İntroduction: Standard treatment for hypothyroidism is replacement with synthetic Levothyroxine (LT4) sodium preparations. LT4 should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal, as maximal absorption occurs when taken on an empty stomach. Protein Pump Inhibitor (PPI), iron sulphate, calcium carbonate have been shown to reduce the absorption of LT4 when taken together with LT4. Therefore, patients receiving LT4 should be informed to take their drugs at least 4 hours before drugs that interact with thyroid hormone absorption. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correct use of levothyroxine drug, which is widely used in the society, in patients with hypothyroidism, to reveal the reasons for misuse, and to associate the number of drugs used by patients, types and chronic diseases. Material and method: Our study was conducted with a face-to-face questionnaire consisting of 18 questions in patients who applied to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Education and Research Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Polyclinic and Family Medicine outpatient clinic between 10-20 June 2020 and used LT4 due to any reason of hypothyroidism, and by obtaining patient consent. Results: 103 patients, 15 men and 88 women, participated in our study. 103 (100%) of the patients participating in our study took their medication in the morning and stored it in the right place. 94 of them (91.3%) took their medication regularly. 92 of them (89.3%) used their medicine at least 30 minutes before the meal. 60 of the patients (58.25%) used their medication correctly. 18 (41.9%) of the 43 people who used wrong medication were using PPI, 7 (16.3%) calcium carbonate, 5 (11.6%) ferrous sulfate. When compared in terms of correct use, a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) was found in patients with gender, age, presence of hypertension, presence of chronic disease, number of drugs used, ppi use, and calcium carbonate use. Conclusion: Our study highlights the insufficient knowledge about LT4 therapy among hypothyroid patients, the high prevalence of faulty applications, and the reasons for misapplication. These factors can lead to non-compliance and patient care not being optimal. It is important for physicians to inform patients about how to use the drug in terms of follow-up and treatment of the disease.
Objective: Aim of our study is showing the changes of factors that affecting early childhood obesity from 2016 to 2019 and to ensure that necessary measures are taken about this regard. Method: 3 years follow-up information of 388 babies whom born in 2013 and 2016 and registered at the Family Health Centers of Rize (Turkey) included to our study. The family doctors participating in this study examined these babies who were registered to them during their 1st, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th, 36th months at the family health centers in accordance with Turkish Health Ministry protocols and recorded their height, weight, head circumference, and BMI (Body Mass Index). Results: 388 babies included in study, 177 of them were born in 2013 and 211 of them were born in 2016. Percentage of being overweight or obese was 19.2% in babies born in 2013 and this rate decreased to 18.2% in babies born in 2016. Percentage of being overweight or obese was 16% in girls and 21.2% in boys. We observed that high birth weight (>4000 gr) and excess gestational weight gain are risk factors for being overweight or obese at the age of three. (p=0,048) Conclusion: Result of our study showed us that although prevalence of early childhood obesity decreased, but prevalence is still at critical level. We found that gestational weight gain and high birth weight are risk factors for early childhood obesity. In future obesity prevention studies, taking these risk factors into account will be beneficial.
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