Browsing by Author "Deger, Vasfiye Bayram"

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Citation - WoS: 14
Citation - Scopus: 16
Comparison of the Breastfeeding Practices of Refugee Syrian Mothers and Native Turkish Mothers
(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc, 2020) Ertem, Meliksah; Cifci, Sema; Deger, Vasfiye Bayram
Background: The World Health Organization recommends that babies be breastfed within the first hour of delivery and that they should exclusively be given breast milk in the first 6 months. The aim of this study was to ascertain the breastfeeding behaviors of refugee Syrian women and to compare their practices with those of the native mothers of the local community. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in a Southern city in Turkey. The questionnaire was filled by face-to-face interviews. A total of 381 refugee Syrian mothers were compared with 381 native women living in the same community. Results: A significant difference was found between the two groups regarding breastfeeding. The rate of those who initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour after delivery was 61.4% for the Syrians and 71.1% for the Turkish mothers. In addition, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding (28.1 versus 34.1) and continuing breastfeeding for 12 months (55.0 versus 63.8) were lower in the Syrian refugee mothers. Maternal age and educational level were not correlated to the breastfeeding rates. Conclusions: This study is a rare study in which refugee mothers and local mothers were compared. Forced migration and refugee status are negatively associated with breastfeeding behavior.
Citation - WoS: 2
Citation - Scopus: 1
The Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on Malnutrition in Syrian Children Aged 0-6 Years Living in Turkey: a Cross-Sectional Study
(Bmc, 2024) Deger, Vasfiye Bayram; Cifci, Sema; Ertem, Meliksah
Background This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of malnutrition in Syrian immigrant children living in Turkey. Methods The study was carried out in the city of Mardin, which is one of the cities with a high Syrian immigrant population in Turkey. Height, body weight and BMI values were recorded to determine the malnutrition status of the children. Z-scores of children were calculated using the malnutrition assessment WHOAntro program. Results The data show that 30.5% of Syrian children between the ages of 0 and 6 months are male, making up 55.8% of the total, and that 55.3% do not follow a regular breakfast schedule. The percentages of body weight for height, height for age, and BMI for age of Syrian children with a score between - 2 and + 2 SD Number were (89.3%), (74.3%), and (79.3%), respectively. Girls are more likely than boys to experience stunting and low body weight in the context of Syrian children (Stunting OR: 0.855(0.761-1.403), Underweight OR: 0.705(0.609-1,208)). Additionally, there is a link between levels of stunting and underweight and elements like the mother's educational level and the family's income. Contrary to the situation of adequate nutrition, it was discovered that the likelihood of stunting and low body weight in children increased by 0.809 and 1.039 times, respectively, when access to an adequate food supply was not available within the family (p < 0.05). Conclusions According to the results of the study, gender, family income, mother's education level and access to food affected the severity of malnutrition in children. Migration is an imporatnt factor affecting children's health. In this study malnutrition was found high im immigrant children. Programs should be developed to monitor the growth and development of disadvantaged children and to support their nutrition.
Comparison of Breastfeeding Behaviors of Mothers Toward Infants by Ethnic Groups: an Example of a Multicultural City
(Mary Ann Liebert, inc, 2025) Butun, Ahmet; Deger, Vasfiye Bayram
Introduction: Breastfeeding practices vary widely among different ethnic groups and are influenced by cultural, social, economic, and educational factors. The aim of this study was to compare the breastfeeding behaviors of mothers toward infants in different ethnic groups.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included women of four ethnic groups (Assyrian, Turkish, Arab, and Kurdish) living in Mardin, Turkey. The study was completed with 180 Assyrian, 184 Turkish, 175 Arab, and 169 Kurdish women. In total, 708 women participated in this study. Data were collected between August 12, 2024, and September 22, 2024.Results: The highest rate of traditional breastfeeding practices was seen in Kurdish (99.4%), whereas this rate was 97.3% in Turkish, 96% in Arab, and 84.4% in Assyrian. The highest rate of giving breast milk immediately after birth was in Assyrian (71.7%), while this rate was 69.3% in Turkish, 61.9% in Kurdish, and 47% in Arab (p = 0.000). The rate of those who waited for three calls to prayer to feed the baby was 13.1% in Kurdish, 11.3% in Arab, 9.5% in Turkish, and 7.9% in Assyrian. The rate of those who did not give the first milk (colostrum) to the baby was 15.8% in Assyrian, 11.7% in Turkish, 6.5% in Kurdish, and 6% in Arab. The rate of those who give sugared water as the baby's first nutrient was 37.5% in Arab, 20.8% in Kurdish, 11.7% in Turkish, and 9.2% in Assyrian. Increased education levels were associated with decreased rates of the presence of traditional practices.Conclusion: This study provides novel results regarding the comparison of breastfeeding behaviors among ethnic groups living in the same city. Comparing breastfeeding practices across the four ethnic groups allowed us to better understand different breastfeeding practices, which could lead to the development of culturally sensitive interventions to improve the health of children and mothers. Educating the community about the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks associated with some traditional practices could contribute to public health.
Citation - WoS: 3
Citation - Scopus: 3
Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation “Homophobia in Healthcare Employees”: a Cross-Sectional Study
(Springer, 2025) Deger, Vasfiye Bayram; Kacan, Havva
IntroductionThe study was conducted to examine the attitudes of healthcare employees toward homosexuals and the factors affecting them, while homophobic thoughts and behaviors are based on heteronormative cultural beliefs and gender stereotypes.MethodsThis study was planned as a cross-sectional and completed with 720 healthcare employees. The Demographic Information Form and Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale were used in the study. Data were collected between January 06 and January 10, 2022.ResultsThe mean homophobia total score of the employees was determined as 97,503 +/- 25,807. Homophobia levels of male healthcare employees, those who thought homosexuality is a disease, and those who stated that homosexuality can be caused by taking an example had increasing homophobia levels. The level of homophobia decreases in the presence of homosexual friends, those who can talk freely about homosexuality, and healthcare employees who support same-sex marriage.ConclusionsRecognition of individuals with different sexual orientations by healthcare employees will reduce homophobic attitudes toward these individuals. Examining the level of homophobia in healthcare institutions and ensuring that discriminatory attitudes or behaviors toward individuals from different sexual orientations are determined to be effective on the quality of healthcare and access to healthcare services.Policy ImplicationsThere is a healthcare system in which patients are generally assumed to be heterosexual; healthcare employees are not prepared to work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual patients in general. Studies conducted on this subject indicate that more studies are needed on the subject to implement a healthcare policy focusing on sexual diversity in healthcare services and to discuss healthcare practices for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual population.
Citation - WoS: 6
Citation - Scopus: 6
Effect of Individual Psychoeducation for Primary Caregivers of Children With Autism on Internalized Stigma and Care Burden: a Randomized Controlled Trial
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Kacan, Havva; Gumus, Funda; Deger, Vasfiye Bayram
This study aims to determine the effects of a six-week individual psychoeducation program provided to primary caregivers of children with autism on stigma and care burden. The study was conducted with 88 primary caregivers (experimental group n = 45, control group n = 43) of children diagnosed with autism. The study, prepared in an experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and control group, was performed between 17 June 2021 and 17 January 2022. In the study, a six-week individual psychoeducation was given to the experimental group. Study data were collected using a personal information form, the Internalized Stigma of Parents in Mental Illness Scale (ISPMIS), and the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS).The mean pretest ISPMIS total score of the experimental group was X- =105.756 and the posttest total score after the psychoeducation was X- =66.489,which was a significant decrease (t = 25.571; p < 0.05). The mean CBS pretest total score of the experimental group was X- =61.067 and the posttest total score was X over bar =31.667, which was a significant decrease (t = 17.499;p < 0.05). The study revealed that the six-week individual psycho education provided to primary caregivers of children with autism decreased the participants' internalized stigma and perceived care burden.
The Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Anxiety Levels and Sleep Among University Students
(Galenos Publ House, 2023) Cifci, Sema; Deger, Vasfiye Bayram; Kacan, Havva
Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effects of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the anxiety and sleep levels of university students.Materials and Methods: The population of this descriptive study consisted of students who studied in health departments. The data were collected with a questionnaire that consisted of the descriptive characteristics form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.Results: A total of 70.5% of the students who participated in the study were female. 9.0% of the students use drugs and 38.4% of them smoke. The difference between anxiety score averages and having a chronic disease, continuous drug use, smoking, and being a disabled person in the living environment is significant. Sleep quality scores were found to be "elevated" and significant for those who constantly used drugs, had a family member with a disability and/or a person over the age of 65, and those who smoked. It also affected the sleep quality scores of those who were infected with the Coronavirus, those who had family members with Coronavirus in their family, and/or students who had a relative who died from the Coronavirus.Conclusion: It can be argued that the anxiety frequency of the students increased and their sleep quality deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Having a family member over the age of 65, having a disabled person, being infected with the Coronavirus and/or losing one of their relatives to the Coronavirus affected the anxiety and sleep quality scores of the students.
Citation - WoS: 2
Citation - Scopus: 1
Traditional Care Practices Known And/Or Used by Different Ethnic Groups for Newborns During the Postpartum Period
(BMC, 2025) Deger, Vasfiye Bayram; Butun, Ahmet
BackgroundTraditional care practices play a significant role in shaping care provided to newborns across different ethnic groups. Understanding traditional care practices is crucial for integrating culturally sensitive approaches into modern healthcare systems. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature regarding the different traditional care practices across ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to determine the traditional beliefs and practices of women from different ethnic groups living in Mardin regarding newborn care.MethodsThis study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of women from four ethnic groups who volunteered to participate in the study with at least one child living in Mardin, Turkey. Snowball and convenience sampling methods were used to recruit participants. The study was completed with 188 Assyrian, 197 Turkish, 181 Arab, and 175 Kurdish women. In total, 741 women participated in this study. Data were collected between 18 December 2023 and 14 June 2024. The data were collected face-to-face using a questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS for Windows 22.0.ResultsThis study identified significant differences in traditional care practices across four ethnic groups (Assyrian, Turkish, Arab, and Kurdish). Traditional care practices regarding umbilical cord care, swaddling the baby, alleviating gas pain, preventing neonatal jaundice, care for canker sores, and alleviating diaper rash were identified. Assyrian participants were more likely to apply salt to the umbilical cord (14.9%), while Arab participants rarely used this practice (0.6%). Traditional practices for relieving gas pain included drinking herbal teas such as anise, fennel, linden, and cumin. Rubbing and rubbing breast milk on the abdomen, patting on the back, and massaging were other practices for alleviating gas pain. Arab participants were more likely to use anise tea to alleviate gas pain (75.1%), while Kurdish participants preferred fennel tea (22.3%). Practices regarding alleviating diaper rash included applying saturated fat, olive oil, and powder. Arab participants were more likely to apply olive oil for diaper rash (45.9%), while Assyrian participants commonly used dry earth ('H & ouml;ll & uuml;k'). These results highlight the cultural diversity in newborn care practices and underscore the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare interventions.ConclusionThis study highlighted the significance of traditional care practices in newborn care across four ethnic groups. There are many differences between ethnic groups regarding traditional care practices during the postpartum period. Understanding such differences is crucial for developing culturally sensitive interventions that support maternal well-being and enhance health outcomes for both mothers and infants.
The Relationship Between Mental Health Literacy and Psychological Support-Seeking Attitudes in Syrian Immigrant Students
(BMC, 2025) Kacan, Havva; Deger, Vasfiye Bayram; Cifci, Sema
Background The study was conducted to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and psychological support-seeking attitudes among Syrian immigrant university students. Materials and methods The population of the study consisted of 2000 Syrian immigrant students studying in different departments of a university, and the sample comprised 326 immigrant students. In the study, data were collected through Descriptive Questions, the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and the Attitude Scale toward Receiving Professional Psychological Support-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Results The mean MHLS score of Syrian immigrant students was 11.804 +/- 3.434. The average score of the ATSPPH-SF was 58.245 +/- 8.131. A positive and moderate correlation was found between the total score of MHL and psychological support (r = 0.514, p < 0.01). The rate of explaining the effect of MHL on receiving psychological support was found as 26.2%. It was found that the increase in the level of knowledge positively affected the attitudes of the students to seek psychological support, and the belief-oriented dimension had a significant and positive effect on the attitude toward psychological support (B = 0.918, beta = 0.250, p < 0.001). A one-unit increase in the belief-oriented dimension provided a 0.918-unit increase in the psychological support attitude score. However, it was observed that the effect of this dimension was lower compared with the information-oriented dimension. This finding shows that belief-based approaches may positively affect the attitude toward psychological support, but their effect is limited. Conclusions It was determined that the MHL of the students was moderate and the attitudes of seeking psychological support were positive. There was a significant and positive relationship between the mental health literacy of Syrian immigrant students and seeking psychological support. It can be argued that initiatives to increase MHL can positively shape individuals' attitudes toward psychological support.
Considering the Attitudes Toward the Covid-19 Vaccine, the Levels of Vaccine Hesitancy Among Family Healthcare Center (fhc) Employees: a Cross-Sectional Study
(Wiley, 2024) Deger, Vasfiye Bayram; Yigitalp, Guelhan
Aim. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine, the extent of vaccine hesitancy, and the factors influencing the Family Healthcare Center staff who are responsible for delivering primary healthcare services. Methods. The research, which employed a cross-sectional design, was carried out with a sample of 102 healthcare professionals employed at family healthcare centers located in the city center. The study data were collected using three instruments: the "Personal Information Form," the "Vaccination Hesitancy in Pandemic Scale," and the "Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccine Scale." Results. A total of 13.7% of the participants said that they were hesitant about having themselves vaccinated. The mean total score of vaccine hesitancy in the pandemic was found to be 22.760 +/- 8.323, and the attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine was 3.640 +/- 0.831. A negative and weak relation was detected between the total score of vaccine hesitancy and the total score of attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine in the pandemic. It was also found that the situation of considering the vaccine as partially necessary increases the vaccine hesitancy in the pandemic and the decrease in the degree of considering the childhood vaccines as necessary decreases the attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Discussion. Despite the relatively low prevalence of vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers, it remains a noteworthy concern. It is imperative to conduct a thorough investigation into the various factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy and the attitudes held by healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on those factors having a negative impact.
Citation - WoS: 5
Citation - Scopus: 6
Eating Behavior Changes of People With Obesity During the Covid-19 Pandemic
(Dove Medical Press Ltd, 2021) Deger, Vasfiye Bayram
Objective: The precautions taken during the pandemic period may cause stress-related eating behavior disorders. It was aimed to test this hypothesis, and the study was carried out to examine pandemic measures the effect of on the nutritional, depression and stress conditions of people with obesity. Methods: The individuals who participated in the study were people with obesity who received follow-up dietary therapy in a private hospital. Three separate scales were applied to the individuals, which measured the desire to overeating request, depression status and stress-fighting status. Results: This study was conducted on 368 individuals. Women had lower values of BMI (28.57 +/- 3.89 kg/cm(2)) than men ( 30.64 +/- 2.87 kg/cm(2)). When the scores of the excessive eating request scale mean scores before and during the pandemic were examined, it was seen that the scores of the individuals increased during the pandemic. In the multivariate regression model, it was seen that the increase of stress and BMI increased the FCQ score (p<0.001). Multiple regression models were created by taking into account the criteria that caused the score increase. Each variable can predict the FCQ score separately. The predictor significance order of variants on FCQ score beta values is as follows: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (beta=0.774), before pandemic FCQ (beta = 0.601), the Perceived Stress Scale ( PSS) (beta=-0.268), before pandemic BMIa (beta=-0.223), during pandemic BMIb (beta=0.073), and age (beta=-0.013). Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic, making applications such as quarantine in pandemic processes has successful results in being able to combat its. However, undesirable conditions such as stress can have serious negative consequences on other health measurements. It was observed in the results of this study that excessive eating food desire developed in people with obesity.