THE RELATION OF PET OWNERSHIP, PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS, REGULAR PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND SMOKING IN WHITE-COLLAR WORKERS OF A SPECIAL COMPANY IN BESIKTAS REGION OF ISTANBUL

WOS: 000312928700009Objective: Psychological stress, which deteriorates mental and physical health of individuals at their working environment, is an important problem for public health and health at work. Recent studies have indicated that living with animals might be beneficial for individuals with physical, mental and social health problems, and it could even increase the quality of life in these people. In this present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between pet ownership, psychological stress level, regular exercising, and smoking among white collar workers. Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 212 out of 230 white collar workers (92%), who worked for a business company in Besiktas district of Istanbul, were enrolled. 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were applied to define psychological stress levels and mental health conditions of the workers. Data obtained from GHQ-12 was evaluated by using Goldberg type grading method (0-0-1-1). Sociodemographic characteristics of participants, and information about the relationship between pet ownership, and smoking, regular exercising were obtained by a questionnaire form made up of close- and open-ended questions. Data were evaluated by percentage distribution, Chi square test and Mann Whitney U test. Results: Of the participants, 51 were female, 161 were male, and the mean of age was 30.65 +/- 3.56 years. Among the participants, 82 had pets and 130 individuals had no pet. Rate of pet owners was 98.7% in our study group with total score of GHQ-12 = 4 expressed that they had no pets. GHQ-12 scores among pet owners were statistically significantly lower than the ones without pets (p<0.001). Smoking rate was statistically significantly higher among participants without pets than the rate in pet owners (p<0.001). Pet owner participants were exercising significantly more regularly than the ones without pets (p<0.001). Conclusion: As far as the reported changes in behavior and attitudes of participants, pet ownership had favorable effects in healthy life behaviors like nutrition, regular exercising, and non-smoking. According to the results of General Health Questionnaire among workers, psychological stress level was higher among participants without pets. We believe that having a pet can be supportive for improving physical and mental health conditions of individuals, who are working under stressful conditions

Halk Sağlığı bakışıyla Toxoplasma gondii/Toxoplasma gondii With Public Health’s Perspective

Toksoplazmoz dünyada en yaygın zoonoz hastalıklardan birisidir. Son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalar, farklı sağlık sorunlarının ortaya çıkışında da etkenin sorumlu olabileceği yönündedir. Toksoplazmoz gibi zoonoz hastalıkların azaltılmasında, kontrolünde ve bu hastalıklara karşı korunmada her ülkenin ve her bölgenin sosyo-kültürel yapısı gözönüne alınarak çiğ et-sebze-meyve tüketimi, el hijyeni, hayvan besleme alışkanlıklarını gözden geçirecek, tıp ve veteriner bilimlerinin ortak çalışmalarını içeren tek sağlık anlayışına ihtiyaç vardır. Bu yazıda, Dünyada ve Türkiye’de birçok bölgede önemli fakat bir o kadar da göz ardı edilen Toxoplasma gondii epidemiyolojisi ile ilgili güncel bilgilerin sunulması ve enfeksiyondan korunma ve kontrolde önemli olan koruyucu halk sağlığı yaklaşımlarının paylaşılması amaçlanmıştır.</p

Dog-Assisted Therapies and Activities in Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Physical and Mental Disabilities

The aim of the present study was to evaluate dog-assisted therapies and activities in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities who have difficulties in benefiting from well-being and health-improving services. This descriptive-explanatory study was conducted in disabled children of various ages between 2008 and 2011 by an experienced team in a private training and rehabilitation center in Antalya (Turkey). In this study, five study groups were formed among the children with physical and mental disabilities. During the therapy studies, three dogs were used. For each therapy group, the goals for the children and therapist were defined, and the activities were determined according to these goals. The entire study process was followed using audio-records and photographs of patients. The expected targets were reached in all study groups. The children who experienced fear, anxiety and difficulties due to their disabilities in daily life learned to cope with their anxieties and fears, set goals and make plans to achieve their aims. During this study, the children improved their abilities to use their bodies according to their capabilities. Accordingly, they improved their ability to develop empathy between themselves and a therapy dog, to receive and present help, and to communicate. The results of the present study revealed that dog-assisted therapies and activities can be a supportive method for routine treatment procedures in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities