Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Treatment adherence is a critical factor in controlling symptoms and determining the success of treatment in chronic disease management.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy levels and adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 196 patients. The mean age of participants was 47.35 ± 15.95 years. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Health literacy levels were assessed using the Türkiye Health Literacy-32 (THL-32) Scale. Medication adherence to the pharmacological treatment was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS).
Results: THL-32 and MARS scores were compared according to the demographic characteristics, and a significant difference was found between the education level and place of residence groups. A multivariate regression model was used to assess the connection between them. Health literacy was found to be 3.88 times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, 4.12 times higher in those with high school education compared to primary school, and 4.39 times higher in those with higher education compared to other levels. In terms of medication adherence, it was found to be 4.18 times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, 3.1 times higher in those with high school education compared to primary school, and 3.6 times higher in those with higher education compared to other levels.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that health literacy is positively associated with medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on health literacy to improve adherence to treatment. Health professionals should prioritize enhancing health literacy to support better disease self-management and treatment outcomes.

Abstract Background: Overcrowding of emergency departments (EDs), which are not suitable places to treat chronic pain and are responsible for managing acute disorders, leads to prolonged waiting times, delays in treating conditions requiring rapid intervention, patient dissatisfaction, and chaos and exhaustion in the ED.
Objectives: Examine the characteristics of patients who presented to the ED with non-malignant chronic pain to determine the frequency of use and factors that caused ED use.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an ED. Three hundred ninety-two patients with chronic pain were included.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.1 ± 15.3 years, 62.2% were female, and 37.8% were male. Of the patients, 59.2% were married, 42.6% had elementary school education, and 56.1% were unemployed. The most common cause of ED admission was low back pain (LBP), the 32.7% used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 16.3% used opioid analgesics, 15.8% used anticonvulsants, 13.2% used anticonvulsants antidepressant drugs, 22% did not use any medication. The reasons for presenting to the ED for chronic pain were 13.3% for medication prescription, 74.5% for receiving analgesics, and 12.2% for a diagnosis. The mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale score of the participants was 12.82 ± 3.98, which indicated moderate depressive symptoms. The mean Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale score was 9.84 ± 3.23, which indicated mild generalized anxiety disorder.
Conclusion: Instead of trying to suppress pain, emphasis should be put on preventing overcrowding in EDs, which are intended to manage acute conditions rather than chronic pai

Abstract Background: There are very few studies in the literature evaluating the effects of mask use on physiological parameters.
Objectives: This study aims to examine physiological changes due to masks in healthcare workers who use respiratory masks for long hours in the emergency room during the pandemic process.
Methods: Cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out with healthcare professionals with an FFP2 type valve mask. The participants’ transcutaneous oxygen saturation, pulse, and respiratory rate were measured before wearing the respirator mask and at 30 and 60 minutes after wearing the mask.
Results: SPO2 values of the participants decreased gradually at 0th, 30th, and 60th minutes and respiratory rate increased gradually at 0th, 30th, and 60th minutes. The statistically significant difference arises from the 0 and 60 minutes values. Higher SPO2 values were found at 0 and 30 minutes in non-smokers. SPO2 value gradually decreased in non-smokers at 0, 30, and 60 minutes, but no significant decrease was observed in non-smokers. Pulse rate was found to be higher at 60th minute compared to 0th minute in non-smokers. No significant difference was found between smokers and non-smokers. The respiratory rate gradually increased in smokers at 0th, 30th, and 60th minutes. SPO2 values were lower at the 60th minute compared to the 0th minute in both women and men. There was no significant difference in pulse rates. Respiratory rate was found to be higher at 60th minute in men than at 0th minute.
Conclusion: It is recommended to follow the physiological parameters and to regulate the working conditions when necessary.