Behaviour and perception of parents on irrational use of antibiotics in children at primary care level:A cross-sectional study from Turkey

Objective:To investigate the perception of antibiotics,the frequency of inappropriate antibiotic use,and the factors that lead to inappropriate antibiotic use by parents who apply to primary healthcare organizations.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 973 parents who applied to primary healthcare centers.We analyzed basic concepts related to antibiotics prescribed for their children,antibiotic administration,and antibiotic resistance,as well as parents'knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use,and their experiences,practices,and perceptions related to purchasing antibiotics without prescription.Results:In the past one year,78.9%of the parents gave antibiotics to their children at least once,and 39.1%gave antibiotics three or more times.Some of the participants(7.1%)reported having forced the physician to prescribe antibiotics and purchased antibiotics without a prescription(13.2%).The knowledge about antibiotics and awareness about antibiotic resistance were found to be more frequent;among parents who had university degrees,higher income levels,two or fewer children,social insurance and negative behaviours were lower in those who received information about antibiotics from healthcare professionals.The probability of taking antibiotics without prescription was lower in that of with higher income level(OR 0.460;95%CI 0.219-0.965),and the probability of forcing antibiotic prescription was higher in those with 3 or more children(OR 6.94;95%CI 2.37-20.26).The score obtained from the awareness of antibiotic resistance sub-dimension was found to negatively affect the behavior of forcing antibiotic prescription(OR 0.852;95%CI 0.732-0.993)but the score obtained from the behaviour sub-dimension was positively affect this behaviour(OR 1.136;95%CI 1.011-1.276).Conclusions:Inappropriate antibiotic use appears to be a problem with negative perception,lack of knowledge and socioeconomic dimension.Studies should be conducted to increase antibiotic knowledge in parents and to expand the scope of social insurance.

A cross-sectional study of post-COVID syndrome at a tertiary care center in Turkey

Objective:To investigate long-term symptoms after acute COVID-19,the link between symptoms and respiratory function,radiological changes in the post-COVID period,and risk factors for post-COVID syndrome.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,123 participants who were admitted within the first 3 months were categorized as group 1,and those who applied after 3 months were categorized as group 2.According to thoracic imaging and pulmonary function tests,patients were split into 3 groups as mild,moderate and severe.Results:At least one symptom was present in 91.9%and 61.8%in acute and post-COVID period,respectively.Pulmonary function tests were normal in 60(70.6%)in the first three months,and 30(78.9%)in 91-days to 1-year period after acute COVID-19 infection.After 3 months,22.4%of chest X-rays and 7.9%of computerized tomography revealed progression.Patients who developed acute complications(OR 9.91,95%CI 1.93-50.87),had 2 or more symptoms at admission(OR 7.73,95%CI 2.56-23.33),had 1%to 14%CT involvement(OR 3.05,95%CI 1.06-8.79),or had 50%or more CT involvement(OR 14.68,95%CI 1.24-172.55)had a higher risk of developing post-COVID syndrome.Conclusions:COVID-19 symptoms can last for long time.Severity of symptoms,acute complications,and the extent of radiological involvement may all contribute to elevated risk of post-COVID syndrome.As a result,patients with COVID-19 should be checked for long-term clinical difficulties on regular basis.

Epidemiological and clinical data of patients with stings and bites at a medical center of Turkey

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical data of patients who were admitted to ?n?nü University Turgut ?zal Medical Center Emergency Department with bites and stings between 2013 and 2015. Methods: Patients with bites and stingings who were admitted to ?n?nü University Turgut ?zal Medical Center during 2013-2015 were selected for this retrospective evaluation. We retrived the following information including age, gender, anatomic localization of the sting or bite, admission time, complaints, vital signs, length of stay, laboratory findings and hospitalization department. Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, One-way ANOVA test and the Bonferroni correction as post hoc were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was (43.51±16.90) years, and 55% were male. The most common admission reason was pain (34.7%), followed by rash (19.1%) and panic (11.6%). A total of 16.8% of the admissions occurred in July, 16.8% in August and 16.5% in June while the occurrence was the lowest in November with 1.5%. The most prevalent bites or stinging animals were scorpions (34.6%), followed by ticks (19.7%) and bees (12.9%). Antihistaminic-steroid-tetanus and analgesic-antihistaminic-steroid combinations were administered, respectively to 59.6% and 25% of the patients. The longest length of stay was (48.56±26.92) h due to snake bites. Conclusions: The community should be educated about the living areas of these animals, the seasons and hours in which they are active. Since individuals living and working in rural areas are at risk, more education should be given to them.