Mehmet Erdem Alaguney | Hacettepe University (original) (raw)

Papers by Mehmet Erdem Alaguney

Turkiye Klinikleri Public Health - Special Topic, 2016

Anatolian Current Medical Journal, Oct 22, 2022

Aim: The survival rate of cancer patients is increased which resulted in an increased number of c... more Aim: The survival rate of cancer patients is increased which resulted in an increased number of cancer survivors in working life. Return to work of cancer patients resulted in improved health outcomes and quality of life. However, cancer survivors have a high risk of unemployment. The COVID-19 pandemic caused global economic distress and put a great burden on the healthcare system which affected the cancer survivors further. COVID-19 may be a concurrent risk along with cancer, as a barrier for return to work. We investigated the factors that are associated with unemployment among cancer survivors, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we aimed to detect risk factors for unemployment amongst cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to maintain the employment status of cancer survivors and prevent undesired individual and global economic and health outcomes. Material and Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Control patients who applied to the Medical Oncology outpatient clinic were over 18 years old, diagnosed with cancer, completed adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment, the disease has not relapsed, and working before March 2020 were included in the study. The survey collection process for the study was carried out between July 2020 and November 2020. Results: There were 146 participants (65 male (44,5%) and 81 female (%55,5)). 42 (28.8%) of the 146 participants stated that they quit their jobs during the pandemic. Being a government employee, having a good-high household income and a high degree of education was protective against losing their jobs. Conclusion: It is very important to understand the causes of unemployment among cancer survivors and solve these issues in order to increase the well-being, quality of life, and survival of the patient, as well as improve the economic and social status of society.

Turkish Journal of Public Health, May 14, 2022

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de iş ve meslek hastalıkları uzmanlarının görev, yetki ve sorumlulukla... more Amaç: Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de iş ve meslek hastalıkları uzmanlarının görev, yetki ve sorumlulukları ile özlük hakları konularında bu alanda çalışanların görüşleri alınarak yapılması gereken iyileştirmelerin tespit edilmesi ve ilgililerle paylaşılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Modifiye DELPHI tipinde bir araştırmadır. Çevrimiçi anket yoluyla Türkiye kapsamında 1.05.2021-26.07.2021 tarihleri arasında 2 tur olarak yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın evreni Türkiye’deki iş ve meslek hastalığı uzmanlık eğitimi programı eğiticileri, uzmanları ve yan dal uzmanlık öğrencileridir. Örnek seçimi yapılmamıştır. Katılım daveti evreninin tamamına e-posta aracılığıyla gönderilmiştir. Her iki turda 108 kişiye anket gönderilmiştir. Anketlere 1. ve 2. turda sırasıyla katılım sıklığı %43.5 ve %31.4’dür. Araştırmanın 1.turunda katılımcılara açık uçlu sorulardan oluşan bir anket gönderilmiş ve yanıtlar araştırmacılar tarafından tematik analiz yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiştir. 2. turda temalardan önermeler oluşturularak yeni anket hazırlanmış ve katılımcılara önermelere katılma durumları çevrimiçi anket yoluyla sorulmuştur. Bulgular: Bu çalışmada iş ve meslek hastalıkları uzmanlığının yeterince tanınmadığı, görev tanımlarının ve özlük haklarının net olmadığı, eğitimin standardizasyonu konusunda sorunlar olduğu, farklı uzmanlık alanlarından tercih edilmesinin avantajlarının olmasının yanında sorunlar da yaratabildiği görülmüştür. Sonuç: İş ve meslek hastalıkları uzmanlık alanında meslek hastalıkları uzmanlarının görev yetki ve sorumlulukları konusunda sözü edilen sorunların çözümü için üniversiteler, ilgili bakanlıklar ve sivil toplum kuruluşlarının ortak çalışma gereksinimi vardır.

Medical Science and Discovery, Jul 17, 2020

We obtained local ethical committee approval before the study. Our hospital is a tertiary-care co... more We obtained local ethical committee approval before the study. Our hospital is a tertiary-care comprehensive oncology center that admits an average of 400 solid malignancy patients per day to the medical oncology outpatient clinics. Approximately one-third of these patients are cancer survivors.

Journal of health sciences and medicine, Oct 25, 2022

Aim: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated musculoskeletal pain among intensive c... more Aim: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated musculoskeletal pain among intensive care nurses are important, as these factors may be related to presenteeism and work engagement. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association of musculoskeletal pain with presenteeism and work engagement among intensive care nurses. Material and Method: This descriptive study was carried out with members of the Turkish Society of Critical Care Nurses. All the participants completed a questionnaire, which included questions about general demographic data and occupational musculoskeletal exposures (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] Ergonomic Assessment Checklist). To measure pain, work engagement and presenteeism, the following instruments were used: The Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI SF), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) and Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 (SPS-6). This study was performed in 2021, and the questionnaire was distributed via email to the database of Turkish Society of Critical Care Nurses. Results: Our study was completed with 153 intensive care unit nurses. Among the study population, 76.5% (n=117) of the nurses had chronic musculoskeletal pain, 80% of whom had exposure to lifting heavy weights. There was a weak negative correlation between pain and work engagement, as shown by the BPI SF pain interference subscale and the vigour subscale of the UWES-17 (p=0.04, r=-.166). There was also a weak negative correlation between pain and presenteeism according to the BPI SF pain interference subscale and SPS-6 (p=0.04, r=-.193). There was no statistically significant association between workplace ergonomic exposures, presenteeism, work engagement and the presence of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: Neither chronic musculoskeletal system pain nor pain intensity was significantly correlated with work engagement, occupational musculoskeletal exposures or presenteeism. However, musculoskeletal pain-related effects on daily activities of living had a negative impact on work engagement (vigour) and presenteeism.

Acta Medica, Nov 26, 2021

In this study, we gave information about appropriate working position to the office workers who h... more In this study, we gave information about appropriate working position to the office workers who have low back pain for last 3 months and we aimed to determine the effect of this intervention on frequency and level of low back pain and functionality of the workers. Materials and Methods: This study was an interventional study. Data were collected in September 2017 and December 2017 using face to face interview method. Information was given by a one-hour conference and distributing 4 informative brochures between October 2017 and November 2017. Results: 409 persons participated in the study and 141 of them who had low back pain for last 3 months formed the intervention group. 59.7% of the participants noted that they usually perform desk work. Logistic regression analysis showed that low back pain was 3,25 times more frequent among women than men, and 2,41 times more frequent among workers who had non-communicable disease. Among workers who had low back pain and attended the conference and read at least one brochure, mean Visual Analog Scale score was 5,97±1,2 before intervention and 5,03±1,1 after intervention (p<0,001) and mean Roland Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire score were and 9,98±1,7 before intervention, and 8,91±1,3 after intervention, respectively (p<0,001). No difference was determined among workers who didn't attend any of these two interventions (p>0,05). Conclusions: Considering the effect of intervention, this result shows that implementation of intervention with health promotion approach at workplace is an appropriate method for reducing severity of low back pain and increasing functionality.

The anatolian journal of cardiology, 2016

Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, Feb 21, 2018

Objectives: The incidence of ODs is below expectations. The approaches of family physicians is ve... more Objectives: The incidence of ODs is below expectations. The approaches of family physicians is very important. In this study, we aimed to evaluate attitudes and behaviors of family physicians about ODs. Methods: The questionnaire was first sent to family physicians via e-mail. Of 3663 responders, 3090 replies were included to study. Results: 44.1% of them stated they obtained detailed occupational history. In logistic regression analysis, physicians who obtained detailed occupational history, discussed with occupational physician about their patients' health, had education about ODs and those who stated that they wanted to receive training in ODs were more likely to refer their patient. Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that those who received education on ODs and those who have worked as workplace physician obtained occupational history, knew occupational diseases hospitals and wanted to receive further education.

Turkiye Klinikleri Nutrition and Dietetics - Special Topics, 2016

Acta Medica, Sep 30, 2019

Objective: The number of occupational diseases are lower than expected in Turkey. We aimed to est... more Objective: The number of occupational diseases are lower than expected in Turkey. We aimed to estimate the number of occupational diseases, work-related diseases, and deaths due to occupational exposures by using international estimations of attribution of workplace in this descriptive study. Materials and Methods: The attributable fraction values to occupation for selected diseases and deaths were compiled from the literature. Information on these diseases and deaths in Turkey was obtained from national burden of disease studies and statistics of Turkish Statistical Institute. The estimated number of occupational diseases, work-related diseases and deaths due to occupational exposures were calculated by using the number of diseases and deaths in Turkey and by the fraction of occupational exposures by using literature. Results: Based on the data of national burden of disease studies in Turkey; 321,868 musculoskeletal disorders, 79,232 to 95,845 circulatory system diseases, 38,994 to 56,992 chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, 14,563 to 19,858 asthma cases, 29,550 hearing losses, and 4,902 to 16,341 cancer cases are estimated to be work-related. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute data, the number of deaths due to occupational causes was estimated to be 8,143 in circulatory system diseases; 1,913 in malignant tumors; and 2,130 in respiratory system diseases. However, the lowest and the highest number of occupational diseases announced by the Social Security Institution between 2007 and 2016 is 371 and 1,208, respectively. Conclusion: There are deficiencies in the diagnosis and reporting of occupational diseases. In order to plan and implement preventive actions, data should be reported in a large scale and reliable manner.

Toxicology Letters, Oct 1, 2015

Dicle Medical Journal, Jun 1, 2015

Objective: Arsenic is a metal with a widespread industrial usage and causing oxidative stress. St... more Objective: Arsenic is a metal with a widespread industrial usage and causing oxidative stress. Studies shows serum uric acid and gamma gluthamyl transferase (GGT) levels are increasing in oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of arsenic exposure on serum uric acid and GGT levels. Methods: 500 patients who refer to Ankara Occupational Disease Hospital between 2010 to 2014 for periodic examination and urinary arsenic, serum uric acid and serum GGT levels assessed are included in this study. 268 patients with urinary arsenic levels over 35μg/L are defined as exposed and below 35μg/L are controls. Results: Data of 500 patients were analysed. 268 of them had high urine arsenic levels and 232 had normal urine arsenic levels. In the high urine arsenic level group the median serum uric acid level was 5.4 (2.60-7.20) and median serum GGT level was 27 (10-51) in the other group with normal urine arsenic levels the median serum uric acid level was 4.9 (2.5-7) and median serum GGT level was 22 (10-52). The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p value: 0.002 and <0.001 respectively) Conclusion: Arsenic exposure may be associated with hyperuricemia and high levels of GGT and with prospective studies the causal relationship between arsenic exposure and hyperuricemia and GGT can be revealed.

Dicle Medical Journal, Sep 1, 2015

Kurşun ağır bir metal olup, hematopoetik sistem, kardiyovasküler sistem, renal ve hepatik sistemd... more Kurşun ağır bir metal olup, hematopoetik sistem, kardiyovasküler sistem, renal ve hepatik sistemde disfonksiyona neden olur. Bu çalışmanın amacı kurşun maruziyetinin vitamin B12 ve folat seviyesine etkisinin araştırılmasıdır. Yöntemler: 2010-2014 yılları arasında Ankara Meslek Hastalıkları Hastanesine periyodik muayene amaçlı başvuran tam kan kurşun, serum vitamin B12 ve folat düzeylerine bakılmış 944 kişi çalışmaya dahil edildi. Kurşun seviyesi 10μg/dL'nin üzerinde çıkan 432 kişi kurşun maruz grup, 10μg/dL'nin altında çıkan 512 kişi ise kontrol grubu olarak kullanıldı. Vitamin B12 ve folat düzeyleri iki grup arasında karşılaştırıldı. Ayrıca korelasyon analizi yapıldı. Bulgular: Kurşun maruz grubun median folat seviyesi 6,3 ng/mL (3,60-17,46), median vitamin B12 seviyesi ise 310 pg/mL (180-854) idi. Kontrol grubunun folat seviyesi 6,8 (3,60-19,67) ng/mL median vitamin B12 seviyesi ise 324 pg/mL (190-833) idi (p değerleri; folat için <0,001, vitamin B12 için 0,015). Kurşun düzeyi folat seviyesi ile negatif bir korelasyon gösterirken (r=-0.105; p=0.001), kurşun ve vitamin B12 arasında herhangi bir korelasyon yoktu (r=-0.061, p=0.062). Sonuç: Bu çalışma folat ve vitamin B12 konsantrasyonu ile kurşun maruziyeti arasında negatif bir ilişki olduğunu gösterdi. Bu durum hiperhomosisteinemi açısından kurşunun olası zararlı etkilerini önlemek için bu vitaminlerin yeterli miktarda alınması açısından önemli olabilir.

Medicine Science | International Medical Journal, 2020

Medical Principles and Practice, 2016

HRR3 (56.8 ± 5.1 vs. 59.4 ± 6.3 bpm; p = 0.016) values were significantly lower in the mercury-ex... more HRR3 (56.8 ± 5.1 vs. 59.4 ± 6.3 bpm; p = 0.016) values were significantly lower in the mercury-exposed group than in the healthy controls. However, there were no significant correlations between blood, urine and hair mercury levels and exercise test parameters. Conclusions: Mercury-exposed individuals had lower HRR indices than normal subjects. In these individuals, mercury exposure measurements did not show correlations with the exercise test parameters, but age did show a negative correlation with these parameters. Therefore, cardiac autonomic functions might be involved in cases of mercury exposure.

Güncel Göğüs Hastalıkları Serisi, 2020

Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, 2019

Occupational diseases cause an important burden on health and economy; however, they are substant... more Occupational diseases cause an important burden on health and economy; however, they are substantially underestimated. We aimed to investigate the opinions of physicians about causes of underreporting of occupational diseases. We collected data with a questionnaire, listing 30 possible causes for underreporting of occupational diseases. 478 physicians participated in the study. The first 3 most frequent causes perceived as "very important" are; employers' perception of occupational safety and health services as a loss of revenue (64.9%), prevalent employment without a legal contract (64.6%), and prevalent employment as subcontracted (59.4%). 52.1% of the physicians worked or currently working as an occupational physician. With the increase of working year as an occupational physician, there was a statistically significant decrease in the strength of importance for 17 of the 30 statements. This finding may be one of the important causes of underreporting of occupational diseases.

Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine