients with prediabetes, when compared to the control group (p=0.042), CIMT values were found to be higher (p=0.046). When evaluated by multivariate regression analysis, the serum endocan level was found to be associated with CIMT, regardless of other parameters (p=0.007). A negative correlation was found between plasma fasting insulin and endocan levels (r=-0.320, p=0.001). Conclusions: Carotid intima media thickness was found to be high and the serum endocan level was low in patients with prediabetes. Decreased serum endocan levels in patients with prediabetes may be a contributing factor to atherosclerosis formation mechanisms.

Aim: Approximately one million people in the world are exposed to urogenital tract infections every year and at least 75% of women have a history of genital infection. The frequency of vaginal infections in women aged 15-49 in Turkey is known to be 35-68%. Genital infections can be asymptomatic and can cause negativity in sexual and family life. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures. Mentioning correct genital hygiene behaviors in the training and consultancy services provided by healthcare professionals helps people to increase their awareness. In our study, we aimed to evaluate women's genital hygiene behaviors and related factors. Methods: Our study was carried out with 457 women between the ages of 15-49 in the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Nisa Hospital. The socio-demographic characteristics and gynecological characteristics of the subjects were collected by face-to-face interviews using the questionnaire form that consisted of 20 questions and the “Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory”. The IBM SPSS version 22 program was used for statistical analysis. Results: This study was conducted with 457 women. A significant negative correlation was found between the Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory score and the number of pregnancies and number of children (p=0.028, r=-0.128, p=0.037, r=-0.128, respectively), and a significant positive correlation was found between education status, income status, and having children (p=0.010, p=0.000, p=0.007, respectively). Participants who stated that they had the knowledge and received this information from doctors and/or nurses had higher Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory scores. Conclusion: Questioning genital complaints of women by all healthcare professionals, determining hygiene behaviors, and correcting erroneous practices will positively affect urogenital health.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, practice of family physicians regarding an- timicrobial therapy in acute respiratory tract infections. Methods: After receiving the ethics committee approval, the data were collected by online questionnaire from a phone application with 304 physicians. Questions about socio-demographic features and knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotics use were asked. Using SPSS, we did the statistical analyses with appropriate procedures. Results: Among the participants, 127 (41.8%) were specialists, and 177 (58.2%) were gen-eral practitioners. The specialists gave correct answers about tonsillopharyngitis and bron-chiolitis significantly more often than the general practitioners did. The antibiotic choices for acute otitis media were not in compliance with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, and between the groups, there was no significant difference in terms of initial antibiotic choice. The self-reported antibiotic prescription rate was 25%. In 10%, the most common perceived reason for inappropriate antibiotic prescription was pressure from patients. Conclusion: There remains considerable misuse of antibiotics by primary care physicians for acute respiratory tract infections. Education of physicians and patients regarding acute respiratory tract infections may be needed to lower the rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.

This study aims to evaluate the use of alternative and complementary therapies and conception status of women receiving infertility treatment. A total of 349 patients who applied to the infertility department of Medipol University and Private Nisa Hospital between October 1st and November 30th, 2020 were included in the study on their consent in participating in the research. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using an information form prepared in accordance with the literature review carried out by the researchers. The pregnancy status of the patients was recorded as a result of the treatment and their relationship with the use of alternative and complementary therapies was examined. Of the 349 patients who participated in the study. A statistically significant difference (p [Med-Science 2021; 10(2.000): 564-70]