Evaluation of the effects of pandemic-related fears on anxiety and depression: the mediating roles of traumatic stress and loneliness.

Background: The detrimental mental health effects which emerged from COVID-19 have profoundly affected healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of traumatic stress and loneliness on the fears of contracting and dying from COVID-19, and anxiety and depression of HCWs during the pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by HCWs in a province of Turkey.

Evaluation of the neuropathic pain in the smokers.

Objectives: Nicotine addiction is one of the most important causes of the general failure of treatment and keeping the habit of smoking. Peripheral neuropathy is a leading factor of smoking. This study aimed to analyze the association of neuropathic pain and addiction levels of individuals.

Screening mixed depression and bipolarity in the postpartum period at a primary health care center.

Introduction: Mixed depression is a clinical condition accompanied by the symptoms of (hypo)mania and is considered to be a predictor for bipolar disorder. Compared to pure major depression, mixed depression is worse in progress. There are limited data on the prevalence of mixed depression since it is a relatively new entity.

Association between sequence variations of the Mediterranean fever gene and the risk of migraine: a case-control study.

Migraine pathogenesis involves a complex interaction between hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory pathways, which also influence the migraine phenotype. The Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) encodes the pyrin protein. The major role of pyrin appears to be in the regulation of inflammation activity and the processing of the cytokine pro-interleukin-1β, and this cytokine plays a part in migraine pathogenesis.

Association of polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Vitamin D is implicated in several aspects of human physiology, and polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) are associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. The aims of this study are to determine whether VDR polymorphisms are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to examine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in ASD, and to explore whether VDR polymorphisms influence serum 25(OH)D levels. We investigated 480 subjects (237 children with ASD and 243 healthy controls) for the following VDR polymorphisms: TaqI, BsmI, FokI, ApaI, and Cdx2.

Growth status of children in well-baby outpatient clinics and related factors.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the state of growth during follow-up of healthy children and the factors affecting growth.

Material And Methods: The patient cards of the infants who were born in 2002 and followed up in the well-baby outpatient clinic in Gazi University, Medical Faculty regularly for at least 18 months were examined retrospectively. Their sociodemographic properties including age, education level, occupation of the parents, if the mother was working, caretakers and gender, gestational week, birth weight, birth height and mode of nutrition (breastmilk, formula, cow's milk, period of feeding, etc.

Are primary health care workers aware of cervical cancer risk?

Background: We here examined the awareness of female health employees (doctors, nurses, midwives) working in primary health care service about cervical cancer and its risk factors. Additionally attitude and behavior for gynecologic examination and pap smear screening were researched.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study concerned female health employees working at primary health care services in two southern cities of Turkey, over a four month period in 2013.

Family practice in Turkey: views of family practice residents.

Turkey's family practice training program is aimed at providing further training to clinically proficient family physicians who serve the community. A survey conducted in 2001 revealed that there was a need for providing additional training and more time in a specially dedicated family practice placement for family practitioners. Recent changes in the Turkish health care system have also impacted the training environment of family practice residents.