Elderly abuse, affecting factors and evaluation of life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of abuse and its effect on life satisfaction in older adults living in our region. METHOD: This research is a cross-sectional study. The participants of the study were an elderly population who applied to one 'family health centre'. The study was completed with the participation of 332 people. The study was carried out between June and July 2021. A questionnaire form, Geriatric Mistreatment Scale (GMS), Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in the study. RESULTS: According to the GMS, 16.0% of the participants experience abuse. Psychological abuse (6.92%) was the highest according to the GMS sub-dimensions. This was followed by physical abuse (6.6%), neglect (1.8%), economic abuse (1.5%), and sexual abuse (1.5%). According to H-S/EAST, 22.9% of participants experience abuse. The perpetrators of abuse are mostly spouses, children and relatives of the elderly. There is a negative correlation between the H-S/EAST score and the SWLS score. Uneducated elderly people are exposed to abuse more than primary education graduates. Compared to the elderly living in a nuclear family, more abuse is seen in extended families and those living alone. CONCLUSION: The fact that the houses in which the elderly live are not physically suitable increases the risk of abuse. Identifying and trying to minimise local risk factors for elder abuse can help reduce the prevalence of abuse. We hope that these data will be a guide for future intervention studies.

Detecting the Relationship between the Stress Levels and Perceived Burnout in Law-enforcement Officers during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of burnout and stress levels on law enforcement officers' perceptions and behaviors to emphasize the need for adequate attention and care in these individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak. The research group of this cross-sectional study conducted in July-August 2020 was formed by the law enforcement officers. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Burnout Measure-Short Version (BM-SV) and a personal data form prepared by the researchers were used in the study. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 16.0 software package program. The PSS scores were higher and significant in the group whose working hours were not increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they thought that there was a decrease in crime rates and did not need psychological support (p ≤ .05). The PSS scores were higher and significant in the group who took the warnings about COVID-19 into consideration, were afraid of contracting the virus, did not care about the progress of the epidemic and used the mask correctly. Additionally, the BM-SV scores were higher and significant in the group who stated that they were not afraid of contracting the virus (p ≤.05). A comprehensive crisis prevention and intervention system including epidemiological monitoring/observing, screening, referral and targeted interventions should be established to reduce the perceived level of stress and burnout in law enforcement and prevent further mental health problems.

The relationship between hand hygiene practices and nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriage in healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: The nasal carriage rate of Staphylococcus aureus in healthcare workers (HCWs) is higher than the general population. Their hands serve as vectors for transmitting S.aureus colonized in the nose to patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of nasal S.aureus carriage and methicillin resistance in HCWs and to evaluate the relationship between carriage and personal risk factors and hand hygiene behaviors. METHODS: The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, occupational and personal risk factors for S.aureus carriage, the "Hand Hygiene Belief Scale (HHBS)," and "Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory (HHPI)". Nasal culture was taken from all participants. Presence of S.aureus, methicillin and mupirocin resistance were investigated in samples. RESULTS: The study was carried out with 269 HCWs. The prevalence of S.aureus carriage was 20.1% (n:54). Among 54 S.aureus carriers, only one person had MRSA (0.37%). All S.aureus isolates were susceptible to mupirocin. S.aureus carriage was found to be significantly lower in the smoker group (p:0.015) and in the personnel wearing gloves during the procedures of each patient (p:0.002). S.aureus culture positivity was found to decrease significantly with increasing handwashing frequency (p:0.003). The mean HHPI score was higher in women (p:0.001). The mean HHPI score was lower in the group with nasal carriers than in non-carriers (p:0.176). CONCLUSION: The knowledge of hand hygiene practices, high frequency of handwashing, and wearing different gloves during the procedure of each patient decrease S.aureus nasal carriage in HCWs. In addition mupirocin is still effective in nasal S.aureus carriers.

Evaluation of rational drug use knowledge level in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

BACKGROUND: For treatment of chronic musculoskeletal disorders pains to be successful, drug interventions are required. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the Rational Drug Use Knowledge Level (RDUKL) in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and some relevant factors. METHOD: The study was carried out in October 2017 on patients treated in the Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Hospital in Turkey. The prepared questionnaire and RDUKL scale were administered to 239 patients by face-to-face interviews. The ANOVA test, chi-squared test and logistic regression model were used for the statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Forty-three percent of the study group was found to have Rational Drug Use Knowledge (RDUK). The patients who used medicines under family supervision had twice as much RDUK as those who did not use medicines under family supervision, and those who were university graduates had six times as much RDUK as those who had primary education or below. Scale score was found to be low in patients with fibromyalgia and high in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: RDUKL was found to be low in the group with chronic diseases and high average age. Besides training, it is important to provide patients with family support about their illness and its treatment. Thus, positive contributions can be made to the increase of the RDUKL.

Relationship between sick building syndrome and indoor air quality among hospital staff.

BACKGROUND: Sick building syndrome (SBS) is defined as a condition occurring in those who live or work in a modern building and who suffer from symptoms such as headache, fatigue, lack of concentration and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personal characteristics, environmental factors and the prevalence of SBS among the secretaries working in a hospital. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were administered to all secretaries who were working in Kutahya hospital in January and March 2018. The questionnaire used in the study included the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and the question form "MM 040 NA Hospital" to evaluate SBS symptoms. These symptoms were the clinical symptoms reported by the secretaries as a result of exposure to factors within the hospital. Temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity and noise level were measured in the indoor environment of the hospital. Chi square test, Spearman's correlation coefficient and logistic regression models were used in the analysis of data. RESULTS: The study was completed with 177 people, 61.6% women, and the mean age was 30.14±5.7. The prevalence of SBS was found to be 20.9%. The risk of SBS was found to be 2.9 times higher for females, 2.8 times higher for individuals who described the working environment as dusty, 2.6 times higher for subjects complaining of stuffy "bad" air, dry air and an unpleasant odour. All measurements were found to be within acceptable limits. The risk of SBS was found to be 1.2 times higher with increases in the measured noise level, and 2.1 times higher with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. CONCLUSION: The factors impacting the risk of experiencing SBS were determined. Bearing these factors in mind, we think that hospital administrations should be informed about arrangements and measures that will improve the quality of the internal environment of the hospital.

Evaluation of the quality of life in patients with arsenic keratosis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic is an important public health problem and leads to hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, Bowen's disease and non-melanoma skin cancers in humans. Arsenic keratosis is the most common skin change that is associated with arsenic exposure. It may be an indicator of arsenic induced health hazards. OBJECTIVE: To determine the needs of patients with arsenic keratosis by evaluating the impact of disease on the quality of life with respect to treatment and provide rehabilitation services. METHODS: A total of 47 subjects with arsenic hyperkeratosis, were enrolled in this crossover study. The demographics, smoking status and the presence of chronic diseases diagnosed by the physician were recorded. Weight and height of the subjects were measured and BMI was calculated. The patients were asked to respond the visual analogue scale and EuroQoL-5D scales for assessing the pain and quality of life impairment associated with arsenic hyperkeratosis. RESULTS: In the study group, moderate to severe problems were reported in 78.7% of patients for pain/uncomfortable condition domains and in 91.5% in anxiety/depression domains. Lower quality of life was reported in those with associated chronic disorders, at an advanced age, in thin patients and in those with severe lesions. CONCLUSION: According to our knowledge, our study is the first one measuring the quality of life in patients with arsenic keratosis in the literature. By this study, we tried to underline the guidance of health services to be developed towards the needs of patients and the need for the development of new health policies by determining the requirements of these patients.

Investigation of Factors Affecting Frequency of Intestinal Parasites in Primary School Students in an Urban Region in Turkey.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of intestinal parasitic diseases (IPD) and associated factors in primary school students and to assess the knowledge and practices of mothers about these diseases. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in January-March 2014 in 471 students aged 5-11 years, studying at 3 schools randomly selected from the city centre regions with different socioeconomic levels. Stratified sampling method was used in the present study and the data were collected in two stages. In the first stage, parents were informed about the study and pre-prepared questionnaire forms were used to collect the data about the students and parents. In the second stage, laboratory analyses of collected stool samples were performed. RESULTS: The total prevalence of IPD was 18.3%, it was higher in the primary school located in a region with a lower socioeconomic level compared to other two schools (27.6% vs. 14.4%, and 10%, respectively). Most commonly detected parasite was E. vermicularis (12.1%). The prevalence of IPD was not associated with the classroom, gender, number of siblings, and the use of purified drinking water at home, while it was found to decrease with the increasing maternal education level. The maternal knowledge level score was 12.01±4.29 vs. 13.41±3.94 in students with and without IPD, respectively. With regard to the methods used to treat IPD, 23% of the mothers reported that they are using conventional methods. CONCLUSION: The health education programmes about the associated risk factors are of great importance for early detection and treatment of childhood parasitic infections.

Assessment of arsenic levels in body samples and chronic exposure in people using water with a high concentration of arsenic: a field study in Kutahya.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of skin lesions, which is a health effect of chronic arsenic (As) exposure, and determine the hair/blood arsenic concentrations of people living in Kutahya villages who are using and drinking tap water with a high concentration of arsenic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 303 people were included in the present cross-sectional study. A prepared questionnaire form was used to collect the participants' information and environmental history. Skin examination was performed on all participants. Hair, blood and water samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The cumulative arsenic index (CAI) was calculated for all participants. RESULTS: Villages were divided into two groups according to the arsenic level (<20 µg/L, Group I; >20 µg/L, Group II) in their water. The prevalence of skin lesions, hair and blood arsenic level, and CAI were found to be higher in the Group II participants. There was a positive association between body arsenic levels and CAI in the participants of each group. CONCLUSIONS: The number of skin lesions and arsenic concentrations in body samples were found to increase with the water arsenic level and exposure time. We hope that sharing this study's results with local administrators will help accelerate the rehabilitation of water sources in Kutahya.

Fighting obesity campaign in Turkey: evaluation of media campaign efficacy.

AIM: This study aims to determine the frequency of behaviour change and related factors generated in the population through the "Fighting Obesity Campaign" of the Turkish Ministry of Health. METHODS: Twelve statistical regions from NUTS-1 and 18 provinces were selected for the study sample. At least one province from each region was randomly selected, and stratawere defined as urban or rural. Of the sample selected, 2,038 respondents completed a face-to-face survey. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Changing behaviour as result of the campaign was defined as the dependent variable. Behaviour change was defined as an individual taking at least one action to increase physical activity, calculate her/his Body Mass Index (BMI) or minimise meal portions. RESULTS: Of the sample selected, 84% of participants lived in urban areas. Of total sample selected, 49.8% were men and 50.2% were women. According to BMI categorisation, 41.4% of participants were underweight or normal weight, 34.3% were overweight and 24.3% were obese. Of the total participants, 85.2% learned about the "Fighting-Obesity Campaign" through television, 28.1% through radio, 11.0% from newspapers, 6.0% from billboards, and 19.2% from other sources. This study revealed that 28.5% of the participants adopted desired behavioural changes after exposure to the campaign. Logistic regression results demonstrated that behaviour change is greater among women, individuals living in urban settings, group of persons approving public spots, obese individuals, and among the 20-39 age group. CONCLUSION: Media campaigns may cause behavioural changes by increasing motivation to prevent obesity within the target population. Con- tinuing these campaigns can lead to success at the national level.

Infantile malignant osteopetrosis: a rare cause of neonatal hypocalcemia.

Infantile malignant osteopetrosis (IMO; OMIM 259700) is a rare inherited bone disease characterized by reduced or dysregulated activity of osteoclasts, resulting in generalized osteosclerosis. The disease usually presents within the first few months of life with anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, frontal bossing, nystagmus, blindness, deafness, and bone fractures. Children with IMO are at risk of developing hypocalcemia, with attendant tetanic seizures. We report the case of a baby boy who presented with neonatal hypocalcemia. Skeletal radiographs demonstrated sclerotic bones and a dense base of the skull with typical "space alien" face confirming the diagnosis of IMO. Pancytopenia developed at 2 months of age. Visual evoked potential showed severe bilateral optic nerve damage. Genetic mutation study revealed a new mutation in exon 13 of the TCIRG1 gene. Neonatal hypocalcemia can occur as result of IMO, which is easily missed out by clinicians. This causes delay in establishing the diagnosis and starting necessary treatment. Therefore, osteopetrosis should be kept in mind as a rare cause of neonatal hypocalcemia.

Application of Healthy Heart program in the two semi-rural areas in Eskisehir.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to raise awareness of people in two semi-rural regions of Eskisehir in terms of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors and to promote related heart-healthy behaviors. METHODS: The study was a semi-experimental intervention and featured as a two-phase design. In the first phase of the study, participants received visits at home. Individuals in intervention and control areas were given a participation form that indicated the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Other training materials were distributed throughout the intervention area. The second phase was planned as a nested case- control study. The first phase included 2.766 persons and the second phase included 778 persons. In the evaluation of the data the Pearson Chi-square and Student's t-test for independent samples, Mc-Nemar Chi-square and the paired t-test for dependent samples were applied. RESULTS: During the first phase, the frequency of FRS metrics above 10% was 26.2% for males, 18.1% for females in the intervention area, 22.9% for males, and 14.9% for females in the control area. There was no difference between males and females in terms of scoring for control and intervention areas (p>0.05). Based on the FRS data, the second phase revealed a decrease of 15.4% in males (p<0.001) and 10.2% in females (p<0.001) in the intervention area and an increase of 8.2% in males (p=0.011) and 3.8% in females (p=0.078) in the control area. CONCLUSION: In this study, teaching individuals who were older than twenty years of age about cardiac health seemed to be an effective method for decreasing CVD risk factors.

The prevalence of tinea pedis and tinea manuum in adults in rural areas in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of tinea pedis and manuum (dermatophyte infections of the hands and feet) in adults in rural areas of Turkey, the risk factors and self-administered treatment options. A total of 2,574 people living in a rural area were enrolled in the study. Participants were asked demographic data, hygienic habits in a questionnaire. KOH preparations and culture were performed from suspicious lesions. Medical and alternative therapy methods and former dermatophytosis diagnosis history were taken from the respondents with suspicious lesions. Microbiological samples were taken from 285 (11.1%) participants. Culture was positive in 109 (4.2%) of those. The most common agent was Trichophyton rubrum. The predisposing factors were found as age older than 40, male gender and obesity. Forty-nine (44.9%) of patients had taken a medical therapy, 56 (51.4%) had performed non-medical methods (cologne, Lawsonia inermis-Henna and softener creams). Patient's education about the treatment compliance is important.

Incidence of epilepsy in a defined area of Central Anatolia, Turkey, after 15 years of age.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to establish the incidence rate, incidence-related characteristics, and epidemiological profile of epilepsy in Eskisehir, Turkey. METHODS: Cases were prospectively recorded by utilizing multiple data sources, including case records obtained through the Hospital Information System, files kept by family physicians, and files kept by private neurologists. Patients diagnosed with epilepsy between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, and above the age of 15 years were included in the study. RESULTS: 219 new cases were diagnosed with epilepsy. The adjusted incidence rate was 33.51/100,000 cases in males and 42.22/ 100,000 cases in females, for a total of 37.59/100,000 persons. The incidence rates according to age were found to be highest in the 15-19-year age group and in the ≥70-year age group. Partial seizures were observed more than generalized seizures after the age of 40. Unknown etiology accounted for 77.2% of the epilepsies. Stroke was the most common etiological cause of epilepsy among the symptomatic group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of epilepsy in Eskisehir was comparable with the rates reported for developed countries.

Knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding tick bites in the Turkish population in a rural area of the Middle Anatolian Region.

The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of a population living in a rural area in regards to tick bites and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). The study was conducted in a rural area located in Central Anatolia in the region of Eskisehir. A total of 1,500 individuals aged 20 years and older chosen by a stratified random sample were enrolled. A questionnaire was administered in person. In 264 (17.4%) participants, there was a history of being bitten by a tick. This rate was higher in older persons, males, married persons, and farmers. The most commonly reported protective behavior was wearing long sleeves and long pants when wandering in rural areas (65.1% of participants). The least commonly reported behavior was using insect repellent on skin or clothes (3.3% of participants). Only 799 participants (54%) had heard about CCHF as a disease associated with ticks. Females, those with primary school education, housewives, and male farmers had a high frequency of having heard about CCHF. Tick bites and CCHF are important public health problems, yet the current knowledge of these problems is not sufficient in populations living in rural areas of the Middle Anatolian Region of Turkey.

The effect of clinical severity and eyelid rash on ocular involvement in primary varicella infection.

PURPOSE: To describe ocular manifestations in primary varicella infection and their relationship to systemic severity and the associated eyelid rash. METHODS: One hundred consecutive children with primary varicella were examined prospectively. The cases were classified as mild, moderate, and severe according to the severity of clinical presentation. Excluding the presence of eyelid rash, children with ocular findings were assigned to group 1 (G1), and those without ocular findings were assigned to group 2 (G2). Patients in G1 were also evaluated according to the nature of ocular manifestations and the course of uveitis. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent of patients had ocular involvement (G1) and 79% had no ocular involvement (G2). While chickenpox had a mild course in 85.7% of patients in G1 and 88.6% of patients in G2, all others had a moderate course. None of the children had a severe course. A varicella eyelid rash was present in 28.6% of patients in G1 and 13.9% in G2. Among ocular findings, 38.1% of patients had conjunctivitis, 57.1% had anterior uveitis, and 4.8% had disciform keratouveitis. There was no significant association between severity of chickenpox and severity of ocular involvement (p=0.712). There was also no relationship between eyelid rash and ocular involvement (p=0.787). CONCLUSIONS: There is neither an association between the severity of chickenpox and the severity of ocular involvement nor an association between the presence of a varicella eyelid rash and the development of uveitis. As the prognosis regarding sequelae of ocular involvement in varicella infection is good, only those patients with ocular signs and symptoms need be referred by pediatricians for an ophthalmologic examination.

Evaluation of metabolic syndrome prevalence in semi-rural areas of Central Anatolia, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and clustering of components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in semi-rural areas of Central Anatolia, Turkey. METHODS: This study was conducted between January and August 2008 on a randomly selected sample of participants from semi-rural settlement areas of the Eskisehir province, Central Anatolia, Turkey. The MetS was diagnosed as the presence of 3, or more risk factors according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Expert Panel Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. The MetS prevalence was standardized according to age, and logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors affecting prevalence. RESULTS: The study group composed of 2,766 people (40.4% male, 59.6% female). The corrected MetS prevalence according to age was 27.6%, with values of 19.4% in males, and 33.2% in females. The prevalence increased with increasing age in both genders. Groups engaged in heavy physical exercise, and smoking showed decreased odds of having MetS, while MetS risk was lower in men who consumed proper amounts of red meat, fruits, and vegetables. In the MetS group, central obesity risk was higher for women, whereas hypertriglyceridemia risk was higher for men. In the non-MetS group, hypertension, and central obesity risks were higher for women, whereas hypertriglyceridemia risk was higher for men. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that MetS is a major problem in the Eskisehir province, and it is imperative that changes in lifestyle be made within this population to reduce the risk factors for the condition.

Awareness of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors in rural and urban areas in Turkey.

This study aims to establish the rates of hypertension among individuals living in rural and urban areas in Turkey, and to compare their level of awareness concerning cardiovascular disease risk factors and lifestyle modifications. In total, 1679 people from urban areas and 1321 individuals from rural areas who were over 40 years of age were contacted. Hypertension standardized prevalence rate was 49% in males and 51.3% in females living in urban areas, and 55.3% in males and 59.6% in females living in rural areas. The risk of hypertension was higher in those people living in urban areas with a smoking habit, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, inappropriate salt intake or a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia. The risk of hypertension was also higher in people living in rural areas with obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, an inappropriate consumption of fat and red meat or a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia or diabetes. Awareness of the importance of all of the included cardiovascular risk factors and protection from those risk factors was higher in urban areas. We concluded that cardiovascular risk factor control programs should be conducted together with hypertension control programs in rural and urban areas.

[The Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale: a validity and reliability study]. / Kardiyovasküler Hastaliklar Risk Faktörleri Bilgi Düzeyi (KARRIF-BD) Olçegi'nin geçerlik ve güvenirligi.

OBJECTIVES: We developed a questionnaire to measure the knowledge level of adults about risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and assessed its validity and reliability. STUDY DESIGN: We developed the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale in the light of the literature data. It consisted of 28 items, questioning the features of CVD in the first four items, risk factors in 15 items, and the results of adopting a risk-free attitude in nine items. All the items were based on true/false statements, requiring a response in the form of "Yes", "No" or "Don't know". To determine its validity and reliability, the scale was administered to 200 participants older than 20 years, of whom 144 individuals were involved in test-retest evaluations. Internal consistency was estimated using the Cronbach's alpha. To determine the validity of the scale, individuals with CVD and/or familial history were compared with those without CVD and/or familial history. RESULTS: The rates of true responses varied between 44.5% and 96.5%. The mean score was 19.3+/-3.2 (range 5 to 27), and the median item-total correlation was 0.26 (range 0.13 to 0.51). Internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.768. There was a strong positive correlation between the test and retest total scores (r=0.850; p=0.000). Individuals with CVD and/or familial history had a significantly higher mean score than those without CVD and/or familial history (20.2+/-3.1 vs 19.3+/-3.2; p=0.032). CONCLUSION: In Turkey, CARRF-KL is the first scale developed to measure the knowledge level of individuals about risk factors for CVD, with good indices of validity and reliability.

Two distinct training methods for a doctrine of life with healthy heart in a low socioeconomic society model.

This study was conducted in three stages in a semi-rural region of Eskisehir, Turkey. In the first stage, individuals selected by random sampling were evaluated for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the second stage, Group I and Group II training materials were randomly distributed. In the third stage, the subjects were screened one year later to assess and determine if there had been any changes in their attitudes towards the dangers of cardiovascular diseases. The number of active smokers significantly decreased after the training in the both groups. The percentage of people with regulated blood pressure exhibited an increase in Group II more than Group I.

[Varicella-zoster virus seroprevalence in children between 0-15 years old]. / 0-15 yas arasi çocuklarda varicella-zoster virus seroprevalansi.

The incidence of chicken pox infections in our country is not clear since it is not an obligatory reported disease, and there is not enough seroepidemiologic studies on this subject. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of infections caused by Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), and to determine the relation of prevalence with some factors. For this purpose, 885 children ages between 0-15 years old, were investigated for the presence of VZV-IgG antibodies. Specific IgG antibodies were screened qualitatively by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). As a result, it was found that after the declination of maternal antibodies, seropositivity rates were low up to the end of the first year, and then showed a gradual increase. The seropositivity rates were found 41.2% for 4-5 years old group, whereas it was 80% for 10-11 years old group and 85% for 13-15 years old group. There was no statistically important difference between seropositivity and sexes of children (p>0.05), but the seropositivity rates showed statistically important differences between increasing age and the number of siblings. In conclusion, as the majority of varicella infections occur in early childhood, the best way to prevent the circulation of wild type VZV, is the vaccination of children against chicken pox.