The Effect of Room Arrangement on the Mood and Milk Volume of Mothers Who Had Cesarean Delivery and Were Not with Their Infants.

This study aimed to compare the effect of room arrangement on the mood and milk volume of mothers who gave birth by cesarean section and whose babies were not with them. The study included 89 mothers with and without infants living in the same room (Group 1) and 94 mothers without and without infants living in the same room (Group 2) (n = 183). The expression of milk was performed twice (0-6 h after birth and 36-48 h before discharge) using an electric breast pump. Expression lasted 15 min for each breast separately. The mean first milk volume of the mothers (Group 1: 5.56 ± 5.03 cc, Group 2: 3.76 ± 3.73 cc) and the mean last milk volume (Group 1: 18.78 ± 15.43 cc, Group 2: 10.64 ± 14.12 cc) were determined, and a significant difference was found between the groups. The mean milk volume of Group 1 was found to be significantly higher than Group 2 (Group 1: 13.21 cc ± 14.62 cc, Group 2: 6.88 cc ± 13.56 cc) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of positive and negative mood (p = 0.003). In conclusion, it was determined that the milking behavior of mothers was negatively affected due to the lack of stimulation in the room where there was no baby, and this situation negatively affected the start time of the first milking and the average milk volume.

Effect of Foot Massages on Postpartum Comfort and Pain Level of Mothers After Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Trial.

This study conducted on 66 mothers aimed to investigate the effect of foot massages postpartum using an introductory information form, the Postpartum Comfort Scale, the visual analog scale, and a drug follow-up card. It was concluded that foot massages positively improved comfort, reduced pain levels, and reduced unnecessary medications.

The effects of Psychoeducation on the Traumatic Perception of the Birth Phenomenon in women with Substance-use Disorders.

Objective: The present study evaluates the traumatic perception of the birth phenomenon in women with substance-use disorders (SUD) and to investigate the effects of psychoeducation on this perception. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between January and July 2017, and involved 60 women with SUD who were divided into two groups: intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30). The study was carried out using the semi-experimental "pre-post test matched group model," and the Traumatic Perception of Birth Psychoeducation Program (TPBPP) was applied. Results: Traumatic birth perception was found to be decreased after TPBPP was applied in four modules to women with SUD. Conclusion: TPBPP is an effective psychoeducation model in the reduction of the traumatic perception of birth in women with SUD.

Effect of Reflexology on Infantile Colic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of reflexology on infantile colic. DESIGN: A total of 64 babies with colic were included in this study (n = 31: study group; n = 33: control group). Following a pediatrician's diagnosis, two groups (study and control) were created. Sociodemographic data (including mother's age, educational status, and smoking habits of parents) and medical history of the baby (including gender, birth weight, mode of delivery, time of the onset breastfeeding after birth, and nutrition style) were collected. The Infant Colic Scale (ICS) was used to measure the colic severity in the infants. Reflexology was applied to the study group by the researcher and their mother 2 days a week for 3 weeks. The babies in the control group did not receive reflexology. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention in both groups. RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding sociodemographic background and medical history. While there was no difference between the groups in ICS scores before application of reflexology (p > 0.05), the mean ICS score of the study group was significantly lower than that of control group at the end of the intervention (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Reflexology application for babies suffering from infantile colic may be a promising method to alleviate colic severity.

Prevalence of anemia and related factors among women in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anemia and related factors among women in Turkey. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of the Department of Internal Medicine, Ege University Medical School. Randomly selected women were given questionnaires regarding their socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. The data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 software. Statistical analyses with 95% confidence intervals were considered to be significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: The study results showed an anemia prevalence of 27.8% in the study sample. Among all anemia diagnoses among the participants, 56.0% were determined to have iron deficiency, 37.1% iron-deficiency anemia, and 6.9% severe anemia. It was observed that anemia was detected among women who were 15-49 years of age (p<0.05), menstruating (p<0.05), had a history of Cesarean section (p<0.05), and had not entered menopause (p<0.05). Based on forward-stepwise-logistic regression analysis, the most important parameter was concluded to be age group, which was followed by menopausal status. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that the anemia prevalence rate is specifically higher among women of reproductive age. To prevent anemia at a low cost, it is recommended to provide women with relevant information and well-planned interactive educational programs.

Psychometric properties of the oncology module of the KINDL scale: first results.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Oncology module of the generic KINDL scale (having 24 items with 6 domains). METHODS: The psychometric properties of the KINDL Oncology module were evaluated from the aspect of internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity on an inpatient sample of 103 Turkish children (mean age 10.0 ± 4.01 years) who had various oncological disorders. RESULTS: The KINDL Oncology module (24 items) showed acceptable α coefficients ranging from .57 (physical well-being) to .87 (treatment) for each domain. In confirmatory factor analysis of the original 4-domain structure, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation was found as .086, and Comparative Fit Index was .87. Good known groups results supported the construct validity of the instrument. Correlations between the domains of the mother KINDL and the domains of its oncology module were significantly high, indicating a satisfactory convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the KINDL Oncology module showed good reliability and questionable validity in this study. However, further research on other language versions of the module is needed for its global use.

Determination of knowledge of Turkish midwifery students about human papilloma virus infection and its vaccines.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted agents and its infection is the most established cause of cervical cancer. Midwives play a key position in the implementation of cervical cancer. This descriptive study aimed to determine the level of knowledge concerning HPV and HPV vaccination among 268 midwifery students. Data were collected between November 15 and 30, 2011, through a self-reported questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 20.75 ± 1.60. Among all students, 44.4% had heard of HPV, while 40.4% had heard of HPV vaccinatiob. The relationship between the midwifery student knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccine and their current educational year was significant (p=0.001). In conclusion midwifery students have moderate level of knowledge about HPV and its vaccine and relevant information should be included in their teaching curriculum.

Research activities and perceptions of barriers to research utilization among Turkish nurses.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the barriers to the use of research in nursing practice among Turkish registered nurses. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 718 nurses in three hospitals was conducted. The data collection instrument used for the study consisted of the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale and a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic data, educational background, and nurses' involvement in research activities. RESULTS: Almost half of the participants (48.5%) responded that they had attended academic conferences in the past 2 years. Most of the participants had not published a research article (90.5%), and 23.4% reported that they had never read research articles. Seven items within the top 10 barriers were found on the setting subscale. CONCLUSION: The results describe the research activities and perceptions of the barriers to the use of research among nurses in Turkey. Creating an organizational climate that values research use and supports nurses in participating in research activities is crucial.

Cigarette dependence among males and females aged 50+ living in Izmir, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Smoking, the most important preventable cause of death overall, is also the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Tobacco consumption has a direct or indirect relationship with most types of cancer. In Turkey, the second leading cause of death is cancer, with lung cancer the most prevalent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the level of cigarette dependence among men and women aged 50+, living in Izmir. METHODS: This research is a descriptive and cross-sectional field study, carried out with the participation of a total of 2,497 subjects. RESULTS: It was found that 48.8% of the participants used to be smokers, and 95.5% of the smoking participants had been smoking for at least 11 years at the time of study. 36.1% of the participants were being exposed to secondhand smoke at home, and almost one third of the smokers (29%) had a moderate level of dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education may help high-risk groups develop good habits for a healthier lifestyle such as smoking less and quitting smoking, thereby reducing the level of morbidity and mortality of most common types of cancer.

Effects of peer education, social support and self esteem on breast self examination performance and knowledge level.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate associations among peer education, social support and self-esteem and their influences on performance of breast self-examination (BSE). METHOD: Seven volunteer peer educators were given the BSE training programme and in turn educated 65 women students in the university. BSE knowledge evaluation forms developed by Maurer were applied for evaluation. Other data were collected with questionnaires for the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and Scale of Perceived Social Support over three months. RESULTS: Knowledge level points of students and the BSE practice ratio were increased by peer support. There was a positive relationship between average BSE knowledge points and social support and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: The results showed positive relationships among BSE knowledge, social support and self-esteem, these affecting the BSE performance level.

Complementary and alternative medicine used by pediatric patients with cancer in western Turkey.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, the types of therapies employed, and the reasons for choosing those therapies. DESIGN: Descriptive type, cross-sectional. SETTING: Pediatric oncology department in western Turkey. SAMPLE: 112 children receiving or completing treatment for cancer. METHODS: Parents of 112 children completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Analyses included examining correlations between CAM use and demographic variables. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: CAM use and demographic variables. FINDINGS: 77% of the patients used one or more type of CAM, with herb use being the most common. CONCLUSIONS: About 75% of parents used CAM for their children. However, about 25% sought discussion with the physician about the CAM they were using. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should approach their patients without prejudice, gather information about the various CAM techniques, and share this knowledge with their patients.

Physical restraint use in Turkish intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine intensive care nurses' reasons for the application and removal of physical restraint and physical restraint patterns used in Turkey intensive care units. DESIGN: This research was conducted using descriptive and cross-sectional research design. SETTING: Data were collected in intensive care units of the 2 university hospitals and the 5 state hospitals in Izmir, West Turkey. Nurses were given the self-administered questionnaire with open-ended questions. PARTICIPANTS: The study participants were 190 nurses working in intensive care units of 7 hospitals. FINDINGS: Most of the nurses (86.8%) reported that maintenance of the placement of medical devices was the main reason for physical restraint applications. The nurses (68.9%) reported improved mental status as the most important reason for removal of restraint from the patient. A total of 84.7% of nurses reported that wrist and ankle ties were the most common forms of physical restraint device; 84.7% used physical restraint without any verbal or written physician order. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the reasons for application and removal of physical restraints can help clinical nurse specialist tailor education, impact policy, and serve as role models to reduce the use of restraints in hospitals.

Impact of effective nursing interventions to the fatigue syndrome in children who receive chemotherapy.

This experimental, randomized controlled study was conducted for children with cancer who are 7 to 12 years of age and receiving chemotherapy treatment to detect the impact of appropriate nursing interventions on decreasing the fatigue syndrome. The research sample is composed of a total of 60 children with cancer, with 30 children being included in the experimental group and 30 children included in the control group with their mothers. In the experimental group, after the 7th to 10th day of the chemotherapy treatment, throughout a week, the researcher conducted the effective nursing interventions every day for 45 to 60 minutes. In the control group, routine nursing interventions were carried out. The experimental and control group children's mean scores for the Fatigue Scale-Child and those of mothers for Fatigue Scale-Parent were compared. A statistically significant difference was found between the Fatigue Scale-Child and Fatigue Scale-Parent mean scores of the experimental and the control group children (P < .00). These results suggest that fatigue of children with cancer can be reduced by implementing appropriate nursing interventions.