Developing Scales for the Assessment of Fatigue in Turkish Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18 and their Parents

Bektas, Murat,Kudubes, Asli Akdeniz Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: This study was planned in an attempt to develop scales for the assessment of fatigue in pediatric oncology patients aged 13-18 and also for their parents. Materials and Methods: In collecting the study data, we used the Child and Parent Information Form, Visual Fatigue Scale, Scale for the Assessment of Fatigue in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18 and the Scale for the Assessment of Fatigue in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18 for Parents. We also used Pearson correlation analysis, Cronbach alpha coefficient, factor analysis and ROC analysis for the study data. Results: In this study, the total Cronbach alpha value of the parent form was 0.99, the total factor load was 0.72-0.94 with 95% the total variance being explained. The cutoff point of the parent form is 73 points. The total Cronbach alpha value of the child form was 0.99, the total factor load was 0.82-0.95, with 89.4% of the total variance being explained. The cutoff point of the child form was 75.5 points. Conclusions: This study suggests that the Scale for the Assessment of Fatigue in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18 and the Scale for the Assessment of Fatigue in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18 for Parents are valid and reliable instruments in assessing the fatigue symptoms of children in Turkey.

Anxiety, Depression Levels and Quality of Life in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer in Turkey

Bektas, Didem Kat,Demir, Sati Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Background: Cancer is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are responsible for 20% of all cancer-related deaths. In Turkey, stomach cancers account for 8.9%, colon cancer for 6.9%, and pancreatic cancer for 5.9%. This study examined the anxiety-depression levels and the quality of life of patients with GI cancer. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 335 adult patients who had gastrointestinal cancer and who were hospitalized in medical oncology clinics. Data were collected by using hospital anxiety and depression scale, EORTC QLQ C-30 and a patient information form. Results: Patients who were male and secondary school graduates/graduates/postgraduates experienced more functional difficulties. Patients with poor economic status experienced more symptoms. Patient general wellbeing decreased with increase disease duration. The level of functional difficulties decreased with an increasing number of hospital stays. Anxiety scores increased with decreasing age. Both anxiety and depression scores increased with increasing disease duration. Patients who were female, single/widowed/divorced, and literate/elementary school graduates had higher anxiety and depression scores. Life quality decreased with increasing anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Patients should be supported to prevent anxiety and depression, and should be followed up with this in mind.

Effects of Student Perceptions of Social Skills on their Perception of Smoking

Bektas, Murat,Ozturk, Candan,Karatas, Hulya,Bektas, Ilknur Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: This study was conducted as a descriptive-correlational exercise with the aim of determining the effect of student perceptions of social skills on their pro and con perceptions of smoking. Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised 106 students at $6^{th}$, $7^{th}$ and $8^{th}$ grades in three primary schools. The data were collected through socio-demographic data collection form, Social Skill Perception Form and Child Decisional Balance Scale. Data were evaluated by percentage calculation, Student t test and correlation analysis. Results: While the point average of pro perception of smoking of the students with a high point average of social skill perception, was $8.6{\pm}3.1$, in those with a low social skill perception point average it was $10.7{\pm}4.2$, the difference being significant(p=0.012). The respective point averages of con perceptions were $26.8{\pm}3.7$ and $23.5{\pm}3.3$, again significant (p=0.000). While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the point average of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationship was determined with the pro perception of smoking. Conclusions: As the social skill perception point average increases, children's con perceptions of smoking increase and their pro perceptions decrease.

Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Case-control Study on Etiologic Factors and Dental Trauma

Bektas-Kayhan, Kivanc,Karagoz, Gizem,Kesimli, Mustafa Caner,Karadeniz, Ahmet Nafiz,Meral, Rasim,Altun, Musa,Unur, Meral Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Background: Carcinoma of the tongue is the most common intra-oral malignancy in Western countries. Incidence and mortality rates have increased in recent years, and survival has not improved. This study aimed to determine etiologic factors for tongue cancer with age-sex matched case-control data. Materials and Methods: 47 patients with carcinoma of the tongue referred to our oral medicine clinic between years 2005-2006 were analyzed and compared with control group data. The medical records, including family history of cancer, dental trauma, and history of abuse of alcohol and tobacco products was recorded for all subjects. Chi square comparison tests and linear regression analysis were performed using the SPSS program for statistics. Results: Patient and randomly selected control groups each consisted of 30 male and 17 female subjects with mean ages 53.2 (${\pm}12.6$) and 52.6 (${\pm}11.5$) years respectively. Smoking and alcohol abuse proportions were significantly higher in the patient group (p=0.0001, p<0.0001 respectively). Chronic mechanical trauma was observed in 44.7% of the patients and 17.0% of the control group (p=0.004). Similarly, family history of cancer of any type (for the first degree relatives) was found to be more common in the patient group (p=0.009). On regression analysis, alcohol abuse, family history of cancer, smoking, chronic mechanical traumas appeared as significant etiologic factors (p=0.0001). Conclusions: We believe that field cancerization may become evident in oral and oropharyngeal mucosa with multiple steps of molecular changes starting from the first sign of dysplasia with chronic exposure to etiological factors. Chronic trauma cases need particular attention to search for very early signs of cancer.

Effects of Perceived Smoking-Cancer Relationship and Cardiovascular Health Attitudes on Childrens' Views of Smoking

Bektas, Ilknur,Bektas, Murat,Selekoglu, Yasemin,Kudubes, Asli Akdeniz,Altan, Sema Sal,Ayar, Dijle Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.7

Background: This study was conducted with the aim of determining how students' perceived smoking-cancer relationship and cardiovascular health attitudes affect childrens' views of smoking. Materials and Methods: The sample of this descriptive-cross sectional study comprised 574 subjects between the ages of 11-15. The data were collected using the Children's Cardiovascular Health Promotion Attitude Scale and the Children's Decisional Balance Measure for Assessing and Predicting Smoking Status. Correlation and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: It was determined that a statistically significant relationship exists between the attitudes of children towards smoking and their ideas about the relationship of smoking with cancer, which is negative and low (r=-0.223). There was also a statistically significant relationship between their attitudes towards cardiovascular health and their attitudes towards smoking, again at a low level (r=0.257). It was determined that children with ideas about smoking and cancer were 9.4 times less likely to have positive/negative attitudes towards smoking, while positive attitudes towards cardiovascular health made negative attitudes towards smoking 3.9 times less likely. Conclusions: It was determined that the attitudes of students towards cardiovascular health and their perceptions of smoking and cancer reduced the positive perceptions towards smoking.

A Tie-Over Dressing Using a Silicone Tube to Graft Deep Wounds

Bektas, Cem Inan,Kankaya, Yuksel,Ozer, Kadri,Baris, Ruser,Aslan, Ozlem Colak,Kocer, Ugur Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surge 2013 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.40 No.6

Background The most common cause of skin graft failure is the collection of blood or serous fluid underneath the graft. In our study, we describe the use of silicone tube for tie-over dressing to secure the skin graft margins with the aim of decreasing loss of the skin graft, particularly in grafting of deep wounds. Methods Between March 2008 and July 2011, we used this technique in 17 patients with skin defects with depths ranging from 3.5 to 8 mm (mean, 5.5 mm). First, the skin graft was sutured with 3/0 silk suture material from its corners. Then, a silicone round drain tube was sutured with 3/0 absorbable polyglactin 910 over the margins of the graft. Finally, long silk threads were tied over the bolus dressing, and the tie-over dressing was completed in the usual fashion. Results The mean follow-up was 7 months (range, 2-10 months) in the outpatient clinic. Graft loss on the graft margins due to hematoma or seroma was not developed. The results of adhesion between the graft and wound bed peripherally was excellent. Conclusions In our study, we suggest that use of a silicone tube for additional pressure on the edges of skin grafts in case of reconstruction of deep skin defects.

Is the MDR1 C3435T Polymorphism Responsible for Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?

Bektas-Kayhan, Kivanc,Kucukhuseyin, Ozlem,Karagoz, Gizem,Unur, Meral,Ozturk, Oguz,Unuvar, Aysegul,Devecioglu, Omer,Yilmaz-Aydogan, Hulya Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.10

Background and Aim: Although the functional consequences of MDR-1 polymorphisms have been the subject of numerous studies, to the best to our knowledge, associations with clinical side effects of anticancer drugs have yet to be assessed. Our aim was to clarify any role of the C3435T polymorphism of the MDR1 gene in oral mucositis and its relation with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Materials and Methods: The distribution of the MDR-1 C3435T polymorphism in 47 patients with ALL was determined by RFLP and compared with that of 68 healthy controls. Results: There were no association in distribution of genotypes of MDR-1 C3435T polymorphism and the risk of ALL. Oral mucositis were detected in 78.7% (n=37) of the patients and significantly related to the MDR-1 CT genotype (p=0.042), as confirmed by logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggest that children carrying the CT genotype are more prone to develop oral mucositis, which might mean that the heterozygous genotype leads to accumulation of more reactive oxygen species. Since a limited number of patients was investigated, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Blood count parameters can predict the severity of coronary artery disease

( Hilal Bektas Uysal ),( Bekir Dagh ),( Cagdas Akgullu ),( Mucahit Avcil ),( Cemil Zencir ),( Mediha Ayhan ),( Hulki Meltem Sonmez ) 대한내과학회 2016 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.31 No.6

Background/Aims: Because of the inflammatory nature of coronary artery disease (CAD), both platelets and white blood cells have been investigated for years. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between some prominently hematologic blood count parameters (mean platelet volume [MPV], neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [NLR]) and the severity of CAD by using Gensini scores. Methods: A total of 194 patients, who had undergone coronary angiography, enrolled in this study. The control group consisted of 42 patients who had normal coronary arteries. Remaining CAD patients were divided into two groups according to their Gensini scores. Results: NLR and MPV were higher in the severe atherosclerosis group compared with the mild atherosclerosis group (p = 0.007, p = 0.005, respectively). The Gensini score showed significant correlations with NLR (r = 0.20, p = 0.011), MPV (r = 0.23, p = 0.004) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.161, p = 0.047). Using a cut-off level of 2.54, NLR predicted severe atherosclerosis with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 53% (area under curve [AUC], 0.627; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.545 to 0.704; p = 0.004). MPV values above 10.4 predicted severe atherosclerosis with a sensitivity of 39% and specificity of 90% (AUC, 0.631; 95% CI, 0.549 to 0.708; p = 0.003). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, high levels of NLR (odds ratio [OR], 1.450; 95% CI, 1.080 to 1.945; p = 0.013) and MPV (OR, 1.622; 95% CI, 1.147 to 2.295; p = 0.006) were found to be independent predictors of severe atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Our study suggests that both NLR and MPV are predictors of severe atherosclerosis and may be used for the prediction and identification of cardiac risks in CAD patients.

Developing the Scale for Quality of Life in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13 – 18: Adolescent Form and Parent Form

Murat Bektas,Aslı Akdeniz Kudubes,Ozlem Ugur,Canan Vergin,Bengü Demirag 한국간호과학회 2016 Asian Nursing Research Vol.10 No.2

Purpose: This study aimed to develop the Scale for Quality of Life in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18: Adolescent Form and Parent Form. Methods: We used the child and parent information form, Visual Quality of Life Scale, and our own scale, the Scale for Quality of Life in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18: Adolescent Form and Parent Form. We finalized the 35-item scale to determine the items, received opinions from 14 specialists on the scale, and pilot-tested the scale in 25 children and their parents. We used Pearson correlation analysis, Cronbach a coefficient, factor analysis and receiver operating characteristics analysis to analyze the data. Results: The total Cronbach a of the parent form was .97, the total factor load was .60-.97 and the total variance was 80.4%. The cutoff point of the parent formwas 85.50. The total Cronbach a of the adolescent form was .98, the total factor load was .62-.96, and the total variance explained was 83.4%. The cutoff point of the adolescent form was 75.50. As a result of the parent form factor analysis, we determined the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient as .83, the Barlett test X² as 12,615.92; the factor coefficients of all items of the parent form ranged from .63 to .98. The factor coefficients of all items of the adolescent form ranged from .34 to .99. As a result of the adolescent form factor analysis, we determined the KMO as .79, and the Barlett test X² as 13,970.62. Conclusions: Conclusively, we found that the adolescent form and the parent formwere valid and reliable in assessing the children's quality of life.

Psychometric Properties of Turkish Version of Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS-T)

Murat Bektas,Ilknur Bektas,Dijle Ayar,Yasemin Selekoglu,Ugur Ayar,Aslı Akdeniz Kudubes,Sema Sal Altan,Merry Armstrong 한국간호과학회 2016 Asian Nursing Research Vol.10 No.1

Purpose: The aim of the research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale-Turkish Version (PDSS-T). Methods: The researchers chose a study sample of 522 grade 5e11 students. Data were collected using a demographic data collection form and the PDSS-T. Results: Cronbach a for the scale was .79 and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient was .78. Item-total correlations for the scale varied between .53 and .73 (p < .001). The indices of model fit were determined to be the root mean square error of approximation at .07, the goodness of fit index at .97, and the comparative fit index at .97. Conclusions: The study's results showed that PDSS-T is a valid and reliable instrument for detecting Turkish-speaking children's and adolescents' daytime sleepiness. PDSS-T is convenient for professionals to prevent and manage daytime sleepiness.