INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the health literacy level of patients applied to Family Health Centers.
METHODS: ‘‘The Health Literacy Questionnaire’’ developed by the European Union was used to determine the level of health literacy of the patients in this cross-sectional study. The population of the study was composed of adult patients who applied to the Family Health Centers in Çankaya and live in same district. Çankaya is the district with the highest socio-economic level in Turkey. Five hundred patients from 25 Family Health Centers participated in the study.
RESULTS: The mean of overall health literacy index of the patients was 30.25±7.28. It was observed that 20.90% of the patients had inadequate, 48.30% had limited, 24.90% had sufficient and 5.90% had excellent health literacy. It was found that the general level or sub-indices of patients’ health literacy differed significantly by age, educational status, working status, monthly income status, general health status, having a chronic disease, number of visits to family physician and visits by family physician in the last 12 months (p <0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The health literacy of the majority of patients is insufficient or limited. This reveals the need to carry out activities aimed at increasing health literacy.

INTRODUCTION: Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the treatment adherence, self-efficacy levels of adult patients using multiple drugs and the effects of individual factors affecting adherence.


METHODS: Methods: A 35-year-old or older patients who has been diagnosed with chronic disease who has been using more than one medication for the last 2 months were included in the study. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers to determine sociodemographic characteristics, disease status and drug types, a Short Form of Self-Efficacy Scale for Adherence/Adaptation to Medical Treatment and Modifiye Morisky Scale were applied to the patients.

RESULTS: Results: Of the participants, 39.6% (n = 109) were male, 60.4% (n = 166) were female and the mean age was 67.42 ± 11.5 years. While 53.8% of patients said they were using their medication regularly, 44.7% were unable to use their medication regularly due to forgetfulness. The mean score of the Self-Efficacy Scale for Adherence/Adaptation to Medical Treatment was 33.65 ± 8.6 (17-52). In our study, it was found that those who were under 65 years of age, those who were married, those who were educated by elementary school or higher, those who were equal or higher than the income, those who lived with their wife in the city center, those who have been trained by a health worker about the treatment of the disease had higher both treatment adherence and Modified Morisky motivation and knowledge scores (p<0,001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Of the participants, 46.2% do not use regular drugs. It has been observed that the patients who were trained by a health worker about their disease and treatment process have increased the rate of drug compliance and treatment motivation.

INTRODUCTION: Inappropriate use of Emergency Department (ED) for non-urgent complaints compromises the functioning of ED and has been increasing day by day. In this study we examined the annual data of the patients who admitted to the Emergency Department in order to determine the ratio of appropriate usage according to the definitive diagnoses of the patients and to help forward new policies regarding this issue.



METHODS: Files of patients, who admitted to our ED between January 1 and to December 31 2017, were examined. Data were evaluated by SPSS software version 22 and the analyses were performed by using Chi-square test. A value of p <0.05 was accepted to be statistically significant.
RESULTS: We found that 72.20% (n: 42785\59282) of the people who admitted to the ED during one year had admitted for complaints that should be addressed in the primary healthcare centers or specialist policlinics and only 19.2% (n: 11359\59282) of the ED visits were appropriate. We also found that the most frequent reasons for ED visits were respiratory system symptoms and pain.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found that the vast majority of the patients who admitted to the emergency department were not actually urgent. We suggest that measures such as effectuation of the referral system for effective use of the family medicine system, use of triage in emergency departments, and extra fees for using the emergency department inappropriately can be implemented to reduce the workload in emergency services.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine health status and health needs of Ahýska Turks immigrants settled in Uzumlu district of Erzincan, and to improve health policies in the light of data obtained.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Targeted population of study was 1231 Ahiska Turks who lived in Uzumlu. Sample size was calculated as at least 233. Systematic sample method was used for determining sample. Researches applied a questionairre, which was including 41 questions for demographic information, health status and health needs between April 1 to September 30, 2017. SPSS 23 statistical program was used for descriptive statistical analyses.
RESULTS: 237 participants were included in the study. The rate of chronic diseases (CDs) was 47.00%, and 54.00% of chronic diasese patients indicated that their chronic disease had not been under control. The mean number of physician visits was 3.56, and the most visited physician was primary care physician (PCP). The 17.50% of participants answered positively to the two questions of short depression screening scale. The 60.10% of participants stated that they have problems during getting health care. The mostly stated problems were: communication (34.00%), inattentive care (18.50%), discriminition (8.40%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It can be emphasized that our CDs prevalences are lower than Turkish population. The first healthcare profession came to immigrants’ mind for getting support was PCPs. For the purpose of decreasing discrimination, ‘diversity management’ policy should be implement, and PCPs should be trained for efficient healthcare service.

INTRODUCTION: Although tubal ligation (TL) is a safe and effective method of permanent contraception, women may reject it for medical, social, economic, religious, and/or cultural reasons. The study was conducted to determine knowledge about and attitudes toward TL among Turkish and Syrian women.
METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 420 women in the women’s health unit of Hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health in the southeastern Turkey. It was used an information form data collection. It was used descriptive statistics to compare the responses of Turkish and Syrian women.
RESULTS: The investigation of the Turkish and Syrian women’s perspectives of tubal ligation demonstrated that 32.1% of the Turkish women and 46.8% of the Syrian women considered it as a sin, 22.8% of the Turkish women and 37.6% of the Syrian women thought they might lose their authority in the family life, 22.8% of the Turkish women and 43.9% of the Syrian women thought that the intervention might have a negative impact on their sexual life, 20.9% of the Turkish women and 36.1% of the Syrian women thought that tubal ligation should be banned, 60.4% of the Turkish women, 45.9% of the Syrian women believed that tubal ligation was a reliable method and 34.4% of the Turkish women and 48.3% of the Syrian women thought that having a lot of children gained them strength and status in the society (p = <.05)
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Overall knowledge of women about TL was insufficient, and Syrian participants displayed more negative attitudes towards TL than Turkish participants. Our findings underscore the fact that cultural differences may have important effects on attitudes toward and acceptance of TL.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between internet addiction and nutrition exercise behaviors in adolescents.
METHODS: The universe of the descriptive study is the 6th, 7th and 8th grade adolescent students studying in a secondary school in Giresun (n = 440). The study was completed with a total of 400 students who agreed to participate in the study (91%). Data were collected by using the Descriptive Information Form, Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) and Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS). The data were analyzed with SPSS 20.00 program and descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, variance, t test, Kruskall Wallis test) were used.
RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 12.25±0.98 and 51.25% were women, 50.75% were using the internet for at least one hour and 31.75% were using the internet for information purposes. The IAS and Unhealthy Nutrition-Exercise Behavior dimension scores of adolescents were found to be against the males. There is a relationship between adolescent school achievement and internet addiction and nutrition exercise behaviors, IAS and NEBS scores according to the time spent by the adolescents on the internet daily and the purpose of internet use.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is seen that there is a relationship between internet addiction and nutrition exercise behaviors according to different descriptive characteristics of adolescents. Early identification of risk factors and cooperation with school-parents-students is required and it is recommended that adolescents are supported with appropriate training.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity centers are the centers that provide patients with the right lifestyle changes and enable them to maintain their ideal weight. Our study aims to identify potential risk factors for obesity with the data obtained, and to present useful suggestions in this newly developing area by evaluating the effectiveness of the center trainings.
METHODS: The study was conducted between 01.11.2018-31.08.2019 at the Obesity Center of Health Sciences University, Konya Training and Research Hospital. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study in which the data of 254 patients aged 18 years and over, whose BMI was 30 kg / m2, and whose admissions were approved by the center responsible physician and 5 different branch physicians, were evaluated retrospectively.
RESULTS: 91.33% Of the patients included in the study were female and 8.67 % were male. When the attendance status of the patients in the obesity center were compared according to clinical and some laboratory parameters; the weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, HbA1c, LDL and triglyceride mean values of the patients who attended the trainings regularly were compared to the third month values of the patients who did not attend the trainings.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As a result of our study, it has been determined that patients who attend the center regularly and lose weight more easily and have a significant improvement in blood and lipid parameters. It is one of the most important steps of obesity treatment that patients are encouraged to participate in in-group trainings and frequently invited to the center.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to develop a scale that, by taking intensity of use into account, can be used to identify problematic smartphone usage. The reliability and validity of the proposed scale were also evaluated and it may be used in further epidemiological studies.
METHODS: Participants of the study consisted of 1492 students studying at Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey in 2016. The questionnaire included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, the self-evaluation of smartphone addiction, and smartphone usage intensities and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version.
RESULTS: Participants of the study consisted of 1492 students aged 18-24, 48.26 % (n = 720) female, 51.74 % (n = 772) male. In order to develop the scale, all questions that are present in the current scale, named Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and questions about the intensity of smartphone usage were taken into exploratory factor analysis. As a result, the 10-item Problematic Smartphone Usage Scale was developed. The result of the exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale had a three-factor structure consisting of usage intensity, daily life disturbance and withdrawal. The three factors explained 63.36 % of the total variance. As a result of the reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.81. Confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the three-factor structure of the scale.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As a result, the Problematic Smartphone Usage Scale is seen as a valid, reliable and effective scale for assessing problematic smartphone usage.

INTRODUCTION: Mastalgia is the most common breast complaint. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that cause breast pain.
METHODS: A total of 318 women between the ages of 18 to 65 with 159 having breast pain and 159 without breast pain who applied to the surgery outpatient clinic of Atatürk Training and Research Hospital with breast discomfort or other complaints December 1, 2018, and January 31, 2019, were included in the study. An assessment questionnaire including the factors thought to cause breast pain was applied to these patients.
RESULTS: Breast pain was found to be significantly higher in patients aged 50 years and older (OR=3.496, 95% CI: 3.496-11.056). It was determined that breastfeeding women approximately 3 times more mastalgia than non-breastfeeding women (OR=2.667, 95% CI: 1.262-5.637). It was determined that the prevalence of mastalgia was 2.5 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers (OR=2.466, 95% CI: 1.306-4.659). It was found than mastalgia was 4.5 times higher in women that drink alcohol than in non-drinkers (OR=4.456, 95% CI: 1.394-14.244). It was determined that women who gained weight were approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop mastalgia than those without weight gain (OR=2.593, 95% CI: 1.396-4.818). It was also found that mastalgia is 21-fold more likely to develop in patients with other benign breast discomforts (OR=20.996, 95% CI: 10.344-42.620).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study revealed that mastalgia was more common in women aged 50 years and older, breastfeeding, the presence of benign breast disease, cigarette, and alcohol consumption, and gaining weight are risk factors causing mastalgia.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2) pandemic has influenced the whole world and has become challenging for the health resources of countries. Undoubtedly, some of the most important factors underlying the course of the epidemic with different mortality rates in various countries are the parameters such as the health systems of the countries, the health spending of governments, and the rate of public healthcare utilization. Therefore, in our study, it was aimed to compare the pandemic data of Turkey, European Union countries, and the United States, besides investigating the parameters related to the course of the disease.
METHODS: The coronavirus statistics obtained from the Worldometer digital database on the 4th of May 2020 and socio-demographic data and health-related indicators of 28 European Union countries, USA, and Turkey obtained from OECD digital database were investigated. Relations between countries' data were evaluated by Spearman correlation analysis. In the analysis, the upper limit of the alpha error rate was taken as 5%.
RESULTS: By the investigation date, the total number of COVID-19 cases were found to be 127,659 in Turkey, 1,234,918 in European Union countries, and 1,212,835 in the USA. The three countries with the highest number of cases in the European Union are Spain (248,301), Italy (211,938) and the United Kingdom (190,584), respectively; the three countries with the most COVID-19 related deaths are Italy (29,079), the United Kingdom (28,734) and Spain (25.428), respectively. It was observed that the mortality rate was directly proportional to the budget allocated by countries to health.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Compared to Europe and America, COVID-19 infection in Turkey has a lower mortality rate. In countries that allocate more budget to health, mortality rates from the disease may be more accurate. Besides, it has been observed that various parameters are related to the course of the disease.

INTRODUCTION: On 31 December 2019, the China Country Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on cases of pneumonia with unknown etiology in the Wuhan city of the province of Hubei. On 7 January 2020, the factor was defined as a new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that had not been detected in humans before. The aim of this study is to analyze the pandemic in 8 different countries.
METHODS: In the study, we included the countries with the highest numbers of cases by the date 04.05.2020 (USA, China, Italy, Germany, Iran, France, Turkey), as well as South Korea. We comparatively analyzed the countries’ total case and mortality numbers, mortality rates, over-65 years old population rates and dates of precautions that were taken.
RESULTS: The number of COVID cases in the entire world exceeded 3.6 million, and approximately 75.2% of these cases were seen in 7 countries (USA, Italy, China, Germany, France, Iran, Turkey), whereas the number of related deaths worldwide exceeded 250 thousand by the same date (02.04.2020).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We are facing the greatest pandemic of the last century, or even the history of humanity, which has affected the society in all aspects from the field of medicine to economics. The greatest weapon for the history of humanity in the fight against the pandemic would be countries’ transfer of their knowledge to each other.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency was present in adolescents and children who admitted to our hospital; to determine whether there is a difference between 25-hydroxy (25-OH D) vitamin D levels according to age, sex and seasons
METHODS: Between the years 2018-2019, 4.153 adolescents and children who admitted to our Pediatric Outpatient Clinic between winter and summer months. 25-0H D vitamin D levels were determined according to age, sex, and seasons. Serum 25-OH D level<20 ng/ml was accepted as severe insufficiency, 20-30 ng/ml insufficiency, >100 ng/ml toxicity. The data were evaluated by the SPSS 22.0 program. One- way variance analysis test and student t-test were used in the evaluation of the data. p<0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS: 55.23% of the population in our study was female. The 25-OH D level in girls was 17.29 ± 11.50 ng/ml. In males, it was found to be 19.16 ± 10.68. The mean 25-OH D level was found 18.13 ± 11.18 ng / mL. In our study, the frequency of vitamin D deficiency was found to be 44.80%. While the frequency of vitamin D deficiency was 57.11% in winter, it was found to be 42.89% in summer. Vitamin D levels show statistically significant differences according to gender, age-range, and season of hospital admittance. Vitamin D levels are lower in adolescent age groups than in child age groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, severe vitamin D deficiency was found in adolescents and children. Vitamin D levels in children and adolescents varied depending on sex, age, and season.

INTRODUCTION: Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is a female-dominated disease in which lymphocytes play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis and manifested by xerostomy and xerophthalmitis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of functional bowel disease (FBD) according to Roma IV criteria in patients with primary SS (PSS).
METHODS: 52 patients who admitted to Kayseri City Hospital Rheumatology Polyclinics between June 2018 - September 2019, and classified as PSS according to 2016 ACR / EULAR PSS classification criteria, were included in the study. Subjects were questioned about FBD and who had more than 10% weight loss in the last six months, new changes in defecation habits, presence of early age intestinal malignancy in his family history, nausea/vomiting and acute abdominal findings were excluded due to the possibility of alarm symptoms/organic pathology. The control group was the relatives of the patients who applied to the Hematology Outpatient Clinic and they were selected according to age and gender. Inquiries were made using a questionnaire, the presence of FBD and the type of FBD were noted and the incidence rate in patients with PSS and healthy controls was reported as percent.
RESULTS: In PSS patients, 24/52 (46.15%) patients had FBD and 17/75 (22.67%) healthy controls had FBD [p <0.05; Odds Ratio 2,924 (95% confidence interval 1.35-6.30)]. Irritable Bowel Syndrome ratio in PSS was found to be 18/52 (34.61%) and 14/75 (18.67%) in healthy subjects [p = 0.044; Odds Ratio: 2,307 (95% confidence interval 1.02 - 5.21)].
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this study, it was observed that the prevalence of FBD, especially IBS, was higher among patients with PSS compared to healthy individuals.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate and compare the anthropometric and biochemical properties of patients who applied to obesity outpatient clinic.
METHODS: The universe of this descriptive study consisted of 1650 patients who applied to obesity outpatient clinic between August 2016 and October 2017. These patients were retrospectively scanned and 925 patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m22 were included in the study.
The patients were divided into 4 groups according to WHO's obesity classification and evaluated according to these groups. Anthropometric measurements, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and laboratory results of the patients were obtained by scanning patient files and hospital databases. Statistical analysis of the data was done via SPSS 23 program and p< 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: 84.3% of the participants were women. There was a significant difference in all anthropometric features compared to the groups (p <0.05). Hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, iron, ferritin and vitamin D levels and mean insulin, insulin resistance, creatinine, uric acid, AST, ALT and TG values were significantly higher in males (p <0.001 for each).
Hb, HCT, MCV, insulin, HOMA-IR, creatinine, uric acid, AST, ALT, TG, iron, ferritin and vitamin D values of stage 1 obese individuals were significantly higher than other groups; PLT and HDL values were found lower. (p <0.001 for each).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The effects of obesity on body components and biochemical parameters depend on gender and degree of obesity. While evaluating obese patients, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat amount and biochemical parameters should be measured together with BMI.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and the relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.
METHODS: 300 postmenopausal women screened for osteoporosis between January 2018 and December 2019 in Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases were included in the study. Demographic data, thyroid -stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels and bone mineral densitometry (BMD) measurements of all participants were recorded retrospectively from the hospital registry system. All participants were divided into 3 groups as euthyroid, subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. The euthyroid group was also divided into two groups, those with high normal TSH and low normal TSH. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction was defined as subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Individuals with overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism were excluded from the study.
RESULTS: Subclinical thyroid dysfunction was detected in 10.66% of postmenopausal women [subclinical hyperthyroidism: 21 (7%); subclinical hypothyroidism: 11 (3.66%)]. No statistically significant difference was found in subjects with subclinical thyroid dysfunction in terms of vertebral (L1-4) and femoral bone mineral density compared to the euthyroid group. (p=0.67 and p= 0.18; respectively). Among the subgroups with high normal TSH levels and low normal TSH levels in the euthyroid group, the frequency of osteoporosis, vertebral (L1-4) and femoral BMD measurments were similar (p=0.93, p=0.85, p=0.73, respectively).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found no significant associations between subclinical thyroid dysfunctions and BMD in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: In our country and all over the world, the overcrowding of Emergency Service is seen as a problem. Our goal in this study is to determine Family Practice awareness of patients who applies to Emergency Service with green triage code and to find out reasons for using Emergency Service instead of Family Practice.

METHODS: This study was performed in a training and research hospital emergency department for one month of the period. After patients, who applied to Emergency Service, were evaluated in Triage Department, the patients with Green Triage Code were assessed by a physician. Patients without acute emergency pathology were informed about the study, and informed consent was taken. It was provided to patients to answer the questionnaire. One thousand twenty-six patients were taken to the study and divided into two groups as emergencies and non-emergencies.
RESULTS: There were 305 patients in the emergency group, and there were 721 patients in non-emergency group. There was no significant difference between an emergency and non-emergency group according to gender, age, education, and the number of emergency applications. The most frequent application was from the younger group of 18-29 age range in both groups. With the increase in the patient age, the number of applications to the Emergency Department due to emergency and non-emergency reasons decreased. 57.30% of the patients who applied to the Emergency Department for non-emergency reasons know who the Family Physician is; 42.70% stated that they did not know who the Family Physician was. 52,10% of the patients who applied to the Emergency Department for non-emergency reasons stated that they knew the location of the health center where the Family Physician worked, and 47.90% of them stated that they did not know the location of the health center where the Family Physician worked.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It can be provided to reduce the density of Emergency Service by creating Family Practice awareness. Application difficulties in Family Practice lead patients to apply to Emergency Service more. We believe that to ease application to Family Practice could reduce redundant applications to Emergency Service.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the frequency of fibromyalgia among women with impaired fasting glucose.
METHODS: The sample was selected from the female patients who applied to the Internal Medicine clinic and whose fasting blood glucose level were 100-126 in their routine examination (Group1) and patients whose fasting blood glucose were less than 100 constituted the control group (Group2). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has been applied to patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and whose 2nd hour OGTT levels were under 140 has been included. Functional status was assessed by using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Pain Location Inventory (PLI), and Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR) were evaluated for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
RESULTS: Mean age was 48.99±7.50 in Group1 (n=73) and 47.84±7.92 in Group2 (n=73) with no significant difference between them. Mean BMI (body mass index) was 30.41±5.01 in Group1 and 28.00±4.61in Group2, this difference was significant (p<0.05). 26% of the patients in Group1, 11% of the patients in Group2 were diagnosed with fibromyalgia and difference was highly significant (p<0.001). Mean FIQ was 44.27±21.98 in Group1 and 24.95±21.49 in Group2, this difference was also significant (p<0.001). Glucose level was associated with PLI (r=0.368, p<0.001), SIQR (r=0.322 p<0.001) and FIQ (r= 0.287, p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia is more prevalent in female patients with IFG than in patients with normal fasting glucose levels. Glucose level is associated with both PLI, SIQR and functionality. Although not a clinical disease, IFG is not only a risk factor for development of diabetes but also a risk factor for fibromyalgia in women.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to disclose the frequency and clinical significance of incidental prostatic uptake during FDG PET imaging.
METHODS: FDG PET images of 1839 male patients undergoing imaging for non-prostate and non-urinary bladder malignancy indications were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of incidental prostatic FDG uptake. Prostatic volume, calcification and the presence and pattern of FDG uptake were evaluated. Further follow-up prostatic evaluation results were comparatively assessed.
RESULTS: Incidental prostatic FDG uptake was detected in 41 out of 1839 patients(2.22%). Biopsy was done in 14 patients(34,14%) on follow-up and disclosed prostatic adenocarcinoma in 3(7.31%), inflammation/prostatitis in 2 and findings compatible with BPH in 4 patients.The pattern of FDG uptake was diffuse in 12 and focal in 29 patients. Patients who were found to have adenocarcinoma on follow-up disclosed FDG uptake with a focal pattern at a peripheral location. No significant difference existed between patients with malignant or benign disease of the prostate with respect to either the SUVmax or the PSA levels; SUVmax levels were found to overlap in the two groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Incidental prostatic FDG uptake may be associated with prostate cancer, benign pathologies and even a normal prostate gland. Overlapping SUVmax levels in the benign and malignant pathologies make SUVmax level alone an inappropriate tool in the diagnosis of cancer. Further clinical investigation is warranted to disclose a probable prostatic malignancy in patients who display incidental prostatic FDG uptake on PET imaging employed for various other indications.

The coronaviruses are a large family of viruses infecting animals or humans and causing diseases, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome(MERS, MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS, SARS-CoV). The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 emerged in December 2019 at city of Wuhan, affecting respiratory system leading to pneumonia, pulmonary edema, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, multiorgan failure and death. Treatment studies are still ongoing but hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, oseltamivir, favipravir with some other anti-virals and convolescent plasma therapy are prominent. Mortality rate of disease is 3,8% in the world, infesting many countries. Legal regulations have been made for public to reduce transmission. Family health centers are providing healthcare services to every individual, for example; children, pregnants, patients with chronic diseases, patients with any complaint and individuals applied for health papers. In such a pandemic family physicians also have to restrain the transmission of virus between those people who applied. Therefore triage is needed to determine the high risk patients as soon as possible. Both them and other patients are protected in that way. After the filiation is done, suspected case or COVID-19 contacted cases are kept in touch by family phyisicians to follow up their clinical status and check for isolation conditions. For all these reasons, we aimed to examine the family health centers coping with COVID-19.

In this article, we aimed to review the preparations that made from the past to present, and the effects of these preparations on the novel coronavirus outbreak, which is the greatest and ongoing pandemic of the 21st century, in the light of the studies done across the world and Turkey. Pandemics have caused millions of people to die and become ill for centuries. They affect society profoundly, socially, and economically. Lessons should be drawn from the past to reduce the effects of a pandemic. Preparations may not go as planned. Desperation may occur for unforeseen situations. Despite these despair, besides the basic principles in combating pandemic, there are definitely tools that can contribute to practice. Covid-19 pandemics will definitely end one day like all epidemics. When the things that done and the things not done after the epidemic are evaluated, common mind and evidence-based practices will win and those shared will be remembered.

The new type of Corona virus (COVID-19) has been identified as a deadly pandemic, infected to a lot of people spread from Wuhan city in China at the end of 2019. Although this infection, which has a high spread from people to people and low mortality rate than the other coronavirus infections, is common between 30-79 years of age, the mortality rate is very high in the population over 80 years of age. Although we have limited data in terms of the consequences of the disease in pregnant women and its fetal-neonatal effects there are some issues to be considered in terms of protecting the health of the mother and baby. This review includes general information about the new type of Corona virus infection.

In pandemics, work load and stress levels increase significantly for healthcare systems in general and healthcare professionals in particular. Long working hours, difficult working environment conditions, the increase in the expectations and concerns of the society together with the number of patients, and the risks of getting infected themselves affect the overall psychosocial functionality and resilience of healthcare workers. In these periods, there is a need to work on protective and risk factors in order to provide supportive psychosocial services and programs for healthcare workers considering their increased risk of vulnerability levels. This review aims to review the protective and risk factors affecting the psychosocial health of healthcare workers during pandemics, based on literature information about recent outbreaks (SARS, MERS-CoV and mostly Covid-19 examples). The examination was limited to studies in which psychosocial variables were evaluated. Healthcare professionals may show the symptoms of psychiatric diorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout at a higher level in pandemics than the general population. Studies examining the psychosocial aspects of pandemics have shown that women and nurses are more affected. Adequate hygienic conditions, access to protective equipment, balanced working–resting hours, social and emotional support relationships between work teams and supportive services from management units are among the protective factors. In order to protect the psychosocial health of healthcare workers, they should be protected against stigmatization and socially supported.

As a result of increasing number of studies in the field of health, the dental literature is expanding rapidly. Due to the difficulties of following all the developments in the literature, inconsistencies occur between the research results and clinical applications. For this reason, decision process depending on the individual experience has been replaced by evidence-based practice. Evidence-based dentistry is based on the entire evaluation of scientific evidences and patient-related factors to provide the best treatment. The most important goal of evidence-based dentistry practices is to improve treatment services. However, due to very fast flow of information, problems about reaching and evaluating evidence can be encountered. In the evidence-based decision-making process, clinical practice of evidence-based dentistry ensures reaching the best possible healthcare by enabling clinicians to integrate their experience into modern research. In this review, evidence-based dentistry and applications in pediatric dentistry are included.