Antistigma Efforts in Turkey The Turkish Program Against Stigmatization and Discrimination Because of Schizophrenia as a Part of the World Psychiatric Association Global Program

This paper examines the Turkish program against stigmatization and discrimination because of schizophrenia as a part of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Global Program. The WPA program attempts to alleviate the problems caused by stigmitization and discrimination, such as social isolation, homelessness, and decreased quality of life, by disproving myths and misunderstandings related to schizophrenia. The article specifically addresses the role of teachers and students, general practitioners, media and journalists, and nongovernmental organizations in building an antistigmatization program in Turkey

Knowledge about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine at Reproductive Age in Primary Care

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge and awareness about human papilloma virus (HPV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine of women in reproductive age. Material and Methods: The study covered 294 women aged between 15 and 49. A questionnaire was prepared by the researchers based on the literature review. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.5 +/- 8.9 years. Only 24.5% had heard about HPV infection and 28.2% had heard HPV vaccine. Of the participants, 188 (63.9%) got zero point from the knowledge questions. Conclusion: This study indicates that the women who apply primary care units have low knowledge levels; it is apperent that personal and social education is needed. Paying importance to patient education on HPV and cervical cancer in primary care health politics will increase knowledge and awareness for HPV infection and HPV vaccination

The validity and test-retest reliability of the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life scale in Turkish patients

WOS: 000266568400010PubMed: 19369887The aim of the study was to translate and test the reliability and validity of the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale (LMSQoL) in Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Demographic data of MS patients who had a registration in and followed up by a university hospital were recorded. The LMSQoL and Turkish Quality of Life questionnaire were applied to the patients. The internal consistency of the scales was assessed by Cronbach's a coefficient. The validity of LMSQoL was examined by using correlation between the total scores of LMSQoL and Turkish Quality of Life questionnaire. Test-retest reliability was examined by using the correlation for the first and second applications of LMSQoL. Sixty-nine MS patients, (40.6% male, 59.4% female) were enrolled in the study. Cronbach's a coefficient was found as 0.67 for the three positive items of LMSQoL. For the five negative items, Cronbach's a was found as 0.78. The correlation coefficient between the total scores of the scales was 0.80 (P<0.001). The Turkish version of the LMSQoL is a reliable and valid instrument and can be effectively used for measuring the impact of MS on the QoL