BackgroundInfluence of tuberculosis (TB) on the natural course of COPD has not been well known. This study was designed to investigate the effects of history of TB on the long-term course of COPD.MethodsPatients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation were consecutively included (n=598). Cases were classified into two categories: those with TB history and those without. Clinical, demographic, and radiological features were meticulously recorded, and patients were followed up for hospitalizations due to exacerbation and for overall mortality.ResultsA total of 93 patients (15%) had a history of TB. On average, patients with past TB history were 4 years younger than the rest of the patients (P=0.002). Our study revealed that patients with past TB were diagnosed with COPD 4 years earlier and died 5 years earlier as compared to the patients without TB. In addition, in the past TB group, rate of hospital admissions per year was higher compared to the group that lacked TB history (2.46±0.26 vs 1.56±0.88; P=0.001). Past TB group had higher arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; P=0.008 and P=0.069, respectively). Median survival was 24 months for patients who had past TB and 36 months for those who had not. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that although 3-year survival rate was lower in patients with past TB, it was not statistically significant (P=0.08). Cox regression analysis showed that while factors such as age, PaCO2, hematocrit, body mass index (BMI) and Charlson index affected mortality rates in COPD patients (P<0.05), prior history of TB did not.ConclusionOur results showed that a history of TB caused more hospitalizations, reduced respiratory functions and increased PaCO2. It was found that, despite similarity of the overall mortality, COPD diagnosis and death occurred 5 years earlier in patients with past TB. We conclude that history of TB has an important role in the natural course of COPD.

Background The aim of the study was to perform a meta-analysis of studies about the waterpipe use prevalence in Turkey. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Turkey Citation Index, TR Index and the Cochrane Library databases were screened both in Turkish and English languages to identify relevant studies by using keywords ’waterpipe use’, ’prevalence’ and ’Turkey’. Inclusion criteria; original and cross-sectional design, studies that done during and after the year 2010, studies that given the number of participants and number of people using waterpipe and studies that done in Turkey. Open Meta Analyst demo program was used to calculate the prevalence rate of the study groups. Since the articles were p &lt; 0.001 in the heterogeneity test, prevalence rate and 95% confidence intervals were calculated from the number of cases using the random effects model in group analysis. Results As a result of first literature review 26 articles were reached. Duplications were eliminated and summaries of the remaining articles were read as double-blind. Ten studies were included in the study that were suitable for inclusion criteria and quality evaluation. Seven of the studies were conducted only in university students, while 3 were community-based. As a result of the analysis, 2399 of 8845 university students used waterpipe (31.0%; 95% CI: 27.3-34.7), while 356 of the 33,129 individuals used waterpipe (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.04-2.0) in community-based studies. Conclusions As a result of the comprehensive literature research, it was found that the studies on waterpipe use were less in literature and prevalence was higher than expected in university students. Key messages In university students, the use of waterpipe was more common than the community, and intervention studies about the use of waterpipe were needed. Waterpipe use and surveillance studies in the communities are important for taking preventive measures and monitoring health outcomes.

Background The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies about the proportion of recognition of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy (CS) methods and participation to them in any period of life for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Turkey. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Turkey Citation Index and YOK Thesis Center databases were screened both in Turkish and English language to identify relevant studies and key words ’colorectal cancer’, ’colon cancer’, ’cancer screening’, ’information’, ’attitude’, ’behavior’, ’awareness’ and ’Turkey’ were. Criteria for inclusion in the analysis were; conducted in Turkey, original and cross-sectional, conducted CRC risky groups (having CRC in the first degree patients and 50 and above age), studies that give the number of participants and number of taking FOBT and CS screening in any period of their lives and/or the number of knowing them. The studies that met the criteria were read as double blind. The data were entered into the Open Meta Analyst demo program. Because of p &lt; 0.001 in the heterogeneity test, random effects model was used in group analysis of the articles. The proportion and 95% confidence interval of knowing and taking FOBT and CS were calculated from the total number of cases. Results A total of 1176 articles were reached in first review. Duplications and inappropriated studies were eliminated, and 52 studies were selected. Eight studies about recognition FOBT, 16 about participation FOBT, 9 about recognition CS and 17 about participation CS were taken in analysis. After analysis it was found that 1315 of 4334 individuals (19.3%, 95%CI:6.6-32.1) recognized to FOBT, 1174 of 6825 individuals (13.2%, 8.0-18.5) participated to FOBT, 2197 of 5728 individuals (31.7%, 18.2-45.2) recognized to CS and 913 of 8860 individuals (10.0%, 8.1-12.0) participated to CS. Conclusions The proportion of recognition and participation to FOBT and CS were found less than expected. Key messages The proportion of recognition and participation CRC screening methods is low in risky groups. Awareness and participation of screening should be increased in risky groups.

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Background Malnutrition is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Malnutrition increases the number of hospitalizations and prolongs the length of hospitalization by disrupting organ functions, increasing the number and severity of infections and delaying wound healing. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of suspected malnutrition in the elderly, to examine some related variables and to evaluate the depression. Methods The study is a cross-sectional study conducted between March-April 2019 in individuals aged 60 years and older living in Sivrihisar. Sample size was calculated as 579. Cluster sampling method used. Data was collected by door to door in 4 neighborhoods determined by randomly. Mini Nutritional Assessment Test-Short Form (for malnutrition), Katz Daily Living Activities Scale (for dependency) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (for depression) were used. Chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis were used for the analyzes. Results The study group consisted of 220 (38%) women and 359 (62%) men. The mean age was 68.9±6.4 (ranged 60-93). Frequency of suspected malnutrition was 25% (n = 145). Being 80 years of age or older (OR:3.24, CI:1.53-6.85), having a primary and lower education level (OR:2.54, CI:1.32-4.90), history of chronic illness (OR:2.34, CI:1.33-4.03), using dentures (OR:1.62, CI:1.03-2.55) and suspected depression (OR:4.97, CI:3.17-7.78) are important risk factors for malnutrition. Those with suspicion of malnutrition had lower scores on DLA (z = 8.982;p=0.001). Conclusions Malnutrition was found to be an important health problem for the elderly. The frequency of suspected malnutrition is higher in individuals with depression. Those with suspected malnutrition have higher level of dependency. In order to reduce the frequency of malnutrition, it may be beneficial to increase the awareness of the elderly and caregivers and to give importance to the elderly nutrition of primary health care providers. Key messages Depression is an important risk factor for malnutrition. Malnutrition increases the dependence of the individual on daily activities.