Browsing by Author "ERKAN, ARZU"

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    PublicationOpen Access
    Intimate Partner Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey
    (Klinik Psikiyatri Dergisi, 2023) Güngör, Ekin Sönmez; Karaman, İmran Gökçen Yılmaz; Erim, Burcu Rahsan; Güvenç, Hasibe Rengin; Ergül, Ceylan; Laçiner, Kerem; Oruç, Gamze Akçay; Altun, Fatmagül Dikyar; ERKAN, ARZU; Erzin, Gamze; Toprak, Ebru; Akvardar, Yıldız
    Objective:Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a human rights violation and a public health concern. The incidence of IPV increases in mass events such as epi-demics. The aim of this study was to assess the nature and the extent of IPV among women in Turkey; to iden-tify the associated factors, and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method:The study has a cross-sectional, descriptive design. An online self -report survey, based on World Health Organization guid-ance on epidemiological studies to assess IPV, was con-ducted among women between 09.01.2021 and 09.02.2021. The survey had 69 questions which covered sociodemographic characteristics, relationship history, types of violence and mental well-being. Inclusion crite-ria were being over the age of 18, and having a spouse/partner during the pandemic. Participation was on voluntary basis. 1372 women were included in the analysis. Results:Around a third (30.7%) of participants were exposed to any type of violence before the pan-demic, with most common form being emotional vio-lence, and this rate remained unchanged during the pan-demic, despite the time spent with partners were expect-ed to increase due to isolation measures. 61 women (4.4%), mostly university graduates living in cities, reported being subject to violence for the first time dur-ing the pandemic. 31.2% of them were cases of digital violence. Lower level of education, younger age and partner's alcohol and substance use was associated with IPV, and IPV was associated with poorer mental well-being. Discussion:Despite the public health measures taken during the pandemic (e.g. lockdowns), where women would have spent more time isolated with their partners, rates of IPV did not change from pre-pandemic to pandemic. This outcome needs to be compared with findings from other contexts. Strategies to prevent IPV is of utmost importance for the protection of mental well-being of women and the society during and after the pandemic.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Affecting Treatment Adherence in Adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
    (Aves, 2022) ERKAN, ARZU; Kılıç, Özge; Semerci, Bengi
    Background: This study aims to explore sociodemographic and clinical factors affecting medication adherence in adults with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and elicit dysfunctional domains and comorbidities with a focus on gender differences. Methods: Patients were recruited from 2 specialty clinics using chart records in a natural treatment design. Adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder self-report scale, Diagnostic Interview for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in adults, was applied. Adherence is defined if the patient declared >= 80% adherence to medication throughout the last 8-12 weeks. Results: From 205 attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder patients (male =112 female = 93 (age (median) min-max = 29 (18-56)), 29% were non-adherent to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medication. In the multivariate analysis, having 2 or more comorbid disorders (P = .009), dysfunctions in academic/work (P= .049), and dysfunctions in family and other relationships (P = .047) increased the likelihood of adherence. Adherence rates did not significantly differ between methylphenidate and atomoxetine (P= .405). Women were more likely to have 2 or more comorbid psychiatric disorders (P = .004) and dysfunctions in social relationships (P= .001), free time activities, hobbies (P < .001), self-confidence, and self-image (P < .001). Results: Nearly one-third of adult patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder did not adhere to medication treatment. Comorbid psychiatric disorders and dysfunctions in life domains appear to increase the likelihood of adherence to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medications, possibly through increasing motivation for treatment. The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on compliance with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medication should further be explored with prospective controlled studies. Conclusion: We suggest that future longitudinal studies use objective measures of adherence and confirm the role of dysfunctional life domains and comorbid psychiatric disorders as correlates of medication adherence.