Ergül, Emine Esra; Özdemir, Elif Can; Ayçiçek, Hilal Büşra; Hayme, Serhat; Kemer, Aysel Özge; Sağlam Akkaya, Gonca

Introduction: Grip strength represents a critical, objective indicator of functional capacity in daily activities. This study sought to elucidate the impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema on grip strength and to explore the underlying factors contributing to its decline. Materials and method: This is a retrospective study including patients over the age of 65 who presented to our outpatient clinic after developing lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer in patients with lymphedema, and data on lymphedema stage and clinical parameters were collected. Results: In older adults with lymphedema, grip strength was significantly reduced on the affected side (median: 8.0 kg [3–21]) compared to the non-affected side (median: 16.5 kg [10–29]; p < 0.001). Patients with more advanced stages of lymphedema were found to have lower grip strength on the affected side compared to those with earlier stages. In older adults with lymphedema, grip strength was also correlated with the subscales of quality of life and with fatigue, both considered important clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that lymphedema in older adults is associated with clear functional impairment, as evidenced by reduced grip strength on the affected side and a progressive decline across disease stages, underscoring the importance of early intervention to preserve hand function.

Özkaya, Yağmur; Demir Çetinkaya, Büşra; Hakverdi, Gülden; Polat, Eyüp Can; Özçelikay, Gülbin

Introduction: Medication adherence is critical for achieving desired health outcomes, particularly in older rural patients with limited healthcare access. This study, structured according to the Health Belief Model explored the correlation between health beliefs regarding medication intake and adherence in older rural patients with chronic disease who used prescription medication. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 206 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years in rural villages of the Gemerek district (Sivas, Turkey). Health beliefs and adherence were assessed using validated HBM and ARMS-7 scales. Results: The structural model fitted very well overall (χ²/df = 1.65; RMSEA = 0.041; SRMR = 0.036; CFI = 0.982; TLI = 0.976). Among the predictors, perceived barriers had a significant negative impact on medication adherence. (β = –0.31; p < 0.01). In contrast, perceived benefits (β = 0.39; p < 0.01) and self-efficacy (β = 0.36; p < 0.01) were positively and significantly related with regard to adherence. The other dimensions were not significant predictors. Conclusion: These findings highlight the key role of psychosocial determinants in medication use among older adults in rural communities. To enhance medication use among older rural patients, education and counselling by primary care physicians and pharmacists should focus on reducing perceived barriers and increasing patients’ self-efficacy. Implementing such targeted strategies may improve continuity of care and help older adults manage their treatments more confidently. Ultimately, strengthening these supports could contribute to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life in rural aging populations.

Bayraktar, Şerife; Korkmaz, Nevin; Altinkurt, Emre; Uğurlu, Adem

Amaç: Geriatrik hastalarda, penetran keratoplasti endikasyonları ve sonuçlarını değerlendirmek, daha genç geriatrik hastalar ile daha yaşlı geriatrik hastaları karşılaştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Türkiye’deki bir üçüncü basamak referans merkezinde Ağustos 2010 ile Temmuz 2015 yılları arasında penetran keratoplasti cerrahisi uygulanan 427 hastanın 489 gözünün verileri incelendi. 65 yaş ve üzerinde cerrahi uygulanan ve cerrahi sonrası en az 1 yıl takip edilen 81 hastanın 90 gözü çalışmaya alındı. Hastalar 65-79 yaş arası Grup 1, 80 yaş ve üzeri Grup 2 olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. Bulgular: Grup 1’de 66 göz Grup 2’de ise 24 göz mevcuttu. Her iki grupta da en sık penetran keratoplasti cerrahisi endikasyonu büllöz keratopatiydi. ( Grup 1’de %34,9, Grup 2 ‘de %66,7 p=0,036). Cerrahi sonrası sekonder glokom gelişimi (Grup 1 %18,2,Grup 2 %15,6 p=0,254) ve greft sağkalımı ( Grup 1 29,9 ± 15,8 ay,Grup 2 26,7 ± 13,2 ay, p=0,374) açısından iki grup arasında fark yoktu. Greft reddi ve yetmezliği açısından da her iki grup arasında istatistiksel fark saptanmadı. (Greft reddi için p=0,531 ki kare=0,392; greft yetmezliği için p=0,699 ki kare=0,150). Sonuç: Daha yaşlı geriatrik hastalarda penetran keratoplasti endikasyonu olarak büllöz keratopati anlamlı bir şekilde daha yüksek oranda görülmektedir. Penetran keratoplasti cerrahisinin daha yaşlı geriatrik hastalardaki başarısı daha genç geriatrik hastalardaki kadar iyidir

Altinkurt, Emre; Uğurlu, Adem; Korkmaz, Nevin; Bayraktar, Şerife

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the indications and outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in geriatric patients and to compare the younger geriatric patients with older geriatric patients. Materials and Method: We evaluated the data of 489 eyes of 427 patients who underwent corneal transplantation surgery between August 2010 and July 2015 at a tertiary referral center in Turkey. We included 90 eyes of 81 patients aged ≥ 65 years with at least 1-year follow-up data were. The patients were divided into Groups 1 and 2 comprising patients aged 65–79 and ≥80 years, respectively. Results: Groups 1 and 2 included 66 and 24 eyes, respectively. Bullous keratopathy was the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty surgery in both groups (Group 1=34.9%, Group 2=66.7%, p=0.036). The incidence of secondary glaucoma after surgery (Group 1=18.2%, Group 2=15.6%, p=0.254) and graft survival period (Group 1=29.9±15.8 months, Group 2=26.7±13.2 months, p=0.374) were not significantly different between the two groups. The graft rejection and failure rates between the groups were analyzed, and no difference was observed between them (p=0.531, chi-squared=0.392 for graft rejection; p=0.699, chi-squared=0.150 for graft failure). Conclusion: Bullous keratopathy as an indication for penetrating keratoplasty is significantly more common in older geriatric patients. The outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in older geriatric patients are as good as those in younger geriatric patients.

Çöbden, Adem; Çamurcu, İsmet Yalkın; Üçpunar, Hanifi; Sofu, Hakan; Duman, Serda

Introduction: Osteoporosis in men is often underdiagnosed and neglected compared to postmenopausal women. Major risk factors should be determined to prevent this disease, which has potential risk of mortality and morbidity for elder men. This study’s purpose was to determine the risk factors for osteoporosis and osteopenia in male patients aged >60 years. Materials and Method: Between January 2015 and June 2017, male patients aged >60 years admitted to our centers who underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ age, body mass index, site of residence (village/ city), smoking status, and systemic diseases were examined through our records. Patients were divided into control, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups according to DXA measurements. Serum vitamin D measurements also were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine major risk factors for osteoporosis and osteopenia. Results: Compared with the control group, patients in the group categorized as having osteoporosis or osteopenia had a significantly lower body mass index and more commonly resided in the city (p<0.001 and p<0.005, respectively). Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the osteoporosis and osteopenia groups than in the control group (p=0.001). According to multivariate analysis, insufficient or deficient serum vitamin D levels were determined to be a major risk factor for osteoporosis and osteopenia (p=0.001). Conclusion: According to our results, men aged >60 years with deficient serum vitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL) were six times more likely to have osteopenia and 80 times more likely to have osteoporosis.

Zeytun, Erhan

Introduction: The elderly population is growing both worldwide and in Turkey. Thus, the importance of studies on elderly individuals is increasing. The present study was conducted to evaluate Demodex infestation and its relationship with the skin parameters such as moisture, pH, and temperature in elderly individuals living in nursing homes. Materials and Method: The study included 91 elderly individuals who were residents of Erzincan 100th Anniversary Ataturk Nursing Home. Skin moisture, pH, and temperature were measured, and skin samples were collected from the cheek, nasolabial area, and chin using the standard superficial skin biopsy method, and the specimens were examined by light microscopy. Results: Overall, Demodex mites (mean 31.1/cm2) were detected in 85.7% elderly individuals; 84.6% had D. folliculorum (mean 29.3/cm2) and 45.1% had D. brevis (mean 4.3/cm2) infestation. The infestations were mostly found in the cheek (mean 21.2/cm2), followed by the nasolabial area (mean 9.4/cm2) and the chin (mean 7.4/cm2). The difference between facial areas and Demodex infestation was statistically significant (p<0.001). Demodex infestation was higher in those with a dry skin, with a skin pH of 5.6-7.0 and with an elevated skin temperature. The relationship between the density of Demodex and skin moisture was statistically significant (p=0.035), whereas the relationship with skin pH and temperature was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Elderly individuals which having dry skin, elevated skin temperature, and high skin pH have been more infested with Demodex mites. It may be helpful to consider this finding in clinical assessment of skin lesions and dermatoses in geriatric patients.

Hacıhasanoğlu, Rabia; Yildirim, Arzu; Karakurt, Papatya

Giriş: Bu araştırma yaşlı bireylerin reçete edilen ilaçlarını kullanmada sahip oldukları bilgi düzeylerini saptamak ve uygulanan ilaç eğitim programının ilaç bilgi düzeylerine etkisini incelemek amacıyla öntest-sontest yarı deneme modeli olarak yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırmanın örneklemini, Erzincan ilinde bulunan 1 ve 3 nolu sağlık ocaklarına fiubat-Mayıs 2008 tarihleri arasında başvuran, en az bir kronik hastalığı bulunan ve sürekli ilaç kullanmakta olan 65 yaş ve üzeri 40 yaşlı birey oluşturmuştur. Veriler, yaşlı bireyleri tanıtıcı soru formu ve ilaç bilgi düzeyini tanımlama ve değerlendirme formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Her yaşlı birey için kullandıkları ilaçlara ilişkin bireyselleştirilmiş ilaç eğitim kartları bilgisayarda hazı rlanmış ve bu kartlarda bulunan ilaç adı, alınış dozu, kullanım amacı, yan etkileri, saklama koşulları ve ilacı alma ile ilgili konular hakkında araştırmacılar tarafından yüz yüze e.itim verilmiştir. Eğitimden önce ve sonra hastaların ilaç bilgi düzeyleri de.erlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Kullanılan ilacın adı, yan etkileri, dozu, kullanım süresi gibi bilgileri bilme konusunda son test puanları on test puanlarına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir şekilde daha yüksek bulunmuştur (p<0.001). Sonuç: Yaşlıların bireysel ilaç yönetimlerinde başarı kazanmalarında he

Hacihasanoglu, Rabia; Yildirim, Arzu; Karakurt, Papatya

Introduction: The aim of this research was to determine the level of knowledge of the elderly on using prescribed drugs, and to examine the effects of providing a drug education program, with a pretest-posttest and semi experiment model. Materials and Method: The study sample consisted of 40 elderly individuals aged 65 or over who presented to the primary healthcare centers number 1 and 3 located in the city center of Erzincan between February and May 2008 with one or more chronic diseases and who were using medications continuously. Data were collected using a descriptive form for the elderly, and a form for determination and assessment of level of knowledge on drugs. For each elderly person, an individualized drug education card was prepared with a computer. The cards contained information on name, dosage, purpose of use, side effects, and storage conditions of the drug and how to use it. Drug education was provided by the researchers on a face to face basis. The knowledge levels of patients were evaluated before and after the education program. Results: Post-test scores were statistically significantly higher than the pre-test scores in terms of a number of items including knowing the name, side effects, duration of usage, of the medicine, etc (p<0.001). Conclusion: We suggest that individualized nurse-directed drug education programs will be very helpful for the elderly to ensure successful drug management.

Aşılar, Rabia Hacıhasanoğlu; Yildirim, Arzu

Giriş: Bu araştırma Erzincan il merkezinde bulunan huzurevinde yaşayan 65 yaş ve üzerindeki bireylerin depresyon düzeylerini ve etkileyen faktörleri incelemek amacı ile yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel özellikte olan bu araştırmanın evrenini Erzincan il merkezinde bulunan 100.Yıl Atatürk Huzurevinde kalan 65 yaş ve üzeri bireyler oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada örneklem seçimine gidilmemiş, 2006 Aralık ayında huzurevinde kalan iletişime açık, çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü bireyler (n=60) araştırma kapsamına alınmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri, araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan tanımlayıcı form ve Yaseve ve arkadaşları (1983) tarafından geliştirilen Geriatrik Depresyon Ölçeği (GDÖ) ile bireylerle yüzyüze görüşülerek toplanmıştır Ölçeğin ülkemizdeki geçerlilik ve güvenirlik çalışması Ertan ve ark (1997) tarafından yapılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler, yüzdelik hesapları, korelasyon, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Withney-U testleri kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir.Bulgular: Cinsiyet, kronik hastalık varlığı, huzurevinden memnun olma, bir yakını tarafından ziyaret edilme, huzurevinde yaşayan bireylerle ilişki ve sağlığı algılama durumları ile depresyon görülmesi arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu saptanmıştır (p<0.05, p<0.01).Sonuç: Verilerin değerlendirilmesi sonucunda bireylerin %55'inde depresyon olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Hacihasanoglu, Rabia; Yildirim, Arzu

Introduction: This research was carried out among the, 65 years of age and older individuals in the nursing home located in central Erzincan, with the aim of determining depression level and related factors. Materials and Method: Data were collected by using the descriptive form prepared by the researchers and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDO) prepared by Yesevage et al (1983) by face to face interview technique. Obtained data were evaluated by using percentage values, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Withney-U tests. Depression was found in the 55 percent of participants according to the results of the research. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was comprised of individuals at or above 65 years of age who resided in the Yuzuncu Yil Ataturk Nursing Home located in central Erzincan, Turkey. Sampling was not used in this study and it included volunteer and communicative individuals (n=60) who resided in the nursing facility in December 2006. Results: A significant correlation was found between incidence of depression and gender, satisfaction with the nursing home, having chronic disease, being visited by a relative, relationship with other individuals residing in the nursing home, and perception of health (p<0.05, p<0.01). Conclusion: Depression was found in the 55 percent of participants according to the results of the research.